theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Chef who cooked at Áras an Uachtaráin spared conviction for growing cannabis

A chef who has cooked at various venues including Áras an Uachtaráin has been spared a conviction for cultivating cannabis .
Albert Hayes ( 54 ) , with an address at North Brunswick Street , Dublin 7 had admitted unlawful possession of cannabis and cultivating cannabis at his home address where gardaí found five plants during a search .
Dublin District Court heard the value of the plants , if they had reached full growth , would have been €4,000 .
Defence solicitor Tony Collier pleaded for leniency .
He asked Judge Bryan Smyth to note the value of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully grown .
He said his client had been smoking cannabis but did not want to be involved with drug dealers so he grew the plants instead .
He has now quit smoking and gardaí arriving at his home had been a significant shock .
Mr Collier said his client needed Garda vetting for some of his work , when he chefs at nursing home and other locations .
He has cooked at various venues including Áras an Uachtaráin , the solicitor said .
Judge Smyth had said the court needed a probation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be carried out .
The case had been adjourned for that report which was furnished to the court on Tuesday .
Mr Collier asked the judge to note the report was positive and stated his client was in “ a low risk category ” .
He had shown significant awareness and engaged well with his probation officer , the solicitor said .
Pleading for leniency , he told Judge Smyth his client had a long work history since he left school .
He had lived a productive life in the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to any more attention , and the Probation Service suggested no further involvement with him , Mr Collier said .
Judge Smyth applied the Probation Act on the two charges , sparing him a conviction .

The court heard the defendant had cooked at various venues including Áras an Uachtaráin. File photograph: Frank Miller
A chef who has cooked at various venues including Áras an Uachtaráin has been spared a conviction for cultivating cannabis.
Albert Hayes (54), with an address at North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 had admitted unlawful possession of cannabis and cultivating cannabis at his home address where gardaí found five plants during a search.
Dublin District Court heard the value of the plants, if they had reached full growth, would have been €4,000.
Defence solicitor Tony Collier pleaded for leniency. He asked Judge Bryan Smyth to note the value of the plants was €100 because they had not fully grown.
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He said his client had been smoking cannabis but did not want to be involved with drug dealers so he grew the plants instead. He has now quit smoking and gardaí arriving at his home had been a significant shock.
Mr Collier said his client needed Garda vetting for some of his work, when he chefs at nursing home and other locations. He has cooked at various venues including Áras an Uachtaráin, the solicitor said.
Judge Smyth had said the court needed a probation report on Hayes and urine analysis had to be carried out. The case had been adjourned for that report which was furnished to the court on Tuesday.
Mr Collier asked the judge to note the report was positive and stated his client was in “a low risk category”. He had shown significant awareness and engaged well with his probation officer, the solicitor said.
Pleading for leniency, he told Judge Smyth his client had a long work history since he left school. He had lived a productive life in the UK and the USA.
Hayes did not want to come to any more attention, and the Probation Service suggested no further involvement with him, Mr Collier said.
Judge Smyth applied the Probation Act on the two charges, sparing him a conviction.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Emergency departments like ‘war zone’ due to overcrowding

A nurse working in Cork University Hospital ( CUH ) has described the current conditions in the hospital ’ s emergency department as “ inhumane ” and “ like a war zone ” .
The number of people waiting for beds has reached unprecedented levels with 760 people on hospital trolleys across Ireland on Monday and Tuesday , according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisations ( INMO ) .
Michelle Kingston , who has worked as a nurse at CUH for the past 12 years , said that she has never seen the hospital as crowded as it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best for a patient but it ’ s in inhumane circumstances .
It ’ s mainly elderly , helpless , sick people who can not do anything for themselves , ” she said .
“ They are sick people coming in and they really need help .
People say stay away from the A & E department if you don ’ t need to be here but a lot of them , they do.
” She added : “ In my 12 years working there , it really takes a lot to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend , I came home crying.
” Ms Kingston said that she has often seen patients being on trolleys for up to three days , but she said she would not be surprised if some people experience even longer waits .
“ I could triage a patient on a Friday and I could see them in the corridor when I ’ m coming into work on a Sunday night .
They ’ re still on a trolley , that ’ s a regular .
I ’ m sure all my colleagues would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We get all the acute injuries , it ’ s us the GPs send to , it ’ s us the south-doc send to and we ’ re just being bombarded .
We don ’ t have the capacity.
” She added she has excellent colleagues and management , all of whom are doing their best for patients .
But that the hospital simply does not have the capacity to deal with the number of patients seeking help .

A nurse working in Cork University Hospital (CUH) has described the current conditions in the hospital's emergency department as "inhumane" and "like a war zone".
The number of people waiting for beds has reached unprecedented levels with 760 people on hospital trolleys across Ireland on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisations (INMO).
Michelle Kingston, who has worked as a nurse at CUH for the past 12 years, said that she has never seen the hospital as crowded as it is this week.
“You do your best for a patient but it’s in inhumane circumstances. It’s mainly elderly, helpless, sick people who cannot do anything for themselves,” she said.
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“They are sick people coming in and they really need help. People say stay away from the A&E department if you don’t need to be here but a lot of them, they do.”
She added: “In my 12 years working there, it really takes a lot to make me cry at work, but at the weekend, I came home crying.”
Ms Kingston said that she has often seen patients being on trolleys for up to three days, but she said she would not be surprised if some people experience even longer waits.
“I could triage a patient on a Friday and I could see them in the corridor when I’m coming into work on a Sunday night. They’re still on a trolley, that’s a regular. I’m sure all my colleagues would say the same,” she said.
“We get all the acute injuries, it’s us the GPs send to, it’s us the south-doc send to and we’re just being bombarded. We don’t have the capacity.”
She added she has excellent colleagues and management, all of whom are doing their best for patients. But that the hospital simply does not have the capacity to deal with the number of patients seeking help.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Trolley crisis: ‘He was sitting on a chair for 10 hours’

A 72-year-old man with liver problems was in the emergency department for almost two days before being transferred to a ward , his wife has said – but that was before flu season kicked in .
On Tuesday , the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation ( INMO ) revealed that for the second day in a row 760 people were waiting on trolleys in emergency departments and wards for a bed .
This is the highest number ever recorded .
The influx of patients seeking a hospital bed has been attributed to an outbreak of flu .
However Lesley Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St Vincent ’ s hospital since December 2nd , said the problem of people waiting on trolleys has been around much longer than the flu season .
“ He was brought down to A & E and he was sitting on a chair for 10 hours .
He was then given a trolley in in a little room off A & E .
He was 35 hours down there before he was transferred to a ward and that was pre-flu epidemic , ” said Ms Williams said .
“ He was happy enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
He was treated in A & E , in the chair .
He was on a drip , so he was quite stoic about that but at the same time a little afraid.
” Ms Williams said it was obvious the hospital was busy and they didn ’ t want to cause trouble .
But that not having a bed made the situation more stressful “ He could see the place was busy , but he ’ s not a demanding person in that he wouldn ’ t complain about sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s a very emotional state.
” She added : “ You ’ re filled for the most part with fear , but also being a control freak ; you feel out of control .
You don ’ t know what ’ s going on .
You don ’ t know what ’ s going to happen , you don ’ t know whether that ’ s normal .
You ’ ve all these kind of emotions going on in your head .
”

Lesley Williams: ‘He was on a drip, so he was quite stoic about that but at the same time a little afraid.’
A 72-year-old man with liver problems was in the emergency department for almost two days before being transferred to a ward, his wife has said – but that was before flu season kicked in.
On Tuesday, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) revealed that for the second day in a row 760 people were waiting on trolleys in emergency departments and wards for a bed. This is the highest number ever recorded.
The influx of patients seeking a hospital bed has been attributed to an outbreak of flu.
However Lesley Williams, whose husband Tim has been in St Vincent's hospital since December 2nd, said the problem of people waiting on trolleys has been around much longer than the flu season.
READ MORE
“He was brought down to A&E and he was sitting on a chair for 10 hours. He was then given a trolley in in a little room off A&E. He was 35 hours down there before he was transferred to a ward and that was pre-flu epidemic,” said Ms Williams said.
“He was happy enough that he was put on medication straight away. He was treated in A&E, in the chair. He was on a drip, so he was quite stoic about that but at the same time a little afraid.”
Ms Williams said it was obvious the hospital was busy and they didn’t want to cause trouble. But that not having a bed made the situation more stressful
“He could see the place was busy, but he’s not a demanding person in that he wouldn’t complain about sitting in the chair,” she said. “It’s a very emotional state.”
She added: “You’re filled for the most part with fear, but also being a control freak; you feel out of control. You don’t know what’s going on. You don’t know what’s going to happen, you don’t know whether that’s normal. You’ve all these kind of emotions going on in your head.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--New science in old places: Museums are crucial part of scientific research

