theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Court hearings to be significantly scaled back

The Courts Service is to significantly scale back court hearings as part of nationwide restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
Following the announcement on Thursday by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of closures and recommended restrictions on public gatherings , the Courts Service announced a series of measures to scale back court sittings in order to minimise public contact in courtrooms .
No new criminal trials will commence in the Circuit Courts or the Central Criminal Courts for the next two weeks .
Trials that have already begun will continue , and if necessary urgent applications will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District Court sittings will be scaled back to deal with “ urgent matters only , ” with other cases to be adjourned to future dates in order to reduce numbers in courtrooms .
The courts service has advised people with legal representation to instruct their solicitors to seek adjournments in their cases , and those without lawyers should come to court as planned and ask for their case to be adjourned .
Family law and child protection cases in the District Court will continue as normal , and the use of video conferencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Courts Service said .
Similarly , civil and family law cases in Circuit Courts “ are generally to continue as normal , ” the statement said .
High Court civil list hearings are set to continue , as will the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal .
It is planned the Court of Appeal will stagger the cases listed for calling to keep the numbers in court at the same time as low as possible .
The statement said the Courts Service was preparing an “ extensive ICT contingency plan ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are forced to close due to the coronavirus .
The number of judges and staff who are in a position to work remotely has been doubled in recent days , with approximately 450 now having the necessary access to remote working options .

The Courts Service is to significantly scale back court hearings as part of nationwide restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Following the announcement on Thursday by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of closures and recommended restrictions on public gatherings, the Courts Service announced a series of measures to scale back court sittings in order to minimise public contact in courtrooms.
No new criminal trials will commence in the Circuit Courts or the Central Criminal Courts for the next two weeks.
Trials that have already begun will continue, and if necessary urgent applications will be allowed to be made to the courts.
READ MORE
District Court sittings will be scaled back to deal with “urgent matters only,” with other cases to be adjourned to future dates in order to reduce numbers in courtrooms.
The courts service has advised people with legal representation to instruct their solicitors to seek adjournments in their cases, and those without lawyers should come to court as planned and ask for their case to be adjourned.
Family law and child protection cases in the District Court will continue as normal, and the use of video conferencing will be used in custody hearings, the Courts Service said.
Similarly, civil and family law cases in Circuit Courts “are generally to continue as normal,” the statement said.
High Court civil list hearings are set to continue, as will the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. It is planned the Court of Appeal will stagger the cases listed for calling to keep the numbers in court at the same time as low as possible.
The statement said the Courts Service was preparing an “extensive ICT contingency plan” in the event courtrooms or other buildings are forced to close due to the coronavirus.
The number of judges and staff who are in a position to work remotely has been doubled in recent days, with approximately 450 now having the necessary access to remote working options.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Schools prepare to move classes online

School principal Gerry Cullen was sitting at his desk on Thursday morning when teachers began to gather around with mobile phones in hand .
The breaking news that all schools , pre-schools and third-level institutions were to close for at least two weeks was not unexpected , but jolting nonetheless .
“ We ’ ve been preparing for it , but it was still a shock , ” says Cullen , principal of Mount Carmel Secondary School , an all-girls school on Dublin ’ s King ’ s Inns Street .
Hundreds of schools like Mount Carmel have in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online learning platforms , and advising students to start bringing home schoolbooks .
The disruption caused by mass school closures for at least two weeks is set to be unmatched by any freak weather event in living memory .
It will plunge working parents into chaos and expose how fragile childcare arrangements are that allow mothers and fathers to work .
For students , especially those facing into State exams , it plunges a carefully timetabled and choreographed process into uncertainty .
However , school principals say a combination of advance planning and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least prepared to minimise the impact on teaching and learning .
“ Teachers have been preparing work and assignments for the pupils and will upload it online .
All the students nowadays have access to computers or smartphones at home so they can access Office 365 and Microsoft Teams , so accessing the internet isn ’ t a problem , ” says Cullen .
Most school principals say their main job , in addition to contingency planning , has been urging students and parents to keep calm .
At Gonzaga College , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headmaster Damon McCaul says anxiety among boys isn ’ t normally a problem .
However , the looming State exams means many are worried .
“ The key is not allowing panic to build .
For students facing into State exams , much of the work is done , very little new material is being taught and it ’ s about exam technique .
With our Junior Certs , we ’ re in the middle of classroom-based assessments .
Then there are oral and practical exams around the corner , ” he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home all books and learning material earlier this week and teachers have been uploading content to virtual learning platforms in preparation for potential closures .
If schools are looking to get a taste of how to teach online , a Co Clare secondary school – which has been closed since March 4th on foot of the coronavirus outbreak – has been doing so since last week .
It is hosting eight subjects remotely for its Leaving Certificate students , an initiative spearheaded by the school ’ s math and physics teacher .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to most schools across the country .
The classes are hosted using the Microsoft Team online platform and incorporate video conferencing , text and real-time access to the school ’ s whiteboard .
Classes have also been taking place at their usual scheduled times to provide as much routine and normality for the students as possible .
“ I want the kids to stay in a routine and not to be thinking about the coronavirus .
Normal life has to go on .
We all have to keep going and to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show on the road , ” he says .
“ The kids sign in online , they see me on camera , they can hear me and have access to my whiteboard , so it ’ s a very close replica of a real physical classroom .
“ They all have mics on their computers or phones so they can ask questions .
All their names are listed on the side of the screen and when someone speaks , their name is highlighted , so I know who is speaking.
” At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers have been practising videoing their classes and are planning to put them on YouTube where they can be accessed free by the school ’ s students and any other students .
Principal Michael Ruaidhrí Deasy says teachers will come to work as normal during the closures and post the classes online .
“ We ’ ve one full-time videographer on site and are hiring more .
Our classes are very interactive and more like workshops , so we ’ re trying to re-create this online , ” he says .
James McCrory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school in the northeast of China , has more experience of extended school closures than most .
The Changhun American International School has been closed since late January , he says , and learning has continued online .
His advice to parents is to find a suitable place for your child to work from home .
“ Also , start collecting a range of basic materials for children at home from drawing paper , coloured paper , pens .
If you have a local library , check out some books while you still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of activities to keep them engaged productively in the coming week .
”

School principal Gerry Cullen was sitting at his desk on Thursday morning when teachers began to gather around with mobile phones in hand.
The breaking news that all schools, pre-schools and third-level institutions were to close for at least two weeks was not unexpected, but jolting nonetheless.
"We've been preparing for it, but it was still a shock," says Cullen, principal of Mount Carmel Secondary School, an all-girls school on Dublin's King's Inns Street.
Hundreds of schools like Mount Carmel have in recent days been getting assignments ready, road-testing online learning platforms, and advising students to start bringing home schoolbooks.
READ MORE
The disruption caused by mass school closures for at least two weeks is set to be unmatched by any freak weather event in living memory.
It will plunge working parents into chaos and expose how fragile childcare arrangements are that allow mothers and fathers to work.
For students, especially those facing into State exams, it plunges a carefully timetabled and choreographed process into uncertainty.
However, school principals say a combination of advance planning and access to online platforms means they are at least prepared to minimise the impact on teaching and learning.
"Teachers have been preparing work and assignments for the pupils and will upload it online. All the students nowadays have access to computers or smartphones at home so they can access Office 365 and Microsoft Teams, so accessing the internet isn't a problem," says Cullen.
Anxiety
Most school principals say their main job, in addition to contingency planning, has been urging students and parents to keep calm.
At Gonzaga College, an all-boys secondary school in Ranelagh, headmaster Damon McCaul says anxiety among boys isn't normally a problem. However, the looming State exams means many are worried.
"The key is not allowing panic to build. For students facing into State exams, much of the work is done, very little new material is being taught and it's about exam technique. With our Junior Certs, we're in the middle of classroom-based assessments. Then there are oral and practical exams around the corner," he says.
The school instructed students to take home all books and learning material earlier this week and teachers have been uploading content to virtual learning platforms in preparation for potential closures.
If schools are looking to get a taste of how to teach online, a Co Clare secondary school – which has been closed since March 4th on foot of the coronavirus outbreak – has been doing so since last week.
It is hosting eight subjects remotely for its Leaving Certificate students, an initiative spearheaded by the school’s math and physics teacher. He believes the practice could easily be rolled out to most schools across the country.
The classes are hosted using the Microsoft Team online platform and incorporate video conferencing, text and real-time access to the school’s whiteboard.
Classes have also been taking place at their usual scheduled times to provide as much routine and normality for the students as possible.
“I want the kids to stay in a routine and not to be thinking about the coronavirus. Normal life has to go on. We all have to keep going and to do everything that we can to keep the show on the road,” he says.
“The kids sign in online, they see me on camera, they can hear me and have access to my whiteboard, so it’s a very close replica of a real physical classroom.
“They all have mics on their computers or phones so they can ask questions. All their names are listed on the side of the screen and when someone speaks, their name is highlighted, so I know who is speaking.”
YouTube
At the Dublin Academy, a grind school, teachers have been practising videoing their classes and are planning to put them on YouTube where they can be accessed free by the school's students and any other students.
Principal Michael Ruaidhrí Deasy says teachers will come to work as normal during the closures and post the classes online.
“We’ve one full-time videographer on site and are hiring more. Our classes are very interactive and more like workshops, so we’re trying to re-create this online,” he says.
James McCrory, acting secondary principal at an international school in the northeast of China, has more experience of extended school closures than most.
The Changhun American International School has been closed since late January, he says, and learning has continued online. His advice to parents is to find a suitable place for your child to work from home.
“Also, start collecting a range of basic materials for children at home from drawing paper, coloured paper, pens. If you have a local library, check out some books while you still can. Children will need a wide range of activities to keep them engaged productively in the coming week.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Pubs left to decide for themselves if they stay open

