theirishtimes--2020-06-08--Junior infants and first years face a doubly daunting challenge

When the new academic year eventually gets under way in late August , it will be a major readjustment for hundreds of thousands of children who have spent six months out of the classroom .
But spare a thought for those facing into an even more daunting challenge : junior infants starting “ big school ” and first years making the jump to secondary school .
Even in normal times this is a testing transition .
But this year , on top of missing large chunks of their education and losing out on the chance to prepare for moving to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in the midst of a pandemic with lots of unanswered questions .
Will social distancing make it harder to forge friendships ?
Will lots of school end up being taught remotely ?
Will students be in school on a full-time or part-time basis ?
There has been much greater focus on the transition from preschool to junior infants over the past decade or more , says Deirbhile Nic Craith , director of education and research with the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation ( INTO ) .
“ Primary schools have been building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she says .
“ They may , for instance , arrange for preschool children to see the classrooms they will be going into .
There may also be events for parents to outline how the school operates and what policies are in place .
These can ’ t happen at the moment because of Covid-19.
” Children who are due to start primary school in late August will have missed several months of preschool and creche , and will be used to being at home with their parents .
Might there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
And will social distancing be possible to enforce among younger children ?
Nic Craith says it will be a challenge .
“ Teachers will be conscious that children won ’ t be as ready as they may have been without a pandemic , ” she says .
“ We can ’ t yet know if we will have a full class cohort of 25-30 pupils ; it seems hard to imagine .
Safety and social distancing is a dimension , and we will need more cleaning .
“ Social distancing might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet there will be drills and routines to be learned – it just might take a while for children to get used to it.
” Milica Atanackovic , research and professional learning manager at Early Childhood Ireland , says adults know just how challenging transitions can be – such as starting a new job .
The same is true for children .
“ There will need to be planning around all aspects of learning .
But the emphasis needs to be on wellbeing and emotional support – play , and learning through play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
Children ’ s charity Barnardo ’ s , which works with some of the most disadvantaged children in Ireland , suggests that schools record a short video of a walk-through of the school , which can be shared with families , and is asking for photos of the school so it can make a short introduction book for children .
Early Childhood Ireland and the National Parents Council have also developed a going-to-school leaflet with practical considerations and first-day tips to help manage the transition .
“ Teachers could develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ packs that could be posted or emailed to families , ” suggests Atanackovic .
“ The child could send it back to the teacher with their names , family , likes , dislikes and so on .
Early-learning settings are using technology and alternative ways of keeping in contact with families , including weekly e-newsletters with ideas and tips for parents to carry out activities with their children at home.
” Graham Richmond is a teacher at East Glendalough Secondary School , Wicklow town , and the author of a free ebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary to secondary .
“ Children are going from being the biggest fish in a small pond to the smallest fish in a big pond , at the same time as they undergo mental and hormonal changes – and in a pandemic , ” he says .
Helping your child adjust can mean not passing on your own attitudes to education or particular subjects , such as Irish ; helping them adjust to a new routine , and being open to talking informally – in the car or while they ’ re helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to ask about school , Richmond advises .
Children living in poverty , children who experience abuse and children in homes where there is domestic abuse or addiction issues face a dire situation .
“ We know that some children will have missed out more than others and that there have been different levels of support in the home for various reasons , ” says Richmond .
“ There could be struggles with school refusal .
Schools , including ours , will have to lower expectations in terms of what they expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be a challenge , although children are adaptable.
” Many children have had to take on responsibility for minding younger siblings or haven ’ t had access to devices or wifi , making it harder to engage some children in learning outside of school .
Every year more than 1,000 children do not transition from primary to secondary school , and there are fears this figure could grow .
“ The playing field is becoming more uneven , ” says Lucy Masterson , chief executive of the Irish Youth Foundation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grants to meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people .
“ Pupils go from one teacher to seven or more , who need to cover a curriculum .
Students who struggled in primary school can easily fall between the cracks and be labelled a troublemaker , and many of them may be on reduced timetables .
I had so much support starting school , but imagine a child who hasn ’ t had her uniform bought , or the books , doesn ’ t know where the school might be .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any teenager who is self-motivated to go to school ; for many children the dedicated youth workers and home-school liaison teachers carry them through , but without their support over the last few months to prepare them for the transition , the prospects are bleak.
” Masterson says youth workers predict a physical and mental health crisis affecting the poorest families between now and September .
It is one reason why the foundation is launching a €500,000 fund to support youth work projects around Ireland .
“ We need a radical overhaul of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of after-school clubs , youth groups and youth mentoring services will be core in rebuilding the class of 2020 , ” she says .
“ We also need a focus on critical transition years over the month of August , with summer-school programmes to get them up to speed ; the infrastructure is there with youth work projects around the country.
” EIGHT WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET READY 1 .
Talk about changes with your child well in advance .
2 .
Give your child some leeway : quiet time during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they may find the adjustment tiring .
3 .
Encourage independence : if your child is going to have to take a bus or cycle on their own , try to have a few practice sessions .
4 .
Don ’ t leave things to the last minute : if your child has to wear a tie , make sure they know how to tie it !
5 .
Help your child get more responsible : at second level , especially , children will have to organise themselves far more .
6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school website , arrange a chat with an older child already at the school if they don ’ t know any .
7 .
Get your child ready to make new friends : talk about making new friends and discuss how they did it when they last made new friends .
8 .
Talk about nerves : it ’ s normal to be apprehensive about a big change .

When the new academic year eventually gets under way in late August, it will be a major readjustment for hundreds of thousands of children who have spent six months out of the classroom.
But spare a thought for those facing into an even more daunting challenge : junior infants starting “big school” and first years making the jump to secondary school.
Even in normal times this is a testing transition. But this year, on top of missing large chunks of their education and losing out on the chance to prepare for moving to a new school, they are doing do in the midst of a pandemic with lots of unanswered questions.
Will social distancing make it harder to forge friendships? Will lots of school end up being taught remotely? Will students be in school on a full-time or part-time basis?
READ MORE
Preschool to primary
There has been much greater focus on the transition from preschool to junior infants over the past decade or more, says Deirbhile Nic Craith, director of education and research with the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO).
“Primary schools have been building relationships with local ‘feeder’ preschools,” she says. “They may, for instance, arrange for preschool children to see the classrooms they will be going into. There may also be events for parents to outline how the school operates and what policies are in place. These can’t happen at the moment because of Covid-19.”
Children who are due to start primary school in late August will have missed several months of preschool and creche, and will be used to being at home with their parents.
Might there be more tears at the school gates? And will social distancing be possible to enforce among younger children? Nic Craith says it will be a challenge.
“Teachers will be conscious that children won’t be as ready as they may have been without a pandemic,” she says. “We can’t yet know if we will have a full class cohort of 25-30 pupils; it seems hard to imagine. Safety and social distancing is a dimension, and we will need more cleaning.
“Social distancing might be a difficult concept for children, and yet there will be drills and routines to be learned – it just might take a while for children to get used to it.”
Milica Atanackovic, research and professional learning manager at Early Childhood Ireland, says adults know just how challenging transitions can be –
such as starting a new job. The same is true for children.
“There will need to be planning around all aspects of learning. But the emphasis needs to be on wellbeing and emotional support – play, and learning through play, can help support this,”she says.
Children’s charity Barnardo’s, which works with some of the most disadvantaged children in Ireland, suggests that schools record a short video of a walk-through of the school, which can be shared with families, and is asking for photos of the school so it can make a short introduction book for children.
Early Childhood Ireland and the National Parents Council have also developed a going-to-school leaflet with practical considerations and first-day tips to help manage the transition.
“Teachers could develop welcome packs or ‘All about me’ packs that could be posted or emailed to families,” suggests Atanackovic.
“The child could send it back to the teacher with their names, family, likes, dislikes and so on. Early-learning settings are using technology and alternative ways of keeping in contact with families, including weekly e-newsletters with ideas and tips for parents to carry out activities with their children at home.”
Primary to secondary
Graham Richmond is a teacher at East Glendalough Secondary School, Wicklow town, and the author of a free ebook produced by Folens about the transition from primary to secondary.
“Children are going from being the biggest fish in a small pond to the smallest fish in a big pond, at the same time as they undergo mental and hormonal changes – and in a pandemic,” he says.
Helping your child adjust can mean not passing on your own attitudes to education or particular subjects, such as Irish; helping them adjust to a new routine, and being open to talking informally – in the car or while they’re helping in the kitchen can be the best time to ask about school, Richmond advises.
Children living in poverty, children who experience abuse and children in homes where there is domestic abuse or addiction issues face a dire situation.
Students who struggled in primary school can easily fall between the cracks and be labelled a troublemaker, and many of them may be on reduced timetables
“We know that some children will have missed out more than others and that there have been different levels of support in the home for various reasons,” says Richmond. “There could be struggles with school refusal. Schools, including ours, will have to lower expectations in terms of what they expect from incoming first years. Social distancing will also be a challenge, although children are adaptable.”
Many children have had to take on responsibility for minding younger siblings or haven’t had access to devices or wifi, making it harder to engage some children in learning outside of school.
Every year more than 1,000 children do not transition from primary to secondary school, and there are fears this figure could grow.
"The playing field is becoming more uneven," says Lucy Masterson, chief executive of the Irish Youth Foundation, an organisation that raises funds to provide grants to meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people.
“Pupils go from one teacher to seven or more, who need to cover a curriculum. Students who struggled in primary school can easily fall between the cracks and be labelled a troublemaker, and many of them may be on reduced timetables. I had so much support starting school, but imagine a child who hasn’t had her uniform bought, or the books, doesn’t know where the school might be.
“I’ve never come across any teenager who is self-motivated to go to school; for many children the dedicated youth workers and home-school liaison teachers carry them through, but without their support over the last few months to prepare them for the transition, the prospects are bleak.”
Masterson says youth workers predict a physical and mental health crisis affecting the poorest families between now and September. It is one reason why the foundation is launching a €500,000 fund to support youth work projects around Ireland.
“We need a radical overhaul of the status quo, and the role of after-school clubs, youth groups and youth mentoring services will be core in rebuilding the class of 2020,” she says.
“We also need a focus on critical transition years over the month of August, with summer-school programmes to get them up to speed; the infrastructure is there with youth work projects around the country.”
EIGHT WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET READY
1. Talk about changes with your child well in advance.
2. Give your child some leeway: quiet time during the first couple of weeks is important as they may find the adjustment tiring.
3. Encourage independence: if your child is going to have to take a bus or cycle on their own, try to have a few practice sessions.
4. Don’t leave things to the last minute: if your child has to wear a tie, make sure they know how to tie it!
5. Help your child get more responsible: at second level, especially, children will have to organise themselves far more.
6. Familiarity breeds confidence: check out the school website, arrange a chat with an older child already at the school if they don’t know any.
7. Get your child ready to make new friends: talk about making new friends and discuss how they did it when they last made new friends.
8. Talk about nerves: it’s normal to be apprehensive about a big change.


