theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Decision to cancel St Patrick’s Day parades ‘disappointing’

Tourism and business groups have said the decision to cancel the upcoming St Patrick ’ s Day parades in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus was “ disappointing but understandable.
” The organisers of the main Dublin parade welcomed the decision “ in the best interests of public health.
” The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation ( ITIC ) , who represent the domestic industry , said while public health comes first , the economic fallout from the coronavirus for the sector would be stark .
Eoghan O ’ Mara Walsh , ITIC chief executive , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ having a real and material impact on the Irish tourism industry.
” The decision to cancel St Patrick ’ s Day parades in Dublin and across the country next week was “ disappointing but understandable , ” the group said .
Hotels , tour operators , restaurants and attractions were reporting large numbers of people cancelling or deferring bookings , at a time when the tourism season traditionally begins to pick up , he said .
Mr O ’ Mara Walsh said the Government needed to put in place several emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector .
“ This should include Vat payment deferrals for the first half of the year , a reduction in the Vat rate for business back to 9 per cent , interest free loans to businesses under significant cashflow pressures , and a waiving of local authority rates , ” he said .
To date 21 people in the Republic have tested positive for the disease , with health officials expecting the number of cases to increase significantly in the coming weeks .
The response in other European countries , such as France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrict or cancel large public gatherings and sporting events .
The decision to cancel the main Dublin parade on Monday was taken by a Cabinet sub-committee set up to respond to the coronavirus .
Responding to the decision , St Patrick ’ s Festival Parade organisers said it supported the decision “ in the best interests of public health.
” In a statement , the organisers said the main parade and several other events such as a planned “ festival village ” to be set up in Merrion Square , would be cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to medium scale events ” planned for next week would still take place , these would include talks , exhibitions , music and theatre events .
In a statement , Dublin Chamber of Commerce said the decision to cancel the main Dublin parade was a “ huge disappointment to businesses ” in the region .
“ The seriousness of the current situation regarding the coronavirus and the advice of health experts has to be respected , ” the business group said .
“ Dublin Chamber is calling on all businesses to continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees and to put contingency plans in place where possible , ” the statement said .
Decisions to cancel parades in Cork and Waterford were made on Monday by each city council .
Other cities and towns which have cancelled parades include Kilkenny , Sligo , Greystones , and Ennis .
Fingal County Council announced seven smaller parades , in areas including Swords , Malahide , and Blanchardstown , were also cancelled .
The Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish people against non-essential travel to parts of northern Italy , including Milan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of cases in the region .
Aer Lingus has suspended bookings on flights to Milan until the middle of May , having previously scaled back the number of flights the airline was running to northern Italy in recent weeks .
On Monday Ryanair announced further cuts to its flight schedules to and from northern Italy up until 8 April , with affected passengers to be informed of cancellations .

St Patrick’s Day parade cancelled in Dublin, shop window on Henry Street beside image of O’Connell St, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Tourism and business groups have said the decision to cancel the upcoming St Patrick’s Day parades in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus was “disappointing but understandable.”
The organisers of the main Dublin parade welcomed the decision “in the best interests of public health.”
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), who represent the domestic industry, said while public health comes first, the economic fallout from the coronavirus for the sector would be stark.
Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, ITIC chief executive, said the coronavirus, officially known as Covid-19, was "having a real and material impact on the Irish tourism industry."
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The decision to cancel St Patrick’s Day parades in Dublin and across the country next week was “disappointing but understandable,” the group said.
Hotels, tour operators, restaurants and attractions were reporting large numbers of people cancelling or deferring bookings, at a time when the tourism season traditionally begins to pick up, he said.
Mr O’Mara Walsh said the Government needed to put in place several emergency measures to support the tourism and hospitality sector.
“This should include Vat payment deferrals for the first half of the year, a reduction in the Vat rate for business back to 9 per cent, interest free loans to businesses under significant cashflow pressures, and a waiving of local authority rates,” he said.
To date 21 people in the Republic have tested positive for the disease, with health officials expecting the number of cases to increase significantly in the coming weeks.
The response in other European countries, such as France and Germany, has been to similarly restrict or cancel large public gatherings and sporting events.
The decision to cancel the main Dublin parade on Monday was taken by a Cabinet sub-committee set up to respond to the coronavirus.
Responding to the decision, St Patrick’s Festival Parade organisers said it supported the decision “in the best interests of public health.”
In a statement, the organisers said the main parade and several other events such as a planned “festival village” to be set up in Merrion Square, would be cancelled.
However, over 100 “small to medium scale events” planned for next week would still take place, these would include talks, exhibitions, music and theatre events.
In a statement, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said the decision to cancel the main Dublin parade was a "huge disappointment to businesses" in the region.
“The seriousness of the current situation regarding the coronavirus and the advice of health experts has to be respected,” the business group said.
“Dublin Chamber is calling on all businesses to continue to share HSE updates and advice with their employees and to put contingency plans in place where possible,” the statement said.
Decisions to cancel parades in Cork and Waterford were made on Monday by each city council. Other cities and towns which have cancelled parades include Kilkenny, Sligo, Greystones, and Ennis.
Fingal County Council announced seven smaller parades, in areas including Swords, Malahide, and Blanchardstown, were also cancelled.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish people against non-essential travel to parts of northern Italy, including Milan and Venice, due to a large outbreak of cases in the region.
Aer Lingus has suspended bookings on flights to Milan until the middle of May, having previously scaled back the number of flights the airline was running to northern Italy in recent weeks.
On Monday Ryanair announced further cuts to its flight schedules to and from northern Italy up until 8 April, with affected passengers to be informed of cancellations.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Up to 150 KPMG staff in Cork work from home over coronavirus fears

About 150 staff at accountancy firm KPMG in Cork are working from home today after a person who works in their building had “ close contact ” with an individual with coronavirus .
The worker , who is not an employee of the firm , had been in close contact with an individual who is being treated in Cork University Hospital with the virus Covid-19 .
The firm said that the landlord of its offices at 85 South Mall in Cork city centre had recommended that staff stay out of the building today to complete a “ deep clean ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precautionary measure , we have asked all our staff in our Cork office to work from home today , ” said a spokesman for the firm .
“ The health and wellbeing of our people and the wider community is our primary concern and we will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with our landlord and the health authorities.
” A High Court case was adjourned in the Four Courts in Dublin on Monday morning as a party to the case could not access his files as they were in KPMG ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was told .
There are 100 staff at Cork University Hospital in self-isolation after the virus was identified in a patient who had been received treatment , putting him in close contact with healthcare workers .
The individual was the first confirmed case of community transition in the country .
The man had not recently travelled from northern Italy - the worst outbreak of coronavirus in Europe - and is not known to have been in contact with anyone who had travelled from the affected area .
Meanwhile , in a precautionary measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , Facebook has temporarily split a number of teams of subcontracted moderators in Dublin who check flagged online information for the social network and moved some of them to other offices in the city .
The company said that it was moving its Accenture- and CPL-contracted moderators “ to minimise the potential impact of Covid-19 on our operations.
” The US-based company stressed that there had been no suspected cases among the company ’ s employees based in Ireland .
“ We appreciate this may be disruptive for those involved and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimise disruption , ” said the company ’ s spokeswoman .
Facebook is making buses available for employees who are part of the temporary move should they require it .
The company has said that it will pay workers who can not work due to reduced staffing requirements during voluntary working from home , when the company closes a location and when it chooses to send a contract employee home or they are sick .

“As a precautionary measure, we have asked all our staff in our Cork office to work from home today,” said a spokesman for the firm.
About 150 staff at accountancy firm KPMG in Cork are working from home today after a person who works in their building had "close contact" with an individual with coronavirus.
The worker, who is not an employee of the firm, had been in close contact with an individual who is being treated in Cork University Hospital with the virus Covid-19.
The firm said that the landlord of its offices at 85 South Mall in Cork city centre had recommended that staff stay out of the building today to complete a “deep clean” of the building.
Measure
“As a precautionary measure, we have asked all our staff in our Cork office to work from home today,” said a spokesman for the firm.
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“The health and wellbeing of our people and the wider community is our primary concern and we will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with our landlord and the health authorities.”
A High Court case was adjourned in the Four Courts in Dublin on Monday morning as a party to the case could not access his files as they were in KPMG's offices in Cork, the court was told.
There are 100 staff at Cork University Hospital in self-isolation after the virus was identified in a patient who had been received treatment, putting him in close contact with healthcare workers.
The individual was the first confirmed case of community transition in the country. The man had not recently travelled from northern Italy - the worst outbreak of coronavirus in Europe - and is not known to have been in contact with anyone who had travelled from the affected area.
Meanwhile, in a precautionary measure to deal with a potential fallout from coronavirus, Facebook has temporarily split a number of teams of subcontracted moderators in Dublin who check flagged online information for the social network and moved some of them to other offices in the city.
The company said that it was moving its Accenture- and CPL-contracted moderators “to minimise the potential impact of Covid-19 on our operations.”
The US-based company stressed that there had been no suspected cases among the company’s employees based in Ireland.
“We appreciate this may be disruptive for those involved and we are taking a number of steps to minimise disruption,” said the company’s spokeswoman.
Facebook is making buses available for employees who are part of the temporary move should they require it.
The company has said that it will pay workers who cannot work due to reduced staffing requirements during voluntary working from home, when the company closes a location and when it chooses to send a contract employee home or they are sick.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Contractor fined €100,000 for failure to conduct asbestos risk assessment