It is up to pubs to decide themselves if they will close or limit the numbers they allow into their premises as part of efforts to deal with coronavirus .
The Government has called for gatherings of more than 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors to be cancelled .
Minister for Health Simon Harris said “ individual premises and establishments around the country will have to decide how to respond to that.
” He stressed “ the clear medical guidance we ’ ve been given as a Government is that we should not find ourselves in social gatherings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 people ” .
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan acknowledged the challenges for pubs and restaurants .
He said that “ certain restaurants already anecdotally have begun to put in place measures to provide social distancing while still providing a customer experience for people ” .
Dr Holohan said they had a responsibility to help businesses to continue to operate but at the same time ensuring “ an environment that does not contribute to risks and then the transmission of this particular virus ” .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney agreed it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain open .
He said “ these are very clear guidelines in terms of numbers , what ’ s appropriate and what ’ s not .
“ Business owners and operators will have to accommodate these asks in terms of how they run their businesses.
” Mr Coveney added that “ that ’ s going to be difficult and we recognise that.
” He said : “ That ’ s why we want obviously as we move through this period and get out the other side - to get back to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed that “ these measures are necessary and we wouldn ’ t be introducing them unless they were ” .
Earlier the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said restaurants , cafes and other businesses can stay open but should look at ways that they can implement the public health advice on social distancing .
The Licensed Vintners Association ( LVA ) , the representative body for Dublin publicans , called for clarity for how pubs should address the coronavirus situation .
“ Following on from the Taoiseach ’ s statement , there is a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what action they now need to take , ” said LVA chief executive Donall O ’ Keeffe .
“ For that reason we are calling on the Government and the Expert Advisory Group to provide specific guidance for how pubs should respond to the coronavirus situation .
“ By their very nature pubs are social hubs where people deliberately congregate close to one another .
Implementing a one metre gap between tables for example might be one step that we could take , but that won ’ t stop people from grouping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pub , for example at the bar .
“ Our members are committed to playing their part in acting in the best interests of our staff and customers .
Public health is our sole and over-riding priority .
But publicans are not experts in public health and there is a severe lack of clarity as to how we should now respond .
This is a time for listening to the experts and to be guided by the experts .
That is why we believe it is imperative that the Expert Advisory Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on these issues as a matter of real urgency , ” he added .

Minister for Health Simon Harris said “individual premises and establishments around the country will have to decide how to respond”. Photograph: Thinkstock
It is up to pubs to decide themselves if they will close or limit the numbers they allow into their premises as part of efforts to deal with coronavirus.
The Government has called for gatherings of more than 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors to be cancelled.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said "individual premises and establishments around the country will have to decide how to respond to that."
He stressed “the clear medical guidance we’ve been given as a Government is that we should not find ourselves in social gatherings in an indoor capacity where there are more than 100 people”.
READ MORE
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan acknowledged the challenges for pubs and restaurants.
He said that “certain restaurants already anecdotally have begun to put in place measures to provide social distancing while still providing a customer experience for people”.
Dr Holohan said they had a responsibility to help businesses to continue to operate but at the same time ensuring “an environment that does not contribute to risks and then the transmission of this particular virus”.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney agreed it was for pubs to decide for themselves whether to remain open.
He said “these are very clear guidelines in terms of numbers, what’s appropriate and what’s not.
“Business owners and operators will have to accommodate these asks in terms of how they run their businesses.”
Mr Coveney added that “that’s going to be difficult and we recognise that.”
He said: “That’s why we want obviously as we move through this period and get out the other side - to get back to a much more normal society.”
But he stressed that “these measures are necessary and we wouldn’t be introducing them unless they were”.
Earlier the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said restaurants, cafes and other businesses can stay open but should look at ways that they can implement the public health advice on social distancing.
The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), the representative body for Dublin publicans, called for clarity for how pubs should address the coronavirus situation.
“Following on from the Taoiseach’s statement, there is a lot of confusion amongst publicans across Dublin as to what action they now need to take,” said LVA chief executive Donall O’Keeffe. “For that reason we are calling on the Government and the Expert Advisory Group to provide specific guidance for how pubs should respond to the coronavirus situation.
“By their very nature pubs are social hubs where people deliberately congregate close to one another. Implementing a one metre gap between tables for example might be one step that we could take, but that won’t stop people from grouping together or congregating in other parts of the pub, for example at the bar.
“Our members are committed to playing their part in acting in the best interests of our staff and customers. Public health is our sole and over-riding priority. But publicans are not experts in public health and there is a severe lack of clarity as to how we should now respond. This is a time for listening to the experts and to be guided by the experts. That is why we believe it is imperative that the Expert Advisory Group and the Government provide pub specific guidance on these issues as a matter of real urgency,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Dáil will pass welfare legislation to help workers affected by virus

The Dáil and Seanad will sit next week to pass emergency social protection legislation to assist private sector workers affected by coronavirus .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said “ we have legislation that we need to pass and we need to do that quickly I hope and expect that we ’ ll get the full co-operation from all the parties in the Dáil and Seanad to do that ” .
Mr Coveney said he would be speaking to party leaders and he hoped to agree with them and Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl the most appropriate way to deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of party whips ensuring that only a representative number of TDs need to be in the chamber at the time of any votes on the legislation .
This is aimed at ensuring that TDs are not sitting too close together in the Dáil chamber for votes .
Mr Coveney was speaking at the announcement of unprecedented measures to try to limit the spread of coronavirus including recommendations that indoor social gatherings of more than 100 people should not take place .
The Dáil has 160 TDs but Minister for Health Simon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the workplace .
“ Dáil and Seanad Éireann are a workplace , ” he said .
Mr Coveney agreed that was an “ important distinction ” .
He said the guidelines they were introducing were not meant to shutdown workplaces of more than 100 people .
In Leinster House preparations are under way to encourage social distancing in the workplace .
In the public canteen seating will be removed and food will be served for takeaway only for Oireachtas staff and politicians to eat in their offices .
The emergency social protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €2.4 billion package to deal with the crisis .
Under the Social Welfare Bill 2020 private sector workers will receive a new level of sick pay of €305 a week from their first day of illness as part of the provisions .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said earlier this week that existing conditions around sick payments including the obligation to have a specified number of PRSI contributions would be waived .
The self-employed will also be eligible for payments .
The objective of the emergency legislation is to ensure that workers are not disincentivised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Government had already decided last week that State employees would receive special leave with pay if they had to self-isolate in line with HSE advice and where flexible working arrangements were not possible .

