theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Pub closures: ‘We’ve lost the best months of the year’

Tom Sweeney , whose family has run Mary Anne ’ s Bar in Masseytown , Macroom , since shortly after the Famine , considered permanently closing his doors after the Covid-19 lockdown “ I wasn ’ t going to open anymore but the word went out and the locals were on to me .
I said ‘ Okay I will go again .
I feel sorry for all my regulars .
I know them all by name .
By nickname even , ” said Sweeney .
Deeply disappointed by the decision to delay reopening public , he said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my clientele are the older generation .
They are in seven nights a week and nearly have their own stools in the pub .
“ I don ’ t know how the older lads pass away the day now .
You could normally time them coming in the door , ” says Sweeney , who had up to 40 customers in his bar during busy times before the pandemic struck .
Social distancing rules will put “ huge pressure ” on them “ as it ’ s a small pub ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my Heineken order this morning .
The girl said that the phone isn ’ t stopping with people cancelling orders.
” For fellow Macroom publican Denis Dineen , the postponement is “ like a knife in the heart ” , since he had restocked the bar and like others in the trade has to continue paying insurance , utilities and accountancy bills .
Closure has meant a loss of work for himself , his son , daughter and two part-timers .
Serving food was a non-runner for him , since the pub does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am down a fortune since the closure .
I was expecting to be closed for four weeks.
” Every pub should have been allowed to open together : “ People have flouted it .
I heard of lads going in to Cork and drinking for the night and being told “ Give me a tenner ( for food ) and they went across the way and got them a pizza.
” In Crosshaven , JP English , owner of the Oar Bar and a trained chef , was able to put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend for the first time since March , but he will not be opening during the week .
“ Ninety per cent of my customers I would know very well .
I have been through births and deaths with them .
I have driven them home .
I have walked them home .
We look out for each other .
That is the Irish pub.
” In Kilkenny , Arthur Drohan , who runs Andrew Ryan ’ s pub just off the High Street , on Friary Street , had been looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he always had doubts that it would go ahead .
“ We were measuring up for various contingencies and things , but because we didn ’ t have any clear guidelines other than the ones that were given out on June 29th for the restaurants , we were cautious about doing anything we might have to backtrack on .
“ That ’ s the main problem – the information wasn ’ t there , ” said Drohan , whose pub remains largely similar to how it looked on March 15th when it closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held off on making wholesale changes .
“ I think the main thing , for me , is I don ’ t mind not opening if it is in the interests of public safety .
I think that ’ s a good thing , and I would rather stay closed if it wasn ’ t safe .
For customers , staff and anyone .
“ But why is it deemed safe for a pub serving food to be open under the same guidelines ?
” he asks , “ I have no problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open .
That ’ s it .
But how can you have a two-tiered system ?
” For the likes of Drohan and other pubs in Kilkenny , the impact of Covid-19 will be felt for a long time .
If the pubs do reopen on August 10th , then it will be almost five months to the day when the decision was made to close .
“ We ’ ve lost the best months of the year – the tourist season , the festivals .
Your turnover is probably down 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to now .
The leaner months would be November , October , January , February , ” he says .
However , the next deadline can not be handled in the same way , he says , arguing that two weeks ’ notice must be given : “ If we have to put tables elsewhere , put in shelves , put up screens , fine .
But what do they want ?
You are in the dark .
”

Denis Dineen and son Dylan in Dineen’s in Macroom: “I am down a fortune since the closure. I was expecting to be closed for four weeks.” Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
Tom Sweeney, whose family has run Mary Anne's Bar in Masseytown, Macroom, since shortly after the Famine, considered permanently closing his doors after the Covid-19 lockdown
“I wasn’t going to open anymore but the word went out and the locals were on to me. I said ‘Okay I will go again. I feel sorry for all my regulars. I know them all by name. By nickname even,” said Sweeney.
Deeply disappointed by the decision to delay reopening public, he said: “People miss the chats. A lot of my clientele are the older generation. They are in seven nights a week and nearly have their own stools in the pub.
“I don’t know how the older lads pass away the day now. You could normally time them coming in the door,” says Sweeney, who had up to 40 customers in his bar during busy times before the pandemic struck.
READ MORE
Social distancing rules will put "huge pressure" on them "as it's a small pub", he went on. "I cancelled my Heineken order this morning. The girl said that the phone isn't stopping with people cancelling orders."
For fellow Macroom publican Denis Dineen, the postponement is "like a knife in the heart", since he had restocked the bar and like others in the trade has to continue paying insurance, utilities and accountancy bills.
‘Down a fortune’
Closure has meant a loss of work for himself, his son, daughter and two part-timers. Serving food was a non-runner for him, since the pub does not have a working kitchen. “I am down a fortune since the closure. I was expecting to be closed for four weeks.”
Every pub should have been allowed to open together: “People have flouted it. I heard of lads going in to Cork and drinking for the night and being told “Give me a tenner (for food) and they went across the way and got them a pizza.”
In Crosshaven, JP English, owner of the Oar Bar and a trained chef, was able to put on a bar menu so he could open this weekend for the first time since March, but he will not be opening during the week.
“Ninety per cent of my customers I would know very well. I have been through births and deaths with them. I have driven them home. I have walked them home. We look out for each other. That is the Irish pub.”
Arthur Drohan, owner of Andrew Ryan’s pub in Kilkenny: “Because we didn’t have any clear guidelines . . . we were cautious about doing anything we might have to backtrack on.”
In Kilkenny, Arthur Drohan, who runs Andrew Ryan's pub just off the High Street, on Friary Street, had been looking forward to reopening on Monday, though he always had doubts that it would go ahead.
“We were measuring up for various contingencies and things, but because we didn’t have any clear guidelines other than the ones that were given out on June 29th for the restaurants, we were cautious about doing anything we might have to backtrack on.
No clear guidance
“That’s the main problem – the information wasn’t there,” said Drohan, whose pub remains largely similar to how it looked on March 15th when it closed. Without clear guidance, he has held off on making wholesale changes.
“I think the main thing, for me, is I don’t mind not opening if it is in the interests of public safety. I think that’s a good thing, and I would rather stay closed if it wasn’t safe. For customers, staff and anyone.
“But why is it deemed safe for a pub serving food to be open under the same guidelines?” he asks, “I have no problem with those venues because they are entitled to open. That’s it. But how can you have a two-tiered system?”
For the likes of Drohan and other pubs in Kilkenny, the impact of Covid-19 will be felt for a long time. If the pubs do reopen on August 10th, then it will be almost five months to the day when the decision was made to close.
“We’ve lost the best months of the year – the tourist season, the festivals. Your turnover is probably down 50 per cent of the whole year up to now. The leaner months would be November, October, January, February,” he says.
However, the next deadline cannot be handled in the same way, he says, arguing that two weeks’ notice must be given: “If we have to put tables elsewhere, put in shelves, put up screens, fine. But what do they want? You are in the dark.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Leaving Cert students and colleges express anger at delay in issuing results

Students and third-level colleges have expressed anger and frustration over delays to issuing this year ’ s Leaving Cert results .
More than 60,000 Leaving Cert students will this year receive their grades several weeks later than normal on September 7th , the Department of Education has said .
CAO offers for college places will be issued four days later on September 11th , which means many students may not start their third-level courses until October .
Third-level colleges have privately expressed alarm at the later than anticipated starting times for students , which , they say , will pose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Students took to social media to criticise the delay , which , they said , will add to uncertainty and anxiety , along with difficulties securing accommodation , given that first years will start college later than other students .
The length of time it is taking to issue the grades is understood to be linked to the challenge of accurately applying the new system of predicted grades for more than 450,000 individual grades .
In a statement , Minister for Education Norma Foley said her department has been committed to issuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the usual mid-August timeframe .
“ I know that many students will be anxious while awaiting their results .
I want to assure them that the people working on this are taking every precaution to ensure fairness so that students can receive the grades that reflect their work , ” she said .
“ This standardisation process at national level is essential for fairness and equity .
It is really important to me that we deliver these calculated grades to the highest possible standards , and that the outcomes are fair to students.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to be checked and reviewed using different demographic characteristics – including gender and socio-economic status – to ensure they are as fair and equitable as possible .
“ I want to make sure that this work is done rigorously – so that the results of Leaving Certificate 2020 are of the same high quality and reliability as the results in any other year , ” she said .
The announcement drew criticism from Sinn Féin ’ s education spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire , who said students have been left “ high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet another example of a department stumbling from crisis to crisis .
This is a hugely disappointing turn of events for students and it adds to the uncertainty , stress and anxiety they have had to face during the Covid-19 pandemic , ” he said .
“ Not only that , it raises serious questions about how the new third-level year will work and when it will commence.
” The Department of Education said the student portal for Leaving Cert candidates will reopen on Monday , July 20th , to allow students to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in September .
It has said each student will receive a text message alerting them to this and urged recipients to respond and opt in online .
A number of other education systems have also used predicted grades for their students this year due to challenges organising exams amid the Covid-19 pandemic , including the A-Levels in the UK and the International Baccalaureate .
However , some of these arrangements have already sparked controversy .
Results for more than 170,000 students who took the International Baccalaureate diploma programme were released last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average score for the students undertaking the diploma programme worldwide .
However , school leaders criticised what they said was a lack of transparency over the grading process , while some teachers and students expressed shock at significantly lower-than-expected results .
Hundreds of students took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration over their grades on social media , with many using the hashtag # IBscandal .
The Irish higher education system , meanwhile , is understood to be seeking tailored public health guidelines for the sector .
One option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2m in lecture halls could be reduced to 1m , if all students were required to wear face masks .
This , say sources , would allow colleges to schedule more lectures on-campus and allow students to spend less time learning remotely .
Formal guidance is likely to be published for the higher education sector next week .

