theirishtimes--2020-09-24--Ireland ready to answer ET’s call

Ireland ready to answer ET’s call

The confirmed detection of a signal from an extraterrestrial ( ET ) intelligence here on Earth would be one of the most important and historic moments in all of human history .
It ’ s now possible that if and when ET calls , his call will be answered first here in Ireland .
More specifically , in Birr , Co Offaly .
That ’ s because Birr Castle is home to a telescope built in 2017 to detect low-frequency radio waves travelling across interstellar space – the type of waves some scientists believe an ET civilisation might use to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish low-frequency array ) telescope at Birr is Prof Peter Gallagher , head of astronomy and astrophysics at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies .
“ One of the things it can do is go on surveys looking for radio signals that may not be natural ; not as you might expect from a star or galaxy , ” he explains .
If an artificial-looking radio signal came in , over a narrow frequency range , Gallagher says , scientists involved in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence ( SETI ) would want to analyse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look at that band and see , are there pulses in it ?
, ” says Gallagher .
“ Is there a structure to it ?
Then you try and work out what is in that signal and try to break it down .
Is it a series of zeros and ones ?
Or is it something logical that we could decipher ?
” The first wireless radio signal was broadcast in 1898 by half-Irish inventor Guglielmo Marconi ( his mother was Irish ) and many of his early radio experiments took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of humanity ’ s key communication tools , used in radio and television broadcasting , mobile phones , wireless networks and satellites .
In the near vacuum of space , radio waves can cover vast distances travelling close to the speed of light .
The first radio broadcasts for public consumption started in the United States and UK in the early 1920s and have now reached star systems close to 100 light years from the Earth .
It ’ s possible a curious ET civilisation is tuning right now to the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Battle of Britain .
Or even to the All-Ireland hurling semi-final between Kilkenny and Galway broadcast by 2RN ( the precursor to Radio Éireann ) on August 29th , 1926 ; the first European sports event broadcast live on radio .
Low-frequency radio waves – between 20 and 240 megahertz – are associated with many phenomena that astronomers and physicists want to investigate such as supernova explosions , pulsating stars , black holes and even the Big Bang .
Some SETI scientists believe that these powerful waves may also be used by ET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are capable of unlocking , it ’ s no surprise that low-frequency-array radio telescopes have been built by research groups in many countries and locations around the world .
The European LOFAR network stretches right across the entire continent from Ireland in the west to Poland in the east .
After years of underfunding , the SETI project got a massive boost in 2015 .
That was when the 10-year Breakthrough Listen project , a $ 100 million venture to be undertaken by the Berkeley SETI Research Center based at UC Berkeley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milner , was announced with the aim of actively searching for signals from an intelligent ET .
Breakthrough Listen approached I-LOFAR because it understood how LOFAR could be used to search for ET signals .
It was particularly attractive because in Birr , unlike much of continental Europe , there is little radio-wave interference from commercial or military sources .
This meant I-LOFAR was an ideal test bed for wider use of LOFAR in the SETI .
The Birr telescope is regarded as “ a great asset ” in the search , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research Center and principal investigator at Breakthrough Listen .
SETI computers have been installed in the I-LOFAR control room and the software is being developed with KX Systems from Newry .
KX Systems previously worked on financial software capable of analysing data quickly and making decisions based on it ; attributes useful in the SETI venture .
Meanwhile , in March , it was announced that Breakthrough would fund two research internships at I-LOFAR .
“ We have a similar collaboration with another international LOFAR station in Sweden , at Onsala Observatory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use the Birr and Onsala telescopes , separated by 1,345km , to look at incoming signals together and rule out local interference .
The funding of Breakthrough Listen has increased optimism that a signal from ET will be found – overcoming 60 years of failure in an instant .
The historic failure is , however , no surprise given that to date the SETI project has covered only a tiny fraction of what ’ s out there .
A weakness of SETI has been its heavy reliance on using radio telescopes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilisation ; even though an advanced ET society may have never used radio , or used it for only a short time .
Scientists could easily detect radio signals from space , so that ’ s why it was done , but today the sweep of SETI has widened .
“ The searches that we do are completely agnostic to the form the life takes , ” explains Siemion .
“ The life could be carbon-based , it could be DNA-based like on Earth , it could be silicon-based and it could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might imagine based on our own experience with technology , ” he says .
Prof Mike Garrett , chair of astrophysics at the University of Manchester , has been working on the SETI project for decades .
He says he sometimes feels pessimistic about its chances of success , but mostly he ’ s optimistic this “ tough problem ” can be solved .
“ I think there is probably intelligent life out there and , in terms of numbers there ’ s probably a lot of intelligent life out there , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detection are increasing exponentially , and every year you are probably doubling the chances of success.
” Seasoned SETI researchers such as Garrett point out that the search becomes easier as technology evolves and larger amounts of data can be processed , and with greater speed .
New telescopes such as I-LOFAR , for example , can monitor large areas of the sky for signals from an ET all at once .
The use of supercomputers has also speeded up the search , while machine learning and artificial intelligence ( AI ) technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick out a radio signal of interest from all the natural background radio noise the universe produces .
So , it is perhaps unfair to criticise the SETI project for its 60 years of failure , when effective searching is only just beginning .
The lack of funding for SETI over the decades , for example , forced its scientists to make hard choices , such as searching only in a few narrow wavebands .
For instance , 1,420 megahertz has been a popular frequency band to search because it ’ s where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the universe , emits radio waves as it changes energy states .
The idea was that an intelligent ET would know this too and use it for that reason .
The SETI project took place outside the scientific mainstream for decades , and was associated with some flamboyant , controversial characters .
This changed in recent years .
One reason is the improved funding .
Arguably even more important , however , has been the discovery of exoplanets beyond the solar system , some resembling the Earth .
In 1995 , the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51 Pegasi b , and was located 50 light years from Earth , orbiting a star named 51 Pegasi .
In the years since , about 4,300 more exoplanets have been discovered .
This has triggered greater interest in SETI , as scientists wonder if any of these exoplanets hold life .
The discovery of so many exoplanets raises a host of scientific questions that relate to SETI .
Are these planets rocky ?
Do they have a magnetic field ?
Do they have an atmosphere ?
If they do have an atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from UV and infrared radiation coming from the nearest star ?
What are the weather conditions like on the surface ?
Does the planet reside in the “ Goldilocks zone ” neither too close nor too far from its star ?
These questions are driving a lot of scientific activity , which in turn is generating optimism that SETI might succeed .
That an intelligent life form , on some distant exoplanet , might pick up the phone and call .
And just maybe the historic call from the proverbial “ little green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists at I-LOFAR in Birr .
“ I feel that exoplanets has taken us a step into the unknown , ” says Gallagher .
“ You just wonder in our lifetimes , or in our kids ’ lifetimes will there be a signal from outer space ?
And will that be a moment we become even smaller in the universe ?
It ’ s that kind of moon-landing moment for the next generation .
”