Discussions are under way about the possibility of party whips ensuring that only a representative number of TDs need to be in the chamber at the time of any votes on the legislation to avoid members sitting too close to each other. File photograph: Alan Betson
The Dáil and Seanad will sit next week to pass emergency social protection legislation to assist private sector workers affected by coronavirus.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said "we have legislation that we need to pass and we need to do that quickly I hope and expect that we'll get the full co-operation from all the parties in the Dáil and Seanad to do that".
Mr Coveney said he would be speaking to party leaders and he hoped to agree with them and Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl the most appropriate way to deal with the legislation.
Discussions are under way about the possibility of party whips ensuring that only a representative number of TDs need to be in the chamber at the time of any votes on the legislation. This is aimed at ensuring that TDs are not sitting too close together in the Dáil chamber for votes.
READ MORE
Mr Coveney was speaking at the announcement of unprecedented measures to try to limit the spread of coronavirus including recommendations that indoor social gatherings of more than 100 people should not take place.
The Dáil has 160 TDs but Minister for Health Simon Harris stressed the differentiation between public gatherings and the workplace. "Dáil and Seanad Éireann are a workplace," he said.
Mr Coveney agreed that was an “important distinction”.
He said the guidelines they were introducing were not meant to shutdown workplaces of more than 100 people.
In Leinster House preparations are under way to encourage social distancing in the workplace.
In the public canteen seating will be removed and food will be served for takeaway only for Oireachtas staff and politicians to eat in their offices.
Sick pay
The emergency social protection measures were approved as part of a €2.4 billion package to deal with the crisis.
Under the Social Welfare Bill 2020 private sector workers will receive a new level of sick pay of €305 a week from their first day of illness as part of the provisions.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said earlier this week that existing conditions around sick payments including the obligation to have a specified number of PRSI contributions would be waived. The self-employed will also be eligible for payments.
The objective of the emergency legislation is to ensure that workers are not disincentivised to self-isolate because of economic necessity.
The Government had already decided last week that State employees would receive special leave with pay if they had to self-isolate in line with HSE advice and where flexible working arrangements were not possible.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Man caused ‘pandemonium’ on Aer Lingus flight with hoax coronavirus claim

A Dutch trainee driving instructor , who caused “ pandemonium ” on an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin when he made a hoax coronavirus claim , has been given a two-month prison sentence .
Former boat captain and ski instructor , Job van den Broek , 30 , with addresses at Parklaan No 3 , 5462cv , and in Veghel , in the Netherlands pleaded guilty on Thursday to an air-rage charge after he had delayed Wednesday ’ s flight EI 605 from Amsterdam because he would not end a phone call .
He was flying to Ireland to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propose to his girlfriend , Judge Conal Gibbons heard at Dublin District Court .
Sentencing , he said Van den Broek thought there were special rules for him and he told a fiction to the flight attendant that his mother had the coronavirus .
The accused buried his head in his hands as the sentence was handed down .
However , the business graduate was granted appeal bail , which he took up soon after the hearing .
Van den Broek refused to get off his phone after cabin crew pleaded with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the standard flight safety demonstration .
He later lied to cabin crew telling them that he reason he was using his phone was because his mother had the virus and he had been in contact with her .
He would not deny if he had it too , the court was told .
Cabin crew were reduced to tears and pandemonium broke out among passengers .
Judge Conal Gibbons said his crime was unbelievable while the world was in a state of fear and anxiety because of Covid-19 .
He described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceptional circumstances ” .
The plane touched down at Dublin Airport ’ s Terminal 2 at 1.49pm on Wednesday .
It had arrived 21 minutes ahead of schedule and was put into quarantine for a HSE inspection to be carried out as a result of the scare .
The outbreak has so far claimed the life of one Irish woman as the number of cases continues to rise .
Van den Broek was charged that being a person on an Aer Lingus aircraft in flight , within the jurisdiction of the State , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusive or insulting nature , whether by words or gesture .
The charge also stated this was to cause a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned .
He was held overnight and brought before Judge Conal Gibbons on Thursday .
Det Garda Gary Dillane told the court that Mr Van den Broek made no reply when he was charged just after 7.30pm on Wednesday .
He said Van den Broek had been travelling on EI 605 to Dublin .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which caused hassle for cabin crew a number of times ” .
He refused to get off his mobile phone as cabin crew were giving the safety demonstration to passengers .
He was told he was delaying the aircraft because it could not take off until the demonstration was given .
The court heard that mid-flight he asked to speak with the flight attendant to explain to her why he had been on his phone .
He told the crew his mother had the coronavirus and he had been in contact with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cabin crew began crying and passengers overheard and it caused upset , disruption and inconvenience .
When the plane landed gardaí had to be called and arrived at “ a hostile situation on the aircraft ” .
The HSE had to be contacted and carried out an inspection and cleared the aircraft and declared the passengers , including the accused , were safe .
The court heard Van den Broek thought it was a joke and wanted to have his photo taken with gardaí and HSE staff .
In evidence , Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convictions , told the court he was sorry and wanted to clear the air with the Aer Lingus staff , who refused to accept his remorse .
He claimed he had been trying to tell the attendant “ it was a personal call and I mentioned she could have coronavirus ” .
Defence solicitor Michael French pleaded for leniency citing his client ’ s previous good record and the ramifications of a conviction for him such as obtaining a visa or police vetting He also asked the judge to note Van den Broek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent a night in custody and was apologetic .
He said his client had been on a personal phone call from his mother but when the incident escalated he did not confirm he had Covid-19 “ but he did not deny it either ” .
It was incredibly stupid and he had not realised the serious gravity of his actions , Mr French said .
However , he was willing to donate €1,500 to the staff .
Sentencing , Judge Gibbons said he did not accept that he could buy his way out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There would be one more worse thing to say on a plane , that there is a bomb under the seat ” .
Judge Gibbons noted from the flight attendant ’ s report that she tried for 10 minutes to get Van den Broek off his phone and she had found him to be difficult and rude .
He remarked that his actions were designed to put fear and anxiety into the minds of people on the plane .
In-flight rules had to be obeyed 100 per cent of the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a four-month jail sentence as well as a fine of almost €900 .
He said a first offence should only result in a custodial sentence in exceptional circumstances and this was one .
However , he set appeal bail in his own bond of €1,000 .
The offence is contrary to sections 2A of the Air Navigation and Transport Act , 1973 , as amended by insertion of section 65 of the Air Navigation and Transport Amendment Act , 1998 .

Job Van den Broek refused to get off his phone after cabin crew pleaded with him to finish his call so they could give the standard flight safety demonstration, court told. Photograph: Collins Courts
A Dutch trainee driving instructor, who caused "pandemonium" on an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin when he made a hoax coronavirus claim, has been given a two-month prison sentence.
Former boat captain and ski instructor, Job van den Broek, 30, with addresses at Parklaan No 3, 5462cv, and in Veghel, in the Netherlands pleaded guilty on Thursday to an air-rage charge after he had delayed Wednesday's flight EI 605 from Amsterdam because he would not end a phone call.
He was flying to Ireland to get a connecting flight to Los Angeles to propose to his girlfriend, Judge Conal Gibbons heard at Dublin District Court.
Sentencing, he said Van den Broek thought there were special rules for him and he told a fiction to the flight attendant that his mother had the coronavirus.
READ MORE
The accused buried his head in his hands as the sentence was handed down.
However, the business graduate was granted appeal bail, which he took up soon after the hearing.
Van den Broek refused to get off his phone after cabin crew pleaded with him to finish his call so they could give the standard flight safety demonstration.
He later lied to cabin crew telling them that he reason he was using his phone was because his mother had the virus and he had been in contact with her. He would not deny if he had it too, the court was told.
Cabin crew were reduced to tears and pandemonium broke out among passengers.
Judge Conal Gibbons said his crime was unbelievable while the world was in a state of fear and anxiety because of Covid-19.
He described the case as “the most exceptional of exceptional circumstances”.
The plane touched down at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 at 1.49pm on Wednesday. It had arrived 21 minutes ahead of schedule and was put into quarantine for a HSE inspection to be carried out as a result of the scare.
The World Health Organisation declared the Covid-19 a pandemic.
The outbreak has so far claimed the life of one Irish woman as the number of cases continues to rise.
Van den Broek was charged that being a person on an Aer Lingus aircraft in flight, within the jurisdiction of the State, he engaged in behaviour of threatening, abusive or insulting nature, whether by words or gesture.
The charge also stated this was to cause a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.
He was held overnight and brought before Judge Conal Gibbons on Thursday.
Defence solicitor Michael French confirmed his client was pleading guilty.
Det Garda Gary Dillane told the court that Mr Van den Broek made no reply when he was charged just after 7.30pm on Wednesday.
He said Van den Broek had been travelling on EI 605 to Dublin. There was an issue on board flight “which caused hassle for cabin crew a number of times”.
He refused to get off his mobile phone as cabin crew were giving the safety demonstration to passengers. He was told he was delaying the aircraft because it could not take off until the demonstration was given.
The court heard that mid-flight he asked to speak with the flight attendant to explain to her why he had been on his phone.
He told the crew his mother had the coronavirus and he had been in contact with her but he did not live with her.
Cabin crew began crying and passengers overheard and it caused upset, disruption and inconvenience.
When the plane landed gardaí had to be called and arrived at “a hostile situation on the aircraft”.
The HSE had to be contacted and carried out an inspection and cleared the aircraft and declared the passengers, including the accused, were safe.
The court heard Van den Broek thought it was a joke and wanted to have his photo taken with gardaí and HSE staff.
In evidence, Van den Broek, who had no prior convictions, told the court he was sorry and wanted to clear the air with the Aer Lingus staff, who refused to accept his remorse.
He claimed he had been trying to tell the attendant “it was a personal call and I mentioned she could have coronavirus”.
Defence solicitor Michael French pleaded for leniency citing his client’s previous good record and the ramifications of a conviction for him such as obtaining a visa or police vetting
He also asked the judge to note Van den Broek was co-operative with gardaí and had already spent a night in custody and was apologetic.
He said his client had been on a personal phone call from his mother but when the incident escalated he did not confirm he had Covid-19 “but he did not deny it either”.
It was incredibly stupid and he had not realised the serious gravity of his actions, Mr French said.
However, he was willing to donate €1,500 to the staff.
Sentencing, Judge Gibbons said he did not accept that he could buy his way out of trouble.
The judge said: “There would be one more worse thing to say on a plane, that there is a bomb under the seat”.
Judge Gibbons noted from the flight attendant’s report that she tried for 10 minutes to get Van den Broek off his phone and she had found him to be difficult and rude.
He remarked that his actions were designed to put fear and anxiety into the minds of people on the plane.
In-flight rules had to be obeyed 100 per cent of the time, he said.
The offence can carry a four-month jail sentence as well as a fine of almost €900.
He said a first offence should only result in a custodial sentence in exceptional circumstances and this was one.
However, he set appeal bail in his own bond of €1,000.
Legal aid was also granted.
The offence is contrary to sections 2A of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1973, as amended by insertion of section 65 of the Air Navigation and Transport Amendment Act, 1998.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Man in his 50s arrested over attack on Kevin Lunney

