theirishtimes--2020-07-02--One-metre rule means all students may not return to school in September

All pupils may not be in a position to return to school in September on foot of new public health guidance which says schools should reopen with physical distancing of at least one metre between students in most cases .
The Department of Education warned last month that any form of physical distancing would lead to many students being forced to attend school on a part-time basis .
However , a department spokeswoman said this estimate was made without the benefit of health guidance , and many more students will be likely to be able to attend full-time .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen as normal will be determined in conjunction with education stakeholders over the coming weeks , she said .
However , some teachers ’ unions have warned that a full return to school is unlikely , and some form of “ blended learning ” may be required .
At primary level , the new guidance says a distance of one metre should be maintained between desks or individual pupils .
This will not be mandatory for classes from junior infants up to second class .
At second level , physical distancing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metres , where possible – should be maintained between desks or between individual students or staff .
The interim guidance , produced by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre , was published on Wednesday evening .
Minister for Education Norma Foley said the guidance would lend itself to the “ optimum ” reopening of schools .
When asked if schools may not be able to fully reopen , she said it was difficult to be definitive .
“ You can never be definitive .
I don ’ t want in any shape of form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitive .
.
.
We are moving towards the reopening of schools , and the safe reopening of schools , with an accommodation for everyone in the entire school community.
” Sinn Féin ’ s education spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the department needed to “ get a grip ” on school reopening plans which , he said , were mired in confusion .
Labour ’ s education spokesman Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said it was impossible to see how schools could fully reopen without a financial package .

Minister for Education Norma Foley: ‘We are moving towards the safe reopening of schools, with an accommodation for everyone in the entire school community.’ Photograph: Alan Betson
All pupils may not be in a position to return to school in September on foot of new public health guidance which says schools should reopen with physical distancing of at least one metre between students in most cases.
The Department of Education warned last month that any form of physical distancing would lead to many students being forced to attend school on a part-time basis.
However, a department spokeswoman said this estimate was made without the benefit of health guidance, and many more students will be likely to be able to attend full-time.
The extent to which schools will be able to reopen as normal will be determined in conjunction with education stakeholders over the coming weeks, she said.
READ MORE
However, some teachers’ unions have warned that a full return to school is unlikely, and some form of “blended learning” may be required.
At primary level, the new guidance says a distance of one metre should be maintained between desks or individual pupils. This will not be mandatory for classes from junior infants up to second class.
At second level, physical distancing of at least one metre – and two metres, where possible – should be maintained between desks or between individual students or staff.
The interim guidance, produced by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, was published on Wednesday evening.
‘Optimum’
Minister for Education Norma Foley said the guidance would lend itself to the "optimum" reopening of schools.
When asked if schools may not be able to fully reopen, she said it was difficult to be definitive.
“You can never be definitive. I don’t want in any shape of form to give the impression that I am definitive . . . We are moving towards the reopening of schools, and the safe reopening of schools, with an accommodation for everyone in the entire school community.”
Sinn Féin’s education spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the department needed to “get a grip” on school reopening plans which, he said, were mired in confusion.
Labour’s education spokesman Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said it was impossible to see how schools could fully reopen without a financial package.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Open Ireland as soon as possible - Tourism chief warns of 'catastrophic' impact of pandemic

Fáilte Ireland will call today for the country to reopen to overseas tourists “ as soon and as fast as public health considerations can allow ” to help the tourism sector recover from Covid-19 .
Paul Kelly , chief executive of the tourism agency , will tell the Dáil Covid-19 committee that the pandemic ’ s impact on tourism has been “ catastrophic ” and “ dwarfs all previous crises ” .
He will say that the 14-day self-isolation period for tourists “ effectively closes Ireland to all overseas visitors ” and recovery in the industry will be hampered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of over 70 per cent revenue ” that comes from overseas visitors .
“ We simply must find a way to facilitate the planning for and the re-opening of access for overseas tourism as soon and as fast as public health considerations can allow , ” Mr Kelly will say .
The tourism chief will tell TDs that the sector , which employs one in nine people , has incurred well over €1 billion in “ unavoidable costs ” with “ four months of no revenue ” during the lockdown .
The warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government said there were still significant risks with overseas travel , linking it to at least six new Covid-19 cases this week .
The Department of Health announced a further three deaths from the coronavirus disease and six further confirmed cases , bringing the death toll to 1,738 and known cases to 25,477 .
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said 31 cases of Covid-19 in June were associated with travel , or 5 per cent of the 550 new cases identified last month .
Dr Glynn said the balance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and business would “ continue to be challenging ” .
The number of daily flights in and out of Dublin Airport doubled to 200 yesterday from earlier this week as Ryanair resumed 40 per cent of its flights schedule .
The Government said it planned to finalise a “ roadmap ” for safe overseas travel “ very shortly ” , despite State chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan calling on people to avoid non-essential travel and cancel foreign holidays to avoid importing cases of the disease .
Doctors have raised concerns about reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious diseases specialist , who wrote a report on the first known case of unknown Covid-19 community transmission in Ireland – a 43-year-old man who died after 27 days on a ventilator – said opening up to international travel poses “ a very big risk at the moment ” .
Cork University Hospital consultant Dr Corinna Sadlier said she was “ very worried ” that a quarter of new cases last week were travel-related .
She raised doubts about “ how feasible ” it is for people to self-isolate for 14 days on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday overseas .
“ People need to be very sensible and responsible and I think where they can forego travel overseas , they should , ” she said .
She warned against people becoming complacent and allowing the number of cases to increase again , raising the risk of a second wave of the disease and the need for another lockdown .
Dr Catherine Motherway , an intensive care specialist in Limerick , said she felt it was “ a bit early ” to be dropping advice against foreign travel given the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States and “ pockets ” of infections emerging in other countries .
Meanwhile , new figures show that at least 79 patients died after contracting Covid-19 while in hospital .
HSE data released to Green Party TD Ossian Smyth in reply to a parliamentary question , indicated that 265 patients caught the virus while being treated in hospital for other conditions .
In total , 3,285 hospitalised patients were confirmed with Covid-19 up to June 23rd .
The total number of deaths in hospitalised patients was 671 , or one in @ @ @ @ @ @

People are flying again from Dublin Airport but in small numbers. There were two hundreds flights in and out of the airport today. This time last year that figure was approximately eight hundred flights. Video: Bryan O'Brien
Fáilte Ireland will call today for the country to reopen to overseas tourists "as soon and as fast as public health considerations can allow" to help the tourism sector recover from Covid-19.
Paul Kelly, chief executive of the tourism agency, will tell the Dáil Covid-19 committee that the pandemic's impact on tourism has been "catastrophic" and "dwarfs all previous crises".
He will say that the 14-day self-isolation period for tourists "effectively closes Ireland to all overseas visitors" and recovery in the industry will be hampered by the "complete absence and slow rebuild of over 70 per cent revenue" that comes from overseas visitors.
“We simply must find a way to facilitate the planning for and the re-opening of access for overseas tourism as soon and as fast as public health considerations can allow,” Mr Kelly will say.
READ MORE
The tourism chief will tell TDs that the sector, which employs one in nine people, has incurred well over €1 billion in “unavoidable costs” with “four months of no revenue” during the lockdown.
The warning from the State tourism authority came as the Government said there were still significant risks with overseas travel, linking it to at least six new Covid-19 cases this week.
The Department of Health announced a further three deaths from the coronavirus disease and six further confirmed cases, bringing the death toll to 1,738 and known cases to 25,477.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said 31 cases of Covid-19 in June were associated with travel, or 5 per cent of the 550 new cases identified last month.
Dr Glynn said the balance of keeping the disease suppressed and reopening society and business would “continue to be challenging”.
The number of daily flights in and out of Dublin Airport doubled to 200 yesterday from earlier this week as Ryanair resumed 40 per cent of its flights schedule.
The Government said it planned to finalise a "roadmap" for safe overseas travel "very shortly", despite State chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan calling on people to avoid non-essential travel and cancel foreign holidays to avoid importing cases of the disease.
Doctors have raised concerns about reopening the country to foreign travel.
The infectious diseases specialist, who wrote a report on the first known case of unknown Covid-19 community transmission in Ireland – a 43-year-old man who died after 27 days on a ventilator – said opening up to international travel poses “a very big risk at the moment”.
Medic’s warning
Cork University Hospital consultant Dr Corinna Sadlier said she was "very worried" that a quarter of new cases last week were travel-related. She raised doubts about "how feasible" it is for people to self-isolate for 14 days on their return from a week's holiday overseas.
“People need to be very sensible and responsible and I think where they can forego travel overseas, they should,” she said.
She warned against people becoming complacent and allowing the number of cases to increase again, raising the risk of a second wave of the disease and the need for another lockdown.
Dr Catherine Motherway, an intensive care specialist in Limerick, said she felt it was "a bit early" to be dropping advice against foreign travel given the "very frightening" increases in cases in the United States and "pockets" of infections emerging in other countries.
Meanwhile, new figures show that at least 79 patients died after contracting Covid-19 while in hospital. HSE data released to Green Party TD Ossian Smyth in reply to a parliamentary question, indicated that 265 patients caught the virus while being treated in hospital for other conditions.
In total, 3,285 hospitalised patients were confirmed with Covid-19 up to June 23rd. The total number of deaths in hospitalised patients was 671, or one in five who had the disease.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--‘He was in everyone’s hearts’: Thousands line Belfast streets in farewell to Noah Donohoe