The I-LOFAR telescope was installed at Birr Castle in Co Offaly in 2017 to detect low-frequency radio waves travelling across interstellar space.
The confirmed detection of a signal from an extraterrestrial (ET) intelligence here on Earth would be one of the most important and historic moments in all of human history. It's now possible that if and when ET calls, his call will be answered first here in Ireland.
More specifically, in Birr, Co Offaly. That's because Birr Castle is home to a telescope built in 2017 to detect low-frequency radio waves travelling across interstellar space – the type of waves some scientists believe an ET civilisation might use to communicate.
Director of the I-LOFAR (Irish low-frequency array) telescope at Birr is Prof Peter Gallagher, head of astronomy and astrophysics at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. "One of the things it can do is go on surveys looking for radio signals that may not be natural; not as you might expect from a star or galaxy," he explains.
If an artificial-looking radio signal came in, over a narrow frequency range, Gallagher says, scientists involved in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) would want to analyse it in detail.
READ MORE
“You want to look at that band and see, are there pulses in it?,” says Gallagher. “Is there a structure to it? Then you try and work out what is in that signal and try to break it down. Is it a series of zeros and ones? Or is it something logical that we could decipher?”
The first wireless radio signal was broadcast in 1898 by half-Irish inventor Guglielmo Marconi (his mother was Irish) and many of his early radio experiments took place in Ireland. Today radio is one of humanity's key communication tools, used in radio and television broadcasting, mobile phones, wireless networks and satellites.
In the near vacuum of space, radio waves can cover vast distances travelling close to the speed of light. The first radio broadcasts for public consumption started in the United States and UK in the early 1920s and have now reached star systems close to 100 light years from the Earth.
It’s possible a curious ET civilisation is tuning right now to the BBC’s dramatic broadcasts during the 1940 Battle of Britain. Or even to the All-Ireland hurling semi-final between Kilkenny and Galway broadcast by 2RN (the precursor to Radio Éireann) on August 29th, 1926; the first European sports event broadcast live on radio.
Low-frequency radio waves – between 20 and 240 megahertz – are associated with many phenomena that astronomers and physicists want to investigate such as supernova explosions, pulsating stars, black holes and even the Big Bang. Some SETI scientists believe that these powerful waves may also be used by ET to communicate.
Given the cosmic secrets they are capable of unlocking, it's no surprise that low-frequency-array radio telescopes have been built by research groups in many countries and locations around the world. The European LOFAR network stretches right across the entire continent from Ireland in the west to Poland in the east.
Funding boost
After years of underfunding, the SETI project got a massive boost in 2015. That was when the 10-year Breakthrough Listen project, a $100 million venture to be undertaken by the Berkeley SETI Research Center based at UC Berkeley and funded by the Russian entrepreneur Yuri Milner, was announced with the aim of actively searching for signals from an intelligent ET.
Breakthrough Listen approached I-LOFAR because it understood how LOFAR could be used to search for ET signals. It was particularly attractive because in Birr, unlike much of continental Europe, there is little radio-wave interference from commercial or military sources. This meant I-LOFAR was an ideal test bed for wider use of LOFAR in the SETI.
The Birr telescope is regarded as "a great asset" in the search, says Andrew Siemion, director of the SETI Research Center and principal investigator at Breakthrough Listen.
SETI computers have been installed in the I-LOFAR control room and the software is being developed with KX Systems from Newry.
KX Systems previously worked on financial software capable of analysing data quickly and making decisions based on it; attributes useful in the SETI venture. Meanwhile, in March, it was announced that Breakthrough would fund two research internships at I-LOFAR.
"We have a similar collaboration with another international LOFAR station in Sweden, at Onsala Observatory," says Siemion. The aim is to use the Birr and Onsala telescopes, separated by 1,345km, to look at incoming signals together and rule out local interference.
The funding of Breakthrough Listen has increased optimism that a signal from ET will be found – overcoming 60 years of failure in an instant. The historic failure is, however, no surprise given that to date the SETI project has covered only a tiny fraction of what’s out there.
A weakness of SETI has been its heavy reliance on using radio telescopes to search for radio signals from an ET civilisation; even though an advanced ET society may have never used radio, or used it for only a short time. Scientists could easily detect radio signals from space, so that’s why it was done, but today the sweep of SETI has widened.
“The searches that we do are completely agnostic to the form the life takes,” explains Siemion. “The life could be carbon-based, it could be DNA-based like on Earth, it could be silicon-based and it could be some sort of computational intelligence that we might imagine based on our own experience with technology,” he says.
Prof Mike Garrett, chair of astrophysics at the University of Manchester, has been working on the SETI project for decades. He says he sometimes feels pessimistic about its chances of success, but mostly he's optimistic this "tough problem" can be solved.
“I think there is probably intelligent life out there and, in terms of numbers there’s probably a lot of intelligent life out there,” Garrett says. “The chances of detection are increasing exponentially, and every year you are probably doubling the chances of success.”
Seasoned SETI researchers such as Garrett point out that the search becomes easier as technology evolves and larger amounts of data can be processed, and with greater speed. New telescopes such as I-LOFAR, for example, can monitor large areas of the sky for signals from an ET all at once.
The use of supercomputers has also speeded up the search, while machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be taught to accurately and rapidly pick out a radio signal of interest from all the natural background radio noise the universe produces.
So, it is perhaps unfair to criticise the SETI project for its 60 years of failure, when effective searching is only just beginning. The lack of funding for SETI over the decades, for example, forced its scientists to make hard choices, such as searching only in a few narrow wavebands.
For instance, 1,420 megahertz has been a popular frequency band to search because it’s where hydrogen, the most common element in the universe, emits radio waves as it changes energy states. The idea was that an intelligent ET would know this too and use it for that reason.
Exoplanets
The SETI project took place outside the scientific mainstream for decades, and was associated with some flamboyant, controversial characters. This changed in recent years. One reason is the improved funding. Arguably even more important, however, has been the discovery of exoplanets beyond the solar system, some resembling the Earth.
In 1995, the first exoplanet was discovered. This was called 51 Pegasi b, and was located 50 light years from Earth, orbiting a star named 51 Pegasi. In the years since, about 4,300 more exoplanets have been discovered. This has triggered greater interest in SETI, as scientists wonder if any of these exoplanets hold life.
The discovery of so many exoplanets raises a host of scientific questions that relate to SETI. Are these planets rocky? Do they have a magnetic field? Do they have an atmosphere? If they do have an atmosphere is it thick enough to protect life from UV and infrared radiation coming from the nearest star? What are the weather conditions like on the surface? Does the planet reside in the “Goldilocks zone” neither too close nor too far from its star?
These questions are driving a lot of scientific activity, which in turn is generating optimism that SETI might succeed. That an intelligent life form, on some distant exoplanet, might pick up the phone and call. And just maybe the historic call from the proverbial “little green men” will be picked up by scientists at I-LOFAR in Birr.
“I feel that exoplanets has taken us a step into the unknown,” says Gallagher. “You just wonder in our lifetimes, or in our kids’ lifetimes will there be a signal from outer space? And will that be a moment we become even smaller in the universe? It’s that kind of moon-landing moment for the next generation.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-24--Keeping well at work from the comfort of your home

For those entering the world of work for the first time this year , logging on remotely from the bedroom , taking Zoom meetings at the kitchen table or assembling stand-up desks from old encyclopedias will just be par for the course as a large cohort of graduates begin their working lives in the midst of a pandemic .
As the world turned on its head earlier this year , keeping well at work took more of a centre stage in many businesses as employees tried to juggle their job with worries about the health of family and friends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and home-schooling children as classrooms locked their doors for the foreseeable future .
While the pandemic has transformed how we live and work , it ’ s also a time of chronic stress and burnout for many , says specialist in occupational medicine and Irish Times columnist Dr Muiris Houston .
“ We know that young people ’ s anxiety levels are much higher than before Covid-19 .
So consciously starting a structured wellness programme is hugely helpful for a young person ’ s mental as well as physical health.
” For graduates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of starting a career can pay dividends .
“ Once you leave college , you lose a certain amount of autonomy .
In addition , work is more regimented - you have to be ‘ at work ’ at certain times .
You can ’ t decide on the spur of the moment to skip a lecture and go the gym instead .
So , healthy habits have to be scheduled around your working day .
And while scheduling exercise , the gym and preparing regular , balanced meals can seem a pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning it ’ s very easy to become a couch potato once you ’ ve started the routine of work , ” says Dr Houston .
Nick Lawlor , one of the directors of The Wellness Crew , a company that promotes wellness in the workplace , says today ’ s graduates will look for a company that is the right fit for them in terms of culture , ethos and career progression and workplace wellness will play an important part of that .
“ Graduates will look to see how an organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more when organisations are looking to hire the cream of the crop from a graduate perspective , they will be losing out if they don ’ t have wellness initiatives – if they don ’ t have benefits , if they don ’ t have running clubs , lunch and learns , social events , pension contributions , flexible hours , ” says Lawlor .
“ The tables have turned somewhat and graduates are absolutely looking at companies to see that it ’ s the right fit for them as opposed to one-way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gym membership , free healthy snacks and stand-up desks are all facets that can help create a healthy office environment , good communication is one of the most important aspects in fostering wellness , be the workplace in your livingroom or an office in the middle of a busy city .
“ What we would consider to be a healthy workplace is one where communication is put to the centre of the agenda , ” says Lawlor .
A key part of this is enabling the new entrant to feel comfortable enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from junior staff to senior management .
While having peer-to-peer communication is hugely important , so too is being assigned a mentor who is not the employee ’ s direct manager , says Lawlor .
This is a person who the employee can seek advice on how certain things work in the organisation and essentially get the lie of the land from .
Another key factor is having a type of career counsellor within the company .
“ This would be a manager from a different department who would be tasked with trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their career can progress and how they can work their way up from the micro to macro.
” The level of training offered to graduates when they begin and providing them with a clear path to career progression are key to creating a healthy work environment and a happy and productive workforce as employees are not left in the dark about opportunities in the future and the steps needed to achieve their own career goals .
Integration into an organisation is a key part of settling into the job , feeling comfortable in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dread as you approach each working day .
However , getting to grips with an organisation ’ s culture and ethos can be made more difficult when people aren ’ t physically present in the building as the case is now for many .
Lawlor encourages prospective employees to express their concerns about how an organisation can bridge that gap and what the plans are to integrate them into the company .
“ A graduate will get a strong sense straight away if there is quite a robust on-boarding process .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation is to welcome and support them in the early years of their career , ” he says .
Stress The spread of the coronavirus and the nature of its transmission has resulted in additional workplace stress .
For many the pressure has gone from getting on a packed train and rushing to make it in on time and how you might be perceived in the workplace , to worries about job security , finances and concerns around family health and wellbeing .
To deal with this new stress , Lawlor says organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he calls “ the four pillars of wellbeing – mind , money , fit and food ” .
“ So those four pillars really encompass and cater for all stresses whether it be mental health , physical , nutrition , financial , and [ for employers ] to accept that what stresses one or worries one employee could be very different to what stresses another.
” Interventions can range from taking an hour out for physical exercise , be it yoga or different types of training sessions , or running workshops on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ultimately , the type of conditions senior management want their employees to work under will drive how healthy a workplace is .
Lawlor says there has in general been a huge amount of employer support for their employees during what has been and is likely to continue to be , a difficult time .
The more progressive companies are insisting that employees take a break and fit physical exercise in during the working day by promoting a walk or a run at lunchtime , in order to get people out into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really kind of looking and saying okay , ‘ well we really want to encourage , educate but also facilitate employees to be their best selves ’ .
Naturally this is a very difficult time in terms of employers extending that trust to say , ‘ we can ’ t see you anymore , we don ’ t know if you are at your desk at nine or 10 or whatever ’ , and there is an extension of trust there and the organisations that have got it right are the ones that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model where they say ; ‘ The is job done .
I understand you have a life , you have kids that will be screaming , but let ’ s try and support you in terms of educating you on work-life balance and on financial wellbeing and fitness ’ .
“ I think it engenders employees to say , ‘ you know what , fair play to my employer – they are great .
They supported me through everything while still recognising the job needs to get done ’ .
Top tips for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If possible , where you work should be be a designated space , even if it can ’ t be in a separate room .
You need to feel that when you are at this station you can be in work mode , but when you step away from it , you are back in your home .
• Chair height and desk height are important and your own home furniture may not be suitable .
Working on a laptop long term increases risk for wrist , neck and back pain .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a keyboard , mouse and full screen , you can improve your posture and reduce risk of injury .
Talk to your employer about what supports they can give you .
• Eat regularly throughout the day as this can help to support energy and combat stress .
Once you are in your “ feeding window ” you should be eating about every four hours , which for most of us will be three meals and one healthy snack • Drink water throughout the day .
A good target for most people is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottle or a jug of water on your table , or drink herbal tea if you don ’ t like water .
• Limit coffee to two cups per day .
Caffeine is a stimulant and too much is not going to help manage stress levels .
• Take breaks to breathe and exercise .
Breathing exercises can bring down stress levels , even in two minutes , and there ’ s plenty to follow online .
Build some exercise into your day at home , following an online class or getting outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and allow for a better night ’ s sleep .
• Prioritise sleep .
It ’ s one of the most important steps in supporting stress and immune health and most of us need 7½ - eight hours each night .
Limiting caffeine and alcohol and getting some exercise will help .
So will restricting exposure to blue light from any electronic devices for at least an hour before bed , especially if looking at news items .
Instead , aim to get to bed a bit earlier and establish a relaxing bed-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of herbal tea , reading etc .
Source : The Wellness Crew

