theirishtimes--2020-06-21--Miriam Lord: Blinking back tears as Det Garda Colm Horkan is laid to rest

Det Garda Colm Horkan was at home watching The Late Late Show when Hozier came on and performed a stunning version of The Parting Glass .
“ I want that song played at my funeral , ” he told his friends .
Ten weeks later , on an achingly sad Sunday in Mayo , a fellow officer sings it at his graveside .
And Colm ’ s father holds the flag which draped his son ’ s coffin minutes earlier in the little church beside it .
People in Charlestown still can ’ t believe it .
Can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mass , they stand silently around Market Square and across the bridge and up Chapel Street to the Church of St James .
The funeral will be at midday in the place where he was baptised and where he received his First Communion and made his Confirmation .
For a time , he was a Minister of the Word .
“ Now he is here for the final farewell , ” said parish priest Tommy Johnson , welcoming him in for the last time .
Their Garda Colm was killed at midnight last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nearby town of Castlerea .
He was 49 .
Nobody in Charlestown could quite believe it .
They spoke in hushed tones as they waited for the cortege to arrive , standing at the edge of the footpaths .
Between them , on both sides of the road , were Colm Horkan ’ s divisional colleagues .
They held out their arms to space themselves and then stood in line for over an hour , hands by their sides , as rain poured and sun shone in fitful bursts .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blackwater , as the locals call it – the Casey family had taken up position .
Grandmother Angela , her daughter Sinéad and children .
They point across the road to The Dew Drop Inn , the pub once owned by Colm ’ s parents and where he was born .
Further up , if you take a right at the chemist , is Colm ’ s house .
“ We ’ re all absolutely in bits .
We were the closest all our lives , ” says Angela of the Casey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single rose from her garden .
“ My brother Declan is his best friend .
We all grew up together , across the road from each other.
” “ He led the escort on his motorbike when Colm was brought home on Friday night , ” she says .
“ The Caseys and Horkans – we were joined at the hip.
” Caimin ( 8 ) says he was like an uncle to them .
And the presents he used to bring – they were great .
A few yards away , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarsfields GAA club are out in force .
It ’ s the lads from the under-21s .
Colm used to coach them .
An older woman , who doesn ’ t want to give her name , tells of her son in Boston .
“ He ’ s gone there now 20 , maybe 25 years .
And he was on the phone the other night telling me that Colm was the special one in the town .
He was the one that he always remembers.
” It ’ s nearly time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and snap to attention .
So too do the eight representatives from the Mayo branch of the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen , rows of medals on their green blazers .
This is going to be a State funeral like no other .
A virtual State funeral , as one senior garda puts it .
It must be conducted with due observance of Covid-19 social distancing restrictions .
Close marching ranks of uniformed gardaí from all over the country will not fill the streets this time .
The Garda Band will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Slowly , slowly , the procession makes its way up Chapel Street flanked by officers from the Divisional Ceremonial Unit in slow march .
Their stoic colleagues blink back tears , standing with heads high and arms tightly by their sides , fists clenched .
Colm ’ s father Marty , his brothers Brendan , Aidan , Padraig and Dermot and sister Deirdre follow .
There is silence , save for the sound of clicking cameras .
The cortege stops at the church railings and the officers remove the coffin from the hearse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , boots crunching loudly on the tarmac .
Colm Horkan ’ s colleagues from Sarsfields , wearing black trousers , white shirts and club ties , march too .
Behind them , Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris .
The Casey family watch from outside the gates .
As the small funeral party goes inside , nearly a thousand people continue walking up the road towards the GAA club as Panis Angelicus rings out over the town on the public address system .
They watch the Mass on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fr O ’ Hara Park .
“ Scene of some of his greatest performances , ” said his brother Brendan during his eulogy .
“ He never let the jersey down.
” It ’ s the strangest thing inside the church – a big funeral , no , the State funeral , of a highly respected and hugely popular garda and a community stalwart .
But the casket is borne to the altar past row after row of unoccupied pews .
The sound of footsteps echoes loudly in the empty space .
Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s silence is observed for the fallen officer by his colleagues – serving and retired – at stations around the country .
In the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin , President Michael D Higgins and his wife stand by the Peace Bell .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is with Garda officers outside headquarters in the Phoenix Park .
The television pictures cut from venue to venue .
It ’ s a moving scene , with members of all the emergency services in every corner of the country paying their respects .
When this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Colm Horkan ’ s funeral was , in fact , the biggest of all .
It was no more than he deserved .
“ A man cut down in his prime doing the job he loved , ” said his brother Brendan .
For 21 years of his 26 years of service , Det Garda Horkan worked for the people he loved , with the people he loved .
“ Long may we be blessed by men and women of true dedication and service , true guardians of the peace .
Men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hundred of officers listening in the rain-soaked church grounds bowed their heads as the Garda Commissioner spoke of their comrade .
“ He epitomises what all of us as members should strive to be.
” In the church , Padraig Horkan read familiar words from the Book of Ecclesiastes .
“ There is a season for everything , a time for every occupation under the heaven .
And further in that verse is the line : “ A time for embracing , a time to refrain from embracing.
” Unusually for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , this was a time to refrain from embracing .
Or at least , it was supposed to be .
In truth , in the streets and around the side of the church and up at the GAA grounds , all notion of social distancing went out the window .
People couldn ’ t help but hug and embrace at this awful tragedy .
“ The gunshots that rang out in the early hours of Wednesday morning echoed not just in the town of Castlerea but right across the country , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People will wonder why Colm had to die in such a random , horrific way .
“ I can not answer those questions , but it seems when God takes the young he takes only the best , ” said the priest .
But the manner of his death should not eclipse Colm ’ s life , he added .
He was good man , a decent man , doing his duty .
And he was loved .
The Last Post is sounded and for many officers , it is too much .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ based in Ballyfermot , sings him his song as swifts darted in the afternoon air and sunlight pierced the stained glass windows of the old church where his club jersey lay on the altar beside a cherished family photograph .
But since it fell into my lot That I should rise and you should not Good night and joy be to you all .
.
.