For the final time , they came out onto the streets for Noah Donohoe .
The people of north Belfast had searched for him and then grieved for him ; now they applauded him as the hearse bearing his coffin drove the slow half-mile from St Patrick ’ s Church on Donegall Street onto the Antrim Road and Noah ’ s school , St Malachy ’ s College .
The shops were shuttered ; on a construction site , builders stopped work and stood by the side of the road in their high-visibility vests .
At a nursing home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by motorbikes driven by volunteers from the Community Rescue Service , who had searched for Noah .
Some of the several thousand present released balloons and others laid white roses on the pavement in tribute .
“ He was in everyone ’ s hearts , ” explained Anne-Marie Laverty from north Belfast , who had come with her husband John to pay their respects ; her nephews and neighbours had been among those who joined in the search effort .
“ Everyone in the area was so worried about him , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is a real accolade for him.
” For six days , Noah was missing .
He was last seen on the evening of Sunday , June 21st , in Northwood Road in north Belfast , where he had cycled the 4km from his home in the south of the city .
The police said they believed he may have fallen off his bicycle and hit his head ; he was then seen discarding his clothing and cycling , actions which both they and Noah ’ s family said were “ completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted a massive search by police , community rescue volunteers and members of the public ; on Saturday morning came the discovery everyone was dreading .
Noah ’ s body had been found in a storm drain ; there was , the police said , “ no evidence to suggest foul play ” .
Yesterday morning the images of a smiling Noah which had become familiar to everyone in Belfast during the days of the search were pinned to the railings of St Patrick ’ s Church ahead of his funeral .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message read .
When the hearse arrived , the framed photograph placed beside the white coffin was equally recognisable ; Noah and his mum , Fiona , hugging , their heads pressed tightly together , arms around each other , as they smiled out at the camera , as close as a mother and son could be .
As she entered the church , flanked by her sisters and nieces , her face was white , the depth of her loss etched on her features .
It was to her words Fr Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken the day after her son ’ s body was found which he said had stayed with him .
“ I have been so blessed , ” she said .
“ Noah was a beautiful soul with a beautiful mind .
He poured a whole life time of love into my life in 14 short years.
” Noah was loved , and had also loved in his turn ; he was , Fr McGarrity said , “ the kind of boy who was just full of the joy of living ” .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cello , or having fun with his friends , he “ savoured every moment ” .
Outside , friends from his former basketball club , Belfast Phoenix , and from his beloved St Malachy ’ s , formed a guard of honour ; tied to the handle of the white coffin was a ribbon in black and green , the St Malachy ’ s colours .
Only a small number of family and friends could be in the church for Requiem Mass , due to coronavirus restrictions ; as it began , Noah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a prayer service in his memory .
“ Noah loved his school and his friends at school , and we know that they will be grieving too and they need to say goodbye too , ” Noah ’ s family said earlier in the week .
It was to enable students and staff to say those farewells that the cortege took a special detour into the college grounds ; as the hearse disappeared through the gate , they could be seen lining the avenue up to the school .
As the applause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence before the gates now completely covered in flowers and other tributes , with candles huddled on the pavement beneath .
There was an inflatable guitar , a St Malachy ’ s GAA shirt , a tiny basketball with the words “ Noah RIP ” written in black marker .
And , on a card affixed to a bunch of flowers : “ Rest in peace , beautiful boy .
”

People line the Antrim Road as the hearse bearing Noah Donohoe’s coffin is brought to his school, St Malachy’s College. The funeral of the 14-year-old took place at St Patrick’s Church in central Belfast on Wednesday. Video: Freya McClements
For the final time, they came out onto the streets for Noah Donohoe.
The people of north Belfast had searched for him and then grieved for him; now they applauded him as the hearse bearing his coffin drove the slow half-mile from St Patrick’s Church on Donegall Street onto the Antrim Road and Noah’s school, St Malachy’s College.
The shops were shuttered; on a construction site, builders stopped work and stood by the side of the road in their high-visibility vests. At a nursing home, carers watched as the cortege passed, led by motorbikes driven by volunteers from the Community Rescue Service, who had searched for Noah. Some of the several thousand present released balloons and others laid white roses on the pavement in tribute.
“He was in everyone’s hearts,” explained Anne-Marie Laverty from north Belfast, who had come with her husband John to pay their respects; her nephews and neighbours had been among those who joined in the search effort. “Everyone in the area was so worried about him, and he was so young, so innocent. This is a real accolade for him.”
READ MORE
Disappearance
For six days, Noah was missing. He was last seen on the evening of Sunday, June 21st, in Northwood Road in north Belfast, where he had cycled the 4km from his home in the south of the city.
The police said they believed he may have fallen off his bicycle and hit his head; he was then seen discarding his clothing and cycling, actions which both they and Noah’s family said were “completely out of character”.
His disappearance prompted a massive search by police, community rescue volunteers and members of the public; on Saturday morning came the discovery everyone was dreading. Noah’s body had been found in a storm drain; there was, the police said, “no evidence to suggest foul play”.
Yesterday morning the images of a smiling Noah which had become familiar to everyone in Belfast during the days of the search were pinned to the railings of St Patrick’s Church ahead of his funeral. “Rest in peace Noah,” the message read.
Fiona Donohoe follows her son Noah’s coffin with her sisters Niamh (left) and Shona. Photograph: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press
When the hearse arrived, the framed photograph placed beside the white coffin was equally recognisable; Noah and his mum, Fiona, hugging, their heads pressed tightly together, arms around each other, as they smiled out at the camera, as close as a mother and son could be.
As she entered the church, flanked by her sisters and nieces, her face was white, the depth of her loss etched on her features.
It was to her words Fr Michael McGarrity returned in his homily, words spoken the day after her son’s body was found which he said had stayed with him.
“I have been so blessed,” she said. “Noah was a beautiful soul with a beautiful mind. He poured a whole life time of love into my life in 14 short years.”
Noah was loved, and had also loved in his turn; he was, Fr McGarrity said, “the kind of boy who was just full of the joy of living”. On the basketball court, or playing his cello, or having fun with his friends, he “savoured every moment”.
Outside, friends from his former basketball club, Belfast Phoenix, and from his beloved St Malachy’s, formed a guard of honour; tied to the handle of the white coffin was a ribbon in black and green, the St Malachy’s colours.
Restrictions
Only a small number of family and friends could be in the church for Requiem Mass, due to coronavirus restrictions; as it began, Noah’s form class were taking part in a prayer service in his memory.
“Noah loved his school and his friends at school, and we know that they will be grieving too and they need to say goodbye too,” Noah’s family said earlier in the week.
It was to enable students and staff to say those farewells that the cortege took a special detour into the college grounds; as the hearse disappeared through the gate, they could be seen lining the avenue up to the school.
As the applause died down, the crowds waited in silence before the gates now completely covered in flowers and other tributes, with candles huddled on the pavement beneath.
There was an inflatable guitar, a St Malachy’s GAA shirt, a tiny basketball with the words “Noah RIP” written in black marker. And, on a card affixed to a bunch of flowers: “Rest in peace, beautiful boy.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Holohan steps back from chief medical officer role to be with family

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has promised continuity in the response to Covid-19 following the decision by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan to step back from his role .
Dr Holohan announced on Thursday night he was taking time out from his work commitments immediately to to be with his family .
His wife Emer Feely , who is also a doctor , has multiple myeloma , a blood cancer , and entered palliative care last Saturday .
Dr Holohan said he wanted to give his “ energy , attention and all of my time ” to Emer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ronan .
He made his announcement in a personal statement at the end of Thursday ’ s briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team , which he has chaired since the beginning of the crisis .
Since January , Dr Holohan has become the public face of the official response to the virus , which has infected over 25,000 people and led to 1,738 deaths in the Republic .
A plan has been put in place for others to take over different aspects of his responsibilities , he said .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been appointed acting chief medical officer and will chair future NPHET briefings .
“ As a husband and father and as a public health doctor I ’ m conscious we ’ ve been through tough times over the past few months and many families have been affected by the course of Covid-19 , suffering pain and the loss of loved ones , ” he said .
He asked for his family ’ s privacy to be respected .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly thanked Dr Holohan for his leadership and his “ extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He has been a rock , and he will be back as a rock , ” Mr Donnelly said .
He said NPHET had worked “ night and day ” and had “ brought us to where where we are ” under his leadership .
Continuity in this work was vital and would be guaranteed with the leadership of Dr Glynn , the Minister said .
Former minister for health Simon Harris described Dr Holohan as “ a patriot , an incredible public servant and a doctors who has saved thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At Thursday night ’ s briefing , before announcing he was stepping back from the role , Dr Holohan said public health officials still had concerns about overseas travel and were recommending a cautious approach to any easing of restrictions .

