theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Buncrana records highest rate of Covid-19 in the State and Dingle the lowest

Buncrana in Co Donegal has recorded the highest 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in latest data released by health authorities , while the lowest rate of infection was found on the Dingle peninsula in Co Kerry .
The data for the two week period from October 20th to November 2nd looks at the incidence rate of infection per 100,000 of population , giving a better understanding of rates than straight case numbers .
Buncrana recorded a rate of just under 595 , down from 603.6 on October 26th Meanwhile , the Dingle Peninsula was the only local electoral area not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded less than five cases in the period .
In Dublin , the highest infection rate was recorded in the Blanchardstown / Mulhuddart area at 348 .
Other top areas in the capital included Swords ( 342 ) , Ballymun and Finglas ( 329 ) , Ballyfermot and Drimnagh ( 26 ) and Clondalkin ( 260 ) .
There were fewer cases per 100,000 in the likes of Killiney and Shankill , far down the list at just 68 , and joined by low rate levels in Dun Laoghaire ( 81.7 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 88 ) and Sandyford ( 95.6 ) .
The data is recorded according to local electoral areas of which there are 31 in Dublin and a total of 166 on the table .
Areas that sit mid-table in terms of the capital include Kimmage and Rathmines ( 202.3 ) and Donaghmede ( 202 rate per area ) , the north inner city ( 192 ) and Castleknock ( 189 ) .
Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan record an incidence rate of 1494.4 on October 26th is now at second highest but much decreased at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often mentioned by officials from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) has fallen .
The overall national 14 day incidence rate as of Thursday is 202 , a number that has continued to decline , although remaining relatively high .
On October 22nd , Dr Heather Burns , a deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health , noted that the number had surpassed 300 for the first time - reaching 302 compared to just three at the end of June .
The latest data on Thursday shows other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Ashbourne ( 502 ) in Co Meath and Galway City ( east and west ) ( 255 and 256 ) .
Infection levels are at their most sparse in New Ross , Co Wexford ( 25 ) ; Carrickmacross , Co Monaghan ( 42 ) ; and Carrick-on-Shannon , Co Leitrim ( 44 ) .
Those areas that are mid-table in terms of the data include Leixlip , Co Kildare with a rate of 176 ; Nenagh , Co Tipperary ; Firhouse in Dublin ( both at 178 ) ; Drogheda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the southwest inner city in Dublin ( 172 ) ; and Monaghan ( 172 ) .

The overall national 14 day incidence rate as of Thursday is 202, a number that has continued to decline, although remaining relatively high. Photograph:iStock
Buncrana in Co Donegal has recorded the highest 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in latest data released by health authorities, while the lowest rate of infection was found on the Dingle peninsula in Co Kerry.
The data for the two week period from October 20th to November 2nd looks at the incidence rate of infection per 100,000 of population, giving a better understanding of rates than straight case numbers.
Buncrana recorded a rate of just under 595, down from 603.6 on October 26th Meanwhile, the Dingle Peninsula was the only local electoral area not to have a rate registered because it recorded less than five cases in the period.
In Dublin, the highest infection rate was recorded in the Blanchardstown / Mulhuddart area at 348. Other top areas in the capital included Swords (342), Ballymun and Finglas (329) , Ballyfermot and Drimnagh (26) and Clondalkin (260).
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There were fewer cases per 100,000 in the likes of Killiney and Shankill, far down the list at just 68, and joined by low rate levels in Dun Laoghaire (81.7), Dundrum (85.4), Pembroke (88) and Sandyford (95.6).
The data is recorded according to local electoral areas of which there are 31 in Dublin and a total of 166 on the table.
Areas that sit mid-table in terms of the capital include Kimmage and Rathmines (202.3) and Donaghmede (202 rate per area), the north inner city (192) and Castleknock (189).
Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan record an incidence rate of 1494.4 on October 26th is now at second highest but much decreased at 593.
The 14-incidence rate, so often mentioned by officials from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) has fallen. The overall national 14 day incidence rate as of Thursday is 202, a number that has continued to decline, although remaining relatively high.
On October 22nd, Dr Heather Burns, a deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health, noted that the number had surpassed 300 for the first time - reaching 302 compared to just three at the end of June.
The latest data on Thursday shows other high ranking areas included Ratoath (543) and Ashbourne (502)in Co Meath and Galway City (east and west) (255 and 256).
Infection levels are at their most sparse in New Ross, Co Wexford (25); Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan (42); and Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim (44).
Those areas that are mid-table in terms of the data include Leixlip, Co Kildare with a rate of 176; Nenagh, Co Tipperary; Firhouse in Dublin (both at 178); Drogheda, Co Louth (173); the southwest inner city in Dublin (172); and Monaghan (172).
14 Day Incidence Rates, October 20th to November 2nd
Highest rate areas
Buncrana, Co Donegal 595
Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan 593
Ratoath, Co Meath 543
Galway City 513
Ashbourne, Co Meath 502
Cavan 458
Athlone, Co Westmeath 441
Sligo-Strandhill 426
Maynooth, Co Kildare 410
Ballina, Co Mayo 406
Lowest rate area
Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry - less than 5
New Ross, Co Wexford 25.2
Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan 42
Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim 44
Lismore, Co Waterford 47
Clonmel, Co Tipperary 49
Rosslare, Co Wexford 60
Cashel, Co Tipperary 62
Killiney/Shankill, Dublin 68
Dungarvan, Co Waterford 73
Highest rates in Dublin
Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart 348
Swords 343
Ballymun-Finglas 329
Ballyfermot-Drimnagh 260
Clondalkin 260
Artane-Whitehall 260
Tallaght South 259
Lucan 251
Palmerstown 247
Ongar 232
Lowest rates in Dublin
Killiney-Shankill 68
Dun Laoghaire 82
Dundrum 85
Pembroke 88
Glencullen-Sandyford 96
Stillorgan 105
Blackrock 124
Clontarf 129
Rathfarnham-Templeogue 148
Southeast Inner City 158


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--State transport companies ‘do not have reserves’ to survive future downturn

The main State-owned transport companies could not absorb cuts to exchequer subvention payments and reduced fare revenues in future downturns as their reserves have been exhausted , a new spending review has found .
The review says that the three operators , Dublin Bus , Bus Éireann and Irish Rail had made substantial losses during the period 2009-2013 , due to the loss in public service obligation funding over this period , coupled with the loss of fare revenue .
“ Operators responded by absorbing losses using reserves to cover the shortfall over the period 2009-2011 , retaining many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other services were curtailed .
Operators ’ financial positions have improved over the period 2014-2019 as the level of public service obligation funding has been increased and passenger numbers have increased.
” However the spending review warns that this in turn led to additional costs such as redundancies .
“ It is worth noting that this could not be repeated in future years as operators ’ reserves have been exhausted and there has been no period of significant surplus in subsequent years.
” The spending review examines the public service obligation funding provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a subvention payment provided by the Government to cover the shortfall between costs and revenues for transport operators to run services that are considered to be socially beneficial but financially unviable .
Public service obligation funding – which declined by 37 per cent from 2009-2015 from €303.2 million to €190.6 million before rebounding to €314.45 million in 2019 – manly goes to Bus Éireann , Dublin Bus and Irish Rail .
Funding is also allocated to Go-Ahead Ireland and other smaller operators .
In September , Bus Éireann said a number of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic .
The Dublin to Belfast route was expected to end this month with service between Dublin , Cork , Limerick and Galway all stopping at some stage next year .
The review says the punctuality rate on the country ’ s train services was above the target rate ( 90 per cent ) for all routes with the exception of the Dublin Heuston-Cork route in the third quarter of 2019 .
“ Additionally , reliability has increased between 2018 and 2019 .
In 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the target punctuality rate [ 90 per cent ] for all but one route .
However , it is important to note that punctuality is defined as the service arriving within 10 minutes of its scheduled time .
Additionally , the punctuality rate improved for only five out of 18 routes between 2018 and 2019 .
On the other hand , reliability has increased between 2018 and 2019.
” The spending review says that at Dublin Bus in recent years , the cost of running services has increased per kilometre , “ which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in efficiency ” .
“ However , the cost per passenger has fallen due to a higher usage of the service and the service has become less dependent on public service obligation subsidisation .
Between 2017 and 2019 , the punctuality rate has improved slightly .
Additionally , between 2018 and 2019 , departures on time have improved for 17 per cent of the routes.
” The review says that at Bus Éireann in recent years , cost per passenger/seat km has remained relatively consistent , “ broadly indicating unchanged levels of efficiency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of subsidy per passenger has increased .
The review says Dublin Bus services with more than 30 per cent of late departures were routes :16D , 155 , 33 , 33E , 39 , 41X,44 , 68 , 77A and 7D .

Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Irish Rail had made substantial losses during the period 2009-2013, due to the loss in public service obligation funding over this period, coupled with the loss of fare revenue. File photograph: Aidan Crawley
The main State-owned transport companies could not absorb cuts to exchequer subvention payments and reduced fare revenues in future downturns as their reserves have been exhausted, a new spending review has found.
The review says that the three operators, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Irish Rail had made substantial losses during the period 2009-2013, due to the loss in public service obligation funding over this period, coupled with the loss of fare revenue.
“Operators responded by absorbing losses using reserves to cover the shortfall over the period 2009-2011, retaining many of the services considered socially optimal, while other services were curtailed. Operators’ financial positions have improved over the period 2014-2019 as the level of public service obligation funding has been increased and passenger numbers have increased.”
However the spending review warns that this in turn led to additional costs such as redundancies.
READ MORE
“It is worth noting that this could not be repeated in future years as operators’ reserves have been exhausted and there has been no period of significant surplus in subsequent years.”
The spending review examines the public service obligation funding provided to transport companies. Essentially this is a subvention payment provided by the Government to cover the shortfall between costs and revenues for transport operators to run services that are considered to be socially beneficial but financially unviable.
Public service obligation funding – which declined by 37 per cent from 2009-2015 from €303.2 million to €190.6 million before rebounding to €314.45 million in 2019 – manly goes to Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail. Funding is also allocated to Go-Ahead Ireland and other smaller operators.
In September, Bus Éireann said a number of its intercity Expressway services would cease to operate due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Dublin to Belfast route was expected to end this month with service between Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway all stopping at some stage next year.
The review says the punctuality rate on the country’s train services was above the target rate (90 per cent) for all routes with the exception of the Dublin Heuston-Cork route in the third quarter of 2019.
“Additionally, reliability has increased between 2018 and 2019. In 2018 and 2019, punctuality rate is above the target punctuality rate [90 per cent] for all but one route. However, it is important to note that punctuality is defined as the service arriving within 10 minutes of its scheduled time. Additionally, the punctuality rate improved for only five out of 18 routes between 2018 and 2019. On the other hand, reliability has increased between 2018 and 2019.”
The spending review says that at Dublin Bus in recent years, the cost of running services has increased per kilometre, “which at a high level indicates a reduction in efficiency”.
“However, the cost per passenger has fallen due to a higher usage of the service and the service has become less dependent on public service obligation subsidisation. Between 2017 and 2019, the punctuality rate has improved slightly. Additionally, between 2018 and 2019, departures on time have improved for 17 per cent of the routes.”
The review says that at Bus Éireann in recent years, cost per passenger/seat km has remained relatively consistent, “broadly indicating unchanged levels of efficiency”. However, it says, the level of subsidy per passenger has increased.
The review says Dublin Bus services with more than 30 per cent of late departures were routes :16D, 155, 33, 33E, 39, 41X,44, 68, 77A and 7D.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Daily ferries to France starting from January to bypass Brexit congestion

Direct daily ferry sailings between Ireland and France will begin from January to help traders and hauliers bypass the United Kingdom to avoid delays caused by EU-UK border checks post-Brexit .
Stena and Irish Ferries will start running the new direct services from Dublin and Rosslare to Cherbourg in France to provide hauliers with a frequent service with continental Europe .
The ferry services will take at least 18 hours , making the journey longer than the current direct route through the UK to mainland Europe favoured by hauliers transporting time-sensitive loads .
Minister of State for International and Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hauliers to explore alternative direct ferry routes now , before border checks at EU-UK borders congest the “ landbridge ” route after Brexit comes into effect at the start of January 2021 .
“ Businesses need to act now and they need to start talking to their logistics companies , to hauliers , to the shipping industry and to start trialling those direct routes now , ” she said .
Ms Naughton said there will be delays at British ports on the Irish Sea and English Channel whether the EU and UK agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period ends on December 31st , and that there was free capacity on existing ferry services .
She said the direct route may not be workable for some companies delivering perishable food products and time-sensitive pharmaceuticals , but that businesses should start assessing this now .
“ These are conversations that businesses need to have with their logistics companies , right throughout the supply chain , to maybe ask the question : do you need this delivered within 24 hours ?
Could it be within 36 hours ?
” she said .
Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week schedules on their ferries to Cherbourg so that there is a direct , roll-on , roll-off ferry service for lorries every day from next year .
Irish Ferries will operate a Monday , Wednesday , Friday and Sunday service one week from Dublin to the port , in addition to their usual Tuesday , Thursday and Saturday weekly departures .
Stena will continue its service between Rosslare and Cherbourg on Tuesdays , Thursdays and Saturdays and plans to add a Monday , Wednesday , Friday and Sunday service on the week Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Dublin to ensure a daily service between Ireland and mainland Europe .
Irish Ferries declined to comment on the new service .
A spokesman for Stena said that there was free capacity on its existing ferry service to France .
The Cherbourg ferry out of Rosslare was two-thirds full during 2019 .
He said that the shipping line can move bigger vessels onto the direct route if required .
The company had received inquiries about shipping fresh food and pharmaceuticals that can not afford to be delayed .
About 150,000 heavy goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
It is the cheapest and fastest way of getting goods to mainland Europe , taking less than 20 hours to reach French ports near key destinations and markets in Belgium , Germany and the Netherlands .
A new report from the Irish Maritime Development Office assessing the impact of Brexit on the landbridge says that importers and exporters of highly time-sensitive goods who rely on “ speed to market ” offered by the route through Britain “ must evaluate all alternative options and where possible , re-engineer supply chains to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The speed offered by the landbridge option can not be achieved on other routes or modalities and changes to supply chains will be necessary , ” says the report .

Stena and Irish Ferries will start running the new direct services from Dublin and Rosslare to Cherbourg in France to provide hauliers with a frequent service with continental Europe. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Direct daily ferry sailings between Ireland and France will begin from January to help traders and hauliers bypass the United Kingdom to avoid delays caused by EU-UK border checks post-Brexit.
Stena and Irish Ferries will start running the new direct services from Dublin and Rosslare to Cherbourg in France to provide hauliers with a frequent service with continental Europe.
The ferry services will take at least 18 hours, making the journey longer than the current direct route through the UK to mainland Europe favoured by hauliers transporting time-sensitive loads.
Minister of State for International and Road Transport Hildegarde Naughton has urged traders and hauliers to explore alternative direct ferry routes now, before border checks at EU-UK borders congest the “landbridge” route after Brexit comes into effect at the start of January 2021.
READ MORE
“Businesses need to act now and they need to start talking to their logistics companies, to hauliers, to the shipping industry and to start trialling those direct routes now,” she said.
Ms Naughton said there will be delays at British ports on the Irish Sea and English Channel whether the EU and UK agree a deal or not before the transition period ends on December 31st, and that there was free capacity on existing ferry services.
Supply chain
She said the direct route may not be workable for some companies delivering perishable food products and time-sensitive pharmaceuticals, but that businesses should start assessing this now.
“These are conversations that businesses need to have with their logistics companies, right throughout the supply chain, to maybe ask the question: do you need this delivered within 24 hours? Could it be within 36 hours?” she said.
Irish Ferries and Stena plan to run alternate week schedules on their ferries to Cherbourg so that there is a direct, roll-on, roll-off ferry service for lorries every day from next year.
Irish Ferries will operate a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday service one week from Dublin to the port, in addition to their usual Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday weekly departures.
Stena will continue its service between Rosslare and Cherbourg on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and plans to add a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday service on the week Irish Ferries does not sail on these days from Dublin to ensure a daily service between Ireland and mainland Europe.
Irish Ferries declined to comment on the new service.
Bigger vessels
A spokesman for Stena said that there was free capacity on its existing ferry service to France. The Cherbourg ferry out of Rosslare was two-thirds full during 2019.
He said that the shipping line can move bigger vessels onto the direct route if required. The company had received inquiries about shipping fresh food and pharmaceuticals that cannot afford to be delayed.
About 150,000 heavy goods vehicles travel across the UK landbridge every year. It is the cheapest and fastest way of getting goods to mainland Europe, taking less than 20 hours to reach French ports near key destinations and markets in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
A new report from the Irish Maritime Development Office assessing the impact of Brexit on the landbridge says that importers and exporters of highly time-sensitive goods who rely on “speed to market” offered by the route through Britain “must evaluate all alternative options and where possible, re-engineer supply chains to make the alternative options workable”.
“The speed offered by the landbridge option cannot be achieved on other routes or modalities and changes to supply chains will be necessary,” says the report.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Reporting on child welfare and homelessness nominated for Mary Raftery Prize

Irish Times reporting on child welfare and homelessness has been nominated for the 2019 Mary Raftery Prize , awarded annually to outstanding social affairs journalism .
“ No Child 2020 ” was created as an initiative to provide sustained focus on children ’ s issues over a one-year period , inspired by the Democratic Programme of the first Dáil a century ago .
It was produced by journalists Ruadhán Mac Cormaic , Fintan O ’ Toole , Kitty Holland and Conor Goodman .
Separately , Kitty Holland ’ s series “ Homelessness ” has also been shortlisted .
Their inclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday alongside six other projects .
The Mary Raftery Prize is presented to an individual or small team responsible for social affairs journalism produced on the island of Ireland .
The winning work is considered to combine the “ rigorous analysis and commitment to social justice ” that characterised the journalism of the late investigative reporter Mary Raftery .
The prize is funded by a bequest from the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund and sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland .
Other shortlisted work in 2019 include Creches : Behind Closed Doors ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Majella Moynihan ( RTÉ Documentary on One ) ; Spotlight on Domestic Violence ( Westmeath Independent ) ; Stardust ( Journal.ie ) ; Enough is Enough – No Excuses and Open Your Eyes to STIs ( Beat 102 103 ) ; A Bridge Too Far ( Journal.ie and Noteworthy.ie ) The winner will be announced before the end of the year .

