theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Number of school leavers choosing apprenticeships doubles

The number of school-leavers choosing apprenticeships has doubled in recent years as rising numbers of pupils look towards “ earn and learn ” options .
Some 17,500 young people are now completing apprenticeships , more than twice the 8,300 in apprenticeships in 2015 .
Apprenticeships typically involve a combination of learning on-the-job with an employer as well as studying in college .
Many new “ white collar ” apprenticeships in areas such as accounting , real estate and insurance pay learners between €17,000 and €30,000 a year .
They typically offer a certificate or degree-level qualification at the end or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprenticeships are growing in popularity , there is a major gender gap in the sector , with women accounting for just over 3 per cent – or 600 – of the 17,500 apprentices .
The bulk of learners are still in traditional craft areas – such as construction , electrical , engineering and motor mechanics – which are dominated by men .
Of the almost 6,000 or so new registrations in apprenticeships in 2019 , almost 5,000 were in these traditional craft areas , while around 1,000 were in “ new ” apprenticeships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gender representation in these new apprenticeships which span areas such as financial services , laboratory analysis , hospitality and sales .
In many of these new programmes , the number of potential apprentices applying for positions is higher than the number of employers available to employ them .
For example , in the case of tech apprenticeships last year , there were more than 1,500 applications for just 34 apprentice jobs in the civil service .
In the case of the accounting technicians ’ apprenticeship , each year there have been on average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solas is planning for significant growth this year with a further 23 new apprenticeship programmes due to be launched .
These new programmes will include training for the occupations of recruitment executive , sales specialists , advanced healthcare assistant and quantity surveyor .
While demand is growing , Solas , the State body with responsibility for the sector , says take-up of new apprenticeships developed since 2016 by employers has been slower than envisaged .
Some groups such as the Restaurants Association of Ireland say a key obstacle is the fact that employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college .
This is in contrast to other apprenticeships developed before 2016 – such those in the construction sector – where a training allowance is paid by the State to apprentices while attending off-the-job training .
Solas has said this arrangement was a policy decision taken as part of the apprenticeship review in 2014 .
It says the new apprenticeship system was developed in consultation with educational institutions and industry and was aimed at allowing more flexibility in their design .
Overall , it says , the number of participating employers is rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprentices on the “ new ” apprenticeship programmes is increasing with a total of 540 employers in 2018 compared to around 1,000 at the end of 2019 .
Latest figures show there are more than 6,000 apprenticeship employers , compared to about 3,500 in 2015 .
To support apprenticeship expansion , the Government is due to provide an additional €27 million to develop the sector this year .
Solas is planning to continue its “ generation apprenticeship ” campaign this year to boost awareness among school-leavers , and has also launched a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprenticeship.ie to make it easier to find vacancies .

The bulk of apprentices are still in traditional craft areas which continue to be dominated by men.
The number of school-leavers choosing apprenticeships has doubled in recent years as rising numbers of pupils look towards “earn and learn” options.
Some 17,500 young people are now completing apprenticeships, more than twice the 8,300 in apprenticeships in 2015.
Apprenticeships typically involve a combination of learning on-the-job with an employer as well as studying in college.
Many new “white collar” apprenticeships in areas such as accounting, real estate and insurance pay learners between €17,000 and €30,000 a year.
READ MORE
They typically offer a certificate or degree-level qualification at the end or a two- or three-year programme.
While apprenticeships are growing in popularity, there is a major gender gap in the sector, with women accounting for just over 3 per cent – or 600 – of the 17,500 apprentices. The bulk of learners are still in traditional craft areas – such as construction, electrical, engineering and motor mechanics – which are dominated by men.
Traditional craft
Of the almost 6,000 or so new registrations in apprenticeships in 2019, almost 5,000 were in these traditional craft areas, while around 1,000 were in “new” apprenticeships.
There is a much more even gender representation in these new apprenticeships which span areas such as financial services, laboratory analysis, hospitality and sales.
In many of these new programmes, the number of potential apprentices applying for positions is higher than the number of employers available to employ them.
For example, in the case of tech apprenticeships last year, there were more than 1,500 applications for just 34 apprentice jobs in the civil service.
In the case of the accounting technicians’ apprenticeship, each year there have been on average three applications for every available job.
Solas is planning for significant growth this year with a further 23 new apprenticeship programmes due to be launched.
These new programmes will include training for the occupations of recruitment executive, sales specialists, advanced healthcare assistant and quantity surveyor.
While demand is growing, Solas, the State body with responsibility for the sector, says take-up of new apprenticeships developed since 2016 by employers has been slower than envisaged.
Obstacles
Some groups such as the Restaurants Association of Ireland say a key obstacle is the fact that employers must pay apprentices while they are at college.
This is in contrast to other apprenticeships developed before 2016 – such those in the construction sector – where a training allowance is paid by the State to apprentices while attending off-the-job training.
Solas has said this arrangement was a policy decision taken as part of the apprenticeship review in 2014.
It says the new apprenticeship system was developed in consultation with educational institutions and industry and was aimed at allowing more flexibility in their design.
Overall, it says, the number of participating employers is rising year-on-year.
The numbers of employers hiring apprentices on the “new” apprenticeship programmes is increasing with a total of 540 employers in 2018 compared to around 1,000 at the end of 2019.
Latest figures show there are more than 6,000 apprenticeship employers, compared to about 3,500 in 2015.
To support apprenticeship expansion, the Government is due to provide an additional €27 million to develop the sector this year.
Solas is planning to continue its "generation apprenticeship" campaign this year to boost awareness among school-leavers, and has also launched a new "apprenticeship jobs" platform online at apprenticeship.ie to make it easier to find vacancies.


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--‘The clock is ticking and the time to green our labs is now!’

What is the main area of research in neuroscience ?
“ I am interested in brain cells that become damaged during the autoimmune disorder multiple sclerosis .
I am currently the lead PI ( principal investigator ) and co-ordinator of a €3.9 million EU-funded Innovative Training Network , which aims to develop a novel device for treating the late , progressive phase of MS .
The consortium will train 15 PhD students based in eight countries across Europe and five of these students are based in Cúram , the SFI-funded Centre for Research on Medical Devices at NUI Galway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative – how did you develop an interest in the environmental impact of labs ?
I was inspired by a book that I read in 2018 called No .
More .
Plastic .
by Martin Dorey .
I immediately changed my shopping habits , I bought keep cups , reusable water bottles and life-long shopping bags .
That was all very well , but once I walked through the labs at work , alarm bells started ringing , as I was witnessing and contributing to the wholesale disposal of large volumes of laboratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did you do next ?
After doing some digging online , I discovered disturbing statistics about the impact of lab activities on the environment .
For example , while the average Irish person generates 61kg of plastic per year , a study completed in the University of Exeter estimated that the average bench scientist generates around 1,000kg of plastic per year .
In addition , labs can use 10 times more energy than office spaces .
How did you start to make your own lab greener ?
By far the best road map @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practices is produced by mygreenlab.org – a non-profit company whose mission is to create a culture of sustainability through science .
Its CEO , Allison Paradise , is a neuroscientist who left the lab in 2013 in order to set up the non-profit .
She is an inspiring leader .
One statistic she explained stuck out for me , which is that if just 2 per cent of lab plastics were diverted from landfill , it would offset carbon emissions equivalent to the planting of 100 million acres of rainforest .
We found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MyGreenLab to be a great tool for defining and improving laboratory practices .
We registered our lab with MyGreenLab , which involved answering around 200 questions , covering 10 different aspects of lab activities : energy , water , lighting , waste , green chemistry , transport , recycling , cold storage , autoclaves and purchasing .
The lab was given an initial rating and , over the following six to eight months , our researchers and facilities managers collaborated with staff in MyGreenLab to improve scores and embed green lab practices within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moon when we heard that our final rating was in the top-scoring band of “ green ” .
On November 7th , the same day that I gave a talk about green labs at the Science Foundation Ireland Summit , our Cúram lab at NUIG became the first lab in Europe to be Green Lab certified .
Congratulations !
What would you say to others who are alarmed by the rising tide of single-use plastics and other consumables in the lab ?
The clock is ticking and the time to green our labs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the initiative across Ireland – we have many labs across third-level institutions , public sector bodies , State and hospital facilities , and I think lab users and funders can play a huge role in making them greener .
To this end , I was delighted to have recently been invited to chair the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland working group that is focusing on greening public sector labs .
”