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan says he is stepping back from the post to spend time with his wife, who has terminal cancer, and children.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has promised continuity in the response to Covid-19 following the decision by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan to step back from his role.
Dr Holohan announced on Thursday night he was taking time out from his work commitments immediately to to be with his family. His wife Emer Feely, who is also a doctor, has multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, and entered palliative care last Saturday.
Dr Holohan said he wanted to give his “energy, attention and all of my time” to Emer and to their two teenage children, Clodagh and Ronan.
He made his announcement in a personal statement at the end of Thursday’s briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team, which he has chaired since the beginning of the crisis.
READ MORE
Since January, Dr Holohan has become the public face of the official response to the virus, which has infected over 25,000 people and led to 1,738 deaths in the Republic.
Privacy
A plan has been put in place for others to take over different aspects of his responsibilities, he said. His assistant, Dr Ronan Glynn, has been appointed acting chief medical officer and will chair future NPHET briefings.
“As a husband and father and as a public health doctor I’m conscious we’ve been through tough times over the past few months and many families have been affected by the course of Covid-19, suffering pain and the loss of loved ones,” he said.
He asked for his family’s privacy to be respected.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly thanked Dr Holohan for his leadership and his “extraordinary commitment and professionalism” during the pandemic.
“He has been a rock, and he will be back as a rock,” Mr Donnelly said.
He said NPHET had worked “night and day” and had “brought us to where where we are” under his leadership.
Continuity in this work was vital and would be guaranteed with the leadership of Dr Glynn, the Minister said.
Former minister for health Simon Harris described Dr Holohan as “a patriot, an incredible public servant and a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership”.
At Thursday night’s briefing, before announcing he was stepping back from the role, Dr Holohan said public health officials still had concerns about overseas travel and were recommending a cautious approach to any easing of restrictions.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Government to examine VAT cut as part of stimulus package

A cut in the 13.5 per cent VAT rate is being examined as part of the new Government ’ s July stimulus package to boost the economy after the coronavirus restrictions .
The Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Green Party coalition is expected to unveil the plan later this month , in what will be its first major act .
Consideration of what will be in the plan is “ embryonic ” , but well-placed sources said a reduction in VAT was being “ examined ” .
However , a reduction in the VAT rate of 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the then Fine Gael-Labour government , is seen unlikely and any move this year will not be as “ drastic ” .
The initial VAT rate cut was brought in to help boost the tourism and hospitality sector but it was increased back to 13.5 per cent by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe in Budget 2019 , with Mr Donohoe saying the measure had “ done its job ” .
Tourism and hospitality groups have called for another VAT cut to help the sector recover from the economic fallout of Covid-19 .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the July stimulus plan is the future of the wage subsidy scheme which sees the State contribute to the earnings of hundreds of thousands of workers .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it may be targeted or fine-tuned at specific sectors of the economy which most need it , with analysis required before changes are made .
He said no one would be “ falling off a cliff ” when the scheme was concluded and the Government would invest in a “ safe return to work ” for all .
Mr Martin said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July would focus on helping people get back to work and supporting small to medium sized companies , “ the engine room of our economy ” .
Mr Donohoe said : “ I am very clear that the abrupt conclusion and termination of wage subsidy scheme could have a significant effect [ on ] job retention in our country .
And that is something that the new Government wants to avoid.
” Meanwhile , fallout from Mr Martin ’ s ministerial appointments continued within Fianna Fáil .
Limerick City TD Willie O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticise Mr Martin over the junior ministerial appointments made earlier this week .
Mr O ’ Dea , the former minister for defence , said he was “ bitterly disappointed for the people of Limerick that the third city of the Republic and economic driver of the midwest has been completely overlooked for either senior or junior ministerial appointments ” .
“ I have been inundated with messages from people who feel let down and grossly insulted .
There are three Government TDs out of four in Limerick city , yet Micheál Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people of Limerick city with this decision.
” It follows Fianna Fáil whip Michael Moynihan accusing his leader of insulting him personally and of insulting his community by failing to give him a junior ministerial post .
Commenting on his controversial decision to appoint Fianna Fáil deputy leader Dara Calleary as chief whip , Mr Martin said the position was “ important and influential ” and wielded “ significant influence ” in government .

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the abrupt conclusion and termination of the wage subsidy scheme could have a significant effect on job retention in the country. Photograph: Julien Behal/ PA Wire
A cut in the 13.5 per cent VAT rate is being examined as part of the new Government’s July stimulus package to boost the economy after the coronavirus restrictions.
The Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Green Party coalition is expected to unveil the plan later this month, in what will be its first major act.
Consideration of what will be in the plan is “embryonic”, but well-placed sources said a reduction in VAT was being “examined”.
However, a reduction in the VAT rate of 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent, as was introduced in 2011 by the then Fine Gael-Labour government, is seen unlikely and any move this year will not be as “drastic”.
READ MORE
The initial VAT rate cut was brought in to help boost the tourism and hospitality sector but it was increased back to 13.5 per cent by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe in Budget 2019, with Mr Donohoe saying the measure had "done its job".
Tourism and hospitality groups have called for another VAT cut to help the sector recover from the economic fallout of Covid-19.
Wage subsidy scheme
Another issue to be examined as part of the July stimulus plan is the future of the wage subsidy scheme which sees the State contribute to the earnings of hundreds of thousands of workers.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it may be targeted or fine-tuned at specific sectors of the economy which most need it, with analysis required before changes are made. He said no one would be “falling off a cliff” when the scheme was concluded and the Government would invest in a “safe return to work” for all.
Mr Martin said the introduction of a number of Bills in July would focus on helping people get back to work and supporting small to medium sized companies, "the engine room of our economy".
Mr Donohoe said: “I am very clear that the abrupt conclusion and termination of wage subsidy scheme could have a significant effect [on] job retention in our country. And that is something that the new Government wants to avoid.”
Appointments
Meanwhile, fallout from Mr Martin's ministerial appointments continued within Fianna Fáil. Limerick City TD Willie O'Dea became the latest party figure to criticise Mr Martin over the junior ministerial appointments made earlier this week.
Mr O’Dea, the former minister for defence, said he was “bitterly disappointed for the people of Limerick that the third city of the Republic and economic driver of the midwest has been completely overlooked for either senior or junior ministerial appointments”.
“I have been inundated with messages from people who feel let down and grossly insulted. There are three Government TDs out of four in Limerick city, yet Micheál Martin has felt it appropriate to insult all the people of Limerick city with this decision.”
It follows Fianna Fáil whip Michael Moynihan accusing his leader of insulting him personally and of insulting his community by failing to give him a junior ministerial post.
Commenting on his controversial decision to appoint Fianna Fáil deputy leader Dara Calleary as chief whip, Mr Martin said the position was “important and influential” and wielded “significant influence” in government.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--European police hack into highly secure messaging network used by criminals

At least one Irish man has been arrested after European police forces hacked into a highly secure communications network and intercepted millions of messages concerning organised criminal activity .
The Encrochat service is used by thousands of organised criminals across Europe , including members of the Kinahan crime gang , dissident republicans and other Irish criminal groups .
The service , which is legal and costs €3,000 a year per person , allows users to send messages to each other without fear of their communications being intercepted by law enforcement .
The service was considered so secure that criminals used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchases and weapons smuggling in great detail .
However , earlier this year French police were able to remotely install malware in the Encrochat devices , which are essentially heavily modified Android phones , allowing officers to read messages on the phones before they were encrypted and sent over the network .
The result was the interception of millions of messages leading to dozens of arrests across Europe .
One Irish man was arrested in mid-June in the Netherlands during an operation in which €1 million worth of cocaine was seized .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meath resulted in the seizure of €70,000 in cash and encryption devices .
It is understood French , Dutch and UK police forces , who led the hacking operation , are sharing further information with the Garda .
On Thursday the Garda directed queries on the issue to Europol , which co-ordinated the operation .
Europol directed queries to the Garda .
A security source said the intelligence received by gardaí did not affect any ongoing investigations in Ireland “ at this time ” .
However , given the widespread use of Encrochat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change .
There has been a spike in large drug seizures in Ireland recently , including the seizure of €3.9 million worth of cannabis in Co Laois on Wednesday .
However , given the secretive nature of Garda intelligence operations , The Irish Times could not establish if any of these are related to the Encrochat hack .
“ The information has already been relevant in a large number of ongoing criminal investigations , resulting in the disruption of criminal activities , including violent attacks , corruption , attempted murders and large-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
In the UK €54 million in cash has been seized along with 77 firearms and four grenades as a result of the operation .

