It comes as staff shortages are affecting the hospitality industry with many restaurants curtailing opening hours.

There will be no delay to schools reopening this week.

The IBAL litter league has shown another positive performance for Longford town but Roscommon town has fallen again

Work on the Life Saving Equipment Bill has stalled.

The meeting between unions and the Minister for Education is due to get underway at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

While evidence suggests the Omicron variant is less potent, the massive increase in positive tests is still resulting in a surge in hospitalisations.

Adult and Paediatric Patients who require urgent care will be prioritised.

Concern continues about the possible impact of Covid when schools re-open in the coming days