theirishtimes--2020-07-01--Mortgage offers under State scheme may be pulled due to Covid-19 crisis

Mortgage offers made under a government loan scheme may be withdrawn due to the Covid-19 crisis , while those in receipt of wage subsidies could face additional hurdles in drawing down loans under the scheme .
The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan ( RIHL ) is a State scheme which has seen hundreds of millions loaned out by local authorities to individuals who could not obtain loans from a conventional bank .
However , according to advice drafted by the Housing Agency for the Department of Housing and sent to each local authority in May , county councils should review all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter of urgency ” .
The local authorities have also been told to write to all recipients of loan offers to establish whether their circumstances have changed .
Where they have and are seen to be “ significantly altered ” , according to the circular , the local authority involved should consider whether the loan approval be “ suspended , withdrawn and reissued at a revised level , or withdrawn fully ” .
The same applies to potential borrowers in receipt of approval in principle , an earlier stage in the process of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department confirmed it had sent the advice to local authorities , but emphasised that it did not constitute a “ blanket ban ” or “ one size fits all approach ” .
The Department of Housing did , however , confirm that it is working on a circular for local authorities on the treatment of those in receipt of the State ’ s Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme .
While people on the subsidy can still apply for the loan , a spokesman for the Department confirmed that “ draw-down would not commence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-Covid subsidy has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time , usually up to three months ” .
“ This is in line with the need to lend on a prudent basis , as a mortgage is a long-term commitment and it would not be appropriate to lend if there is a real risk that the person ’ s income and ability to pay might not return to pre-Covid levels , ” the spokesman said .
Local authorities will , however , be permitted to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ where appropriate ” , the Department said in a statement .
However , the opposition questioned whether the changes envisaged in the circular currently under consideration would amount to a blanket ban , if introduced .
Sinn Féin ’ s housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin said the Department ’ s statement suggested such a policy could be in the offing .
“ The Minister for Housing Daragh O ’ Brien needs to clarify the position immediately .
Is he intending to introduce a blanket ban or not ?
Yesterday he said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will , ” Mr Ó Broin said .
“ Mortgage lending , particularly the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme , must be prudent , in the interests of the home buyer and the taxpayer .
There can be no blanket approach , ” he added .
“ Each case must be assessed on its own individual merits and decisions taken accordingly.
” It comes after it emerged that several lenders are applying additional scrutiny and conditions to the draw-down and approval of mortgages for those in receipt of the Covid-19 pandemic payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to produce evidence from their employer that their wage is sustainable after the State ’ s Covid subsidies expire .
Some lenders assessing joint applications where one party is in receipt of a subsidy will insist the other applicant is able to cover the entirety of the mortgage with their own income .
The banking sector has defended the additional conditions , pointing to a range of legal and regulatory measures put in place after the financial crisis to ensure loans are made on a sustainable basis .

While people on the subsidy can still apply for the loan, a spokesman for the Department confirmed that “draw-down would not commence until the applicant’s unsupported income post-Covid subsidy has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time, usually up to three months”. File photograph: Getty
Mortgage offers made under a government loan scheme may be withdrawn due to the Covid-19 crisis, while those in receipt of wage subsidies could face additional hurdles in drawing down loans under the scheme.
The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL) is a State scheme which has seen hundreds of millions loaned out by local authorities to individuals who could not obtain loans from a conventional bank.
However, according to advice drafted by the Housing Agency for the Department of Housing and sent to each local authority in May, county councils should review all issued letters of loan-offer "as a matter of urgency".
The local authorities have also been told to write to all recipients of loan offers to establish whether their circumstances have changed. Where they have and are seen to be “significantly altered”, according to the circular, the local authority involved should consider whether the loan approval be “suspended, withdrawn and reissued at a revised level, or withdrawn fully”.
READ MORE
The same applies to potential borrowers in receipt of approval in principle, an earlier stage in the process of receiving a mortgage. A spokesman for the Department confirmed it had sent the advice to local authorities, but emphasised that it did not constitute a “blanket ban” or “one size fits all approach”.
The Department of Housing did, however, confirm that it is working on a circular for local authorities on the treatment of those in receipt of the State’s Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Unsupported income
While people on the subsidy can still apply for the loan, a spokesman for the Department confirmed that “draw-down would not commence until the applicant’s unsupported income post-Covid subsidy has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time, usually up to three months”.
“This is in line with the need to lend on a prudent basis, as a mortgage is a long-term commitment and it would not be appropriate to lend if there is a real risk that the person’s income and ability to pay might not return to pre-Covid levels,” the spokesman said.
Local authorities will, however, be permitted to provide loans in advance of the three-month period “where appropriate”, the Department said in a statement.
However, the opposition questioned whether the changes envisaged in the circular currently under consideration would amount to a blanket ban, if introduced. Sinn Féin’s housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin said the Department’s statement suggested such a policy could be in the offing.
“The Minister for Housing Daragh O’Brien needs to clarify the position immediately. Is he intending to introduce a blanket ban or not? Yesterday he said he would not, today his Department says he will,” Mr Ó Broin said.
“Mortgage lending, particularly the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme, must be prudent, in the interests of the home buyer and the taxpayer. There can be no blanket approach,” he added. “Each case must be assessed on its own individual merits and decisions taken accordingly.”
It comes after it emerged that several lenders are applying additional scrutiny and conditions to the draw-down and approval of mortgages for those in receipt of the Covid-19 pandemic payments.
Such steps include requiring an applicant to produce evidence from their employer that their wage is sustainable after the State’s Covid subsidies expire. Some lenders assessing joint applications where one party is in receipt of a subsidy will insist the other applicant is able to cover the entirety of the mortgage with their own income.
The banking sector has defended the additional conditions, pointing to a range of legal and regulatory measures put in place after the financial crisis to ensure loans are made on a sustainable basis.


theirishtimes--2020-07-01--Two charged with involvement in James ‘Mago’ Gately attempted murder

Two men have been charged on Wednesday at the Special Criminal Court with involvement in the attempted murder of Kinahan cartel target James “ Mago ” Gately .
Mr Gately was shot multiple times as he sat in his car at the Topaz filling station on the Clonshaugh Road , Dublin 17 , on May 10th , 2017 .
Peter Keating ( 39 ) of Rowlagh Green , Clondalkin , Dublin 22 , and Stephen Fowler ( 61 ) of Blakestown Cottages , Clonsilla , Dublin 15 , both appeared at the non-jury court charged with the offence under section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Act 2006 .
The charge alleges that between December 7th , 2016 , and April 6 , 2017 , both dates inclusive , within the State , with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation , and with the intention of enhancing the ability of the said criminal organisation , or any of its members , to commit a crime or a serious offence , namely the murder of James Gately , participated in or contributed to activities connected with the said offence .
Mr Keating is further charged with directing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 7th , 2016 , and April 4th , 2017 , within and without the State under section 71 of the Act .
Det Sgt David Carolan told State solicitor Ciara Vibien that he arrested Mr Keating in Clondalkin , on foot of a warrant , at 12.35pm and then charged him with both offences at the Special Criminal Court .
The State ’ s application was to remand Mr Keating in custody in Portlaoise Prison .
No bail application was made on behalf of Mr Keating by his solicitor , Mr Rory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Vibien that she arrested Mr Fowler on foot of a warrant at 3.35pm at Blanchardstown Garda Station .
No bail application for Mr Fowler was made by his barrister , Mr Michael Bowman SC , and he was also remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison .
Presiding judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens ordered both to reappear at the three-judge court on July 8th .

Gately was shot multiple times as he sat in his car at the Topaz filling station on the Clonshaugh Road, Dublin 17. Photograph: Dave Meehan/The Irish Times
Two men have been charged on Wednesday at the Special Criminal Court with involvement in the attempted murder of Kinahan cartel target James “Mago” Gately.
Mr Gately was shot multiple times as he sat in his car at the Topaz filling station on the Clonshaugh Road, Dublin 17, on May 10th, 2017.
Peter Keating (39) of Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, and Stephen Fowler (61) of Blakestown Cottages, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, both appeared at the non-jury court charged with the offence under section 72 (1A) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
The charge alleges that between December 7th, 2016, and April 6, 2017, both dates inclusive, within the State, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, and with the intention of enhancing the ability of the said criminal organisation, or any of its members, to commit a crime or a serious offence, namely the murder of James Gately, participated in or contributed to activities connected with the said offence.
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Mr Keating is further charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between December 7th, 2016, and April 4th, 2017, within and without the State under section 71 of the Act.
Det Sgt David Carolan told State solicitor Ciara Vibien that he arrested Mr Keating in Clondalkin, on foot of a warrant, at 12.35pm and then charged him with both offences at the Special Criminal Court.
The State’s application was to remand Mr Keating in custody in Portlaoise Prison.
No bail application was made on behalf of Mr Keating by his solicitor, Mr Rory Staines.
Det Garda Suzanne Lyons told Ms Vibien that she arrested Mr Fowler on foot of a warrant at 3.35pm at Blanchardstown Garda Station.
No bail application for Mr Fowler was made by his barrister, Mr Michael Bowman SC, and he was also remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison.
Presiding judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens ordered both to reappear at the three-judge court on July 8th.