An Irish man was arrested in mid-June in the Netherlands during an operation in which €1m worth of cocaine was seized. A related operation by gardaí in Dublin and Meath resulted in the seizure of €70,000 in cash and encryption devices. Photograph: Getty Images
At least one Irish man has been arrested after European police forces hacked into a highly secure communications network and intercepted millions of messages concerning organised criminal activity.
The Encrochat service is used by thousands of organised criminals across Europe, including members of the Kinahan crime gang, dissident republicans and other Irish criminal groups.
The service, which is legal and costs €3,000 a year per person, allows users to send messages to each other without fear of their communications being intercepted by law enforcement. The service was considered so secure that criminals used it to discuss murder plots, drug purchases and weapons smuggling in great detail.
However, earlier this year French police were able to remotely install malware in the Encrochat devices, which are essentially heavily modified Android phones, allowing officers to read messages on the phones before they were encrypted and sent over the network.
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The result was the interception of millions of messages leading to dozens of arrests across Europe.
One Irish man was arrested in mid-June in the Netherlands during an operation in which €1 million worth of cocaine was seized. A related operation by gardaí in Dublin and Meath resulted in the seizure of €70,000 in cash and encryption devices.
It is understood French, Dutch and UK police forces, who led the hacking operation, are sharing further information with the Garda. On Thursday the Garda directed queries on the issue to Europol, which co-ordinated the operation. Europol directed queries to the Garda.
A security source said the intelligence received by gardaí did not affect any ongoing investigations in Ireland “at this time”. However, given the widespread use of Encrochat by Irish criminals, this is expected to change.
Drug seizures
There has been a spike in large drug seizures in Ireland recently, including the seizure of €3.9 million worth of cannabis in Co Laois on Wednesday. However, given the secretive nature of Garda intelligence operations, The Irish Times could not establish if any of these are related to the Encrochat hack.
“The information has already been relevant in a large number of ongoing criminal investigations, resulting in the disruption of criminal activities, including violent attacks, corruption, attempted murders and large-scale drug transports,” Europol said in a statement.
In the UK €54 million in cash has been seized along with 77 firearms and four grenades as a result of the operation.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--South Dublin primary schools to be forced to open classes for special needs pupils

Dozens of primary schools across south Dublin are to be forced to open special classes for children with autism due to an acute shortages of places .
The move is aimed at sourcing places for at least 80 children with special needs who do not have any school place with just weeks to go before the start of the new school year .
The Minister for Education ’ s decision to direct schools to open the classes follows a long-running campaign by parents who say there is a “ black hole ” of appropriate school places in the area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been refused places from dozens of schools in the area , with schools saying they are over-subscribed or not equipped to enrol children with additional needs .
As a result , many are availing of home tuition or forced to travel long distances across the city in rush-hour traffic to access school places .
A spokesman for the Department of Education said the names of 39 individual schools which will be required to provide classes for four- and five-year-old children will be published later on Friday .
Initially , a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cater for 43 children in September , while an additional 38 special school places are required for children with more complex conditions .
More classes and places are likely to be required next year .
Many primary schools argue that they are unable to open special classes due to capacity constraints , or due to concerns over a lack of resources and support for special education .
The direction to set up classes also comes at a time when many say they are under pressure to adapt schools to reopen safely in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November , the then minister for education Joe McHugh advised schools across the south Dublin area that he was preparing to activate new legislation which could compel schools to accommodate children with special needs .
On foot of this , 14 schools – based in the Dublin 8 , 12 , 24 , 22 areas – responded on a voluntary basis to set up special classes this September .
However , figures compiled by campaigners indicate there are still no special classes at primary level for children with autism in Dublin 2 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just one class in Dublin 6W .
Miriam Kenny , chairperson of the Involve Autism campaign group , said parents who are unable to access appropriate school places are under “ phenomenal stress ” .
“ There are many autistic children who attend their local schools but there is a cohort of children who need and are recommended for the support of an autism special class , ” she said .
“ Many of our parents have applied to over 30 schools across Dublin .
If they are lucky enough to get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their child ends up travelling out of their community , past their local schools and across the city in a bus or a taxi.
” Ms Kenny said there were also a number of children in inappropriate mainstream settings due to the lack of autism special classes .
“ Many of our children are excluded from their local schools due to the lack of autism special classes and as a result you and your child are in turn excluded and isolated from the local community , ” she said .
“ The lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain postcodes [ areas ] of south Dublin is , in Involve Autism ’ s view , discrimination .
Unfortunately , schools in certain postcodes in south Dublin haven ’ t come forward voluntarily to offer places so far , there are no autism special classes in certain parts of south Dublin .
”

Last November, then minister for education Joe McHugh advised schools across the south Dublin area that he was preparing to activate new legislation which could compel schools to accommodate children with special needs. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
Dozens of primary schools across south Dublin are to be forced to open special classes for children with autism due to an acute shortages of places.
The move is aimed at sourcing places for at least 80 children with special needs who do not have any school place with just weeks to go before the start of the new school year.
The Minister for Education’s decision to direct schools to open the classes follows a long-running campaign by parents who say there is a “black hole” of appropriate school places in the area.
Many parents say their children with autism have been refused places from dozens of schools in the area, with schools saying they are over-subscribed or not equipped to enrol children with additional needs.
READ MORE
As a result, many are availing of home tuition or forced to travel long distances across the city in rush-hour traffic to access school places.
Complex
A spokesman for the Department of Education said the names of 39 individual schools which will be required to provide classes for four- and five-year-old children will be published later on Friday.
Initially, a total of eight special classes need to be established to cater for 43 children in September, while an additional 38 special school places are required for children with more complex conditions. More classes and places are likely to be required next year.
Many primary schools argue that they are unable to open special classes due to capacity constraints, or due to concerns over a lack of resources and support for special education.
The direction to set up classes also comes at a time when many say they are under pressure to adapt schools to reopen safely in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Last November, the then minister for education Joe McHugh advised schools across the south Dublin area that he was preparing to activate new legislation which could compel schools to accommodate children with special needs.
On foot of this, 14 schools – based in the Dublin 8, 12, 24, 22 areas – responded on a voluntary basis to set up special classes this September.
However, figures compiled by campaigners indicate there are still no special classes at primary level for children with autism in Dublin 2, 4 or 6, while there is just one class in Dublin 6W.
Miriam Kenny, chairperson of the Involve Autism campaign group, said parents who are unable to access appropriate school places are under "phenomenal stress".
Excluded
“There are many autistic children who attend their local schools but there is a cohort of children who need and are recommended for the support of an autism special class,” she said.
“Many of our parents have applied to over 30 schools across Dublin. If they are lucky enough to get a place for their child it means that their child ends up travelling out of their community, past their local schools and across the city in a bus or a taxi.”
Ms Kenny said there were also a number of children in inappropriate mainstream settings due to the lack of autism special classes.
“Many of our children are excluded from their local schools due to the lack of autism special classes and as a result you and your child are in turn excluded and isolated from the local community,” she said.
“The lack of provision of autism special classes in certain postcodes [areas] of south Dublin is, in Involve Autism’s view, discrimination. Unfortunately, schools in certain postcodes in south Dublin haven’t come forward voluntarily to offer places so far, there are no autism special classes in certain parts of south Dublin.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--School place shortages: ‘Children with special needs have to fight’

Five-year-old Arlo lives just yards from the large primary school that his older brother Dexter ( 8 ) attends .
He is due to begin primary school in September , but there is no place for him .
The 700-pupil school says it can not accommodate him , while he has been refused places in many other schools across the south Dublin area .
That is because Arlo has been diagnosed with autism and schools say they do not have the expertise to meet his needs .
“ You can hear the children in the playground from our house , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , ” says his mother Róisín Kelly .
“ But there is no special class in the school and there is nothing in the south Dublin area .
The system is so discriminatory .
If you have a child with additional needs , you are made to fight for everything.
” He is one of dozens of children with special or additional needs in south Dublin who do not have a school place for the coming school year .
Arlo has been assessed as requiring a special class , attached to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students to one teacher and two special needs assistants .
While it is one of the most affluent areas of the State , campaigners say there is a “ black hole ” in the provision of special classes .
“ The only explanation I can see is league tables .
Or else there is an assumption that people in more affluent ares can privately educate their children .
But that ’ s not an option – there are no special classes in private primary schools , ” says Kelly .
“ Ironically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have special classes , so people from wealthier areas end up taking many of those places.
” She hopes that the latest move by the Department of Education to compel schools to open up additional places will – eventually – provide a place for Arlo and many others like him .
“ I try not to look too far into the future , ” she says .
“ I want him to have an education , to mix with his peers and to stay in his community .
I want him to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He just needs access to his basic human right .
”