For those entering the world of work for the first time this year, logging on remotely from the bedroom, taking Zoom meetings at the kitchen table or assembling stand-up desks from old encyclopedias will just be par for the course as a large cohort of graduates begin their working lives in the midst of a pandemic.
As the world turned on its head earlier this year, keeping well at work took more of a centre stage in many businesses as employees tried to juggle their job with worries about the health of family and friends, lack of social interaction and hobbies, and home-schooling children as classrooms locked their doors for the foreseeable future.
While the pandemic has transformed how we live and work, it's also a time of chronic stress and burnout for many, says specialist in occupational medicine and Irish Times columnist Dr Muiris Houston.
“We know that young people’s anxiety levels are much higher than before Covid-19. So consciously starting a structured wellness programme is hugely helpful for a young person’s mental as well as physical health.”
READ MORE
For graduates, establishing healthy habits at the outset of starting a career can pay dividends.
“Once you leave college, you lose a certain amount of autonomy. In addition, work is more regimented - you have to be ‘at work’ at certain times. You can’t decide on the spur of the moment to skip a lecture and go the gym instead. So, healthy habits have to be scheduled around your working day. And while scheduling exercise, the gym and preparing regular, balanced meals can seem a pain after the freedom of college, without planning it’s very easy to become a couch potato once you’ve started the routine of work,” says Dr Houston.
Nick Lawlor, one of the directors of The Wellness Crew, a company that promotes wellness in the workplace, says today's graduates will look for a company that is the right fit for them in terms of culture, ethos and career progression and workplace wellness will play an important part of that.
“Graduates will look to see how an organisation might match their ambitions and more and more when organisations are looking to hire the cream of the crop from a graduate perspective, they will be losing out if they don’t have wellness initiatives – if they don’t have benefits, if they don’t have running clubs, lunch and learns, social events, pension contributions, flexible hours,” says Lawlor. “The tables have turned somewhat and graduates are absolutely looking at companies to see that it’s the right fit for them as opposed to one-way traffic.”
While offering lunchtime yoga, gym membership, free healthy snacks and stand-up desks are all facets that can help create a healthy office environment, good communication is one of the most important aspects in fostering wellness, be the workplace in your livingroom or an office in the middle of a busy city.
“What we would consider to be a healthy workplace is one where communication is put to the centre of the agenda,” says Lawlor. A key part of this is enabling the new entrant to feel comfortable enough to communicate with all levels around them, from junior staff to senior management.
While having peer-to-peer communication is hugely important, so too is being assigned a mentor who is not the employee’s direct manager, says Lawlor. This is a person who the employee can seek advice on how certain things work in the organisation and essentially get the lie of the land from.
Another key factor is having a type of career counsellor within the company. “This would be a manager from a different department who would be tasked with trying to give direction in terms of how their career can progress and how they can work their way up from the micro to macro.”
The level of training offered to graduates when they begin and providing them with a clear path to career progression are key to creating a healthy work environment and a happy and productive workforce as employees are not left in the dark about opportunities in the future and the steps needed to achieve their own career goals.
Integration into an organisation is a key part of settling into the job, feeling comfortable in the workplace and not having a sense of dread as you approach each working day.
However, getting to grips with an organisation’s culture and ethos can be made more difficult when people aren’t physically present in the building as the case is now for many. Lawlor encourages prospective employees to express their concerns about how an organisation can bridge that gap and what the plans are to integrate them into the company.
“A graduate will get a strong sense straight away if there is quite a robust on-boarding process. Then they will know how well organised an organisation is to welcome and support them in the early years of their career,” he says.
Stress The spread of the coronavirus and the nature of its transmission has resulted in additional workplace stress. For many the pressure has gone from getting on a packed train and rushing to make it in on time and how you might be perceived in the workplace, to worries about job security, finances and concerns around family health and wellbeing.
To deal with this new stress, Lawlor says organisations need a well thought out programme covering what he calls “the four pillars of wellbeing – mind, money, fit and food”.
“So those four pillars really encompass and cater for all stresses whether it be mental health, physical, nutrition, financial, and [for employers] to accept that what stresses one or worries one employee could be very different to what stresses another.”
Interventions can range from taking an hour out for physical exercise, be it yoga or different types of training sessions, or running workshops on mindfulness, nutrition, or financial wellbeing.
Ultimately, the type of conditions senior management want their employees to work under will drive how healthy a workplace is. Lawlor says there has in general been a huge amount of employer support for their employees during what has been and is likely to continue to be, a difficult time. The more progressive companies are insisting that employees take a break and fit physical exercise in during the working day by promoting a walk or a run at lunchtime, in order to get people out into the fresh air.
“Those organisations are really kind of looking and saying okay, ‘well we really want to encourage, educate but also facilitate employees to be their best selves’. Naturally this is a very difficult time in terms of employers extending that trust to say, ‘we can’t see you anymore, we don’t know if you are at your desk at nine or 10 or whatever’, and there is an extension of trust there and the organisations that have got it right are the ones that have pivoted to a goal-based or output-based model where they say; ‘The is job done. I understand you have a life, you have kids that will be screaming, but let’s try and support you in terms of educating you on work-life balance and on financial wellbeing and fitness’.
“I think it engenders employees to say, ‘you know what, fair play to my employer – they are great. They supported me through everything while still recognising the job needs to get done’.
Eat regularly throughout the day as this can help to support energy and combat stress. Photograph: iStock
Top tips for staying healthy while working from home


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Aer Lingus staff say they are living in ‘near poverty’ and unable to cover rent