Maybe over your Christmas holidays you wandered into a museum .
Let ’ s just say it was a natural history museum .
As you walked around , you might have been overwhelmed by the abundance of exhibits and mothball perfume .
In Dublin , there are at least 10,000 items on display .
Everything , as Nigel Monaghan says , “ from ants to aardvarks to zebras ” .
My personal favourites in the Dublin Natural History Museum , where Monaghan is the keeper , are the pangolins .
They are related to anteaters and I had never heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other specimens are fascinating for the history and stories behind them , like the trophy heads collected during British imperial expansion and the migratory birds gathered after they fatally collided with Irish lighthouses .
But providing weird and wonderful displays for the public is only a small part of what historical museums do .
A museum is a place of living science , not just a place of preservation .
Modern science needs historical collections and facilitating research is a crucial part of “ keeping ” a museum .
Monaghan and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a focus on zoology ) are enthusiastic about the scientific treasures they work to preserve .
Climate change and biodiversity are some of the big areas of science that museum collections can help researchers to study .
As Monaghan puts it , “ Museum collections are key to understanding biodiversity over the last few centuries.
” And of course human actions have been a huge factor in reducing biodiversity over the same time period .
Monaghan points to a creative study using the museum ’ s 17,000 bird skins ( birds that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he explains ) .
Researchers interested in pollution have been examining old bird specimens to see what kind of particles have been clinging to their feathers for the past 100 or so years .
More recent scientific methods allow researchers to make new findings from old material .
For example , Monaghan ’ s own interest is in Irish ice age fauna .
A research group that he has worked with has been using bones collected in Ireland ( mostly in cave deposits ) during the 19th and 20th centuries .
With radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now possible to be much more accurate about which species were here and when .
For example , scientists now believe that red deer actually arrived in Ireland with people around 5,000 years ago .
The deer provided useful antlers for tools as well as meat and hides .
Paolo Viscardi draws my attention to the research importance of some of the smallest organisms held by the museum .
There is a lot of recent interest , for example , in a collection of parasitic wasps created in the middle of the 19th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of Haliday ’ s entomology cases to show me and it ’ s fair to say they are bit less charismatic than pangolins .
Some of them are , as Viscardi says , “ the size of a full stop ” .
Parasitic wasps “ can be quite useful pest control agents ” because different species of the wasps lay their eggs on those of another species of insect thus reducing its population without the need for pesticide .
Thanks to Haliday ’ s enthusiasm , probably not driven by an interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has around 1,000 type specimens of parasitic wasps and researchers working on the group are keen to access them .
This has meant painstaking efforts by the team in Dublin to rehouse the specimens in modern storage to prevent loss or damage .
Gluing tiny wasps to cards , as Haliday did , is no longer advised .
Other collections of tiny organisms include thousands of nematodes ( flatworms ) , many of which are type specimens .
Many of these nematodes , Viscardi explains , came from an Irish bog and give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am chatting with him Viscardi receives an email inquiry about the museum ’ s collection of stoats .
They are of interest because Irish stoats are stoatally different ( sorry ) than British varieties : they don ’ t change their coat in the winter .
There is something reassuring about the way that the Dead Zoo doesn ’ t change much .
I can return and find my pangolins any day I like .
But behind the scenes our natural history museums are full of evidence of change .
Pangolins , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and might one day exist only in museum collections .
The story of the changing natural world , and our role in that change , will continue to be the most important scientific story of the future .

Maybe over your Christmas holidays you wandered into a museum. Let’s just say it was a natural history museum. As you walked around, you might have been overwhelmed by the abundance of exhibits and mothball perfume. In Dublin, there are at least 10,000 items on display.
Everything, as Nigel Monaghan says, "from ants to aardvarks to zebras". My personal favourites in the Dublin Natural History Museum, where Monaghan is the keeper, are the pangolins. They are related to anteaters and I had never heard of them before I saw them there.
Other specimens are fascinating for the history and stories behind them, like the trophy heads collected during British imperial expansion and the migratory birds gathered after they fatally collided with Irish lighthouses.
Nigel Monaghan, Keeper Natural History Division National Museum of Ireland. Photograph: Alan Betson
But providing weird and wonderful displays for the public is only a small part of what historical museums do. A museum is a place of living science, not just a place of preservation. Modern science needs historical collections and facilitating research is a crucial part of "keeping" a museum. Monaghan and his colleague Paolo Viscardi (assistant keeper with a focus on zoology) are enthusiastic about the scientific treasures they work to preserve.
READ MORE
Climate change and biodiversity are some of the big areas of science that museum collections can help researchers to study. As Monaghan puts it, “Museum collections are key to understanding biodiversity over the last few centuries.” And of course human actions have been a huge factor in reducing biodiversity over the same time period.
Monaghan points to a creative study using the museum’s 17,000 bird skins (birds that have been “boned and rolled”, he explains). Researchers interested in pollution have been examining old bird specimens to see what kind of particles have been clinging to their feathers for the past 100 or so years.
More recent scientific methods allow researchers to make new findings from old material. For example, Monaghan's own interest is in Irish ice age fauna. A research group that he has worked with has been using bones collected in Ireland (mostly in cave deposits) during the 19th and 20th centuries.
With radio carbon dating and DNA analysis it is now possible to be much more accurate about which species were here and when. For example, scientists now believe that red deer actually arrived in Ireland with people around 5,000 years ago. The deer provided useful antlers for tools as well as meat and hides.
Paolo Viscardi draws my attention to the research importance of some of the smallest organisms held by the museum. There is a lot of recent interest, for example, in a collection of parasitic wasps created in the middle of the 19th century by Alexander Haliday. He opens one of Haliday's entomology cases to show me and it's fair to say they are bit less charismatic than pangolins.
Some of them are, as Viscardi says, “the size of a full stop”. Parasitic wasps “can be quite useful pest control agents” because different species of the wasps lay their eggs on those of another species of insect thus reducing its population without the need for pesticide.
Thanks to Haliday’s enthusiasm, probably not driven by an interest in organic agriculture, the Dublin museum has around 1,000 type specimens of parasitic wasps and researchers working on the group are keen to access them. This has meant painstaking efforts by the team in Dublin to rehouse the specimens in modern storage to prevent loss or damage.
Gluing tiny wasps to cards, as Haliday did, is no longer advised. Other collections of tiny organisms include thousands of nematodes (roundworms), many of which are type specimens. Many of these nematodes, Viscardi explains, came from an Irish bog and give information about soil health. While I am chatting with him Viscardi receives an email inquiry about the museum’s collection of stoats. They are of interest because Irish stoats are stoatally different (sorry) than British varieties: they don’t change their coat in the winter.
There is something reassuring about the way that the Dead Zoo doesn’t change much. I can return and find my pangolins any day I like. But behind the scenes our natural history museums are full of evidence of change.
Pangolins, for example, are under threat from poaching and might one day exist only in museum collections. The story of the changing natural world, and our role in that change, will continue to be the most important scientific story of the future.
Dr Juliana Adelman lectures in history at Dublin City University


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Woman grabbed school principal by throat in row over daughter, court told

A woman who grabbed a school principal by the throat after being called to collect her daughter has appeared in court charged with assault .
Melissa Byrne called to Errigal College in Letterkenny , Co Donegal on September 26th , 2018 after her child had become involved in an argument with another student .
When the 37-year-old mother arrived at the school , she was met by principal Charlie Cannon .
After removing books from her locker , the girl ran past the principal .
An altercation then took place between the woman and the school principal which saw Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throat with both hands .
She then pushed Mr Cannon as dozens of other schoolchildren fled .
Ms Byrne appeared at Letterkenny District Court where CCTV footage of the attack was shown to the court .
Gardaí arrived at the scene a short time later and Ms Byrne was arrested .
The court heard that just weeks before the attack on the school principal , the accused also attacked two other parents outside the school .
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told how on September 6 , 2018 , Ms Byrne became involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school campus at Kilmacrennan Road .
She grabbed the hair of Ann Marie Coleman with one hand and used her other hand to scratch down her face causing bleeding , cuts and bruising .
She then assaulted a second woman , Catriona Warnock , grabbing her hair , pulling her head down and punching her three times to the face .
The injured party received injuries including a cut lip .
Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client was anxious that CCTV footage of the incident was played in court and maintained that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an altercation ” between Mr Cannon and her daughter .
“ She interceded wrongly and inappropriately but these were exasperating circumstances for her , ” said Mr Gallagher .
“ It is only fair to all parties that the CCTV is played.
” Mr Gallagher said there had been a “ general melee ” outside the school which was “ unsightly and uncalled for.
” He added that Ms Byrne from Whitethorn Grove , Letterkenny is not the only one to face charges from this situation .
“ We must also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandparents , colleagues and friends in the vicinity of one school .
There are still young teenagers involved here and this may have an effect into the future , ” he added .
Judge Paul Kelly adjourned matters for the preparation of victim impact statements and for Ms Byrne to engage with the Probation and Welfare Service for the preparation of relevant reports .
He also said he might explore the option of restorative justice in the case .
Ms Byrne is due back before Letterkenny District Court on April 6 .