A building contractor has been fined €100,000 for failing to carry out an asbestos risk assessment during work on part of a Dublin city office building .
The breach occurred at Findlater House , Cathal Brugha Street , on June 23rd , 2016 while McAleer & Rushe UK Ltd was carrying out refurbishment work for its conversion into a hotel .
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard two asbestos surveys had been carried out on the site the previous year but the area involved had not been included as work had not been envisioned there at the time .
Asbestos had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had been compliantly removed by a specialist company using full body suits , respirator masks and extraction fans and filters .
A Health and Safety Authority inspector told a sentence hearing last month that asbestos was a known carcinogen which had been widely used in construction until a phased ban in Ireland between 1986 and 2000 .
Airborne dust particles may be inhaled into the lungs when the asbestos deteriorates or is broken .
Declan McLogan , a director , pleaded guilty on behalf of the company that the firm undertook work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expose employees to dust from asbestos or materials containing asbestos in circumstances where there was a failure to carry out a risk assessment .
McAleer & Rushe UK Ltd , of George Street , London , has no previous convictions .
Sentencing on Monday , Judge Melanie Greally accepted that McAleer & Rushe enjoyed a strong reputation and had various certificates which had demonstrated a commitment to a healthy and safe environment for its staff .
“ The company is committed to maintaining high standards of safety on its sites and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge Greally said .
She accepted that the breach was not motivated by cost saving but was rather caused by human error .
The judge said had the decision-maker on site had the necessary training the mistake may not have been made and described it as a most “ serious breach ” given the risk the workers were exposed to .
Judge Greally gave credit to McAleer & Rushe for its high level of co-operation , the remorse it has expressed and the seriousness of which it has regarded the case .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to safety and has experienced a low number of accidents on site .
She fined the company €100,000 and said that it must be paid within six months .
Judge Greally also granted an order for costs by the State .
Defence counsel , Ronan Kennedy SC , said at the earlier hearing , that this was a once-off incident that was out of character for the company , which prides itself on its exemplary health and safety record .
He submitted there had been a significant element of human error .

A building contractor has been fined €100,000 for failing to carry out an asbestos risk assessment during work on part of a Dublin city office building.
The breach occurred at Findlater House, Cathal Brugha Street, on June 23rd, 2016 while McAleer & Rushe UK Ltd was carrying out refurbishment work for its conversion into a hotel.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard two asbestos surveys had been carried out on the site the previous year but the area involved had not been included as work had not been envisioned there at the time.
Asbestos had been previously located elsewhere in the building and had been compliantly removed by a specialist company using full body suits, respirator masks and extraction fans and filters.
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A Health and Safety Authority inspector told a sentence hearing last month that asbestos was a known carcinogen which had been widely used in construction until a phased ban in Ireland between 1986 and 2000. Airborne dust particles may be inhaled into the lungs when the asbestos deteriorates or is broken.
Declan McLogan, a director, pleaded guilty on behalf of the company that the firm undertook work at Findlater House which would be liable to expose employees to dust from asbestos or materials containing asbestos in circumstances where there was a failure to carry out a risk assessment.
McAleer & Rushe UK Ltd, of George Street, London, has no previous convictions.
Sentencing on Monday, Judge Melanie Greally accepted that McAleer & Rushe enjoyed a strong reputation and had various certificates which had demonstrated a commitment to a healthy and safe environment for its staff.
“The company is committed to maintaining high standards of safety on its sites and has a well developed social conscience,” Judge Greally said.
She accepted that the breach was not motivated by cost saving but was rather caused by human error.
The judge said had the decision-maker on site had the necessary training the mistake may not have been made and described it as a most “serious breach” given the risk the workers were exposed to.
Judge Greally gave credit to McAleer & Rushe for its high level of co-operation, the remorse it has expressed and the seriousness of which it has regarded the case. She added that the company has an impressive commitment to safety and has experienced a low number of accidents on site.
She fined the company €100,000 and said that it must be paid within six months. Judge Greally also granted an order for costs by the State.
Defence counsel, Ronan Kennedy SC, said at the earlier hearing, that this was a once-off incident that was out of character for the company, which prides itself on its exemplary health and safety record. He submitted there had been a significant element of human error.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Doctors have ‘ethical duty’ to self-care

Doctors have an ethical duty to “ self-care ” in order to protect themselves , colleagues and patients , the Medical Council has said in its first comment on the coronavirus outbreak .
Where doctors experience difficulties in maintaining their continuous professional development due to the outbreak , account will be taken of these circumstances , it has indicated .
President Rita Doyle said the council was monitoring the situation in relation to the virus very carefully , especially in light of its role in protecting patients and supporting doctors .
Doctors and other healthcare workers are the “ front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact of Covid-19 in Ireland , she noted .
“ I want to remind doctors that they have an ethical duty , according to the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics , to self-care in order to protect themselves , their colleagues and their patients.
” Doctors must ensure personal protective equipment is worn correctly and that notices are placed at the entrances of clinics and practices informing patients to return home and call their GP or the HSE if they are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or respiratory illness , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wider public to follow the guidance of the HSE and public health doctors .
“ Your first port of call for any concerns should be the HSE website , which is updated regularly .
Most cases will be mild and you will be able to care for yourself at home.
” “ If displaying any symptoms , do not attempt to attend your GP , out-of-hours service or an emergency department .
Please call your local GP or contact the HSE website for guidance.
” Everyone has a role in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the disease , she said , from individuals following personal hygiene guidance to businesses , shops , bars and restaurants having signage up reminding people to wash their hands and providing hand sanitiser or sufficient hand-washing facilities .
The council is working closely with the Department of Health and the HSE on a number of matters and continues to monitor the situation , she said .
All doctors are required to engage in ongoing learning , including attending conferences .
The council says it understands the significant workload faced by doctors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Covid-19 , and appreciates that some doctors may choose not to attend overseas medical conferences or have difficulty recording their continuous professional development .
It says doctors not meeting their CPD requirements for these reasons should advise their professional competence scheme and indicate , when filling in their annual returns , their non-compliance .
“ By doing both of these the doctor ’ s circumstances will be taken into consideration in the compliance monitoring process , and if the doctor ’ s compliance with the requirements has been consistent in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern .
”

Doctors have an ethical duty to "self-care" in order to protect themselves, colleagues and patients, the Medical Council has said in its first comment on the coronavirus outbreak.
Where doctors experience difficulties in maintaining their continuous professional development due to the outbreak, account will be taken of these circumstances, it has indicated.
President Rita Doyle said the council was monitoring the situation in relation to the virus very carefully, especially in light of its role in protecting patients and supporting doctors.
Doctors and other healthcare workers are the "front line" in the battle to minimise the impact of Covid-19 in Ireland, she noted.
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“I want to remind doctors that they have an ethical duty, according to the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics, to self-care in order to protect themselves, their colleagues and their patients.”
Doctors must ensure personal protective equipment is worn correctly and that notices are placed at the entrances of clinics and practices informing patients to return home and call their GP or the HSE if they are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or respiratory illness, she said.
Dr Doyle urged patients and the wider public to follow the guidance of the HSE and public health doctors. “Your first port of call for any concerns should be the HSE website, which is updated regularly. Most cases will be mild and you will be able to care for yourself at home.”
“If displaying any symptoms, do not attempt to attend your GP, out-of-hours service or an emergency department. Please call your local GP or contact the HSE website for guidance.”
Slowing spread
Everyone has a role in the community response needed to slow down the spread of the disease, she said, from individuals following personal hygiene guidance to businesses, shops, bars and restaurants having signage up reminding people to wash their hands and providing hand sanitiser or sufficient hand-washing facilities.
The council is working closely with the Department of Health and the HSE on a number of matters and continues to monitor the situation, she said.
All doctors are required to engage in ongoing learning, including attending conferences. The council says it understands the significant workload faced by doctors, and the potential travel disruption, caused by Covid-19, and appreciates that some doctors may choose not to attend overseas medical conferences or have difficulty recording their continuous professional development.
It says doctors not meeting their CPD requirements for these reasons should advise their professional competence scheme and indicate, when filling in their annual returns, their non-compliance.
“By doing both of these the doctor’s circumstances will be taken into consideration in the compliance monitoring process, and if the doctor’s compliance with the requirements has been consistent in the past, this deviation should not cause any concern.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Proper chlorination stops water transmission, HSE advises

