theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Bell ringing and global greening: What is happening for St Patrick’s Day?

Following the cancellation of all the St Patrick ’ s Day parades due to take place across the State on Tuesday , and in light of restrictions on social gatherings and the closure of all pubs , many people may be wondering how to mark Ireland ’ s national day during the coronavirus outbreak .
We ’ ve done a sweep of events and initiatives that are still going ahead – most of them remotely and online – and there are some options for those seeking to mark the occasion .
In lieu of the usual celebrations , St Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on communities around Ireland , and the world , to post videos and photos on social media of their festive artwork , costumes , performances and baked goods with the hashtag # StPatricksDaytogether to mark the national holiday .
A Virtual Paddy ’ s Day 2020 Twitter account ( @ Paddyvirtual ) and Facebook page have also been set up encouraging people to share images of how they will be marking Ireland ’ s national holiday .
The annual Global Greening , where famous international landmarks around the globe light up in green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has continued to go ahead in recent days with sites including the New York Empire State building , Lisbon ’ s Cristo de Rei statue , Jordan ’ s Hercules Temple and Niagara Falls all turning green over the weekend .
Irish cities and towns will also see numerous buildings turn green .
Bells ring out across the country The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan has called for church bells to be ring out across the island of Ireland at 11am on Tuesday as a St Patrick ’ s Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that “ ringing of church bells is a call to prayer – wherever you are – and a reminder of the faith that has sustained the people of our island throughout the centuries ” .
“ The bell ringing is also an expression of social solidarity , an encouragement to care for one other , and for all of us to be inspired and remain hopeful at the difficult time , ” he said .
RTÉ has also asked people around the country who had made preparations for the usual St Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their act as part of a virtual parade to be aired on March 17th .
“ So the parades are off , but what about the baton twirlers and the dancers in curlers , what about the bagpipe blowers , the tractor drivers , the stilt walkers , the inflatable shamrocks , the dodgy St Patrick ’ s and the little boys and girls in green ?
, ” says a shot video on the RTÉ Twitter page .
“ Listen , the parades mightn ’ t be happening so let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own.
” RTÉ is asking that people use the hashtag # rtevirtualparade and post , tweet or snap your “ Paddy ’ s day party piece ” .
The hashtag has already attracted videos of dancing rehearsals at schools , taken before the lockdown was announced , and children dressed up in their finest green attire ahead of the celebration .
A number of musicians , comedians and actors who were set to perform as part of the St Patrick ’ s Day festivities have announced they are live-streaming performances from their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Musician Colm Mac Con Iomaire played a small concert from his home on Saturday evening on Facebook live and took requests from people watching on their computers , tablets and phones .
Former musical comedy troupe Dead Cat Bounce posted a two hour video of their 2013 Vicar Street Farewell show on Youtube on Sunday night with live chat with fans throughout the screening .
The video is still available to view .
Dundalk folk group the Mary Wallopers have announced they will live-stream a gig from their home on Youtube on St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group , who were previously scheduled to support Lankum at the Cork Opera House on Tuesday night , will also include a link for optional donations .
American punk band the Dropkick Murphys , who for the past 24 years have always performed a gig on St Patrick ’ s Day weekend , has also announced it will be live-streaming a concert from Boston to fans around the world on St Patrick ’ s Day across YouTube , Instagram and Facebook live .
The gig will kick off at 11pm Irish time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is closed until March 29th , is marking St Patrick ’ s Day by sharing photos of some of their favourite works of art from their collection on Twitter .
Posts so far have included work by Harry Clarke , Daniel Maclise , James Worsdale , Walter Osborne , Jack B Yeats and Frederic William Burton with the interactive art exhibition continuing throughout Monday .