Gardaí investigating the abduction , beating and torture of businessman Kevin Lunney last September have made another arrest .
The detention of the suspect in his mid-50s follows the arrest last week of four suspects who were released without charge after being questioned .
Another four men are also currently before the courts having been charged with a number of offences relating to the attack on Mr Lunney .
The latest suspect arrested was detained by gardaí on Thursday and was taken to Cavan Garda station for questioning .
He was being held under section 50 of the Criminal Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a suspect for up to seven days without charge .
Mr Lunney ( 50 ) , a father of six , was abducted close to his home in Co Fermanagh on September 17th as part of the ongoing campaign of violence and threats against executives at Quinn Industrial Holdings .
His leg was broken and the letters QIH were carved into his chest during the 2½-hour ordeal before he was dumped on a roadside in Co Cavan .
A major Garda-PSNI joint inquiry has been under way since the attack , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the executives .
Cyril McGuinness , also known as Dublin Jimmy , was regarded as the leader of the Border gang that has been attacking and intimidating the QIH executive team in recent years .
McGuinness , a Dublin man who had long settled in Co Fermanagh , died of a cardiac event last November when English police raided a safe house he was staying in near Buxton in Derbyshire .

The location in Bellananagh, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, where officers investigating the abduction of Kevin Lunney recovered a horsebox in September. File photograph: PA Wire/PA Images
Gardaí investigating the abduction, beating and torture of businessman Kevin Lunney last September have made another arrest.
The detention of the suspect in his mid-50s follows the arrest last week of four suspects who were released without charge after being questioned.
Another four men are also currently before the courts having been charged with a number of offences relating to the attack on Mr Lunney.
The latest suspect arrested was detained by gardaí on Thursday and was taken to Cavan Garda station for questioning.
READ MORE
He was being held under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows for the detention of a suspect for up to seven days without charge.
Mr Lunney (50), a father of six, was abducted close to his home in Co Fermanagh on September 17th as part of the ongoing campaign of violence and threats against executives at Quinn Industrial Holdings.
His leg was broken and the letters QIH were carved into his chest during the 2½-hour ordeal before he was dumped on a roadside in Co Cavan.
A major Garda-PSNI joint inquiry has been under way since the attack, which was a major escalation of the campaign against the executives.
Cyril McGuinness, also known as Dublin Jimmy, was regarded as the leader of the Border gang that has been attacking and intimidating the QIH executive team in recent years.
McGuinness, a Dublin man who had long settled in Co Fermanagh, died of a cardiac event last November when English police raided a safe house he was staying in near Buxton in Derbyshire.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: 27 new cases brings total to 70 in the Republic

Another 27 newly discovered cases of coronavirus were reported in the State on Thursday , by far the biggest daily jump in numbers since the start of the pandemic .
The total number of cases in the Republic stood at 70 , up from 43 on Wednesday .
The massive increase in cases lies behind the Government ’ s decision to impose a wide range of restrictions on schools and social gatherings earlier on Thursday .
The first case in the Republic was reported on February 29th .
There are now nine clusters of cases , each involving between two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holohan .
Of the additional 27 cases , 22 derived from contact with a previously confirmed case , two involved healthcare worker and three involved travel from an at-risk area .
Dr Holohan said two of the new cases involved community transmission – meaning public health doctors do know where the infection originated .
There are now a total of five community-acquired cases in Ireland .
Six patients , including three of the new cases , are in intensive care and one patient has been officially reported as having died from the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a second death of a patient , in Cork , Dr Holohan said “ we haven ’ t had another death confirmed to us ” .
Asked about the speed at which Thursday ’ s measures were introduced , Dr Holohan said these were always expected “ at some point in time but it ’ s impossible to predict when until you get there ” .
Ireland still had a relatively small number of cases , he insisted , and the risk of contracting the disease , while real , was low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases to go on to build up an estimate of the number of cases in the community , he said .
Dr Holohan acknowledged the difference in approach being taken in Ireland and the UK , where schools remain open .
“ We ’ ve assessed the situation from our point of view , and closing schools is an important part of our strategy particularly in relation to protecting older vulnerable people.
” Ireland made the decision on Thursday to move to a delay phase in relation to Covid-19 , he confirmed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have now advised early , decisive , rapid , coordinated and comprehensive implementation of social distancing measures .
Ireland has today responded to this advice.
” He added the National Public Health Emergency Team would meet again on Thursday evening to continue to review Ireland ’ s response .
Delay phase is designed to interrupt the transmission of the Covid-19 virus , by advising reductions on social interactions .
“ This phase requires a community effort , every citizen acting responsibly in order to protect our vulnerable and elderly members of society , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government announced that schools , colleges and other public facilities would close in the Republic from 6pm on Thursday for at least two weeks in response to the spread of the virus .
It also urged people not to engage in panic buying as reports emerged of long queues in supermarkets .
Minister for Health Simon Harris said he understood that people were worried and that they wanted to make provision for themselves and their families .
But he said everyone should consider the “ unintended consequences of taking something that somebody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heather Humphreys said there was no need to stockpile because there was sufficient stocks in place .
However , panic buying would “ cause a problem ” in the supply chain that currently did not exist .
On Thursday morning , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the measures being announced would remain in place until March 29th and would be kept under review .
* Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people should be cancelled * Outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled * People should continue to go to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home should do so * Measures begin at 6pm this evening and last until March 29th “ I know that some of this is coming as a real shock and it is going involve big changes in the way we live our lives .
I know that I am asking people to make enormous sacrifices .
We ’ re doing it for each other , ” Mr Varadkar said , speaking in Washington DC .
“ Together , we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back .
Acting together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save many lives .
Our economy will suffer .
It will bounce back.
” The Northern Executive has decided against following the lead of the Irish Government and is not ordering the closure of schools and universities in an attempt to limit the impact of the coronavirus .
The North ’ s First Minister Arlene Foster also complained on Thursday evening that the Northern Executive was not informed in advance of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar ’ s decision in Washington to announce a number of actions to address the Covid-19 emergency .
Ms Foster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Executive was not apprised in advance of the Government ’ s decision .
She said the Executive had “ no prior knowledge ” of Mr Varadkar ’ s announcement .
British prime minister Boris Johnson ramped up the UK ’ s efforts to combat coronavirus on Thursday , moving the government to the “ delay ” phase and telling British people with even mild symptoms to stay at home for seven days .
However , he said he would not follow the example of Ireland and Italy and close schools to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are not closing schools now , the scientific advice is this could do more harm than good.
” But he said that the advice would be under review .
Chris Whitty , chief medical officer for England , said he currently expected the UK would reach the peak of its coronavirus outbreak in 10 to 14 weeks ’ time .
“ If you move too early , people get fatigued , ” he said , referring to the UK government ’ s response .
“ This is a long haul.
” While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been cancelled , the Cheltenham racing festival continued on Thursday .
Italy , the centre of Europe ’ s coronavirus pandemic , has hit the milestone of 1,000 deaths since it saw its first cases in mid-February .
The country ’ s positive cases continued their upward trend on Thursday , registering 15,113 confirmed cases and the death toll hit 1,016 .
As concern mounts over the impact on the Irish public health system , doctors gave their first public warning on Thursday night of the possible impact on treatment decisions for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a statement , saying : “ We expect that there will be significant challenges in the coming weeks in terms of demand for our services .
“ We aim to provide care of an appropriate nature to our patients as always , but we do expect that we will have to make triage decisions , which will be challenging .
At all times , we will communicate with the patient and their families .
“ Intensive care will need to be directed to those patients who are most likely to benefit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most lives .
Although we frequently change the direction of care from intensive care to palliative care , we never stop caring for patients especially at the end of life.
” The statement was issued on behalf of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland ( ICSI ) , Joint Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine of Ireland ( JFICMI ) and the Irish Association of Critical Care Nursing ( IACCN ) which represents healthcare professionals who provide critical care in Ireland .
Also on Thursday , the Government issued new guidance on civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says staff redeployment across the civil and public services could be required to ensure the maintenance of essential services , which is prioritised in the new advice .
It also calls for the reassignment of staff within organisations to prioritise the most critical services .
And it says employers should consider extending and staggering opening hours , as well as the introduction of flexible working .
Kevin Callinan , general secretary of the Fórsa trade union , called on State departments to maintain discussions with the union and the Irish Congress of Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking after Mr Varadkar ’ s announcement , Tánaiste Simon Coveney said thousands of lives can be saved through a collective national response to the measures .
Mr Coveney said the measures being introduced were unprecedented in their scale and effect across society .
“ Never before has such drastic action been taken in face of a public health threat , ” he told a press briefing in Government Buildings .
This was not being taken lightly but was based on the advice of the best public health experts , Mr Coveney said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to pull together we are asking people to stay apart .
The closures proposed will disrupt the everyday connectivity that makes us who we are , ” he said .
The Government is to publish the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team shortly and individual Ministers are to hold briefings on the impact of the measures in their respective areas .
A special Cabinet meeting is to take place on Thursday evening .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the measures were taken in the light of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a number of ICU hospitalisation , one death , some clusters of cases , cases in hospital settings and evidence of community transmission .
However , the outbreak here was still at an early stage , he said .
He urged employers to stagger work times and break times .
Restrictions are to be imposed for visitors to hospital , nursing homes and prisons , and spacing measures will be introduced in homeless shelters .
The limits on mass gatherings are “ clear recommendations ” , he said .
The first death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Naas General Hospital .
The patient , an elderly woman , had an underlying condition that was terminal .
As of Wednesday evening , there were 43 confirmed cases in the Republic and 18 in Northern Ireland .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) for the first time on Wednesday labelled the coronavirus a pandemic , adding Italy and Iran were on the front line of the disease and other countries would soon join them .

