theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Government extends deadline to return from Spain until Saturday

The Government has extended its deadline for Irish tourists in Spain to travel home until this Saturday in order to deal with the large numbers attempting to leave the region , which has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney had originally called on holidaymakers in Spain who want to fly home to do so by midnight Thursday , warning travel restrictions by other governments could soon make it impossible to return in a timely fashion .
A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that the deadline was extended to Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlines including Ryanair and Air Lingus in conjunction with Spanish authorities .
Neither airline responded to a request for comment on the numbers so far repatriated in so-called “ rescue flights ” since Mr Coveney made the appeal to tourists .
The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against all non-essential travel overseas until at least March 29th , but on Wednesday night issued a fresh directive advising Irish citizens to avoid travel to Germany unless legally resident there .
It said it was issuing the directive on the basis of advice received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also recommend against transit through Germany by air unless you are returning to Ireland , ” it added .
The spokeswoman for the department said its dedicated number for those with consular queries from abroad was dealing with at least 1,000 calls a day , but that keeping an exact track of the numbers was proving challenging given the volume .
She said all staff at the Passport Office had been redeployed to assist with consular services .
It has also emerged that many Irish holidaymakers could be left facing huge losses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead as a result of clauses in the fine print of travel insurance documents .
These clauses invalidate cover in circumstances such as the one people are now being forced to confront .
Some companies have started activating exclusion clauses buried deep in their terms and conditions , which exclude cover in the event that the World Health Organisation has declared a pandemic as has been the case in recent days .
Travel insurance companies in Ireland , the UK and across the world have also been racing to protect themselves from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excluding cover connected to Covid-19 on future policies .
Some companies are also dropping cover in the event that airlines are no longer in a position to fly to a particular destination .
Earlier on Wednesday , Ryanair announced that it would ground most , if not all , of its flights by next Tuesday , adding that between now and then its flight schedules would be cut by more than 80 per cent .
The budget airline issued a statement at lunchtime on Wednesday , noting that all but a “ very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connectivity , mostly between the UK and Ireland ” would be cancelled from midnight on Tuesday .

Tánaiste Simon Coveney had originally called on holidaymakers in Spain who want to fly home to do so by Thursday.
and
The Government has extended its time frame for Irish tourists in Spain to travel home until this Saturday in order to deal with the large numbers attempting to leave the region, which has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney had originally called on holidaymakers in Spain who want to fly home to do so by midnight Thursday, warning travel restrictions by other governments could soon make it impossible to return in a timely fashion.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that the time frame was extended to Saturday. The plan is being worked on by airlines including Ryanair and Air Lingus in conjunction with Spanish authorities.
READ MORE
Neither airline responded to a request for comment on the numbers so far repatriated in so-called “rescue flights” since Mr Coveney made the appeal to tourists.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against all non-essential travel overseas until at least March 29th, but on Wednesday night issued a fresh directive advising Irish citizens to avoid travel to Germany unless legally resident there.
It said it was issuing the directive on the basis of advice received from the German authorities. “We also recommend against transit through Germany by air unless you are returning to Ireland,” it added.
Passport Office
The spokeswoman for the department said its dedicated number for those with consular queries from abroad was dealing with at least 1,000 calls a day, but that keeping an exact track of the numbers was proving challenging given the volume.
She said all staff at the Passport Office had been redeployed to assist with consular services.
It has also emerged that many Irish holidaymakers could be left facing huge losses on cancelled holidays in the weeks and months ahead as a result of clauses in the fine print of travel insurance documents.
These clauses invalidate cover in circumstances such as the one people are now being forced to confront.
Some companies have started activating exclusion clauses buried deep in their terms and conditions, which exclude cover in the event that the World Health Organisation has declared a pandemic as has been the case in recent days.
Insurance exclusion
Travel insurance companies in Ireland, the UK and across the world have also been racing to protect themselves from a massive volume of potentially crippling claims by excluding cover connected to Covid-19 on future policies.
Some companies are also dropping cover in the event that airlines are no longer in a position to fly to a particular destination.
Earlier on Wednesday, Ryanair announced that it would ground most, if not all, of its flights by next Tuesday, adding that between now and then its flight schedules would be cut by more than 80 per cent.
The budget airline issued a statement at lunchtime on Wednesday, noting that all but a “very small number of flights to maintain essential connectivity, mostly between the UK and Ireland” would be cancelled from midnight on Tuesday.


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Death of peace campaigner and Nobel Laureate Betty Williams

The death has occurred of Betty Williams , a Nobel Laureate and one of the founders of the Peace People .
She died in her sleep on St Patrick ’ s Day aged 76 .
With Mairead Corrigan and the late Ciaran McKeown , who died last September , Ms Williams founded the Peace People in 1976 .
The organisation , which brought thousands of people onto the streets in the mid-1970s campaigning for an end to the violence of the Troubles , was established following the deaths of the three children of Annie Maguire , a sister of Mairead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck by a car driven by an IRA member , Danny Lennon on Finaghy Road North in west Belfast .
He crashed into the children after he was fatally wounded by British soldiers who had been chasing him .
Annie Maguire survived the crash but her children , Joanne ( 8 ) and six-week-old Andrew died at the scene while their brother John ( 2 ) died the following day from his injuries .
Annie Maguire , who had been battling depression over the deaths , took her own life in 1980 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , her late sister ’ s widower .
From Andersonstown in west Belfast Ms Williams witnessed the crash , an experience that with Ms Corrigan and Mr McKeown inspired her to form the Peace People .
It held a number of rallies in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland as well as in Dublin and London and in other international cities pleading for an end to the violence .
Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in 1976 .
Ms Williams ’ s last public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the actress Sharon Stone she signed the book of condolence for the late Seamus Mallon .
She resigned from the Peace People in 1982 and moved to the United States where she carried on her peace work , lecturing on topics such as conflict resolution , education and children ’ s rights .
There was something of an estrangement between Ms Williams and Ms Corrigan over her decision to take the Nobel peace prize money rather than use if for Peace People purposes .
Ms Williams argued at the time that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a subsequent mending of those differences .
On Wednesday night Ms Corrigan paid tribute to her “ friend ” .
She said , “ It is with the greatest sadness that I heard of the death of my friend and co-worker for peace Betty Williams .
“ Betty was a woman of great courage with a passion for peace and a love and compassion for all children .
Betty will be sadly missed but remembered lovingly by all of us who knew Betty .
I felt privileged to know her as a great @ @ @ @ @ @

The death has occurred of Betty Williams, a Nobel Laureate and one of the founders of the Peace People. She died in her sleep on St Patrick's Day aged 76.
With Mairead Corrigan and the late Ciaran McKeown, who died last September, Ms Williams founded the Peace People in 1976.
The organisation, which brought thousands of people onto the streets in the mid-1970s campaigning for an end to the violence of the Troubles, was established following the deaths of the three children of Annie Maguire, a sister of Mairead.
They were killed after they were struck by a car driven by an IRA member, Danny Lennon on Finaghy Road North in west Belfast. He crashed into the children after he was fatally wounded by British soldiers who had been chasing him.
READ MORE
Annie Maguire survived the crash but her children, Joanne (8) and six-week-old Andrew died at the scene while their brother John (2) died the following day from his injuries.
Annie Maguire, who had been battling depression over the deaths, took her own life in 1980. The following year Mairead married Jackie Maguire, her late sister's widower.
From Andersonstown in west Belfast Ms Williams witnessed the crash, an experience that with Ms Corrigan and Mr McKeown inspired her to form the Peace People. It held a number of rallies in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland as well as in Dublin and London and in other international cities pleading for an end to the violence.
Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in 1976.
Ms Williams's last public appearance was in January when in Belfast with the actress Sharon Stone she signed the book of condolence for the late Seamus Mallon.
She resigned from the Peace People in 1982 and moved to the United States where she carried on her peace work, lecturing on topics such as conflict resolution, education and children's rights.
There was something of an estrangement between Ms Williams and Ms Corrigan over her decision to take the Nobel peace prize money rather than use if for Peace People purposes. Ms Williams argued at the time that she needed the money.
But there was a subsequent mending of those differences. On Wednesday night Ms Corrigan paid tribute to her “friend”. She said, “It is with the greatest sadness that I heard of the death of my friend and co-worker for peace Betty Williams.
“Betty was a woman of great courage with a passion for peace and a love and compassion for all children. Betty will be sadly missed but remembered lovingly by all of us who knew Betty. I felt privileged to know her as a great peace activist and friend.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Irish Distillers to provide large-scale quantities of alcohol gel