Five-year-old Arlo lives just yards from the large primary school that his older brother Dexter (8) attends.
He is due to begin primary school in September, but there is no place for him.
The 700-pupil school says it cannot accommodate him, while he has been refused places in many other schools across the south Dublin area.
That is because Arlo has been diagnosed with autism and schools say they do not have the expertise to meet his needs.
READ MORE
“You can hear the children in the playground from our house, that’s how close the school is,” says his mother Róisín Kelly.
“But there is no special class in the school and there is nothing in the south Dublin area. The system is so discriminatory. If you have a child with additional needs, you are made to fight for everything.”
He is one of dozens of children with special or additional needs in south Dublin who do not have a school place for the coming school year.
Affluent ‘black hole’
Arlo has been assessed as requiring a special class, attached to a mainstream school, which typically has six students to one teacher and two special needs assistants.
While it is one of the most affluent areas of the State, campaigners say there is a “black hole” in the provision of special classes.
“The only explanation I can see is league tables. Or else there is an assumption that people in more affluent ares can privately educate their children. But that’s not an option – there are no special classes in private primary schools,” says Kelly.
“Ironically, Deis disadvantaged schools are more likely to have special classes, so people from wealthier areas end up taking many of those places.”
She hopes that the latest move by the Department of Education to compel schools to open up additional places will – eventually – provide a place for Arlo and many others like him.
“I try not to look too far into the future,” she says. “ I want him to have an education, to mix with his peers and to stay in his community. I want him to reach his potential, whatever that is. He just needs access to his basic human right.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Rape trial report expected ‘very shortly’ following delays

A report on the treatment of victims of sex crime which was commissioned in the aftermath of the 2018 Belfast rape trial is expected to be published in the coming weeks following a delay of more than a year and a half .
Senior counsel and law lecturer Tom O ’ Malley was asked to carry out a study of the matter in August 2018 by then minister for justice Charlie Flanagan , shortly after rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were acquitted of raping a woman at a house party in Belfast .
The trial led to calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drastic reforms in the treatment of complainants in rape and sexual assault cases .
A report commissioned by the Northern Ireland government was completed in May 2019 .
It made 253 recommendations including restricting public access to rape trials and free legal aid for complainants .
The report commissioned by the Irish government was originally due by the end of 2018 but has been delayed multiple times .
A Department of Justice spokesman said this week it understood “ the report is almost complete ” and it would be presented to Minister of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is understood officials expect the report in the next two or three weeks , and that it will recommend extensive reform of rape and sexual assault trials .
The implementation of the recommendations will be one of the first major tasks of Ms McEntee who was appointed as Minister last weekend .
The report is expected to be put before Cabinet “ for information purposes ” , a source said .
The delays have been caused in part by an unexpectedly large number of submissions received by Mr O ’ Malley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers and victims of sexual assault .
The report is expected to address whether complainants should receive their own legal representation throughout the trial process and whether judges and lawyers should receive specialised training in the area .
It will also examine the issue of anonymity surrounding sexual crimes .
Currently defendants accused of rape are granted automatic anonymity but those accused of sexual assault are not , an issue raised in the recent prosecution of comedian Sil Fox .
Mr Fox was named publicly after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequently dropped after a judge ruled it was not supported by the evidence .
He is suing the State over the prosecution .

Senior counsel and law lecturer Tom O’Malley was asked to carry out the study in August 2018. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
A report on the treatment of victims of sex crime which was commissioned in the aftermath of the 2018 Belfast rape trial is expected to be published in the coming weeks following a delay of more than a year and a half.
Senior counsel and law lecturer Tom O'Malley was asked to carry out a study of the matter in August 2018 by then minister for justice Charlie Flanagan, shortly after rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were acquitted of raping a woman at a house party in Belfast.
The trial led to calls on both sides of the Border for drastic reforms in the treatment of complainants in rape and sexual assault cases.
A report commissioned by the Northern Ireland government was completed in May 2019. It made 253 recommendations including restricting public access to rape trials and free legal aid for complainants.
READ MORE
The report commissioned by the Irish government was originally due by the end of 2018 but has been delayed multiple times.
A Department of Justice spokesman said this week it understood “the report is almost complete” and it would be presented to Minister of Justice Helen McEntee “very shortly”.
Extensive reform
It is understood officials expect the report in the next two or three weeks, and that it will recommend extensive reform of rape and sexual assault trials.
The implementation of the recommendations will be one of the first major tasks of Ms McEntee who was appointed as Minister last weekend. The report is expected to be put before Cabinet “for information purposes”, a source said.
The delays have been caused in part by an unexpectedly large number of submissions received by Mr O’Malley from parties including rape crisis organisations, lawyers and victims of sexual assault.
The report is expected to address whether complainants should receive their own legal representation throughout the trial process and whether judges and lawyers should receive specialised training in the area.
It will also examine the issue of anonymity surrounding sexual crimes. Currently defendants accused of rape are granted automatic anonymity but those accused of sexual assault are not, an issue raised in the recent prosecution of comedian Sil Fox.
Mr Fox was named publicly after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a restaurant. The charge was subsequently dropped after a judge ruled it was not supported by the evidence. He is suing the State over the prosecution.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Carbon emissions in Ireland ‘to drop 9.5% this year’ due to coronavirus slowdown

Economy-wide CO2 emissions are expected to decrease by 9.5 per cent this year arising from the coronavirus pandemic , according to analysis by the Economic and Social Research Institute ( ESRI ) .
However , it warns “ this reduction is short-lived as the low current energy prices increase energy demand and emissions rise again in 2021 ” .
Based on current trajectories , Ireland will fail to meet key 2030 targets on reducing CO2 , it adds .
In a separate economic analysis it concludes Irish GDP is expected to decrease by about 13 per cent in 2020 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis .
With stimulus measures , “ household disposable income will decrease by 8 per cent on average , where rural households are still hit the hardest ” , the ESRI predicts .
The results come from research applying the ESRI ’ s environment , energy and economy model for Ireland known as 13E .
This study incorporates recent changes in the structure of the economy due to Covid-19 and recent international energy price movements .
The model considers different production sectors , carbon inputs and emissions .
The 9.5 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest since the 2008 financial crash .
Other predictions by climate scientists suggest a short-lived cut of 6 to 7 per cent was likely this year .
The new Government target is a yearly reduction of 7 per cent averaged up to 2030 .
Though initially emissions will fall due to the economic downturn , in the medium-to-long term lower energy prices will lead to an increase in energy demand , and hence an increase in emissions as restrictions are lifted , the ESRI said .
“ This will lead to a failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets in 2030.
” Report co-author Dr Kelly de Bruin said “ though the economic impacts of the Covid crisis are severe .
.
.
we do not expect large emissions reduction as seen during the financial crisis of 2008 .
“ Ireland would still need to put in considerable effort to reach its EU emission goals .
The results underline the importance of having a well-designed Government response policy package , which considers the unique economic and environmental challenges presented by the Covid-19 crisis.
” The research , funded by the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environment , examines the coronavirus-related production shutdown in specific sectors , changes in consumption habits due to restrictions , declining labour force participation , trade impacts and the Government ’ s initial response .
“ Each of these changes impacts the economy , where it is found that the largest impact comes from the production side .
This work assumes that the economic structure of the Irish economy will recover in 2021 , ” the report said .

Based on current trajectories, Ireland will fail to meet key 2030 targets on reducing CO2, according to an ESRI analysis. Photograph: iStock
Economy-wide CO2 emissions are expected to decrease by 9.5 per cent this year arising from the coronavirus pandemic, according to analysis by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
However, it warns "this reduction is short-lived as the low current energy prices increase energy demand and emissions rise again in 2021". Based on current trajectories, Ireland will fail to meet key 2030 targets on reducing CO2, it adds.
In a separate economic analysis it concludes Irish GDP is expected to decrease by about 13 per cent in 2020 as a result of economic disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis. With stimulus measures, “household disposable income will decrease by 8 per cent on average, where rural households are still hit the hardest”, the ESRI predicts.
The results come from research applying the ESRI’s environment, energy and economy model for Ireland known as 13E.
READ MORE
Financial crash
This study incorporates recent changes in the structure of the economy due to Covid-19 and recent international energy price movements. The model considers different production sectors, carbon inputs and emissions.
The 9.5 per cent annual cut in emissions is the largest since the 2008 financial crash. Other predictions by climate scientists suggest a short-lived cut of 6 to 7 per cent was likely this year. The new Government target is a yearly reduction of 7 per cent averaged up to 2030.
Though initially emissions will fall due to the economic downturn, in the medium-to-long term lower energy prices will lead to an increase in energy demand, and hence an increase in emissions as restrictions are lifted, the ESRI said. “This will lead to a failure to meet the Irish EU legally-binding emissions targets in 2030.”
Report co-author Dr Kelly de Bruin said "though the economic impacts of the Covid crisis are severe . . . we do not expect large emissions reduction as seen during the financial crisis of 2008.
Environmental challenges
“Ireland would still need to put in considerable effort to reach its EU emission goals. The results underline the importance of having a well-designed Government response policy package, which considers the unique economic and environmental challenges presented by the Covid-19 crisis.”
The research, funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, examines the coronavirus-related production shutdown in specific sectors, changes in consumption habits due to restrictions, declining labour force participation, trade impacts and the Government’s initial response.
“Each of these changes impacts the economy, where it is found that the largest impact comes from the production side. This work assumes that the economic structure of the Irish economy will recover in 2021,” the report said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Concern over ability of Covid-19 tracking app to fully protect user data

