theirishtimes--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Nine residents in Co Laois psychiatric centre die from Covid-19

Nine residents in a Co Laois psychiatric centre have died from Covid-19 since the weekend .
The HSE has confirmed that nine residents in the Maryborough Centre , St Fintan ’ s Hospital , Portlaoise , Co Laois , died over the bank holiday weekend .
Eight of the residents , aged between 66 and 84 years , had tested positive for Covid-19 .
The 17 residents who remain living at the facility are being managed “ as if Covid-19 positive regardless of test results or the presence of symptoms ” , the HSE said .
“ The HSE would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the families and friends of the deceased , ” it added .
“ Staff at the centre are in contact with the families of the deceased and are available for support and advice.
” The Maryborough Centre for Psychiatry of Old Age is a recently refurbished unit with multiple occupancy rooms and is registered with the Mental Health Commission for 28 beds .
The HSE said while a number of staff at the Maryborough Centre are currently on sick leave “ the current compliment of staff is sufficient to manage the centre ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were redeployed to the Maryborough Centre in the week prior to Easter weekend following the diagnosis of Covid-19 in the resident group and to support their greater care needs , ” it said .
Dr Siobhán Ní Bhriain , the HSE ’ s National Lead for Integrated Care , said that the patients at the Maryborough centre were cared for by two consultants and a palliative care support team .
Efforts were made to identify which patients had the virus and those who did not so they could be separated , she explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The type of care at the centre was called ‘ cohorting ’ she said which meant there were a number of beds in one room .
If a patient was suspected of having Covid-19 they would be isolated and nursed separately , she said .
This could be “ very difficult ” in some situations .
The 17 remaining patients in the centre are being closely monitored , said Dr Ní Bhriain .
Separately , two healthcare workers at a Kilkenny hospital - a woman in her 50s and a man in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at St Luke ’ s General Hospital and have died .
The woman was a member of the household staff , while the man was a healthcare assistant .
The woman and man were tested for Covid-19 and found to have contracted the virus .
The woman died in the hospital on Wednesday and the man died at his home on Tuesday .
A spokeswoman for the Ireland East Hospital Group , which manages St Luke ’ s , confirmed the deaths to The Irish Times on Wednesday night , and said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what had happened .
“ We send our condolences to their families , friends and colleagues , ” she said .
“ We have no further comment to make.
” It is understood that staff at St Luke ’ s were deeply shocked by the deaths .
A moment of reflection was held on Wednesday to remember the man and woman and a guard of honour was formed at the hospital .
‘ We have to get it lower ’ The deaths of another 38 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 - including a 23-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Emergency Team on Wednesday , bringing the total to 444 .
It is understood that three healthcare workers have died as a result of Covid-19 since the pandemic reached the State .
Of the 12,547 coronavirus cases confirmed to date , 2,872 cases are associated with healthcare workers .
Meanwhile , Professor Liam Glynn of the Medical school at the University of Limerick and a GP in Ballyvaughan , Co Clare , who has been mapping the progress of the Covid-19 virus , has said that while there has been some stabilising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still a significant number of new cases every day .
“ This is still a big number , we have to get it lower , ” he told Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday .
The expansion of care into assessment centres means that GPs are now “ stepping into the fire , ” he said .
If the government had not acted when it did and how it did and if the public had not responded then the situation would have been far worse with many more deaths , he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health service is not overloaded , he added .
While a five per cent growth rate ( down from 30 per cent at one stage ) , might seem low , he said , it was still “ a big number ” and 20 per cent of those people would have to be hospitalised and five per cent would need ventilators .
“ We all need to get used to the changes , to the physical and social distancing measures until immunity is gained and that will either be through getting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he added .

Eight residents in a Co Laois psychiatric centre have died from Covid-19 since the weekend.
The HSE has confirmed that nine residents in the Maryborough Centre, St Fintan's Hospital, Portlaoise, Co Laois, died over the bank holiday weekend.
Eight of the residents, aged between 66 and 84 years, had tested positive for Covid-19. The 17 residents who remain living at the facility are being managed “as if Covid-19 positive regardless of test results or the presence of symptoms”, the HSE said.
“The HSE would like to express its sincere sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased,” it added.
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“Staff at the centre are in contact with the families of the deceased and are available for support and advice.”
The Maryborough Centre for Psychiatry of Old Age is a recently refurbished unit with multiple occupancy rooms and is registered with the Mental Health Commission for 28 beds.
The HSE said while a number of staff at the Maryborough Centre are currently on sick leave “the current compliment of staff is sufficient to manage the centre”.
“A number of additional staff were redeployed to the Maryborough Centre in the week prior to Easter weekend following the diagnosis of Covid-19 in the resident group and to support their greater care needs,” it said.
Dr Siobhán Ní Bhriain, the HSE’s National Lead for Integrated Care, said that the patients at the Maryborough centre were cared for by two consultants and a palliative care support team.
Efforts were made to identify which patients had the virus and those who did not so they could be separated, she explained to RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland.
The type of care at the centre was called ‘cohorting’ she said which meant there were a number of beds in one room.
If a patient was suspected of having Covid-19 they would be isolated and nursed separately, she said. This could be “very difficult” in some situations.
The 17 remaining patients in the centre are being closely monitored, said Dr Ní Bhriain.
Dr Colm Henry, chief clinical officer at the HSE, said the virus was particularly lethal in settings with older people and that people who are older can present atypically with just “subtle signs or subtle changes” if they have the disease.
“It is more difficult to detect in older, frailer people and therefore those signs that might be seen in younger people in the community where illness is much more obvious, where a fever is much more obvious, and a cough is much more disruptive…is not so apparent in a residential care setting.
“What we need to do now is redouble our efforts to bring in timely, rapid testing for staff and residents in nursing home facilities,” he said.
He agreed that the virus is far more likely to spread in facilities where residents share rooms.
“If we were designing a type of care that was suitable for pandemic management we wouldn’t start here…we certainly would have a single room occupancy everywhere,” he said.
“But we don’t so what we have to do in this pandemic management is work with the tried and tested clinicians who are taking care of these patients.”
Separately, two healthcare workers at a Kilkenny hospital - a woman in her 50s and a man in his 40s - fell ill while working at St Luke’s General Hospital and have died. The woman was a member of the household staff, while the man was a healthcare assistant.
The woman and man were tested for Covid-19 and found to have contracted the virus. The woman died in the hospital on Wednesday and the man died at his home on Tuesday.
A woman in her 50s and a man in his 40s both fell ill while working at St Luke’s General Hospital.
A spokeswoman for the Ireland East Hospital Group, which manages St Luke's, confirmed the deaths to The Irish Times on Wednesday night, and said the group was "deeply saddened" about what had happened.
“We send our condolences to their families, friends and colleagues,” she said. “We have no further comment to make.”
It is understood that staff at St Luke’s were deeply shocked by the deaths. A moment of reflection was held on Wednesday to remember the man and woman and a guard of honour was formed at the hospital.
‘We have to get it lower’
The deaths of another 38 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 - including a 23-year-old - were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Wednesday, bringing the total to 444. It is understood that three healthcare workers have died as a result of Covid-19 since the pandemic reached the State.
Of the 12,547 coronavirus cases confirmed to date, 2,872 cases are associated with healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, Professor Liam Glynn of the Medical school at the University of Limerick and a GP in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, who has been mapping the progress of the Covid-19 virus, has said that while there has been some stabilising of the number of deaths, there are still a significant number of new cases every day.
“This is still a big number, we have to get it lower,” he told Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday.
The expansion of care into assessment centres means that GPs are now “stepping into the fire,” he said.
If the government had not acted when it did and how it did and if the public had not responded then the situation would have been far worse with many more deaths, he said.
The numbers have to be suppressed so that the health service is not overloaded, he added.
While a five per cent growth rate (down from 30 per cent at one stage), might seem low, he said, it was still “a big number” and 20 per cent of those people would have to be hospitalised and five per cent would need ventilators.
“We all need to get used to the changes, to the physical and social distancing measures until immunity is gained and that will either be through getting the virus and recovering or through a vaccine,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Man in 30s held over attempted abduction of woman in Dublin

A man in his 30s has been arrested for questioning over the assault and attempted abduction of a woman in Dublin on Monday morning .
The suspect ’ s vehicle has also been seized and investigating gardaí have also been conducting checkpoints in Dublin 7 where the crime occurred .
The suspect was being detained at Blanchardstown Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act .
He was being questioned on suspicion of offence of false imprisonment .
The car seized was undergoing forensic examination .
The assault and attempted abduction took place at the Martin ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7.30am .
The woman , who is aged in her 60s , was approached by a man who attempted to force her into the boot of a car .
She managed to flee the scene and the car drove away via Blackhorse Avenue towards Dublin city centre .
The car , described as a silver family saloon , may have turned left and driven onto the Navan Road .
It is believed the suspect was wearing a white t-shirt and dark trousers .
Gardaí wish to speak to any person who was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 8am , or anyone who may have information about this incident .
They are also appealing to road users who may have camera footage .
“ As part of this ongoing investigation a sequence of information gathering checkpoints were carried out this morning at the location of the incident on Blackhorse Avenue , ” the Garda said .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01 666 7000 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station .