A woman who grabbed a school principal by the throat after being called to collect her daughter has appeared in court charged with assault.
Melissa Byrne called to Errigal College in Letterkenny, Co Donegal on September 26th, 2018 after her child had become involved in an argument with another student.
When the 37-year-old mother arrived at the school, she was met by principal Charlie Cannon.
After removing books from her locker, the girl ran past the principal.
READ MORE
An altercation then took place between the woman and the school principal which saw Ms Byrne grab the school head by the throat with both hands.
She then pushed Mr Cannon as dozens of other schoolchildren fled.
Ms Byrne appeared at Letterkenny District Court where CCTV footage of the attack was shown to the court.
Gardaí arrived at the scene a short time later and Ms Byrne was arrested.
The court heard that just weeks before the attack on the school principal, the accused also attacked two other parents outside the school.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told how on September 6, 2018, Ms Byrne became involved in a fracas with other parents outside the school campus at Kilmacrennan Road.
She grabbed the hair of Ann Marie Coleman with one hand and used her other hand to scratch down her face causing bleeding, cuts and bruising.
She then assaulted a second woman, Catriona Warnock, grabbing her hair, pulling her head down and punching her three times to the face. The injured party received injuries including a cut lip.
Neither woman required medical attention, however.
Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client was anxious that CCTV footage of the incident was played in court and maintained that she reacted to “what she perceived to be an altercation” between Mr Cannon and her daughter.
“She interceded wrongly and inappropriately but these were exasperating circumstances for her,” said Mr Gallagher. “It is only fair to all parties that the CCTV is played.”
Mr Gallagher said there had been a “general melee” outside the school which was “unsightly and uncalled for.”
He added that Ms Byrne from Whitethorn Grove, Letterkenny is not the only one to face charges from this situation.
“We must also be cognisant that these are all parents, grandparents, colleagues and friends in the vicinity of one school. There are still young teenagers involved here and this may have an effect into the future,” he added.
Judge Paul Kelly adjourned matters for the preparation of victim impact statements and for Ms Byrne to engage with the Probation and Welfare Service for the preparation of relevant reports.
He also said he might explore the option of restorative justice in the case. Ms Byrne is due back before Letterkenny District Court on April 6.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--New EU rules to boost consumer protection now in force

New EU rules aimed at enhancing consumer protection for people doing business online came into force on Tuesday .
Once they are fully implemented across Europe over the next two years online marketplaces will have to be more transparent than is the case .
Consumers will more readily be able to establish who is selling products and how much they should properly cost while bogus endorsements will also come under much closer scrutiny by regulatory authorities .
As part of the New Deal for Consumers , enhanced protections have been put in place to better enforce and modernise EU consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new rules will enable consumers to establish if products are sold by a trader or a private individual , while the submission of fake reviews or endorsements will be prohibited .
Moreover , sellers will not be able to advertise fake price reductions and price-comparison sites will need to inform consumers about the ranking criteria .
The new rules will also seek to enforce consumer rights by ensuring compensation for victims of unfair commercial practices .
Penalties will also be imposed in case of “ mass harm situations ” affecting consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years to transpose the directive into their national legislation .
“ The new rules will increase protection for consumers in the digital world , which they rightly deserve , ” said the European Commission vice-president for values and transparency Vera Jourová .
She added that the EU was “ also saying no to products sold as identical in other member states , when this is clearly not the case ” .
But she warned that the new rules will not “ protect consumers from rogue traders and online tricksters unless they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice commissioner Didier Reynders said the EU was “ sending a strong warning to traders that they should play by the rules , not bend them ” .
Breaking EU consumer laws on large scale may cost a company a big fine of at least 4 per cent of annual turnover .
“ This will be a sufficiently dissuasive and effective penalty to prevent dishonest traders from cheating .
I welcome this new legislation , as it is setting truly European consumer protection standards , ” he said .

Breaking EU consumer laws on large scale may result in a company suffering a big fine – at least 4% of annual turnover. File photograph: Getty
New EU rules aimed at enhancing consumer protection for people doing business online came into force on Tuesday.
Once they are fully implemented across Europe over the next two years online marketplaces will have to be more transparent than is the case.
Consumers will more readily be able to establish who is selling products and how much they should properly cost while bogus endorsements will also come under much closer scrutiny by regulatory authorities.
As part of the New Deal for Consumers, enhanced protections have been put in place to better enforce and modernise EU consumer protection rules in line with digital developments.
READ MORE
The new rules will enable consumers to establish if products are sold by a trader or a private individual, while the submission of fake reviews or endorsements will be prohibited.
Moreover, sellers will not be able to advertise fake price reductions and price-comparison sites will need to inform consumers about the ranking criteria.
The new rules will also seek to enforce consumer rights by ensuring compensation for victims of unfair commercial practices. Penalties will also be imposed in case of “mass harm situations” affecting consumers across the EU. Member states have two years to transpose the directive into their national legislation.
“The new rules will increase protection for consumers in the digital world, which they rightly deserve,” said the European Commission vice-president for values and transparency Vera Jourová.
‘Rogue traders’
She added that the EU was “also saying no to products sold as identical in other member states, when this is clearly not the case”. But she warned that the new rules will not “protect consumers from rogue traders and online tricksters unless they are strictly implemented on the ground”.
Justice commissioner Didier Reynders said the EU was “sending a strong warning to traders that they should play by the rules, not bend them”.
Breaking EU consumer laws on large scale may cost a company a big fine of at least 4 per cent of annual turnover.
“This will be a sufficiently dissuasive and effective penalty to prevent dishonest traders from cheating. I welcome this new legislation, as it is setting truly European consumer protection standards,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-07--Man (20) arrested over attempted abduction of woman in Dublin

Gardaí have arrested a 20-year-old man in relation to the attempted abduction of a woman in Dublin on Monday .
The arrested man is from the west of the city and while he is known to gardaí his pattern of known offending to date has been relatively minor .
He had been wanted for questioning in connection with a number of petrol station “ drive-offs ” , during which a driver filled their car with fuel and drove away without paying .
Gardaí are satisfied that the suspect had no connection whatever to the woman , in her 60s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who tried to abduct her on Monday morning .
Instead detectives believe the attempted abduction was “ completely random ” .
It has also emerged the woman who was attacked would normally take another route through a park on her morning walk but decided against it on safety grounds on Monday morning .
She believed she would be safer walking along the pavement on Blackhorse Avenue , Dublin 7 , but came upon a man standing beside a parked car , the boot of which was open .
The man initially tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car but the woman fought back and used her arms and legs to prevent the boot from locking after she had been pushed inside it .
Her attacker then tried to push her onto the back seat of the car but a passing motorist stopped and approached and the man sped off .
Gardaí were very concerned as the attack appeared to be random and caused significant fear in the area .
However , from the description of the suspect ’ s vehicle relayed to gardaí by the victim and witnesses , detectives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the recent petrol station drive-offs .
Using that information , a man was arrested and a car seized for examination in connection with the drive-offs .
Further investigations by gardaí overnight into Tuesday established the same vehicle was in the area of Monday ’ s attack when it took place - at about 7.30am along Blackhorse Avenue outside St Martin ’ s Grove Estate .
Once the vehicle was placed at Monday ’ s crime scene around the time of the attack , the suspect in custody for the petrol station drive-offs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The man was on Tuesday evening being questioned in Blanchardstown Garda station on suspicion of false imprisonment .
He can be questioned for up to 24 hours before being released or charged .
His car was being forensically examined by gardaí .
Locals have said the incident has left them “ looking over their shoulders ” since .
“ The most worrying thing is nobody seems to know why this happened or if it will happen again , ” said a resident of Blackhorse Avenue , who asked not to be named .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said local councillor Mary Fitzgerald .
“ I think it ’ s unprecedented .
It ’ s a very settled , long established community.
” Shortly after the incident , gardaí launched a large-scale investigation and put out an appeal for a man wearing a white t-shirt and dark trousers who was driving a silver family saloon .
On Tuesday morning , gardaí set up a series of “ information gathering ” checkpoints near the site of the incident .
Motorists were asked if they travel the route regularly and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordinary the previous morning .
Investigators still wish to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Blackhorse Avenue between 6am and 8am on Monday , or anyone who may have information about this incident .
They are also appealing to road users who may have camera footage .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01-666 7000 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station .
“ People are just shocked and upset and worried .
Both for the woman herself and everything behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are doing their best both to support the woman and help the gardaí by providing any information .
“ At that hour of the morning there wasn ’ t a lot of people around so information is scarce .
It ’ s really worrying and really upsetting.
” She said the seemingly premeditated nature of the incident is causing “ real concern ” for locals .
“ People are just being vigilant and just looking out for each other.
” Local councillor Neasa Hourigan said it appears to have been a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locals looking over their shoulders .
“ I ’ ve never come across anything like it , ” the Green Party councillor said .
“ There seems to be a level of violence and aggression and it would be unusual in our area .
People are uneasy about it and don ’ t quite understand what happened .
I think everyone is feeling they are a little more on their guard .
”

