theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Authority cannot refuse to register Mexican adoptions of two children – court

The Adoption Authority can not lawfully refuse to register the separate Mexican adoptions of two young children whose lives here involve “ a legal limbo ” , the Supreme Court has ruled .
The adoptions of 15 other Mexican-born children in a similar position to the two children , including a sibling of one of them , have been registered by the authority in the register of intercountry adoptions , Mr Justice Donal O ’ Donnell noted .
It would be a failure to hold these two children equal before the law “ in such an important feature of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to permit a different outcome for them , he said .
He was giving the five-judge court ’ s judgment on Monday dismissing an appeal by the authority over the High Court ’ s answers to legal questions raised in the authority ’ s proceedings concerning the status of the two children .
Both have lived in “ a legal limbo ” here because their separate adoption processes began under the Adoption Act 1991 , but were not complete before the coming into force on November 1st , 2010 of the Adoption Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repealed .
Both children were born after November 1st , 2010 , each was adopted in Mexico by an Irish couple and both are described as “ happy and thriving ” here .
The separate adoption of a sibling of one of them , who was born before November 1st , 2010 but adopted after the 2010 Act came into force , has been registered .
The 2010 Act gave effect in Irish law to the Hague convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption .
Mr Justice O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Irish system for recognition of intercountry adoptions and gave rise to the difficult legal issue in these cases .
Under the 1991 Act , a couple , after assessment , could obtain a declaration of eligibility and suitability ( DES ) , travel abroad to pursue a private placement adoption and , on return here , seek to have that registered in the register of foreign adoptions .
The Hague convention created a more structured approach , requiring each signatory state to have a central authority .
Article 23 stated that adopting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operation of the central authority in the child ’ s state of origin and the state to which the child is being relocated .
In these two cases , the Mexican adoptions may have been sufficient under the 1991 Act but did not comply with the 2010 Act because neither adopting couple had an article 23 certificate from the designated central authority .
While the adoptive parents , the authority and the Mexican authorities had all acted conscientiously , the position is that , almost 10 years after both children were born , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they “ remain in a form of legal limbo ” .
They are unrelated by the law of their habitual residence to their de facto parents with whom they live and are unrelated by the law of Mexico to the people whom Irish law , their counsel argued , maintains are their parents .
The core legal question was whether pre-existing rights to adoption which survived the 2010 Act are capable of arising where the child to be adopted was born after the 2010 Act commenced on November 1st , 2010 .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not entirely illuminating ” answer to that was , if the pre-existing rights to adoption are capable of arising under the 1991 Act , and “ if ” such rights are capable of surviving enactment of the 2010 Act ( and repeal of the 1991 Act ) , then such rights are capable of arising where the child was born after November 1st , 2010 .
That conclusion is required by the constitutional obligation to hold all persons as human persons equal before the law , he said .
Because of the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question , it was appropriate to state the principle of equality before the law means the authority can not lawfully refuse to register these two adoptions , he said .
While noting the authority had legitimate concerns about the outcome , including for Ireland ’ s obligations as a signatory to the Hague convention , it has already registered Mexican adoptions which are “ functionally indistinguishable ” .
Permitting a domestic adoption would likely have the same effect with “ perhaps more significant consequences for future cases , he added .

The Adoption Authority cannot lawfully refuse to register the separate Mexican adoptions of two young children whose lives here involve “a legal limbo”, the Supreme Court has ruled. The adoptions of 15 other Mexican-born children in a similar position to the two children, including a sibling of one of them, have been registered by the authority in the register of intercountry adoptions, Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell noted.
It would be a failure to hold these two children equal before the law “in such an important feature of their human personality” if the law were to permit a different outcome for them, he said.
He was giving the five-judge court’s judgment on Monday dismissing an appeal by the authority over the High Court’s answers to legal questions raised in the authority’s proceedings concerning the status of the two children. Both have lived in “a legal limbo” here because their separate adoption processes began under the Adoption Act 1991, but were not complete before the coming into force on November 1st, 2010 of the Adoption Act 2010, when the 1991 Act was repealed.
Both children were born after November 1st, 2010, each was adopted in Mexico by an Irish couple and both are described as “happy and thriving” here. The separate adoption of a sibling of one of them, who was born before November 1st, 2010 but adopted after the 2010 Act came into force, has been registered.
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The 2010 Act gave effect in Irish law to the Hague convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption.
Mr Justice O’Donnell said the 2010 Act altered the Irish system for recognition of intercountry adoptions and gave rise to the difficult legal issue in these cases.
Under the 1991 Act, a couple, after assessment, could obtain a declaration of eligibility and suitability (DES), travel abroad to pursue a private placement adoption and, on return here, seek to have that registered in the register of foreign adoptions.
The Hague convention created a more structured approach, requiring each signatory state to have a central authority. Article 23 stated that adopting a child from a signatory state requires co-operation of the central authority in the child’s state of origin and the state to which the child is being relocated.
In these two cases, the Mexican adoptions may have been sufficient under the 1991 Act but did not comply with the 2010 Act because neither adopting couple had an article 23 certificate from the designated central authority.
While the adoptive parents, the authority and the Mexican authorities had all acted conscientiously, the position is that, almost 10 years after both children were born, adopted and brought back to Ireland, they “remain in a form of legal limbo”.
They are unrelated by the law of their habitual residence to their de facto parents with whom they live and are unrelated by the law of Mexico to the people whom Irish law, their counsel argued, maintains are their parents.
The core legal question was whether pre-existing rights to adoption which survived the 2010 Act are capable of arising where the child to be adopted was born after the 2010 Act commenced on November 1st, 2010.
Mr Justice O’Donnell said the “not entirely illuminating” answer to that was, if the pre-existing rights to adoption are capable of arising under the 1991 Act, and “if” such rights are capable of surviving enactment of the 2010 Act (and repeal of the 1991 Act), then such rights are capable of arising where the child was born after November 1st, 2010.
That conclusion is required by the constitutional obligation to hold all persons as human persons equal before the law, he said.
Because of the “necessarily qualified” answer to the core question, it was appropriate to state the principle of equality before the law means the authority cannot lawfully refuse to register these two adoptions, he said. While noting the authority had legitimate concerns about the outcome, including for Ireland’s obligations as a signatory to the Hague convention, it has already registered Mexican adoptions which are “functionally indistinguishable”. Permitting a domestic adoption would likely have the same effect with “perhaps more significant consequences for future cases, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Grace Miano to stand trial for murder next summer

A 51-year-old woman with schizophrenia will go on trial in June next year charged with murdering a man at her @ @ @ @ @ years ago .
Grace Miano , originally from Kenya but with an address at Tudor @ @ @ @ @ charged with murdering Malawian national Limbani “ Robert ” Mzoma ( 27 ) on November @ @ @ @ @ home .
Ms Miano was deemed unfit to plead last year but at a hearing @ @ @ @ @ McDermott at the Central Criminal Court , having heard evidence of improvements in her condition @ @ @ @ @ Ronan Mullaney , said that she is now fit to stand trial .
The judge @ @ @ @ @ provided by Dr Mullaney and contained in reports furnished to the court indicate that Ms @ @ @ @ @ the nature of the court proceedings , instruct her legal representatives and understand the evidence @ @ @ @ @ trial will take three days .

A 51-year-old woman with schizophrenia will go on trial in June next year charged with murdering a man at her Foxrock, Dublin home two years ago.
Grace Miano, originally from Kenya but with an address at Tudor Lawns in Foxrock, is charged with murdering Malawian national Limbani “Robert” Mzoma (27) on November 1st, 2018 at her home.
Ms Miano was deemed unfit to plead last year but at a hearing last month Mr Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court, having heard evidence of improvements in her condition from consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Ronan Mullaney, said that she is now fit to stand trial.
The judge said that all the evidence provided by Dr Mullaney and contained in reports furnished to the court indicate that Ms Miano is able to understand the nature of the court proceedings, instruct her legal representatives and understand the evidence.
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Ms Miano’s trial will take three days.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Victim had 28 stab wounds including four potentially fatally ones, trial hears

