theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Heavy drinking linked to health problems later in life, study finds

Heavy drinking is linked to higher blood pressure , poorer liver function , increased stroke risk and larger waistlines in later life , even if you cut down before getting older , researchers have found .
More than half of drinkers ( 56 per cent ) have been “ hazardous drinkers ” at some point in their life , the University College London ( UCL ) study shows .
Just over a fifth ( 21 per cent ) currently drink at hazardous levels , while 5 per cent have been consistently hazardous .
It was also found that current and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predominately white and likely to be in senior level jobs .
Report author Dr Linda Ng Fat , of UCL ’ s Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care , said previous studies into drinking habits focused on “ single snapshots of consumption ” which could mask the cumulative effects of drinking over time .
“ This study raises awareness of the effect of alcohol consumption over the life-course , ” she said .
Despite the common perception of young people binge drinking , heavy use of alcohol is “ common among older adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England being the highest among adults aged over 50 ” , she added .
The peer-reviewed study , published in the journal Addiction , looked at the lifetime drinking habits of 4,820 civil servants and former civil servants , aged between 59 and 83 years .
Anyone who had three or four drinks , four or more times a week , was deemed a hazardous drinker .
Hazardous drinkers , including those who had cut down after the age of 50 , had “ significantly ” higher blood pressure and poorer liver function @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , researchers found .
Hazardous drinkers also had a three times greater risk of stroke , while those who cut down after the age of 50 still had around a two times higher risk of dying from non-cardiovascular disease that those who drank less throughout their lives .
Those who drank hazardously over their lifetime also had “ significantly larger ” waist lines , the findings show .
Even those who cut down before the age of 50 had on average a 1.17 cm larger waist than moderate drinkers , while consistently hazardous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This suggests that the longer adults engage in heavy drinking the larger their waistline in older age , ” said Dr Ng Fat .
“ That is why it is beneficial , along with other health benefits , that adults reduce heavy drinking earlier rather than later.
” One in five Irish adults is classified as a hazardous drinker , according to Sheena Horgan chief executive of charity Drinkaware which receives funding from the alcohol industry .
She said 73 per cent of these hazardous drinkers were men .
“ Hazardous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health problems .
High blood pressure is especially notable here as it is one of the most common alcohol-related health problems experienced by Irish adults , but many people don ’ t realise they have it , ” she said .
“ We also know that alcohol , even relatively low consumption , is a risk factor for different cancers .
For instance , 1-4 drinks a day is linked to a 21 per cent increased risk for bowel cancer , ” she added .
“ Many alcohol-related health issues can take considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be realised so we really need younger adults in particular to recognise that drinking habits in your 20s can have a major impact on your future health.
” “ Above all , we urge anyone who drinks to do so within the HSE low-risk weekly guidelines .
That is 11 standard drinks spread out over a week for women , 17 standard drinks for men .
This basic knowledge is fundamental to redress our social and cultural norms of hazardous drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm for future generations .
”

Heavy drinking is linked to higher blood pressure in later life, researchers have found. File photograph: iStock
Heavy drinking is linked to higher blood pressure, poorer liver function, increased stroke risk and larger waistlines in later life, even if you cut down before getting older, researchers have found.
More than half of drinkers (56 per cent) have been “hazardous drinkers” at some point in their life, the University College London (UCL) study shows.
Just over a fifth (21 per cent) currently drink at hazardous levels, while 5 per cent have been consistently hazardous.
It was also found that current and consistent heavy drinkers are mainly men, predominately white and likely to be in senior level jobs.
READ MORE
Report author Dr Linda Ng Fat, of UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, said previous studies into drinking habits focused on “single snapshots of consumption” which could mask the cumulative effects of drinking over time.
“This study raises awareness of the effect of alcohol consumption over the life-course,” she said.
Despite the common perception of young people binge drinking, heavy use of alcohol is “common among older adults, with alcohol related hospital admissions in England being the highest among adults aged over 50”, she added.
The peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Addiction, looked at the lifetime drinking habits of 4,820 civil servants and former civil servants, aged between 59 and 83 years.
Anyone who had three or four drinks, four or more times a week, was deemed a hazardous drinker.
Hazardous drinkers, including those who had cut down after the age of 50, had “significantly” higher blood pressure and poorer liver function, than those who never drank hazardously, researchers found.
Hazardous drinkers also had a three times greater risk of stroke, while those who cut down after the age of 50 still had around a two times higher risk of dying from non-cardiovascular disease that those who drank less throughout their lives.
Those who drank hazardously over their lifetime also had “significantly larger” waist lines, the findings show.
Even those who cut down before the age of 50 had on average a 1.17 cm larger waist than moderate drinkers, while consistently hazardous drinkers had waistbands almost 4 cm larger.
“This suggests that the longer adults engage in heavy drinking the larger their waistline in older age,” said Dr Ng Fat.
“That is why it is beneficial, along with other health benefits, that adults reduce heavy drinking earlier rather than later.”
One in five Irish adults is classified as a hazardous drinker, according to Sheena Horgan chief executive of charity Drinkaware which receives funding from the alcohol industry . She said 73 per cent of these hazardous drinkers were men.
“Hazardous drinking is linked to all sorts of health problems. High blood pressure is especially notable here as it is one of the most common alcohol-related health problems experienced by Irish adults, but many people don’t realise they have it,” she said.
“We also know that alcohol, even relatively low consumption, is a risk factor for different cancers. For instance, 1-4 drinks a day is linked to a 21 per cent increased risk for bowel cancer,” she added.
“Many alcohol-related health issues can take considerable time, years or decades even, to be realised so we really need younger adults in particular to recognise that drinking habits in your 20s can have a major impact on your future health.”
“Above all, we urge anyone who drinks to do so within the HSE low-risk weekly guidelines. That is 11 standard drinks spread out over a week for women, 17 standard drinks for men. This basic knowledge is fundamental to redress our social and cultural norms of hazardous drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm for future generations.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Body of woman found in house in Killiney, south Dublin

Gardaí are investigating the death of a woman in unexplained circumstances at a house in south Dublin on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ following the discovery of the body of the female in her 50s in a house @ @ @ @ @ is located on Balure Lane - a small road of large family homes off Church @ @ @ @ @ .
The scene of the discovery was being preserved on Tuesday night to allow for @ @ @ @ @ gardaí were alerted earlier in the evening .
A Garda spokesman said the course of @ @ @ @ @ by a post-mortem on the victim which is scheduled to be carried out on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ death are being investigated by gardaí from Dún Laoghaire .

The body of the woman was found in the house in Killiney, Co Dublin. Photograph: Michael Chester
Gardaí are investigating the death of a woman in unexplained circumstances at a house in south Dublin on Tuesday.
An investigation has been opened following the discovery of the body of the female in her 50s in a house in Killiney.
The house is located on Balure Lane - a small road of large family homes off Church Road near Killiney Golf Club.
The scene of the discovery was being preserved on Tuesday night to allow for a full forensic examination after gardaí were alerted earlier in the evening.
READ MORE
A Garda spokesman said the course of the investigation would be determined by a post-mortem on the victim which is scheduled to be carried out on Wednesday.
The circumstances of the death are being investigated by gardaí from Dún Laoghaire.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Homeless figures highlight vulnerability during pandemic, charity says

A charity claims the latest homeless figures highlight the scale of the vulnerability of homeless during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Simon Communities has described the situation facing more than 10,000- people without a home in the State as “ a crisis within a crisis ” as it had resulted from the failure to tackle the problem of homelessness and housing shortage .
It follows the publication of new figures by the Department of Housing which shows a reduction in the number of homeless people at the end of February .
They showed there was a total of 10,148 homeless individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the previous month .
However , the number of children who are homeless increased by 40 to 3,534 .
Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy said it was important to note that the figures relate to a period before the Covid-19 emergency .
He pointed out that 600 new places had been secured since the start of the crisis with more to come if necessary .
Mr Murphy said the priority over the coming weeks was the safety of everyone housed in emergency accommodation .
The Minister said local authorities and NGOs had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity was being made available in emergency accommodation which would allow individuals to self-isolate and engage in proper social distancing measures .
Mr Murphy said he had guaranteed additional funding to city and county councils to support their work .
“ Local authorities continue to work to move as many people out of emergency accommodation into homes as possible , ” he added .
However , Simon Communities spokesman , Wayne Stanley , said the figures were a stark representation of the number of people exposed in the coronavirus pandemic because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is devastatingly clear just how essential a secure and affordable home is to our social and economic wellbeing and , crucially , to our health , ” Mr Stanley said .
Simon Communities acknowledged the collective effort being made by local authorities , the HSE , government departments and NGOs across the country to ensure people were safe .
Mr Stanley said political parties involved in talks on the formation of a new government needed to reflect on the impressive capacity shown in the State ’ s response to the Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians that such ambition was needed to address the housing and homelessness crisis .
Almost 70 per cent of all homeless individuals are based in Dublin .
Another homeless charity , Depaul , said the latest homeless figures remained “ troubling ” .

Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy said it was important to note that the homelessness figures relate to a period before the Covid-19 emergency. Photograph: iStock
A charity claims the latest homeless figures highlight the scale of the vulnerability of homeless during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Simon Communities has described the situation facing more than 10,000- people without a home in the State as “a crisis within a crisis” as it had resulted from the failure to tackle the problem of homelessness and housing shortage.
It follows the publication of new figures by the Department of Housing which shows a reduction in the number of homeless people at the end of February.
They showed there was a total of 10,148 homeless individuals including dependents in February, 123 fewer than the previous month. However, the number of children who are homeless increased by 40 to 3,534.
READ MORE
Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy said it was important to note that the figures relate to a period before the Covid-19 emergency.
He pointed out that 600 new places had been secured since the start of the crisis with more to come if necessary. Mr Murphy said the priority over the coming weeks was the safety of everyone housed in emergency accommodation.
The Minister said local authorities and NGOs had been working incredibly hard to ensure extra capacity was being made available in emergency accommodation which would allow individuals to self-isolate and engage in proper social distancing measures. Mr Murphy said he had guaranteed additional funding to city and county councils to support their work.
“Local authorities continue to work to move as many people out of emergency accommodation into homes as possible,” he added.
However, Simon Communities spokesman, Wayne Stanley, said the figures were a stark representation of the number of people exposed in the coronavirus pandemic because of the failure to address the homeless crisis.
“It is devastatingly clear just how essential a secure and affordable home is to our social and economic wellbeing and, crucially, to our health,” Mr Stanley said.
Simon Communities acknowledged the collective effort being made by local authorities, the HSE, government departments and NGOs across the country to ensure people were safe.
Mr Stanley said political parties involved in talks on the formation of a new government needed to reflect on the impressive capacity shown in the State’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.
He said it should remind politicians that such ambition was needed to address the housing and homelessness crisis.
Almost 70 per cent of all homeless individuals are based in Dublin. Another homeless charity, Depaul, said the latest homeless figures remained “troubling”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Schools reopen to provide food parcels to needy families

School principal Patrick McCormack this week re-opened the gates of St Paul ’ s CBS in Dublin ’ s north inner city , not to pupils - but parents collecting free food parcels .
“ They have been hugely appreciative , ” said McCormack , after about 100 families arrived in the car park of the school on North Brunswick Street to collect packages of bread , yoghurt and cereal over the course of the morning .
“ We don ’ t ask parents about their employment status , but we know many have lost their jobs and taken financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even during the good times.
” Since the shutdown , the education system has been scrambling to find ways to ensure vulnerable children still have access to school meals they have come to rely on in about 1,500 schools .
Last week the Government confirmed that funding will continue for the school meals programme in recent days and issued guidelines to schools and meals providers on how to do this .
St Paul ’ s or “ The Brunner ” , like many is offering take-away parcels of food for collection .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stigma around being seen queuing up in public to collect food .
By contrast , the school meals programme is universal and all children can benefit , whether they need it or not .
That ’ s why St Paul ’ s is in talks with An Post and its schools meal provider Freshways to see if food parcels can be delivered to families ’ doors .
Ray Nangle , Freshtoday chief executive , has said it will explore all available avenues to assist families .
“ With current closures , families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had calls from schools across the country desperately seeking food for students in dire need , ” he said .
“ We will be working tirelessly to ensure that a weeks ’ supply of goods will be delivered to Deis schools for distribution .
This will alleviate not only financial difficulties , but also help in restricting shopping times and community exposure.
” In normal times , St Paul ’ s school provides free school lunches and snacks for all pupils .
The impact since the programme started three years ago , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , he says , now come to rely on it as a vital source of nutrition .
“ It ’ s improved school attendance and pupils ’ behaviour since we introduced it .
There ’ s no doubt about the need for it .
There are kids where , in first or second year , they are physically smaller and undernourished , ” says McCormack .
“ There are children in family homes where they lack furniture and there ’ s not much in the cupboard .
It ’ s a hidden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exists.
” As parents arrived to collect food parcels this week , in line with social distancing measures , there wasn ’ t much scope to engage in chat .
But he said the message they received on email and text were hugely appreciative .
“ On a human level , this is a school community is sending our families a message that we understand the very real emotions around what people are going through ; we haven ’ t forgotten you .
We ’ re in this together , ” McCormack says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance to stop and talk , but we got great feedback online .
Parents were delighted - it was good to see that response .
”

St Paul’s CBS on Brunswick Street – also known as The Brunner, where members of the Freshtoday.ie food distribution group have set up in the carpark on Brunswick Street to deliver food. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
School principal Patrick McCormack this week re-opened the gates of St Paul’s CBS in Dublin’s north inner city, not to pupils - but parents collecting free food parcels.
“They have been hugely appreciative,” said McCormack, after about 100 families arrived in the car park of the school on North Brunswick Street to collect packages of bread, yoghurt and cereal over the course of the morning.
“We don’t ask parents about their employment status, but we know many have lost their jobs and taken financial hits and are struggling to get by even during the good times.”
Since the shutdown, the education system has been scrambling to find ways to ensure vulnerable children still have access to school meals they have come to rely on in about 1,500 schools.
READ MORE
Last week the Government confirmed that funding will continue for the school meals programme in recent days and issued guidelines to schools and meals providers on how to do this.
St Paul’s or “The Brunner” , like many is offering take-away parcels of food for collection.
Stigma
There may still, McCormack worries, be a stigma around being seen queuing up in public to collect food.
By contrast, the school meals programme is universal and all children can benefit, whether they need it or not.
That's why St Paul's is in talks with An Post and its schools meal provider Freshways to see if food parcels can be delivered to families' doors.
Ray Nangle, Freshtoday chief executive, has said it will explore all available avenues to assist families.
“With current closures, families are facing extraordinary challenges. We have had calls from schools across the country desperately seeking food for students in dire need,” he said.
“We will be working tirelessly to ensure that a weeks’ supply of goods will be delivered to Deis schools for distribution. This will alleviate not only financial difficulties, but also help in restricting shopping times and community exposure.”
In normal times, St Paul’s school provides free school lunches and snacks for all pupils.
The impact since the programme started three years ago, says McCormack,has been transformative. Many families, he says, now come to rely on it as a vital source of nutrition.
“It’s improved school attendance and pupils’ behaviour since we introduced it. There’s no doubt about the need for it. There are kids where, in first or second year, they are physically smaller and undernourished,” says McCormack.
“There are children in family homes where they lack furniture and there’s not much in the cupboard. It’s a hidden poverty which still, very much, exists.”
As parents arrived to collect food parcels this week, in line with social distancing measures, there wasn’t much scope to engage in chat.
But he said the message they received on email and text were hugely appreciative.
“On a human level, this is a school community is sending our families a message that we understand the very real emotions around what people are going through; we haven’t forgotten you. We’re in this together,” McCormack says.
“We didn’t have a chance to stop and talk, but we got great feedback online. Parents were delighted - it was good to see that response.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Construction firm stops work on national children’s hospital

BAM Ireland has announced it has stopped work on the building of the National Children ’ s Hospital in Dublin .
The construction company said it ceased work on the project “ immediately ” on getting confirmation from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board that the hospital is not deemed an essential construction service in the context of the Covid-19 restrictions .
The Irish Times understands the decision to close the site was complicated by questions over responsibility for any additional costs incurred in the overall project , due to the site closure .
On Monday Bam Ireland referred to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction projects could be exempt from restrictions announced by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar .
Bam said it had been unable to get clarity from its “ employer ” the hospital development board .
In the absence of a declaration that the hospital project was not an “ essential ” construction project , the company had kept the site open .
However on Monday Rise TD Paul Murphy accused the company of putting workers ’ lives at risk by keeping the hospital site open .
Sources close to the project said neither Bam Ireland nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for closing the hospital site , given that additional costs might accrue .
Further talks took place between Bam and the board on Tuesday .
They concluded with a statement from Bam that the board had deemed the construction was non-essential .
However the board also released a statement saying “ all health and safety matters on the site of the new children ’ s hospital including workforce health and safety are the responsibility of the main contractor Bam ” .
The board said it was “ Bam ’ s obligation to shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and safety risks that Covid-19 places on its workforce the NPHDB welcomes its decision to do so ” .
The development of the new hospital has been the source of major political controversy over soaring costs .
The Cabinet was told in December 2018 by Minister for Health Simon Harris that the overall bill for the new facility was estimated at more than €1.7 billion – an increase of €450 million since the Government originally backed the project in April 2017 .
However , the opposition argued that the final cost could exceed @ @ @