theirishtimes--2020-06-08--Colleges face crisis as funding in freefall

Before the pandemic , colleges and universities were creaking due to a decade of underfunding .
Now , with vital income from international students , commercial revenues and student accommodation drying up because of Covid-19 , that creaking has transformed into a full-blown alarm .
The sector is facing a €500 million shortfall this year and next , according to a report released in May by the Higher Education Authority ( HEA ) .
The report said that the Government needs to put together a financial support package to support the third-level sector , but a Department of Education discussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferring instead to only support individual institutions when they ’ re on the brink ; otherwise , the sector is expected to operate within existing budgets and make cuts where necessary .
And without a new government , there ’ s very little authority , in any case , for a caretaker government to make major decisions around third-level funding .
Jim Miley , director general of the Irish Universities Association , which represents the university sector , says there is little scope for universities to lower their cost base .
“ Seventy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on staff , and the numbers of permanent staff and pay is set by the Government , so university management have no capacity to respond here .
Universities don ’ t have the tools to manage their cost base.
” As State funding was cut from €9,000 to €5,000 during the last recession – and never restored – the third-level sector came to rely on other sources of income .
“ Covid-19 has wiped out those mitigation measures and it could be three or more years before they come back , ” says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility that , despite a fall in the number of international students attending Irish third levels , Irish students will not take up those places .
Many students are likely to defer college because of financial pressures and because they ’ re less attracted to online lectures than to having the full campus experience , the HEA report says .
Meanwhile , social distancing measures will mean fewer students can be physically present on campuses in any case .
Dr Barry O ’ Connor , president of CIT , says that one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the responsibility of multiple government departments , not just education .
“ Funding for fine arts departments could come from the Department of Culture , Heritage and the Gaeltacht ; for medicine , nursing and dentistry from the Department of Health ; for courses like dairy science in UCC and agricultural science and veterinary science in UCD from the Department of Agriculture .
While it doesn ’ t change the costings , it could allow funding to be better targeted.
” O ’ Connor is also hopeful that industry might help .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with industry and outlined our value proposition , I believe they would subvent in-house programmes or scholarships on the teaching and research side.
” Miley says that a stability fund is urgently needed to address additional student needs , such as where family is out of work and students don ’ t have the same opportunities for part-time work – this is particularly vital if students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not to face a greater hit .
“ Colleges will also need additional funds so they can implement measures associated with social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had more contact from students who needed additional support online than they did face-to-face.
” The IUA is also calling for a “ transformation fund ” to build up their digital infrastructure .
“ While we have successfully done remote or online learning , including for assignments , and 250,000 students were given end-of-year assignments without any major issues , doing this on a sustained basis and still maintaining quality needs additional investment.
” Looking overseas , Sweden – an outlier in Europe for not bringing in lockdown measures – nonetheless responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9,500 students to go to third level .
“ There will be people who have lost their jobs or graduates that need to be reskilled , ” says Miley .
“ Why not pay to educate or upskill them rather than pay for social welfare ?
” Miley says that research funding was already coming under pressure because of Brexit and now facing another hit as industry curtails research budgets in response to Covid-19 .
“ Companies aren ’ t just here for tax breaks : they are here for the talent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council .
If we don ’ t underpin them , we will be outperformed by other economies.
” The loss of international students coupled with social distancing measures on campus isn ’ t just about cash , O ’ Connor says .
“ It is a cultural loss too .
We have , for instance , a lot of Indian students on campus and they add a lot to college life .
And our students in areas like social care or engineering could miss out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as this health crisis continues.
” A successful rebuilding post-Covid needs to involve the third-level sector , says Miley .
“ We need people to upskill and reskill and we need graduates .
We are confident that , assuming the crisis comes to an end , we can rebuild lost revenues , but we need the right support at the right time and hope that we can open up discussions when a new government is formed .
”

Before the pandemic, colleges and universities were creaking due to a decade of underfunding. Now, with vital income from international students, commercial revenues and student accommodation drying up because of Covid-19, that creaking has transformed into a full-blown alarm.
The sector is facing a €500 million shortfall this year and next, according to a report released in May by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The report said that the Government needs to put together a financial support package to support the third-level sector, but a Department of Education discussion document indicated resistance to this idea, preferring instead to only support individual institutions when they're on the brink; otherwise, the sector is expected to operate within existing budgets and make cuts where necessary. And without a new government, there's very little authority, in any case, for a caretaker government to make major decisions around third-level funding.
Jim Miley, director general of the Irish Universities Association, which represents the university sector, says there is little scope for universities to lower their cost base. "Seventy per cent of the cost base is on staff, and the numbers of permanent staff and pay is set by the Government, so university management have no capacity to respond here. Universities don't have the tools to manage their cost base."
Never restored
As State funding was cut from €9,000 to €5,000 during the last recession – and never restored – the third-level sector came to rely on other sources of income. “Covid-19 has wiped out those mitigation measures and it could be three or more years before they come back,” says Miley.
READ MORE
The problems are compounded by the possibility that, despite a fall in the number of international students attending Irish third levels, Irish students will not take up those places. Many students are likely to defer college because of financial pressures and because they’re less attracted to online lectures than to having the full campus experience, the HEA report says. Meanwhile, social distancing measures will mean fewer students can be physically present on campuses in any case.
Dr Barry O'Connor, president of CIT, says that one solution may be for third-level funding to become the responsibility of multiple government departments, not just education. "Funding for fine arts departments could come from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; for medicine, nursing and dentistry from the Department of Health; for courses like dairy science in UCC and agricultural science and veterinary science in UCD from the Department of Agriculture. While it doesn't change the costings, it could allow funding to be better targeted."
O’Connor is also hopeful that industry might help. “If we got more closely aligned with industry and outlined our value proposition, I believe they would subvent in-house programmes or scholarships on the teaching and research side.”
Miley says that a stability fund is urgently needed to address additional student needs, such as where family is out of work and students don’t have the same opportunities for part-time work – this is particularly vital if students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not to face a greater hit.
“Colleges will also need additional funds so they can implement measures associated with social distancing. Many lecturers will tell you that they had more contact from students who needed additional support online than they did face-to-face.”
Infrastructure
The IUA is also calling for a “transformation fund” to build up their digital infrastructure. “While we have successfully done remote or online learning, including for assignments, and 250,000 students were given end-of-year assignments without any major issues, doing this on a sustained basis and still maintaining quality needs additional investment.”
Looking overseas, Sweden – an outlier in Europe for not bringing in lockdown measures – nonetheless responded to Covid-19 by paying for an extra 9,500 students to go to third level.
The loss of international students coupled with social distancing measures on campus isn't just about cash
“There will be people who have lost their jobs or graduates that need to be reskilled,” says Miley. “Why not pay to educate or upskill them rather than pay for social welfare?”
Miley says that research funding was already coming under pressure because of Brexit and now facing another hit as industry curtails research budgets in response to Covid-19.
"Companies aren't just here for tax breaks: they are here for the talent and skills generated through by the third-level sector, Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council. If we don't underpin them, we will be outperformed by other economies."
International students
The loss of international students coupled with social distancing measures on campus isn’t just about cash, O’Connor says. “It is a cultural loss too. We have, for instance, a lot of Indian students on campus and they add a lot to college life. And our students in areas like social care or engineering could miss out on a work placement for as long as this health crisis continues.”
A successful rebuilding post-Covid needs to involve the third-level sector, says Miley. “We need people to upskill and reskill and we need graduates. We are confident that, assuming the crisis comes to an end, we can rebuild lost revenues, but we need the right support at the right time and hope that we can open up discussions when a new government is formed.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-08--Will I be able to pick and mix my predicted grades with Leaving Cert results?