The winning work is considered to combine the “rigorous analysis and commitment to social justice” that characterised the journalism of the late investigative reporter Mary Raftery.
Irish Times reporting on child welfare and homelessness has been nominated for the 2019 Mary Raftery Prize, awarded annually to outstanding social affairs journalism.
"No Child 2020" was created as an initiative to provide sustained focus on children's issues over a one-year period, inspired by the Democratic Programme of the first Dáil a century ago.
It was produced by journalists Ruadhán Mac Cormaic, Fintan O'Toole, Kitty Holland and Conor Goodman.
Separately, Kitty Holland’s series “Homelessness” has also been shortlisted.
READ MORE
Their inclusion on the 2019 shortlist was announced on Thursday alongside six other projects.
The Mary Raftery Prize is presented to an individual or small team responsible for social affairs journalism produced on the island of Ireland.
The winning work is considered to combine the "rigorous analysis and commitment to social justice" that characterised the journalism of the late investigative reporter Mary Raftery. The prize is funded by a bequest from the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund and sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
Other shortlisted work in 2019 include Creches: Behind Closed Doors (RTÉ Investigations Unit); The case of Majella Moynihan (RTÉ Documentary on One); Spotlight on Domestic Violence (Westmeath Independent); Stardust (Journal.ie); Enough is Enough – No Excuses and Open Your Eyes to STIs (Beat 102 103); A Bridge Too Far (Journal.ie and Noteworthy.ie)
The winner will be announced before the end of the year.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Vulnerability assessments for asylum seekers ‘urgently’ needed, says Refugee Council

Vulnerability assessments for asylum seekers arriving into the Irish State must be implemented without delay , the Irish Refugee Council ( IRC ) has said .
The IRC , which has been calling on the State to introduce these assessments for two years , underlined on Thursday that children must be prioritised once these “ urgently ” needed tests are introduced .
Minister for Children and Equality Roderic O ’ Gorman announced last month that a “ formal system of vulnerability assessments ” would start in December .
However , there has been no further clarity or details released about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will conduct them .
The IRC has recommended that the assessments be carried out by the HSE and advised against relying on the International Protection Office to oversee the process , warning that it could lead to a “ potential conflict of interest ” .
A vulnerability assessment is carried out when a person first arrives into a country seeking asylum to identify any special needs they may have .
It is particularly important among minors , people with disabilities , elderly people , pregnant women , single parents , victims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or mental health issues and those who have been subjected to torture , rape or another form of psychological , physical or sexual violence .
The goal of the assessment is to ensure people are housed in adequate living conditions and receive necessary supports while awaiting a decision on their asylum application .
Ireland is legally obliged to conduct these assessments within 30 days of a person ’ s arrival under the Reception Conditions Directive which was transposed into Irish law in June 2018 .
The council ’ s chief executive Nick Henderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national and international law by failing to carry out these assessments .
Mr Henderson noted this week that nearly 7,000 people had applied for protection in Ireland since vulnerability assessments became mandatory two years ago yet they still do not take place .
People whose specific needs are not identified and responded to at an early stage “ face additional challenges ” engaging with the asylum process , he warned .
The failure to carry out these assessments meant when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its height , information on who were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not available , said the council .
As a result , the HSE and Government had to rely on direct provision residents , centre managers and local NGOs to identify those most at risk of contracting the virus , it added .
While the Government has said it will introduce these assessments by the end of 2020 , no formal commitment has been made around access to drivers licences for asylum seekers , another issue which has been repeatedly flagged by refugee support groups in recent years .
Mr O ’ Gorman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan would bring forward the relevant amendments to the Road Traffic Act to allow for licences as part of the Road Traffic ( Miscellaneous Provisions ) Bill by the end of the year .
Asked for further details , a special advisor to the minister for children said a working group had been set up to establish a new framework of regulations which would enable asylum seekers to apply for a driving licence .

Minister for Children and Equality Roderic O’Gorman announced last month that a “formal system of vulnerability assessments” would start in December. Photograph:Gareth Chaney/Collins
Vulnerability assessments for asylum seekers arriving into the Irish State must be implemented without delay, the Irish Refugee Council (IRC) has said.
The IRC, which has been calling on the State to introduce these assessments for two years, underlined on Thursday that children must be prioritised once these “urgently” needed tests are introduced.
Minister for Children and Equality Roderic O’Gorman announced last month that a “formal system of vulnerability assessments” would start in December. However, there has been no further clarity or details released about where these assessments will take place and who will conduct them.
The IRC has recommended that the assessments be carried out by the HSE and advised against relying on the International Protection Office to oversee the process, warning that it could lead to a “potential conflict of interest”.
READ MORE
A vulnerability assessment is carried out when a person first arrives into a country seeking asylum to identify any special needs they may have. It is particularly important among minors, people with disabilities, elderly people, pregnant women, single parents, victims of human trafficking, people with serious illnesses or mental health issues and those who have been subjected to torture, rape or another form of psychological, physical or sexual violence.
The goal of the assessment is to ensure people are housed in adequate living conditions and receive necessary supports while awaiting a decision on their asylum application.
Ireland is legally obliged to conduct these assessments within 30 days of a person's arrival under the Reception Conditions Directive which was transposed into Irish law in June 2018.
The council's chief executive Nick Henderson accused the State last year of breaking national and international law by failing to carry out these assessments.
Mr Henderson noted this week that nearly 7,000 people had applied for protection in Ireland since vulnerability assessments became mandatory two years ago yet they still do not take place.
People whose specific needs are not identified and responded to at an early stage “face additional challenges” engaging with the asylum process, he warned.
The failure to carry out these assessments meant when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its height, information on who were the most vulnerable people in direct provision was not available, said the council.
As a result, the HSE and Government had to rely on direct provision residents, centre managers and local NGOs to identify those most at risk of contracting the virus, it added.
While the Government has said it will introduce these assessments by the end of 2020, no formal commitment has been made around access to drivers licences for asylum seekers, another issue which has been repeatedly flagged by refugee support groups in recent years.
Mr O'Gorman said in October that Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan would bring forward the relevant amendments to the Road Traffic Act to allow for licences as part of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill by the end of the year. Asked for further details, a special advisor to the minister for children said a working group had been set up to establish a new framework of regulations which would enable asylum seekers to apply for a driving licence.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Immunology researcher Kingston Mills named as SFI Researcher of the Year

The virologist Prof Kingston Mills , who is based at Trinity College Dublin ( TCD ) , has received the prestigious Science Foundation Ireland Researcher of the Year Award for 2020 .
Prof Kingston specialises in immunology , inflammation and infection research and co-leads TCD ’ s Covid-19 research hub .
He heads a research team focusing on T cells in infection , and has published more 300 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters that have been cited over 31,000 times .
He is also a member of a number of international scientific advisory panels on vaccines and immunotherapeutics , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Mills said : “ I am absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award ...
I have been committed to the fascinating field of immunology for nearly 40 years , but my research achievements would not have been possible without the financial support from SFI , the commitment and dedication of my research team and the support of colleagues , especially those at Trinity College Dublin.
” The winners were announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education , Research , Innovation and Science Simon Harris at the annual SFI Science Summit on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commended this year ’ s award winners for their inspiring success and dedication in an eventful and challenging year for Ireland ’ s research community .
He paid tribute to the level of collaboration within the Irish research community which “ continues to be impactful , inspirational and world-leading ” .
The Early Career Researcher of the Year Award was won jointly by Dr Matthew Campbell of TCD neurovascular genetics laboratory and Dr Lorna Lopez of Maynooth University department of biology , a leading researcher on using genetic technologies to understand the genetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Partnership Award was Prof Fergal O ’ Brien of RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences , AMBER SFI Research Centre and Integra LifeSciences .
He specialises in bioengineering and regenerative medicine including nerve repair treatments .
UCC chair of energy engineering Prof Brian O ’ Gallachoir who is also director of MaREI SFI Centre for Energy , Climate and Marine won the Best International Engagement Award .
An adviser to the International Energy Agency , he has also presented at the annual UN climate talks .
The SFI Entrepreneurship Award was awarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IT , founder and director of the Regulated Software Research Centre , and to Dr Anita Finnegan , chief executive and founder of Nova Leah , a world leader in the provision of cybersecurity risk management solutions for connected medical devices .
The immunologist and noted science communicator Prof Luke O ’ Neill of TCD school of biochemistry and immunology , who has been prominent in media coverage during the Covid-19 pandemic , won the SFI Outstanding Contribution to Stem Communication Award .
Joint winners of the SFI Mentorship Award were Prof Pat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chemical Biology and Prof Patricia Maguire of UCD director of UCD Institute for Discovery .