Following the cancellation of all the St Patrick’s Day parades due to take place across the State on Tuesday, and in light of restrictions on social gatherings and the closure of all pubs Dublin was a very different place this St Patricks day.
Following the cancellation of all the St Patrick’s Day parades due to take place across the State on Tuesday, and in light of restrictions on social gatherings and the closure of all pubs, many people may be wondering how to mark Ireland’s national day during the coronavirus outbreak.
We’ve done a sweep of events and initiatives that are still going ahead – most of them remotely and online – and there are some options for those seeking to mark the occasion.
#StPatricksDayTogether
In lieu of the usual celebrations, St Patrick's Day Festival organisers are calling on communities around Ireland, and the world, to post videos and photos on social media of their festive artwork, costumes, performances and baked goods with the hashtag #StPatricksDaytogether to mark the national holiday.
A Virtual Paddy’s Day 2020 Twitter account (@Paddyvirtual) and Facebook page have also been set up encouraging people to share images of how they will be marking Ireland’s national holiday.
READ MORE
Turning parts of the world green
The annual Global Greening, where famous international landmarks around the globe light up in green to mark St Patrick’s Day, has continued to go ahead in recent days with sites including the New York Empire State building, Lisbon’s Cristo de Rei statue, Jordan’s Hercules Temple and Niagara Falls all turning green over the weekend. Irish cities and towns will also see numerous buildings turn green.
As part of Tourism Ireland’s annual Global Greening initiative, to celebrate Ireland and St Patrick’s Day, ‘Nyati’ the Buffalo was turned green in Nairobi, Kenya. Photograph: Tourism Ireland.
Bells ring out across the country
The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan has called for church bells to be ring out across the island of Ireland at 11am on Tuesday as a St Patrick's Day expression of social solidarity.
Bishop Cullinan said that “ringing of church bells is a call to prayer – wherever you are – and a reminder of the faith that has sustained the people of our island throughout the centuries”.
“The bell ringing is also an expression of social solidarity, an encouragement to care for one other, and for all of us to be inspired and remain hopeful at the difficult time,” he said.
Virtual St Patrick’s Day parade
RTÉ has also asked people around the country who had made preparations for the usual St Patrick's Day parade to post videos of their act as part of a virtual parade to be aired on March 17th.
“So the parades are off, but what about the baton twirlers and the dancers in curlers, what about the bagpipe blowers, the tractor drivers, the stilt walkers, the inflatable shamrocks, the dodgy St Patrick’s and the little boys and girls in green?,” says a shot video on the RTÉ Twitter page.
“Listen, the parades mightn’t be happening so let’s create a virtual parade of our own.”
RTÉ is asking that people use the hashtag #rtevirtualparade and post, tweet or snap your “Paddy’s day party piece”.
The hashtag has already attracted videos of dancing rehearsals at schools, taken before the lockdown was announced, and children dressed up in their finest green attire ahead of the celebration.
Online performances
A number of musicians, comedians and actors who were set to perform as part of the St Patrick’s Day festivities have announced they are live-streaming performances from their own homes to make up for cancellations.
Musician Colm Mac Con Iomaire played a small concert from his home on Saturday evening on Facebook live and took requests from people watching on their computers, tablets and phones.
Former musical comedy troupe Dead Cat Bounce posted a two hour video of their 2013 Vicar Street Farewell show on Youtube on Sunday night with live chat with fans throughout the screening. The video is still available to view.
Dundalk folk group the Mary Wallopers have announced they will live-stream a gig from their home on Youtube on St Patrick's day at 8pm. The group, who were previously scheduled to support Lankum at the Cork Opera House on Tuesday night, will also include a link for optional donations.
American punk band the Dropkick Murphys, who for the past 24 years have always performed a gig on St Patrick's Day weekend, has also announced it will be live-streaming a concert from Boston to fans around the world on St Patrick's Day across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook live. The gig will kick off at 11pm Irish time.
Online art gallery
The National Gallery of Ireland, which is closed until March 29th, is marking St Patrick’s Day by sharing photos of some of their favourite works of art from their collection on Twitter. Posts so far have included work by Harry Clarke, Daniel Maclise, James Worsdale, Walter Osborne, Jack B Yeats and Frederic William Burton with the interactive art exhibition continuing throughout Monday.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Dental association warns of inevitable closure of dentists’ practices

