theirishtimes--2020-06-09--New rules for holidays in Ireland under Covid-19: No buffets, mini-bars or ‘close’ dancing

Guests on the dance floor at weddings will be told to keep 2m apart under new post Covid-19 lockdown rules which will also see the end of mini-bars and self-service buffets in hotels .
Guests in spas should also be offered express “ stress management ” treatments instead of therapies that involve touch , while those using hotel pools may be asked to book time slots in advance .
For golfers , the space between tee times will be increased to 15-minute intervals .
The guidelines also state that caddie service offered to guests must be suspended unless physical distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being asked to verbally tell customers what is on the menu while there will be no more sharing plates .
Embellishments on drinks such as decorative cocktail umbrellas will have to be “ minimised.
” Tableside cooking should also be suspended if social distancing guidelines can not be maintained .
For hotel weddings , canapés will have to be served individually and there will no more shared bowls of vegetables , gravy while condiments such as salt and pepper will be on request .
The new guidelines for hotels , restaurants , self-catering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fáilte Ireland , Government officials and industry bodies .
Below are the key changes for hotel weddings , spas , golf and restaurants .
Further guidance for pubs intending to operate as restaurants is set to be published in the coming days .
The new recommendations are predicated on the current physical distancing guidance of 2m but public health officials are examining potentially reducing this to 1m for the hospitality industry .
Guests will be asked to enter the property through doors that are automated or manually operated by an employee where possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one representative of each arriving group to approach the check-in desk while the others adhere to physical distancing measures.
” If guests use bell service , “ ask them to place their luggage on the ground .
The bell service can then commence , after which the bell cart can be cleaned and disinfected.
” The guidelines say that it will be the responsibility of supervisors and managers to ensure that guests do not congregate in groups .
The guidelines add that buffets should be avoided .
“ Avoid buffet-style service , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain physical distancing by avoiding queuing systems and staggering guests ’ access to the buffet .
Employees must plate up and serve food.
” Guidelines on rooms say extra pillows and blankets will be provided only if requested by a guest .
Food delivered to the room should be set on a tray or trolley in the hallway and the “ guest can then retrieve their own food and drinks.
” Mini-bars will be replaced by room service .
They “ must have all loose product removed and the bar then be locked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request from room service.
” After a guest has left , the guest linen must be removed in a tied bag .
“ When linen is removed from a bed and laundered , employees must wear the relevant protective items eg gloves and apron , when separating the linen.
” Pens will be removed or replaced after each guest checks out .
In bars and function rooms , the amount of seating and stools must be reduced and the capacity of outside smoking areas must be reviewed .
Open bar snacks or finger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not shared by a table .
Tableside cooking “ must be suspended if physical distancing can not be adhered to.
” Jugs will no longer be available on counters according to the guidelines as those using the counter as a dining facility may not be from the same household .
Viewing chairs and seating must be removed completely .
The pool area must be pressure washed , cleaned and disinfected each night , the guidelines state .
“ A designated employee must ensure the maximum pool capacity is not exceeded .
Alternatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time.
” Space between tee times will also be increased to 15-minute intervals .
Only one player can travel in a cart unless accompanied by people who are part of the same household .
The guidelines also state that guest caddie service offered to guests must be suspended unless physical distancing can be adhered to .
Individual scorecards and pencil sets should also be made be available to players .
Instead of close contact treatments the guidelines suggest “ alternative express treatments ” such as “ stress management and options that do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be installed to ensure that all grooming equipment has been properly sterilised .
Where physical distancing can not be reasonably practised , therapists must be “ provided with appropriate personal protective equipment and safeguards such as screens , training and instruction .
Above all , it must be emphasised that gloves are no substitute for good handwashing.
” Even the dance floor will be subjected to social distancing under the guidelines .
They also recommend a private room for the drinks reception .
Canapés must be in individual portions .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ butter dishes will be available only on request .
There will also be “ no family-style service of food , ie no shared vegetable and gravy dishes.
” Wedding afters “ must be served directly to each guest fully plated.
” Social distancing will have to be maintained on the dance floor .
There will be signage on tables and dance floors which must ask guests to respect physical distancing guidelines .
Staff will be required to monitor and manage distancing .
Where food is served buffet-style , all items for guest use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a single serve item .
“ Common tongs or ladles must not be used and neither must common distribution containers from which guests help themselves.
” Restaurants are advised to encourage bookings and give specific time slots for diners .
When a group arrives at a restaurant to queue , only one member should be asked do so , the document states .
“ The others must adhere to physical distancing until the group can be seated.
” “ The amount of seating and stools must be reduced and guests must order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queues.
” Straws must be individually wrapped and the “ embellishment ” or decoration of glasses like cocktail umbrellas should be minimised .
Fresh glasses will be used for every new drink and when pouring drinks employees must handle glasses by the stem or base .
Verbal menus are also being encouraged .
The guidelines state that menus must be single use or made of a material that can easily be cleaned .
“ Electronic menus , phone apps and menu boards are an alternative option .
It may be possible to verbally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If so , this should be done.
” Sharing plates must be served in individual portions from the kitchen .
Self-service buffet and hotplates will have to be “ shielded from guests ” and only employees must plate up food .
Buffet service “ must only be provided where physical distancing and other public health advice can be followed .
Maintain physical distancing by staggering service and placing 2m markings on the floor to highlight distance if queuing is unavoidable.
” But no self-serve food will be available .
Bill tip trays , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items “ must be cleaned and disinfected after each use or used just once and disposed of.
” Every restaurant should have “ at least one lead worker representative charged with ensuring that Covid-19 measures are strictly adhered to in their workplace , ” the documents state .
Restaurants are being urged to implement phased shifts , schedule small teams and keep the same team combinations where possible to limit employee interaction .
“ This will assist should contact tracing be required.
” Restaurant tables , seating and couches in public areas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arranged to ensure appropriate social distancing is adhered to .
Employees will also be reminded to “ stay at least 2m away from guests and other employees whenever possible.
” The guideline state that if restaurants can not ensure that employees stay the recommended distance apart at all times “ alternative protective measures must be put in place .
For example , install physical barriers such as clear plastic sneeze guards between employees.
” Hand sanitiser dispensers , touchless whenever possible , must be placed at all restaurant entrances , at employee entrances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of the restaurant .
All hand sanitisers must have a minimum alcohol content of 60 per cent .