Dr Una FitzGerald at the 2019 Science Foundation Ireland summit. ‘On November 7th, our Cúram lab at NUIG became the first lab in Europe to be Green Lab certified,’ she says. Photograph: Jason Clarke
What is the main area of research in neuroscience?
“I am interested in brain cells that become damaged during the autoimmune disorder multiple sclerosis. I am currently the lead PI (principal investigator) and co-ordinator of a €3.9 million EU-funded Innovative Training Network, which aims to develop a novel device for treating the late, progressive phase of MS.
The consortium will train 15 PhD students based in eight countries across Europe and five of these students are based in Cúram, the SFI-funded Centre for Research on Medical Devices at NUI Galway.
You also lead the Galway Green Labs initiative – how did you develop an interest in the environmental impact of labs?
READ MORE
I was inspired by a book that I read in 2018 called No. More. Plastic. by Martin Dorey. I immediately changed my shopping habits, I bought keep cups, reusable water bottles and life-long shopping bags. That was all very well, but once I walked through the labs at work, alarm bells started ringing, as I was witnessing and contributing to the wholesale disposal of large volumes of laboratory plastics on a daily basis.
What did you do next?
After doing some digging online, I discovered disturbing statistics about the impact of lab activities on the environment. For example, while the average Irish person generates 61kg of plastic per year, a study completed in the University of Exeter estimated that the average bench scientist generates around 1,000kg of plastic per year. In addition, labs can use 10 times more energy than office spaces.
How did you start to make your own lab greener?
By far the best road map that I found for implementing green lab practices is produced by mygreenlab.org – a non-profit company whose mission is to create a culture of sustainability through science.
Its CEO, Allison Paradise, is a neuroscientist who left the lab in 2013 in order to set up the non-profit. She is an inspiring leader. One statistic she explained stuck out for me, which is that if just 2 per cent of lab plastics were diverted from landfill, it would offset carbon emissions equivalent to the planting of 100 million acres of rainforest. We found the Green Lab Certification programme run by MyGreenLab to be a great tool for defining and improving laboratory practices.
What practical steps were involved?
We registered our lab with MyGreenLab, which involved answering around 200 questions, covering 10 different aspects of lab activities: energy, water, lighting, waste, green chemistry, transport, recycling, cold storage, autoclaves and purchasing.
The lab was given an initial rating and, over the following six to eight months, our researchers and facilities managers collaborated with staff in MyGreenLab to improve scores and embed green lab practices within the workplace.
We were over the moon when we heard that our final rating was in the top-scoring band of "green". On November 7th, the same day that I gave a talk about green labs at the Science Foundation Ireland Summit, our Cúram lab at NUIG became the first lab in Europe to be Green Lab certified.
Congratulations! What would you say to others who are alarmed by the rising tide of single-use plastics and other consumables in the lab?
The clock is ticking and the time to green our labs is now! We hope to roll out the initiative across Ireland – we have many labs across third-level institutions, public sector bodies, State and hospital facilities, and I think lab users and funders can play a huge role in making them greener.
To this end, I was delighted to have recently been invited to chair the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland working group that is focusing on greening public sector labs.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Gardaí run foul of watchdog over penalty point cancellations

An independent watchdog has criticised gardaí for their continuing failure to provide details of the circumstances why they seek to have penalty points cancelled when detected speeding while on duty .
Retired District Court president Judge Matthew Deery – who oversees the process by gardaí of cancelling fixed-charge notices issued to motorists – said the problem was persisting .
And this despite the fact he had previously raised concerns about gardaí not providing specific details as to why they were seeking exemptions .
In order to have any fine or penalty points cancelled , officers detected breaking the speed limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide proof that it occurred in the course of their duty and that such driving did not endanger the public .
In his annual report for 2018 – which was completed 14 months ago but only just published by the Department of Justice – the judge said : “ We are all familiar with the advertisement that ‘ speed kills ’ .
Even accidents at relatively low speeds can cause death or injury.
” The judge said he had advised in the past that gardaí should provide specific reasons for breaking speed limits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite this , applications have continued to be submitted merely stating that the garda was on duty at the time and that road users were not endangered , ” the judge said.
“ If there is an emergency or other good reason to speed that is acceptable ” .
A further comment on the issue by the judge has been redacted by the department .
A departmental spokesperson said it related to advice received from the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) and was redacted with the judge ’ s agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary to raise the matter directly with Garda management .
He contrasted the situation between gardaí and applications from members of the public to have penalty points cancelled .
The judge noted that an application from a doctor who was responding to an emergency where the life of a person was at risk would be considered , while it would be refused if the doctor was travelling to a routine call .
In his fourth annual report , he expressed satisfaction that there had been “ substantial compliance ” with the policy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Decisions on the cancellation of fines and penalty points are now centralised at the Fixed Charge Processing System office in Thurles , Co Tipperary .
The only personnel authorised to cancel fixed-charge notices are the superintendent in charge of the office as well as a superintendent or chief superintendent in the Garda National Traffic Bureau .
All applications for exemptions from gardaí driving their private vehicles are referred to the DPP for decision .
The judge said he had carried out a review of a random sampling on decisions and would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardaí had exercised their discretion on requests to cancel penalty points .
The judge was appointed to the oversight role in 2015 following a controversy over the widespread cancellation of fixed-charge notices by gardaí which had been highlighted by Garda whistleblowers Maurice McCabe and John Wilson .
Welcoming the report , Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said a working group was continuing to oversee developments in the area of processing fixed-charge notices .
Mr Flanagan made no reference to the judge ’ s criticism of gardaí .
The department said publication of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been necessary to consult and seek observations from several State bodies including An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport .

The judge said he had advised in the past that gardaí should provide specific reasons for breaking speed limits when applying for an exemption. Photograph: .
An independent watchdog has criticised gardaí for their continuing failure to provide details of the circumstances why they seek to have penalty points cancelled when detected speeding while on duty.
Retired District Court president Judge Matthew Deery – who oversees the process by gardaí of cancelling fixed-charge notices issued to motorists – said the problem was persisting. And this despite the fact he had previously raised concerns about gardaí not providing specific details as to why they were seeking exemptions.
In order to have any fine or penalty points cancelled, officers detected breaking the speed limit while driving official vehicles are required to provide proof that it occurred in the course of their duty and that such driving did not endanger the public.
In his annual report for 2018 – which was completed 14 months ago but only just published by the Department of Justice – the judge said: “We are all familiar with the advertisement that ‘speed kills’. Even accidents at relatively low speeds can cause death or injury.”
READ MORE
The judge said he had advised in the past that gardaí should provide specific reasons for breaking speed limits when applying for an exemption.
“Despite this, applications have continued to be submitted merely stating that the garda was on duty at the time and that road users were not endangered,” the judge said.“If there is an emergency or other good reason to speed that is acceptable”.
A further comment on the issue by the judge has been redacted by the department. A departmental spokesperson said it related to advice received from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and was redacted with the judge’s agreement.
The judge said it might also be necessary to raise the matter directly with Garda management. He contrasted the situation between gardaí and applications from members of the public to have penalty points cancelled.
The judge noted that an application from a doctor who was responding to an emergency where the life of a person was at risk would be considered, while it would be refused if the doctor was travelling to a routine call.
In his fourth annual report, he expressed satisfaction that there had been “substantial compliance” with the policy and procedures for rescinding fixed-charge notices on motorists.
Decisions on the cancellation of fines and penalty points are now centralised at the Fixed Charge Processing System office in Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Reviewing decisions
The only personnel authorised to cancel fixed-charge notices are the superintendent in charge of the office as well as a superintendent or chief superintendent in the Garda National Traffic Bureau.
All applications for exemptions from gardaí driving their private vehicles are referred to the DPP for decision.
The judge said he had carried out a review of a random sampling on decisions and would not disagree with the manner in which authorised gardaí had exercised their discretion on requests to cancel penalty points.
The judge was appointed to the oversight role in 2015 following a controversy over the widespread cancellation of fixed-charge notices by gardaí which had been highlighted by Garda whistleblowers Maurice McCabe and John Wilson.
Welcoming the report, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said a working group was continuing to oversee developments in the area of processing fixed-charge notices.
Mr Flanagan made no reference to the judge’s criticism of gardaí.
The department said publication of the report had been delayed as it had been necessary to consult and seek observations from several State bodies including An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport.


theirishtimes--2020-01-24--Facebook ‘looking into’ link between Irish website and firm that breached privacy laws

Facebook is examining a commercial arrangement between Irish news website Gript and a company linked to Cambridge Analytica which breached privacy laws during the Brexit referendum campaign in 2016 .
A spokeswoman for the social network confirmed that it was “ looking into ” the relationship between the news website and Canadian firm AggregateIQ ( AIQ ) , which it suspended from its platform in 2018 following claims AIQ had “ improperly received ” Facebook user data .
It is understood Facebook is examining whether the relationship between AIQ and Gript , which was launched last year with funding provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues in light of the ban .
Gript ’ s editor , John McGuirk , on Thursday night said that AIQ does not have any access to his website ’ s social media data .
He said the firm was helping his publication attract new readers by analysing data from its current readership .
“ What we ’ re trying to do in getting as much data as possible [ about readers ] is profile them , figure out the common threads that bring them to us , and reach other readers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Irish Times .
The Canadian federal privacy commissioner found that work done by AIQ during the Brexit campaign had breached Canada ’ s privacy laws .
The UK Information Commissioner ’ s Office also found that AIQ ’ s actions were not in compliance with strict European data protection laws during the campaign , a finding which the company is appealing .
The firm was paid £2.7 million by Vote Leave to target ads during the Brexit campaign .
It also received £33,000 from the DUP for work done before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much he was paying the firm , saying “ you invest in the best tools available if you want to accomplish something in the long term ” .
Privacy and security experts said the available evidence suggested significant data on Gript users was being gathered .
Chris Vickery , director of cyber risk research with UpGuard , who first identified the link between the two companies , said the code he saw on the Irish site was similar to that used on Brexit-related campaign sites , and suggested the firm is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that “ it is not unusual for websites to harvest data on their visitors , and yes , we are doing that , as most sites do ” .
He said the data is not being matched with other databases – such matching techniques have proved controversial elsewhere when used during elections .
Rory Byrne , co-founder of Irish firm SecurityFirst , which provides tools to help human rights defenders with their online security , said AIQ ’ s sophisticated techniques and micro-targeting “ represent a worrying mix of technology that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of regulating ” .