Gardaí have been conducting checkpoints in Dublin 7 where the attempted abduction of a woman in her 60s occurred.
Gardaí have arrested a 20-year-old man in relation to the attempted abduction of a woman in Dublin on Monday.
The arrested man is from the west of the city and while he is known to gardaí his pattern of known offending to date has been relatively minor.
He had been wanted for questioning in connection with a number of petrol station “drive-offs”, during which a driver filled their car with fuel and drove away without paying.
Gardaí are satisfied that the suspect had no connection whatever to the woman, in her 60s, who managed to fight off a man who tried to abduct her on Monday morning.
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Instead detectives believe the attempted abduction was “completely random”. It has also emerged the woman who was attacked would normally take another route through a park on her morning walk but decided against it on safety grounds on Monday morning.
She believed she would be safer walking along the pavement on Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7, but came upon a man standing beside a parked car, the boot of which was open.
The man initially tried to bundle her into the boot of the car but the woman fought back and used her arms and legs to prevent the boot from locking after she had been pushed inside it. Her attacker then tried to push her onto the back seat of the car but a passing motorist stopped and approached and the man sped off.
Random
Gardaí were very concerned as the attack appeared to be random and caused significant fear in the area.
However, from the description of the suspect’s vehicle relayed to gardaí by the victim and witnesses, detectives quickly established the car had been linked to the recent petrol station drive-offs.
Using that information, a man was arrested and a car seized for examination in connection with the drive-offs. Further investigations by gardaí overnight into Tuesday established the same vehicle was in the area of Monday’s attack when it took place - at about 7.30am along Blackhorse Avenue outside St Martin’s Grove Estate.
Once the vehicle was placed at Monday’s crime scene around the time of the attack, the suspect in custody for the petrol station drive-offs was arrested on suspicion of abduction.
The man was on Tuesday evening being questioned in Blanchardstown Garda station on suspicion of false imprisonment. He can be questioned for up to 24 hours before being released or charged. His car was being forensically examined by gardaí.
Locals have said the incident has left them “looking over their shoulders” since. “The most worrying thing is nobody seems to know why this happened or if it will happen again,” said a resident of Blackhorse Avenue, who asked not to be named.
"People are very upset about it," said local councillor Mary Fitzgerald. "I think it's unprecedented. It's a very settled, long established community."
Appeal
Shortly after the incident, gardaí launched a large-scale investigation and put out an appeal for a man wearing a white t-shirt and dark trousers who was driving a silver family saloon.
On Tuesday morning, gardaí set up a series of “information gathering” checkpoints near the site of the incident. Motorists were asked if they travel the route regularly and if they had noticed anything out of the ordinary the previous morning.
Investigators still wish to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Blackhorse Avenue between 6am and 8am on Monday, or anyone who may have information about this incident.
They are also appealing to road users who may have camera footage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01-666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station.
“People are just shocked and upset and worried. Both for the woman herself and everything behind it, said Ms Fitzgerald. “They are doing their best both to support the woman and help the gardaí by providing any information.
“At that hour of the morning there wasn’t a lot of people around so information is scarce. It’s really worrying and really upsetting.”
She said the seemingly premeditated nature of the incident is causing “real concern” for locals.
“People are just being vigilant and just looking out for each other.”
Local councillor Neasa Hourigan said it appears to have been a "completely random" attack which has left locals looking over their shoulders. "I've never come across anything like it," the Green Party councillor said.
“There seems to be a level of violence and aggression and it would be unusual in our area. People are uneasy about it and don’t quite understand what happened. I think everyone is feeling they are a little more on their guard.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Eight dogs rescued from appalling conditions, ISPCA says

The Irish Society for Prevention for Cruelty to Animals ( ISPCA ) removed eight dogs from a hoarding situation in Co Cork recently after they were found in “ appalling conditions ” .
The dogs , three Shih Tzus and five Bichons , all of varying ages between five and ten-years-old , were discovered in a dilapidated pen in Mallow .
The animals were in awful physical condition and suffering from badly matted coats , the ISPCA said .
Some of the dogs were suffering from dental issues and extremely overgrown nails due to inadequate care .
As a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sedated prior to being treated and groomed to prevent further suffering .
Lisa O ’ Donovan , senior inspector at the ISPCA said the dogs were discovered in a “ distressed state living in a dilapidated pen , which could only be described as a squalor ” .
“ It was really heart-breaking to see such lovely dogs living in such appalling conditions and the suffering they would have endured was just unimaginable .
They now have the promise of a secure loving home ahead of them , ” Ms O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which have been named Dee , Nicky , Rory , Ruby , Sophie , Penelope and Shelly , are currently in the care of the ISPCA .
The animal protection charity said they are all doing well and have been treated for dental and skin conditions and parasites .
They have also been vaccinated , microchipped and will be neutered prior to being responsibly rehomed .
The ISPCA added that members of the public who are interested in rehoming any of the dogs should contact them or look at their website .
Investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing .
The charity has called on the public to pay attention to the care and treatment of animals in their local areas .
“ We would appeal to the public to be vigilant about the care of animals in their neighbouring areas .
Don ’ t hesitate to make that call if you suspect an animal could be suffering , ” Ms O ’ Donovan added .
Members of the public should continue to report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA by contacting the national animal cruelty helpline on 1890 515 515 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s online form .

“The suffering they would have endured was just unimaginable. They now have the promise of a secure loving home ahead of them.”
The Irish Society for Prevention for Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) removed eight dogs from a hoarding situation in Co Cork recently after they were found in “appalling conditions”.
The dogs, three Shih Tzus and five Bichons, all of varying ages between five and ten-years-old, were discovered in a dilapidated pen in Mallow.
The animals were in awful physical condition and suffering from badly matted coats, the ISPCA said.
Some of the dogs were suffering from dental issues and extremely overgrown nails due to inadequate care. As a result, many of the animals needed to be sedated prior to being treated and groomed to prevent further suffering.
READ MORE
Lisa O’Donovan, senior inspector at the ISPCA said the dogs were discovered in a “distressed state living in a dilapidated pen, which could only be described as a squalor”.
“It was really heart-breaking to see such lovely dogs living in such appalling conditions and the suffering they would have endured was just unimaginable. They now have the promise of a secure loving home ahead of them,” Ms O’Donovan said.
The eight dogs, which have been named Dee, Nicky, Rory, Ruby, Sophie, Penelope and Shelly, are currently in the care of the ISPCA.
The animal protection charity said they are all doing well and have been treated for dental and skin conditions and parasites.
They have also been vaccinated, microchipped and will be neutered prior to being responsibly rehomed.
The ISPCA added that members of the public who are interested in rehoming any of the dogs should contact them or look at their website. Investigations into the mistreatment of the animals are ongoing.
The charity has called on the public to pay attention to the care and treatment of animals in their local areas.
“We would appeal to the public to be vigilant about the care of animals in their neighbouring areas. Don’t hesitate to make that call if you suspect an animal could be suffering,” Ms O’Donovan added.
Members of the public should continue to report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA by contacting the national animal cruelty helpline on 1890 515 515 or report cruelty via the association’s online form.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Marian Finucane funeral: ‘She made the world easier to live in’

The late RTÉ radio presenter Marian Finucane was remembered as “ an icon of Irish broadcasting ” at her funeral in Kill , Co Kildare .
The veteran broadcaster – a voice on the country ’ s airwaves for more than four decades – died suddenly on January 2nd at the age of 69 .
Her life and work were recalled with great sadness and fondness at a packed St Brigid ’ s Church in the Kildare village near Finucane ’ s home near Naas .
Finucane ’ s husband John Clarke paid an emotional tribute to “ a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a woman who has always made the colours brighter and the world a little easier to live in.
” Marian had decided in the first week of December to retire and had more time , more space , more places to visit and more books to read , he said .
“ Sadly , that is not going to happen , ” he added .
He agreed with the view of someone who once described him and Marian as “ two 15-year-old adolescents who were addicted to each other who forgot to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so powerless I truly don ’ t know what to do , ” he said , fighting back tears .
He recalled a woman at an African township he and Marian had visited a few weeks ago saying : “ The only thing I can give you are my tears.
” Mr Clarke added : “ And that is all I think I can do today.
” Finucane ’ s son Jack said that behind his mother ’ s various public personae , “ the woman I knew behind all these selves was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to read a book in silence as she was sitting around the dinner table in the small hours of the morning with friends laughing , joking , singing , when she could remember the words , debating the politics of the day and generally sorting out the world ’ s problems one dinner party at a time ” .
He added : “ She was a classy lady with soul in the truest sense.
” Jack , whose wife Jennifer is expecting Ms Finucane ’ s first grandchild , said that “ her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation of the family was born next month.
” More than 600 people attended her funeral service .
Mourners heard that Finucane ’ s sudden death had been a “ great shock ” to her family and all who knew her and loved her .
Chief celebrant Monsignor Ciarán O ’ Carroll , Finucane ’ s first cousin and rector at the Irish College in Rome , praised her professionalism and her personality .
“ She was such an icon of Irish broadcasting and will always be remembered for her outstanding journalistic abilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wit , thoughtfulness , compassion and kindness , ” he said in the homily .
Her influence in Irish life was significant , he said .
“ The contribution Marian made to advancing and shaping our nation and its peoples through her professional work as a courageous broadcaster , and her determination to facilitate conversation without fear or favour , was repeatedly and wonderfully captured in countless public tributes paid over recent days , ” said .
“ She had great empathy and sense of fairness and treated everyone with courtesy and respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a thoughtful and kind friend whose keen sense of humour enriched the lives of many , her charity work at home and abroad was simply outstanding.
” The monsignor said that “ thousands always enjoyed her programmes ” and that she would be “ missed on the radio ” .
“ Publicly the nation has lost a skilled broadcaster .
Privately John has lost a soul partner , Jack a loving mother and Jenny a cherished mother in law , ” he said .
“ The great , exuberant joy shared by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short months ago at Jack and Jenny ’ s wedding contrasts now with the sorrow and sadness we experience this day of Marian ’ s funeral.
” The cleric said Finucane was “ blessed with an indomitable spirit which she had to call on often in her full , dynamic and fruitful life .
Blessed with energy and dynamism , determined and persistent , she had boundless curiosity about life and the world.
” He recalled how Finucane had to bear the grief over the death of her daughter Sinead who died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Throughout her eventful life she was privileged to experience many changes and received the grace to confront various , sometimes demanding , challenges , ” he said .
“ She had to carry the cross of bereavement with the death of her beloved daughter Sinead – a bereavement she bore with tremendous dignity.
” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attended in person , President Michael D Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp Commandant Dorothy Donnelly .
Colleagues who attended included RTÉ director general Dee Forbes and chairwoman Moya Doherty along with others who knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collins , Cathal Goan , Claire Duignan , Miriam O ’ Callaghan , Joe Duffy , Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh , RTÉ producer Michael Kealey , Ryan Tubridy , Claire Byrne and Brendan O ’ Connor .
Figures from the world of politics included Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin , Minister for Communications Richard Bruton and others including Alan Dukes , Senator Sean Barrett and Pat Rabbitte .
Other well-known figures from public included Fr Brian D ’ Arcy , racing commentator Ted Walsh , property developer Harry Crosbie , former footballer Niall Quinn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychologist Maureen Gaffney .
Those who had known her only through the airwaves came too .
“ She was like an older sister , one of the family , ” said Una Lawlor from Sandymount .
“ I loved Marian .
I always listened to her in the morning doing the housework .
I just feel I have lost a friend .
”