This year’s Leaving Cert results will not be issued until September 7th. File photograph: The Irish Times
Students and third-level colleges have expressed anger and frustration over delays to issuing this year’s Leaving Cert results.
More than 60,000 Leaving Cert students will this year receive their grades several weeks later than normal on September 7th, the Department of Education has said.
CAO offers for college places will be issued four days later on September 11th, which means many students may not start their third-level courses until October.
Third-level colleges have privately expressed alarm at the later than anticipated starting times for students, which, they say, will pose logistical problems in running courses and exams.
READ MORE
Students took to social media to criticise the delay, which, they said, will add to uncertainty and anxiety, along with difficulties securing accommodation, given that first years will start college later than other students.
The length of time it is taking to issue the grades is understood to be linked to the challenge of accurately applying the new system of predicted grades for more than 450,000 individual grades.
‘As close as possible’
In a statement, Minister for Education Norma Foley said her department has been committed to issuing the grades as close as possible to the usual mid-August timeframe.
“I know that many students will be anxious while awaiting their results. I want to assure them that the people working on this are taking every precaution to ensure fairness so that students can receive the grades that reflect their work,” she said.
“This standardisation process at national level is essential for fairness and equity. It is really important to me that we deliver these calculated grades to the highest possible standards, and that the outcomes are fair to students.”
Ms Foley said all individual grades will have to be checked and reviewed using different demographic characteristics – including gender and socio-economic status – to ensure they are as fair and equitable as possible.
“I want to make sure that this work is done rigorously – so that the results of Leaving Certificate 2020 are of the same high quality and reliability as the results in any other year,” she said.
‘High and dry’
The announcement drew criticism from Sinn Féin’s education spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, who said students have been left “high and dry”.
“This is yet another example of a department stumbling from crisis to crisis. This is a hugely disappointing turn of events for students and it adds to the uncertainty, stress and anxiety they have had to face during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
“Not only that, it raises serious questions about how the new third-level year will work and when it will commence.”
The Department of Education said the student portal for Leaving Cert candidates will reopen on Monday, July 20th, to allow students to formally opt in to receive calculated grades in September.
It has said each student will receive a text message alerting them to this and urged recipients to respond and opt in online.
Other jurisdictions
A number of other education systems have also used predicted grades for their students this year due to challenges organising exams amid the Covid-19 pandemic, including the A-Levels in the UK and the International Baccalaureate. However, some of these arrangements have already sparked controversy.
Results for more than 170,000 students who took the International Baccalaureate diploma programme were released last week.
Overall, there was a rise in the average score for the students undertaking the diploma programme worldwide.
However, school leaders criticised what they said was a lack of transparency over the grading process, while some teachers and students expressed shock at significantly lower-than-expected results.
Hundreds of students took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration over their grades on social media, with many using the hashtag #IBscandal.
The Irish higher education system, meanwhile, is understood to be seeking tailored public health guidelines for the sector.
One option being explored is whether social distancing rules of 2m in lecture halls could be reduced to 1m, if all students were required to wear face masks.
This, say sources, would allow colleges to schedule more lectures on-campus and allow students to spend less time learning remotely. Formal guidance is likely to be published for the higher education sector next week.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Postmortem finds Noah Donohoe died from drowning

A postmortem has found that 14-year-old Noah Donohoe died as a result of drowning , it was reported on Friday .
The teenager went missing on Sunday , June 21st after he cycled from his home in south Belfast across the city to north Belfast .
After a major search involving the police and rescue services and hundreds of volunteers , his body was found on Saturday , June 27th in a storm drain in north Belfast .
His death prompted a huge upsurge of sympathy for Noah and for his family .
While travelling across the city he fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his head .
He was seen discarding his clothes and then continue to cycle naked , an action his family said was “ completely out of character ” .
This led to speculation that he may have suffered a head injury that could have been a factor in his entering a storm drain where his body eventually was found .
The Irish News reported on Friday that his postmortem found he died from drowning .
A spokeswoman for his family said the “ postmortem raises more questions than answers ” .
Andree Murphy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone with information , particularly any CCTV , to bring it forward to the PSNI , her organisation or the Belfast law firm , KRW Law .
The Irish News also reported , as sources suggested at the time of his disappearance , that Noah was on his way to Cave Hill to do some work as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards , a self-improvement programme for adolescents and young adults .
Police said there was no suggestion of foul play in relation to Noah ’ s death .

A postmortem has found that 14-year-old Noah Donohoe died as a result of drowning.
The teenager went missing on Sunday, June 21st after he cycled from his home in south Belfast across the city to north Belfast.
After a major search involving the police and rescue services and hundreds of volunteers, his body was found on Saturday, June 27th in a storm drain in north Belfast.
His death prompted a huge upsurge of sympathy for Noah and for his family.
READ MORE
While travelling across the city he fell off his bicycle and may have hit his head. He was seen discarding his clothes and then continue to cycle naked, an action his family said was “completely out of character”.
This led to speculation that he may have suffered a head injury that could have been a factor in his entering a storm drain where his body eventually was found.
Andree Murphy, from Relatives for Justice, said the post mortem found the cause of death was drowning and it also revealed that "he did not sustain a severe head injury".
She urged anyone with information, particularly any CCTV, to bring it forward to the PSNI, her organisation or the Belfast law firm, KRW Law.
PSNI Superintendent Muir Clark, who is leading the investigation into Noah’s death, said on Friday evening that police were to carry out a leaflet appeal for information from the public.
Noah is understood to have been on his way to Cave Hill to do some work as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, a self-improvement programme for adolescents and young adults.
Police said there was no suggestion of foul play in relation to his death.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Naval Service detains fishing boat off northwest coast

A German-registered fishing vessel has been detained by the Irish Naval Service off the northwest coast .
The boat was @ @ @ @ @ Butler Yeats some 250 nautical miles northwest of Malin Head .
The detention was in @ @ @ @ @ fishing regulations .
The vessel will be escorted to port , where it will be @ @ @ @ @ Síochána .
This is the seventh vessel detained by the Naval Service this year .

File photograph of the LÉ William Butler Yeats, which is escorting a German-reistered vessel to port.
A German-registered fishing vessel has been detained by the Irish Naval Service off the northwest coast.
The boat was detained by the LÉ William Butler Yeats some 250 nautical miles northwest of Malin Head.
The detention was in relation to alleged breaches of fishing regulations. The vessel will be escorted to port, where it will be handed over to An Garda Síochána.
This is the seventh vessel detained by the Naval Service this year.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Backlog of criminal trials equals half a year’s cases due to Covid-19 delays