Facebook is examining a commercial arrangement between Irish news website Gript and a company linked to Cambridge Analytica which breached privacy laws during the Brexit referendum campaign in 2016.
A spokeswoman for the social network confirmed that it was “looking into” the relationship between the news website and Canadian firm AggregateIQ (AIQ), which it suspended from its platform in 2018 following claims AIQ had “improperly received” Facebook user data.
It is understood Facebook is examining whether the relationship between AIQ and Gript, which was launched last year with funding provided by the anti-abortion lobby, raises any issues in light of the ban.
Gript’s editor, John McGuirk, on Thursday night said that AIQ does not have any access to his website’s social media data. He said the firm was helping his publication attract new readers by analysing data from its current readership. “What we’re trying to do in getting as much data as possible [about readers] is profile them, figure out the common threads that bring them to us, and reach other readers and bring them to us,” he told The Irish Times.
READ MORE
The Canadian federal privacy commissioner found that work done by AIQ during the Brexit campaign had breached Canada’s privacy laws. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office also found that AIQ’s actions were not in compliance with strict European data protection laws during the campaign, a finding which the company is appealing.
Vote Leave
The firm was paid £2.7 million by Vote Leave to target ads during the Brexit campaign. It also received £33,000 from the DUP for work done before the vote.
Mr McGuirk declined to say how much he was paying the firm, saying “you invest in the best tools available if you want to accomplish something in the long term”.
Privacy and security experts said the available evidence suggested significant data on Gript users was being gathered. Chris Vickery, director of cyber risk research with UpGuard, who first identified the link between the two companies, said the code he saw on the Irish site was similar to that used on Brexit-related campaign sites, and suggested the firm is "harvesting everything imaginable".
Mr McGuirk said that “it is not unusual for websites to harvest data on their visitors, and yes, we are doing that, as most sites do”. He said the data is not being matched with other databases – such matching techniques have proved controversial elsewhere when used during elections.
Rory Byrne, co-founder of Irish firm SecurityFirst, which provides tools to help human rights defenders with their online security, said AIQ's sophisticated techniques and micro-targeting "represent a worrying mix of technology that the Irish political system is not currently capable of regulating".


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Mark Hennessy inquest hears two families’ lives ‘changed irreparably’

Two families ’ lives were changed irreparably by the abduction and killing of Jastine Valdez , an inquest into her killer ’ s death has heard .
Mark Hennessy was shot and killed by a member of An Garda Síochána on May 20th , 2018 following an intensive search for Ms Valdez , who he had abducted from Enniskerry , Co Wicklow the previous day .
The body of Ms Valdez was located at 3pm on May 21st in thick gorse and undergrowth at Puck ’ s Castle , Rathmichael , Co Dublin .
“ This has been a most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hennessy family in particular .
The tragic events that unfolded over a period of a little more than 48 hours in May 2018 were exceptional and unusual in society , ” Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said .
“ The public were very moved by the plight of Jastine Valdez .
The outcome has meant that two families ’ lives were changed irreparably.
” She commended “ brave acts on behalf of the public and first responders , sadly without the desired outcome ” .
The Hennessy family do not believe there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Hennessy , the inquest heard .
The inquest previously heard the Garda who shot Hennessy , known as Detective Garda A , said he was left with no other option as he believed Ms Valdez was in the car with Hennessy and in imminent danger .
Dermot Hickey , solicitor for the family , said on Thursday : “ In relation to Detective Garda A the family are of the view that his view was reasonably held , that there was no malice in this situation .
“ The family wish to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all parties involved in this investigation , criminal and civil.
” The jury returned a narrative verdict and issued a number of recommendations , including the establishment of one central communications radio channel for gardaí in emergency situations .
Members of the Hennessy family were present in Dublin Coroner ’ s Court for the duration of the inquest , which concluded after three days of evidence .
Family members met Hennessy in a car park in Killiney at 3.31pm on the day he died .
He was alone in the car and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hickey asked Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission ( GSOC ) senior investigator Nicholas Harden if this information had been relayed to gardaí who attended the scene of the shooting at Cherrywood Business Park at 8pm .
“ I was aware of that interaction with the relative , four-and-a-half hours preceding the incident .
By the time the Cherrywood incident happened the situation could have changed , ” Mr Harden said .
A jury member asked if there was any Garda in charge at the scene of the shooting of Mr Hennessy .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was , the aim was to get the job done .
There wasn ’ t time to sort out who was in charge , ” Mr Harden replied .
The inquest heard that a post-incident manager position is to be created to deal with fatal firearm incidents involving gardaí , to act as a conduit between GSOC and the officer involved .
The post-incident manager will be a member of An Garda Síochána .
The jury endorsed this development as part of their recommendations .
“ The system is not in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK and will be adopted soon here , ” Mr Harden said .

Two families’ lives were changed irreparably by the abduction and killing of Jastine Valdez, an inquest into her killer’s death has heard.
Mark Hennessy was shot and killed by a member of An Garda Síochána on May 20th, 2018 following an intensive search for Ms Valdez, who he had abducted from Enniskerry, Co Wicklow the previous day.
The body of Ms Valdez was located at 3pm on May 21st in thick gorse and undergrowth at Puck’s Castle, Rathmichael, Co Dublin.
“This has been a most difficult inquest for those centrally involved and the Hennessy family in particular. The tragic events that unfolded over a period of a little more than 48 hours in May 2018 were exceptional and unusual in society,” Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said.
READ MORE
“The public were very moved by the plight of Jastine Valdez. The outcome has meant that two families’ lives were changed irreparably.”
She commended “brave acts on behalf of the public and first responders, sadly without the desired outcome”.
The Hennessy family do not believe there was any malice involved in the shooting of Mark Hennessy, the inquest heard.
The inquest previously heard the Garda who shot Hennessy, known as Detective Garda A, said he was left with no other option as he believed Ms Valdez was in the car with Hennessy and in imminent danger.
Dermot Hickey, solicitor for the family, said on Thursday: “In relation to Detective Garda A the family are of the view that his view was reasonably held, that there was no malice in this situation.
“The family wish to express their gratitude to the jury and all parties involved in this investigation, criminal and civil.”
Recommendations
The jury returned a narrative verdict and issued a number of recommendations, including the establishment of one central communications radio channel for gardaí in emergency situations.
Members of the Hennessy family were present in Dublin Coroner’s Court for the duration of the inquest, which concluded after three days of evidence.
Family members met Hennessy in a car park in Killiney at 3.31pm on the day he died. He was alone in the car and the family passed this information to gardaí.
Mr Hickey asked Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) senior investigator Nicholas Harden if this information had been relayed to gardaí who attended the scene of the shooting at Cherrywood Business Park at 8pm.
“I was aware of that interaction with the relative, four-and-a-half hours preceding the incident. By the time the Cherrywood incident happened the situation could have changed,” Mr Harden said.
A jury member asked if there was any Garda in charge at the scene of the shooting of Mr Hennessy.
“In a highly stressful dynamic situation as this was, the aim was to get the job done. There wasn’t time to sort out who was in charge,” Mr Harden replied.
The inquest heard that a post-incident manager position is to be created to deal with fatal firearm incidents involving gardaí, to act as a conduit between GSOC and the officer involved.
The post-incident manager will be a member of An Garda Síochána.
The jury endorsed this development as part of their recommendations.
“The system is not in place yet but has been operating very well in the UK and will be adopted soon here,” Mr Harden said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Empathy in education: ‘It’s just as important as learning maths’

As a father of two teenagers , actor Cillian Murphy says he sees the challenges facing young people growing up today first-hand .
On top of adolescence and a pressure-cooker points race , social media is throwing up a whole new set of obstacles .
“ It ’ s a very complex time to be growing up .
Things are changing at a very accelerated rate , ” he says .
“ We ’ re all aware of the role of the internet and life online .
.
.
it seems that a lot live their lives inside this device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can never understand , not being natives.
” It ’ s one reason why Murphy has opted to get involved in a new project being developed by Prof Pat Dolan , director of the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway , on promoting empathy among schoolchildren .
Empathy , says Dolan , is key to preventing bullying behaviour , tackling racism , promoting understanding and improving social connectedness .
“ Empathy isn ’ t sympathy , ” says Dolan .
“ It ’ s about valuing , respecting and understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ as important as learning maths ” , yet for too long it has been neglected by the education system , Dolan argues .
Social media is contributing to a lack of connectedness which means people can be more likely to say or do things without thinking of its impact on others , he says .
In response to this problem , researchers at NUI Galway have developed “ activating social empathy ” , a programme designed to teach empathy skills in the junior cycle .
Following a two-year pilot project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2,000 students in 25 schools .
The plan is to make the full programme available as a free resource to schools in Ireland from September 2020 .
Dolan says the feedback has been very encouraging , with students and teachers typically reporting that the programme had a positive impact on students ’ empathy and personal development .
“ We need to get really serious about empathy in schools and education .
Young people deserve it , ” he says .
“ If all we do is make the world a better place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and not feel they are intimidated or left out or different , what we ’ re talking about will be well worthwhile.
” One secondary schools which has tested the programme is CBC Monkstown in Co Dublin .
Hugh Fitzmaurice , an English and history teacher , says the programme was hugely well-received in the all-boys school for giving students a chance to discuss their feelings .
“ It gets people thinking beyond themselves in an age where we ’ re so self-absorbed , ” he says .
“ You go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their phone , they don ’ t even look at each other .
.
.
I think to take time to look each other in the eye and see how the other person is feeling – and for fellas to do that in school – is a privilege and an honour.
” Leaving Cert student Nathan de Buston said the programme had a noticeable difference on his classmates .
“ We got to share opinions on how to treat others , ” he says .
“ Outside class , I saw the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that bit more warm , or going home and thinking , ‘ Maybe tonight I won ’ t slam the door and go off in a tantrum !
’ ” As far as Cillian Murphy is concerned , he hopes it will , in time , become part of the curriculum for all young people .
“ You can ’ t really be an actor without employing empathy as a very important tool in your arsenal .
In supporting this education programme which we are launching today , my hope is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone has a different story and everyone ’ s story is valuable .
”