Det Garda Colm Horkan was at home watching The Late Late Show when Hozier came on and performed a stunning version of The Parting Glass.
“I want that song played at my funeral,” he told his friends.
Ten weeks later, on an achingly sad Sunday in Mayo, a fellow officer sings it at his graveside. And Colm’s father holds the flag which draped his son’s coffin minutes earlier in the little church beside it.
People in Charlestown still can’t believe it. Can’t believe he’s gone. Before Mass, they stand silently around Market Square and across the bridge and up Chapel Street to the Church of St James.
READ MORE
The funeral will be at midday in the place where he was baptised and where he received his First Communion and made his Confirmation. For a time, he was a Minister of the Word.
“Now he is here for the final farewell,” said parish priest Tommy Johnson, welcoming him in for the last time.
Their Garda Colm was killed at midnight last Wednesday while going about his duty in the nearby town of Castlerea. He was 49.
Nobody in Charlestown could quite believe it.
They spoke in hushed tones as they waited for the cortege to arrive, standing at the edge of the footpaths. Between them, on both sides of the road, were Colm Horkan’s divisional colleagues.
They held out their arms to space themselves and then stood in line for over an hour, hands by their sides, as rain poured and sun shone in fitful bursts.
On the bridge over the river Mullaghanoe – or the Blackwater, as the locals call it – the Casey family had taken up position. Grandmother Angela, her daughter Sinéad and children.
They point across the road to The Dew Drop Inn, the pub once owned by Colm’s parents and where he was born. Further up, if you take a right at the chemist, is Colm’s house.
A single rose
“We’re all absolutely in bits. We were the closest all our lives,” says Angela of the Casey and Horkan families.
Sineád is holding a single rose from her garden.
“My brother Declan is his best friend. We all grew up together, across the road from each other.”
Declan is also a garda.
“He led the escort on his motorbike when Colm was brought home on Friday night,” she says. “The Caseys and Horkans – we were joined at the hip.”
She shakes her head.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (centre) marks the minute’s silence for late Garda Colm Horkan at Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park. Photograph: Tom Honan
“Poor ladeen.”
Caimin (8) says he was like an uncle to them. And the presents he used to bring – they were great.
A few yards away, the green and white jerseys of Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club are out in force. It’s the lads from the under-21s. Colm used to coach them.
An older woman, who doesn’t want to give her name, tells of her son in Boston. “He’s gone there now 20, maybe 25 years. And he was on the phone the other night telling me that Colm was the special one in the town. He was the one that he always remembers.”
It’s nearly time. “Fall-in!” The gardaí straighten up and snap to attention. So too do the eight representatives from the Mayo branch of the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen, rows of medals on their green blazers.
This is going to be a State funeral like no other. A virtual State funeral, as one senior garda puts it. It must be conducted with due observance of Covid-19 social distancing restrictions. Close marching ranks of uniformed gardaí from all over the country will not fill the streets this time. The Garda Band will not be at the head of the cortege.
Slowly, slowly, the procession makes its way up Chapel Street flanked by officers from the Divisional Ceremonial Unit in slow march. Their stoic colleagues blink back tears, standing with heads high and arms tightly by their sides, fists clenched.
Colm’s father Marty, his brothers Brendan, Aidan, Padraig and Dermot and sister Deirdre follow.
Tarmac crunch
There is silence, save for the sound of clicking cameras. The cortege stops at the church railings and the officers remove the coffin from the hearse and shoulder it the rest of the way, boots crunching loudly on the tarmac.
Colm Horkan’s colleagues from Sarsfields, wearing black trousers, white shirts and club ties, march too. Behind them, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
The Casey family watch from outside the gates.
As the small funeral party goes inside, nearly a thousand people continue walking up the road towards the GAA club as Panis Angelicus rings out over the town on the public address system. They watch the Mass on a big screen from the stand in Fr O’Hara Park.
“Scene of some of his greatest performances,” said his brother Brendan during his eulogy.
“He never let the jersey down.”
It’s the strangest thing inside the church – a big funeral, no, the State funeral, of a highly respected and hugely popular garda and a community stalwart. But the casket is borne to the altar past row after row of unoccupied pews. The sound of footsteps echoes loudly in the empty space.
A State ceremony and minute’s silence is held to mark the funeral of Detective Garda Colm Horkan outside the Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan
Before the obsequies begin, a minute’s silence is observed for the fallen officer by his colleagues – serving and retired – at stations around the country. In the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin, President Michael D Higgins and his wife stand by the Peace Bell. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is with Garda officers outside headquarters in the Phoenix Park.
The television pictures cut from venue to venue. It’s a moving scene, with members of all the emergency services in every corner of the country paying their respects. When this is counted up, perhaps we will find that Colm Horkan’s funeral was, in fact, the biggest of all.
It was no more than he deserved. “A man cut down in his prime doing the job he loved,” said his brother Brendan.
Guardian of the peace
For 21 years of his 26 years of service, Det Garda Horkan worked for the people he loved, with the people he loved. “Long may we be blessed by men and women of true dedication and service, true guardians of the peace. Men like Colm Horkan” said Msgr Tommy.
The hundred of officers listening in the rain-soaked church grounds bowed their heads as the Garda Commissioner spoke of their comrade. “He epitomises what all of us as members should strive to be.”
In the church, Padraig Horkan read familiar words from the Book of Ecclesiastes. “There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under the heaven.
A time for giving birth, a time for dying . . .”
And further in that verse is the line: “A time for embracing, a time to refrain from embracing.”
Unusually for an Irish funeral, because of the pandemic, this was a time to refrain from embracing. Or at least, it was supposed to be. In truth, in the streets and around the side of the church and up at the GAA grounds, all notion of social distancing went out the window.
People couldn’t help but hug and embrace at this awful tragedy. “The gunshots that rang out in the early hours of Wednesday morning echoed not just in the town of Castlerea but right across the country,” Msgr Johnson told his scattered congregation.
People will wonder why Colm had to die in such a random, horrific way.
“I cannot answer those questions, but it seems when God takes the young he takes only the best,” said the priest.
But the manner of his death should not eclipse Colm’s life, he added. He was good man, a decent man, doing his duty. And he was loved.
The Last Post is sounded and for many officers, it is too much.
Then Garda Alan McGinty, a Mayoman based in Ballyfermot, sings him his song as swifts darted in the afternoon air and sunlight pierced the stained glass windows of the old church where his club jersey lay on the altar beside a cherished family photograph.
But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all . . .


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Covid-19: Worry of further losses at Belfast’s Hatfield House bar

From the outside Hatfield House bar looks the same , but inside everything is different .
The Hatfield , on Belfast ’ s Lower Ormeau Road , has been closed since St Patrick ’ s Day when , like many pubs in the North , it shut voluntarily to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Now its bar staff sit at tables which have been converted into desks with a phone and computer , taking orders for food and off-sales deliveries as well as pints from their bespoke “ Guinness vans ” which are freshly poured and left on customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kegs are stacked where once there would have been stools and seats ; the spirits are gone from behind the bar and only a few glasses remain .
“ We spent quite a bit of money refurbishing this part of the bar two years ago , ” says manager Richie Keenan .
“ We did it all up lovely and it breaks my heart to see it like this because I poured my heart and soul into this bar .
But in another way I ’ m really proud of those guys in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hatfield ’ s gone all round the world since we closed , because of the Guinness vans , and it got so busy.
” The Hatfield has been a fixture in south Belfast since 1871 .
It boasts a bar made by craftsmen who installed the same design on the Titanic .
It is popular with students , but Keenan admits uncertainty over how many might return in September is “ terrifying ” .
“ We are aware that this could be a longer haul for us.
” Pubs in the North can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only , provided they observe social distancing measures , and drinks can also be served in their outdoor spaces .
But it is not yet clear how this will work in practice .
Industry body Hospitality Ulster has called for clear guidelines and for the requirement for social distancing of 2m to be reduced to 1m in line with the World Health Organisation recommendations .
Otherwise , its chief executive Colin Neill said , “ it is highly likely that many hospitality businesses will still be unable to reopen , as it simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What is needed , says Keenan , is action from government .
There are fears in the industry that the coronavirus crisis has accelerated the gap between pubs and off-sales .
He says there must be “ minimum unit pricing , that they do something about the VAT rate , that they encourage pubs as safe spaces , that they work with us on outside trading ” .
The numbers are stark .
The Hatfield can hold 700 people but under current social distancing regulations the maximum would be 130 to 140 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the last three months .
“ There ’ s a real possibility that we ’ ll be opening to lose more money.
” He quotes a mentor who told him pubs sell “ atmosphere , not beer ” ; social distancing , however necessary , is “ removing atmosphere , which is our product , and that ’ s the scary thing .
“ We ’ re literally taking people out of the pubs and people are what make pubs , and if we take all those people away , where ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what we ’ re worried about.
” These fears are replicated across Belfast .
He cites one owner , originally from Draperstown , Co Derry , who still has a small pub back home .
“ How can they possibly trade with social distancing ?
These wee pubs up the country that are the life blood of Irish culture , we ’ re going to lose them.
” One of Keenan ’ s concerns is “ our wee men who ’ ve been coming in here and sitting at that counter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their bit of social interaction ” .
He describes one man – a carer for his elderly mother – who came in every day for a beer and “ a bit of banter ” with the staff .
“ That was crucial to his day and to his mental health and wellbeing , ” he says .
“ He ’ s still calling down here for a yarn at the off-sales door [ but ] .
.
.
sitting at a table in the corner ’ s going to be hard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keenan , will be down to innovation and diversification .
At the back door , two men are hard at work building the wooden frame which will be installed inside the van to hold the kegs and equipment .
“ This will be van number five , ” says Keenan .
“ We ’ ll keep Guinness vans after Covid , because it is really special.
” He recalls one delivery to an elderly man terminally ill with cancer ; afterwards , his family “ sent us the loveliest message to say thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d see him smile like that again , ” says Keenan .
As soon as the Hatfield can reopen safely , it will do so .
“ We will open as somewhere for people to come and socialise because that ’ s our duty , ” says Keenan .
“ People support us all the time , so we have to be here to support them .
”