Coronavirus can not be transmitted in drinking water and swimming pools so long as they are properly chlorinated , the Health Service Executive has advised .
Adherence to current recommended disinfection practice is sufficient to “ inactivate ” the Covid-19 virus in chlorinated drinking water and swimming pools , according to advice note prepared by the HSE to address concerns on the issue .
Chlorination is the most commonly used method of water treatment in Ireland for both drinking water and swimming pools .
The HSE says it has a “ long history ” of preventing waterborne illness , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of chlorine in drinking water , as well as specific “ contact time ” needed to ensure dangerous germs are killed .
There are three difference groups of viruses : enveloped viruses , surrounded by an outer lipid membrane ; and large and small non-enveloped viruses , which lack this membrane .
According to the advice note , enveloped viruses are easier to kill than non-enveloped viruses : “ Sars-CoV-2 , the virus responsible for the Covid-19 outbreak , is an enveloped virus and therefore the easiest to kill of the three types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organisation recommended chlorination level of 15mg.min/litre is sufficient to kill non-enveloped viruses such as poliovirus , rotavirus and coxsackievirus , and an enveloped virus such as Covid-19 would be inactivated at even lower levels , the document says .
The same rationale applies to standards used to control microbiological hazards in swimming pools treated with disinfectant , it says , although the amount of chlorine required varies according to the type of pool or chlorination chemical used .
Jacuzzis or other types of spa pools may need a higher amount , for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the purity of water supplies and swimming pools , cryptosporidium requires the highest dose of chlorine to be inactivated .

The amount of chlorine required varies according to the type of pool or chlorination chemical used. Photograph: iStock
Coronavirus cannot be transmitted in drinking water and swimming pools so long as they are properly chlorinated, the Health Service Executive has advised.
Adherence to current recommended disinfection practice is sufficient to “inactivate” the Covid-19 virus in chlorinated drinking water and swimming pools, according to advice note prepared by the HSE to address concerns on the issue.
Chlorination is the most commonly used method of water treatment in Ireland for both drinking water and swimming pools.
The HSE says it has a "long history" of preventing waterborne illness, with the World Health Organisation recommending specific concentrations of chlorine in drinking water, as well as specific "contact time" needed to ensure dangerous germs are killed.
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There are three difference groups of viruses: enveloped viruses, surrounded by an outer lipid membrane; and large and small non-enveloped viruses, which lack this membrane.
Easier to kill
According to the advice note, enveloped viruses are easier to kill than non-enveloped viruses: “Sars-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the Covid-19 outbreak, is an enveloped virus and therefore the easiest to kill of the three types of viruses”.
The World Health Organisation recommended chlorination level of 15mg.min/litre is sufficient to kill non-enveloped viruses such as poliovirus, rotavirus and coxsackievirus, and an enveloped virus such as Covid-19 would be inactivated at even lower levels, the document says.
The same rationale applies to standards used to control microbiological hazards in swimming pools treated with disinfectant, it says, although the amount of chlorine required varies according to the type of pool or chlorination chemical used. Jacuzzis or other types of spa pools may need a higher amount, for example.
Of all the organisms that threaten the purity of water supplies and swimming pools, cryptosporidium requires the highest dose of chlorine to be inactivated.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Court urged to annul woman's bankruptcy after bank admitted overcharging

A woman sought bankruptcy and lost her family home after Bank of Ireland charged her more than twice what she ought to be paying on her mortgage , the High Court has been told .
Deirdre Dennis said she was left financially crippled and personally devastated by overcharging on monthly repayments between June 2012 and December 2017 to Bank of Ireland .
Arising out of what she believed to be her debts , Ms Dennis successfully petitioned the High Court to be adjudicated a bankrupt in October 2017 .
In an application heard by Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bankruptcy .
Her counsel Eoin McGonigal SC said the bank acknowledged its “ catastrophic error ” after she had exited bankruptcy in October 2018 , and after her former family home at Seaview Terrace , Killala , Co Mayo had been sold by the bank .
In February 2019 , Bank of Ireland wrote to Ms Dennis after it had completed a review of her mortgage under their Tracker Mortgage Examination .
In its correspondence , Bank of Ireland had acknowledged and unreservedly apologised for failing to provide Ms Dennis with a tracker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entitled to one .
Bank of Ireland said she was entitled to compensation , redress and a refund of interest charged and accepted its failure was a factor in her losing her home .
It also withdrew its claim in her bankruptcy for amounts totalling €115,000 .
Mr McGonigal , with Michael O ’ Sullivan BL , instructed by solicitor Evan O ’ Dwyer , said , when seeking to be adjudicated a bankrupt , Ms Dennis believed she owed Bank of Ireland some €171,000 on foot of loans taken with the bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being worth €73,000 .
She had additional debts of €66,000 to Revenue and another financial institution .
She claims , if she had all the relevant information from Bank of Ireland in October 2017 , she would not have sought bankruptcy .
Ms Justice Pilkington was told the official assignee in bankruptcy was not opposing the application .
Bank of Ireland , represented by Bernard Dunleavy SC , said it did not wish to make any submissions to the court .
In a sworn statement , Ms Dennis said she spent years “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Despite her struggles , including her business failure in 2008 , she always tried to maintain her mortgage payments as best she could .
She said she pleaded with Bank of Ireland to apply a common sense approach to the level of her repayments and she made many personal sacrifices .
In 2014 , she said she had to stop making repayments and had left the property which was in negative equity .
In 2015 Bank of Ireland sought an order for possession of her family home so it could sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In early 2019 Bank of Ireland admitted it had overcharged her , resulting in her having to pay twice what she was contractually obliged to do when she was trying to make ends meet .
She now rents a property at Killala Road , Ballina , Co Mayo .
She says she ended up paying twice as much for had she been paying on the mortgage for her own home , which she said she was “ forced ” to leave .
She could not understand why her Bank of Ireland account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it continued to pursue possession proceedings against her in 2015 when it should have known her loan account would come under examination .
She wondered why Bank of Ireland continued to “ persecute ” and pursue her until she had lost her home when they knew her accounts were affected by their failings .
“ Why did I have to sacrifice so much at a time where , had the bank been honest with me , at a time where had the bank not deceitfully stolen from me for years , where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to month , from one personal tragedy to the next , that my life would have been normal , bearable , maybe even enjoyable , ” she said .
The judge said it was “ a very unusual case ” and she would give a written judgment “ as soon as possible .
”

A woman lost her family home after Bank of Ireland charged her more than twice what she ought to be paying on her mortgage, the High Court has been told. File photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto
A woman sought bankruptcy and lost her family home after Bank of Ireland charged her more than twice what she ought to be paying on her mortgage, the High Court has been told.
Deirdre Dennis said she was left financially crippled and personally devastated by overcharging on monthly repayments between June 2012 and December 2017 to Bank of Ireland.
Arising out of what she believed to be her debts, Ms Dennis successfully petitioned the High Court to be adjudicated a bankrupt in October 2017. In an application heard by Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington on Monday, she sought an order annulling her bankruptcy.
Her counsel Eoin McGonigal SC said the bank acknowledged its “catastrophic error” after she had exited bankruptcy in October 2018, and after her former family home at Seaview Terrace, Killala, Co Mayo had been sold by the bank.
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In February 2019, Bank of Ireland wrote to Ms Dennis after it had completed a review of her mortgage under their Tracker Mortgage Examination.
In its correspondence, Bank of Ireland had acknowledged and unreservedly apologised for failing to provide Ms Dennis with a tracker mortgage at a time when she was entitled to one. Bank of Ireland said she was entitled to compensation, redress and a refund of interest charged and accepted its failure was a factor in her losing her home. It also withdrew its claim in her bankruptcy for amounts totalling €115,000.
Mr McGonigal, with Michael O’Sullivan BL, instructed by solicitor Evan O’Dwyer, said, when seeking to be adjudicated a bankrupt, Ms Dennis believed she owed Bank of Ireland some €171,000 on foot of loans taken with the bank. Her then home was valued as being worth €73,000. She had additional debts of €66,000 to Revenue and another financial institution. She claims, if she had all the relevant information from Bank of Ireland in October 2017, she would not have sought bankruptcy.
Ms Justice Pilkington was told the official assignee in bankruptcy was not opposing the application.
Bank of Ireland, represented by Bernard Dunleavy SC, said it did not wish to make any submissions to the court.
In a sworn statement, Ms Dennis said she spent years “fighting to keep my head above water”. Despite her struggles, including her business failure in 2008, she always tried to maintain her mortgage payments as best she could. She said she pleaded with Bank of Ireland to apply a common sense approach to the level of her repayments and she made many personal sacrifices.
In 2014, she said she had to stop making repayments and had left the property which was in negative equity. In 2015 Bank of Ireland sought an order for possession of her family home so it could sell the property and she consented to that. In early 2019 Bank of Ireland admitted it had overcharged her, resulting in her having to pay twice what she was contractually obliged to do when she was trying to make ends meet.
She now rents a property at Killala Road, Ballina, Co Mayo. She says she ended up paying twice as much for had she been paying on the mortgage for her own home, which she said she was “forced” to leave. She could not understand why her Bank of Ireland account was not examined sooner, or why it continued to pursue possession proceedings against her in 2015 when it should have known her loan account would come under examination.
She wondered why Bank of Ireland continued to “persecute” and pursue her until she had lost her home when they knew her accounts were affected by their failings.
“Why did I have to sacrifice so much at a time where, had the bank been honest with me, at a time where had the bank not deceitfully stolen from me for years, where I struggled to make ends meet from month to month, from one personal tragedy to the next, that my life would have been normal, bearable, maybe even enjoyable,” she said.
The judge said it was “a very unusual case” and she would give a written judgment “as soon as possible.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Nigerian man who claims to have two Irish children fails to halt his deportation