As a father of two teenagers, actor Cillian Murphy says he sees the challenges facing young people growing up today first-hand.
On top of adolescence and a pressure-cooker points race, social media is throwing up a whole new set of obstacles.
“It’s a very complex time to be growing up. Things are changing at a very accelerated rate,” he says.
“We’re all aware of the role of the internet and life online . . . it seems that a lot live their lives inside this device – and it’s something we can never understand, not being natives.”
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It's one reason why Murphy has opted to get involved in a new project being developed by Prof Pat Dolan, director of the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway, on promoting empathy among schoolchildren.
Empathy, says Dolan, is key to preventing bullying behaviour, tackling racism, promoting understanding and improving social connectedness.
“Empathy isn’t sympathy,” says Dolan. “It’s about valuing, respecting and understanding another person’s view.”
It is “as important as learning maths”, yet for too long it has been neglected by the education system, Dolan argues.
Lack of connectedness
Social media is contributing to a lack of connectedness which means people can be more likely to say or do things without thinking of its impact on others, he says.
In response to this problem, researchers at NUI Galway have developed “activating social empathy”, a programme designed to teach empathy skills in the junior cycle.
Following a two-year pilot project, the programme is now being rolled out to 2,000 students in 25 schools.
The plan is to make the full programme available as a free resource to schools in Ireland from September 2020.
Dolan says the feedback has been very encouraging, with students and teachers typically reporting that the programme had a positive impact on students’ empathy and personal development.
“We need to get really serious about empathy in schools and education. Young people deserve it,” he says.
“If all we do is make the world a better place for young people to go to school, and not feel they are intimidated or left out or different, what we’re talking about will be well worthwhile.”
One secondary school which has tested the programme is CBC Monkstown Park in Co Dublin.
Discussing feelings
Hugh Fitzmaurice, an English and history teacher, says the programme was hugely well-received in the all-boys school for giving students a chance to discuss their feelings.
“It gets people thinking beyond themselves in an age where we’re so self-absorbed,” he says.
“You go on the Dart, everyone’s on their phone, they don’t even look at each other . . . I think to take time to look each other in the eye and see how the other person is feeling – and for fellas to do that in school – is a privilege and an honour.”
Leaving Cert student Nathan de Buston says the programme had a noticeable difference on his classmates.
“We got to share opinions on how to treat others,” he says. “Outside class, I saw the biggest difference – the rapport in the locker-room was that bit more warm, or going home and thinking, ‘Maybe tonight I won’t slam the door and go off in a tantrum!’”
As far as Cillian Murphy is concerned, he hopes it will, in time, become part of the curriculum for all young people.
“You can’t really be an actor without employing empathy as a very important tool in your arsenal. In supporting this education programme which we are launching today, my hope is that it will help young people see that everyone has a different story and everyone’s story is valuable.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Chief Justice calls for significant improvement in legal aid system

The State ’ s top judge has said he “ feels strongly ” that the Irish system of civil legal aid needs to be “ significantly improved ” .
Chief Justice Frank Clarke said there was a “ very powerful argument ” in favour of significantly reviewing the income thresholds that apply for people seeking assistance from the Legal Aid Board .
He made his remarks at an event in Dublin held to mark the 40th anniversary of the board , which supplies people on low incomes with civil legal representation .
The chairman of the state body , Philip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a review of the entitlement threshold which , he said , has not changed substantially since 2006 .
The service is separate to criminal legal aid and is only available to those whose disposable income is below €18,000 .
The figure is arrived at after certain allowances are applied to a person ’ s after tax income .
Given how rent and other costs have increased over recent years , Mr O ’ Leary said , some people whose income is so low they qualify for an income supplement , are still found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Our service is a vital bridge in the access to justice journey and without that bridge a lot of people just can ’ t get across into the system , ” he told The Irish Times .
Mr Justice Clarke said many involved in the legal system , “ myself included ” , feel strongly that the legal aid system needs significant improvement .
Legal aid , he said , is unlikely to be at the top of any political agenda and is not considered one of the great issues for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ When faced with trolley numbers and homelessness , those priorities are entirely understandable.
” However , he said , the fact was that litigation has grown more complex and it was probable there were rights which were not being vindicated “ at all because litigation in certain areas is very difficult to mount without legal aid.
” The increasing complexity of litigation meant higher costs for those who had to pay for it .
“ I suggest that this gives a very powerful argument for a significant review of the income thresholds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal aid.
” While someone with a middle range income might be able to afford some types of litigation , he said , that person might not be able to pay for more complex , and therefore more costly , legal actions .
While some argued that the “ no foal , no fee ” system fed a compensation culture , any reform of the system would have to confront the fact that a great deal of litigation where rights are vindicated and established , could only be brought with the benefit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also noted that the no foal , no fee system only worked in cases where there was a party involved who , if they lost , would be in a position to pay the costs .
That was not always the case .
The Bar Council , in an election statement , has also called for increased resources to be allocated to civil legal aid .

Philip O’Leary, Chairperson, Legal Aid Board (left) and Chief Justice Frank Clarke at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Legal Aid Board on Thursday. Photograph: Fennell Photography
The State’s top judge has said he “feels strongly” that the Irish system of civil legal aid needs to be “significantly improved”.
Chief Justice Frank Clarke said there was a "very powerful argument" in favour of significantly reviewing the income thresholds that apply for people seeking assistance from the Legal Aid Board.
He made his remarks at an event in Dublin held to mark the 40th anniversary of the board, which supplies people on low incomes with civil legal representation.
The chairman of the state body, Philip O’Leary, also called for a review of the entitlement threshold which, he said, has not changed substantially since 2006.
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The service is separate to criminal legal aid and is only available to those whose disposable income is below €18,000.
The figure is arrived at after certain allowances are applied to a person’s after tax income.
Given how rent and other costs have increased over recent years, Mr O’Leary said, some people whose income is so low they qualify for an income supplement, are still found not to qualify for civil legal aid.
“Our service is a vital bridge in the access to justice journey and without that bridge a lot of people just can’t get across into the system,” he told The Irish Times.
Mr Justice Clarke said many involved in the legal system, "myself included", feel strongly that the legal aid system needs significant improvement.
Legal aid, he said, is unlikely to be at the top of any political agenda and is not considered one of the great issues for the electorate in the general election.
“When faced with trolley numbers and homelessness, those priorities are entirely understandable.”
However, he said, the fact was that litigation has grown more complex and it was probable there were rights which were not being vindicated “at all because litigation in certain areas is very difficult to mount without legal aid.”
Higher costs
The increasing complexity of litigation meant higher costs for those who had to pay for it.
“I suggest that this gives a very powerful argument for a significant review of the income thresholds which are applied to determine entitlement to legal aid.”
While someone with a middle range income might be able to afford some types of litigation, he said, that person might not be able to pay for more complex, and therefore more costly, legal actions.
While some argued that the “no foal, no fee” system fed a compensation culture, any reform of the system would have to confront the fact that a great deal of litigation where rights are vindicated and established, could only be brought with the benefit of such an arrangement.
Mr Justice Clarke also noted that the no foal, no fee system only worked in cases where there was a party involved who, if they lost, would be in a position to pay the costs. That was not always the case.
The Bar Council, in an election statement, has also called for increased resources to be allocated to civil legal aid.