Richie Keenan in the Hatfield on the Ormeau Road, Belfast: Staff use the pub tables as an office. Photograph: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker
From the outside Hatfield House bar looks the same, but inside everything is different.
The Hatfield, on Belfast’s Lower Ormeau Road, has been closed since St Patrick’s Day when, like many pubs in the North, it shut voluntarily to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Now its bar staff sit at tables which have been converted into desks with a phone and computer, taking orders for food and off-sales deliveries as well as pints from their bespoke “Guinness vans” which are freshly poured and left on customers’ doorsteps.
Elsewhere, bottles and kegs are stacked where once there would have been stools and seats; the spirits are gone from behind the bar and only a few glasses remain.
READ MORE
"We spent quite a bit of money refurbishing this part of the bar two years ago," says manager Richie Keenan. "We did it all up lovely and it breaks my heart to see it like this because I poured my heart and soul into this bar. But in another way I'm really proud of those guys in there [taking orders] because the Hatfield's gone all round the world since we closed, because of the Guinness vans, and it got so busy."
The Hatfield has been a fixture in south Belfast since 1871. It boasts a bar made by craftsmen who installed the same design on the Titanic. It is popular with students, but Keenan admits uncertainty over how many might return in September is "terrifying".
“We are aware that this could be a longer haul for us.”
Pubs in the North can reopen from July 3rd for table service only, provided they observe social distancing measures, and drinks can also be served in their outdoor spaces. But it is not yet clear how this will work in practice.
Industry body Hospitality Ulster has called for clear guidelines and for the requirement for social distancing of 2m to be reduced to 1m in line with the World Health Organisation recommendations.
Safe spaces
Otherwise, its chief executive Colin Neill said, "it is highly likely that many hospitality businesses will still be unable to reopen, as it simply will not be commercially viable".
What is needed, says Keenan, is action from government. There are fears in the industry that the coronavirus crisis has accelerated the gap between pubs and off-sales. He says there must be “minimum unit pricing, that they do something about the VAT rate, that they encourage pubs as safe spaces, that they work with us on outside trading”.
The numbers are stark. The Hatfield can hold 700 people but under current social distancing regulations the maximum would be 130 to 140.
Would it be economically viable? Not given the last three months.
“There’s a real possibility that we’ll be opening to lose more money.”
He quotes a mentor who told him pubs sell “atmosphere, not beer”; social distancing, however necessary, is “removing atmosphere, which is our product, and that’s the scary thing.
“We’re literally taking people out of the pubs and people are what make pubs, and if we take all those people away, where’s the incentive to come? That’s what we’re worried about.”
These fears are replicated across Belfast. He cites one owner, originally from Draperstown, Co Derry, who still has a small pub back home.
“How can they possibly trade with social distancing? These wee pubs up the country that are the life blood of Irish culture, we’re going to lose them.”
‘Bit of banter’
One of Keenan’s concerns is “our wee men who’ve been coming in here and sitting at that counter for 30 years, who come here for their bit of social interaction”.
He describes one man – a carer for his elderly mother – who came in every day for a beer and “a bit of banter” with the staff.
“That was crucial to his day and to his mental health and wellbeing,” he says.
“He’s still calling down here for a yarn at the off-sales door [but] . . . sitting at a table in the corner’s going to be hard for that guy.”
Survival post-Covid, says Keenan, will be down to innovation and diversification. At the back door, two men are hard at work building the wooden frame which will be installed inside the van to hold the kegs and equipment.
“This will be van number five,” says Keenan. “We’ll keep Guinness vans after Covid, because it is really special.”
He recalls one delivery to an elderly man terminally ill with cancer; afterwards, his family “sent us the loveliest message to say thank you and they never thought they’d see him smile like that again,” says Keenan.
As soon as the Hatfield can reopen safely, it will do so.
“We will open as somewhere for people to come and socialise because that’s our duty,” says Keenan . “People support us all the time, so we have to be here to support them.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Dáil research outlines benefits of universal childcare

The introduction of universal , public childcare could improve affordability , accessibility and quality in the sector , according to analysis produced by the Oireachtas research unit .
Such a development would be a “ dramatic policy shift for Ireland ” , given the dominance of private childcare institutions in the State , it says .
The desktop report was produced by the Oireachtas Library & Research service , which is charged with producing impartial briefings on policy issues for the Oireachtas .
It is based on an analysis of available evidence , including from schemes elsewhere in Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not extensive , “ the available research has identified positive outcomes of public ECEC [ Early Childhood Education and Care ] programmes for parents and children ” .
In Germany , for example , it was associated with a reduction in child abuse and neglect , an increase in childbirth rates , improvements in children ’ s social and emotional development and an increase in maternal life satisfaction .
The document finds that the evidence suggests the introduction of a universal , public childcare system in Ireland “ may boost affordability , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhance maternal and child wellbeing ” .
The document does not examine the financial implications of such a policy , but identifies “ key challenges ” to universal provision as “ the market-driven approach to [ childcare ] provision and the negative economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak ” .
Ireland ’ s childcare sector is characterised by some of the highest fees for parents in Europe , as well as low wages and below-average levels of State investment .
Meanwhile , the Dáil committee on Covid-19 will on Tuesday hear of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector .
Industry group Early Childhood Ireland ( ECI ) will call on the Government to “ ramp up ” investment in the National Childcare Scheme , saying that the answer to the crisis is “ not direct payments to parents or tax-breaks to offset costs ” .
It will also call for the ring-fencing of funding used during the pandemic to support wages .
Teresa Heeney , the ECI chief executive , will tell the committee that “ central government needs urgently to engage with the sector and develop a plan on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a written submission , Seas Suas , a representative group for independent childcare providers , says “ the response to this childcare crisis continues to be short-sighted , confusing and lacking in detail ” .
Siptu official Paul Bell will say the failure to set up a childcare scheme for essential workers “ was a major setback to healthcare workers who were desperate for some relief and support ” .
The secretary general of the Department of Children is also expected to tell the committee the sector is in “ uncharted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that estimating demand for childcare between June 29th and early September is a “ significant challenge ” .
“ Overall we anticipate that demand for places will rise progressively over the summer and autumn but we are in uncharted waters this year , and we can not be definitive about uptake.
” This will bring “ challenges ” to the sector ’ s funding model .
Meanwhile DCU Professor of Early Childhood Education Mathias Urban , who leads the university ’ s centre for early childhood research , said the current model of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fragmented system which is very expensive and doesn ’ t produce good results for children , families or the State.
” “ The question is how we move towards a public conversation about what we as a society see as the purpose of investment in early childhood education , ” he said .
A spokesman for the Department of Children said the government is working to develop a new funding model , and has appointed an independently chaired expert group to oversee the work .
“ This group is tasked with examining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in delivering quality , affordable , sustainable and inclusive services and considering how additional resourcing can be delivered for the sector to achieve these objectives , drawing on international practice in this area , ” the spokesman said .
The project is set to run to 2021 .
There were an additional two deaths from coronavirus in the State documented on Monday , bringing the death toll to 1,717 , according to the latest figures from the Department of Health .
Four more people were confirmed as having caught Covid-19 , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease in the State to 25,383 .
This is the lowest daily figure of new confirmed cases since March 9th when the pandemic was in its early stages in this country .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan noted that more than one-third of new cases in the past 14 days had been in people under the age of 35 .

Ireland’s childcare sector is characterised by some of the highest fees for parents in Europe, as well as low wages and below-average levels of State investment. File photograph: iStockPhoto
The introduction of universal, public childcare could improve affordability, accessibility and quality in the sector, according to analysis produced by the Oireachtas research unit.
Such a development would be a “dramatic policy shift for Ireland”, given the dominance of private childcare institutions in the State, it says.
The desktop report was produced by the Oireachtas Library & Research service, which is charged with producing impartial briefings on policy issues for the Oireachtas. It is based on an analysis of available evidence, including from schemes elsewhere in Europe.
It finds that while the evidence base is not extensive, “the available research has identified positive outcomes of public ECEC [Early Childhood Education and Care] programmes for parents and children”.
READ MORE
In Germany, for example, it was associated with a reduction in child abuse and neglect, an increase in childbirth rates, improvements in children’s social and emotional development and an increase in maternal life satisfaction.
The document finds that the evidence suggests the introduction of a universal, public childcare system in Ireland “may boost affordability, accessibility and quality of childcare services and enhance maternal and child wellbeing”.
‘Key challenges’
The document does not examine the financial implications of such a policy, but identifies “key challenges” to universal provision as “the market-driven approach to [childcare] provision and the negative economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak”.
Ireland’s childcare sector is characterised by some of the highest fees for parents in Europe, as well as low wages and below-average levels of State investment.
Meanwhile, the Dáil committee on Covid-19 will on Tuesday hear of the impact of the pandemic on the childcare sector. Industry group Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) will call on the Government to “ramp up” investment in the National Childcare Scheme, saying that the answer to the crisis is “not direct payments to parents or tax-breaks to offset costs”. It will also call for the ring-fencing of funding used during the pandemic to support wages.
Siptu official Paul Bell: The failure to set up a childcare scheme for essential workers “was a major setback to healthcare workers who were desperate for some relief and support”. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Teresa Heeney, the ECI chief executive, will tell the committee that “central government needs urgently to engage with the sector and develop a plan on how funding needs will be met”.
‘Relief and support’
In a written submission, Seas Suas, a representative group for independent childcare providers, says “the response to this childcare crisis continues to be short-sighted, confusing and lacking in detail”.
Siptu official Paul Bell will say the failure to set up a childcare scheme for essential workers “was a major setback to healthcare workers who were desperate for some relief and support”.
The secretary general of the Department of Children is also expected to tell the committee the sector is in “uncharted waters”. Fergal Lynch will say that estimating demand for childcare between June 29th and early September is a “significant challenge”.
“Overall we anticipate that demand for places will rise progressively over the summer and autumn but we are in uncharted waters this year, and we cannot be definitive about uptake.”
This will bring “challenges” to the sector’s funding model.
Meanwhile DCU Professor of Early Childhood Education Mathias Urban, who leads the university’s centre for early childhood research, said the current model of childcare provision “has led to a fragmented system which is very expensive and doesn’t produce good results for children, families or the State.”
“The question is how we move towards a public conversation about what we as a society see as the purpose of investment in early childhood education,” he said.
A spokesman for the Department of Children said the government is working to develop a new funding model, and has appointed an independently chaired expert group to oversee the work. “This group is tasked with examining the current model of funding, its effectiveness in delivering quality, affordable, sustainable and inclusive services and considering how additional resourcing can be delivered for the sector to achieve these objectives, drawing on international practice in this area,” the spokesman said. The project is set to run to 2021.
There were an additional two deaths from coronavirus in the State documented on Monday, bringing the death toll to 1,717, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health. Four more people were confirmed as having caught Covid-19, bringing the total number of known cases of the disease in the State to 25,383. This is the lowest daily figure of new confirmed cases since March 9th when the pandemic was in its early stages in this country.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan noted that more than one-third of new cases in the past 14 days had been in people under the age of 35.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Plan to buy Seán O’Casey house for homeless shelved due to funding issues