The back-up of criminal trials in the Circuit Court due to the coronavirus crisis now equals about half the number of cases that would be heard in an average year , the Courts Service has said .
No criminal trials at Circuit Court level have started since March of this year and the first trials are not likely to begin until September at the earliest .
The Courts Service is looking at the use of non-court buildings in an effort to get a crucial element of the criminal justice system working again while still observing the social distancing rules .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ offences except for murder , rape , aggrevated sexual assault , and crimes such as treason , all of which are heard in the Central Criminal Court .
The backlog of Circuit Court criminal trials is now in the region of half of the total trials which would have gone ahead this year , a spokesman for the Courts Service told The Irish Times .
“ Approximately 400 trials are heard annually nationwide , with over a quarter of these in Dublin , ” he said .
Trials will proceed from the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the build up of cases , the spokesman said .
The Circuit Court normally breaks from end of July to early October .
“ We estimate we have 273 matters which will go to trial before Circuit Courts outside Dublin , and 155 matters which will go to trial before Dublin Circuit Court , ” the spokesman said .
“ It should be noted that these figures are estimates of how many indictments will be resolved by way of trial - either a conviction by jury or an acquittal by jury or by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
In Dublin , the Criminal Courts of Justice ( CCJ ) complex has 19 courtrooms that can accommodate 25 people or more while observing social distancing .
These courts are shared by the Court of Appeal , the High Court , the Central Criminal Court , the Special Criminal Court , the Circuit Court , and the District Court .
Four courtrooms are available for criminal trials at Central Criminal and Circuit court level .
The main “ pinch points ” that have been identified by the Courts Service , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empanelling a jury has ( up to now ) involved bringing large numbers into the courts building ; the need to accomodate at least 25 people in a room - given that a judge , registrar , accused , victim , witness , jury , jury minder , six lawyers , a Garda and a representative of the media all need to be in attendance ; and the need to provide a deliberation room for the 12-member jury .
No jury room in the CCJ complex can accommodate twelve jurors while observing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be needed to be used for the juriors to meet and deliberate , ” the spokesman said .
New arrangement are also being looked at for the empannelling of juries .
In the District Court , which is the court that hears the vast bulk of each year ’ s civil and criminal court cases , there are currently 90,000 people waiting to have their cases heard between now and the end of the year , the spokesman said .
“ Over 90,000 defendants have either a case listed , scheduled , deferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are estimated to be charged in court before Christmas .
This does not include adjournments of these cases.
” Usually all parties involved in a case before the District Court on a particular day , are asked to turn up at 10.30 am , meaning that up to 150 people can gather for a day ’ s hearings .
The service is now implementing staggered lists to reduce the numbers gathering in court premises , and is also making use of videolinks to deal with matters , the spokesman said .
While the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where witness evidence is not an issue , are dealing with their case loads using remote hearings , the situation in the High Court is varied .
Some types of High Court cases are capable of being heard remotely , while others can be heard if special measures are put in place .
However cases that involve witnesses and more than one set of defendants , are proving particularly difficult to hear .

The backlog of criminal trials in the Circuit Court due to the coronavirus crisis now equals about half the number of cases that would be heard in an average year, the Courts Service has said.
No criminal trials have begun at Circuit Court level since March, and the first trials are not likely to begin until September at the earliest.
The Courts Service is looking at the use of non-court buildings in an effort to get a crucial element of the criminal justice system working again while still observing social-distancing rules.
The Circuit Court hears all non-minor criminal offences except for murder, rape and aggravated sexual assault, which are heard in the Central Criminal Court.
READ MORE
In a normal year, “approximately 400 trials are heard annually nationwide, with over a quarter of these in Dublin”, a spokesman for the Courts Service said.
Trials will proceed from the end of August in an effort to tackle the build-up of cases, the spokesman said. The Circuit Court normally breaks from end of July to early October.
“We estimate we have 273 matters which will go to trial before Circuit Courts outside Dublin, and 155 matters which will go to trial before Dublin Circuit Court,” the spokesman said.
“It should be noted that these figures are estimates of how many indictments will be resolved by way of trial – either a conviction by jury or an acquittal by jury or by direction of the trial judge,” he added.
In Dublin the Criminal Courts of Justice complex has 19 courtrooms that can accommodate 25 people or more while observing social distancing.
These courts are shared by the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Central Criminal Court, the Special Criminal Court, the Circuit Court, and the District Court. Four courtrooms are available for criminal trials at Central Criminal and Circuit court level.
The spokesman said the main “pinch points” that have been identified by the Courts Service include: that empanelling a jury has (up to now) involved bringing large numbers into the courts building; the need to accommodate at least 25 people in a room - given that a judge, registrar, accused, victim, witness, jury, jury minder, six lawyers, a Garda and a representative of the media all need to be in attendance; and the need to provide a deliberation room for the 12-member jury.
Jury problem
No jury room in the Criminal Courts of Justice complex can accommodate 12 jurors while observing the social-distancing guidelines. “Courtrooms will be needed to be used for the jurors to meet and deliberate,” the spokesman said. New arrangements are also being looked at for the empanelling of juries.
In the District Court, which is the court that hears the vast bulk of each year’s civil and criminal court cases, there are 90,000 people waiting to have their cases heard between now and the end of the year, the spokesman said.
“Over 90,000 defendants have either a case listed, scheduled, deferred, awaiting to be scheduled, or are estimated to be charged in court before Christmas. This does not include adjournments of these cases.”
Usually all parties involved in a case before the District Court on a particular day are asked to turn up at 10.30am, meaning that up to 150 people can gather for a day’s hearings.
The service is now implementing staggered lists to reduce the numbers gathering in court premises, and is also making use of video links to deal with matters, the spokesman said.
While the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, where witness evidence is not an issue, are dealing with their caseloads using remote hearings, the situation in the High Court is varied.
Some types of High Court cases are capable of being heard remotely, while others can be heard if special measures are put in place. However, cases that involve witnesses and more than one set of defendants are proving particularly difficult to hear.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Landlord faces fine or jail if noise levels breached after lockdown house parties

A landlord ( 80 ) faces a €1,000 fine or 12 months in prison if there is a proven breach of a noise protection order at properties occupied by student tenants which were being used for “ Covid House Parties ” during lockdown .
Last week at Cork District Court Judge Olann Kelleher found it proven that students were partying in two of Fachtna O ’ Reilly ’ s properties near University College Cork ( UCC ) until 4am and 5am during lockdown .
Two locals took private prosecutions against the landlord for noise pollution under environmental laws .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the properties in late May .
Mr O ’ Reilly , of Model Farm Road in Cork , was given a week to address noise issues at two of his properties in Highfield Avenue and Connaught Avenue in Cork city .
On Friday at the court Mr O ’ Reilly ’ s solicitor , Eamon Murray , said his client had issued warnings to the tenants in both houses and had installed noise monitors and CCTV cameras .
Mr O ’ Reilly also offered to pay the costs of the complainants .
Local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Callaghan , who took the proceedings , said that they had been subjected to loud music , persistent shouting and rowdy and aggressive behaviour from student occupants of the houses .
They told the court the anti-social behaviour was ongoing 24/7 and they were unable to enjoy their own homes arising out of the excessive noise .
Speaking after the ruling Ms O ’ Callaghan said : “ It will mean a lot to the families to have peace .
The properties in question have been very noisy .
We got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Reilly ) .
We were left with no choice but to come here .
It has had an awful impact on us .
We all want to get on with our lives.
” Judge Kelleher made an order under Section 108 of the Environment Agency Protection Act .
It makes Mr O ’ Reilly liable for any future proven breaches of noise levels at the houses involved .
Mr O ’ Reilly ’ s solicitor had applied for the case to be adjourned saying that his client had taken steps to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr O ’ Reilly has now made verbal , informal and formal warnings to the relevant student tenants .
Solicitor David McCoy , for the residents , said his clients were wary of claims that Mr O ’ Reilly had had a “ Road to Damascus ” conversion on addressing the anti-social behaviour over the last week .
Judge Kelleher asked why it had taken Mr O ’ Reilly such a long time to take action over the complaints from predominantly elderly locals .
“ People in this mature area of Cork are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area and to live peacefully .
I hope this will be the end of it and the problems.
” Judge Kelleher said that he was also cognisant of the welfare of patients , nurses and doctors at the nearby Bon Secours Hospital as well as the potential impact on nuns in the enclosed order at the Poor Clare Convent .
Judge Kelleher also said it was his belief that the non-eviction protection granted to workers who lost their jobs because of the Covid-19 crisis “ was in a totally different league ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Two locals took private prosecutions against the landlord for noise pollution under environmental laws. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto
A landlord (80) faces a €1,000 fine or 12 months in prison if there is a proven breach of a noise protection order at properties occupied by student tenants which were being used for “Covid house parties” during lockdown.
Last week at Cork District Court, Judge Olann Kelleher found it was proven that students were partying in two of Fachtna O'Reilly's properties near University College Cork (UCC) until 4am and 5am during lockdown.
Two locals took private prosecutions against the landlord for noise pollution under environmental laws. It is understood that student tenants moved into the properties in late May.
Mr O’Reilly, of Model Farm Road in Cork, was given a week to address noise issues at two of his properties in Highfield Avenue and Connaught Avenue in Cork city.
READ MORE
Issued warnings
On Friday at the court Mr O'Reilly's solicitor, Eamon Murray, said his client had issued warnings to the tenants in both houses and had installed noise monitors and CCTV cameras. Mr O'Reilly also offered to pay the costs of the complainants.
Local residents Sadie O’Mahony and Mairead O’Callaghan, who took the proceedings, said that they had been subjected to loud music, persistent shouting and rowdy and aggressive behaviour from student occupants of the houses.
They told the court the anti-social behaviour was ongoing 24/7 and they were unable to enjoy their own homes arising out of the excessive noise.
Speaking after the ruling, Ms O’Callaghan said: “It will mean a lot to the families to have peace. The properties in question have been very noisy. We got no response from him [Mr O’Reilly]. We were left with no choice but to come here. It has had an awful impact on us. We all want to get on with our lives.”
The judge made an order under section 108 of the Environment Agency Protection Act. It makes Mr O’Reilly liable for any future proven breaches of noise levels at the houses involved.
Mr O’Reilly’s solicitor had applied for the case to be adjourned saying that his client had taken steps to address the issues raised by the complainants. Mr O’Reilly has now made verbal, informal and formal warnings to the relevant student tenants.
Anti-social behaviour
Solicitor David McCoy, for the residents, said his clients were wary of claims that Mr O’Reilly had had a “road to Damascus” conversion on addressing the anti-social behaviour over the last week.
The judge asked why it had taken Mr O’Reilly such a long time to take action over the complaints from predominantly elderly locals.
“People in this mature area of Cork are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their area and to live peacefully. I hope this will be the end of it and the problems.”
The judge said that he was also cognisant of the welfare of patients, nurses and doctors at the nearby Bon Secours Hospital as well as the potential impact on nuns in the enclosed order at the Poor Clare Convent.
The judge also said it was his belief that the non-eviction protection granted to workers who lost their jobs because of the coronavirus crisis “was in a totally different league” to the case that was before his court.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Covid-19: Extension to rent freeze will be ‘relatively small’, says O’Brien

