The Chief Medical Officer has told the Transport Committee that people arriving into Ireland from abroad should avoid crowds and wear face coverings for a full 14 days, even if they come from a green lit area. Dr Tony Holohan is currently facing questions on international travel ahead of the introduction of an EU traffic light system this weekend.

The Tánaiste yesterday apologised in the Dáil for "errors of judgement" after he gave a copy of a contract negotiated between the Government and the Irish Medical Organisation to rival GP group, the National Association of General Practitioners, in April last year.

Private sector companies that force workers to retire onto unemployment benefit payments at 65 face examination under the new Pensions Commission, headed by the former chair of the Revenue Commissioners, Josephine Feehily. The commission, approved by Cabinet on Tuesday, will make recommendations on the age people qualify for the State pension and was agreed in the programme for government after the state pension age emerged as a key issue at the general election.

Elsewhere, Poland’s government is delaying the publication and implementation of a high court ruling that tightens the abortion law, which has triggered almost two weeks of nationwide protests. A government official said leaders are taking time to debate the contested ruling and find a solution.

Finally, a small moment of zen today comes from this piece of news, when a derailed Dutch metro train was saved from disaster by a very fitting monument. The front carriage was left hanging ten metres above the water, propped up only by the giant silver-coloured sculpture - called, improbably, 'Saved by the Whale's Tail'. Have a good week everyone.