I ’ m a Leaving Cert student and due to receive my calculated grades in August .
If I ’ m unhappy with some of the results and end up sitting the Leaving Cert exams , will I be able to choose the best combination of results that gives me the most points ?
As you say , the Department of Education is due to issue “ calculated ” grades to students in August .
The CAO , as usual , will offer places on programmes to students shortly afterwards .
If you ’ re happy with the college offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can accept it and start your course in September .
The nature of how that course will be delivered will depend on public health considerations .
If you are unhappy with the grade you received in any subject , you can appeal it .
Be mindful , though , that the appeal process will not examine the accuracy of the teacher ’ s or school ’ s judgement involved in awarding your grade .
Rather , it will simply check the accuracy of the data inputted .
The department has indicated that work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure anyone who gets an upgrade on foot of such an appeal like this will be able to start college in the coming academic year .
Students will also have the option of sitting the Leaving Cert exams when it is safe to do so .
No one knows for sure when this will be .
Students will have the option of choosing a combination of their best grades whether through calculated grades or the written exams .
However , if a student qualified for an improved CAO offer on the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only be able to receive a deferred college offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year .
Incidentally , if a candidate who has already started the first year of a course and then becomes entitled to a higher CAO offer on foot of their Leaving Cert results , they may take this offer up in the following academic year .
They would be financially penalised and would pay the regular student registration charge ( €3,000 ) and would still receive Susi grants , where eligible .
Another point worth noting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foot of the calculated grades or appeals and the later exam sittings will be considered the results of the 2020 Leaving Cert and can be used in 2021 or in any subsequent year to apply for courses through the CAO application process .
This is very different to the normal regulations regarding CAO entry , where applicants can only be considered for entry to any course on the basis of the results secured in one sitting of the Leaving Cert

Despite stress in the lead-up to the exams, this year’s Leaving Cert have more options than ever in securing the points they need for their chosen course. Photograph: iStock
I’m a Leaving Cert student and due to receive my calculated grades in August. If I ’m unhappy with some of the results and end up sitting the Leaving Cert exams, will I be able to choose the best combination of results that gives me the most points?
As you say, the Department of Education is due to issue "calculated" grades to students in August. The CAO, as usual, will offer places on programmes to students shortly afterwards.
If you’re happy with the college offer you receive in round one, you can accept it and start your course in September. The nature of how that course will be delivered will depend on public health considerations.
If you are unhappy with the grade you received in any subject, you can appeal it. Be mindful, though, that the appeal process will not examine the accuracy of the teacher’s or school’s judgement involved in awarding your grade. Rather, it will simply check the accuracy of the data inputted.
READ MORE
The department has indicated that work is ongoing with the higher education colleges to ensure anyone who gets an upgrade on foot of such an appeal like this will be able to start college in the coming academic year.
(Incidentally, if a student is still unhappy, there is the final independent scrutineer stage. If a student is successful at this stage and receives an improved CAO, they will have to receive a deferred offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year.)
Students will also have the option of sitting the Leaving Cert exams when it is safe to do so. No one knows for sure when this will be.
Students will have the option of choosing a combination of their best grades whether through calculated grades or the written exams.
However, if a student qualified for an improved CAO offer on the back of Leaving Cert results, they will only be able to receive a deferred college offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year.
Incidentally, if a candidate who has already started the first year of a course and then becomes entitled to a higher CAO offer on foot of their Leaving Cert results, they may take this offer up in the following academic year.
They would be financially penalised and would pay the regular student registration charge (€3,000) and would still receive Susi grants, where eligible.
Another point worth noting: all of the results issued on foot of the calculated grades or appeals and the later exam sittings will be considered the results of the 2020 Leaving Cert and can be used in 2021 or in any subsequent year to apply for courses through the CAO application process.
This is very different to the normal regulations regarding CAO entry, where applicants can only be considered for entry to any course on the basis of the results secured in one sitting of the Leaving Cert


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Use of face coverings to distribute Communion among guidelines issued by bishops

Dioceses and parishes should at all times follow the most up-to-date public health advice and associated regulations and obligations when it comes to public worship , the Catholic bishops have said .
“ To reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 , public health advice emphasises the importance of strict adherence to physical distancing , good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and regular cleaning and sanitising of shared spaces , ” they said in new guidelines published on Tuesday .
Public attendance at all places of worship , including churches , may commence after June 29th next according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2m “ the maximum number of people who can be accommodated for any communal prayer or liturgy will be much reduced .
The demands of physical distancing will also need to be considered in relation to people entering the church and leaving it , ” they said The obligation to attend Sunday Mass and on holy days will continue to be dispensed with for the time being while Communion at Mass should be received in the hand with priests and ministers of the Eucharist wearing a face covering while distributing Communion .
Priests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” sanitise their hands before and after the distribution of Communion while the procession for Communion itself “ should be carefully planned .
Stewards may assist if required.
” Altar servers should assist at ceremonies only when all physical distancing requirements have been taken into account .
The sign of peace at Mass “ can be omitted , or offered in a manner which avoids any physical contact , ” they said .
When it comes to baptisms “ the celebrant will sign the child with the cross without touching , ” with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If there are a number of baptisms in sequence , the same jug of blessed water could be used , but water may not be re-used from the font or basin , ” they said .
Anointing with the holy oils will be administered by the use of a cotton bud .
Provision should be made in the body of the Church for a confessional area with consideration given “ to the privacy of the sacrament as well as the requirements of physical distancing and hygiene , ” they said .
The bishops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to be emptied , with all entrance and exit doors kept open and hand sanitisers at each , a process should be put in place to ensure the regular cleaning of churches , including after every gathering .
Every parish is advised to establish a Covid-19 support team to organise preparations for all public ceremonies in churches and to oversee their implementation .
The guidelines were intended “ to assist priests and people in their own preparations and to help ensure that the re-opening of our churches for public worship happens in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bishops said .
They realised that “ given the rich variety of our church buildings and communities ” they would “ need to be adapted to suit differing situations on the ground , ” they said .
“ At the end of the month we hope to slowly and cautiously resume public worship in our churches , knowing that it can only happen in a limited way .
We will still need patience , perseverance and self-sacrifice , ” they said .
“ We are also very conscious of the demands that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many of whom may still need to remain shielded from the virus , ” they said .

Priests and ministers should ‘visibly’ sanitise their hands before and after the distribution of Communion. Photograph: iStock
Major changes to Catholic Church services will come into place on June 29th, following the relaxation of rules to allow services to resume, the island’s bishops have said.
New guidelines recommend that rows of seats in churches will need to be cordoned off with one person allowed sit “at the end of each free row while permitting those from the same household to sit together”.
The obligation to attend Sunday Mass and holy days remains dispensed with while Communion should be received in the hand with priests and ministers of the Eucharist wearing a face covering while distributing it.
Priests and such ministers should “visibly” sanitise their hands before and after distribution of Communion while the procession for Communion may require the assistance of stewards.
READ MORE
Altar servers should help only when all physical distancing requirements are met while the sign of peace “can be omitted” or is offered without physical contact.
At baptisms, the priest “will sign the child with the cross without touching”, with one child per ceremony and anointing with holy oils by cotton bud. Provision should be made in the body of the church for a confessional area with privacy and physical distancing respected.
All holy water fonts should remain empty, with all entrance and exit doors kept open, and hand sanitisers at each. Churches should be cleaned regularly, including after every gathering.
Public health advice
Dioceses and parishes should at all times follow the most up-to-date public health advice and associated regulations and obligations when it comes to public worship, the bishops have said.
Physical distancing rules must be strictly obeyed, along with good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and regular cleaning and sanitising of shared spaces to reduce the spread of Covid-19, they went on.
Public attendance at all places of worship, including churches, may commence after June 29th next, according to the Government roadmap.
Every parish is advised to establish a Covid-19 support team to organise all public ceremonies and oversee safety implementation.
They hoped, the bishops said, “to slowly and cautiously resume public worship in our churches, knowing that it can only happen in a limited way. We will still need patience, perseverance and self-sacrifice.”
They were also “very conscious of the demands that this transition will place upon our priests, many of whom may still need to remain shielded from the virus.”
The bishops' guidelines "make very good sense", said Fr Roy Donovan, of the Association for Catholic Priests leadership team, showing that they had consulted widely, and with experts.
Many older parishioners, and priests over 70, may prefer weekday Masses to those on Sundays to avoid the danger of being in churches with large numbers.
Bishop Francis Lagan
In Derry, retired Auxiliary Bishop Francis Lagan (85) has died. First Auxiliary Bishop there, he served from 1988 to 2010. Catholic Primate and fellow Derry priest Archbishop Eamon Martin recalled Bishop Lagan as "a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation, having witnessed first-hand the terrible violence and heartbreak endured by people during the Troubles".
The late bishop “also understood the joys and struggles of his brother priests who often had to minister in the midst of great challenge, grief and community unrest.” He was “a caring brother priest and a gentle shepherd”.
Bishop Lagan is survived by his brother Brian, sisters Tilly (McVey) and Mary (Cassidy), and extended family.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--State wins appeal over meaning of ‘child’ in family unity cases