Kevin O’Sullivan
Environment & Science Editor
The virologist Prof Kingston Mills, who is based at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), has received the prestigious Science Foundation Ireland Researcher of the Year Award for 2020.
Prof Kingston specialises in immunology, inflammation and infection research and co-leads TCD’s Covid-19 research hub.
READ MORE
He heads a research team focusing on T cells in infection, and has published more 300 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters that have been cited over 31,000 times.
He is also a member of a number of international scientific advisory panels on vaccines and immunotherapeutics, including two at the World Health Organisation.
Prof Mills said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award... I have been committed to the fascinating field of immunology for nearly 40 years, but my research achievements would not have been possible without the financial support from SFI, the commitment and dedication of my research team and the support of colleagues, especially those at Trinity College Dublin.”
The winners were announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris at the annual SFI Science Summit on Thursday.
SFI director Prof Mark Ferguson commended this year's award winners for their inspiring success and dedication in an eventful and challenging year for Ireland's research community.
He paid tribute to the level of collaboration within the Irish research community which “continues to be impactful, inspirational and world-leading”.
The Early Career Researcher of the Year Award was won jointly by Dr Matthew Campbell of TCD neurovascular genetics laboratory and Dr Lorna Lopez of Maynooth University department of biology, a leading researcher on using genetic technologies to understand the genetic basis of mental illness.
The Industry Partnership Award went to Prof Fergal O'Brien of RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, AMBER SFI Research Centre and Integra LifeSciences. He specialises in bioengineering and regenerative medicine including nerve repair treatments.
UCC chair of energy engineering Prof Brian O'Gallachoir, who is also director of MaREI SFI Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, won the Best International Engagement Award. An adviser to the International Energy Agency, he has also presented at the annual UN climate talks.
The SFI Entrepreneurship Award was awarded jointly to Prof Fergal McCaffery of Dundalk IT, founder and director of the Regulated Software Research Centre, and to Dr Anita Finnegan, chief executive and founder of Nova Leah, a world leader in the provision of cybersecurity risk management solutions for connected medical devices.
The immunologist and noted science communicator Prof Luke O’Neill of TCD school of biochemistry and immunology, who has been prominent in media coverage during the Covid-19 pandemic, won the SFI Outstanding Contribution to Stem Communication Award.
Joint winners of the SFI Mentorship Award were Prof Pat Guiry director of UCD Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology and Prof Patricia Maguire of UCD director of UCD Institute for Discovery.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Man alleged to have cannabis for sale or supply at The Curragh

A man whose property was allegedly used for a cannabis growing operation appeared at Naas District Court on Thursday .
Paul Flood ( 58 ) , of Ballysax , Curragh , Co Kildare , faces allegations of having cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply at Ballysax and The Curragh on November 3rd .
It was alleged by Garda James Doolan that he was seen leaving his address and meeting a male driving a VW van .
They returned to his address in convoy and were seen leaving in convoy .
They travelled towards the M7 and were intercepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found in the van .
A number of buildings had been converted to grow cannabis and two Vietnamese males , who were tending to approximately 1,050 plants , were arrested .
The plants have an alleged value of €800,000 .
It was alleged by Gda Doolan that the defendant was “ tasked by unnamed others to feed the Vietnamese workers.
” He was also tasked to bring a van to the yard to collect cannabis “ for onward transmission to Dublin based criminals.
” A bail application by defending solicitor Seamus Boyle was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed the defendant knew about the growhouse .
He also opposed the granting of bail on the seriousness of the allegations .
Judge Desmond Zaidan said the bail objections are sustainable in law and adjourned the case for a week .
The defendant was remanded in custody until November 11th .

A man whose property was allegedly used for a cannabis growing operation appeared at Naas District Court on Thursday.
Paul Flood (58), of Ballysax, Curragh, Co Kildare, faces allegations of having cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply at Ballysax and The Curragh on November 3rd.
It was alleged by Garda James Doolan that he was seen leaving his address and meeting a male driving a VW van. They returned to his address in convoy and were seen leaving in convoy.
They travelled towards the M7 and were intercepted. Some 10 kilos of cannabis were found in the van.
READ MORE
Gardaí found a “sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation”, it was alleged.
A number of buildings had been converted to grow cannabis and two Vietnamese males, who were tending to approximately 1,050 plants, were arrested. The plants have an alleged value of €800,000.
It was alleged by Gda Doolan that the defendant was “tasked by unnamed others to feed the Vietnamese workers.” He was also tasked to bring a van to the yard to collect cannabis “for onward transmission to Dublin based criminals.”
A bail application by defending solicitor Seamus Boyle was opposed by Garda Doolan who said he believed the defendant knew about the growhouse.
He also opposed the granting of bail on the seriousness of the allegations.
Judge Desmond Zaidan said the bail objections are sustainable in law and adjourned the case for a week. The defendant was remanded in custody until November 11th.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Covid-19: Holohan praises ‘dramatic reduction’ in cases among the young

The risk of a Covid-19 patient dying in intensive care in the Republic is less than half of that in the UK , according to data from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) .
Up to July , ICU mortality in the Republic was 17 per cent , compared to 24.8 per cent in the North and 40.4 per cent in the UK .
Dr Vida Hamilton , HSE group lead for acute hospitals , said the figures demonstrated how reducing demand through good public health behaviours translates into lives saved .
Ireland , along with Finland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries where there is negative growth in incidence of the virus , assistant chief medical officer Dr Des Hickey told the Nphet briefing .
In more than half of European countries , the incidence has doubled over the past week .
Over the past week , Ireland ’ s ranking in Europe for Covid-19 incidence has fallen from 17th to 24th , he pointed out .
“ Level 5 efforts over the last two weeks have succeeded in further reducing community transmission and disease incidence in Ireland , ” according to chief medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now is not the time to be complacent .
We must keep driving down this disease – we must keep going.
” He singled out for praise a “ dramatic reduction ” in cases among the 19- to 24-year-old age group in the past two weeks , where the incidence has dropped from 450 per 100,000 people to 150 .
“ They have also halved their contacts in the past five weeks .
We all need to recognise the efforts of our young people and I thank them.
” The deaths of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Nphet .
This brings to 1,933 the total number of deaths linked to the disease .
Nphet also reported a further 591 confirmed cases of Covid-19 , bringing the total number of cases to 64,046 .
The new cases include 120 in Dublin , 75 in Donegal , 50 in Cork , 46 in Kerry , 44 in Limerick , with the remaining 256 cases spread across 20 other counties .
The reproduction number , which measures how many people a confirmed case goes on to infect , has fallen to between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philip Nolan , chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group .
A reproduction number of less than 1 means an epidemic is dying out ; a figure greater than 1 signals it is spreading .
“ This is a testament to our collective effort to stop the spread of the virus and it is very good news , ” Prof Nolan said .
“ We may be doing better now but it is conditional on whether we keep it up .
If we continue to use this time to drive the infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good position in four weeks ’ time.
” The average length of stay of a Covid-19 patient in ICU is 17.8 days , officials disclosed .
The lower case numbers can be reduced , “ the more value we can get out of that ” , Dr Holohan said .
Officials could then look at what kind of additional measures were necessary beyond December 1st to ensure the spread of the disease was limited while restrictions were eased while “ preserving ” economic activity .
While officials were giving ongoing consideration to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position to give advice at this moment .
However , Nphet did not anticipate changing its advice on the closure of non-essential retail over the six-week period of Level 5 restrictions , he said .
A review of the current measures is planned after four weeks , but “ we ’ re not anticipating changing our advice during the six weeks ” .

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan: ‘We all need to recognise the efforts of our young people and I thank them.’ Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins
The risk of a Covid-19 patient dying in intensive care in the Republic is less than half of that in the UK, according to data from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).
Up to July, ICU mortality in the Republic was 17 per cent, compared to 24.8 per cent in the North and 40.4 per cent in the UK.
Dr Vida Hamilton, HSE group lead for acute hospitals, said the figures demonstrated how reducing demand through good public health behaviours translates into lives saved.
Hospital Report
Ireland, along with Finland, is one of just two European countries where there is negative growth in incidence of the virus, assistant chief medical officer Dr Des Hickey told the Nphet briefing. In more than half of European countries, the incidence has doubled over the past week.
READ MORE
Over the past week, Ireland’s ranking in Europe for Covid-19 incidence has fallen from 17th to 24th, he pointed out.
“Level 5 efforts over the last two weeks have succeeded in further reducing community transmission and disease incidence in Ireland,” according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan. “However, now is not the time to be complacent. We must keep driving down this disease – we must keep going.”
Incidence
He singled out for praise a “dramatic reduction” in cases among the 19- to 24-year-old age group in the past two weeks, where the incidence has dropped from 450 per 100,000 people to 150.
“They have also halved their contacts in the past five weeks. We all need to recognise the efforts of our young people and I thank them.”
The deaths of another three patients with Covid-19 were reported by Nphet. This brings to 1,933 the total number of deaths linked to the disease.
Nphet also reported a further 591 confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases to 64,046. The new cases include 120 in Dublin, 75 in Donegal, 50 in Cork, 46 in Kerry, 44 in Limerick, with the remaining 256 cases spread across 20 other counties.
The reproduction number, which measures how many people a confirmed case goes on to infect, has fallen to between 0.7 and 0.9, according to Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group.
A reproduction number of less than 1 means an epidemic is dying out; a figure greater than 1 signals it is spreading.
“This is a testament to our collective effort to stop the spread of the virus and it is very good news,” Prof Nolan said. “We may be doing better now but it is conditional on whether we keep it up. If we continue to use this time to drive the infection right down, we will be in a good position in four weeks’ time.”
Length of stay
The average length of stay of a Covid-19 patient in ICU is 17.8 days, officials disclosed.
The lower case numbers can be reduced, “the more value we can get out of that”, Dr Holohan said.
Officials could then look at what kind of additional measures were necessary beyond December 1st to ensure the spread of the disease was limited while restrictions were eased while “preserving” economic activity. While officials were giving ongoing consideration to Christmas, they were not in a position to give advice at this moment.
However, Nphet did not anticipate changing its advice on the closure of non-essential retail over the six-week period of Level 5 restrictions, he said. A review of the current measures is planned after four weeks, but “we’re not anticipating changing our advice during the six weeks”.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Paid parent’s leave not meeting policy objective, report states

Paid parental leave , introduced to encourage greater gender equality , does not meet its policy objective because rates are too low and companies are not topping-up to match salaries , a Department of Public Expenditure spending review warns .
The relatively new scheme entitles both parents to two weeks ’ paid leave in a child ’ s first year , paid at €245 a week from the Social Insurance Fund ( SIF ) , known as parent ’ s benefit .
It was introduced in last year ’ s budget following an EU work-life balance directive to encourage better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address under-representation of women in the labour market .
It is in addition to 26 weeks ’ paid maternity leave and two weeks ’ paid paternity leave .
However , though maternity and paternity benefits are topped up to match a worker ’ s salary in the public service , and by many private sector workplaces , parent ’ s leave is not in the former or most private companies .
The review says the SIF rates for the three Irish schemes are “ relatively low ” and notes other EU member states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extent .
Longer-paid parent ’ s leave is also common in other countries .
The review found uptake of maternity leave was high at 92 per cent but much lower for paternity leave , at about 50 per cent .
While 60 per cent of private companies top up maternity leave to match salaries , 46 per cent top up paternity leave .
“ This suggests that the current structure of paternity leave is not delivering large-scale uptake , and therefore does not encourage more equal sharing of parental leave between men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding the low uptake “ appears closely related to the number of organisations offering salary top-ups ” .
In some cases where families have fixed costs , like housing and childcare , variations in household income can not be sustained .
“ This introduces a potential inequity in paternity and maternity leave , where the ability of both parents to take the leave could be dependent on the employer decision on salary top-ups rather than the state ’ s provision of SIF payments.
” As most employers do not top up parent ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to conclude that the scheme does not address the existing disparity in leave entitlements or the low uptake rate of paternity leave .
“ As such it is unlikely to support families in the more equal sharing of care responsibilities or address women ’ s under-representation in the labour market , ” says the report .

