theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Evidence of Iron Age temples uncovered at Navan Fort

Archaeologists believe they have uncovered “ significant ” evidence of Iron Age temples and residences of early kings of Ulster at Navan Fort , close to Armagh City .
Academics from Northern Irish , Scottish and German institutes say they have found indications of “ a vast temple complex and ceremonial centre of prehistoric Europe ” , as well as the first evidence of continued medieval activity during the period when Navan Fort was associated with the kingship of Ulster .
The discovery was made adjacent to the Navan Fort visitor centre which is associated with Cúchulainn , the Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tales .
It is also associated with Conchobar Mac Nessa , King of Ulster , Deirdre of the Sorrows and her warrior lover Naoise .
The research was conducted using a non-invasive survey , led by Dr Patrick Gleeson , senior lecturer in archaeology at the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen ’ s University Belfast and his team of colleagues from the University of Aberdeen and the German Archaeological Institute , Frankfurt .
The discovery was made using remote-sensing technology and a geophysical survey , rather than more time-consuming and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This allowed academics to map the below-ground archaeology by measuring the magnetic signatures and electrical resistance of the soil , he said .
The method allowed them to detect the archeology below ground where there is no above-ground trace , he told RTÉ Radio .
Actual excavation at the site would require significant funding , according to the academics .
Navan Fort , known in Irish as Emain Macha , is viewed as the ancient capital of Ulster and one of Ireland ’ s royal sites , a group of five ceremonial centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medieval period as the capitals of the five fifths that divided Ireland .
Dr Gleeson said that “ excavation in the 1960s uncovered one of the most spectacular series of buildings of any region of prehistoric Europe , including a series of figure-of-eight buildings of the Early Iron Age and a 40-metre timber-ringed structure constructed circa 95 BC ” .
He said : “ Our discoveries add significant additional data , hinting that the buildings uncovered in the 1960s were not domestic structures lived in by kings , but a series of massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most complex ritual arena of any region of later prehistoric and pre-Roman northern Europe.
” Dr John O ’ Keeffe , principal inspector of historic monuments in the North ’ s Department for Communities , said the department was pleased to facilitate the survey work at Navan Fort .
The fort is owned by the department and is one of 190 State care monuments in Northern Ireland managed by the department .
Queen ’ s academics said the current work has shone new light on the monument , and for years to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explore what Navan Fort meant to our forebears and how they used the site ” .
After the Covid-19 restrictions ease , the centre is to reopen on July 30th .

Archaeologists believe they have uncovered evidence of Iron Age temples and residences of early kings of Ulster at Navan Fort.
Archaeologists believe they have uncovered "significant" evidence of Iron Age temples and residences of early kings of Ulster at Navan Fort, close to Armagh City.
Academics from Northern Irish, Scottish and German institutes say they have found indications of “a vast temple complex and ceremonial centre of prehistoric Europe”, as well as the first evidence of continued medieval activity during the period when Navan Fort was associated with the kingship of Ulster.
The discovery was made adjacent to the Navan Fort visitor centre which is associated with Cúchulainn, the Red Branch Knights and the Ulster Cycle of tales. It is also associated with Conchobar Mac Nessa, King of Ulster, Deirdre of the Sorrows and her warrior lover Naoise.
The research was conducted using a non-invasive survey, led by Dr Patrick Gleeson, senior lecturer in archaeology at the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen's University Belfast and his team of colleagues from the University of Aberdeen and the German Archaeological Institute, Frankfurt.
READ MORE
Remote-sensing technology
The discovery was made using remote-sensing technology and a geophysical survey, rather than more time-consuming and destructive excavation, Dr Gleeson said. This allowed academics to map the below-ground archaeology by measuring the magnetic signatures and electrical resistance of the soil, he said. The method allowed them to detect the archeology below ground where there is no above-ground trace, he told RTÉ Radio. Actual excavation at the site would require significant funding, according to the academics.
Navan Fort, known in Irish as Emain Macha, is viewed as the ancient capital of Ulster and one of Ireland's royal sites, a group of five ceremonial centres of prehistoric origin, documented in the medieval period as the capitals of the five fifths that divided Ireland.
Dr Gleeson said that “excavation in the 1960s uncovered one of the most spectacular series of buildings of any region of prehistoric Europe, including a series of figure-of-eight buildings of the Early Iron Age and a 40-metre timber-ringed structure constructed circa 95 BC”.
Massive temples
He said: “Our discoveries add significant additional data, hinting that the buildings uncovered in the 1960s were not domestic structures lived in by kings, but a series of massive temples, some of the largest and most complex ritual arena of any region of later prehistoric and pre-Roman northern Europe.”
Dr John O'Keeffe, principal inspector of historic monuments in the North's Department for Communities, said the department was pleased to facilitate the survey work at Navan Fort. The fort is owned by the department and is one of 190 State care monuments in Northern Ireland managed by the department.
Queen’s academics said the current work has shone new light on the monument, and for years to come will inform further research as they “explore what Navan Fort meant to our forebears and how they used the site”.
After the Covid-19 restrictions ease, the centre is to reopen on July 30th.


theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Man arrested over suspected attack with acid-like substance

Gardaí have arrested a man in Limerick who allegedly threw an acid-like substance in the face of another man at @ @ @ @ @ city .
The incident occurred in the Garryowen area on June 13th , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ was thrown in the face of a man aged in his early 20s and caused @ @ @ @ @ face consistent with acid burns .
Gardaí said a “ corrosive substance ” was throw @ @ @ @ @ face and that he sought treatment at University Hospital Limerick .
He has since been @ @ @ @ @ gardaíin Limerick city arrested a man aged in his 30s .
He is being detained @ @ @ @ @ where he can be questioned for up to 24 hours .

Gardaí said a ‘corrosive substance’ was throw in the victim’s face. File photograph: THE IRISH TIMES
Gardaí have arrested a man in Limerick who allegedly threw an acid-like substance in the face of another man at a house party in the city.
The incident occurred in the Garryowen area on June 13th, 2020.
It is understood a substance was thrown in the face of a man aged in his early 20s and caused damage to his neck and face consistent with acid burns.
Gardaí said a “corrosive substance” was throw in the victim’s face and that he sought treatment at University Hospital Limerick. He has since been discharged.
READ MORE
On Thursday morning gardaíin Limerick city arrested a man aged in his 30s. He is being detained at Henry Street Garda Station where he can be questioned for up to 24 hours.


theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Coronavirus: Unwinding of latest stage of roadmap ‘could be pushed back further’