The producer of the Jameson and Powers whiskey labels is to provide healthcare authorities with large-scale quantities of alcohol gel to cope with unprecedented demand due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Alcohol gel plays a vital part in the frontline efforts of those who are fighting to contain the Covid-19 virus , and in particular for healthcare professionals working in hospital and other healthcare settings .
Irish Distillers said its distillery in Midleton , together with its partners Mervue Laboratories in Cork , have the necessary products and supply chain available to manufacture large-scale quantities of alcohol gel .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health and the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) earlier this week to inform them it was in a position to help meet demand .
“ The demand for alcohol gel is at unprecedentedly high levels and is set to remain so for the foreseeable period , ” it said .
“ Large-scale quantities of alcohol is being made available free of charge by Irish Distillers .
“ Production will commence immediately with end product being delivered to the HSE ’ s supply centre thereafter for distribution to hospitals and other healthcare facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collaborate with the health authorities so as to ensure our efforts are channelled to greatest effect .
We are committed to maintaining supply to the maximum levels possible for as long as possible .
“ Like so many , Irish Distillers is doing what we can at a time of great national crisis .
We hope that in doing so , it helps our healthcare professionals in their efforts to protect all of us from the spread of the virus .
”

Listoke Distillery in Drogheda has turned to producing hand sanitiser currently in short supply across Ireland due to coronavirus. Video: Enda O'Dowd
The producer of the Jameson and Powers whiskey labels is to provide healthcare authorities with large-scale quantities of alcohol gel to cope with unprecedented demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Alcohol gel plays a vital part in the frontline efforts of those who are fighting to contain the Covid-19 virus, and in particular for healthcare professionals working in hospital and other healthcare settings.
Irish Distillers said its distillery in Midleton, together with its partners Mervue Laboratories in Cork, have the necessary products and supply chain available to manufacture large-scale quantities of alcohol gel.
The company held meetings with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) earlier this week to inform them it was in a position to help meet demand.
READ MORE
“The demand for alcohol gel is at unprecedentedly high levels and is set to remain so for the foreseeable period,” it said.
“Large-scale quantities of alcohol is being made available free of charge by Irish Distillers.
“Production will commence immediately with end product being delivered to the HSE’s supply centre thereafter for distribution to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
“Irish Distillers will continue to collaborate with the health authorities so as to ensure our efforts are channelled to greatest effect. We are committed to maintaining supply to the maximum levels possible for as long as possible.
“Like so many, Irish Distillers is doing what we can at a time of great national crisis. We hope that in doing so, it helps our healthcare professionals in their efforts to protect all of us from the spread of the virus.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Clamping suspended by major parking management firm

One of the State ’ s main parking management operators has said it is suspending all clamping until further notice to help alleviate pressure on the public while dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
Dave Cullen , managing director of Euro Car Parks , said he had decided to redeploy his staff “ to do something useful and make a difference ” rather than focusing on parking fines .
Parking management staff are now delivering from pharmacies to elderly customers who are unable to leave their homes due to self-isolation or fears of contracting the virus .
Five staff members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , said Mr Cullen .
“ We all know the impact this virus is having on people , the last thing we need is clamping , ” Mr Cullen told The Irish Times .
“ We had a senior management meeting on Monday for planning ahead and decided that morally we don ’ t need to be clamping right now .
I didn ’ t want to put my staff on temporary layoff so we figured out how to do something community-orientated.
” Mr Cullen credits his friend , a GP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of delivering prescriptions .
“ He pointed out that pharmacies would be in difficulty.
” The Euro Car Parks company usually works at 200 sites around Dublin , operating car parks for local and public authorities , shopping centres , hospitals , airports , railway stations , supermarkets and retail and leisure parks .
Criticism is growing online towards clamping operators following images of cars being clamped in hospital car parks .
A number of posts on Twitter claimed that nurses ’ cars had been clamped and called on operators to cease activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would consider suspending clamping on vehicles , the Apcoa Connect company , which operates parking facilities at dozens of locations around the country , said it would “ continue to manage all of our car parks as per our client ’ s instructions ” .
“ We suggest that all motorists should observe the rules of parking in whatever car park they are using , ” said a statement from the company .
In a statement , Dublin City Council ( DCC ) said : “ At present DCC are continuing to operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that motorists continue to obey traffic regulations .
”

The HSE has called on all hospitals and healthcare facilities to immediately suspend parking charges for staff for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, HSE chief executive Paul Reid said he had directed that parking charges in all hospitals and healthcare facilities be suspended “as a small mark of our gratitude” for the efforts of health workers.
“I have been overwhelmed by the dedication, support and professionalism of all our staff in helping to contain the Covid-19 outbreak to date,” he said.
“As we face in to a very difficult period it is only right that we make every effort to ensure that staff are supported in their work.”
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The decision to suspend the charges for staff followed criticism of clamping operators who appeared to continue to clamp health professionals’ vehicles while they worked to support patients affected by the pandemic.
A number of social media posts claimed that nurses’ cars had been clamped and called on operators to cease their activities near medical centres.
One of the State’s main parking management operators had announced that it would suspend all clamping until further notice.
Dave Cullen, managing director of Euro Car Parks, said he had decided to redeploy his staff "to do something useful and make a difference" rather than focusing on parking fines.
Parking management staff are now delivering prescriptions from pharmacies to elderly customers who are unable to leave their homes due to self-isolation or fears of contracting the virus. Five staff members also began delivering groceries to elderly customers on Wednesday, said Mr Cullen.
‘Last thing we need’
“We all know the impact this virus is having on people, the last thing we need is clamping,” Mr Cullen said. “We had a senior management meeting on Monday for planning ahead and decided that morally we don’t need to be clamping right now. I didn’t want to put my staff on temporary layoff so we figured out how to do something community-orientated.”
Mr Cullen credited his friend, a GP, for coming up with the idea of delivering prescriptions.
“He pointed out that pharmacies would be in difficulty.”
The Euro Car Parks company usually works at 200 sites around Dublin, operating car parks for local and public authorities and at shopping centres, hospitals, airports, railway stations, supermarkets and retail and leisure parks.
Asked whether it would consider suspending clamping on vehicles, the Apcoa Connect company, which operates parking facilities at dozens of locations around the country, said it would “continue to manage all of our car parks as per our client’s instructions”.
“We suggest that all motorists should observe the rules of parking in whatever car park they are using,” said a statement from the company.
In a statement, Dublin City Council (DCC) said: "At present DCC are continuing to operate our parking enforcement as normal to ensure that motorists continue to obey traffic regulations."


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Naval ships to become test centres; Páirc Uí Chaoimh also offered

