The Irish Times reports that Ireland is among highest spenders on health per person in the OECD. The paper also reports that Scouting Ireland has said an ongoing campaign by some of its members against new governance structures had the potential to “threaten the very future” of the organisation.

In the Irish Examiner Noel Baker continues his coverage of the needs assessment programme. He reports that the HSE has said its proposed changes to how children are assessed regarding a possible disability is not aimed at “dumbing down” the work of clinicians — and also admitted that 400 more therapists are needed in the coming years.

Meanwhile, Independent TD Mattie McGrath has moved a motion in the Dáil seeking improved job security for SNAs.

Elsewhere, the Lobbying Regulator has said it's too easy for senior public servants to leave their roles and immediately move into lobbying positions. Last year Sipo notified 198 people or organisations they may face prosecution for engaging in lobbying while not registered as lobbyists.

Workers at Lloyd’s Pharmacy are prepared to escalate their industrial action with three full-day stoppages in July unless management engages with their union, Mandate. Strike action is due to take place today.

Your moment of Zen is a touching moment of friendship from a couple of Colombian World Cup fans, now if you'll excuse me...I've something in my eye...

News is coming through that it's so hot that people are being told to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm and we're also being advised to conserve water, so here's some bonus Zen (below) of people diving in to the sea in Salthill this week. I'm hoping this is the Zen moment equivalent of handing you all a choc ice at work (I mean, I would if I could).