Chief medical officer at the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan says there were 27 newly discovered cases of coronavirus reported in Ireland today, by far the biggest daily jump in numbers since the start of the pandemic.
Another 27 newly discovered cases of coronavirus were reported in the State on Thursday , by far the biggest daily jump in numbers since the start of the pandemic.
The total number of cases in the Republic stood at 70, up from 43 on Wednesday.
The massive increase in cases lies behind the Government’s decision to impose a wide range of restrictions on schools and social gatherings earlier on Thursday.
The first case in the Republic was reported on February 29th.
READ MORE
There are now nine clusters of cases, each involving between two and six cases, according to Dr Holohan.
Of the additional 27 cases, 22 derived from contact with a previously confirmed case, two involved healthcare worker and three involved travel from an at-risk area.
Dr Holohan said two of the new cases involved community transmission – meaning public health doctors do know where the infection originated.
There are now a total of five community-acquired cases in Ireland. Six patients, including three of the new cases, are in intensive care and one patient has been officially reported as having died from the disease, on Wednesday.
Asked about reports of a second death of a patient, in Cork, Dr Holohan said “we haven’t had another death confirmed to us”.
Asked about the speed at which Thursday’s measures were introduced, Dr Holohan said these were always expected “at some point in time but it’s impossible to predict when until you get there”.
Ireland still had a relatively small number of cases, he insisted, and the risk of contracting the disease, while real, was low.
There were still too few confirmed cases to go on to build up an estimate of the number of cases in the community, he said.
Dr Holohan acknowledged the difference in approach being taken in Ireland and the UK, where schools remain open.
“We’ve assessed the situation from our point of view, and closing schools is an important part of our strategy particularly in relation to protecting older vulnerable people.”
Ireland made the decision on Thursday to move to a delay phase in relation to Covid-19, he confirmed.
“The European Centre for Disease Control have now advised early, decisive, rapid, coordinated and comprehensive implementation of social distancing measures. Ireland has today responded to this advice.”
He added the National Public Health Emergency Team would meet again on Thursday evening to continue to review Ireland’s response.
Delay phase is designed to interrupt the transmission of the Covid-19 virus, by advising reductions on social interactions.
“This phase requires a community effort, every citizen acting responsibly in order to protect our vulnerable and elderly members of society,” the department said.
School closures
Earlier, the Government announced that schools, colleges and other public facilities would close in the Republic from 6pm on Thursday for at least two weeks in response to the spread of the virus.
It also urged people not to engage in panic buying as reports emerged of long queues in supermarkets.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said he understood that people were worried and that they wanted to make provision for themselves and their families.
But he said everyone should consider the “unintended consequences of taking something that somebody else requires”.
Minister for Business Heather Humphreys said there was no need to stockpile because there was sufficient stocks in place. However, panic buying would “cause a problem” in the supply chain that currently did not exist.
On Thursday morning, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the measures being announced would remain in place until March 29th and would be kept under review.
NEW MEASURES
* Schools, colleges and childcare facilities to close
* Cultural institutions to close
* Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people should be cancelled
* Outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled
* Public transport will continue to operate
* People should continue to go to work, but those who can work from home should do so
* Shops, cafes and restaurants to stay open
* Measures begin at 6pm this evening and last until March 29th
* Public transport will continue to operate.
“I know that some of this is coming as a real shock and it is going involve big changes in the way we live our lives. I know that I am asking people to make enormous sacrifices. We’re doing it for each other,” Mr Varadkar said, speaking in Washington DC.
“Together, we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back. Acting together, as one nation, we can save many lives. Our economy will suffer. It will bounce back.”
Northern Ireland
The Northern Executive has decided against following the lead of the Irish Government and is not ordering the closure of schools and universities in an attempt to limit the impact of the coronavirus.
The North’s First Minister Arlene Foster also complained on Thursday evening that the Northern Executive was not informed in advance of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s decision in Washington to announce a number of actions to address the Covid-19 emergency.
Ms Foster said it was “disappointing” that the Executive was not apprised in advance of the Government’s decision. She said the Executive had “no prior knowledge” of Mr Varadkar’s announcement.
British prime minister Boris Johnson ramped up the UK’s efforts to combat coronavirus on Thursday, moving the government to the “delay” phase and telling British people with even mild symptoms to stay at home for seven days.
However, he said he would not follow the example of Ireland and Italy and close schools to limit the spread of the disease. “We are not closing schools now, the scientific advice is this could do more harm than good.” But he said that the advice would be under review.
Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said he currently expected the UK would reach the peak of its coronavirus outbreak in 10 to 14 weeks’ time. “If you move too early, people get fatigued,” he said, referring to the UK government’s response. “This is a long haul.”
While sporting and cultural events in Ireland have been cancelled, the Cheltenham racing festival continued on Thursday.
Death toll
Italy, the centre of Europe’s coronavirus pandemic, has hit the milestone of 1,000 deaths since it saw its first cases in mid-February. The country’s positive cases continued their upward trend on Thursday, registering 15,113 confirmed cases and the death toll hit 1,016.
As concern mounts over the impact on the Irish public health system, doctors gave their first public warning on Thursday night of the possible impact on treatment decisions for those requiring intensive care.
Intensive care professionals issued a statement, saying: “We expect that there will be significant challenges in the coming weeks in terms of demand for our services.
“We aim to provide care of an appropriate nature to our patients as always, but we do expect that we will have to make triage decisions, which will be challenging. At all times, we will communicate with the patient and their families.
“Intensive care will need to be directed to those patients who are most likely to benefit, and in this instance, to save the most lives. Although we frequently change the direction of care from intensive care to palliative care, we never stop caring for patients especially at the end of life.”
The statement was issued on behalf of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland (ICSI), Joint Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine of Ireland (JFICMI) and the Irish Association of Critical Care Nursing (IACCN) which represents healthcare professionals who provide critical care in Ireland.
Also on Thursday, the Government issued new guidance on civil and public service working arrangements.
It says staff redeployment across the civil and public services could be required to ensure the maintenance of essential services, which is prioritised in the new advice.
It also calls for the reassignment of staff within organisations to prioritise the most critical services. And it says employers should consider extending and staggering opening hours, as well as the introduction of flexible working.
Kevin Callinan, general secretary of the Fórsa trade union, called on State departments to maintain discussions with the union and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to manage the situation appropriately.
Speaking after Mr Varadkar’s announcement, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said thousands of lives can be saved through a collective national response to the measures.
Mr Coveney said the measures being introduced were unprecedented in their scale and effect across society.
“Never before has such drastic action been taken in face of a public health threat,” he told a press briefing in Government Buildings.
This was not being taken lightly but was based on the advice of the best public health experts, Mr Coveney said.
“The irony is that in order to pull together we are asking people to stay apart. The closures proposed will disrupt the everyday connectivity that makes us who we are,” he said.
The Government is to publish the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team shortly and individual Ministers are to hold briefings on the impact of the measures in their respective areas. A special Cabinet meeting is to take place on Thursday evening.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the measures were taken in the light of a significant increase in the number of cases, a number of ICU hospitalisation, one death, some clusters of cases, cases in hospital settings and evidence of community transmission.
However, the outbreak here was still at an early stage, he said.
He urged employers to stagger work times and break times. Restrictions are to be imposed for visitors to hospital, nursing homes and prisons, and spacing measures will be introduced in homeless shelters.
The limits on mass gatherings are “clear recommendations”, he said.
The first death from the disease occurred on Wednesday at Naas General Hospital. The patient, an elderly woman, had an underlying condition that was terminal.
As of Wednesday evening, there were 43 confirmed cases in the Republic and 18 in Northern Ireland.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) for the first time on Wednesday labelled the coronavirus a pandemic, adding Italy and Iran were on the front line of the disease and other countries would soon join them.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Protest outside Dublin social housing construction site has ended, court told