There will be no family-style service of food at weddings, ie no shared vegetable and gravy dishes. Photograph: iStock
Guests on the dance floor at weddings will be told to keep 2 metres apart under new post Covid-19 lockdown rules which will also see the end of mini-bars and self-service buffets in hotels.
Guests in spas should also be offered express “stress management” treatments instead of therapies that involve touch, while those using hotel pools may be asked to book time slots in advance.
For golfers, the space between tee times will be increased to 15-minute intervals. The guidelines also state that caddie service offered to guests must be suspended unless physical distancing can be adhered to.
Restaurateurs are being asked to verbally tell customers what is on the menu while there will be no more sharing plates.
READ MORE
Embellishments on drinks such as decorative cocktail umbrellas will have to be “minimised.” Tableside cooking should also be suspended if social distancing guidelines cannot be maintained.
For hotel weddings, canapés will have to be served individually and there will no more shared bowls of vegetables, gravy while condiments such as salt and pepper will be on request.
The new guidelines for hotels, restaurants, self-catering and caravan parks are being finalised by Fáilte Ireland, Government officials and industry bodies.
Below are the key changes for hotel weddings, spas, golf and restaurants. Further guidance for pubs intending to operate as restaurants is set to be published in the coming days.
The new recommendations are predicated on the current physical distancing guidance of 2 metres but public health officials are examining potentially reducing this to 1metre for the hospitality industry.
The plans have been criticised by those in the food and beverage sector with the chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins saying under the current two metre guidelines around 90 per cent of restaurants will not be able to open on June 29th. If that was reduced to one metre Mr Cummins said that would enable 80 per cent of restaurants to open.
On Monday Minister for Health Simon Harris said the National Public Health Emergency Team was re-examining the appropriateness of the two metre social distancing requirement for the hospitality sector.
Hotels
Guests will be asked to enter the property through doors that are automated or manually operated by an employee where possible. “Reception employees should encourage just one representative of each arriving group to approach the check-in desk while the others adhere to physical distancing measures.”
If guests use bell service, “ask them to place their luggage on the ground. The bell service can then commence, after which the bell cart can be cleaned and disinfected.”
The guidelines say that it will be the responsibility of supervisors and managers to ensure that guests do not congregate in groups.
The guidelines add that buffets should be avoided.
“Avoid buffet-style service, where possible. If it is required, maintain physical distancing by avoiding queuing systems and staggering guests’ access to the buffet. Employees must plate up and serve food.”
Guidelines on rooms say extra pillows and blankets will be provided only if requested by a guest. Food delivered to the room should be set on a tray or trolley in the hallway and the “guest can then retrieve their own food and drinks.”
Mini-bars will be replaced by room service. They “must have all loose product removed and the bar then be locked. Items can be made available upon request from room service.”
After a guest has left, the guest linen must be removed in a tied bag. “When linen is removed from a bed and laundered, employees must wear the relevant protective items eg gloves and apron, when separating the linen.”
Pens will be removed or replaced after each guest checks out.
In bars and function rooms, the amount of seating and stools must be reduced and the capacity of outside smoking areas must be reviewed. Open bar snacks or finger food will be served to individual guests and not shared by a table. Tableside cooking “must be suspended if physical distancing cannot be adhered to.”
Jugs will no longer be available on counters according to the guidelines as those using the counter as a dining facility may not be from the same household.
Hotel pools
Viewing chairs and seating must be removed completely. The pool area must be pressure washed, cleaned and disinfected each night, the guidelines state. “A designated employee must ensure the maximum pool capacity is not exceeded. Alternatively, guests can book their preferred pool time.”
Hotel golf
Space between tee times will also be increased to 15-minute intervals. Only one player can travel in a cart unless accompanied by people who are part of the same household. The guidelines also state that guest caddie service offered to guests must be suspended unless physical distancing can be adhered to. Individual scorecards and pencil sets should also be made be available to players.
Hotel spa
Instead of close contact treatments the guidelines suggest “alternative express treatments” such as “stress management and options that do not involve touch”. Ultraviolet treatment boxes must be installed to ensure that all grooming equipment has been properly sterilised. Where physical distancing cannot be reasonably practised, therapists must be “provided with appropriate personal protective equipment and safeguards such as screens, training and instruction. Above all, it must be emphasised that gloves are no substitute for good handwashing.”
Hotel weddings
Even the dance floor will be subjected to social distancing under the guidelines. They also recommend a private room for the drinks reception. Canapés must be in individual portions. During the meal, salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes will be available only on request. There will also be “no family-style service of food, ie no shared vegetable and gravy dishes.” Wedding afters “must be served directly to each guest fully plated.” Social distancing will have to be maintained on the dance floor. There will be signage on tables and dance floors which must ask guests to respect physical distancing guidelines. Staff will be required to monitor and manage distancing.
Restaurants
Where food is served buffet-style, all items for guest use must be “individually wrapped” or be a single serve item. “Common tongs or ladles must not be used and neither must common distribution containers from which guests help themselves.”
Restaurants are advised to encourage bookings and give specific time slots for diners.
When a group arrives at a restaurant to queue, only one member should be asked do so, the document states. “The others must adhere to physical distancing until the group can be seated.”
“The amount of seating and stools must be reduced and guests must order from their seat wherever possible to reduce queues.”
Straws must be individually wrapped and the “embellishment” or decoration of glasses like cocktail umbrellas should be minimised.
Fresh glasses will be used for every new drink and when pouring drinks employees must handle glasses by the stem or base.
Verbal menus are also being encouraged. The guidelines state that menus must be single use or made of a material that can easily be cleaned. “Electronic menus, phone apps and menu boards are an alternative option. It may be possible to verbally recommend food and drinks to guests. If so, this should be done.”
Sharing plates must be served in individual portions from the kitchen. Self-service buffet and hotplates will have to be “shielded from guests” and only employees must plate up food.
Buffet service “must only be provided where physical distancing and other public health advice can be followed. Maintain physical distancing by staggering service and placing 2metre markings on the floor to highlight distance if queuing is unavoidable.” But no self-serve food will be available.
Bill tip trays, pens and all other reusable guest contact items “must be cleaned and disinfected after each use or used just once and disposed of.”
Every restaurant should have “at least one lead worker representative charged with ensuring that Covid-19 measures are strictly adhered to in their workplace,” the documents state.
Restaurants are being urged to implement phased shifts, schedule small teams and keep the same team combinations where possible to limit employee interaction. “This will assist should contact tracing be required.”
Restaurant tables, seating and couches in public areas and other physical layouts will have to be arranged to ensure appropriate social distancing is adhered to. Employees will also be reminded to “stay at least 2metre away from guests and other employees whenever possible.”
The guideline state that if restaurants cannot ensure that employees stay the recommended distance apart at all times “alternative protective measures must be put in place. For example, install physical barriers such as clear plastic sneeze guards between employees.”
Hand sanitiser dispensers, touchless whenever possible, must be placed at all restaurant entrances, at employee entrances and at specific points within the public areas of the restaurant. All hand sanitisers must have a minimum alcohol content of 60 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-06-08--Covid-19: Gardaí lose enforcement powers over movement restrictions

Gardaí no longer have the power to enforce the movement restrictions laid out in the emergency coronavirus legislation introduced by the Government .
As of yesterday , people can travel anywhere within their own county or for up to 20km outside it , up from a previous radius of 5km .
However , unlike previous versions of the regulations , the latest provisions do not mention a criminal penalty for breaching the movement restrictions .
This means gardaí can no longer arrest or prosecute anyone moving outside the radius .
The move to revoke one of the most draconian Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday with no announcement or publicity .
A Garda spokesman said the force will continue to “ encourage and educate ” people found travelling outside the radius but confirmed it no longer has powers of arrest .
The Garda still has the power to enforce other regulations introduced under the emergency legislation last March , including prohibitions on large events and the opening of certain businesses .
Those organising events of more than 15 people , including protests , could also still face criminal sanction .
A Department of Health spokeswoman said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proportionate ” to retain criminal sanctions for breaching the movement restrictions .
“ The Government has been advised by the Attorney General that this is a proportionate and appropriate measure at this stage of the pandemic .
This is important for the law to be valid and human-rights compliant , ” she said .
Until this week , those found more than 5km from their home while not engaged in essential travel faced penalties of up to six months in prison and a €2,500 fine .
However , gardaí were instructed to only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn back home .
As of last Tuesday , gardaí had used their enforcement powers 289 times .
However , the rate of arrests has been dropping for several weeks , even as more people took to the roads .
During the June bank holiday weekend , only six enforcement actions were taken .
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties , which has been calling for the revocation of the Garda powers for weeks , welcomed the return of “ policing by consent ” .

As of last Tuesday, gardaí had used their enforcement powers 289 times. During the June bank holiday weekend, only six enforcement actions were taken. File photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Gardaí no longer have the power to enforce the movement restrictions laid out in the emergency coronavirus legislation introduced by the Government.
As of yesterday, people can travel anywhere within their own county or for up to 20km outside it, up from a previous radius of 5km.
However, unlike previous versions of the regulations, the latest provisions do not mention a criminal penalty for breaching the movement restrictions.
This means gardaí can no longer arrest or prosecute anyone moving outside the radius. The move to revoke one of the most draconian Garda powers in living memory was made on Sunday with no announcement or publicity.
READ MORE
A Garda spokesman said the force will continue to “encourage and educate” people found travelling outside the radius but confirmed it no longer has powers of arrest.
The Garda still has the power to enforce other regulations introduced under the emergency legislation last March, including prohibitions on large events and the opening of certain businesses. Those organising events of more than 15 people, including protests, could also still face criminal sanction.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said the Government believed it would not be "proportionate" to retain criminal sanctions for breaching the movement restrictions.
“The Government has been advised by the Attorney General that this is a proportionate and appropriate measure at this stage of the pandemic. This is important for the law to be valid and human-rights compliant,” she said.
Essential travel
Until this week, those found more than 5km from their home while not engaged in essential travel faced penalties of up to six months in prison and a €2,500 fine. However, gardaí were instructed to only take enforcement action against people refusing directions to turn back home.
As of last Tuesday, gardaí had used their enforcement powers 289 times. However, the rate of arrests has been dropping for several weeks, even as more people took to the roads. During the June bank holiday weekend, only six enforcement actions were taken.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties, which has been calling for the revocation of the Garda powers for weeks, welcomed the return of “policing by consent”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Irish universities climb up latest global rankings