The Government ’ s Covid-19 tracker app has been criticised for failing to ensure the full protection of users ’ data and offering “ no clear evidence ” that it will accurately detect close contacts with the disease .
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties ( ICCL ) and Digital Rights Ireland ( DRI ) on Thursday issued a report card on the smartphone app , which aims to stop the spread of Covid-19 .
The HSE says the app is “ ready to launch ” but has not specified when the public will be able to download it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for several months as it went through design changes , uses a phone ’ s bluetooth function to alert someone if it indicates they have been in close contact with a person who is confirmed to have Covid-19 .
The app records if a user is in close contact with someone else who has it installed by exchanging anonymous codes held on their phones .
Those who test positive for Covid-19 will be able to choose if they want to anonymously alert other app users with whom they have been in close contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location data and symptom tracking used by the app extended beyond the single purpose of contact tracing and that there was no proof in documents published by the HSE and Department of Health that the app could improve the speed and accuracy of contact tracing .
“ European data protection guidance says Covid-19 apps must pursue a single purpose of contact tracing to alert people potentially exposed to Covid-19 , ” said ICCL information rights director Elizabeth Farries .
“ Unfortunately , location data and symptom tracking extend beyond this single purpose.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the app can accurately detect 72 per cent of close contacts using the Google/Apple software .
It cited research carried out at Trinity College which found that a 72 per cent accuracy rate may not be possible and that Bluetooth contact-tracing would struggle to discern whether contacts were more or less than 2m away .
The ICCL and Digital Rights Ireland published a “ principled framework ” for the development of the app last month , which outlined nine principles they said must be followed to ensure the app aligns with “ legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ’ s privacy .
These included a call for the app to have a “ clear and limited purpose ” ; that it embrace transparency and promote trust ; that it be subject to “ timely deletion of personal data ” ; that the design include privacy and data protection ; and that it be subject to a “ sunset clause ” .
Thursday ’ s report card awarded the Government an overall grade of C+ for its efforts to develop an app to deal with contact tracing during the pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ good faith efforts towards transparency ” in publishing documentation related to the app ’ s development .
The HSE published key design and data privacy documents last week , including the app ’ s source code and a data protection impact assessment analysing the potential risks of the project .
A HSE spokeswoman said it welcomed external scrutiny of the app and would review the assesment by the groups .
“ The app has followed a privacy by design methodology throughout its development and we are committed to openness and transparency in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to Covid-19 , ” she said .

The Government’s Covid-19 tracker app has been criticised for failing to ensure the full protection of users’ data and offering ‘no clear evidence’ that it will accurately detect close contacts with the disease. Illustration: Getty
The Government’s Covid-19 tracker app has been criticised for failing to ensure the full protection of users’ data and offering “no clear evidence” that it will accurately detect close contacts with the disease.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Digital Rights Ireland (DRI) on Thursday issued a report card on the smartphone app, which aims to stop the spread of Covid-19. The HSE says the app is "ready to launch" but has not specified when the public will be able to download it to their phones.
The app, delayed for several months as it went through design changes, uses a phone’s bluetooth function to alert someone if it indicates they have been in close contact with a person who is confirmed to have Covid-19.
The app records if a user is in close contact with someone else who has it installed by exchanging anonymous codes held on their phones. Those who test positive for Covid-19 will be able to choose if they want to anonymously alert other app users with whom they have been in close contact.
READ MORE
The ICCL and DRI said the location data and symptom tracking used by the app extended beyond the single purpose of contact tracing and that there was no proof in documents published by the HSE and Department of Health that the app could improve the speed and accuracy of contact tracing.
“European data protection guidance says Covid-19 apps must pursue a single purpose of contact tracing to alert people potentially exposed to Covid-19,” said ICCL information rights director Elizabeth Farries. “Unfortunately, location data and symptom tracking extend beyond this single purpose.”
The report queries a HSE claim that the app can accurately detect 72 per cent of close contacts using the Google/Apple software. It cited research carried out at Trinity College which found that a 72 per cent accuracy rate may not be possible and that Bluetooth contact-tracing would struggle to discern whether contacts were more or less than 2m away.
The ICCL and Digital Rights Ireland published a “principled framework” for the development of the app last month, which outlined nine principles they said must be followed to ensure the app aligns with “legal and human rights requirements” and protects people’s privacy.
These included a call for the app to have a “clear and limited purpose”; that it embrace transparency and promote trust; that it be subject to “timely deletion of personal data”; that the design include privacy and data protection; and that it be subject to a “sunset clause”.
Thursday’s report card awarded the Government an overall grade of C+ for its efforts to develop an app to deal with contact tracing during the pandemic and commended the department and HSE for their “good faith efforts towards transparency” in publishing documentation related to the app’s development.
The HSE published key design and data privacy documents last week, including the app’s source code and a data protection impact assessment analysing the potential risks of the project.
A HSE spokeswoman said it welcomed external scrutiny of the app and would review the assesment by the groups.
“The app has followed a privacy by design methodology throughout its development and we are committed to openness and transparency in this important part of our public health response to Covid-19,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Coronavirus: Rise in transmission in Ireland sparks concern

Public health officials have expressed concern about an increase in recent days in the level of transmission of Covid-19 .
The reproduction number , which measures how many other people a confirmed case goes on to infect , for the disease has increased to “ close to 1 ” according to one estimate , Prof Philip Nolan , chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group , has said .
A reproduction number of less than 1 means an epidemic is dying out ; a figure greater than 1 signals it is spreading .
Prof Nolan said the rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which currently stands at between 0.6 and close to 1 according to various methods of calculation – was a “ cause for concern ” , though it was hard to calculate the measure accurately due to the small number of cases involved .
Prof Nolan said the levels of the disease were low in the population and in hospitals and ICUs , though there had been a slight increase in cases over the last five days .
However , such increases had occurred before and this one could be transient , he cautioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died , the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) reported on Thursday .
This brings to 1,738 the total number of deaths related to the disease in the Republic .
Nphet also reported a further 15 new cases of the disease , bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 25,489 .
In Northern Ireland , there was one more death from the disease reported on Thursday , bringing the total death toll there to 552 .
The number of confirmed infections had risen by seven to 5,768 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Thursday .
Air bridges could be established allowing travel between the Republic and specific countries with a low and falling incidence of Covid-19 , where this incidence could be verified as lower than Ireland ’ s , chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan indicated .
However , public health officials still had concerns about overseas travel and were recommending a cautious approach to any easing of restrictions in this regard , he said .
Asked about pubs who were reportedly breaching the spirit of guidelines for their reopening by selling “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Holohan urged people to avoid overcrowded environments and places that were failing to protect their customers from infection .
The public health guidance for schools returning in the autumn was unlikely to change fundamentally before then , public officials said on Thursday .
People should plan for the reopening of schools on the basis of the infection control guidelines published this week , which allowed for some relaxation of the 2m social distancing rule in younger primary classes , deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said .
If possible , guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but “ there ’ s nothing to say we won ’ t go in the other direction ” if the situation with Covid-19 worsened , he said .
Some patients seriously affected by Covid-19 had lost up to 18kg in weight during their prolonged illness and needed considerable help to build up their strength again , Dr Vida Hamilton , HSE national clinical adviser , said .
Others have suffered impacts to their emotional status , including depressive disorders , flashbacks and problems with memory loss and concentration , she said .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would like the 2m physical distancing guidance halved to 1m as soon as possible to allow the HSE provide more healthcare services .
The newly appointed Fianna Fáil Minister said he had looked this week at how the existing 2m guidance would reduce capacity in the health service and that the impact of the restriction in this regard was “ very , very sobering ” .
“ I would like us to be able to move in terms of health provision to 1m as quickly as possible within the constraints of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very serious impact on healthcare provision , ” Mr Donnelly told The Irish Times .
Eighteen patients with Covid-19 are currently in hospital , including 10 in ICU , officials said .
Some 92.8 per cent of people diagnosed with the disease who have died had an underlying condition .
The number of tests for the disease carried out is increasing and 19 per cent of cases were travel-related over the past four weeks ; half of these were acquired internationally and half involved people affected by those who had travelled who @ @ @