theirishtimes--2020-07-01--Many pupils may only attend school part-time under new health guidelines

New public health guidance published today says schools should reopen with physical distancing of at least one metre between students in most cases .
The recommendations appear to throw into doubt Government plans to reopen schools to all pupils on a full-time basis without any physical distancing .
Some teachers ’ unions have warned that a full return to school is now unlikely and some form of “ blended learning ” may be required for students who can not attend school full-time .
The Department of Education last month warned that physical distance requirements of one metre could result in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a half days a week .
However , a department spokeswoman said this estimate was based on a distance of one metre between students ’ desks rather than individual students .
As a result , many more students will be able to attend school full-time under the new guidelines .
The extent to which school can reopen as normally as possible will be determined in conjunction with talks with education stakeholders over the coming weeks , she added .
At primary level , the new guidance says a distance of one metre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils .
This will not be mandatory for classes from junior infants up to second class , on the basis that younger children are unlikely to maintain physical distancing indoors .
A class may be divided into pods , or smaller groups , where there should be at least one metre distance between individual pods within the class and between individuals in the pod , “ whenever possible ” .
At secondary level , physical distancing of at least one metre - and two metres , where possible - should be maintained between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The interim guidance , produced by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre , was published on Wednesday evening .
The new Minister for Education , Kerry-based Fianna Fáil TD Norma Foley , said the guidance would lend itself to the “ optimum ” reopening of schools .
“ It is interim advice , as what is current now may not be current in two or three week ’ s time .
I ’ m very conscious of that , ” she said , “ I think the advice is lending itself to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What begins now is the extensive engagement with stakeholders .
Their wisdom and experience will have to feed into this ; their concerns will have to feed into that .
It is our common agenda to safely reopen schools.
” When asked if schools may not be able to fully reopen , she said it was difficult to be definitive .
“ You can never be definitive .
I don ’ t want in any shape of form to give the impression that I am definitive ... We are moving towards the reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of schools , with an accommodation for everyone in the entire school community.
” Second level teachers unions , meanwhile , have warned that a full -scale re-opening of schools for all students may be unlikely this autumn .
In a submission to the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 which sits tomorrow , the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland ( ASTI ) suggested that some form of “ blended ” model of education provision may be needed for large classes .
ASTI general secretary Kieran Christie will tell the committee : “ Enormous difficulties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the management of practical classes in woodwork rooms , metalwork rooms , art rooms , PE , music and home economics , together with the cleaning requirements necessary between classes ... we think that a phased return to school may be necessary ” .
No matter how creative schools are in using their available rooms and facilities , Mr Christie said they will not be able to accommodate everyone on a full-time basis .
“ Even a one metre social distance task will be extremely difficult , but not insurmountable , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be unacceptable if different social distancing rules were to apply to facilitate the re-opening of schools than were in place in other workplaces or in wider society .
It said it had a significant number of members with underlying conditions or were immuno compromised or were living with others in similar categories .
It said these teachers were “ extremely worried about returning to workplaces that placed them in greater danger of contracting or transmitting the virus than if they worked in another environment ” .
The Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members have no magical immunity to Covid-19 and must be treated as are other workers .
“ They must have confidence that their safety is being protected and that they are not being lulled into or forced into a false and dangerous sense of security .
Other workers are protected by social distancing , developed and comprehensive return to workplace plans carefully implemented , personal protective equipment where necessary .
Teachers ask no more than to be treated with the same level of concern , ” the union says .
It said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing and that was most needed was clear direction about social distancing .
“ We assume , but do not yet know , that the current requirement of two metres is likely to be modified .
We hear various commentators speculate or insist that there will be no social distancing requirement at all in a school setting , or at least in a classroom setting .
“ However when we , as practitioners , whose workplace is the classroom , consider the practical logistics of a school , its less than generous dimensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entry and exit points , its often inadequate toilet facilities , we are not convinced or satisfied that schools can reopen safely , given current circumstances , in the absence of some defined metric regarding social distancing.
” The TUI said it was also concerned “ that some of the public discourse is peddling a myth that the virus is not transmitted by children ” .
“ While there is evidence that young children are less susceptible to the virus than other cohorts of the population , it is also the case that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract and to transmit the virus.
” The Irish National Teachers Organisation ( INTO ) said there was frustration among schools across the country that this much-needed guidance was not published earlier .
INTO general secretary John Boyle said the union has consistently stated that public health advice must be paramount in decisions around schools ’ reopening .
“ We will examine the published documents in detail and will continue to work towards reopening in a manner , and with resourcing , which minimises risk , ” he said .
Among the interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for teachers are not , in general , considered necessary as they conceal facial expression and can make communication difficult .
However , it is acknowledged that wearing a visor may be an appropriate alternative in situations where there may be behavioural issues or tending to intimate care needs ; * Pupils , staff members and visitors who are ill or who have symptoms should not attend school ; * A public awareness campaign will be necessary to reinforce the message to parents , pupils and staff not to bring their children to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a viral respiratory infection or if there is someone in the household suspected or known to have Covid-19 ; * Removal and storage of furniture will be necessary in order to comply with the recommendations that space should be maximised , and class space should be reconfigured to maximise physical distancing .
* Additional class resources will need to be purchased in order to comply with the recommended minimisation of sharing of tablets / toys / educational materials e.g .
play dough should only be for individual use .

Students wearing face masks attend class at the Lopez de Mendoza Institute in Spain. New public health guidance published today says schools should reopen with physical distancing of at least one metre between students in most cases. Photograph: Cesar Manso/AFP
New public health guidance published today says schools should reopen with physical distancing of at least one metre between students in most cases.
The recommendations appear to throw into doubt Government plans to reopen schools to all pupils on a full-time basis without any physical distancing.
Some teachers’ unions have warned that a full return to school is now unlikely and some form of “blended learning” may be required for students who cannot attend school full-time.
The Department of Education last month warned that physical distance requirements of one metre could result in some year groups attending school just twoe and a half days a week.
READ MORE
However, a department spokeswoman said this estimate was based on a distance of one metre between students’ desks rather than individual students. As a result, many more students will be able to attend school full-time under the new guidelines.
The extent to which school can reopen as normally as possible will be determined in conjunction with talks with education stakeholders over the coming weeks, she added.
At primary level, the new guidance says a distance of one metre should be maintained between desks or individual pupils.
This will not be mandatory for classes from junior infants up to second class, on the basis that younger children are unlikely to maintain physical distancing indoors.
A class may be divided into pods, or smaller groups, where there should be at least one metre distance between individual pods within the class and between individuals in the pod, “whenever possible”.
At secondary level, physical distancing of at least one metre - and two metres, where possible - should be maintained between desks or between individual students or staff.
The interim guidance, produced by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, was published on Wednesday evening.
The new Minister for Education, Kerry-based Fianna Fáil TD Norma Foley, said the guidance would lend itself to the "optimum" reopening of schools.
“It is interim advice, as what is current now may not be current in two or three week’s time. I’m very conscious of that,” she said,
“I think the advice is lending itself to the optimum reopening of schools, certainly. What begins now is the extensive engagement with stakeholders. Their wisdom and experience will have to feed into this; their concerns will have to feed into that. It is our common agenda to safely reopen schools.”
When asked if schools may not be able to fully reopen, she said it was difficult to be definitive.
“You can never be definitive. I don’t want in any shape of form to give the impression that I am definitive... We are moving towards the reopening of schools, and the safe reopening of schools, with an accommodation for everyone in the entire school community.”
Second level teachers unions, meanwhile, have warned that a full -scale re-opening of schools for all students may be unlikely this autumn.
In a submission to the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 which sits tomorrow, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) suggested that some form of "blended" model of education provision may be needed for large classes.
ASTI general secretary Kieran Christie will tell the committee: "Enormous difficulties will also have to be overcome in the management of practical classes in woodwork rooms, metalwork rooms, art rooms, PE, music and home economics, together with the cleaning requirements necessary between classes ... we think that a phased return to school may be necessary".
No matter how creative schools are in using their available rooms and facilities, Mr Christie said they will not be able to accommodate everyone on a full-time basis.
“Even a one metre social distance task will be extremely difficult, but not insurmountable,” he said.
The union said it would be unacceptable if different social distancing rules were to apply to facilitate the re-opening of schools than were in place in other workplaces or in wider society.
It said it had a significant number of members with underlying conditions or were immuno compromised or were living with others in similar categories.
It said these teachers were “extremely worried about returning to workplaces that placed them in greater danger of contracting or transmitting the virus than if they worked in another environment”.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) will tell the committee its members have no magical immunity to Covid-19 and must be treated as are other workers.
“They must have confidence that their safety is being protected and that they are not being lulled into or forced into a false and dangerous sense of security. Other workers are protected by social distancing, developed and comprehensive return to workplace plans carefully implemented, personal protective equipment where necessary. Teachers ask no more than to be treated with the same level of concern,” the union says.
It said the piece of the jigsaw that had been missing and that was most needed was clear direction about social distancing.
“We assume, but do not yet know, that the current requirement of two metres is likely to be modified. We hear various commentators speculate or insist that there will be no social distancing requirement at all in a school setting, or at least in a classroom setting.
“However when we, as practitioners, whose workplace is the classroom, consider the practical logistics of a school, its less than generous dimensions, its congested corridors, its limited entry and exit points, its often inadequate toilet facilities, we are not convinced or satisfied that schools can reopen safely, given current circumstances, in the absence of some defined metric regarding social distancing.”
The TUI said it was also concerned “that some of the public discourse is peddling a myth that the virus is not transmitted by children”.
“While there is evidence that young children are less susceptible to the virus than other cohorts of the population, it is also the case that older students have been shown both to contract and to transmit the virus.”
The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said there was frustration among schools across the country that this much-needed guidance was not published earlier.
INTO general secretary John Boyle said the union has consistently stated that public health advice must be paramount in decisions around schools' reopening.
“We will examine the published documents in detail and will continue to work towards reopening in a manner, and with resourcing, which minimises risk,” he said.
Among the interim reports other recommendation include
* Face coverings for teachers are not, in general, considered necessary as they conceal facial expression and can make communication difficult. However, it is acknowledged that wearing a visor may be an appropriate alternative in situations where there may be behavioural issues or tending to intimate care needs;
* Pupils, staff members and visitors who are ill or who have symptoms should not attend school;
* Regular hand hygiene;
* Maintaining physical distancing;
* Application of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette;
* A public awareness campaign will be necessary to reinforce the message to parents, pupils and staff not to bring their children to school if the child has symptoms of a viral respiratory infection or if there is someone in the household suspected or known to have Covid-19;
* Removal and storage of furniture will be necessary in order to comply with the recommendations that space should be maximised, and class space should be reconfigured to maximise physical distancing.
* Additional class resources will need to be purchased in order to comply with the recommended minimisation of sharing of tablets / toys / educational materials e.g. play dough should only be for individual use.