Minister for Housing Darragh O ’ Brien has said the Covid-era freeze on rents and evictions will be extended from Monday , despite reported opposition to the measure from the Attorney General .
Speaking at the launch of a development by Cluid Housing in Portmarnock , Co Dublin on Friday , he said “ there ’ s not a big row ” with the Attorney General .
It was reported on Friday morning that AG Paul Gallagher is opposed to extending the ban on evictions and rent increases due to concerns over its constitutionality .
“ There ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with the Attorney General , ” Mr O ’ Brien said today .
He said it has “ already been decided ” that there will be what he said would be a “ relatively small ” extension to the ban , which is due to lapse on Monday .
He would not be drawn on how long an extension is envisaged .
“ We had a very detailed discussion last week with my colleagues and indeed with the AG at cabinet .
I ’ m an optimist , I like to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that ’ s exactly what I ’ m going to do , ” he said , adding that he would bring a memo to cabinet on the issue on either Monday or Tuesday of next week .
The Dublin Fingal TD said he was working on a package of legislative measures to strengthen tenants rights .
“ The original emergency protection under public health was due to expire on the 20th , it won ’ t expire on the 20th… I want to make sure there ’ s no cliff edge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a graduated approach to some new measures which I think will be very helpful , ” he said .
“ We always have to look at how we can strengthen tenants rights , that ’ s something that ’ s very important for myself as well .
We have temporary measures that the last government brought forward , that were never going to endure forever , it ’ s not sustainable to leave them there forever.
” The minister said he had commissioned a report from the Economic and Social Research Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent arrears during Covid .
“ The initial response we ’ ve had… is that effectively the arrears piece doesn ’ t look to be that significant , ” he said , adding that he had not seen the final report yet .

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has said the freeze on rents and evictions will be extended from Monday. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
An extension to the temporary ban on evictions and rent increases will be short-lived, following significant opposition to the plan from the Government’s legal advisor.
It is understood that the Attorney General, Paul Gallagher, raised significant concerns over the extension on constitutional grounds. Sources said that if an extension was to be introduced due to ongoing economic disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Attorney General had indicated it should be for as short a time as possible.
On Friday, Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien said the extension, which had "already been decided", would be "relatively small". He would not be drawn on the length envisaged.
The Dublin Fingal TD said he was working on a package of legislative measures to strengthen tenants rights. It is understood that he hopes to bring a memo to cabinet next week, in the hope that the legislation can be introduced before the end of the current Dáil term.
READ MORE
“The original emergency protection under public health was due to expire on the 20th, it won’t expire on the 20th… I want to make sure there’s no cliff edge, what we’re going to have is a graduated approach to some new measures which I think will be very helpful,” he said.
“We always have to look at how we can strengthen tenants rights, that’s something that’s very important for myself as well. We have temporary measures that the last government brought forward, that were never going to endure forever, it’s not sustainable to leave them there forever.”
A source said it is hoped and that new protections would kick in before the extended ban lapses again.
Mr O’Brien said on Friday that there had not been a “big row” over the issue with the Attorney General.
“There’s not a big row; we’re working with the Attorney General,” Mr O’Brien said today.
“We had a very detailed discussion last week with my colleagues and indeed with the AG at cabinet. I’m an optimist, I like to deal with people and work through on solutions, that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” he said, adding that he would bring a memo to cabinet on the issue on either Monday or Tuesday of next week.
The Minister said he had commissioned a report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) into the issue of rent arrears during Covid. “The initial response we’ve had… is that effectively the arrears piece doesn’t look to be that significant,” he said, adding that he had not seen the final report yet.
Following reports of a row about the extension, the opposition called for increased certainty for renters. Calling for the extension of the ban, Labour Party housing spokeswoman Rebecca Moynihan said the government "cannot shirk its executive responsibilities by hiding behind the coat-tails of its legal advisors".
Eoin Ó Broin, the Sinn Féin housing spokesman, said the extension was “a complete shambles”. He said the ban should be extended until October at a minimum, and ideally until the end of the year.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Estimated €2.5 million in drugs seized by gardaí at Dublin house

Cannabis , MDMA , ecstasy tablets and ketamine worth an estimated €2.5 million were found by gardaí during a search of a house in Dublin on Thursday .
Gardaí from the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Divisional Drugs Unit based at Ronanstown Garda station carried out the search in the Kingswood area of Dublin 22 as part of investigations into drug dealing in local communities known as Operation Tara .
Gardaí discovered 34 kilos of vacuum-packed cannabis with an estimated value of €680,000 , MDMA worth €40,860 , pink “ Upjohn ” tablets worth €22,146 , blue ecstasy tablets valued at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valued at €168,000 and €3,550 respectively .
White ecstasy tablets valued at €66,240 , ketamine worth €60,000 , Xanax tablets valued at €81,700 and further ecstasy worth €1.18 million were also found .
Suspected drugs paraphernalia including a drugs press , mixing machine , weighing scales and storage material were also seized by gardaí .
A Garda investigation is under way , and no arrests have been made to date .
Chief Supt Finbarr Murphy of Dublin West Division said the seizure is another example of the impact of Operation Tara on drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detect and aggressively disrupt illegal drug dealing at all levels in order to protect our communities from the ravages of drugs , ” he said .
“ I will continue to increase the allocation of resources to meet this challenge ” .

Drugs worth an estimated €2.5 million were found by gardaí during a search of a house in Dublin 22. Photograph: An Garda Síochána
Cannabis, MDMA, ecstasy tablets and ketamine worth an estimated €2.5 million were found by gardaí during a search of a house in Dublin on Thursday.
Gardaí from the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Divisional Drugs Unit based at Ronanstown Garda station carried out the search in the Kingswood area of Dublin 22 as part of investigations into drug dealing in local communities known as Operation Tara.
Gardaí discovered 34 kilos of vacuum-packed cannabis with an estimated value of €680,000, MDMA worth €40,860, pink “Upjohn” tablets worth €22,146, blue ecstasy tablets valued at €176,190 and pink powder for Upjohn tablets valued at €168,000 and €3,550 respectively.
White ecstasy tablets valued at €66,240, ketamine worth €60,000, Xanax tablets valued at €81,700 and further ecstasy worth €1.18 million were also found.
READ MORE
Suspected drugs paraphernalia including a drugs press, mixing machine, weighing scales and storage material were also seized by gardaí.
A Garda investigation is under way, and no arrests have been made to date.
Chief Supt Finbarr Murphy of Dublin West Division said the seizure is another example of the impact of Operation Tara on drug dealing.
“We will continue to detect and aggressively disrupt illegal drug dealing at all levels in order to protect our communities from the ravages of drugs,” he said. “I will continue to increase the allocation of resources to meet this challenge”.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Covid-19: 450 cancer cases missed due to pause in screenings

About 450 cancers and 1,600 pre-cancers have so far gone undetected during the pause in screenings due to Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ said .
It said the current Covid-19 pandemic was having a major impact on cancer @ @ @ @ @ needed .
It said thousands of people had not been screened .
Irish Cancer Society @ @ @ @ @ affairs Rachel Morrogh said : “ It will take years to fully realise the impact @ @ @ @ @ , but we do know thousands aren ’ t being screened , waiting lists are @ @ @ @ @ s still little clarity as to how this will be addressed .
She said that @ @ @ @ @ screening services were resuming , “ in the meantime pausing invitations for screening will have @ @ @ @ @ and 1,600 pre-cancers going undetected since March ” .
“ Unless typical patterns of cancer @ @ @ @ @ return there is a serious risk that delays and backlogs could lead to avoidable deaths @ @