Aer Lingus workers , whose pay is to be restored from 30 per cent of its pre-Covid rate to 40-50 per cent next month , say they are living in “ near poverty ” , unable to buy school uniforms , cover rent or afford petrol to get to work .
Others say the company obstructed them from claiming social welfare entitlements , paid them less than they would have received on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment ( PUP ) and started pushing through work-practice changes without union agreement .
Aer Lingus has strongly rejected the claims , and said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with official guidance from the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners on the Covid-19 employment wage subsidy scheme .
However , some workers say they believe the airline is “ trying to bleed us out ” by “ making it so awful to stay that we just walk away without them having to pay redundancy ” .
Senator and former minster for social protection Regina Doherty told the Seanad on Wednesday about “ absolutely heartbreaking ” accounts she had heard from staff .
She said pay rates of as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belief ” when the minimum rate on the PUP and wage subsidy schemes was €350 per week .
Workers spoke to The Irish Times on condition of anonymity , saying they were “ terrified ” of being identifiable to the company .
A Dublin-based member of cabin crew said her weekly income had fallen from about €700 to about €200 despite the fact she is still working six shifts a month .
Aged in her 40s , she has had to give up her rented accommodation “ and move back in with my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can hardly afford the petrol to drive up for work .
I have a colleague who couldn ’ t afford to buy her children ’ s school uniforms starting school .
Her parents had to buy them.
” She said she had had to wait “ months ” to get the UP-14 form signed by the company to enable her apply to the Department of Social Protection for the short-time working payment to supplement her income .
This difficulty is repeated by most interviewees .
A member of Dublin ground staff now working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-Covid said her most recent fortnightly pay cheque was for €250 .
“ My hope is to get a redundancy package .
Up to last week they weren ’ t letting people go .
It ’ s like they ’ ve been holding us hostage .
A lot of people who would have been entitled to a good package have left anyway .
The psychological impact , the stress , it ’ s major.
” A cabin crew member , also based in Dublin and a mother of four , said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working elsewhere .
“ We can put food on the table .
But I could name 30 couples where both are working for Aer Lingus.
” Her last fortnightly pay cheque was for €400 .
“ What really upsets me is the way we have been treated by Aer Lingus .
I am seeing a lot of crew severely depressed.
” Former Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger , who has been contacted by “ large numbers ” of Aer Lingus workers in west Dublin , said she had “ never experienced a group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in despair ” .
The former state company was “ driving a race to the bottom in pay and condition ” , she claimed .
“ Aviation is in crisis , but it ’ s a temporary one , and the company has reserves of €900 million from a decade of profits.
” She called for the company to be re-nationalised .
Aer Lingus said due to the “ catastrophic ” impact Covid-19 has had on the aviation industry it has had to “ place its entire workforce on reduced hours and pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conscious of the difficult financial situation that some employees are in due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
” It said the company had sought to retain all staff in employment but would soon be offering voluntary redundancy and incentivised career break schemes .
“ On September 18th , Aer Lingus provided employees with greater clarity on the issue of pay , and advised employees in ground operations and cabin crew that pay levels will be increased effective from September 27th and reflected in the fortnightly payroll on October 7th .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the application of income support… should liaise with the department directly .
“ Aer Lingus hugely regrets the situation that all working in the airline are currently in as a result of Covid-19 .
Throughout this crisis the airline has sought to secure the future of the airline for the benefit of all of its stakeholders , including its employees .
”

Aer Lingus workers, whose pay is to be restored from 30 per cent of its pre-Covid rate to 40-50 per cent next month, say they are living in "near poverty", unable to buy school uniforms, cover rent or afford petrol to get to work.
Others say the company obstructed them from claiming social welfare entitlements, paid them less than they would have received on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and started pushing through work-practice changes without union agreement.
Aer Lingus has strongly rejected the claims, and said it had acted "at all times" in accordance with official guidance from the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners on the Covid-19 employment wage subsidy scheme.
However, some workers say they believe the airline is “trying to bleed us out” by “making it so awful to stay that we just walk away without them having to pay redundancy”.
READ MORE
Senator and former minster for social protection Regina Doherty told the Seanad on Wednesday about "absolutely heartbreaking" accounts she had heard from staff. She said pay rates of as low as €317 per fortnight "beggars belief" when the minimum rate on the PUP and wage subsidy schemes was €350 per week.
Workers spoke to The Irish Times on condition of anonymity, saying they were “terrified” of being identifiable to the company.
A Dublin-based member of cabin crew said her weekly income had fallen from about €700 to about €200 despite the fact she is still working six shifts a month. Aged in her 40s, she has had to give up her rented accommodation“and move back in with my mother” outside Dublin.
“I can hardly afford the petrol to drive up for work. I have a colleague who couldn’t afford to buy her children’s school uniforms starting school. Her parents had to buy them.”
She said she had had to wait “months” to get the UP-14 form signed by the company to enable her apply to the Department of Social Protection for the short-time working payment to supplement her income. This difficulty is repeated by most interviewees.
A member of Dublin ground staff now working six days a month compared to 20 pre-Covid said her most recent fortnightly pay cheque was for €250.
“My hope is to get a redundancy package. Up to last week they weren’t letting people go. It’s like they’ve been holding us hostage. A lot of people who would have been entitled to a good package have left anyway. The psychological impact, the stress, it’s major.”
A cabin crew member, also based in Dublin and a mother of four, said she was “lucky” as her husband was working elsewhere. “We can put food on the table. But I could name 30 couples where both are working for Aer Lingus.”
Her last fortnightly pay cheque was for €400. “What really upsets me is the way we have been treated by Aer Lingus. I am seeing a lot of crew severely depressed.”
Former Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who has been contacted by "large numbers" of Aer Lingus workers in west Dublin, said she had "never experienced a group of workers – especially unionised workers – so in despair".
The former state company was “driving a race to the bottom in pay and condition”, she claimed. “Aviation is in crisis, but it’s a temporary one, and the company has reserves of €900 million from a decade of profits.”
She called for the company to be re-nationalised.
Reduced hours
Aer Lingus said due to the “catastrophic” impact Covid-19 has had on the aviation industry it has had to “place its entire workforce on reduced hours and pay”.
“Aer Lingus is very conscious of the difficult financial situation that some employees are in due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 crisis.”
It said the company had sought to retain all staff in employment but would soon be offering voluntary redundancy and incentivised career break schemes.
“On September 18th, Aer Lingus provided employees with greater clarity on the issue of pay, and advised employees in ground operations and cabin crew that pay levels will be increased effective from September 27th and reflected in the fortnightly payroll on October 7th.
“Aer Lingus employees that have queries about the application of income support… should liaise with the department directly.
“Aer Lingus hugely regrets the situation that all working in the airline are currently in as a result of Covid-19. Throughout this crisis the airline has sought to secure the future of the airline for the benefit of all of its stakeholders, including its employees.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Covid-19: Warning of similar measures for other counties as Donegal moves to Level 3

The Government moved swiftly yesterday to elevate Co Donegal to Level 3 of the Covid-19 scale after a dramatic and rapid deterioration of the situation with the virus in the county .
The move came after a substantial increases in the cases in the county with the 14-day rate in Lifford and Stranorlar area at 336 per 100,000 people .
The number of cases per 100,000 over the past fortnight in the county increased to 148.2 , the highest in the country .
It is now higher than Dublin ’ s rate of about 145 .
An incorporeal meeting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the National Public Health Emergency Team recommended Donegal the county be put on the same level as Dublin from midnight on Friday .
At a press conference to confirm the decision , Taoiseach Micheál Martin and acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said Donegal now had twice the levels of infection of every other county besides Dublin over the past seven days .
From midnight on Friday people residing in Donegal will be asked not to travel outside the county unless essential .
There will be bans on indoor dining , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at sporting events , and strict limits on the number of people that can gather indoors and outdoors .
The numbers allowed at weddings and funerals will be reduced to 25 .
The restrictions will apply for three weeks until October 16th .
Unlike in Dublin , wet pubs in Donegal will allowed to open but only for outdoor drinks for up to 15 people .
However , Mr Martin warned of similar measures in other counties and cities where the incidence rate was rising .
“ To be honest we could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming week , if the numbers keep rising , ” he said .
Dr Glynn specifically warned of possible escalations in other counties urging people in Louth , Wicklow , Kildare , Waterford , Cork and Galway to pay particular attention to public health advice .
The Taoiseach said cities like Cork and Galway have started from a low base but “ incident rates are growing very fast ” .
Mr Martin and Dr Glynn said despite the remainder of the country being on Level 2 , the number of cases was continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hospitalisation and ICU admission .
“ Unfortunately the situation continues to evolve and deteriorate nationally , ” said Dr Glynn .
The latest daily figures showed 42 new cases in Donegal and 124 in Dublin of the 324 cases reported .
Dr Glynn said public health doctors were seeing high numbers of cases in the Derry area and it was not surprising there were cases emerging in Donegal .
Public health expert Dr Gabriel Scally last night said it was “ beyond sensible but essential ” to have “ seamless ” Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel between the counties .
He warned of the risk of people in Donegal travelling across the Border to drink indoors .
The chief medical officers in the Republic and Northern Ireland will speak on Friday to draw up a co-ordinated approach to reduce travel between Donegal and Derry .
Meanwhile , the Government ’ s green list of countries where people in Ireland can travel without having to restrict their movements upon their return , has been updated .
From Monday , just four countries – Cyprus , Finland , Latvia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany , Iceland , Lithuania and Poland removed .