A Nigerian man who claims he is the father of two Irish-citizen children by an Irish woman – who has since married another man – has failed to get a High Court injunction preventing his deportation .
The man , who was detained last January on foot of the deportation order , sought the injunction pending proceedings aimed at revoking the deportation order and his separate bid for residency on the basis of parentage of Irish citizen children .
In a judgment recently published , Mr Justice Richard Humphreys refused the injunctions .
He had “ no particular enthusiasm ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind the man was “ the author of his own misfortune ” , but there was “ no ideal solution ” in this case , he said .
The man had failed to provide the necessary documents for a valid application , known as a Zambrano application , for residence on the basis of parentage of two Irish citizen children , he found .
Had he done so , the legal points he wished to make would be considered , including his claim he might in the future acquire such a relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave the State .
Because the children are in the primary custody of their mother , the man ’ s deportation will not result in the children ceasing to effectively exercise their rights as EU citizens , the judge added .
For that and other reasons , including the man ’ s history of “ deception and evasion ” meant an injunction would likely mean his disappearance , that the maximum period he could be detained on a deportation order was about to run out at the time of the injunction hearing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU law points being made by him , the “ only realistic ” way to resolve the case was to simply apply existing case law which unfortunately does not favour the man , the judge said .
Earlier , the judge outlined that the man came here in 2008 , had used aliases and had accepted , when seeking asylum , he falsely claimed to be from Sierra Leone .
His applications for protection failed but a deportation proposal which issued in July 2015 was returned to sender .
In early 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the man and an Irish woman but the child ’ s birth certificate did not identify the father .
The man got joint guardianship of that child in October 2017 .
In May 2018 , the woman had a second child .
The man claimed she had named another man as that child ’ s father in a further effort to give him , the applicant , “ the brush-off ” .
She has since married the other man .
The applicant was detained in Cloverhill prison early last January on foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week later , his custody of the first child was formalised and he got joint guardianship of the second child .
The mother had said during the custody proceedings that the applicant was the father of her second child and the District Judge was satisfied to that effect .
On January 14th 2020 , he instructed solicitors to apply to revoke the deportation order and Mr Justice Humphreys granted leave for proceedings to that end and granted an injunction restraining the man ’ s removal from the State .
Also in January , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , for leave to remain on basis of Zambrano rights but the Minister for Justice refused on three occasions between January and February 7th , 2020 to accept that application because of missing documents .
When the revocation proceedings returned before Mr Justice Humphreys on February 11th , he refused to grant injunctions preventing the man ’ s deportation pending the full hearing of that case and the outcome of the residency application .

A Nigerian man who claims he is the father of two Irish-citizen children by an Irish woman – who has since married another man – has failed to get a High Court injunction preventing his deportation.
The man, who was detained last January on foot of the deportation order, sought the injunction pending proceedings aimed at revoking the deportation order and his separate bid for residency on the basis of parentage of Irish citizen children.
In a judgment recently published, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys refused the injunctions. He had “no particular enthusiasm” about doing so, even bearing in mind the man was “the author of his own misfortune”, but there was “no ideal solution” in this case, he said.
The man had failed to provide the necessary documents for a valid application, known as a Zambrano application, for residence on the basis of parentage of two Irish citizen children, he found. Had he done so, the legal points he wished to make would be considered, including his claim he might in the future acquire such a relationship with the children they might be compelled to leave the State.
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Because the children are in the primary custody of their mother, the man’s deportation will not result in the children ceasing to effectively exercise their rights as EU citizens, the judge added. For that and other reasons, including the man’s history of “deception and evasion” meant an injunction would likely mean his disappearance, that the maximum period he could be detained on a deportation order was about to run out at the time of the injunction hearing, and the “speculative nature” of EU law points being made by him, the “only realistic” way to resolve the case was to simply apply existing case law which unfortunately does not favour the man, the judge said.
Earlier, the judge outlined that the man came here in 2008, had used aliases and had accepted, when seeking asylum, he falsely claimed to be from Sierra Leone. His applications for protection failed but a deportation proposal which issued in July 2015 was returned to sender.
In early 2017, a child appeared to have been born to the man and an Irish woman but the child’s birth certificate did not identify the father. The man got joint guardianship of that child in October 2017. In May 2018, the woman had a second child. The man claimed she had named another man as that child’s father in a further effort to give him, the applicant, “the brush-off”. She has since married the other man.
The applicant was detained in Cloverhill prison early last January on foot of a deportation order. About a week later, his custody of the first child was formalised and he got joint guardianship of the second child. The mother had said during the custody proceedings that the applicant was the father of her second child and the District Judge was satisfied to that effect.
On January 14th 2020, he instructed solicitors to apply to revoke the deportation order and Mr Justice Humphreys granted leave for proceedings to that end and granted an injunction restraining the man’s removal from the State. Also in January, the man applied, for the first time, for leave to remain on basis of Zambrano rights but the Minister for Justice refused on three occasions between January and February 7th, 2020 to accept that application because of missing documents. When the revocation proceedings returned before Mr Justice Humphreys on February 11th, he refused to grant injunctions preventing the man’s deportation pending the full hearing of that case and the outcome of the residency application.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: patients asked to only visit GP surgery with appointment

Patients have been told not to turn up at GP surgeries without an appointment in order to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus .
And patients who have been to an affected area and are showing respiratory symptoms have been reminded not to go to their GP surgery , hospital emergency department or out-of-hours services .
Instead they should instead phone ahead or call 112 .
The Irish College of General Practitioners is requesting all patients to make appointment to see their GPs and not to attend the surgery without an appointment .
GPs will take “ particular precautions ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory symptoms in order to ensure safety for patients , GPs and their staff , it says .
“ GPs may not be able to facilitate ‘ walk-in visits ’ in order to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection to GPs , staff and other patients in the practice , the professional body for family doctors has warned .
ICGP president Dr Mary Favier said : “ We are requesting the public to help us keep frontline healthcare staff as safe as possible from the Covid-19 virus .
“ We know that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore we are asking that particularly those people with acute respiratory symptoms eg , fever , cough , shortness of breath , or flu-like symptoms to contact their GP practice in advance , and take advice from the staff there.
” Dr Nuala O ’ Connor , lead adviser on Covid-19 with the ICGP , said the key to stopping the spread of the virus continued to be “ regular handwashing and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or the bend of your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from your face ” .
It is quite normal for people to worry about how the outbreak will affect them and their loved ones , she added .

Dr Mary Favier has asked the public to help keep frontline healthcare staff as safe as possible from the Covid-19 virus. Photographer: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times
Patients have been told not to turn up at GP surgeries without an appointment in order to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
And patients who have been to the worst affected areas and are showing respiratory symptoms have been reminded not to go to their GP surgery, hospital emergency department, out-of-hours service or pharmacy. Instead they should phone ahead or call 112.
The Irish College of General Practitioners is requesting all patients to make appointment to see their GPs and not to attend the surgery without an appointment.
One GP practice has gone further by moving most consultations with patients on to the phone. Patients ringing the Cork practice are told it is not taking routine appointments and that patients will be dealt with by phone.
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“We have suspended all non-urgent medical care and we will be triaging acute care over the phone in the first instance, with a view to face-to-face consultations taking place if necessary,” a spokesman for the practice, who asked it not be identified, said.
The aim is to keep patients, many of them with underlying health issues, out of the waiting-room, which could often be crowded, he explained.
According to the ICGP, family doctors will take “particular precautions” in consultations with patients who have acute respiratory symptoms in order to ensure safety for patients, GPs and their staff.
“GPs may not be able to facilitate ‘walk-in visits’ in order to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection to GPs, staff and other patients in the practice, the professional body for family doctors has warned.
ICGP president Dr Mary Favier said: "We are requesting the public to help us keep frontline healthcare staff as safe as possible from the Covid-19 virus. "We know that the cases of community transmission are increasing and therefore we are asking that particularly those people with acute respiratory symptoms eg, fever, cough, shortness of breath, or flu-like symptoms to contact their GP practice in advance, and take advice from the staff there."
Dr Nuala O’Connor, lead adviser on Covid-19 with the ICGP, said the key to stopping the spread of the virus continued to be “regular handwashing and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or the bend of your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of infection and to keep hands away from your face”.
It is quite normal for people to worry about how the outbreak will affect them and their loved ones, she added.
The Irish Pharmacy Union advised people to have common non-prescription medications for cold, fever and allergies on hand. People who require medication on a regular basis should also ensure their prescriptions are up to date.
“We do not recommend, however, stockpiling medications in large quantities. This is completely unnecessary and could trigger drug shortages,” the union said in a statement.
“If and when there is a disruption in the supply of medications, pharmacists manage their stock carefully to ensure that all their patients can receive a quantity of the medication to meet their immediate needs. Unnecessary stockpiling of medication can create unintended shortages and puts other patients’ health at risk.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: all you need to know about testing for Covid-19

