Parents can order free antigen tests for their children if they are notified of a Covid-19 positive case within their child’s ‘pod’ in school from today, which Fórsa has welcomed as 'long overdue'. Meanwhile, expanded Covid testing requirements for people arriving into the country are being examined.

Elsewhere, mica redress campaigners have hit back against multiple parts of the proposed redress scheme that emerged over the weekend, and Dublin 8 residents are being offered monetary incentives to take a walk in the park.

The Weekend

I couldn't help thinking yesterday that future trends in hybrid and remote working will be influenced, at least in part, by news that residential property prices in central Dublin will soar by a quarter (to a median €476,000 by 2028) according to a new analysis of the housing market for Dublin City Council. Killian Woods' report in the Business Post says the data calls into question whether the government’s bid to increase the supply of housing to 33,000 units a year will actually reduce property prices and rents.

Meanwhile, Gerard Howlin's Sunday Times column focuses on the wider implications of soaring housing costs. He warns that excluding the young from home ownership will destabilise the status quo in a solution-free analysis (unless he's advocating for emigration or disenfranchising voters who don't own property?). In the same paper, professional contrarian Brenda Power is in a wobble over sick leave legislation, while the Sindo has advice for claiming tax relief for remote working and RTE's Brian Finn examines the case for inflation-driven pay improvements for workers in 2022.

Zen

Well, this proud son of Inchicore has really only one Zen experience on his mind this morning. A thrilling finish to the FAI Cup final for St Pats. It was a glorious occasion, marking the end of a great season. Commiseration to Bohs. Still hoarse this morning.

Have a great week.

Niall