theirishtimes--2020-07-01--Coronavirus: Three more deaths, six new cases confirmed in Republic

Three more people have died of Covid-19 , bringing the total number of deaths from the pandemic in the Republic to 1,738 , the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has said .
Furthermore , the HPSC has been notified of six more confirmed cases of Covid-19 .
There are now a total of 25,477 confirmed cases in the Republic .
Meanwhile , no further coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the North ’ s Department of Health on Wednesday .
The total number of fatalities recorded by the department in Northern Ireland remains at 551 .
One new case of Covid-19 was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases to 5,761 .
The HSE said it is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had in order to provide them with information and advice so as to prevent further spread .
Dr Tony Holohan , chief medical officer at the Department of Health , said the National Public Health Emergency Team “ continues to advise against all non-essential travel ” .
“ The World Health Organisation has warned that the global pandemic is accelerating , ” he said .
“ In the past week , over 160,000 cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again tomorrow as it continues to monitor the spread of Covid-19 nationally and internationally , and review Ireland ’ s response and preparedness to the disease.
” Dr Ronan Glynn , deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health , said a total of 31 cases of Covid-19 in Ireland during the month of June were associated with travel .
“ The balance of keeping the disease suppressed in Ireland will continue to be challenging as society and business reopens , ” he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there is up to 90 per cent compliance in relation to the mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport .
The Government last week announced that as part of phase three of the plan to reopen Irish society , capacity on buses , trains , and trams was to increase from 20 per cent to about 50 per cent from last Monday .
On Bus Éireann commuter services in the Greater Dublin Area , compliance is running between 75 per cent on some services and 98 per cent on others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ city services in Cork and Waterford are wearing face coverings , and while the rate in Limerick and Galway is lower , at 40 per cent , it is “ increasing significantly day-on-day ” .
In rural areas , more than 90 per cent of passengers on Local Link services in places such as Donegal , Laois/Offaly , Waterford and Longford/Westmeath/Roscommon are wearing face coverings .
Iarnród Éireann has reported that 60 per cent of passengers arriving and departing from Heuston Station are using face coverings , a significant increase on previous weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in passengers following the face mask rule , with 52 per cent of customers covering their faces as of today , up from 41 per cent on Monday , and with some routes seeing 70 per cent of customers wearing face coverings .
On the Luas , morning and evening peak hour trams saw the majority of customers wearing face coverings , with the numbers lower in the evening hours .

Three more people have died of Covid-19, bringing the total number of deaths from the pandemic in the Republic to 1,738, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has said.
Furthermore, the HPSC has been notified of six more confirmed cases of Covid-19. There are now a total of 25,477 confirmed cases in the Republic.
Meanwhile, no further coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the North's Department of Health on Wednesday. The total number of fatalities recorded by the department in Northern Ireland remains at 551.
One new case of Covid-19 was confirmed, bringing the total number of cases to 5,761.
READ MORE
The HSE said it is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had in order to provide them with information and advice so as to prevent further spread.
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer at the Department of Health, said the National Public Health Emergency Team "continues to advise against all non-essential travel".
“The World Health Organisation has warned that the global pandemic is accelerating,” he said. “In the past week, over 160,000 cases have been reported each day.
“The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again tomorrow as it continues to monitor the spread of Covid-19 nationally and internationally, and review Ireland’s response and preparedness to the disease.”
Links to travel
Dr Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health, said a total of 31 cases of Covid-19 in Ireland during the month of June were associated with travel.
“The balance of keeping the disease suppressed in Ireland will continue to be challenging as society and business reopens,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Transport Authority has said there is up to 90 per cent compliance in relation to the mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport.
An electronic sign at a Dublin Bus stop notes that commuters on services must wear facemasks during the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The Government last week announced that as part of phase three of the plan to reopen Irish society, capacity on buses, trains, and trams was to increase from 20 per cent to about 50 per cent from last Monday.
On Bus Éireann commuter services in the Greater Dublin Area, compliance is running between 75 per cent on some services and 98 per cent on others.
Compliance ‘increasing significantly’
Three in four passengers on Bus Éireann city services in Cork and Waterford are wearing face coverings, and while the rate in Limerick and Galway is lower, at 40 per cent, it is “increasing significantly day-on-day”.
In rural areas, more than 90 per cent of passengers on Local Link services in places such as Donegal, Laois/Offaly, Waterford and Longford/Westmeath/Roscommon are wearing face coverings.
Iarnród Éireann has reported that 60 per cent of passengers arriving and departing from Heuston Station are using face coverings, a significant increase on previous weeks.
Dublin Bus has also seen an increase in passengers following the face mask rule, with 52 per cent of customers covering their faces as of today, up from 41 per cent on Monday, and with some routes seeing 70 per cent of customers wearing face coverings.
On the Luas, morning and evening peak hour trams saw the majority of customers wearing face coverings, with the numbers lower in the evening hours.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Young Cork climate strikers resume outdoor protest

Student climate activists will resume their weekly “ school strike for climate ” outside Cork City Hall on Friday , the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to move their protest online .
The protestors said they were scaling up their action because the Programme for Government was not radical enough in addressing the climate crisis , while the world continues to overheat with record temperatures in the Arctic this summer .
This will be week 78 of their protest , and although lockdown interrupted their usual weekly gatherings the organisers said in a statement they were confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the long term .
Social distancing measures will be in place and participants will be required to wear masks and to maintain a minimum of two metres of distance from others from different households .
“ This new Government has promised to address the climate crisis , though the actions outlined in the Programme for Government were not radical enough .
We will continue striking in order to hold them accountable to their commitment to climate action and to the 1.5 degree target , ” said school striker Darragh Cotter ( 18 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also comes in the midst of an unprecedented Arctic heatwave , with temperatures of 34 degrees being recorded at a latitude of 73 degrees North in Russia on June 30th , said Saoi O ’ Connor ( 17 ) , who was among the first Irish students to leave school in solidarity with the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg .
“ The current arctic temperatures remind us that although we now face another global emergency , the climate crisis has not gone away , and we can not afford to allow one crisis to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are crises and must be treated as such , ” she added .
They crises must be acted upon “ in accordance with the best available science , with justice and empathy at the core of our response ” , she believed .