Hundreds of people have been tested for coronavirus across the State so far .
But what do you need to know about testing ?
According to the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) , it tests people who have either been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , or have been to a place where there is spread of coronavirus in the last 14 days , and who are also exhibiting symptoms such as a cough , shortness of breath , breathing difficulties or a fever .
People with a severe lung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst affected places are China , Hong Kong , Singapore , South Korea , Iran , Japan and Italy .
People who are not feeling well are advised not to go to their GP or emergency department , and instead are advised to make contact with one of these health services by phone .
Where does testing take place ?
In the early days of the crisis , testing took place in emergency departments or other hospital settings .
However , increasingly there is an emphasis on testing people in their own homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility for this testing .
More than 300 people have now been tested in this manner .
There are other ways of getting tested , such as the pop-up facility established in a former Garda station in Lahinch , Co Clare .
Who is responsible for testing and how does it work ?
The test is generally taken by swabbing someone ’ s nose or throat , but a respiratory sample can be taken from sputum if people are coughing .
Testing and a molecular diagnosis then follows .
Testing was initially carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Virus Reference Laboratory ( NVRD ) in University College Dublin developed a test for the virus and it is now responsible for Irish tests .
A test that is submitted before 10am can be turned around before teatime , but any later than that and a result will not be available before the next day .
Are there privately available tests ?
At least three companies in Ireland have developed , or are in the process of developing , diagnostic tests for Covid-19 .
Co Antrim company Randox is the most advanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kits last week to hospitals in China .
Randox ’ s system , which requires laboratories to already have its proprietary technology , can process up to 324 patient samples over an eight hour period .
Dublin-based Hibergene is developing a test which it says would deliver results within 60 minutes .
While the company has made “ rapid progress ” through the early phase of its testing , the product will only be available for sale in the coming months .
Elsewhere , Reagent Genie has developed a testing kit for researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vaccine .
Their swab test takes about three hours from start to finish but currently is not validated to be used on patients .

How many people have been tested?
By Monday, March 2nd, 397 people had been tested. By the following Monday (March 9th) a total of 1,784 people had been tested. So there has been a significant increase in the number of tests being run.
Who gets tested?
According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), it tests people who have either been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, or have been to a place where there is spread of coronavirus in the last 14 days, and who are also exhibiting symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or a fever.
People with a severe lung infection may also be tested, as may those who have developed pneumonia.
The worst affected places are China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Iran, Japan, or the Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna or Piedmont regions of Italy.
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People who are feeling unwell are advised to consult the HSE website, or ring the HSE Live helpline on 1850 24 1850 for advice, or if necessary to ring their GP. They are advised not to visit to their GP or emergency department.
Where does testing take place?
In the early days of the crisis, testing took place in emergency departments or other hospital settings. However, increasingly there is an emphasis on testing people in their own homes, with the National Ambulance Service taking responsibility for this testing. There are other ways of getting tested, such as the pop-up facility established in a former Garda station in Lahinch, Co Clare.
How long can I expect to wait for a result?
There is no hard and fast rule, but the Department of Health has said it aims to turn tests around in a window of 24 to 48 hours, although some people have reported waiting on results for longer than this.
Who is responsible for testing and how does it work?
The test is generally taken by swabbing someone’s nose or throat, but a respiratory sample can be taken from sputum if people are coughing. Testing and a molecular diagnosis then follows.
Testing was initially carried out in the UK, but the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRD) in University College Dublin developed a test for the virus and it is now responsible for Irish tests. A test that is submitted before 10am can be turned around before teatime, but any later than that and a result will not be available before the next day.
What is the current capacity for testing, and will that change?
Again, there isn’t any hard and fast data, but the figures suggest a current capacity of around 200 tests a day. The intention is to roll out new testing centres around the country, which will take some of the pressure off the NVRD, and increase the capacity of the system to “thousands” per week.
Will the testing regime change over time?
The anticipation is that Ireland will move out of the containment phase and into the delay phase of the outbreak in time, but exactly when that occurs depends on the rate at which cases are confirmed. When that happens, testing policy will be reviewed, and there may be less of an emphasis on community testing as resources are shifted to looking after the sickest people, although this will be determined at the time.
Are there privately available tests?
At least three companies in Ireland have developed, or are in the process of developing, diagnostic tests for Covid-19.
Co Antrim company Randox is the most advanced in this regard, having shipped tests kits last week to hospitals in China.
Randox’s system, which requires laboratories to already have its proprietary technology, can process up to 324 patient samples over an eight-hour period.
Dublin-based Hibergene is developing a test which it says would deliver results within 60 minutes. The product will only be available for sale in the coming months.
Elsewhere, Reagent Genie has developed a testing kit for researchers including academics and companies involved in developing a vaccine.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Italy under lockdown as Coveney warns of unprecedented crisis

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said people should not travel to any part of Italy unless it is absolutely necessary .
The movements of Italy ’ s population of 60 million is being severely limited on Tuesday as the lockdown area was extended to the whole of Italy , not just the most severely affected areas of the north .
On Monday night , Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte said after Italy ’ s death toll jumped by 97 to 463 that it was the country ’ s “ darkest hour ” .
• Live coverage of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Up to 60 per cent of Irish population could get virus • DFA advises people not to travel to any part of Italy • Ministers and opposition leaders taken aback by scale of challenge • Three new cases detected in Ireland , bringing total to 24 Mr Coveney said that while the government can advise Irish citizens not to travel to Italy “ we can not control a country in lockdown ” and stop Italian citizens from travelling to Ireland .
There are no experts on the virus as it was unknown prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are trying to understand more each day , ” the Minister told RTÉ Radio .
Worldwide , the number of Covid-19 cases has surpassed 110,000 , in 105 countries .
There have been 3,817 deaths .
The EU ’ s disease prevention agency is set to tighten its advice as evidence emerged people showing no symptoms could spread the virus .
All St Patrick ’ s Day festival events across the State were cancelled on Monday in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus .
Ireland ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as global equity markets recovered some of the losses sustained in the previous session in the biggest sell-off since the 2008 financial crash .
Mr Coveney said that while Ireland remains in the containment phase , it was inevitable that the country would move into the delay phase , he said .
Because there is no vaccine and no treatment the only way of limiting the spread of the virus is through good public community and health care , he said .
“ We are trying to provide responses that are proportionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health advice .
We need to listen to the experts and the advice they give.
” The Government isn ’ t ruling out any course of action , he said .
If the virus starts to spread in different clusters around the country , then the Government will delay the spread “ as best we can .
The challenge is to slow down infection , to give health authorities time to cope.
” Mr Coveney pointed out that even if only a small percentage of those infected suffer a significant health impact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
“ This is a challenge that is unprecedented .
A lot is happening , advice will be upgraded on a daily basis.
” Any decisions on public gatherings need to be made on the basis of sound evidence , he said .
His own schedule for a trip to New York for St Patrick ’ s Day is being reviewed on a daily basis , he said .
Any measures with regard to the coronavirus are only going to work if the public cooperates .
“ Together we can save lives.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered a bleak assessment of the potential consequences of the coronavirus outbreak .
“ It is possible we are facing events that are unprecedented in modern times , ” Mr Varadkar said later , at a press conference unveiling a €3 billion aid package to deal with the crisis .
The virus can not be stopped , he said , but “ it can be slowed ” with the right response from the health service and across society .
The Taoiseach warned more than half of the population could contract Covid-19 .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from under 1 per cent to more than 3 per cent , meaning large numbers of people could die of the disease in a worst-case scenario .
“ For the vast majority of the population this will be a mild illness and may even by asymptomatic , ” he said .
“ However , there will be a significant part of the population who will require critical care.
” On sick pay , Mr Varadkar said “ conditionality will be waived ” when it comes to people being off work if they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that people who have symptoms and are told to stay at home.
” Three newly discovered cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday evening , bringing the total of confirmed cases in the Republic to 24 .
The three new cases included females from the west and south of the country in close contact with cases and a female healthcare worker from the south in close contact with a patient .
The scale of the crisis is likely to add renewed impetus to the Government formation talks .
Fianna Fáil and Fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan told a meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on Covid-19 earlier that the outbreak was a pandemic , even if that term was not actually being used officially .
The crisis could last between 12 and 22 weeks , according to those present at a briefing for leaders of the Opposition .
Dr Holohan is said to have outlined three possible scenarios , which would see either 25 per cent , 50 per cent or 75 per cent of the population contracting the virus .
Funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in measures on climate change , health and housing will be significantly curtailed .
In the US people are disembarking in Oakland , California from virus-hit cruise ship Grand Princess .
In China president Xi Jinping visited Wuhan , the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak , on Tuesday , the first time he has done so since the epidemic began and a sign that Beijing believes its efforts to control the virus are working .
South Korea reported 35 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday , bringing total infections in Asia ’ s biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The death toll rose by three to 54 , the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said .
The numbers are expected to be updated later on Tuesday .
- Additional reporting Agencies

