theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Covid-19 dominates entries for 2021’s virtual Young Scientist exhibition

The impact of Covid-19 is the dominant theme among entries for the 2021 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition , with a quarter of all qualified projects delving into topics on health and the pandemic .
Projects range from the effects lockdown may have had on different socio-economic groups to investigations into the effectiveness of different types of face masks and the impact of hand sanitiser on our skin .
Due to coronavirus , the exhibition will be staged virtually for the first time and will run from January 6th to 8th .
The impact of Covid-19 is explored across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science ; technology ; chemical , physical and mathematical sciences ; and biological and ecological sciences .
BT Ireland has confirmed the 550 projects that will represent schools and communities from across the island of Ireland ; with the finalists comprising 642 girls and 399 boys .
The projects have been selected from more than 1,300 entries and they represent 213 schools .
The projects will be showcased on the exhibition ’ s virtual platform to a national – and increasingly international – audience .
Year after year , student entrants explore and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are important to them .
Many projects this year touch on direct provision , gender studies , race , domestic abuse , sexual assault and socio-economic challenges .
Climate change was the dominant theme in the 2020 contest at the RDS in Dublin .
The ongoing prevalence of social media and technology in everyday lives features strongly among this year ’ s projects , alongside a growing trend of research on personal safety and the safety of others .
Qualified projects also demonstrate a continued interest in the science behind sports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the effects of nutrition on performance .
In spite of a challenging year for students and schools , the quality and quantity of this year ’ s projects were “ hugely impressive ” , said BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh .
“ I commend all students who entered a project for the [ exhibition ] for their commitment and drive in recent months .
To see the ways in which students , with the help of their teachers and parents , have interrogated the pandemic through their projects , is incredible.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mari Cahalane , said : “ We are excited to unveil the new interactive platform in January , which will also bring the exhibition to new audiences , far and wide.
” There will be a schedule of events suitable for all ages to look forward to in January , she said .
This will include special acts , the Primary Science Fair and business events taking place alongside showcasing projects .
Minister for Education Norma Foley said the exhibition was a highlight of the school calendar every year .
“ It gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and investigate their interests in Stem subjects , and this year was no exception .
The projects demonstrate the great ambition of our students who continue to push boundaries by exploring solutions to issues of the day such as the global pandemic , climate change , mental health and many others.
” Details of the 2021 exhibition are at www.btyoungscientist.com

The impact of Covid-19 is the dominant theme among entries for the 2021 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, with a quarter of all qualified projects delving into topics on health and the pandemic.
Projects range from the effects lockdown may have had on different socio-economic groups to investigations into the effectiveness of different types of face masks and the impact of hand sanitiser on our skin.
Due to coronavirus, the exhibition will be staged virtually for the first time and will run from January 6th to 8th. The impact of Covid-19 is explored across all four categories: social and behavioural science; technology; chemical, physical and mathematical sciences; and biological and ecological sciences.
BT Ireland has confirmed the 550 projects that will represent schools and communities from across the island of Ireland; with the finalists comprising 642 girls and 399 boys. The projects have been selected from more than 1,300 entries and they represent 213 schools. The projects will be showcased on the exhibition's virtual platform to a national – and increasingly international – audience.
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Year after year, student entrants explore and analyse both national and global social issues that are important to them. Many projects this year touch on direct provision, gender studies, race, domestic abuse, sexual assault and socio-economic challenges. Climate change was the dominant theme in the 2020 contest at the RDS in Dublin.
The ongoing prevalence of social media and technology in everyday lives features strongly among this year’s projects, alongside a growing trend of research on personal safety and the safety of others. Qualified projects also demonstrate a continued interest in the science behind sports, with projects investigating protective sportswear as well as the effects of nutrition on performance.
‘Hugely impressive’
In spite of a challenging year for students and schools, the quality and quantity of this year's projects were "hugely impressive", said BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh. "I commend all students who entered a project for the [exhibition] for their commitment and drive in recent months. To see the ways in which students, with the help of their teachers and parents, have interrogated the pandemic through their projects, is incredible."
The exhibition's head, Mari Cahalane, said: "We are excited to unveil the new interactive platform in January, which will also bring the exhibition to new audiences, far and wide."
There will be a schedule of events suitable for all ages to look forward to in January, she said. This will include special acts, the Primary Science Fair and business events taking place alongside showcasing projects.
Minister for Education Norma Foley said the exhibition was a highlight of the school calendar every year. "It gives our students a unique opportunity to explore and investigate their interests in Stem subjects, and this year was no exception. The projects demonstrate the great ambition of our students who continue to push boundaries by exploring solutions to issues of the day such as the global pandemic, climate change, mental health and many others."
Details of the 2021 exhibition are at www.btyoungscientist.com


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Half hour of exercise offsets risks caused by sitting too long – WHO

Half an hour to 40 minutes daily exercise will offset the dangers of increasingly sedentary lifestyles during the pandemic , new guidelines from the World Health Organisation suggest .
In the first recommendation of its kind , the WHO is urging people to exceed weekly recommended physical activity levels to offset the health harms of prolonged sitting during lockdowns and while working from home .
New research focusing on 44,000 people wearing activity trackers in four different countries , published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine , shows adults who clock up long hours of sedentary time every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their physical activity .
It found high levels of sedentary time – 10 or more hours a day – is linked to “ a significantly heightened risk of death , particularly among people who are physically inactive.
” But , the study shows , 30 to 40 daily minutes of “ moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity substantially weakens this risk , bringing it down to levels associated with very low amounts of sedentary time ” .
Emmanuel Stamatakis , professor of physical activity , lifestyle and population health at the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were “ very timely given that we are in the middle of a global pandemic , which has confined people indoors for long periods and encouraged an increase in sedentary behaviour.
” “ But people can still protect their health and offset the harmful effects of physical inactivity , ” he said .
“ As these guidelines emphasise , all physical activity counts and any amount of it is better than none .
“ There are plenty of indoor options that don ’ t need a lot of space or equipment , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with children or pets , dancing , or online yoga or Pilates classes.
” More than half of people working from home in Ireland are sitting down for an average of two hours and 40 minutes longer per day than when they were working in an office , a study published in August showed .
The survey , carried out by pollsters Ipsos MRBI for the Irish Heart Foundation , also found that one in four of those in Ireland who are sitting for longer are remaining sedentary for at least three hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the WHO updates global physical health recommendations published 10 years ago .
Adults , including those living with long-term conditions or disabilities , are being advised to do 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity , or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity – or some combination of the two – every week .
Moderate intensity exercise includes the likes of brisk walking , dancing or raking up leaves .
Vigorous intensity physical activity includes cycling , running , swimming , carrying heavy objects , walking up the stairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Muscle-strengthening activity , such as weights or core conditioning , at moderate or greater intensity , is advised at least two days a week .
Older adults , aged over 65 , should do physical activity that emphasises functional balance and strength training at moderate or greater intensity on three or more days a week , the WHO recommends .
It also advises women to do regular physical activity throughout pregnancy and after the birth , including various aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities .
“ Although the new guidelines reflect the best available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our knowledge , ” said Prof Stamatakis .
“ We are still not clear , for example , where exactly the bar for ‘ too much sitting ’ is .
“ But this is a fast-paced field of research , and we will hopefully have answers in a few years ’ time .
”

Research found high levels of sedentary time – 10 or more hours a day – is linked to ‘a significantly heightened risk of death, particularly among people who are physically inactive’. Photograph: iStock
Half an hour to 40 minutes daily exercise will offset the dangers of increasingly sedentary lifestyles during the pandemic, new guidelines from the World Health Organisation suggest.
In the first recommendation of its kind, the WHO is urging people to exceed weekly recommended physical activity levels to offset the health harms of prolonged sitting during lockdowns and while working from home.
New research focusing on 44,000 people wearing activity trackers in four different countries, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, shows adults who clock up long hours of sedentary time every day can counter the associated risks by increasing their physical activity.
It found high levels of sedentary time – 10 or more hours a day – is linked to “a significantly heightened risk of death, particularly among people who are physically inactive.”
READ MORE
But, the study shows, 30 to 40 daily minutes of “moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity substantially weakens this risk, bringing it down to levels associated with very low amounts of sedentary time”.
Emmanuel Stamatakis, professor of physical activity, lifestyle and population health at the University of Sydney, said the new WHO guidelines were “very timely given that we are in the middle of a global pandemic, which has confined people indoors for long periods and encouraged an increase in sedentary behaviour.”
“But people can still protect their health and offset the harmful effects of physical inactivity,” he said.
“As these guidelines emphasise, all physical activity counts and any amount of it is better than none.
“There are plenty of indoor options that don’t need a lot of space or equipment, such as climbing the stairs, active play with children or pets, dancing, or online yoga or Pilates classes.”
More than half of people working from home in Ireland are sitting down for an average of two hours and 40 minutes longer per day than when they were working in an office, a study published in August showed.
The survey, carried out by pollsters Ipsos MRBI for the Irish Heart Foundation, also found that one in four of those in Ireland who are sitting for longer are remaining sedentary for at least three hours more than previously.
The latest advice from the WHO updates global physical health recommendations published 10 years ago.
Adults, including those living with long-term conditions or disabilities, are being advised to do 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity – or some combination of the two – every week.
Moderate intensity exercise includes the likes of brisk walking, dancing or raking up leaves.
Vigorous intensity physical activity includes cycling, running, swimming, carrying heavy objects, walking up the stairs, digging the garden and playing tennis.
Muscle-strengthening activity, such as weights or core conditioning, at moderate or greater intensity, is advised at least two days a week.
Older adults, aged over 65, should do physical activity that emphasises functional balance and strength training at moderate or greater intensity on three or more days a week, the WHO recommends.
It also advises women to do regular physical activity throughout pregnancy and after the birth, including various aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.
“Although the new guidelines reflect the best available science, there are still some gaps in our knowledge,” said Prof Stamatakis.
“We are still not clear, for example, where exactly the bar for ‘too much sitting’ is.
“But this is a fast-paced field of research, and we will hopefully have answers in a few years’ time.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Boy (4) left in hospital for over two years due to Tusla and HSE failings, report says