Student climate activists will resume their weekly "school strike for climate" outside Cork City Hall on Friday, the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to move their protest online.
The protesters said they were scaling up their action because the Programme for Government was not radical enough in addressing the climate crisis, while the world continues to overheat with record temperatures in the Arctic this summer.
This will be week 78 of their protest, and although lockdown interrupted their usual weekly gatherings the organisers said in a statement they were confident it would not hinder the movement in the long term.
Social distancing measures will be in place and participants will be required to wear masks and to maintain a minimum of two metres of distance from others from different households.
READ MORE
"This new Government has promised to address the climate crisis, though the actions outlined in the Programme for Government were not radical enough. We will continue striking in order to hold them accountable to their commitment to climate action and to the 1.5 degree target," said school striker Darragh Cotter (18).
"This week's strike also comes in the midst of an unprecedented Arctic heatwave, with temperatures of 34 degrees being recorded at a latitude of 73 degrees North in Russia on June 30th, said Saoi O'Connor (17), who was among the first Irish students to leave school in solidarity with the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
“The current arctic temperatures remind us that although we now face another global emergency, the climate crisis has not gone away, and we cannot afford to allow one crisis to halt action on the other. Both are crises and must be treated as such,” she added.
The crises must be acted upon “in accordance with the best available science, with justice and empathy at the core of our response”, she believed.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Seven firearms seized by gardaí investigating organised crime

Seven firearms have been seized by gardaí investigating people suspected to be associated with serious organised crime .
The discovery @ @ @ @ @ to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau after they undertook a search of @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
The search resulted in the discovery and seizure of seven firearms .
@ @ @ @ @ to the Garda National Technical Bureau where they will undergo a technical examination .
No @ @ @ @ @ Assistant commissioner John O ’ Driscoll said : “ The undertaking of this operation leading @ @ @ @ @ significant quantity of firearms reflects the Garda Síochána ’ s unrelenting efforts in tackling serious @ @ @ @ @ determination to keep people safe from those who would use firearms to endanger life .
@

The search resulted in the discovery and seizure of seven firearms.
Seven firearms have been seized by gardaí investigating people suspected to be associated with serious organised crime.
The discovery was made by detectives connected to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau after they undertook a search of a location in west Dublin on Wednesday.
The search resulted in the discovery and seizure of seven firearms. The firearms have been conveyed to the Garda National Technical Bureau where they will undergo a technical examination. No arrests have been made.
Assistant commissioner John O’Driscoll said: “The undertaking of this operation leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of firearms reflects the Garda Síochána’s unrelenting efforts in tackling serious and organised crime and our determination to keep people safe from those who would use firearms to endanger life.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--State to pay costs of failed action over Seanad composition

The State has agreed to pay the legal costs of an unsuccessful High Court action by 10 elected Senators who contended a new Seanad can convene and pass legislation before an incoming taoiseach has nominated 11 of its 60 members .
The action was initiated in mid June and was fast-tracked due to uncertainty about the legal position and about whether a government would be formed in time for an incoming taoiseach to appoint Senators to renew important legislation due to lapse at midnight last Monday , including provisions of the Offences Against the State Act .
The case was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half days .
In its judgment on Monday , a three-judge High Court agreed with the Attorney General that a first meeting of a new Seanad can only lawfully take place with its full membership of 60 , comprising 49 elected members and 11 nominees of an incoming taoiseach .
In their judgment , High Court president Ms Justice Mary Irvine , Mr Justice Denis McDonald and Ms Justice Niamh Hyland noted the case concerned constitutional issues of “ exceptional public importance ” .
When the matter returned before the court on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SC , for the plaintiffs , said an agreement had been reached on costs .
Conleth Bradley SC , for An Taoiseach , Ireland and the Attorney General , said the agreement was for costs to be paid on a party-party basis with the amount to be adjudicated in default of agreement .
Ms Justice Irvine noted the outgoing Taoiseach had indicated in a letter of June 10th last to solicitors for the plaintiffs that an “ important point of law ” had been raised by them “ that needs to be clarified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may need to be enacted in the coming weeks ” .
The judge commended the parties for the approach taken .
The court made the costs order as agreed and a formal order dismissing the plaintiffs ’ claim .
The 10 plaintiffs are elected Senators Ivana Bacik , Victory Boyhan , Gerard Craughwell , Annie Hoey , Sharon Keogan , Michael McDowell , Rebecca Moynihan , Rónán Mullen , Marie Sherlock and Mark Wall .

The State has agreed to pay the legal costs of an unsuccessful High Court action by 10 elected Senators who contended a new Seanad can convene and pass legislation before an incoming taoiseach has nominated 11 of its 60 members.
The action was initiated in mid-June and was fast-tracked due to uncertainty about the legal position and about whether a government would be formed in time for an incoming taoiseach to appoint senators. This was needed to renew important legislation due to lapse at midnight last Monday, including provisions of the Offences Against the State Act.
The case was heard last week over 1½ days. In its judgment on Monday, a three-judge High Court agreed with the Attorney General that a first meeting of a new Seanad can only lawfully take place with its full membership of 60, comprising 49 elected members and 11 nominees of an incoming taoiseach. In their judgment, High Court president Ms Justice Mary Irvine, Mr Justice Denis McDonald and Ms Justice Niamh Hyland noted the case concerned constitutional issues of “exceptional public importance”.
Agreement
When the matter returned before the court on Thursday to address costs issues, John Rogers SC, for the plaintiffs, said an agreement had been reached on costs. Conleth Bradley SC, for An Taoiseach, Ireland and the Attorney General, said the agreement was for costs to be paid on a party-party basis with the amount to be adjudicated in default of agreement.
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Ms Justice Irvine noted the outgoing taoiseach had indicated in a letter of June 10th last to solicitors for the plaintiffs that an “important point of law” had been raised by them “that needs to be clarified due to the fact that necessary legislation may need to be enacted in the coming weeks”.
The judge commended the parties for the approach taken. The court made the costs order as agreed and a formal order dismissing the plaintiffs’ claim. The 10 plaintiffs are elected Senators Ivana Bacik, Victory Boyhan, Gerard Craughwell, Annie Hoey, Sharon Keogan, Michael McDowell, Rebecca Moynihan, Rónán Mullen, Marie Sherlock and Mark Wall.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Dara Calleary given Gaeltacht responsibility after controversy over Cabinet snub

Mayo Fianna Fáil TD and Government Chief Whip Dara Calleary has been appointed as Minister of State for the Gaeltacht , the Irish language and Sport .
The appointment was welcomed in a statement issued late on Wednesday by the Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin , the newly appointed Minister for Media , Tourism , Arts , Culture , Sport and the Gaeltacht .
Ms Martin said Dara Calleary has displayed “ a particular interest in the language and in the development of the Gaeltacht ” throughout his years as Teachta Dála , and has “ a great understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Irish language community .
She said his role as Government chief whip “ will ensure special status for the Gaeltacht and the language around the Cabinet table ” .
She added the appointment will expedite the implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish language “ in the community and across the State sector ” .
Mr Calleary , who is also deputy leader of Fianna Fáil and who previously held the role of party spokesperson on the Gaeltacht , said he was looking forward to taking on the role .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Irish language as the first language of the State , as a living language , and as a vital component of the heritage of this island , ” he said .
“ We are determined to increase not just the visibility of our native language but also it ’ s daily use within the community .
I feel passionately about the protection and preservation of Gaeltacht areas to ensure they remain at the heart of a living language.
” Conradh na Gaeilge , which had led a campaign for the appointment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility for the Gaeltacht , said in a tweet it was “ disappointed ” that a senior minister had not been appointed with responsibility for the area .
However , it pointed out that it was looking forward to working with ministers Martin and Calleary , both of whom speak Irish and have an understanding of issues facing the Gaeltacht .
Minister Martin is expected to take a closer interest in Gaeltacht and Irish language affairs than some of her predecessors .
She has previously spoken out in the Dáil on language rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Irish language services and on the significant challenges faced by Gaeltacht communities .
She said last night she intends to visit a Gaeltacht area with the Minister of State “ without delay ” .
One of the first issues they are likely to face is a growing controversy surrounding a planning decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for a major housing and hotel development in the centre of the Co Meath Gaeltacht village of Ráth Chairn .
The decision was made despite local concerns that a development of its size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority spoken language in the area , something which would effectively spell the end of the Gaeltacht .
Other issues the ministers will have to tackle include addressing what many in Irish language circles see as a significant power imbalance at the core of Irish language policy implementation .
Persistent underfunding of Gaeltacht areas , a decline in the numbers of speakers in those areas , a crisis in the provision of Irish-medium education from early years through to third-level and the inability of the State to provide equality of access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key issues the new department will have to contend with .
It will demand an understanding not just of the scale of language loss and of the pace at which it is happening but also its implication for wider Irish society , an understanding of the merits in tackling it , and the need for a transformative cross-department approach to do so .

