The safety of schools features prominently in the news today as staff and students return to the classroom for the first time in six months. Fórsa's head of education, Andy Pike addressed the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 response yesterday, where he highlighted five key points on safety concerns regarding the reopening of schools. 

RTÉ, the Irish Times and the Independent covered a number of issues raised by Andy, including reports of classroom staff being required to reuse PPE. While other unions highlighted a “massive shortage” of substitute teachers and fears raised by vulnerable staff.

Minister Norma Foley insisted that schools are safe in her response to the Oireachtas committee, and said 750 applications have been made by teachers who claim they are at "very high risk" of the coronavirus, with 547 of those being successful.

Elsewhere, members of Fórsa, the INMO, and Siptu protested yesterday in renewed calls for a fair redundancy package following a decision to close three Dublin care facilities. Fórsa's Seán McElhinny is quoted in the coverage saying members won't be satisfied until the relevant Labour Court recommendation is implemented and applied to all three nursing homes.

Meanwhile, hospital trolley numbers are climbing with highest number of patients on A&E trolleys since the first lockdown in March. The INMO warned that overcrowding and Covid-19 make for a “toxic combination”, increasing the risk of infection, endangering staff and patients alike.

The tourism industry is reportedly facing "an existential crisis", with up to 200,000 jobs in danger if Government does not urgently intervene. This news comes amidst reports that Ryanair may cut more flights in the Republic if 'tough' travel restrictions remain in place. 

Over in the UK, the GMB trade union has been urged to change its culture after an official inquiry found that bullying, misogyny, cronyism and sexual harassment were “endemic” within the organisation. Reports say a “fundamental shift” was needed to achieve a “complete transformation” after the sudden resignation of Tim Roache as general secretary earlier this year amid allegations of misconduct.

And finally, to mark what would have been the end of festival season, here's a bit of Paolo Nutini to start your day. I saw him on the main stage at Electric Picnic in 2014, and while I unfortunately couldn't find a recording of that particular performance, I hope this track injects as much energy into your morning as it did to that field of people in Stradbally six (!!!) years ago.