The coffin arrives at the funeral of broadcaster Marian Finucane at St Brigid’s Church in Kill, Co Kildare. Photograph: Laura Hutton/The Irish Times
The late RTÉ radio presenter Marian Finucane was remembered as "an icon of Irish broadcasting" at her funeral in Kill, Co Kildare.
The veteran broadcaster – a voice on the country’s airwaves for more than four decades – died suddenly on January 2nd at the age of 69.
Her life and work were recalled with great sadness and fondness at a packed St Brigid’s Church in the Kildare village near Finucane’s home near Naas.
Marian Finucane in the RTÉ radio studios in January 1980. Photograph: Pat Langan/The Irish Times
Finucane’s husband John Clarke paid an emotional tribute to “a woman who I have loved for 40 years, a woman who has always made the colours brighter and the world a little easier to live in.”
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Marian had decided in the first week of December to retire so she could have more time, more space, more places to visit and more books to read, he said.
“Sadly, that is not going to happen,” he added.
Marian Finucane’s husband John Clarke walks behind the coffin as it arrives for the broadcaster’s funeral at St Brigid’s Church in Kill, Co Kildare. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
He agreed with the view of someone who once described him and Marian as “two 15-year-old adolescents who were addicted to each other who forgot to grow up.”
“I find myself so powerless I truly don’t know what to do,” he said, fighting back tears.
He recalled a woman at an African township he and Marian had visited a few weeks ago saying: “The only thing I can give you are my tears.”
Mr Clarke added: “And that is all I think I can do today.”
Soul
Finucane’s son Jack said that behind his mother’s various public personae, “the woman I knew behind all these selves was a shy lady who was as happy to read a book in silence as she was sitting around the dinner table in the small hours of the morning with friends laughing, joking, singing, when she could remember the words, debating the politics of the day and generally sorting out the world’s problems one dinner party at a time.”
He added: “She was a classy lady with soul in the truest sense.”
Jack, whose wife Jennifer is expecting Ms Finucane’s first grandchild, said that “her spirit would live on when the next generation of the family was born next month.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attends the funeral of Marian Finucane in Kill, Co Kildare. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
More than 600 people attended her funeral service. Mourners heard that Finucane’s sudden death had been a “great shock” to her family and all who knew and loved her.
Chief celebrant Monsignor Ciarán O’Carroll, Finucane’s first cousin and rector at the Irish College in Rome, praised her professionalism and her personality.
“She was such an icon of Irish broadcasting and will always be remembered for her outstanding journalistic abilities, her keen intellect, warmth, wit, thoughtfulness, compassion and kindness,” he said in the homily.
Her influence in Irish life was significant, he said.
“The contribution Marian made to advancing and shaping our nation and its peoples through her professional work as a courageous broadcaster, and her determination to facilitate conversation without fear or favour, was repeatedly and wonderfully captured in countless public tributes paid over recent days,” said.
Empathy
“She had great empathy and sense of fairness and treated everyone with courtesy and respect. A generous and determined woman, and a thoughtful and kind friend whose keen sense of humour enriched the lives of many, her charity work at home and abroad was simply outstanding.”
The monsignor said that “thousands always enjoyed her programmes” and that she would be “missed on the radio”.
“Publicly the nation has lost a skilled broadcaster. Privately John has lost a soul partner, Jack a loving mother and Jenny a cherished mother in law,” he said.
“The great, exuberant joy shared by our family and friends but a few short months ago at Jack and Jenny’s wedding contrasts now with the sorrow and sadness we experience this day of Marian’s funeral.”
The cleric said Finucane was “blessed with an indomitable spirit which she had to call on often in her full, dynamic and fruitful life. Blessed with energy and dynamism, determined and persistent, she had boundless curiosity about life and the world.”
He recalled how Finucane had to bear the grief over the death of her daughter Sinead who died in 1990 aged eight after developing leukaemia.
“Throughout her eventful life she was privileged to experience many changes and received the grace to confront various, sometimes demanding, challenges,” he said.
Bereavement
“She had to carry the cross of bereavement with the death of her beloved daughter Sinead – a bereavement she bore with tremendous dignity.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attended in person, President Michael D Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp Commandant Dorothy Donnelly.
Colleagues who attended included RTÉ director general Dee Forbes and chairwoman Moya Doherty along with others who knew Finucane from the national broadcaster: Bob Collins, Cathal Goan, Claire Duignan, Miriam O'Callaghan, Joe Duffy, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, Doireann Ní Bhriain, RTÉ producer Michael Kealey, Ryan Tubridy, Claire Byrne, Brendan O'Connor.
Figures from the world of politics included Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin, Minister for Communications Richard Bruton and others including Alan Dukes, former senator Sean Barrett, Pat Rabbitte, Alex White, and former government press secretary Eoghan Ó Neachtain.
Other well-known public figures included actress Fionnula Flanagan, Fr Brian D’Arcy, racing commentator Ted Walsh, property developer Harry Crosbie, Eddie Hobbs, Bill Cullen, Jackie Lavin, former footballer Niall Quinn, former Crimecall presenter David Harvey and psychologist Maureen Gaffney.
Those who had known her only through the airwaves came too.
“She was like an older sister, one of the family,” said Una Lawlor from Sandymount.
“I loved Marian. I always listened to her in the morning doing the housework. I just feel I have lost a friend.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Number of patients on trolleys remains at 760 on Tuesday

For the second day in a row there are 760 patients deemed to require admission to hospital waiting on trolleys in emergency departments and on wards for a bed , nurses have said .
This equals the record level of overcrowding experienced in hospitals on Monday .
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation ( INMO ) said the worst affected hospitals on Tuesday were : University Hospital Limerick , where 75 patients were waiting for beds ; University Hospital Galway , 51 ; Cork University Hospital , 47 ; Letterkenny University Hospital , 47 ; and South Tipperary General Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had written to Minister for Health Simon Harris seeking : • A declaration of a major incident at the worst-affected hospitals ; • Immediate approval for all posts awaiting sign-off in nursing and midwifery across all acute hospitals ; • Cancellation of elective procedures in the worst-affected hospitals ; • Sourcing of additional beds in the private and voluntary sectors ; • An end to the recruitment ban .
The nurses ’ trade union said it also wanted funding that had been previously agreed for the Safe Staffing Framework to bring numbers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve patient outcomes .
“ Otherwise , the risks to patient safety will continue throughout 2020 , ” said the INMO .
Union general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the “ extreme overcrowding presents a clear danger to patients and staff alike .
It requires immediate political intervention to stabilise our hospitals.
” She said 760 patients on trolleys meant the health service was simply not functioning .
“ The longer this level of overcrowding continues , the greater the threats to patient safety .
We have written to the Minister calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nettle and declare a major incident , cancel electives and immediately approve recruitment for the worst-hit hospitals.
” The Health Service Executive said on Tuesday the hospital system remained under “ very significant press ” .
HSE director of acute operations Liam Woods said expanding capacity within the hospital system was “ a key objective ” .
Meanwhile , University Hospital Kerry became the latest health facility to cancel all elective surgery for this week .
The hospital said it would review this decision on Thursday with regard to elective surgery scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had procedures cancelled would “ be facilitated with a new appointment as soon as possible ” .
“ The hospital has worked tirelessly with our colleagues in the community over the holidays to ensure all hospital and community beds were utilised .
But the surge in influenza presentations to the Emergency Department now mean that exceptional measures have had to be taken in the interests of patient and staff safety.
” On Sunday the South/Southwest Hospital Group said elective surgery would be cancelled and non-emergency admissions stopped at at Cork University Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This move was criticised strongly by hospital consultants who said it would have severe knock-on consequences for patient-health outcomes .
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association ( IHCA ) said all non-essential surgery had already been cancelled in the main hospitals in Cork since mid-December , “ with the decision to postpone remaining essential elective procedures meaning all planned surgery has now been cancelled ” .
It is understood that vulnerable patients awaiting essential surgery will be affected by the decision as timely access to planned procedures is critical .
This includes cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedures .
What do the consultants say ?
IHCA president Dr Donal O ’ Hanlon said : “ The decision to cancel all remaining elective surgery at Cork ’ s acute public hospitals is simply not acceptable .
It is forcing hospitals and the consultants who treat patients to determine which patient is more worthy of treatment .
“ No hospital consultant wants to tell a patient waiting for essential breast or prostate cancer surgery that their critical treatment has been cancelled and , worse still , that they are not in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be rescheduled .
“ The decision to cancel life-enhancing surgery for patients with conditions such as cancer , where it is accepted that early surgical intervention is key to better long-term health outcomes , is another knee-jerk reaction and poorly thought out .
It undermines our commitment to care for already vulnerable patients .
”