BAM Ireland has announced it has stopped work on the building of the National Children's Hospital in Dublin.
The construction company said it ceased work on the project "immediately" on getting confirmation from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board that the hospital is not deemed an essential construction service in the context of the Covid-19 restrictions.
The Irish Times understands the decision to close the site was complicated by questions over responsibility for any additional costs incurred in the overall project, due to the site closure.
On Monday Bam Ireland referred to the Government announcement that some large scale construction projects could be exempt from restrictions announced by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
READ MORE
Bam said it had been unable to get clarity from its “employer” the hospital development board. In the absence of a declaration that the hospital project was not an “essential” construction project, the company had kept the site open.
However on Monday Rise TD Paul Murphy accused the company of putting workers' lives at risk by keeping the hospital site open.
Sources close to the project said neither Bam Ireland nor the hospital board wanted to take responsibility for closing the hospital site, given that additional costs might accrue.
Further talks took place between Bam and the board on Tuesday. They concluded with a statement from Bam that the board had deemed the construction was non-essential. However the board also released a statement saying “all health and safety matters on the site of the new children’s hospital including workforce health and safety are the responsibility of the main contractor Bam”.
The board said it was “Bam’s obligation to shut down the site and given the health and safety risks that Covid-19 places on its workforce the NPHDB welcomes its decision to do so”.
The development of the new hospital has been the source of major political controversy over soaring costs. The Cabinet was told in December 2018 by Minister for Health Simon Harris that the overall bill for the new facility was estimated at more than €1.7 billion – an increase of €450 million since the Government originally backed the project in April 2017. However, the opposition argued that the final cost could exceed €2 billion.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Republic reports 17 further deaths, 325 new cases

Another 17 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 have died , the National Public Health Emergency Team reported on Tuesday evening .
The patients included four women and 13 men .
Eight of the death occurred in the east of the country , three in the south , three in the north-west and three in the west .
The median age of the deaths reported is 84 , and eight of the patients were reported as having underlying health conditions .
There have now been a total of 71 coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic , 52 male and 19 female .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 70 years , and two-thirds were in the east of the country .
Northern Ireland ’ s Public Health Agency reported six further deaths on Tuesday , bringing the total there to 28 , and 99 across the island .
Of those who have died in the Republic , 54 had underlying health conditions , and 59 deaths occurred in “ hospital environments ” , according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
Some 325 new cases of the disease were also reported on Tuesday , bringing the total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30,213 Covid-19 tests have been carried out on patients , according to NPHET .
The rate of positive tests has increased from 6 per cent to 15 per cent since the case definition for testing was made more stringent at the start of last week .
An analysis of cases up to last Sunday shows 49 per cent were in men and 51 per cent in women .
Of the 118 clusters of the disease identified , roughly one-fifth each were in private houses , nursing homes and hospitals .
The median age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent were hospitalised .
One-quarter of cases involved healthcare workers , but Dr Holohan said only one-quarter of these were hospital or healthcare-related transmissions ; the rest were acquired abroad or in the community .
Among affected healthcare workers , one-third were allied healthcare workers , 31 per cent were nurses , 25 per cent were doctors , 9 per cent were healthcare assistants and 1 per cent were porters .
Following its meeting on Tuesday , NPHET recommended contact tracing be focused on suspect cases within prioritised groups , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the onset of a patient ’ s symptoms given the risk of asymptomatic transmission .
In addition , the group said it would work with the HSE to identify measures to strengthen support to staff and providers of nursing home care .
“ The measures that we have recommended today should significantly enhance the preparedness and response to cases and outbreaks in nursing homes and other residential settings , ” Dr Holohan said .
“ As we have said from the beginning our efforts must be focused on protecting the most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek to achieve this.
” The number of contacts per case , which had stood at about 20 , has dropped to just three , he added .
Dr Cillian de Gascun , director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory , acknowledged that some people in the community are having to wait seven to 10 days to be testing due to global supply “ constraints ” .
He said hospitalised patients and healthcare workers were being prioritised for testing .
While the delays were “ unanticipated and unfortunate ” they did not change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000-15,000 tests a day .
Dr Holohan said the number of deaths occurring was in line with what had been expected , and there had been a significant reduction in the daily number of new cases .
“ We believe we are flattening the curve but 15pc growth is too much.
” Meanwhile , the Health Service Executive says it hopes to have all its testing centres open again as supplies of testing kit are replenished .
A number of testing centres , including one of the largest at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to equipment shortages .
Since Sunday , testing capacity has been “ constrained ” due to limited stock of testing kits , according to the HSE .
In addition , the agency says it has had challenges obtaining sufficient supplies of reagent for testing laboratories .
“ This is a global challenge with major suppliers having to ration provision across the world .
We are making every effort to procure new stocks.
” By Sunday , about 38,000 people had been offered appointments for testing in community testing clinics established across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for testing were changed on March 24th to ensure the service was targeted on high-risk groups and those at risk of exposure to Covid-19 , such as healthcare workers .
This has had the effect of reducing the number of people referred for testing .
“ As the total number of people requiring testing reduces , there will be a change in the number of locations required to offer testing , ” the HSE told The Irish Times in a statement .
The statement did not say how long the current backlog for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said stock were replenished stocks on Monday “ and while not all centres had sufficient supplies to recommence testing yesterday , we hope to be fully operation across all sites today ” .
In addition to the National Virus Reference Laboratory in UCD , 12 hospital labs are also testing for coronavirus , as is a HSE public analyst lab and one in the Department of Agriculture .
“ Discussions are ongoing with other laboratories to increase capacity .
However provision of reagent and extraction kits will remain a major challenge for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up production .
”

The criteria for testing were changed on March 24th to ensure the service was targeted on high-risk groups. Photograph: AFP via Getty Images
Another 17 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, the National Public Health Emergency Team reported on Tuesday evening.
The patients included four women and 13 men.
Eight of the death occurred in the east of the country, three in the south, three in the north-west and three in the west.
The median age of the deaths reported is 84, and eight of the patients were reported as having underlying health conditions.
READ MORE
There have now been a total of 71 coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic, 52 male and 19 female. Some 83 per cent were over the age of 70 years, and two-thirds were in the east of the country. Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency reported six further deaths on Tuesday, bringing the total there to 28, and 99 across the island.
Of those who have died in the Republic, 54 had underlying health conditions, and 59 deaths occurred in “hospital environments”, according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
Some 325 new cases of the disease were also reported on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 3,235.
To date, 30,213 Covid-19 tests have been carried out on patients, according to NPHET. The rate of positive tests has increased from 6 per cent to 15 per cent since the case definition for testing was made more stringent at the start of last week.
An analysis of cases up to last Sunday shows 49 per cent were in men and 51 per cent in women. Of the 118 clusters of the disease identified, roughly one-fifth each were in private houses, nursing homes and hospitals.
The median age of patients was 47 years and 26 per cent were hospitalised.
One-quarter of cases involved healthcare workers, but Dr Holohan said only one-quarter of these were hospital or healthcare-related transmissions; the rest were acquired abroad or in the community.
Among affected healthcare workers, one-third were allied healthcare workers, 31 per cent were nurses, 25 per cent were doctors, 9 per cent were healthcare assistants and 1 per cent were porters.
Following its meeting on Tuesday, NPHET recommended contact tracing be focused on suspect cases within prioritised groups, and that it encompass the period from 48 hours before the onset of a patient’s symptoms given the risk of asymptomatic transmission.
In addition, the group said it would work with the HSE to identify measures to strengthen support to staff and providers of nursing home care.
“The measures that we have recommended today should significantly enhance the preparedness and response to cases and outbreaks in nursing homes and other residential settings,” Dr Holohan said.
“As we have said from the beginning our efforts must be focused on protecting the most vulnerable to Covid-19 and these recommendations announced today seek to achieve this.”
The number of contacts per case, which had stood at about 20, has dropped to just three, he added.
Dr Cillian de Gascun, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, acknowledged that some people in the community are having to wait seven to 10 days to be testing due to global supply “constraints”.
He said hospitalised patients and healthcare workers were being prioritised for testing.
While the delays were “unanticipated and unfortunate” they did not change the plan to ramp up testing to 10,000-15,000 tests a day.
Dr Holohan said the number of deaths occurring was in line with what had been expected, and there had been a significant reduction in the daily number of new cases.
“We believe we are flattening the curve but 15pc growth is too much.”
Meanwhile, the Health Service Executive says it hopes to have all its testing centres open again as supplies of testing kit are replenished.
A number of testing centres, including one of the largest at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, closed at the weekend due to equipment shortages.
Since Sunday, testing capacity has been “constrained” due to limited stock of testing kits, according to the HSE.
In addition, the agency says it has had challenges obtaining sufficient supplies of reagent for testing laboratories. “This is a global challenge with major suppliers having to ration provision across the world. We are making every effort to procure new stocks.”
By Sunday, about 38,000 people had been offered appointments for testing in community testing clinics established across the country in mid-March.
However, the criteria for testing were changed on March 24th to ensure the service was targeted on high-risk groups and those at risk of exposure to Covid-19, such as healthcare workers.
This has had the effect of reducing the number of people referred for testing.
“As the total number of people requiring testing reduces, there will be a change in the number of locations required to offer testing,” the HSE told The Irish Times in a statement.
The statement did not say how long the current backlog for testing and processing samples is.
It said stock were replenished stocks on Monday “and while not all centres had sufficient supplies to recommence testing yesterday, we hope to be fully operation across all sites today”.
In addition to the National Virus Reference Laboratory in UCD, 12 hospital labs are also testing for coronavirus, as is a HSE public analyst lab and one in the Department of Agriculture.
“Discussions are ongoing with other laboratories to increase capacity. However provision of reagent and extraction kits will remain a major challenge for the foreseeable future until the major suppliers ramp up production.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: More than 650 beds secured for asylum seekers in direct provision