Five of Ireland ’ s top six universities have climbed up the latest set of global rankings with Trinity College Dublin placing just outside the top 100 .
The QS ( Quacquarelli Symonds ) World University Rankings indicate that the improved performance is linked to a stronger academic reputation and a higher proportion of international faculty members .
Trinity remains Ireland ’ s highest ranked university ( 101st place , up seven places on last year ) , followed by University College Dublin ( 177th , up eight places ) , NUI Galway ( 238th , up 21 places ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up 21 places ) and University of Limerick ( 511-520 , up from 521-530 ) .
Maynooth University remained in the same ranking group ( 701-750 ) , while Technological University Dublin fell ( 801-1,000 , down from 751-800 ) .
The QS rankings are based on a number of key indicators , including academic and employer reputation , staff-student ratios , citations per faculty and the international nature of faculty and staff .
Irish universities performed strongest under the “ international faculty ” heading ( the proportion of international staff ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( based on a survey of academic staff across the globe ) .
They underperformed under the measure of institutional research impact , or citations per faculty .
The improved performance overall comes at a challenging time for the sector due to long-term funding issues and disruption linked to the coronavirus pandemic .
The Higher Education Authority estimates that universities are facing a €500 million blackhole this year and next due to a dramatic fall-off in international student numbers and related factors .
The Department of Education has signalled that only limited funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Technology ( MIT ) tops the QS rankings for the ninth consecutive year , followed by Stanford University , Harvard University and California Institute of Technology .
University of Oxford ( fifth place ) is Europe ’ s highest ranked institution , followed by ETH Zurich or Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ( sixth ) , University of Cambridge ( seventh ) and Imperial College London ( eighth ) .
Trinity ’ s dean of research , Prof Linda Doyle , said the university was pleased with its improved ranking despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish universities have performed well in these rankings , especially when considering the continued under-investment and significant challenges we face in competing with other universities around the globe that are more robustly supported by government , ” she said .
She said significant and sustained improvements can only be achieved if there is a long-term increase in investment .
“ This is even more urgent in light of the unprecedented challenges we face as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic .
These rankings show that Ireland ’ s universities are internationally respected and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue without significant sustained and meaningful investment from government.
” UCD president Prof Andrew Deeks said while he was pleased to see an improvement in the rankings , he also warned that the pandemic will pose serious challenges .
“ I am very conscious that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a dramatic impact on the entire higher education sector across the world and that rankings such as QS , that place a strong focus on internationalisation , will be very much affected in the coming year as we grapple with travel and mobility @ @ @ @ @ @

Five of Ireland's top six universities have climbed up the latest set of global rankings with Trinity College Dublin placing just outside the top 100.
The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings indicate that the improved performance is linked to a stronger academic reputation and a higher proportion of international faculty members.
Trinity remains Ireland's highest ranked university (101st place, up seven places on last year), followed by University College Dublin (177th, up eight places), NUI Galway (238th, up 21 places), University College Cork (286th, up 21 places ) and University of Limerick (511-520, up from 521-530).
Maynooth University remained in the same ranking group (701-750), while Technological University Dublin fell (801-1,000, down from 751-800).
READ MORE
The QS rankings are based on a number of key indicators, including academic and employer reputation, staff-student ratios, citations per faculty and the international nature of faculty and staff.
Irish universities performed strongest under the “international faculty” heading (the proportion of international staff) and improved most under “academic reputation” (based on a survey of academic staff across the globe).
They underperformed under the measure of institutional research impact, or citations per faculty.
The improved performance overall comes at a challenging time for the sector due to long-term funding issues and disruption linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Higher Education Authority estimates that universities are facing a €500 million blackhole this year and next due to a dramatic fall-off in international student numbers and related factors.
The Department of Education has signalled that only limited funds may be available.
Overall, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) tops the QS rankings for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Stanford University, Harvard University and California Institute of Technology.
University of Oxford (fifth place) is Europe's highest ranked institution, followed by ETH Zurich or Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (sixth), University of Cambridge (seventh) and Imperial College London (eighth).
Challenges
Trinity's dean of research, Prof Linda Doyle, said the university was pleased with its improved ranking despite an increasingly challenging landscape.
“All Irish universities have performed well in these rankings, especially when considering the continued under-investment and significant challenges we face in competing with other universities around the globe that are more robustly supported by government,” she said.
She said significant and sustained improvements can only be achieved if there is a long-term increase in investment.
“This is even more urgent in light of the unprecedented challenges we face as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. These rankings show that Ireland’s universities are internationally respected and highly regarded, but that will not continue without significant sustained and meaningful investment from government.”
UCD president Prof Andrew Deeks said while he was pleased to see an improvement in the rankings, he also warned that the pandemic will pose serious challenges.
“I am very conscious that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a dramatic impact on the entire higher education sector across the world and that rankings such as QS, that place a strong focus on internationalisation, will be very much affected in the coming year as we grapple with travel and mobility restrictions,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Aer Lingus proposes set of pay cuts, working practice adjustments

Aer Lingus has proposed a wide-ranging set of pay cuts and working practice adjustments for its staff , according to a confidential document shared with unions .
The discussion document outlines a deal which would run until the end of February 2022 , which the airline says is designed to help it navigate the effect of the Covid pandemic on the aviation sector , which it describes as as “ unprecedented ” .
No agreement has been struck on the document , which was characterised by a source as a discussion paper .
According to the document , the changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of operational change and may need to be revisited should the situation worsen ” .
“ The challenge now faced is many many times worse than anything we have experienced previously and will take a number of years to recover from.
” it says the crisis has had a “ devastating impact ” on the business which “ requires immediate action to ensure our survival ” .
It says “ immediate and sustainable work practice changes and efficiencies are now required across Aer Lingus in the face of the greatest crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The document states that “ work practice change will be implemented across all Aer Lingus operational areas ” .
While it states that the proposed deal is to run to February 2022 , it also notes that “ these changes once implemented will last in perpetuity and are irrevocable ” .
The document outlines a series of wide-ranging changes that would link pay to hours worked , which in turn would be determined by “ operation requirements ” .
It states that for the duration of the proposed understanding , there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims served by the group of unions .
Pay , it says , will reflect work available - therefore , three days work rostered in a week will result in 60 per cent pay .
The volume of work will be dependent on operational requirements , the document states .
Notwithstanding this , it says that until the end of August , even operational areas with a 100 per cent requirement in terms of hours will only see pay at 75 per cent of norms .
Conversely , if work requirements in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay will be maintained at half normal levels .
However , such payments will be characterised as “ overpayments to the individual staff members are are subject to recovery from the work group involved ” .
These overpayments will be clawed back , the document suggests , by holding “ work group ” pay to 80 per cent of basic norms when a higher work requirement resumes .
“ Aer Lingus aspires to restoring pay and hours at the earliest feasible time that the market and operating conditions allow .
It is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis , ” the document states , before again warning that “ should the situation materially deteriorate ( e.g .
a second wave or extended quarantine ) then it will be necessary to re-visit these measures ” .
If the deal is agreed , Aer Lingus is proposing to “ recognise the contribution ” of staff at the end of the deal , either through a once-off payment or “ an appropriate upward revision in pay from that time ” .
This depends several factors , including profitability , the health of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ level of operations pertaining in Aer Lingus at that time ” .
A series of appendices to the document deals with fine detail as to how maintenance , cabin crew and ground staff will be affected , should the proposed deal be agreed .
These include ground operations staff who have historically been given fixed or static duties being asked to “ support the wider operation ( such as boarding ) ” .
Meanwhile , the length duration and times of shifts may vary .
Staff may be assigned the arrival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate departing flight .
Engineers are being asked to support the use of “ contingent labour .
.
.
in certain circumstances during peak demand and when work is outside the scope of the Aer Lingus team ” .
Cabin crew “ will support the ground operations team in Dublin/Cork and Shannon with the marshalling of passengers.
” Asked about the document on RTÉ ’ s Prime Time programme , Donal Moriarty , chief corporate affairs officer with the carrier , said it was in the early stages of discussions with unions .