A four-year-old boy was left in hospital for more than two years , despite being medically fit for discharge , due to failings by the HSE and Tusla , a report published on Thursday finds .
The report from the Ombudsman for Children ’ s Office , finds the “ actions ” of the two organisations had a “ negative impact ” on the life of the boy and that he was discriminated against due to his disability .
At least 365 other children with disabilities are stuck in hospital because they can not get the appropriate supports to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy , who is named “ Jack ” in the report , was three when he sustained catastrophic injuries in a car crash abroad in 2016 .
He was diagnosed with an array of physical disabilities , a profound intellectual disability and he would require full assistance with all aspects of his daily care .
He returned to Ireland in 2017 , was admitted straight into hospital and was ready for discharge in August 2017 .
However , he “ remained living between two hospitals and a specialist community respite setting for 2½ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disability services and Tusla to work individually and together to meet his needs , ” the report states .
“ During that time there were periods where Jack had no educational supports and was essentially isolated from contact with other children .
He rarely saw his younger sister.
” There were weeks when “ Jack reportedly presented as distressed and was crying constantly ” .
In May 2017 , in preparation for discharge , the hospital referred Jack to his local HSE disability services .
In October there remained no response from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no response , the hospital complained to the ombudsman .
In April 2018 a social worker made a referral to Tusla , as Jack ’ s mother believed she would not be able to care for him properly along with his sibling at home .
Throughout 2018 and 2019 Tusla asserted Jack ’ s case was not a child protection or welfare one and was solely for HSE disability services .
In February 2020 Jack was formally placed with a host family by the HSE under the auspices of a charitable organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the placement .
He remains with the host family and both agencies , his mother and the family are working together to meet his needs and plan for his future .
Among the ombudsman ’ s findings are that the agencies ’ actions “ had a negative impact on the boy ’ s life ” .
There were “ systemic failures ” by the HSE to provide adequate support , while Tusla acted in a “ discriminatory ” way .
Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon said : “ If the HSE and Tusla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jack may have had the opportunity , with adequate support , to grow up with his family .
Even if it was not possible for him to return home , he could have been moved sooner to a more homely environment and even gone to school ” .
His report calls on the HSE to “ immediately and systemically review all cases where a child remains in hospital settings beyond their medical need ” and engage with the Department of Health to ensure services to support children with disabilities to grow up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive Bernard Gloster said the agency accepted the report ’ s findings and recommendations in full .
Among these is that all social workers be issued with guidance that protection and welfare referrals about children with disabilities be assessed and managed in the same way as all other referrals .

A four-year-old boy was left in hospital for more than two years, despite being medically fit for discharge, due to failings by the HSE and Tusla, a report published on Thursday finds.
The report from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, finds the “actions” of the two organisations had a “negative impact” on the life of the boy and that he was discriminated against due to his disability. At least 365 other children with disabilities are stuck in hospital because they cannot get the appropriate supports to go home safely, it adds.
The boy, who is named “Jack” in the report, was three when he sustained catastrophic injuries in a car crash abroad in 2016. He was diagnosed with an array of physical disabilities, a profound intellectual disability and he would require full assistance with all aspects of his daily care.
He returned to Ireland in 2017, was admitted straight into hospital and was ready for discharge in August 2017.
READ MORE
However, he “remained living between two hospitals and a specialist community respite setting for 2½ years due to the failure of HSE disability services and Tusla to work individually and together to meet his needs,” the report states.
“During that time there were periods where Jack had no educational supports and was essentially isolated from contact with other children. He rarely saw his younger sister.”
There were weeks when “Jack reportedly presented as distressed and was crying constantly”.
No response
In May 2017, in preparation for discharge, the hospital referred Jack to his local HSE disability services. In October there remained no response from the HSE. In January 2018, still with no response, the hospital complained to the ombudsman.
In April 2018 a social worker made a referral to Tusla, as Jack’s mother believed she would not be able to care for him properly along with his sibling at home. Throughout 2018 and 2019 Tusla asserted Jack’s case was not a child protection or welfare one and was solely for HSE disability services.
In February 2020 Jack was formally placed with a host family by the HSE under the auspices of a charitable organisation, though without a clear legal basis for the placement.
He remains with the host family and both agencies, his mother and the family are working together to meet his needs and plan for his future.
Among the ombudsman’s findings are that the agencies’ actions “had a negative impact on the boy’s life”. There were “systemic failures” by the HSE to provide adequate support, while Tusla acted in a “discriminatory” way.
Review urged
Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon said: "If the HSE and Tusla had worked together at an early stage Jack may have had the opportunity, with adequate support, to grow up with his family. Even if it was not possible for him to return home, he could have been moved sooner to a more homely environment and even gone to school".
His report calls on the HSE to "immediately and systemically review all cases where a child remains in hospital settings beyond their medical need" and engage with the Department of Health to ensure services to support children with disabilities to grow up at home with their families.
Tusla chief executive Bernard Gloster said the agency accepted the report's findings and recommendations in full. Among these is that all social workers be issued with guidance that protection and welfare referrals about children with disabilities be assessed and managed in the same way as all other referrals.


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Family fighting for Irish on gravestone in English churchyard to have legal bill covered

A family appealing against a decision that an Irish phrase on a gravestone in an English churchyard must be translated into English are to have their legal costs covered .
Relatives of Irish-born Margaret Keane ( 73 ) , who died in July 2018 , wanted the words “ In ár gcroíthe go deo ” ( “ In our hearts for ever ” ) inscribed on the headstone at her grave at St Giles burial ground in Exhall , Coventry .
Stephen Eyre QC , a judge in a Church of England ecclesiastical court , ruled a translation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a risk it could otherwise be seen “ as a political statement ” .
Ms Keane ’ s family appealed against the decision , but have been faced with a legal bill into the thousands of pounds .
But in a statement on Wednesday , the family said the Church of England had agreed to pay their costs .
“ After enduring the agonising burden of facing substantial costs , the family of Margaret Keane was very relieved to receive confirmation last week from the Church of England that sources within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s court costs in respect of their ongoing appeal to overturn the decision made by the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Coventry , Stephen Eyre , to refuse an Irish only inscription on their mother ’ s grave , ” the statement said .
“ Although the family ’ s legal team are acting on a free of charge basis the ecclesiastical court ( which is separate to the Church of England ) is entitled to charge costs .
This has been an immense burden to bear from a long period of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid a total of £2,085.60 in court costs ( with £42 and £129 refunded to date ) .
“ The family ’ s initial request to the Arches Court of Canterbury ( where the appeal is to be heard ) for costs to be waived was initially denied.
” The statement said the family renewed that request in August 2020 , on receiving a further bill of £1.054 from the court .
It had now been confirmed that the family will be reimbursed the remaining £1,914.60 they have paid to the court to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the family will be given assistance from sources within the church to cover their future court costs , the statement concluded .
In June , in an open letter to Church of England Bishop of Coventry Christopher Cocksworth , who has jurisdiction over the churchyard , Bishop of Cashel , Ossory and Ferns Michael Burrows said he would make sure the family was made aware of its legal rights .
In his letter , Bishop Burrows noted that a key aspect of the peace process had been “ to make clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legitimate place in the richness of the British polity ” .