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha says the ‘extreme overcrowding presents a clear danger to patients and staff’. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times
For the second day in a row there are 760 patients deemed to require admission to hospital waiting on trolleys in emergency departments and on wards for a bed, nurses have said.
This equals the record level of overcrowding experienced in hospitals on Monday.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said the worst affected hospitals on Tuesday were: University Hospital Limerick, where 75 patients were waiting for beds; University Hospital Galway, 51; Cork University Hospital, 47; Letterkenny University Hospital, 47; and South Tipperary General Hospital, 44.
The INMO said it had written to Minister for Health Simon Harris seeking:
READ MORE
A declaration of a major incident at the worst-affected hospitals;
Immediate approval for all posts awaiting sign-off in nursing and midwifery across all acute hospitals;
Cancellation of elective procedures in the worst-affected hospitals;
An infection control plan;
Closure to non-emergency admissions in worst-affected hospitals;
Sourcing of additional beds in the private and voluntary sectors;
An end to the recruitment ban.
The nurses’ trade union said it also wanted funding that had been previously agreed for the Safe Staffing Framework to bring numbers to safe levels to help ease overcrowding and improve patient outcomes.
“Otherwise, the risks to patient safety will continue throughout 2020,” said the INMO.
Union general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the “extreme overcrowding presents a clear danger to patients and staff alike. It requires immediate political intervention to stabilise our hospitals.”
She said 760 patients on trolleys meant the health service was simply not functioning.
“The longer this level of overcrowding continues, the greater the threats to patient safety. We have written to the Minister calling for action. We need to grasp the nettle and declare a major incident, cancel electives and immediately approve recruitment for the worst-hit hospitals.”
The Health Service Executive said on Tuesday the hospital system remained under “very significant press”.
HSE director of acute operations Liam Woods said expanding capacity within the hospital system was "a key objective".
Meanwhile, University Hospital Kerry became the latest health facility to cancel all elective surgery for this week.
The hospital said it would review this decision on Thursday with regard to elective surgery scheduled for next week. It said all patients who had procedures cancelled would “be facilitated with a new appointment as soon as possible”.
“The hospital has worked tirelessly with our colleagues in the community over the holidays to ensure all hospital and community beds were utilised. But the surge in influenza presentations to the Emergency Department now mean that exceptional measures have had to be taken in the interests of patient and staff safety.”
On Sunday the South/Southwest Hospital Group said elective surgery would be cancelled and non-emergency admissions stopped at at Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital to tackle overcrowding.
This move was criticised strongly by hospital consultants who said it would have severe knock-on consequences for patient-health outcomes.
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) said all non-essential surgery had already been cancelled in the main hospitals in Cork since mid-December, "with the decision to postpone remaining essential elective procedures meaning all planned surgery has now been cancelled".
It is understood that vulnerable patients awaiting essential surgery will be affected by the decision as timely access to planned procedures is critical. This includes cancer patients waiting for a number of time-critical procedures.
What do the consultants say?
IHCA president Dr Donal O’Hanlon said: “The decision to cancel all remaining elective surgery at Cork’s acute public hospitals is simply not acceptable. It is forcing hospitals and the consultants who treat patients to determine which patient is more worthy of treatment.
“No hospital consultant wants to tell a patient waiting for essential breast or prostate cancer surgery that their critical treatment has been cancelled and, worse still, that they are not in a position to tell that patient when it will be rescheduled.
“The decision to cancel life-enhancing surgery for patients with conditions such as cancer, where it is accepted that early surgical intervention is key to better long-term health outcomes, is another knee-jerk reaction and poorly thought out. It undermines our commitment to care for already vulnerable patients.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Glen Quinn was assaulted week before he died, PSNI says

A man whose body was found in Co Antrim at the weekend had been assaulted a week before his death , the police have said .
However the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) said rumours about the involvement of the South East Antrim UDA were “ unhelpful ” .
Glen Quinn ’ s body was discovered in Ashleigh Park in the Woodburn area of Carrickfergus on Saturday night .
Three people are being questioned in connection with his murder .
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said the 47-year-old died after sustaining blunt force trauma .
“ A friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his safety on Saturday .
Police officers responded and forced entry to the home where they found Glen ’ s body , ” Det Supt Murphy said .
“ Glen was well-known throughout Carrickfergus and had no known enemies and no reason that we are aware of for anyone to cause him harm .
“ We know that Glen was assaulted on December 29th and while he wasn ’ t badly injured , he was left frightened by the incident and we are working to establish if there is any link between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder , ” he said .
Det Supt Murphy said police were “ aware rumours are circulating regarding the involvement of the South East Antrim UDA in the killing .
“ In this type of investigation , rumour and speculation are unhelpful .
They have the possibility to raise tensions and put others at risk .
“ We want to carry out a sound investigation , not confused by rumour or gossip , and I would encourage people to speak to us directly and tell us what they know so we can establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appeal to anyone who had been in contact with Mr Quinn since Christmas Day , and to whom he had revealed any concerns , to come forward to police .
He also asked “ anyone who might be able to shed light on the motive for Glen ’ s murder or those responsible for it , ” as well as anyone who was in Ashleigh Park on January 3rd between midday and 10pm – especially anyone with any mobile phone or dashcam footage – and anyone who witnessed the assault on Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In the coming days we will be working closely with local neighbourhood officers to provide reassurance to the local community and to enable those who wish to speak to police to do so , ” he said .

PSNI has asked witnesses to come forward concerning the death of Glen Quinn.
A man whose body was found in Co Antrim at the weekend had been assaulted a week before his death, the police have said.
However the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said rumours about the involvement of the South East Antrim UDA were "unhelpful".
Glen Quinn's body was discovered in Ashleigh Park in the Woodburn area of Carrickfergus on Saturday night.
Three people are being questioned in connection with his murder.
READ MORE
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said the 47-year-old died after sustaining blunt force trauma.
“A friend of Glen’s reported a concern for his safety on Saturday. Police officers responded and forced entry to the home where they found Glen’s body,” Det Supt Murphy said.
“Glen was well-known throughout Carrickfergus and had no known enemies and no reason that we are aware of for anyone to cause him harm.
“We know that Glen was assaulted on December 29th and while he wasn’t badly injured, he was left frightened by the incident and we are working to establish if there is any link between that assault and Glen’s subsequent murder,” he said.
Det Supt Murphy said police were “aware rumours are circulating regarding the involvement of the South East Antrim UDA in the killing.
“In this type of investigation, rumour and speculation are unhelpful. They have the possibility to raise tensions and put others at risk.
“We want to carry out a sound investigation, not confused by rumour or gossip, and I would encourage people to speak to us directly and tell us what they know so we can establish what the facts are.”
He made an appeal to anyone who had been in contact with Mr Quinn since Christmas Day, and to whom he had revealed any concerns, to come forward to police.
He also asked “anyone who might be able to shed light on the motive for Glen’s murder or those responsible for it,” as well as anyone who was in Ashleigh Park on January 3rd between midday and 10pm – especially anyone with any mobile phone or dashcam footage – and anyone who witnessed the assault on Mr Quinn on December 29th to contact police.
“In the coming days we will be working closely with local neighbourhood officers to provide reassurance to the local community and to enable those who wish to speak to police to do so,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Male pedestrian seriously injured after Co Galway crash

A male pedestrian in his early 80s has been seriously injured after being hit by a car in Co Galway @ @ @ @ @ approximately 5.20pm on Monday , Gardaí were called to the scene of a collision involving @ @ @ @ @ on Shangort Road .
The pedestrian was taken to University Hospital Galway .
The road @ @ @ @ @ at Salthill are appealing for anyone with information , particularly any road users who may @ @ @ @ @ travelling in the area at the time , to come forward .
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ Garda Station on 091 514720 , the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 , @ @ @ @ @

A male pedestrian in his early 80s has been seriously injured after being hit by a car in Co Galway on Monday evening.
At approximately 5.20pm on Monday, Gardaí were called to the scene of a collision involving a pedestrian and a car on Shangort Road.
The pedestrian was taken to University Hospital Galway.
The road has since re-opened.
READ MORE
Gardaí at Salthill are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any road users who may have camera footage who were travelling in the area at the time, to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514720, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Significant use of restriction in Oberstown, report says