The Supreme Court has granted the State ’ s bid to overturn an important finding that the word “ child ” in the International Protection Act can extend beyond biological and adopted children for family reunification purposes .
The definition of “ child ” , as used in the relevant provision of the 2015 Act ( section 56.9.d ) “ can only be a reference to a biological/adoptive child of the sponsor ” , the court ruled on Tuesday .
That is “ the literal and ordinary meaning of the word ” , Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne said , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgment .
This was reinforced by the legislative history of the 2015 Act which , unlike earlier legislation , excluded grandparents , wards or guardians , from the definition of “ member of the family ” , she said .
On the face of it , the provisions of the 2015 Act are “ clearly more restrictive ” than its legislative predecessors , she added .
The State had appealed a High Court finding in the case of an African man , Mr X , who came here in 2006 .
After getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reunification in early 2015 with two children , then aged 15 and 12 , whom he claims are his .
He described himself as single and produced birth certificates for the children naming him as their father and a judgment from a court in his native country appointing him as their sole legal guardian .
He initially agreed to the Minister for Justice ’ s request to undergo a DNA test but changed his mind in 2016 , saying he suspected his “ wife ” was unfaithful and he was afraid to discover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s biological father .
After twice being refused reunification , he took proceedings and the High Court found in his favour .
Mr Justice Max Barrett said section 56.9 provides reunification may be sought regarding “ a member of the family of the sponsor ” , and that member includes “ a child ” of the sponsor , aged under 18 and unmarried at the date of application .
Assuming the two children are the biological children of another man , although Mr X regards them as his , each of them can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr X for the purposes of section 56.9 , he held .
There is a “ wide diversity ” of familial structures and the relationship of father/child is not confined by the 2015 Act to a biological father , he added .
The State appealed and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was involved in the appeal as assistant to the court on legal issues .
It argued family unity was an “ essential ” right of refugees , an essential element in enabling them resume a normal life and facilitates refugee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court judgment , Ms Justice Dunne said , while she accepted there was now a “ wide diversity ” of family structures , she could not agree with the High Court when it said the relationship of father/child was not confined to a biological father in the context of this legislation .
The definition of “ child ” , as used in section 56.9.d “ can only be a reference to a biological/adoptive child of the sponsor ” and this was reinforced by the fact that , rather than introducing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in section 56 , the overall effect was “ restrictive in terms of those to whom family reunification could apply ” .
This was also a case in which a “ serious doubt ” arose as to the paternity of the two children in respect of whom Mr X sought family reunification .
That serious doubt was created by Mr X himself in correspondence with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service ( INIS ) and , in those circumstances , it was appropriate to seek DNA testing to establish the relationship between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As he refused to undergo such testing , the Minister was entitled to draw an inference from that fact and to refuse the application , she said .
DNA testing , she stressed , should only arise in the limited circumstances where serious doubt has been raised as to the issue of paternity .
There is no doubt DNA testing has implications for the right to privacy and as such , care should be taken before seeking that an individual undergo DNA testing to establish paternity , she said .
It would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so as a matter of course and resorting to DNA testing should be limited to cases of “ serious doubt ” .
Mr X could not rely on 2013 regulations which had provided for a wider definition of family member , she further ruled .
Those regulations have been repealed and Mr X had no entitlement to rely on them by way of vested right or otherwise , she held .

In the Supreme Court judgment, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne said, while she accepted there was now a ‘wide diversity’ of family structures, she could not agree with the High Court’s interpretation of the legislation. Photograph: Frank Miller
The Supreme Court has granted the State’s bid to overturn an important finding that the word “child” in the International Protection Act can extend beyond biological and adopted children for family reunification purposes.
The definition of “child”, as used in the relevant provision of the 2015 Act (section 56.9.d) “can only be a reference to a biological/adoptive child of the sponsor”, the court ruled on Tuesday.
That is “the literal and ordinary meaning of the word”, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne said, when giving the five-judge court’s judgment.
This was reinforced by the legislative history of the 2015 Act which, unlike earlier legislation, excluded grandparents, wards or guardians, from the definition of “member of the family”, she said.
READ MORE
On the face of it, the provisions of the 2015 Act were “clearly more restrictive” than its legislative predecessors, she added.
The State had appealed a High Court finding in the case of an African man, Mr X, who came here in 2006. After getting protection in 2014, he sought family reunification in early 2015 with two children, then aged 15 and 12, whom he claims are his.
He described himself as single and produced birth certificates for the children naming him as their father and a judgment from a court in his native country appointing him as their sole legal guardian. He initially agreed to the Minister for Justice’s request to undergo a DNA test but changed his mind in 2016, saying he suspected his “wife” was unfaithful and he was afraid to discover he might not be the children’s biological father.
After twice being refused reunification, he took proceedings and the High Court found in his favour. Mr Justice Max Barrett said section 56.9 provides reunification may be sought regarding “a member of the family of the sponsor”, and that member includes “a child” of the sponsor, aged under 18 and unmarried at the date of application.
Assuming the two children are the biological children of another man, although Mr X regards them as his, each of them can properly be described as a child of Mr X for the purposes of section 56.9, he held. There is a “wide diversity” of familial structures and the relationship of father-child is not confined by the 2015 Act to a biological father, he added.
Right to family unity
The State appealed and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was involved in the appeal as assistant to the court on legal issues. It argued family unity was an “essential” right of refugees, an essential element in enabling them resume a normal life and facilitates refugee integration in their host State.
In the Supreme Court judgment, Ms Justice Dunne said, while she accepted there was now a “wide diversity” of family structures, she could not agree with the High Court when it said the relationship of father-child was not confined to a biological father in the context of this legislation.
The definition of “child”, as used in section 56.9.d, “can only be a reference to a biological/adoptive child of the sponsor” and this was reinforced by the fact that, rather than introducing a broader meaning of the word “child” in section 56, the overall effect was “restrictive in terms of those to whom family reunification could apply”.
This was also a case in which a “serious doubt” arose as to the paternity of the two children in respect of whom Mr X sought family reunification.
That serious doubt was created by Mr X himself in correspondence with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and, in those circumstances, it was appropriate to seek DNA testing to establish the relationship between Mr X and the two children.
As he refused to undergo such testing, the Minister was entitled to draw an inference from that fact and to refuse the application, she said.
DNA testing, she stressed, should arise only in the limited circumstances where serious doubt has been raised as to the issue of paternity. There is no doubt DNA testing has implications for the right to privacy and, as such, care should be taken before seeking that an individual undergo DNA testing to establish paternity, she said.
It would be inappropriate if the Minister were to do so as a matter of course and resorting to DNA testing should be limited to cases of “serious doubt”.
Mr X could not rely on 2013 regulations which had provided for a wider definition of family member, she further ruled. Those regulations have been repealed and Mr X had no entitlement to rely on them by way of vested right or otherwise, she held.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Under Covid-19: How Ireland’s restaurant sector will change

For diners who are eager to escape the house after lockdown and book into their local restaurant , the experience after reopening will be a more formal and cautious affair .
Bookings will be encouraged rather than walk-ins , and the amount of time people can spend in the restaurant will be allocated beforehand .
Furthermore : * The entrance door of the restaurant will be propped open .
* Where possible , separate doors will be used for guests entering and exiting the restaurant .
* Only one member of a group will be allowed to queue .
* @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , greet and seat ” procedure .
* There will be reduced seating capacity to allow for two-metre physical distancing , although this may be reduced in the coming months .
Guests will order from their seat .
* Menus will be either single use or the guest may be asked to look at the selection online or on a menu board .
The menu may also be communicated verbally .
Sharing plates will not be available ; instead there will be individual portions from the kitchen .
* Self service buffet will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plate up and serve food .
* There will be no self-serve condiments or utensils .
* There will be no “ grab and go ” offerings .
You will not be handed your plate of food , it will be placed on the table .
* There will be no refills in the same cup .
* The bill tip tray you use must either be disposed of or cleaned afterwards For bartenders there will also be new requirements .
* The embellishment or decoration of glasses , for example cocktail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fresh glasses must be used for each new drink , particularly from beer taps .
* When pouring drinks , employees must handle glasses by the stem or base and place on clean service trays or the bar counter before serving .
For the owner of the restaurant , there will be significant new responsibilities .
* When they return to work , employees must be trained on what to do if they or a guest becomes unwell .
If management is alerted to a suspected case of Covid-19 at the restaurant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to be contacted .
* A room should be identified within the restaurant where any guest showing possible Covid-19 symptoms can be isolated from other guests and employees .
* The restaurant needs to have the telephone numbers of the health authorities , medical centres plus public and private hospitals readily available in case a guest or employee falls ill. * A suitably trained manager or supervisor must take this responsibility for each shift.
” * All employees must receive training on Covid-19 safety and disinfection protocols .
More comprehensive training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guest contact such as front of house and security .
* Where employees can not be physically distanced alternative protective measures must be put in place such such as clear plastic sneeze guards between them .
* Staggered start and break times should be considered .
* Ideally deliveries must only be made before opening but if the restaurant is open drivers must not enter through public areas or come in close contact with guests .