A 44-year-old man found lying surrounded by blood had been stabbed 28 times and four of the wounds were potentially fatal , the trial of his ex-wife charged with his murder heard today Assistant State pathologist , Dr Margot Bolster told the trial of Rita O ’ Driscoll that she found a total of 28 stab wounds on the body of Timmy Foley when she carried out a post mortem on October 8th , 2018 .
Ms O ’ Driscoll ( 48 ) from Bridge Street , Bandon , Co Cork denies both the murder of Timmy Foley and assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jason Foley ( 43 ) at Dan Corkery Place in Macroom , Co Cork on October 8th , 2018 .
Dr Bolster told Monday ’ s hearing that the 28 wounds she found ranged from very superficial ones which were almost like pin-pricks to one that was 12cm deep and although none were through bone , four were potentially fatal .
These included an incision to Mr Foley ’ s carotid artery in his neck while they also included a stab wound to his lung , another to his liver and a fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm and heart .
“ While none of these wounds were immediately fatal , the one to the carotid artery would have led to a very rapid collapse because of the loss of so much blood , ” she said , adding that this incision on the neck was 3cm long .
“ The cause of death was haemorrhage and shock due to multiple stab wounds , ” Dr Bolster told the eighth day of the trial before a jury of five men and seven women at the Central Criminal Court sitting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had several wounds to his hands and arm which were all defensive in nature while she also confirmed that no great force would have been required to inflict any of the wounds as they did not penetrate bone .
Crossexamined by defence counsel , Roderick O ’ Hanlon SC , Dr Bolster said she could not say what sequence Mr Foley received the wounds which extended from his ankle to his neck but the one to his carotid artery was significant .
“ I can tell you once the carotid wound in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have collapsed fairly quickly .
.
.
certainly in the long term , any of these four wounds would have been fatal.
” Dr Bolster said that she was shown a knife which gardaí recovered from the scene which consisted of a 10cm long blade with a single cutting edge and the wounds were consistent with being inflicted with it or a similar knife .
Today , the jury also heard memos of interview with Ms O ’ Driscoll conducted by Det Garda Pat Prendergast and Det Garda Donal O ’ Dwyer following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the late Mr Foley began attacking her .
Ms O ’ Driscoll told the interviewing gardaí that Timmy Foley had stabbed her six times previously but she had forgiven him but she said he began laughing at her after Jason Foley attacked her from behind on the night in question .
“ I said he [ Timmy ] was evil and satanic .
He had a black-handled steak knife .
He drove it into my head , the side of my head .
I put my hand up to save my head .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she told the gardaí at interview .
“ I caught the knife and jabbed him in the face and I think in the shoulder .
He is capable of murder .
He is capable of killing .
I was afraid for my life ...
I know I stabbed him twice , I was in fear for my life , it was self defence , ” she said , She said that they had all been drinking that night and that Timmy Foley and Jason Foley began arguing over whether Jason should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an acquired brain injury .
“ Him [ Timmy Foley ] and Jason started arguing .
Jason picked up the knife .
He stabbed Timmy a couple of times .
I said , ‘ Stop Jason.
’ Last thing I saw him lying in a pool of blood on the floor .
“ I suffered battered wife syndrome .
I was trying to protect myself when I stabbed him twice .
He nearly killed me a couple of times .
He broke my hand with an iron bar when I was pregnant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They [ Timmy and Jason Foley ] are evil people ... .
I did not kill Timmy .
I am not a murderer .
I am a very good person with a good heart .
All I did my whole life was help people .
He was a controlling person.
” The case continues .

Rita O’Driscoll from Bridge Street, Bandon, Co Cork denies both the murder of Timmy Foley and assault causing serious harm to his brother, Jason Foley (43) at Dan Corkery Place in Macroom, Co Cork on October 8th, 2018. Photograph: John Delea
A 44-year-old man found lying surrounded by blood had been stabbed 28 times and four of the wounds were potentially fatal, the trial of his ex-wife charged with his murder heard today
Assistant State pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster told the trial of Rita O'Driscoll that she found a total of 28 stab wounds on the body of Timmy Foley when she carried out a post mortem on October 8th, 2018.
Ms O'Driscoll (48) from Bridge Street, Bandon, Co Cork denies both the murder of Timmy Foley and assault causing serious harm to his brother, Jason Foley (43) at Dan Corkery Place in Macroom, Co Cork on October 8th, 2018.
Dr Bolster told Monday’s hearing that the 28 wounds she found ranged from very superficial ones which were almost like pin-pricks to one that was 12cm deep and although none were through bone, four were potentially fatal.
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These included an incision to Mr Foley’s carotid artery in his neck while they also included a stab wound to his lung, another to his liver and a fourth wound to the vein between his right arm and heart.
“While none of these wounds were immediately fatal, the one to the carotid artery would have led to a very rapid collapse because of the loss of so much blood,” she said, adding that this incision on the neck was 3cm long.
"The cause of death was haemorrhage and shock due to multiple stab wounds," Dr Bolster told the eighth day of the trial before a jury of five men and seven women at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork.
She said that Mr Foley had several wounds to his hands and arm which were all defensive in nature while she also confirmed that no great force would have been required to inflict any of the wounds as they did not penetrate bone.
Crossexamined by defence counsel, Roderick O’Hanlon SC, Dr Bolster said she could not say what sequence Mr Foley received the wounds which extended from his ankle to his neck but the one to his carotid artery was significant.
“I can tell you once the carotid wound in the neck was inflicted, Mr Foley would have collapsed fairly quickly . . . certainly in the long term, any of these four wounds would have been fatal.”
Dr Bolster said that she was shown a knife which gardaí recovered from the scene which consisted of a 10cm long blade with a single cutting edge and the wounds were consistent with being inflicted with it or a similar knife.
Today, the jury also heard memos of interview with Ms O'Driscoll conducted by Det Garda Pat Prendergast and Det Garda Donal O'Dwyer following her arrest in which she alleged that the late Mr Foley began attacking her.
Ms O’Driscoll told the interviewing gardaí that Timmy Foley had stabbed her six times previously but she had forgiven him but she said he began laughing at her after Jason Foley attacked her from behind on the night in question.
“I said he [Timmy] was evil and satanic. He had a black-handled steak knife. He drove it into my head, the side of my head. I put my hand up to save my head. He cut my hand with it,” she told the gardaí at interview.
“I caught the knife and jabbed him in the face and I think in the shoulder. He is capable of murder. He is capable of killing. I was afraid for my life ... I know I stabbed him twice, I was in fear for my life, it was self defence,” she said,
She said that they had all been drinking that night and that Timmy Foley and Jason Foley began arguing over whether Jason should be drinking vodka because he was on medication for an acquired brain injury.
“Him [Timmy Foley] and Jason started arguing. Jason picked up the knife. He stabbed Timmy a couple of times. I said, ‘Stop Jason.’ Last thing I saw him lying in a pool of blood on the floor.
“I suffered battered wife syndrome. I was trying to protect myself when I stabbed him twice. He nearly killed me a couple of times. He broke my hand with an iron bar when I was pregnant with my child… my son.
“They [Timmy and Jason Foley] are evil people .... I did not kill Timmy. I am not a murderer. I am a very good person with a good heart. All I did my whole life was help people. He was a controlling person.” The case continues.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Conor Murphy declines opportunity to say Paul Quinn was not a criminal

The Sinn Féin finance minister Conor Murphy has declined an opportunity in the Northern Assembly to state that south Armagh murder victim Paul Quinn was not a criminal .
On Monday afternoon on the eve of the 13th anniversary of the murder of 21 year old Mr Quinn the Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister asked Mr Murphy to say he was not a criminal and “ thereby bring some relief to his still grieving parents ” .
Mr Murphy said he did not believe the question was relevant to the questions he was taking in the Assembly as finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a number of statements on the matter in the past .
“ I reiterate and stand over those statements , ” said the Minister .
On October 20th , 2007 , Mr Quinn , from Cullyhanna in south Armagh , was lured to a barn at Tullycoora , near Oram in Co Monaghan where a group of about 10 men fatally assaulted him with iron and nail-studded bars .
He was so badly beaten that every major bone in his body was broken .
The family blamed the IRA for the murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mr Quinn was involved in criminality .
This angered Mr Quinn ’ s parents Breege and Stephen who demanded that Mr Murphy categorically state he was not a criminal .
They also called on him to give information to the Garda and PSNI about IRA members he spoke to in 2007 about the killing .
That became an issue during the general election campaign in the South in February this year .
Shortly before polling day Mr Murphy “ unreservedly ” withdrew and apologised for his 2007 remarks .
Mrs Quinn said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked that he bluntly state her son was not a criminal .
At least one Sinn Féin source said that that was implicit in Mr Murphy ’ s statement although the family argued it was far from clear that was Mr Murphy ’ s position .
In the Assembly chamber on Monday Mr Allister repeated his request to Mr Murphy .
“ The Minister has never acknowledged Paul Quinn was not a criminal .
He knows that is what is required to unlock this matter , ” said Mr Allister .
“ Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who holds a position of real authority , why can he not offer that to an ordinary family in south Armagh the knowledge their son was not a criminal ?
” Mr Murphy repeated that he had made a number of statements that he stood over .
He said his previous offer to meet and discuss the matter with the Quinn family still stands .