The HSE has enlisted the help of the Naval Service in setting up test centres in Dublin , Cork and Galway to cater for the growing number of people expected to present with Covid 19 symptoms over the coming days .
The Naval Service has responded by providing three of its ships as test centres with the LE Samuel Beckett due to become operational as a test centre for Dublin within days after mooring at Sir John Rogerson ’ s Quay .
The LE William Butler Yeats is due to be used as a test centre for Galway operating from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LE Eithne will be used as a test centre in Cork after it berths at one of the city ’ s quays .
It is understood that the LE Samuel Beckett was off Dublin and the LE William Butler Yeats was at sea off the west coast when contact was made by the HSE inquiring about the possibility of using naval service ships as test centres .
The Naval Service agreed to provide both vessels immediately but rather than send a third operational vessel to Cork , it was decided to send the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in Haulbowline since June due to staffing shortages .
It ’ s understood the LE Eithne is seen as particularly suitable for the Covid-19 testing operation as it has a spacious flight deck for helicopter landings and a hanger which could also accommodate HSE personnel .
Naval Service personnel are expected to sail the LE Eithne up from Haulbowline Naval Base over the next few days to Cork city where it is expected it will berth at Kennedy Quay which provides ample parking for those coming to be tested .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly berthing the LE Eithne on Horgan ’ s Quay but it felt that it might lead to traffic congestion as Horgan ’ s Quay serves as a major artery into the city centre .
Testing for Covid-19 will be carried out on all three vessels by HSE staff supported by Naval Service personnel who have experience of handling large numbers of people from rescue missions in the Mediterranean .
All three of the ships were involved in rescue missions in the Mediterranean where crew dealt with over 18,000 migrants that they rescued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the considerable experience ” garnered by Naval Service personnel during these rescue missions ensure they will be able to handle the numbers presenting for Covid-19 testing .
Flag Officer commanding the Naval Service , Commodore Mick Malone has already issued a message to Naval Service personnel on social media , advising that the public will look to the service for “ assurance and strong leadership ” .
Meanwhile the Cork County Board of the GAA has offered its state of the art €96 million Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium to the HSE as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board of the GAA confirmed in a statement on its website that its 45,000 seater stadium in Blackrock in Cork “ has been made available to the HSE , who are considering possible uses for the stadium ” .
Cork County Board chairperson , Tracey Kennedy told The Irish Times that Cork GAA offered Páirc Uí Chaoimh before the HSE set up a drive in test centre for possible Covid-19 sufferers at Croke Park in Dublin .
“ We were in touch with the HSE on Monday - we didn ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park - we just said to them that we had this facility if they wanted to use it so we are waiting for them to get back to us , ” she said .
Ms Kennedy said it would be possible to set up a drive in test centre under either the south stand or the north stand as has happened in Croke Park as the tunnels under both are wide and high enough .
“ Basically in Croke Park , those to be tested drive in one end under the stand - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand for buses to get through so it ’ s actually ideal and that ’ s what ’ s happening with cars driving through , ” she said .
“ There are a number of testing bays along the way and they are directed to an empty testing bay and they drive out the other end and that could happen under both our stands even though the south stand is better set up for it.
” Ms Kennedy said that Cork County Board felt that the association in Cork wanted to play its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience for Irish society and so decided to offer Páirc Uí Chaoimh to the HSE .
“ Everybody wants to put their shoulder to the wheel at a time like this - it really is a national emergency and we looked at what we could do and we decided offering the HSE the use of the stadium was something practical.
” Former All-Ireland winning Cork hurling captain , Tomas Mulcahy praised the Cork County Board for its decision .
Ms Kennedy pointed out that GAA clubs around Cork such as Crosshaven , Kiskeam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already helping with club members offering to deliver groceries to the elderly and others at risk .
And she confirmed that Cork County Board executive had taken the decision at a video conference meeting on St Patrick ’ s Day to cancel the first round of its club championships in hurling and football to help curb the spread of Covid-19 .
“ We also called off the first round of our county championships from a safety point of view as well as we didn ’ t want people feeling that maybe they should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there was a chance of matches in April .
”

The HSE has enlisted the help of the Naval Service in setting up test centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway to cater for the growing number of people expected to present with Covid 19 symptoms over the coming days.
The Naval Service has responded by providing three of its ships as test centres with the LE Samuel Beckett due to become operational as a test centre for Dublin within days after mooring at Sir John Rogerson's Quay.
The LE William Butler Yeats is due to be used as a test centre for Galway operating from a berth in the docks while the LE Eithne will be used as a test centre in Cork after it berths at one of the city's quays.
The LE William Butler Yeats will act as one of the test centres. File photograph: Nick Bradshaw
It is understood that the LE Samuel Beckett was off Dublin and the LE William Butler Yeats was at sea off the west coast when contact was made by the HSE inquiring about the possibility of using naval service ships as test centres.
READ MORE
The Naval Service agreed to provide both vessels immediately but rather than send a third operational vessel to Cork, it was decided to send the LE Eithne, which has been tied up in Haulbowline since June due to staffing shortages.
It’s understood the LE Eithne is seen as particularly suitable for the Covid-19 testing operation as it has a spacious flight deck for helicopter landings and a hanger which could also accommodate HSE personnel.
Naval Service personnel are expected to sail the LE Eithne up from Haulbowline Naval Base over the next few days to Cork city where it is expected it will berth at Kennedy Quay which provides ample parking for those coming to be tested.
It is understood the Naval Service also looked at possibly berthing the LE Eithne on Horgan’s Quay but it felt that it might lead to traffic congestion as Horgan’s Quay serves as a major artery into the city centre.
Testing for Covid-19 will be carried out on all three vessels by HSE staff supported by Naval Service personnel who have experience of handling large numbers of people from rescue missions in the Mediterranean.
All three of the ships were involved in rescue missions in the Mediterranean where crew dealt with over 18,000 migrants that they rescued from small craft.
HSE officials believe “the considerable experience” garnered by Naval Service personnel during these rescue missions ensure they will be able to handle the numbers presenting for Covid-19 testing.
Flag Officer commanding the Naval Service, Commodore Mick Malone has already issued a message to Naval Service personnel on social media, advising that the public will look to the service for "assurance and strong leadership".
Meanwhile the Cork County Board of the GAA has offered its state of the art €96 million Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium to the HSE as a possible test centre.
Stadium
Cork County Board of the GAA confirmed in a statement on its website that its 45,000 seater stadium in Blackrock in Cork “has been made available to the HSE, who are considering possible uses for the stadium”.
Cork County Board chairperson, Tracey Kennedy told The Irish Times that Cork GAA offered Páirc Uí Chaoimh before the HSE set up a drive in test centre for possible Covid-19 sufferers at Croke Park in Dublin.
“We were in touch with the HSE on Monday - we didn’t know that they were planning to use Croke Park - we just said to them that we had this facility if they wanted to use it so we are waiting for them to get back to us,” she said.
Ms Kennedy said it would be possible to set up a drive in test centre under either the south stand or the north stand as has happened in Croke Park as the tunnels under both are wide and high enough.
“Basically in Croke Park, those to be tested drive in one end under the stand - they have quite wide tunnels under the stand for buses to get through so it’s actually ideal and that’s what’s happening with cars driving through,” she said.
“There are a number of testing bays along the way and they are directed to an empty testing bay and they drive out the other end and that could happen under both our stands even though the south stand is better set up for it.”
Ms Kennedy said that Cork County Board felt that the association in Cork wanted to play its part in what is proving an unprecedented experience for Irish society and so decided to offer Páirc Uí Chaoimh to the HSE.
“Everybody wants to put their shoulder to the wheel at a time like this - it really is a national emergency and we looked at what we could do and we decided offering the HSE the use of the stadium was something practical.”
Former All-Ireland winning Cork hurling captain, Tomas Mulcahy praised the Cork County Board for its decision.
Ms Kennedy pointed out that GAA clubs around Cork such as Crosshaven, Kiskeam and Mitchelstown as well as others are already helping with club members offering to deliver groceries to the elderly and others at risk.
And she confirmed that Cork County Board executive had taken the decision at a video conference meeting on St Patrick’s Day to cancel the first round of its club championships in hurling and football to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
“We also called off the first round of our county championships from a safety point of view as well as we didn’t want people feeling that maybe they should be trying to get together to train if there was a chance of matches in April.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Supreme Court to rule tomorrow on cervical cancer appeal case

The Supreme Court will give judgment on Thursday on an appeal concerning the legal standard of care for cervical cancer screening .
The five-judge court ’ s decision in the case of Limerick woman Ruth Morrissey , who is terminally ill with cancer , will impact on other cervical cancer cases and the work of the Cervical Check tribunal .
When reserving judgment on the three-day appeal last December , the Chief Justice Frank Clarke said it was a “ very difficult ” case both because of its underlying and tragic conditions and the legal issues with very wide implications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give judgment in a way that “ brings clarity ” to this area .
In light of the coronavirus crisis , the judgment will be delivered by just one judge sitting in court and copies will be made available by email to the parties and the media .
The judgment will also be published on courts.ie later tomorrow .
The HSE and two Irish based laboratories – Quest Diagnostics Ireland Ltd and Medlab Pathology Ltd – have appealed a July 2019 judgment by the High Court ’ s Mr Justice Kevin Cross awarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul over misreading of Ms Morrissey ’ s cervical smear slides .
The Government has guaranteed , irrespective of the outcome , the couple will retain the entire damages , some €2m of which is against the labs , plus their legal costs .
Ms Morrissey was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 and her case concerned smears taken under the CervicalCheck screening programme in 2009 and 2012 .
She was not told until May 2018 that a 2014 review showed two smears were reported incorrectly .
The core issues in the appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cytoscreening and whether the HSE has liability for acts and omissions of cytoscreeners .
The appellants ’ particular concern is the High Court finding that screeners should have “ absolute confidence ” that a sample is adequate and there is no abnormality before reporting it as negative .

