It was announced this morning that Ryanair is to close its bases in Cork and Shannon for the winter. The move comes as the airline cuts capacity over the winter season from 60% to 40% compared to last year. Siptu previously criticised the Budget allocation for Cork and Shannon airports, saying it only scratched the surface.

Some good news elsewhere, however, comes as the Government is considering how to transform the Low Pay Commission into a living wage commission. The Táinaiste made the announcement in the Dáil yesterday, but warned it would not happen until after a public consultation period and further engagement with employers and unions.

In education, the Examiner reports that plans to reduce the pupil:teacher ratio in primary school classrooms do not extend to Deis band one junior schools and 'vertical schools' which cater for mixed aged pupils. 

Meanwhile, more than 900 school staff who are highly vulnerable to Covid-19 have been permitted to work from home following risk assessments, but a further 870 “high-risk” have been told they are 'not sick enough' to stay at home.

Elsewhere, the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), an in-house research service for the Oireachtas, has 'warned' that government departments are entering into long-term commitments by increasing public service staffing levels during the pandemic. In its Preliminary Review of Budget 2021 published yesterday, the PBO estimates that an additional 17,550 staff will be recruited across government departments next year.

And finally, if you're looking for a giggle this morning, check out this woman who has her priorities straight.