Gardaí have been conducting checkpoints in Dublin 7 where the attempted abduction of a woman in her 60s occurred.
Gardaí have arrested a 20-year-old man in relation to the attempted abduction of a woman in Dublin on Monday.
The arrested man is from the west of the city and while he is known to gardaí his pattern of known offending to date has been relatively minor.
He had been wanted for questioning in connection with a number of petrol station “drive-offs”, during which a driver filled their car with fuel and drove away without paying.
Gardaí are satisfied that the suspect had no connection whatever to the woman, in her 60s, who managed to fight off a man who tried to abduct her on Monday morning.
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Instead detectives believe the attempted abduction was “completely random”. It has also emerged the woman who was attacked would normally take another route through a park on her morning walk but decided against it on safety grounds on Monday morning.
She believed she would be safer walking along the pavement on Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7, but came upon a man standing beside a parked car, the boot of which was open.
The man initially tried to bundle her into the boot of the car but the woman fought back and used her arms and legs to prevent the boot from locking after she had been pushed inside it. Her attacker then tried to push her onto the back seat of the car but a passing motorist stopped and approached and the man sped off.
Random
Gardaí were very concerned as the attack appeared to be random and caused significant fear in the area.
However, from the description of the suspect’s vehicle relayed to gardaí by the victim and witnesses, detectives quickly established the car had been linked to the recent petrol station drive-offs.
Using that information, a man was arrested and a car seized for examination in connection with the drive-offs. Further investigations by gardaí overnight into Tuesday established the same vehicle was in the area of Monday’s attack when it took place - at about 7.30am along Blackhorse Avenue outside St Martin’s Grove Estate.
Once the vehicle was placed at Monday’s crime scene around the time of the attack, the suspect in custody for the petrol station drive-offs was arrested on suspicion of abduction.
The man was on Tuesday evening being questioned in Blanchardstown Garda station on suspicion of false imprisonment. He can be questioned for up to 24 hours before being released or charged. His car was being forensically examined by gardaí.
Locals have said the incident has left them “looking over their shoulders” since. “The most worrying thing is nobody seems to know why this happened or if it will happen again,” said a resident of Blackhorse Avenue, who asked not to be named.
"People are very upset about it," said local councillor Mary Fitzgerald. "I think it's unprecedented. It's a very settled, long established community."
Appeal
Shortly after the incident, gardaí launched a large-scale investigation and put out an appeal for a man wearing a white t-shirt and dark trousers who was driving a silver family saloon.
On Tuesday morning, gardaí set up a series of “information gathering” checkpoints near the site of the incident. Motorists were asked if they travel the route regularly and if they had noticed anything out of the ordinary the previous morning.
Investigators still wish to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Blackhorse Avenue between 6am and 8am on Monday, or anyone who may have information about this incident.
They are also appealing to road users who may have camera footage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01-666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station.
“People are just shocked and upset and worried. Both for the woman herself and everything behind it, said Ms Fitzgerald. “They are doing their best both to support the woman and help the gardaí by providing any information.
“At that hour of the morning there wasn’t a lot of people around so information is scarce. It’s really worrying and really upsetting.”
She said the seemingly premeditated nature of the incident is causing “real concern” for locals.
“People are just being vigilant and just looking out for each other.”
Local councillor Neasa Hourigan said it appears to have been a "completely random" attack which has left locals looking over their shoulders. "I've never come across anything like it," the Green Party councillor said.
“There seems to be a level of violence and aggression and it would be unusual in our area. People are uneasy about it and don’t quite understand what happened. I think everyone is feeling they are a little more on their guard.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Lisa Smith’s lawyers call for terrorism case to be dropped

The legal team of alleged Islamic State member Lisa Smith has pleaded with the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) to drop the terrorism case against her .
The 37-year-old Dundalk woman and former Defence Forces member appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday morning since being granted bail on New Years Eve .
The mother-of-one is charged that , between October 28th , 2015 , and December 1st , 2019 , she was a member of unlawful terrorist group Islamic State or Isis between October 28th , 2015 , and December 1st , 2019 , contrary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Act 2005 .
She may also face further charges , the court heard on a previous occasion .
Dublin District Court heard the DPP has not yet completed the book of evidence in the case due to the “ complex and substantial ” nature of the prosecution which relates to information from outside the jurisdiction .
The prosecution said it has made a mutual assistance application to another country as part of its case .
Judge John Hughes agreed to grant an extension to the 42 day deadline to prepare a book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded with the DPP to “ actively review ” the evidence that Ms Smith was a member of a terrorist group and that it discontinue the prosecution in the interim .
He said there is not a “ single piece of evidence amounting to a charge ” and that there was significant debate within the office of the DPP of whether to bring a case in the first place .
Mr Corrigan asked prosecutors to “ consider the evidential threshold in relation to the charge.
” Ms Smith would not be pleaded guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision on whether to prosecute is for the DPP and not the court .
The issue of insufficient evidence does not concern the court at this stage , he said .
Ms Smith stood to the side of the court wearing hijab and with her face visible .
She did not address the short hearing .
Judge Hughes adjourned the matter until March 4th , next when a book of evidence will be served .
Ms Smith was remanded on continuing bail .
As part of strict bail conditions set by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an address in the northeast and sign on at a Garda station twice daily from 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm .
She was also ordered to obey a curfew , having to remain indoors from 8pm to 7am .
She can not leave the jurisdiction or apply for travel documentation .
She must also provide gardaí with a contact mobile phone number within 48 hours of taking up her bail .
Ms Smith , who denies the charge , has also been banned from accessing the internet or using any social media and she must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case .
Ms Smith , who left Ireland and married after she converted to Islam , had been found in a Syrian refugee camp .
After a trek to Turkey with her daughter , they were brought back to Ireland on December 1st last .

The legal team of alleged Islamic State member Lisa Smith has pleaded with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to drop the terrorism case against her.
The 37-year-old Dundalk woman and former Defence Forces member appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday morning since being granted bail on New Years Eve.
The mother-of-one is charged that, between October 28th, 2015, and December 1st, 2019, she was a member of unlawful terrorist group Islamic State or Isis between October 28th, 2015, and December 1st, 2019, contrary to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005.
She may also face further charges, the court heard on a previous occasion.
READ MORE
Dublin District Court heard the DPP has not yet completed the book of evidence in the case due to the “complex and substantial” nature of the prosecution which relates to information from outside the jurisdiction.
The prosecution said it has made a mutual assistance application to another country as part of its case.
Judge John Hughes agreed to grant an extension to the 42 day deadline to prepare a book of evidence.
Defence counsel Peter Corrigan pleaded with the DPP to “actively review” the evidence that Ms Smith was a member of a terrorist group and that it discontinue the prosecution in the interim.
He said there is not a “single piece of evidence amounting to a charge” and that there was significant debate within the office of the DPP of whether to bring a case in the first place.
Evidential threshold
Mr Corrigan asked prosecutors to “consider the evidential threshold in relation to the charge.” Ms Smith would not be pleaded guilty, he said.
Judge Hughes replied the decision on whether to prosecute is for the DPP and not the court. The issue of insufficient evidence does not concern the court at this stage, he said.
Ms Smith stood to the side of the court wearing hijab and with her face visible. She did not address the short hearing.
Judge Hughes adjourned the matter until March 4th, next when a book of evidence will be served. Ms Smith was remanded on continuing bail.
As part of strict bail conditions set by the courts, Ms Smith must reside at an address in the northeast and sign on at a Garda station twice daily from 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm. She was also ordered to obey a curfew, having to remain indoors from 8pm to 7am.
She cannot leave the jurisdiction or apply for travel documentation.
She must also provide gardaí with a contact mobile phone number within 48 hours of taking up her bail.
Ms Smith, who denies the charge, has also been banned from accessing the internet or using any social media and she must not have contact with non-Garda witnesses in the case.
Ms Smith, who left Ireland and married after she converted to Islam, had been found in a Syrian refugee camp.
After a trek to Turkey with her daughter, they were brought back to Ireland on December 1st last.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--FF welcomes FG Bill on State climate emissions reductions

Fianna Fáil has welcomed publication by Fine Gael of a Bill to give legal force to carbon emission reductions in government departments and sectors , including transport and agriculture .
However , the party has declined to indicate if it will support its quick passage before an election .
The issue is expected to arise when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar holds talks with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin later this week .
Fianna Fáil spokesman on climate action and environment Jack Chambers accused Fine Gael of attempting to “ own a key climate response ” that was called for by all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is extremely rich for Fine Gael to be calling for this legislation to be prioritised in the new Dáil term when this was an all-party priority recommendation made back in 2019 and when Fine Gael themselves have failed to undertake the necessary measures , ” he said .
He called on Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton to provide the full text of the Climate Change ( Amendment ) Bill “ and ensure it fully matches recommendations from the landmark report ” of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally have the opportunity to examine and progress this much needed legislation .
But it is extremely disappointing that this is being described as a Fine Gael initiative , ” he added .
“ Back in March the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action produced detailed recommendations to drastically improve climate governance and introduce a new ‘ net zero ’ target .
It also called for Government to enact necessary amending legislation by year end .
Yet Fine Gael subsequently dismissed this timeline and we are now still waiting for clarity on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party should be seeking to own a key climate response that was called for by all parties almost a year ago .
All parts of society have a role to play and must be supported , particularly already vulnerable communities and households .
Belated announcements and press releases before an election are a far cry from the type of real and inclusive climate action the public have been demanding for years.
” On the possibility of the Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader possibly agreeing on its passage before an election , Mr Chambers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressed , the Oireachtas had to have the opportunity to properly scrutinise it and that it respects the committee ’ s recommendations .
Mr Bruton said on Monday he wished the Bill would be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the committee .
It was particularly important that the necessary targets were enshrined in legislation , Mr Chambers said , as it was a key shortcoming in the existing Act , which Fianna Fáil sought to resolve more than two years ago through a dedicated bill .
The proposed legislation had to respect Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oireachtas , together with an advisory council with a proper range of expertise , he said .
Any separate target for methane emissions in agriculture should not treated as a silver bullet – “ this must be matched by the immediate delivery of Teagasc ’ s mitigation roadmap , as well as new supports and programmes to allow farmers to reduce emissions in a sustained and equitable manner.
” On the future ban on the sale of fossil fuel cars , a 2030 commitment on its own was insufficient , Mr Chambers said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain reliant on these vehicles for the foreseeable future and any ban must be combined with greater investment in EV charging , public transport and cycling infrastructure .
”