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Property agent appeals in legal doubt over ‘disqualified’ chairman

Some 40 appeals before a State board dealing with complaints against property agents are in doubt because its chairman at the time was disqualified from doing so , the president of the High Court said .
The Department of Justice-appointed Property Services Appeal Board is required by law to have a practising barrister or solicitor as its chair .
However , Mr Justice Peter Kelly said in some 40 appeals dealt with by the board up to November 2019 , the chairperson was Anthony Ensor , who had ceased practising as a solicitor in 2018 .
There “ must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which the disqualified chairperson participated , ” he said .
He called for a review of the functioning of the board .
He made the comments when he quashed its award of €5,000 compensation to a man who lost a land purchase deposit when an unlicensed agent acting for him went out of business .
The judge said the “ curious fact ” that this case and around 40 others had been dealt with by a five-member board whose chairperson had ceased to practise as a solicitor in 2018 had only emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began .
Mr Ensor continued to act as chair until 2019 and the other members of the board were apparently unaware of this , the judge said .
Some 70 cases in all stand adjourned because of the legal issue raised in this case , he said .
The judge said he had not been asked in the case before him on the validity of the board ’ s decision notwithstanding the “ manifest defects ” in relation to the status of the chairperson .
He was asked to deal with it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so with some misgivings .
He had been asked by the Property Services Regulatory Authority ( PRSA ) , which governs real-estate sale and rental practices , to decide whether an award of €5,000 by the appeals board to Monaghan man Thady Kelly could stand , given the agent involved was not licensed at the time .
Mr Kelly paid €5,000 to Edward Paul Nugent Ltd auctioneers in February 2018 , as a ten per cent deposit for the purchase of lands in Castleblayney , Co Monaghan .
A month later , Nugent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been registered with the PSRA .
But by February 2017 , its licence had expired and the PRSA told the firm it could no longer provide property services until it gets a new licence .
However , it continued to provide property services .
Mr Kelly said the business was open every day and advertisements were placed in local papers and property websites .
He claimed the PRSA failed to take appropriate action against Nugent over its unlicensed activity .
He brought a claim for compensation for the €5,000 against the PRSA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jurisdiction , under the Property Services ( Regulation ) Act of 2012 , to award compensation where the agent involved was not licensed .
Mr Kelly appealed the decision to the Property Services Appeal Board .
The appeal board awarded him €5,000 , saying it was exercising its discretion under the Section 78 of the 2012 Act to do so .
However , Mr Justice Kelly said the relevant section of the Act did not confer a discretion to make a payment from the Property Services Compensation Fund .
The Nugent firm was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not apply .
He therefore set aside the decision of the appeal board .
The judge said the PRSA , in its arguments , said the board ’ s decision was a valid one but the award could not be made .
While Mr Kelly was the respondent in the High Court , he did not participate in the appeal but filed an affidavit disagreeing with the PRSA position .
The judge said the appeal board had misconstrued the 2012 Act and was wrong in law .
It had also not given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to do .

Mr Justice Peter Kelly said there ‘must be considerable legal doubt over the many decisions in which the disqualified chairperson participated.’ Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Some 40 appeals before a State board dealing with complaints against property agents are in doubt because its chairman at the time was disqualified from doing so, the president of the High Court said.
The Department of Justice-appointed Property Services Appeal Board is required by law to have a practising barrister or solicitor as its chair.
However, Mr Justice Peter Kelly said in some 40 appeals dealt with by the board up to November 2019, the chairperson was Anthony Ensor, who had ceased practising as a solicitor in 2018.
There “must be considerable legal doubt over the many decisions in which the disqualified chairperson participated,” he said. He called for a review of the functioning of the board.
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He made the comments when he quashed its award of €5,000 compensation to a man who lost a land purchase deposit when an unlicensed agent acting for him went out of business.
The judge said the “curious fact” that this case and around 40 others had been dealt with by a five-member board whose chairperson had ceased to practise as a solicitor in 2018 had only emerged a week before the High Court case began.
Mr Ensor continued to act as chair until 2019 and the other members of the board were apparently unaware of this, the judge said.
Some 70 cases in all stand adjourned because of the legal issue raised in this case, he said.
Misgivings
The judge said he had not been asked in the case before him on the validity of the board’s decision notwithstanding the “manifest defects” in relation to the status of the chairperson. He was asked to deal with it on a point of law and was doing so with some misgivings.
He had been asked by the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PRSA), which governs real-estate sale and rental practices, to decide whether an award of €5,000 by the appeals board to Monaghan man Thady Kelly could stand, given the agent involved was not licensed at the time.
Mr Kelly paid €5,000 to Edward Paul Nugent Ltd auctioneers in February 2018, as a ten per cent deposit for the purchase of lands in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
A month later, Nugent went into liquidation.
Nugent had previously been registered with the PSRA. But by February 2017, its licence had expired and the PRSA told the firm it could no longer provide property services until it gets a new licence.
However, it continued to provide property services. Mr Kelly said the business was open every day and advertisements were placed in local papers and property websites. He claimed the PRSA failed to take appropriate action against Nugent over its unlicensed activity.
He brought a claim for compensation for the €5,000 against the PRSA, which found it did not have the jurisdiction, under the Property Services (Regulation) Act of 2012, to award compensation where the agent involved was not licensed.
Mr Kelly appealed the decision to the Property Services Appeal Board.
The appeal board awarded him €5,000, saying it was exercising its discretion under the Section 78 of the 2012 Act to do so.
However, Mr Justice Kelly said the relevant section of the Act did not confer a discretion to make a payment from the Property Services Compensation Fund.
The Nugent firm was a former licensee and the compensation provisions did not apply. He therefore set aside the decision of the appeal board.
The judge said the PRSA, in its arguments, said the board’s decision was a valid one but the award could not be made.
While Mr Kelly was the respondent in the High Court, he did not participate in the appeal but filed an affidavit disagreeing with the PRSA position.
The judge said the appeal board had misconstrued the 2012 Act and was wrong in law. It had also not given reasons for its decision which it was required to do.


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Pension case study: ‘I found it very humiliating. Horrible’

Sue Redmond spent her working life in Tallaght hospital but when she turned 65 she had to apply for social welfare to tide her over until her State pension kicked in at 66 .
The State pension age rose to 66 in 2014 leaving Ms Redmond and people in her situation having to apply for jobseekers ’ benefit to make ends meet until the pension payments came .
“ I found it very humiliating , horrible .
You have to fill out loads of forms , pretend you were looking for work .
If you didn ’ t say you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were told your claim wasn ’ t processed , ” she told The Irish Times .
Ms Redmond , a mother of three and grandmother of five , started working at the age of 14 and retired in May 2017 .
She had to claim jobseekers ’ benefit for about a year and even had to attend jobs fairs and pretend she was interested in jobs she had no intention of applying for .
After retiring , the west Dublin woman hated dropping into her local social welfare office to pick up her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
“ They are actually looking down their nose at you , like you shouldn ’ t be here .
That is the feeling that you get , ” she said .
“ I worked all my life .
I paid in my PRSI , all my taxes .
I didn ’ t ask to leave the job .
My contract stated I had to go at 65 .
I didn ’ t mind going but to go and have to be humiliated for a year .
It was just horrible.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general elections but will no longer support the party over the past changes to the State pension age .
She is leaning towards Sinn Féin this time .
“ I will be voting for the party that will bring the pension age back to 65 and stop it moving to 67 completely , ” she said .

Sue Redmond: “I worked all my life. I paid in my PRSI, all my taxes. I didn’t ask to leave the job.” Photograph: Simon Carswell
Sue Redmond spent her working life in Tallaght hospital but when she turned 65 she had to apply for social welfare to tide her over until her State pension kicked in at 66.
The State pension age rose to 66 in 2014 leaving Ms Redmond and people in her situation having to apply for jobseekers’ benefit to make ends meet until the pension payments came.
“I found it very humiliating, horrible. You have to fill out loads of forms, pretend you were looking for work. If you didn’t say you were interested in another job, you were told your claim wasn’t processed,” she told The Irish Times.
Ms Redmond, a mother of three and grandmother of five, started working at the age of 14 and retired in May 2017. She had to claim jobseekers’ benefit for about a year and even had to attend jobs fairs and pretend she was interested in jobs she had no intention of applying for.
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Social welfare office
After retiring, the west Dublin woman hated dropping into her local social welfare office to pick up her allowance until she started receiving her pension in 2018.
“They are actually looking down their nose at you, like you shouldn’t be here. That is the feeling that you get,” she said.
“I worked all my life. I paid in my PRSI, all my taxes. I didn’t ask to leave the job. My contract stated I had to go at 65. I didn’t mind going but to go and have to be humiliated for a year. It was just horrible.”
Ms Redmond used to vote Labour in general elections but will no longer support the party over the past changes to the State pension age. She is leaning towards Sinn Féin this time.
“I will be voting for the party that will bring the pension age back to 65 and stop it moving to 67 completely,” she said.
“I feel very strongly on this.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Donegal poll finds Sinn Féin may take seat from Independent or Fianna Fáil

A new poll has found Sinn Féin Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn may dislodge Independent TD Thomas Pringle or a Fianna Fáil Deputy to win a second seat for his party in the five-seat Donegal constituency .
It comes as retiring Independents predict the election will be difficult for non-aligned candidates .
The number of Independents running in this election is down on the last general election in 2016 , when 159 stood .
There are about 115 Independent candidates running across the country in the February 8th election , representing just over a fifth of all contenders .
The poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Féin ’ s Pearse Doherty is likely to receive a quota and a half , with 27 per cent of first preference votes .
Fine Gael ’ s Joe McHugh is in second place at 17 per cent of first preference votes .
Mr MacLochlainn , on 12 per cent , could regain the seat he lost in the 2016 general election from Mr Doherty ’ s surplus .
There remains a possibility Fianna Fáil could win two seats in the five-seater constituency , where the party ’ s candidates are Charlie McConalogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll , and Pat “ The Cope ” Gallagher , on 10 per cent .
The last seat looks like a battle for transfers between one of the Fianna Fáil candidates and Mr Pringle , on 6 per cent .
Independent Peter Casey got 2 per cent in the poll , and Green candidate Michael White recorded 4 per cent .
The poll was conducted on Monday and Tuesday .
A sample of 550 attaches a margin of error of up to plus or minus four percentage points .
Martin Harley of Fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Mary T Sweeney 3 per cent ; Independent John O ’ Donnell 4 per cent ; and Independent Niall McConnell 1 per cent .
It is one of a series of three polls that TG4 is carrying out in the Gaeltacht constituencies of Donegal , Galway West and Kerry .
Meanwhile , a retiring Independent TD has said he would like to see unaligned TDs on the left come together with like-minded parties to form a broad left alliance .
Outgoing Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan said his ambition in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party capable of being the majority party in a coalition .
Mr Broughan , who lost the Labour Party whip in 2011 after voting against the then government on the bank guarantee , said unaligned TDs could miss the discipline of a political party .
“ I had a party discipline for so long , ” he said .
“ You miss all of that.
” In the 32nd Dáil , Mr Broughan , first elected as a TD in 1992 , was part of a group of Independents which included Mr Pringle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Maureen O ’ Sullivan , who is also standing down as a TD for Dublin Central at this election .
Ms O ’ Sullivan followed in the tradition of Tony Gregory , who held an Independent seat between February 1982 and his death in 2009 .
Mr Broughan said his ambition was always to get Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael out of government , or at least relegate them to the status of junior coalition partners .
Finian McGrath , also stepping down as an Independent for Dublin Bay North , predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are not standing for political parties .
“ It is going to be very difficult for Independents and particularly new Independents starting off , ” said the Minister of State for Disability Issues .
“ There is a swing to some of the bigger parties like Sinn Féin and the Greens and a swing back to Fianna Fáil .
I do think there will be a group of Independents elected , and I hope some of the group will have the bottle to go into government and don ’ t sit on @ @ @ @

Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty: he may receive a quota and a half in Donegal. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill / The Irish Times
A new poll has found Sinn Féin Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn may dislodge Independent TD Thomas Pringle or a Fianna Fáil Deputy to win a second seat for his party in the five-seat Donegal constituency.
It comes as retiring Independents predict the election will be difficult for non-aligned candidates.
The number of Independents running in this election is down on the last general election in 2016, when 159 stood. There are about 115 Independent candidates running across the country in the February 8th election, representing just over a fifth of all contenders.
The poll conducted for TG4 by Ipsos/MRBI found Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty is likely to receive a quota and a half, with 27 per cent of first preference votes.
READ MORE
Fine Gael’s Joe McHugh is in second place at 17 per cent of first preference votes. Mr MacLochlainn, on 12 per cent, could regain the seat he lost in the 2016 general election from Mr Doherty’s surplus.
There remains a possibility Fianna Fáil could win two seats in the five-seater constituency, where the party’s candidates are Charlie McConalogue, on 12 per cent in the poll, and Pat “The Cope” Gallagher, on 10 per cent.
The last seat looks like a battle for transfers between one of the Fianna Fáil candidates and Mr Pringle, on 6 per cent.
Independent Peter Casey got 2 per cent in the poll, and Green candidate Michael White recorded 4 per cent.
The poll was conducted on Monday and Tuesday. A sample of 550 attaches a margin of error of up to plus or minus four percentage points.
Martin Harley of Fine Gael got 3 per cent; Aontú's Mary T Sweeney 3 per cent; Independent John O'Donnell 4 per cent; and Independent Niall McConnell 1 per cent.
It is one of a series of three polls that TG4 is carrying out in the Gaeltacht constituencies of Donegal, Galway West and Kerry.
Left alliance
Meanwhile, a retiring Independent TD has said he would like to see unaligned TDs on the left come together with like-minded parties to form a broad left alliance.
Outgoing Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan said his ambition in politics was always to make the Labour Party capable of being the majority party in a coalition.
Mr Broughan, who lost the Labour Party whip in 2011 after voting against the then government on the bank guarantee, said unaligned TDs could miss the discipline of a political party. “I had a party discipline for so long,” he said. “You miss all of that.”
In the 32nd Dáil, Mr Broughan, first elected as a TD in 1992, was part of a group of Independents which included Mr Pringle, Galway West's Catherine Connolly and Maureen O'Sullivan, who is also standing down as a TD for Dublin Central at this election.
Ms O'Sullivan followed in the tradition of Tony Gregory, who held an Independent seat between February 1982 and his death in 2009.
Mr Broughan said his ambition was always to get Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael out of government, or at least relegate them to the status of junior coalition partners.
Difficult
Finian McGrath, also stepping down as an Independent for Dublin Bay North, predicted this election will be difficult for those who are not standing for political parties.
“It is going to be very difficult for Independents and particularly new Independents starting off,” said the Minister of State for Disability Issues.
"There is a swing to some of the bigger parties like Sinn Féin and the Greens and a swing back to Fianna Fáil. I do think there will be a group of Independents elected, and I hope some of the group will have the bottle to go into government and don't sit on the fence."


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Council opposes plan for 650 apartments near St Anne’s Park

Dublin City Council has written to An Bord Pleanála to recommend that a proposed residential development for more than 650 apartments on former playing fields located beside St Anne ’ s Park in Raheny , Dublin , be turned down .
Locals have been opposing plans by developer Crevkav to build apartments on the land .
The developer last year lodged a new planning application for the units in blocks rising to nine storeys in height .
The “ I Love St Anne ’ s ” campaign previously succeeded in stopping the development when planning approval for 536 houses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a High Court challenge .
It led to An Bord Pleanála reversing its decision on the plan by Crevkav , a subsidiary of developer Pat Crean ’ s Marlet Group .
It is taking a legal challenge over the refusal .
The proposed development has received a fresh blow after Dublin City Council chief executive Owen Keegan submitted a report to An Bord Pleanála with the recommendation that permission for the development be turned down .
“ The proposed development is not considered to be consistent with the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development of the area , ” said the report .
“ The Planning Authority submits this report to An Bord Pleanala ... and recommends that An Bord Pleanala refuse permission for the proposed development for the reasons and considerations outlined below.
” The report said the submitted Natura Impact Statement “ has not demonstrated that the evidence given supports the assertion that no impact arises to the populations of protected Brent goose , black-tailed godwit or curlew of Dublin Bay ” .
Furthermore , it added that it considered that the proposed development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a development objective G123 indicated in the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 for the protection of European sites ” .
The land was formerly owned by the Vincentian Fathers , who are the trustees of St Paul ’ s College .
It had once been part of the St Anne ’ s Estate , owned by the Guinness family , but was acquired by Dublin Corporation in the 1940s before the Vincentian Fathers bought it in the 1950s .

The ‘I love St Anne’s’ campaign holding a rally in St Anne’s Park, Raheny, last year. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Dublin City Council has written to An Bord Pleanála to recommend that a proposed residential development for more than 650 apartments on former playing fields located beside St Anne's Park in Raheny, Dublin, be turned down.
Locals have been opposing plans by developer Crevkav to build apartments on the land. The developer last year lodged a new planning application for the units in blocks rising to nine storeys in height.
The “I Love St Anne’s” campaign previously succeeded in stopping the development when planning approval for 536 houses and apartments on the land was overturned following a High Court challenge.
It led to An Bord Pleanála reversing its decision on the plan by Crevkav, a subsidiary of developer Pat Crean’s Marlet Group. It is taking a legal challenge over the refusal.
READ MORE
The proposed development has received a fresh blow after Dublin City Council chief executive Owen Keegan submitted a report to An Bord Pleanála with the recommendation that permission for the development be turned down.
“The proposed development is not considered to be consistent with the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 and with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” said the report.
“The Planning Authority submits this report to An Bord Pleanala...and recommends that An Bord Pleanala refuse permission for the proposed development for the reasons and considerations outlined below.”
The report said the submitted Natura Impact Statement “has not demonstrated that the evidence given supports the assertion that no impact arises to the populations of protected Brent goose, black-tailed godwit or curlew of Dublin Bay”.
Furthermore, it added that it considered that the proposed development “would, therefore, materially contravene a development objective G123 indicated in the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 for the protection of European sites”.
The land was formerly owned by the Vincentian Fathers, who are the trustees of St Paul’s College.
It had once been part of the St Anne’s Estate, owned by the Guinness family, but was acquired by Dublin Corporation in the 1940s before the Vincentian Fathers bought it in the 1950s.


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--HSE says it is ready to deal with new coronavirus from China

The Health Service Executive ( HSE ) says it is ready to deal with the threat posed by a new flu-like virus in China .
Officials say the likelihood of cases occurring in Ireland remains low , but they are fully prepared to deal with any that do arise .
The assurances were given at a briefing by HSE staff on Thursday , where HSE director of public health Dr John Cuddihy said guidance has been issued to Irish airports and to healthcare staff to raise awareness of the threat posed by the new coronavirus and to identify at-risk patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nCoV-2019 , first appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan , but cases have been detected as far away as the US .
It has killed 18 people , and infected more than 600 .
Under the case definition being applied , anyone with a respiratory infection who has been in Wuhan over the past 14 days or was in close contact with someone who has the virus may be classified as a possible case .
Officials said anyone who felt they fulfilled these criteria should contact the health services by phone initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the World Health Organisation said on Thursday it was “ a bit too early ” to declare a global health emergency .
Director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation ’ s emergency committee of 16 independent experts , which considered the status of the illness , had been divided in its conclusion .
“ Make no mistake , though , this is an emergency in China , ” he said .
“ But it has not yet become a global health emergency .
It may yet become one.
” Dr Cuddihy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland , even through secondary infection , as “ low ” .
The health service is ready for any cases should they arrive , according to HSE assistant national director Dr Kevin Kelleher .
Dr Kelleher said there has been a “ massive change ” in the way China had reacted to the latest virus compared to its response at the time of the Sars ( severe acute respiratory syndrome ) outbreak in 2002 .
Whereas before it was secretive this time around the authorities were “ utterly open ” , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
The new virus does not appear to be as bad as Sars , he added , and all cases studied so far involve people with pre-existing disease .
Dr Cuddihy said the virus seemed to be capable only of limited human-to-human transmission .
So far the death rate was 2 per cent , compared to 10 per cent for Sars and 30 per cent for Mers ( Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome ) .
Under the protocols in place , patients suspected of having the virus will be brought to hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident response teams within the emergency services .
Where an airline passenger is showing symptoms of the disease , having been in an affected area , the pilot is required to notify ground staff so that the patient can be met by ambulance crew on arrival .
Dr Kelleher said this system applied in cases where airline passengers suffer other health events such as heart attacks .
“ It ’ s a well-honed system , but for now we ’ re not doing anything more than that.
” Officials said active screening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat level increased .
The briefing was held to provide an update on this winter ’ s flu season , which is almost over .
This winter ’ s flu has been “ peakier ” than usual , with cases falling off rapidly last week from the high levels seen before Christmas , according to Dr Kelleher .
The level of flu circulating in the community is expected to fall below the baseline level next week .
Flu still accounted for 351 hospital admissions last week , and a total of 3,083 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admissions to intensive care and 52 deaths , most of them among people aged 65 and up .
Cases of norovirus and respiratory synctovirus are also significantly down , thereby easing the pressure on the health service .