The family of Irish-born Margaret Keane want the words ‘In ár gcroíthe go deo’ to be on the headstone on her grave. File photograph: iStock.
A family appealing against a decision that an Irish phrase on a gravestone in an English churchyard must be translated into English are to have their legal costs covered.
Relatives of Irish-born Margaret Keane (73), who died in July 2018, wanted the words “In ár gcroíthe go deo” (“In our hearts for ever”) inscribed on the headstone at her grave at St Giles burial ground in Exhall, Coventry.
Stephen Eyre QC, a judge in a Church of England ecclesiastical court, ruled a translation of the inscription must also be included as there was a risk it could otherwise be seen “as a political statement”.
Ms Keane’s family appealed against the decision, but have been faced with a legal bill into the thousands of pounds.
READ MORE
But in a statement on Wednesday, the family said the Church of England had agreed to pay their costs.
“After enduring the agonising burden of facing substantial costs, the family of Margaret Keane was very relieved to receive confirmation last week from the Church of England that sources within the church will pay for the family’s court costs in respect of their ongoing appeal to overturn the decision made by the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Coventry, Stephen Eyre, to refuse an Irish only inscription on their mother’s grave,” the statement said.
“Although the family’s legal team are acting on a free of charge basis the ecclesiastical court (which is separate to the Church of England) is entitled to charge costs. This has been an immense burden to bear from a long period of time. To date, the family have paid a total of £2,085.60 in court costs (with £42 and £129 refunded to date).
“The family’s initial request to the Arches Court of Canterbury (where the appeal is to be heard) for costs to be waived was initially denied.”
The statement said the family renewed that request in August 2020, on receiving a further bill of £1.054 from the court. It had now been confirmed that the family will be reimbursed the remaining £1,914.60 they have paid to the court to date.
It has also been confirmed that the family will be given assistance from sources within the church to cover their future court costs, the statement concluded.
In June, in an open letter to Church of England Bishop of Coventry Christopher Cocksworth, who has jurisdiction over the churchyard, Bishop of Cashel, Ossory and Ferns Michael Burrows said he would make sure the family was made aware of its legal rights.
In his letter, Bishop Burrows noted that a key aspect of the peace process had been “to make clear that Irish language and culture can have a legitimate place in the richness of the British polity”.


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Irish scientists develop gene therapy for inherited vision loss disorder

A team of Irish scientists have developed a gene therapy that could potentially lead to a new treatment for an eye disease causing progressive loss of vision , which affects many thousands of people across the globe .
The breakthrough therapy , which offers hope for people with dominant optic atrophy ( DOA ) , was devised by researchers at Trinity College Dublin in collaboration with clinicians at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital and the Mater hospital in Dublin .
It also has implications for a much wider suite of neurological disorders associated with ageing which collectively affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inherited disorder characterised by degeneration of optic nerves .
It typically starts during the first decade of life .
Affected people usually develop moderate visual loss and colour vision defects – but severity varies , symptoms can worsen over time and some people become blind .
At present , there is no way to prevent or cure DOA .
The scientists published their results in Frontiers in Neuroscience on Thursday .
A gene ( OPA1 ) provides instructions for making a protein found in cells and tissues throughout the body that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the energy generators in cells .
Without the protein , mitochondrial function is sub-optimal ; the normally well-interconnected mitochondrial network in healthy cells becomes highly disrupted .
For those with DOA , it is mutations in OPA1 and the dysfunctional mitochondria that are responsible for onset and progression of the disorder .
Led by research fellow Dr Daniel Maloney and Prof Jane Farrar from TCD School of Genetics and Microbiology , the gene therapy successfully protected the visual function of mice who were treated with a chemical targeting the mitochondria – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The scientists also found the gene therapy improved mitochondrial performance in human cells that contained mutations in the OPA1 gene .
“ We used a clever lab technique that allows scientists to provide a specific gene to cells that need it using specially engineered non-harmful viruses , ” Dr Maloney said .
“ This allowed us to directly alter the functioning of the mitochondria in the cells we treated , boosting their ability to produce energy which , in turn , helps protect them from cell damage .
“ Excitingly , our results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially provide benefit for diseases like DOA , which are due to OPA1 mutations , and also possibly for a wider array of diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction.
” Mitochondrial dysfunction causes problems in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer ’ s and Parkinson ’ s disease .
The impacts gradually build up over time , which is why many may associate such disorders with ageing .
Prof Farrar added : “ We are very excited by the prospect of this new gene therapy strategy , although it is important to highlight that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a research and development perspective before this therapeutic approach may one day be available as a treatment.
” Because mitochondrial dysfunction was implicated in so many neurological disorders , there was great potential for this type of therapeutic strategy to make “ a major societal impact ” , she said .
The research was supported by Science Foundation Ireland , the Health Research Board of Ireland , Fighting Blindness Ireland , and Health Research Charities Ireland .

A fluorescent microscope image of a healthy cell with its mitochondria highlighted in gold. It shows a highly elaborate and well-connected network of mitochondria. Image: Prof Jane Farrar and Dr Daniel Maloney, Trinity College Dublin
A team of Irish scientists have developed a gene therapy that could potentially lead to a new treatment for an eye disease causing progressive loss of vision, which affects many thousands of people across the globe.
The breakthrough therapy, which offers hope for people with dominant optic atrophy (DOA), was devised by researchers at Trinity College Dublin in collaboration with clinicians at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital and the Mater hospital in Dublin.
It also has implications for a much wider suite of neurological disorders associated with ageing which collectively affect millions of people worldwide.
DOA is an inherited disorder characterised by degeneration of optic nerves. It typically starts during the first decade of life. Affected people usually develop moderate visual loss and colour vision defects – but severity varies, symptoms can worsen over time and some people become blind. At present, there is no way to prevent or cure DOA.
READ MORE
The scientists published their results in Frontiers in Neuroscience on Thursday.
A gene (OPA1) provides instructions for making a protein found in cells and tissues throughout the body that is pivotal to the proper function of mitochondria, the energy generators in cells.
Without the protein, mitochondrial function is sub-optimal; the normally well-interconnected mitochondrial network in healthy cells becomes highly disrupted. For those with DOA, it is mutations in OPA1 and the dysfunctional mitochondria that are responsible for onset and progression of the disorder.
Led by research fellow Dr Daniel Maloney and Prof Jane Farrar from TCD School of Genetics and Microbiology, the gene therapy successfully protected the visual function of mice who were treated with a chemical targeting the mitochondria – and were consequently living with dysfunctional mitochondria.
Mutations
The scientists also found the gene therapy improved mitochondrial performance in human cells that contained mutations in the OPA1 gene.
“We used a clever lab technique that allows scientists to provide a specific gene to cells that need it using specially engineered non-harmful viruses,” Dr Maloney said.
“This allowed us to directly alter the functioning of the mitochondria in the cells we treated, boosting their ability to produce energy which, in turn, helps protect them from cell damage.
“Excitingly, our results demonstrate that this OPA1-based gene therapy can potentially provide benefit for diseases like DOA, which are due to OPA1 mutations, and also possibly for a wider array of diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction.”
Mitochondrial dysfunction causes problems in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The impacts gradually build up over time, which is why many may associate such disorders with ageing.
Prof Farrar added: “We are very excited by the prospect of this new gene therapy strategy, although it is important to highlight that there is still a long journey to complete from a research and development perspective before this therapeutic approach may one day be available as a treatment.”
Because mitochondrial dysfunction was implicated in so many neurological disorders, there was great potential for this type of therapeutic strategy to make “a major societal impact”, she said.
The research was supported by Science Foundation Ireland, the Health Research Board of Ireland, Fighting Blindness Ireland, and Health Research Charities Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Increasing noise pollution in Irish urban areas highlighted by EPA

Noise pollution complaints from the Irish public have been increasing and current control measures “ do not always allow for them to be adequately addressed ” , according to the EPA .
Local authorities “ need to take a much stronger leadership role in dealing with noise issues , particularly in more urban areas ” , it concludes in its latest detailed evaluation of Ireland ’ s environment .
The report by the EPA , which is the national authority for overseeing implementation of the environmental noise regulations , confirms 2018 findings by the World Health Organisation , which showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing – and “ how excessive noise , particularly from transport sources , has negative impacts on human health and wellbeing , adversely affecting sleep and cardiovascular and metabolic function ” .
A 2019 study found night-time exposure to high levels of road traffic noise affects more than 78 million people in the 33 member countries of the European Environment Agency .
Noise complaints around Dublin Airport “ have become a more significant issue in recent years , with the Dublin Airport Authority logging 1,453 noise-related complaints in 2018 , although there has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities during the Covid-19 pandemic ” , it adds .
Responsibility for preparation of “ strategic noise maps ” lies with designated noise mapping bodies , including Transport Infrastructure Ireland ; local authorities , Irish Rail and the Dublin Airport Authority .
They can be viewed on the EPA website maps section under “ environment and wellbeing – noise ” .
Strategic noise maps show noise exposure levels .
They are prepared using computer modelling techniques that include various types of source data to estimate noise levels including traffic flow , types of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vehicle speeds .
“ National noise planning guidance for local authorities are needed , ” the EPA report concludes .
“ This will support and promote the proactive management of noise where it is likely to have significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life.
” The guidance will also help to implement the noise objective in Project Ireland – National Planning Framework 2040 , it suggests , and should consider adopting 2018 WHO noise and health guidelines .
“ Integrating air pollution and noise mitigation measures ( and climate actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can bring many benefits , ” adds the report entitled Ireland ’ s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020 .
Such integration of options could be explored under the plans for a clean air strategy for Ireland , the EPA says .
“ Local authorities should also designate quiet areas in their cities for health and wellbeing value.
” Dublin City Council has identified eight “ quiet areas ” and uses its noise action plan as a tool to preserve tranquil areas with existing low levels of environmental noise .
It has focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aiming to provide quiet and peaceful spaces for people to escape to from the wider urban area with its higher levels of environmental noise , the EPA points out .
Dublin City Council set noise thresholds to help in the designation of the quiet areas .
The designation is considered in the context of any proposed future development in the vicinity of these quiet locations to determine whether it might have the potential to negatively impact on existing noise levels .
The EPA also highlights experimental works to reduce noise levels along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dublin .
Installation of “ rail dampers ” and absorbing rubber infill panels achieved significant noise reductions .
“ These findings are being used when considering acoustic mitigation measures for future Luas lines , ” it notes .