A protest which had halted work on a social housing scheme in West Dublin has ended , the High Court has heard .
K & J Townmore Construction Ltd , which has been contracted by Cluid Housing Association to build 65 social houses and apartments at Ladyswell Road , Mulhuddart , Dublin 15 , had brought proceedings against protesters it claimed had been unlawfully blockading the site since mid-January .
On Thursday afternoon , when the case returned before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds , she was told the protest , which had prevented Townmore ’ s workers and subcontractors from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended .
Gary McCarthy SC , for Townmore , said the proceedings , which had been taken against Ms Alice Woods as she was the only identified protester , had been resolved following discussions .
Counsel said Ms Woods was consenting to the making of orders prohibiting her and any other person with knowledge of the making of the order restraining the protesters from trespassing at or interfering with the access to the site .
Lawyers for Ms Woods said their client was consenting to the orders sought by Townmore but did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protesters ’ ringleader .
The action was taken when protesters , who had claimed they want some of the new houses allocated to “ local ” and “ Irish ” people , began to physically obstruct and stand in front of vehicles trying to enter or leave the site .
The protesters used placards stating “ Local houses for local people “ More social housing for the Irish ” and “ Make the social housing list fair , ” , Townmore , represented by Mr McCarthy and solicitor Tom Casey claimed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ability to comply with its contractual obligations to complete the works on time , and damaged its reputation , it claimed .
The firm also claimed the dispute was between Cluid and the residents and it was “ caught in the middle ” .
The company further claimed the protests have resulted in costs over €1.5m .
It sought injunctions against the protesters when talks between those involved in the action and Cluid failed to resolve matters .
Ms Justice Reynolds welcomed the news the protest had ended and that Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said the court “ would take a very serious view ” if the orders were breached and the matter had to return before the court .
The judge expressed serious concern over the participation of school children , during school hours , in the protests .
She also said “ serious health and safety issues ” had been raised arising from the protesters having prevented heavy vehicles from accessing the site .

A protest which had halted work on a social housing scheme in West Dublin has ended, the High Court has heard.
K&J Townmore Construction Ltd, which has been contracted by Cluid Housing Association to build 65 social houses and apartments at Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, had brought proceedings against protesters it claimed had been unlawfully blockading the site since mid-January.
On Thursday afternoon, when the case returned before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, she was told the protest, which had prevented Townmore’s workers and subcontractors from accessing or leaving the site, had ended.
Gary McCarthy SC, for Townmore, said the proceedings, which had been taken against Ms Alice Woods as she was the only identified protester, had been resolved following discussions. Counsel said Ms Woods was consenting to the making of orders prohibiting her and any other person with knowledge of the making of the order restraining the protesters from trespassing at or interfering with the access to the site.
READ MORE
Lawyers for Ms Woods said their client was consenting to the orders sought by Townmore but did not accept Townmore’s claim she was the protesters’ ringleader.
The action was taken when protesters, who had claimed they want some of the new houses allocated to “local” and “Irish” people, began to physically obstruct and stand in front of vehicles trying to enter or leave the site. The protesters used placards stating “Local houses for local people “More social housing for the Irish” and “Make the social housing list fair,”, Townmore, represented by Mr McCarthy and solicitor Tom Casey claimed.
This action had impacted on the firm’s ability to comply with its contractual obligations to complete the works on time, and damaged its reputation, it claimed. The firm also claimed the dispute was between Cluid and the residents and it was “caught in the middle”.
The company further claimed the protests have resulted in costs over €1.5m. It sought injunctions against the protesters when talks between those involved in the action and Cluid failed to resolve matters.
Ms Justice Reynolds welcomed the news the protest had ended and that Ms Woods was consenting to the orders. She said the court “would take a very serious view” if the orders were breached and the matter had to return before the court.
The judge expressed serious concern over the participation of school children, during school hours, in the protests. She also said “serious health and safety issues” had been raised arising from the protesters having prevented heavy vehicles from accessing the site.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Homeless couple win case over council’s failure over housing application decision

A vulnerable homeless couple with significant health problems have won their High Court action against South Dublin County Council aimed at compelling it to decide their application for social housing support made more than a year ago .
Mr Justice Michael McGrath found the council breached its obligations under the applicable law in not dealing with the couple ’ s January 14th , 2019 , application within the specified 12-week period .
The appropriate relief is to grant a declaration in favour of the couple and he will hear submissions about the precise wording of that on a later date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged in their 60s from Romania , are illiterate , do not speak English and have not worked here since they came in 2006 .
Both have suffered cancer conditions in the past and have a range of ongoing health issues .
They were assisted by the Free Legal Advice Centres in applying to the council for housing supports after they became homeless in 2018 .
A notice of termination issued for their private rented accommodation , where they had lived from 2011 with their extended family , after the house was possessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency accommodation on a night to night basis but left after three nights because of regularly being subject to anti-social behaviour .
They also found it unsuitable to their needs , particularly their health needs , and went to stay with a relative in cramped conditions where they sleep on a couch .
Represented by Siobhán Phelan , with Lewis J. Mooney BL , instructed by Flac , they initiated proceedings in July 2019 seeking orders compelling the council to decide their January 2019 application for housing supports .
Ms Phelan disputed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any relevance to their application , noting they are EU nationals in receipt of disability benefit .
The council maintained it could not deal with the January 2019 application because it had decided in January 2018 , and so informed the couple , it could not fully assess an earlier housing application by them “ at this time ” until they had shown evidence of 52 weeks ’ employment here .
In his judgment on Thursday , Mr Justice McGrath said the issue at the heart of the debate was whether the January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the purposes of the statutory regime .
Regulation 12.1 of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 provides , subject to proper completion of the application form and the provisions of 12.2 , the housing authority “ shall ” deal with the application within 12 weeks and either accept or refuse it , he said .
He rejected the council ’ s arguments this challenge involved a “ collateral attack ” on the council ’ s decision of January 2018 on their earlier application .
That January 2018 decision was to seek further information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defer a decision ” until the couple ’ s circumstances changed or the criteria in a 2012 Department of Housing Circular concerning social housing supports for non-Irish nationals were re-assessed .
There was nothing in the Housing Act 2009 or the 2011 regulations that precluded consideration of a fresh application , particularly where circumstances have changed , he said .
He was satisfied the regulations provide for assessment of housing need of persons at a particular time in their lives .
In this case , there was a stated change in circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were living in rented accommodation while in 2019 they were described as homeless and their health situation had also changed .
Therefore , the January 2019 application had to be addressed by the council in accordance with its statutory obligations to make a determination , he held .
The primary purpose and intent of the 2009 Act under which the 2011 regulations were made is to ensure an assessment is carried out and a determination is made whether a household qualifies for support .
To leave the period of assessment “ open indefinitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this purpose ” .
He was satisfied the council failed to comply with its obligation to deal with the January 8th , 2019 application within the specified 12 weeks .