Officials check the body temperature of passengers after a train from Wuhan arrives at Hangzhou railway station in China’s Zhejiang province. Photograph: STR/AFP via Getty Images
The Health Service Executive (HSE) says it is ready to deal with the threat posed by a new flu-like virus in China.
Officials say the likelihood of cases occurring in Ireland remains low, but they are fully prepared to deal with any that do arise.
The assurances were given at a briefing by HSE staff on Thursday, where HSE director of public health Dr John Cuddihy said guidance has been issued to Irish airports and to healthcare staff to raise awareness of the threat posed by the new coronavirus and to identify at-risk patients.
The new coronavirus, known as nCoV-2019, first appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan, but cases have been detected as far away as the US. It has killed 18 people, and infected more than 600.
READ MORE
Under the case definition being applied, anyone with a respiratory infection who has been in Wuhan over the past 14 days or was in close contact with someone who has the virus may be classified as a possible case.
Officials said anyone who felt they fulfilled these criteria should contact the health services by phone initially, rather than in person.
Separately, the World Health Organisation said on Thursday it was “a bit too early” to declare a global health emergency.
Director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation’s emergency committee of 16 independent experts, which considered the status of the illness, had been divided in its conclusion.
“Make no mistake, though, this is an emergency in China,” he said. “But it has not yet become a global health emergency. It may yet become one.”
Dr Cuddihy described the risk of a case occurring in Ireland, even through secondary infection, as “low”.
Utterly open
The health service is ready for any cases should they arrive, according to HSE assistant national director Dr Kevin Kelleher.
Dr Kelleher said there has been a “massive change” in the way China had reacted to the latest virus compared to its response at the time of the Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak in 2002. Whereas before it was secretive this time around the authorities were “utterly open”, and the measures adopted were “phenomenally strong”.
The new virus does not appear to be as bad as Sars, he added, and all cases studied so far involve people with pre-existing disease.
Dr Cuddihy said the virus seemed to be capable only of limited human-to-human transmission. So far the death rate was 2 per cent, compared to 10 per cent for Sars and 30 per cent for Mers (Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome).
Under the protocols in place, patients suspected of having the virus will be brought to hospital in a “controlled delivery” by special incident response teams within the emergency services.
Where an airline passenger is showing symptoms of the disease, having been in an affected area, the pilot is required to notify ground staff so that the patient can be met by ambulance crew on arrival.
Dr Kelleher said this system applied in cases where airline passengers suffer other health events such as heart attacks. “It’s a well-honed system, but for now we’re not doing anything more than that.”
Officials said active screening of incoming passengers would only be introduced if the threat level increased.
Flu season
The briefing was held to provide an update on this winter’s flu season, which is almost over.
This winter’s flu has been “peakier” than usual, with cases falling off rapidly last week from the high levels seen before Christmas, according to Dr Kelleher. The level of flu circulating in the community is expected to fall below the baseline level next week.
Flu still accounted for 351 hospital admissions last week, and a total of 3,083 this winter. There has been 103 admissions to intensive care and 52 deaths, most of them among people aged 65 and up.
Cases of norovirus and respiratory synctovirus are also significantly down, thereby easing the pressure on the health service.


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Dublin taxi drivers hold fresh protest over app commission fee

Taxi drivers mounted a large protest in Dublin city centre on Thursday evening to demonstrate their opposition to a recent increase in the commission charged by the taxi app , Free Now .
It was the second time this week that taxi drivers blocked off Upper Mount Street , where Free Now has its Irish headquarters , to highlight their growing anger at the company ’ s decision to raise its commission from 12 per cent to 15 per cent of fares .
Gardaí diverted traffic away from the area as dozens of taxis were parked on Upper Mount Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s offices calling for a boycott of the firm .
AA Roadwatch said there was some heavy localised disruption to traffic which resulted in some slight delays across the wider city including the South Quays .
Free Now was originally known as Hailo when it launched in the Republic in 2012 before changing its name to MyTaxi in 2014 and a subsequent rebranding to its current name last year .
A company spokesman said it had kept its “ low commission structure ” of 12 per cent for as long as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate was in line with a similar increase which had been applied in the UK since September .
“ It will enable us to continue to grow the passenger base make ongoing investments in the technological development of the app and ultimately boost the national taxi supply in Ireland , ” the spokesman said .
“ We understand that this is not a welcome decision to some drivers but is required for the development of the business which brings work to drivers .
”

Joe Dolan from Castleknock during a taxi drivers’ protest outside Free Now offices on Mount Street, Dublin on Thursday. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Taxi drivers mounted a large protest in Dublin city centre on Thursday evening to demonstrate their opposition to a recent increase in the commission charged by the taxi app, Free Now.
It was the second time this week that taxi drivers blocked off Upper Mount Street, where Free Now has its Irish headquarters, to highlight their growing anger at the company’s decision to raise its commission from 12 per cent to 15 per cent of fares.
Gardaí diverted traffic away from the area as dozens of taxis were parked on Upper Mount Street while their drivers gathered outside Free Now’s offices calling for a boycott of the firm.
AA Roadwatch said there was some heavy localised disruption to traffic which resulted in some slight delays across the wider city including the South Quays.
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Free Now was originally known as Hailo when it launched in the Republic in 2012 before changing its name to MyTaxi in 2014 and a subsequent rebranding to its current name last year.
A company spokesman said it had kept its “low commission structure” of 12 per cent for as long as possible and claimed the new 15 per cent rate was in line with a similar increase which had been applied in the UK since September.
“It will enable us to continue to grow the passenger base make ongoing investments in the technological development of the app and ultimately boost the national taxi supply in Ireland,” the spokesman said.
“We understand that this is not a welcome decision to some drivers but is required for the development of the business which brings work to drivers.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--News website defends links to data firm that broke privacy laws

A news website established and funded by anti-abortion campaigners has struck a commercial agreement with a Canadian company found to have broken privacy laws during its work on the Brexit campaign .
The involvement of the firm , AggregateIQ ( AIQ ) , with the Irish site , Gript , emerged after a mirror version of the Irish site was found running on an online property controlled by the Canadian company .
Gript ’ s editor , John McGuirk , said the firm was helping his publication attract new readers by analysing data from its current readership .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting as much data as possible ( about readers ) is profile them , figure out the common threads that bring them to us , and reach other readers and bring them to us , ” he told The Irish Times .
He said none of the data on Gript users was being matched or compared with other databases .
These techniques can be used to build richer profiles of internet users , which can then be used to improve targeting or extract insights on their preferences , behaviours and beliefs .
Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - during the Brexit referendum and the 2016 US presidential campaign .
Mr McGuirk said that while Gript was committed to user privacy , regulatory findings and investigations into AIQ were “ not something that greatly concerns me ” .
AIQ ’ s regulatory compliance was “ not something that we are responsible for , ” he added .
AIQ was the subject of an adverse finding by the Canadian federal privacy commissioner arising from work it did for Vote Leave during the Brexit campaign .
It created advertising aimed at potential voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Vote Leave group on voters to Facebook .
The Canadian privacy commissioner found this “ went beyond the purposes for which Vote Leave had consent to use that information ” .
The firm was paid £2.7 million by Vote Leave to target ads during the Brexit campaign .
The firm ’ s relationship with the Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP ) has also come under scrutiny after it emerged the party paid AIQ almost £33,000 for digital advertising in the last two days before the vote .
The firm was suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may have “ improperly received ” data on the social network ’ s users and that it worked with a company called Strategic Communication Laboratories ( SCL ) , which is the parent of controversial political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica .
The UK Information Commissioner ’ s Office found that AIQ ’ s actions were not in compliance with strict European data protection laws during the campaign , which the company is appealing .
Gript was founded last year as “ a platform for views which challenge establishment thinking ” .
Its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and donations from supporters .
Mr McGuirk is a long-time anti-abortion campaigner and has worked for various other conservative causes and political parties , including Libertas , the political party founded by businessman Declan Ganley .
AIQ “ have been so high profile and so successful ” , Mr McGuirk said , partly due to “ the fact they have been as innovative as they have been , and because they have been so innovative they have , from time to time , fallen foul of regulatory authorities ” .
He said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used by the company on his website “ step across the regulatory line ” .