Public health officials have expressed concern about an increase in recent days in the level of transmission of Covid-19.
The reproduction number, which measures how many other people a confirmed case goes on to infect, for the disease has increased to "close to 1" according to one estimate, Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, has said.
A reproduction number of less than 1 means an epidemic is dying out; a figure greater than 1 signals it is spreading.
Prof Nolan said the rise in the State’s R number – which currently stands at between 0.6 and close to 1 according to various methods of calculation – was a “cause for concern”, though it was hard to calculate the measure accurately due to the small number of cases involved.
READ MORE
Prof Nolan said the levels of the disease were low in the population and in hospitals and ICUs, though there had been a slight increase in cases over the last five days.
However, such increases had occurred before and this one could be transient, he cautioned.
Another five people diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) reported on Thursday. This brings to 1,738 the total number of deaths related to the disease in the Republic.
Nphet also reported a further 15 new cases of the disease, bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 25,489.
In Northern Ireland, there was one more death from the disease reported on Thursday, bringing the total death toll there to 552. The number of confirmed infections had risen by seven to 5,768, the North's Department of Health said on Thursday.
Air bridges
Air bridges could be established allowing travel between the Republic and specific countries with a low and falling incidence of Covid-19, where this incidence could be verified as lower than Ireland's, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan indicated.
However, public health officials still had concerns about overseas travel and were recommending a cautious approach to any easing of restrictions in this regard, he said.
Asked about pubs who were reportedly breaching the spirit of guidelines for their reopening by selling “30 pints and chicken wings”, Dr Holohan urged people to avoid overcrowded environments and places that were failing to protect their customers from infection.
The public health guidance for schools returning in the autumn was unlikely to change fundamentally before then, public officials said on Thursday.
People should plan for the reopening of schools on the basis of the infection control guidelines published this week, which allowed for some relaxation of the 2m social distancing rule in younger primary classes, deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said.
If possible, guidelines could be further relaxed over time, but “there’s nothing to say we won’t go in the other direction” if the situation with Covid-19 worsened, he said.
Some patients seriously affected by Covid-19 had lost up to 18kg in weight during their prolonged illness and needed considerable help to build up their strength again, Dr Vida Hamilton, HSE national clinical adviser, said.
Others have suffered impacts to their emotional status, including depressive disorders, flashbacks and problems with memory loss and concentration, she said.
Easing restriction
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said he would like the 2m physical distancing guidance halved to 1m as soon as possible to allow the HSE provide more healthcare services.
The newly appointed Fianna Fáil Minister said he had looked this week at how the existing 2m guidance would reduce capacity in the health service and that the impact of the restriction in this regard was "very, very sobering".
“I would like us to be able to move in terms of health provision to 1m as quickly as possible within the constraints of the public health advice, because it has a very serious impact on healthcare provision,” Mr Donnelly told The Irish Times.
Eighteen patients with Covid-19 are currently in hospital, including 10 in ICU, officials said.
Some 92.8 per cent of people diagnosed with the disease who have died had an underlying condition.
The number of tests for the disease carried out is increasing and 19 per cent of cases were travel-related over the past four weeks; half of these were acquired internationally and half involved people affected by those who had travelled who tested positive.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--A ‘rock’ and a ‘patriot’: Tributes paid to Tony Holohan as he steps back

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland owed chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan a debt of gratitude for helping navigate the Covid-19 crisis .
Mr Martin thanked him for his service and noted he had become a familiar face to the public during his time at the helm of the Government response .
Dr Holohan said on Thursday evening he was stepping back from the post to spend time with his wife , who has terminal cancer , and two teenage children .
“ His work , experience and briefings helped people to understand the gravity of the situation facing us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we followed the guidelines and advice , we would overcome these great challenges together , ” Mr Martin put in a statement .
“ Every home in Ireland has come to know Dr Tony Holohan .
His leadership during the pandemic has given us all confidence that the decisions being made are based on solid public health advice .
As a country we owe him and his family a great debt of gratitude.
” Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly , who just this week took charge of his department , also paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraordinary commitment and professionalism ” during the pandemic .
“ He has been a rock , and he will be back as a rock , ” Mr Donnelly said .
He said the National Public Health Emergency Team had worked “ night and day ” and had “ brought us to where we are ” under his leadership .
Continuity in this work was vital and would be guaranteed with the leadership of deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn , who had attended nightly briefings at Dr Holohan ’ s side since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr Holohan ’ s announcement , which came at the end of a department press briefing , also drew widespread comment on social media .
Former minister for health Simon Harris , who had worked closely with Dr Holohan since the outbreak of the coronavirus emergency , described him as a “ patriot ” .
He is “ an incredible public servant and a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership .
He has kept us safe .
I valued his counsel as minister so much .
Thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
We think of them and respect their privacy.
” “ For months everyone in Ireland has felt safe because you were looking after our families , ” he said .
“ As you step back , know that all of us stand behind you and your wonderful family .
We ’ ll meet again soon.
” Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill also took to social media to express support .
Northern Ireland health minister Robin Swann and chief medical officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Our thoughts are very much with Dr Tony Holohan , his wife Emer , their children and family circle at this time .
“ We have worked very closely with Tony and his colleagues in the Republic of Ireland from the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic .
We very much appreciate all their support , co-operation and friendship .
“ This is devastating news .
The family can be assured of the support and compassion of everyone across this island.
” Dr Holohan has held the position in the department for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been more prominent in the public eye than since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic .
He graduated from University College Dublin in 1991 and trained in general practice and later in public health medicine .

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan after he announced he was stepping down from his role to care for his ill wife. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland owed chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan a debt of gratitude for helping navigate the Covid-19 crisis.
Mr Martin thanked him for his service and noted he had become a familiar face to the public during his time at the helm of the Government response.
Dr Holohan said on Thursday evening he was stepping back from the post to spend time with his wife, who has terminal cancer, and two teenage children.
“His work, experience and briefings helped people to understand the gravity of the situation facing us, while his calmness reassured us that if we followed the guidelines and advice, we would overcome these great challenges together,” Mr Martin put in a statement.
READ MORE
“Every home in Ireland has come to know Dr Tony Holohan. His leadership during the pandemic has given us all confidence that the decisions being made are based on solid public health advice. As a country we owe him and his family a great debt of gratitude.”
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, who just this week took charge of his department, also paid tribute to Dr Holohan's "extraordinary commitment and professionalism" during the pandemic.
“He has been a rock, and he will be back as a rock,” Mr Donnelly said.
He said the National Public Health Emergency Team had worked “night and day” and had “brought us to where we are” under his leadership.
Continuity in this work was vital and would be guaranteed with the leadership of deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn, who had attended nightly briefings at Dr Holohan’s side since the pandemic began, the Minister said.
‘Incredible servant’
Dr Holohan’s announcement, which came at the end of a department press briefing, also drew widespread comment on social media.
Former minister for health Simon Harris, who had worked closely with Dr Holohan since the outbreak of the coronavirus emergency, described him as a "patriot".
He is “an incredible public servant and a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership. He has kept us safe. I valued his counsel as minister so much. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. We think of them and respect their privacy.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar also expressed his gratitude.
“For months everyone in Ireland has felt safe because you were looking after our families,” he said. “As you step back, know that all of us stand behind you and your wonderful family. We’ll meet again soon.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill also took to social media to express support.
Northern Ireland health minister Robin Swann and chief medical officer for the North Dr Michael McBride said: “Our thoughts are very much with Dr Tony Holohan, his wife Emer, their children and family circle at this time.
"We have worked very closely with Tony and his colleagues in the Republic of Ireland from the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. We very much appreciate all their support, co-operation and friendship.
“This is devastating news. The family can be assured of the support and compassion of everyone across this island.”
Dr Holohan has held the position in the department for the past 12 years but has never been more prominent in the public eye than since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He graduated from University College Dublin in 1991 and trained in general practice and later in public health medicine.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Commission to refer Ireland to Court of Justice of the EU over failure on conservation measures