According to the document, the changes proposed are ‘the minimum required now in terms of operational change and may need to be revisited should the situation worsen’. Photograph: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters
Aer Lingus has proposed a wide-ranging set of pay cuts and working practice adjustments for its staff, according to a confidential document shared with unions.
The discussion document outlines a deal which would run until the end of February 2022, which the airline says is designed to help it navigate the effect of the Covid pandemic on the aviation sector, which it describes as as “unprecedented”.
No agreement has been struck on the document, which was characterised by a source as a discussion paper.
According to the document, the changes proposed are “the minimum required now in terms of operational change and may need to be revisited should the situation worsen”.
READ MORE
“The challenge now faced is many many times worse than anything we have experienced previously and will take a number of years to recover from.” it says the crisis has had a “devastating impact” on the business which “requires immediate action to ensure our survival”.
It says “immediate and sustainable work practice changes and efficiencies are now required across Aer Lingus in the face of the greatest crisis that the airline industry has ever experienced.”
No pay increases
The document states that “work practice change will be implemented across all Aer Lingus operational areas”. While it states that the proposed deal is to run to February 2022, it also notes that “these changes once implemented will last in perpetuity and are irrevocable”.
The document outlines a series of wide-ranging changes that would link pay to hours worked, which in turn would be determined by “operation requirements”.
It states that for the duration of the proposed understanding, there will be no pay increases and no pay claims served by the group of unions. Pay, it says, will reflect work available - therefore, three days work rostered in a week will result in 60 per cent pay. The volume of work will be dependent on operational requirements, the document states.
Notwithstanding this, it says that until the end of August, even operational areas with a 100 per cent requirement in terms of hours will only see pay at 75 per cent of norms. Conversely, if work requirements in any area fall below 50 per cent, pay will be maintained at half normal levels. However, such payments will be characterised as “overpayments to the individual staff members are are subject to recovery from the work group involved”. These overpayments will be clawed back, the document suggests, by holding “work group” pay to 80 per cent of basic norms when a higher work requirement resumes.
“Aer Lingus aspires to restoring pay and hours at the earliest feasible time that the market and operating conditions allow. It is likely that this will happen on a phased basis,” the document states, before again warning that “should the situation materially deteriorate (e.g. a second wave or extended quarantine) then it will be necessary to re-visit these measures”.
Variations in shifts
If the deal is agreed, Aer Lingus is proposing to “recognise the contribution” of staff at the end of the deal, either through a once-off payment or “an appropriate upward revision in pay from that time”.
This depends several factors, including profitability, the health of the company’s balance sheet, and the “level of operations pertaining in Aer Lingus at that time”.
A series of appendices to the document deals with fine detail as to how maintenance, cabin crew and ground staff will be affected, should the proposed deal be agreed.
These include ground operations staff who have historically been given fixed or static duties being asked to “support the wider operation (such as boarding)”. Meanwhile, the length duration and times of shifts may vary. Staff may be assigned the arrival of a flight and then reassigned a separate departing flight.
Engineers are being asked to support the use of “contingent labour . . . in certain circumstances during peak demand and when work is outside the scope of the Aer Lingus team”.
Cabin crew “will support the ground operations team in Dublin/Cork and Shannon with the marshalling of passengers.”
Asked about the document on RTÉ’s Prime Time programme, Donal Moriarty, chief corporate affairs officer with the carrier, said it was in the early stages of discussions with unions.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Irish sculptor Jeanne Rynhart dies aged 74

Jeanne Rynhart the Dublin Sculptor whose most recognised piece was possibly Dublin ’ s Molly Malone statue , has died , aged 74 .
Her works also included the Annie Moore statues in Cobh , Co Cork and on Ellis Island in New York .
These statues commemorate the first passenger processed through the now world-famous Ellis Island immigration station on January 1st , 1892 .
In 1993 , then president Mary Robinson attended the special dedication ceremony of the Ellis Island sculpture which depicts Moore stepping off the gangplank , holding a small suitcase in one hand .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes Annie Moore ’ s two brothers .
Ms Rynhart was born in Dublin and graduated from the National College of Art and Design with a degree in Fine Art in 1969 .
After college she moved to Coventry in England to further her work and then to Bantry in Co Cork with her family in 1981 .
In Cork she operated under Rynhart Fine Art Bronze .
In 1994 , Ms Rynhart ’ s daughter joined her and now Audrey and her husband Les Elliot run the business from their studio in @ @ @ @ @

Jeanne Rynhart the Dublin Sculptor whose most recognised piece was possibly Dublin’s Molly Malone statue, has died, aged 74.
Her works also included the Annie Moore statues in Cobh, Co Cork and on Ellis Island in New York. These statues commemorate the first passenger processed through the now world-famous Ellis Island immigration station on January 1st, 1892.
In 1993, then president Mary Robinson attended the special dedication ceremony of the Ellis Island sculpture which depicts Moore stepping off the gangplank, holding a small suitcase in one hand . The sister statue at Cobh, Ireland, includes Annie Moore’s two brothers.
Ms Rynhart was born in Dublin and graduated from the National College of Art and Design with a degree in Fine Art in 1969. After college she moved to Coventry in England to further her work and then to Bantry in Co Cork with her family in 1981. In Cork she operated under Rynhart Fine Art Bronze .
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In 1994, Ms Rynhart’s daughter joined her and now Audrey and her husband Les Elliot run the business from their studio in Glengarriff, West Cork.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Travellers urge end to racism as George Floyd buried

Traveller organisations have issued a joint call to “ end racism ” on the day George Floyd was being buried in Houston , Texas .
Some 10 Traveller organisations issued a statement on Tuesday night saying the time for action on racism “ is now ” , given the death in US police custody of Mr Floyd , a black man , and following on from “ the ongoing responses of his country ’ s leadership ” .
The organisations , including Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre and others concerned with mental and physical wellbeing , expressed sympathy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They expressed support for the African-American community , who the statement said were voicing their determination that racism embedded in colonialism and slavery had to be “ once and for all addressed in their country ” .
The Travellers said : “ We stand in solidarity with all people of African descent and the anger they feel at this time and with the efforts of Black Lives Matter and other groups , including those here in Ireland , to name and address this racism.
” As Travellers , the groups said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to anti-Traveller racism in Ireland and elsewhere .
“ We call on the incoming government to act immediately to address the discriminations , including structural racism , experienced by Black communities here , and by many others including Travellers and Roma.
” Groups which associated themselves with the statement included Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre , Irish Traveller Movement , National Traveller Women ’ s Forum , Minceirs Whiden , Exchange House Ireland National Travellers Service , the Parish of the Travelling People , Traveller Mediation Service , Traveller Counselling Service and @ @ @

Some 10 Traveller organisations including Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre issued a statement on Tuesday night saying the time for action on racism “is now”. Photograph: Pavee Point
Traveller organisations have issued a joint call to “end racism” on the day George Floyd was being buried in Houston, Texas.
Some 10 Traveller organisations issued a statement on Tuesday night saying the time for action on racism “is now”, given the death in US police custody of Mr Floyd, a black man, and following on from “ the ongoing responses of his country’s leadership”.
The organisations, including Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre and others concerned with mental and physical wellbeing, expressed sympathy and solidarity with the family of Mr Floyd.
Pallbearers bring the casket into church for the funeral of George Floyd at The Fountain of Praise church in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday. Photograph: Godofredo A Vásquez/Getty
They expressed support for the African-American community, who the statement said were voicing their determination that racism embedded in colonialism and slavery had to be “once and for all addressed in their country”.
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The Travellers said: “We stand in solidarity with all people of African descent and the anger they feel at this time and with the efforts of Black Lives Matter and other groups, including those here in Ireland, to name and address this racism.”
Anti-Traveller racism
As Travellers, the groups said, their members have for long been exposed to anti-Traveller racism in Ireland and elsewhere.
“We call on the incoming government to act immediately to address the discriminations, including structural racism, experienced by Black communities here, and by many others including Travellers and Roma.”
Groups which associated themselves with the statement included Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre, Irish Traveller Movement , National Traveller Women’s Forum, Minceirs Whiden, Exchange House Ireland National Travellers Service, the Parish of the Travelling People, Traveller Mediation Service, Traveller Counselling Service and National Traveller MABS


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Irish firm tricked into paying $74,000 in PPE machine scam

An Irish company was tricked with fake invoices into sending a $ 74,600 ( €65,800 ) deposit to fraudsters for a machine to produce personal protection equipment ( PPE ) it was buying from China .
The money was recovered by the Garda but only after it had been paid out .
The Irish firm ’ s bank notified it two weeks later of the fraud .
The Irish company had last month agreed a deal with a Chinese firm to buy machinery that could be used in the manufacture of PPE for the HSE .
The firm performed due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satisfied itself the outfit was genuine and reputable .
It was then agreed that a portion of the total price of the machinery would be paid as a deposit .
However , the Irish company then received emails from a fraudster who presented themselves as the Chinese supplier .
An invoice was sent , with bank account details for the money to be transferred , and the Irish company made a transfer of $ 74,600 on May 27th .
Almost two weeks later , on Monday , June 8th , the Irish company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transaction was fraudulent .
The company contacted gardaí in Waterford .
With the assistance of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau , the money was recovered and lodged back into the company ’ s bank account .
Garda Headquarters has released details of the case and urged businesses to report any similar incidents to the force .
It has stressed that urgent action was required as money could often be moved out of reach very quickly .
“ Even if the fraud has not been successful , it is possible that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents of this nature and reporting it may prevent further incidents of fraud , ” the Garda said in a statement .
Senior Garda sources were concerned that organised crime groups , especially international groups operating online , would use the global pandemic as an opportunity for often lucrative frauds .
In some cases , fraudsters were harvesting information about companies , their staff and clients from associated social media accounts in the Republic .
When contacting their intended victims by email , they often pepper their messages with information gleaned on victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or supplier .
In other cases , people contact a company ’ s junior members of staff claiming to be the chief executive and requesting that bank transfers be made immediately to other accounts , with account details supplied .
They often offer an apparently credible reason for requesting a transfer of funds , and in some cases the sums can be relatively small .
Irish companies have in some instances had hundreds of thousands of euro stolen in single transactions .
In the early months of last year , to mid-May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes , and €1.28 million was recovered by gardaí .
The sums stolen ranged from €700 to €890,000 .