More than 650 additional beds have been secured for asylum seekers in direct provision centres to socially distance and self- isolate , the Department of Justice has said .
The rooms , which are located in hotels in Dublin , Cork and Galway , will be used to “ provide valuable additional accommodation to support the measures required for vulnerable residents ” , said a statement from the department on Tuesday evening .
They will also make available “ offsite accommodation for self-isolation ” and will help with social distancing measures by “ reducing overall numbers in some existing centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be used in addition to recently opened centres in Tullamore , Rosslare Harbour and Caherciveen , said the department .
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said “ intensive work ” was underway to protect the health and welfare of asylum seekers and refugees in direct provision and that his department would continue to do “ everything possible to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all applicants ” .
Minister of State for Immigration David Stanton welcomed the provision of more beds and said the new measures would be implemented without delay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ This is a very worrying time for everyone and people who are in the State seeking international protection are no different .
This is why the Department wrote to all residents , centre managers and staff members over the weekend to reassure them that their welfare is of paramount importance to us.
” The ministers also paid tribute to staff working in the centres for “ protecting the welfare and safety of our residents ” .
The Government announcement comes just hours after a public letter signed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health officials , academics and migration experts warned the Irish health system would be unable to cope if cases of coronavirus become widespread in direct provision centres .
The group expressed concern that large numbers of asylum seekers were continuing to share bedrooms , sanitary and eating facilities and that an outbreak of the virus in a centre could “ spread rapidly and create a cluster of cases ” which local health systems in rural area would be unable to manage .
“ In a pandemic , public health measures must apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to benefit from public health support , with the assistance of the State if necessary , ” writes the letter .
If the Government fails to provide suitable accommodation for asylum seekers , people will die unnecessarily , it adds .
The group recommended that residents be re-housed in empty hotel rooms , student accommodation units and self-catering holiday accommodation , a call that was echoed in a separate letter sent by the Universities of Sanctuary Ireland group this week to university provosts and the Technological Higher Education Association .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cork and Dublin have tested positive for the virus , also known as Covid-19 .
Meanwhile , a small number of asylum seekers continue to work as healthcare staff in nursing homes .
There are 5,686 people , including 1,739 children , living in 39 direct-provision centres around the country .
There are an additional 1,585 people , including 285 children , staying in emergency accommodation .

More than 650 additional beds have been secured for asylum seekers in direct provision centres to socially distance and self- isolate, the Department of Justice has said.
The rooms, which are located in hotels in Dublin, Cork and Galway, will be used to “provide valuable additional accommodation to support the measures required for vulnerable residents”, said a statement from the department on Tuesday evening.
They will also make available “offsite accommodation for self-isolation” and will help with social distancing measures by “reducing overall numbers in some existing centres”, it said.
The facilities will be used in addition to recently opened centres in Tullamore, Rosslare Harbour and Caherciveen, said the department.
READ MORE
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said "intensive work" was underway to protect the health and welfare of asylum seekers and refugees in direct provision and that his department would continue to do "everything possible to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all applicants".
Minister of State for Immigration David Stanton welcomed the provision of more beds and said the new measures would be implemented without delay.
“We know people are anxious,” he said. “This is a very worrying time for everyone and people who are in the State seeking international protection are no different. This is why the Department wrote to all residents, centre managers and staff members over the weekend to reassure them that their welfare is of paramount importance to us.”
The ministers also paid tribute to staff working in the centres for “protecting the welfare and safety of our residents”.
The Government announcement comes just hours after a public letter signed by more than 600 doctors, lawyers, public health officials, academics and migration experts warned the Irish health system would be unable to cope if cases of coronavirus become widespread in direct provision centres.
The group expressed concern that large numbers of asylum seekers were continuing to share bedrooms, sanitary and eating facilities and that an outbreak of the virus in a centre could “spread rapidly and create a cluster of cases” which local health systems in rural area would be unable to manage.
“In a pandemic, public health measures must apply to all; every person must be able to benefit from public health support, with the assistance of the State if necessary,” writes the letter.
If the Government fails to provide suitable accommodation for asylum seekers, people will die unnecessarily, it adds.
The group recommended that residents be re-housed in empty hotel rooms, student accommodation units and self-catering holiday accommodation, a call that was echoed in a separate letter sent by the Universities of Sanctuary Ireland group this week to university provosts and the Technological Higher Education Association.
It is understood residents in centres in Galway, Cork and Dublin have tested positive for the virus, also known as Covid-19. Meanwhile, a small number of asylum seekers continue to work as healthcare staff in nursing homes.
There are 5,686 people, including 1,739 children, living in 39 direct-provision centres around the country. There are an additional 1,585 people, including 285 children, staying in emergency accommodation.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Members of same household may exercise together, Government confirms

Members of the same household are allowed to take physical exercise together under Government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic , the Department of the Taoiseach has confirmed .
The Government clarification comes after some confusion emerged around whether families and couples could exercise together under the stricter restrictions on social and commercial life brought in last week .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced on Friday that citizens must stay at home with limited exceptions and could only leave only to shop for food or to exercise within 2km of their homes .
It was later clarified that people could travel beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It initially appeared that people would only be able to leave their homes individually creating real concern for families with children .
However , a spokesman from the department of the Taoiseach has confirmed to The Irish Times that all people living in the same household may exercise together .
“ Once people are living in the same household they can take brief physical exercise together – once they stay within 2km of their home and always maintain 2 metres distance between themselves and other people , ” he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in place until at least Easter Sunday , April 12th .
All citizens must remain at home unless they need to travel to and from work where the work is in essential health , social care or another essential service that can not be done from home .
People may also leave their homes to attend medical appointments or collect medicines or for vital family reasons such as providing care to children , the elderly or vulnerable people .
People may also leave their homes to shop for food or household goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may also leave home for farming purposes involving food production and the care of animals .
A system of ‘ cocooning ’ has also been introduced for people over the age of 70 or those who are medically vulnerable .
People who fall into these categories are advised not to leave their homes at all , even if they feel fit and well .