Restrictive practices , including locking young offenders in rooms or using restraint , remains “ significant ” in Oberstown Children ’ s Detention Centre , a report has found .
The Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) found while the use of restrictive procedures has decreased in recent years , they are still frequently used , with residents being locked into their bedrooms each night .
In July 2019 , an unannounced inspection was carried out in the north Dublin detention campus - which provides care and education to children who have been convicted for criminal offences or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence .
Of the eight standards assessed as part of this process , five were found to be compliant , one was found to be substantially compliant and moderate non-compliance was found in the remaining two standards .
Hiqa said that despite the prevalence of restrictive procedures , it was apparent during the inspection that managers and staff were committed to reducing these exercises , without compromising the restrictions required to provide a safe and secure place of detention .
“ There was a strategic approach taken to ensure these reductions continued and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programmes were being developed on an ongoing basis , ” the inspector ’ s report states .
There were also issues with regard to “ poor record keeping , ” particularly with regard to when restriction was used .
The centre ’ s records did not always show how young people ’ s rights and best interests were promoted when restrictive practices were used , the inspector said .
Written accounts by staff of incidents did not always recognise physical interventions as restriction , or did not detail the extent to which they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed staff “ holding ” a young person on a couch or “ staff intervened to remove a young person ” , but the details of these physical interventions were not recorded properly , the inspector said .
Overall , Hiqa found that young people were well cared for on a daily basis , and they were able to describe a good standard of care to inspectors .
The residents told inspectors that they felt safe on campus and that the staff team provided them with support , encouragement and helped them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspector ’ s findings , Oberstown detention centre submitted an action plan to Hiqa to “ drive improvement ” .

Restrictive practices, including locking young offenders in rooms or using restraint, remains “significant” in Oberstown Children’s Detention Centre, a report has found.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) found while the use of restrictive procedures has decreased in recent years, they are still frequently used, with residents being locked into their bedrooms each night.
In July 2019, an unannounced inspection was carried out in the north Dublin detention campus - which provides care and education to children who have been convicted for criminal offences or remanded in custody while awaiting trial or sentence.
Of the eight standards assessed as part of this process, five were found to be compliant, one was found to be substantially compliant and moderate non-compliance was found in the remaining two standards.
READ MORE
Hiqa said that despite the prevalence of restrictive procedures, it was apparent during the inspection that managers and staff were committed to reducing these exercises, without compromising the restrictions required to provide a safe and secure place of detention.
A room in the residential unit at Oberstown Children Detention Campus in Co Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
“There was a strategic approach taken to ensure these reductions continued and, also, to ensure offending behaviour programmes were being developed on an ongoing basis,” the inspector’s report states.
There were also issues with regard to “poor record keeping,” particularly with regard to when restriction was used.
The centre’s records did not always show how young people’s rights and best interests were promoted when restrictive practices were used, the inspector said.
Written accounts by staff of incidents did not always recognise physical interventions as restriction, or did not detail the extent to which they were used.
For example, reports detailed staff “holding” a young person on a couch or “staff intervened to remove a young person”, but the details of these physical interventions were not recorded properly, the inspector said.
Overall, Hiqa found that young people were well cared for on a daily basis, and they were able to describe a good standard of care to inspectors.
The residents told inspectors that they felt safe on campus and that the staff team provided them with support, encouragement and helped them to solve problems.
In response to the inspector’s findings, Oberstown detention centre submitted an action plan to Hiqa to “drive improvement”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Hospital beds crisis: ‘It's like trying to put out a fire with a tea cup’

The vice president of Irish Hospital Consultants Association has said the number of new beds planned by the HSE this year is “ like trying to put out a fire with a tea cup ” .
Dr Laura Durcan said the Irish health system is far behind where it needs to be with 300 fewer beds than a decade ago while there has been an increase in population .
There were 760 patients waiting on trolleys in hospital emergency departments or on wards on Monday morning , the worst since records began , according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Varadkar said the record trolley numbers were due to the current flu outbreak and a longer-term shortage of hospital beds .
He admitted hospitals were “ severely overcrowded ” at present .
Dr Durcan said the HSE could have planned better as the health care needs of the nation “ are predictable ” .
“ We are going to see this year-on-year .
It is like trying to put out a fire with a tea cup .
They should just hold up their hands and declare a national emergency , ” Dr Durcan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Ninety-two patients were on trolleys in University Hospital Limerick ( UHL ) on Monday waiting to be admitted to hospital beds , the highest level ever for an individual hospital .
The previous record for the most patients waiting on trolleys in one hospital was 82 .
Dr Fergal Hickey , emergency medicine consultant , said that “ the dogs in the street ” know more beds are the solution to the trolley crisis .
Dr Hickey , who is also communications officer for the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever increasing demand for beds and that even if emergency departments continue to send home three quarters of the patients they see , they will still require beds for the remaining 25 per cent and that number is increasing all the time .
The trolley crisis is no longer a winter issue , he told Newstalk Breakfast .
“ This is a day by day , week by week problem and we are setting new records [ for numbers on trolleys ] all the time , ” he said .
“ If they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re wrong.
” The Irish Hospital Consultants Association ( IHCA ) also said the decision to cancel elective surgery at Cork hospitals will have “ severe knock-on consequences for patient health outcomes ” .
Dr Donal O ’ Hanlon , president of the ICHA , said the decision is “ simply not acceptable ” .
“ It is forcing hospitals and the consultants who treat patients to determine which patient is more worthy of treatment , ” he said .

Health experts have predicted the trolley crisis will continue to get worse each year.
The vice president of Irish Hospital Consultants Association has said the number of new beds planned by the HSE this year is "like trying to put out a fire with a tea cup".
Dr Laura Durcan said the Irish health system is far behind where it needs to be with 300 fewer beds than a decade ago while there has been an increase in population.
There were 760 patients waiting on trolleys in hospital emergency departments or on wards on Monday morning, the worst since records began, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the record trolley numbers were due to the current flu outbreak and a longer-term shortage of hospital beds. He admitted hospitals were "severely overcrowded" at present.
READ MORE
Dr Durcan said the HSE could have planned better as the health care needs of the nation “are predictable”.
"We are going to see this year-on-year. It is like trying to put out a fire with a tea cup. They should just hold up their hands and declare a national emergency," Dr Durcan told RTÉ's Morning Ireland on Tuesday.
Ninety-two patients were on trolleys in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Monday waiting to be admitted to hospital beds, the highest level ever for an individual hospital. The previous record for the most patients waiting on trolleys in one hospital was 82.
Dr Fergal Hickey, emergency medicine consultant, said that "the dogs in the street" know more beds are the solution to the trolley crisis.
Dr Hickey, who is also communications officer for the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, said that the fundamental issue is the ever increasing demand for beds and that even if emergency departments continue to send home three quarters of the patients they see, they will still require beds for the remaining 25 per cent and that number is increasing all the time.
The trolley crisis is no longer a winter issue, he told Newstalk Breakfast. “This is a day by day, week by week problem and we are setting new records [for numbers on trolleys] all the time,” he said.
“If they think this is a winter problem then they’re wrong.”
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) also said the decision to cancel elective surgery at Cork hospitals will have “severe knock-on consequences for patient health outcomes”.
Dr Donal O’Hanlon, president of the ICHA, said the decision is “simply not acceptable”.
“It is forcing hospitals and the consultants who treat patients to determine which patient is more worthy of treatment,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Young Scientist Exhibition entrants have ‘astounding’ achievements

The benefits of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition ( BTYSTE ) go far beyond the classroom or the school science lab , according to cofounder Dr Tony Scott .
Speaking in advance of the 56th staging of the event this week , he said the contest has had a major impact on numbers going on to study science subjects – and on Irish innovation and entrepreneurship .
This was reflected in winners who have gone to form major companies – some on a global scale informed by cutting-edge research .
Equally , its success in prompting women to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maths ( Stem ) stood out , he added .
The Young Scientist event had also played its part in improving mathematical ability .
In the past there was constant bemoaning Irish students were so poor at maths – the evidence of change was reflected in the work of recent winners , including projects on quantum physics and computer encryption .
More than 1,800 projects were entered into this year ’ s contests , while 550 finalists from 244 schools will showcase their entries at the RDS in Dublin over coming days – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company BT .
Projects on climate change and mental wellbeing dominate 2020 entries , while almost 60 per cent of 1,125 students whose work will be exhibited are female .
Dr Scott ’ s role includes shortlisting entries for the chemical , physical and mathematical sciences section , which invariably starts with him remarking to himself : “ that sounds interesting , how did they do that ?
” On talking to entrants on the exhibition floor , he said , “ you realise what they have achieved .
Over the years it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ability would leave him at their age “ behind the door ” .
The standard has consistently improved but also the ability to communicate their research and to present it in a compelling way .
In the current era , if one can not communicate the work , it risks being useless , Dr Scott said .
That verbal skill , he acknowledged , was not only important for science but also to counter fake news and anti-science viewpoints .
His fail-safe approach in evaluating projects face-to-face , however , still works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do ?
How did you do it ?
What did you find ?
” While the number of women participating in science is part of the success of Young Scientist , which is also reflected in winners , the mission he and cofounder Fr Tom Burke had in the 1960s was “ to get young people to realise science is not confined to the science lab or the classroom ” .
It may be primarily about the science , but fun and friendship had to be essential elements too , he noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business is reflected in many recent winners , Dr Scott said .
2017 winner Shane Curran ( 19 ) is an entrepreneur and founder of evervault , which is developing a cloud-based secure processing product designed to improve how apps manage privacy .
Patrick Collison , the 2005 winner , went on with brother John to form the payments company Stripe , while the 2015 winners , sisters Annie and Kate Madden , founded FenuHealth a global enterprise that produces natural feed for horses to reduce risk of gastric ulcers .
The stand-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not pushy or standing waiting for glory ” , Dr Scott said .
They were proud of what they achieved , and many come back to assist with judging the next generation of entrants .
“ I ’ m always delighted , I can call them my friends.
” The Young Scientist event is open to the public on Friday and Saturday ( from 9.30am ) – more information and tickets are available at btyoungscientist.com