The purchase of the last Dublin home of playwright Sean O ’ Casey by Dublin City Council is unlikely to go ahead , due to Coronavirus funding constraints , and a reduction in need for homeless accommodation .
The council last March announced plans to buy the house at 422 North Circular Road for use as homeless accommodation .
However , the purchase never went ahead .
O ’ Casey moved into 422 North Circular Road in the early 1920s , and in a ground-floor room wrote his Dublin trilogy : The Shadow of a Gunman , Juno and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stars .
His daughter , Shivaun O ’ Casey , last year said housing homeless people would be a “ very good use for the house ” and something her father would have supported .
The council said its purchase of the house had been “ significantly delayed ” because of unresolved probate issues in relation to the ownership of the property .
“ We were informed only recently that these issues were now resolved.
” However , the council said , it has in the intervening year bought other properties in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ and the need for same is not as great as it was when we first considered acquiring this particular property ” .
Due to the “ changed economic environment ” it was “ not overly confident ” it would get the funding required to buy and refurbish the house .
“ With the arrival of Covid-19 there is likely to be greater constraints around the availability of Capital Funding towards the acquisition and refurbishment of properties like this one .
Therefore , it is now very unlikely that we will proceed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services.
” The property had gone on sale in 2018 for €450,000 .
However , the council expected the final purchase and refurbishment costs to reach €1.5 million .
When the house went on sale several heritage and cultural organisations , as well as Sabina Higgins , wife of President Michael D Higgins , called for the council to ensure the preservation of the room in which O ’ Casey worked .
Currently , a faded wooden sign beside the front door reads “ Sean O ’ Casey House ” , but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shivaun O ’ Casey said if the building was not to be used for homeless people , it could instead be used by an arts organisation , perhaps as a residence for sponsored students , if funds could be raised .
O ’ Casey ’ s fellow tenants in the house , where he lived through much of the 1920s , provided inspiration for several of his characters , including Mollser Gogan and Captain and Juno Boyle .
The four-storey house was built as a family home in 1810 , but was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century ago and until recently was in use as bedsit accommodation .
The house has retained some of its Georgian features including an ornate fanlight and cast-iron griffin boot-scrapers and is on the Record of Protected Structures .
It was recently broken into and the basement entrance is now boarded up .
Independent councillor Nial Ring said it was disappointing the purchase didn ’ t go head and was concerned the building would fall into dereliction .
Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said it was the responsibilty of the council to ensure the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but not to buy the house .

The purchase of the last Dublin home of playwright Sean O'Casey by Dublin City Council is unlikely to go ahead, due to Coronavirus funding constraints, and a reduction in need for homeless accommodation.
The council last March announced plans to buy the house at 422 North Circular Road for use as homeless accommodation. However, the purchase never went ahead.
O’Casey moved into 422 North Circular Road in the early 1920s, and in a ground-floor room wrote his Dublin trilogy: The Shadow of a Gunman, Juno and the Paycock, and The Plough and the Stars.
His daughter, Shivaun O’Casey, last year said housing homeless people would be a “very good use for the house” and something her father would have supported.
READ MORE
The council said its purchase of the house had been “significantly delayed” because of unresolved probate issues in relation to the ownership of the property. “We were informed only recently that these issues were now resolved.”
However, the council said, it has in the intervening year bought other properties in the city for use for emergency homeless accommodation “and the need for same is not as great as it was when we first considered acquiring this particular property”.
Due to the “changed economic environment” it was “not overly confident” it would get the funding required to buy and refurbish the house.
“With the arrival of Covid-19 there is likely to be greater constraints around the availability of Capital Funding towards the acquisition and refurbishment of properties like this one. Therefore, it is now very unlikely that we will proceed with the acquisition of this property for homeless services.”
Other uses
The property had gone on sale in 2018 for €450,000. However, the council expected the final purchase and refurbishment costs to reach €1.5 million.
The house has retained some of its Georgian features including an ornate fanlight and cast-iron griffin boot-scrapers and is on the Record of Protected Structures
When the house went on sale several heritage and cultural organisations, as well as Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins, called for the council to ensure the preservation of the room in which O'Casey worked. Currently, a faded wooden sign beside the front door reads "Sean O'Casey House", but this is not visible from the public road.
Shivaun O’Casey said if the building was not to be used for homeless people, it could instead be used by an arts organisation, perhaps as a residence for sponsored students, if funds could be raised.
Break in
O'Casey's fellow tenants in the house, where he lived through much of the 1920s, provided inspiration for several of his characters, including Mollser Gogan and Captain and Juno Boyle.
The four-storey house was built as a family home in 1810, but was divided into tenement flats more than a century ago and until recently was in use as bedsit accommodation.
The house has retained some of its Georgian features including an ornate fanlight and cast-iron griffin boot-scrapers and is on the Record of Protected Structures.
It was recently broken into and the basement entrance is now boarded up. Independent councillor Nial Ring said it was disappointing the purchase didn't go head and was concerned the building would fall into dereliction.
Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said it was the responsibilty of the council to ensure the “integrity of the building” was protected, but not to buy the house.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Failures around childcare provision to come under Dáil scrutiny

The issue of childcare has remained “ steadfastly problematic ” since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic , a Dáil committee will be told on Tuesday .
Childcare providers and unions are due to appear before the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 to address ongoing issues in the funding and capacity of the childcare sector .
Siptu official Paul Bell is expected to tell TDs that the “ overwhelming ” majority of contacts received by the union have been from working mothers who were “ desperately trying to secure childcare so they could go to work as an essential healthcare worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will say that by early May “ many members ’ annual leave for 2020 had dried up and the only option was to retreat from the health service through unpaid leave ” .
“ For our union , it is most concerning the preference was to lose an essential healthcare worker rather than consider flexible options and supports which would maintain their skillset while also ensuring they were supported to meet their family needs.
” He will say that the failure to set up a childcare scheme for essential workers “ was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were desperate for some relief and support .
Equally , the gap to the next stage , 29th June , was a further seven weeks of uncertainty and no pay in many cases.
” “ The issue of childcare has remained steadfastly problematic since the beginning of the lockdown.
” Secretary general of the Department of Children Fergal Lynch is also expected to tell the committee that the sector is in “ uncharted waters ” .
He will say that estimating likely demand for childcare services between June 29th and early September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The planned reopening of businesses on June 29th occurs at a time when just 40 per cent of services would normally be open at this time of year , 1,800 out of 4,500 providers .
“ Compared to pre-Covid , demand this autumn may be lower because of job losses among parents , or because of more flexible working that better allows families balance caring and working responsibilities .
“ Overall we anticipate that demand for places will rise progressively over the summer and autumn but we are in uncharted waters this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitive about uptake.
” This will bring “ challenges ” to the type of funding model for the sector in the months ahead , according to his opening statement .
Paula Donohoe , a private provider , will also tell TDs that in the initial period after lockdown there ensued “ an information vacuum that was filled with speculation , misinformation , media interpretation and generally unhelpful commentary which had the natural effect of raising already heightened stress levels.
” Chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland Teresa Heeney is expected to call on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment in the national childcare scene , saying that the answer to the crisis is “ not direct payments to parents or tax-breaks to offset costs ” .
Ms Heeney also says that the lack of clarity on the post-Covid funding model beyond August is causing anxiety to providers who are planning for reopening on June 29th with “ no clarity on the financial model which will be in place after the summer ” .
“ This is also true of settings that will reopen for the first time in September .
Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector and develop a plan on how funding needs will be met .
It must be acknowledged , however , that our sector is extremely diverse , and problems can not be resolved with a ‘ one size fits all ’ solution.
” In a written submission to the committee , Seas Suas , a representative group for independent childcare providers , says that “ the response to this childcare crisis continues to be short-sighted , confusing and lacking in detail ” .