After the murder of Paul Quinn, Sinn Féin finance minister Conor Murphy (pictured) claimed that Mr Quinn was involved in criminality. Photograph: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA Wire
The Sinn Féin finance minister Conor Murphy has declined an opportunity in the Northern Assembly to state that south Armagh murder victim Paul Quinn was not a criminal.
On Monday afternoon on the eve of the 13th anniversary of the murder of 21 year old Mr Quinn the Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister asked Mr Murphy to say he was not a criminal and "thereby bring some relief to his still grieving parents".
Mr Murphy said he did not believe the question was relevant to the questions he was taking in the Assembly as finance Minister but nevertheless he said he had made a number of statements on the matter in the past.
“I reiterate and stand over those statements,” said the Minister.
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On October 20th, 2007, Mr Quinn, from Cullyhanna in south Armagh, was lured to a barn at Tullycoora, near Oram in Co Monaghan where a group of about 10 men fatally assaulted him with iron and nail-studded bars.
He was so badly beaten that every major bone in his body was broken. The family blamed the IRA for the murder.
After the murder Mr Murphy claimed that Mr Quinn was involved in criminality.
This angered Mr Quinn’s parents Breege and Stephen who demanded that Mr Murphy categorically state he was not a criminal. They also called on him to give information to the Garda and PSNI about IRA members he spoke to in 2007 about the killing.
Election issue
That became an issue during the general election campaign in the South in February this year. Shortly before polling day Mr Murphy “unreservedly” withdrew and apologised for his 2007 remarks.
Mrs Quinn said he did not go far enough and asked that he bluntly state her son was not a criminal. At least one Sinn Féin source said that that was implicit in Mr Murphy’s statement although the family argued it was far from clear that was Mr Murphy’s position.
In the Assembly chamber on Monday Mr Allister repeated his request to Mr Murphy.
“The Minister has never acknowledged Paul Quinn was not a criminal. He knows that is what is required to unlock this matter,” said Mr Allister.
“Why can he not find it within himself, who holds a position of real authority, why can he not offer that to an ordinary family in south Armagh the knowledge their son was not a criminal?”
Mr Murphy repeated that he had made a number of statements that he stood over. He said his previous offer to meet and discuss the matter with the Quinn family still stands.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Gardaí, media to self-isolate as officer gets positive Covid-19 result after JoJo Dullard briefing

Gardaí and journalists who attended a Garda briefing on the disappearance of JoJo Dullard have been advised they may have been exposed to Covid-19 at the event .
It is understood a garda was awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test when they attended the briefing which was held in Newbridge Town Hall in Co Kildare on Monday morning .
Members of Ms Dullard ’ s family were also in attendance .
Shortly after the briefing concluded the garda was informed of the positive Covid-19 test .
Garda headquarters has launched an inquiry into the matter .
The purpose of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the investigation into Ms Dullard ’ s disappearance 25 years ago to a murder inquiry .
In February the Garda Serious Crime Review Team ( SCRT ) initiated a review of the case .
This lead to the determination that the 21-year-old Kilkenny woman died violently at the hands of another sometime after 11.57pm on November 9th , 1995 .
No one has ever been arrested in relation to Ms Dullard ’ s disappearance and gardaí hope the launch of a murder investigation will motivate potential witnesses to come forward .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to harm in Moone and we are classifying this investigation as a murder , ” said Kildare Superintendent Martin Walker .
Detective Superintendent Desmond McTiernan said the SCRT is “ quite satisfied that JoJo is dead and met her death through violent means.
” Ms Dullard ’ s sister Kathleen Bergin used the briefing to issue a fresh plea for information on the disappearance .
She appealed for people with information to “ find it in your heart ” to come forward .
“ We understand if fear has been holding them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just want to have JoJo brought home .
You will not be judged.
” The event was attended by between 15 and 20 reporters , photographers and camerapeople as well as gardaí , hall staff and Dullard family members .
Facemasks were mandatory and attendees were advised about social distancing regulations .
However at times social distancing was not complied with during the briefing which lasted about 15 minutes .
The event was held indoors due to the weather conditions .
The Garda ’ s Chief Medical Officer has been consulted and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next steps .
Those in attendance have been advised to await a call from HSE contact tracers and to consult their GPs with any concerns .
It is understood one of Ms Dullard ’ s family members is due to appear on RTÉ Crimecall tonight as part of the renewed appeal for information .
It is not yet known if this will proceed .
“ An Garda Síochána can confirm that a member of An Garda Síochána who was present at this media briefing shortly afterwards received notification of a positive Covid-19 test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Garda press office declined to say why the affected Garda was not self-isolating while awaiting test results but said “ All members of An Garda Síochána are expected to fully comply with HSE guidelines ” .
“ HSE guidelines , supported by internal An Garda Síochána Chief Medical Officer guidance , have been circulated to all staff members of An Garda Síochána on numerous occasions .
“ An Garda Síochána will carry out an enquiry into the circumstances of their attendance at the media briefing , ” the spokeswoman said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commentary on the individual status of any members of An Garda Síochána or individual Garda stations/ sections.
” Last week a District Court in Kerry was shut down after the judge was told a Garda who was present had tested positive for Covid-19 .
Also last week several members of the Kerry Roads Policing Unit were forced to go into self-isolation after being exposed to Covid-19 during a training course .
Earlier this month Garda Commissioner Drew Harris had to self-isolate after coming in contact with another member who later tested positive .

Gardaí and journalists who attended a Garda briefing on the disappearance of JoJo Dullard have been advised they may have been exposed to Covid-19 at the event.
It is understood a garda was awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test when they attended the briefing which was held in Newbridge Town Hall in Co Kildare on Monday morning. Members of Ms Dullard’s family were also in attendance.
Shortly after the briefing concluded the garda was informed of the positive Covid-19 test. Garda headquarters has launched an inquiry into the matter.
The purpose of the briefing was to announce the upgrading of the investigation into Ms Dullard’s disappearance 25 years ago to a murder inquiry. In February the Garda Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) initiated a review of the case. This lead to the determination that the 21-year-old Kilkenny woman died violently at the hands of another sometime after 11.57pm on November 9th, 1995.
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No one has ever been arrested in relation to Ms Dullard’s disappearance and gardaí hope the launch of a murder investigation will motivate potential witnesses to come forward.
“We are satisfied that now that JoJo came to harm in Moone and we are classifying this investigation as a murder,” said Kildare Superintendent Martin Walker.
Detective Superintendent Desmond McTiernan said the SCRT is “quite satisfied that JoJo is dead and met her death through violent means.”
Ms Dullard’s sister Kathleen Bergin used the briefing to issue a fresh plea for information on the disappearance.
She appealed for people with information to “find it in your heart” to come forward. “We understand if fear has been holding them back. Please believe us. We just want to have JoJo brought home. You will not be judged.”
The event was attended by between 15 and 20 reporters, photographers and camerapeople as well as gardaí, hall staff and Dullard family members.
Facemasks were mandatory and attendees were advised about social distancing regulations. However at times social distancing was not complied with during the briefing which lasted about 15 minutes. The event was held indoors due to the weather conditions.
The Garda’s Chief Medical Officer has been consulted and is liaising with the HSE to determine the next steps. Those in attendance have been advised to await a call from HSE contact tracers and to consult their GPs with any concerns.
It is understood one of Ms Dullard’s family members is due to appear on RTÉ Crimecall tonight as part of the renewed appeal for information. It is not yet known if this will proceed.
“An Garda Síochána can confirm that a member of An Garda Síochána who was present at this media briefing shortly afterwards received notification of a positive Covid-19 test,” a Garda spokeswoman said.
The Garda press office declined to say why the affected Garda was not self-isolating while awaiting test results but said “All members of An Garda Síochána are expected to fully comply with HSE guidelines”.
“HSE guidelines, supported by internal An Garda Síochána Chief Medical Officer guidance, have been circulated to all staff members of An Garda Síochána on numerous occasions.
“An Garda Síochána will carry out an enquiry into the circumstances of their attendance at the media briefing,” the spokeswoman said.
“An Garda Síochána will not be providing commentary on the individual status of any members of An Garda Síochána or individual Garda stations/ sections.”
Last week a District Court in Kerry was shut down after the judge was told a Garda who was present had tested positive for Covid-19.
Also last week several members of the Kerry Roads Policing Unit were forced to go into self-isolation after being exposed to Covid-19 during a training course.
Earlier this month Garda Commissioner Drew Harris had to self-isolate after coming in contact with another member who later tested positive.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--‘Slow’ justice process criticised after man accused of killing dies before trial