Members of the same household are allowed to take physical exercise together under Government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of the Taoiseach has confirmed.
The Government clarification comes after some confusion emerged around whether families and couples could exercise together under the stricter restrictions on social and commercial life brought in last week.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced on Friday that citizens must stay at home with limited exceptions and could only leave only to shop for food or to exercise within 2km of their homes. It was later clarified that people could travel beyond the 2km point to do their shopping.
It initially appeared that people would only be able to leave their homes individually creating real concern for families with children.
READ MORE
However, a spokesman from the department of the Taoiseach has confirmed to The Irish Times that all people living in the same household may exercise together.
“Once people are living in the same household they can take brief physical exercise together – once they stay within 2km of their home and always maintain 2 metres distance between themselves and other people,” he said.
The current, more stringent restrictions are to remain in place until at least Easter Sunday, April 12th. All citizens must remain at home unless they need to travel to and from work where the work is in essential health, social care or another essential service that cannot be done from home.
People may also leave their homes to attend medical appointments or collect medicines or for vital family reasons such as providing care to children, the elderly or vulnerable people. People may also leave their homes to shop for food or household goods or to collect a meal.
People may also leave home for farming purposes involving food production and the care of animals.
A system of ‘cocooning’ has also been introduced for people over the age of 70 or those who are medically vulnerable. People who fall into these categories are advised not to leave their homes at all, even if they feel fit and well.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Unionists ask for chance to change new NI abortion laws

Unionists have called for an opportunity to debate and change Northern Ireland ’ s new abortion laws , which came into force on Tuesday .
DUP MLA Paul Givan said his party wanted to “ vote upon the issue and then seek to take forward our own legislation in respect to it ” .
Abortion services are now available in Northern Ireland without restriction until the 12th week of pregnancy .
Abortions are also available up until 24 weeks if the continuation of the pregnancy would involve a risk to the woman ’ s physical or mental health greater than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time limit in the case of severe foetal impairment or fatal foetal abnormality , or if there is a risk of death or grave permanent injury to the pregnant woman .
Abortion was decriminalised in Northern Ireland in October as a result of legislation passed in the UK parliament in the absence of a devolved government at Stormont , which has since been reestablished .
The UK government published the legal framework for access to abortion services in the North last Wednesday .
Mr Givan said “ for many people this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires an urgent response ” .
He asked Assembly Speaker Paul Maskey for guidance as to when MLAs would be able to discuss and debate the law change .
“ We will want to have a motion heard , we will want to seek legislative change so that we have a regime in Northern Ireland that reflects what I believe will be the will of the people on this issue , ” he said .
Mr Maskey said scheduling was a matter for the business committee .
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us all at this difficult time are very much focused on the saving of lives , therefore it is all the more abhorrent and perverse that at the very same time we have regulations coming into effect today which will sanction the killing of the unborn ” .
Mr Allister urged the Assembly to “ find time to reverse this outrageous obnoxious situation and to find voice and to give voice to the unborn ” .
Alliance Party MLA Andrew Muir said the Assembly “ had an opportunity to legislate for these issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was not sitting .
“ This place had an opportunity to affect that change and it failed and we ’ re a new situation now and I think we have to move forward , ” he said .
SDLP MLA Matthew O ’ Toole said he recognised “ the strength of feeling on the benches opposite ” but he was glad healthcare for women in Northern Ireland had “ evolved to a place where women can access essential services that people in other parts of the UK and now other parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Sinn Féin , said it was “ only right and proper that woman can access abortion services without having to travel , that they are free to be able to have healthcare in a modern and compassionate way ” .
A number of MLAs called for clarity on how the coronavirus crisis would impact on women accessing abortion services and how the services would be implemented in light of ongoing pressures on the health service .
Green Party MLA Clare Bailey called for telemedicine services to be put in place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow women to be prescribed abortion pills over the phone and to take them at home .
“ We heard yesterday of a young woman from Belfast who could not travel to England for an abortion because of Covid-19 restrictions and tried to take her own life , ” she said .
“ Our government must ensure that both patients and medical staff are not placed at unnecessary risk during this pandemic.
” Pro-choice campaigners also called for the “ urgent ” approval of telemedicine in Northern Ireland .
Anti-abortion campaigners in Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legislation .

Politicians in the Stormont Assembly gave a mixed response to new abortion laws coming into force in Northern Ireland today. File photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images.
Unionists have called for an opportunity to debate and change Northern Ireland’s new abortion laws, which came into force on Tuesday.
DUP MLA Paul Givan said his party wanted to “vote upon the issue and then seek to take forward our own legislation in respect to it”.
Abortion services are now available in Northern Ireland without restriction until the 12th week of pregnancy. Abortions are also available up until 24 weeks if the continuation of the pregnancy would involve a risk to the woman's physical or mental health greater than that of termination, and with no time limit in the case of severe foetal impairment or fatal foetal abnormality, or if there is a risk of death or grave permanent injury to the pregnant woman.
Abortion was decriminalised in Northern Ireland in October as a result of legislation passed in the UK parliament in the absence of a devolved government at Stormont, which has since been reestablished.
READ MORE
The UK government published the legal framework for access to abortion services in the North last Wednesday.
Urgent response
Mr Givan said "for many people this is a law which is taking life and which requires an urgent response". He asked Assembly Speaker Paul Maskey for guidance as to when MLAs would be able to discuss and debate the law change.
“We will want to have a motion heard, we will want to seek legislative change so that we have a regime in Northern Ireland that reflects what I believe will be the will of the people on this issue,” he said.
Mr Maskey said scheduling was a matter for the business committee.
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said that while "the minds of us all at this difficult time are very much focused on the saving of lives, therefore it is all the more abhorrent and perverse that at the very same time we have regulations coming into effect today which will sanction the killing of the unborn".
Mr Allister urged the Assembly to “find time to reverse this outrageous obnoxious situation and to find voice and to give voice to the unborn”.
Alliance Party MLA Andrew Muir said the Assembly "had an opportunity to legislate for these issues, and didn't" as it was not sitting.
“This place had an opportunity to affect that change and it failed and we’re a new situation now and I think we have to move forward,” he said.
SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole said he recognised “the strength of feeling on the benches opposite” but he was glad healthcare for women in Northern Ireland had “evolved to a place where women can access essential services that people in other parts of the UK and now other parts of Ireland can access”.
Compassionate
Caoimhe Archibald, of Sinn Féin, said it was "only right and proper that woman can access abortion services without having to travel, that they are free to be able to have healthcare in a modern and compassionate way".
A number of MLAs called for clarity on how the coronavirus crisis would impact on women accessing abortion services and how the services would be implemented in light of ongoing pressures on the health service.
Green Party MLA Clare Bailey called for telemedicine services to be put in place, as in England and Wales, to allow women to be prescribed abortion pills over the phone and to take them at home.
"We heard yesterday of a young woman from Belfast who could not travel to England for an abortion because of Covid-19 restrictions and tried to take her own life," she said.
“Our government must ensure that both patients and medical staff are not placed at unnecessary risk during this pandemic.”
Pro-choice campaigners also called for the “urgent” approval of telemedicine in Northern Ireland. Anti-abortion campaigners in Northern Ireland have urged the Assembly to repeal the legislation.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Fianna Fáil TD calls for Martin to form national unity government

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has faced a call from one of his newly elected TDs to form a national government rather than enter coalition with Fine Gael .
Clare TD Cathal Crowe , who as mayor of his county was the first to boycott the State ’ s commemoration of the RIC earlier this year , made his views known at a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party on Tuesday evening .
The meeting took place via teleconference due to the coronavirus crisis .
The meeting was largely taken up with a discussion on coronavirus but Mr Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a government with Fine Gael .
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are continuing talks on government formation but progress has been slow .
Mr Martin is understood to have told his TDs that the next government will have to make unpleasant decisions .
He said talks with Fine Gael are continuing on a government of “ equal partnership ” and a “ clear majority ” administration is needed .
Carlow Kilkenny TD Jennifer Murnane O ’ Connor and Waterford TD Mary Butler are said to have called for party unity , interpreted as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fine Gael .
John McGuinness , also a Carlow Kilkenny TD , asked if Fianna Fáil had reached out to all parties and whether there was a response from Sinn Féin .
He said a government should be formed and argued there is an obligation on Fianna Fáil to talk to all parties since progress with Fine Gael is slow .
Mr Crowe expressed concerns about coalition with Fine Gael and said such a government would not be able to implement policies Fianna Fáil wanted due to the economic damage caused by Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government for the coming months and said coalition with Fine Gael would be damaging for Fianna Fáil .
“ He suggested national government for period while people got to grips with what was going and it was up to everyone to participate in it , ” one TD on the call said .
It is the first time Mr Crowe has taken such a position .

Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe canvassing in Milltown Malbay , Co Clare during the general election campaign. Photograph: Eamon Ward
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has faced a call from one of his newly elected TDs to form a national government rather than enter coalition with Fine Gael.
Clare TD Cathal Crowe, who as mayor of his county was the first to boycott the State's commemoration of the RIC earlier this year, made his views known at a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party on Tuesday evening.
The meeting took place via teleconference due to the coronavirus crisis. The meeting was largely taken up with a discussion on coronavirus but Mr Martin gave an update on efforts to form a government with Fine Gael.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are continuing talks on government formation but progress has been slow. Mr Martin is understood to have told his TDs that the next government will have to make unpleasant decisions.
READ MORE
He said talks with Fine Gael are continuing on a government of “equal partnership” and a “clear majority” administration is needed.
Carlow Kilkenny TD Jennifer Murnane O'Connor and Waterford TD Mary Butler are said to have called for party unity, interpreted as supporting efforts to form a government with Fine Gael.
John McGuinness, also a Carlow Kilkenny TD, asked if Fianna Fáil had reached out to all parties and whether there was a response from Sinn Féin. He said a government should be formed and argued there is an obligation on Fianna Fáil to talk to all parties since progress with Fine Gael is slow.
Mr Crowe expressed concerns about coalition with Fine Gael and said such a government would not be able to implement policies Fianna Fáil wanted due to the economic damage caused by Covid-19.
He instead called for a national government for the coming months and said coalition with Fine Gael would be damaging for Fianna Fáil.
“He suggested national government for period while people got to grips with what was going and it was up to everyone to participate in it,” one TD on the call said. It is the first time Mr Crowe has taken such a position.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Stormont seeks to create new offence of domestic abuse

Draft legislation which would create a new offence of domestic abuse has been introduced in the Northern Ireland Assembly .
The Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill seeks to capture patterns of controlling and coercive behaviour as well as physical abuse , against a partner , former partner or family member .
The legislation is required to close a current loophole and ensure that protection for victims is not limited to physically violent behaviour , as at present .
Minister for Justice Naomi Long said the introduction of the Bill was an “ important step.
” She said the legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all its forms , a criminal offence ” and send out a message that this form of abuse will not be tolerated .
“ From speaking to victims and survivors it is clear that psychological abuse in a domestic setting can be as damaging as physical abuse , if not more so.
” The Bill also prohibits the cross-examination of victims of domestic abuse in person , and provides the potential for enhanced sentencing where a child is present during abusive behavior , or is used to abuse a victim .
Where domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offences , such as criminal damage , an increased sentence may also be imposed .

Draft legislation which would create a new offence of domestic abuse has been introduced in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Image: iStock.
Draft legislation which would create a new offence of domestic abuse has been introduced in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill seeks to capture patterns of controlling and coercive behaviour as well as physical abuse, against a partner, former partner or family member.
The legislation is required to close a current loophole and ensure that protection for victims is not limited to physically violent behaviour, as at present.
Minister for Justice Naomi Long said the introduction of the Bill was an "important step."
READ MORE
She said the legislation would “make domestic abuse, in all its forms, a criminal offence” and send out a message that this form of abuse will not be tolerated.
“From speaking to victims and survivors it is clear that psychological abuse in a domestic setting can be as damaging as physical abuse, if not more so.”
The Bill also prohibits the cross-examination of victims of domestic abuse in person, and provides the potential for enhanced sentencing where a child is present during abusive behavior, or is used to abuse a victim.
Where domestic abuse is an aggravating factor in other offences, such as criminal damage, an increased sentence may also be imposed.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Teachers will not be redeployed to help health service, unions say

Teachers ’ unions say they do not expect members will be redeployed to assist with health services as part of the Government ’ s efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic .
In a circular to school managers last week , the Department of Education said public servants “ must be available to carry out work either to deliver services within their own sector ( as a priority ) or for temporary assignment within the wider public service ” amid the Covid-19 outbreak .
It added that employers will be asked to determine which of their employees will provide educational services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement to The Irish Times on Tuesday evening , the department added that the “ primary focus of staff in the education and training sector is on continuing to deliver tuition to all students ” .
The country ’ s largest teachers ’ union , the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation ( INTO ) , said on Tuesday that it does not expect that teachers will be called to work elsewhere due to their obligations to students .
“ Throughout the course of the last week , in numerous interactions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have made it clear that the primary objective of teachers should be the facilitation of their pupils learning , ” said John Boyle , INTO general secretary .
“ While we appreciate some of our members will wish to volunteer and support their communities , during this period , their first duty will remain to their student body .
Education is an essential service for our students.
” The Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) also said the department gave it a “ clear understanding ” that teachers will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are involved in supporting students .
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland ( ASTI ) said it was awaiting full details from the department , but also said it expected that “ most teachers will not be affected ” by redeployment .
It is likely that special needs assistants ( SNAs ) will make up the bulk of any temporary redeployment of school staff .
There are about 15,000 SNAs employed in the education sector who are not in a position to work due to school closures , which are likely to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of efforts to halt the progress of Covid-19 .
Some school management sources said a small number of teaching staff – such as those in the further education sector with particular expertise in areas of health – may also be redeployed .
Fórsa , the trade union which represents SNAs , said the department has confirmed that its members may be reassigned to other posts as part of a public-service-wide mobilisation to tackle the virus and maintain essential public services .
The plans allow for the temporary transfer of staff to critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The union said more than 1,000 public servants and part-time semi-State workers have already been temporarily reallocated to “ essential coronavirus-related work ” such as contact tracing .
It said more reallocations were expected in the coming days .
In new advice issued to 80,000 members on Tuesday , meanwhile , Fórsa has said members should stay away from workplaces on public health grounds unless their employer has told them they need to attend work .
Until now , the union has advised staff to go in unless told otherwise .
The union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settled since the Taoiseach ’ s “ stay at home ” announcement last Friday and that most employers have now given clear direction to staff on this issue .
However , it has also warned staff that the instructions from their managers may change , and they should attend work if their presence is deemed essential .
Large numbers of public servants and semi-State staff continue to attend workplaces to provide essential services .
This includes virtually all workers in the health and social care sectors , and almost two-thirds of social welfare @ @

Teachers’ unions say they do not expect members will be redeployed to assist with health services. File photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Teachers’ unions say they do not expect members will be redeployed to assist with health services as part of the Government’s efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
In a circular to school managers last week, the Department of Education said public servants “must be available to carry out work either to deliver services within their own sector (as a priority) or for temporary assignment within the wider public service” amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
It added that employers will be asked to determine which of their employees will provide educational services to their pupils during this process.
In a statement to The Irish Times on Tuesday evening, the department added that the “primary focus of staff in the education and training sector is on continuing to deliver tuition to all students”.
READ MORE
The country’s largest teachers’ union, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), said on Tuesday that it does not expect that teachers will be called to work elsewhere due to their obligations to students.
"Throughout the course of the last week, in numerous interactions with the Department of Education and Skills, they have made it clear that the primary objective of teachers should be the facilitation of their pupils learning," said John Boyle, INTO general secretary.
“While we appreciate some of our members will wish to volunteer and support their communities, during this period, their first duty will remain to their student body. Education is an essential service for our students.”
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) also said the department gave it a “clear understanding” that teachers will not be among those reassigned, as they are involved in supporting students.
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said it was awaiting full details from the department, but also said it expected that “most teachers will not be affected” by redeployment.
Special needs assistants
It is likely that special needs assistants (SNAs) will make up the bulk of any temporary redeployment of school staff.
There are about 15,000 SNAs employed in the education sector who are not in a position to work due to school closures, which are likely to continue until at least May or June as part of efforts to halt the progress of Covid-19.
Some school management sources said a small number of teaching staff – such as those in the further education sector with particular expertise in areas of health – may also be redeployed.
Fórsa, the trade union which represents SNAs, said the department has confirmed that its members may be reassigned to other posts as part of a public-service-wide mobilisation to tackle the virus and maintain essential public services.
The plans allow for the temporary transfer of staff to critical roles for up to three months.
The union said more than 1,000 public servants and part-time semi-State workers have already been temporarily reallocated to “essential coronavirus-related work” such as contact tracing. It said more reallocations were expected in the coming days.
In new advice issued to 80,000 members on Tuesday, meanwhile, Fórsa has said members should stay away from workplaces on public health grounds unless their employer has told them they need to attend work.
Until now, the union has advised staff to go in unless told otherwise.
The union said that much of the dust had settled since the Taoiseach’s “stay at home” announcement last Friday and that most employers have now given clear direction to staff on this issue.
However, it has also warned staff that the instructions from their managers may change, and they should attend work if their presence is deemed essential.
Large numbers of public servants and semi-State staff continue to attend workplaces to provide essential services. This includes virtually all workers in the health and social care sectors, and almost two-thirds of social welfare staff.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Four Irish projects to share €10m of EU research funding