Mayo Fianna Fáil TD and Government Chief Whip Dara Calleary has been appointed as Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, the Irish language and Sport.
The appointment was welcomed in a statement issued late on Wednesday by the Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin, the newly appointed Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.
Ms Martin said Dara Calleary has displayed “a particular interest in the language and in the development of the Gaeltacht” throughout his years as Teachta Dála, and has “a great understanding” of the challenges facing Gaeltacht communities and the Irish language community.
She said his role as Government chief whip “will ensure special status for the Gaeltacht and the language around the Cabinet table”.
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The inability of the State to provide equality of access to Irish speakers is likely to be one of the issues Minister Calleary will have to contend with.
She added the appointment will expedite the implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish language “in the community and across the State sector”.
Mr Calleary, who is also deputy leader of Fianna Fáil and who previously held the role of party spokesperson on the Gaeltacht, said he was looking forward to taking on the role.
“The Government acknowledges the importance of the Irish language as the first language of the State, as a living language, and as a vital component of the heritage of this island,” he said.
“We are determined to increase not just the visibility of our native language but also it’s daily use within the community. I feel passionately about the protection and preservation of Gaeltacht areas to ensure they remain at the heart of a living language.”
Conradh na Gaeilge, which had led a campaign for the appointment of a senior minister to Cabinet with primary responsibility for the Gaeltacht, said in a tweet it was “disappointed” that a senior minister had not been appointed with responsibility for the area.
However, it pointed out that it was looking forward to working with ministers Martin and Calleary, both of whom speak Irish and have an understanding of issues facing the Gaeltacht.
Issues
Minister Martin is expected to take a closer interest in Gaeltacht and Irish language affairs than some of her predecessors. She has previously spoken out in the Dáil on language rights, on the need for greater investment in Irish language services and on the significant challenges faced by Gaeltacht communities.
She said last night she intends to visit a Gaeltacht area with the Minister of State “without delay”.
One of the first issues they are likely to face is a growing controversy surrounding a planning decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for a major housing and hotel development in the centre of the Co Meath Gaeltacht village of Ráth Chairn.
The decision was made despite local concerns that a development of its size would result in Irish no longer being the majority spoken language in the area, something which would effectively spell the end of the Gaeltacht.
Other issues the ministers will have to tackle include addressing what many in Irish language circles see as a significant power imbalance at the core of Irish language policy implementation.
Persistent underfunding of Gaeltacht areas, a decline in the numbers of speakers in those areas, a crisis in the provision of Irish-medium education from early years through to third-level and the inability of the State to provide equality of access to Irish speakers are seen as some of the key issues the new department will have to contend with.
It will demand an understanding not just of the scale of language loss and of the pace at which it is happening but also its implication for wider Irish society, an understanding of the merits in tackling it, and the need for a transformative cross-department approach to do so.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Sentence for attempted murder by teen in Dun Laoghaire too lenient, court finds

The Court of Appeal has found that the sentence of a teenager , who attempted to murder a woman he met on a dating app , was too lenient .
The court said that the element of planning and premeditation meant that , “ even as attempted murders go ” , the offence had to be seen as being at the high end of the spectrum .
The DPP had argued that a review of the 11-year sentence imposed on the teenage boy after a five-year period was too early .
The now 17-year-old , who can not be named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in custody since December 2017 , when he lured Stephanie Ng to an isolated area at the Sea Front , Queen ’ s Road , Dun Laoghaire .
After pleading guilty to her attempted murder , the teenager was sentenced to 11 years ’ detention in November 2019 with a review to commence on January 1st , 2023 .
The State appealed the sentence on the grounds of being unduly lenient .
The teenager met his 25-year-old victim on the Whisper social media app , where he had pretended to be 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he tried to kill Ms Ng during their first face-to-face meeting , after suggesting they take a selfie by the water ’ s edge .
There , he grabbed her from behind and choked her to unconsciousness before slashing her neck with a knife .
Gardaí later found a book of drawings in his bedroom , containing a sketch of someone being cut up with a knife .
The words , ‘ serial killer ’ , had been written on another page .
His victim previously gave evidence of taking what she thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teenager tried to ‘ choke the life ’ out of her before leaving her for dead .
She later felt that he was frustrated with himself for not having killed her .
Through tears , she told the Central Criminal Court that the boy had “ destroyed ” her life .
She attended a remote hearing of the Court of Appeal in May , where the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the leniency of the sentence imposed on her attacker .
The boy and his parents also attended remotely from where he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anne-Marie Lawlor SC informed the court that the DPP wasn ’ t taking issue with the sentence of 11 years , but said that the review after five years did not reflect the gravity of the offence .
Ms Lawlor said that the effect of the sentence imposed was to permit the release of the respondent after five years .
“ It is the minimum sentence he will serve and does not reflect the gravity of the offence , ” she argued .
She said that one could not quibble with the sentencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence was one of life .
“ It is the view of the respondent that his culpability is reduced in light of his youth and mental condition , ” she said .
“ The director does not quibble with the reduction to 11 years in light of those factors.
” “ I say that the minimum time he must spend in custody can not be five years , ” she added .
Patrick Gageby SC , for the teenager , argued that a very important part of the case , to which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility and probability of an emerging psychiatric illness or personality disorder in his client in the coming three or four years .
He said that there was no expectation of release after five years .
He pointed to a previous case , where the judge reviewed a life sentence on a juvenile after 10 years , but didn ’ t release him for a further two years .
“ The learned trial judge is very experienced in juvenile matters and , in the last few years , we ’ ve all done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 30 years , ” he noted .
Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy noted that the court did not have “ the fullest information ” about the boy ’ s medical treatment from before the offence .
“ If we were to resentence , would that material be available to us ?
” he asked .
“ I ’ d have to take instructions on that , ” replied Mr Gageby .
The President of the Court of Appeal , Justice George Birmingham , presiding with Justice McCarthy and Justice Isobel Kennedy , delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sentence was simply inadequate , and “ while obviously the product of great care and attention , did not meet adequately the enormity of the offending behaviour ” .
They noted that the boy had requested a further sentence hearing if they found in favour of the DPP .
Therefore , they said , they did not think it appropriate to expand at length upon their reasons , which they said would “ in truth ” be self-evident .
“ A crime of attempted murder is , by definition , an offence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They noted that , for such a conviction , it had to be established that the offender acted with an intention to kill , an intention often not established in a murder .
“ In this case , the element of planning and premeditation means that even as attempted murders go , the offence has to be seen as being at the high end of the spectrum , ” they added .
They invited both parties to liaise with each other ahead of resentencing .

Stephanie Ng leaving the Central Criminal Court in Dublin last year after a teenager was sentenced to 11 years for her attempted murder. Photograph: courtesy of RTÉ News
The Court of Appeal has found that the sentence of a teenager, who attempted to murder a woman he met on a dating app, was too lenient.
The court said that the element of planning and premeditation meant that, “even as attempted murders go”, the offence had to be seen as being at the high end of the spectrum.
The DPP had argued that a review of the 11-year sentence imposed on the teenage boy after a five-year period was too early.
The now 17-year-old, who cannot be named because he is a minor, has been in custody since December 2017, when he lured Stephanie Ng to an isolated area at the Sea Front, Queen’s Road, Dún Laoghaire.
READ MORE
After pleading guilty to her attempted murder, the teenager was sentenced to 11 years’ detention in November 2019 with a review to commence on January 1st, 2023. The State appealed the sentence on the grounds of being unduly lenient.
The teenager met his 25-year-old victim on the Whisper social media app, where he had pretended to be 19. The boy was just 15 when he tried to kill Ms Ng during their first face-to-face meeting, after suggesting they take a selfie by the water’s edge. There, he grabbed her from behind and choked her to unconsciousness before slashing her neck with a knife.
Gardaí later found a book of drawings in his bedroom, containing a sketch of someone being cut up with a knife. The words, ‘serial killer’, had been written on another page.
His victim previously gave evidence of taking what she thought was her last breath, as the teenager tried to ‘choke the life’ out of her before leaving her for dead. She later felt that he was frustrated with himself for not having killed her.
Through tears, she told the Central Criminal Court that the boy had “destroyed” her life.
She attended a remote hearing of the Court of Appeal in May, where the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the leniency of the sentence imposed on her attacker. The boy and his parents also attended remotely from where he is detained at Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
Anne-Marie Lawlor SC informed the court that the DPP wasn’t taking issue with the sentence of 11 years, but said that the review after five years did not reflect the gravity of the offence.
Ms Lawlor said that the effect of the sentence imposed was to permit the release of the respondent after five years.
“It is the minimum sentence he will serve and does not reflect the gravity of the offence,” she argued.
She said that one could not quibble with the sentencing judge’s view that the headline sentence was one of life.
“It is the view of the respondent that his culpability is reduced in light of his youth and mental condition,” she said. “The director does not quibble with the reduction to 11 years in light of those factors.”
“I say that the minimum time he must spend in custody cannot be five years,” she added.
Psychiatric Illness
Patrick Gageby SC, for the teenager, argued that a very important part of the case, to which the judge had given long thought, was the possibility and probability of an emerging psychiatric illness or personality disorder in his client in the coming three or four years.
He said that there was no expectation of release after five years. He pointed to a previous case, where the judge reviewed a life sentence on a juvenile after 10 years, but didn’t release him for a further two years.
“The learned trial judge is very experienced in juvenile matters and, in the last few years, we’ve all done more juvenile cases than … in the past 30 years,” he noted.
Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy noted that the court did not have “the fullest information” about the boy’s medical treatment from before the offence.
“If we were to resentence, would that material be available to us?” he asked.
“I’d have to take instructions on that,” replied Mr Gageby.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice George Birmingham, presiding with Justice McCarthy and Justice Isobel Kennedy, delivered judgment on Thursday.
They concluded that the sentence was simply inadequate, and “while obviously the product of great care and attention, did not meet adequately the enormity of the offending behaviour”.
They noted that the boy had requested a further sentence hearing if they found in favour of the DPP. Therefore, they said, they did not think it appropriate to expand at length upon their reasons, which they said would “in truth” be self-evident.
“A crime of attempted murder is, by definition, an offence of extreme seriousness,” they said.
They noted that, for such a conviction, it had to be established that the offender acted with an intention to kill, an intention often not established in a murder.
“In this case, the element of planning and premeditation means that even as attempted murders go, the offence has to be seen as being at the high end of the spectrum,” they added.
They invited both parties to liaise with each other ahead of resentencing.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--‘Grossly irresponsible’- Waterford mayor condemns house party of 60 people