The Supreme Court will give judgment on Thursday on an appeal concerning the legal standard of care for cervical cancer screening.
The five-judge court’s decision in the case of Limerick woman Ruth Morrissey, who is terminally ill with cancer, will impact on other cervical cancer cases and the work of the Cervical Check tribunal.
When reserving judgment on the three-day appeal last December, the Chief Justice Frank Clarke said it was a “very difficult” case both because of its underlying and tragic conditions and the legal issues with very wide implications. He said the court hoped to give judgment in a way that “brings clarity” to this area.
In light of the coronavirus crisis, the judgment will be delivered by just one judge sitting in court and copies will be made available by email to the parties and the media. The judgment will also be published on courts.ie later tomorrow.
READ MORE
The HSE and two Irish based laboratories – Quest Diagnostics Ireland Ltd and Medlab Pathology Ltd – have appealed a July 2019 judgment by the High Court’s Mr Justice Kevin Cross awarding €2.1m to Ms Morrissey and her husband Paul over misreading of Ms Morrissey’s cervical smear slides. The Government has guaranteed, irrespective of the outcome, the couple will retain the entire damages, some €2m of which is against the labs, plus their legal costs.
Ms Morrissey was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 and her case concerned smears taken under the CervicalCheck screening programme in 2009 and 2012. She was not told until May 2018 that a 2014 review showed two smears were reported incorrectly. The core issues in the appeal include what standard of care should apply in cytoscreening and whether the HSE has liability for acts and omissions of cytoscreeners.
The appellants’ particular concern is the High Court finding that screeners should have “absolute confidence” that a sample is adequate and there is no abnormality before reporting it as negative.


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--‘Keep calm, stay focused’: Expert tips for State exam students studying at home

How can Junior or Leaving Cert students keep their heads when the world - and their exams - is in turmoil ?
Most teachers and exam coaches agree that while we are facing unprecedented times , it is crucial students remain positive , focused and work on the assumption that there will be exams as normal .
“ Outside of following health officials ’ protocols , the best thing that students can do for their exams is to look at the school closures as an extended study break rather than a complete holiday , ” says Dr David Cosgrave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You will have to do some form of exam .
Whenever it happens , it ’ s better to be ready.
” John Gavin , an Irish teacher and pioneer in online learning since 2001 , agrees .
“ It is important to stay calm and focused .
You will be examined at some point .
The mechanism by which it happens will not be normal , but it will happen , ” he says .
Clive Byrne , head of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals , says another key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone else is in the same boat .
“ Whatever solution is found to the timing of the State exams , students will not be disadvantaged compared to others , ” he says .
In the meantime , here are some of the experts ’ top tips on preparing for the exams from home .
Gavin says now is a good time to put a plan in place for the work you need to do over the remainder of the academic year .
“ Your day might not follow the school timetable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , to do Irish in the morning or maths in the afternoon .
Look at what you haven ’ t completed in the curriculum and develop a plan , with your teacher , to finish it , ” says Gavin , founder of Leavingcertirish.com .
He also says it is a good time for students to let their parents know what their needs are , whether it ’ s technology or access to subscriptions .
“ There ’ s no point in doing this in six weeks time - now is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Most students need not spend every minute of the normal school day locked in their rooms looking at books - quite the opposite , says Dr Cosgrave .
“ I am recommending that students set aside up to two hours per day for important study , preferably in the morning after breakfast , outside of any tasks that you will be asked to complete by teachers or professors , ” he says .
The focus , he says , should be on quality of study and not time .
“ For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good .
There are a few reasons for this recommendation .
One is that school closure increases the likelihood that some students will do no study unless forced to do so .
Being forced to study is often counterproductive .
This limited time slot focuses students mindset on priority tasks , ” says Dr Cosgrave , “ Shorter study time periods like this are also more beneficial in terms of maintaining concentration .
Bite-size study chunks on a regular basis will compound your efforts rather than focusing on one big block of study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a marathon , not a sprint !
” The fact that schools are closed and classes are being online given either in live lessons or assignments places is going to place more responsibility on the shoulders of students .
“ Students need to have faith in themselves , ” says Johnnie Bell , a A-student and co-founder of Examlearn.ie .
“ A lot of the stuff learned in school is not particularly complicated , and in most cases , students would be well capable of reading ahead and covering topics alone ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ members are milling about , Dr Cosgrave says it important to try and find a quiet space “ Avoid the kitchen table if possible , as you will most likely be eating here multiple times a day .
If you are constantly at the table you will start to hate it .
“ Similarly , you will probably need to move your notes and books regularly .
This can get annoying and disrupt your momentum .
It increases the likelihood that once the books are put away , you will stop studying completely.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of online resources for students available for free , in most cases .
For example , the education publisher Edco has made its ebooks and digital resources available for free online .
Gavin himself is doing daily webinars free of charge onLeavingcertirish.com , while other study websites are also providing resources without charge .
Dr Cosgrave advocates familiarising yourself with the online tools and resources that are being used by your school .
“ All instruction , assignments and test will be conducted here in the immediate future , ” he says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says Gavin .
“ Work in pairs or small groups over Skype like you would have done before this crisis.
” Dr Cosgrave says keeping in regular contact with your teacher is important Contact them for recommendations on resources and feedback on your work .
“ For most of us educators , this is a new situation too .
We are here to help as much as possible and are eager to make sure that students get as positive a learning experience as possible in this difficult time , ” he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Cosgrave says use this time to get to know the formats and marking schemes of the exams you are due to take like the back of your hand .
Understanding a marking scheme is crucial , he says , as this is how the marks will be allocated for the different questions on your exam paper .
All exam questions have a marking scheme .
“ Ask your teacher or professor for help with this .
Understanding this gives you a clear focus in preparation .
Once you understand how these marks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exam questions.
” He says ask your teacher to provide feedback and try to simulate the exam conditions answering past questions if possible .
“ You don ’ t show up on the day of your driving test without ever having driven the car .
So why would you do it for an exam ?
Practice makes perfect .
”

Teachers say it is crucial students remain positive, focused and work on the assumption that there will be exams as normal.
How can Junior or Leaving Cert students keep their heads when the world - and their exams - is in turmoil?
Most teachers and exam coaches agree that while we are facing unprecedented times, it is crucial students remain positive, focused and work on the assumption that there will be exams as normal.
"Outside of following health officials' protocols, the best thing that students can do for their exams is to look at the school closures as an extended study break rather than a complete holiday," says Dr David Cosgrave, an exam coach with gradeleader.com. "You will have to do some form of exam. Whenever it happens, it's better to be ready."
John Gavin, an Irish teacher and pioneer in online learning since 2001, agrees. “It is important to stay calm and focused. You will be examined at some point. The mechanism by which it happens will not be normal, but it will happen,” he says.
READ MORE
Clive Byrne, head of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, says another key thing anxious students should remember is that everyone else is in the same boat.
“Whatever solution is found to the timing of the State exams, students will not be disadvantaged compared to others,” he says.
In the meantime, here are some of the experts’ top tips on preparing for the exams from home.
Planning
Gavin says now is a good time to put a plan in place for the work you need to do over the remainder of the academic year.
"Your day might not follow the school timetable. It may suit you better, for example, to do Irish in the morning or maths in the afternoon. Look at what you haven't completed in the curriculum and develop a plan, with your teacher, to finish it," says Gavin, founder of Leavingcertirish.com.
He also says it is a good time for students to let their parents know what their needs are, whether it’s technology or access to subscriptions.
“There’s no point in doing this in six weeks time - now is the time to get all that in place.”
Quality not quantity
Most students need not spend every minute of the normal school day locked in their rooms looking at books - quite the opposite, says Dr Cosgrave.
“ I am recommending that students set aside up to two hours per day for important study, preferably in the morning after breakfast, outside of any tasks that you will be asked to complete by teachers or professors,” he says.
The focus, he says, should be on quality of study and not time.
“ For example, two hours on Instagram is no good. There are a few reasons for this recommendation. One is that school closure increases the likelihood that some students will do no study unless forced to do so. Being forced to study is often counterproductive. This limited time slot focuses students mindset on priority tasks,” says Dr Cosgrave,
“ Shorter study time periods like this are also more beneficial in terms of maintaining concentration. Bite-size study chunks on a regular basis will compound your efforts rather than focusing on one big block of study immediately before the exams. Exams are a marathon, not a sprint!”
Self-directed learning
The fact that schools are closed and classes are being online given either in live lessons or assignments places is going to place more responsibility on the shoulders of students.
"Students need to have faith in themselves," says Johnnie Bell, a A-student and co-founder of Examlearn.ie.
“ A lot of the stuff learned in school is not particularly complicated, and in most cases, students would be well capable of reading ahead and covering topics alone”.
Dedicated work space
In a busy home where many family members are milling about, Dr Cosgrave says it important to try and find a quiet space
“Avoid the kitchen table if possible, as you will most likely be eating here multiple times a day. If you are constantly at the table you will start to hate it.
“Similarly, you will probably need to move your notes and books regularly. This can get annoying and disrupt your momentum. It increases the likelihood that once the books are put away, you will stop studying completely.”
Use e-resources
Gavin says there is a wealth of online resources for students available for free, in most cases. For example, the education publisher Edco has made its ebooks and digital resources available for free online. Gavin himself is doing daily webinars free of charge onLeavingcertirish.com, while other study websites are also providing resources without charge.
Dr Cosgrave advocates familiarising yourself with the online tools and resources that are being used by your school.
“All instruction, assignments and test will be conducted here in the immediate future,” he says.
Regular contact
“Don’t isolate yourself,” says Gavin. “Work in pairs or small groups over Skype like you would have done before this crisis.”
Dr Cosgrave says keeping in regular contact with your teacher is important Contact them for recommendations on resources and feedback on your work.
“For most of us educators, this is a new situation too. We are here to help as much as possible and are eager to make sure that students get as positive a learning experience as possible in this difficult time,” he says.
Exam practice
As with normal exam practice, Dr Cosgrave says use this time to get to know the formats and marking schemes of the exams you are due to take like the back of your hand.
Understanding a marking scheme is crucial, he says, as this is how the marks will be allocated for the different questions on your exam paper. All exam questions have a marking scheme.
“Ask your teacher or professor for help with this. Understanding this gives you a clear focus in preparation. Once you understand how these marks are allocated you should practice answering past exam questions.”
He says ask your teacher to provide feedback and try to simulate the exam conditions answering past questions if possible.
“You don’t show up on the day of your driving test without ever having driven the car. So why would you do it for an exam? Practice makes perfect.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Collector offers Kevin Barry mask to a museum in centenary year of his death