About 450 cancers and 1,600 pre-cancers have so far gone undetected during the pause in screenings due to Covid-19, according to the Irish Cancer Society. Photograph: Getty
About 450 cancers and 1,600 pre-cancers have so far gone undetected during the pause in screening services due to coronavirus, the Irish Cancer Society has said.
The society told the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 that the pandemic was having a major impact on cancer care and urgent action was needed. It said thousands of people had not been screened.
Doctors also warned the committee that without immediate and sustained investment in building capacity in the health service, the pandemic would result in negative health outcomes for patients.
The chief executive of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), Susan Clyne, called for the provision of 5,000 additional public acute hospital beds and at least 300 intensive care beds as well as the recruitment of 1,600 additional consultants and the ending of the existing two-tier pay system.
READ MORE
Irish Cancer Society director of advocacy and external affairs Rachel Morrogh said: "It will take years to fully realise the impact of Covid on cancer outcomes, but we do know thousands aren't being screened, waiting lists are growing rapidly and there's still little clarity as to how this will be addressed."
She said that while it was pleased that screening services were resuming, “in the meantime pausing invitations for screening will have resulted in approximately 450 cancers and 1,600 pre-cancers going undetected since March”.
“Unless typical patterns of cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment return there is a serious risk that delays and backlogs could lead to avoidable deaths,” she said.
Ms Morrogh said it was imperative that cancer screening services were restored as quickly as possible.
“If we do nothing we are facing a dire situation,” she said.
She said her organisation welcomed the resumption of the cervical check programme but was disappointed that the bowel screening and breast screening programmes had not re-started.
Ms Clyne said that “we cannot accept that the health service will be delivered with reduced capacity” that was in place as a result of the implications of Covid-19.
First priority
She said the provision of temporary buildings must be the first priority to increase capacity while longer-term projects were in train. She said this should be followed by the health service buying or renting space as a second option.
The IMO said about 160 specialist registrar doctors had finished their training to become consultants in the last week or so. Ms Clyne said it had made a submission to the Health Service Executive that these doctors should be appointed as locum consultant for a six-month period. She said there had been no response. She said many of these doctors were scrambling around for jobs and some were working at grades below their level of training.
Ms Clyne said at the same time there were 500 consultant positions vacant in the public health system.
The IMO chief executive said the country could not expect the private hospital system “to save us”.
She said when the beds in private hospital and public hospitals were added together there would still be insufficient capacity.
“People might be queasy about temporary builds (to increase hospital capacity). But temporary builds are better than no builds,” she said.
Ms Clyne said there did not seem to be any plan at Department of Health level to increase capacity at any significant level. She said there may be plans to add 100 beds or so but "that will not cut it this winter".
She said the IMO supported a total population flu vaccination programme for the autumn.
Ms Morrogh said Covid-19 had “layered on top of a system that could not even meet normal demands”.
The The Irish Cancer Society said in a submission to the committee that waiting times to access colonoscopy procedures, which had been a worry even before Covid-19, had grown.
“Wait times for colonoscopies have already been a cause of concern with 11,953 people waiting over three months for a procedure in February 2020. However, Covid-19 has exacerbated an already existing problem, and as of 19 June 2020 a total of 2,627 people were waiting for an urgent colonoscopy. Of these people, 1,004 were waiting longer than 28 days, and 329 have been waiting longer than 90 days,” it said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Nine coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland in week to July 10th

The number of Covid-19 deaths continues to fall in the North , according to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) .
In the week up to July 10th Nisra said that coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificates of nine people in Northern Ireland .
This is two fewer than the previous week and marks the 10th week that Covid-19 deaths in the North have fallen .
Nisra reported that there were just three deaths linked to coronavirus in the week ending July 10th , the lowest since March .
While there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that week they would have occurred prior to that week .
It brings the total number of virus-related deaths recorded by the North ’ s statistics agency up to last Friday , July 10th , to 844 .
Up to the same date the Department of Health in its statistics recorded 555 Covid-19 deaths .
The departmental figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus , whereas the NISRA figures are based on the information entered on death certificates , completed by medical professionals .
They may or may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Of the 844 deaths total , 440 ( 52.1 per cent ) took place in hospital , 347 ( 41.1 per cent ) in care homes , eight ( 0.9 per cent ) in hospices and 49 ( 5.8 per cent ) at residential addresses or other locations .
The 355 deaths which occurred in care homes and hospices involved 81 separate establishments .
Care home-related deaths account for just more than half of coronavirus fatalities in Northern Ireland , according to the Nisra figures .
On further analysis it found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes an additional 79 care home residents died in hospital , bringing the total number of care home-related deaths to 426 .
“ On this basis , deaths of care home residents account for 50.5 per cent of all Covid-19 related deaths .
However , no assumptions can be made in relation to where or when the deceased contracted the disease , ” said Nisra .
Nisra added that over the last 15 weeks in total , 1,021 “ excess deaths ” ( deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the number of “ excess deaths ” in the year to July 10th totalling 762 .
Persons aged 75 and over accounted for two-thirds ( 65.6 per cent ) of all deaths and 79.9 per cent of Covid 19 related deaths registered this calendar year up to July 10th .

A further three people diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, while another 34 cases of the virus have been reported, the National Public Health and Emergency Team (NPHET) has said.
Friday’s figures mean there has now been a total of 1,752 coronavirus related deaths in Ireland, and a total of 25,730 confirmed cases.
Dr Ronan Glynn, acting chief medical officer at the Department of Health, reiterated that Covid-19 was "extremely infectious".
It was a tough decision - but the right one - to announce we wouldn’t be moving to Phase 4 this week. Particularly hard for those who work in pubs. I want you to know that we have a plan to help more businesses to reopen when it’s safe to do so. pic.twitter.com/LJcQ4iIqiU — Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 17, 2020
“It wants to spread, but it needs people to come into contact with each other to do so,” he said.
READ MORE
“All of the measures that we have been talking about for many months now are so important; physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, wearing a face covering where appropriate, avoiding large crowds — are all actions each of us can take to cut the chains of transmission and stop this virus in its tracks.”
Dr Glynn added that it “now depends on the actions we take as individuals as to whether this virus gets an opportunity to spread through our communities”.
“ Continue to follow the public health advice, know the risks, know the symptoms and stay safe”.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he knew people were disappointed they would have to wait longer for their “freedom pints” but that the decision to keep pubs and nightclubs closed was made “for good reasons”.
On Wednesday, the Government announced that the country would not yet be progressing to phase four of the roadmap to reopening society following the coronavirus pandemic.
That decision means, among other things, that pubs, bars and nightclubs are not allowed to reopen until at least August 10th. They were originally due to reopen on Monday, July 20th.
Speaking in a video on Twitter on Friday evening, Mr Varadkar said he understood that people were “really disappointed” by this decision.
“I know this is particularly tough on people who own businesses working in that sector and very tough on people who work in that sector and just everyone else who was looking forward to a night out and those freedom pints at long last,” he said.
“We’re going to have to wait a little bit longer but that decision is made for good reasons - reasons of public health - to keep the virus under control and to make sure we can do things like reopen schools at the end of August.”
Earlier, Free Now, an e-hailing taxi company, has called for the new regulations on wearing face masks on public transport to be extended to taxis.
Alan Fox, regional general manager of the company, said taxi drivers and passengers continue to face uncertainty in terms of what is the best approach to safe travel.
“The new public transport regulations fail to specifically state whether face masks are mandatory in taxis,” he said.
The company “ strongly believes they should be in keeping with public health guidelines and we are firmly advising drivers and passengers to wear face masks”, Mr Fox said.
Northern Ireland
Meanwhile, the number of Covid-19 deaths continues to fall in the North, according to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).
In the week up to July 10th Nisra said that coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificates of nine people in Northern Ireland.
This is two fewer than the previous week and marks the 10th week that Covid-19 deaths in the North have fallen.
Nisra reported that there were just three deaths linked to coronavirus in the week ending July 10th, the lowest since March. While there were six additional Covid-19-related deaths recorded in that week they would have occurred prior to that week.
It brings the total number of virus-related deaths recorded by the North’s statistics agency up to last Friday, July 10th, to 844.
Up to the same date the North’s department of health in its statistics recorded 555 Covid-19 deaths.
The departmental figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus, whereas the Nisra figures are based on the information entered on death certificates, completed by medical professionals. They may or may not have previously tested positive for the virus.
Of the 844 deaths total, 440 (52.1 per cent) took place in hospital, 347 (41.1 per cent) in care homes, eight (0.9 per cent) in hospices and 49 (5.8 per cent) at residential addresses or other locations.
The 355 deaths which occurred in care homes and hospices involved 81 separate establishments.
Care home-related deaths account for just more than half of coronavirus fatalities in Northern Ireland, according to the Nisra figures. On further analysis it found that while 347 people died in care homes an additional 79 care home residents died in hospital, bringing the total number of care home-related deaths to 426.
“On this basis, deaths of care home residents account for 50.5 per cent of all Covid-19 related deaths. However, no assumptions can be made in relation to where or when the deceased contracted the disease,” said Nisra.
Nisra added that over the last 15 weeks in total, 1,021 “excess deaths” (deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous years) were registered in Northern Ireland, with the number of “excess deaths” in the year to July 10th totalling 762.
Persons aged 75 and over accounted for two-thirds (65.6 per cent) of all deaths and 79.9 per cent of Covid 19 related deaths registered this calendar year up to July 10th.
The North’s health department again reported no new coronavirus deaths in its daily bulletin issued on Friday afternoon, leaving its death total, which mainly relates to hospital fatalities, at 556.
The department also reported 19 new confirmed cases of the virus, taking the total to 5,834. So far 125,446 people have been tested in Northern Ireland for Covid-19.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Coronavirus: Ireland could return to Phase 2 of lockdown if cases rise, doctor warns