Projects on climate change and mental wellbeing dominate 2020 entries at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, while almost 60 per cent of 1,125 students whose work will be exhibited are female.
The benefits of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) go far beyond the classroom or the school science lab, according to cofounder Dr Tony Scott.
Speaking in advance of the 56th staging of the event this week, he said the contest has had a major impact on numbers going on to study science subjects – and on Irish innovation and entrepreneurship. This was reflected in winners who have gone to form major companies – some on a global scale informed by cutting-edge research.
Equally, its success in prompting women to embrace science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) stood out, he added. The Young Scientist event had also played its part in improving mathematical ability.
In the past there was constant bemoaning Irish students were so poor at maths – the evidence of change was reflected in the work of recent winners, including projects on quantum physics and computer encryption.
READ MORE
More than 1,800 projects were entered into this year’s contests, while 550 finalists from 244 schools will showcase their entries at the RDS in Dublin over coming days – the 20th year of sponsorship by telecommunications company BT.
Projects on climate change and mental wellbeing dominate 2020 entries, while almost 60 per cent of 1,125 students whose work will be exhibited are female.
Dr Scott’s role includes shortlisting entries for the chemical, physical and mathematical sciences section, which invariably starts with him remarking to himself: “that sounds interesting, how did they do that?”
On talking to entrants on the exhibition floor, he said, “you realise what they have achieved. Over the years it’s astounding really”, while their ability would leave him at their age “behind the door”.
The standard has consistently improved but also the ability to communicate their research and to present it in a compelling way. In the current era, if one cannot communicate the work, it risks being useless, Dr Scott said. That verbal skill, he acknowledged, was not only important for science but also to counter fake news and anti-science viewpoints.
His fail-safe approach in evaluating projects face-to-face, however, still works: “What did you set out to do? How did you do it? What did you find?”
While the number of women participating in science is part of the success of Young Scientist, which is also reflected in winners, the mission he and cofounder Fr Tom Burke had in the 1960s was "to get young people to realise science is not confined to the science lab or the classroom".
It may be primarily about the science, but fun and friendship had to be essential elements too, he noted.
The immense contribution to innovation and business is reflected in many recent winners, Dr Scott said. 2017 winner Shane Curran (19) is an entrepreneur and founder of evervault, which is developing a cloud-based secure processing product designed to improve how apps manage privacy.
Patrick Collison, the 2005 winner, went on with brother John to form the payments company Stripe, while the 2015 winners, sisters Annie and Kate Madden, founded FenuHealth a global enterprise that produces natural feed for horses to reduce risk of gastric ulcers.
The stand-out thing about the winners was “they are not pushy or standing waiting for glory”, Dr Scott said. They were proud of what they achieved, and many come back to assist with judging the next generation of entrants.
“I’m always delighted, I can call them my friends.”
The Young Scientist event is open to the public on Friday and Saturday (from 9.30am) – more information and tickets are available at btyoungscientist.com


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Recovery operation for missing fisherman to continue, weather permitting

The search for a missing fisherman whose boat sank several kilometres off Hook Head , Co Wexford , at the weekend will continue this morning depending on weather conditions .
The Irish Coast Guard said the search was now categorised as a “ search and recovery operation ” and that the yellow weather warning means it might not be safe for RNLI crews to go to sea .
Members of the Dunmore East RNLI will meet at 9am on Tuesday to assess the weather and establish if an operation to recover missing fisherman Willie Whelan ( 41 ) can resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trawler he was on sank shortly before midnight on Saturday , off the south east coast .
Neville Murphy , a spokesman for the RNLI branch , said the safety of crews is paramount now that the operation has been categorised as a recovery .
“ We won ’ t send them out when it is unsafe , ” Mr Murphy told Newstalk Breakfast .
Mr Murphy said RNLI crews operate all weather boats and crews are willing to go out to sea , but that in recovery situations the safety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of two men aboard the Alize which went down on Saturday night .
The alarm was raised after an emergency radio beacon from the boat was activated and a search operation was launched by the Coast Guard .
Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 assisted while RNLI lifeboats from Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford and Dunmore East in Co Waterford were also launched .
Rescue 117 located one of the men , Joe Sinnott ( 65 ) from Kilmore Quay , unresponsive in the water about four nautical miles off Duncannon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was taken to University Hospital Waterford by ambulance , where he died .
Mr Sinnott will be buried on Wednesday following noon Mass at St Mary ’ s Church in Kilmore , Co Wexford .
Mourners are asked to donate to the RNLI in lieu of flowers .
He is survived by his wife Mary and children Michael , Siobhán , Bernie and Bridget .

Hook Head, Co. Wexford where the search continues for missing fisherman William Whelan. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Naval divers are to join the search for 41-year-old fisherman Willie Whelan who was on board the Alize trawler which sank off the coast of Hook Head in Co Wexford on Saturday evening.
It is understood that two brothers of Mr Whelan, who are also fisherman, are involved in the recovery operation.
Whelan, from Fethard on Sea, has been described by friends and fellow fisherman as a friendly man who was always willing to help others. He got married last year.
The Naval Service was on Tuesday providing assistance to the search operation with the LE Samuel Beckett taking over duties from the LE Ciara.
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Inclement weather on the south east coast and a yellow wind warning delayed the resumption of the search on Tuesday morning with winds being too high this afternoon to facilitate the use of the R117 rescue helicopter.
Neville Murphy, a spokesman for the RNLI branch, said the safety of crews is paramount now that the operation has been categorised as a recovery.
"We won't send them out when it is unsafe," Mr Murphy told Newstalk Breakfast.
Mr Murphy said RNLI crews operate all weather boats and crews are willing to go out to sea, but that in recovery situations the safety of crews was important.
A second fisherman who died in the tragedy Joe Sinnott (65) from Kilmore, Co Wexford will be laid to rest ton Wednesday following noon mass at St Mary's Church in the town.
The father of four was winched from the sea but passed away a short time later in University Hospital Waterford.
It is understood the trawler sank with such speed that its crew were unable to to raise the alarm. The radio beacon alerted the emergency services to the tragedy that was unfolding shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday.
The Coast Guard has thanked the statutory and voluntary bodies, including Naval Service, RNLI and local fishing vessels, that have participated in the search since the weekend.
The Waterford based Coast Guard helicopter, Kilmore Quay and Dunmore East RNLI units coordinated by LÉ Ciara conducted a search of the target area yesterday. Shoreline searches were conducted by Fethard and Kilmore Quay Coast Guard units.
The operation is now categorised as a Search and Recovery operation. The Coast Guard will continue to support an Garda Síochána and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) with the ongoing search and investigation.
The fishermen had been fishing for scallops six miles off Hook Head when the trawler sank.
The cause of the sinking is unknown at thisstage. The trawler was said to have been in pristine condition and was well maintained.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Wind warning in place for counties in west, north and east

A status yellow wind warning is in place for counties in the west , north and east this morning .
@ @ @ @ @ , Galway and Mayo which is valid until 8pm on Tuesday forecasts gusts of up @ @ @ @ @ second wind warning issued by Met Éireann applies to Dublin , Kildare , Longford , @ @ @ @ @ , Offaly , Westmeath , Meath , Cavan , Monaghan , Leitrim , Roscommon and @ @ @ @ @ to 100km/h at times .
This warning is also in place until 8pm on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ apply to counties in the south west .
A status yellow gale warning has also @ @ @ @ @ sector .
Apart from strong winds , Tuesday will be dull with scattered outbreaks of @ @ @ @ @ will be mild for the time of year with afternoon temperatures ranging 11 to 14 @ @

The counties - marked in yellow - where the wind warning is in place for Tuesday. Image: Met Éireann
A status yellow wind warning is in place for counties in the west, north and east this morning.
The wind warning for Donegal, Galway and Mayo which is valid until 8pm on Tuesday forecasts gusts of up to 110 km/h.
A second wind warning issued by Met Éireann applies to Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo forecasts gusts of 90 to 100km/h at times.
This warning is also in place until 8pm on Tuesday.
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The warning does not apply to counties in the south west.
A status yellow gale warning has also been issued for the marine sector.
Apart from strong winds, Tuesday will be dull with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle.
Tuesday will be mild for the time of year with afternoon temperatures ranging 11 to 14 degrees.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Winter of 2018/2019 warmest since records began in 1900