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other EU leaders have agreed for funding to "help develop new tests, new treatments and a vaccine " for coronavirus "as rapidly as possible."
Ten new cases of coronavirus have been reported this evening, the biggest daily increase recorded since the disease was found here at the end of February.
The new cases bring the total number in the Republic to 34; another four cases were reported in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, bringing its total to 16.
Five of the new cases relate to travel from an affected area, two related to hospital transmission or possible hospital transmission, and three are associated with close contact with a confirmed case.
The new cases involve six males and four females. Five of the cases were in the south of the country, three in the east and two in the west.
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There has also been a massive increase in the number of people being tested, up to 1,784 from 297 a week ago.
Asked whether schools would be closed to curb the spread of the virus, the State's chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said such a measure could be deployed "at some point in time" depending on what happened, "but that time is not necessarily now".
Blanket restrictions in place on visiting at nursing homes and some hospitals, aimed at curbing the risk of infection, should be lifted, Dr Holohan said.
Dr Holohan said visitor restrictions – which were introduced in private nursing homes across the State earlier this week – had a major impact on residents, for whom social interaction was a key part of wellbeing.
While restrictions might be necessary in a particular nursing home depending on circumstances, Dr Holohan said there was no case for across-the-board restrictions. “We want to avoid introducing measures before they are really necessary,” he said.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NEPHT), at a meeting on Tuesday, declared that “socially restrictive actions” around hospitals and nursing homes were “not necessary at this moment in time”, according to a statement issued later.
Main points
Ten new cases reported in Republic, bringing total to 34
Aer Lingus and Ryanair to suspend flights to and from Italy
Italy temporarily suspends payments of bills, taxes and mortgages
DFA advises people not to travel to any part of Italy
Funeral services for coronavirus victims to be postponed
Irish shares join global rally from biggest sell-off since 2008
Up to 60 per cent of Irish population could get virus
All St Patrick's Day parades have been cancelled
Worldwide, the number of cases has surpassed 110,000
Patients on trollies in Ireland falls as GP referrals slow
Case at Apple in Cork, INM sends staff home from newsroom
Public health officials also described the measures recommended by undertakers, including the immediate cremation of deceased people in body-bags, as “unnecessary”.
Detailed guidelines on the handling of deceased people who have coronavirus also known as Covid-19 are to be published on Wednesday. It will be evident from these that the measures proposed by the Irish Association of Funeral Directors are not necessary, Dr John Cuddihy, director of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said.
The officials said people should be encouraged to follow respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene procedures in order to protect vulnerable groups, including older people and patients with underlying conditions. People should not visit if they themselves are unwell.
Earlier, details emerged of the four new cases of Covid-19 detected in Northern Ireland. All four are adults. One case involved recent travel from Northern Italy. Three can be traced to a previously reported case that involved recent travel to Northern Italy.
The annual St Patrick's reception in Washington DC, hosted by the Irish Ambassador to the United States, has been cancelled. However, a meeting between US president Donald Trump and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will go ahead.
On Tuesday afternoon, Ryanair and Aer Lingus said they were suspending all flights to and from and within Italy following the decision of the Italian government to lock down the entire country to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Ryanair said the suspension of internal flights would come into force at midnight.
Flights into and out of Italy will be suspended at midnight on Friday, March 13th. The measures will be in place until April 8th.
Aer Lingus has cancelled all flights to and from Italy from Wednesday, March 11th, until April 3rd.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said residents of Ireland should not travel to Italy unless it is absolutely necessary.
Minister for Business Heather Humphreys has meanwhile cancelled her St Patrick's Day trip to the US west coast.
Ms Humphreys told Northern Sound radio she needed to remain in Ireland to deal with the effects of the viral outbreak on businesses.
She said she made the decision last Friday. “I’m meeting with the Enterprise Forum this afternoon and the banks later on in the week. In fact, last Friday I made the decision to cancel my St Patrick’s Day trip to San Francisco [and Sacramento] so I could be here to focus on our response to what is an evolving situation.”
On Monday evening, three newly discovered cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday evening in the Republic. Those cases included females from the west and south of the country who had been in close contact with prior cases and a female healthcare worker from the south who was in close contact with a patient.
A police officer looks on at a checkpoint in Milan. The Italian Government has imposed a nationwide lockdown, limiting people to move only for work or health reasons, in an effort to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Photograph: Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images
The movements of Italy’s population of 60 million is being severely limited after the lockdown area was extended to the whole of Italy last night, not just the most severely affected areas of the north.
On Monday night, Italy’s death toll from the virus jumped by 97 to 463.
Italy has moved to temporarily suspend the payments of bills, taxes and mortgages to ease pressure on small firms and households.
Mr Coveney said while the Government can advise Irish citizens not to travel to Italy, “we cannot control a country in lockdown”, and could not stop Italian citizens from travelling to Ireland.
There are no experts on the virus as it was unknown prior to nine weeks ago, he said. "We are trying to understand more each day," the Minister told RTÉ Radio.
Worldwide, the number of Covid-19 cases has surpassed 110,000, in 105 countries. There have been 3,817 deaths.
The EU’s disease prevention agency is set to tighten its advice as evidence emerged that people showing no symptoms could spread the virus.
EU leaders will hold an emergency conference call on Tuesday afternoon to discuss a response to the deadly virus.
Also on Tuesday, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the Government was open to implementing difficult decisions, including closing down schools and universities.
Apple has sent a number of employees to self-isolate following a confirmed case in its Cork office. Lectures at Trinity College Dublin will be suspended from tomorrow.
Irish response
All St Patrick’s Day parades across the State were cancelled on Monday in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus.
Mr Coveney said while Ireland remains in the containment phase, it was inevitable the country would move into the delay phase as more cases emerged.
Because there is no vaccine and no treatment, the only way of limiting the spread is through good public community care and health care, he said.
“We are trying to provide responses that are proportionate. We are trying to follow public health advice. We need to listen to the experts and the advice they give.”
The Government was not ruling out any course of action, he said. If the virus starts to spread in different clusters around the country, then the Government will delay the spread “as best we can. The challenge is to slow down infection, to give health authorities time to cope.”
Mr Coveney pointed out that even if only a small percentage of those infected suffer a significant health impact, the fatal percentage could mean thousands of deaths.
“This is a challenge that is unprecedented. A lot is happening, advice will be upgraded on a daily basis.”
Any decisions on public gatherings need to be made on the basis of sound evidence, he said. His own schedule for a trip to New York for St Patrick’s Day is being reviewed on a daily basis, he said.
Any measures with regard to the coronavirus are only going to work if the public co-operates. “Together we can save lives.”
Ireland’s Iseq stock market index rallied early on Tuesday, as global equity markets recovered some of the huge losses sustained in the previous session in the biggest sell-off since the 2008 financial crash.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Warning over ‘emergency’ shortage of secondary school principals

The next “ emergency ” in education will be a shortage of secondary principals due to the growing burden on school leaders , a national representative body has warned .
Research commissioned by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals ( NAPD ) indicates that less than a third predict they will still be in a leadership role in five years ’ time .
The findings are based on research conducted among more than 250 principals and deputy principals .
The new report , Wellbeing of Leaders in Post-Primary Schools in Ireland , is due to be published on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national symposium on school leader wellbeing , workload and work-life balance .
NAPD director Clive Byrne said the findings were of little surprise to those in second-level teaching .
“ The role of a modern principal is akin to running a complex business , and school leaders are looking for support .
They are navigating rapidly growing student populations and evolving student and staff needs without the required parallel government investment or supports , ” he said .
“ By extension , their colleagues in the staffroom see the unrelenting stress , pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role and decide against pursuing such positions.
” Mr Byrne said the issue of recruitment and retention of school leaders was going to become more acute in the years ahead .
According to the research , school leaders ’ wellbeing increases year-on-year until they have been in the same role for 10 years , at which point it falls off sharply .
Among the biggest sources of stress for principals and deputy principals are dealing with people and cultivating positive professional relationships .
Other sources of stress include oversight of plant management , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The research found that the three most stressful responsibilities are managing employee relations , new teacher and substitute teacher appointments and financial management .
The three most important sources of support cited were a school leader ’ s partner or spouse , his or her principal or deputy principal and the wider school leadership .
The report also identifies potential solutions such as better distribution of workload , additional administrative support , training and skills enhancement and improved salaries .