Secretary general of the Department of Children Fergal Lynch is expected to tell the Oireachtas committee that the childcare sector is in ‘uncharted waters’. Photograph: iStock
The issue of childcare has remained “steadfastly problematic” since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, a Dáil committee will be told on Tuesday.
Childcare providers and unions are due to appear before the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 to address ongoing issues in the funding and capacity of the childcare sector.
Siptu official Paul Bell is expected to tell TDs that the “overwhelming” majority of contacts received by the union have been from working mothers who were “desperately trying to secure childcare so they could go to work as an essential healthcare worker”.
According to his opening statement he will say that by early May “many members’ annual leave for 2020 had dried up and the only option was to retreat from the health service through unpaid leave”.
READ MORE
“For our union, it is most concerning the preference was to lose an essential healthcare worker rather than consider flexible options and supports which would maintain their skillset while also ensuring they were supported to meet their family needs.”
He will say that the failure to set up a childcare scheme for essential workers “was a major setback to health care workers who were desperate for some relief and support. Equally, the gap to the next stage, 29th June, was a further seven weeks of uncertainty and no pay in many cases.”
“The issue of childcare has remained steadfastly problematic since the beginning of the lockdown.”
Secretary general of the Department of Children Fergal Lynch is also expected to tell the committee that the sector is in “uncharted waters”.
He will say that estimating likely demand for childcare services between June 29th and early September is a “significant challenge”.
“The planned reopening of businesses on June 29th occurs at a time when just 40 per cent of services would normally be open at this time of year, 1,800 out of 4,500 providers.
“Compared to pre-Covid, demand this autumn may be lower because of job losses among parents, or because of more flexible working that better allows families balance caring and working responsibilities.
“Overall we anticipate that demand for places will rise progressively over the summer and autumn but we are in uncharted waters this year, and we cannot be definitive about uptake.”
This will bring “challenges” to the type of funding model for the sector in the months ahead, according to his opening statement.
‘Information vacuum’
Paula Donohoe, a private provider, will also tell TDs that in the initial period after lockdown there ensued “an information vacuum that was filled with speculation, misinformation, media interpretation and generally unhelpful commentary which had the natural effect of raising already heightened stress levels.”
Chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland Teresa Heeney is expected to call on the Government to “ramp up” investment in the national childcare scene, saying that the answer to the crisis is “not direct payments to parents or tax-breaks to offset costs”.
Ms Heeney also says that the lack of clarity on the post-Covid funding model beyond August is causing anxiety to providers who are planning for reopening on June 29th with “no clarity on the financial model which will be in place after the summer”.
“This is also true of settings that will reopen for the first time in September. Central government needs urgently to engage with the sector and develop a plan on how funding needs will be met. It must be acknowledged, however, that our sector is extremely diverse, and problems cannot be resolved with a ‘one size fits all’ solution.”
In a written submission to the committee, Seas Suas, a representative group for independent childcare providers, says that “the response to this childcare crisis continues to be short-sighted, confusing and lacking in detail”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--One in five 17-year-olds are ‘unhealthy smokers and drinkers’ - ESRI report

One in five 17-year-olds consume high levels of alcohol , are daily or occasional smokers and have poor diets , new research on clusters of health behaviour in adolescents shows .
A new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute ( ESRI ) , the State ’ s independent think tank , published on Tuesday , found three distinct health clusters among young adults .
A group comprising 21 per cent of 17-year-olds - described as “ unhealthy smokers and drinkers ” - were found to have the highest level of alcohol consumption , were daily or occasional smokers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical activity and poor to moderate dietary quality .
Another group described as the “ unhealthy diet and physical activity ” group made up 36 per cent of this age group and did not smoke or drank alcohol rarely , once a month or less , but had the worst levels of physical activity and had the poorest diets .
A “ healthy group ” representing 43 per cent of 17-year-olds were non-smokers , drank rarely , engaged in exercise in six or more occasions in the previous fortnight and had the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the “ Growing Up in Ireland ‘ 98 Cohort ” and funded by HSE Health and Wellbeing , found that young women are more likely to fall into the unhealthy smoker and drinker group and especially the unhealthy diet and activity groups .
Young people from working-class backgrounds were more likely to be a smoker and drink and those whose mothers had lower levels of education - Leaving Certificate or lower - were more likely to have poor diet and physical activity levels .
There were higher rates of drinking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasional or regular smokes , reflecting the impact of parental health behaviour on children .
The socioeconomic background of students and the school climate had a more significant effect than school policy on the membership of the various groups .
Negative interaction with teachers and “ disaffection ” from school was found to lead to greater levels of smoking and drinking .
“ The research findings show that measures to promote both school engagement and a more positive school climate , while important for educational outcomes , are likely to have positive spillovers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lives , including health behaviours , ” said Anne Nolan , one of the authors of the report .

There were higher rates of drinking and smoking among young people whose parents are occasional or regular smokes, reflecting the impact of parental health behaviour on children. File photograph: Johnny Green/ PA Wire
One in five 17-year-olds consume high levels of alcohol, are daily or occasional smokers and have poor diets, new research on clusters of health behaviour in adolescents shows.
A new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the State’s independent think tank, published on Tuesday, found three distinct health clusters among young adults.
A group comprising 21 per cent of 17-year-olds - described as “unhealthy smokers and drinkers” - were found to have the highest level of alcohol consumption, were daily or occasional smokers, had moderate to low levels of physical activity and poor to moderate dietary quality.
Another group described as the “unhealthy diet and physical activity” group made up 36 per cent of this age group and did not smoke or drank alcohol rarely, once a month or less, but had the worst levels of physical activity and had the poorest diets.
READ MORE
A “healthy group” representing 43 per cent of 17-year-olds were non-smokers, drank rarely, engaged in exercise in six or more occasions in the previous fortnight and had the best diet.
The research, drawing on data from the "Growing Up in Ireland '98 Cohort" and funded by HSE Health and Wellbeing, found that young women are more likely to fall into the unhealthy smoker and drinker group and especially the unhealthy diet and activity groups.
Young people from working-class backgrounds were more likely to be a smoker and drink and those whose mothers had lower levels of education - Leaving Certificate or lower - were more likely to have poor diet and physical activity levels.
There were higher rates of drinking and smoking among young people whose parents are occasional or regular smokes, reflecting the impact of parental health behaviour on children.
The socioeconomic background of students and the school climate had a more significant effect than school policy on the membership of the various groups.
Negative interaction with teachers and “disaffection” from school was found to lead to greater levels of smoking and drinking.
"The research findings show that measures to promote both school engagement and a more positive school climate, while important for educational outcomes, are likely to have positive spillovers for other aspects of young people's lives, including health behaviours," said Anne Nolan, one of the authors of the report.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Criminal law Acts may lapse if coalition not formed by month end

It is not the case that the non-jury Special Criminal Court will cease to sit after the end of this month if certain provisions are not renewed by the Dáil and the Seanad .
However , a number of provisions contained in two separate criminal law Acts may lapse after June 29th next , if they are not renewed by the Oireachtas .
The legislation can not be renewed , the Government believes , until 11 Taoiseach ’ s nominees are appointed , and that can not happen , the Government also believes , until there is a new administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court of the High Court begins hearing a case brought by Senators who argue that the Seanad , as currently convened , can pass legislation , including extending the Special Criminal Court ’ s powers .
The laws that need to be renewed are provisions of the Offences Against the State ( Amendment ) Act 1998 , and of the Criminal Justice ( Amendment ) Act 2009 .
Under them , a court can draw inferences from an accused ’ s silence when questioned about membership of an unlawful organisation , directing criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among other subject .
Legal sources said the lapsing of the powers poses a number of issues for trials coming before the court .
A gangland killing case that is due to come up for mention at the end of this month involves offences that are in danger of lapsing , but also includes other serious charges that will not lapse .
The case is not scheduled to go to trial in the near future .
However a separate case that involves a charge of membership of a criminal organisation , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to trial in the second week of July .
Sources said that the affected provisions involving gangland offences stipulate that the offences are “ scheduled ” ones , which means that they come before the non-jury court .
They would still be offences even if the affected provisions lapse , the sources said .
The difference would be that the trials arising from any charges might end up before an ordinary – as against a non-jury – court .
The issue with membership of an illegal organisation is different .
The provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court to make certain inferences arising from a person ’ s response to questions about membership of an illegal organisation .
This appears to mean that , if the provision lapses , the court can not make any such inference .
Legal sources said lawyers acting for persons facing prosecution for breaking the relevant laws could seek to use any lapsing of the provisions to the benefit of their clients .
However the counter-argument is likely to be made in the case of any gangland charges , that cases that are already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the offences existed at the time the charges were brought and at the time any custody decisions were made .
There might be a question mark over any future charges , should the legislation lapse , one source said , but for charges already brought , there is less concern .
A spokesman for the Department of Justice said the implications for any ongoing proceedings of any lapsing of the laws would be a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions .

The laws that need to be renewed are provisions of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, and of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009.
It is not the case that the non-jury Special Criminal Court will cease to sit after the end of this month if certain provisions are not renewed by the Dáil and the Seanad.
However, a number of provisions contained in two separate criminal law Acts may lapse after June 29th next, if they are not renewed by the Oireachtas.
The legislation cannot be renewed, the Government believes, until 11 Taoiseach’s nominees are appointed, and that cannot happen, the Government also believes, until there is a new administration.
On Wednesday, a three-judge Divisional Court of the High Court begins hearing a case brought by Senators who argue that the Seanad, as currently convened, can pass legislation, including extending the Special Criminal Court's powers.
READ MORE
The laws that need to be renewed are provisions of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, and of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009.
Under them, a court can draw inferences from an accused’s silence when questioned about membership of an unlawful organisation, directing criminal activity or the commission of gangland offences, among other subject.
Criminal organisation
Legal sources said the lapsing of the powers poses a number of issues for trials coming before the court.
A gangland killing case that is due to come up for mention at the end of this month involves offences that are in danger of lapsing, but also includes other serious charges that will not lapse. The case is not scheduled to go to trial in the near future.
However a separate case that involves a charge of membership of a criminal organisation, and no other offence, is scheduled to go to trial in the second week of July.
Sources said that the affected provisions involving gangland offences stipulate that the offences are “scheduled” ones, which means that they come before the non-jury court.
They would still be offences even if the affected provisions lapse, the sources said. The difference would be that the trials arising from any charges might end up before an ordinary – as against a non-jury – court.
Defence advantage
The issue with membership of an illegal organisation is different. The provision that is in danger of lapsing allows the court to make certain inferences arising from a person’s response to questions about membership of an illegal organisation.
This appears to mean that, if the provision lapses, the court cannot make any such inference.
Legal sources said lawyers acting for persons facing prosecution for breaking the relevant laws could seek to use any lapsing of the provisions to the benefit of their clients.
However the counter-argument is likely to be made in the case of any gangland charges, that cases that are already in train should not be affected, as the offences existed at the time the charges were brought and at the time any custody decisions were made.
There might be a question mark over any future charges, should the legislation lapse, one source said, but for charges already brought, there is less concern.
A spokesman for the Department of Justice said the implications for any ongoing proceedings of any lapsing of the laws would be a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Cabinet to examine Covid-19 visitor restrictions to offshore islands

The Cabinet is set to examine the issue of visitor restrictions to offshore islands following concerns from residents about the potential spread of Covid-19 .
Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann , the islands ’ federation , met on Monday in a bid to formulate a uniform view before this week ’ s Cabinet meeting .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) last week gave the green light for islands to fully reopen on June 29th .
Government sources say there are “ differences of opinion within and between Islands as to what should happen ” .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the early opening , there is resistance from residents who want to stay closed for a longer period .
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and the Islands Sean Kyne is understood to be advocating for a phased approach and for those with family connections or island properties to be allowed to travel from June 29th followed by a full reopening around July 20th .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told Cabinet colleagues that there will need to be a consistent or uniform approach from all islands if the NPHET advice is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those providing essential services are permitted to travel to the islands .
In a parliamentary question answered earlier this month , Mr Kyne said that “ while the Government recognises the importance of tourism to the economy of the islands , the well-being of island residents and the operators of lifeline services to these islands must be given priority at this time ” .
Residents on the islands have told politicians they are concerned about a potentially rapid spread of coronavirus when travel restrictions are lifted .
A HSE review previously found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vary between different islands and need improvement in many areas .
The 2018 review looked at the provision of health services to nearly 3,000 people living on 18 islands off the coast of Ireland that are not connected by a land causeway with the mainland .
It called for Government policy to be “ island proofed ” so that policies take into account the impact on their residents .
The review found that people living on islands have significant distances to travel to access services .

The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) last week gave the green light for islands to fully reopen on June 29th.
The Cabinet is set to examine the issue of visitor restrictions to offshore islands following concerns from residents about the potential spread of Covid-19.
Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, the islands’ federation, met on Monday in a bid to formulate a uniform view before this week’s Cabinet meeting.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) last week gave the green light for islands to fully reopen on June 29th.
Government sources say there are “differences of opinion within and between Islands as to what should happen”.
READ MORE
It is understood that while many businesses are happy with the early opening, there is resistance from residents who want to stay closed for a longer period.
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and the Islands Sean Kyne is understood to be advocating for a phased approach and for those with family connections or island properties to be allowed to travel from June 29th followed by a full reopening around July 20th.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told Cabinet colleagues that there will need to be a consistent or uniform approach from all islands if the NPHET advice is to be overturned.
Improvements needed
Currently only island residents and those providing essential services are permitted to travel to the islands.
In a parliamentary question answered earlier this month, Mr Kyne said that “while the Government recognises the importance of tourism to the economy of the islands, the well-being of island residents and the operators of lifeline services to these islands must be given priority at this time”.
Residents on the islands have told politicians they are concerned about a potentially rapid spread of coronavirus when travel restrictions are lifted.
A HSE review previously found that health services on the offshore islands vary between different islands and need improvement in many areas.
The 2018 review looked at the provision of health services to nearly 3,000 people living on 18 islands off the coast of Ireland that are not connected by a land causeway with the mainland. It called for Government policy to be “island proofed” so that policies take into account the impact on their residents. The review found that people living on islands have significant distances to travel to access services.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--More than 100 criminal investigations into alleged scout abusers under way

Specialist gardaí are currently carrying out 110 criminal investigations into former scout leaders alleged to have sexually abused children in legacy scouting organisations .
This is the first time the extent of An Garda Síochána ’ s investigations into alleged historical abuse by scout leaders has been disclosed , since the scandal facing Scouting Ireland first came to light over a year and a half ago .
Separately , the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) confirmed it is investigating five suspects on foot of information provided by alleged abuse survivors who contacted Scouting Ireland .
Scouting Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 275 alleged perpetrators of historical child abuse , as part of a review led by child protection expert Ian Elliott .
The alleged abuse primarily occurred between the 1960s and 1990s in legacy organisations , the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland and Scout Association of Ireland , who merged to form Scouting Ireland in 2004 .
In a final report on the issue , Mr Elliott found sex offenders had risen to the “ top level ” of the former organisations , operated in groups , and protected other known abusers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , published in May , found child abuse was “ tolerated ” and covered up for decades to protect the scouting movement ’ s reputation .
Scouting Ireland first disclosed an internal review had identified 108 alleged victims and 71 alleged abusers in November 2018 .
A helpline set up by the organisation fielded more than 100 calls from other survivors in the weeks afterwards , with Tusla , the child and family agency , also setting up a dedicated helpline .
Allegations made to both these helplines were referred to gardaí , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported directly to An Garda Síochána .
In a statement , a Garda spokesman said 65 new investigations were opened on foot of the referrals .
Some 45 investigations were already under way in November 2018 , and these would include inquiries into some of the 71 alleged abusers identified in Scouting Ireland ’ s initial review .
Previously , gardaí had refused to disclose how many active investigations it was pursuing .
Scouting Ireland has consistently said a significant majority of the alleged abusers were deceased .
A team of specialist investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up to co-ordinate the inquiries within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau .
Minister for Children Katherine Zappone is currently considering whether to launch a statutory inquiry into the allegations of historical abuse .
Secretary general of the Department of Children Fergal Lynch has privately cautioned against such a move due to the ongoing criminal investigations .
In correspondence on the matter sent to the Department of Justice secretary general Aidan O ’ Driscoll last November , Mr Lynch said “ we are very anxious to ensure that we avoid doing anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutions ” .
Discussions around an inquiry were put on hold until the publication of Mr Elliott ’ s report .
However , there are now reservations over how much more information an inquiry could uncover , due to poor record keeping by Scouting Ireland , as well as the limitations imposed by ongoing criminal investigations .
Scouting Ireland has made an organisational apology over the past abuse , and set up a scheme to fund counselling services for survivors .
Separately , about 40 survivors of past alleged abuse are seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A team of specialist investigators from the sexual crime unit has been set up to co-ordinate the inquiries within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
Specialist gardaí are currently carrying out 110 criminal investigations into former scout leaders alleged to have sexually abused children in legacy scouting organisations.
This is the first time the extent of An Garda Síochána's investigations into alleged historical abuse by scout leaders has been disclosed, since the scandal facing Scouting Ireland first came to light over a year and a half ago.
Separately, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it is investigating five suspects on foot of information provided by alleged abuse survivors who contacted Scouting Ireland.
Scouting Ireland has to date identified 356 alleged victims and 275 alleged perpetrators of historical child abuse, as part of a review led by child protection expert Ian Elliott.
READ MORE
The alleged abuse primarily occurred between the 1960s and 1990s in legacy organisations, the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland and Scout Association of Ireland, who merged to form Scouting Ireland in 2004.
Deceased abusers
In a final report on the issue, Mr Elliott found sex offenders had risen to the “top level” of the former organisations, operated in groups, and protected other known abusers from being held to account.
The report, published in May, found child abuse was “tolerated” and covered up for decades to protect the scouting movement’s reputation.
Scouting Ireland first disclosed an internal review had identified 108 alleged victims and 71 alleged abusers in November 2018. A helpline set up by the organisation fielded more than 100 calls from other survivors in the weeks afterwards, with Tusla, the child and family agency, also setting up a dedicated helpline.
Allegations made to both these helplines were referred to gardaí, and a number of allegations were also reported directly to An Garda Síochána.
In a statement, a Garda spokesman said 65 new investigations were opened on foot of the referrals. Some 45 investigations were already under way in November 2018, and these would include inquiries into some of the 71 alleged abusers identified in Scouting Ireland’s initial review.
Previously, gardaí had refused to disclose how many active investigations it was pursuing. Scouting Ireland has consistently said a significant majority of the alleged abusers were deceased.
A team of specialist investigators from the sexual crime unit has been set up to co-ordinate the inquiries within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.
Statutory inquiry
Minister for Children Katherine Zappone is currently considering whether to launch a statutory inquiry into the allegations of historical abuse. Secretary general of the Department of Children Fergal Lynch has privately cautioned against such a move due to the ongoing criminal investigations.
In correspondence on the matter sent to the Department of Justice secretary general Aidan O’Driscoll last November, Mr Lynch said “we are very anxious to ensure that we avoid doing anything that risks compromising any criminal investigations or prosecutions”.
Discussions around an inquiry were put on hold until the publication of Mr Elliott’s report. However, there are now reservations over how much more information an inquiry could uncover, due to poor record keeping by Scouting Ireland, as well as the limitations imposed by ongoing criminal investigations.
Scouting Ireland has made an organisational apology over the past abuse, and set up a scheme to fund counselling services for survivors. Separately, about 40 survivors of past alleged abuse are seeking to take legal cases against the youth organisation.


