The story of potential Ryanair job losses continues today, with the Irish Times reporting that Ryanair is continuing to recruit pilots despite the planned job cuts. The British Airline Pilots’ Association has called the news "confusing", and has called for the airline to negotiate with pilots and representatives rather than spreading confusion.

Communications Minister Richard Bruton has announced proposed changes to the TV licensing system. Under new government plans, the collection of the current licence fee will be put out to tender for a five year period. The structure of the charge is also to be changed after that initial five year tender has elapsed.  Government plans will see the current charge on television owners replaced with a "device-independent broadcasting charge" that the Government and its working group argues would account for changing consumption habits. 

A no-deal Brexit could "virtually stop" some trade in Northern Ireland according to a leaked UK Government memo. The document, obtained by Sky News, says that cross-border agriculture trade in Northern Ireland could be halted in 24 hours if the UK crashes out of the European Union. The document also details how "consumer panic" might arise due to food shortages within a fortnight of a no-deal exit. (They never put that on the side of a bus!)

New drug laws announced by the Government today could see first and second time offenders avoid conviction under a new "health-led approach". The new policy would see a referral to the HSE for a health screening on first offense, and an adult caution on second offence. The government is however keen to stress that this is not decriminalisation, and has resisted calls from its special working group to remove imprisonment for all drug possession cases.

The Examiner reports that the latest Department of Education figures show that almost one-in-five primary school pupils are in a class of 30 or more. This is despite an increase in teacher recruitment. Three schools had a class size of 42.

Finally, the August bank holiday weekend is almost upon us, which means this is the final news digest until September. I decided to combine the TV licence story and the sunny weather we are bound to enjoy this month for this morning's Zen. We're heading back to the 80s with A-ha's The Sun Always Shines on T.V. 

Have a great August everyone, see you in September!