Vaccination issues around the new rollout model continue as health authorities face increasing calls to vaccinate special needs assistants (SNAs) as a priority group. Andy Pike spoke to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland yesterday, and you can listen back here.  

Meanwhile, all three teachers’ unions look set to debate emergency motions calling for industrial action this week unless their members are moved up the vaccination schedule. The recent changes to vaccine rollout plan are expected to feature heavily at the conferences of the country’s teachers trade unions starting today. 

Elsewhere, unions have also warned of “serious concerns” over the future of Dublin Bus services as fare revenues tumble during the pandemic. Latest figures show the State-owned transport operator took in €125 million last year, down more than half from €263 million in 2019, as customer journeys also halved.

SIPTU has expressed fears that a new government tender for the expansion of employment services could threaten the jobs of up to 300 members working in community-based Local Employment Services offices. In a letter to the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, the union urged not to change the current community-led system and is seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the tender. 

The Tánaiste has said additional freedoms will be granted to people in the Republic once they have been fully vaccinated. Leo Varadkar yesterday confirmed the Government is developing a “digital green certificate vaccine pass” for people to prove they have been fully inoculated.

And finally, in times of coronavirus, it doesn't get more Venetian than this - the city of Venice has begun vaccinating some of its elderly residents on a vaporetto. The public water buses - the most convenient method of transport in the city - for one day became a floating clinic. As Italy's vaccination campaign is under way, some unusual venues are being used to administer the jabs. Outside Naples, some people have headed to the Capodimonte Museum, while others flocked to Monza's historic racetrack north of Milan, home of the Italian Grand Prix.

Have a good week everyone.