The Irish company had last month agreed a deal with a Chinese firm to buy machinery that could be used in the manufacture of PPE for the HSE. File photograph: Getty
An Irish company was tricked with fake invoices into sending a $74,600 (€65,800) deposit to fraudsters for a machine to produce personal protection equipment (PPE) it was buying from China.
The money was recovered by the Garda but only after it had been paid out. The Irish firm’s bank notified it two weeks later of the fraud.
The Irish company had last month agreed a deal with a Chinese firm to buy machinery that could be used in the manufacture of PPE for the HSE.
The firm performed due diligence on the supplier in China and satisfied itself the outfit was genuine and reputable. It was then agreed that a portion of the total price of the machinery would be paid as a deposit.
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However, the Irish company then received emails from a fraudster who presented themselves as the Chinese supplier.
An invoice was sent, with bank account details for the money to be transferred, and the Irish company made a transfer of $74,600 on May 27th. Almost two weeks later, on Monday, June 8th, the Irish company was contacted by its bank and notified the transaction was fraudulent.
The company contacted gardaí in Waterford. With the assistance of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, the money was recovered and lodged back into the company’s bank account.
Urgent action
Garda Headquarters has released details of the case and urged businesses to report any similar incidents to the force. It has stressed that urgent action was required as money could often be moved out of reach very quickly.
“Even if the fraud has not been successful, it is possible that the bogus account is being used for other incidents of this nature and reporting it may prevent further incidents of fraud,” the Garda said in a statement.
Senior Garda sources were concerned that organised crime groups, especially international groups operating online, would use the global pandemic as an opportunity for often lucrative frauds. In some cases, fraudsters were harvesting information about companies, their staff and clients from associated social media accounts in the Republic.
When contacting their intended victims by email, they often pepper their messages with information gleaned on victims to pass themselves off as a client or supplier. In other cases, people contact a company’s junior members of staff claiming to be the chief executive and requesting that bank transfers be made immediately to other accounts, with account details supplied.
They often offer an apparently credible reason for requesting a transfer of funds, and in some cases the sums can be relatively small. Irish companies have in some instances had hundreds of thousands of euro stolen in single transactions.
In the early months of last year, to mid-May, some €4.4 million was stolen during 132 crimes, and €1.28 million was recovered by gardaí. The sums stolen ranged from €700 to €890,000.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Department admits ‘error’ over case at Cahersiveen direct provision centre

The Department of Justice has revealed an asylum seeker was placed in self-isolation days after arriving at the Cahersiveen direct provision centre in late March despite previously stating that there was no sign of the virus at the hotel for “ well over a fortnight ” .
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said last month that no residents at the newly opened Skellig accommodation centre in Cahersiveen had displayed any symptoms of Covid-19 for more than two weeks after being transferred from Dublin .
The first cases of the virus appeared after this incubation period , wrote Mr Flanagan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May .
However , the department has now confirmed that “ following further investigation ” it discovered “ a form ” was sent to a justice official on March 24th stating one resident at the direct provision centre was self-isolating with suspected Covid-19 .
This resident subsequently tested negative for the virus , the department told The Irish Times .
The department apologised on Tuesday for “ any confusion or lack of clarity ” around the situation and said an “ honest mistake ” had been made when responding last month to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter at an Oireachtas committee .
The department added that there was no indication the person was unwell prior to the transfer from Dublin .
“ We have also been able to establish that none of the persons who tested positive in the initial stages of the progression of the virus in the centre were transferred from that north Dublin hotel.
” Neither senior officials nor Charlie Flanagan or Minister of State David Stanton were aware of this correspondence prior to the department ’ s appearance before the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department ’ s clarification follows calls from the Cahersiveen Community and Business Alliance for Mr Flanagan to resign in light of his department ’ s handling of the situation in Kerry .
The alliance said the Minister should step down for having “ misled ” members of the public and residents at the centre as to when the first suspected case of Covid-19 was reported at the former Skellig Star hotel .
The group also criticised the Minister for failing to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the hotel ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lack of consultation with the Cahersiveen community .
The department said on Tuesday that the hotel was visited and inspected by a senior official last year but was not required until the outbreak of the pandemic .
“ Unfortunately , there was no time for public engagement in advance of the centre opening .
A contract was signed with the Department on March 16th and the first residents arrived later that same week , ” said a spokesman .
Documents released under a Freedom of Information request to the Kerryman , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pages of handwritten notes were made during a department inspection of the hotel in September 2019 .
Emails between government officials reveal plans to initially turn the 56-bedroom hotel into an emergency accommodation centre for six months while refurbishments were made to convert the building into a direct provision centre .
An email sent by a senior department official on March 9th stated the Skellig star could be operational “ within 72 hours ” .
Another email to local Kerry TDs , senators and councillors sent on March 17th noted 105 people would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an additional 45 people transferred “ in the coming weeks ” .
An email sent by a department official to a councillor on March 17th stated that all 105 people had been health screened by the HSE-led medical team at the Balseskin reception centre upon arrival in the country during the previous two months .
Ms Foley accused the department last month of failing to inform the HSE of a suspected coronavirus case shortly after asylum seekers arrived in the south Kerry town .
Speaking during the Oireachtas hearing , the Fianna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ verifiable evidence of a written communication ” to the Department of Justice dated March 24th which confirmed a suspected case of coronavirus .
She said the resident had been placed in isolation one day after arrival in Cahersiveen .
The deputy secretary general of the department denied any knowledge of this written communication during the hearing .
In Tuesday ’ s statement , the department said it had made an “ honest mistake ” and that there “ was no attempt by the department , or indeed the official concerned , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ” .
“ The Department has apologised to deputy Foley for any confusion or lack of clarity around these circumstances , and has arranged for an appropriate correction to the Dáil record to a reply to a Parliamentary Question asked by her .
”

A local group criticised the Minister for failing to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the Skellig Star hotel before opening to asylum seekers. Photograph: Alan Landers
The Department of Justice has revealed an asylum seeker was placed in self-isolation days after arriving at the Cahersiveen direct provision centre in late March despite previously stating that there was no sign of the virus at the hotel for “well over a fortnight”.
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said last month that no residents at the newly opened Skellig accommodation centre in Cahersiveen had displayed any symptoms of Covid-19 for more than two weeks after being transferred from Dublin.
The first cases of the virus appeared after this incubation period, wrote Mr Flanagan in an open letter to the Kerryman published in May.
However, the department has now confirmed that “following further investigation” it discovered “a form” was sent to a justice official on March 24th stating one resident at the direct provision centre was self-isolating with suspected Covid-19. This resident subsequently tested negative for the virus, the department told The Irish Times.
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The department apologised on Tuesday for "any confusion or lack of clarity" around the situation and said an "honest mistake" had been made when responding last month to Fianna Fáil TD Norma Foley on the matter at an Oireachtas committee.
The department added that there was no indication the person was unwell prior to the transfer from Dublin. “We have also been able to establish that none of the persons who tested positive in the initial stages of the progression of the virus in the centre were transferred from that north Dublin hotel.”
Neither senior officials nor Charlie Flanagan or Minister of State David Stanton were aware of this correspondence prior to the department's appearance before the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 in late May, the department said.
The department’s clarification follows calls from the Cahersiveen Community and Business Alliance for Mr Flanagan to resign in light of his department’s handling of the situation in Kerry.
The alliance said the Minister should step down for having “misled” members of the public and residents at the centre as to when the first suspected case of Covid-19 was reported at the former Skellig Star hotel.
The group also criticised the Minister for failing to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the hotel ahead of its opening for asylum seekers and for the lack of consultation with the Cahersiveen community.
The department said on Tuesday that the hotel was visited and inspected by a senior official last year but was not required until the outbreak of the pandemic. “Unfortunately, there was no time for public engagement in advance of the centre opening. A contract was signed with the Department on March 16th and the first residents arrived later that same week,” said a spokesman.
Documents released under a Freedom of Information request to the Radio Kerry News, and now publicly available online, show three pages of handwritten notes were made during a department inspection of the hotel in September 2019.
Email correspondence
Emails between government officials reveal plans to initially turn the 56-bedroom hotel into an emergency accommodation centre for six months while refurbishments were made to convert the building into a direct provision centre.
An email sent by a senior department official on March 9th stated the Skellig star could be operational “within 72 hours”. Another email to local Kerry TDs, senators and councillors sent on March 17th noted 105 people would arrive at the Cahersiveen hotel that week with an additional 45 people transferred “in the coming weeks”.
An email sent by a department official to a councillor on March 17th stated that all 105 people had been health screened by the HSE-led medical team at the Balseskin reception centre upon arrival in the country during the previous two months.
Ms Foley accused the department last month of failing to inform the HSE of a suspected coronavirus case shortly after asylum seekers arrived in the south Kerry town.
Speaking during the Oireachtas hearing, the Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry said she had “verifiable evidence of a written communication” to the Department of Justice dated March 24th which confirmed a suspected case of coronavirus. She said the resident had been placed in isolation one day after arrival in Cahersiveen.
The deputy secretary general of the department denied any knowledge of this written communication during the hearing.
In Tuesday’s statement, the department said it had made an “honest mistake” and that there “was no attempt by the department, or indeed the official concerned, to intentionally mislead or conceal the facts around this”.
“The Department has apologised to deputy Foley for any confusion or lack of clarity around these circumstances, and has arranged for an appropriate correction to the Dáil record to a reply to a Parliamentary Question asked by her.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--NI Executive seeks panels in ports and airports outlining quarantine rules