Fianna Fáil has welcomed publication by Fine Gael of a Bill to give legal force to carbon emission reductions in government departments and sectors, including transport and agriculture.
However, the party has declined to indicate if it will support its quick passage before an election.
The issue is expected to arise when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar holds talks with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin later this week.
Fianna Fáil spokesman on climate action and environment Jack Chambers accused Fine Gael of attempting to "own a key climate response" that was called for by all parties almost a year ago.
READ MORE
“It is extremely rich for Fine Gael to be calling for this legislation to be prioritised in the new Dáil term when this was an all-party priority recommendation made back in 2019 and when Fine Gael themselves have failed to undertake the necessary measures,” he said.
He called on Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton to provide the full text of the Climate Change (Amendment) Bill "and ensure it fully matches recommendations from the landmark report" of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action.
“It is welcome that the Oireachtas may finally have the opportunity to examine and progress this much needed legislation. But it is extremely disappointing that this is being described as a Fine Gael initiative,” he added.
“Back in March the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action produced detailed recommendations to drastically improve climate governance and introduce a new ‘net zero’ target. It also called for Government to enact necessary amending legislation by year end. Yet Fine Gael subsequently dismissed this timeline and we are now still waiting for clarity on a new long-term target.”
Inclusive climate action
“No one party should be seeking to own a key climate response that was called for by all parties almost a year ago. All parts of society have a role to play and must be supported, particularly already vulnerable communities and households. Belated announcements and press releases before an election are a far cry from the type of real and inclusive climate action the public have been demanding for years.”
On the possibility of the Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader possibly agreeing on its passage before an election, Mr Chambers said for the Bill to be urgently progressed, the Oireachtas had to have the opportunity to properly scrutinise it and that it respects the committee’s recommendations.
Mr Bruton said on Monday he wished the Bill would be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the committee.
It was particularly important that the necessary targets were enshrined in legislation, Mr Chambers said, as it was a key shortcoming in the existing Act, which Fianna Fáil sought to resolve more than two years ago through a dedicated bill.
The proposed legislation had to respect Paris Agreement obligations with full oversight from the Oireachtas, together with an advisory council with a proper range of expertise, he said.
Any separate target for methane emissions in agriculture should not treated as a silver bullet – “this must be matched by the immediate delivery of Teagasc’s mitigation roadmap, as well as new supports and programmes to allow farmers to reduce emissions in a sustained and equitable manner.”
On the future ban on the sale of fossil fuel cars, a 2030 commitment on its own was insufficient, Mr Chambers said. “Most families and businesses will remain reliant on these vehicles for the foreseeable future and any ban must be combined with greater investment in EV charging, public transport and cycling infrastructure.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Three hostages taken as mini-bus hijacked at Dublin Airport

Two men who stole a hotel shuttle bus from Dublin Airport with three passengers on board drove as far as south Armagh where they rammed a PSNI vehicle before eventually crashing the bus in Co Monaghan .
The two suspects tried to flee on foot when they crashed the Ford Transit mini-bus in Co Monaghan and then stole a car in a bid to evade what had become a major cross-Border manhunt .
However , they were being tracked and the stolen car they were in was brought to a halt near Castleblayney by force by gardaí , who then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dramatic incident beginning outside terminal 2 at Dublin Airport just before 1am , gardaí had been alerted and patrol cars and the Garda helicopter was searching for the stolen mini bus .
When the bus was driven in the direction of the Border just north of Dundalk , gardaí contacted the PSNI and an emergency response was also put in place in south Armagh .
However , when the mini-bus was spotted by PSNI officers in middle of Crossmaglen , the suspect driving the bus rammed a police car in the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republic and eventually crashing the van in Co Monaghan .
The Irish Times understands the three passengers who were on the shuttle bus were left shaken by the experience but not physically injured .
The two suspects locked the passengers into the bus after they boarded it and drove away from the airport .
The passengers were robbed on board the mini-bus by one of the suspects before being dumped on the M1 near Julianstown , about 25km from the airport .
The three passengers were believed to be stranded due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be taken to a hotel close to the airport when the mini-bus was stolen .
It is understood the driver of the bus had gone to look for other passengers he was collecting from the airport to bring to the nearby hotel when the suspects saw their chance .
A Garda statement said that after driving away from the airport “ the mini-bus continued north on the M1 until it was located near Drogheda and followed by Garda units ” .
It was tracked by gardaí in patrol cars until that chase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mini-bus was driven over the Border north of Dundalk and into the North , where gardaí can not give chase .
“ The PSNI were alerted and the mini-bus was located again a short time later having returned across the Border in Co Monaghan and was followed by gardaí before it was abandoned having crashed , ” the Garda statement added .
“ The two occupants of the mini-bus fled on foot before taking possession of a parked car .
This car was intercepted by Garda Regional Support Unit members with assistance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time later .
“ The occupants of the car , two men in their 30s , were arrested and are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at Carrickmacross Garda station.
” The PSNI confirmed its officers were alerted to the incident when contacted by gardaí who were already in pursuit of the stolen hotel mini-bus .
“ Officers observed the vehicle in Crossmaglen Square , and upon police entering the car park the transit van collided with the police vehicle causing damage to the front of the car , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The transit van then made off from the area and re-crossed the Border .
The PSNI officers were not injured during the incident .
”

The mini-bus was stolen from outside Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport at 1am. File image: Matt Kavanagh / The Irish Times
Two men who stole a hotel shuttle bus from Dublin Airport with three passengers on board drove as far as Armagh where they rammed a PSNI vehicle before eventually crashing in Co Monaghan.
Within minutes of the dramatic incident beginning just before 1am outside Terminal 2 at the airport, gardaí had been alerted and patrol cars and the Garda helicopter began a major operation.
The three passengers were let out of the Ford Transit mini-bus on the M1 near Julianstown, Co Meath as the hijackers fled the airport.
The route the mini-bus took from Dublin Airport in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Shortly afterwards, as the bus was detected being driven towards the Border north of Dundalk, gardaí contacted the PSNI and an emergency response was put in place in south Armagh.
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The mini-bus was spotted by PSNI officers in middle of Crossmaglen, where it rammed a police car before driving back in the direction of the Republic and eventually crashing in Co Monaghan.
The two suspects locked the passengers into the bus after they boarded it and drove away from the airport.
The passengers were allowed out of the mini-bus at a hotel close to junction seven of the M1 between Balbriggan and Drogheda.
Crashed
The passengers, who were believed to be stranded due to a cancelled flight, were about to be taken to a hotel close to the airport when the mini-bus was stolen. The Irish Times understands they were left shaken by the experience but not physically injured.
It is understood the driver of the bus had gone to look for other passengers he was collecting from the airport to bring to the nearby hotel when the suspects boarded the vehicle.
A Garda statement said that after driving away from the airport “the mini-bus continued north on the M1 until it was located near Drogheda and followed by Garda units”.
It was tracked by gardaí in patrol cars until the mini-bus was driven over the Border and into the North, where gardaí cannot give chase.
“The PSNI were alerted and the mini-bus was located again a short time later having returned across the Border in Co Monaghan and was followed by gardaí before it was abandoned having crashed,” the Garda statement added.
"The two occupants of the mini-bus fled on foot before taking possession of a parked car. This car was intercepted by Garda Regional Support Unit members with assistance from Garda Air Support near Castleblayney a short time later.
"The occupants of the car, two men in their 30s, were arrested and are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at Carrickmacross Garda station."
The PSNI confirmed its officers were alerted to the incident when contacted by gardaí who were already in pursuit of the stolen hotel mini-bus.
“Officers observed the vehicle in Crossmaglen Square, and upon police entering the car park the transit van collided with the police vehicle causing damage to the front of the car,” the PSNI said in a statement.
“The transit van then made off from the area and re-crossed the Border. The PSNI officers were not injured during the incident.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Man (20) arrested over attempted abduction released by gardaí

A 20-year-old man who was arrested in relation to the attempted abduction of a woman in Dublin on Monday has been released .
The assault and attempted abduction took place at the Martin ’ s Grove and Blackhorse Avenue area about 7.30am on Monday .
The woman , who is aged in her 60s , was approached by a man who attempted to force her into the boot of a car .
She managed to flee the scene and the car drove away via Blackhorse Avenue towards Dublin city centre .
The car , described as a silver family saloon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and driven onto the Navan Road .
On Tuesday , a suspect was arrested in relation to the crime and was being held in Blanchardstown Garda station under section four of the Criminal Justice Act ( 1984 ) .
A vehicle of interest to the investigating team was also detained and subject to a forensic examination .
The man was released on Wednesday morning and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions .
Gardaí continue to appeal to any person who was in the vicinity of Blackhorse Avenue on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or anyone who may have information about this incident , who has not yet contacted Gardaí , to come forward .
Gardaí are also appealing to any road users who may have camera footage that were travelling in the Blackhorse Avenue area at this time to contact Gardaí .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000 , the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 , or any Garda station .