As most employers do not top up parent’s benefit, ‘it is possible to conclude that the scheme does not address the existing disparity in leave entitlements or the low uptake rate of paternity leave’. File photograph: Getty
Paid parental leave, introduced to encourage greater gender equality, does not meet its policy objective because rates are too low and companies are not topping-up to match salaries, a Department of Public Expenditure spending review warns.
The relatively new scheme entitles both parents to two weeks' paid leave in a child's first year, paid at €245 a week from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF), known as parent's benefit.
It was introduced in last year’s budget following an EU work-life balance directive to encourage better sharing of leave between parents and to address under-representation of women in the labour market. It is in addition to 26 weeks’ paid maternity leave and two weeks’ paid paternity leave.
However, though maternity and paternity benefits are topped up to match a worker’s salary in the public service, and by many private sector workplaces, parent’s leave is not in the former or most private companies.
READ MORE
The review says the SIF rates for the three Irish schemes are “relatively low” and notes other EU member states aim to replace income to a greater extent. Longer-paid parent’s leave is also common in other countries.
The review found uptake of maternity leave was high at 92 per cent but much lower for paternity leave, at about 50 per cent. While 60 per cent of private companies top up maternity leave to match salaries, 46 per cent top up paternity leave.
“This suggests that the current structure of paternity leave is not delivering large-scale uptake, and therefore does not encourage more equal sharing of parental leave between men and women,” states the report, adding the low uptake “appears closely related to the number of organisations offering salary top-ups”.
‘Potential inequity’
In some cases where families have fixed costs, like housing and childcare, variations in household income cannot be sustained.
“This introduces a potential inequity in paternity and maternity leave, where the ability of both parents to take the leave could be dependent on the employer decision on salary top-ups rather than the state’s provision of SIF payments.”
As most employers do not top up parent’s benefit, “it is possible to conclude that the scheme does not address the existing disparity in leave entitlements or the low uptake rate of paternity leave.
“As such it is unlikely to support families in the more equal sharing of care responsibilities or address women’s under-representation in the labour market,” says the report.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Pressure mounts to extend Northern Ireland lockdown

Pressure is mounting for an extension of the current four-week Covid-19 lockdown in Northern Ireland beyond its scheduled end on Friday week , November 13th .
With the Department of Health on Thursday afternoon reporting 12 more deaths and 516 new confirmed coronavirus cases the Northern Executive was facing calls to prolong the lockdown , which is severely affecting the hospitality sector .
Dr Tom Black , chairman of the British Medical Association ( BMA ) in the North , earlier this week warned that ending the lockdown on Friday week would be an “ act of careless vandalism ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastwood said Ministers should agree to continuing the restrictions for an extra two weeks .
Department of Health officials prepared a paper for the Northern Executive advising that extending the lockdown by a further two weeks could mean avoiding the imposition of renewed restrictions around the Christmas period .
The Executive met on Thursday and while Ministers discussed the paper they did not take a decision on the matter .
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill however said that Ministers would discuss the issues further over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend the lockdown was likely to be announced early next week .
“ These discussions will continue and we will intensify our engagement with the hospitality sector representatives as we seek a safe and sustainable way forward , ” said Ms Foster .
Ms O ’ Neill said it was not the case that Ministers could not agree on the matter at its Executive meeting but rather that Ministers had further work to do to try to arrive at an “ agreed position ” .
The latest figures show that the incidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although it has been reducing since the introduction of the lockdown on October 16th .
With 12 deaths recorded on Thursday , the Covid-19 death toll in the North has risen to 752 .
With 516 new cases the number of people who have had the virus over the pandemic has risen to 41,374 .
When the restrictions were introduced three weeks ago Northern Ireland reported a record 1,299 cases in one day .
Currently , there are 409 patients receiving treatment for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland hospitals with 49 in intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed occupancy is at 100 per cent .
The overall seven-day incidence figure for Northern Ireland is 334 cases per 100,000 of population .
Mid Ulster continues to register the highest level of cases with 334 per 100,000 followed by Derry and Strabane with 302 cases and Belfast with 240 .
Ahead of the Executive meeting , SDLP leader Mr Eastwood said it was “ clearly the view of the Executive ’ s most senior medical advisers that coronavirus restrictions should be extended for an additional two weeks to reduce the R number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Ms Foster said there had been “ significant progress on transmission rates ” since the start of the latest restrictions and that the R rate of infection in the community had fallen to 0.7 .
The First Minister said it was estimated that the four weeks of restrictions would cost the Northern Ireland economy £400 million .
Ms O ’ Neill said that as regards Christmas it would be useful if there could be alignment across the two islands on what regulations and restrictions might apply during the holiday period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robin Swann said the coming period was highly uncertain .
“ I ’ m deeply concerned about the increase in Covid cases over the last month and we believe further waves are still a continuing threat , ” he said at the Assembly health committee .
The North chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride told the committee that health officials were trying to “ balance both lives and livelihoods ” although he realised it was a particularly “ difficult time ” for the hospitality sector .

First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Ministers would discuss restrictions further over the weekend. File photograph: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA Wire
Pressure is mounting for an extension of the current four-week Covid-19 lockdown in Northern Ireland beyond its scheduled end on Friday week, November 13th.
With the Department of Health on Thursday afternoon reporting 12 more deaths and 516 new confirmed coronavirus cases the Northern Executive was facing calls to prolong the lockdown, which is severely affecting the hospitality sector.
Dr Tom Black, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) in the North, earlier this week warned that ending the lockdown on Friday week would be an "act of careless vandalism" while on Thursday the SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Ministers should agree to continuing the restrictions for an extra two weeks.
Department of Health officials prepared a paper for the Northern Executive advising that extending the lockdown by a further two weeks could mean avoiding the imposition of renewed restrictions around the Christmas period.
READ MORE
The Executive met on Thursday and while Ministers discussed the paper they did not take a decision on the matter. First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill however said that Ministers would discuss the issues further over the weekend and that a decision on whether to extend the lockdown was likely to be announced early next week.
“These discussions will continue and we will intensify our engagement with the hospitality sector representatives as we seek a safe and sustainable way forward,” said Ms Foster.
Ms O’Neill said it was not the case that Ministers could not agree on the matter at its Executive meeting but rather that Ministers had further work to do to try to arrive at an “agreed position”.
The latest figures show that the incidence of Covid-19 remains at a high level although it has been reducing since the introduction of the lockdown on October 16th.
With 12 deaths recorded on Thursday, the Covid-19 death toll in the North has risen to 752. With 516 new cases the number of people who have had the virus over the pandemic has risen to 41,374.
When the restrictions were introduced three weeks ago Northern Ireland reported a record 1,299 cases in one day.
Currently, there are 409 patients receiving treatment for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland hospitals with 49 in intensive care units and 42 on ventilators. Hospital bed occupancy is at 100 per cent.
The overall seven-day incidence figure for Northern Ireland is 334 cases per 100,000 of population.
Mid Ulster continues to register the highest level of cases with 334 per 100,000 followed by Derry and Strabane with 302 cases and Belfast with 240.
Ahead of the Executive meeting, SDLP leader Mr Eastwood said it was “clearly the view of the Executive’s most senior medical advisers that coronavirus restrictions should be extended for an additional two weeks to reduce the R number and prevent further transmission of the virus”.
Ms Foster said there had been “significant progress on transmission rates” since the start of the latest restrictions and that the R rate of infection in the community had fallen to 0.7.
The First Minister said it was estimated that the four weeks of restrictions would cost the Northern Ireland economy £400 million.
Ms O’Neill said that as regards Christmas it would be useful if there could be alignment across the two islands on what regulations and restrictions might apply during the holiday period.
The North's Minister of Health Robin Swann said the coming period was highly uncertain. "I'm deeply concerned about the increase in Covid cases over the last month and we believe further waves are still a continuing threat," he said at the Assembly health committee.
The North chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride told the committee that health officials were trying to “balance both lives and livelihoods” although he realised it was a particularly “difficult time” for the hospitality sector.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Large number of gardaí experience ‘trauma’ and ‘high level of stress’ at work