The final phase of the Government ’ s roadmap to unlock the Irish economy from coronavirus restrictions may be pushed out beyond August 10th , senior ministers have warned .
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told the Dáil pubs may remain closed beyond August 10th , the new date for the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions .
Mr Varadkar said that pubs , nightclubs and other venues will open “ no sooner than 10th August .
We are not saying they will open on 10th August.
” He stressed that it depends “ on how the virus behaves ” and the numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told the Dáil as he faced angry rural TDs who condemned the decision announced on Wednesday .
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris also admitted earlier that phase four of the Government ’ s roadmap to reopen the country could be pushed back further if there is an increase in Covid-19 cases .
The Government delayed the next reopening phase from the Covid-19 lockdown on Wednesday , postponing the reopening of remaining pubs and resumption of larger gatherings of people until August 10th .
Mr Harris said this could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but added “ I would hope that not to be the case.
” “ We can ’ t presume that Covid-19 is gone because it ’ s not , ” Mr Harris said .
The Minister also said the decision not to proceed with the next stage “ increases the ability ” to ensure children return to education in late August and early September .
“ I think it would have been a grossly irresponsible thing to ignore public health advice , to move forward with phase four in spite of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge body of work to do as a country to get our kids back to school and indeed get our learners and students back into third level as well , ” he told reporters on Thursday morning .
Mr Harris said a “ huge body of work ” is being led by the Minister for Education Norma Foley to make sure schools can reopen at the end of next month .
He said his department is finalising a framework for universities and colleges to reopen .
The Minister echoed Mr Varadkar ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in Covid-19 cases in Ireland “ is not a second wave ” .
“ The Tánaiste is right , there isn ’ t an indication that there is a second wave here currently , but there are enough warning signs for us to press pause , try and bank the progress that we have made , and I suppose reignite the conversation with each other about the measures we need to take in terms of social distancing , hand washing , cough etiquette and keeping close contacts as minimum as we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of now the indicative date is August 10th but we ’ ve always been very honest with people .
These are indicative dates and they entirely depend on the behaviour of the virus but we are not powerless in that regard , ” he said .
Mr Harris was speaking at the launch of the National Further Education and Training Strategy at Richmond Barracks in Dublin .
Mr Harris said everybody wants to protect their own health and the health of students and staff but “ equally we need to get people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t live in a country where we ’ ve nearly opened up everything else except our education sector .
I think that would reflect very badly on our values as a country that values education and sees that the benefit of education runs far beyond just academic benefits too , ” he said .
The Minister also said the country is “ absolutely open ” to international students this coming semester .
Mr Harris said he has heard from some universities that there are international students who would be willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the recommended two-week period .
Earlier Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said it could “ materially add to the possibility of a second wave ” of the coronavirus of pubs reopened now .
The Government would be prioritising the reopening of schools and healthcare facilities , the minister told Morning Ireland .
The Government has delayed the next reopening phase from the Covid-19 lockdown , postponing the reopening of remaining pubs and resumption of larger gatherings of people amid concerns over rising coronavirus infections .
Plans to allow pubs that do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from July 20th has been postponed until August 10th after the State ’ s health officials raised concerns about an increase in Covid-19 infections as restrictions have been relaxed .
Proposals to permit larger gatherings of 100 people indoors , up from 50 , and 500 people outdoors , up from 200 , will also not proceed as earlier planned .
Mr Donnelly also emphasised the need to get the R number down to below one .
At present it is between 1.2 and 1.8 , if that rate were to continue within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 150 cases per day , he warned .
Mr Donnelly defended the Government ’ s decision , saying international evidence shows Covid-19 cases increase when pubs reopen .
He said “ nobody wants these restrictions in place ” .
He added that he hoped there would be no need for enforcement of wearing face covering in shops .
The Minister said that the Government is taking Nphet advice to limit gatherings in homes to no more than 10 visitors .
“ It ’ s not 10 people , so if there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house then you can be up to 15 .
Nphet have said for no more than four additional households which means essentially whoever lives in the house plus up to 10 people.
” He said health are worried about clusters of cases .
“ What you can have is one person who is infected , but they are asymptomatic , they don ’ t know they are , they go to a house party , everyone ’ s talking loudly , there ’ s plenty of droplets going out into the air , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 people walking out of that house infected.
” Mr Donnelly said the Government did not make the decision lightly .
“ But the public health advice is if we were to open now it could materially add to the possibility of a second wave and that ’ s just a risk we can take.
” The lifting of the remaining restrictions would depend on the R rating he said .
“ It ’ s not one number , it ’ s not one fact , it ’ s in the round , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving away from a second wave or are we moving towards a second wave.
” The Government ’ s decision disappointed members of the hospitality industry .
The president of the Irish Hotels Federation Elaina Fitzgerald Kane said “ hitting the pause button ” on the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations will put thousands of jobs at risk at a time when hotel room occupancy is only 30 per cent .
The pause will also have an impact on people who had planned gatherings in hotels and wedding venues , she said .
Around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedding day plans impacted by Covid-19 with many already changing their arrangements two to three times , she added .
However , Infectious diseases consultant Corrina Sadlier has said the Government ’ s decision to pause the relaxing of the lockdown was the right thing to do .
She said she understood this would cause extreme difficulties for the sectors affected , but “ nothing about Covid-19 has been easy for anyone ” .
If the pause had not been implemented the country had been heading towards a second wave , she warned @

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told the Dáil pubs may remain closed beyond August 10th, the new date for the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions.
The final phase of the Government’s roadmap to unlock the Irish economy from coronavirus restrictions may be pushed out beyond August 10th, senior ministers have warned.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told the Dáil pubs may remain closed beyond August 10th, the new date for the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Mr Varadkar said that pubs, nightclubs and other venues will open “no sooner than 10th August. We are not saying they will open on 10th August.”
He stressed that it depends “on how the virus behaves” and the numbers of coronavirus cases which were rising, he told the Dáil as he faced angry rural TDs who condemned the decision announced on Wednesday.
READ MORE
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris also admitted earlier that phase four of the Government’s roadmap to reopen the country could be pushed back further if there is an increase in Covid-19 cases.
The Government delayed the next reopening phase from the Covid-19 lockdown on Wednesday, postponing the reopening of remaining pubs and resumption of larger gatherings of people until August 10th.
Mr Harris said this could be further postponed if cases continue to rise but added “I would hope that not to be the case.”
“We can’t presume that Covid-19 is gone because it’s not,” Mr Harris said. The Minister also said the decision not to proceed with the next stage “increases the ability” to ensure children return to education in late August and early September.
“I think it would have been a grossly irresponsible thing to ignore public health advice, to move forward with phase four in spite of the public health advice, knowing that we have a huge body of work to do as a country to get our kids back to school and indeed get our learners and students back into third level as well,” he told reporters on Thursday morning.
Mr Harris said a “huge body of work” is being led by the Minister for Education Norma Foley to make sure schools can reopen at the end of next month. He said his department is finalising a framework for universities and colleges to reopen.
The Minister echoed Mr Varadkar's comments on Wednesday that the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in Ireland "is not a second wave".
“The Tánaiste is right, there isn’t an indication that there is a second wave here currently, but there are enough warning signs for us to press pause, try and bank the progress that we have made, and I suppose reignite the conversation with each other about the measures we need to take in terms of social distancing, hand washing, cough etiquette and keeping close contacts as minimum as we can,” Mr Harris said.
“As of now the indicative date is August 10th but we’ve always been very honest with people. These are indicative dates and they entirely depend on the behaviour of the virus but we are not powerless in that regard,” he said.
Mr Harris was speaking at the launch of the National Further Education and Training Strategy at Richmond Barracks in Dublin.
Mr Harris said everybody wants to protect their own health and the health of students and staff but “equally we need to get people back to education”.
“We can’t live in a country where we’ve nearly opened up everything else except our education sector. I think that would reflect very badly on our values as a country that values education and sees that the benefit of education runs far beyond just academic benefits too,” he said.
The Minister also said the country is “absolutely open” to international students this coming semester. Mr Harris said he has heard from some universities that there are international students who would be willing to come to Ireland in September and quarantine for the recommended two-week period.
Second wave
Earlier Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said it could "materially add to the possibility of a second wave" of the coronavirus of pubs reopened now.
Simon Harris: We can’t presume that Covid-19 is gone because it’s not. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
The Government would be prioritising the reopening of schools and healthcare facilities, the minister told Morning Ireland.
The Government has delayed the next reopening phase from the Covid-19 lockdown, postponing the reopening of remaining pubs and resumption of larger gatherings of people amid concerns over rising coronavirus infections.
Plans to allow pubs that do not serve food and nightclubs to recommence business from July 20th has been postponed until August 10th after the State’s health officials raised concerns about an increase in Covid-19 infections as restrictions have been relaxed.
Proposals to permit larger gatherings of 100 people indoors, up from 50, and 500 people outdoors, up from 200, will also not proceed as earlier planned.
Mr Donnelly also emphasised the need to get the R number down to below one. At present it is between 1.2 and 1.8, if that rate were to continue within three weeks the rate would be up to 150 cases per day, he warned.
Mr Donnelly defended the Government’s decision, saying international evidence shows Covid-19 cases increase when pubs reopen. He said “nobody wants these restrictions in place”.
He added that he hoped there would be no need for enforcement of wearing face covering in shops.
The Minister said that the Government is taking Nphet advice to limit gatherings in homes to no more than 10 visitors.
“It’s not 10 people, so if there’s five of you living in the house then you can be up to 15. Nphet have said for no more than four additional households which means essentially whoever lives in the house plus up to 10 people.”
He said health are worried about clusters of cases.
“What you can have is one person who is infected, but they are asymptomatic, they don’t know they are, they go to a house party, everyone’s talking loudly, there’s plenty of droplets going out into the air, you can end up with 20 to 30 people walking out of that house infected.”
Mr Donnelly said the Government did not make the decision lightly.
“But the public health advice is if we were to open now it could materially add to the possibility of a second wave and that’s just a risk we can take.”
The lifting of the remaining restrictions would depend on the R rating he said. “It’s not one number, it’s not one fact, it’s in the round, where are we going, are we moving away from a second wave or are we moving towards a second wave.”
Hospitality industry
The Government’s decision disappointed members of the hospitality industry.
The president of the Irish Hotels Federation Elaina Fitzgerald Kane said "hitting the pause button" on the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations will put thousands of jobs at risk at a time when hotel room occupancy is only 30 per cent.
The pause will also have an impact on people who had planned gatherings in hotels and wedding venues, she said.
Around 18,000 couples this year will have their wedding day plans impacted by Covid-19 with many already changing their arrangements two to three times, she added.
However, Infectious diseases consultant Corrina Sadlier has said the Government’s decision to pause the relaxing of the lockdown was the right thing to do.
She said she understood this would cause extreme difficulties for the sectors affected, but “nothing about Covid-19 has been easy for anyone”.
If the pause had not been implemented the country had been heading towards a second wave, she warned.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Covid-19: HSE warns that hospitals will not cope if second wave falls during flu season

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

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


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Language schools warn of Covid-19 job losses and hit to economy