A collector who acquired the death mask of Kevin Barry has offered to lend it to an Irish museum .
Ian Dowling bought the death mask of Barry , who inspired one of the most famous Irish rebel songs , at an auction three years ago in Kilkenny for €2,700 .
He anticipated that the State might be interested in acquiring what is the original death mask , but nobody stepped in to buy it .
Barry was hanged in Mountjoy Jail in November 1920 for his part in an IRA raid which killed three British soldiers .
Barry was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , according to the song which has been covered by many singers including by Boy George and Leonard Cohen .
Mr Dowling makes a living from buying and selling Irish antiques and memorabilia , but says he has no intention of selling the Kevin Barry mask as it has a personal connection to him .
Kevin Barry ’ s mother was Mary Dowling and she is related to Ian ’ s father .
“ When Kevin Barry moved up from Carlow , he was staying on the South Circular Road above a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that shop after Kevin left , ” he said .
“ I will never sell it .
It is a museum piece .
It belongs in a museum.
” Mr Dowling stars in a 10- part series called Irish Pickers which is narrated by Ardal O ’ Hanlon and debuts on Thursday night .
For years he has travelled Ireland and the UK hunting down and buying collectibles that tell stories of the country ’ s past .
Among the items in his collection is a 1798 era musket , a one-of-a-kind whiskey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign and a framed petition calling on the government to allow a widower to marry his late wife ’ s sister .
The 10-part series Irish Pickers premieres on Blaze from March 19th at 9pm .
The station is available on Sky at 164 and Virgin Media at 216

Ian Dowling, with the death mask of Kevin Barry, in Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
A collector who acquired the death mask of Kevin Barry has offered to lend it to an Irish museum.
Ian Dowling bought the death mask of Barry, who inspired one of the most famous Irish rebel songs, at an auction three years ago in Kilkenny for €2,700.
He anticipated that the State might be interested in acquiring what is the original death mask, but nobody stepped in to buy it.
Barry was hanged in Mountjoy Jail in November 1920 for his part in an IRA raid which killed three British soldiers. Barry was “just a lad of 18 summers”, according to the song which has been covered by many singers including by Boy George and Leonard Cohen.
READ MORE
Mr Dowling makes a living from buying and selling Irish antiques and memorabilia, but says he has no intention of selling the Kevin Barry mask as it has a personal connection to him.
Kevin Barry’s mother was Mary Dowling and she is related to Ian’s father. “When Kevin Barry moved up from Carlow, he was staying on the South Circular Road above a shop and my grandfather grew up in that shop after Kevin left,” he said.
“I will never sell it. It is a museum piece. It belongs in a museum.”
Mr Dowling stars in a 10- part series called Irish Pickers which is narrated by Ardal O’Hanlon and debuts on Thursday night.
For years he has travelled Ireland and the UK hunting down and buying collectibles that tell stories of the country’s past.
Among the items in his collection is a 1798 era musket, a one-of-a-kind whiskey vending machine, the original Tivoli Theatre sign and a framed petition calling on the government to allow a widower to marry his late wife’s sister.
The 10-part series Irish Pickers premieres on Blaze from March 19th at 9pm. The station is available on Sky at 164.


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Murder trial jury discharged after three jurors indicate they cannot attend

The jury in the trial of a husband accused of murdering his wife has been discharged after three jurors contacted the court to indicate they were not in a position to attend .
Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said one of the three jurors will probably never be in a position to attend the trial , while the availability of the other two jurors is “ unknown ” and would not be clear for at least a week .
The 12-juror panel was scheduled to hear closing speeches from the defence and the prosecution in Rafal ’ s murder trial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rafal Karaczyn ( 34 ) , of Crozon Park , Sligo , has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his 30-year-old wife Natalia Karaczyn , at their family home in Crozon Park between April 29th , 2018 and May 1st , 2018 .
On Wednesday , Ms Justice Creedon told the Central Criminal Court that the trial did not have a full complement of 12 jurors as three had contacted the court to say they could not attend today .
She said she was conscious of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not want any “ unnecessary reporting ” as to the reasons the three jurors couldn ’ t attend .
However , she added that one of the jurors “ will probably never be in a position to attend ” while the position of the other two jurors is “ unknown ” and would not be known for at least a week .
Bernard Condon SC , for the Director of Public Prosecutions , told Ms Justice Creedon that his instructions were to ask that the jury be discharged and for the case to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said “ nobody knows ” when the trial could resume and it would be “ unfair ” on the jury to be expected to “ reassemble ” at some unknown point in the future .
Michael Bowman SC , for the accused , said it was a “ matter for the court ” , adding that it was “ unsatisfactory ” but “ nothing could be done ” and he was leaving it in “ the court ’ s hands ” .
In turn , Ms Justice Creedon said everybody was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded ” .
She added that in the interest of the “ fair trial rights of the accused ” , while acknowledging that things are “ entirely uncertain at this stage , given the seriousness of the situation ” , she would accede to the application for the jury to be discharged and put the case back for mention .
The judge then asked the jury minder to tell the nine jurors , who did not appear in the court , that they were discharged and would have no more dealings with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thank them and to apologise to them .
Mr Karaczyn was then remanded in custody with consent to bail , under the same terms and conditions , until March 30th .

Rafal Karaczyn (34), of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his 30-year-old wife Natalia Karaczyn (above). Photograph: Garda/PA
The jury in the trial of a husband accused of murdering his wife has been discharged after three jurors contacted the court to indicate they were not in a position to attend.
Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said one of the three jurors will probably never be in a position to attend the trial, while the availability of the other two jurors is “unknown” and would not be clear for at least a week.
The 12-juror panel was scheduled to hear closing speeches from the defence and the prosecution in Rafal ’s murder trial, after the speeches were rescheduled last Thursday.
Rafal Karaczyn (34), of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his 30-year-old wife Natalia Karaczyn, at their family home in Crozon Park between April 29th, 2018 and May 1st, 2018.
READ MORE
On Wednesday, Ms Justice Creedon told the Central Criminal Court that the trial did not have a full complement of 12 jurors as three had contacted the court to say they could not attend today.
She said she was conscious of the privacy of the three jurors and did not want any “unnecessary reporting” as to the reasons the three jurors couldn’t attend.
However, she added that one of the jurors “will probably never be in a position to attend” while the position of the other two jurors is “unknown” and would not be known for at least a week.
Bernard Condon SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told Ms Justice Creedon that his instructions were to ask that the jury be discharged and for the case to return to the list to fix dates.
He said “nobody knows” when the trial could resume and it would be “unfair” on the jury to be expected to “reassemble” at some unknown point in the future.
Michael Bowman SC, for the accused, said it was a “matter for the court”, adding that it was “unsatisfactory” but “nothing could be done” and he was leaving it in “the court’s hands”.
In turn, Ms Justice Creedon said everybody was conscious that the trial had “nearly concluded”.
She added that in the interest of the “fair trial rights of the accused”, while acknowledging that things are “entirely uncertain at this stage, given the seriousness of the situation”, she would accede to the application for the jury to be discharged and put the case back for mention.
The judge then asked the jury minder to tell the nine jurors, who did not appear in the court, that they were discharged and would have no more dealings with the trial. She also asked the minder to thank them and to apologise to them.
Mr Karaczyn was then remanded in custody with consent to bail, under the same terms and conditions, until March 30th.