Four Irish researchers are to benefit from a total of €10 million in grants to study the ancient genetic make-up of farm animals , complete a data analysis of 36,000 Victorian-era books , examine the impact of extreme trauma and investigate novel substances that could reduce energy and carbon footprints .
The European Research Council ( ERC ) , an EU institution , has allocated €2.5 million to each of the projects under its “ advanced grant ” programme , which seeks to facilitate exploration of the most daring and creative ideas .
Dan Bradley , professor of population genetics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluate ancient genetic characteristics of farm animals to help write new chapters on ancient human history .
The AncestralWeave study will see him lead an investigation into the ancient genomes of cattle , sheep and goats , to better understand when and where selective breeding , agricultural practices and periods of ancient human innovation shaped the breeds .
The work will seek to explain how and why problematic mutations threatening livestock today built up over generations .
Two University of Limerick researchers have been successful in securing funding from the council .
Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Social Issues Research , will examine “ how shared experience and the social relationships they generate , impact on post-traumatic stress disorder , cognitive functioning and biological responses to stress ” .
Prof Michael Zaworotko , of UL ’ s Bernal Institute , will explore the high energy footprint of gas and vapour purification processes using a new generation of materials called sorbents ” , which capture impurities .
“ Water vapour is everywhere in the atmosphere , even in the most arid regions , but harvesting pure water from water vapour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is not commercially viable despite the water stresses faced by much of humanity , ” he said .
“ Our goal is to develop new sorbents that reduce the energy footprint of these processes by 50 to 90 per cent , thereby significantly reducing the energy and carbon footprint of these processes.
” Prof Gerardine Meaney , an expert on the application of new digital methodologies to humanities research at UCD , is to embark on a study of migration and culture in Victorian Britain .
It will involve analysis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was much more diverse than we assume today .
It was the target destination for large numbers of migrants from across Europe fleeing war , political turmoil and economic deprivation , ” she said .
Dr Derek Greene of UCD School of Computer Science , an expert in machine learning , will collaborate with her on this study .
The grants will result in additional research positions in each institution .

Dan Bradley, professor of population genetics at Trinity College Dublin, is to evaluate ancient genetic characteristics of farm animals to help write new chapters on ancient human history.
Four Irish researchers are to benefit from a total of €10 million in grants to study the ancient genetic make-up of farm animals, complete a data analysis of 36,000 Victorian-era books, examine the impact of extreme trauma and investigate novel substances that could reduce energy and carbon footprints.
The European Research Council (ERC), an EU institution, has allocated €2.5 million to each of the projects under its "advanced grant" programme, which seeks to facilitate exploration of the most daring and creative ideas.
Dan Bradley, professor of population genetics at Trinity College Dublin, is to evaluate ancient genetic characteristics of farm animals to help write new chapters on ancient human history. The AncestralWeave study will see him lead an investigation into the ancient genomes of cattle, sheep and goats, to better understand when and where selective breeding, agricultural practices and periods of ancient human innovation shaped the breeds.
Mutations
The work will seek to explain how and why problematic mutations threatening livestock today built up over generations.
READ MORE
Two University of Limerick researchers have been successful in securing funding from the council.
Prof Orla Muldoon, director for the Centre for Social Issues Research, will examine "how shared experience and the social relationships they generate, impact on post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive functioning and biological responses to stress".
Prof Michael Zaworotko, of UL's Bernal Institute, will explore the high energy footprint of gas and vapour purification processes using a new generation of materials called sorbents", which capture impurities.
“Water vapour is everywhere in the atmosphere, even in the most arid regions, but harvesting pure water from water vapour using existing desiccants uses so much energy that it is not commercially viable despite the water stresses faced by much of humanity,” he said.
“Our goal is to develop new sorbents that reduce the energy footprint of these processes by 50 to 90 per cent, thereby significantly reducing the energy and carbon footprint of these processes.”
Culture
Prof Gerardine Meaney, an expert on the application of new digital methodologies to humanities research at UCD, is to embark on a study of migration and culture in Victorian Britain. It will involve analysis of nearly 36,000 books.
"Victorian Britain was much more diverse than we assume today. It was the target destination for large numbers of migrants from across Europe fleeing war, political turmoil and economic deprivation," she said.
Dr Derek Greene of UCD School of Computer Science, an expert in machine learning, will collaborate with her on this study. The grants will result in additional research positions in each institution.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Courts to pilot hearing cases remotely during Covid-19 pandemic

Court cases are going to be heard remotely using video links as part the legal system ’ s response to the coronavirus crisis .
Pilot use of the system is to begin in the third week of April as part of a plan to ensure that the justice system continues to work despite the pandemic .
The system could result in journalists being allowed into an otherwise empty courtroom where they would watch a screen showing the judge and the others who were taking part in the court hearing by way of video link .
It is understood that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remote hearing of court cases is going to be concentrated in the High Court , the Court of Appeal , and the Supreme Court .
The Chief Justice and the Presidents of the Court of Appeal , the High Court , the Circuit Court , and the District Court , held a remote meeting on Monday to review the measures already adopted in the context of the pandemic , as well as to plan for the future .
A considerable amount of work has been done on putting in place the ICT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will nonetheless comply with the constitutional obligation that justice be administered in public , the judges said in a statement .
An initial systems trial will be conducted in the immediate future and , if successful , will be expanded to ensure that the system works satisfactorily prior to it being deployed to conduct actual hearings , where bona fide members of the press will be allowed be present in court .
“ It is currently hoped that it will be possible in early course for the courts to pilot remote hearings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can be conducted in a manner which is fair , and where the parties and their representatives can comply with all government guidance and direction for the time being in force , ” the judges said .
The Courts Service and the judiciary have already put in place measures that have hugely reduced the number of people attending court , while leaving structures in place to deal with certain criminal matters , family law and domestic violence issues , and wards of court and other matters involving vulnerable people .
The pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate insolvency cases .
On Monday , the District Court moved lists scheduled for Tallaght , Blanchardstown , Swords , Balbriggan and Dún Laoghaire , to the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street .
The judges said they will be issuing further statements to update both the public and lawyers on measures being designed to allow the maximum number of cases to go ahead while complying with the requirements of the public health crisis .
The head of each court will , in due course , issue further guidance on how such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Pilot use of technology to allow for the remote hearing of court cases is to begin in the third week of April as part of a plan to ensure that the justice system continues to work despite the pandemic. File photograph: Collins Courts.
Court cases are going to be heard remotely using video links as part the legal system’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
Pilot use of the system is to begin in the third week of April as part of a plan to ensure that the justice system continues to work despite the pandemic.
The system could result in journalists being allowed into an otherwise empty courtroom where they would watch a screen showing the judge and the others who were taking part in the court hearing by way of video link.
It is understood that the pilot use of technology to allow for the remote hearing of court cases is going to be concentrated in the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
READ MORE
The Chief Justice and the Presidents of the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Circuit Court, and the District Court, held a remote meeting on Monday to review the measures already adopted in the context of the pandemic, as well as to plan for the future.
A considerable amount of work has been done on putting in place the ICT infrastructure necessary to facilitate remote court hearings that will nonetheless comply with the constitutional obligation that justice be administered in public, the judges said in a statement.
An initial systems trial will be conducted in the immediate future and, if successful, will be expanded to ensure that the system works satisfactorily prior to it being deployed to conduct actual hearings, where bona fide members of the press will be allowed be present in court.
“It is currently hoped that it will be possible in early course for the courts to pilot remote hearings, where they are suitable and where they can be conducted in a manner which is fair, and where the parties and their representatives can comply with all government guidance and direction for the time being in force,” the judges said.
Hugely reduced
The Courts Service and the judiciary have already put in place measures that have hugely reduced the number of people attending court, while leaving structures in place to deal with certain criminal matters, family law and domestic violence issues, and wards of court and other matters involving vulnerable people.
The pandemic has also seen an increase in urgent corporate insolvency cases.
On Monday, the District Court moved lists scheduled for Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Swords, Balbriggan and Dún Laoghaire, to the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street.
The judges said they will be issuing further statements to update both the public and lawyers on measures being designed to allow the maximum number of cases to go ahead while complying with the requirements of the public health crisis.
The head of each court will, in due course, issue further guidance on how such measures will apply in the relevant court.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Irish Life indicates customers can expect discounts in coming months

Irish Life Health has become the first private health insurer in Ireland to indicate to its customers that they can expect a discount in the months ahead as a result of the Government ’ s decision to bring all private hospitals under public control during the coronavirus crisis .
It has not yet indicated by how much premiums will be impacted as a result of the crisis and the reduction in the level of private health care available in the State .
The changes to Ireland ’ s health system that will impact many health insurance customers and with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Covid-19 crisis access to private hospital services will be significantly restricted to critical and time dependent medical care .
In a letter to customers , the chief executive of Irish Life Jim Dowdall promised that all its customers would be “ treated fairly ” as a result of a significant reduction in the level of healthcare available through the private system .
He said that the company would see a reduction of its overall claims for private treatments in the weeks and months ahead and said it was engaging with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand the likely impact of the changes and to discuss initiatives to support [ customers ] at this time .
Mr Dowdall said that once the details had been clarified it will advise customers of how the changes “ will be reflected in the premium you pay for your health insurance plan and how you will be compensated for this period ” .
Irish Life Health said it was “ fully committed to supporting the Governments ’ response to this crisis and also ensuring that you are treated fairly ” .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totalHhealthCcover.ie said that while private healthcare as we know , it is suspended for a temporary period of up to three months it remained unclear if private out-patient appointments will still go ahead .
He said some private MRI scan centres may still function as normal , but this is yet to be clarified ; A key question for insurers is whether the full levy of approximately € 450 per member will still be payable in full during this period .
“ We have been advised that once the insurers have absolute clarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact on claims , only then will they be able to confirm what concessions [ if any ] will be forthcoming .
It could be later this week or even next week before any further specifics are available , ” he said .
He advised health insurance customers currently worried about the affordability of their cover to engage with their broker or their insurer as there may be short-term options available to them to reduce their costs but still remain insured .