For diners who are eager to escape the house after lockdown and book into their local restaurant, the experience after reopening will be a more formal and cautious affair.
Bookings will be encouraged rather than walk-ins, and the amount of time people can spend in the restaurant will be allocated beforehand. Furthermore:
* The entrance door of the restaurant will be propped open.
* Where possible, separate doors will be used for guests entering and exiting the restaurant.
READ MORE
* Only one member of a group will be allowed to queue.
* There will be a new “meet, greet and seat” procedure.
* There will be reduced seating capacity to allow for two-metre physical distancing, although this may be reduced in the coming months. Guests will order from their seat.
* Menus will be either single use or the guest may be asked to look at the selection online or on a menu board. The menu may also be communicated verbally.
* Table-side cooking will be suspended.
*
Sharing plates will not be available; instead there will be individual portions from the kitchen.
* Self service buffet will not be available as employees will have to plate up and serve food.
* There will be no self-serve condiments or utensils.
* There will be no “grab and go” offerings.
*
You will not be handed your plate of food, it will be placed on the table.
* There will be no refills in the same cup.
* The bill tip tray you use must either be disposed of or cleaned afterwards
For bartenders there will also be new requirements.
* Straws must be individually wrapped.
* The embellishment or decoration of glasses, for example cocktail umbrellas, should be minimised.
* Fresh glasses must be used for each new drink, particularly from beer taps.
* When pouring drinks, employees must handle glasses by the stem or base and place on clean service trays or the bar counter before serving.
For the owner of the restaurant, there will be significant new responsibilities.
* When they return to work, employees must be trained on what to do if they or a guest becomes unwell. If management is alerted to a suspected case of Covid-19 at the restaurant, a clinician from a local medical centre will have to be contacted.
* A room should be identified within the restaurant where any guest showing possible Covid-19 symptoms can be isolated from other guests and employees.
* The restaurant needs to have the telephone numbers of the health authorities, medical centres plus public and private hospitals readily available in case a guest or employee falls ill.
* A suitably trained manager or supervisor must take this responsibility for each shift.”
* All employees must receive training on Covid-19 safety and disinfection protocols. More comprehensive training must be given to teams in frequent guest contact such as front of house and security.
* Where employees cannot be physically distanced alternative protective measures must be put in place such such as clear plastic sneeze guards between them.
* Staggered start and break times should be considered.
* Ideally deliveries must only be made before opening but if the restaurant is open drivers must not enter through public areas or come in close contact with guests.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--The geography of Europe is mapped in our genes

It may seem too much to expect that a person ’ s geographic origin can be determined from a DNA sample .
But , thanks to a mathematical technique called principal component analysis , this can be done with remarkable accuracy .
It works by reducing multi-dimensional data sets to just a few variables .
We live in the age of “ big data ” .
Voluminous data collections are mined for information using mathematical techniques .
The data may be assembled in a matrix – a rectangular array of numbers – with a column for each individual and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical database , the variables might be age , height , weight , blood-group and numerous other relevant factors , resulting in a very large matrix .
We can examine small tables of numbers visually and detect interesting patterns but , with many variables , each requiring a separate dimension , simple inspection may reveal nothing of value .
A simple example illustrates dimension reduction .
Suppose we let the two axes of a graph measure height and weight .
Taller people are usually heavier than shorter ones , so these two variables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Each individual is represented by a point , and all the points form a cloud .
The cloud is not round in shape , but elongated .
We can fine a straight line through the centre of the cloud in the direction of elongation , so that all the points lie close to this line .
Thus , the essentials of the two-dimensional cloud are captured in the one-dimensional line .
Problems are much tougher to solve in higher dimensions ; this is called “ the curse of dimensionality ” .
Dimension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Interesting features can often be captured by isolating a few key combinations of variables .
What is the best way to represent data so as to highlight features of interest ?
Can we reduce a large data set to a much smaller one while preserving essential characteristics ?
Is there redundancy that can be exploited , with many variables determined by others ?
Many sophisticated analysis techniques have been developed that reduce the dimensions and reveal signals buried in extraneous noise .
One method of great power is called principal component analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a high dimensional space , this method determines a small number of new variables called principal components , allowing us to spot patterns .
PCA also allows us to visualize the data in a simple two-dimensional diagram that often encapsulates the essence of the problem .
Clusters of points with distinct behaviour can often be detected .
PCA has many applications , in acoustics , seismology , forensic science , meteorology and medicine .
An intriguing application in genetics has shown that DNA can be used to infer an individual ’ s geographic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within a few hundred kilometres .
A paper in the journal Nature , with lead author John Novembre of UCLA , studied the genetic variation in a sample of more than 3000 European people .
Each DNA specimen was genotyped at about half a million loci .
PCA was then used to drastically reduce this data set to just two dimensions and depict it on a plane graph .
The first two principal components are correlated with perpendicular combinations of longitude and latitude .
With appropriate orientation , their visualization had a striking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a detail is shown in the figure ) .
Individuals from the same region cluster together so that major populations can be identified .
For example , clusters corresponding to the Iberian and Italian peninsulas are clear , and the Irish and British groups are easily distinguished .
The results mean that European DNA samples contain vital information about their donors .
Thus , one can place 90 per cent of individuals within about 700 km of their geographic origin .
Peter Lynch is emeritus professor at UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics @ @ @ @ @

It may seem too much to expect that a person’s geographic origin can be determined from a DNA sample. But, thanks to a mathematical technique called principal component analysis, this can be done with remarkable accuracy. It works by reducing multi-dimensional data sets to just a few variables.
We live in the age of “big data”. Voluminous data collections are mined for information using mathematical techniques. The data may be assembled in a matrix – a rectangular array of numbers – with a column for each individual and a row for each variable.
For a medical database, the variables might be age, height, weight, blood-group and numerous other relevant factors, resulting in a very large matrix. We can examine small tables of numbers visually and detect interesting patterns but, with many variables, each requiring a separate dimension, simple inspection may reveal nothing of value.
A simple example illustrates dimension reduction. Suppose we let the two axes of a graph measure height and weight. Taller people are usually heavier than shorter ones, so these two variables are not independent; they are correlated. Each individual is represented by a point, and all the points form a cloud. The cloud is not round in shape, but elongated. We can fine a straight line through the centre of the cloud in the direction of elongation, so that all the points lie close to this line. Thus, the essentials of the two-dimensional cloud are captured in the one-dimensional line.
READ MORE
Higher dimensions
Problems are much tougher to solve in higher dimensions; this is called “the curse of dimensionality”. Dimension reduction is essential in big data science. Interesting features can often be captured by isolating a few key combinations of variables. What is the best way to represent data so as to highlight features of interest? Can we reduce a large data set to a much smaller one while preserving essential characteristics? Is there redundancy that can be exploited, with many variables determined by others?
Many sophisticated analysis techniques have been developed that reduce the dimensions and reveal signals buried in extraneous noise. One method of great power is called principal component analysis (PCA). From data in a high dimensional space, this method determines a small number of new variables called principal components, allowing us to spot patterns. PCA also allows us to visualize the data in a simple two-dimensional diagram that often encapsulates the essence of the problem. Clusters of points with distinct behaviour can often be detected.
PCA has many applications, in acoustics, seismology, forensic science, meteorology and medicine. An intriguing application in genetics has shown that DNA can be used to infer an individual’s geographic origin with remarkable accuracy - often to within a few hundred kilometres.
A paper in the journal Nature, with lead author John Novembre of UCLA, studied the genetic variation in a sample of more than 3000 European people. Each DNA specimen was genotyped at about half a million loci. PCA was then used to drastically reduce this data set to just two dimensions and depict it on a plane graph.
Components
The first two principal components are correlated with perpendicular combinations of longitude and latitude. With appropriate orientation, their visualization had a striking resemblance to a map of Europe (a detail is shown in the figure). Individuals from the same region cluster together so that major populations can be identified. For example, clusters corresponding to the Iberian and Italian peninsulas are clear, and the Irish and British groups are easily distinguished.
The results mean that European DNA samples contain vital information about their donors. Thus, one can place 90 per cent of individuals within about 700 km of their geographic origin.
Peter Lynch is emeritus professor at UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics – he blogs at thatsmaths.com