The daughter of a man shot dead two years ago near his home in Co Cork has called for the criminal justice process to be speeded up after the man accused of the killing died before the case could come to trial .
Deirdre Coakley ( 22 ) said she felt that she and her mother , Siobhan did not get justice for her father , Derry after the accused man , Gerard Lynch died before he could be tried on a murder charge over the killing .
“ I just don ’ t know how the process is so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – I just don ’ t know how it wasn ’ t brought to trial quicker , ” said Ms Coakley , speaking after the State said it was abandoning the prosecution against the late Mr Lynch .
“ I feel the justice system wasn ’ t up to scratch , they are just not up to scratch on things like this – it ’ s too slow – Gerard Lynch was two years sitting at home in his own comfort – he only went to prison for a few weeks at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 68 ) from Curraheen , Raleigh North , Macroom had been charged with the murder of plant hire contractor , Derry Coakley ( 60 ) at Curraheen , Raleigh North between October 23rd and October 24th , 2018 .
Today at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork , prosecution counsel , Siobhan Lankford SC applied to Ms Justice Eileen Creedon to enter a nolle prosequi , abandoning the prosecution , as Mr Lynch had died recently .
“ I wish to bring to the court ’ s attention that on August 10th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plead [ guilty ] to a count of manslaughter .
It was not possible to proceed with this as he was very unwell .
“ Because of Covid-19 it was not possible to bring things any further .
The State is entering a nolle prosequi .
He passed away on August 21st .
The family of the deceased are present .
“ They were present on the day when it was indicated he would plead to manslaughter were it possible for it to be done because of the unusual circumstances in which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tim O ’ Leary SC said Mr Lynch had indicated in May 2020 that he was willing to plead guilty to manslaughter when the case was mentioned at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin but this was not accepted by the DPP .
“ For the avoidance of doubt it is right to say that offer was refused .
It was only when the illness of my client became more obvious that on August 10th an application was made to seek to have a home situation for the taking of a plea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organised and he died 11 days later .
I think it is important for both families in the circumstances for the avoidance of doubt that there was an application in August of this year , ” said Mr O ’ Leary SC .
An inquest in April 2019 heard that Mr Coakley from Castle Street , Macroom bled to death after he was shot in the left arm when dumping building rubble at a site at Curraheen , Raleigh North just outside Macroom town .
Assistant State pathologist , Dr Margot Bolster told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Court sitting in Macroom that Mr Coakley died from haemorrhage and shock due to a single gunshot wound to the arm .
Speaking after today ’ s hearing , Ms Coakley said she didn ’ t feel she had got justice for her father even though she agreed with the DPP ’ s decision to refuse a manslaughter plea in May as she believed her father had been murdered .
“ We were happy with the DPP ’ s decision in May to reject the manslaughter plea – 100 per cent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want anything less ... .
manslaughter doesn ’ t even begin to cover what he did to my dad , ” said Ms Coakley .
“ I was in constant contact with the gardaí in Macroom and they tried their best – we went up to the Criminal Court in Dublin in August but they explained that there was no more they could do , Gerard Lynch was gone too far.
” Ms Coakley expressed her gratitude to the gardaí , in particular family liaison officer , Garda Lisa Hyde and Supt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if she was able to draw any comfort from the fact Ms Lankford had put it on the record that the late Mr Lynch was willing to plead to manslaughter , Ms Coakley said it offered little comfort to her or her family .
“ Nothing was ever going to bring my dad back but having that ruling ( a murder verdict ) would have been nice – he didn ’ t deserve this – I feel no one knows now , it feels like someone has just pulled a black sheet over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My dad was my rock – he was the best father I could ever have had ... it ’ s a constant battle every day - sometimes people forget and they move on with their lives and they are allowed to get on with things but we are stuck .
“ He always told me to walk away from a fight .
If I ever fell out with somebody , he would say ‘ Do you know the best thing you can do now is walk away ’ so for this to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he walked away .
”

Deirdre Coakley with her mother Siobhan, wife of the late Derry Coakley, at Cork Circuit criminal Court. Derry Coakley (59) a Macroom agricultural and plant hire contractor, was killed at Curraheen, Raleigh North, Co Cork in 2018. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Cork Courts
The daughter of a man shot dead two years ago near his home in Co Cork has called for the criminal justice process to be speeded up after the man accused of the killing died before the case could come to trial.
Deirdre Coakley (22) said she felt that she and her mother, Siobhan did not get justice for her father, Derry after the accused man, Gerard Lynch died before he could be tried on a murder charge over the killing.
“I just don’t know how the process is so slow – it was so clear cut – I just don’t know how it wasn’t brought to trial quicker,” said Ms Coakley, speaking after the State said it was abandoning the prosecution against the late Mr Lynch.
“I feel the justice system wasn’t up to scratch, they are just not up to scratch on things like this – it’s too slow – Gerard Lynch was two years sitting at home in his own comfort – he only went to prison for a few weeks at the start.”
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The late Mr Lynch (68) from Curraheen, Raleigh North, Macroom had been charged with the murder of plant hire contractor, Derry Coakley (60) at Curraheen, Raleigh North between October 23rd and October 24th, 2018.
Today at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork, prosecution counsel, Siobhan Lankford SC applied to Ms Justice Eileen Creedon to enter a nolle prosequi, abandoning the prosecution, as Mr Lynch had died recently.
“I wish to bring to the court’s attention that on August 10th the accused had indicated his wish to plead [guilty] to a count of manslaughter. It was not possible to proceed with this as he was very unwell.
“Because of Covid-19 it was not possible to bring things any further. The State is entering a nolle prosequi. He passed away on August 21st. The family of the deceased are present.
“They were present on the day when it was indicated he would plead to manslaughter were it possible for it to be done because of the unusual circumstances in which the whole country finds itself.”
Defence counsel, Tim O’Leary SC said Mr Lynch had indicated in May 2020 that he was willing to plead guilty to manslaughter when the case was mentioned at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin but this was not accepted by the DPP.
“For the avoidance of doubt it is right to say that offer was refused. It was only when the illness of my client became more obvious that on August 10th an application was made to seek to have a home situation for the taking of a plea.
“But it could not be organised and he died 11 days later. I think it is important for both families in the circumstances for the avoidance of doubt that there was an application in August of this year,” said Mr O’Leary SC.
An inquest in April 2019 heard that Mr Coakley from Castle Street, Macroom bled to death after he was shot in the left arm when dumping building rubble at a site at Curraheen, Raleigh North just outside Macroom town.
Assistant State pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster told the inquest at South Cork Coroner’s Court sitting in Macroom that Mr Coakley died from haemorrhage and shock due to a single gunshot wound to the arm.
Speaking after today’s hearing, Ms Coakley said she didn’t feel she had got justice for her father even though she agreed with the DPP’s decision to refuse a manslaughter plea in May as she believed her father had been murdered.
“We were happy with the DPP’s decision in May to reject the manslaughter plea – 100 per cent, it was murder – I didn’t want anything less .... manslaughter doesn’t even begin to cover what he did to my dad,” said Ms Coakley.
“I was in constant contact with the gardaí in Macroom and they tried their best – we went up to the Criminal Court in Dublin in August but they explained that there was no more they could do, Gerard Lynch was gone too far.”
Ms Coakley expressed her gratitude to the gardaí, in particular family liaison officer, Garda Lisa Hyde and Supt Joe Moore for their support.
Asked if she was able to draw any comfort from the fact Ms Lankford had put it on the record that the late Mr Lynch was willing to plead to manslaughter, Ms Coakley said it offered little comfort to her or her family.
“Nothing was ever going to bring my dad back but having that ruling (a murder verdict) would have been nice – he didn’t deserve this – I feel no one knows now, it feels like someone has just pulled a black sheet over it and that’s it.”
“My dad was my rock – he was the best father I could ever have had ... it’s a constant battle every day - sometimes people forget and they move on with their lives and they are allowed to get on with things but we are stuck.
“He always told me to walk away from a fight. If I ever fell out with somebody, he would say ‘Do you know the best thing you can do now is walk away’ so for this to happen, it was definitely unprovoked because he walked away.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Armed gardaí raid ‘heavily fortified’ motorcycle gang headquarters

The Criminal Assets Bureau ( CAB ) and armed gardaí have raided the “ heavily fortified ” headquarters of a motorcycle gang , leading to the seizure of ten motorbikes .
The gang is closely linked to the Kinahan and Byrne organised crime groups and provided an escort for the funeral of Crumlin man David Byrne after he was shot dead in the Regency Hotel attack in 2016 during the Hutch-Kinahan feud .
Intelligence suggested members of the gang may have access to weapons leading the Garda and Cab to start a large scale operation involving the Emergency Response Unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Crumlin and the Customs Dog Unit and a Garda helicopter , The compound in Crumlin , which was described by the Garda as “ heavily fortified ” consists of several buildings surrounded by high metal fences .
It has been the subject of Garda raids on several previous occasions .
Two men were arrested during Monday ’ s raid on suspicion of money laundering offences and are being detained at separate Garda Stations in Dublin .
Cab officers also seized ten motorcycles including BMW and Harley Davidson models , a BMW car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VW Scirocco and €4,000 in cash .
“ Today ’ s search operation targeted a criminal grouping aligned to a number of organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking and organised criminality nationally .
“ Today marks a significant development in an ongoing money laundering and proceeds of crime investigation , ” the Garda said in a statement .
The gang has been under investigation by Crumlin ’ s District Detective Unit for several years for suspected drug and money laundering offences .
A previous raid uncovered a large stash of weapons including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms .
Previous Cab operations have resulted in the seizure of over €130,000 .
The gang comprises a small number of core members and a wider circle of associates and it is believed to have links to international biker gangs involved in criminality .
Some of its members are suspected of issuing threats to kill former members .
In January four members of the gang were arrested by the ERU during a dramatic operation on the Naas Road as they travelled back from Wexford .
The men were suspected of travelling to Wexford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon .
However , no gun was found during the arrest .
The gang is also suspected of carrying out acts of intimidation on behalf of the Byrne organised crime group over the years .

