In other political news, the race is on between Alan Kelly and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin for the next Labour leadership. Both candidates announced their intention to run yesterday, after Ged Nash TD confirmed he was not putting himself forward.

It's been revealed that Ireland has the second most expensive property market relative to incomes, behind only Switzerland. The study by the Bank for International Settlements also found that our ratio between prices and rents was the third highest, just behind the Netherlands and Denmark. These figures were released amid student protests around the country fighting against proposed university campus rent increases, with UCD alone set to raise accommodation rates by 12% over the next three years.

A new Seanad report released in January recommended a quota system to be installed in both Houses of the Oireachtas to ensure Traveller participation in politics. A series of recommendations were made including the reservation of a seat in the Seanad for Travellers (Taoiseach’s nominee) and introducing Traveller quota system across the Oireachtas, in local democracy, in other decision-making fora and within the civil and public service.

In other news, employment reached a record high of 2.36 million last year, rising by 3.5% (or just under 80,000 people.) Almost nine-in-ten say they want to see Government financial support to keep their post offices open. And the UK's South Western Railway is to offer compensation worth up to five days of travel to passengers affected by the 27 days of strikes in December.

And finally, today's Zen is the latest Bond theme, No Time To Die performed by Billie Eilish. The 18-year-old debuted the number at last night's Brits where she also won the award for best international female solo artist.