Large numbers of gardaí experience “ trauma ” at work as well as “ high or very high ” levels of stress , yet many believe seeking assistance from the support structures within the force will damage their careers .
New research on mental wellbeing and physical health levels among Garda sworn members and civilian staff has found there is a significant perception of “ stigma ” for personnel who seek help for difficulties .
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the findings showed that working for the Garda was “ not a normal job with normal stresses ” .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attached to seeking out mental health and emotional supports , and many believe that seeking help would have a detrimental impact on career progression , ” Mr Harris said .
The Garda wanted to “ create a culture where everyone feels supported and can rely on our support services in their time of need ” and the findings of the new report would help in that regard .
He added a “ cultural change ” was required in order that “ seeking help is seen for the strength that it is and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Harris added that survey – conducted by Crowe consultancy – also contained positive findings , including large numbers of Garda members seeking help from the support services in the Garda when required .
Furthermore , those who had sought assistance were overwhelmingly satisfied with the services .
The new Health Needs Assessment Survey Report was conducted between last October and November , with 5,200 respondents .
When the average “ mental health rating ” of respondents was taken , sworn Garda members had an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7.3 .
The “ physical health rating ” was 6.4 for sworn Garda members and 7.2 for civilian workers .
On average more than 50 per cent of respondents “ occasionally experience trauma at work ” , with that figure as high as 63 per cent for sworn Garda members .
Other findings included : * 45 per cent experience high or very high stress levels at work .
* 70 per cent of Garda personnel feel they can speak with a supervisor about something causing them “ upset ” .
* 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work-related absence in the past year .
* Satisfaction rating with peer support was 73 per cent , some 65 per cent with employee assistance service and 73 per cent with 24/7 helpline .
Garda Headquarters , Phoenix Park , Dublin , said psychological supervision and supports were last month put in place for Garda personnel working in cyber crime , protection services and specialist interviewing .
In those areas of the Garda Síochána , personnel are responsible for tasks judged as high-risk for mental health wellbeing including finding images of child sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or other very violent crimes and taking statements from victims subjected to the most serious crimes , including sexual offences .
The Garda ’ s chief medical officer , Dr Oghenovo Oghuvbu , said it was clear “ the culture surrounding mental wellbeing needs to progress and evolve ” within the Garda .

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the findings of the survey showed that working for the Garda was ‘not a normal job with normal stresses’. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
Large numbers of gardaí experience “trauma” at work as well as “high or very high” levels of stress, yet many believe seeking assistance from the support structures within the force will damage their careers.
New research on mental wellbeing and physical health levels among Garda sworn members and civilian staff has found there is a significant perception of “stigma” for personnel who seek help for difficulties.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the findings showed that working for the Garda was "not a normal job with normal stresses".
“Notably respondents report perceptions of a stigma attached to seeking out mental health and emotional supports, and many believe that seeking help would have a detrimental impact on career progression,” Mr Harris said.
READ MORE
The Garda wanted to “create a culture where everyone feels supported and can rely on our support services in their time of need” and the findings of the new report would help in that regard.
‘Cultural change’
He added a “cultural change” was required in order that “seeking help is seen for the strength that it is and not any kind of weakness”.
However, Mr Harris added that survey – conducted by Crowe consultancy – also contained positive findings, including large numbers of Garda members seeking help from the support services in the Garda when required. Furthermore, those who had sought assistance were overwhelmingly satisfied with the services.
The new Health Needs Assessment Survey Report was conducted between last October and November, with 5,200 respondents.
When the average “mental health rating” of respondents was taken, sworn Garda members had an average rating of 6.8 out of 10, while the Garda civilian staff was 7.3. The “physical health rating” was 6.4 for sworn Garda members and 7.2 for civilian workers.
On average more than 50 per cent of respondents “occasionally experience trauma at work”, with that figure as high as 63 per cent for sworn Garda members. Other findings included:
* 45 per cent experience high or very high stress levels at work.
* 70 per cent of Garda personnel feel they can speak with a supervisor about something causing them “upset”.
* 26 per cent of personnel have taken a work-related absence in the past year.
* Satisfaction rating with peer support was 73 per cent, some 65 per cent with employee assistance service and 73 per cent with 24/7 helpline.
Supports
Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin, said psychological supervision and supports were last month put in place for Garda personnel working in cyber crime, protection services and specialist interviewing.
In those areas of the Garda Síochána, personnel are responsible for tasks judged as high-risk for mental health wellbeing including finding images of child sex abuse, viewing content related to terrorism or other very violent crimes and taking statements from victims subjected to the most serious crimes, including sexual offences.
The Garda's chief medical officer, Dr Oghenovo Oghuvbu, said it was clear "the culture surrounding mental wellbeing needs to progress and evolve" within the Garda.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--MIBI will not be liable in case against uninsured driver, High Court rules

The body which compensates victims of uninsured driving will not be liable for any judgment against an uninsured driver whose car crashed into a ditch injuring a passenger , the High Court ruled .
Mr Justice Bernard Barton found the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland ( MIBI ) , which compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers , will avoid liability for any judgment made to the passenger , Janvier Tumusabeyezu , originally from Rwanda and now living in Dublin .
That liability will be borne by the driver , Daniel Muresan , originally from Romania and now working as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MIBI , a co-defendant with Mr Muresan in the case brought by Mr Tumusabeyezu .
The judge was satisfied Mr Tumusabeyezu knew Mr Muresan was uninsured when they left the “ Body & Soul ” concert at Ballinlough Castle , Co Westmeath , on June 26th 2017 , having both worked there as security men .
The accident happened near the concert site when Mr Muresan lost control of the Mitsubishi Colt car on a bad bend and crashed into a ditch .
Mr Tumusabeyezu suffered a number of soft tissue injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small bowel , a right shoulder injury and an injury to his back .
He later underwent surgery for his abdominal injuries .
Mr Muresan , who bought and sold cars as a side-line although he had neither a driving licence or insurance , admitted liability .
He bought the Mitsubishi a couple of months before the accident with the intention of selling it on .
It had no NCT , tax or insurance .
Mr Muresan told the court he had driven Mr Tumusabeyezu , and two of his friends , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that day , Mr Muresan had taken a call from his mother in Waterford and when it ended he got back into the car , said a prayer and blessed himself .
He said this provoked a laugh or snigger from Mr Tumusabeyezu or one of his friends .
Mr Muresan reacted by saying he did not see what was so funny especially because he was taking all the risks on the journey , had no driver ’ s licence , insurance or tax .
Mr Tumusabeyezu and the two other passengers denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance .
Mr Justice Barton said there was a complete conflict of evidence in the case .
He noted Mr Muresan ’ s evidence in relation to immediate post-accident events was also substantially corroborated by a garda sergeant who arrived at the scene of the accident .
He also considered it improbable that Mr Muresan would concoct a story about how he told them about being uninsured .
In a society where religious practice , not to mention belief , is in decline , it is less likely to be a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oneself in the circumstances outlined might well provoke a reaction of the type recounted , the judge said .
Mr Muresan was taking the risk of being stopped by gardaí by travelling to the concert uninsured .
This fortified the probability the comment was made about the risks rather than being an invention from which Mr Muresan stood to derive no interest .
The court accepted Mr Muresan ’ s evidence on this question and found , as a matter of probability , that , before setting off for the concert , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licence or insurance .
The judge adjourned the making of formal orders in the case .

The body which compensates victims of uninsured driving will not be liable for any judgment against an uninsured driver whose car crashed into a ditch injuring a passenger, the High Court ruled.
Mr Justice Bernard Barton found the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), which compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers, will avoid liability for any judgment made to the passenger, Janvier Tumusabeyezu, originally from Rwanda and now living in Dublin.
That liability will be borne by the driver, Daniel Muresan, originally from Romania and now working as a chef in Waterford, rather than the MIBI, a co-defendant with Mr Muresan in the case brought by Mr Tumusabeyezu.
The judge was satisfied Mr Tumusabeyezu knew Mr Muresan was uninsured when they left the “Body & Soul” concert at Ballinlough Castle, Co Westmeath, on June 26th 2017, having both worked there as security men.
READ MORE
The accident happened near the concert site when Mr Muresan lost control of the Mitsubishi Colt car on a bad bend and crashed into a ditch.
Mr Tumusabeyezu suffered a number of soft tissue injuries, including a perforation injury to the small bowel, a right shoulder injury and an injury to his back. He later underwent surgery for his abdominal injuries.
Mr Muresan, who bought and sold cars as a side-line although he had neither a driving licence or insurance, admitted liability. He bought the Mitsubishi a couple of months before the accident with the intention of selling it on. It had no NCT, tax or insurance.
Mr Muresan told the court he had driven Mr Tumusabeyezu, and two of his friends, to the concert to provide security.
On that day, Mr Muresan had taken a call from his mother in Waterford and when it ended he got back into the car, said a prayer and blessed himself.
He said this provoked a laugh or snigger from Mr Tumusabeyezu or one of his friends. Mr Muresan reacted by saying he did not see what was so funny especially because he was taking all the risks on the journey, had no driver’s licence, insurance or tax.
Mr Tumusabeyezu and the two other passengers denied they were ever told he had no insurance.
Mr Justice Barton said there was a complete conflict of evidence in the case.
He noted Mr Muresan’s evidence in relation to immediate post-accident events was also substantially corroborated by a garda sergeant who arrived at the scene of the accident.
He also considered it improbable that Mr Muresan would concoct a story about how he told them about being uninsured.
In a society where religious practice, not to mention belief, is in decline, it is less likely to be a matter of conjecture that saying a prayer and/or blessing oneself in the circumstances outlined might well provoke a reaction of the type recounted, the judge said.
Mr Muresan was taking the risk of being stopped by gardaí by travelling to the concert uninsured. This fortified the probability the comment was made about the risks rather than being an invention from which Mr Muresan stood to derive no interest.
The court accepted Mr Muresan’s evidence on this question and found, as a matter of probability, that, before setting off for the concert, he informed the passengers he had no driving licence or insurance.
The judge adjourned the making of formal orders in the case.