A 20-year-old man who was arrested in relation to the attempted abduction of a woman in Dublin on Monday has been released.
The assault and attempted abduction took place at the Martin’s Grove and Blackhorse Avenue area about 7.30am on Monday morning.
The woman, who is aged in her 60s, was approached by a man who attempted to force her into the boot of a car.
She managed to flee the scene and the car drove away via Blackhorse Avenue towards Dublin city centre. The car, described as a silver family saloon, is believed to have turned left and driven onto the Navan Road.
READ MORE
On Tuesday, a suspect was arrested in relation to the crime and was being held in Blanchardstown Garda station under section four of the Criminal Justice Act (1984).
A vehicle of interest to the investigating team was also detained and subject to a forensic examination.
The man was released on Wednesday morning and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Gardaí continue to appeal to any person who was in the vicinity of Blackhorse Avenue on 6th January 2020 between 6am and 8am, or anyone who may have information about this incident, who has not yet contacted Gardaí, to come forward.
Gardaí are also appealing to any road users who may have camera footage that were travelling in the Blackhorse Avenue area at this time to contact Gardaí.
They said it believed the intended target of the abduction spoke briefly to an elderly woman who was walking a dog near Cumiskeys pub at about 7.30am.
Gardaí are anxious to speak to the woman who was walking the dog.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01 666 7000, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Flanagan says postponing RIC commemoration was ‘right thing to do’

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has said that calling off the planned commemoration for the Royal Irish Constabulary ( RIC ) was “ the right thing to do ” .
Mr Flanagan made the comments after a State commemoration of the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police ( DMP ) was postponed following public and political backlash .
He was forced to defer the ceremony after a number of Ministers , TDs and Fine Gael councillors openly criticised the plans .
Before the announcement , two Fine Gael TDs , Noel Rock and Fergus O ’ Dowd , said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was due to take place next week .
Speaking on Wednesday , Mr Flanagan said he made the decision due to the “ particularly hostile atmosphere ” and division surrounding the event , which he said was intended to bring people together .
“ This is about reconciliation , this is about our shared history , ” he told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk .
“ Of course it ’ s difficult , of course it ’ s controversial - but this was going to be too divisive .
“ I acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe it ’ s important that we continue with what was a rally important decade of commemoration .
“ Who were the RIC ?
The RIC were Irish people like you and I and it ’ s important that we remember them , it ’ s important that we acknowledge them - warts and all.
” Asked how he would distinguish between those in the RIC who may have been associated with the Black and Tans , Mr Flanagan said : “ That is the great complexity .
“ That is why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we can , 100 years later , acknowledge for example that member of the RIC were Irish - as were the freedom fighters in the IRA .
“ But the reality is that this is our history and it ’ s a shared history that needs to be acknowledged .
The Irish story being more than one nationalist story.
” The Minister said he had been taken aback by some of the backlash .
“ I think the important thing is that we consult - and if there ’ s any lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours from my point of view and that is perhaps the consultation process wasn ’ t exhausted .
“ I was struck over the last 48 hours at the nastiness , at the vitriol at the e-mails that I got , the phone calls that I got .
“ This is far from a programme of reconciliation - I was quite shocked.
” Meanwhile , a former Fine Gael TD and Senator said he would prefer to see an academic conference than a commemoration .
Dr Maurice Manning , who is a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commemoration appointed by the Government , said that the group had recommended a simple ceremony in Dublin Castle , but “ somebody lost the run of themselves and called it a State event.
” He suggested the centenary of the founding of An Garda Síochána might be a more appropriate occasion to “ remember their predecessors.
” Dr Manning rejected a suggestion that the Government ’ s decision to defer a commemoration was an indication that “ tolerance has gone out the window.
” Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast , Dr Manning who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ireland , said Mr Flanagan had “ behaved with great integrity ” .
However , Dr Manning acknowledged that the execution of what would happen had been wrong .
While consideration should be given for an event to commemorate the RIC , he personally thought an academic conference would be more appropriate .
Mr Flanagan said on Tuesday that “ given the disappointing response of some to the planned event on 17th January , I do not believe that the event , as planned , can now take place in an atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the overall commemorative programme .
Therefore , I am announcing its deferral ” .
He said aspects of the event “ were grossly misrepresented ” and he still intended to proceed with the ceremony later in the year as he believed it is the “ right thing to do ” .

Dr Maurice Manning rejected a suggestion Government’s decision to defer commemoration was an indication ‘tolerance has gone out the window’. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has said that calling off the planned commemoration for the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) was “the right thing to do”.
Mr Flanagan made the comments after a State commemoration of the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) was postponed following public and political backlash.
He was forced to defer the ceremony after a number of Ministers, TDs and Fine Gael councillors openly criticised the plans.
Before the announcement, two Fine Gael TDs, Noel Rock and Fergus O’Dowd, said that they would not attend the event which was due to take place next week. Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Flanagan said he made the decision due to the “particularly hostile atmosphere” and division surrounding the event, which he said was intended to bring people together.
READ MORE
“This is about reconciliation, this is about our shared history,” he told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk. “Of course it’s difficult, of course it’s controversial - but this was going to be too divisive.
“I acknowledge that some mistakes were made, but I believe it’s important that we continue with what was a rally important decade of commemoration.
Great complexity
“Who were the RIC? The RIC were Irish people like you and I and it’s important that we remember them, it’s important that we acknowledge them - warts and all.”
Asked how he would distinguish between those in the RIC who may have been associated with the Black and Tans, Mr Flanagan said: “That is the great complexity.
“That is why we’re having this decade so as we can, 100 years later, acknowledge for example that member of the RIC were Irish - as were the freedom fighters in the IRA.
“But the reality is that this is our history and it’s a shared history that needs to be acknowledged. The Irish story being more than one nationalist story.”
The Minister said he had been taken aback by some of the backlash.
“I think the important thing is that we consult - and if there’s any lessons to be learned from the last 48 hours from my point of view and that is perhaps the consultation process wasn’t exhausted.
“I was struck over the last 48 hours at the nastiness, at the vitriol at the e-mails that I got, the phone calls that I got.
Shocked
“This is far from a programme of reconciliation - I was quite shocked.”
Minister for Business Heather Humphreys has said she wants the postponed commemoration to be rescheduled, to mark the “sacrifice” of Irishmen who died while serving in the force.
Speaking following a presentation by IDA Ireland on Wednesday morning, Ms Heather Humphreys, a TD in the Border region for Cavan-Monaghan, said she agreed with its postponement. But she emphasised that she still wants it to go ahead in the future.
“There was a lot of misinformation about this particular commemoration. It was certainly never about commemorating anything to do with the Black and Tans. It was about remembering the Irish men that lost their lives while working for the RIC and it’s important that we remember all Irish lives that were lost,” she said. “I do look forward to it taking place.
“A number of people have contacted me because their family members have served in the RIC and they did make sacrifices and I do believe that they deserve to be remembered.”
Ms Humphreys said she does not mind when the commemoration takes place, “as long as it takes place”.
Meanwhile, a former Fine Gael TD and Senator said he would prefer to see an academic conference than a commemoration.
Tolerance
Dr Maurice Manning, who is a member of the expert advisory group on centenary commemoration appointed by the Government, said that the group had recommended a simple ceremony in Dublin Castle, but "somebody lost the run of themselves and called it a State event."
He suggested the centenary of the founding of An Garda Síochána might be a more appropriate occasion to "remember their predecessors."
Dr Manning rejected a suggestion that the Government’s decision to defer a commemoration was an indication that “tolerance has gone out the window.”
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Dr Manning who is now the chancellor of the National University of Ireland, said Mr Flanagan had “behaved with great integrity”.
However, Dr Manning acknowledged that the execution of what would happen had been wrong. While consideration should be given for an event to commemorate the RIC, he personally thought an academic conference would be more appropriate.
Mr Flanagan said on Tuesday that “given the disappointing response of some to the planned event on 17th January, I do not believe that the event, as planned, can now take place in an atmosphere that meets the goals and guiding principles of the overall commemorative programme. Therefore, I am announcing its deferral”.
He said aspects of the event “were grossly misrepresented” and he still intended to proceed with the ceremony later in the year as he believed it is the “right thing to do”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Thousands of nurses in Northern Ireland strike over pay