Locals Don McMenamin and his wife Lorraine with their daughter, Laura (9), on their way to Laura’s First Holy Communion in St Mary’s Church, Stranorlar, Co Donegal. Photograph: Joe Dunne
The Government moved swiftly yesterday to elevate Co Donegal to Level 3 of the Covid-19 scale after a dramatic and rapid deterioration of the situation with the virus in the county.
The move came after a substantial increases in the cases in the county with the 14-day rate in Lifford and Stranorlar area at 336 per 100,000 people. The number of cases per 100,000 over the past fortnight in the county increased to 148.2, the highest in the country. It is now higher than Dublin's rate of about 145.
An incorporeal meeting of the Cabinet was quickly arranged last night after the National Public Health Emergency Team recommended Donegal the county be put on the same level as Dublin from midnight on Friday.
Hospital Report
At a press conference to confirm the decision, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said Donegal now had twice the levels of infection of every other county besides Dublin over the past seven days.
READ MORE
From midnight on Friday people residing in Donegal will be asked not to travel outside the county unless essential. There will be bans on indoor dining, further restrictions on the number of spectators at sporting events, and strict limits on the number of people that can gather indoors and outdoors. The numbers allowed at weddings and funerals will be reduced to 25. The restrictions will apply for three weeks until October 16th . Unlike in Dublin, wet pubs in Donegal will allowed to open but only for outdoor drinks for up to 15 people.
However, Mr Martin warned of similar measures in other counties and cities where the incidence rate was rising. “To be honest we could have similar announcements for other areas in the coming week, if the numbers keep rising,” he said.
Dr Glynn specifically warned of possible escalations in other counties urging people in Louth, Wicklow, Kildare, Waterford, Cork and Galway to pay particular attention to public health advice.
The Taoiseach said cities like Cork and Galway have started from a low base but “incident rates are growing very fast”.
Border worries
Mr Martin and Dr Glynn said despite the remainder of the country being on Level 2, the number of cases was continuing to rise, as was the rate of hospitalisation and ICU admission.
“Unfortunately the situation continues to evolve and deteriorate nationally,” said Dr Glynn.
The latest daily figures showed 42 new cases in Donegal and 124 in Dublin of the 324 cases reported. Dr Glynn said public health doctors were seeing high numbers of cases in the Derry area and it was not surprising there were cases emerging in Donegal.
Public health expert Dr Gabriel Scally last night said it was “beyond sensible but essential” to have “seamless” Covid-19 measures in Donegal and Derry to avoid travel between the counties. He warned of the risk of people in Donegal travelling across the Border to drink indoors .
The chief medical officers in the Republic and Northern Ireland will speak on Friday to draw up a co-ordinated approach to reduce travel between Donegal and Derry.
Meanwhile, the Government's green list of countries where people in Ireland can travel without having to restrict their movements upon their return, has been updated. From Monday, just four countries – Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Liechenstein will be on the list with Germany, Iceland, Lithuania and Poland removed.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Séamus Woulfe: The last man standing in Golfgate is set to learn his fate

There is unease among the judiciary , intense interest in the Law Library , trepidation in Government Buildings and impatience among the Opposition .
All are awaiting the report of the former chief justice Susan Denham , currently being compiled at the request of her successor Frank Clarke , on the behaviour of the former attorney general , now judge of the Supreme Court , Séamus Woulfe .
Woulfe , of course , is the last man standing from the now infamous Oireachtas Golf Society dinner held in Clifden during August , in apparent breach of Covid restrictions .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public anger that was deep and wide and vocal – led to the resignations of the minister for agriculture Dara Calleary , a clutch of senators and , eventually , Ireland ’ s European commissioner Phil Hogan .
Despite widespread calls for his resignation , Woulfe – who had been appointed to the court only a few weeks previously – apologised profusely and kept his head down .
But his fellow judges were not happy , legal sources stressed , and asked Ms Justice Denham to compile a report on Woulfe ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her hands .
The court took the unusual step of issuing a statement outlining the questions it has asked its former leader to consider about its newest member .
It read : “ Ms Justice Denham has been asked to consider whether Mr Justice Woulfe should have accepted the invitation to dinner .
In addition , whether he should , in all the circumstances , have left the hotel in the light of the situation prevailing .
Furthermore , whether he should have attended the golf event without attending the dinner.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answers to those questions will be no , yes and no , it will place Woulfe in a difficult position .
Legal sources say , however , that the question of proportionality is likely to come into play : is the mistake of attending the golf event and dinner sufficiently grave to warrant a resignation from the State ’ s highest court ?
Clearly , Woulfe does not think so , or otherwise he would have already resigned .
But would Denham effectively leave him no choice ?
Legal opinion is divided .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to look favourably on a “ it was only a few pints ” defence than Denham .
Others say that seeking his resignation would be entirely disproportionate .
Some lawyers also say it is not clear there was any breach of the law .
What is clearer is that Woulfe is fighting to hang on .
He has reportedly engaged senior counsel Michael Collins , who accompanied him in an interview with Denham recently .
Denham ’ s report is expected imminently .
In Government circles , there is an extreme hands-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not looking and we ’ re not asking , several people said .
“ A matter for their Lordships , ” says one senior source in the half-serious , half-mocking manner those in Government sometimes take to the dignities of the judiciary .
Government is very anxious not to get involved .
If Denham ’ s report makes it untenable for Woulfe to continue , and in effect forces his resignation , there will be sighs of relief in Government .
But if the former chief justice administers only a slap on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remove him .
That will not stop the Opposition from raising the issue – Opposition politicians have already called for Woulfe to resign when the controversy first broke .
Expect to hear a lot about the separation of powers , frequently invoked during this controversy .
It is also frequently misused as a defensive shield by Government politicians , many of whom seem to believe they can not comment on the case for fear of violating it .
The doctrine of the separation of powers – a fundamental pillar of our democracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms of the State – protects judges from political interference and oversight in their administration of justice .
It does not protect misbehaving judges from the consequences of their actions .
Far from being unconstitutional , the power of the Oireachtas to fire a judge for misconduct is written into the Constitution , in article 35 .
The power has never been used .
Where a question of serious misconduct has arisen , the judges have resigned .
Woulfe is due to sit as a Supreme Court judge on October 6th , next @ @ @

Opposition politicians called for Séamus Woulfe to resign as judge of the Supreme Court when the controversy first broke. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
There is unease among the judiciary, intense interest in the Law Library, trepidation in Government Buildings and impatience among the Opposition.
All are awaiting the report of the former chief justice Susan Denham, currently being compiled at the request of her successor Frank Clarke, on the behaviour of the former attorney general, now judge of the Supreme Court, Séamus Woulfe.
Woulfe, of course, is the last man standing from the now infamous Oireachtas Golf Society dinner held in Clifden during August, in apparent breach of Covid restrictions. The storm of controversy – stemming from a public anger that was deep and wide and vocal – led to the resignations of the minister for agriculture Dara Calleary, a clutch of senators and, eventually, Ireland's European commissioner Phil Hogan.
Despite widespread calls for his resignation, Woulfe – who had been appointed to the court only a few weeks previously – apologised profusely and kept his head down. But his fellow judges were not happy, legal sources stressed, and asked Ms Justice Denham to compile a report on Woulfe's attendance. His fate is now effectively in her hands.
READ MORE
The court took the unusual step of issuing a statement outlining the questions it has asked its former leader to consider about its newest member.
It read: "Ms Justice Denham has been asked to consider whether Mr Justice Woulfe should have accepted the invitation to dinner. In addition, whether he should, in all the circumstances, have left the hotel in the light of the situation prevailing. Furthermore, whether he should have attended the golf event without attending the dinner."
If – as seems likely – the answers to those questions will be no, yes and no, it will place Woulfe in a difficult position. Legal sources say, however, that the question of proportionality is likely to come into play: is the mistake of attending the golf event and dinner sufficiently grave to warrant a resignation from the State’s highest court? Clearly, Woulfe does not think so, or otherwise he would have already resigned. But would Denham effectively leave him no choice?
The doctrine of the separation of powers does not protect misbehaving judges from the consequences of their actions
Legal opinion is divided. Some believe there is no judge less likely to look favourably on a “it was only a few pints” defence than Denham. Others say that seeking his resignation would be entirely disproportionate.
Some lawyers also say it is not clear there was any breach of the law. What is clearer is that Woulfe is fighting to hang on. He has reportedly engaged senior counsel Michael Collins, who accompanied him in an interview with Denham recently.
Government’s approach
Denham’s report is expected imminently. In Government circles, there is an extreme hands-off approach being taken: we’re not looking and we’re not asking, several people said. “A matter for their Lordships,” says one senior source in the half-serious, half-mocking manner those in Government sometimes take to the dignities of the judiciary.
Government is very anxious not to get involved. If Denham’s report makes it untenable for Woulfe to continue, and in effect forces his resignation, there will be sighs of relief in Government. But if the former chief justice administers only a slap on the wrist, the Government will not move to remove him. That will not stop the Opposition from raising the issue – Opposition politicians have already called for Woulfe to resign when the controversy first broke.
Expect to hear a lot about the separation of powers, frequently invoked during this controversy. It is also frequently misused as a defensive shield by Government politicians, many of whom seem to believe they cannot comment on the case for fear of violating it.
The doctrine of the separation of powers – a fundamental pillar of our democracy which balances the powers of the different arms of the State – protects judges from political interference and oversight in their administration of justice. It does not protect misbehaving judges from the consequences of their actions.
Far from being unconstitutional, the power of the Oireachtas to fire a judge for misconduct is written into the Constitution, in article 35. The power has never been used. Where a question of serious misconduct has arisen, the judges have resigned. Woulfe is due to sit as a Supreme Court judge on October 6th, next Tuesday week.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--“Working life is about collaboration and team work”

