 
                                    People return to the office from today.
Trade unions and opposition parties are among those calling for office workers to be given the option to work remotely into the future.
A phased return to the workplace is now underway.
Covid restrictions on workers have been lifted and staff can return to the office on a phased basis from today.
An initial return began last September, however, fresh advice from public health officials in November urged people to work from home again.
However, Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD, the professional body for HR and development, has said employers should consult with staff before planning a return to the office.
A public health expert says it's time for people to start to get out and do the things they couldn't do for the last few years.
RCSI Professor Sam McConkey says most scientists are comfortable we've weathered the Omicron wave well, despite the risk of another variant later.
Social distancing has been scrapped and there are no restrictions on live events or gatherings in the home.
4,731 new covid 19 cases have been detected through PCR tests, with 3,395 new antigen tests recorded.
Professor McConkey has said the Government must assess how well it dealt with the pandemic to prepare for future threats.
Bernard Harbour, Director of Communications, Forsa Trade Union spoke with Ciara Noble on Monday's Kildare Focus:

 
                                         
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