theirishtimes--2020-06-22--Bar Council’s free accommodation at the Four Courts is unlawful, letter claims

The arrangement whereby the Bar Council is given free accommodation in the Four Courts is unlawful , it has been claimed .
The claim is the subject of a letter of complaint sent to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe , in which the Bar Council is described as a “ private club ” for barristers that charges €1,500 in “ hello money ” to new entrants .
Under an arrangement that goes back to the early 1800s , the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) provides accommodation for desks and library facilities for more than 400 barristers within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covers the arrangement allows the OPW to collect a rent of one penny each year “ on April Fools ’ Day ” , though the practice is not to do so , according to the letter .
It was sent by KRW Law earlier this month , acting on behalf of their client , barrister Eugenie Houston , who is not a member of the Bar Council .
Five sets of High Court proceedings she took against the council were thrown out last year .
The Bar Council represents the bulk of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Objecting to the current accommodation arrangement between the Bar Council and the OPW at the Four Courts , the letter says on behalf of Ms Houston that the State may not subsidise the holder of a dominant position in the marketplace .
Historically , barristers worked from the Law Library in the Four Courts building , but more recently , as the numbers in the profession grew , the council provided extensive additional office accommodation and back-up services for its members on Church Street , close to the Four Courts .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courts of Justice building , on Parkgate Street , Dublin 8 , at what is understood to be a considerable rent .
The letter sent on behalf of Ms Houston suggests the State should seek a back payment of €2 million from the Bar Council for the free accommodation that has been provided at the Four Courts over the years .
The letter says that Ms Houston has seen the licence agreement between the OPW and the council , and takes issue with the OPW ’ s apparent view that the council was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Bar Council is a private club , charges ‘ hello money ’ of €1,500 to new entrants to the market for barrister services and significant annual fees running to thousands of euro per year for Law Library services.
” A spokeswoman for the Bar Council did not wish to comment .
A spokesman for the OPW said the accommodation arrangements for the Bar Council ’ s Law Library in the Four Courts are “ complex ” .
They date back to the early 1800s , when the original Law Library in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds provided by the Benchers , the predecessors of the Bar Council .
“ Since 1931 , the occupation by the Bar Council at the Four Courts complex has been by way of historical licence agreements that currently remain in place , ” he said .
In the High Court last year , Judge Michael Twomey dismissed a series of actions Ms Houston had taken against the Bar Council because she had failed to make a prima facie case .
He said Ms Houston , by then no longer a member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ very extreme reaction ” to the handling by the Bar Council ’ s professional conduct tribunal of a “ relatively minor ” complaint against her .
At one stage she ’ d said she was being treated “ like a Jew in Nazi Germany ” .
Five sets of proceedings she took led to the council incurring approximately€500,000 in legal costs , the judge said .
Ms Houston , who represented herself in the proceedings , told the court that she did not have any money .

The arrangement whereby the Bar Council is given free accommodation in the Four Courts is unlawful, it has been claimed.
The claim is the subject of a letter of complaint sent to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, in which the Bar Council is described as a "private club" for barristers that charges €1,500 in "hello money" to new entrants.
Under an arrangement that goes back to the early 1800s, the Office of Public Works (OPW) provides accommodation for desks and library facilities for more than 400 barristers within the Four Courts complex.
The licence that covers the arrangement allows the OPW to collect a rent of one penny each year “on April Fools’ Day”, though the practice is not to do so, according to the letter.
READ MORE
It was sent by KRW Law earlier this month, acting on behalf of their client, barrister Eugenie Houston, who is not a member of the Bar Council. Five sets of High Court proceedings she took against the council were thrown out last year.
The Bar Council represents the bulk of the State’s more than 2,000 barristers.
Objecting to the current accommodation arrangement between the Bar Council and the OPW at the Four Courts, the letter says on behalf of Ms Houston that the State may not subsidise the holder of a dominant position in the marketplace.
Additional accommodation
Historically, barristers worked from the Law Library in the Four Courts building, but more recently, as the numbers in the profession grew, the council provided extensive additional office accommodation and back-up services for its members on Church Street, close to the Four Courts.
It also rents accommodation in the new Criminal Courts of Justice building, on Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, at what is understood to be a considerable rent.
The letter sent on behalf of Ms Houston suggests the State should seek a back payment of €2 million from the Bar Council for the free accommodation that has been provided at the Four Courts over the years.
The letter says that Ms Houston has seen the licence agreement between the OPW and the council, and takes issue with the OPW’s apparent view that the council was “providing a public service”.
“The Bar Council is a private club, charges ‘hello money’ of €1,500 to new entrants to the market for barrister services and significant annual fees running to thousands of euro per year for Law Library services.”
A spokeswoman for the Bar Council did not wish to comment.
‘Complex’ arrangements
A spokesman for the OPW said the accommodation arrangements for the Bar Council’s Law Library in the Four Courts are “complex”.
They date back to the early 1800s, when the original Law Library in the Four Courts building was constructed with funds provided by the Benchers, the predecessors of the Bar Council.
“Since 1931, the occupation by the Bar Council at the Four Courts complex has been by way of historical licence agreements that currently remain in place,” he said.
In the High Court last year, Judge Michael Twomey dismissed a series of actions Ms Houston had taken against the Bar Council because she had failed to make a prima facie case.
He said Ms Houston, by then no longer a member of the Law Library, had somehow had a “very extreme reaction” to the handling by the Bar Council’s professional conduct tribunal of a “relatively minor” complaint against her.
At one stage she’d said she was being treated “like a Jew in Nazi Germany”.
Five sets of proceedings she took led to the council incurring approximately€500,000 in legal costs, the judge said. Ms Houston, who represented herself in the proceedings, told the court that she did not have any money.


theirishtimes--2020-06-22--Half ‘flushable’ wipes contain microplastics that end up in sea - study