The report identifies potential solutions such as better distribution of workload and improved salaries. Photograph: Eric Luke
The next “emergency” in education will be a shortage of secondary principals due to the growing burden on school leaders, a national representative body has warned.
Research commissioned by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) indicates that less than a third predict they will still be in a leadership role in five years’ time.
The findings are based on research conducted among more than 250 principals and deputy principals.
Their colleagues in the staffroom see the unrelenting stress, pressure and psychological strain that comes with the role and decide against pursuing such positions
The new report, Wellbeing of Leaders in Post-Primary Schools in Ireland, is due to be published on Tuesday ahead of the association's national symposium on school leader wellbeing, workload and work-life balance.
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NAPD director Clive Byrne said the findings were of little surprise to those in second-level teaching.
“The role of a modern principal is akin to running a complex business, and school leaders are looking for support. They are navigating rapidly growing student populations and evolving student and staff needs without the required parallel government investment or supports,” he said.
“By extension, their colleagues in the staffroom see the unrelenting stress, pressure and psychological strain that comes with the role and decide against pursuing such positions.”
Wellbeing dip
Mr Byrne said the issue of recruitment and retention of school leaders was going to become more acute in the years ahead.
According to the research, school leaders’ wellbeing increases year-on-year until they have been in the same role for 10 years, at which point it falls off sharply.
Among the biggest sources of stress for principals and deputy principals are dealing with people and cultivating positive professional relationships.
Other sources of stress include oversight of plant management, external agency engagement and administrative responsibilities.
The research found that the three most stressful responsibilities are managing employee relations, new teacher and substitute teacher appointments and financial management.
The three most important sources of support cited were a school leader’s partner or spouse, his or her principal or deputy principal and the wider school leadership.
The report also identifies potential solutions such as better distribution of workload, additional administrative support, training and skills enhancement and improved salaries.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Increase in CAO applications for science and environment courses

Thousands of school-leavers are choosing careers in science and the environment this year , according to the latest Central Applications Office ( CAO ) application trends .
These figures back-up reports of a surge in interest among Leaving Cert students in careers linked to tackling climate change and promoting sustainability .
By contrast , applications for arts , humanities and journalism show a continued fall this year .
Despite this fall-off , arts courses still remain among the most popular at third level .
In all , a total of almost 73,000 applications were received by CAO by the closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure to last year .
Among the areas of study which received significant increases include physical sciences and secondary teaching ( 10 per cent ) , environment , law , dentistry , physiotherapy , architecture and construction ( 8 per cent ) and engineering ( 6 per cent ) .
The category of “ transport services ” recorded the single biggest increase in percentage terms – 89 per cent – but this is based on a very small number of overall applicants .
Applicants were similar year-on-year in areas such as medicine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , biological sciences , veterinary , health and welfare .
The biggest decreases were recorded in journalism and information ( -14 per cent ) , manufacturing and processing ( -10 per cent ) , personal services ( -8 per cent ) , humanities ( -6 per cent ) , arts , languages , agriculture and ICT ( all -5 per cent ) .
All these figures relate to first-preferenced applications for honours degree ( level eight ) courses .
The figures are subject to change when late applications are taken into account and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind ” facility closes on July 1st .
Communications officer for CAO , Eileen Keleghan , said most applicants will be able change their course choices from May 5th onwards .
In addition , late applications are also being accepted up to May 1st .
Among international applications , the proportion of British applicants has fallen again this year ( -6 per cent ) , though applications from Northern Ireland were up slightly ( 4 per cent ) .
EU applicants have held steady this year , while non-EU applicants have increased again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year , the proportion of mature applicants aged 23 or more is down by 7 per cent , reflecting job opportunities in the economy .
Numbers applying through special disability access routes are up ( 4 per cent ) , while those applying through access routes for disadvantaged students is down slightly ( -1.5 per cent ) .
Overall , applications for honours degree courses ( level eight ) were down slightly ( -1.5 per cent ) , as were ordinary degree/advanced certificate courses ( level six/seven ) .
The areas of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courses broadly reflected trends in honours degree courses .
For example , some of the biggest increases were in courses linked to the environment .
However , there were sharp drops in areas such as journalism and information ( -66 per cent ) , social sciences ( -39 per cent ) and education ( -18 per cent ) .

Applications for science-based third-level courses have increased significantly, according to the latest trends from CAO. Photograph: Johnny Greig/iStock
Thousands of school-leavers are choosing careers in science and the environment this year, according to the latest Central Applications Office (CAO) application trends.
These figures back-up reports of a surge in interest among Leaving Cert students in careers linked to tackling climate change and promoting sustainability.
By contrast, applications for arts, humanities and journalism show a continued fall this year. Despite this fall-off, arts courses still remain among the most popular at third level.
In all, a total of almost 73,000 applications were received by CAO by the closing date on February 1st, a similar figure to last year.
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Among the areas of study which received significant increases include physical sciences and secondary teaching (10 per cent), environment, law, dentistry, physiotherapy, architecture and construction (8 per cent) and engineering (6 per cent).
EU rules dictate that compulsory physical checks must take place on live animals. at border inspection posts.
The category of “transport services” recorded the single biggest increase in percentage terms – 89 per cent – but this is based on a very small number of overall applicants.
Applicants were similar year-on-year in areas such as medicine, business, primary teaching, social sciences, biological sciences, veterinary, health and welfare.
The biggest decreases were recorded in journalism and information (-14 per cent), manufacturing and processing (-10 per cent), personal services (-8 per cent ), humanities (-6 per cent), arts, languages, agriculture and ICT (all -5 per cent).
All these figures relate to first-preferenced applications for honours degree (level eight) courses.
Course changes
The figures are subject to change when late applications are taken into account and when CAO’s “change of mind” facility closes on July 1st.
Communications officer for CAO, Eileen Keleghan, said most applicants will be able change their course choices from May 5th onwards. In addition, late applications are also being accepted up to May 1st.
Among international applications, the proportion of British applicants has fallen again this year (-6 per cent), though applications from Northern Ireland were up slightly (4 per cent).
EU applicants have held steady this year, while non-EU applicants have increased again (up 7 per cent).
This year, the proportion of mature applicants aged 23 or more is down by 7 per cent, reflecting job opportunities in the economy.
Numbers applying through special disability access routes are up (4 per cent), while those applying through access routes for disadvantaged students is down slightly (-1.5 per cent).
Overall, applications for honours degree courses (level eight) were down slightly (-1.5 per cent), as were ordinary degree/advanced certificate courses (level six/seven).
The areas of interest at ordinary degree and advanced certificate courses broadly reflected trends in honours degree courses.
For example, some of the biggest increases were in courses linked to the environment.
However, there were sharp drops in areas such as journalism and information (-66 per cent), social sciences (-39 per cent) and education (-18 per cent).


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Spinal rod concerns expressed to Simon Harris a year ago

A senior paediatric surgeon expressed concerns over a system of medical rods implanted in young children with severe scoliosis to Minister for Health Simon Harris over a year ago .
Magec Model X rods , which are used to treat curvature of the spine , were the subject of a product recall last month when it emerged some of them were defective and risked exposing internal components .
In December , 2018 Prof Damian McCormack , a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Temple Street children ’ s hospital , contacted Mr Harris ’ s office over concerns relating to an earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was not subject to last month ’ s recall .
In his correspondence , a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times , Prof McCormack said he had also contacted the medical regulator with his concerns regarding the effectiveness of the product .
Prof McCormack did not respond to efforts to contact him .
However , his decision to contact Mr Harris appears to have been prompted by a question on Magec raised in the Dáil days beforehand .
On December 5th , Fianna Fáil TD Bobby Aylward asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ to satisfy himself that there are no health and safety risks to children with scoliosis being treated with this device ” .
The previous day Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness asked the Minister if there was a “ formal tracking register ” for patients and if he intended to respond to unspecified concerns regarding the rods .
Although last month ’ s product recall related to a specific problem with the Model X version , concerns have previously arisen about the system .
In response to Mr McGuinness , the Minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ device assessed by an EU-based body as complying with the safety and performance requirements of the EU medical device directives .
“ Certification to the EU legislation necessitates that any clinical risks associated with a device are mitigated and reduced as far as possible , and that all risks cumulatively are acceptable when weighed against the clinical benefit , ” he said .
At the time of the parliamentary questions , some concerns had emerged regarding the Magec devices among families of children with scoliosis .
Mr Harris also pointed out at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was responsible for the regulation of medicines and medical devices .
It is understood Mr Harris ’ s response to concerns raised by Prof McCormack was similar to his comments in the Dáil .
Last month , following the release of its field safety and recall notice , US-based manufacturer NuVasive said the safety of patients and its ability to support them and surgeons were the priorities .
The company currently sells two versions of its rods .
“ We realise the Magec technology is the standard of care for early onset scoliosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It said its products had been shown to be effective in treating early onset scoliosis , “ while also helping to avoid increased pain , elevated complication rates , and psychological distress ” associated with alternative surgery .
The rods have been used in a “ very small ” number of cases in Ireland , according to Children ’ s Health Ireland , the umbrella organisation for Irish paediatric hospitals , which has declined to say how many patients were involved , citing patient confidentiality concerns .