Noise pollution complaints from the Irish public have been increasing and current control measures “do not always allow for them to be adequately addressed”, according to the EPA.
Local authorities “need to take a much stronger leadership role in dealing with noise issues, particularly in more urban areas”, it concludes in its latest detailed evaluation of Ireland’s environment.
The report by the EPA, which is the national authority for overseeing implementation of the environmental noise regulations, confirms 2018 findings by the World Health Organisation, which showed noise pollution in towns and cities was increasing – and "how excessive noise, particularly from transport sources, has negative impacts on human health and wellbeing, adversely affecting sleep and cardiovascular and metabolic function".
A strategic noise map for the M50 and motorways accessing Dublin.
A 2019 study found night-time exposure to high levels of road traffic noise affects more than 78 million people in the 33 member countries of the European Environment Agency.
READ MORE
Noise complaints around Dublin Airport "have become a more significant issue in recent years, with the Dublin Airport Authority logging 1,453 noise-related complaints in 2018, although there has clearly been a major reduction in airport activities during the Covid-19 pandemic", it adds.
Responsibility for preparation of "strategic noise maps" lies with designated noise mapping bodies, including Transport Infrastructure Ireland; local authorities, Irish Rail and the Dublin Airport Authority. They can be viewed on the EPA website maps section under "environment and wellbeing – noise".
Strategic noise maps show noise exposure levels. They are prepared using computer modelling techniques that include various types of source data to estimate noise levels including traffic flow, types of road and rail, types of vehicles and vehicle speeds.
“National noise planning guidance for local authorities are needed,” the EPA report concludes. “This will support and promote the proactive management of noise where it is likely to have significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life.”
Noise objective
The guidance will also help to implement the noise objective in Project Ireland – National Planning Framework 2040, it suggests, and should consider adopting 2018 WHO noise and health guidelines.
“Integrating air pollution and noise mitigation measures (and climate actions), particularly in transport management, can bring many benefits,” adds the report entitled Ireland’s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020.
Such integration of options could be explored under the plans for a clean air strategy for Ireland, the EPA says. “Local authorities should also designate quiet areas in their cities for health and wellbeing value.”
Dublin City Council has identified eight "quiet areas" and uses its noise action plan as a tool to preserve tranquil areas with existing low levels of environmental noise. It has focused particularly on public parks in the city, aiming to provide quiet and peaceful spaces for people to escape to from the wider urban area with its higher levels of environmental noise, the EPA points out.
Dublin City Council set noise thresholds to help in the designation of the quiet areas. The designation is considered in the context of any proposed future development in the vicinity of these quiet locations to determine whether it might have the potential to negatively impact on existing noise levels.
The EPA also highlights experimental works to reduce noise levels along 100-metre stretches of the Luas Green Line in Dublin. Installation of "rail dampers" and absorbing rubber infill panels achieved significant noise reductions. "These findings are being used when considering acoustic mitigation measures for future Luas lines," it notes.


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--School leggings controversy: Anatomy of a social media firestorm

For many school principals who watched a social media storm envelop Carlow Presentation College over its school uniform policy , there is a trepidation that it could just as easily have been them .
“ There is a constant , low-level worry that something will get distorted and blows up online ; WhatsApp groups are the worst , ” says one school principal , dealing with a similar uniform-related controversy at the school .
“ Someone gets the wrong end of the stick and it spreads like wildfire.
” Another principal who has also been in the eye of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s such a dangerous weapon .
Individuals get named or attacked , before any facts are established .
But you can ’ t get into a row on social media .
.
.
so , you keep your head down and hope it blows over.
” Schools are increasingly in social media ’ s crosshairs in rows uniforms , discipline .
or treatment of pupils .
Once , concerns would have been raised directly .
Now , allegations spread before answers catch up .
In the stampede towards instant , cold judgment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or nuance often gets elbowed aside .
In the case of Carlow Presentation College , it all started innocently .
Due to Covid-19 regulations – which limit access to changing rooms – students there are allowed to come to school wearing their training gear on the days that they have PE .
Staff at the school had , however , grown concerned at the lapses in uniform policy , which stipulates that a tracksuit only should be worn for PE .
“ What was being noticed by staff , myself and others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or so is that on PE day when the students were coming in , particularly the girls , the uniform regulations weren ’ t being followed and it was becoming more of a fashion show more than anything else , ” school principal Ray Murray told RTÉ .
Together with colleagues , Murray decided to issue a reminder to classes individually last Friday .
Rumours – now known to be inaccurate – began to swirl among some students later that the decision had been taken due to discomfort among male members of staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not boys , had been singled out .
Murray said he checked with the relevant teachers to ensure nothing inappropriate was said .
He said he was assured on multiple occasions that this was the case .
“ We have female deans of discipline who are mothers themselves who are talking to girls and I know there was nothing inappropriate , wrong , or uncomfortable that was said to them , ” he said .
What happened next , he says , bemused the school at first .
Traffic on social media about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attracting more and more attention .
Later that night , an anonymous online petition was established to highlight “ sexism against female students in school by the staff and students ” .
All of this was based on unsubstantiated , and , as it turns out , inaccurate reports .
Soon , more than 1,000 had signed .
When the mother of a student emailed the principal on Saturday , upset over what was alleged to have been said , the dean of discipline for the class responded to the mother via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half an hour later to say , ‘ I ’ m sorry for jumping the gun .
I was going on what other people had told me ’ , ” Murray said .
But the initial claims had gained even more online momentum , with 3,500 signates and a plethora of inaccurate allegations .
When some mainstream media began to run with the story on Tuesday , repeating the claim - again , one that was wrong - that the leggings were being banned because they distracted male teachers , the audience grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the school to respond before reporting the allegations .
By now , in the full glare of national media , the school issued a short statement on Tuesday night .
It stated that there has been no change in the school uniform policy – but it did little to counter the narrative .
With news dominating newspaper front pages and radio shows , Murray took to the national airwaves on Wednesday morning to set the record straight on what happened from the school ’ s point of view .
In the meantime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 signatures , with no let-up in the original allegations .
Faced with the controversy , the Department of Education has asked for a report .
For principals watching on , Carlow is a parable for our times .
Four girls ’ schools in Dublin alone are dealing with smaller-scale , but similar unfounded controversies , says one principal .
“ The rage will die down and the story will move on , but it ’ s much harder for the principals and teachers who have worked so , so hard in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one principal .
“ It ’ s risky responding publicly , ” says another , “ We don ’ t have PR advisers .
.
.
If you ’ re defensive , you can be made to look foolish .
If you get into a row , it looks bad .
You can ’ t win a lot of the time .
”

Due to Covid-19 regulations – which limit access to changing rooms – students are allowed to come to school wearing their training gear on the days that they have PE. Photograph: iStock
For many school principals who watched a social media storm envelop Carlow Presentation College over its school uniform policy, there is a trepidation that it could just as easily have been them.
“There is a constant, low-level worry that something will get distorted and blows up online; WhatsApp groups are the worst,” says one school principal, dealing with a similar uniform-related controversy at the school. “Someone gets the wrong end of the stick and it spreads like wildfire.”
Another principal who has also been in the eye of a recent controversy online agrees.
“It’s such a dangerous weapon. Individuals get named or attacked before any facts are established. But you can’t get into a row on social media . . . so, you keep your head down and hope it blows over.”
READ MORE
Schools are increasingly in social media’s crosshairs in rows over uniforms, discipline or treatment of pupils. Once, concerns would have been raised directly. Now, allegations spread before answers catch up.
The stampede
In the stampede towards instant judgment, say principals, truth, context or nuance often gets elbowed aside.
In the case of Carlow Presentation College, it all started innocently.
Due to Covid-19 regulations – which limit access to changing rooms – students there are allowed to come to school wearing their training gear on the days that they have PE. Staff at the school had, however, grown concerned at the lapses in uniform policy, which stipulates that a tracksuit only should be worn for PE.
"What was being noticed by staff, myself and others, over the last month and a half or so is that on PE day when the students were coming in, particularly the girls, the uniform regulations weren't being followed and it was becoming more of a fashion show more than anything else," school principal Ray Murray told RTÉ.
School uniform rules
Together with colleagues, Murray decided to issue a reminder to classes individually last Friday. Rumours – now known to be inaccurate – began to swirl among some students later that the decision had been taken due to discomfort among male members of staff. Some were unhappy that girls, not boys, had been singled out.
Murray said he checked with the relevant teachers to ensure nothing inappropriate was said. He said he was assured on multiple occasions that this was the case.
“We have female deans of discipline who are mothers themselves who are talking to girls and I know there was nothing inappropriate, wrong, or uncomfortable that was said to them,” he said.
What happened next, he says, bemused the school at first. Traffic on social media about the school began on Friday night, attracting more and more attention.
Later that night, an anonymous online petition was established to highlight “sexism against female students in school by the staff and students”. All of this was based on unsubstantiated, and, as it turns out, inaccurate reports.
Soon, more than 1,000 had signed.
When the mother of a student emailed the principal on Saturday, upset over what was alleged to have been said, the dean of discipline for the class responded to the mother via the principal.
“The mother rang me half an hour later to say, ‘I’m sorry for jumping the gun. I was going on what other people had told me’,” Murray said.
But the initial claims had gained even more online momentum, with 3,500 signates and a plethora of inaccurate allegations.
Bigger audience
When some mainstream media began to run with the story on Tuesday, repeating the claim - again, one that was wrong - that the leggings were being banned because they distracted male teachers, the audience grew.
Many media outlets did not wait for the school to respond before reporting the allegations.
By now, in the full glare of national media, the school issued a short statement on Tuesday night. It stated that there has been no change in the school uniform policy – but it did little to counter the narrative.
With news dominating newspaper front pages and radio shows, Murray took to the national airwaves on Wednesday morning to set the record straight on what happened from the school’s point of view.
In the meantime, the original petition has reached almost 10,000 signatures, with no let-up in the original allegations. Faced with the controversy, the Department of Education has asked for a report.
For principals watching on, Carlow is a parable for our times. Four girls’ schools in Dublin alone are dealing with smaller-scale, but similar unfounded controversies, says one principal.
“The rage will die down and the story will move on, but it’s much harder for the principals and teachers who have worked so, so hard in the best interests of students,” says one principal.
“It’s risky responding publicly,” says another, “We don’t have PR advisers . . . If you’re defensive, you can be made to look foolish. If you get into a row, it looks bad. You can’t win a lot of the time.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Leaving Cert students ‘face burnout’ from constant testing in class