Ireland could return to phase two of restrictions if the number of cases of Covid-19 rises to more than 100 per day , national virus laboratory director Dr Cillian De Gascun has warned .
“ It is just a concern at this stage , ” he said on Friday .
“ The R-number can be affected by a few large clusters .
It ’ s not as if cases are popping up all over the country .
“ If there ’ s widespread community transmission of the virus , then it will get into schools , into residential care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can stamp it out in the community , that ’ s how we protect everybody , ” he told RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Sarah McInerney .
Dr De Gascun also advised young people to avoid house parties especially where there is singing after it emerged a cluster of cases had recently arisen from a microphone used for karaoke at a house party in Co Derry .
Singing was one of the easiest ways to spread the virus because of the spray of droplets , he said .
If young people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unsafe behaviour , they should turn around and go home and instead organise to meet their friends for a coffee , he added .
News of the Limavady , Co Derry , cluster emerged on Thursday .
Nine additional cases were detected in the wider local government area that includes Limavady since Wednesday , the North ’ s department of health statistics showed .
“ The Public Health Agency has identified a cluster of Covid-19 cases in the Limavady area , ” the North ’ s PHA said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases to a social gathering in a private/residential setting .
“ Testing and contact tracing is being conducted to identify people who may be potentially affected to help prevent any further spread .
“ With lockdown restrictions being eased , this type of occurrence is to be expected , which is why the Test , Trace and Protect programme is in place , ” the statement said .
The Health Service Executive has warned hospitals will not be able to cope if a second wave of the coronavirus falls during the winter flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had already entered a “ precarious position ” .
Current models show if the spread of the virus continues as it has in recent weeks the number of new cases could rise to over 150 a day by August 10th , the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) said on Thursday night .
Dr Ronan Glynn , acting chief medical officer at the Department of Health , said such a scenario would have a “ very , very negative impact on the plans to get our children back to school ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nphet ’ s modelling group , said the R-number , that is the average number of people an infected person passes the virus onto , had likely risen to 1.4 , but could be as high as 1.8 .
If the reproductive number was at the higher rate , the country could see 150 or 160 cases a day in three weeks ’ time .
“ We are in a position of high uncertainty at the moment , ” he said .
Speaking at the Nphet briefing , Dr Glynn said it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to phase four of easing restrictions , and reopen pubs that do not serve food on Monday .
The next two weeks would be crucial in reducing spread of the virus , and the country was in a “ precarious position ” , he said .

Ireland could return to phase two of restrictions if the number of cases of Covid-19 rises to more than 100 per day, national virus laboratory director Dr Cillian De Gascun has warned.
“It is just a concern at this stage,” he said on Friday. “The R-number can be affected by a few large clusters. It’s not as if cases are popping up all over the country.
"If there's widespread community transmission of the virus, then it will get into schools, into residential care facilities and into nursing homes – but if we can stamp it out in the community, that's how we protect everybody," he told RTÉ radio's Today with Sarah McInerney.
Dr De Gascun also advised young people to avoid house parties especially where there is singing after it emerged a cluster of cases had recently arisen from a microphone used for karaoke at a house party in Co Derry.
READ MORE
Singing was one of the easiest ways to spread the virus because of the spray of droplets, he said.
If a young person arrived at a party and saw there was unsafe behaviour, they should turn around and go home and instead organise to meet their friends for a coffee, he advised.
The public can have an impact on what happens in two to three weeks from now, he added. “We have controlled this already.”
Addressing the issue of people refusing to be tested, Dr De Gascun said it was his understanding that the authority was in place to force someone to get tested if they refused.
Schools
“It is really important that we can track this virus early, in the community. Everything needs to be considered.”
When asked about the reopening of schools he said it was important to stop looking at particular sectors at risk and instead to look at all areas of society so as to best protect everyone from the virus.
“If there is widespread community transmission it will get into schools and nursing homes. If we can stamp it out in the community that’s how we protect everybody.”
News of the Limavady, Co Derry, cluster involving a karaoke party emerged on Thursday. Nine additional cases were detected in the wider local government area that includes Limavady since Wednesday, the North's department of health statistics showed. "The Public Health Agency has identified a cluster of Covid-19 cases in the Limavady area," the North's PHA said in a statement.
“At present we can link the cases to a social gathering in a private/residential setting.
“Testing and contact tracing is being conducted to identify people who may be potentially affected to help prevent any further spread.
“With lockdown restrictions being eased, this type of occurrence is to be expected, which is why the Test, Trace and Protect programme is in place,” the statement said.
Second wave
The Health Service Executive has warned hospitals will not be able to cope if a second wave of the coronavirus falls during the winter flu season, as officials said the country had already entered a "precarious position".
Current models show if the spread of the virus continues as it has in recent weeks the number of new cases could rise to over 150 a day by August 10th, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) said on Thursday night.
Dr Ronan Glynn, acting chief medical officer at the Department of Health, said such a scenario would have a "very, very negative impact on the plans to get our children back to school".
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of Nphet's modelling group, said the R-number, that is the average number of people an infected person passes the virus onto, had likely risen to 1.4, but could be as high as 1.8.
If the reproductive number was at the higher rate, the country could see 150 or 160 cases a day in three weeks’ time. “We are in a position of high uncertainty at the moment,” he said.
Speaking at the Nphet briefing, Dr Glynn said it would have been "foolhardy" to move to phase four of easing restrictions, and reopen pubs that do not serve food on Monday.
The next two weeks would be crucial in reducing spread of the virus, and the country was in a “precarious position”, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Leaving Cert students have been 'pushed from pillar to post' by Government

Leaving Certificate students have been “ pushed from pillar to post ” , the Union of the Students of Ireland ( USI ) has said .
Lorna Fitzpatrick , president of the USI , said the decision to delay the release of results until September , is “ disappointing ” .
More than 60,000 Leaving Cert students will this year receive their grades several weeks later than normal on September 7th , the Department of Education has said .
CAO offers for college places will be issued four days later on September 11th , which means many students may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think these Leaving Cert students have been through enough .
They ’ ve been through the flip-flopping on decisions about whether they would have exams in the first place or whether there would be calculated grades , and now this is yet another upheaval , ” Ms Fitzpatrick told The Irish Times .
“ They ’ ve been pushed from pillar to post with decisions from Government , and I think it ’ s really disappointing and it will have a massive impact on them.
” Minister for Education Norma Foley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level institutions to decide if they should defer commencement dates to facilitate first-year students seeking accommodation .
Ms Foley said she was confident the needs of students would be taken into consideration but that it was a matter for the third level institutions .
The Minister also defended her decision not to reveal details of the postponed Leaving Certificate results when questioned in the Dáil on Thursday saying she wanted to first inform the “ variety of partners in education ” .
Ms Foley acknowledged results being released in September will mean a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation .
“ We are living in extraordinary circumstances .
Extraordinary measures have to be taken .
I absolutely want to acknowledge the patience of students , parents and teachers .
I appreciate it is a stressful time , and I know this is a time of high anxiety , ” she told RTÉ ’ s Morning Ireland on Friday .
When asked if colleges and universities might consider pushing back commencement dates to facilitate students , Ms Foley said she was confident third-level institutions would make arrangements about start dates .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appeals process would be turned around as quickly as possible with the opportunity to sit a written exam , she said .
There will be an opportunity for students to re-engage with the portal to confirm their wish to engage with calculated grades , she added .
The release date of September 7th is still in time for CAO and UCAS ( the British system for college admission ) , and both organisations had been “ incredibly engaged ” with the process , she said .
Earlier on Newstalk Breakfast , Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this year ’ s Leaving Cert results had been delayed was to ensure all checks and balances were in place .
It was hugely important the class of 2020 know their calculated grades had the same integrity as every other year ’ s Leaving Cert , she said .
The Minister added she was certain people would understand the delay had been necessary to ensure the integrity of the process .