The Irish Dental Association has requested an urgent meeting with Minister for Health Simon Harris , saying widespread closures of dental practices are “ inevitable ” during the Covid-19 crisis .
The association ’ s chief executive Fintan Hourihan said dentists , due to their work in extremely close proximity to the mouths and throats of patients , are one of the most vulnerable groups of healthcare professionals .
“ They use equipment which generates spray and droplets from a patient ’ s mouth .
Even with the use of protective clothing and best practice to minimise droplets or aerosols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work of dentistry while trying to minimise the risk of contagion from Covid-19.
” He claimed dentists have been “ left in the dark ” as to what is expected of them .
“ In other countries , dental practices have scaled down services on the instructions of relevant authorities but we have had no clear , unambiguous guidance from either the Dental Council or the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) as to the current crisis ” .
He said the “ implication that we can carry on as normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national effort to try to increase social distancing and to reduce the spread of the virus ” .
A letter to dentists from the chief dental officer at the Department of Health , sent late last week and seen by The Irish Times , advises them to “ keep abreast of guidance from the National Public Health Emergency Team and the HPSC as the situation evolves ” .
They are told to keep with guidance for healthcare professionals published on the HPSC website , and that if a patient is within risk categories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered only after a dentist has spoken with the patients doctor or a public health official .
A statement from the HSE suggested that at least some specific advice had been issued to dentists .
A spokeswoman said “ guiding principles ” were in place for dentists , including reducing footfall , improving social distancing and the use of supplies of personal protective equipment .
The HSE also said that during the delay phase , “ there is a clear emphasis on contacting all patients prior to appointments , the deferral of non-urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedures ” .
The HSE said dental services were recommended to use guidance to “ phasedown ” clinical activity through a series of steps , while keeping patients and staff safe .
Mr Hourihane , the Irish Dental Association chief executive said in the absence of clear directions and the focus on social distancing , “ our patients are cancelling their appointments and many of our members are making the decision themselves to close their practices for the duration of this crisis so as not to do anything that might increase the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was seeking to meet Mr Harris and “ to discuss this situation with the Government as a matter of urgency ” .

The Irish Dental Association has requested an urgent meeting with Minister for Health Simon Harris. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw for The Irish Times
The Irish Dental Association has requested an urgent meeting with Minister for Health Simon Harris, saying widespread closures of dental practices are "inevitable" during the Covid-19 crisis.
The association's chief executive Fintan Hourihan said dentists, due to their work in extremely close proximity to the mouths and throats of patients, are one of the most vulnerable groups of healthcare professionals.
“They use equipment which generates spray and droplets from a patient’s mouth. Even with the use of protective clothing and best practice to minimise droplets or aerosols, it is extremely difficult to do the work of dentistry while trying to minimise the risk of contagion from Covid-19.”
He claimed dentists have been "left in the dark" as to what is expected of them. "In other countries, dental practices have scaled down services on the instructions of relevant authorities but we have had no clear, unambiguous guidance from either the Dental Council or the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) as to the current crisis".
READ MORE
He said the “implication that we can carry on as normal is clearly nonsense. It flouts the national effort to try to increase social distancing and to reduce the spread of the virus”.
A letter to dentists from the chief dental officer at the Department of Health, sent late last week and seen by The Irish Times, advises them to "keep abreast of guidance from the National Public Health Emergency Team and the HPSC as the situation evolves".
They are told to keep with guidance for healthcare professionals published on the HPSC website, and that if a patient is within risk categories for Covid-19, dental care should be considered only after a dentist has spoken with the patients doctor or a public health official.
A statement from the HSE suggested that at least some specific advice had been issued to dentists.
A spokeswoman said “guiding principles” were in place for dentists, including reducing footfall, improving social distancing and the use of supplies of personal protective equipment. The HSE also said that during the delay phase, “there is a clear emphasis on contacting all patients prior to appointments, the deferral of non-urgent treatments and the minimisation of aerosol generating procedures”.
The HSE said dental services were recommended to use guidance to “phasedown” clinical activity through a series of steps, while keeping patients and staff safe.
Mr Hourihane, the Irish Dental Association chief executive said in the absence of clear directions and the focus on social distancing, "our patients are cancelling their appointments and many of our members are making the decision themselves to close their practices for the duration of this crisis so as not to do anything that might increase the spread of the virus."
He said he was seeking to meet Mr Harris and “to discuss this situation with the Government as a matter of urgency”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Croke Park to become testing ‘drive-thru’ centre

