On Friday evening Fórsa accepted an invitation to the Workplace Relations Commission this week to take part in discussions to resolve the dispute over pay restoration in Section 39 agencies. The union confirmed it has accepted the invitation and will attend the talks, but would continue to ballot members in five Section 39 employments.
Meanwhile, Section 38 agencies “could shortly face court orders with litigation and regulatory penalties” if they continue with existing accounting policies for staff pensions, according to a report in today's Irish Times (front page).
Elsewhere, Ryanair is in the final stages of concluding an agreement with the three cabin crew unions in Italy, and The Irish Examiner looks at the challenges facing the Government as the new Dáil term commences.
Saturday's Irish Times included a longer read on gang culture in Irish prisons. Not for the faint-hearted, but Conor Gallagher's piece is excellent and worth reading.
The Sindo reports that Irish Water is still in talks with five local authorities to allow contractors access to their areas to "find and fix" leaks.
The chief executive of Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) has claimed the constitutional right to property (Article 43) is the key impediment to local authorities easing the housing crisis.
This morning's cover star (above) is the legendary Algerian musician Rachid Taha who died last week. The photo above links to more information about his life and music. As a bonus Zen moment, here he is performing his version of Rock El Casbah with The Clash's Mick Jones.
True Zen was provided yesterday by Lord Ross of the Castle of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Following the gold medal triumph of Sanita Puspure in the women's single sculls final at the World Rowing Championships, Lord Ross issued a congratulatory statement. However, as RTE’s headline referred to Ireland's latest gold medallist as “Dominant Puspure”, it would appear Ross and his staff thought that was her actual name.
But the Zen masters this weekend were the O'Donovan brothers, who also claimed gold at the World Championships in Plovdiv. Their post-victory interview with RTE is, as ever, highly watchable.
Oh, and let's not forget...Up The Dubs!!