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Under Covid-19: How Ireland’s self-catering holiday sector will change

Given the continued uncertainty around international travel and quarantine periods , many people are considering a summer holiday in self-catering accommodation across Ireland .
Guests will notice small changes like a lack of unnecessary soft furnishings and more obvious changes like extended check-in hours .
* Guests will be told to stand two metres away at all times from other groups of people who are not from the same household .
* Kits at reception will have germicidal wipes , face and eye masks , gloves , protective aprons and biohazard disposable waste bags .
* An extended check-in window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queues of guests arriving at peak times .
One representative from each group will be asked to approach the owner to check in while the others adhere to physical distancing measures .
* When they arrive , guests will be given a sheet of information explaining what is expected of them when interacting with employees and other guests .
* Employees will wear gloves if they need to handle cash .
For the owner or accommodation provider , the new measures include the following requirements .
* To pay particular attention when cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature control panels , door and furniture handles , television remote controls , toilet seats and handles , taps , telephones , kitchen appliances and flooring .
* Soap and shampoo dispensers will have to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly during the room-cleaning process .
* Where bed linen is provided for guests , it must be washed afterwards at a high temperature and dirty linen must be bagged immediately .
This is in order to “ eliminate excess contact while it ’ s transported to the laundry facility .
The frequency of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laundry facilities to at least twice daily ” .
* After a guest has left all kitchen equipment eg glasses , cutlery , delph , cooking utensils , etc will have to be washed in the correct temperature .
* Unnecessary throws and cushions will be removed from living spaces .
* In the event of a suspected case of Covid-19 , a property must be removed from service until cleaned and disinfected .
The property can not be returned to service until it has undergone disinfection .
* Debit and credit card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinfected after each use .
* A strict queuing system and limitations on number of users within public toilets will be put in place .

Debit and credit card machines will have to be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
Given the continued uncertainty around international travel and quarantine periods, many people are considering a summer holiday in self-catering accommodation across Ireland.
Guests will notice small changes like a lack of unnecessary soft furnishings and more obvious changes like extended check-in hours.
The main changes include:
* Guests will be told to stand two metres away at all times from other groups of people who are not from the same household.
READ MORE
* Kits at reception will have germicidal wipes, face and eye masks, gloves, protective aprons and biohazard disposable waste bags.
* An extended check-in window may be provided to help reduce large queues of guests arriving at peak times. One representative from each group will be asked to approach the owner to check in while the others adhere to physical distancing measures.
* When they arrive, guests will be given a sheet of information explaining what is expected of them when interacting with employees and other guests.
* Employees will wear gloves if they need to handle cash.
For the owner or accommodation provider, the new measures include the following requirements.
* To pay particular attention when cleaning frequently touched items including light switches, temperature control panels, door and furniture handles, television remote controls, toilet seats and handles, taps, telephones, kitchen appliances and flooring.
* Soap and shampoo dispensers will have to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly during the room-cleaning process.
* Where bed linen is provided for guests, it must be washed afterwards at a high temperature and dirty linen must be bagged immediately. This is in order to “eliminate excess contact while it’s transported to the laundry facility. The frequency of cleaning and disinfection must be increased within laundry facilities to at least twice daily”.
* After a guest has left all kitchen equipment eg glasses, cutlery, delph, cooking utensils, etc will have to be washed in the correct temperature.
* Unnecessary throws and cushions will be removed from living spaces.
* In the event of a suspected case of Covid-19, a property must be removed from service until cleaned and disinfected. The property can not be returned to service until it has undergone disinfection.
* Debit and credit card machines will have to be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
* A strict queuing system and limitations on number of users within public toilets will be put in place.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Under Covid-19: How Ireland’s camping and caravan sector will change

Under the Government ’ s accelerated roadmap to reopening Ireland , caravan parks are now due to reopen at the end of the month on June 29th .
Those who vacation in caravan and camping parks will notice changes in terms of washing facilities , laundry facilities and even on-site shopping .
* Hand sanitiser will be placed at all entry points to the site .
* On-site shops will be asked to make more use of online or phone orders to eliminate physical interactions between employees and guests .
* A shopper service may be introduced where the customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the items so that the customer doesn ’ t need to enter the shop .
* In the camper ’ s kitchen , guest numbers will be limited .
An employee will also be assigned manage the access to any campers ’ kitchen .
* In shower and toilet blocks one-way entry and exit should be provided .
The use of alternate sinks will be encouraged , and alternate shower cubicles may be closed .
* Specific shower “ schedules ” may also be brought in for smaller shower blocks .
* The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased in toilet and shower blocks to at least twice daily .
* In shared laundry rooms , shared detergents will be removed .
* In smaller laundry rooms there may also be “ schedules ” for guests to use the facilities .
* On the site , restrictions may be put in place to limit access to registered guests only

Those who holiday in caravan and camping parks will notice changes in terms of washing facilities, laundry facilities
Under the Government’s accelerated roadmap to reopening Ireland, caravan parks are now due to reopen at the end of the month on June 29th. Those who vacation in caravan and camping parks will notice changes in terms of washing facilities, laundry facilities and even on-site shopping.
* Hand sanitiser will be placed at all entry points to the site.
* On-site shops will be asked to make more use of online or phone orders to eliminate physical interactions between employees and guests.
* A shopper service may be introduced where the customer provides a list and an employee gathers the items so that the customer doesn’t need to enter the shop.
READ MORE
* In the camper’s kitchen, guest numbers will be limited. An employee will also be assigned manage the access to any campers’ kitchen.
* In shower and toilet blocks one-way entry and exit should be provided. The use of alternate sinks will be encouraged, and alternate shower cubicles may be closed.
* Specific shower “schedules” may also be brought in for smaller shower blocks.
* The frequency of cleaning and disinfection must be increased in toilet and shower blocks to at least twice daily.
* In shared laundry rooms, shared detergents will be removed.
* In smaller laundry rooms there may also be “schedules” for guests to use the facilities.
* On the site, restrictions may be put in place to limit access to registered guests only


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Under Covid-19: How Ireland’s adventure tourism will change

The adventure activity tourism sector , which is worth at €1.2bn annually , will be told to introduce stringent new measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19 as they attempt to reopen .
Tour sizes look set to be reduced as operators will be asked to review the capacity for their activities in light of physical distancing guidelines .
* When they book , guests will receive a digital safety briefing that will explain how guests must behave around employees , guides , instructors and other guests at the activity location .
“ A digital briefing avoids the need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the location.
” * Before arriving , guests will be told to stay “ well within their physical capabilities ” and practice physical distancing during the activity .
“ The aim is to avoid injuries so extra demands aren ’ t placed on emergency and healthcare services.
” * Guests must be told to bring as much personal kit as possible – for example , water bottles , towels , wet suits , helmets and hand sanitiser .
Activity providers will now have to confirm with the guest how much personal kit they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be asked to arrive already changed for the activity .
There will also be new rules for transporting guests and equipment .
* If guests are transported in the activity provider ’ s own vehicle , physical distancing must take place within it .
* Windows will be kept open and guests will not be allowed to open or close doors .
“ The driver must be the only person who does this.
” * Before and after each trip door handles , the steering wheel , gear stick , fuel cap , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be cleaned .
Guests will not be allowed to unload or load equipment .
* All equipment that has been stored since before the closure must undergo cleaning and disinfection including hard equipment like kayaks , kayak paddles , and safety equipment .
In terms of the activities themselves , employees will have to : * Wash and sanitise their hands before and after safety checks of equipment such as when checking that a harness is secure on a guest before rock climbing .
* Providers will have to find out what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guests will need before guests arrive .
These will have to be laid out “ at a safe distance ” to allow for physical distancing .
* If an instructor has to come close to a person to check a harness or other safety equipment they must wear a face masks or visors , and the guest will have to wear these too .
For providers of tours using motorised water transport , they will have to : * Consider providing life vests on the jetty to reduce handling .
* Provide hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel .
* Ensure all surfaces touched while the vessel is being boarded are cleaned frequently .
* Remove the option of the coffee and snack bar to ensure guests are not moving around unnecessarily and physical distancing can be adhered to .

