New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that average hourly earnings increased by 3.2% in the first quarter of this year. And average weekly paid hours increased 0.6% to 32.3 hours in the first three months of the year. The study also found that the Government measures put in place in response to Covid-19 had a minimal impact on earnings and labour costs in the first quarter.

Hoteliers have said there was a spike in bookings after the announcement of an “accelerated” road map to reopen Ireland, but added that further clarity is needed on the 2m social-distancing rule, music events and weddings.

Labour TD Ged Nash expressed concern in the Dáil yesterday that no compliance notices for errors in return-to-work rules have been issued by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) following some 800 Covid-19 inspections. Read more on that here. 

A survey from Chambers Ireland reported a 50% drop in trade for businesses that re-opened under Phase One. They include hardware stores, builders merchants, farmers markets, garden centres, car retailers and businesses that offer office products and services.

Garda Ombudsman GSOC has said it received 169 complaints from members of the public so far where an aspect of garda enforcement of Covid-19 restrictions is mentioned as a factor. Meanwhile, it has emerged that gardaí have had to use their Covid-19 powers over 300 times since lockdown began. 

Lastly, today's Zen is a compilation of people attempting to recreate their childhood family photos. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!