Secondary students are feeling “ unrelenting pressure ” as a result of constant testing from teachers who say the results may determine their Leaving Cert grades if exams are cancelled next year .
The Irish Second-Level Students ’ Union will tell the Oireachtas education committee on Thursday that many exam-year classes are sitting monthly or weekly exams .
In a submission , union president Reuban Murray said these tests had taken on “ a whole new level of pressure and stress ” for students on the basis that it may influence their final grades .
“ This is putting unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If we do not remedy this it will result in widespread burnout across our schools , ” he said .
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the 2020 Leaving Cert summer exams being replaced with a system of calculated grades , which used teachers ’ estimates based on students ’ coursework and test results .
Mr Murray says “ over-assessment ” is now taking place because education authorities have not enough clarity on the status of the 2021 State exams .
“ There have been no concrete contingency plans communicated to schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain unanswered , such as : ‘ What will happen if a school has an outbreak during the exams ?
’ We need to clearly communicate the contingency plans to schools as soon as we can and lift this fog of guesswork , assumptions and uncertainties.
” Minister for Education Norma Foley said on Wednesday that it was her “ firm intention ” for the conventional Leaving Cert exams to be held in 2021 , with the appropriate public health and contingency measures in place .
However , she has not ruled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event that exams are not permitted to go ahead .
Mr Murray said schools and students were underprepared to make a transition to online learning if there were to be further school closures .
“ This is not just an issue that affects us in the event of national school closures , because every week students are instructed to self-isolate for 14 days , ” he said .
“ We need a proper strategy now .
“ At the moment students have been reporting inconsistent levels of support when self-isolating .
This ranges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support to schools who make the effort and go the extra mile .
We need to ensure everyone who is isolating to protect their peers does not fall behind and that they still receive an education.
” He says a national online learning strategy is needed to effectively equip our schools to support all students .
Separately , a new study indicates that the gap in reading achievement between students in disadvantaged schools and others has narrowed .
The research is based on findings from the OECD ’ s Pisa study – an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and compares the achievements of students in disadvantaged ( Deis ) and other schools in 2018 .
It found that 22 per cent of students in Deis schools have low reading scores , compared with 9 per cent in non-Deis schools .
Students with low reading scores are more likely to have inadequate reading skills for future study and work .
The difference between the two was smaller in 2018 than in 2009 , with most of the improvement taking place between 2009 and 2012 .
Dr Lorraine Gilleece , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the improvement in the average reading achievement of students in Deis schools was welcome .
“ While there has been little change since 2012 , these earlier achievement gains have been sustained , ” she said .
“ This is consistent with trends in non-Deis schools over the same period where we have seen stable achievement patterns since 2012 .
”

Minister for Education Norma Foley said it was her firm intention’ for the conventional Leaving Cert exams to be held in 2021. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Secondary students are feeling “unrelenting pressure” as a result of constant testing from teachers who say the results may determine their Leaving Cert grades if exams are cancelled next year.
The Irish Second-Level Students' Union will tell the Oireachtas education committee on Thursday that many exam-year classes are sitting monthly or weekly exams.
In a submission, union president Reuban Murray said these tests had taken on “a whole new level of pressure and stress” for students on the basis that it may influence their final grades.
“This is putting unnecessary and unsustainable amounts of anxiety on students. If we do not remedy this it will result in widespread burnout across our schools,” he said.
READ MORE
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the 2020 Leaving Cert summer exams being replaced with a system of calculated grades, which used teachers’ estimates based on students’ coursework and test results.
Mr Murray says "over-assessment" is now taking place because education authorities have not enough clarity on the status of the 2021 State exams.
“There have been no concrete contingency plans communicated to schools,” he said. “Simple questions remain unanswered, such as: ‘What will happen if a school has an outbreak during the exams?’ We need to clearly communicate the contingency plans to schools as soon as we can and lift this fog of guesswork, assumptions and uncertainties.”
Contingency measures
Minister for Education Norma Foley said on Wednesday that it was her "firm intention" for the conventional Leaving Cert exams to be held in 2021, with the appropriate public health and contingency measures in place.
However, she has not ruled out the use of calculated grades in the event that exams are not permitted to go ahead.
Mr Murray said schools and students were underprepared to make a transition to online learning if there were to be further school closures.
“This is not just an issue that affects us in the event of national school closures, because every week students are instructed to self-isolate for 14 days,” he said. “We need a proper strategy now.
“At the moment students have been reporting inconsistent levels of support when self-isolating. This ranges from students being cut off with no support to schools who make the effort and go the extra mile. We need to ensure everyone who is isolating to protect their peers does not fall behind and that they still receive an education.”
He says a national online learning strategy is needed to effectively equip our schools to support all students.
Narrowing gap
Separately, a new study indicates that the gap in reading achievement between students in disadvantaged schools and others has narrowed.
The research is based on findings from the OECD's Pisa study – an international study of educational achievement among 15-year-olds – and compares the achievements of students in disadvantaged (Deis) and other schools in 2018.
It found that 22 per cent of students in Deis schools have low reading scores, compared with 9 per cent in non-Deis schools.
Students with low reading scores are more likely to have inadequate reading skills for future study and work.
The difference between the two was smaller in 2018 than in 2009, with most of the improvement taking place between 2009 and 2012.
Dr Lorraine Gilleece, one of the report's authors, said the improvement in the average reading achievement of students in Deis schools was welcome.
“While there has been little change since 2012, these earlier achievement gains have been sustained,” she said. “This is consistent with trends in non-Deis schools over the same period where we have seen stable achievement patterns since 2012.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Gardaí receive no complaints about sharing of intimate images online, says Harris

No criminal investigations were being carried out by the Garda into the sharing of thousands of intimate images online last week as no crimes had been disclosed , Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said .
Images appeared online , with thousands shared in single folders , amid claims they were comprised of sexual images of women in Ireland that were being shared without their consent .
There were also claims the photographs included so-called “ revenge porn ” as well as images of children .
However , Mr Harris has said the Garda had not received any complaints from anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
He said all of the photographs had been checked and none of child abuse had been uncovered .
Appearing before a meeting of the Policing Authority on Wednesday , Mr Harris was asked by authority member Vicky Conway if he could provide the “ victims ” of “ image-based sexual abuse ” with an update on the criminal investigations under way .
Mr Harris said the Garda was “ very aware ” of coercive control , harassment and “ the problem of images being used to intimidate people , blackmail people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse ” .
However , he confirmed nobody had made any complaints to the Garda arising from the images shared , which he said were on sites hosted outside the Republic .
“ We ’ re aware of the circumstances .
As yet we ’ ve had no actual complaints of image-based sexual abuse or coercion or harassment or such like .
So there ’ s actually no crimes under investigation in this jurisdiction at this moment in time , ” Mr Harris said .
The matter received very significant attention last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media .
There were claims that thousands of women in the State had been victimised by the images being shared without their consent and that some of the images were of minors .
Other claims suggested some of the images were “ revenge porn ” , involving a person sharing intimate photographs of their former partners never intended to be shared publicly .
However , Garda sources last week urged caution saying it would take time to determine if the images were of minors or child abuse , if any were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been committed that warranted investigation .
Also at the Policing Authority meeting on Wednesday , it emerged the Garda ’ s new anti-corruption unit would effectively begin day-to-day operations on Monday having been in planning stages for over a year .
Assistant Commissioner Pat Clavin , who is heading up the unit , said it would initially have about 30 staff and that it had identified a number of themes it intended to focus on from next week .
These areas include gardaí possibly abusing their powers for sexual gain , using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incomes .
He added plans had already been progressed to purchase testing kits to test if Garda members were using drugs .