One of the motorbikes seized by gardaí during a raid a ‘heavily fortified’ building in Dublin used by a motorcycle gang. Photograph: via Criminal Assets Bureau
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and armed gardaí have raided the "heavily fortified" headquarters of a motorcycle gang, leading to the seizure of ten motorbikes.
The gang is closely linked to the Kinahan and Byrne organised crime groups and provided an escort for the funeral of Crumlin man David Byrne after he was shot dead in the Regency Hotel attack in 2016 during the Hutch-Kinahan feud.
Intelligence suggested members of the gang may have access to weapons leading the Garda and Cab to start a large scale operation involving the Emergency Response Unit, the Armed Support Unit, detectives from Crumlin and the Customs Dog Unit and a Garda helicopter,
Some of the motorbikes seized by gardaí during the raid. Photograph: via Criminal Assets Bureau
The compound in Crumlin, which was described by the Garda as “heavily fortified” consists of several buildings surrounded by high metal fences. It has been the subject of Garda raids on several previous occasions.
READ MORE
Two men were arrested during Monday’s raid on suspicion of money laundering offences and are being detained at separate Garda Stations in Dublin.
Cab officers also seized ten motorcycles including BMW and Harley Davidson models, a BMW car, a Ford Ranger jeep, a VW Scirocco and €4,000 in cash.
“Today’s search operation targeted a criminal grouping aligned to a number of organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking and organised criminality nationally.
“Today marks a significant development in an ongoing money laundering and proceeds of crime investigation,” the Garda said in a statement.
The gang has been under investigation by Crumlin’s District Detective Unit for several years for suspected drug and money laundering offences.
A previous raid uncovered a large stash of weapons including dozens of knives, swords and imitation firearms. Previous Cab operations have resulted in the seizure of over €130,000.
The gang comprises a small number of core members and a wider circle of associates and it is believed to have links to international biker gangs involved in criminality.
Some of its members are suspected of issuing threats to kill former members. In January four members of the gang were arrested by the ERU during a dramatic operation on the Naas Road as they travelled back from Wexford.
The men were suspected of travelling to Wexford to threaten a former associate with a weapon. However, no gun was found during the arrest.
The gang is also suspected of carrying out acts of intimidation on behalf of the Byrne organised crime group over the years.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Government planned to extend sweeping pandemic powers with 45-minute debate

Concerns have been raised after it emerged the Government planned to extend significant elements of emergency Covid powers after a Dáil debate of just 45 minutes .
Members of the Dáil ’ s business committee were told on Monday that the Government intended to extend powers under Part 3 of the Health ( Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest ) Act 2020 , which were due to expire under a “ sunset clause ” on November 9th , until June 2021 .
Many of the regulations key to the Government response to the pandemic were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intention was to include that motion in a 45-minute slot this Thursday scheduled to debate rolling over other , less contentious measures contained in another emergency powers act introduced this year .
A Government source indicated that opposition parties would be approached in an effort to secure more speaking time for the motion , but it has reignited concerns about oversight of extraordinary powers given to the Government in its effort to deal with the virus .
Liam Herrick , executive director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties , said Part 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for multiple regulations introduced by the Minister for Health during the crisis .
“ It gives powers to the Minister for Health to introduce regulations under the Health Act .
That has been the primary legal basis for more than 20 regulations we have had since April , dealing with movement , work , international travel and the passenger information forms , ” he said .
Mr Herrick added that the 45-minute slot allotted “ indicates there ’ s to be no substantive Oireachtas consideration.
” Opposition figures also criticised the move .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clare who chaired the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee , said the move was tantamount to “ stopping parliamentary accountability.
” “ If you take out the ordinary checks and balances of power in a democracy , it ’ s a very dangerous thing , ” he said .
“ If the Government are going to roll over any regulations they need to be debated , ” he said .
Mr McNamara also warned that at a general level , seeking to enforce regulations with fines and legal powers was unlikely to secure public support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that laws work .
I don ’ t think you can police public health , ” he said .
“ If nine months into it we have to deploy the coercive powers of the State , we ’ ve failed profoundly in our messaging , ” he said , adding that much of the early work to flatten the curve of infection was done without the threat of legal sanction .
Mr Herrick said that in March , “ the Government conceded these powers were so extraordinary they would be subject to parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oireachtas for an extension of the period ” , but that the current slot allotted to debate was not sufficient .
David Kenny , assistant professor in the School of Law in Trinity College Dublin , said the introduction of sunsetting is one of the most important elements of powers such as those in question .
“ Serious and rigorous legislative discussion of extension of powers is necessary , as is more active scrutiny by the legislature of the regulations made under these Acts , ” he said .
The powers given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessarily very extensive , and these are some of the only means of democratic oversight we have.
” A note given to members of the Business committee outlines that the powers should be extended as Covid-19 “ still represents a public health emergency and continues to pose a grave threat to human life and public health ” and that recently “ there has been a serious deterioration in the epidemiological situation nationally.
” Given the trajectory of the disease , it argues that some level of restrictions will be required in the weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress has been made in treating the virus , there is still a need for public health measures facilitated by the legislation .

A Garda checkpoint mounted as part of Operation Fanacht on the M4 between Leixlip and Maynooth this month. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
The Dáil is set to sit for an extra day this week in order to give more time to debate extending extraordinary powers given to the State during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Oireachtas Business Committee on Tuesday night agreed a revised schedule which will see three sessions given over to debating the extension of so-called sunset clauses.
There will also be time to debate rules to limit evictions during the Level 5 restrictions coming into place this week.
There is also time set aside on a draft schedule for Thursday and Friday, approved tonight by the Dáil’s business committee, to debate the Mother and Baby Homes records, and for statements on the move to level 5 of Covid restrictions. The committee agreed the schedule with dissent from opposition members on Tuesday evening, with formal ratification to follow in the Dáil later in the evening.
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It comes after civil liberties groups and the Opposition criticised Government plans to allow just 45 minutes of debate for the extension to the a so-called “sunset clause”, which would have seen the powers expire on November 9th.
Members of the Dáil’s Business Committee were told on Monday that the Government intended to extend powers under Part 3 of the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 until June 2021.
Many of the regulations which are key to the Government response to the pandemic were rolled out under this legislation. The move reignited concerns about oversight of extraordinary powers given to the Government in its effort to deal with the virus.
Liam Herrick, executive director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, said this section of the Act has been the basis for multiple regulations introduced by the Minister for Health during the crisis.
“It gives powers to the Minister for Health to introduce regulations under the Health Act. That has been the primary legal basis for more than 20 regulations we have had since April, dealing with movement, work, international travel and the passenger information forms,” he said.
Mr Herrick had said the 45-minute slot allotted indicated that there was “to be no substantive Oireachtas consideration”.
Accountability
Opposition figures also criticised the move. Michael McNamara, an Independent TD for Clare who chairs the Oireachtas Covid-19 Committee, said the move was tantamount to “stopping parliamentary accountability”.
“If you take out the ordinary checks and balances of power in a democracy it’s a very dangerous thing. If the Government are going to roll over any regulations they need to be debated.”
David Kenny, assistant professor in the school of law in Trinity College Dublin, said the introduction of sunsetting is one of the most important elements of powers such as those in question.
“Serious and rigorous legislative discussion of extension of powers is necessary, as is more active scrutiny by the legislature of the regulations made under these Acts,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Only urgent personal injury cases will be heard during Level 5, judge says

Personal injuries actions before the High Court will not go ahead during the Level 5 coronavirus restrictions unless they are urgent , the judge in charge of those cases has said .
Mr Justice Kevin Cross , who had begun to hear some cases from a backlog of more than 300 created during the lockdown earlier this year said only cases with a “ genuine urgency ” will get the go ahead .
Speaking during a remote call over of cases in the personal injuries list on Tuesday , Mr Justice Cross said any witness action at hearing will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are urgent will be heard .
He said he will call over the full personal injuries list on Friday for the month of November to ascertain what cases are urgent .
The call over will be done remotely .
The judge warned , for a case to get on to hearing during this lockdown , there must be a “ real emergency ” .
Personal injury actions had resumed at the High Court last July after a four month absence due to Covid-19 and the first lockdown .
The backlog in unheard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July is believed to be some 300 .
The court had limited the number of legal teams who could be present if a case went to hearing .
Two-party actions involving a maximum of two legal teams could go ahead but actions involving multi-party involvement could only get a hearing if they were represented by one legal team on each side .
The call over of cases which , before the pandemic , involved a packed courtroom is now done remotely to avoid a large number of people congregating in court at any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told consultations and negotiations which would normally have happened in corridors outside court have to take place away from the Four Courts building .
Practitioners must also wear face masks except when addressing the court and each courtroom has been assessed for capacity with certain seats blocked off to allow for social distancing .
To reduce the duration of cases , parties were also told “ to use their best endeavours ” to agree medical and other expert reports .