At least 75,000 fewer foreign students will come to Ireland this year due to coronavirus restrictions , according to an organisation representing English language schools .
The Progressive College Network ( PCN ) has warned of serious knock-on consequences for jobs and a loss of income for the thousands of Irish host families who take in students every year .
Its chairman David Russell said his members and other schools are still awaiting government guidelines on how they might reopen safely in order to salvage some of the busy summer period .
“ We are kind of bang in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season hasn ’ t happened , ” he said .
The umbrella body arrived at the 75,000 estimate , which it says is conservative , through consultation with other representative organisations on 2019 enrolments .
It also believes that , based on conversations with three economists , the sector is worth over €1 billion a year to the economy .
Among the visible differences in typical Irish summer activity is the absence of groups of foreign students .
These include junior , or school-age students from European countries who typically arrive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March and as late as October .
Older students who come from as far away as South and Central America – notably Brazil which has been hit badly by Covid-19 – and from Korea , arrive for longer durations , often undertaking 25-week courses .
Although these are spread out over the year , the PCN maintains that more than 55 per cent of sectoral revenues come from short-term courses of fewer than three weeks .
Mr Russell , whose NED Training Centre schools in Dublin and Limerick is one of the PCN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is difficult to find accurate figures , there are probably in the region of 40,000 host families taking in students every year .
“ And it would be summer-centric ; the numbers blow up during the summer with all the juniors coming from all over Europe , ” he said .
The collapse in arrival numbers is considered a threat to about 5,000 full-time and 9,000 part-time or seasonal jobs , although for now staff are receiving State Covid-19 payment supports .
All schools were instructed to close in March .
Facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was paramount they continued with alternative online classes for students already in the country , an approach that would allow for the renewal of visas for the coming academic year .
Mr Russell said plans by some schools not affiliated to PCN to reopen on August 10th may be premature , particularly with the ongoing absence of government guidelines on how to do so safely .
The Department of Education did not immediately respond to requests for comment on how it plans to advise or assist the sector .
“ My fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak ?
What happens if there is a second wave coming ?
We saw what happened when the pubs opened , ” Mr Russell said .
“ The last thing you would want is to put anybody ’ s health at risk and I think to open classes too soon might do that.
” Marketing English in Ireland ( MEI ) , another representative association for English language schools with 65 members , estimates a decrease in industry revenue of about 80 per cent for the year .
“ The crisis hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as approximately 70 per cent of our revenue is generated during the peak season from March to September , ” it said .
Over 150,000 students attend courses with English language teaching organisations in Ireland every year , according to the organisation , which estimates total value to the economy of at least €880 million .
MEI marketing manager Lorcan O ’ Connor Lloyd said difficulties may continue into 2021 .
“ It ’ s hard to see parents having much confidence in sending their children abroad with the threat of Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ Everybody knows there ’ s no students and Spain was worst-hit ’ Every summer , Betty Boland goes into her porch and hangs two Spanish flags to welcome her latest arrivals .
Hers is one of about eight families in the Old Balreask Woods housing estate in Navan , Co Meath , for whom foreign language students are a routine part of summer life .
But not this year .
“ I didn ’ t get any letter [ asking me to take a student ] , I got nothing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows there ’ s no students and Spain was hit the worst with the virus.
” Boland has been taking in kids for almost 20 years since she moved to Navan with her husband and three children .
They have one spare room and take in one at a time , in July and then in August .
It became a way of life – she still has the letters and presents that arrive from her former students long after they returned home .
“ My daughter just said to me one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It must be 17 , 18 years ago .
I said no , I haven ’ t the time , but then I said yes and every year , every year I have a student , ” she says .
She believes many young families use the money they earn from the schools – she received €450 last year for three weeks of hosting – to pay for things like books and uniforms , or other household expenses .
One of her first guests was a 12-year-old Spanish girl – she remembers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local B & B to visit her .
Over the years she took in boys and girls , all Spanish , from the ages of 12 to 17 .
“ I only ever took one because I only had one spare room .
It was no bother , they just blend in , ” she says .
“ They would sit at the table and have dinner and chat away .
They loved the company .
I treated them like my own because if my kids were in Spain I would like them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry about them.
” In the housing estate , the students lived close to one and other , and walked to and from school together every day .
This year , it is a little more quiet outside but Boland seems to look forward to having someone in the spare room again .
“ Maybe next year , ” she says .

Betty Boland from Navan: has hosted foreign students for the past 20 years, but not this year due to Covid-19. Photograph: Alan Betson
At least 75,000 fewer foreign students will come to Ireland this year due to coronavirus restrictions, according to an organisation representing English language schools.
The Progressive College Network (PCN) has warned of serious knock-on consequences for jobs and a loss of income for the thousands of Irish host families who take in students every year.
Its chairman David Russell said his members and other schools are still awaiting government guidelines on how they might reopen safely in order to salvage some of the busy summer period.
“We are kind of bang in the middle of the season and so far the season hasn’t happened,” he said.
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The umbrella body arrived at the 75,000 estimate, which it says is conservative, through consultation with other representative organisations on 2019 enrolments. It also believes that, based on conversations with three economists, the sector is worth over €1 billion a year to the economy.
Among the visible differences in typical Irish summer activity is the absence of groups of foreign students.
These include junior, or school-age students from European countries who typically arrive in the summer but also as early as March and as late as October. Older students who come from as far away as South and Central America – notably Brazil which has been hit badly by Covid-19 – and from Korea, arrive for longer durations, often undertaking 25-week courses.
Three-week courses
Although these are spread out over the year, the PCN maintains that more than 55 per cent of sectoral revenues come from short-term courses of fewer than three weeks.
Mr Russell, whose NED Training Centre schools in Dublin and Limerick is one of the PCN's eight members, said while it is difficult to find accurate figures, there are probably in the region of 40,000 host families taking in students every year.
"And it would be summer-centric; the numbers blow up during the summer with all the juniors coming from all over Europe, " he said.
The collapse in arrival numbers is considered a threat to about 5,000 full-time and 9,000 part-time or seasonal jobs, although for now staff are receiving State Covid-19 payment supports.
All schools were instructed to close in March. Facing an uncertain future, Mr Russell said it was paramount they continued with alternative online classes for students already in the country, an approach that would allow for the renewal of visas for the coming academic year.
Safety guidelines
Mr Russell said plans by some schools not affiliated to PCN to reopen on August 10th may be premature, particularly with the ongoing absence of government guidelines on how to do so safely.
The Department of Education did not immediately respond to requests for comment on how it plans to advise or assist the sector.
“My fear would be what happens if there is an outbreak? What happens if there is a second wave coming? We saw what happened when the pubs opened,” Mr Russell said.
“The last thing you would want is to put anybody’s health at risk and I think to open classes too soon might do that.”
Marketing English in Ireland (MEI), another representative association for English language schools with 65 members, estimates a decrease in industry revenue of about 80 per cent for the year.
“The crisis hit our industry at the worst time possible, as approximately 70 per cent of our revenue is generated during the peak season from March to September,” it said.
Over 150,000 students attend courses with English language teaching organisations in Ireland every year, according to the organisation, which estimates total value to the economy of at least €880 million.
MEI marketing manager Lorcan O’Connor Lloyd said difficulties may continue into 2021. “It’s hard to see parents having much confidence in sending their children abroad with the threat of Covid,” he said.
Host family: ‘Everybody knows there’s no students and Spain was worst-hit’
Every summer, Betty Boland goes into her porch and hangs two Spanish flags to welcome her latest arrivals.
Hers is one of about eight families in the Old Balreask Woods housing estate in Navan, Co Meath, for whom foreign language students are a routine part of summer life. But not this year.
“I didn’t get any letter [asking me to take a student], I got nothing,” she says. “But everybody knows there’s no students and Spain was hit the worst with the virus.”
Boland has been taking in kids for almost 20 years since she moved to Navan with her husband and three children. They have one spare room and take in one at a time, in July and then in August. It became a way of life – she still has the letters and presents that arrive from her former students long after they returned home.
Money earned
“My daughter just said to me one day, would you take in a student? It must be 17, 18 years ago. I said no, I haven’t the time, but then I said yes and every year, every year I have a student,” she says.
She believes many young families use the money they earn from the schools – she received €450 last year for three weeks of hosting – to pay for things like books and uniforms, or other household expenses.
One of her first guests was a 12-year-old Spanish girl – she remembers her parents coming to stay in a local B&B to visit her. Over the years she took in boys and girls, all Spanish, from the ages of 12 to 17.
“I only ever took one because I only had one spare room. It was no bother, they just blend in,” she says.
“They would sit at the table and have dinner and chat away. They loved the company. I treated them like my own because if my kids were in Spain I would like them to be treated nice; I would worry about them.”
In the housing estate, the students lived close to one and other, and walked to and from school together every day. This year, it is a little more quiet outside but Boland seems to look forward to having someone in the spare room again. “Maybe next year,” she says.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Coronavirus: Hospital waiting lists lengthened during Covid-19 lockdown