The Irish adventure activity tourism sector will be told to introduce stringent new measures to tackle the spread of Covid 19. File photograph: Getty Images
The adventure activity tourism sector, which is worth at €1.2bn annually, will be told to introduce stringent new measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19 as they attempt to reopen.
Tour sizes look set to be reduced as operators will be asked to review the capacity for their activities in light of physical distancing guidelines.
* When they book, guests will receive a digital safety briefing that will explain how guests must behave around employees, guides, instructors and other guests at the activity location. “A digital briefing avoids the need to speak to people as a group at the location.”
* Before arriving, guests will be told to stay “well within their physical capabilities” and practice physical distancing during the activity. “The aim is to avoid injuries so extra demands aren’t placed on emergency and healthcare services.”
READ MORE
* Guests must be told to bring as much personal kit as possible – for example, water bottles, towels, wet suits, helmets and hand sanitiser. Activity providers will now have to confirm with the guest how much personal kit they are bringing.
* Guests will also be asked to arrive already changed for the activity.
There will also be new rules for transporting guests and equipment.
* If guests are transported in the activity provider’s own vehicle, physical distancing must take place within it.
* Windows will be kept open and guests will not be allowed to open or close doors. “The driver must be the only person who does this.”
* Before and after each trip door handles, the steering wheel, gear stick, fuel cap, radio and other vehicle controls will have to be cleaned. Guests will not be allowed to unload or load equipment.
* All equipment that has been stored since before the closure must undergo cleaning and disinfection including hard equipment like kayaks, kayak paddles, and safety equipment.
In terms of the activities themselves, employees will have to:
* Wash and sanitise their hands before and after safety checks of equipment such as when checking that a harness is secure on a guest before rock climbing.
* Providers will have to find out what sizes of wetsuits, helmets or boots guests will need before guests arrive. These will have to be laid out “at a safe distance” to allow for physical distancing.
* If an instructor has to come close to a person to check a harness or other safety equipment they must wear a face masks or visors, and the guest will have to wear these too.
For providers of tours using motorised water transport, they will have to:
* Consider providing life vests on the jetty to reduce handling.
* Provide hand sanitisation options just before guests board the vessel.
* Ensure all surfaces touched while the vessel is being boarded are cleaned frequently.
* Remove the option of the coffee and snack bar to ensure guests are not moving around unnecessarily and physical distancing can be adhered to.


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Blue Flag beaches 2020: Ballybunion north beach loses status

Ballybunion North beach in Co Kerry has failed to retain its blue flag status in 2020 due to a deteroiation in its water quality .
Beaches are required to have excellent water quality to qualify for the flag , but the rating for Ballybunnion deteriorated slightly to ‘ good ’ based on the analysis of in-season water quality samples taken between 2016 and 2019 , a report published on Tuesday found .
In all , there were 90 Blue Flags and 60 Green Coast Awards awarded this year by An Taisce .
The Blue Flag programme aims to raise environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches , marinas and inland bathing waters around the world , while the Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment , water quality and natural beauty .
Two beaches were initially awarded a Blue Flag but will not be flying them this summer .
Due to lower than normal beach sand levels , Wexford County Council has withdrawn the Blue Flag awarded to Courtown beach for the time being .
And in Co Galway , as a result of restrictions in place to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic , it was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place for Cill Mhuirbhigh , on Inis Mór for the bathing season .
“ The National Blue Flag jury felt it was very unfortunate that Cill Mhuirbighcould not fly the Blue Flag that had been awarded to the site at this time , as a result of the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in.
” The 80 Irish beaches and 10 marinas awarded a blue flag for this year must adhere tospecific criteria on water quality , information , environmental education , safety and site management .
Two beaches ; Baginbunin in Co @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were awarded the Green Coast Award in 2020 for the first time .
Mornington beach in County Meath regained its Green Coast Award status having last held the award in 2017 .
Meanwhile , four sites awarded Green Coast status last year did not retain this for 2020 .
Arklow beach in Co Wicklow did not meet the required water quality to obtain Green Coast Award status this year , while in-season water quality testing at Dumhach Beach and East End Bay , both on Inisbofin , could not be carried out as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trá Inis Oirrcould not be awarded the statusdue to the absence of an in-season lifeguard service .
However , the jury added that in light of the potential for changes to restrictions currently in place , if all criteria could be met at a later point in the summer , it may be possible to award these sites during the 2020 season .
Five beaches achieved dual award status , including Portmarnock in Fingal , Salthill and Silver Strand in Co Galway , Rosses Point in Co Sligo and Ballinskelligs in Kerry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flag criteria relating to water quality , facilities for visitors , beach management , environmental education and the provision of information , while also fulfilling the Green Coast Award requirement of community involvement in the management of the site , the judges said .
Announcing the awards , Ian Diamond , Coastal Awards Manager with An Taisce ’ s Environmental Education Unit , said it is important to bear in mind the “ additional pressure ” being put on local authorities to manage beaches during the Covid-19 pandemic .
“ With unprecedented numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few months from work and school we must be cognisant ofthe challenges facing those managing our beaches , ” Mr Diamond said .
“ In the same manner as we have all worked together against Covid-19 we must all exercise personal responsibility to enjoy our beaches in a safe and sustainable way .
”

Ballybunnion beach in Co Kerry has lost its Blug Flag status for 2020. Photograph: Getty
Ballybunion North beach in Co Kerry has failed to retain its blue flag status in 2020 due to a deteroiation in its water quality.
Beaches are required to have excellent water quality to qualify for the flag, but the rating for Ballybunnion deteriorated slightly to ‘good’ based on the analysis of in-season water quality samples taken between 2016 and 2019, a report published on Tuesday found.
In all, there were 90 Blue Flags and 60 Green Coast Awards awarded this year by An Taisce.
The Blue Flag programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world, while the Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, water quality and natural beauty.
READ MORE
Two beaches were initially awarded a Blue Flag but will not be flying them this summer.
Due to lower than normal beach sand levels, Wexford County Council has withdrawn the Blue Flag awarded to Courtown beach for the time being.
And in Co Galway, as a result of restrictions in place to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible to put a lifeguard service in place for Cill Mhuirbhigh, on Inis Mór for the bathing season.
“The National Blue Flag jury felt it was very unfortunate that Cill Mhuirbighcould not fly the Blue Flag that had been awarded to the site at this time,as a result of the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in.”
The 80 Irish beaches and 10 marinas awarded a blue flag for this year must adhere tospecific criteria on water quality, information, environmental education, safety and site management.
Two beaches; Baginbunin in Co Wexford and Carrigahold in Co Clare, were awarded the Green Coast Award in 2020 for the first time.
Mornington beach in County Meath regained its Green Coast Award status having last held the award in 2017.
Meanwhile, four sites awarded Green Coast status last year did not retain this for 2020.
Arklow beach in Co Wicklow did not meet the required water quality to obtain Green Coast Award status this year, while in-season water quality testing at Dumhach Beach and East End Bay, both on Inisbofin, could not be carried out as a result of restrictions relating to Covid-19.
Trá Inis Oirrcould not be awarded the statusdue to the absence of an in-season lifeguard service.
However, the jury added that in light of the potential for changes to restrictions currently in place, if all criteria could be met at a later point in the summer, it may be possible to award these sites during the 2020 season.
Five beaches achieved dual award status, including Portmarnock in Fingal, Salthill and Silver Strand in Co Galway, Rosses Point in Co Sligo and Ballinskelligs in Kerry.
These sites have fulfilled all Blue Flag criteria relating to water quality, facilities for visitors, beach management, environmental education and the provision of information, while also fulfilling the Green Coast Award requirement of community involvement in the management of the site, the judges said.
Announcing the awards, Ian Diamond, Coastal Awards Manager with An Taisce's Environmental Education Unit, said it is important to bear in mind the "additional pressure" being put on local authorities to manage beaches during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“ With unprecedented numbers forced to stay at home for the past few months from work and school we must be cognisant ofthe challenges facing those managing our beaches,” Mr Diamond said.
“ In the same manner as we have all worked together against Covid-19 we must all exercise personal responsibility to enjoy our beaches in a safe and sustainable way.”
Full list of Blue Flag beaches for 2020
Louth County Council Shellinghill/Templetown - Beach
Louth County Council Port/Lurganboy - Beach
Louth County Council Clogherhead - Beach
Fingal County Council Portmarnock/Velvet Strand - Beach
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Seapoint - Beach
Wicklow County Council Bray South Promenade - Beach
Wicklow County Council Greystones - Beach
Wicklow County Council Brittas Bay North - Beach
Wicklow County Council Brittas Bay South - Beach
Wexford County Council Ballymoney North Beach - Beach
Wexford County Council Morriscastle - Beach
Wexford County Council Ballinesker - Beach
Wexford County Council Curracloe - Beach
Wexford County Council Rosslare - Beach
Wexford County Council Carne - Beach
Waterford County Council Councillors Strand Dunmore East - Beach
Waterford County Council Dunmore Strand - Beach
Waterford County Council Tramore - Beach
Waterford County Council Clonea - Beach
Waterford County Council Ardmore - Beach
Cork County Council Youghal Claycastle - Beach
Cork County Council Redbarn Beach - Beach
Cork County Council Garrylucas - Beach
Cork County Council Garretstown - Beach
Cork County Council Inchydoney - Beach
Cork County Council Owenahincha - Beach
Cork County Council Tragumna - Beach
Cork County Council Barleycove - Beach
Kerry County Council Derrynane - Beach
Kerry County Council Ballinskelligs - Beach
Kerry County Council White Strand Caherciveen - Beach
Kerry County Council Kells -Beach
Kerry County Council Rossbeigh - Beach
Kerry County Council Inch - Beach
Kerry County Council Ventry - Beach
Kerry County Council Magherabeg - Beach
Kerry County Council Banna - Beach
Kerry County Council Ballyheigue - Beach
Kerry County Council Ballybunion South - Beach
Clare County Council Cappa Pier - Beach
Clare County Council Kilkee - Beach
Clare County Council White Strand Doonbeg - Beach
Clare County Council Spanish Point - Beach
Kerry County Council Fenit - Beach
Clare County Council White Strand Miltown Malbay - Beach
Clare County Council Lahinch - Beach
Clare County Council Fanore - Beach
Clare County Council Ballycuggeran (Killaloe) - Beach
Clare County Council Mountshannon - Beach
Galway County Council Portumna - Beach
Galway County Council Loughrea Lake - Beach
Galway County Council Traught - Beach
Galway City Council Salthill - Beach
Mayo County Council Bertra - Beach
Galway City Council Silverstrand - Beach
Galway County Council An Trá Mhór (Inverin) - Beach
Galway County Council Trá an Dóilin (An Cheathrú Rua) - Beach
Mayo County Council Carrowmore - Beach
Mayo County Council Clare Island - Beach
Mayo County Council Mulranny - Beach
Mayo County Council Dooega - Beach
Mayo County Council Keel - Beach
Mayo County Council Keem - Beach
Mayo County Council Silverstrand Dugort - Beach
Mayo County Council Mullaghroe - Beach
Mayo County Council Elly Bay - Beach
Mayo County Council Ross Killala - Beach
Sligo County Council Rosses Point - Beach
Donegal County Council Bundoran - Beach
Donegal County Council Rossnowlagh - Beach
Donegal County Council Murvagh - Beach
Donegal County Council Fintra - Beach
Donegal County Council Portnoo /Narin - Beach
Donegal County Council Carrickfinn - Beach
Donegal County Council Killahoey - Beach
Donegal County Council Marblehill - Beach
Donegal County Council Downings - Beach
Donegal County Council Magherawarden (Portsalon) - Beach
Donegal County Council Culdaff - Beach
Donegal County Council Stroove - Beach
Donegal County Council Greencastle - Marina
Donegal County Council Rathmullan - Marina
Kerry County Council Fenit - Marina
Kilrush Maritime Ltd Kilrush Marina, Kilrush, Co Clare - Marina
Kilrush Maritime Ltd Portmagee Seasonal Visitors Pontoons, Portmagee, Co Kerry - Marina
Kinsale Yacht Club Kinsale Yacht Club - Marina
Royal Cork Yacht club The Royal Cork Yacht Club - Marina
Wexford County Council Kilmore Quay - Marina
Wexford County Council New Ross - Marina
Quigleys Marina, Killinure Point, Co Westmeath - Marina