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Court hearings and trials slow to a trickle

There was no problem obeying the social distancing rules at midday on Wednesday in the Round Hall of the Four Courts in Dublin , but only because there were so few there .
Two groups of three men stood chatting about High Court cases .
One group stood two metres apart , like the three points of an equilateral triangle .
The other trio stood in a traditional Four Courts , pre-coronavirus , huddle .
On a bench to one side a young woman was scribbling in a notebook , her mouth covered by a sky-blue surgical mask .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were just two lawyers , two reporters and the father of the child plaintiff in Court No 1 when Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told of a €12 million settlement in a personal injuries case .
In Court No 4 , a ward of court case before the president , Mr Justice Peter Kelly , was quickly dealt with , with just seven people present in the large courtroom .
Other cases scheduled for the morning had been adjourned remotely .
In Court No 3 , Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds listened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case involving a number of parties associated with the River House Hotel , on Eustace Street , in Dublin ’ s Temple Bar .
The full hearing was to go ahead next week .
However , it was set aside as the business , which included a bar and nightclub , closed at the weekend because of the coronavirus crisis .
The closure meant the dispute over whether the operators of the hotel , bar and night venue should vacate the premises because the landlord wanted them out , was now moot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the court heard .
Most of the other courts in the famous courts building were closed , though over in Court 25 , on Chancery Place , four senior counsel and four junior counsel engaged in legal argument before Mr Justice Bernard Barton , in the absence of the jury , in a defamation case now in its seventh week .
Down in the Criminal Courts of Justice , on Parkgate Street , the wheels of justice were similarly all but becalmed .
Signs on the doors of the rooms where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friends of those before the court to wait not just outside the room but outside the building .
Staff estimated the level of business was just 5 per cent of the norm , and perhaps even lower , as many cases are now being automatically adjourned by judges .
In the Central Criminal Court , the trial of a man accused of murdering his wife – which had been ready to hear closing speeches – was abandoned after Judge Eileen Creedon was told that three of the 12 jurors could not attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a position to attend , while the availability of the other two was unknown and would not become clear for at least a week .
A new trial will now have to take place at a later date .
Staff at the Dublin District Family Court in Dolphin House in Temple Bar said the level of business was approximately 5 per cent of what would be usual , with barring-order and protection-order cases still needing to be heard .

Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street: the wheels of justice were all but still. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh
There was no problem obeying the social distancing rules at midday on Wednesday in the Round Hall of the Four Courts in Dublin, but only because there were so few there.
Two groups of three men stood chatting about High Court cases. One group stood two metres apart, like the three points of an equilateral triangle. The other trio stood in a traditional Four Courts, pre-coronavirus, huddle.
On a bench to one side a young woman was scribbling in a notebook, her mouth covered by a sky-blue surgical mask. The large domed hall was otherwise empty.
There were just two lawyers, two reporters and the father of the child plaintiff in Court No 1 when Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told of a €12 million settlement in a personal injuries case.
READ MORE
In Court No 4, a ward of court case before the president, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, was quickly dealt with, with just seven people present in the large courtroom. Other cases scheduled for the morning had been adjourned remotely.
Hotel case
In Court No 3, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds listened to Padraic Lyons address the court about a case involving a number of parties associated with the River House Hotel, on Eustace Street, in Dublin's Temple Bar.
The full hearing was to go ahead next week. However, it was set aside as the business, which included a bar and nightclub, closed at the weekend because of the coronavirus crisis.
The closure meant the dispute over whether the operators of the hotel, bar and night venue should vacate the premises because the landlord wanted them out, was now moot. One of the parties is in self-isolation, the court heard.
Most of the other courts in the famous courts building were closed, though over in Court 25, on Chancery Place, four senior counsel and four junior counsel engaged in legal argument before Mr Justice Bernard Barton, in the absence of the jury, in a defamation case now in its seventh week.
Down in the Criminal Courts of Justice, on Parkgate Street, the wheels of justice were similarly all but becalmed.
Social distancing
Signs on the doors of the rooms where the District Court was sitting asked family members and friends of those before the court to wait not just outside the room but outside the building.
Staff estimated the level of business was just 5 per cent of the norm, and perhaps even lower, as many cases are now being automatically adjourned by judges.
In the Central Criminal Court, the trial of a man accused of murdering his wife – which had been ready to hear closing speeches – was abandoned after Judge Eileen Creedon was told that three of the 12 jurors could not attend.
One juror would probably never be in a position to attend, while the availability of the other two was unknown and would not become clear for at least a week. A new trial will now have to take place at a later date.
Staff at the Dublin District Family Court in Dolphin House in Temple Bar said the level of business was approximately 5 per cent of what would be usual, with barring-order and protection-order cases still needing to be heard.


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--‘Students are super-stressed. They don’t know when the exams will be’

Like tens of thousands of students , Luke Casserly ’ s phone has been pinging with messages from friends wondering what is going to happen with the Leaving Cert exams .
“ It ’ s all ‘ What ’ s the story with our orals , will they be cancelled ?
’ or ‘ Is the whole Leaving Cert going to be cancelled ?
’ ‘ Are we going to have to repeat the year ?
’ These are just some of the texts I ’ ve been getting over the past couple of days , but unfortunately I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing for his Irish and French orals , which were due to begin at the end of this month .
Then there is the matter of project deadlines for history and geography courses , which are due shortly .
With schools set to remain closed well beyond the end of March and possibly until the summer , he says students feel they have been plunged into uncertainty .
The Department of Education says it is working with the State Examinations Commission to develop contingency arrangements for the exams .
In the meantime it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plan lessons and , where possible , provide online resources for students or online lessons .
This is easier said than done for Luke , and many others , whose lives , until now , have been scheduled around the Leaving Cert timetable .
“ I ’ m working away doing my own bit of study and linking in with my teachers on Google Classroom – the effectiveness of this is yet to be seen for me so far – but it ’ s hard not to be distracted by those uncertainties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Casserly , a member of the Irish Second-Level Students ’ Union .
“ I ’ ve spoken to a number people who have put huge amounts of study in for the orals , which were scheduled for the coming weeks , but now they ’ re super-stressed and panicked because they just don ’ t know when they ’ ll be , or if they ’ ll take place at all , ” he says .
“ There ’ s a lot of uncertainty , especially among students who worry that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled – people are beginning to wonder how it will affect the CAO situation and how courses will be allocated in the event no exams take place in June .
“ It ’ s early days yet and , as the days and weeks go by , this stress and worry will only get worse until we have a bit more clarity .
“

Like tens of thousands of students, Luke Casserly’s phone has been pinging with messages from friends wondering what is going to happen with the Leaving Cert exams.
“It’s all ‘What’s the story with our orals, will they be cancelled?’ or ‘Is the whole Leaving Cert going to be cancelled?’ ‘Are we going to have to repeat the year?’ These are just some of the texts I’ve been getting over the past couple of days, but unfortunately I’ve no answers.”
Luke had been preparing for his Irish and French orals, which were due to begin at the end of this month. Then there is the matter of project deadlines for history and geography courses, which are due shortly.
With schools set to remain closed well beyond the end of March and possibly until the summer, he says students feel they have been plunged into uncertainty.
READ MORE
The Department of Education says it is working with the State Examinations Commission to develop contingency arrangements for the exams.
Online resources
In the meantime it says schools will be asked to continue to plan lessons and, where possible, provide online resources for students or online lessons.
This is easier said than done for Luke, and many others, whose lives, until now, have been scheduled around the Leaving Cert timetable.
"I'm working away doing my own bit of study and linking in with my teachers on Google Classroom – the effectiveness of this is yet to be seen for me so far – but it's hard not to be distracted by those uncertainties and the wider Covid-19 crisis," says Casserly, a member of the Irish Second-Level Students' Union.
“I’ve spoken to a number people who have put huge amounts of study in for the orals, which were scheduled for the coming weeks, but now they’re super-stressed and panicked because they just don’t know when they’ll be, or if they’ll take place at all,” he says.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty, especially among students who worry that the Leaving Cert exams in June will be cancelled – people are beginning to wonder how it will affect the CAO situation and how courses will be allocated in the event no exams take place in June.
“It’s early days yet and, as the days and weeks go by, this stress and worry will only get worse until we have a bit more clarity. “