Coronavirus has seen hospital waiting lists for surgeries increase by more than a quarter , while mental health and other services were reduced during the national lockdown , an Oireachtas committee will be told on Friday .
Waiting lists for surgery and other procedures increased by 17,518 during the coronavirus pandemic , a 26 per cent rise , the National Treatment Purchase Fund ( NTPF ) will tell the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 .
The number of people waiting for outpatient consultations increased by 25,845 during the crisis , according to the NTPF , the State agency set up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for gastro-intestinal scope procedures increased by 13,173 , a near-60 per cent rise , figures show .
The increases are a result of the decision in March to cancel elective hospital surgeries and procedures .
Health Service Executive officials are expected to tell the Covid-19 committee that acute hospitals will not be able to cope if a second wave of the coronavirus falls during the winter flu season .
To avoid hospitals becoming overrun during a potential second Covid-19 surge in the winter , the uptake of the flu vaccine will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing for the committee .
Additional support for general practitioners and other community services will be needed to avoid overcrowding emergency departments , the briefing states .
Half of mental health services operated at reduced levels during the pandemic , it adds .
Some 30 per cent of community health services for older persons were suspended , along with 21 per cent of disability services .
Screening programmes such as CervicalCheck and BreastCheck have built up backlogs while they were suspended , which will be difficult to clear , the briefing also states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be cleared in a Covid environment , which represents an additional challenge , ” due to physical distancing requirements and lower capacity , it continues .
Emergency departments saw a drop in attendances of nearly a third between January and April , it also states , as the number of coronavirus cases surged .
The health service will need an additional 5,000 hospital beds and 300 extra intensive care beds to be ready for future waves of Covid-19 , the Irish Medical Organisation is to tell the committee .
The HSE was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many consultants , the doctors representative group ’ s opening statement says .
The coronavirus pandemic had exposed “ huge capacity deficits ” in the acute hospital system , such as a lack of both beds and staff , it adds .
The shortcomings were a result of “ neglect by successive governments over many years ” , it said .
The group will call for the rollout of a “ total population flu-vaccination programme ” ahead of the coming winter flu season .
The IMO is also to call for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital consultants ” , particularly in fields such as emergency medicine where there is a current “ deficit ” , it said .
Dr Frank Conaty , acting chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission , is to tell the committee the pandemic has had an “ disproportionate ” impact on people with disabilities .
There were “ significant gaps and vulnerabilities in existing policy and services ” in the disability sector , which had been laid bare by Covid-19 .
The pandemic has had a “ damaging impact ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screening , the Irish Cancer Society is to tell the committee .
The organisation is to call for ring-fenced funding to ensure cancer services and screening could continue in the event of a second coronavirus wave .

HSE officials are expected to tell the Covid-19 committee that acute hospitals will not be able to cope if a second wave of the coronavirus falls during the winter flu season. Photograph: Alan Betson
Coronavirus has seen hospital waiting lists for surgeries increase by more than a quarter, while mental health and other services were reduced during the national lockdown, an Oireachtas committee will be told on Friday.
Waiting lists for surgery and other procedures increased by 17,518 during the coronavirus pandemic, a 26 per cent rise, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) will tell the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19.
The number of people waiting for outpatient consultations increased by 25,845 during the crisis, according to the NTPF, the State agency set up to reduce waiting lists.
The numbers waiting for gastro-intestinal scope procedures increased by 13,173, a near-60 per cent rise, figures show. The increases are a result of the decision in March to cancel elective hospital surgeries and procedures.
READ MORE
Health Service Executive officials are expected to tell the Covid-19 committee that acute hospitals will not be able to cope if a second wave of the coronavirus falls during the winter flu season.
Flu vaccine
To avoid hospitals becoming overrun during a potential second Covid-19 surge in the winter, the uptake of the flu vaccine will need to be increased, according to a HSE briefing for the committee.
Additional support for general practitioners and other community services will be needed to avoid overcrowding emergency departments, the briefing states.
Half of mental health services operated at reduced levels during the pandemic, it adds. Some 30 per cent of community health services for older persons were suspended, along with 21 per cent of disability services.
Screening programmes such as CervicalCheck and BreastCheck have built up backlogs while they were suspended, which will be difficult to clear, the briefing also states.
“This backlog will now have to be cleared in a Covid environment, which represents an additional challenge,” due to physical distancing requirements and lower capacity, it continues.
Emergency departments saw a drop in attendances of nearly a third between January and April, it also states, as the number of coronavirus cases surged.
The health service will need an additional 5,000 hospital beds and 300 extra intensive care beds to be ready for future waves of Covid-19, the Irish Medical Organisation is to tell the committee.
Lack of beds
The HSE was not “an employer of choice” for many consultants, the doctors representative group’s opening statement says.
The coronavirus pandemic had exposed “huge capacity deficits” in the acute hospital system, such as a lack of both beds and staff, it adds.
The shortcomings were a result of “neglect by successive governments over many years”, it said. The group will call for the rollout of a “total population flu-vaccination programme” ahead of the coming winter flu season.
The IMO is also to call for an urgent plan to “recruit and retain hospital consultants”, particularly in fields such as emergency medicine where there is a current “deficit”, it said.
Dr Frank Conaty, acting chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, is to tell the committee the pandemic has had an "disproportionate" impact on people with disabilities.
There were “significant gaps and vulnerabilities in existing policy and services” in the disability sector, which had been laid bare by Covid-19.
The pandemic has had a "damaging impact" on people awaiting cancer diagnostic tests and screening, the Irish Cancer Society is to tell the committee.
The organisation is to call for ring-fenced funding to ensure cancer services and screening could continue in the event of a second coronavirus wave.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--‘It’s a bit eerie’: Masks and Perspex screens appear at Knock Shrine

The parish priest in Knock says Confession is the engine room of the shrine .
As he speaks , part of that engine room is blocked off with tape and decorative ropes , as a team of masked volunteers wield disinfectant sprays and wipes to make it safe for the next pilgrim .
Going to Confession at Knock Shrine is , according to Fr Richard Gibbons , an opportunity for many troubled people “ with the weight of the world on their shoulders ” to talk about their problems .
The 100-acre Catholic pilgrimage site in Co Mayo is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , according to some regular visitors .
But there is a socially distanced queue for Confession outside the Chapel of Reconciliation .
Chapel manager Rita Fallon is supervising a military-style operation , described by Fr Gibbons as akin to a hospital cleansing process .
After every Confession , a volunteer sanitises the small , airy room , which is far removed from traditional dark confessional boxes .
Pilgrims have the option of either sitting and chatting to the priest through a clear Perspex screen or kneeling and availing of a discreet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s view .
Fallon wears a visor and says she has been “ pleasantly surprised ” that 90 per cent of those attending Confession wear masks .
“ Some of the priests wear masks , some a visor and some rely on the Perspex screen , ” she says .
“ People are worried and they are watching what we do closely.
” Knock normally gets 1½ million visitors a year , including 150,000 during the nine-day novena in August .
There are more than 100 staff , rising to 150 during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated €7 million annually to run the shrine .
However , Fr Gibbons says that because of the Covid-19 pandemic , this season “ is effectively gone ” with revenue having “ bottomed out ” .
He is unsure what to expect for this year ’ s novena but concedes it will be a different , lower-key experience .
People from as far away as Roscommon town – more than 50km – traditionally walk to Knock on August 15th , with Confession starting at 5am and a dawn Mass at 6am for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none of that this year , ” says Fr Gibbons , who during lockdown visited the 1,000 homes in the parish , blessing every house and greeting his neighbours , many of them cocooning .
Knock Museum and Knock House Hotel are closed , as is the famous Apparition chapel , which commemorates the reported sighting by 15 witnesses of Our Lady , St Joseph and St John the Evangelist in 1879 .
Until next Monday , only 50 people at a time are allowed into the beautifully restored basilica ( 90 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been paid for but fundraising is ongoing ) .
From next week 100 people will be allowed into the basilica at a time .
Fr Gibbons realises pilgrims are frustrated given that there is seating there for 3,700 but he says further increases will be staggered for safety reasons .
“ There are five different sections , and we have to ensure that each one has a separate entrance and exit route , ” says shrine spokeswoman Maria Casey .
There are currently no guided tours , and no golf buggies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while only 50 people at time can attend one of three ( down from five ) daily Masses in the old parish church .
Admission is granted on a first come , first served basis and those who travel long distances can be bitterly disappointed if they don ’ t get in .
“ Most people understand , ” says shrine manager John Conroy , who points out that 80 of the 107 permanent staff are now back at work , having been laid off as soon as lockdown started in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wage subsidy scheme , ” he adds .
The gardener team was the first to return .
Visitors have mixed views about the vast empty spaces where the holy water taps – which visitors are advised to use their own sanitisers to clean – are frequently idle .
“ It ’ s a bit eerie , ” says Joe Reilly from Ballygar , Co Galway .
“ It ’ s like a ghost town over there , ” agrees his wife , Ger , nodding towards the basilica .
“ We are actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is something about Knock that gives you a sense of hope , ” says Joe .
He says the couple miss some of the regular Knock rituals such as being able to touch a mounted square of the original gable wall , the reputed scene of the apparition .
A notice urges pilgrims “ in view of the current Covid situation ” to refrain from touching the gable stone , but the plea goes ignored by some visitors who can not resist placing their hands on the square .
Healthcare workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Co Offaly , say they have come to Knock to give thanks for having got through the pandemic safely .
Guinan , who has three holy water containers to fill , is a care assistant at Eliza Lodge nursing home in Banagher and is proud that none of the residents have contracted the virus .
“ Nursing homes have got a bad rap , ” he says .
Raymond Heneghan , whose family run Knock post office , says numbers are dramatically down .
“ It has been strange and eerie to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a way the peacefulness has been nice for people in the community , ” he says .