Half of wet-wipe brands labelled “ flushable ” are found to contain harmful plastic microfibres that end up in Irish waters , a new study has found .
The research states that such wipes and sanitary towels are a far greater threat to the environment than previously understood .
One of the researchers suggests people should dispose of such products in their black bins in preference to flushing them down the toilet .
“ There is a need for increased public awareness of microplastic pollution in the environment and human behaviour should shift away from .
.
.
disposal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divert to alternative land-based waste management , ” said lead researcher Dr Liam Morrison of the Earth and Ocean Sciences and Ryan Institute at NUI Galway .
The study , published in the international journal Water Research , examines the contribution of flushed personal-care textile products to ocean pollution .
It focused on three sites : one adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant near Mutton Island in Galway city ; one in Bell Harbour , Co Clare ; and another in Bellacragher , Co Mayo .
It uncovered 5,536 , 788 and 265 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each of the respective sites .
At Mutton Island , the study found that 91 per cent of the microplastic waste was likely derived from wipes and sanitary towels .
“ Covid-19 may have brought its own challenges for the oceans including the increased use of disinfectant wipes during the pandemic which potentially may end up as microplastic fibres in the sea , ” said Dr Morrison .
“ It is widely known that microplastics can act as vectors for contaminants including bacteria and viruses and are potentially harmful for public health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be removed by the wastewater treatment process , the researchers said combined sewage overflows associated with heavy rainfall can lead to the release of waste containing wipes and sanitary towels .
They also found that most previous studies are likely to have underestimated the amount of white plastic fibres in the water as filtration processes typically use a white background , making visual identification difficult .
The NUI Galway researchers note that European production of non-woven textiles for hygiene and sanitary products – those that frequently cause blockages in sewage systems – exceeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to a 2019 Marine Conservation Society study , quantities of wet wipes washing up on beaches in the UK have increased by 400 per cent in the last decade .
Last March , Coastwatch put wet wipes in a separate designated category for its survey of beach pollution .
It has found that where other materials such as plastic bottles are continuing to decline , wet wipes have been on the increase .
The environmental organisation also noted that despite being found on more than 12 per cent of Irish beaches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant underestimate ” given the difficulty in finding them .

Researchers noted that European production of non-woven textiles for hygiene and sanitary products – those that frequently cause blockages in sewage systems – exceeded 1m tonnes in 2016. File photograph: iStock
Half of wet-wipe brands labelled “flushable” are found to contain harmful plastic microfibres that end up in Irish waters, a new study has found.
The research states that such wipes and sanitary towels are a far greater threat to the environment than previously understood.
One of the researchers suggests people should dispose of such products in their black bins in preference to flushing them down the toilet.
"There is a need for increased public awareness of microplastic pollution in the environment and human behaviour should shift away from . . . disposal of sanitary products down the toilet and instead divert to alternative land-based waste management," said lead researcher Dr Liam Morrison of the Earth and Ocean Sciences and Ryan Institute at NUI Galway.
READ MORE
The study, published in the international journal Water Research, examines the contribution of flushed personal-care textile products to ocean pollution.
It focused on three sites: one adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant near Mutton Island in Galway city; one in Bell Harbour, Co Clare; and another in Bellacragher, Co Mayo.
It uncovered 5,536, 788 and 265 white fibres per kilogramme of sediment at each of the respective sites. At Mutton Island, the study found that 91 per cent of the microplastic waste was likely derived from wipes and sanitary towels.
A so-called fatberg in a Belfast drain
“Covid-19 may have brought its own challenges for the oceans including the increased use of disinfectant wipes during the pandemic which potentially may end up as microplastic fibres in the sea,” said Dr Morrison. “It is widely known that microplastics can act as vectors for contaminants including bacteria and viruses and are potentially harmful for public health and marine life.”
Visual identification difficult
While most microplastics may be removed by the wastewater treatment process, the researchers said combined sewage overflows associated with heavy rainfall can lead to the release of waste containing wipes and sanitary towels.
They also found that most previous studies are likely to have underestimated the amount of white plastic fibres in the water as filtration processes typically use a white background, making visual identification difficult.
The NUI Galway researchers note that European production of non-woven textiles for hygiene and sanitary products – those that frequently cause blockages in sewage systems – exceeded one million tonnes in 2016 alone.
According to a 2019 Marine Conservation Society study, quantities of wet wipes washing up on beaches in the UK have increased by 400 per cent in the last decade.
Last March, Coastwatch put wet wipes in a separate designated category for its survey of beach pollution. It has found that where other materials such as plastic bottles are continuing to decline, wet wipes have been on the increase.
The environmental organisation also noted that despite being found on more than 12 per cent of Irish beaches, this was likely to be a “significant underestimate” given the difficulty in finding them.


theirishtimes--2020-06-22--Pressing need for people to stop flushing wet wipes, says expert

Half of wet-wipe brands labelled “ flushable ” are found to contain harmful plastic microfibres that end up in Irish waters , a new study has found .
The research states that such wipes and sanitary towels are a far greater threat to the environment than previously understood .
One of the researchers suggests people should dispose of such products in their black bins in preference to flushing them down the toilet .
“ There is a need for increased public awareness of microplastic pollution in the environment and human behaviour should shift away from .
.
.
disposal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divert to alternative land-based waste management , ” said lead researcher Dr Liam Morrison of the Earth and Ocean Sciences and Ryan Institute at NUI Galway .
The study , published in the international journal Water Research , examines the contribution of flushed personal-care textile products to ocean pollution .
It focused on three sites : one adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant near Mutton Island in Galway city ; one in Bell Harbour , Co Clare ; and another in Bellacragher , Co Mayo .
It uncovered 5,536 ; 788 ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at each of the respective sites .
At Mutton Island , the study found that 91 per cent of the microplastic waste was likely derived from wipes and sanitary towels .
“ Covid-19 may have brought its own challenges for the oceans including the increased use of disinfectant wipes during the pandemic which potentially may end up as microplastic fibres in the sea , ” said Dr Morrison .
“ It is widely known that microplastics can act as vectors for contaminants including bacteria and viruses and are potentially harmful for public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be removed by the wastewater treatment process , the researchers said combined sewage overflows associated with heavy rainfall can lead to the release of waste containing wipes and sanitary towels .
They also found that most previous studies are likely to have underestimated the amount of white plastic fibres in the water as filtration processes typically use a white background , making visual identification difficult .
The NUI Galway researchers note that European production of non-woven textiles for hygiene and sanitary products – those that frequently cause blockages in sewage systems – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to a 2019 Marine Conservation Society study , quantities of wet wipes washing up on beaches in the UK have increased by 400 per cent in the last decade .
Last March , Coastwatch put wet wipes in a separate designated category for its survey of beach pollution .
It has found that where other materials such as plastic bottles are continuing to decline , wet wipes have been on the increase .
The environmental organisation also noted that despite being found on more than 12 per cent of Irish beaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ significant underestimate ” given the difficulty in finding them .

Researchers noted that European production of non-woven textiles for hygiene and sanitary products – those that frequently cause blockages in sewage systems – exceeded 1m tonnes in 2016.
Half of wet-wipe brands labelled “flushable” are found to contain harmful plastic microfibres that end up in Irish waters, a new study has found.
The research states that such wipes and sanitary towels are a far greater threat to the environment than previously understood.
One of the researchers suggests people should dispose of such products in their black bins in preference to flushing them down the toilet.
"There is a need for increased public awareness of microplastic pollution in the environment and human behaviour should shift away from . . . disposal of sanitary products down the toilet and instead divert to alternative land-based waste management," said lead researcher Dr Liam Morrison of the Earth and Ocean Sciences and Ryan Institute at NUI Galway.
READ MORE
The study, published in the international journal Water Research, examines the contribution of flushed personal-care textile products to ocean pollution.
It focused on three sites: one adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant near Mutton Island in Galway city; one in Bell Harbour, Co Clare; and another in Bellacragher, Co Mayo.
It uncovered 5,536; 788; and 265 white fibres per kilogram of sediment at each of the respective sites. At Mutton Island, the study found that 91 per cent of the microplastic waste was likely derived from wipes and sanitary towels.
“Covid-19 may have brought its own challenges for the oceans including the increased use of disinfectant wipes during the pandemic which potentially may end up as microplastic fibres in the sea,” said Dr Morrison. “It is widely known that microplastics can act as vectors for contaminants including bacteria and viruses and are potentially harmful for public health and marine life.”
Visual identification difficult
While most microplastics may be removed by the wastewater treatment process, the researchers said combined sewage overflows associated with heavy rainfall can lead to the release of waste containing wipes and sanitary towels.
They also found that most previous studies are likely to have underestimated the amount of white plastic fibres in the water as filtration processes typically use a white background, making visual identification difficult.
The NUI Galway researchers note that European production of non-woven textiles for hygiene and sanitary products – those that frequently cause blockages in sewage systems – exceeded one million tonnes in 2016 alone.
According to a 2019 Marine Conservation Society study, quantities of wet wipes washing up on beaches in the UK have increased by 400 per cent in the last decade.
Last March, Coastwatch put wet wipes in a separate designated category for its survey of beach pollution. It has found that where other materials such as plastic bottles are continuing to decline, wet wipes have been on the increase.
The environmental organisation also noted that despite being found on more than 12 per cent of Irish beaches, this was likely to be a “significant underestimate” given the difficulty in finding them.