Croke Park is to be used as a temporary testing centre for coronavirus in north Dublin from Tuesday , the Health Service Executive has said .
The HSE had been in contact with the GAA in recent days about using the 80,000 stadium as a testing centre , as it is not currently being used for sporting events .
In a statement a HSE spokeswoman said the testing centre in the stadium would be the first to start testing in north Dublin .
“ Arrangements are at an advanced stage for other designated testing centres within north Dublin , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
Previously tests were administered in the homes of those suspected of having the virus by members of the National Ambulance Service , and in acute hospitals .
Local residents in the area surrounding the stadium received correspondence from Croke Park on Monday about the decision .
“ Following a high-level request from the HSE today and in the national interest , Croke Park is to become a ‘ drive-thru ’ facility for testing for Covid-19 for designated appointments .
This will not be a walk-up service , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The stadium layout has been identified as being suitable for facilitating this important service at this time .
As soon as we have further information , we will share it with you , ” it continued .
“ It is essential that people do not turn up without an appointment to this designated testing centre , ” the HSE spokeswoman said .
Since Monday , GPs across the country have been able to refer people who have symptoms of the condition , such as a cough and fever , and those who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , for testing .
“ If a GP refers a person for testing they will receive a text message with the time and location of their test .
It is in everybody ’ s interest that we maintain this appointment schedule , ” the HSE spokeswoman said .
“ We thank local residents , Croke Park and the GAA for their support during this time .
Our collective efforts now will mean that we are in a position to provide timely access services to the people who need it , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary care centres have been informed to provide details on how many staff would be required to maintain essential services , to free up other healthcare workers to be temporarily redeployed elsewhere as the health service prepares to significantly ramp up testing for coronavirus , officially known as Covid-19 , in the coming days .

‘It is essential that people do not turn up without an appointment to this designated testing centre,’ the HSE said
Croke Park is to be used as a temporary testing centre for coronavirus in north Dublin from Tuesday, the Health Service Executive has said.
The HSE had been in contact with the GAA in recent days about using the 80,000 stadium as a testing centre, as it is not currently being used for sporting events.
In a statement a HSE spokeswoman said the testing centre in the stadium would be the first to start testing in north Dublin.
“Arrangements are at an advanced stage for other designated testing centres within north Dublin, and these will commence over the coming days,” she said.
READ MORE
Previously tests were administered in the homes of those suspected of having the virus by members of the National Ambulance Service, and in acute hospitals.
Local residents in the area surrounding the stadium received correspondence from Croke Park on Monday about the decision.
“Following a high-level request from the HSE today and in the national interest, Croke Park is to become a ‘drive-thru’ facility for testing for Covid-19 for designated appointments. This will not be a walk-up service,” the email to locals read.
“The stadium layout has been identified as being suitable for facilitating this important service at this time. As soon as we have further information, we will share it with you,” it continued.
“It is essential that people do not turn up without an appointment to this designated testing centre,” the HSE spokeswoman said.
GP referrals
Since Monday, GPs across the country have been able to refer people who have symptoms of the condition, such as a cough and fever, and those who were in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case, for testing.
“If a GP refers a person for testing they will receive a text message with the time and location of their test. It is in everybody’s interest that we maintain this appointment schedule,” the HSE spokeswoman said.
“We thank local residents, Croke Park and the GAA for their support during this time. Our collective efforts now will mean that we are in a position to provide timely access services to the people who need it,” she said.
HSE staff in some Dublin primary care centres have been informed to provide details on how many staff would be required to maintain essential services, to free up other healthcare workers to be temporarily redeployed elsewhere as the health service prepares to significantly ramp up testing for coronavirus, officially known as Covid-19, in the coming days.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Gardaí in 200 rented cars set for community outreach

An Garda Síochána has pledged to use more than 200 vehicles it is renting to assist vulnerable and isolated members of the public with vital tasks , such as collecting prescription drugs or bringing them to medical appointments .
Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park , Dublin , has urged anyone who is concerned for themselves , loved ones or friends to contact their local station and ensure gardaí there are aware of those people who need help .
“ These contingency vehicles will be used to maintain personal interactions and , where needed , to assist and support people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attending hospital appointments and other supports they may need , ” it said in a statement .
Garda Headquarters emphasised the vehicles being hired would not be used to respond to crime and other emergency call-outs .
Instead the vehicles and gardaí manning them would solely be used for the community outreach project now being mobilised to help people during the Covid-19 crisis .
The Garda added that , once its personnel had established contact with people who required help and began extending that assistance to them , gardaí would also try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from on an ongoing basis .
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said the plans to hire the cars , signalled by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris late last week , formed a key component of the force ’ s efforts to provide increased community support and community engagement across the country .
“ As a community at this time we need more than ever to support the most vulnerable in our society , particularly our elderly and isolated , ” he said of the current national emergency .
“ An Garda Síochána has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to do so in these extraordinary times.
” Gardaí across the country were being asked to actively identify those persons most in need , particularly those with limited local family or social support .
And while families , neighbours and community groups could engage with vulnerable or isolated people while still practicing social distancing , they could also inform their local Garda of people they knew of who needed assistance .
An Garda Síochána has established a Covid-19 National Co-ordination Unit operating from Garda Headquarters under Mr Twomey , who is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force .
The new unit is co-ordinating and managing the strategic Garda response to the Covid-19 crisis .
Mr Twomey will chair daily meetings with senior Garda personnel across the country to ensure the force responds quickly to the changing demands on its services as the crisis changes .
Garda leave has been limited to 5 per cent of personnel in each Garda division across the Republic , and members began working new 12-hour shifts on Monday morning .
Senior sources said this was intended to have as many gardaí on the frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public at a difficult time .