theirishtimes--2020-11-05--Chief Justice and Séamus Woulfe meet regarding Oireachtas golf dinner

A meeting has taken place between the Chief Justice , Mr Justice Frank Clarke , and Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe concerning the judge ’ s attendance at an Oireachtas golf society dinner last August .
The meeting was held on Thursday under an informal resolution process recommended in a review by former Chief Justice Susan Denham concerning the judge ’ s attendance at the dinner .
It is believed a statement in relation to the outcome will be issued early next week .
It is understood , prior to the meeting , there was a meeting of Supreme Court judges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider the situation .
A former attorney general , the judge was appointed to the court last July but has yet to hear a case due to the continuing controversy over his attendance at the dinner last August .
The public outcry over the dinner at an hotel in Clifden , Co Galway , on August 19th , lead to the resignation of minister for agriculture Dara Calleary and european commissioner Phil Hogan .
Mr Justice Woulfe issued a statement on August 21st apologising “ unreservedly ” for his attendance and saying he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had made sure it would be in compliance with the Covid-19 guidelines .
The Supreme Court also in August asked former Chief Justice Denham to carry out a review of the judge ’ s attendance at the dinner .
That non-statutory review , published in early October by the Judicial Council , said Mr Justice Woulfe had not broken any law or knowingly breached any public health regulations by attending the dinner .
However , Ms Justice Denham expressed the opinion he should not have attended at the dinner and was not vigilant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court judge to attend a celebratory dinner in a public place in the middle of a pandemic .
She was also of opinion that calls for the judge ’ s resignation over the matter would be unjust and disproportionate and the Chief Justice should resolve the matter informally .
The review was perceived as not unkind to the judge but the subsequent publication of a transcript of his interview by Ms Justice Denham created further controversy as it showed a lack of insight into the perception of his attendance at the dinner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donal O ’ Donnell and Ms Justice Iseult O ’ Malley , and the president of the Court of Appeal , Mr Justice George Birmingham , met Mr Justice Woulfe on October 2nd , the day after the report ’ s publication to outline the proposed method of resolving the issue .
Sources said the judge was “ shocked ” and “ taken aback ” by what was said at that meeting and about the position adopted by his Supreme Court colleagues .
That meeting was intended to be followed by another meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Justice and Mr Justice Woulfe but that was postponed three times at the latter ’ s request for person and medical reasons .
It was ultimately cancelled on October 13th after the judge provided what the Chief Justice described in a statement as a “ cogent medical report ” .
The Chief Justice said he was committed to bringing the process to a conclusion as early as it was possible and appropriate to do so .
Last Monday , Mr Justice Woulfe attended at the Four Courts for several hours .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting , or meetings , to consider the situation was planned for Thursday .

A meeting has taken place between the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Frank Clarke, and Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe concerning the judge’s attendance at an Oireachtas golf society dinner last August.
The meeting was held on Thursday under an informal resolution process recommended in a review by former Chief Justice Susan Denham concerning the judge’s attendance at the dinner.
It is believed a statement in relation to the outcome will be issued early next week.
It is understood, prior to the meeting, there was a meeting of Supreme Court judges, excluding Mr Justice Woulfe, to consider the situation.
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A former attorney general, the judge was appointed to the court last July but has yet to hear a case due to the continuing controversy over his attendance at the dinner last August.
The public outcry over the dinner at an hotel in Clifden, Co Galway, on August 19th, lead to the resignation of minister for agriculture Dara Calleary and european commissioner Phil Hogan.
Mr Justice Woulfe issued a statement on August 21st apologising “unreservedly” for his attendance and saying he was of the impression the event organisers had made sure it would be in compliance with the Covid-19 guidelines.
The Supreme Court also in August asked former Chief Justice Denham to carry out a review of the judge’s attendance at the dinner.
That non-statutory review, published in early October by the Judicial Council, said Mr Justice Woulfe had not broken any law or knowingly breached any public health regulations by attending the dinner.
However, Ms Justice Denham expressed the opinion he should not have attended at the dinner and was not vigilant about how it appeared for a Supreme Court judge to attend a celebratory dinner in a public place in the middle of a pandemic.
She was also of opinion that calls for the judge’s resignation over the matter would be unjust and disproportionate and the Chief Justice should resolve the matter informally.
The review was perceived as not unkind to the judge but the subsequent publication of a transcript of his interview by Ms Justice Denham created further controversy as it showed a lack of insight into the perception of his attendance at the dinner.
Two Supreme Court judges, Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell and Ms Justice Iseult O’Malley, and the president of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, met Mr Justice Woulfe on October 2nd, the day after the report’s publication to outline the proposed method of resolving the issue. Sources said the judge was “shocked” and “taken aback” by what was said at that meeting and about the position adopted by his Supreme Court colleagues.
That meeting was intended to be followed by another meeting under the informal resolution process between the Chief Justice and Mr Justice Woulfe but that was postponed three times at the latter’s request for person and medical reasons.
It was ultimately cancelled on October 13th after the judge provided what the Chief Justice described in a statement as a “cogent medical report”. The Chief Justice said he was committed to bringing the process to a conclusion as early as it was possible and appropriate to do so.
Last Monday, Mr Justice Woulfe attended at the Four Courts for several hours. The Irish Times learned that day that a meeting, or meetings, to consider the situation was planned for Thursday.


theirishtimes--2020-11-06--Businessman jailed for a year over hate-filled text message campaign against niece

Martin Hughes sent dozens of sexually explicit and threatening text messages to his niece Michelle Doherty between 2011 and 2016 which led her to the brink of suicide .
Ms Doherty , now 44 , even moved to Spain to escape the anonymous texts but was left devastated when the 68-year-old began to send text messages to her there .
The content of the messages was so disturbing that Judge John Aylmer told Letterkenny Circuit Court in Co Donegal that he only wanted a flavour of the messages .
Judge John Aylmer said this was one of the worst cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with saying the texts had a “ devastating effect ” on Ms Doherty ’ s life .
He also condemned Hughes for showing no signs of remorse and suggesting that he was justified in some way for carrying out the hate-filled campaign .
He added he did not agree with suggestions by the defence counsel that there were only 50 derogatory text messages sent to Ms Doherty .
Among the sexually explicit and threatening text messages sent to Ms Doherty was one in which he threatened to have her throat slit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Quigley ’ s Point who is still the licensee of the Point Lodge Bar , had pleaded guilty to a single count of harassment .
The court was told of an extensive investigation by gardaí to find the identity of the owner of the Northern Ireland unregistered phone used to send the texts .
Gardai finally tracked down Hughes who was hiding his phone in a cardboard box in his garage .
Speaking by videolink from Spain , Ms Doherty outlined the five years of her ordeal during which she said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on occasions she physically vomited when she read the texts and was paranoid as to who was sending them .
Passing sentence Judge Aylmer said he placed the charge in the mid-range of such offences and initially merited a sentence of four years .
He initially reduced that sentence to one of three years because of an early guilty plea .
He said that because of Hughes ’ s age and the fact that he came before the court with no previous convictions then he was reducing the sentence to one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed Ms Doherty , on a videolink from Spain , wept .

Martin Hughes sent dozens of sexually explicit and threatening text messages to his niece Michelle Doherty between 2011 and 2016 which led her to the brink of suicide.
Ms Doherty, now 44, even moved to Spain to escape the anonymous texts but was left devastated when the 68-year-old began to send text messages to her there.
The content of the messages was so disturbing that Judge John Aylmer told Letterkenny Circuit Court in Co Donegal that he only wanted a flavour of the messages.
Judge John Aylmer said this was one of the worst cases of harassment he has ever had to deal with saying the texts had a “devastating effect” on Ms Doherty’s life.
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He also condemned Hughes for showing no signs of remorse and suggesting that he was justified in some way for carrying out the hate-filled campaign.
He added he did not agree with suggestions by the defence counsel that there were only 50 derogatory text messages sent to Ms Doherty.
Among the sexually explicit and threatening text messages sent to Ms Doherty was one in which he threatened to have her throat slit.
Hughes, a 68-year-old father and grandfather, of Quigley’s Point, Co Donegal, had pleaded guilty to a single count of harassment.
The court was told of an extensive investigation by gardaí to find the identity of the owner of the Northern Ireland unregistered phone used to send the texts.
Gardai finally tracked down Hughes who was hiding his phone in a cardboard box in his garage.
Speaking by videolink from Spain, Ms Doherty outlined the five years of her ordeal during which she said she became both depressed and suicidal.
She said on occasions she physically vomited when she read the texts and was paranoid as to who was sending them.
Passing sentence Judge Aylmer said he placed the charge in the mid-range of such offences and initially merited a sentence of four years.
He initially reduced that sentence to one of three years because of an early guilty plea.
He said that because of Hughes’s age and the fact that he came before the court with no previous convictions then he was reducing the sentence to one of 12 months.
As the judgment was passed Ms Doherty, on a videolink from Spain, wept.


theirishtimes--2020-11-06--Teenager arrested over death of delivery cyclist Thiago Cortes

Gardaí investigating the hit-and-run crash that killed delivery cyclist Thiago Cortes in Dublin during the summer have arrested the teenage suspect .
The juvenile was on Friday being questioned by gardai from Store St Garda station and is the first person to be arrested since the killing .
A suspect , believed to be the driver of the car that hit Mr Cortes , was previously interviewed without being arrested .
“ He is currently detained in Store Street Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act , ” Garda Headquarterssaid in a brief statement confirming the arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cortes ( 28 ) died after he was hit by a car being driven at speed on North Wall Quay on Monday , August 31st , at about 10.30pm .
The driver of the car then sped away from the scene and later abandoned the vehicle .
Mr Cortes , who was from Brazil , was delivering food by bicycle for Deliveroo at the time he was hit by the car and had started the job just weeks before he was killed .
He was still alive at the scene when emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Cortes was then taken by ambulance to the Mater Hospital for further medical treatment but despite efforts to save him he died in hospital on Wednesday , September 2nd .
Immediately after the crash occurred gardaí began a major criminal investigation , which has intensified after Mr Cotes died .
Within days gardaí from Store Street said they were confident they knew the identity of the driver .
Up to three other people , all believed to be teenagers , are believed to have been in the car with the driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run and gardaí believe they know their identities .
Gardaí seized a car at Castleforbes Square in Dublin ’ s north inner city shortly after the fatal hit and run and they believe that vehicle was the car that hit Mr Cortes .
It appears the car , which was effectively scrap , had been bought by local teenagers and was being driven around erratically before the crash .
The vehicle was recorded at several locations on CCTV systems in the north inner city , including around the time of the fatal crash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour of Mr Cortes , who had in the weeks before his death become engaged in Dublin , was held in Dublin after his death .