John McGuirk, editor of Gript, which was founded last year as ‘a platform for views which challenge establishment thinking’. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times
A news website established and funded by anti-abortion campaigners has struck a commercial agreement with a Canadian company found to have broken privacy laws during its work on the Brexit campaign.
The involvement of the firm, AggregateIQ (AIQ), with the Irish site, Gript, emerged after a mirror version of the Irish site was found running on an online property controlled by the Canadian company.
Gript’s editor, John McGuirk, said the firm was helping his publication attract new readers by analysing data from its current readership. “What we’re trying to do in getting as much data as possible (about readers) is profile them, figure out the common threads that bring them to us, and reach other readers and bring them to us,” he told The Irish Times.
He said none of the data on Gript users was being matched or compared with other databases. These techniques can be used to build richer profiles of internet users, which can then be used to improve targeting or extract insights on their preferences, behaviours and beliefs. Such targeting techniques were prominent - and controversial - during the Brexit referendum and the 2016 US presidential campaign.
READ MORE
Mr McGuirk said that while Gript was committed to user privacy, regulatory findings and investigations into AIQ were “not something that greatly concerns me”.
AIQ’s regulatory compliance was “not something that we are responsible for,” he added.
AIQ was the subject of an adverse finding by the Canadian federal privacy commissioner arising from work it did for Vote Leave during the Brexit campaign. It created advertising aimed at potential voters, and then disclosed personal information gathered by the Vote Leave group on voters to Facebook. The Canadian privacy commissioner found this "went beyond the purposes for which Vote Leave had consent to use that information".
The firm was paid £2.7 million by Vote Leave to target ads during the Brexit campaign. The firm's relationship with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has also come under scrutiny after it emerged the party paid AIQ almost £33,000 for digital advertising in the last two days before the vote.
The firm was suspended from Facebook in 2018 following allegations that it may have "improperly received" data on the social network's users and that it worked with a company called Strategic Communication Laboratories (SCL), which is the parent of controversial political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica. The UK Information Commissioner's Office found that AIQ's actions were not in compliance with strict European data protection laws during the campaign, which the company is appealing.
Gript was founded last year as "a platform for views which challenge establishment thinking". Its establishment was funded by the Life Institute and donations from supporters.
Mr McGuirk is a long-time anti-abortion campaigner and has worked for various other conservative causes and political parties, including Libertas, the political party founded by businessman Declan Ganley.
AIQ “have been so high profile and so successful”, Mr McGuirk said, partly due to “the fact they have been as innovative as they have been, and because they have been so innovative they have, from time to time, fallen foul of regulatory authorities”.
He said he did not believe any of the techniques being used by the company on his website “step across the regulatory line”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Gardaí appeal for public help in locating missing man in Kinsale

Gardaí in Co Cork are seeking the public ’ s assistance in tracing 42-year-old Martin Faherty , who was last @ @ @ @ @ on January 3rd at approximately 12.10am .
Mr Faherty is described as being 1.7m ( @ @ @ @ @ tall , of slight build , with brown eyes and is bald .
According to @ @ @ @ @ wearing a green woolly hat , a shirt , jeans and brown boots when last @ @ @ @ @ anyone who may have seen Mr Faherty , or who has information on his whereabouts @ @ @ @ @ Station on 021 477 9250 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 , @ @ @ @ @

Gardaí in Co Cork are seeking the public's assistance in tracing 42-year-old Martin Faherty, who was last seen in the Kinsale area on January 3rd at approximately 12.10am.
Mr Faherty is described as being 1.7m (5’ 7”) tall, of slight build, with brown eyes and is bald.
According to gardaí, Mr Faherty was wearing a green woolly hat, a shirt, jeans and brown boots when last seen.
Gardaí are asking anyone who may have seen Mr Faherty, or who has information on his whereabouts, to contact Kinsale Garda Station on 021 477 9250, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.


theirishtimes--2020-01-23--Students and colleges warn third level sector is ‘losing ground’ on rivals

Students and third level colleges have united to call on political parties to commit to invest more in higher education to prevent Ireland “ losing ground ” against international competitors .
In a joint statement , the Union of Students in Ireland , the Irish Universities Association and the Technological Higher Education Association said State funding per student at third levelis now 40 per cent less than it was a decade ago .
They said this funding “ crisis ” is now compromising the quality of higher education and the student experience .
As a short-term measure , the representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invest an extra €100 million per year for the sector over the next three years .
In addition , it wants “ at least ” an additional €200 million per year from the National Training Fund , which is due to run a surplus of almost €1 billion this year .
Jim Miley , director general of Irish Universities Association , said it was four years since the Cassells report outlined funding options for the sector and warned that the status quo was no longer sustainable .
He said this report has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for further analysis and recommendations .
“ Realistically , we will have to wait until late 2020 to get a ‘ report about a report ’ .
It will take a further year or more for the political and civil service system to act , ” he said .
“ We just can not wait that long .
In an increasingly competitive global environment , Ireland ’ s talent is our future.
” Lorna Fitzpatrick , USI president , said the staff and student community at third level was a significant voting bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps double or treble that when their immediate families are taken into account .
“ We say to our politicians and election candidates - these are people living and supporting your local communities .
And we say to those people themselves - ask your election candidate to commit to addressing the crisis in third level funding when they ask for your support .
It is nothing less than your future and that of your family that is at stake , ” she said .
A spokesman for the Department of Education recently pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has risen significantly .
He said EU spending rules meant that additional expenditure could not be sourced from the fund without a corresponding drop in exchequer spending .
“ The EU rules are designed to ensure that growth in public expenditure is sustainable and supports the achievement of key fiscal targets , ” the spokesman said .
“ The accumulated surplus in the NTF has previously been important in maintaining expenditure levels , particularly in the provision of training for unemployed people , when NTF income declined.
” He also added that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment on education and training from the fund over recent years .
A further increase in National Training Fund spending of €70 million is planned for 2020 .
This has funded a significant expansion in apprenticeships , training for people in employment and in the Springboard+ programme .
However , Dr Joseph Ryan , chief executive of the Technological Higher Education Association , said it was “ unimaginable ” that the scale of the National Training Fund surplus would be allowed to sit in a government bank account while the “ crisis in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The stark fact remains that the core funding provided by the State to third level institutions and universities is now 40 per cent less than it was a decade ago .
This is at a time of unprecedented growth in the student population and we know that numbers will increase by at least 36,000 or one fifth over the next decade , ” he said .

Trinity College Dublin’s old library. Students and third level colleges have united to call on political parties to commit to invest more in higher education to prevent Ireland “losing ground” against nternational competitors. Photograph: iStock
Students and third level colleges have united to call on political parties to commit to invest more in higher education to prevent Ireland “losing ground” against international competitors.
In a joint statement, the Union of Students in Ireland, the Irish Universities Association and the Technological Higher Education Association said State funding per student at third levelis now 40 per cent less than it was a decade ago.
They said this funding “crisis” is now compromising the quality of higher education and the student experience.
Invest
As a short-term measure, the representative bodies have proposed that the next government invest an extra €100 million per year for the sector over the next three years.
READ MORE
In addition, it wants “at least” an additional €200 million per year from the National Training Fund, which is due to run a surplus of almost €1 billion this year.
Jim Miley, director general of Irish Universities Association, said it was four years since the Cassells report outlined funding options for the sector and warned that the status quo was no longer sustainable.
He said this report has since been referred to an EU-funded study group for further analysis and recommendations.
“Realistically, we will have to wait until late 2020 to get a ‘report about a report’. It will take a further year or more for the political and civil service system to act,” he said.
“We just cannot wait that long. In an increasingly competitive global environment, Ireland’s talent is our future.”
Lorna Fitzpatrick, USI president, said the staff and student community at third level was a significant voting bloc of close to 300,000 people, and perhaps double or treble that when their immediate families are taken into account.
Crisis
“We say to our politicians and election candidates - these are people living and supporting your local communities. And we say to those people themselves - ask your election candidate to commit to addressing the crisis in third level funding when they ask for your support. It is nothing less than your future and that of your family that is at stake,” she said.
A spokesman for the Department of Education recently pointed out that State funding for the sector has risen significantly.
He said EU spending rules meant that additional expenditure could not be sourced from the fund without a corresponding drop in exchequer spending.
“The EU rules are designed to ensure that growth in public expenditure is sustainable and supports the achievement of key fiscal targets,” the spokesman said.
“The accumulated surplus in the NTF has previously been important in maintaining expenditure levels, particularly in the provision of training for unemployed people, when NTF income declined.”
He also added that there had been “significant” increases in investment on education and training from the fund over recent years.
A further increase in National Training Fund spending of €70 million is planned for 2020.
This has funded a significant expansion in apprenticeships, training for people in employment and in the Springboard+ programme.
Unimaginable
However, Dr Joseph Ryan, chief executive of the Technological Higher Education Association, said it was “unimaginable” that the scale of the National Training Fund surplus would be allowed to sit in a government bank account while the “crisis in third level funding continues apace”.
“The stark fact remains that the core funding provided by the State to third level institutions and universities is now 40 per cent less than it was a decade ago. This is at a time of unprecedented growth in the student population and we know that numbers will increase by at least 36,000 or one fifth over the next decade,” he said.