The Northern Ireland Executive wants information panels installed in ports and airports to inform arriving residents they must provide the UK government with their contact details during the required 14-day isolation period .
The North ’ s health minister , Robin Swann , also said the Executive would “ mutually respect and support ” the Irish Government in regard to Republic of Ireland residents returning via ports and airports in Northern Ireland .
Since Monday , anyone arriving into Northern Ireland from outside the Common Travel Area has been required to self-isolate for 14 days and to provide their contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electronic form .
Breaches are punishable by a fine of up to £1,000 .
In the Republic , all travellers arriving from outside the island must fill out a paper form and are asked to self-isolate for 14 days .
Northern Ireland residents only fill out a portion of the form , and do not have to provide their contact information .
Speaking following a meeting of the Northern Executive and their Irish counterparts on Tuesday , Mr Swann said the conversation between the jurisdictions was “ ongoing ” , though he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of the week .
This discussion , he said , was around erecting , “ the same way we did at the beginning [ of the pandemic ] , mutual signage in each other ’ s airports and ports so it ’ s very clear , no matter who ’ s arriving from what other country , that they are aware that the restrictions and the regulations they are under is actually that of their place of residence , not their port of arrival .
“ So if you land in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re duty bound under our regulations , and if you land in Belfast and go south you ’ re duty bound under their regulations , ” he said .
This eliminates the so-called “ Dublin loophole ” , by which people from Northern Ireland arriving from abroad might have avoided the self-isolation period by travelling through the Republic .
However it is not clear how it will be enforced .
Similarly , concerns remain over the “ Belfast loophole ” , whereby people can travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross the border into the Republic .
In a statement to The Irish Times , a spokeswoman for the Department of Health in Dublin said discussions were “ ongoing ” across government “ in relation to introducing mandatory quarantine and as part of this there is close ongoing engagement with NI colleagues .
“ Information has already been and will be shared in the case of contact tracing passengers from a possible case on a flight or a ferry , ” she said .
Daniel Holder , of the Belfast-based human rights organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CAJ ) had raised concerns that people returning to Northern Ireland via the Republic could unwittingly be committing a criminal offence for failing to complete the UK Passenger Locator Form .
“ That ’ s easy if you land into a Belfast airport , ” he said .
“ If you land into Dublin airport you might not even know about the UK form , and there is no one to hand it over to anyway when you cross the land border .
But you could still be committing a criminal offence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that under the current regulations in Northern Ireland , someone who landed in Dublin and then travelled home to Donegal “ may be captured by a requirement to self-isolate in the north when crossing the border on the way home .
“ We need the Northern Ireland Department of Health to both provide clarity and to revise them to remedy these issues , ” he said .

In the Republic, all travellers arriving from outside the island must fill out a paper form and are asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Photograph: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
The Northern Ireland Executive wants information panels installed in ports and airports to inform arriving residents they must provide the UK government with their contact details during the required 14-day isolation period.
The North's health minister, Robin Swann, also said the Executive would "mutually respect and support" the Irish Government in regard to Republic of Ireland residents returning via ports and airports in Northern Ireland.
Since Monday, anyone arriving into Northern Ireland from outside the Common Travel Area has been required to self-isolate for 14 days and to provide their contact details to the UK government using an electronic form. Breaches are punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.
In the Republic, all travellers arriving from outside the island must fill out a paper form and are asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Northern Ireland residents only fill out a portion of the form, and do not have to provide their contact information.
READ MORE
Speaking following a meeting of the Northern Executive and their Irish counterparts on Tuesday, Mr Swann said the conversation between the jurisdictions was “ongoing”, though he had hoped it would have been concluded by the beginning of the week.
This discussion, he said, was around erecting, “the same way we did at the beginning [of the pandemic], mutual signage in each other’s airports and ports so it’s very clear, no matter who’s arriving from what other country, that they are aware that the restrictions and the regulations they are under is actually that of their place of residence, not their port of arrival.
"So if you land in Dublin and come to Northern Ireland you're duty bound under our regulations, and if you land in Belfast and go south you're duty bound under their regulations," he said.
This eliminates the so-called “Dublin loophole”, by which people from Northern Ireland arriving from abroad might have avoided the self-isolation period by travelling through the Republic. However it is not clear how it will be enforced.
Similarly, concerns remain over the “Belfast loophole”, whereby people can travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland without the need for self-isolation and might then cross the border into the Republic.
In a statement to The Irish Times, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health in Dublin said discussions were "ongoing" across government "in relation to introducing mandatory quarantine and as part of this there is close ongoing engagement with NI colleagues.
“Information has already been and will be shared in the case of contact tracing passengers from a possible case on a flight or a ferry,” she said.
Daniel Holder, of the Belfast-based human rights organisation the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) had raised concerns that people returning to Northern Ireland via the Republic could unwittingly be committing a criminal offence for failing to complete the UK Passenger Locator Form.
“That’s easy if you land into a Belfast airport,” he said. “If you land into Dublin airport you might not even know about the UK form, and there is no one to hand it over to anyway when you cross the land border. But you could still be committing a criminal offence for not doing so.”
He also said that under the current regulations in Northern Ireland, someone who landed in Dublin and then travelled home to Donegal "may be captured by a requirement to self-isolate in the north when crossing the border on the way home.
“We need the Northern Ireland Department of Health to both provide clarity and to revise them to remedy these issues,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Dial-a-poet: Cocooners to benefit from ‘uplifting’ verse