More than 60,000 Leaving Cert students will receive their grades on September 7th. File photograph: The Irish Times
Leaving Certificate students have been "pushed from pillar to post", the Union of the Students of Ireland (USI) has said.
Lorna Fitzpatrick, president of the USI, said the decision to delay the release of results until September, is "disappointing".
More than 60,000 Leaving Cert students will this year receive their grades several weeks later than normal on September 7th, the Department of Education has said.
CAO offers for college places will be issued four days later on September 11th, which means many students may not start their third-level courses until October.
READ MORE
“I think these Leaving Cert students have been through enough. They’ve been through the flip-flopping on decisions about whether they would have exams in the first place or whether there would be calculated grades, and now this is yet another upheaval,” Ms Fitzpatrick told The Irish Times.
“They’ve been pushed from pillar to post with decisions from Government, and I think it’s really disappointing and it will have a massive impact on them.”
Minister for Education Norma Foley has said it is up to third level institutions to decide if they should defer commencement dates to facilitate first-year students seeking accommodation.
Ms Foley said she was confident the needs of students would be taken into consideration but that it was a matter for the third level institutions.
The Minister also defended her decision not to reveal details of the postponed Leaving Certificate results when questioned in the Dáil on Thursday saying she wanted to first inform the “variety of partners in education”.
Ms Foley acknowledged results being released in September will mean a short time frame for students to find accommodation.
“We are living in extraordinary circumstances. Extraordinary measures have to be taken. I absolutely want to acknowledge the patience of students, parents and teachers. I appreciate it is a stressful time, and I know this is a time of high anxiety,” she told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland on Friday.
When asked if colleges and universities might consider pushing back commencement dates to facilitate students, Ms Foley said she was confident third-level institutions would make arrangements about start dates.
For students who were unhappy with their results the appeals process would be turned around as quickly as possible with the opportunity to sit a written exam, she said.
There will be an opportunity for students to re-engage with the portal to confirm their wish to engage with calculated grades, she added.
The release date of September 7th is still in time for CAO and UCAS (the British system for college admission), and both organisations had been “incredibly engaged” with the process, she said.
Earlier on Newstalk Breakfast, Ms Foley said the reason the release date for this year’s Leaving Cert results had been delayed was to ensure all checks and balances were in place.
It was hugely important the class of 2020 know their calculated grades had the same integrity as every other year’s Leaving Cert, she said. The Minister added she was certain people would understand the delay had been necessary to ensure the integrity of the process.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Two machine guns, ammunition found in Dublin search

Two machine guns and ammunition were found during a search of a premises in Dublin ’ s north inner city @ @ @ @ @ ( 48 ) was arrested in connection with the seizure and is being detained at @ @ @ @ @ search was carried out by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau .
The @ @ @ @ @ the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act , 1939/98 .
@ @ @ @ @ Assistant Commissioner John O ’ Driscoll said : “ An Garda Síochána , through Organised @ @ @ @ @ Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in particular , continues in its unrelenting determination @ @ @ @ @ the streets of Ireland in its ongoing efforts to keep people safe .
”

Two machine guns and ammunition were found during a search of a premises in Dublin
Two machine guns and ammunition were found during a search of a premises in Dublin’s north inner city on Thursday.
A man (48) was arrested in connection with the seizure and is being detained at Mountjoy Garda station.
The search was carried out by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The man is being detained under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939/98.
READ MORE
Speaking on Thursday night, Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll said: "An Garda Síochána, through Organised and Serious Crime and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in particular, continues in its unrelenting determination to take lethal firearms off the streets of Ireland in its ongoing efforts to keep people safe."


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Covid-19: Ireland could see 150 cases a day within weeks as HSE warns on hospital capacity

The Health Service Executive has warned that hospitals will not be able to cope if a second wave of the coronavirus falls during the winter flu season , as officials said the country had already entered a “ precarious position ” .
Current models show if the spread of the virus continues as it has in recent weeks the number of new cases could rise to over 150 a day by August 10th , the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) said .
Dr Ronan Glynn , acting chief medical officer at the Department of Health , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very negative impact on the plans to get our children back to school ” .
Prof Philip Nolan , chair of Nphet ’ s modelling group , said the R-number , that is the average number of people an infected person passes the virus onto , had likely risen to 1.4 , but could be as high as 1.8 .
If the reproductive number was at the higher rate , the country could see 150 or 160 cases a day in three weeks ’ time .
“ We are in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Speaking at the Nphet briefing on Thursday , Dr Glynn said it would have been “ foolhardy ” to move to phase four of easing restrictions , and reopen pubs that do not serve food on Monday .
The next two weeks would be crucial in reducing spread of the virus , and the country was in a “ precarious position ” , he said .
“ Some activities that have been happening over the last number of weeks have led to a situation where we are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Following concern over several large clusters linked to house parties , the Government this week reduced the numbers allowed to gather in one household to 10 .
The decision around reopening schools and pubs “ depends on what happens over the next few weeks ” , Dr Glynn said .
Acute hospitals will not be able to handle a second wave of coronavirus during the winter season without intervention , HSE officials will tell politicians on Friday .
The health service will need to reduce the traditionally high numbers attending hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , officials will tell the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 .
Hospitals are only operating at 80 per cent capacity at present , in order to quickly respond to a potential surge in coronavirus cases , the HSE ’ s briefing for the committee stated .
During the normal winter flu season capacity often “ surges above 100 per cent , ” with high levels of overcrowding on trolleys in emergency departments , the briefing states .
“ If there is a second wave of Covid-19 during this period , the system will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care demand , unless specific actions are taken , ” it states .
Dr Colm Henry , HSE chief clinical officer , said he “ would not like to envisage ” a second coronavirus wave during the winter flu season .
“ I can ’ t see any healthcare service managing that scenario , I couldn ’ t put it more starkly than that , ” he said .
Nphet reported one further coronavirus death on Thursday , and an additional 21 confirmed cases .
One in five recent cases are travel related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone infected by an individual returning from abroad , the Nphet briefing heard .
Dr Glynn said he accepted that “ the message is confusing ” on overseas travel , as the Government plans to publish a “ green list ” of countries considered safe to visit next week , while Nphet advises against non-essential travel .
“ Nphet ’ s position in relation to travel has been very clear for many months now , and it is to avoid non-essential travel overseas , ” he said , adding the green list was @ @ @ @ @ @

The country is in a “position of high uncertainty at the moment” as the R-number, or the reproductive rate of the virus, has increased above 1 to potentially as high as 1.8, acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn has warned.
The Health Service Executive has warned that hospitals will not be able to cope if a second wave of the coronavirus falls during the winter flu season, as officials said the country had already entered a "precarious position".
Current models show if the spread of the virus continues as it has in recent weeks the number of new cases could rise to over 150 a day by August 10th, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) said.
Dr Ronan Glynn, acting chief medical officer at the Department of Health, said such a scenario would have a "very, very negative impact on the plans to get our children back to school".
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of Nphet's modelling group, said the R-number, that is the average number of people an infected person passes the virus onto, had likely risen to 1.4, but could be as high as 1.8.
READ MORE
High uncertainty
If the reproductive number was at the higher rate, the country could see 150 or 160 cases a day in three weeks’ time. “We are in a position of high uncertainty at the moment,” he said.
Speaking at the Nphet briefing on Thursday, Dr Glynn said it would have been “foolhardy” to move to phase four of easing restrictions, and reopen pubs that do not serve food on Monday.
The next two weeks would be crucial in reducing spread of the virus, and the country was in a “precarious position”, he said.
“Some activities that have been happening over the last number of weeks have led to a situation where we are not currently suppressing this disease,” he said.
Following concern over several large clusters linked to house parties, the Government this week reduced the numbers allowed to gather in one household to 10.
The decision around reopening schools and pubs “depends on what happens over the next few weeks”, Dr Glynn said.
Acute hospitals will not be able to handle a second wave of coronavirus during the winter season without intervention, HSE officials will tell politicians on Friday.
The health service will need to reduce the traditionally high numbers attending hospitals and emergency departments during the coming flu season, officials will tell the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19.
Hospitals are only operating at 80 per cent capacity at present, in order to quickly respond to a potential surge in coronavirus cases, the HSE’s briefing for the committee stated.
During the normal winter flu season capacity often “surges above 100 per cent,” with high levels of overcrowding on trolleys in emergency departments, the briefing states.
One death
“If there is a second wave of Covid-19 during this period, the system will not have the capacity to meet unscheduled care demand, unless specific actions are taken,” it states.
Dr Colm Henry, HSE chief clinical officer, said he "would not like to envisage" a second coronavirus wave during the winter flu season. "I can't see any healthcare service managing that scenario, I couldn't put it more starkly than that," he said.
Nphet reported one further coronavirus death on Thursday, and an additional 21 confirmed cases.
One in five recent cases are travel related, either from an imported case or someone infected by an individual returning from abroad, the Nphet briefing heard.
Dr Glynn said he accepted that “the message is confusing” on overseas travel, as the Government plans to publish a “green list” of countries considered safe to visit next week, while Nphet advises against non-essential travel.
“Nphet’s position in relation to travel has been very clear for many months now, and it is to avoid non-essential travel overseas,” he said, adding the green list was a decision taken by Government.


theirishtimes--2020-07-18--Reform of insurance sector targeted by senior Ministers