The parish priest in Knock says Confession is the engine room of the shrine. As he speaks, part of that engine room is blocked off with tape and decorative ropes, as a team of masked volunteers wield disinfectant sprays and wipes to make it safe for the next pilgrim.
Going to Confession at Knock Shrine is, according to Fr Richard Gibbons, an opportunity for many troubled people “with the weight of the world on their shoulders” to talk about their problems.
The 100-acre Catholic pilgrimage site in Co Mayo is “eerily quiet” on a sunny morning this week, according to some regular visitors. But there is a socially distanced queue for Confession outside the Chapel of Reconciliation.
Chapel manager Rita Fallon is supervising a military-style operation, described by Fr Gibbons as akin to a hospital cleansing process. After every Confession, a volunteer sanitises the small, airy room, which is far removed from traditional dark confessional boxes.
READ MORE
Pilgrims have the option of either sitting and chatting to the priest through a clear Perspex screen or kneeling and availing of a discreet curtain to shield them from the priest’s view.
Fr Tom Commins observes as the confessional booth is sanitised in the Chapel of Reconciliation at Knock Shrine. Photograph: Conor McKeown
Visitor using hand sanitiser on his way into the basilica. Photograph: Conor McKeown
Fallon wears a visor and says she has been “pleasantly surprised” that 90 per cent of those attending Confession wear masks.
“Some of the priests wear masks, some a visor and some rely on the Perspex screen,” she says. “People are worried and they are watching what we do closely.”
Knock normally gets 1½ million visitors a year, including 150,000 during the nine-day novena in August. There are more than 100 staff, rising to 150 during peak season, and it costs an estimated €7 million annually to run the shrine.
However, Fr Gibbons says that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, this season “is effectively gone” with revenue having “bottomed out”.
Priest on tour
He is unsure what to expect for this year’s novena but concedes it will be a different, lower-key experience. People from as far away as Roscommon town – more than 50km – traditionally walk to Knock on August 15th, with Confession starting at 5am and a dawn Mass at 6am for the early arrivals.
“There will be none of that this year,” says Fr Gibbons, who during lockdown visited the 1,000 homes in the parish, blessing every house and greeting his neighbours, many of them cocooning.
Knock Museum and Knock House Hotel are closed, as is the famous Apparition chapel, which commemorates the reported sighting by 15 witnesses of Our Lady, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist in 1879.
Until next Monday, only 50 people at a time are allowed into the beautifully restored basilica (90 per cent of the €12 million refurbishment cost has been paid for but fundraising is ongoing) . From next week 100 people will be allowed into the basilica at a time. Fr Gibbons realises pilgrims are frustrated given that there is seating there for 3,700 but he says further increases will be staggered for safety reasons.
“There are five different sections, and we have to ensure that each one has a separate entrance and exit route,” says shrine spokeswoman Maria Casey.
There are currently no guided tours, and no golf buggies to transport the frail around the vast complex, while only 50 people at time can attend one of three (down from five) daily Masses in the old parish church.
"We are actually enjoying it. It is very peaceful. There is something about Knock that gives you a sense of hope"
Admission is granted on a first come, first served basis and those who travel long distances can be bitterly disappointed if they don’t get in.
“Most people understand,” says shrine manager John Conroy, who points out that 80 of the 107 permanent staff are now back at work, having been laid off as soon as lockdown started in March. “We do avail of the wage subsidy scheme,” he adds. The gardener team was the first to return.
Empty spaces
Visitors have mixed views about the vast empty spaces where the holy water taps – which visitors are advised to use their own sanitisers to clean – are frequently idle.
“It’s a bit eerie,” says Joe Reilly from Ballygar, Co Galway.
“It’s like a ghost town over there,” agrees his wife, Ger, nodding towards the basilica.
“We are actually enjoying it. It is very peaceful. There is something about Knock that gives you a sense of hope,” says Joe.
Visitors wearing face masks at Knock Shrine, Co Mayo. Photograph: Conor McKeown
A visitor at Knock Shrine in Co Mayo. Photograph: Conor McKeown
He says the couple miss some of the regular Knock rituals such as being able to touch a mounted square of the original gable wall, the reputed scene of the apparition. A notice urges pilgrims “in view of the current Covid situation” to refrain from touching the gable stone, but the plea goes ignored by some visitors who cannot resist placing their hands on the square.
Healthcare workers William Guinan and Betty Hynes from Birr, Co Offaly, say they have come to Knock to give thanks for having got through the pandemic safely.
Guinan, who has three holy water containers to fill, is a care assistant at Eliza Lodge nursing home in Banagher and is proud that none of the residents have contracted the virus. “Nursing homes have got a bad rap,” he says.
Raymond Heneghan, whose family run Knock post office, says numbers are dramatically down .
“It has been strange and eerie to see the place practically deserted, but in a way the peacefulness has been nice for people in the community,” he says.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Book of Kells visitor centre and Old Library works planned by TCD

Trinity College Dublin ( TCD ) has lodged major plans for a new visitor centre for its Book of Kells exhibition and urgent works to its 18th-century Old Library .
The Book of Kells exhibition last year generated revenues of €12.7 million as more than one million visitors paid to view the ancient and priceless manuscript .
However , this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic , revenues will be only a small fraction of the 2019 figure as the exhibition has been closed since March .
The exhibition is due to reopen on August 10th but pre-Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 87 per cent of ticket sales last year .
US visitors were the largest international group and made up one-third of the total figure .
The new visitor centre is part of the Old Library Redevelopment Project which also includes the refurbishment and alteration to both to the Old Library built between 1712 and 1732 and to the Berkeley Library on the TCD campus .
A spokeswoman for TCD stated : “ The Old Library faces a number of conservation , structural and environmental challenges which need to be urgently addressed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contents for the next century.
” She stated : “ The pandemic and recent events go to further highlight the importance of preserving this national historic site and improving visitor facilities in keeping with health and safety protocols.
” The redevelopment plans recently lodged with Dublin City Council have been two years in the making , led by architects Heneghan Peng , and were concluded just before the Covid-19 lockdown .
Documentation lodged with the plan states that the proposal aims to protect the library collection against further deterioration and to improve facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The visitor centre welcome and ticketing area is to be located underground while planning documentation shows that crowd management technology is to be installed .
TCD wouldn ’ t be drawn on the costs of the project .
The TCD spokeswoman said : “ Funding for the redevelopment project is under consideration .
The focus on the coming year will be on planning and developing the detailed design and securing planning permission.
” On the timescale of the plan , the spokeswoman said : “ This is a complex project and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will depend on a number of factors including the overall planning process and funding for its development.
” A decision is due by the city council on the plan at the end of next month .