Last winter was the warmest in Ireland since records began 119 years ago , Met Éireann has revealed .
The months of December 2018 and January and February last year were 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average .
The extraordinary mildness of last winter was evidenced by the presence of painted lady butterflies on New Year ’ s Day in Co Cork – they are supposed to be a species only ever seen in Ireland in summer time .
In the same month , Irish Times readers sent us photographs of roses in bloom and cherry trees blossoming .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their grass and birds building nests three months earlier than normal .
February last year was the second warmest since records began in 1900 .
The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland during the month was recorded at Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry where the thermometer hit 17.2 degrees on February 26th .
The national average temperatures are taken from five weather stations , Valentia Observatory , Birr in Co Offaly , Phoenix Park in Dublin , Malin Head in Co Donegal and the Armagh Observatory in Co Antrim .
The meteorological seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April and May ) and summer ( June , July and August ) were all at least 0.9 degrees above their long-term average which is the average temperature for the years 1961 to 1990 .
Autumn was the only season where temperatures were normal for the time of year .
Even then September was warmer than average , but October and November were slightly cooler .
Last year was the ninth in a row where temperatures were above average , a phenomenon Met Éireann climatologist Aidan Murphy said was directly attributable to global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 was 10.5 degrees which was 0.9 degrees above the long term average .
It makes it the 18th warmest year in 120 years .
The mean annual temperature of 2007 remains the warmest year on record for Ireland with a mean annual temperature of 10.8 degrees .
Rising temperatures in Ireland are being reflected globally .
When fully analysed , 2019 is expected to be the second or third warmest year on record .
Average temperatures for the five-year ( 2015-2019 ) and 10-year ( 2010-2019 ) periods are almost certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one and the trend is expected to continue .
The research group Berkeley Earth stated that last year was likely the second hottest year ever recorded globally , surpassed only by 2016 .
Last year ’ s average temperature is likely to be 1.1 degrees higher than the pre-industrial period .

Two young riders on their horses past the Lead Mines chimney at Barnaslingan wood, Co. Dublin on Sunday. Last winter was the warmest on record in Ireland. Photograph: Dave Meehan for The Irish Times
Last winter was the warmest in Ireland since records began 119 years ago, Met Éireann has revealed.
The months of December 2018 and January and February last year were 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average.
The extraordinary mildness of last winter was evidenced by the presence of painted lady butterflies on New Year’s Day in Co Cork – they are supposed to be a species only ever seen in Ireland in summer time.
In the same month, Irish Times readers sent us photographs of roses in bloom and cherry trees blossoming.
READ MORE
There were reports too online of people cutting their grass and birds building nests three months earlier than normal.
February last year was the second warmest since records began in 1900. The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland during the month was recorded at Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry where the thermometer hit 17.2 degrees on February 26th.
The national average temperatures are taken from five weather stations, Valentia Observatory, Birr in Co Offaly, Phoenix Park in Dublin, Malin Head in Co Donegal and the Armagh Observatory in Co Antrim.
The meteorological seasons of winter, spring (March, April and May) and summer (June, July and August) were all at least 0.9 degrees above their long-term average which is the average temperature for the years 1961 to 1990.
Autumn was the only season where temperatures were normal for the time of year. Even then September was warmer than average, but October and November were slightly cooler.
Last year was the ninth in a row where temperatures were above average, a phenomenon Met Éireann climatologist Aidan Murphy said was directly attributable to global warming.
The average temperature in Ireland in 2019 was 10.5 degrees which was 0.9 degrees above the long term average.
It makes it the 18th warmest year in 120 years. The mean annual temperature of 2007 remains the warmest year on record for Ireland with a mean annual temperature of 10.8 degrees.
Rising temperatures in Ireland are being reflected globally. When fully analysed, 2019 is expected to be the second or third warmest year on record.
Average temperatures for the five-year (2015-2019) and 10-year (2010-2019) periods are almost certain to be the highest on record. Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one and the trend is expected to continue.
The research group Berkeley Earth stated that last year was likely the second hottest year ever recorded globally, surpassed only by 2016. Last year's average temperature is likely to be 1.1 degrees higher than the pre-industrial period.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Irish judge will join protest march over curbs on Polish judiciary

An Irish Supreme Court judge is to participate in a protest march in support of Polish colleagues who say their independence is being systematically eroded by the country ’ s government .
The participation of Supreme Court judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin , who will represent the Association of Judges of Ireland ( AJI ) in the “ silent march ” in Warsaw this Saturday , will be the first time the association has participated in a public protest either in Ireland or abroad .
It reflects a deep concern felt by the AJI over a series of measures introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice party ( PiS ) granting the government greater control over the selection and discipline of the judiciary .
Although the body does not formally represent the judiciary , the vast majority of Irish judges are members .
.
Mr Justice MacMenamin will march in full robes along with Polish and European colleagues .
He will carry with him letters of support from Chief Justice Frank Clarke and the AJI .
It is understood Mr Justice Clarke ’ s letter is likely to express concern over legislation currently before the Polish parliament which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical of the government ’ s judicial policies .
It will also outline concerns previously expressed by the AJI over the reforms .
The Irish judiciary were among the first judicial bodies in Europe to agree to take part in the protest which is described by organisers as “ apolitical ” .
Both the AJI and individual judges have been vocal critics of the judicial policies of the Polish authorities in recent years , a stance which has aggravated government supporters in that country .
In 2018 , High Court judge Ms Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an alleged drug trafficker over concerns about rule of law in the country .
The decision provoked an incredulous response from Polish pro-government media , some of which focused on Ms Justice Donnelly ’ s own background and sexual orientation .
The AJI responded by strongly condemning “ the personalised attacks and invective ” directed at the judge .
Saturday ’ s protest is being organised by Justitia , the representative body for Polish judges .
In a statement , it called on European judges to “ show your disagreement with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamental for all European countries .
“ Support our protest against the attacks on the fundamental right of every citizen : the right to an independent and fair court deciding cases in accordance with the law understood as a harmonious system of European and national law.
” A spokeswoman for Justitia said judges from France , Italy , Portugal , Belgium , Croatia , Spain , Greece , Germany , Holland , Norway , Denmark , Romania and Hungary will also be in attendance as well as a judge who fled repression in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judges have not faced such challenges since the fall of communism in the country in 1989 .
Since coming to power in 2015 , the right-wing , populist Law and Justice Party has drawn international criticism for its overhaul of the country ’ s judiciary .
Under its measures , judges can now be subjected to disciplinary proceedings and sanctioned if authorities deem their rulings inappropriate .
The disciplinary body , the National Council of the Judiciary ( KRS ) , is mostly composed of members appointed by the parliament .
Judges have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for alleged infractions such as taking sick leave and speaking to foreign journalists .
The participation of Irish judges in the protest is “ unprecedented ” , said barrister Tony McGillicuddy .
“ I can ’ t think of an Irish judicial figure ever participating in a march or protest before .
I think they would likely not want it to be seen as a overtly political statement but one of solidarity with fellow judges .
”

Mr Justice John McMenamin: will march in full robes with Polish and European colleagues at the protest against curbs on the Polish legal system. Photograph: Eric Luke
An Irish Supreme Court judge is to participate in a protest march in support of Polish colleagues who say their independence is being systematically eroded by the country's government.
The participation of Supreme Court judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin, who will represent the Association of Judges of Ireland (AJI) in the "silent march" in Warsaw this Saturday, will be the first time the association has participated in a public protest either in Ireland or abroad.
It reflects a deep concern felt by the AJI over a series of measures introduced by Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) granting the government greater control over the selection and discipline of the judiciary. Although the body does not formally represent the judiciary, the vast majority of Irish judges are members. .
Mr Justice MacMenamin will march in full robes along with Polish and European colleagues. He will carry with him letters of support from Chief Justice Frank Clarke and the AJI.
READ MORE
The decision provoked an incredulous response from Polish pro-government media, some of which focused on Ms Justice Donnelly's own background and sexual orientation
It is understood Mr Justice Clarke’s letter is likely to express concern over legislation currently before the Polish parliament which would make it easier to dismiss judges critical of the government’s judicial policies. It will also outline concerns previously expressed by the AJI over the reforms.
Vocal critics
The Irish judiciary were among the first judicial bodies in Europe to agree to take part in the protest which is described by organisers as “apolitical”.
Both the AJI and individual judges have been vocal critics of the judicial policies of the Polish authorities in recent years, a stance which has aggravated government supporters in that country.
Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly: The Association of Judges of Ireland has strongly condemned personalised attacks in the Polish media on Ms Justice Donnelly.
In 2018, High Court judge Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly delayed the extradition to Poland of an alleged drug trafficker over concerns about rule of law in the country.
The decision provoked an incredulous response from Polish pro-government media, some of which focused on Ms Justice Donnelly’s own background and sexual orientation.
The AJI responded by strongly condemning “the personalised attacks and invective” directed at the judge.
Saturday’s protest is being organised by Justitia, the representative body for Polish judges. In a statement, it called on European judges to “show your disagreement with the destruction of the rule of law rule fundamental for all European countries.
“Support our protest against the attacks on the fundamental right of every citizen: the right to an independent and fair court deciding cases in accordance with the law understood as a harmonious system of European and national law.”
Overhaul of judiciary
A spokeswoman for Justitia said judges from France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Germany, Holland, Norway, Denmark, Romania and Hungary will also be in attendance as well as a judge who fled repression in Turkey.
Justitia said Poland’s judges have not faced such challenges since the fall of communism in the country in 1989.
Since coming to power in 2015, the right-wing, populist Law and Justice Party has drawn international criticism for its overhaul of the country’s judiciary.
Under its measures, judges can now be subjected to disciplinary proceedings and sanctioned if authorities deem their rulings inappropriate. The disciplinary body, the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS), is mostly composed of members appointed by the parliament.
Judges have to date been issued with disciplinary charges for alleged infractions such as taking sick leave and speaking to foreign journalists.
The participation of Irish judges in the protest is “unprecedented”, said barrister Tony McGillicuddy.
“I can’t think of an Irish judicial figure ever participating in a march or protest before. I think they would likely not want it to be seen as a overtly political statement but one of solidarity with fellow judges.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Backlogs a dangerous flaw in child porn and abuse inquiries

