Yesterday, the Dáil debated a Bill to give employees the ‘right to switch off’ from online work, as Ireland is the only country in the EU without such protections. During the debate, the Táinaiste also announced that a tax and expense arrangement to facilitate remote working will form part of a new government strategy.
Elsewhere in education, the Examiner reports that serious consideration should be given to extending the school holidays by two days to give students and teachers more time to restrict their movements before meeting elderly or vulnerable relatives at Christmas. Fórsa is contributing to the same Oireachtas committee today where these ideas are being expressed, and RTÉ reports it's expected that we'll focus heavily on the issue of face masks for members.
The INMO has claimed that some nurses who are self-isolating at home are being asked to come back early due to staffing pressures in hospitals.
A new social contract built around social dialogue would help to address challenges like housing, health and climate change, while delivering a fairer future, according to the head of Social Justice Ireland.
Today is International Men's Day, an occasion to celebrate boys' and men's achievements and contributions to society. This annual event first started almost 30 years ago in 1992, and this year, we're celebrating under the theme of 'better health for men and boys'.
And finally, the John Lewis Christmas ad is one of the most eagerly anticipated additions to the seasonal assortment of feel-good promotions. This year they've collaborated with Waitrose and produced a piece with varied, interesting styles, inspired by acts of public kindness during the pandemic. It's not the tear-jerker we've seen in other years, but I think that was a wise choice given the events of 2020. We needed a little heart smile and this certainly provides!
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