An Garda Síochána has pledged to use more than 200 vehicles it is renting to assist vulnerable and isolated members of the public with vital tasks, such as collecting prescription drugs or bringing them to medical appointments.
Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park, Dublin, has urged anyone who is concerned for themselves, loved ones or friends to contact their local station and ensure gardaí there are aware of those people who need help.
“These contingency vehicles will be used to maintain personal interactions and, where needed, to assist and support people, which may include collecting medical prescriptions, attending hospital appointments and other supports they may need,” it said in a statement.
Garda Headquarters emphasised the vehicles being hired would not be used to respond to crime and other emergency call-outs. Instead the vehicles and gardaí manning them would solely be used for the community outreach project now being mobilised to help people during the Covid-19 crisis.
READ MORE
The Garda added that, once its personnel had established contact with people who required help and began extending that assistance to them, gardaí would also try to connect them to State services they could benefit from on an ongoing basis.
Key component
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said the plans to hire the cars, signalled by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris late last week, formed a key component of the force's efforts to provide increased community support and community engagement across the country.
“As a community at this time we need more than ever to support the most vulnerable in our society, particularly our elderly and isolated,” he said of the current national emergency.
“An Garda Síochána has always worked closely with our communities and we continue to do so in these extraordinary times.”
Gardaí across the country were being asked to actively identify those persons most in need, particularly those with limited local family or social support. And while families, neighbours and community groups could engage with vulnerable or isolated people while still practicing social distancing, they could also inform their local Garda of people they knew of who needed assistance.
National Co-ordination Unit
An Garda Síochána has established a Covid-19 National Co-ordination Unit operating from Garda Headquarters under Mr Twomey, who is in charge of policing and security in the force.
The new unit is co-ordinating and managing the strategic Garda response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Mr Twomey will chair daily meetings with senior Garda personnel across the country to ensure the force responds quickly to the changing demands on its services as the crisis changes.
Garda leave has been limited to 5 per cent of personnel in each Garda division across the Republic, and members began working new 12-hour shifts on Monday morning. Senior sources said this was intended to have as many gardaí on the frontline to provide a reassuring policing presence to the public at a difficult time.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--North’s Executive agrees new measures to ramp up response to Covid-19