The Mayor of Waterford , Damien Geoghegan , has called the people who attended a house party over the weekend “ grossly irresponsible ” .
Footage has emerged online of gardaí clearing up to 60 people from a house party in Waterford city on Saturday .
Gardaí were called to the three-bedroomed semi-detached house in Briot Drive at 8.35pm .
Video shared on social media shows the young people being escorted from the house through the front door .
Mr Geoghegan told Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday such behaviour was unacceptable .
He said he understood young people wanted to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they kept it to a small circle of friends .
“ These people didn ’ t all know each other , ” he said .
Locals in the area were very shocked at the incident , he said .
Waterford has a low rate of infection of Covid-19 to date .
“ We ’ re very proud of that .
But to see a scene like that , people are shocked and angry , ” Mr Geoghegan said .
People have got to remember that although restrictions may have been lifted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
“ We will see spikes .
To see over 60 people in a house like that is unacceptable.
” Mr Geoghegan said his message to young people is to continue to be vigilant and to act responsibly .
“ Covid hasn ’ t gone away , ” he said .
A Garda spokeswoman said : “ Following reports of a disturbance at residence , gardaí in Waterford responded to a call at a location in Briot Drive at approximately 8.35pm on Saturday .
“ A number of people were asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Footage online shows gardaí clearing up to 60 people from a house party in Waterford city on Saturday.
The Mayor of Waterford, Damien Geoghegan, has called the people who attended a house party over the weekend "grossly irresponsible". Footage has emerged online of gardaí clearing up to 60 people from a house party in Waterford city on Saturday.
Gardaí were called to the three-bedroomed semi-detached house in Briot Drive at 8.35pm. Video shared on social media shows the young people being escorted from the house through the front door.
Mr Geoghegan told Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday such behaviour was unacceptable. He said he understood young people wanted to meet with their friends and that was okay if they kept it to a small circle of friends.
House party in a 3 bed house broken up by Gardai in Waterford yesterday. I counted at least 50 people coming out. If it wasn't so dangerous it would actually be funny. This is how the 2nd wave starts. pic.twitter.com/3zgiuDJtrS — Ballymagash Times (@Ballymagash_T) June 30, 2020
“These people didn’t all know each other,” he said.
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Locals in the area were very shocked at the incident, he said. Waterford has a low rate of infection of Covid-19 to date. “We’re very proud of that. But to see a scene like that, people are shocked and angry,” Mr Geoghegan said.
People have got to remember that although restrictions may have been lifted the virus has not gone away, he added. “We will see spikes. To see over 60 people in a house like that is unacceptable.”
Mr Geoghegan said his message to young people is to continue to be vigilant and to act responsibly. “Covid hasn’t gone away,” he said.
A Garda spokeswoman said: “Following reports of a disturbance at residence, gardaí in Waterford responded to a call at a location in Briot Drive at approximately 8.35pm on Saturday.
“A number of people were asked to leave the area. All complied.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Health officials ‘very concerned’ about foreign travel, says Donnelly

Public health officials are “ very concerned ” that increased international travel will lead to a second wave of coronavirus in Ireland , Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly has said .
The newly appointed Fianna Fáil Minister said the Covid-19 pandemic internationally has become “ quite volatile ” with just over one million of the 10 million cases being recorded in the past week with a big increase in infections in France , Portugal and Spain in the last two weeks .
France had reported 6,000 new cases over the past 14 days , while Spain and Portugal had each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 165 new cases in Ireland during that time .
Foreign travel now accounts for 17 per cent of new cases , an increase from about 2 per cent of cases in recent weeks , Mr Donnelly said .
This was making the Government take the issue of lifting its public advice against taking foreign holidays “ very seriously , ” the Minister told The Irish Times .
The Government was still advising the public that non-essential travel should be avoided and that it will discuss this week and early next week how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether overseas countries could be put on a “ green list ” if they have low levels of infection .
The EU plan for a green list of countries considered safe for non-essential travel is to be updated every two weeks based on average cases over 14 days .
It provided “ a solid blueprint ” for how Ireland might operate its own list but that the Government “ may choose to augment that , ” Mr Donnelly said .
He has said that the Cabinet may decide to change the proposed date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that it would start easing foreign travel restrictions .
Mr Donnelly pointed out the complications with the list where Portugal would three weeks ago have been on a green list but today would not because of the recent increase in new infections .
The Minister said that the fact that Ireland is an island affords a “ great natural protection ” against the importation of new cases and that this was “ part of our arsenal in fighting this disease.
” “ We are an island .
We can handle the cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well by the incredible response from the whole nation , ” he said .
“ But the reality is the virus came here from abroad and if we are to see a big second wave , the public health officials believe that there is a high likelihood that that is where it will come from.
” The minister recognised that resuming foreign travel was a “ serious issue ” for people .
“ There are a lot of people who have booked holidays an awfully long time ago who will have been looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been holding on to that as part of dealing with the lock-in and the people need clarity , ” he said .
“ We fully understand that and indeed the business community is looking for things to be opened as well.
” The issue of refunds for booked holidays and flights was “ best directed to somebody else ” and “ not really a health question , ” he said .
He defended the handling of the guidance around foreign travel and denied that there were contradictions between the Government saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel and the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan advising against overseas holidays .
“ I don ’ t think it is mixed messages .
The Taoiseach was talking about publishing a green list in line with public health advice and the chief medical officer was expressing his very serious concern about a big increase in foreign travel , ” said Mr Donnelly .
“ What the chief medical officer was voicing quite rightly was his view on the risks associated with this and , as he has said , he is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of foreign travel would be discussed at a Cabinet subcommittee tomorrow and by the Cabinet on Monday .
The State ’ s National Public Health Emergency Team would also be considering the issue when they meet today , he said .

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly: “We need to get this right. Caution is a good thing in our approach.”
Public health officials are "very concerned" that increased international travel will lead to a second wave of coronavirus in Ireland, Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly has said.
The newly appointed Fianna Fáil Minister said the Covid-19 pandemic internationally has become "quite volatile" with just over one million of the 10 million cases being recorded in the past week with a big increase in infections in France, Portugal and Spain in the last two weeks.
France had reported 6,000 new cases over the past 14 days, while Spain and Portugal had each reported 5,000 new cases. This compares with 165 new cases in Ireland during that time.
Foreign travel now accounts for 17 per cent of new cases, an increase from about 2 per cent of cases in recent weeks, Mr Donnelly said.
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This was making the Government take the issue of lifting its public advice against taking foreign holidays “very seriously,” the Minister told The Irish Times.
Green list
The Government was still advising the public that non-essential travel should be avoided and that it will discuss this week and early next week how travel could resume safely by looking at whether overseas countries could be put on a “green list” if they have low levels of infection.
The EU plan for a green list of countries considered safe for non-essential travel is to be updated every two weeks based on average cases over 14 days. It provided “a solid blueprint” for how Ireland might operate its own list but that the Government “may choose to augment that,” Mr Donnelly said.
He has said that the Cabinet may decide to change the proposed date of July 9th when it has previously said that it would start easing foreign travel restrictions.
Mr Donnelly pointed out the complications with the list where Portugal would three weeks ago have been on a green list but today would not because of the recent increase in new infections.
The Minister said that the fact that Ireland is an island affords a “great natural protection” against the importation of new cases and that this was “part of our arsenal in fighting this disease.”
“We are an island. We can handle the cases here and it has been handled incredibly well by the incredible response from the whole nation,” he said.
“But the reality is the virus came here from abroad and if we are to see a big second wave, the public health officials believe that there is a high likelihood that that is where it will come from.”
The minister recognised that resuming foreign travel was a “serious issue” for people.
Booked holidays
“There are a lot of people who have booked holidays an awfully long time ago who will have been looking forward to going away, who might have been holding on to that as part of dealing with the lock-in and the people need clarity,” he said.
“We fully understand that and indeed the business community is looking for things to be opened as well.”
The issue of refunds for booked holidays and flights was “best directed to somebody else” and “not really a health question,” he said.
He defended the handling of the guidance around foreign travel and denied that there were contradictions between the Government saying that they were looking at resuming safe foreign travel and the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan advising against overseas holidays.
“I don’t think it is mixed messages. The Taoiseach was talking about publishing a green list in line with public health advice and the chief medical officer was expressing his very serious concern about a big increase in foreign travel,” said Mr Donnelly.
“What the chief medical officer was voicing quite rightly was his view on the risks associated with this and, as he has said, he is very concerned.”
The Minister said the issue of foreign travel would be discussed at a Cabinet subcommittee tomorrow and by the Cabinet on Monday. The State’s National Public Health Emergency Team would also be considering the issue when they meet today, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--At least 79 patients died after getting Covid-19 in hospital