What did you study and when did you graduate ?
I graduated from Imperial College London in 2017 , with a MEng degree in Chemical Engineering .
I then went on to study a Masters in Management at London Business School and moved to Dublin in September 2018 to join the EY Graduate Programme .
What attracted you to your current role ?
My studies and work experiences helped me realise the importance of finding a career that would drive my passion for continuous learning and working in high performing teams .
Having lived in multiple countries around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I joined a company with a strong global presence and focus on diversity and inclusiveness .
My sister had worked in EY Paris and recommended I apply to the Advisory Graduate Programme .
It immediately appeared like a perfect fit : I would be able to engage with a wide range or sectors and collaborate with people from different backgrounds , while continuing to develop my professional skills by undertaking a number of external qualifications .
The interview process only strengthened my perception of the company as being fast paced , high performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I was thrilled to receive an offer to join their 2018 Advisory Graduate Programme .
What challenges were presented by the transition to the working world ?
I personally found the transition from education to the working world very smooth .
By joining EY as part of the graduate programme , I got the opportunity to take part in a two week on-boarding which I believe provided me with a certain set of tools and confidence I needed to successfully kickstart my career .
Throughout the graduate programme , I was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trainings that definitely contributed to helping me get acclimated to the workplace .
The main difference I found between education and the working world , is that everything you do at work will have an impact on either your organisation , your client or the customer .
Generally , the reach or your work is much wider than anything you would have done at university , which is something that I personally find very exciting .
Do you have any mentors ?
If so , what is their value to you ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I was assigned a mentor at the beginning of my graduate programme and I further developed informal mentor relationships with people I have worked with over the past two years .
Their mentorships have been absolutely invaluable in terms of personal development and career progression .
These are people I look up to and solicit for career-related advice .
I was recently given the opportunity to move business areas within EY and the ability to ask for my mentors ’ guidance and leverage their experience was instrumental in helping me make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have been able to expand my connections within the company , as they are always keen to introduce me to people from their own network .
In addition to helping me integrate within the film , these mentorships have also led me to great opportunities to work on exciting projects internally .
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the workforce ?
I think the most valuable thing I have learned is to ask for help whenever I need it .
When I started as a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impression that asking for help might affect my performance .
I quickly realised that asking for help and flagging issues early is actually seen a sign of maturity rather than a sign of weakness .
In most cases , you will find that people have already been thinking about the same issue , or that someone in the organisation has the answer to your question .
You would be surprised how effectively a twenty minute conversation can help you resolve a situation and give you the clarity you need to complete your task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about collaboration and team work , and asking for help is part of it .
Personally , I have learned so much more when asking for help , than I have trying to work things out on my own .
Ultimately , I believe this is the main purpose of the graduate programme : to continuously widen and improve your skill set .
What is the one piece of advice you would offer new graduates ?
My one piece of advice would be to reach out to people in your organisation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn about their background and what they do within the firm .
It is a great way to build your network and get a deeper understanding of the different lines of work within your company .
I have found that more often than not , even if they are really busy , people will make time for a 30 minutes catch-up , especially with graduates .
I really would not hesitate to put in a quick meeting with people you would like to connect with .
It is also a great opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known to people outside of your day-to-day job .
How has Covid-19 affected your working life As most people in corporate jobs , I have been working remotely since March , and therefore have not been able to meet in person with anyone from work .
It has definitely been challenging , but I have tried my best to make the most out of this situation .
For example , not having to commute two hours a day has afforded me the time to do things for myself such as cooking or yoga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do miss the physical interactions I would normally have in the office .
Hallway conversations have been replaced by formal meetings and I find it much more challenging to get hold of someone for a few minutes to resolve a pressing issue or get an answer to a query .
The technology we have access to has nonetheless made working remotely very smooth .
Video conferencing is a great way to feel connected to your team and I have found that a quick phone call can save a lot of time and a @ @ @ @

Marion Hauducoeur: My one piece of advice would be to reach out to people in your organisation for informal (virtual) coffee chats to learn about their background and what they do within the firm.
What did you study and when did you graduate?
I graduated from Imperial College London in 2017, with a MEng degree in Chemical Engineering. I then went on to study a Masters in Management at London Business School and moved to Dublin in September 2018 to join the EY Graduate Programme.
What attracted you to your current role?
My studies and work experiences helped me realise the importance of finding a career that would drive my passion for continuous learning and working in high performing teams. Having lived in multiple countries around the world, I felt it was necessary that I joined a company with a strong global presence and focus on diversity and inclusiveness.
READ MORE
My sister had worked in EY Paris and recommended I apply to the Advisory Graduate Programme. It immediately appeared like a perfect fit: I would be able to engage with a wide range or sectors and collaborate with people from different backgrounds, while continuing to develop my professional skills by undertaking a number of external qualifications. The interview process only strengthened my perception of the company as being fast paced, high performing and committed to its People agenda, and I was thrilled to receive an offer to join their 2018 Advisory Graduate Programme.
What challenges were presented by the transition to the working world?
I personally found the transition from education to the working world very smooth. By joining EY as part of the graduate programme, I got the opportunity to take part in a two week on-boarding which I believe provided me with a certain set of tools and confidence I needed to successfully kickstart my career. Throughout the graduate programme, I was also able to attend a number of workshops and trainings that definitely contributed to helping me get acclimated to the workplace.
The main difference I found between education and the working world, is that everything you do at work will have an impact on either your organisation, your client or the customer. Generally, the reach or your work is much wider than anything you would have done at university, which is something that I personally find very exciting.
Do you have any mentors? If so, what is their value to you?
I have a few mentors at EY. I was assigned a mentor at the beginning of my graduate programme and I further developed informal mentor relationships with people I have worked with over the past two years. Their mentorships have been absolutely invaluable in terms of personal development and career progression.
These are people I look up to and solicit for career-related advice. I was recently given the opportunity to move business areas within EY and the ability to ask for my mentors’ guidance and leverage their experience was instrumental in helping me make the right career decision.
Thanks to them I have been able to expand my connections within the company, as they are always keen to introduce me to people from their own network. In addition to helping me integrate within the film, these mentorships have also led me to great opportunities to work on exciting projects internally.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the workforce?
I think the most valuable thing I have learned is to ask for help whenever I need it. When I started as a new graduate, I was under the wrong impression that asking for help might affect my performance. I quickly realised that asking for help and flagging issues early is actually seen a sign of maturity rather than a sign of weakness.
In most cases, you will find that people have already been thinking about the same issue, or that someone in the organisation has the answer to your question. You would be surprised how effectively a twenty minute conversation can help you resolve a situation and give you the clarity you need to complete your task to the highest standards. Working life is about collaboration and team work, and asking for help is part of it.
Personally, I have learned so much more when asking for help, than I have trying to work things out on my own. Ultimately, I believe this is the main purpose of the graduate programme: to continuously widen and improve your skill set.
What is the one piece of advice you would offer new graduates?
My one piece of advice would be to reach out to people in your organisation for informal (virtual) coffee chats to learn about their background and what they do within the firm. It is a great way to build your network and get a deeper understanding of the different lines of work within your company.
I have found that more often than not, even if they are really busy, people will make time for a 30 minutes catch-up, especially with graduates. I really would not hesitate to put in a quick meeting with people you would like to connect with.
It is also a great opportunity to talk about your work and make yourself known to people outside of your day-to-day job.
How has Covid-19 affected your working life
As most people in corporate jobs, I have been working remotely since March, and therefore have not been able to meet in person with anyone from work.
It has definitely been challenging, but I have tried my best to make the most out of this situation. For example, not having to commute two hours a day has afforded me the time to do things for myself such as cooking or yoga. However, I must say I do miss the physical interactions I would normally have in the office. Hallway conversations have been replaced by formal meetings and I find it much more challenging to get hold of someone for a few minutes to resolve a pressing issue or get an answer to a query.
The technology we have access to has nonetheless made working remotely very smooth. Video conferencing is a great way to feel connected to your team and I have found that a quick phone call can save a lot of time and a lot of e-mails!
- Jenna Clarke Molloy


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--‘Time management is essential to my work life’

What did you study and when did you graduate ?
I studied BESS in Trinity college and graduated in 2018 .
What attracted you to your current role ?
I completed the KPMG Summer internship programme in 2017 in KPMG ’ s Tax department where I thoroughly enjoyed my experience .
I worked with clients predominantly in the construction and pharmaceutical industries .
The young workforce and engaging work encouraged me to return and complete KPMG ’ s graduate programme .
What did you find most challenging about the working world ?
I found learning to balance work and study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers generous study leave , with interim assessments you are expected to manage your own study time .
Creating a study plan helped me focus when I needed to prioritise getting ready for my professional exams .
Therefore , it is essential , to plan your time to ensure you have allowed for some down time during the evenings and at the weekends .
Do you have any mentors ?
If so , what is their value to you ?
The structure of tax allows you to work with different staff , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and experience from a wide array of people .
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the workforce ?
As I am completing my chartered accountancy exams , time management is essential to my work life .
How has Covid-19 affected your working life ?
I am now working from home , which has its benefits .
But I do miss my work colleagues , when you are used to the busy life of the office .
I am definitely looking forward to returning to the office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would offer new graduates ?
Take part in all the social events that KPMG has to offer and immerse yourself as much as possible !
This will allow you to get the most out of your time in KPMG .