theirishtimes--2020-06-09--Coronavirus: Advice on face masks for over 60s to be reviewed this week, committee hears

Guidance that people over 60 should wear a face mask “ seems like a practical approach ” but it depends on the setting , the Covid-19 Oireachtas committee has been told .
Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun said the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) would review the advice issued this week by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) that everyone over 60 should wear a face mask .
Dr de Gascun said “ we recommend them for people who are asymptomatic and for those who can not maintain adequate physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport ” .
He said earlier there was always a reluctance to make it mandatory for people to wear a mask but he acknowledged that the uptake was not as large as they thought for people to follow the recommendation in such situations .
He said there is time to “ scale up manufacturing capacity ” to supply face coverings to households if there is a resurgence of coronavirus .
Dr de Gascun said there was inequity for some people who could not afford to buy their own mask and acknowledged that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply masks , while maintaining supplies of medical grade masks for healthcare workers in clinical settings .
Labour TD Duncan Smith called for the Government to supply re-usable masks to every household in the country in light of the lifting of restrictions .
Chair of the Irish Epidemiology Modelling Advisory Group Prof Philip Nolan warned however that there was a view that “ if only we had testing and tracing and a face mask we could do all the other things we used to do ” .
He said that the best way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the public health guidance including maintaining social distancing .
The strategy laid out by Government is the right strategy to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic , Prof Nolan told the committee earlier on Tuesday morning .
Prof Nolan said that “ different scientists have different judgments in the face of incomplete evidence ” when asked about the open letter by 1,000 Irish researchers calling for a policy rethink to crush Covid-19 .
He said the strategy is not one of mitigation or living with an ongoing or significant levels of transmission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading scientists and epidemiologists called for stronger short-term measures to eliminate the virus .
Prof Nolan said , however , that he fully supported the recommendations of the NPHET .
“ I support them and they accord with my judgment .
No strategy utterly insulates us from the virus.
” He told Fianna Fáil health spokesman Stephen Donnelly that there will be renewed outbreaks of Covid-19 disease across Europe which would be in “ small waves.
” Prof Nolan told the committee that “ the management of the second wave will be different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more targeted measures introduced to control future outbreak.
” Asked by Mr Donnelly if Irish society will be fully functioning by the end of the year , Prof Nolan said , “ I don ’ t have a crystal ball on this and could not give a probability on the likelihood ” .
“ Our behaviour will continue to be modified by this virus for some time to come.
” He said that when people talk about a second wave it “ gives the impression that some overwhelming second wave will wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probable that at some point in the future an incidence of the virus will increase again , ” he said .
There would be new outbreaks and public health care would be required to intervene and control .

The strategy laid out by Government is the right strategy to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, the chair of the Irish Epidemiology Modelling Advisory Group has told the special Oireachtas committee on the virus.
Guidance that people over 60 should wear a face mask "seems like a practical approach" but it depends on the setting, the Covid-19 Oireachtas committee has been told.
Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun said the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) would review the advice issued this week by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that everyone over 60 should wear a face mask.
Dr de Gascun said “we recommend them for people who are asymptomatic and for those who cannot maintain adequate physical distance at the moment such as on public transport”.
He said earlier there was always a reluctance to make it mandatory for people to wear a mask but he acknowledged that the uptake was not as large as they thought for people to follow the recommendation in such situations.
READ MORE
He said there is time to “scale up manufacturing capacity” to supply face coverings to households if there is a resurgence of coronavirus.
Dr de Gascun said there was inequity for some people who could not afford to buy their own mask and acknowledged that it could be a good idea to supply masks, while maintaining supplies of medical grade masks for healthcare workers in clinical settings.
Dr de Gascun pointed out, however, that the evidence for the wearing of cloth masks or non-medical grade masks “is not fantastic, to be honest. There’s a nice plausible hypothesis that people use that it stops the particles, that it’s trapping the virus as well. We don’t actually have great evidence in that area.”
Labour TD Duncan Smith called for the Government to supply re-usable masks to every household in the country in light of the lifting of restrictions.
Chair of the Irish Epidemiology Modelling Advisory Group Prof Philip Nolan warned however that there was a view that “if only we had testing and tracing and a face mask we could do all the other things we used to do”.
He said that the best way to suppress the virus was to adhere to the public health guidance including maintaining social distancing.
Government strategy
The strategy laid out by Government is the right strategy to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, Prof Nolan told the committee earlier on Tuesday morning.
Prof Nolan said that “different scientists have different judgments in the face of incomplete evidence”when asked about the open letter by dozens of Irish researchers calling for a policy rethink to crush Covid-19.
He said the strategy is not one of mitigation or living with an ongoing or significant levels of transmission, but of suppression.
The letter by leading scientists and epidemiologists called for stronger short-term measures to eliminate the virus.
Prof Nolan said, however, that he fully supported the recommendations of the NPHET. “I support them and they accord with my judgment. No strategy utterly insulates us from the virus.”
He told Fianna Fáil health spokesman Stephen Donnelly that there will be renewed outbreaks of Covid-19 disease across Europe which would be in “small waves.”
Prof Nolan told the committee that “the management of the second wave will be different from the first wave. There could be more targeted measures introduced to control future outbreak.”
Asked by Mr Donnelly if Irish society will be fully functioning by the end of the year, Prof Nolan said, “I don’t have a crystal ball on this and could not give a probability on the likelihood”.
“Our behaviour will continue to be modified by this virus for some time to come.”
He said that when people talk about a second wave it “gives the impression that some overwhelming second wave will wash over” society.
“It is probable that at some point in the future an incidence of the virus will increase again,” he said.
There would be new outbreaks and public health care would be required to intervene and control.