No criminal investigations were being carried out by the Garda into the sharing of thousands of intimate images online last week as no crimes had been disclosed, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said.
Images appeared online, with thousands shared in single folders, amid claims they were comprised of sexual images of women in Ireland that were being shared without their consent. There were also claims the photographs included so-called “revenge porn” as well as images of children.
However, Mr Harris has said the Garda had not received any complaints from anyone claiming they had been victimised in any way. He said all of the photographs had been checked and none of child abuse had been uncovered.
Appearing before a meeting of the Policing Authority on Wednesday, Mr Harris was asked by authority member Vicky Conway if he could provide the “victims” of “image-based sexual abuse” with an update on the criminal investigations under way.
READ MORE
Mr Harris said the Garda was “very aware” of coercive control, harassment and “the problem of images being used to intimidate people, blackmail people, as a form of image-based sexual abuse”.
However, he confirmed nobody had made any complaints to the Garda arising from the images shared, which he said were on sites hosted outside the Republic.
“We’re aware of the circumstances. As yet we’ve had no actual complaints of image-based sexual abuse or coercion or harassment or such like. So there’s actually no crimes under investigation in this jurisdiction at this moment in time,” Mr Harris said.
The matter received very significant attention last week, both in the media and on social media. There were claims that thousands of women in the State had been victimised by the images being shared without their consent and that some of the images were of minors.
Other claims suggested some of the images were “revenge porn”, involving a person sharing intimate photographs of their former partners never intended to be shared publicly.
However, Garda sources last week urged caution saying it would take time to determine if the images were of minors or child abuse, if any were “revenge porn” and if any crime had been committed that warranted investigation.
Anti-corruption
Also at the Policing Authority meeting on Wednesday, it emerged the Garda’s new anti-corruption unit would effectively begin day-to-day operations on Monday having been in planning stages for over a year.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Clavin, who is heading up the unit, said it would initially have about 30 staff and that it had identified a number of themes it intended to focus on from next week. These areas include gardaí possibly abusing their powers for sexual gain, using drugs and having business interests and secondary incomes. He added plans had already been progressed to purchase testing kits to test if Garda members were using drugs.


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Coalition attempts to resume contact with CervicalCheck group

The Government has attempted to resume contact with the support group representing women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy after talks on the planned tribunal collapsed last week .
The 221-plus group said last week that they would tell their members there was nothing in the planned CervicalCheck tribunal that was not available in the High Court after a number of concerns were not addressed .
Following a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday where the issue was discussed by Ministers , officials in the Department of Health contacted the group again .
Sources have said the group is unwilling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the table around the issue of the statute of limitations and recurrence of cancer .
The support group say some women may be left outside the tribunal as the two-year statute of limitations has passed for a small number of women .
The group also want women who suffer a recurrence of cancer to be allowed to return to the tribunal .
Up until this point Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has warned that laboratories may walk away from the tribunal if those wishes are acceded to .
Speaking on the Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigner Vicky Phelan said the group does not have plans to return to talks at present .
“ We have walked away from talks at this point and we are not going to go back into talks unless there is something new on the table or they will come back and meet us .
.
.
halfway , ” said Ms Phelan .
She warned that while some may still use the tribunal , the actual number who opt for that route may , in the end , be “ very few ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members had initiated High Court proceedings and there were unresolved issues around the cost of transferring a case to the tribunal .
“ There are a lot of small details that need to be ironed out .
Nobody has thought them through .
A lot of women also may not take the chance of going for a tribunal that really is not any less adversarial than the High Court , ” she said .
When asked if Mr Donnelly has requested the tribunal to resume its work , a spokeswoman said she could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to Mr Donnelly , the group said it has advised its members of “ our considered position that there is nothing for them in the tribunal that isn ’ t available in the High Court , a view we know to be shared by many of the legal advisers involved .
We have no doubt that some , perhaps many , will still take the tribunal route rather than face the interminable wait for court time , or die waiting .
We will of course support them in that choice and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live with the consequence of the State ’ s actions .
”

Vicky Phelan warned that while some may still use the tribunal, the actual number who opt for that route may, in the end, be “very few”. Photograph Nick Bradshaw / The Irish Times
The Government has attempted to resume contact with the support group representing women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy after talks on the planned tribunal collapsed last week.
The 221-plus group said last week that they would tell their members there was nothing in the planned CervicalCheck tribunal that was not available in the High Court after a number of concerns were not addressed. Following a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday where the issue was discussed by Ministers, officials in the Department of Health contacted the group again.
Sources have said the group is unwilling to resume talks unless there are substantive solutions on the table around the issue of the statute of limitations and recurrence of cancer. The support group say some women may be left outside the tribunal as the two-year statute of limitations has passed for a small number of women. The group also want women who suffer a recurrence of cancer to be allowed to return to the tribunal.
Up until this point Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has warned that laboratories may walk away from the tribunal if those wishes are acceded to. Speaking on the Irish Times Inside Politics podcast on Wednesday, campaigner Vicky Phelan said the group does not have plans to return to talks at present.
READ MORE
“We have walked away from talks at this point and we are not going to go back into talks unless there is something new on the table or they will come back and meet us . . . halfway,” said Ms Phelan.
High Court proceedings
She warned that while some may still use the tribunal, the actual number who opt for that route may, in the end, be “very few”. She said this was because many members had initiated High Court proceedings and there were unresolved issues around the cost of transferring a case to the tribunal.
“There are a lot of small details that need to be ironed out. Nobody has thought them through. A lot of women also may not take the chance of going for a tribunal that really is not any less adversarial than the High Court,” she said.
When asked if Mr Donnelly has requested the tribunal to resume its work, a spokeswoman said she could not comment.
In its most recent letter to Mr Donnelly, the group said it has advised its members of “our considered position that there is nothing for them in the tribunal that isn’t available in the High Court, a view we know to be shared by many of the legal advisers involved. We have no doubt that some, perhaps many, will still take the tribunal route rather than face the interminable wait for court time, or die waiting. We will of course support them in that choice and in their lives generally as they continue to live with the consequence of the State’s actions.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Sexual violence figures likely to be 'considerably higher' than studies show – academics

The true number of people who experience sexual violence in Ireland is likely to be “ considerably higher ” than studies show due to a difficulty in defining experiences , academics have said .
A recent study by Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University found that 49 per cent of women and 19 per cent of men reported being sexually assaulted or harassed throughout their lifetime .
The research , which was based on more than 1,000 participants who self-reported their histories , found that 15 per cent of Irish adults were raped - defined as unwanted oral , anal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in life .
The prevalence of sexual violence varied between sexes with one in five women reporting being raped , compared with one in 10 men .
However , Dr Caroline West , a sex educator and host of the Glow West podcast , believes the true figures are higher than reported as victims of this violence struggle to label incidents as sexual assault .
“ The true scale is hard to put a number on .
Some people may not realise that what has happened to them is assault because that definition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I ’ ve had my own experiences of that where I haven ’ t named something as sexual assault because I wasn ’ t held down or I wasn ’ t penetrated , but what happened was definitely sexual assault.
” Dr West , who worked in social care for 22 years , also highlighted that the study did not include individuals living in institutions , which she believes skewed the figures downward .
This was a limitation of the study that the authors also acknowledged .
“ [ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are disabled .
Or people like sex workers , or people in care homes and homeless centres , ” she said .
“ I was disappointed to see in the report that it was only male and female because , of course , trans people and non-binary people are also at high risk of sexual assault as well.
” Prof Hannah Mc Gee , from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and one of the authors of the 2002 Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland ( Savi ) report , said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in these studies .
“ I think that all the things that would influence how the numbers are reported are likely to result in underreporting .
There are people who probably at a psychological level don ’ t want to admit something to themselves .
That ’ s their coping mechanism : saying it didn ’ t really happen or it wasn ’ t forced , ” she explained .
“ Then there are other situations in which someone describes something to you and me and we might decide that fits the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not the terminology they would use.
” Prof McGee added that it was “ disheartening to see the lack of progress ” since the publication of Savi .
“ Sadly there ’ s no evidence of improvement .
There ’ s a resigned acceptance that this is how it is and that ’ s a challenge .
We need to start to think why are we accepting this and what are we going to do to fix it , ” she said .