Senior Ministers have been drafted in to strengthen the Government ’ s approach to insurance reform after the previous administration ’ s efforts to bring down costs to consumers fell short .
The Irish Times has learned that a high-level meeting took place this week involving five senior Ministers , as the Government seeks to bring extra political and departmental muscle to bear on the long-standing issue of high insurance costs and compensation payouts .
Talks this week on how to reform the sector were attended by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise , Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar ; Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finance Paschal Donohoe ; Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath ; and Minister for Children Roderic O ’ Gorman , who spoke to the meeting about the costs of insurance to the childcare sector .
The insurance sector has traditionally been the responsibility of a junior minister in the Department of Finance , but sources said several Cabinet Ministers would play a “ hands on ” role in an effort to deliver on promises made in the programme for government .
The reform agenda will still be led , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Finance .
This week ’ s meeting was chaired by Jack Chambers , who was since reappointed as government chief whip in the wake of Barry Cowen ’ s dismissal from Cabinet .
Incoming Minister of State Sean Fleming will continue to lead the project , it is understood .
The programme for government promises to “ prioritise reform of the insurance sector ” and to address high claim payouts and “ competitive issues ” to build an insurance system “ which is affordable and reliable and underpins a vibrant economy ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform the sector had partially fallen flat due to a lack of political capital invested by Cabinet ministers in the reform programme .
The previous government , with then minister of state Michael D ’ Arcy in charge of the brief , convened a costs of insurance working group ( CIWG ) , which was composed of officials from the Department of Finance , Central Bank , Department of Business and the Department of Justice , as well as the State Claims Agency and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board .
However , reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lack of ministerial involvement in line with ministries directly associated with different aspects of the issue , figures involved in the last administration said .
Government sources believe that delivering early on the issue in the new government ’ s term , especially in consumer-facing segments like motor insurance , would resonate with voters .
While it is understood that this week ’ s meeting did not address specific policy proposals , the programme for government outlines a range of potential interventions , with an emphasis on motor , public liability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an enhanced and reformed role for the Personal Injuries Assessment Board , the regulation of claims management companies and claims harvesters .
It will also consider the need for a constitutional amendment , and an associated referendum , which would enable the Oireachtas to set down guidelines on award levels .
It also promises to expand the Garda Economic Crime Bureau and increase the penalties for fraudulent claims , and place perjury on a statutory footing , making the offence easier to prosecute .
A spokesman for the Department of Finance said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ builds and expands upon previous work done by the Cost of Insurance Working Group ” .
“ The purpose of this week ’ s Ministerial meeting was to discuss how to take forward the implementation of this cross departmental insurance reform agenda .
”

Senior Ministers have been drafted in to strengthen the Government’s approach to insurance reform after the previous administration’s efforts to bring down costs to consumers fell short.
The Irish Times has learned that a high-level meeting took place this week involving five senior Ministers, as the Government seeks to bring extra political and departmental muscle to bear on the long-standing issue of high insurance costs and compensation payouts.
Talks this week on how to reform the sector were attended by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar; Minister for Justice Helen McEntee; Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe; Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath; and Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman, who spoke to the meeting about the costs of insurance to the childcare sector.
The insurance sector has traditionally been the responsibility of a junior minister in the Department of Finance, but sources said several Cabinet Ministers would play a "hands on" role in an effort to deliver on promises made in the programme for government.
READ MORE
‘Competitive issues’
The reform agenda will still be led, however, by a junior minister in the Department of Finance.
This week's meeting was chaired by Jack Chambers, who was since reappointed as government chief whip in the wake of Barry Cowen's dismissal from Cabinet.
Incoming Minister of State Sean Fleming will continue to lead the project, it is understood.
The programme for government promises to “prioritise reform of the insurance sector” and to address high claim payouts and “competitive issues” to build an insurance system “which is affordable and reliable and underpins a vibrant economy”.
Sources said that previous efforts to reform the sector had partially fallen flat due to a lack of political capital invested by Cabinet ministers in the reform programme.
The previous government, with then minister of state Michael D'Arcy in charge of the brief, convened a costs of insurance working group (CIWG), which was composed of officials from the Department of Finance, Central Bank, Department of Business and the Department of Justice, as well as the State Claims Agency and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board.
Consumer-facing segments
However, reform efforts often struggled to get purchase due to the lack of ministerial involvement in line with ministries directly associated with different aspects of the issue, figures involved in the last administration said.
Government sources believe that delivering early on the issue in the new government’s term, especially in consumer-facing segments like motor insurance, would resonate with voters.
While it is understood that this week’s meeting did not address specific policy proposals, the programme for government outlines a range of potential interventions, with an emphasis on motor, public liability and employer liability insurance.
These include an enhanced and reformed role for the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, the regulation of claims management companies and claims harvesters.
It will also consider the need for a constitutional amendment, and an associated referendum, which would enable the Oireachtas to set down guidelines on award levels.
It also promises to expand the Garda Economic Crime Bureau and increase the penalties for fraudulent claims, and place perjury on a statutory footing, making the offence easier to prosecute.
A spokesman for the Department of Finance said the Government’s intended work on insurance “builds and expands upon previous work done by the Cost of Insurance Working Group”.
“The purpose of this week’s Ministerial meeting was to discuss how to take forward the implementation of this cross departmental insurance reform agenda.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-18--HSE pledges more home care to help free up hospital capacity for Covid-19

The HSE has pledged to halve the waiting list for home care with 4,000 home-care packages costing an estimated €50 million to help free up capacity in hospitals to deal with coronavirus .
HSE chief executive Paul Reid agreed this week to implement the health service ’ s revamped Home First policy as soon as possible in a move that will result in new and enhanced home-care packages starting in the coming months to cut the current waiting list of 8,000 in half .
The Home and Community Care Ireland ( HCCI ) , which represents home carers who look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Mr Reid made the commitment in a meeting on Thursday .
Home care for older and medically vulnerable people is seen as a safer alternative to care in nursing homes and other residential care facilities during the coronavirus pandemic given the higher risk of contracting Covid-19 infection in congregated settings .
Infections peaked at just 91 people out of the 20,000 being cared at home , according to HCCI .
This compares with 7,455 cases across 468 clusters of infection in residential care facilities .
The HSE has said that hospital capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent to give the country ’ s hospitals “ surge capacity ” to prepare for a possible second wave of the virus .
Joseph Musgrave , chief executive of HCCI , which represents groups with 10,000 carers , said he met Mr Reid to discuss the HSE ’ s plan for winter and the need to ensure the health service “ can move people swiftly and safely from hospital right back to the comfort of their own home ” .
“ It is no secret that hospital capacities are going to be cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move people safely into hospital , they need to leave hospital to recover .
Rehabilitation has to happen outside the hospital system and we need to be able to provide it somewhere else , ” he said .
There are currently about 55,000 home-care packages with the average person receiving 6½ hours of care a week .
HCCI estimated that the cost of funding 4,000 additional packages would be €25 million over the coming months or €50 million over a full year .
There have been 1,107 deaths in residential care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of all deaths .
Some 985 deaths occurred in nursing homes , accounting for 56 per cent of all fatalities .

The HSE has pledged to halve the waiting list for home care with 4,000 home care packages costing an estimated €50 million to help free up capacity in hospitals to deal with coronavirus. Photograph: Getty Images
The HSE has pledged to halve the waiting list for home care with 4,000 home-care packages costing an estimated €50 million to help free up capacity in hospitals to deal with coronavirus.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid agreed this week to implement the health service's revamped Home First policy as soon as possible in a move that will result in new and enhanced home-care packages starting in the coming months to cut the current waiting list of 8,000 in half.
The Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI), which represents home carers who look after 20,000 people across the country, said Mr Reid made the commitment in a meeting on Thursday.
Home care for older and medically vulnerable people is seen as a safer alternative to care in nursing homes and other residential care facilities during the coronavirus pandemic given the higher risk of contracting Covid-19 infection in congregated settings.
READ MORE
Second wave
Infections peaked at just 91 people out of the 20,000 being cared at home, according to HCCI. This compares with 7,455 cases across 468 clusters of infection in residential care facilities.
The HSE has said that hospital capacity has to be reduced to 80 per cent to give the country’s hospitals “surge capacity” to prepare for a possible second wave of the virus.
Joseph Musgrave, chief executive of HCCI, which represents groups with 10,000 carers, said he met Mr Reid to discuss the HSE's plan for winter and the need to ensure the health service "can move people swiftly and safely from hospital right back to the comfort of their own home".
“It is no secret that hospital capacities are going to be cut by 20 per cent and in order to move people safely into hospital, they need to leave hospital to recover. Rehabilitation has to happen outside the hospital system and we need to be able to provide it somewhere else,” he said.
There are currently about 55,000 home-care packages with the average person receiving 6½ hours of care a week. HCCI estimated that the cost of funding 4,000 additional packages would be €25 million over the coming months or €50 million over a full year.
There have been 1,107 deaths in residential care facilities during the pandemic, or 63 per cent of all deaths. Some 985 deaths occurred in nursing homes, accounting for 56 per cent of all fatalities.