Thousands of nurses in Northern Ireland have started another day of strike action in a row over pay .
The protest follows a similar strike last month over salary rates that lag behind colleagues in Great Britain , and staff shortages .
Thousands of hospital appointments are expected to be cancelled .
The UK ’ s department of health has urged trade unions to return to talks .
They broke down without agreement in December , when a fresh 3.1 per cent pay offer was rejected by unions .
The Royal College of Nursing ( RCN ) is leading members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , while members of Northern Ireland ’ s largest health workers ’ union , Unison , will also stage walkouts on Friday .
Midwives are also being asked if they are willing to take strike action over pay .
Unions have called for pay parity with their colleagues in the rest of the UK .
The department ’ s permanent secretary , Richard Pengelly , has warned that hospitals are already under severe pressure .
Northern Ireland has some of the longest waiting lists for treatment in the UK , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address problems in the UK ’ s National Health Service .
Numerous appointments and treatments have been cancelled and a number of services across hospitals and the community care sector have had to be stood down or reduced due to industrial action , health service providers said .
All emergency departments will remain open as normal , but they are under extreme pressure due to winter demand .
Reduced staffing levels on Wednesday and Friday will significantly affect the ability of the system to discharge patients and further compound pressures throughout hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care organisations said .
The South Tyrone Hospital Minor Injury Unit ( MIU ) , Mid Ulster MIU and Bangor MIU will be closed on Wednesday .
Around 5,000 medical appointments were cancelled following the unprecedented nurses ’ strike which paralysed parts of the NHS late last year .
Healthcare workers said they were tearful and “ at the end of their tether ” .
Stormont politicians stepped up efforts to restore devolved power-sharing and urged immediate action to address a “ humanitarian ” crisis in health .
Routine medical appointments were cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were delays to some ambulance responses .
Pickets formed across the region and thousands of nurses walked out in their first ever strike.–PA

Royal College of Nursing Northern Ireland director Pat Cullen (centre) joins the picket line outside the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as nurses across Northern Ireland take part in a 12-hour strike over pay in December. File photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Thousands of nurses in Northern Ireland have started another day of strike action in a row over pay.
The protest follows a similar strike last month over salary rates that lag behind colleagues in Great Britain, and staff shortages.
Thousands of hospital appointments are expected to be cancelled.
The UK’s department of health has urged trade unions to return to talks. They broke down without agreement in December, when a fresh 3.1 per cent pay offer was rejected by unions.
READ MORE
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is leading members away from patient bedsides on Wednesday and Friday, while members of Northern Ireland’s largest health workers’ union, Unison, will also stage walkouts on Friday.
Midwives are also being asked if they are willing to take strike action over pay.
Unions have called for pay parity with their colleagues in the rest of the UK.
The department’s permanent secretary, Richard Pengelly, has warned that hospitals are already under severe pressure.
Northern Ireland has some of the longest waiting lists for treatment in the UK, and the political paralysis at Stormont has hampered efforts to address problems in the UK's National Health Service.
Numerous appointments and treatments have been cancelled and a number of services across hospitals and the community care sector have had to be stood down or reduced due to industrial action, health service providers said.
All emergency departments will remain open as normal, but they are under extreme pressure due to winter demand.
Reduced staffing levels on Wednesday and Friday will significantly affect the ability of the system to discharge patients and further compound pressures throughout hospital and community services, health and social care organisations said.
The South Tyrone Hospital Minor Injury Unit (MIU), Mid Ulster MIU and Bangor MIU will be closed on Wednesday.
Around 5,000 medical appointments were cancelled following the unprecedented nurses’ strike which paralysed parts of the NHS late last year.
Healthcare workers said they were tearful and “at the end of their tether”.
Stormont politicians stepped up efforts to restore devolved power-sharing and urged immediate action to address a “humanitarian” crisis in health.
Routine medical appointments were cancelled, minor injury units closed and there were delays to some ambulance responses.
Pickets formed across the region and thousands of nurses walked out in their first ever strike.–PA


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Search for fisherman missing off Hook Head to resume

A search and recovery operation to find a fisherman whose trawler sank off the coast of Hook Head , Co Wexford at the weekend is set to resume for a fifth day on Wednesday .
William Whelan ( 41 ) from Fethard-on-Sea , Co Wexford has been missing since the Alize went down at about 10.30pm on Saturday night .
The search for Mr Whelan , in an operation coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard , will resume at early light subject to weather conditions .
Naval divers joined the search for Mr Whelan on Tuesday at the request of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resumption of the search with winds being too high later in the afternoon to allow the R117 helicopter to assist in the operation .
The RNLI lifeboat from Dunmore East was joined by a volunteer crew for Kilmore Quay during the search .
Weather conditions at sea were difficult with search crews hampered by strong swells and gale force winds .
A second fisherman who died , Joe Sinnott ( 65 ) from Kilmore , Co Wexford , will be laid to rest on Wednesday following noon Mass at St Mary ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of four was winched from the sea but died a short time later in University Hospital Waterford .

Hook Head, Co Wexford where the search continues for missing fisherman William Whelan. Photograph: Patrick Browne
A search and recovery operation to find a fisherman whose trawler sank off the coast of Hook Head, Co Wexford at the weekend is set to resume for a fifth day on Wednesday.
William Whelan (41) from Fethard-on-Sea, Co Wexford has been missing since the Alize went down at about 10.30pm on Saturday night.
The search for Mr Whelan, in an operation coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard, will resume at early light subject to weather conditions.
Naval divers joined the search for Mr Whelan on Tuesday at the request of gardaí.
READ MORE
However, inclement weather delayed the resumption of the search with winds being too high later in the afternoon to allow the R117 helicopter to assist in the operation.
The RNLI lifeboat from Dunmore East was joined by a volunteer crew for Kilmore Quay during the search. Weather conditions at sea were difficult with search crews hampered by strong swells and gale force winds.
A second fisherman who died, Joe Sinnott (65) from Kilmore, Co Wexford, will be laid to rest on Wednesday following noon Mass at St Mary’s Church, Kilmore.
The father of four was winched from the sea but died a short time later in University Hospital Waterford.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Head of Goodbody Stockbrokers lined up for FAI chairperson role

One of the best-known stockbrokers in the country has been lined up for a key role with the Football Association of Ireland ( FAI ) .
Roy Barrett , who is currently managing director of Goodbody Stockbrokers , has been approached about taking up the role of independent chairperson of the embattled association .
Mr Barrett is thought to be considering the position , but has not come to a final decision .
He was approached last year by consultants appointed to recruit four independent directors .
The nominations committee of the FAI is set to meet this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett has been sought for , are expected to be filled before the weekend .
The position is not an executive role , and it is thought that it would not interfere with his role at Goodbody .
However , Mr Barrett , who is known to be publicity-shy despite his status in the world of finance , would have to deal with the public profile associated with the FAI position .
Mr Barrett ’ s candidature is thought to enjoy strong political support , given his financial acumen and the scale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has liabilities of €62 million .
He is known to be a football fan , although he has no ties to the FAI hierarchy historically which is seen as a key criteria for incoming candidates .
He has previously supported former Ireland striker Niall Quinn ’ s ideas for reforming the organisation , and was named in a document produced by the reform group chaired by Mr Quinn earlier this year .
The names of the proposed candidates for independent chairperson and independent directors have been a closely guarded secret throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested that consultancy firm Amrop not inform the FAI board or any other stakeholder of the identity of any candidate , partially due to the express wishes of the individuals identified to come on board in the organisation .
The appointment of the independent directors and independent chairperson is seen as particularly significant for the future of the FAI .
It has been made a key plank of reform by Mr Ross , and would pave the way for potential talks on enhanced support for the FAI by the Government .
Mr Ross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European football ’ s governing body , next Tuesday , to discuss the FAI ’ s future .
The role of independent chairperson is a new one in the organisation , which was created following a corporate governance review published in June .
In a letter to the Oireachtas Sport Committee sent last month , the FAI said Amrop had identified a preferred candidate for the role of independent chairperson , and that at that time “ this individual is currently undertaking a thorough analysis of current issues and concerns within the FAI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way forward can be found through engagement with the Government , Uefa , Sport Ireland and its bank , Bank of Ireland .
It requested financial support amounting to €18 million from the Government before Christmas , but that request was denied in the absence of reforms sought by Mr Ross .
The appointment of the independent directors is seen as a first step towards some form of increased support for the FAI .
Mr Barrett has been managing director of Goodbody since 1996 , just a year after he joined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously worked with investment firms in London .
He played a key role in the agreed sale of the firm to Bank of China which is awaiting regulatory approval .