At least 79 patients have died after contracting Covid-19 in hospital , according to new figures .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ disease while being treated in hospital for other conditions , the figures from the Health @ @ @ @ @ figures do not include infections that occurred in nursing homes and other residential settings , @ @ @ @ @ thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths .
The HSE says notifications are incomplete so @ @ @ @ @ further hospital-acquired cases of the virus not included in its figures .
In total , @ @ @ @ @ with Covid-19 up to June 23rd , according to the data compiled by the HSE @ @ @ @ @ Centre .
The total number of deaths in hospitalised patients was 671 , or one @ @ @ @ @ disease .
The figures only include healthcare workers in hospitals where they were inpatients and @ @ @ @ @ .
The information was provided to Green Party TD Ossian Smyth in a parliamentary answer @ @ @ @

In total, 3,285 hospitalised patients were confirmed with Covid-19 up to June 23rd. Photograph: iStock
At least 79 patients have died after contracting Covid-19 in hospital, according to new figures.
A total of 265 patients picked up the disease while being treated in hospital for other conditions, the figures from the Health Service Executive indicate.
The figures do not include infections that occurred in nursing homes and other residential settings, where Covid-19 has led to thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths.
The HSE says notifications are incomplete so it is possible there are further hospital-acquired cases of the virus not included in its figures.
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In total, 3,285 hospitalised patients were confirmed with Covid-19 up to June 23rd, according to the data compiled by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The total number of deaths in hospitalised patients was 671, or one in five who had the disease.
The figures only include healthcare workers in hospitals where they were inpatients and fulfilled the criteria for infection.
The information was provided to Green Party TD Ossian Smyth in a parliamentary answer from the HSE.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition to go virtual in 2021

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition ( BTYSTE ) is going virtual for 2021 because of continued health and safety concerns around Covid-19 .
The move means that for the first time in the exhibition ’ s 56 years it will not be staged physically .
Instead it will be transformed “ into a spectacular virtual showcase for January 2021 ” , according to BT Ireland .
The measure is an indication of how the Covid-19 pandemic is likely to affect staging of public events extending into next year .
Europe ’ s longest-running science event is scheduled go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students exhibiting virtually and judging taking place across digital platforms .
A total of 1,800 projects were entered into the 2020 contest , while 550 finalists from 244 schools showcased their entries in January .
Some 50,000 people viewed the exhibition at the RDS , which has hosted it since 1966 – its second year .
Members of the public in Ireland , and globally , will be able to visit the exhibition online and enjoy a full calendar of events including special acts , the Primary Science Fair , business events and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The exhibition is retaining its 200 prizes with €7,500 going to the overall winner and an opportunity to represent Ireland at the EU Contest for Young Scientists in Salamanca , Spain , in September 2021 .
BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh said : “ With the unprecedented global events of the past few months , we have seen first hand the important role that science and technology is playing in finding solutions to this global pandemic.
” He said they had looked at the exhibition with a new lens and wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calendar .
Mr Walsh said he wanted to encourage students , teachers and schools to get involved in the virtual event and “ be part of something truly special ” in January .
Exhibition head Mari Cahalane said : “ People who have experienced the exhibition over the past 56 years understand it is about much more than a science competition .
It ’ s about imagining an idea and then bringing that idea to life through research and development .
We ’ re going to emphasise that in its truest form by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the exhibition inspires thousands of young people each year to explore “ near-endless possibilities in science , technology , engineering and maths ” , the exhibition team sought this year to do something new in light of current circumstances , she added .
“ We will be holding information sessions online for students and teachers over the comings months and our website is the best source – www.btyoungscientist.com – for up-to-date information for students looking to get started on their entries.
” The online entry process remains the same as previous years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waived .
To enter , an individual or group must submit a one-page proposal outlining their project idea ahead of the closing date of September 22nd .
There are four categories : technology ; social and behavioural science ; biological and ecological science and chemical , physical and mathematical science .
The Primary Science Fair is open to primary-level students from 3rd to 6th class and will run alongside the main exhibition online .

Rebecca Murphy and Abbey Hehir, from St John Bosco Community College, Clare, with their project, Slurry Pit Laser Saves Lives, in January 2020. File photograph: The Irish Times
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) is going virtual for 2021 because of continued health and safety concerns around Covid-19.
The move means that for the first time in the exhibition's 56 years it will not be staged physically. Instead it will be transformed "into a spectacular virtual showcase for January 2021", according to BT Ireland. The measure is an indication of how the Covid-19 pandemic is likely to affect staging of public events extending into next year.
Europe’s longest-running science event is scheduled go ahead from January 6th to 9th with students exhibiting virtually and judging taking place across digital platforms.
A total of 1,800 projects were entered into the 2020 contest, while 550 finalists from 244 schools showcased their entries in January. Some 50,000 people viewed the exhibition at the RDS, which has hosted it since 1966 – its second year.
READ MORE
Members of the public in Ireland, and globally, will be able to visit the exhibition online and enjoy a full calendar of events including special acts, the Primary Science Fair, business events and the exhibits, BT Ireland confirmed.
The exhibition is retaining its 200 prizes with €7,500 going to the overall winner and an opportunity to represent Ireland at the EU Contest for Young Scientists in Salamanca, Spain, in September 2021.
BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh said: "With the unprecedented global events of the past few months, we have seen first hand the important role that science and technology is playing in finding solutions to this global pandemic."
He said they had looked at the exhibition with a new lens and wanted to ensure it remained firmly on the educational calendar.
Mr Walsh said he wanted to encourage students, teachers and schools to get involved in the virtual event and “be part of something truly special” in January.
Exhibition head Mari Cahalane said: "People who have experienced the exhibition over the past 56 years understand it is about much more than a science competition. It's about imagining an idea and then bringing that idea to life through research and development. We're going to emphasise that in its truest form by bringing the BTYSTE virtual for 2021."
Information sessions for students
While the exhibition inspires thousands of young people each year to explore “near-endless possibilities in science, technology, engineering and maths”, the exhibition team sought this year to do something new in light of current circumstances, she added.
"We will be holding information sessions online for students and teachers over the comings months and our website is the best source – www.btyoungscientist.com – for up-to-date information for students looking to get started on their entries."
The online entry process remains the same as previous years, but project entry fees have been waived. To enter, an individual or group must submit a one-page proposal outlining their project idea ahead of the closing date of September 22nd. There are four categories: technology; social and behavioural science; biological and ecological science and chemical, physical and mathematical science.
The Primary Science Fair is open to primary-level students from 3rd to 6th class and will run alongside the main exhibition online.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Researcher contracts under strain as economic recession looms