As people continue to grapple with the emotional impact of the coronavirus pandemic , older people will have access to an unusual method of support through poetry .
As part of an initiative by Poetry Ireland , individuals who are cocooning can organise to receive a call at a preselected time during which two “ reassuring and uplifting ” poems will be read to them .
The scheme , which will take place on June 18th , was developed in response to the current Covid-19 restrictions , and aims to provide connection through poetry at a time that can feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being read over the phone include The Planter ’ s Daughter by Austin Clarke , Swineherd by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin , Making Love Outside Áras an Uachtaráin by Paul Durcan and Lines Composed Upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth .
In the Wordsworth poem , the lines depict the calm and quiet of London City , which is similar to how Ireland appeared during the coronavirus restrictions .
“ Ne ’ er saw I , never felt , a calm so deep !
The river glideth at his own sweet will : Dear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; And all that mighty heart is lying still !
” Swineherd by Ní Chuilleanáin hears the narrator imagining a better future , much like those longing for normality amid the pandemic .
“ When all this is over , said the swineherd , I mean to retire , where Nobody will have heard about my special skills And conversation is mainly about the weather.
” Participants who are taking part can also choose to have a specific poem read to them if they prefer .
Poet Mary O ’ Malley , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poetry line , said she was “ delighted to do it ” and she hoped that the poems could provide comfort to some of the listeners .
“ There is no connection more immediate or visceral than language and people really need that at this time .
When you ’ re in lockdown , things go into sharp relief , ” Ms O ’ Malley said .
“ A lot of the very fine poems that I have read provided solace ; I hope that ’ s what we do .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously held a similar initiative on Poetry Day on April 30th , which they said “ greatly benefited ” both the artists and the older people receiving the calls .
In order to sign up , individuals should contact Poetry Ireland ’ s dedicated Poetry Line at 01-2548856 .
A member of the team will take your name , phone number , preferred time slot and any particular poem requests , if you have one .
This line is open for sign-ups 10am to 5pm and closes on Monday June 15th , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Swineherd by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin is one of the reassuring poems to be read on June 18th. Photograph: Eric Luke
As people continue to grapple with the emotional impact of the coronavirus pandemic, older people will have access to an unusual method of support through poetry.
As part of an initiative by Poetry Ireland, individuals who are cocooning can organise to receive a call at a preselected time during which two "reassuring and uplifting" poems will be read to them.
The scheme, which will take place on June 18th, was developed in response to the current Covid-19 restrictions, and aims to provide connection through poetry at a time that can feel very isolating.
Some of the poems being read over the phone include The Planter's Daughter by Austin Clarke, Swineherd by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Making Love Outside Áras an Uachtaráin by Paul Durcan and Lines Composed Upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth.
READ MORE
There is no connection more immediate or visceral than language and people really need that at this time
In the Wordsworth poem, the lines depict the calm and quiet of London City, which is similar to how Ireland appeared during the coronavirus restrictions.
"Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!
The river glideth at his own sweet will:
Dear God! The very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still!"
Swineherd by Ní Chuilleanáin hears the narrator imagining a better future, much like those longing for normality amid the pandemic.
"When all this is over, said the swineherd,
I mean to retire, where
Nobody will have heard about my special skills
And conversation is mainly about the weather."
Participants who are taking part can also choose to have a specific poem read to them if they prefer.
Poet Mary O’Malley, one of the readers taking part in the poetry line, said she was “delighted to do it” and she hoped that the poems could provide comfort to some of the listeners.
“There is no connection more immediate or visceral than language and people really need that at this time. When you’re in lockdown, things go into sharp relief,” Ms O’Malley said. “A lot of the very fine poems that I have read provided solace; I hope that’s what we do. There is an uplift in solace.”
Poetry Ireland previously held a similar initiative on Poetry Day on April 30th, which they said “greatly benefited” both the artists and the older people receiving the calls.
In order to sign up, individuals should contact Poetry Ireland’s dedicated Poetry Line at 01-2548856. A member of the team will take your name, phone number, preferred time slot and any particular poem requests, if you have one.
This line is open for sign-ups 10am to 5pm and closes on Monday June 15th, with calls taking place on Thursday June 18th.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--‘Brisk’ sales as fears about trying on clothes fade

People have been returning to shops across the country with a mixture of enthusiasm and caution , and there has been an unexpected bounce in men measuring up for winter wedding suits , retailers have said .
Retailers have reported “ brisk ” sales in the early stages of the reopening as fears that shoppers may have been reluctant to leave their homes or touch or try on clothes have diminished .
Louis Copeland , of the eponymously named men ’ s clothes retailer , said shoppers had “ started to trickle back ” with most of those coming through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it will be a couple of weeks before people start to buy suits because so many people are working from home.
” He said when he went back to work on Monday morning , it was the first day he had put a suit on in months .
“ It felt like it was my first day back at school.
” A surprising trend Mr Copeland has noticed in the first two days of trading was men coming in looking to be measured for wedding suits .
“ I am hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward and planning to have smaller weddings in the middle of the week in October or November.
” He said he already had 10 couples through the doors to measure up for winter weddings .
“ Apart from anything else it gives them a great excuse not to invite in-laws or people they don ’ t really like if the weddings are held in the winter when restrictions are still in place.
” According to Jean McCabe who owns the Willow clothes shop which has branches in Galway and Ennis : “ People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones who are in town are spending money .
“ They are picking up summer pieces after realising what the gaps were during the good weather , ” she said .
She said none of the people who had come into her shops had any issues with browsing the racks or trying on clothes .
Richard Barron , managing director of Pamela Scott , which opened 13 of its women ’ s boutiques , told a similar story .
He said there had been “ brisk sales in the early stages of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be back and the customers seem delighted to see them ” .
The main focus of shoppers ’ attention on Monday and Tuesday were “ T-shirts , shorts , capris , sun dresses and sandals ” , he said .
“ What we are hearing from a lot of customers is that they are out to treat themselves after being locked down at home for so long .
There wasn ’ t as much nervousness as we expected.
” He said one thing that had surprised him was how keen people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought there might be an issue but a lot of customers did want to try clothes on .
And we were happy to facilitate that .
I would say that about half of our customers were using the changing rooms.
” Like many retailers , Pamela Scott has new sanitation protocols in place which sees clothes that have been tried on but not bought steamed and quarantined .

People have been returning to shops across the country with a mixture of enthusiasm and caution, and there has been an unexpected bounce in men measuring up for winter wedding suits, retailers have said.
Retailers have reported “brisk” sales in the early stages of the reopening as fears that shoppers may have been reluctant to leave their homes or touch or try on clothes have diminished.
Louis Copeland, of the eponymously named men’s clothes retailer, said shoppers had “started to trickle back” with most of those coming through the doors buying casual wear.
Louis Copeland had 10 couples measuring up for winter weddings at his Capel Street shop in the first two days of trading. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
“I think it will be a couple of weeks before people start to buy suits because so many people are working from home.”
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He said when he went back to work on Monday morning, it was the first day he had put a suit on in months. “It felt like it was my first day back at school.”
A surprising trend Mr Copeland has noticed in the first two days of trading was men coming in looking to be measured for wedding suits.
“I am hearing that people are bringing their big day forward and planning to have smaller weddings in the middle of the week in October or November.”
He said he already had 10 couples through the doors to measure up for winter weddings.
“Apart from anything else it gives them a great excuse not to invite in-laws or people they don’t really like if the weddings are held in the winter when restrictions are still in place.”
Spending money
According to Jean McCabe who owns the Willow clothes shop which has branches in Galway and Ennis: “People have been out and about and the ones who are in town are spending money.
“They are picking up summer pieces after realising what the gaps were during the good weather,” she said.
She said none of the people who had come into her shops had any issues with browsing the racks or trying on clothes.
Richard Barron, managing director of Pamela Scott, which opened 13 of its women’s boutiques, told a similar story.
He said there had been “brisk sales in the early stages of the reopening” and staff were “delighted to be back and the customers seem delighted to see them”.
The main focus of shoppers’ attention on Monday and Tuesday were “T-shirts, shorts, capris, sun dresses and sandals”, he said.
“What we are hearing from a lot of customers is that they are out to treat themselves after being locked down at home for so long. There wasn’t as much nervousness as we expected.”
He said one thing that had surprised him was how keen people were to use the fitting rooms.
“I thought there might be an issue but a lot of customers did want to try clothes on. And we were happy to facilitate that. I would say that about half of our customers were using the changing rooms.”
Like many retailers, Pamela Scott has new sanitation protocols in place which sees clothes that have been tried on but not bought steamed and quarantined.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--INMO welcomes Harris’ ‘unequivocal’ support for Cavan midwife-led unit

The Irish Nurses and Midwives ’ Organisation ( INMO ) has welcomed the Minister for Health Simon Harris ’ “ unequivocal ” support for the midwife-led maternity unit in Co Cavan .
Representative groups had reported in recent days that the midwife-led unit ( MLU ) in Cavan General Hospital was set to be effectively shut , and merged with the consultant-led unit .
Midwives said the decision would “ fly in the face ” of national policy , while a petition calling for the protection of the unit gathered almost 10,000 signatures in three days .
The INMO raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting on Tuesday , where Mr Harris confirmed that in his and the Department of Health ’ s view , there is no threat to service at Cavan MLU .
Mr Harris was said to have emphasised his “ unequivocal ” support for the service and his commitment to the National Maternity Strategy , of which midwife-led care is a key component .
The INMO added that it will now be clarifying the unit ’ s future with the RCSI Hospital Group , which operates Cavan General Hospital , in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phil Ní Sheaghdha said : “ We should be opening more midwife-led units , not closing or downgrading the two we have .
Units like this are crucial to implement the National Maternity Strategy.
” INMO Industrial Relations Officer , David Miskell , said the unit provides “ skilled care , centred on the needs of the women who use it ” .
The Cavan MLU is one of only two in the country , with more planned as part of the National Maternity Strategy .
The unit , which is made up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care for women throughout their pregnancy , during labour and in the postnatal period , helped deliver around 300 babies last year while the other midwife-led unit in Drogheda , Co Louth assisted in the delivery of around 600 babies , and has had to start turning away people .
The Midwife Association said there are “ significant ” benefits to MLUs .
“ First of all , it ’ s very cost-effective , safe method of antenatal and post-natal care for mothers .
The benefits are well documented in research in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hughes , the association ’ s chairwoman , said .
The RCSI Hospital Group did not respond to requests for comment .