Mr Justice Kevin Cross said only cases with a ‘genuine urgency will get the go ahead. File photograph: Dara Mac Donaill
Personal injuries actions before the High Court will not go ahead during the Level 5 coronavirus restrictions unless they are urgent, the judge in charge of those cases has said.
Mr Justice Kevin Cross, who had begun to hear some cases from a backlog of more than 300 created during the lockdown earlier this year said only cases with a “genuine urgency” will get the go ahead.
Speaking during a remote call over of cases in the personal injuries list on Tuesday, Mr Justice Cross said any witness action at hearing will continue but, after that, only cases that are urgent will be heard.
He said he will call over the full personal injuries list on Friday for the month of November to ascertain what cases are urgent. The call over will be done remotely.
READ MORE
The judge warned, for a case to get on to hearing during this lockdown, there must be a “real emergency”.
Personal injury actions had resumed at the High Court last July after a four month absence due to Covid-19 and the first lockdown.
The backlog in unheard personal injury cases since mid March to July is believed to be some 300.
The court had limited the number of legal teams who could be present if a case went to hearing. Two-party actions involving a maximum of two legal teams could go ahead but actions involving multi-party involvement could only get a hearing if they were represented by one legal team on each side.
The call over of cases which, before the pandemic, involved a packed courtroom is now done remotely to avoid a large number of people congregating in court at any one time.
Lawyers have also been told consultations and negotiations which would normally have happened in corridors outside court have to take place away from the Four Courts building.
Practitioners must also wear face masks except when addressing the court and each courtroom has been assessed for capacity with certain seats blocked off to allow for social distancing.
To reduce the duration of cases, parties were also told “to use their best endeavours” to agree medical and other expert reports .


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Going to Higher Options this November? Plan ahead!

The pandemic has seen to it that Higher Options , Ireland ’ s main information-gathering opportunity for secondary school students , can not be held in its traditional format this year .
Instead , The Irish Times will bring Ireland ’ s top universities under the one digital roof .
On November 4th and 5th from 1pm to 6pm each day , thousands of registered fifth and sixth year students will log in to a virtual Higher Options portal where they will learn about college courses and chat with lecturers and current students .
They and their parents or guardians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ask questions of the schools and departments from multiple universities in the space of a few hours - no matter whether they are based in Ireland , the UK and from across the EU .
The portal will feature live presentations from academics and Q & A sessions as well as live chats with current students and talks from well-known figures and personalities on numerous topics of interest ranging from how to map a career in Science to what the future of business holds for graduates .
This year ’ s Higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eileen Keleghan of the CAO , Damien Dempsey , Aoife Moore , Lorry Kehoe and Anne Kiely .
The Irish Times will also publish a special Open Days/Higher Options supplement on November 3rd ( the date of the US election ) with information on how to get the most out of virtual open days and what to expect from college next year .
So how do you enrol ?
Bookings for attendees and exhibitors are open from now until Monday , 2nd November .
To book a place , go to : higheroptions.vfairs.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now available about colleges and courses that it can sometimes be a challenge to absorb it all .
It is always a worthwhile practice for prospective students to take some time and do some preparatory work in advance of attending Higher Options .
First off , it is worth considering what type of college is best suited for you .
Chat with your career guidance counsellor or send them an email , talk to parents and other third-level students if you can .
Research the courses that may be of interest before logging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of questions .
As a rule of thumb , it is a good idea to ask the same questions during each visit or at each ‘ stall ’ to get as measured an understanding of each institution as is possible .
You should try to tailor your questions to suit your interests and needs .
Ask about the course !
What are the academic requirements ?
Will the course make graduates more employable ?
What areas are covered in the course and how is it assessed ?
How will lectures be delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group supervision ?
Thirdly , prospective students should not forget the practical questions - while the answers may not be forthcoming yet thanks to Covid-19 , they are worth asking .
Ask about the accommodation options : how much does university accommodation cost .
In the event of a return to campus this academic year , will college provide flexible options for students who only wish to stay for a couple of days in the event of their lectures being grouped together ?
How far are rooms from the campus , and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fourthly , students with particular needs should seek relevant information : for example , are you in any way adversely affected by distance learning , do you have special audio-visual requirements ?
Do you have the right equipment to work remotely and do you have access to a broadband connection ?
Again , in the event of a return to campus , is it accessible enough , is it wheelchair-friendly , does the college in question have transition and support programmes in place ?

On November 4th and 5th from 1pm to 6pm each day, thousands of registered fifth and sixth year students will log in to the virtual Higher Options portal (above).
The pandemic has seen to it that Higher Options, Ireland’s main information-gathering opportunity for secondary school students, cannot be held in its traditional format this year.
Instead, The Irish Times will bring Ireland’s top universities under the one digital roof. On November 4th and 5th from 1pm to 6pm each day, thousands of registered fifth and sixth year students will log in to a virtual Higher Options portal where they will learn about college courses and chat with lecturers and current students.
They and their parents or guardians will have the opportunity to engage directly and ask questions of the schools and departments from multiple universities in the space of a few hours - no matter whether they are based in Ireland, the UK and from across the EU.
The portal will feature live presentations from academics and Q&A sessions as well as live chats with current students and talks from well-known figures and personalities on numerous topics of interest ranging from how to map a career in Science to what the future of business holds for graduates.
READ MORE
This year's Higher Options guest speakers include Brian Mooney, Eileen Keleghan of the CAO, Damien Dempsey, Aoife Moore, Lorry Kehoe and Anne Kiely.
The Irish Times will also publish a special Open Days/Higher Options supplement on November 3rd (the date of the US election) with information on how to get the most out of virtual open days and what to expect from college next year.
So how do you enrol?
Bookings for attendees and exhibitors are open from now until Monday, 2nd November.
To book a place, go to: higheroptions.vfairs.com
Stands can be booked up until 27th October.
Come with questions
Of course there is so much information now available about colleges and courses that it can sometimes be a challenge to absorb it all.
It is always a worthwhile practice for prospective students to take some time and do some preparatory work in advance of attending Higher Options.
First off, it is worth considering what type of college is best suited for you.
Chat with your career guidance counsellor or send them an email, talk to parents and other third-level students if you can. Research the courses that may be of interest before logging in.
Secondly, write down a list of questions. As a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to ask the same questions during each visit or at each ‘stall’ to get as measured an understanding of each institution as is possible.
You should try to tailor your questions to suit your interests and needs. Ask about the course! What are the academic requirements? Will the course make graduates more employable? What areas are covered in the course and how is it assessed? How will lectures be delivered and does the course feature one-on-one or group supervision?
Thirdly, prospective students should not forget the practical questions - while the answers may not be forthcoming yet thanks to Covid-19, they are worth asking. Ask about the accommodation options: how much does university accommodation cost. In the event of a return to campus this academic year, will college provide flexible options for students who only wish to stay for a couple of days in the event of their lectures being grouped together? How far are rooms from the campus, and how much should students budget for them?
Fourthly, students with particular needs should seek relevant information: for example, are you in any way adversely affected by distance learning, do you have special audio-visual requirements? Do you have the right equipment to work remotely and do you have access to a broadband connection? Again, in the event of a return to campus, is it accessible enough, is it wheelchair-friendly, does the college in question have transition and support programmes in place?


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Conditions imposed on pharmacist’s registration over supply of controlled drug

A pharmacist has had conditions attached to his registration after being found guilty of poor professional performance over supplying 200 capsules of a controlled drug to a patient who died by suicide some three days later .
There is no suggestion the pharmacist ’ s actions caused the young man ’ s death , High Court president Ms Justice Mary Irvine was told .
A postmortem found , in addition to Seconal Sodium , the barbiturate supplied by the pharmacist , there were two other drugs in the man ’ s system .
The judge said this was a case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , having taken all factors into account , including the adverse impact of the events on the pharmacist himself , she had no hesitation approving the conditions .
Those require the pharmacist to arrange for three audits of his practice over an 18-month period to ensure it complies with the applicable professional standards for dispensing controlled drugs and drugs unlicensed for supply here .
The patient ’ s father made a complaint in March 2018 to the Pharmaceutical Council of Ireland ( PCI ) about the supply of medications to his son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supervising and superintendent pharmacist at the pharmacy in question .
The PCI ’ s Professional Conduct Committee later held an inquiry in private into a number of allegations .
It was alleged the pharmacist , on dates between January 1st and February 27th , 2018 , failed to take any , or any adequate steps , on foot of prescriptions presented by the patient for supply of Seconal Sodium , a schedule 2 controlled drug unlicensed for supply in Ireland , to confirm the drug was legitimately prescribed by a registered medical practitioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was also alleged the pharmacist had , about February 27th , 2018 , supplied 200 Seconal Sodium 50mg capsules to the patent on foot of a prescription which was forged/fraudulent without taking any , or any adequate steps , to confirm the medication had been legitimately prescribed and the dosage was appropriate for the patient .
The committee found both allegations were proven beyond reasonable doubt and , when viewed together , amounted to poor professional performance .
In considering sanction , it took into account mitigating factors , including admissions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his regret over his performance , the adverse impact on him resulting from the patient ’ s death , and his participation in a course to ensure his practice complied with the applicable professional standards .
The committee recommended to the council the pharmacist should be censured with conditions attached to his registration , including he would engage a suitably qualified pharmacist to carry out three audits at six monthly intervals to ensure his practice conformed to the applicable professional standards concerning the dispensing of controlled drugs .
Zoe Richardson , of Field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied to Ms Justice Irvine on Monday to confirm the conditions .
Counsel for the pharmacist said he had made admissions and has been adversely impacted by the matter .
In her ruling , the judge said the facts concerned a very tragic outcome of the death of a patient who had some of the drug in his body when a post mortem was carried out She acknowledged the “ immense pain ” the patient ’ s family must be feeling , which his father had expressed in writing .
She noted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in private because he considered the tragedy which befell his son might be a learning experience for others to prevent similar tragedies in the future .
The judge said she was also mindful of the adverse impact of this matter on the pharmacist .
She agreed the allegations against the pharmacist were serious and also took into account his admissions , his insight , the regret he had expressed about his performance and his engagement with the applicable internal processes to prevent a recurrence .
Having taken the various factors into account , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not overly onerous or disproportionate and would help ensure his practice is brought into line with what is required of a professional pharmacist and maintain public confidence and trust in the profession .