Siofra Martin: “It is essential, to plan your time to ensure you have allowed for some down time during the evenings and at the weekends.”
What did you study and when did you graduate?
I studied BESS in Trinity college and graduated in 2018.
What attracted you to your current role?
I completed the KPMG Summer internship programme in 2017 in KPMG's Tax department where I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I worked with clients predominantly in the construction and pharmaceutical industries. The young workforce and engaging work encouraged me to return and complete KPMG's graduate programme.
READ MORE
What did you find most challenging about the working world?
I found learning to balance work and study to be a challenge. While KPMG offers generous study leave, with interim assessments you are expected to manage your own study time. Creating a study plan helped me focus when I needed to prioritise getting ready for my professional exams. Therefore, it is essential, to plan your time to ensure you have allowed for some down time during the evenings and at the weekends.
Do you have any mentors? If so, what is their value to you?
The structure of tax allows you to work with different staff, this has enabled me to gain invaluable knowledge and experience from a wide array of people.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the workforce?
As I am completing my chartered accountancy exams, time management is essential to my work life.
How has Covid-19 affected your working life?
I am now working from home, which has its benefits. But I do miss my work colleagues, when you are used to the busy life of the office. I am definitely looking forward to returning to the office.
What is one piece of advice you would offer new graduates?
Take part in all the social events that KPMG has to offer and immerse yourself as much as possible! This will allow you to get the most out of your time in KPMG.
Jenna Clarke-Molloy


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--‘Technology was always an interest of mine’

What did you study and when did you graduate ?
Following completion of my second level education in Wesley College , Dublin , I studied for a BSc in Computer Science at University College Dublin .
I graduated from there in 2015 and began working full-time in a consulting company via its graduate programme .
While working , I completed a Masters in Digital Investigation and Forensic Computing part-time , graduating in 2017 .
What attracted you to your current path ?
Technology was always an interest of min e , even from my school days .
During my Computer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a cybersecurity focus .
I was fortunate to have it published as a co-authored paper for an international cybercrime conference .
This area of research led to a career path in the cybersecurity industry .
In 2018 , I became aware of the Fulbright programme and its availability to not only academics , but also professionals .
The programme offers students , scholars and professionals the opportunity to conduct advanced research in a variety of specialised fields of study at universities in the United States .
It is considered one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the inaugural Fulbright Scholar in Cybersecurity to Boston College , where I spent a semester researching cybersecurity and working with their Masters in Cybersecurity .
Today , I am a cybersecurity manager at Accenture in Ireland which allows me to apply my knowledge and experience to help our clients build their cyber resilience .
While cybersecurity is deeply technical in nature , I have the opportunity to communicate complex issues in business terms .
What did you find most challenging about the working world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is such a strong focus on technical and practical skills .
The hardest part of the transition from STEM education to the working world is the level of communication and soft skills required .
Having the technical skills is critical but is limiting unless you can clearly communicate topics and work as part of a team .
I also found that participating in a team sport since my teens really helped me develop those skills early on and this certainly helped my own transition to the working world .
Do you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is their value to you ?
I think it is really important to take advice and guidance whenever the opportunity presents .
It is important to be able to look at issues from multiple perspectives .
This is the real benefit of having a mentor .
They have the benefit of that experience base and can help me look at things in different ways .
From a work perspective , Jacky Fox , the managing director of Accenture ’ s Security practice , has been a huge influence on my career to date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respected in the industry to help navigate a career in a growing field has given me the confidence and knowledge to allow me grow professionally .
I have been really fortunate to gain another mentor as a result of my Fulbright Scholarship in Boston College .
The director of the Masters in Cybersecurity programme , Professor Kevin Powers , has given me great advice and guidance on all aspects of the industry and on how to grow a career .
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing it must be the value of building a broad range of networks .
While in Boston I was fortunate enough to meet and engage with some well-known global thought leaders and experts in cybersecurity .
The Fulbright credential opens those doors and opportunities .
For someone early in their career this was priceless and really highlighted to me the need to have broad networks .
It means you can call on expertise and insight in a trusted way .
Although I was in the United States for only a few short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many members of the Boston cybersecurity industry and I am still part of the Boston College cybersecurity research group .
How has Covid-19 affected your working life ?
Before the pandemic hit , my usual working day would be office-based where I could be in meetings , conducting project work or presenting to clients .
Since COVID-19 , like a lot of people , I have been working from home and thankfully the switch has been quite seamless .
At Accenture , we usually work in group projects and we have fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work remotely as a team very successfully .
Certainly I miss the social aspect of being in the office but we get together virtually for social events to help grow as a team and switch off from work .
What is one piece of advice you would offer new graduates ?
The biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone conducting a Fulbright Scholarship is to take advantage of the opportunities .
The Fulbright name is world renowned and is held in high regard .
The opportunities provided by it , be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand to you as you further your career .
Enjoy the experience and get involved in the social side of things .
I would also advise linking up with other Fulbright Scholars from other disciplines , as there are always opportunities for collaboration .
These are all wonderful learning and life experiences .

Conor Quinn: “In 2018, I became aware of the Fulbright programme and its availability to not only academics, but also professionals.”
What did you study and when did you graduate?
Following completion of my second level education in Wesley College, Dublin, I studied for a BSc in Computer Science at University College Dublin. I graduated from there in 2015 and began working full-time in a consulting company via its graduate programme. While working, I completed a Masters in Digital Investigation and Forensic Computing part-time, graduating in 2017.
Recently I completed a Fulbright Scholarship in Cybersecurity with Boston College.
What attracted you to your current path?
READ MORE
Technology was always an interest of min e, even from my school days. During my Computer Science degree, my final year thesis had a cybersecurity focus. I was fortunate to have it published as a co-authored paper for an international cybercrime conference. This area of research led to a career path in the cybersecurity industry.
In 2018, I became aware of the Fulbright programme and its availability to not only academics, but also professionals. The programme offers students, scholars and professionals the opportunity to conduct advanced research in a variety of specialised fields of study at universities in the United States. It is considered one of the most prestigious exchange programmes around the world. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the inaugural Fulbright Scholar in Cybersecurity to Boston College, where I spent a semester researching cybersecurity and working with their Masters in Cybersecurity.
Today, I am a cybersecurity manager at Accenture in Ireland which allows me to apply my knowledge and experience to help our clients build their cyber resilience. While cybersecurity is deeply technical in nature, I have the opportunity to communicate complex issues in business terms.
What did you find most challenging about the working world?
Coming from a STEM background, there is such a strong focus on technical and practical skills. The hardest part of the transition from STEM education to the working world is the level of communication and soft skills required. Having the technical skills is critical but is limiting unless you can clearly communicate topics and work as part of a team. I also found that participating in a team sport since my teens really helped me develop those skills early on and this certainly helped my own transition to the working world.
Do you have any mentors? If so, what is their value to you?
I think it is really important to take advice and guidance whenever the opportunity presents. It is important to be able to look at issues from multiple perspectives. This is the real benefit of having a mentor. They have the benefit of that experience base and can help me look at things in different ways.
From a work perspective, Jacky Fox, the managing director of Accenture's Security practice, has been a huge influence on my career to date. Having somebody so experienced and well respected in the industry to help navigate a career in a growing field has given me the confidence and knowledge to allow me grow professionally.
I have been really fortunate to gain another mentor as a result of my Fulbright Scholarship in Boston College. The director of the Masters in Cybersecurity programme, Professor Kevin Powers, has given me great advice and guidance on all aspects of the industry and on how to grow a career.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the programme?
I think if it was one thing it must be the value of building a broad range of networks. While in Boston I was fortunate enough to meet and engage with some well-known global thought leaders and experts in cybersecurity. The Fulbright credential opens those doors and opportunities. For someone early in their career this was priceless and really highlighted to me the need to have broad networks. It means you can call on expertise and insight in a trusted way. Although I was in the United States for only a few short months, I am still in contact with many members of the Boston cybersecurity industry and I am still part of the Boston College cybersecurity research group.
How has Covid-19 affected your working life?
Before the pandemic hit, my usual working day would be office-based where I could be in meetings, conducting project work or presenting to clients. Since COVID-19, like a lot of people, I have been working from home and thankfully the switch has been quite seamless. At Accenture, we usually work in group projects and we have fantastic collaboration tools that now allow us to work remotely as a team very successfully. Certainly I miss the social aspect of being in the office but we get together virtually for social events to help grow as a team and switch off from work.
What is one piece of advice you would offer new graduates?
The biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone conducting a Fulbright Scholarship is to take advantage of the opportunities. The Fulbright name is world renowned and is held in high regard. The opportunities provided by it, be it professional or personal, will always stand to you as you further your career. Enjoy the experience and get involved in the social side of things. I would also advise linking up with other Fulbright Scholars from other disciplines, as there are always opportunities for collaboration. These are all wonderful learning and life experiences.
Jenna Clarke-Molloy


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--‘Be well informed about the company before you get to the interview’