The prevalence of sexual violence varied between sexes with one in five women reporting being raped, compared with one in 10 men. Photograph: iStock
The true number of people who experience sexual violence in Ireland is likely to be "considerably higher" than studies show due to a difficulty in defining experiences, academics have said.
A recent study by Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University found that 49 per cent of women and 19 per cent of men reported being sexually assaulted or harassed throughout their lifetime.
The research, which was based on more than 1,000 participants who self-reported their histories, found that 15 per cent of Irish adults were raped - defined as unwanted oral, anal or vaginal penetration - at some point in life.
The prevalence of sexual violence varied between sexes with one in five women reporting being raped, compared with one in 10 men.
READ MORE
However, Dr Caroline West, a sex educator and host of the Glow West podcast, believes the true figures are higher than reported as victims of this violence struggle to label incidents as sexual assault.
“The true scale is hard to put a number on. Some people may not realise that what has happened to them is assault because that definition of rape is penetration,” she said.
“I’ve had my own experiences of that where I haven’t named something as sexual assault because I wasn’t held down or I wasn’t penetrated, but what happened was definitely sexual assault.”
Dr West, who worked in social care for 22 years, also highlighted that the study did not include individuals living in institutions, which she believes skewed the figures downward. This was a limitation of the study that the authors also acknowledged.
“[It doesn’t feature] people who are disabled. Or people like sex workers, or people in care homes and homeless centres,” she said. “I was disappointed to see in the report that it was only male and female because, of course, trans people and non-binary people are also at high risk of sexual assault as well.”
Prof Hannah Mc Gee, from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and one of the authors of the 2002 Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland (Savi) report, said there is "always somewhat of an underestimate" in these studies.
“I think that all the things that would influence how the numbers are reported are likely to result in underreporting. There are people who probably at a psychological level don’t want to admit something to themselves. That’s their coping mechanism: saying it didn’t really happen or it wasn’t forced,” she explained.
“Then there are other situations in which someone describes something to you and me and we might decide that fits the definition of sexual violence, but that’s not the terminology they would use.”
Prof McGee added that it was “disheartening to see the lack of progress” since the publication of Savi.
“Sadly there’s no evidence of improvement. There’s a resigned acceptance that this is how it is and that’s a challenge. We need to start to think why are we accepting this and what are we going to do to fix it,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Pub owners express dismay at new Covid-19 restrictions for the licencing trade

One of Dublin ’ s most prominent publicans has accused the Government of showing “ total disrespect ” to the sector over its reopening plans .
Ronan Lynch , the owner of the Swan pub in Aungier Street , said the proposals as recently suggested for pub reopenings will make it difficult for him to reopen .
When pubs in Dublin were able to reopen by serving a €9 meal , he was able to source pizzas from another business locally .
Those arrangements were able to keep his staff and staff from the local pizzeria in employment .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now the Government is shutting the door on us .
My business depends on this .
I haven ’ t seen any data to back this up .
We have seen no evidence so far.
” Proposals which would see only pubs that have their own chef and kitchen reopening would be unworkable for him , he claimed .
Mr Lynch accused the Government of having an anti-alcohol agenda .
“ Politicians don ’ t trust the publicans , they don ’ t trust the staff and they don ’ t trust the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
We are going to lose great people in this industry .
“ When the pubs shut in March , we were asked to take one for the team and we did , but now it is clear that two governments , the old one and the one we have now , don ’ t care about us.
” Willie Ahern , the owner of The Palace Bar in Dublin ’ s Fleet Street , said it is difficult to see his pub reopening either as a result of the Government guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most famous Victorian bars in Dublin , said the proposals as currently mooted “ are not great for the likes of us ” .
He got in a pizza oven and sandwich bar , but does not have a chef .
“ We adopted and got on with it by adhering to all the guidelines.
” Mr Ahern said there were “ a couple of messers ” within the pub trade when the pubs were open , but the majority of businesses complied with the guidelines .
“ We are getting kicked since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something else .
This could run into the spring or summer time .
Can you imagine the Palace Bar not being open for Christmas ?
” Last year , Paris Texas in Kilkenny city won Irish pub of the year .
It specialises in American food and can seat 125 people when full .
Owner Pat Crotty says he will certainly be opening up as soon as restrictions are lifted and has spent thousands getting his premises ready .
“ I ’ m happy as a food operator to be opening again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sitting on your hands .
“ I am very concerned with the length of time that we have been closed that food pubs are going to lose their skilled staff .
We are 24 weeks closed this year .
There are chefs going off to do other jobs.
” Galway publican Fergus McGinn said the reopening will be difficult for so-called “ wet pubs ” that don ’ t do food .
“ It ’ s like the smoking ban when it came in .
If you had a smoking area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will have to be restricted as regards numbers , but it is vital for people to get out and to socialise , ” he said .

One of Dublin's most prominent publicans has accused the Government of showing "total disrespect" to the sector over its reopening plans. Ronan Lynch, the owner of the Swan pub in Aungier Street, said the proposals as recently suggested for pub reopenings will make it difficult for him to reopen. When pubs in Dublin were able to reopen by serving a €9 meal, he was able to source pizzas from another business locally.
Those arrangements were able to keep his staff and staff from the local pizzeria in employment.
“We were using our entrepreneurial skills and now the Government is shutting the door on us. My business depends on this. I haven’t seen any data to back this up. We have seen no evidence so far.”
Proposals which would see only pubs that have their own chef and kitchen reopening would be unworkable for him, he claimed.
READ MORE
Accused
Mr Lynch accused the Government of having an anti-alcohol agenda. “Politicians don’t trust the publicans, they don’t trust the staff and they don’t trust the public. There is huge anger about this. We are going to lose great people in this industry.
“When the pubs shut in March, we were asked to take one for the team and we did, but now it is clear that two governments, the old one and the one we have now, don’t care about us.”
Willie Ahern, the owner of The Palace Bar in Dublin's Fleet Street, said it is difficult to see his pub reopening either as a result of the Government guidelines.
The Palace, one of the most famous Victorian bars in Dublin, said the proposals as currently mooted “are not great for the likes of us”.
He got in a pizza oven and sandwich bar, but does not have a chef. “We adopted and got on with it by adhering to all the guidelines.”
Mr Ahern said there were “a couple of messers” within the pub trade when the pubs were open, but the majority of businesses complied with the guidelines.
“We are getting kicked since March. Every week there has been something else. This could run into the spring or summer time. Can you imagine the Palace Bar not being open for Christmas?”
Last year, Paris Texas in Kilkenny city won Irish pub of the year. It specialises in American food and can seat 125 people when full. Owner Pat Crotty says he will certainly be opening up as soon as restrictions are lifted and has spent thousands getting his premises ready.
Concerned
“I’m happy as a food operator to be opening again. It’s just so difficult to be sitting on your hands.
“I am very concerned with the length of time that we have been closed that food pubs are going to lose their skilled staff. We are 24 weeks closed this year. There are chefs going off to do other jobs.”
Galway publican Fergus McGinn said the reopening will be difficult for so-called “wet pubs” that don’t do food.
“It’s like the smoking ban when it came in. If you had a smoking area, it worked in your favour.”
Mr McGinn runs McGinn's Hop Store in Woodquay, Galway city.
“It will have to be restricted as regards numbers, but it is vital for people to get out and to socialise,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Q&A: What restrictions are going to be lifted next week?

On Friday , the Government will sign off on a plan to ease the nationwide Level 5 lockdown restrictions and reopen the country in a number of phases in the run-up to Christmas .
So what can we expect to reopen , and more importantly , when ?
From early next week you will be able to browse non-essential shops , get that increasingly unruly head of hair cut , book into a hotel , exercise in a gym , and see a film in the cinema .
It is anticipated that the first phase of the gradual reopening will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2nd .
The regulations underpinning the six-week lockdown formally expire at midnight on Tuesday , December 1st .
Under the first phase of reopening , the Government has prioritised the resumption of activities and services where the risk of infection , and likely spread of Covid-19 , is believed to be low .
All non-essential retail outlets will be permitted to reopen , allowing people who have not spent lockdown filling virtual shopping baskets online to begin their Christmas shopping .
Cinemas , museums and galleries are expected to reopen , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Churches and other places of worship will be allowed to resume religious services , with a likely limit of 50 people in attendance .
Outdoor sports such as tennis and golf may also be allowed to resume .
What about restaurants and pubs ?
It is likely restaurants and pubs that serve food will reopen in a second phase , potentially a week later from Monday , December 7th , although that date has not been confirmed .
The hospitality sector has strongly lobbied to be allowed to resume trading for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representing pubs and restaurants have pushed for indoor dining to be permitted given the weather at this time of year .
For restaurants and pubs serving food that do open there will likely be stricter social-distancing controls required .
The definition of “ pubs that serve food ” will also likely be tightened , to clamp down on pubs opening while only serving very limited food options , such as cheese toasties grilled at the bar .
While it is anticipated indoor dining will be allowed for restaurants and pubs serving food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not serve food will still be shuttered and restricted to takeaway service only .
Given the higher risk of infection associated with people congregating in settings where alcohol is served , it is increasingly unlikely drink-only pubs will be allowed to reopen this year .
Can I visit my family and friends ?
Under a planned third phase of the staggered reopening , restrictions on household visits and travel between counties are to be eased for a period of about two weeks close to Christmas , to allow family and friends celebrate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the UK , up to three households will be allowed to meet during a five-day Christmas period .
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said the Government hopes to introduce a similar measure to allow household visits “ for something closer to two weeks ” in the Republic .
If coronavirus case numbers shoot up during December , given people will be congregating and socialising , limits on household visits and non-essential travel between counties will be reimposed in early January .
When will we know all this for certain ?
Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday to discuss and sign off on the reopening plan , with full details to be announced at a press conference after that meeting .
While previous major Covid-19 announcements have often come late in the day following lengthy Cabinet meetings , that is unlikely to be the case this time .
Politicians are well aware that the hugely popular Late Late Toy Show airs on RTÉ One at 9.35pm on Friday , so any press conference announcing details of the reopening will have to be done and dusted before that .