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic , the need for research has perhaps never been so evident .
Faced with an unknown enemy , we are relying on researchers to produce vaccines , antibody tests and teach us more about how to tackle this new virus .
“ Scientists are given very little credit for the work that they have done in such a short period of time , ” says Prof Mary Anne O ’ Connell , an Irish senior research group leader in molecular biology working at CEITEC ( the Central European Institute of Technology ) in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was among many that volunteered to conduct tests for Covid-19 when the virus first struck .
“ Scientists have isolated Covid-19 , sequenced it , studied it in different cell lines under different conditions .
Currently they are working to develop a vaccine against it and if that is not possible to find , they will find some drugs that will lessen its impact on patients , ” she says .
It ’ s not only biomedical scientists that are in high demand – researchers are needed to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society and on our mental health and wellbeing .
But as the world leans on research to provide us with the answers to these questions , the pending financial crisis is likely to put even more pressure on a system that ’ s already under strain .
Economic recessions don ’ t often lead to a boost in research spending , and the sector is already underfunded .
Although the number of people with PhDs grew by 38 per cent in OECD countries between 2000 and 2009 , government-funded research spending in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent in the last 20 years .
The mismatch has meant that researchers have become increasingly dependent on temporary and short-term contracts , leaving them without job stability and without clear career paths .
“ If you ’ re an early-career researcher , you enter a world where everything around you is designed to last no longer than three to four years , ’ says Dr Gábor Kismihók , Research Group Leader at the Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology ( TIB ) .
He is also co-author of a Declaration on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Marie Curie Alumni Association and EURODOC , the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers , which outlines the increasing pressure that young academics find themselves under , and highlights the precarious contracts that they depend on .
“ Before , research funding was a longer game , it was more a marathon .
Now it ’ s a sprint and it ’ s really hard to deliver high quality research in these circumstances , ” he says .
One type of research that could be left by the wayside is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has led to groundbreaking discoveries like penicillin and DNA fingerprinting .
This type of research involves exploring aspects of science where real-world applications are not obviously apparent .
It can yield high pay-offs , but there ’ s also big financial risk involved .
Funding bodies are less likely to award blue-sky grants , preferring to finance research that has obvious , real-world applications .
Usually only researchers with permanent positions can afford to do curiosity-driven research , so as trends move towards short-term contracts , we could see fewer and fewer blue-sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on short-term contracts you can ’ t take on risky projects and the risky projects are the ones that give you the most benefit , ” O ’ Connell notes .
Lack of job security also means researchers are forced to focus their attention on winning their next grant or their next contract rather than on the research project at hand .
Out of a typical 5-year grant , O ’ Connell says , a researcher might spend one full year setting up a lab and then another six months writing grant applications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s end .
“ You really need to have some stability in your life [ to do high-risk , high-reward research ] and if you ’ re spending your whole time writing grants or going from one position to another , you just can ’ t do it , ” she adds .
The system is also draining young researchers , as outlined by the declaration .
In the race to win a dwindling number of academic positions , they take on additional teaching and mentoring responsibilities , help undergraduates with labwork , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly try to get published in high-impact-factor peer-reviewed journals .
This is on top of their normal day-to-day research work for their PhD .
“ Generally over the last 20 to 30 years the labour market position of young academics has been eroded , ” says Prof Seamus McGuinness of the Economic and Social Research Institute ( ESRI ) in Dublin .
“ The reality is that you will not get a junior lectureship in Ireland or in any other country now without having a PhD and a quite well-developed publication record .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been sufficient , and not actually even essential for a junior lectureship role.
” Many researchers accept temporary positions in the hope that this will lead to a permanent post in the future .
But according to McGuinness , the people who are on permanent contracts in academia are just as likely to have been previously unemployed as they are to have been on a temporary contract .
So instead , the researchers often end up on a constant stream of temporary gigs , or else leave academia altogether .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked from contract to contract .
I don ’ t know of any other way , ” says Peter ( not his real name ) , a researcher in his late forties .
“ It would be nice to have security and to dedicate myself to a particular research field .
To always be thinking of being out of a job in your later career is hard.
” O ’ Connell advised her own son to forego a PhD in favour of becoming a professional rugby player , as she thought the career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in research .
“ I suggested that instead he should have a career in rugby !
That ’ s the truth , ” she says .
“ He ’ s very good at rugby of course .
But the future of funding is short-term contracts which is really hard.
” And it looks likely that it will soon be even tougher .
Her son recently heard that the university that had accepted him to start a PhD position is suspending their entire PhD programme for next year , possibly due to the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlook for academic researchers does not look good post-2020 .
Universities will struggle and although researchers from all disciplines are trying to help the Covid-19 effort as best they can , most experts agree that an economic downturn will mean less resources for research .
“ There is going to be a big bill for this pandemic in terms of lost productivity , lost taxation , the costs of mainly epidemic unemployment benefits , the pay to furloughed workers .
How is that going to be paid ?
” says McGuinness .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for young researchers going forwards , I think we ’ re going to be in a fiscally changed position and you probably won ’ t see more money going towards education and research.
” “ The resulting economic downturn inevitably means reduced funding , which will reduce the number of opportunities for new contracts when existing ones expire , ” says Dr Mark Jessopp , lecturer of Zoology in University College Cork .
“ Universities are all being hit hard financially and with no government support for the sector ( which has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there will be fewer ‘ permanent ’ academic posts being offered for the next number of years.
” In terms of EU funding , there ’ s some hope .
The European Commission recently proposed a budget of €94.4 billion for the next major European research funding programme , the Horizon Europe scheme .
But Prof Christian Egenhofer , senior research fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels , says this doesn ’ t necessarily mean the proposal will be accepted by the European Parliament and especially the Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the final say .
“ Research funding is vulnerable and might be the target of reductions .
Usually , if cuts need to be made , then research or security will be cut , ” says Egenhofer .

Researchers at the Central European Institute of Technology in the Czech Republicworking in BSL3 (biosafety level 3) labs, where they are isolating RNA from human samples that could be infected with Covid-19.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the need for research has perhaps never been so evident. Faced with an unknown enemy, we are relying on researchers to produce vaccines, antibody tests and teach us more about how to tackle this new virus.
"Scientists are given very little credit for the work that they have done in such a short period of time," says Prof Mary Anne O'Connell, an Irish senior research group leader in molecular biology working at CEITEC (the Central European Institute of Technology) in the Czech Republic. Her research laboratory was among many that volunteered to conduct tests for Covid-19 when the virus first struck.
“Scientists have isolated Covid-19, sequenced it, studied it in different cell lines under different conditions. Currently they are working to develop a vaccine against it and if that is not possible to find, they will find some drugs that will lessen its impact on patients,” she says.
It’s not only biomedical scientists that are in high demand – researchers are needed to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on the economy, the climate, society and on our mental health and wellbeing.
READ MORE
But as the world leans on research to provide us with the answers to these questions, the pending financial crisis is likely to put even more pressure on a system that’s already under strain.
Economic recessions don’t often lead to a boost in research spending, and the sector is already underfunded. Although the number of people with PhDs grew by 38 per cent in OECD countries between 2000 and 2009, government-funded research spending in these countries has only risen by 10 per cent in the last 20 years. The mismatch has meant that researchers have become increasingly dependent on temporary and short-term contracts, leaving them without job stability and without clear career paths.
Precarious contracts
"If you're an early-career researcher, you enter a world where everything around you is designed to last no longer than three to four years,' says Dr Gábor Kismihók, Research Group Leader at the Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology (TIB). He is also co-author of a Declaration on Sustainable Research Careers released last year by the Marie Curie Alumni Association and EURODOC, the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers, which outlines the increasing pressure that young academics find themselves under, and highlights the precarious contracts that they depend on.
“Before, research funding was a longer game, it was more a marathon. Now it’s a sprint and it’s really hard to deliver high quality research in these circumstances,” he says.
One type of research that could be left by the wayside is curiosity-driven, or blue-sky research, which has led to groundbreaking discoveries like penicillin and DNA fingerprinting. This type of research involves exploring aspects of science where real-world applications are not obviously apparent. It can yield high pay-offs, but there’s also big financial risk involved.
Funding bodies are less likely to award blue-sky grants, preferring to finance research that has obvious, real-world applications. Usually only researchers with permanent positions can afford to do curiosity-driven research, so as trends move towards short-term contracts, we could see fewer and fewer blue-sky breakthroughs.
“If you’re on short-term contracts you can’t take on risky projects and the risky projects are the ones that give you the most benefit,” O’Connell notes.
Lack of job security also means researchers are forced to focus their attention on winning their next grant or their next contract rather than on the research project at hand. Out of a typical 5-year grant, O’Connell says, a researcher might spend one full year setting up a lab and then another six months writing grant applications to stay afloat towards the project’s end.
“You really need to have some stability in your life [to do high-risk, high-reward research] and if you’re spending your whole time writing grants or going from one position to another, you just can’t do it,” she adds.
Draining
The system is also draining young researchers, as outlined by the declaration. In the race to win a dwindling number of academic positions, they take on additional teaching and mentoring responsibilities, help undergraduates with labwork, engage in communication and outreach activities and constantly try to get published in high-impact-factor peer-reviewed journals. This is on top of their normal day-to-day research work for their PhD.
"Generally over the last 20 to 30 years the labour market position of young academics has been eroded," says Prof Seamus McGuinness of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in Dublin. "The reality is that you will not get a junior lectureship in Ireland or in any other country now without having a PhD and a quite well-developed publication record. But in the past, a PhD would have been sufficient, and not actually even essential for a junior lectureship role."
Many researchers accept temporary positions in the hope that this will lead to a permanent post in the future. But according to McGuinness, the people who are on permanent contracts in academia are just as likely to have been previously unemployed as they are to have been on a temporary contract. So instead, the researchers often end up on a constant stream of temporary gigs, or else leave academia altogether.
“From my perspective, I have always worked from contract to contract. I don’t know of any other way,” says Peter (not his real name), a researcher in his late forties. “It would be nice to have security and to dedicate myself to a particular research field. To always be thinking of being out of a job in your later career is hard.”
O’Connell advised her own son to forego a PhD in favour of becoming a professional rugby player, as she thought the career prospects in sports would be better than in research.
“I suggested that instead he should have a career in rugby! That’s the truth,” she says. “He’s very good at rugby of course. But the future of funding is short-term contracts which is really hard.” And it looks likely that it will soon be even tougher. Her son recently heard that the university that had accepted him to start a PhD position is suspending their entire PhD programme for next year, possibly due to the economic impact of the coronavirus.
Big bill
The employment outlook for academic researchers does not look good post-2020. Universities will struggle and although researchers from all disciplines are trying to help the Covid-19 effort as best they can, most experts agree that an economic downturn will mean less resources for research.
“There is going to be a big bill for this pandemic in terms of lost productivity, lost taxation, the costs of mainly epidemic unemployment benefits, the pay to furloughed workers. How is that going to be paid?” says McGuinness. “I can’t see many upsides for young researchers going forwards, I think we’re going to be in a fiscally changed position and you probably won’t see more money going towards education and research.”
"The resulting economic downturn inevitably means reduced funding, which will reduce the number of opportunities for new contracts when existing ones expire," says Dr Mark Jessopp, lecturer of Zoology in University College Cork. "Universities are all being hit hard financially and with no government support for the sector (which has been systematically de-funded over the past decade), there will be fewer 'permanent' academic posts being offered for the next number of years."
In terms of EU funding, there's some hope. The European Commission recently proposed a budget of €94.4 billion for the next major European research funding programme, the Horizon Europe scheme.
But Prof Christian Egenhofer, senior research fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels, says this doesn't necessarily mean the proposal will be accepted by the European Parliament and especially the Council of the European Union, which will have the final say.
“Research funding is vulnerable and might be the target of reductions. Usually, if cuts need to be made, then research or security will be cut,” says Egenhofer.