A vulnerable homeless couple with significant health problems have won their High Court action against South Dublin County Council aimed at compelling it to decide their application for social housing support made more than a year ago.
Mr Justice Michael McGrath found the council breached its obligations under the applicable law in not dealing with the couple’s January 14th, 2019, application within the specified 12-week period. The appropriate relief is to grant a declaration in favour of the couple and he will hear submissions about the precise wording of that on a later date, he said.
The couple, aged in their 60s from Romania, are illiterate, do not speak English and have not worked here since they came in 2006. Both have suffered cancer conditions in the past and have a range of ongoing health issues. They were assisted by the Free Legal Advice Centres in applying to the council for housing supports after they became homeless in 2018.
A notice of termination issued for their private rented accommodation, where they had lived from 2011 with their extended family, after the house was possessed by a bank.
READ MORE
They were offered emergency accommodation on a night to night basis but left after three nights because of regularly being subject to anti-social behaviour. They also found it unsuitable to their needs, particularly their health needs, and went to stay with a relative in cramped conditions where they sleep on a couch. Represented by Siobhán Phelan, with Lewis J. Mooney BL, instructed by Flac, they initiated proceedings in July 2019 seeking orders compelling the council to decide their January 2019 application for housing supports.
Ms Phelan disputed that the couple’s work record had any relevance to their application, noting they are EU nationals in receipt of disability benefit. The council maintained it could not deal with the January 2019 application because it had decided in January 2018, and so informed the couple, it could not fully assess an earlier housing application by them “at this time” until they had shown evidence of 52 weeks’ employment here.
In his judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice McGrath said the issue at the heart of the debate was whether the January 2019 application was a valid application for the purposes of the statutory regime. Regulation 12.1 of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 provides, subject to proper completion of the application form and the provisions of 12.2, the housing authority “shall” deal with the application within 12 weeks and either accept or refuse it, he said.
He rejected the council’s arguments this challenge involved a “collateral attack” on the council’s decision of January 2018 on their earlier application. That January 2018 decision was to seek further information and it amounted to a decision “to defer a decision” until the couple’s circumstances changed or the criteria in a 2012 Department of Housing Circular concerning social housing supports for non-Irish nationals were re-assessed.
There was nothing in the Housing Act 2009 or the 2011 regulations that precluded consideration of a fresh application, particularly where circumstances have changed, he said.
He was satisfied the regulations provide for assessment of housing need of persons at a particular time in their lives. In this case, there was a stated change in circumstances because, in 2017, the applicants were living in rented accommodation while in 2019 they were described as homeless and their health situation had also changed.
Therefore, the January 2019 application had to be addressed by the council in accordance with its statutory obligations to make a determination, he held. The primary purpose and intent of the 2009 Act under which the 2011 regulations were made is to ensure an assessment is carried out and a determination is made whether a household qualifies for support. To leave the period of assessment “open indefinitely” would appear “to run contrary to this purpose”.
He was satisfied the council failed to comply with its obligation to deal with the January 8th, 2019 application within the specified 12 weeks.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Q&A: How will school closures impact on pupils, parents and exams?

What is happening with school closures ?
All schools , pre-schools and further and higher education settings will shut from Thursday evening until at least March 29th to support efforts to contain the coronavirus threat .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said this move was in line with the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team .
The Government , in conjunction with the public health authorities , will keep the situation under ongoing review .
Any change to that date will be communicated widely .
Will this impact on the Junior and Leaving Cert ?
Yes .
The Leaving Cert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are set to be postponed .
They were scheduled to begin in all second-level schools when they resume on Monday , March 23rd , and to run until Friday , April 3rd .
However , schools are not due to reopen until March 29th at the earliest .
These tests comprise the Leaving Cert oral tests in Irish , French , German , Spanish , Italian , Russian and Japanese , along with performance tests in Leaving Cert and Junior Cert music .
Practical tests in junior-cycle home economics are also due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McHugh said contingency arrangements were being worked out and new dates will be organised as soon as possible .
What will happen with exams at third level ?
This is a decision for individual higher education institutions and most are drawing up alternative arrangements .
UCD , for example , has told students that in most cases ( except for a small number of clinical programmes ) all assessment , including final exams , will take place “ at distance ” .
DCU also says its May exams for most students will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the case of final year undergraduate students and postgraduate taught students , it says priority is being given to developing specific arrangements for these examinations and assessments .
Will my children have homework for the duration of the shutdown ?
In order to minimise the impact on teaching and learning , all schools have been asked to continue to plan lessons and , where possible , provide online resources for students or online lessons where schools are equipped to do so .
Most primary schools have given children homework packs for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools are putting assignments and other work online .
Pupils were also advised to take their books and learning materials home with them on Thursday .
Will other extra-curricular school events be cancelled for the duration ?
In most cases , yes .
Holy Communions and Confirmations have been cancelled until further notice .
The official advice is that all pupils and students , from pre-school to third level , are urged to practise social distancing , and to minimise physical contact with each other , to help avoid the spread of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , avoiding meeting up and keeping physical space between them .
Parents and guardians are urged to support their children to maintain this approach .
Is there a chance closures will extend beyond March 29th ?
The Government , in conjunction with the public health authorities , will keep the situation under ongoing review .
Any change to that date will be communicated widely .
Schools are due to take a two-week Easter break beginning on April 6th to April 17th , which may influence decisions on further closures .
Trinity ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and students that it would be wise to allow for the possibility of a longer closure .
Will there be online classes in schools or higher education facilities ?
This depends on individual schools and education institutions .
Some third-level institutions such as Trinity and UCD have moved their physical lectures to online classes ; many other colleges are doing the same .
At second level , most schools will not teach classes online but have online learning platforms such as Office 365 or Schoology , where teachers can set assignments for @ @

Schools are being asked to prioritise supporting exam classes to continue to prepare for State examinations.
What is happening with school closures?
All schools, pre-schools and further and higher education settings will shut from Thursday evening until at least March 29th to support efforts to contain the coronavirus threat.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said this move was in line with the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team.
The Government, in conjunction with the public health authorities, will keep the situation under ongoing review. Any change to that date will be communicated widely.
Will this impact on the Junior and Leaving Cert?
Yes. The Leaving Cert and Junior Cert oral and practical examinations are set to be postponed.
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They were scheduled to begin in all second-level schools when they resume on Monday, March 23rd, and to run until Friday, April 3rd.
However, schools are not due to reopen until March 29th at the earliest.
These tests comprise the Leaving Cert oral tests in Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese, along with performance tests in Leaving Cert and Junior Cert music. Practical tests in junior-cycle home economics are also due to take place.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh said contingency arrangements were being worked out and new dates will be organised as soon as possible.
What will happen with exams at third level?
This is a decision for individual higher education institutions and most are drawing up alternative arrangements.
UCD, for example, has told students that in most cases (except for a small number of clinical programmes) all assessment, including final exams, will take place “at distance”.
DCU also says its May exams for most students will be replaced with “alternative assessments”. In the case of final year undergraduate students and postgraduate taught students, it says priority is being given to developing specific arrangements for these examinations and assessments.
Other higher education institutions are taking similar measures.
Will my children have homework for the duration of the shutdown?
In order to minimise the impact on teaching and learning, all schools have been asked to continue to plan lessons and, where possible, provide online resources for students or online lessons where schools are equipped to do so.
Most primary schools have given children homework packs for the next two weeks, while many secondary schools are putting assignments and other work online. Pupils were also advised to take their books and learning materials home with them on Thursday.
Will other extra-curricular school events be cancelled for the duration?
In most cases, yes. Holy Communions and Confirmations have been cancelled until further notice. The official advice is that all pupils and students, from pre-school to third level, are urged to practise social distancing, and to minimise physical contact with each other, to help avoid the spread of Covid-19.
This should include minimising social contact, avoiding meeting up and keeping physical space between them. Parents and guardians are urged to support their children to maintain this approach.
Is there a chance closures will extend beyond March 29th?
The Government, in conjunction with the public health authorities, will keep the situation under ongoing review. Any change to that date will be communicated widely.
Schools are due to take a two-week Easter break beginning on April 6th to April 17th, which may influence decisions on further closures.
Trinity’s provost, for example, has told staff and students that it would be wise to allow for the possibility of a longer closure.
Will there be online classes in schools or higher education facilities?
This depends on individual schools and education institutions. Some third-level institutions such as Trinity and UCD have moved their physical lectures to online classes; many other colleges are doing the same. At second level, most schools will not teach classes online but have online learning platforms such as Office 365 or Schoology, where teachers can set assignments for pupils.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Government should impose price caps on sanitiser and masks, says Paul Murphy