The indication comes as a result of the Government’s decision to bring all private hospitals under public control during the pandemic. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Irish Life Health has become the first private health insurer in Ireland to indicate to its customers that they can expect a discount in the months ahead as a result of the Government's decision to bring all private hospitals under public control during the coronavirus crisis.
It has not yet indicated by how much premiums will be impacted as a result of the crisis and the reduction in the level of private health care available in the State .
The changes to Ireland’s health system that will impact many health insurance customers and with the establishment of a single national healthcare response to the Covid-19 crisis access to private hospital services will be significantly restricted to critical and time dependent medical care.
In a letter to customers, the chief executive of Irish Life Jim Dowdall promised that all its customers would be "treated fairly" as a result of a significant reduction in the level of healthcare available through the private system.
READ MORE
He said that the company would see a reduction of its overall claims for private treatments in the weeks and months ahead and said it was engaging with the Department of Health and other parties "to understand the likely impact of the changes and to discuss initiatives to support [customers] at this time.
Mr Dowdall said that once the details had been clarified it will advise customers of how the changes “will be reflected in the premium you pay for your health insurance plan and how you will be compensated for this period”.
Fully committed
Irish Life Health said it was “fully committed to supporting the Governments’ response to this crisis and also ensuring that you are treated fairly”.
Meanwhile health insurance consultant, Dermot Goode of totalHhealthCcover.ie said that while private healthcare as we know, it is suspended for a temporary period of up to three months it remained unclear if private out-patient appointments will still go ahead.
He said some private MRI scan centres may still function as normal, but this is yet to be clarified;
A key question for insurers is whether the full levy of approximately € 450 per member will still be payable in full during this period.
“We have been advised that once the insurers have absolute clarity on the specifics of the deal and the impact on claims, only then will they be able to confirm what concessions [if any] will be forthcoming. It could be later this week or even next week before any further specifics are available,” he said.
He advised health insurance customers currently worried about the affordability of their cover to engage with their broker or their insurer as there may be short-term options available to them to reduce their costs but still remain insured.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Man arrested after social distancing row at bank is released on bail

A man arrested and detained in custody following a row about social distancing in a bank queue , and an alleged threat to cough on a woman , has secured bail from the High Court .
Mr Justice Denis McDonald said , when granting bail to Marko Topol , the DPP should consider giving guidance as to the types of charges that should be brought in cases like this and whether more serious charges should be brought .
Mr Topol , a Croatian working as chef here , denies he told a woman in the AIB O ’ Connell Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would cough on her after she complained he was standing too close in the queue .
She left the bank and a garda arrived , arrested him and charged him with threatening behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace .
Mr Topol , who has never been in trouble before , had been in custody since last Friday .
His lawyers brought High Court judicial review proceedings seeking to quash the refusal of bail by the District Court on grounds including the charge against him was not serious and contravened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until proven guilty .
The DPP opposed the application saying there was another avenue open to Mr Topol through the High Court bail list .
On Tuesday , Mr Justice McDonald said he was conscious of the existence of alternative remedies .
However , a decision to refuse bail can be subject of judicial review if a District Judge is shown to act in excess of jurisdiction and where the applicant has a good prospect of success , he said .
Irrespective of the outcome of the judicial review , he said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and District Judges who have fearlessly discharged their duties during this crisis for the benefit of the community .
They deserved enormous thanks for everyday ensuring that public order is preserved .
Coughing or attempting to cough on others at this time is not just reprehensible and disgusting but a danger to others and likely to cause panic and fear , he said .
It is right that those who do it should be prosecuted with the full rigours of the law and appropriate sentences imposed when convicted , he said .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bound by Supreme Court principles that the presumption of innocence must always be borne in mind unless someone is caught red handed , he said .
In this case , Mr Topol was arrested after the event and no witnesses were called at the bail hearing although that would be unusual , the judge said .
The court heard he is adamant he never said he had the virus or threatened to cough on the woman and he himself considered such behaviour disgusting and dangerous .
The judge said the fundamental test for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
Having listened to a recording of the District Court proceedings , it was clear that everyone , including Mr Topol after a “ shaky start in attempting to smile ” ( when he first appeared in the dock ) acknowledged it was a serious matter .
In refusing bail , the District Judge did not make any ruling he was a flight risk but said it was a serious charge .
The recording did not show flight risk was considered , he said .
In circumstances where Mr Topol has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review , Mr Justice McDonald said he was prepared to grant bail on conditions that he enter his own bond of €500 , abide by Government and statutory guidelines on the Covid-19 crisis , surrender his passport or other travel document , and provide his mobile phone details to the prosecuting garda within 24 hours of his release .
He said the judicial review proceedings could come back to the High Court in May .

The man, who has never been in trouble before, had been in custody since last Friday.
A man arrested and detained in custody following a row about social distancing in a bank queue, and an alleged threat to cough on a woman, has secured bail from the High Court.
Mr Justice Denis McDonald said, when granting bail to Marko Topol, the DPP should consider giving guidance as to the types of charges that should be brought in cases like this and whether more serious charges should be brought.
Mr Topol, a Croatian working as chef here, denies he told a woman in the AIB O'Connell Street, Dublin, he had Coronavirus and would cough on her after she complained he was standing too close in the queue.
She left the bank and a garda arrived, arrested him and charged him with threatening behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
READ MORE
Mr Topol, who has never been in trouble before, had been in custody since last Friday.
His lawyers brought High Court judicial review proceedings seeking to quash the refusal of bail by the District Court on grounds including the charge against him was not serious and contravened the principle of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The DPP opposed the application saying there was another avenue open to Mr Topol through the High Court bail list.
On Tuesday, Mr Justice McDonald said he was conscious of the existence of alternative remedies.
However, a decision to refuse bail can be subject of judicial review if a District Judge is shown to act in excess of jurisdiction and where the applicant has a good prospect of success, he said.
Irrespective of the outcome of the judicial review, he said a huge tribute must be paid to gardai and District Judges who have fearlessly discharged their duties during this crisis for the benefit of the community. They deserved enormous thanks for everyday ensuring that public order is preserved.
Coughing or attempting to cough on others at this time is not just reprehensible and disgusting but a danger to others and likely to cause panic and fear, he said.
It is right that those who do it should be prosecuted with the full rigours of the law and appropriate sentences imposed when convicted, he said.
On the other hand, all courts are bound by Supreme Court principles that the presumption of innocence must always be borne in mind unless someone is caught red handed, he said.
In this case, Mr Topol was arrested after the event and no witnesses were called at the bail hearing although that would be unusual, the judge said. The court heard he is adamant he never said he had the virus or threatened to cough on the woman and he himself considered such behaviour disgusting and dangerous.
The judge said the fundamental test for bail was whether he was a flight risk.
Having listened to a recording of the District Court proceedings, it was clear that everyone, including Mr Topol after a “shaky start in attempting to smile” (when he first appeared in the dock) acknowledged it was a serious matter.
In refusing bail, the District Judge did not make any ruling he was a flight risk but said it was a serious charge. The recording did not show flight risk was considered, he said.
In circumstances where Mr Topol has a good prospect of succeeding in his judicial review, Mr Justice McDonald said he was prepared to grant bail on conditions that he enter his own bond of €500, abide by Government and statutory guidelines on the Covid-19 crisis, surrender his passport or other travel document, and provide his mobile phone details to the prosecuting garda within 24 hours of his release.
He said the judicial review proceedings could come back to the High Court in May.