The Book of Kells exhibition is due to reopen on August 10th, but pre-Covid relied on foreign visitors for 87% of ticket sales last year.
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) has lodged major plans for a new visitor centre for its Book of Kells exhibition and urgent works to its 18th-century Old Library.
The Book of Kells exhibition last year generated revenues of €12.7 million as more than one million visitors paid to view the ancient and priceless manuscript.
However, this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, revenues will be only a small fraction of the 2019 figure as the exhibition has been closed since March.
The exhibition is due to reopen on August 10th but pre-Covid had relied heavily on foreign visitors accounting for 87 per cent of ticket sales last year. US visitors were the largest international group and made up one-third of the total figure.
READ MORE
The new visitor centre is part of the Old Library Redevelopment Project which also includes the refurbishment and alteration to both to the Old Library built between 1712 and 1732 and to the Berkeley Library on the TCD campus.
‘Conservation challenges’
A spokeswoman for TCD stated: “The Old Library faces a number of conservation, structural and environmental challenges which need to be urgently addressed in order to safeguard the building and its contents for the next century.”
She stated: “The pandemic and recent events go to further highlight the importance of preserving this national historic site and improving visitor facilities in keeping with health and safety protocols.”
The redevelopment plans recently lodged with Dublin City Council have been two years in the making, led by architects Heneghan Peng, and were concluded just before the Covid-19 lockdown.
Documentation lodged with the plan states that the proposal aims to protect the library collection against further deterioration and to improve facilities for visitors and enhance the visitor experience.
Crowd management
The visitor centre welcome and ticketing area is to be located underground while planning documentation shows that crowd management technology is to be installed.
TCD wouldn’t be drawn on the costs of the project. The TCD spokeswoman said: “Funding for the redevelopment project is under consideration. The focus on the coming year will be on planning and developing the detailed design and securing planning permission.”
On the timescale of the plan, the spokeswoman said: “This is a complex project and its overall duration is currently under consideration. It will depend on a number of factors including the overall planning process and funding for its development.”
A decision is due by the city council on the plan at the end of next month.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Muslim group seeks permission for Croke Park Eid event to go ahead

The Irish Muslim & Peace Integration Council ( Impic ) has pleaded with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to allow Eid celebrations involving 500 people go ahead at Croke Park in two weeks despite an extension to limits on outdoor gatherings .
Eid is one of the major annual celebrations in Islam .
The event had been planned for Croke Park before the Government decided on Wednesday to extend those restrictions limiting outdoor gatherings to 200 people until August 10th .
The Government ’ s original roadmap said that limit would be raised on Monday .
In a letter to the Taoiseach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requesting an exemption for the Eid event “ similar to the precedent set by outgoing taoiseach Leo Varadkar following a plea made by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin ” .
Chair of the Impic , Shaykh Al-Qadri said that following the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin ’ s plea , exception was “ granted to churches and mosques to increase the number [ attending at public worship ] from 50 to 100 with the justification that many churches were able to accommodate larger gatherings while maintaining social distancing requirements ” .
He continued that “ Eid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people while maintaining social distancing ” .
He said he hoped the Taoiseach would allow “ dispensation for the special occasion of Eid so we can mark the festival with a display of diversity and inclusivity in Ireland ” .
Shayk al-Qadri said that within two hours of the Eid event at Croke Park being announced last Monday , all 500 places had been booked .
The event is to take place on July 31st or August 1st , as determined by the Muslim calender based on an official sighting of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on July 21st .
Among invited guests are Taoiseach Micheál Martin , Tánaiste Leo Varadkar , both Archbishops of Dublin Diarmuid Martin and Michael Jackson , as well as other faith leaders including Rabbi Zalman Lent .
It is planned the Eid event will take place on the pitch at Croke Park .
Shaykh al-Qadri said all participants would be wearing masks and would bring along their own prayer mats .
“ We have been doing everything we can to ensure people ’ s safety , ” he said , pointing out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the council “ were among the first in Ireland to close , on March 10th last ” , due to concerns at the spread of coronavirus .

The Irish Muslim & Peace Integration Council is seeking a similar dispensation to the one following a request from Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin. Photograph: Norman McCloskey/Inpho
The Irish Muslim & Peace Integration Council (Impic) has pleaded with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to allow Eid celebrations involving 500 people go ahead at Croke Park in two weeks despite an extension to limits on outdoor gatherings.
Eid is one of the major annual celebrations in Islam. The event had been planned for Croke Park before the Government decided on Wednesday to extend those restrictions limiting outdoor gatherings to 200 people until August 10th.
The Government’s original roadmap said that limit would be raised on Monday.
In a letter to the Taoiseach, Shaykh Umar al-Qadri said he was requesting an exemption for the Eid event "similar to the precedent set by outgoing taoiseach Leo Varadkar following a plea made by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin".
READ MORE
Chair of the Impic, Shaykh Al-Qadri said that following the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin’s plea, exception was “granted to churches and mosques to increase the number [attending at public worship] from 50 to 100 with the justification that many churches were able to accommodate larger gatherings while maintaining social distancing requirements”.
He continued that “Eid at Croke Park can certainly accommodate 500 people while maintaining social distancing”.
Inclusivity
He said he hoped the Taoiseach would allow “dispensation for the special occasion of Eid so we can mark the festival with a display of diversity and inclusivity in Ireland”.
Shayk al-Qadri said that within two hours of the Eid event at Croke Park being announced last Monday, all 500 places had been booked.
The event is to take place on July 31st or August 1st, as determined by the Muslim calender based on an official sighting of the new moon. The date will be confirmed on July 21st.
Among invited guests are Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, both Archbishops of Dublin Diarmuid Martin and Michael Jackson, as well as other faith leaders including Rabbi Zalman Lent.
It is planned the Eid event will take place on the pitch at Croke Park. Shaykh al-Qadri said all participants would be wearing masks and would bring along their own prayer mats.
"We have been doing everything we can to ensure people's safety," he said, pointing out that his mosque and those associated with it in the council "were among the first in Ireland to close, on March 10th last", due to concerns at the spread of coronavirus.


theirishtimes--2020-07-17--Covid-19 increase is not confined to Dublin, warns chief medical officer

The recent increase in the spread of coronavirus was “ not a Dublin-only issue ” , the State ’ s acting chief medical officer has said .
Speaking at a National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) briefing on Thursday evening , Dr Ronan Glynn said many counties across the country had seen cases in recent weeks .
“ Of course , the majority of cases we ’ ve seen to date has been in Dublin because a very significant portion of our population lives in Dublin , and the surrounding counties , ” he said .
But there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t had cases .
Public health officials would consider more “ nuanced ” approaches in the future , such as regional measures to halt outbreaks , he said .
Commenting on the decision to delay reopening pubs that do not serve food for three weeks , Dr Glynn said it would have been “ foolhardy ” to move ahead with the further easing of restrictions , as the number of cases was increasing .
A further 21 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Thursday .
“ NPHET has never to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We recommended that restaurants could reopen , ” he said .
Following a Government decision , pubs that could operate as restaurants and serve a substantial meal were permitted to resume trading in late June .
Dr Glynn said it would be “ very difficult to see a nightclub open in the context of where we are at with this disease in Ireland and internationally.
” Originally nightclubs had been due to reopen along with pubs in phase four on July 20th .
In response to concerns on social media over incoming tourists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chair of NPHET ’ s modelling group , said , “ Twitter is not a great source of epidemiological data.
” He went on to play down the overall portion of new cases which were related to foreign travel .
“ What ’ s really going on here is the spread of the disease in congregated settings , ” he said .
Dr Glynn said he appreciated that “ the message is confusing ” on overseas travel , as the Government plans to publish a “ green list ” of countries considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list is to be published on Monday and will be made up of countries with similar levels of the virus to Ireland .
Dr Glynn said he had not seen a draft list of the countries , but said it was “ going to be a small list ” .
“ The vast majority of countries that people in Ireland would want to go to for non-essential travel do not have a similar epidemiological profile to ourselves , ” he said .
“ NPHET ’ s position in relation to travel has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it is to avoid non-essential travel overseas , ” he said , adding the green list was a decision taken by Government .
“ If we really wanted to get rid of this disease , we ’ d say no one should go anywhere ever , even within the country .
That ’ s not realistic , ” Dr Glynn said .
Meanwhile the North ’ s Department of Health reported no new coronavirus deaths on Thursday but reported 16 new cases of Covid-19 .
The North ’ s health Minister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Northern Executive next week that it introduce compulsory mask-wearing in Northern Ireland .
The North ’ s Public Health Agency ( PHA ) said it has identified a “ cluster ” of Covid-19 cases in the Limavady area of Co Derry .
The agency said it is linking them to a social gathering in a private or residential setting .
According to the Department of Health ’ s figures , nine of the 16 new cases confirmed on Thursday are in the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area which includes Limavady .