A pharmacist has had conditions attached to his registration after being found guilty of poor professional performance over supplying 200 capsules of a controlled drug to a patient who died by suicide some three days later.
There is no suggestion the pharmacist’s actions caused the young man’s death, High Court president Ms Justice Mary Irvine was told. A postmortem found, in addition to Seconal Sodium, the barbiturate supplied by the pharmacist, there were two other drugs in the man’s system.
The judge said this was a case of “high emotion and sadness” and, having taken all factors into account, including the adverse impact of the events on the pharmacist himself, she had no hesitation approving the conditions.
Those require the pharmacist to arrange for three audits of his practice over an 18-month period to ensure it complies with the applicable professional standards for dispensing controlled drugs and drugs unlicensed for supply here.
READ MORE
The patient’s father made a complaint in March 2018 to the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) about the supply of medications to his son by the pharmacist, who was the supervising and superintendent pharmacist at the pharmacy in question.
The PSI’s Professional Conduct Committee later held an inquiry in private into a number of allegations. It was alleged the pharmacist, on dates between January 1st and February 27th, 2018, failed to take any, or any adequate steps, on foot of prescriptions presented by the patient for supply of Seconal Sodium, a schedule 2 controlled drug unlicensed for supply in Ireland, to confirm the drug was legitimately prescribed by a registered medical practitioner and was clinically and therapeutically appropriate.
It was also alleged the pharmacist had, about February 27th, 2018, supplied 200 Seconal Sodium 50mg capsules to the patent on foot of a prescription which was forged/fraudulent without taking any, or any adequate steps, to confirm the medication had been legitimately prescribed and the dosage was appropriate for the patient.
The committee found both allegations were proven beyond reasonable doubt and, when viewed together, amounted to poor professional performance.
In considering sanction, it took into account mitigating factors, including admissions of poor professional performance by the pharmacist, his regret over his performance, the adverse impact on him resulting from the patient’s death, and his participation in a course to ensure his practice complied with the applicable professional standards.
The committee recommended to the PSI that the pharmacist should be censured with conditions attached to his registration, including he would engage a suitably qualified pharmacist to carry out three audits at six monthly intervals to ensure his practice conformed to the applicable professional standards concerning the dispensing of controlled drugs.
Zoe Richardson, of Field Fisher solicitors, for the PSI, applied to Ms Justice Irvine on Monday to confirm the conditions. Counsel for the pharmacist said he had made admissions and has been adversely impacted by the matter.
In her ruling, the judge said the facts concerned a very tragic outcome of the death of a patient who had some of the drug in his body when a post mortem was carried out
She acknowledged the “immense pain” the patient’s family must be feeling, which his father had expressed in writing. She noted the father had opposed the matter being heard in private because he considered the tragedy which befell his son might be a learning experience for others to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The judge said she was also mindful of the adverse impact of this matter on the pharmacist.
She agreed the allegations against the pharmacist were serious and also took into account his admissions, his insight, the regret he had expressed about his performance and his engagement with the applicable internal processes to prevent a recurrence.
Having taken the various factors into account, she was satisfied the proposed conditions were not overly onerous or disproportionate and would help ensure his practice is brought into line with what is required of a professional pharmacist and maintain public confidence and trust in the profession.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Union ‘cannot be convinced’ children will safely return to school after mid-term

A teachers ’ union said it “ can not be convinced ” children will safely return to school after the mid-term break in light of the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the community .
On Monday , the Government announced the country was moving to Level 5 of the Living with Covid plan , under which schools will remain open , from Wednesday .
Speaking at the announcement on Monday night , Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was “ necessary ” to keep schools open to avoid young people ’ s futures becoming “ another victim ” of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) also recommended schools remain open for the six -week period .
However , John Boyle , general secretary of the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation , said the Government ’ s approach to testing was “ shambolic ” and there were now eight or nine days to prove schools were safe .
“ Back in March the Government made the right decision to close schools , we worked so hard to reopen schools , but three months on I can not be convinced by Micheál Martin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be returning after Halloween to a safe school and of course it ’ s vital that their education continues , but it ’ s even more vital for their families that they will remain safe , ” Mr Boyle told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland .
“ Will parents put their children on the bus ?
Will teachers who are pregnant or teachers who have underlying health conditions , will their doctors allow them back into schools when the virus is so high in the community that Dr [ Colm ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is a great threat to schools.
” He said “ the shambolic approch of public health to the tracking , to the testing and the surveillance of our sector is going to be sorted out before the first Monday in November ” .
The teachers unions will be meeting with Nphet today , Mr Boyle said , and they are prepared to work with public health officials to ensure schools were safe , but he had concerns about the data to date and exactly how many children and teachers had contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland , said there was a lot of anecdotal evidence of long delays in contact tracing after cases were identified in schools .
The union will be balloting its members as the union needs to be in a position to “ react with agility ” if they need to take action .
“ We want schools to open , but we want them to open safely , ” he said .
Mr Christie said he needed to be convinced but that the evidence was sparse .
“ What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the pronouncements.
” However , speaking on the same programme , Minister for Housing Darragh O ’ Brien said “ schools will be back ” after the break .
“ It ’ s really important that people understand that schools will remain open .
Where concerns are raised by teachers , of course they will be addressed , ” he said .
“ This Government respects teachers and the work they ’ re doing because our kids and their education is absolutely vitally important .
Everything we are doing , and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to make sure our kids and our young adults continue to get education and continue to go to school .
”

The Government plans to keep schools open under Level 5 of the Living with Covid plan. File photograph: The Irish Times
Minister for Education Norma Foley has said schools can be "assured" that all necessary measures will be put in place to ensure a successful return to school after the Halloween break.
Ms Foley’s comments come after teachers’ unions expressed concern that children would not be able return to school safely after the mid-term break due to rising cases of Covid-19 in the community and perceived weaknesses in testing and contract tracing for schools.
Acknowledging that there “will always be concerns” the Minister said that “when schools closed in March there was concern whether we could ever successfully reopen schools. But because of the efforts of all there has been a very safe and successful return”.
The Minister said public health resources for testing and tracing in schools would be “broadened and strengthened.”
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School teams were being put in place in each HSE area supporting the work of public health teams, she explained.
Ms Foley said everybody in the school sector was working to keep schools open and continue children’s education safely through the pandemic.
"Everything that's being done, every step of the way, is underpinned by public health," she told RTÉ radio's News at One.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation said it “cannot be convinced” children will safely return to school after the mid-term break.
"Back in March the Government made the right decision to close schools, we worked so hard to reopen schools, but three months on I cannot be convinced by Micheál Martin's comments last night that the children will be returning after Halloween to a safe school and of course it's vital that their education continues, but it's even more vital for their families that they will remain safe," general secretary John Boyle said.
“Will parents put their children on the bus? Will teachers who are pregnant or teachers who have underlying health conditions, will their doctors allow them back into schools when the virus is so high in the community that Dr [Colm] Henry stated a couple of days ago that it is a great threat to schools.”
He said “the shambolic approach of public health to the tracking, to the testing and the surveillance of our sector is going to be sorted out before the first Monday in November”.
Kieran Christie of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, said there was a lot of anecdotal evidence of long delays in contact tracing after cases were identified in schools.
The union will be balloting its members as the union needs to be in a position to “react with agility” if they need to take action. “We want schools to open, but we want them to open safely,” he said.
However, speaking on the same programme, Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien said "schools will be back" after the break.
“It’s really important that people understand that schools will remain open. Where concerns are raised by teachers, of course they will be addressed,” he said.
“Everything we are doing, and one of the things we are doing, is to make sure our kids and our young adults continue to get education and continue to go to school.”
On Monday, the Government announced the country was moving to Level 5 of the Living with Covid plan, under which schools will remain open, from Wednesday.
Speaking at the announcement on Monday night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was “necessary” to keep schools open to avoid young people’s futures becoming “another victim” of Covid-19.
The advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) also recommended schools remain open for the six-week period.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Cork city centre is hit by flooding as river Lee bursts its banks