News that cases involving possession or distribution of child abuse material are taking nearly five years to complete will come as little surprise to gardaí and child protection workers .
The issue has been well-known for years and , while there have been some reforms in recent years , the backlog remains an intractable problem .
There are several reasons the backlog of child abuse investigations is taking so long to clear , according to Garda sources .
Additional resources have been assigned to the unit “ but it needs much more ” , said one member who said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Another said the backlog is being cleared but “ it is a slow process ” .
They expressed hope that the current pause in investigating cases due to the Graham Dwyer Supreme Court appeal may give the unit “ breathing space ” to address the backlog .
However , it is only a temporary reprieve .
Up to 700 online child abuse investigations have been put on hold while gardaí await clarification of data protection issues relating to the case .
Dwyer is challenging the validity of provisions of a data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records were put into evidence at his criminal trial for the murder of Elaine O ’ Hara .
Highlighting the workload involved in child abuse investigations , gardaí say the proliferation of electronic devices in Irish households means they often have to seize many items , from iPhones to tablets and sometimes even game consoles , in case they contain relevant material .
On average only 60 per cent of seized devices will end up containing illegal material but all must be forensically examined .
Furthermore , the Garda does not have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encryption .
Investigators do not have legal powers to demand passwords for seized hard drives , meaning devices often have to be sent abroad to be cracked , further adding to delays .
There has also been a massive increase in the number of new cases coming through .
In 2013 there were 116 new cases , a figure which tripled to 392 in 2018 .
At least some of these new cases are down to better detection methods , both by gardaí and foreign police forces who pass on intelligence about Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict obligations on internet service providers to alert gardaí if they see evidence of customers accessing illegal material .
The delays are also putting prosecutions at risk .
The Garda Inspectorate uncovered evidence that some devices in Garda custody were not being stored properly , leading to them becoming unreadable .
The danger of delays in examining devices is shown in a case cited by the inspectorate involving a device seized in 2011 .
It became caught up in the backlog and was not examined for three years .
“ When the forensic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an image was found showing an indecent assault on a child .
The delay in the examination prevented the earlier identification and rescuing of that child.
” Each child abuse image or video is “ a crime scene ” , says Maeve Lewis , executive director of the charity One in Four which offers treatment to both victims and perpetrators of abuse .
“ When they are examined , there will be an effort to determine where the image was taken .
If there is a huge delay it becomes almost impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is very definitely at risk from abuse.
” Gardaí are obliged to inform Tusla , the Child and Family Agency , if a person suspected of possessing child abuse material is a potential danger to children .
“ Interventions would differ depending on the circumstances of the case , ” a spokeswoman said .
“ In some cases Tusla will put in place safeguards to reduce the risk to the child , up to and including applying for them to be taken into care.
” However , Ms Lewis says the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse cases .
“ We notify everyone who comes on our programme to Tusla and try to arrange them to meet a child protection worker but if it is an online offence Tusla are often reluctant to get involved .
Which is quite misguided in my view.
” A further concern is the possibility of suspects committing further sexual crimes while their case is being investigated .
“ There is a fair body of international research showing that for many people , downloading images of child abuse is a pathway into contact offending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is especially true if those people are waiting five years for the completion of the case against them , she added .
The Children ’ s Right Alliance said it is concerned gardaí don ’ t have enough resources to adequately tackle the problem .
“ The more money you put to it , the more successful prosecutions you are likely to complete .
That thereby reduces demand , ” chief executive Tanya Ward said .
“ Because people who download images of child abuse create demand for more children to be harmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a need to plough resources into this space so the guards can keep track of these people and shut down demand.
” In the last three years , Garda management have attempted to reduce the backlog by assigning computer experts at a divisional level .
“ Triage technology ” is also being deployed to quickly analyse devices at an early stage to check if they contain suspicious material .
If an immediate risk to a child is identified , cases now can be dealt with in a matter of months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director of Public Prosecutions have also held discussions about only requiring the first 200 images or videos on a device to be analysed before initiating a prosecution .
However the proposal was shelved following concerns that the practice could result in child victims at risk of further abuse being overlooked .

Up to 700 online child abuse investigations have been put on hold while gardaí await clarification of data protection issues. Stock photograph: Getty
News that cases involving possession or distribution of child abuse material are taking nearly five years to complete will come as little surprise to gardaí and child protection workers.
The issue has been well-known for years and, while there have been some reforms in recent years, the backlog remains an intractable problem.
There are several reasons the backlog of child abuse investigations is taking so long to clear, according to Garda sources. Additional resources have been assigned to the unit “but it needs much more”, said one member who said it is currently “running to stand still”.
Another said the backlog is being cleared but “it is a slow process”. They expressed hope that the current pause in investigating cases due to the Graham Dwyer Supreme Court appeal may give the unit “breathing space” to address the backlog. However, it is only a temporary reprieve.
READ MORE
Up to 700 online child abuse investigations have been put on hold while gardaí await clarification of data protection issues relating to the case.
Dwyer is challenging the validity of provisions of a data law under which certain mobile phone call records were put into evidence at his criminal trial for the murder of Elaine O’Hara.
Investigators do not have legal powers to demand passwords for seized hard drives, meaning devices often have to be sent abroad
Highlighting the workload involved in child abuse investigations, gardaí say the proliferation of electronic devices in Irish households means they often have to seize many items, from iPhones to tablets and sometimes even game consoles, in case they contain relevant material. On average only 60 per cent of seized devices will end up containing illegal material but all must be forensically examined.
Furthermore, the Garda does not have the capacity to deal with devices with sophisticated encryption. Investigators do not have legal powers to demand passwords for seized hard drives, meaning devices often have to be sent abroad to be cracked, further adding to delays.
There has also been a massive increase in the number of new cases coming through. In 2013 there were 116 new cases, a figure which tripled to 392 in 2018.
Detection methods
At least some of these new cases are down to better detection methods, both by gardaí and foreign police forces who pass on intelligence about Irish offenders. Others are down to increasingly strict obligations on internet service providers to alert gardaí if they see evidence of customers accessing illegal material.
Maeve Lewis of One in Four: “There is a fair body of international research showing that for many people, downloading images of child abuse is a pathway into contact offending.” Stock photograph: Getty
The delays are also putting prosecutions at risk. The Garda Inspectorate uncovered evidence that some devices in Garda custody were not being stored properly, leading to them becoming unreadable.
The danger of delays in examining devices is shown in a case cited by the inspectorate involving a device seized in 2011. It became caught up in the backlog and was not examined for three years.
“When the forensic examination was eventually conducted three years later, an image was found showing an indecent assault on a child. The delay in the examination prevented the earlier identification and rescuing of that child.”
Each child abuse image or video is “a crime scene”, says Maeve Lewis, executive director of the charity One in Four which offers treatment to both victims and perpetrators of abuse.
“When they are examined, there will be an effort to determine where the image was taken. If there is a huge delay it becomes almost impossible to locate the child in the image who is very definitely at risk from abuse.”
Gardaí are obliged to inform Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, if a person suspected of possessing child abuse material is a potential danger to children.
“Interventions would differ depending on the circumstances of the case,” a spokeswoman said.
There is a need to plough resources into this space so the guards can keep track of these people and shut down demand
“In some cases Tusla will put in place safeguards to reduce the risk to the child, up to and including applying for them to be taken into care.”
However, Ms Lewis says the agency sometimes shows little interest in online child abuse cases.
Images vs contact
“We notify everyone who comes on our programme to Tusla and try to arrange them to meet a child protection worker but if it is an online offence Tusla are often reluctant to get involved. Which is quite misguided in my view.”
A further concern is the possibility of suspects committing further sexual crimes while their case is being investigated.
Up to 700 online child abuse investigations are on hold while gardaí await clarification of data protection issues.
“There is a fair body of international research showing that for many people, downloading images of child abuse is a pathway into contact offending,” said Ms Lewis. This is especially true if those people are waiting five years for the completion of the case against them, she added.
The Children’s Right Alliance said it is concerned gardaí don’t have enough resources to adequately tackle the problem.
“The more money you put to it, the more successful prosecutions you are likely to complete. That thereby reduces demand,” chief executive Tanya Ward said. “Because people who download images of child abuse create demand for more children to be harmed either in Ireland or abroad.
“There is a need to plough resources into this space so the guards can keep track of these people and shut down demand.”
In the last three years, Garda management have attempted to reduce the backlog by assigning computer experts at a divisional level. “Triage technology” is also being deployed to quickly analyse devices at an early stage to check if they contain suspicious material. If an immediate risk to a child is identified, cases now can be dealt with in a matter of months, gardaí say.
The Garda and the Director of Public Prosecutions have also held discussions about only requiring the first 200 images or videos on a device to be analysed before initiating a prosecution. However the proposal was shelved following concerns that the practice could result in child victims at risk of further abuse being overlooked.