Goodbody Stockbroker boss Roy Barrett, who is known to be publicity-shy despite his status in the world of finance, would have to deal with the public profile associated with the FAI position.
One of the best-known stockbrokers in the country has been lined up for a key role with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
Roy Barrett, who is currently managing director of Goodbody Stockbrokers, has been approached about taking up the role of independent chairperson of the embattled association.
Mr Barrett is thought to be considering the position, but has not come to a final decision. He was approached last year by consultants appointed to recruit four independent directors. The nominations committee of the FAI is set to meet this week.
All positions, including the role Mr Barrett has been sought for, are expected to be filled before the weekend.
READ MORE
The position is not an executive role, and it is thought that it would not interfere with his role at Goodbody. However, Mr Barrett, who is known to be publicity-shy despite his status in the world of finance, would have to deal with the public profile associated with the FAI position.
Mr Barrett’s candidature is thought to enjoy strong political support, given his financial acumen and the scale of the funding challenge facing the association, which has liabilities of €62 million. He is known to be a football fan, although he has no ties to the FAI hierarchy historically which is seen as a key criteria for incoming candidates.
Niall Quinn (better pic to come!)
He has previously supported former Ireland striker Niall Quinn's ideas for reforming the organisation, and was named in a document produced by the reform group chaired by Mr Quinn earlier this year.
Significant independence
The names of the proposed candidates for independent chairperson and independent directors have been a closely guarded secret throughout the recruitment process.
The nominations committee had requested that consultancy firm Amrop not inform the FAI board or any other stakeholder of the identity of any candidate, partially due to the express wishes of the individuals identified to come on board in the organisation.
The appointment of the independent directors and independent chairperson is seen as particularly significant for the future of the FAI. It has been made a key plank of reform by Mr Ross, and would pave the way for potential talks on enhanced support for the FAI by the Government. Mr Ross is set to meet with Uefa, European football's governing body, next Tuesday, to discuss the FAI's future.
The role of independent chairperson is a new one in the organisation, which was created following a corporate governance review published in June. In a letter to the Oireachtas Sport Committee sent last month, the FAI said Amrop had identified a preferred candidate for the role of independent chairperson, and that at that time "this individual is currently undertaking a thorough analysis of current issues and concerns within the FAI".
Financial support
The FAI is hopeful that a way forward can be found through engagement with the Government, Uefa, Sport Ireland and its bank, Bank of Ireland. It requested financial support amounting to €18 million from the Government before Christmas, but that request was denied in the absence of reforms sought by Mr Ross.
The appointment of the independent directors is seen as a first step towards some form of increased support for the FAI.
Mr Barrett has been managing director of Goodbody since 1996, just a year after he joined the firm from NCB Stockbrokers. He had previously worked with investment firms in London.
He played a key role in the agreed sale of the firm to Bank of China which is awaiting regulatory approval.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Over-reliance on junior doctors one of the factors behind trolley crisis

One of the many reasons behind the ongoing trolley crisis in our hospitals is the mess that is medical training and staffing in the Irish health service .
As we know , hundreds of consultant posts lie empty because they can not be filled , while hundreds more are occupied by doctors who do not have the specialist qualifications for the role .
And , as a major new report from the HSE ’ s National Doctors Training and Planning working group shows , our health system is increasingly reliant on a cadre of junior doctors who are constantly being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland to other countries , instead of being able to build up their experience and qualifications .
This dumbing-down of medical provision in hospitals has obvious safety implications for patients , as had been frequently pointed out by Mr Justice Peter Kelly in the High Court when cases of individual errant doctors came before him .
And yet , as with so many other glaring issues in health , there seems to be little appetite outside Mr Justice Kelly ’ s courtroom for taking radical action to improve matters .
This report is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on medical training and career structures , dating back to 2014 .
And even though the latest report has been ready for some time and has been approved by the HSE board , it has yet to be published .
What the report shows is Irish hospitals ’ massive reliance on non-training scheme doctors ( NTSDs ) , most of whom hail from outside the EU .
NTSDs – effectively , any doctor not training to become a consultant – are the workhorses of the health system , doing much of the basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options are limited here ( Irish and other EU doctors are prioritised for access to training schemes ) , and because conditions are better for them elsewhere , we are seeing a massive “ turnover effect ” whereby NTSDs arrive , gain some experience and then leave , to be replaced by less-experienced colleagues .
The result is the recruitment of doctors of “ uncertain ” ability and limited experience , as the report phrases it .
But why , you might ask , would any hospital with vacant consultant posts fill their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the answer is that the recruitment of consultants is cumbersome and lengthy .
You first have to make a business case , then get approval from the chief executive of the hospital or hospital group , then clearance from the relevant HSE directorate , then pass through several levels of application machinery within the civil service .
Not surprisingly , this had led to significant delays in the appointment of consultants .
In contrast , junior doctors can be hired fairly easily , either directly or through an agency , notwithstanding the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified in these processes .
Never mind that it will cost an average €3,315 a week to hire a registrar through an agency , compared to €1,973 directly , according to figures quoted in the report .
The HSE spends about €1.1 million a day on agency staff , a figure that has remained stubbornly high in spite of repeated promises that it will be cut .
Smaller hospitals are particularly reliant on NTSDs , the report shows .
In Ennis Hospital in Co Clare , for example , all six junior doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel and Cavan General Hospital , the figure is about 85 per cent .
Having to wait behind EU applicants for training places might be understandable , but it isn ’ t the only obstacle faced by these doctors .
Intern experience is not recognised , except for six non-EU countries , and prior experience is generally not recognised either , unlike in the UK .
“ I can ’ t get onto the Irish training scheme because I ’ m from — , ” says one non-training scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I became very frustrated watching NCHDs [ non-consultant hospital doctors ] that I had helped to train pass me by and made a decision to apply to the UK training scheme.
” The solutions are in the report , though they will cost money .
We need more consultants to make clinical decisions in hospitals .
We need more trainee places to fill these posts .
We need to wean ourselves off our reliance on inexperienced young , often transient , doctors .
Canada , for example , employs only consultants , GPs @ @ @

Non-training scheme doctors (NTSDs) are the workhorses of the health system, doing much of the basic work and unsocial shifts. Photograph: iStock
One of the many reasons behind the ongoing trolley crisis in our hospitals is the mess that is medical training and staffing in the Irish health service.
As we know, hundreds of consultant posts lie empty because they cannot be filled, while hundreds more are occupied by doctors who do not have the specialist qualifications for the role.
And, as a major new report from the HSE's National Doctors Training and Planning working group shows, our health system is increasingly reliant on a cadre of junior doctors who are constantly being churned both between Irish hospitals and from Ireland to other countries, instead of being able to build up their experience and qualifications.
This dumbing-down of medical provision in hospitals has obvious safety implications for patients, as had been frequently pointed out by Mr Justice Peter Kelly in the High Court when cases of individual errant doctors came before him.
READ MORE
And yet, as with so many other glaring issues in health, there seems to be little appetite outside Mr Justice Kelly’s courtroom for taking radical action to improve matters. This report is itself the scion of a previous report on medical training and career structures, dating back to 2014. And even though the latest report has been ready for some time and has been approved by the HSE board, it has yet to be published.
What the report shows is Irish hospitals’ massive reliance on non-training scheme doctors (NTSDs), most of whom hail from outside the EU.
NTSDs – effectively, any doctor not training to become a consultant – are the workhorses of the health system, doing much of the basic work and unsocial shifts.
‘Turnover effect’
Because their options are limited here (Irish and other EU doctors are prioritised for access to training schemes), and because conditions are better for them elsewhere, we are seeing a massive “turnover effect” whereby NTSDs arrive, gain some experience and then leave, to be replaced by less-experienced colleagues.
The result is the recruitment of doctors of “uncertain” ability and limited experience, as the report phrases it.
But why, you might ask, would any hospital with vacant consultant posts fill their wards with junior locums? Part of the answer is that the recruitment of consultants is cumbersome and lengthy. You first have to make a business case, then get approval from the chief executive of the hospital or hospital group, then clearance from the relevant HSE directorate, then pass through several levels of application machinery within the civil service.
Not surprisingly, this had led to significant delays in the appointment of consultants. In contrast, junior doctors can be hired fairly easily, either directly or through an agency, notwithstanding the “clear defects” Mr Justice Kelly has identified in these processes.
Never mind that it will cost an average €3,315 a week to hire a registrar through an agency, compared to €1,973 directly, according to figures quoted in the report. The HSE spends about €1.1 million a day on agency staff, a figure that has remained stubbornly high in spite of repeated promises that it will be cut.
Particularly reliant
Smaller hospitals are particularly reliant on NTSDs, the report shows. In Ennis Hospital in Co Clare, for example, all six junior doctors belong to this category. In South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel and Cavan General Hospital, the figure is about 85 per cent.
Having to wait behind EU applicants for training places might be understandable, but it isn’t the only obstacle faced by these doctors. Intern experience is not recognised, except for six non-EU countries, and prior experience is generally not recognised either, unlike in the UK.
“I can’t get onto the Irish training scheme because I’m from —,” says one non-training scheme doctor interviewed for the report. “I became very frustrated watching NCHDs [non-consultant hospital doctors] that I had helped to train pass me by and made a decision to apply to the UK training scheme.”
The solutions are in the report, though they will cost money. We need more consultants to make clinical decisions in hospitals. We need more trainee places to fill these posts. We need to wean ourselves off our reliance on inexperienced young, often transient, doctors. Canada, for example, employs only consultants, GPs and trainees.