Minister for Health Simon Harris: pointed out that the Health Products Regulatory Authority was responsible for the regulation of medical devices. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
A senior paediatric surgeon expressed concerns over a system of medical rods implanted in young children with severe scoliosis to Minister for Health Simon Harris over a year ago.
Magec Model X rods, which are used to treat curvature of the spine, were the subject of a product recall last month when it emerged some of them were defective and risked exposing internal components.
In December, 2018 Prof Damian McCormack, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Temple Street children’s hospital, contacted Mr Harris’s office over concerns relating to an earlier model of the Magec rods, one that was not subject to last month’s recall.
In his correspondence, a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times, Prof McCormack said he had also contacted the medical regulator with his concerns regarding the effectiveness of the product.
READ MORE
Prof McCormack did not respond to efforts to contact him. However, his decision to contact Mr Harris appears to have been prompted by a question on Magec raised in the Dáil days beforehand.
On December 5th, Fianna Fáil TD Bobby Aylward asked Mr Harris what steps he had taken "to satisfy himself that there are no health and safety risks to children with scoliosis being treated with this device".
An x-ray taken of a person with scoliosis. Tallaght Hospital has been accused in the Dáil of engaging in an ‘arse covering exercise’ by confirming surgery for a scoliosis patient only after being contacted by the Minister for Health. Image: iStock.
The previous day Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness asked the Minister if there was a “formal tracking register” for patients and if he intended to respond to unspecified concerns regarding the rods.
Although last month’s product recall related to a specific problem with the Model X version, concerns have previously arisen about the system.
Families’ concerns
In response to Mr McGuinness, the Minister said the Magec rods were a CE-marked medical device assessed by an EU-based body as complying with the safety and performance requirements of the EU medical device directives.
“Certification to the EU legislation necessitates that any clinical risks associated with a device are mitigated and reduced as far as possible, and that all risks cumulatively are acceptable when weighed against the clinical benefit,” he said.
At the time of the parliamentary questions, some concerns had emerged regarding the Magec devices among families of children with scoliosis.
‘There is no advantage to leaving it in and there are many advantages to taking it out.’ Photograph: iStock
Mr Harris also pointed out at the time that the Health Products Regulatory Authority was responsible for the regulation of medicines and medical devices.
It is understood Mr Harris’s response to concerns raised by Prof McCormack was similar to his comments in the Dáil.
Last month, following the release of its field safety and recall notice, US-based manufacturer NuVasive said the safety of patients and its ability to support them and surgeons were the priorities. The company currently sells two versions of its rods.
“We realise the Magec technology is the standard of care for early onset scoliosis in many regions,” it said.
It said its products had been shown to be effective in treating early onset scoliosis, “while also helping to avoid increased pain, elevated complication rates, and psychological distress” associated with alternative surgery.
The rods have been used in a "very small" number of cases in Ireland, according to Children's Health Ireland, the umbrella organisation for Irish paediatric hospitals, which has declined to say how many patients were involved, citing patient confidentiality concerns.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Coronavirus cannot be stopped but can be slowed, says Varadkar

Talks on the formation of a new government are expected to accelerate after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar delivered a bleak assessment of the potential consequences of the coronavirus outbreak .
Cabinet Ministers and Opposition leaders briefed on the epidemic on Monday were said to be taken back by the scale of the challenge outlined .
“ It is possible we are facing events that are unprecedented in modern times , ” Mr Varadkar said later , at a press conference unveiling a €3 billion aid package to deal with the crisis .
The virus can not be stopped , he admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” with the right response from the health service and across society .
“ We only have so many arrows in our quiver , ” he warned , adding that resources were finite .
“ And it ’ s really important that we don ’ t fire all our shots at first.
” On Monday night , Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced his country ’ s lockdown area would be extended to the whole of Italy , not just the most severely affected areas of the north .
After Italy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Conte said it was the country ’ s “ darkest hour ” .
Worldwide , the number of Covid-19 cases has surpassed 110,000 , in 105 countries .
There have been 3,817 deaths .
The EU ’ s disease prevention agency is set to tighten its advice as evidence emerged people showing no symptoms could spread the virus .
Here , the St Patrick ’ s Day festival across the State was cancelled .
Three newly discovered cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday evening , bringing the total of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new cases involved three women who had close contact with a confirmed case .
Two , including one healthcare worker , are in the south of the country .
One is in the west .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan told a meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on Covid-19 earlier that the outbreak was a pandemic , even if that term was not actually being used officially .
If the health system becomes overwhelmed , guidance may have to be given over the phone by medical professionals .
According to those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Opposition , Mr Varadkar indicated decisions may need to be taken at some point on the closure of schools and workplaces .
They were told the crisis could last between 12 and 22 weeks .
Dr Holohan is said to have outlined three possible scenarios , which would see either 25 per cent , 50 per cent or 75 per cent of the population contracting the virus .
At the subsequent press conference , the Taoiseach referenced death rates for the virus ranging from under 1 per cent to over 3 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could die of the disease in a worst-case scenario .
Funds available to the next government to invest in measures on climate change , health and housing will be significantly curtailed .
Separately , according to recommendations from the Irish Association of Funeral Directors to its members , funeral services should not take place for people who die from the disease until later , and their remains should be brought straight to the crematorium or cemetery for committal .
It said it has issued a `` guidance policy '' to members and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarm the public or be insensitive to the trauma that loved ones may face should a member of their family die from the disease . ''
The association said it is continuing to monitor advice from the Government and that `` although the health and safety of our members is paramount , we would assure the public that should any of our members be required to arrange a funeral , under these unprecedented circumstances , they will do so with the utmost respect and professionalism for the deceased and their bereaved family .
@

The Government has agreed an aid package of some €3bn to deal with the public health and economic impact of the coronavirus.
Talks on the formation of a new government are expected to accelerate after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar delivered a bleak assessment of the potential consequences of the coronavirus outbreak.
Cabinet Ministers and Opposition leaders briefed on the epidemic on Monday were said to be taken back by the scale of the challenge outlined.
“It is possible we are facing events that are unprecedented in modern times,” Mr Varadkar said later, at a press conference unveiling a €3 billion aid package to deal with the crisis.
The virus cannot be stopped, he admitted, but “it can be slowed” with the right response from the health service and across society.
READ MORE
“We only have so many arrows in our quiver,” he warned, adding that resources were finite. “And it’s really important that we don’t fire all our shots at first.”
On Monday night, Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced his country’s lockdown area would be extended to the whole of Italy, not just the most severely affected areas of the north. After Italy’s death toll jumped by 97 to 463, Mr Conte said it was the country’s “darkest hour”.
No symptoms
Worldwide, the number of Covid-19 cases has surpassed 110,000, in 105 countries. There have been 3,817 deaths. The EU’s disease prevention agency is set to tighten its advice as evidence emerged people showing no symptoms could spread the virus.
Here, the St Patrick’s Day festival across the State was cancelled.
Three newly discovered cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday evening, bringing the total of confirmed cases in the Republic to 24.
The new cases involved three women who had close contact with a confirmed case. Two, including one healthcare worker, are in the south of the country. One is in the west.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan told a meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on Covid-19 earlier that the outbreak was a pandemic, even if that term was not actually being used officially. If the health system becomes overwhelmed, guidance may have to be given over the phone by medical professionals.
Schools and workplaces
According to those present at a briefing for leaders of the Opposition, Mr Varadkar indicated decisions may need to be taken at some point on the closure of schools and workplaces.
They were told the crisis could last between 12 and 22 weeks.
Dr Holohan is said to have outlined three possible scenarios, which would see either 25 per cent, 50 per cent or 75 per cent of the population contracting the virus.
At the subsequent press conference, the Taoiseach referenced death rates for the virus ranging from under 1 per cent to over 3 per cent, meaning large numbers of people could die of the disease in a worst-case scenario. Funds available to the next government to invest in measures on climate change, health and housing will be significantly curtailed.
Separately, according to recommendations from the Irish Association of Funeral Directors to its members, funeral services should not take place for people who die from the disease until later, and their remains should be brought straight to the crematorium or cemetery for committal.
It said it has issued a "guidance policy" to members and said "it was not our intention to alarm the public or be insensitive to the trauma that loved ones may face should a member of their family die from the disease."
The association said it is continuing to monitor advice from the Government and that "although the health and safety of our members is paramount, we would assure the public that should any of our members be required to arrange a funeral, under these unprecedented circumstances, they will do so with the utmost respect and professionalism for the deceased and their bereaved family."