The INMO raised the issue directly with Simon Harris at a meeting on Tuesday, where he confirmed that in his and the Department of Health’s view, there is no threat to service at Cavan General Hospital MLU. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
The Irish Nurses and Midwives’ Organisation (INMO) has welcomed the Minister for Health Simon Harris’ “unequivocal” support for the midwife-led maternity unit in Co Cavan.
Representative groups had reported in recent days that the midwife-led unit (MLU) in Cavan General Hospital was set to be effectively shut, and merged with the consultant-led unit.
Midwives said the decision would “fly in the face” of national policy, while a petition calling for the protection of the unit gathered almost 10,000 signatures in three days.
The INMO raised the issue directly with Mr Harris at a meeting on Tuesday, where Mr Harris confirmed that in his and the Department of Health’s view, there is no threat to service at Cavan MLU.
READ MORE
Mr Harris was said to have emphasised his “unequivocal” support for the service and his commitment to the National Maternity Strategy, of which midwife-led care is a key component.
The INMO added that it will now be clarifying the unit's future with the RCSI Hospital Group, which operates Cavan General Hospital, in line with this commitment.
‘Significant’ benefits
INMO general secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “We should be opening more midwife-led units, not closing or downgrading the two we have. Units like this are crucial to implement the National Maternity Strategy.”
INMO Industrial Relations Officer, David Miskell, said the unit provides "skilled care, centred on the needs of the women who use it".
The Cavan MLU is one of only two in the country, with more planned as part of the National Maternity Strategy.
The unit, which is made up of a team of midwives who provide care for women throughout their pregnancy, during labour and in the postnatal period, helped deliver around 300 babies last year while the other midwife-led unit in Drogheda, Co Louth assisted in the delivery of around 600 babies, and has had to start turning away people.
The Midwife Association said there are "significant" benefits to MLUs.
"First of all, it's very cost-effective, safe method of antenatal and post-natal care for mothers. The benefits are well documented in research in terms of continuity of care," Patricia Hughes, the association's chairwoman, said.
The RCSI Hospital Group did not respond to requests for comment.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Covid-19: Getting to zero quicker, and staying there

Several prominent scientists and academics have called for a rethink on Ireland ’ s policy on tackling Covid-19 , saying the aim should be to “ crush ” the virus rather than “ live ” with it .
Lead signatories in the “ Crush The Curve Petition ” are epidemiologist Prof Anthony Staines of DCU ; infectious diseases ecologist Prof Gerard Killeen of UCC and immunologist Dr Tomás Ryan of TCD .
The petition has been signed by a number of experts who are not part of the Government ’ s Covid-19 advisory bodies .
The Government ’ s current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will see Ireland “ live with the virus under a long-term mitigation strategy , with the risk of future surges and lockdowns until when , or if , a vaccine becomes available ” .
Are they proposing that the country revert to lockdown ?
No .
They fully accept the case for easing lockdown .
But they say they are proposing actions with a better chance of getting to zero quicker , and staying there .
Really fast testing , tracing and isolation is required , along with widespread wearing of face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Irish sea and air ports , says Prof Staines .
Every policy followed should be agreed between Dublin and Stormont .
A “ modest ” push now could eliminate Covid-19 on the island , they contend , if tactics proven in New Zealand and South Korea are followed .
How long could it take ?
The State ’ s actions up to now has brought the situation “ very close to zero ” .
However , tough short-term restrictions now could limit the amount of pain to be endured .
Living with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , they argue .
Public transport will run with just a fifth of capacity ; pubs and restaurants 30 per cent ; schools , at best only 50 per cent .
The costs of childcare , already high , will be impossible for many .
Offices will need to be expensively re-designed .
Many people will lose their jobs .
All of these are real costs , and will far exceed short-term costs of lockdown , they note .
Ultimately , Prof Staines suggests , “ the biggest cost is long-term social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for much longer with containment/living with Covid-19 , rather than crushing it .
Has Ireland ’ s approach not been to suppress and eliminate Covid-19 all along ?
The State ’ s approach has been to minimise Covid-19 everywhere , while initially flattening the curve of rising cases to enable the healthcare system to cope .
Now , the Government believes restrictions can be loosened .
That view would suggest that elimination is not possible at present , knowing the characteristics of Covid-19 .
Instead , carefully applied containment measures stay in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach ?
Scientists and others in the “ Crush The Curve ” camp believe all the right decisions have been taken to bring numbers to zero , but only if they are enhanced and co-ordinated across the island .
If Ireland decides to live with the virus , the group believes , “ extensive , and expensive , restrictions will continue for the foreseeable future .
A vaccine will take at least two years , and there is no established treatment ” .
On the other hand , countries that have suppressed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where it persists .
Travel , tourism and trade with other successful countries would be straightforward and beneficial .
Ultimately is this taking a narrow , over-cautious view when Covid-19 will be gone soon ?
Arguably , no .
The pandemic is far from over .
Cases and deaths continue to rise and cause economic devastation and push healthcare systems to breaking point in many countries away from Europe and Asia .
In the Irish context , coronavirus has lost none of its ability to resurge quickly .
We are not at zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it got to zero and has stayed there .
Perhaps the most concerning statistic is the one that shows that the vast majority of deaths involve people with underlying conditions – and estimated to be robbing 10 years of a person ’ s life on average .
Meanwhile , terrible uncertainty persists in the absence of a vaccine .
Only 3-4 per cent of people have herd immunity , and no one is sure how much immunity Covid-19 antibodies offer in the first place .

Passengers at Heuston Station, which remained quiet as people were advised to avoid public transport in the second phase of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Photograph: Collins Courts
Several prominent scientists and academics have called for a rethink on Ireland’s policy on tackling Covid-19, saying the aim should be to “crush” the virus rather than “live” with it.
Lead signatories in the "Crush The Curve Petition" are epidemiologist Prof Anthony Staines of DCU; infectious diseases ecologist Prof Gerard Killeen of UCC and immunologist Dr Tomás Ryan of TCD.
The petition has been signed by a number of experts who are not part of the Government’s Covid-19 advisory bodies.
The Government's current policy, signatories to the letter argue, will see Ireland "live with the virus under a long-term mitigation strategy, with the risk of future surges and lockdowns until when, or if, a vaccine becomes available".
READ MORE
Are they proposing that the country revert to lockdown?
No. They fully accept the case for easing lockdown. But they say they are proposing actions with a better chance of getting to zero quicker, and staying there.
Really fast testing, tracing and isolation is required, along with widespread wearing of face masks, and testing for people landing at Irish sea and air ports, says Prof Staines.
Every policy followed should be agreed between Dublin and Stormont. A "modest" push now could eliminate Covid-19 on the island, they contend, if tactics proven in New Zealand and South Korea are followed.
How long could it take?
The State’s actions up to now has brought the situation “very close to zero”. However, tough short-term restrictions now could limit the amount of pain to be endured.
Living with the virus will not be “normal”, they argue. Public transport will run with just a fifth of capacity; pubs and restaurants 30 per cent; schools, at best only 50 per cent.
The costs of childcare, already high, will be impossible for many. Offices will need to be expensively re-designed. Many people will lose their jobs. All of these are real costs, and will far exceed short-term costs of lockdown, they note.
Ultimately, Prof Staines suggests, “the biggest cost is long-term social distancing”. It will be required for much longer with containment/living with Covid-19, rather than crushing it.
Has Ireland’s approach not been to suppress and eliminate Covid-19 all along?
The State’s approach has been to minimise Covid-19 everywhere, while initially flattening the curve of rising cases to enable the healthcare system to cope. Now, the Government believes restrictions can be loosened.
That view would suggest that elimination is not possible at present, knowing the characteristics of Covid-19. Instead, carefully applied containment measures stay in place.
So what are the differences in approach?
Scientists and others in the “Crush The Curve” camp believe all the right decisions have been taken to bring numbers to zero, but only if they are enhanced and co-ordinated across the island.
If Ireland decides to live with the virus, the group believes, “extensive, and expensive, restrictions will continue for the foreseeable future. A vaccine will take at least two years, and there is no established treatment”.
On the other hand, countries that have suppressed the pandemic will enjoy greater freedoms than those where it persists. Travel, tourism and trade with other successful countries would be straightforward and beneficial.
Ultimately is this taking a narrow, over-cautious view when Covid-19 will be gone soon?
Arguably, no. The pandemic is far from over. Cases and deaths continue to rise and cause economic devastation and push healthcare systems to breaking point in many countries away from Europe and Asia.
In the Irish context, coronavirus has lost none of its ability to resurge quickly. We are not at zero in the way New Zealand is – it got to zero and has stayed there.
Perhaps the most concerning statistic is the one that shows that the vast majority of deaths involve people with underlying conditions – and estimated to be robbing 10 years of a person’s life on average.
Meanwhile, terrible uncertainty persists in the absence of a vaccine. Only 3-4 per cent of people have herd immunity, and no one is sure how much immunity Covid-19 antibodies offer in the first place.