Deliveroo cyclist Thiago Cortes who was killed in a hit and run incident in Dublin on September 1st.
Gardaí investigating the hit-and-run crash that killed delivery cyclist Thiago Cortes in Dublin during the summer have arrested the teenage suspect.
The juvenile was on Friday being questioned by gardai from Store St Garda station and is the first person to be arrested since the killing.
A suspect, believed to be the driver of the car that hit Mr Cortes, was previously interviewed without being arrested.
“He is currently detained in Store Street Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act,” Garda Headquarterssaid in a brief statement confirming the arrest of a teenager on Friday morning.
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Mr Cortes (28) died after he was hit by a car being driven at speed on North Wall Quay on Monday, August 31st, at about 10.30pm. The driver of the car then sped away from the scene and later abandoned the vehicle.
Mr Cortes, who was from Brazil, was delivering food by bicycle for Deliveroo at the time he was hit by the car and had started the job just weeks before he was killed.
He was still alive at the scene when emergency services arrived and was treated by paramedics. Mr Cortes was then taken by ambulance to the Mater Hospital for further medical treatment but despite efforts to save him he died in hospital on Wednesday, September 2nd.
Immediately after the crash occurred gardaí began a major criminal investigation, which has intensified after Mr Cotes died. Within days gardaí from Store Street said they were confident they knew the identity of the driver.
Up to three other people, all believed to be teenagers, are believed to have been in the car with the driver at the time of the hit and run and gardaí believe they know their identities.
Gardaí seized a car at Castleforbes Square in Dublin’s north inner city shortly after the fatal hit and run and they believe that vehicle was the car that hit Mr Cortes.
It appears the car, which was effectively scrap, had been bought by local teenagers and was being driven around erratically before the crash.
The vehicle was recorded at several locations on CCTV systems in the north inner city, including around the time of the fatal crash. A very well attended vigil in honour of Mr Cortes, who had in the weeks before his death become engaged in Dublin, was held in Dublin after his death.


theirishtimes--2020-11-06--Over 93% of people who died with Covid-19 had underlying condition - CSO

More than 93 per cent of people who died with coronavirus in the State had an underlying condition ( 1,568 people ) , according to Central Statistics Office ( CSO ) data released on Friday .
Chronic heart disease was by far the most common underlying condition among those who died with Covid-19 , accounting for 44 per cent of cases .
Other underlying conditions included kidney disease , liver disease , neurological disease , respiratory disease , cancer and diabetes .
The vast majority of the 1,568 people with an underlying condition who died with coronavirus were aged over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CSO ’ s latest Deaths and Cases Bulletin series shows .
Of the 133 deaths among people aged 25-64 , 87 per cent ( 116 ) had underlying conditions .
The figures show more than 10 people have died from Covid-19 in each week of the last eight weeks .
There is a sharp decline in the hospitalisation rate of people who tested positive with the virus .
Of the 3,881 confirmed cases during the final week of October , 126 were admitted to hospital and less than five to ICU .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were hospitalised the week ending March 27th with an additional 95 people admitted to ICU .
Figures show the 25-44 age group still accounts for the highest number of confirmed cases .
In the week to the end of October , the median age for a new confirmed Covid-19 cases was 33 years old , according to the data .
The number of weekly confirmed Covid-19 cases is less than 5,000 cases for he first time in four weeks up to and including October 30th , the CSO said .
Cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounting for 31 per cent of all cases ( 1,202 cases in Dublin ) during the last week of October .
It was the seventh week in a row that Dublin recorded more than 1,000 weekly cases .
Cork followed with the second highest number of cases last week at 570 .
County trends show that Donegal , Galway and Mayo made up 45 per cent of all cases linked to an outbreak for the week ending October 30th .
While there were 75,837 referrals for community testing during the last week of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly among the 0-14 age group which fell from 18,629 to 10,935 .
However schools were closed for mid-term break during this week .
A total of 99,657 tests were carried out last week with a positivity rate of 5.3 percent , down from 6.6 per cent the previous week .
In the final week of October , 175 healthcare workers tested positive for the virus .
A total of 10,522 healthcare workers have tested positive or Covid-19 since March .
Outbreaks in private homes have accounted for nearly half of all cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounted for 9 per cent of cases and childcare facilities and schools together account for another 9 per cent .
In relation to Covid-19 related deaths , Dublin , the most populous county in the State , has seen the highest number of Covid-1 since the pandemic hit with 833 people in the capital city dying with the virus by the end of October .
Some 1,679 people were confirmed to have died nationwide by October 30th with an additional 229 deaths cited as having a “ probable link ” to the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest death toll from the virus with 833 people dying with Covid-19 in the capital followed by Kildare , where 156 people have lost their lives .
Cork has suffered 59 deaths since last March and Meath has also lost 59 people to the virus .
Only two counties have not record a Covid-19-related death toll , Leitrim and Waterford .
Some 11 healthcare workers are confirmed to have died of the virus to date , while another 57 healthcare workers who have died during the pandemic may have also contracted the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died from Covid-19 was 51 years .
The Covid-19 figures show that overall 61 more men than women had died by the end of October .
Almost two third of all deaths ( 64 per cent ) were among people who are 80 years of age or older .

Chronic heart disease was by far the most common underlying condition among those who died with Covid-19. Photograph: iStock
More than 93 per cent of people who died with coronavirus in the State had an underlying condition (1,568 people), according to Central Statistics Office (CSO) data released on Friday.
Chronic heart disease was by far the most common underlying condition among those who died with the virus, accounting for 44 per cent of cases. Other underlying conditions included kidney disease, liver disease, neurological disease, respiratory disease, cancer and diabetes.
The vast majority of the 1,568 people with an underlying condition who died with the disease were aged over 65 (1,450 people) with the median age at 83, the CSO’s latest Deaths and Cases Bulletin series shows. Of the 133 deaths among people aged 25-64, 87 per cent (116) had underlying conditions.
The figures show more than 10 people have died from the virus in each week of the last eight weeks. There has been a sharp decline in the hospitalisation rate of people with the virus. Of the 3,881 confirmed cases during the final week of October, 126 were admitted to hospital and less than five to ICU. This compares to the 688 people who were hospitalised the week ending March 27th with an additional 95 people admitted to ICU.
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Confirmed cases
Figures show the 25-44 age group still accounts for the highest number of confirmed cases. In the week to the end of October, the median age for a new confirmed coronavirus cases was 33 years, according to the data.
The number of weekly confirmed cases was less than 5,000 cases for he first time in four weeks up to October 30th, the CSO said.
Cases in Dublin remained high with the capital accounting for 31 per cent of all cases (1,202 cases in Dublin) during the last week of October. It was the seventh week in a row that Dublin recorded more than 1,000 weekly cases. Cork followed with the second highest number of cases last week at 570. County trends show that Donegal, Galway and Mayo made up 45 per cent of all cases linked to an outbreak for the week ending October 30th.
While there were 75,837 referrals for community testing during the last week of October, referral numbers have dropped, particularly among the 0-14 age group which fell from 18,629 to 10,935. However, schools were closed for mid-term break during this week.
A total of 99,657 tests were carried out in the last week of October with a positivity rate of 5.3 per cent, down from 6.6 per cent the previous week. In the final week of October, 175 healthcare workers tested positive for the virus. A total of 10,522 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus since March.
Probable link
Outbreaks in private homes have accounted for nearly half of all cases over the past month while nursing homes accounted for 9 per cent of cases and childcare facilities and schools together account for another 9 per cent.
Some 1,679 people were confirmed to have died nationwide by October 30th with an additional 229 deaths cited as having a “probable link” to the virus.
Dublin has had by far the highest death toll from the virus with 833 people dying with the virus in the capital followed by Kildare, where 156 people have lost their lives. Cork has suffered 59 deaths since last March and Meath has also lost 59 people to the virus. Only two counties have not recorded a virus-related death toll, Leitrim and Waterford.
Some 11 healthcare workers are confirmed to have died of the virus to date. The average age for healthcare workers who died from the virus was 51 years.
The coronavirus figures show that overall 61 more men than women had died by the end of October. Almost two-thirds of all deaths (64 per cent) were among people who are 80 years of age or older.