Kevin Callinan gave the response address at yesterday's Donal Nevin lecture, and called for a new social compact - bringing together government, employers and unions - to better prepare for the “considerable” challenges facing the country as a result of inflation, international conflict and a changing climate. Those of you with subscription to IRN will see Brian Sheehan's coverage in this week's edition.

Elsewhere, more media coverage this morning of Fórsa's domestic violence survey, as Ashley talks to Phoenix FM this morning at 10am, while Aer Lingus cabin crew members have been raising funds for their colleague Stephanie Scott Byrne, and unions are putting out the call to support the Raise the Roof rally on 26th November.

The Communications Unit published a fresh round of members' news bulletins this morning. You can find them here:

• Civil Service
• Education
• Health & Welfare
• Local Authorities  / Muno
• Services & Enterprises

In local authority/climate news, the Irish Times reports this morning that Dublin local authorities are preparing for winter with plans in place to combat floods, storms and cold snaps, while plans for more than 850 State-subsidised homes on north Dublin will be lodged soon, almost eight years after the redevelopment scheme was first proposed.

Zen

First of all, a special Zen mention to former Fórsa co-president Niall McGuirk, whose latest book launched on Tuesday night. Punks Listen is in aid of Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Tuesday night turned out to be a busy one for the Irish Times' correspondent who, having filed his copy on the CPSU book launch, hot-footed it over to Whelan's for the Punks Listen launch straight after. Well done Niall, and best of luck with the latest Hope Collective project.

Your bonus Zen this morning is one of my favourite dance tunes. Yazoo's Situation, released in 1982, has lost none of its slick-yet-simple charm, and I'm a sucker for all those analogue electronic sounds, especially at 120bpm.

The band only ever released two albums. Vince Clarke, who had previously formed Depeche Mode, went on to form Erasure with Andy Bell. This trio of acts have ensured that the working class town of Basildon, Essex punches above its weight in terms of pop culture.

Have a safe and restful weekend.

Niall