Northern Ireland is escalating its response to the coronavirus emergency in light of British prime minister Boris Johnson ’ s call for “ drastic action ” to tackle the “ fast growth ” of Covid-19 .
Mr Johnson ’ s statement on Monday evening that all people in the UK should avoid pubs , clubs and theatres , stop all non-essential contact and travel , and work from home if they can prompted a similar response in Northern Ireland .
On Monday evening seven new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland , bringing the number of cases to 52 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic impact of Covid-19 continues to bite in Northern Ireland .
The Northern Executive met on Monday night to consider its continuing response to the crisis .
In a statement , Executive Ministers said they had agreed to bring forward a package of proposals “ including rates relief for businesses ; options for the continuation of free school meals in the context of schools closing and steps to protect the most vulnerable in society , including the homeless , and support for the elderly , who are our priority ” .
Ministers also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive to discuss budget allocations in light of the pressure Covid-19 will have on departments and to halt non-critical work and allocate resources into the wider rapid response effort .
“ These are unprecedented times , ” said First Minister Arlene Foster after the meeting .
“ Further steps are being introduced to keep people safe .
We know the burden that some of the necessary measures will have on families and individuals but it is important that they are followed and society pulls together to lessen the impacts of this disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Michelle O ’ Neill said as the “ pandemic continues to escalate globally our priority is protecting our people and saving lives , which is paramount ” .
The DUP economy Minister Diane Dodds told the Northern Assembly that the tourism industry was being particularly badly hit and that 3,000 such concerns could go out of business if there were no help .
“ Hotels and restaurants are seeing a sharp fall of occupancy levels .
Booking .
com forward bookings are down 80 per cent .
Titanic Belfast is experiencing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
Colin Neill , chief executive of Hospitality Ulster met First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill on Monday .
So far there has been no official instruction for pubs and restaurants to close although a number have closed voluntarily .
And while Mr Johnson did not specify closing schools and universities , as has happened in the South , his call for “ drastic action ” seemed to imply that such a response would happen soon .
Nonetheless , the DUP education Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close schools and universities and has insisted he won ’ t be swayed by social media .
While Sinn Féin , the SDLP and the Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin have called for schools to shut , Mr Weir said earlier on Monday that now is not the time for such action while acknowledging at some point they must close .
Mr Weir added that the ramifications “ of parents being removed from their current jobs and instead staying home ” would be very significant .
Late on Monday night the Assembly speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to close to the public from Wednesday .
Assembly business will continue , he said .

Northern Ireland is escalating its response to the coronavirus emergency in light of British prime minister Boris Johnson’s call for “drastic action” to tackle the “fast growth” of Covid-19.
Mr Johnson’s statement on Monday evening that all people in the UK should avoid pubs, clubs and theatres, stop all non-essential contact and travel, and work from home if they can prompted a similar response in Northern Ireland.
On Monday evening seven new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing the number of cases to 52.
As elsewhere, the social and economic impact of Covid-19 continues to bite in Northern Ireland.
READ MORE
The Northern Executive met on Monday night to consider its continuing response to the crisis. In a statement, Executive Ministers said they had agreed to bring forward a package of proposals “including rates relief for businesses; options for the continuation of free school meals in the context of schools closing and steps to protect the most vulnerable in society, including the homeless, and support for the elderly, who are our priority”.
Ministers also agreed to hold special meetings of the Executive to discuss budget allocations in light of the pressure Covid-19 will have on departments and to halt non-critical work and allocate resources into the wider rapid response effort.
"These are unprecedented times," said First Minister Arlene Foster after the meeting. "Further steps are being introduced to keep people safe. We know the burden that some of the necessary measures will have on families and individuals but it is important that they are followed and society pulls together to lessen the impacts of this disease," she added.
The Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said as the “pandemic continues to escalate globally our priority is protecting our people and saving lives, which is paramount”.
The DUP economy Minister Diane Dodds told the Northern Assembly that the tourism industry was being particularly badly hit and that 3,000 such concerns could go out of business if there were no help.
"Hotels and restaurants are seeing a sharp fall of occupancy levels. Booking. com forward bookings are down 80 per cent. Titanic Belfast is experiencing a 50 per cent drop in visitor numbers," she said.
Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster met First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill on Monday. So far there has been no official instruction for pubs and restaurants to close although a number have closed voluntarily.
And while Mr Johnson did not specify closing schools and universities, as has happened in the South, his call for “drastic action” seemed to imply that such a response would happen soon.
Nonetheless, the DUP education Minister Peter Weir continued to resist calls to close schools and universities and has insisted he won't be swayed by social media.
While Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin have called for schools to shut, Mr Weir said earlier on Monday that now is not the time for such action while acknowledging at some point they must close.
Mr Weir added that the ramifications “of parents being removed from their current jobs and instead staying home” would be very significant.
Late on Monday night the Assembly speaker Alex Maskey announced Parliament Buildings, Stormont is to close to the public from Wednesday. Assembly business will continue, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Cork City Marathon postponed by council