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: 300 dentists criticise guidance and seek halt to elective services

Over 300 dentists have signed a letter criticising official guidance on Covid-19 and calling for all elective dentistry to stop due to the threat posed by the disease .
Separately , the Irish Dental Association has said almost one-fifth of dental practices have scaled back services amid warnings that the profession is “ on the brink of collapse ” due to the virus outbreak in the State .
On Monday , the chief dental officer in the Department of Health advised practitioners that “ dental practices can remain open and there is currently no need for change in practice ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describe this advice as “ extremely troubling ” and say they are particularly concerned about procedures that generate aerosol spray .
“ These have the potential to expose all patients and dental workers to significant risk of contracting Covid-19.
” The dentists also query the advice that aerosol equipment can be safely used if a patient is asymptomatic .
“ The evidence base is rapidly growing that asymptomatic transmission is not only possible , but likely , ” their letters states .
“ The HSE has in fact moved ( correctly ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their public clinics and hospital units ceasing all elective procedures .
They are treating only the most urgent emergencies , and their dentists are advised to keep aerosol generating procedures to an absolute minimum.
” The dentists say “ elective dental procedures must stop .
Otherwise even more lives in our vulnerable and elderly populations in particular will be lost ” .
The IDA said 18 per cent of members who responded to a survey have already closed practice in some form , while nearly half of respondents estimated income to their practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the outbreak .
Dentists say they are seeing widespread cancellations of appointments .
The IDA said it is seeking a “ wide-ranging package of supports ” in order to survive .
Fintan Hourihan , the organisation ’ s chief executive , said the vast majority of practitioners in Ireland “ receive no support at all from the State , so are extremely exposed to this crisis .
We have received notifications from dozens of practices saying they have already closed their doors , and our fear is that this number will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the IDA “ has made numerous efforts to communicate this message to politicians , and we have received no clear direction whatsoever .
Politicians need to wake up to the fact that the dental profession as we know it is disintegrating before our eyes due to the fact that dentists simply can not practice under these circumstances.
” Members of the profession who spoke to The Irish Times have also highlighted a lack of personal protective equipment , which they say is especially needed due to the proximity between a dentist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chief dental officer advises that if a patient is showing symptoms of Covid-19 , dental care should only be considered after consulting with their GP .
A Q & A document circulated along with the letter states that “ currently the advice is that dental practices do not need to avoid certain procedures or close the practice ” , and that “ currently there is no advice to alter current dental professional practice.
” It advises that aerosol devices can be used for asymptomatic patients .
It goes on to state that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of face masks when using suction or aerosol for patients who are asymptomatic .

Members of the profession who spoke to The Irish Times highlighted a lack of personal protective equipment, which they say is especially needed due to the proximity between a dentist and a patient. Photograph: iStock/Getty Images
Over 300 dentists have signed a letter criticising official guidance on Covid-19 and calling for all elective dentistry to stop due to the threat posed by the disease.
Separately, the Irish Dental Association has said almost one-fifth of dental practices have scaled back services amid warnings that the profession is "on the brink of collapse" due to the virus outbreak in the State.
On Monday, the chief dental officer in the Department of Health advised practitioners that "dental practices can remain open and there is currently no need for change in practice".
The dentists in their open letter describe this advice as “extremely troubling” and say they are particularly concerned about procedures that generate aerosol spray. “These have the potential to expose all patients and dental workers to significant risk of contracting Covid-19.”
READ MORE
The dentists also query the advice that aerosol equipment can be safely used if a patient is asymptomatic.
“The evidence base is rapidly growing that asymptomatic transmission is not only possible, but likely,” their letters states.
“The HSE has in fact moved (correctly) to an entirely different protocol, with all their public clinics and hospital units ceasing all elective procedures. They are treating only the most urgent emergencies, and their dentists are advised to keep aerosol generating procedures to an absolute minimum.”
The dentists say “elective dental procedures must stop. Otherwise even more lives in our vulnerable and elderly populations in particular will be lost”.
The IDA said 18 per cent of members who responded to a survey have already closed practice in some form, while nearly half of respondents estimated income to their practices will fall at least 90 per cent due to the outbreak.
Dentists say they are seeing widespread cancellations of appointments.
The IDA said it is seeking a "wide-ranging package of supports" in order to survive. Fintan Hourihan, the organisation's chief executive, said the vast majority of practitioners in Ireland "receive no support at all from the State, so are extremely exposed to this crisis. We have received notifications from dozens of practices saying they have already closed their doors, and our fear is that this number will multiply over the coming days".
He said the IDA “has made numerous efforts to communicate this message to politicians, and we have received no clear direction whatsoever. Politicians need to wake up to the fact that the dental profession as we know it is disintegrating before our eyes due to the fact that dentists simply cannot practice under these circumstances.”
Members of the profession who spoke to The Irish Times have also highlighted a lack of personal protective equipment, which they say is especially needed due to the proximity between a dentist and a patient.
The letter from the chief dental officer advises that if a patient is showing symptoms of Covid-19, dental care should only be considered after consulting with their GP.
A Q&A document circulated along with the letter states that “currently the advice is that dental practices do not need to avoid certain procedures or close the practice”, and that “currently there is no advice to alter current dental professional practice.” It advises that aerosol devices can be used for asymptomatic patients.
It goes on to state that there is no requirement for the use of face masks when using suction or aerosol for patients who are asymptomatic.


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Funeral of Killiney woman hit by speeding car told of a good and loving listener

The funeral of Jackie McGovern ( 54 ) , from Killiney , Co Dublin , who was killed by a speeding car on the suburb ’ s Avondale Road last week , has been told she was a beautiful and warm person , who advised people “ smile and the whole world smiles with you ” .
In accordance with coronavirus restrictions , only Ms McGovern ’ s family and close relatives attended inside the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Johnstown , Killiney , where they were greeted by local priest Fr Peadar Murney .
Others remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by loud speaker .
Many mourners stood apart from one another in line with health advice .
Paying tribute to his mother , Oisín McGovern ( 28 ) the eldest of Ms McGovern ’ s three children , said his mother was a good listener who put the needs of others first .
“ The memories we have of her are only good .
Never a bad word spoken , never a raised voice , unless absolutely necessary of course , she was an incredible mother , ” he said .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love she had was always true , and that goes for all her family and friends .
She adored all of them.
” Mr Mc Govern added that the love his mother shared with his father Brendan was something akin to “ a fairytale ” .
He spoke of the impact of his mother ’ s sudden loss , saying : “ we can only all wish that because of this incident we will all become better people and search for happiness when it is so hard to find ” .
He recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which included : “ What ’ s meant to be is meant to be ” , “ It will all work out the way it ’ s meant to ” , and “ smile and the world smiles with you.
” In his tribute , Fr Murney said Ms McGovern , who was a teacher of autistic children at Our Lady of Good Counsel National School , had “ loved the children in her care just as she loved her own family.
” He said people were asking themselves how “ the reckless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much grief and pain to a family , and so much grief and pain to a community.
” The McGovern family lived on nearby Churchview Road and Ms McGovern was out walking with her friend Audrey Behan ( 51 ) when they were struck by a speeding car on March 10th .
Ms Behan was hospitalised with injuries that are thought to be non-life threatening .
The congregation prayed for her speedy recovery and for the intentions of the emergency services who attended the crash scene .
The principal mourners at the funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their children Oisín , Cormac ( 24 ) and Clodagh ( 21 ) .

