The HSE has confirmed to its staff that payroll will proceed this week, following concerns over the effects of last week’s cyberattack on the HSE and Department of Health systems.

The European Union has taken a step towards relaxing tourism travel for visitors from outside the bloc, with EU ambassadors agreeing on measures to allow fully vaccinated visitors in. They also agreed on easing the criteria for nations to be considered a safe country, from which all tourists can travel. Up to now, that list included only seven nations.

Ireland will begin to produce Covid-19 vaccines later this year, with Pfizer announcing that they will be investing in their west Dublin plant. The pharmaceutical giant made the announcement yesterday, saying that they would be investing $40 million in upgrading their Grange Castle plant.

Dublin City Council has launched a new app which will help cyclists identify bike-friendly routes around the capital. Dublin Cycling Buddy will also assist the local authority in identifying which cycle routes around the city need to be developed and upgraded through data logged by bike users.

Last night, the government announced a range of measures aimed at tackling the bulk buying of residential properties by so-called ‘cuckoo funds’. However, the measures – which have come in response to growing criticism of the practice – were themselves criticised for not going far enough.

Further on the Aer Lingus issue, the Chief Executive of the airline has told the Minister for Transport that there is no strategic intent to reduce connectivity at either Cork or Shannon airports. This despite yesterday's decision by the airline to close its cabin crew base in Shannon and lay-off cabin crew and ground handling staff in Cork from September to November.

Meanwhile, Eir Sport is also set to cease broadcasting later this year. The company said it is working through the options with staff who had been employed on the service.

And finally, for our zen today we’ve got the latest Twitter trend that is #DrawShrekFromMemory. After the ogre adoration poured out from across the globe yesterday as people celebrated Shrek’s 20th birthday, no one could get enough of the king of the swamp. Ever wondered how you would-fare if someone told you to stop what you were doing and draw Shrek from memory? 

Well, if Twitter’s anything to go by, probably badly.