Cork city centre was hit by severe flooding on Tuesday morning with many business owners having to bail out waters after the river Lee burst its banks .
Several property owners on Winthrop Street between Oliver Plunkett Street and Patrick Street were flooded as water from the South Channel of the Lee burst its banks and flowed across the South Mall .
Waters streamed through Pembroke St and adjacent streets like Marlboro St , Cook St and Princes St on to Oliver Plunkett St and from there it flowed on to Winthrop St. Business owners in Cork city centre were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as high tides caused the south channel of the river Lee to burst its banks and sent water shooting down into low lying areas .
Cork City Council advised motorists to avoid the city centre until at least 10am but gardaí were forced to close off a number of low-lying streets as flood waters began to make some streets impassable .
Critically the high tides flooded the South Mall and spilled over the central median in the street and began flowing down sides streets such as Pembroke St , Cook St , Marlboro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St .
Although the flood waters were as deep as a foot on Pembroke St resulting in flood waters surrounding the GPO on Oliver Plunkett St , businesses appeared to have avoided damage due to a combination of high steps and sand bags .
Cork City Council Director of Services David Joyce said business owners on the low-lying city centre street had heeded council warnings about the flooding and they had sandbagged their doors to stop waters entering their properties .
“ It ’ s not as bad as we thought it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s still a huge amount of water coming in off the south channel – the South Mall is impassable but so far no properties appear to have been damaged , ” he said .
However up to 30 car owners may be counting the cost after leaving their cars parked on Fr Mathew Quay , Morrison ’ s Island and the South Mall where flood waters rose well over their door sills and entered the cars .
Further upstream on the south channel , the Lee also overspilled its banks at Wandesford Quay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the council had delivered sandbags to the residents in these areas .
It appears this morning that most of the houses in both Sharman Crawford and Crosses Green escaped flooding this morning having also escaped last night as high tide sent waters brimming their sand bagged doorsteps .
Across the city centre , the north channel of the river Lee spilled out through openings in the quay walls at Lavitts Quay flooding the roadway but business owners were saved from flooding by having high steps into their properties .
According to Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Mall and Oliver Plunkett St and the streets linking the two came through Morrison ’ s Island this morning and would be addressed by the planned Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme .
He said the €150 OPW Lower Lee Flood Relief and Management Scheme drawn up in the wake of 2009 flood which inundated much of the city centre included an element to specifically address tidal flooding from Morrison ’ s Island .
However , the OPW scheme has met with opposition from a campaign group , Save Cork City which claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building walls , which will limit access to the river and will fail to protect the city from flooding .
The group has mounted a number of legal challenges to Cork City Council ’ s €6 million Morrison ’ s Island Public Realm Project , which is incorporated in the OPW scheme to protect the area from tidal flooding from the south channel of the Lee .
Save Cork City mounted a legal challenge in 2019 to the Morrison ’ s Island Public Realm Project which forced the city council to submit a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which granted planning for the project in June .
Save Cork City has appealed to the High Court for leave to seek a judicial review of the An Bord Pleanála decision with the High Court due to rule on November 3rd on whether or not the group can proceed with the challenge .
Last month , Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW , Patrick O Donovan visited Cork and said while he respected people ’ s right to object , the situation on Leeside was becoming too serious and too urgent @

Rising flood waters have led to parts of Cork city centre being flooded with some business owners having to bail out waters after the River Lee burst its banks. Video: The Irish Examiner, Richard Jacob/Idaho Cafe & Provision
A Government Minister has urged campaigners opposed to a €150 million flood relief scheme in Cork to withdraw legal action delaying delivery of the project in the wake of the latest floods to hit the city centre.
Minister of State at the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan urged the campaigners to consider withdrawing the review application.
“Everybody has a right to object and I am fully supportive of the legal processes that are in place but the OPW and Cork City Council have taken on board an awful lot of the views that were expressed.
“I’m appealing to people to think again, pull back from what is going on and consider withdrawing the judicial review [application] that is preventing the Lower Lee Flood Relief scheme from going ahead,” he said.
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O’Briens coffee shop staff pictured during heavy flooding on Winthrop street, Cork. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
The proposed OPW Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme was drawn up in the wake of the 2009 flood which hit much of the low lying parts of Cork city.
But the OPW has met opposition from campaign group Save Cork City which claims that the plan is too dependent on building walls which will limit access to the river and will fail to protect the city from flooding.
Save Cork City has mounted a number of legal challenges to Cork City Council’s €6 million Morrison’s Island Public Realm Project, which forms part of the OPW scheme to protect the area from flooding.
The group mounted a legal challenge in 2019 to the Morrison’s Island project which forced the council to submit a new planning application to An Bord Pleanála which granted planning for the project last June.
But Save Cork City has since appealed to the High Court for leave to seek a judicial review of the An Bord Pleanála decision. The court is due to rule on November 3rd on whether the group can proceed with the legal challenge.
Heavy flooding on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
Cork city centre was hit by severe flooding on Tuesday morning with many business owners having to bail out waters after the river Lee burst its banks. Gardaí were forced to close off a number of low-lying streets as flood waters, up to a foot high in places, began to make some streets impassable.
Up to 30 car owners may be counting the cost after leaving their cars parked on Fr Mathew Quay, Morrison's Island and the South Mall where flood waters rose well over their door sills and entered the cars.
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin pledged supports for businesses and residents hit by the flooding. He said “the long-term plan is the OPW plan” and the scheme should be allowed to go ahead.
Crosses Green in Cork city. Photograph: Cork City Fire Brigade
Cork City Council director of services David Joyce said business owners on the low-lying city centre street had heeded council warnings about the flooding and they had sandbagged their doors to stop waters entering their properties.
“It’s not as bad as we thought it would be two hours ago but there’s still a huge amount of water coming in off the south channel – the South Mall is impassable but so far no properties appear to have been damaged,” he said.
According to Mr Joyce, all the flooding on the South Mall and Oliver Plunkett Street and the streets linking the two came through Morrison’s Island and would be addressed by the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme.
Speaking after visiting some of the flooded businesses in the Oliver Plunkett and Winthrop Street areas, Mr O’Donovan said he felt for traders hit by the flooding given all the other challenges they face.
“There are traders in this city, who are two days away from a six-week lockdown. We won’t be able to deliver a flood relief scheme in six weeks but what we can deliver is a degree of certainty so we can move forward.”
And he reiterated his appeal to Save Cork City to think again, withdraw their application so work can start on the scheme as quickly as possible.
“I would appeal to them to look at the faces of those traders in Princes Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Marlboro Street, all over Morrison’s Island and tell them it’s okay to have this dragged out further because it’s not okay.
“We have listened to the objections, we have modified the scheme, it is a better scheme, it is more aesthetic – we have taken an awful lot of points on board – it’s there to protect the city and it needs to be delivered.”
Mr O’Donovan said it was inevitable that similar floods would take place in Cork city centre over the coming years unless the flood relief scheme was complete.
Ezra MacManamon of the OPW said that the Morrison’s Island project, which would address up to 80 per cent of the tidal flooding that affects Cork city centre, would be completed by now but for the various objections.
“We estimate the construction will take 12-18 months but now who knows when it is going to get started? If the objectors are granted leave in November to seek a judicial review, then that hearing may not take place until next year.
“There is a legal process under way where Save Cork City is seeking leave to take a judicial review – I can’t interfere with that but nobody has a monopoly on saving Cork city, the OPW and Cork City Council want to save Cork city too.”
Save Cork City issued a statement in which it said it was “very saddened” to see people in difficulty due to Tuesday’s flooding in Cork but said it had worked at all times to ensure Cork got a flood defence system it deserved.
“We will reconsider all our actions in the next few days including any court action,” said the group but stressed that it still believed the OPW plan based on building walls along the quays was not the way forward for Cork.
“The one solution of flood defence walls and demountable barriers offered to Cork is out of step with current thinking and far more destructive to the city than other possibilities.
“Many changes have taken place since the inception of the flood walls by the drainage department of OPW and the costs now mean that better solutions have become viable and preferable.”
Save Cork City said the OPW and Cork City Council plan for Morrison’s Island would have not prevented the flooding that occurred on Monday night and Tuesday morning in the centre of Cork city and people needed to know that.
“Serious concerns over the Morrison’s Island scheme have been raised relating to groundwater changes and a connection to the subsidence of buildings in the Island of Cork that haven’t been resolved.
“Cork cannot face years of construction of flood walls in the city that don’t provide a solution to protect people and would fail,” said the group, adding that the failures would become obvious over time.