The remains of Jackie McGovern, are carried from the church after her funeral Mass, on Wednesday morning at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Killiney, Co Dublin. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
The funeral of Jackie McGovern (54), from Killiney, Co Dublin, who was killed by a speeding car on the suburb’s Avondale Road last week, has been told she was a beautiful and warm person, who advised people “smile and the whole world smiles with you”.
In accordance with coronavirus restrictions, only Ms McGovern’s family and close relatives attended inside the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Johnstown, Killiney, where they were greeted by local priest Fr Peadar Murney.
Others remained outside where the requiem Mass was relayed by loud speaker. Many mourners stood apart from one another in line with health advice.
Paying tribute to his mother, Oisín McGovern (28) the eldest of Ms McGovern’s three children, said his mother was a good listener who put the needs of others first.
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“The memories we have of her are only good. Never a bad word spoken, never a raised voice, unless absolutely necessary of course, she was an incredible mother,” he said.
“The praise she gave was unconditional, the love she had was always true, and that goes for all her family and friends. She adored all of them.”
Mr Mc Govern added that the love his mother shared with his father Brendan was something akin to “a fairytale”.
He spoke of the impact of his mother’s sudden loss, saying: “we can only all wish that because of this incident we will all become better people and search for happiness when it is so hard to find”. He recalled his mother had a number of sayings which included: “What’s meant to be is meant to be”, “It will all work out the way it’s meant to”, and “smile and the world smiles with you.”
In his tribute, Fr Murney said Ms McGovern, who was a teacher of autistic children at Our Lady of Good Counsel National School, had “loved the children in her care just as she loved her own family.”
He said people were asking themselves how “the reckless actions of the few can bring so much grief and pain to a family, and so much grief and pain to a community.”
The McGovern family lived on nearby Churchview Road and Ms McGovern was out walking with her friend Audrey Behan (51) when they were struck by a speeding car on March 10th.
Ms Behan was hospitalised with injuries that are thought to be non-life threatening. The congregation prayed for her speedy recovery and for the intentions of the emergency services who attended the crash scene.
The principal mourners at the funeral were Ms McGovern’s husband Brendan and their children Oisín, Cormac (24) and Clodagh (21).


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Call for clarity on future of State exams to ease students’ anxiety

School management bodies have urged the Department of Education to provide greater clarity over the future of the State exams in an effort to ease students ’ anxiety levels .
Education partners took part in a conference call with senior department officials on Wednesday and were told that work was ongoing on contingency plans for the exams .
One source at the meeting said the possibility of prioritising the Leaving Cert exam over the Junior Cert was floated as one possible option .
“ There was also a view among some partners that orals and practicals , while important , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written exams , ” said a source , who declined to be named .
“ If there are delays , it is not the end of the world , but whatever is put in place will need to meet the need of this year ’ s sixth-year students.
” A spokesman for the department said it is continuing to engage with the State Examinations Commission ( SEC ) on contingency planning in relation to the State exams .
“ The SEC will continue to monitor the timetable for all elements of the State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension of the enforced school closures , ” he said .
“ All decisions in relation to State exams and wider operational matters relating to schools will be taken in consultation with all of Government and communicated at the earliest opportunity to students , parents and the education sector , as well as the general public.
” Wednesday ’ s meeting with education partners is understood to be the first of many that will focus on practical issues such as enrolments for the coming academic year and how to support teaching and learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union , meanwhile , has also contacted the department asking for clarity for exam students and for decisions surrounding the exams to be made as soon as possible .
It said it was a particularly difficult time for students in exam years who would have been preparing for oral tests and working on projects at this time .
“ Student welfare during this time should be of top priority and keeping students updated and informed in a reasonable timeframe is an essential element of this , ” the union said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that students as key stakeholders in their education are consulted and included in any decisions to be made regarding their education in the coming weeks and months.
” The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals also said greater clarity and an assurance that students would not lose out were important messages that students needed to hear .
“ Certainly , a statement from the SEC setting out the options would enable everyone to put their heads together and come together to work out viable solutions , while making the point that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any way compared to other year , ” he said .
“ In many instances , most of the course work has been completed and students are revising .
So , the hope is appropriate arrangements can be put in place for the Leaving Cert.
” In the UK , meanwhile , the possibility of delaying exams until September is being examined , though officials there have also said that no decisions have been made .
Education sources in Ireland say any decisions will be based on public health advice , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

School disruption: “Whatever is put in place will need to meet the need of this year’s sixth-year students.”
School management bodies have urged the Department of Education to provide greater clarity over the future of the State exams in an effort to ease students’ anxiety levels.
Education partners took part in a conference call with senior department officials on Wednesday and were told that work was ongoing on contingency plans for the exams.
One source at the meeting said the possibility of prioritising the Leaving Cert exam over the Junior Cert was floated as one possible option.
“There was also a view among some partners that orals and practicals, while important, may not be as vital as the written exams,” said a source, who declined to be named.
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“If there are delays, it is not the end of the world, but whatever is put in place will need to meet the need of this year’s sixth-year students.”
A spokesman for the department said it is continuing to engage with the State Examinations Commission (SEC) on contingency planning in relation to the State exams.
“The SEC will continue to monitor the timetable for all elements of the State examinations in the context of any potential extension of the enforced school closures,” he said.
Annual enrolments
“All decisions in relation to State exams and wider operational matters relating to schools will be taken in consultation with all of Government and communicated at the earliest opportunity to students, parents and the education sector, as well as the general public.”
Wednesday’s meeting with education partners is understood to be the first of many that will focus on practical issues such as enrolments for the coming academic year and how to support teaching and learning online.
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union, meanwhile, has also contacted the department asking for clarity for exam students and for decisions surrounding the exams to be made as soon as possible.
It said it was a particularly difficult time for students in exam years who would have been preparing for oral tests and working on projects at this time.
“Student welfare during this time should be of top priority and keeping students updated and informed in a reasonable timeframe is an essential element of this,” the union said in a statement.
“The ISSU will endeavour to ensure that students as key stakeholders in their education are consulted and included in any decisions to be made regarding their education in the coming weeks and months.”
‘Not disadvantaged’
The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals also said greater clarity and an assurance that students would not lose out were important messages that students needed to hear.
“Certainly, a statement from the SEC setting out the options would enable everyone to put their heads together and come together to work out viable solutions, while making the point that Leaving Cert students will not be disadvantaged in any way compared to other year,” he said.
“In many instances, most of the course work has been completed and students are revising. So, the hope is appropriate arrangements can be put in place for the Leaving Cert.”
In the UK, meanwhile, the possibility of delaying exams until September is being examined, though officials there have also said that no decisions have been made. Education sources in Ireland say any decisions will be based on public health advice, though they did not rule out this possibility.


theirishtimes--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Facebook forced to restore Covid-19 posts following complaints

Facebook has been forced to restore some posts on its platform about Covid-19 which were incorrectly removed by automated systems that monitor content on the social network .
Some news publishers using the platform had complained that posts linking to articles about Covid-19 were being removed , or that they were being told that the post was against community standards on spam posts .
In a tweet on Tuesday night , a Facebook executive said posts had been incorrectly removed , including content related to non-Covid-19-related topics .
Guy Rosen , the company ’ s vice-president of integrity , wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue with an automated system that removes links to abusive websites , but incorrectly removed a lot of other posts too ” .
In a statement earlier this week , which was issued before the incorrect removal of posts emerged , Facebook said it was removing content with “ claims and conspiracy theories that have been debunked by the WHO ( World Health Organisation ) or other credible health experts and could cause harm to people who believe them ” .
The company said it was focused on claims which would make someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to get sick .
“ This includes claims related to false cures or prevention methods – like drinking bleach cures the coronavirus – or claims that discourage treatment or create confusion about health resources that are available .
”

Facebook has been forced to restore posts about Covid-19 that were incorrectly removed from its platform. File photograph: Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters
Facebook has been forced to restore some posts on its platform about Covid-19 which were incorrectly removed by automated systems that monitor content on the social network.
Some news publishers using the platform had complained that posts linking to articles about Covid-19 were being removed, or that they were being told that the post was against community standards on spam posts.
In a tweet on Tuesday night, a Facebook executive said posts had been incorrectly removed, including content related to non-Covid-19-related topics. Guy Rosen, the company's vice-president of integrity, wrote on Twitter that "this was an issue with an automated system that removes links to abusive websites, but incorrectly removed a lot of other posts too".
In a statement earlier this week, which was issued before the incorrect removal of posts emerged, Facebook said it was removing content with “claims and conspiracy theories that have been debunked by the WHO (World Health Organisation) or other credible health experts and could cause harm to people who believe them”.
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The company said it was focused on claims which would make someone less likely to seek treatment or more likely to get sick. “This includes claims related to false cures or prevention methods – like drinking bleach cures the coronavirus – or claims that discourage treatment or create confusion about health resources that are available.”