Ireland has been referred to the Eurpean Court of Justice over its persistent failure to designate special areas of conservation ( SACs ) , more than five years after the deadline expired .
Under the Habitats Directive , EU member states must designate such areas with specific conservation objectives and corresponding measures to maintain or restore a favourable status for the species and habitats present .
These steps need to be carried out within six years from the inclusion of these areas in the EU list as sites of community importance ( SCIs ) .
In Ireland , 154 sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been designated as SACs in the “ Atlantic biogeographical ” region , though the deadline expired in December 2014 .
Environmental groups have claimed this is contributing to biodiversity loss and decline of internationally important species .
Site-specific conservation objectives have not been established for 87 sites , and the necessary conservation measures have not been established at any of the 423 sites , the European Commission confirmed .
“ As the Irish authorities did not sufficiently address these concerns following a reasoned opinion , the Commission has decided to refer Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU.
” This ruling is not at all surprising to anyone who has been following the issue and all too aware of the scale of habitat destruction and species loss in Ireland , said Irish Wildlife Trust campaigns office Pádraig Fogarty .
“ It really underlines why we need a strong nature conservation agency with a minister who can speak up for it at Cabinet , ” he added .
“ I ’ m actually in the 12 Bens Mountains at the moment , which is a special area of conservation .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got here at 10am this morning – two , ” he said .
“ The heath and bog habitats are all but destroyed from sheep grazing and conifer plantations and despite the designation there are no initiatives that I ’ m aware of that ’ s doing anything about it , ” Mr Fogarty pointed out .
Meanwhile the European Commission is asking Ireland to respect its obligations under EU rules on environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) regarding projects “ likely to have a significant negative impact on the environment ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had numerous problems with transposition and application of the EIA Directive for this category of projects , it noted .
The court previously found it had failed to correctly transpose the original directive with regard to peat extraction activities .
Received complaints While legislation was amended and the case closed , the European Commission subsequently received complaints it was still not being applied to peat extraction activities .
Given the significant peat extraction has continued in Ireland since the EIA Directive was required to have been transposed and applied in 1988 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter of formal notice .
As Ireland failed to answer these claims , the Commission “ is now issuing a reasoned opinion .
Ireland has three months to bring itself into compliance ” , otherwise the Commission may decide to refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the EU .
The legal move , which means Ireland has three months to bring itself into compliance , was welcomed by Friends of the Irish Environment ( FIE ) who had lodged renewed complaints with the Commission last year “ over continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bord na Mona ” .
“ Ireland ’ s reputation in Europe as the ‘ reluctant jurisdiction ’ remains well merited , ” a FIE spokesman said .
“ Taxpayers paid a €5 million fine in February 2020 and continue to pay €15,000 a day for a case arising from the Derrybrien landslide in Galway that was determined in 2008 .
That additional bill stands at €3 million as of today and rises every day .
It is cheaper to obey the law , ” he added .

Ireland has been referred to the European Court of Justice over its persistent failure to designate special areas of conservation. File photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Ireland has been referred to the European Court of Justice over its persistent failure to designate special areas of conservation (SACs), more than five years after the deadline expired.
Under the Habitats Directive, EU member states must designate such areas with specific conservation objectives and corresponding measures to maintain or restore a favourable status for the species and habitats present.
These steps need to be carried out within six years from the inclusion of these areas in the EU list as sites of community importance (SCIs).
In Ireland, 154 sites (out of 423) have not yet been designated as SACs in the “Atlantic biogeographical” region, though the deadline expired in December 2014. Environmental groups have claimed this is contributing to biodiversity loss and decline of internationally important species.
READ MORE
Site-specific conservation objectives have not been established for 87 sites, and the necessary conservation measures have not been established at any of the 423 sites, the European Commission confirmed. "As the Irish authorities did not sufficiently address these concerns following a reasoned opinion, the Commission has decided to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the EU."
This ruling is not at all surprising to anyone who has been following the issue and all too aware of the scale of habitat destruction and species loss in Ireland, said Irish Wildlife Trust campaigns office Pádraig Fogarty.
“It really underlines why we need a strong nature conservation agency with a minister who can speak up for it at Cabinet,” he added. “I’m actually in the 12 Bens Mountains at the moment, which is a special area of conservation. I’ve counted two birds since I got here at 10am this morning – two,” he said.
“The heath and bog habitats are all but destroyed from sheep grazing and conifer plantations and despite the designation there are no initiatives that I’m aware of that’s doing anything about it,” Mr Fogarty pointed out.
Meanwhile the European Commission is asking Ireland to respect its obligations under EU rules on environmental impact assessment (EIA) regarding projects “likely to have a significant negative impact on the environment”. This includes peat extraction projects.
Ireland has had numerous problems with transposition and application of the EIA Directive for this category of projects, it noted. The court previously found it had failed to correctly transpose the original directive with regard to peat extraction activities.
Received complaints
While legislation was amended and the case closed, the European Commission subsequently received complaints it was still not being applied to peat extraction activities.
Given the significant peat extraction has continued in Ireland since the EIA Directive was required to have been transposed and applied in 1988, the Commission has raised these concerns in a letter of formal notice.
As Ireland failed to answer these claims, the Commission “is now issuing a reasoned opinion. Ireland has three months to bring itself into compliance”, otherwise the Commission may decide to refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the EU.
The legal move, which means Ireland has three months to bring itself into compliance, was welcomed by Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) who had lodged renewed complaints with the Commission last year “over continuing unauthorised extraction by both private contractors and Bord na Mona”.
“Ireland’s reputation in Europe as the ‘reluctant jurisdiction’ remains well merited,” a FIE spokesman said.
“Taxpayers paid a €5 million fine in February 2020 and continue to pay €15,000 a day for a case arising from the Derrybrien landslide in Galway that was determined in 2008. That additional bill stands at €3 million as of today and rises every day. It is cheaper to obey the law,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-07-02--Council ought not to have brought contempt claim against receiver, court told

Dublin City Council ought not to have brought contempt proceedings against a receiver trying to sell residential properties which had to be vacated on fire safety grounds , the High Court has been told .
Rossa Fanning SC , for receiver Stephen Tennant , made the comment when contempt of court proceedings against Mr Tennant over the three 190-year-old properties at Seville Place , off Amiens Street , Dublin , were struck out on consent on Thursday .
Mr Fanning said the contempt case should not have been brought because the council itself had got a court order last October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into flats and bedsits , be vacated immediately on fire safety grounds .
Mr Tennant was appointed as receiver over the properties by AIB Mortgage Bank and AIB three years earlier , October 2016 .
The buildings continued to be occupied despite last October ’ s court order and last month the council sought to bring an application for attachment and committal to prison of Mr Tennant for contempt of the October court order over the continued occupation of the premises .
Talks took place between representatives for Mr Tennant and the council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been vacated .
On Thursday , Mr Justice Charles Meenan was told the properties had been vacated and both sides agreed the contempt of court application could be struck out .
Mr Fanning said the council “ ought never ” have brought the contempt application because it was in a position to obtain vacant possession on foot of the court order last October .
Counsel said the vacate order will remain in place until Mr Tennant sells the properties and the purchaser carries out works which comply with the fire regulations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer be in control of the properties , counsel said .
He asked the court to note , as it was the intention to sell them , the purchaser would be entitled to apply to vary the vacate orders .
Conleth Bradley SC , for the council , said there was agreement to strike out the contempt application but not to vary last October ’ s orders .
Mr Justice Meenan said , while Mr Fanning ’ s suggestion might be the most practical way to go forward , he would not vary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consent to do so .
An application could be made later in that regard .
He struck out the contempt application .

Mr Justice Charles Meenan was told the properties had been vacated and both sides agreed the contempt of court application could be struck out.
Dublin City Council ought not to have brought contempt proceedings against a receiver trying to sell residential properties which had to be vacated on fire safety grounds, the High Court has been told.
Rossa Fanning SC, for receiver Stephen Tennant, made the comment when contempt of court proceedings against Mr Tennant over the three 190-year-old properties at Seville Place, off Amiens Street, Dublin, were struck out on consent on Thursday.
Mr Fanning said the contempt case should not have been brought because the council itself had got a court order last October that the properties, which were divided into flats and bedsits, be vacated immediately on fire safety grounds.
Mr Tennant was appointed as receiver over the properties by AIB Mortgage Bank and AIB three years earlier, October 2016.
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The buildings continued to be occupied despite last October’s court order and last month the council sought to bring an application for attachment and committal to prison of Mr Tennant for contempt of the October court order over the continued occupation of the premises.
Talks took place between representatives for Mr Tennant and the council. In the meantime, the properties had been vacated.
On Thursday, Mr Justice Charles Meenan was told the properties had been vacated and both sides agreed the contempt of court application could be struck out.
Mr Fanning said the council “ought never” have brought the contempt application because it was in a position to obtain vacant possession on foot of the court order last October.
Counsel said the vacate order will remain in place until Mr Tennant sells the properties and the purchaser carries out works which comply with the fire regulations.
If the receiver sells he will no longer be in control of the properties, counsel said. He asked the court to note, as it was the intention to sell them, the purchaser would be entitled to apply to vary the vacate orders.
Conleth Bradley SC, for the council, said there was agreement to strike out the contempt application but not to vary last October's orders.
Mr Justice Meenan said, while Mr Fanning’s suggestion might be the most practical way to go forward, he would not vary the October order in the absence of consent to do so. An application could be made later in that regard.
He struck out the contempt application.