The HSE is redrawing its vaccination programme to include a more rapid rollout in the coming weeks, while senior Government officials are finalising plans for the next phase of reopening due to be to be unveiled on Thursday. The Government plan for the easing of restrictions in May has been well-flagged, with measures to include a full return of construction, the reopening of personal services such as hairdressing, as well as a phased return of non-essential retail.

Pregnant women between 14 and 36 weeks gestation are to be offered the Covid-19 vaccine, after a number of revised recommendations from NIAC were accepted by the Government yesterday.

New HSE data shows over 3,500 people were waiting for a drug or alcohol detox bed in Ireland, as of February 2021, with over 2,200 on the waiting list for at least nine months. 

Up to 25 network technicians with the ESB in Kerry took part in a 24-hour strike over a dispute about the outsourcing of contracts to private operators. The Kerry group were among more than 500 - of the semi-state company's 1,250 network technicians - aligned to the Independent Workers' Union (IWU) picketing numerous sites nationally from 8am on Friday until Saturday morning.

RTE does not have the revenue to cover its broadcasting remit and may face a reduction in services, its Director has said. The levels of licence fee evasion are on the rise which is contributing to a €50million reduction in revenue per annum, Ms Forbes told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

And here’s what it says in this morning’s front pages.

Lastly, our small moment of zen today is a lesson of how no dream is too little or too late. This 96 year old grandpa pursued his dream of publishing his own poetry book, expecting a few reviews, and the internet came together to make it the number one bestseller in only a few hours.