The recent increase in the spread of coronavirus was “not a Dublin-only issue”, the State’s acting chief medical officer has said.
Speaking at a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) briefing on Thursday evening, Dr Ronan Glynn said many counties across the country had seen cases in recent weeks.
“Of course, the majority of cases we’ve seen to date has been in Dublin because a very significant portion of our population lives in Dublin, and the surrounding counties,” he said.
But there was no significant geographic region that hasn’t had cases.
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Public health officials would consider more “nuanced” approaches in the future, such as regional measures to halt outbreaks, he said.
Commenting on the decision to delay reopening pubs that do not serve food for three weeks, Dr Glynn said it would have been “foolhardy” to move ahead with the further easing of restrictions, as the number of cases was increasing.
A further 21 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Thursday.
“NPHET has never to date recommended pubs reopen . . . We recommended that restaurants could reopen,” he said. Following a Government decision, pubs that could operate as restaurants and serve a substantial meal were permitted to resume trading in late June.
Nightclubs
Dr Glynn said it would be “very difficult to see a nightclub open in the context of where we are at with this disease in Ireland and internationally.” Originally nightclubs had been due to reopen along with pubs in phase four on July 20th.
In response to concerns on social media over incoming tourists spreading the virus, Prof Philip Nolan, chair of NPHET's modelling group, said, "Twitter is not a great source of epidemiological data."
He went on to play down the overall portion of new cases which were related to foreign travel.
“What’s really going on here is the spread of the disease in congregated settings,” he said.
Dr Glynn said he appreciated that “the message is confusing” on overseas travel, as the Government plans to publish a “green list” of countries considered safe to visit next week.
The list is to be published on Monday and will be made up of countries with similar levels of the virus to Ireland. Dr Glynn said he had not seen a draft list of the countries, but said it was “going to be a small list”.
“The vast majority of countries that people in Ireland would want to go to for non-essential travel do not have a similar epidemiological profile to ourselves,” he said.
“NPHET’s position in relation to travel has been very clear for many months now, and it is to avoid non-essential travel overseas,” he said, adding the green list was a decision taken by Government.
“If we really wanted to get rid of this disease, we’d say no one should go anywhere ever, even within the country. That’s not realistic,” Dr Glynn said.
Mask-wearing
Meanwhile the North’s Department of Health reported no new coronavirus deaths on Thursday but reported 16 new cases of Covid-19.
The North’s health Minister, Robin Swann, is to propose to the Northern Executive next week that it introduce compulsory mask-wearing in Northern Ireland.
The North’s Public Health Agency (PHA) said it has identified a “cluster” of Covid-19 cases in the Limavady area of Co Derry. The agency said it is linking them to a social gathering in a private or residential setting.
According to the Department of Health’s figures, nine of the 16 new cases confirmed on Thursday are in the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area which includes Limavady.


theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Gardaí seize cannabis worth €800,000 on M9 motorway

Gardaí have seized cannabis worth an estimated €800,000 during an operation on the M9 motorway in Co Carlow .
A @ @ @ @ @ seizure , which took place on Thursday .
Gardaí conducting a routine traffic checkpoint stopped @ @ @ @ @ the M9 at approximately 5.40pm .
During a search of the vehicle , gardaí recovered @ @ @ @ @ herb , pending analysis , in vacuum packaging .
The driver of the van , @ @ @ @ @ , was arrested and taken to Carlow Garda station where he is currently detained under @ @ @ @ @ Justice ( Drug Trafficking ) Act , 1996 .

Gardaí have seized cannabis worth an estimated €800,000 during an operation on the M9 motorway in Co Carlow.
A man was arrested during the seizure, which took place on Thursday .
Gardaí conducting a routine traffic checkpoint stopped a van travelling southbound on the M9 at approximately 5.40pm.
During a search of the vehicle, gardaí recovered a large quantity of cannabis herb, pending analysis, in vacuum packaging.
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The driver of the van, a man in his 40s, was arrested and taken to Carlow Garda station where he is currently detained under section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.


theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Eamon Ryan appears asleep in Dáil as vote on lower-paid workers called

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan appeared to be asleep when a vote was called on legislation relating to lower-paid jobs @ @ @ @ @ Dáil called Mr Ryan , the Minister for Climate Action , Communications Networks and Transport @ @ @ @ @ he did not respond .
Footage appears to show him asleep in the Dáil .
@ @ @ @ @ the newly appointed chief whip Jack Chambers .
Other deputies can be heard laughing as @ @ @ @ @ Ryan to wake up .
Mr Ryan was caught sleeping during a private members motion @ @ @ @ @ which sought to strengthen the rights of worker during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Mr Ryan @ @ @ @ @ was opposed by the Government and defeated .

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan was caught dozing during a Dáil vote.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan appeared to be asleep when a vote was called on legislation relating to lower-paid jobs.
The clerk of the Dáil called Mr Ryan, the Minister for Climate Action, Communications Networks and Transport twice, but both times he did not respond.
Footage appears to show him asleep in the Dáil.
He was woken up by the newly appointed chief whip Jack Chambers.
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Other deputies can be heard laughing as Mr Chambers called to Mr Ryan to wake up.
Mr Ryan was caught sleeping during a private members motion brought by the Social Democrats which sought to strengthen the rights of worker during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Ryan voted against the motion which was opposed by the Government and defeated.


theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Judge dismisses GP’s €60,000 compensation claim for ‘slight bump’

A Longford-based GP has been accused of deliberately exaggerating a “ low-speed ” traffic accident and of misleading a court in relation to injuries he is said to have sustained in another incident two years earlier .
Dr Syed Shadzad Ali ( 64 ) , of Lanagh , Newtownforbes , Co Longford , claimed he was “ jerked forcibly forward ” when another motorist collided with the side of his vehicle in the car park of his GP ’ s office in Longford in June 2017 .
The defendant ’ s vehicle was travelling at speeds of about 10km per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who called it a “ slight bump ” .
Dismissing Dr Ali ’ s claim for up to €60,000 personal injuries on Thursday , Judge Karen Fergus said the GP “ should have been well aware of the need for accuracy and full disclosure ” in his claim “ by virtue of his profession ” .
Judge Fergus said she was aware of the dangers of “ seizing upon anomalies and inconsistencies ” that can arise in evidence and the damage that can be caused “ to the good name of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the “ extent of the inconsistencies and the level of exaggeration ” in Dr Ali ’ s claim led her to conclude the GP probably knowingly gave exaggerated and misleading evidence .
Dr Ali sued businessman Eugene O ’ Brien at Longford Circuit Court arising out of the incident on June 7th , 2017 .
Mr O ’ Brien , accepted responsibility but argued that the nature of the impact was so minimal that Dr Ali could not have suffered the injuries , loss or damage he was claiming .
Dr Ali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact was “ severe ” and that he had been “ jerked forcibly forward ” .
The medical examiner did not agree but said it was a slight bump which , in his opinion , could not possibly have caused any injury .
The GP claimed he was stationary when Mr O ’ Brien ’ s vehicle reversed into his rear resulting in a “ violent ” jolt .
However , CCTV footage showed that Dr Ali ’ s car was was driving slowly towards the parking space .
Dr Ali stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shock .
But his GP confirmed that he did not make this diagnosis , the judge said .
Dr Ali said he initially availed of paracetamol two or three times a day immediately following the incident and that he was prescribed painkillers by his GP .
However , it was clear from the notes of Dr Ali ’ s first visit to his GP five days after the incident that Dr Ali was on Panadol due to fasting for Ramadan , the judge said .
No prescription was given and the following day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medications for himself , she added .
Judge Fergus dismissed the case and awarded costs against Dr Ali .

A Longford-based GP has been accused of deliberately exaggerating a "low-speed" traffic accident and of misleading a court in relation to injuries he is said to have sustained in another incident two years earlier.
Dr Syed Shadzad Ali (64), of Lanagh, Newtownforbes, Co Longford, claimed he was "jerked forcibly forward" when another motorist collided with the side of his vehicle in the car park of his GP's office in Longford in June 2017. The defendant's vehicle was travelling at speeds of about 10km per hour, according to a defence expert, who called it a "slight bump".
Dismissing Dr Ali's claim for up to €60,000 personal injuries on Thursday, Judge Karen Fergus said the GP "should have been well aware of the need for accuracy and full disclosure" in his claim "by virtue of his profession".
Judge Fergus said she was aware of the dangers of "seizing upon anomalies and inconsistencies" that can arise in evidence and the damage that can be caused "to the good name of a worthy plaintiff".
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However, she said the “extent of the inconsistencies and the level of exaggeration” in Dr Ali’s claim led her to conclude the GP probably knowingly gave exaggerated and misleading evidence.
Dr Ali sued businessman Eugene O'Brien at Longford Circuit Court arising out of the incident on June 7th, 2017.
Mr O’Brien, accepted responsibility but argued that the nature of the impact was so minimal that Dr Ali could not have suffered the injuries, loss or damage he was claiming.
‘Jerked forward’
Dr Ali told the defendant’s medical examiner the impact was “severe” and that he had been “jerked forcibly forward”. The medical examiner did not agree but said it was a slight bump which, in his opinion, could not possibly have caused any injury .
The GP claimed he was stationary when Mr O’Brien’s vehicle reversed into his rear resulting in a “violent” jolt. However, CCTV footage showed that Dr Ali’s car was was driving slowly towards the parking space.
Dr Ali stated his GP had diagnosed him with post-traumatic shock. But his GP confirmed that he did not make this diagnosis, the judge said.
Dr Ali said he initially availed of paracetamol two or three times a day immediately following the incident and that he was prescribed painkillers by his GP.
However, it was clear from the notes of Dr Ali’s first visit to his GP five days after the incident that Dr Ali was on Panadol due to fasting for Ramadan, the judge said. No prescription was given and the following day, Dr Ali self-prescribed a number of medications for himself , she added.
Judge Fergus dismissed the case and awarded costs against Dr Ali.


theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Micheál Martin: Government is working well and making a ‘strong start’

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government has made a “ very strong start ” despite a series of political controversies in its first three weeks in office .
He suggested he had never seen a month in which the Dáil had been so productive in producing legislation much of it with the cooperation of the opposition .
Since he was appointed Taoiseach on Saturday June 27th , Mr Martin has had to deal with his sacking of minister for agriculture Barry Cowen and grumblings from his party that he had not appointed any minister from the west of Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since appointed Mayo deputy Dara Calleary , who had been chief whip , as Minister for Agriculture to replace Mr Cowen .
Mr Martin said he “ simply didn ’ t have enough positions ” to satisfy everybody and most members of his party understood that fact .
Speaking in an interview with RTÉ ’ s northern editor Tommie Gorman , Mr Martin added : “ My obligation overall is to the people of Ireland .
We are going through a challenging time .
It ’ s unprecedented , the impact on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to deal with that .
The party understands that .
They want us to get on with that very difficult task.
” He said the Government had been focused on the economic implications of Covid-19 and the preparations of a stimulus package for the economy .
He reiterated that his decision to sack Mr Cowen was a fair one given Mr Cowen ’ s reluctance to make a further statement to the Dáil about the circumstances in which he was caught drink-driving on September 18th , 2016 .
Mr Martin was shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cowen ’ s conviction .
Mr Cowen is disputing the facts set out in it that he tried to evade a garda checkpoint .
“ I was of the view on Tuesday morning that he should go into the Dáil , ” Mr Martin explained .
“ He took a different route .
He was taking a legal route .
In my view when you are in a ministerial position , you have to account to the Dáil no matter how difficult it is .
I don ’ t think it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he wouldn ’ t go into the Dáil .
It was a very difficult decision that I had to take.
” Mr Martin told RTÉ he did not see a united Ireland in the lifetime of his Government , saying that “ rhetoric is easy ” in that regard .
While the Good Friday Agreement made provision for a border poll , it also enshrined the principle of consent , he explained .
He had been influenced by former SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon who told him before he died that communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with others who had been living in the same area for 400 years .
Mr Martin has set up a united island unit within his department which will look at ways of enhancing cooperation between the two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland .
“ We could have a poll in the morning .
It could lose or it could win but I ’ m not sure it would move things on in those areas , ” he said .

The Taoiseach said the Government had been focused on the economic implications of Covid-19 and the preparations of a stimulus package for the economy. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government has made a “very strong start” despite a series of political controversies in its first three weeks in office.
He suggested he had never seen a month in which the Dáil had been so productive in producing legislation much of it with the cooperation of the opposition.
Since he was appointed Taoiseach on Saturday June 27th, Mr Martin has had to deal with his sacking of minister for agriculture Barry Cowen and grumblings from his party that he had not appointed any minister from the west of Ireland or from the mid-west.
He has since appointed Mayo deputy Dara Calleary, who had been chief whip, as Minister for Agriculture to replace Mr Cowen.
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Mr Martin said he “simply didn’t have enough positions” to satisfy everybody and most members of his party understood that fact.
Speaking in an interview with RTÉ's northern editor Tommie Gorman, Mr Martin added: "My obligation overall is to the people of Ireland. We are going through a challenging time. It's unprecedented, the impact on our economy and social life and we simply have to deal with that. The party understands that. They want us to get on with that very difficult task."
He said the Government had been focused on the economic implications of Covid-19 and the preparations of a stimulus package for the economy.
He reiterated that his decision to sack Mr Cowen was a fair one given Mr Cowen’s reluctance to make a further statement to the Dáil about the circumstances in which he was caught drink-driving on September 18th, 2016.
Mr Martin was shown the Garda Pulse file in relation to Mr Cowen’s conviction. Mr Cowen is disputing the facts set out in it that he tried to evade a garda checkpoint.
“I was of the view on Tuesday morning that he should go into the Dáil,” Mr Martin explained.
“He took a different route. He was taking a legal route. In my view when you are in a ministerial position, you have to account to the Dáil no matter how difficult it is. I don’t think it was tenable, having seen the file, that he wouldn’t go into the Dáil. It was a very difficult decision that I had to take.”
Mr Martin told RTÉ he did not see a united Ireland in the lifetime of his Government, saying that "rhetoric is easy" in that regard.
While the Good Friday Agreement made provision for a border poll, it also enshrined the principle of consent, he explained.
He had been influenced by former SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon who told him before he died that communities had to find a way to live with others who had been living in the same area for 400 years.
Mr Martin has set up a united island unit within his department which will look at ways of enhancing cooperation between the two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland.
“We could have a poll in the morning. It could lose or it could win but I’m not sure it would move things on in those areas,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-16--Daughter of missing retired dentist issues an appeal for her safe return

The daughter of a missing Donegal woman has said the family is very worried about her disappearance as it is completely out of character .
Ann O ’ Donoghue , 68 , a retired dentist who lived in the Annagry area of the Gweedore Gaeltacht , was last seen at 5.30pm on Tuesday .
She left an “ unusual text ” on her mobile phone which worried her husband John who is currently in hospital , according to her daughter Alice Flanagan .
Ms O ’ Donoghue took her mobile phone , keys , purse and her debit cards with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home .
Her car was located near the Ballyshannon area in the south of the county , but there has been no sign of her .
Ms Flanagan said her mother had never done anything like this before and had no underlying mental health issues .
She said her disappearance had “ bamboozled the family ” and the content of the text message , which she did not want to disclose , was also out of character .
She was a very fit and healthy woman who walked seven kilometres with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beach terrain .
“ She was enjoying her retirement and figuring out what to do with her time , ” Ms Flanagan added .
She told the Ray D ’ Arcy Show : “ Mum if you ’ re able to hear this - we ’ re all here waiting for you to come home , we miss you and we love you and even if you don ’ t feel like calling us send a text to let us know you ’ re okay .
“ And Murphy your little dog is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go for a walk .
And we want you to come home safe.
” Ms Flanagan said her mother had taken the lockdown seriously as her husband , who is receiving treatment in hospital for a medical condition , has underlying health issues .
“ She didn ’ t leave the house really for 14 weeks or she barely left the house .
She has made a few trips for the groceries in the last couple of weeks , ” she said .
She stressed that her father “ can ’ t make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It makes no sense to us .
We think that it ’ s just everything , that the walls started to come in around her and she just felt the need to break out and hopefully she ’ s booked in somewhere for a couple of days and she ’ ll come home.
” She is described as being 5 ’ 2 ” , with blonde shoulder length hair and of slim build .
Anyone with information on her whereabouts are asked to contact gardaí in Milford on 074 915 3060 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 111 .

Ann O’Donoghue (68) is described as being 5ft 2ins with blonde shoulder length hair and of slim build. Photograph: Garda Press Office
The daughter of a missing Donegal woman has said the family is very worried about her disappearance as it is completely out of character.
Ann O'Donoghue, 68, a retired dentist who lived in the Annagry area of the Gweedore Gaeltacht, was last seen at 5.30pm on Tuesday.
She left an "unusual text" on her mobile phone which worried her husband John who is currently in hospital, according to her daughter Alice Flanagan.
Ms O’Donoghue took her mobile phone, keys, purse and her debit cards with her, but left her dog Murphy at home.
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Her car was located near the Ballyshannon area in the south of the county, but there has been no sign of her.
Ms Flanagan said her mother had never done anything like this before and had no underlying mental health issues.
She said her disappearance had “bamboozled the family” and the content of the text message, which she did not want to disclose, was also out of character.
She was a very fit and healthy woman who walked seven kilometres with her dog every day sometimes over bogs and beach terrain.
“She was enjoying her retirement and figuring out what to do with her time,” Ms Flanagan added.
She told the Ray D’Arcy Show: “Mum if you’re able to hear this - we’re all here waiting for you to come home, we miss you and we love you and even if you don’t feel like calling us send a text to let us know you’re okay.
“And Murphy your little dog is here and he’s dying to go for a walk. And we want you to come home safe.”
Ms Flanagan said her mother had taken the lockdown seriously as her husband, who is receiving treatment in hospital for a medical condition, has underlying health issues.
“She didn’t leave the house really for 14 weeks or she barely left the house. She has made a few trips for the groceries in the last couple of weeks,” she said.
She stressed that her father “can’t make head nor tail of it”.
“ It makes no sense to us. We think that it’s just everything, that the walls started to come in around her and she just felt the need to break out and hopefully she’s booked in somewhere for a couple of days and she’ll come home.”
She is described as being 5’2”, with blonde shoulder length hair and of slim build.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts are asked to contact gardaí in Milford on 074 915 3060 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.