The Government has to plan on the basis that steep cost of living rises will be here for the medium term, and certainly for the next number of months. That's according to Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Meanwhile RTÉ asks if the living wage is an answer to increased costs of living in this piece.

An Oireachtas committee to set to recommend exemptions for firms who can’t afford sick pay.

Asylum seekers waiting at least two years for a decision on their international protection application can now apply for an amnesty to remain in Ireland under the Government’s new regularisation scheme. Read more on that here. 

The Taoiseach has ruled out any cuts or changes to the proposed carbon tax, saying revenues would be ring-fenced for energy-saving measures.

Grants of more than €25,000 will be offered to individual householders to help pay for deep retrofits of their homes as part of the biggest home energy schemes ever offered in the State.

RTÉ reports that the number of breaches of court protection orders in domestic abuse cases reported to gardaí increased by more than 60% during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And finally, former PSEU and Fórsa official George Maybury has been appointed to the board of the WRC. The very best of luck, George, in your new role.

Zen

The Jam is the bringer of zen this morning. 'A Town Called Malice' is 40 years old this month. Enjoy the bop in your kitchen. 

Have a good day folks.