Kickstarter, the 12-year-old crowdfunding platform, yesterday announced it would take part in the 4 Day work week pilot starting January next. And Kevin Callinan also spoke to Newstalk yesterday about the launch of the pilot program.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has also announced it intends to seek proposals from the research community on the social, economic and environmental implications of reduced working time.

The European Federation of Public Services Unions (EPSU) has called for a celebration of the contribution of public services workers to our communities, who have often put their lives at risk, on the annual United Nations day of public services which takes place today (23rd June). General Secretary Kevin Callinan will also be joining the panel to discuss the value of public services in today’s EPSU event. 

The return of international travel on July 19 “could well be delayed” because of the Delta variant of Covid-19, Cabinet heard yesterday. While they believe the planned loosening of restrictions on July 5 to allow a return to indoor drinking and dining will proceed, concern has been expressed at the prevalence of the Delta variant in Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Aer Lingus chief has defended the airline’s decision to close its Shannon Airport base, saying it was the “right decision” to get the company profitably flying.

And finally, Diana Ross is to return to music with her first album of original material in 22 years, and her first album of any kind since 2006. Written during lockdown, Thank You, the disco-tinged title track released last week. Here it is. Enjoy!