On Friday, the Government will sign off on a plan to ease the nationwide Level 5 lockdown restrictions and reopen the country in a number of phases in the run-up to Christmas. So what can we expect to reopen, and more importantly, when?
Retail opening up
From early next week you will be able to browse non-essential shops, get that increasingly unruly head of hair cut, book into a hotel, exercise in a gym, and see a film in the cinema.
It is anticipated that the first phase of the gradual reopening will come into effect on December 1st or 2nd. The regulations underpinning the six-week lockdown formally expire at midnight on Tuesday, December 1st.
Under the first phase of reopening, the Government has prioritised the resumption of activities and services where the risk of infection, and likely spread of Covid-19, is believed to be low.
READ MORE
All non-essential retail outlets will be permitted to reopen, allowing people who have not spent lockdown filling virtual shopping baskets online to begin their Christmas shopping.
Cinemas, museums and galleries are expected to reopen, along with hairdressers, barbers, hotels and gyms. Churches and other places of worship will be allowed to resume religious services, with a likely limit of 50 people in attendance. Outdoor sports such as tennis and golf may also be allowed to resume.
What about restaurants and pubs?
It is likely restaurants and pubs that serve food will reopen in a second phase, potentially a week later from Monday, December 7th, although that date has not been confirmed.
The hospitality sector has strongly lobbied to be allowed to resume trading for the traditionally busy Christmas period. Industry groups representing pubs and restaurants have pushed for indoor dining to be permitted given the weather at this time of year.
For restaurants and pubs serving food that do open there will likely be stricter social-distancing controls required. The definition of “pubs that serve food” will also likely be tightened, to clamp down on pubs opening while only serving very limited food options, such as cheese toasties grilled at the bar.
While it is anticipated indoor dining will be allowed for restaurants and pubs serving food, so-called “wet pubs” that do not serve food will still be shuttered and restricted to takeaway service only.
Given the higher risk of infection associated with people congregating in settings where alcohol is served, it is increasingly unlikely drink-only pubs will be allowed to reopen this year.
Can I visit my family and friends?
Under a planned third phase of the staggered reopening, restrictions on household visits and travel between counties are to be eased for a period of about two weeks close to Christmas, to allow family and friends celebrate the holiday together.
In Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, up to three households will be allowed to meet during a five-day Christmas period. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said the Government hopes to introduce a similar measure to allow household visits "for something closer to two weeks" in the Republic.
If coronavirus case numbers shoot up during December, given people will be congregating and socialising, limits on household visits and non-essential travel between counties will be reimposed in early January.
When will we know all this for certain?
Cabinet is due to meet at 1pm on Friday to discuss and sign off on the reopening plan, with full details to be announced at a press conference after that meeting.
While previous major Covid-19 announcements have often come late in the day following lengthy Cabinet meetings, that is unlikely to be the case this time. Politicians are well aware that the hugely popular Late Late Toy Show airs on RTÉ One at 9.35pm on Friday, so any press conference announcing details of the reopening will have to be done and dusted before that.


theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Analysis: Eir’s problems will only get bigger until it takes customer care seriously

Listening to eir ’ s chief executive Carolan Lennon and the legion of politicians lined up to haul her company over the coals at the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks on Wednesday morning observers would have been forgiven for thinking the problems besetting the company are new .
TDs and senators detailed just how appalling the company ’ s customer care is and outlined the miserable experiences of constituents and their own personal difficulties trying to get eir to resolve sometimes simple problems .
Its failure to answer phones or return calls or hook people up to high-speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were highlighted .
Even the company ’ s choice of hold music – something far too many people will be wearily familiar with – came under sustained fire .
For her part Lennon again apologised for her company ’ s failings and she stressed on several occasions that she was not in the room to make excuses .
But , almost in the same breath , she rolled out a litany of excuses .
The pandemic was blamed .
The setting up of a call centre in Sligo was blamed – something which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members who called on her to apologise to the people of Sligo for any offence she may have caused .
Working from home was blamed .
Staff turnover was blamed .
The difficulty Lennon had – or the difficulty Lennon should have had if the questioning been more pointed – is that all the excuses she trotted out , even if they were legitimate , only cover the last 12 months .
But what about before then ?
As many readers of this newspaper and even more of eir ’ s customers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – the company ’ s appalling record when it comes to customer care is not new .
In fact it predates Covid-19 by well over a year .
As far back as 2018 the company ’ s spokemen and women were regularly apologising for its failings and promising that things were about to get better .
They did not get better and that begs questions as to why should anyone believe they are going to get better now , as Lennon promised at the hearing .
It was also interesting to see so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lennon and her questioners – on the unacceptable wait times between calling the company and connecting with a human being .
That is a problem for sure but it is by no means the most serious one customers face daily .
As well as waiting far too long to get through to a call centre representative , many , many readers who have contacted The Irish Times to complain about eir highlight its inability to resolve problems and its failure to join the dots on complaints .
That means every time someone contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start their story from scratch .
Promises are made that issues will be fixed and then they are broken , forcing people into an endless cycle of waiting and hoping .
Lennon did address eir ’ s attempts to reduce call backs at the hearing but it was a throwaway comment not properly pressed by the politicians .
They did at least establish what may lie at the core of eir ’ s problems .
It emerged at the hearing that eir pays its customer care reps annual salaries of between €21,000 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elaborate and nor was she asked what the bonus payment structure was , but it seems likely people are rewarded for the volume of calls they process rather the number of problems they actually resolve which is obviously a concern .
Lennon was questioned about wages and accused of “ low-balling ” when it comes to pay and told that perhaps paying such low rates was at least in part at the root of its poor customer service .
She disputed this with a casual “ we will have to agree to disagree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality that when you pay little over minimum wage to the people who you ask to represent your company and then fail to either empower them to make the best decisions or reward them for dealing efficiently and effectively with every complaint that comes their way you can not be surprised if there are problems .
And in the case of eir , those problems are only getting bigger until it starts taking its customer care seriously and paying whatever it takes to ensure those on the frontlines are sufficiently trained and sufficiently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them by the company .
And more importantly by the customers who ultimately pay the wages of the most junior call centre operative as well as the company ’ s chief executive .

The difficulty Carolan Lennon had – or the difficulty she should have had if the questioning been more pointed – is that all the excuses she trotted out, even if they were legitimate, only cover the last 12 months. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Listening to eir's chief executive Carolan Lennon and the legion of politicians lined up to haul her company over the coals at the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks on Wednesday morning observers would have been forgiven for thinking the problems besetting the company are new.
TDs and senators detailed just how appalling the company’s customer care is and outlined the miserable experiences of constituents and their own personal difficulties trying to get eir to resolve sometimes simple problems.
Its failure to answer phones or return calls or hook people up to high-speed broadband boxes metres from their front doors were highlighted. Even the company’s choice of hold music – something far too many people will be wearily familiar with – came under sustained fire.
For her part Lennon again apologised for her company’s failings and she stressed on several occasions that she was not in the room to make excuses.
READ MORE
But, almost in the same breath, she rolled out a litany of excuses. The pandemic was blamed. The setting up of a call centre in Sligo was blamed – something which did not go down well with committee members who called on her to apologise to the people of Sligo for any offence she may have caused. Working from home was blamed. Staff turnover was blamed.
The difficulty Lennon had – or the difficulty Lennon should have had if the questioning been more pointed – is that all the excuses she trotted out, even if they were legitimate, only cover the last 12 months.
But what about before then? As many readers of this newspaper and even more of eir’s customers will know – and as Lennon surely knows – the company’s appalling record when it comes to customer care is not new.
In fact it predates Covid-19 by well over a year. As far back as 2018 the company’s spokemen and women were regularly apologising for its failings and promising that things were about to get better.
They did not get better and that begs questions as to why should anyone believe they are going to get better now, as Lennon promised at the hearing.
It was also interesting to see so much focus being put – both by Lennon and her questioners – on the unacceptable wait times between calling the company and connecting with a human being. That is a problem for sure but it is by no means the most serious one customers face daily.
As well as waiting far too long to get through to a call centre representative, many, many readers who have contacted The Irish Times to complain about eir highlight its inability to resolve problems and its failure to join the dots on complaints.
That means every time someone contacts eir with a problem they have to start their story from scratch. Promises are made that issues will be fixed and then they are broken, forcing people into an endless cycle of waiting and hoping.
Lennon did address eir’s attempts to reduce call backs at the hearing but it was a throwaway comment not properly pressed by the politicians.
They did at least establish what may lie at the core of eir’s problems. It emerged at the hearing that eir pays its customer care reps annual salaries of between €21,000 and €23,000 plus bonuses.
Lennon did not elaborate and nor was she asked what the bonus payment structure was, but it seems likely people are rewarded for the volume of calls they process rather the number of problems they actually resolve which is obviously a concern.
Lennon was questioned about wages and accused of “low-balling” when it comes to pay and told that perhaps paying such low rates was at least in part at the root of its poor customer service.
She disputed this with a casual “we will have to agree to disagree”.
That is to deny the reality that when you pay little over minimum wage to the people who you ask to represent your company and then fail to either empower them to make the best decisions or reward them for dealing efficiently and effectively with every complaint that comes their way you can not be surprised if there are problems.
And in the case of eir, those problems are only getting bigger until it starts taking its customer care seriously and paying whatever it takes to ensure those on the frontlines are sufficiently trained and sufficiently skilled to do the jobs asked of them by the company. And more importantly by the customers who ultimately pay the wages of the most junior call centre operative as well as the company’s chief executive.