Paul Murphy TD has called on the Government to impose price controls on hand sanitiser and face masks after a number of people reported price increases on the products .
The wholesale cost of the two items have soared by up to 500 per cent in some cases , as people stock up in an attempt to deal with coronavirus , creating supply shortages .
Mr Murphy said it would be “ very simple ” for Government to fix this “ disgusting price gouging ” .
“ Some of the extreme examples are the case of a packet of face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of those small , 30ml bottles of hand sanitiser going for a tenner .
I think people are rightly outraged at the disgusting exploitation of people ’ s fears for themselves and their families , ” he said .
“ There is a very simple mechanism whereby the Government can follow the example of the French government and introduce price controls .
They can do it under the Consumer Protection Act 2007 .
They can do it by ministerial order , they don ’ t even have to go into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stroke of the pen , they can do it and prevent this kind of thing from happening.
” Mr Murphy said this behaviour is providing an opportunity to make a “ broader point ” that “ public health should come before private profits ” .
“ I think an individual taking all the hand sanitiser or face masks because they can afford it isn ’ t any good , ” he said .
“ If we are going to slow down the spread , which affects all of us , then we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible have access to these things so there are less people carrying the virus.
” The Solidarity-People Before Profit TD added that “ as well as price caps ” , there needs to be assurances that these products will be “ readily available ” for those that need it .
“ A big thing is the Government needs to step in to make sure that those who are on the front line who needs facemasks , because apparently there ’ s a shortage , that they have them.
” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As well as the price controls , we need to make sure it is widely available for free in public places , whether on the streets at public transport stops any workplaces that remain open.
” He added that it ’ s “ clear ” that soap and water is the best thing to use but sometimes it is “ not practical ” for people , and that hand sanitiser was needed to bridge this gap .

Paul Murphy TD has called on the Government to impose price controls on hand sanitiser and face masks after a number of people reported price increases on the products.
The wholesale cost of the two items have soared by up to 500 per cent in some cases, as people stock up in an attempt to deal with coronavirus, creating supply shortages.
Mr Murphy said it would be “very simple” for Government to fix this “disgusting price gouging”.
“Some of the extreme examples are the case of a packet of face masks going for €150. Another one is one of those small, 30ml bottles of hand sanitiser going for a tenner. I think people are rightly outraged at the disgusting exploitation of people’s fears for themselves and their families,” he said.
READ MORE
“There is a very simple mechanism whereby the Government can follow the example of the French government and introduce price controls. They can do it under the Consumer Protection Act 2007. They can do it by ministerial order, they don’t even have to go into the Dáil.”
He added: “With a stroke of the pen, they can do it and prevent this kind of thing from happening.”
Broader point
Mr Murphy said this behaviour is providing an opportunity to make a “broader point” that “public health should come before private profits”.
“I think an individual taking all the hand sanitiser or face masks because they can afford it isn’t any good,” he said.
“If we are going to slow down the spread, which affects all of us, then we need to ensure as many people as possible have access to these things so there are less people carrying the virus.”
The Solidarity-People Before Profit TD added that “as well as price caps”, there needs to be assurances that these products will be “readily available” for those that need it.
“A big thing is the Government needs to step in to make sure that those who are on the front line who needs facemasks, because apparently there’s a shortage, that they have them.” he said.
“Similarly, in terms of hand sanitiser. As well as the price controls, we need to make sure it is widely available for free in public places, whether on the streets at public transport stops any workplaces that remain open.”
He added that it’s “clear” that soap and water is the best thing to use but sometimes it is “not practical” for people, and that hand sanitiser was needed to bridge this gap.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Text of letter from public health team advising Government to act

The National Public Health Emergency Team met on Wednesday night to review latest evidence of the spread of Covid-19 and made a recommendation that Ireland move to a new phase - the delay phase - in trying to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Their advice on next steps was sent by letter to Minister for Health Simon Harris earlier today ( Thursday March 12th ) .
This is what the letter said : Following the press briefing of 11th March which set out the need for enhancements to Ireland ’ s containment phase , the National Public Health Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last night to discuss further notifications of Covid-19 by the National Virus Reference Laboratory .
The NPHET now recommends that Ireland moves to a delay phase .
In making this recommendation the NPHET noted that Ireland has now seen : ( i ) a significant increase in recent days in the number of cases detected ( iv ) a number of clusters of infection including in two hospital settings and ( v ) reports of community transmission in a number of individual cases .
The NPHET also took into account the advice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control published yesterday , 11th March that : ( i ) the detection of Covid-19 cases and/or deaths outside of known chains of transmission is a strong signal that social distancing measures should be considered and ( ii ) the early , decisive , rapid , coordinated and comprehensive implementation of closures and quarantines is likely to be more effective in slowing the spread of the virus than a delayed implementation .
The NPHET now recommends the following measures to attenuate the spread of symptoms of Covid-19 : 1 .
Individuals who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 days .
2 .
Individuals should reduce discretionary social contacts as much as possible .
3 .
Elderly and/or medically vulnerable people should reduce as much as possible contacts outside home .
4 .
There should be no mass gatherings : ( a ) involving more than 100 people if located indoors , ( b ) involving more than 500 people if located outdoors .
6 .
Closure to students of schools , crèches , other childcare facilities and higher education institutions .
7 .
Reduction of workplace contacts , and implementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible and not to travel for meetings .
Work time and break times should be staggered , where possible .
8 .
Restriction of visiting at hospitals , long term care settings , mental health facilities , prisons , and spacing measures in homeless shelters .
The NPHET further recommends that these measures should be introduced from Friday 13 March until Sunday 29 March 2020 .
The NPHET will keep the impact of these measures under review .
The NPHET agreed that it is critically important that the health sector should greatly strengthen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health actions in addition to the range of measures approved by the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 last Monday 9 March .
The NPHET will continue to advise on necessary actions and in particular , will give further consideration to travel and related measures at its meeting this evening .

A woman wears a surgical mask on Dublin’s Grafton Street area on Thursday as measures were announced in a bid to curtail the spread of coronavirus. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images
The National Public Health Emergency Team met on Wednesday night to review latest evidence of the spread of Covid-19 and made a recommendation that Ireland move to a new phase - the delay phase - in trying to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Their advice on next steps was sent by letter to Minister for Health Simon Harris earlier today (Thursday March 12th). This is what the letter said:
Dear Minister
Following the press briefing of 11th March which set out the need for enhancements to Ireland’s containment phase, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) met at 9pm last night to discuss further notifications of Covid-19 by the National Virus Reference Laboratory.
READ MORE
The NPHET now recommends that Ireland moves to a delay phase.
In making this recommendation the NPHET noted that Ireland has now seen:
(i) a significant increase in recent days in the number of cases detected
(ii) a number of ICU hospitalisations
(iii) a death
(iv) a number of clusters of infection including in two hospital settings and
(v) reports of community transmission in a number of individual cases.
The NPHET also took into account the advice of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control published yesterday, 11th March that:
(i) the detection of Covid-19 cases and/or deaths outside of known chains of transmission is a strong signal that social distancing measures should be considered and
(ii) the early, decisive, rapid, coordinated and comprehensive implementation of closures and quarantines is likely to be more effective in slowing the spread of the virus than a delayed implementation.
The NPHET now recommends the following measures to attenuate the spread of symptoms of Covid-19:
1. Individuals who have symptoms should self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
2. Individuals should reduce discretionary social contacts as much as possible .
3. Elderly and/or medically vulnerable people should reduce as much as possible contacts outside home.
4. There should be no mass gatherings:
(a) involving more than 100 people if located indoors,
(b) involving more than 500 people if located outdoors.
5. Closure of museums, galleries and tourism sites.
6. Closure to students of schools, crèches, other childcare facilities and higher education institutions.
7. Reduction of workplace contacts, and implementation of remote working practices and teleconferencing where possible and not to travel for meetings. Work time and break times should be staggered, where possible.
8. Restriction of visiting at hospitals, long term care settings, mental health facilities, prisons, and spacing measures in homeless shelters.
The NPHET further recommends that these measures should be introduced from Friday 13 March until Sunday 29 March 2020. The NPHET will keep the impact of these measures under review.
The NPHET agreed that it is critically important that the health sector should greatly strengthen contact tracing, surveillance and necessary public health actions in addition to the range of measures approved by the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 last Monday 9 March.
The NPHET will continue to advise on necessary actions and in particular, will give further consideration to travel and related measures at its meeting this evening.
Yours sincerely
Dr Tony Holohan
Chief Medical Officer
Chair of NPHET