What did you study and when did you graduate ?
I obtained a bachelor ’ s degree in accounting and finance from Maynooth University in 2016 and a master ’ s degree in accounting from UCD Michael Smurfit Business School in 2017 .
What attracted you to your current role ?
I have always had a keen interest in accounting , which I initially developed by studying accounting for the Leaving Certificate .
During college I took part in the summer internship programme at Deloitte ’ s audit department , more specifically in the financial services team .
This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I thoroughly enjoyed the internship and gained an insight into Deloitte ’ s diverse range of industries and clients .
I chose to return after I finished college due to this positive experience and how friendly and approachable everyone was .
I have been in Deloitte for three years now and my opinion has remained unchanged .
What challenges were presented by the transition to the working world ?
One of the biggest challenges that I initially faced was managing my time efficiently , to produce high-quality audit work and meet client @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curve involved .
However , because of the friendly environment and the guidance from colleagues , I have been able to enhance this skill during the period of my contract .
Another challenge that I faced as a new graduate when transitioning into the working world is settling into a completely new environment with new people .
Fortunately , at Deloitte , there are many opportunities to network with individuals in your year-group and team , as well as within the wider Deloitte group .
Do you have any mentors ?
If so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
At Deloitte each individual gets assigned a mentor to guide them throughout the period of their contract – in my case a director from the financial services team .
The role of a mentor is to advise you on how to perform at your best .
We have frequent meetings with our mentors to discuss any questions we have or issues we are facing .
My mentor has provided me with both professional and life advice that I will carry with me over the years .
Having a mentor has made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more smooth and enjoyable .
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since joining the workforce ?
I have learned the importance of communicating effectively while working in a team and developing my project management skills .
By working with a range of different clients and teams of various sizes , as well as interacting with senior management , I ’ ve had the opportunity to enhance these skills , which has played a big role in my career progression .
Another key lesson that resonates with me is raising your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in other activities or different projects .
For example , I had an interest to explore the aircraft leasing industry as I predominately worked in the life insurance industry during my contract .
By communicating this interest to my mentor , I was able to gain experience within the aircraft leasing department .
What is one piece of advice you would offer new graduates ?
To be well-informed about the company you ’ re potentially joining and its key activities before you get to the interview stage .
Being able to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you are keen to join and have done your research .
Additionally , I would advise new graduates to enjoy the experience as much as possible by networking and taking part in various activities .
At Deloitte , there are a number of events that take part during the year which range from charity fundraisers to volunteering in Africa .
There is a lot of helpful information about Deloitte , its people and its services on the company website .
How has Covid-19 affected you and your working life ?
Covid-19 has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
On one hand , I get back almost two hours of commuting time every day .
On the other hand , adjusting to working from home was initially a bit difficult .
It was challenging to communicate with colleagues and to adapt to new ways of working .
However , to combat this , we have had more frequent calls and catch-ups with our teams to ensure everyone is getting on okay with work and in their personal life .
Given that our home has become our new office and may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge is maintaining a good work-life balance .
I ensure I am taking regular breaks throughout the day and that I am taking advantage of the commuting time I am saving .
Additionally , thanks to the opportunity to avail of flexible working hours , I am enjoying a more balanced working life .
While I have adopted the new way of working and have had a smooth transition thanks to the technology and other resources available at Deloitte , I do look forward to returning to the office some of the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the office and remote working arrangements .

Meena Khatri: ‘Being able to speak about the services the company offers shows that you are keen to join and have done your research’
What did you study and when did you graduate?
I obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Maynooth University in 2016 and a master's degree in accounting from UCD Michael Smurfit Business School in 2017.
What attracted you to your current role?
I have always had a keen interest in accounting, which I initially developed by studying accounting for the Leaving Certificate.
READ MORE
During college I took part in the summer internship programme at Deloitte's audit department, more specifically in the financial services team. This was my first introduction to the working world. I thoroughly enjoyed the internship and gained an insight into Deloitte's diverse range of industries and clients. I chose to return after I finished college due to this positive experience and how friendly and approachable everyone was. I have been in Deloitte for three years now and my opinion has remained unchanged.
What challenges were presented by the transition to the working world?
One of the biggest challenges that I initially faced was managing my time efficiently, to produce high-quality audit work and meet client deadlines. There is a steep learning curve involved. However, because of the friendly environment and the guidance from colleagues, I have been able to enhance this skill during the period of my contract.
Another challenge that I faced as a new graduate when transitioning into the working world is settling into a completely new environment with new people. Fortunately, at Deloitte, there are many opportunities to network with individuals in your year-group and team, as well as within the wider Deloitte group.
Do you have any mentors? If so, what is their value to you?
At Deloitte each individual gets assigned a mentor to guide them throughout the period of their contract – in my case a director from the financial services team. The role of a mentor is to advise you on how to perform at your best. We have frequent meetings with our mentors to discuss any questions we have or issues we are facing. My mentor has provided me with both professional and life advice that I will carry with me over the years. Having a mentor has made the transition from education to the workplace far more smooth and enjoyable.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since joining the workforce?
I have learned the importance of communicating effectively while working in a team and developing my project management skills. By working with a range of different clients and teams of various sizes, as well as interacting with senior management, I’ve had the opportunity to enhance these skills, which has played a big role in my career progression. Another key lesson that resonates with me is raising your hand if you would like to get involved in other activities or different projects. For example, I had an interest to explore the aircraft leasing industry as I predominately worked in the life insurance industry during my contract. By communicating this interest to my mentor, I was able to gain experience within the aircraft leasing department.
What is one piece of advice you would offer new graduates?
To be well-informed about the company you're potentially joining and its key activities before you get to the interview stage. Being able to speak about the services the company offers shows that you are keen to join and have done your research. Additionally, I would advise new graduates to enjoy the experience as much as possible by networking and taking part in various activities. At Deloitte, there are a number of events that take part during the year which range from charity fundraisers to volunteering in Africa. There is a lot of helpful information about Deloitte, its people and its services on the company website.
How has Covid-19 affected you and your working life?
Covid-19 has had a mixed impact on my working life. On one hand, I get back almost two hours of commuting time every day. On the other hand, adjusting to working from home was initially a bit difficult. It was challenging to communicate with colleagues and to adapt to new ways of working. However, to combat this, we have had more frequent calls and catch-ups with our teams to ensure everyone is getting on okay with work and in their personal life.
Given that our home has become our new office and may be for the next while, another challenge is maintaining a good work-life balance. I ensure I am taking regular breaks throughout the day and that I am taking advantage of the commuting time I am saving. Additionally, thanks to the opportunity to avail of flexible working hours, I am enjoying a more balanced working life.
While I have adopted the new way of working and have had a smooth transition thanks to the technology and other resources available at Deloitte, I do look forward to returning to the office some of the time and having the combined benefits of both the office and remote working arrangements.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--HSE may facilitate virtual role for partners at key maternity moments

Partners will be able to take part in women ’ s key maternity appointments virtually , under plans being considered by the Health Service Executive following complaints that women are facing difficult moments alone .
However , a new document drawn up by the HSE offers little immediate hope that partners will soon be able to be physically present for appointments , such as the 20-week scan .
Every maternity service will be asked to review rules weekly , but HSE clinical director of the women ’ s and infants ’ programme Peter McKenna said some women will inevitably be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ word on the subject ?
The answer is no , it can ’ t be , ” he told The Irish Times , but “ the situation could be different in a couple of weeks ’ time if conditions improve ” .
Maternity Covid-19 rules have adapted to help women hearing distressing news so that they have support , he said : “ [ But ] we have to be very conscious that we have not fulfilled people ’ s expectations all of the time.
” The HSE will examine if it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a partner via a smartphone or camera .
Although the partner may not be physically in the room it can be pointed out , ‘ This is what we are looking at here , this looks good , etc.
’ “ It is something which I think is certainly worth exploring , ” he said .
“ It could almost be as simple as the woman putting her smartphone on .
We will have to see what can be done.
” The new , as-yet unpublished guidance states it is “ not possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing Covid-19 visiting restrictions can be lifted .
Decisions will be made by individual hospitals .
Restrictions could ease by degrees if virus numbers fall , it goes on : “ However , the lifting of restrictions during a pandemic must be done with extreme care in each of the 19 maternity services.
” Key staff must be protected .
If some scanning staff fall ill and others have to self-isolate “ that is the end of scanning for everybody .
That is not a threat ; that is the reality .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in keeping it out , ” said Dr McKenna .

The HSE will examine if it is possible to have a telelink with a pregnant woman’s partner via a smartphone or camera.
Partners will be able to take part in women’s key maternity appointments virtually, under plans being considered by the Health Service Executive following complaints that women are facing difficult moments alone.
However, a new document drawn up by the HSE offers little immediate hope that partners will soon be able to be physically present for appointments, such as the 20-week scan.
Every maternity service will be asked to review rules weekly, but HSE clinical director of the women’s and infants’ programme Peter McKenna said some women will inevitably be disappointed.
“Is this the last word on the subject? The answer is no, it can’t be,” he told The Irish Times, but “the situation could be different in a couple of weeks’ time if conditions improve”.
READ MORE
‘Distressing news’
Maternity Covid-19 rules have adapted to help women hearing distressing news so that they have support, he said: “[But] we have to be very conscious that we have not fulfilled people’s expectations all of the time.”
The HSE will examine if it is “possible to have a telelink with a partner via a smartphone or camera. Although the partner may not be physically in the room it can be pointed out, ‘This is what we are looking at here, this looks good, etc.’
“It is something which I think is certainly worth exploring,” he said. “It could almost be as simple as the woman putting her smartphone on. We will have to see what can be done.”
Lifting of restrictions
The new, as-yet unpublished guidance states it is “not possible” for the HSE to say when existing Covid-19 visiting restrictions can be lifted. Decisions will be made by individual hospitals.
Restrictions could ease by degrees if virus numbers fall, it goes on: “However, the lifting of restrictions during a pandemic must be done with extreme care in each of the 19 maternity services.”
Key staff must be protected. If some scanning staff fall ill and others have to self-isolate “that is the end of scanning for everybody. That is not a threat; that is the reality. So far, we have done pretty well in keeping it out,” said Dr McKenna.