While the Leaving Cert news has been largely welcomed by students, the Teachers' Union of Ireland has called for further engagement and clarifications on the Government's hybrid exams and calculated grades plan. ASTI has also expressed what it says are serious concerns and disappointment at elements of the plan. 

In public health news, the Taoiseach has committed to doubling the workforce in that sector, while the Tánaiste has said key staff who have worked through the pandemic could receive cash payments or additional leave as an appreciation for their efforts.

Meanwhile, changes in the timeline for vaccination of at-risk groups could be made in the coming week.

Fears that hiking the minimum wage in 2016 would lead to a significant increase in labour costs proved unfounded, a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute has shown.

Meanwhile, the provision of overtime payments for members of the Defence Forces must be considered, military officers have said. In a submission to the new independent commission on the Defence Forces, they maintained that military personnel were the worst affected by the constraints of the current model for determining pay across the public service.

In Northern Ireland, ten new remote working hubs are to be established in town centres across the country to allow Civil Service staff the chance to work closer to home.

While Down Under, Facebook has said it would restrict publishers and users from viewing or sharing news articles, ramping up a standoff with the Australian government over a proposal that would force tech companies to pay newspapers for content.

And finally, it has been announced that this year's Saint Patrick's Day celebrations will take place online during a week-long festival. The theme is Dúisigh Éire! Awaken Ireland! and will be available to watch on the festival's website across the world, from March 12–17th.

A full programme is expected early next month with music, poetry, comedy, conversation, history and mindfulness already lined up. Here's a throwback to the 2019 EPSU dinner with a performance from Kíla, who are due to feature in the virtual celebrations.