Cork City Council has decided to defer this year ’ s Cork City Marathon , which was expected to attract around 10,000 competitors , in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus .
Cork City Council director of services and race director Adrienne Rogers confirmed the decision on Monday , citing the increasing number of coronavirus cases in Ireland .
Ms Rogers said the priority for the council was to keep participants and spectators safe .
She said they had decided to postpone the marathon , originally scheduled for May 31st , due to public health concerns .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis Events .
The company ’ s safety and operations director Mags Connolly said recent weeks have been “ challenging ” for all of the organisers .
“ We take participant safety extremely seriously and know that with the current strain on emergency resources , we wouldn ’ t be able to provide the world-class response teams needed for our marathon in May.
” Ms Rogers and Ms Connelly said both organisations would be working hard to make sure the event , which first began in 1982 , will return in the near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major event on Leeside to fall foul of coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , following the decision to cancel the upcoming Cork International Choral Festival , estimated to be worth around €10 million to the local economy .
The board of the festival announced that it was taking the decision to cancel with “ considerable regret ” but was doing so “ based on the present situation at national and European level in relation to the Covid-19 virus.
” Up to 800 choir members from a variety of countries including Canada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finland , Germany , Greece , Italy , Slovenia , Sweden and the USA were due to travel to Cork for the event .
The festival , established in 1954 , is an important item on the cultural calendar in Cork .
Last year , it was estimated that around 50,000 people attended concerts at over 90 venues in the city and county .
The board said it was aware that the cancellation of the event , due to take place from April 29th to May 3rd , will have a major effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social life of the city.
” It is only the second time in its 66-year history that the Cork International Choral Festival has been cancelled – the only other cancellation took place in 2001 during the foot-and-mouth disease crisis .

Winners of the 2014 Cork marathon. This year’s event has been postponed indefinitely. File photograph: Darragh Kane
Cork City Council has decided to defer this year's Cork City Marathon, which was expected to attract around 10,000 competitors, in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Cork City Council director of services and race director Adrienne Rogers confirmed the decision on Monday, citing the increasing number of coronavirus cases in Ireland.
Ms Rogers said the priority for the council was to keep participants and spectators safe. She said they had decided to postpone the marathon, originally scheduled for May 31st, due to public health concerns.
The marathon is managed for the council by Davis Events. The company's safety and operations director Mags Connolly said recent weeks have been "challenging" for all of the organisers.
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“We take participant safety extremely seriously and know that with the current strain on emergency resources, we wouldn’t be able to provide the world-class response teams needed for our marathon in May.”
Ms Rogers and Ms Connelly said both organisations would be working hard to make sure the event, which first began in 1982, will return in the near future.
Choral festival
The marathon is the second major event on Leeside to fall foul of coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, following the decision to cancel the upcoming Cork International Choral Festival, estimated to be worth around €10 million to the local economy.
The board of the festival announced that it was taking the decision to cancel with “considerable regret” but was doing so “based on the present situation at national and European level in relation to the Covid-19 virus.”
Up to 800 choir members from a variety of countries including Canada, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Sweden and the USA were due to travel to Cork for the event.
The festival, established in 1954, is an important item on the cultural calendar in Cork. Last year, it was estimated that around 50,000 people attended concerts at over 90 venues in the city and county.
The board said it was aware that the cancellation of the event, due to take place from April 29th to May 3rd, will have a major effect on “the cultural, economic and social life of the city.”
It is only the second time in its 66-year history that the Cork International Choral Festival has been cancelled – the only other cancellation took place in 2001 during the foot-and-mouth disease crisis.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Further restrictions on court work due to coronavirus crisis

Further significant restrictions in the work being done in the courts have been introduced against a backdrop where many lawyers were concerned about the courts and the judiciary ’ s initial response to the coronavirus crisis .
Notices of additional changes were issued by the Courts Service late on Monday afternoon .
A spokesman for the service said the policies that began to be introduced last Thursday were “ a sequential , organised , and orderly reduction in court business.
” “ Working with the presidents of the various courts , we have issued notices on three court sittings days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjourned all but urgent court matters for the coming weeks .
This has happened in a calm , orderly , and organised manner.
” The latest notices mean that no new High Court cases or trials will begin , even if they do not involve oral testimony from witnesses , during the rest of this law term .
Judges will continue to be available for bail and extradition matters , habeas corpus , wardship , injunctions and urgent judicial review matters .
In the Circuit Court jury trials currently sitting will be completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin during the present law term .
In the District Court , the president has decided that only urgent matters will be heard during the remainder of this law term .
The notices issued on Monday follow the issuing of notices on Thursday and Friday last detailing the courts ’ response to the coronavirus crisis .
Sources said many solicitors , barristers , and some judges , felt that the initial measures introduced did not adequately reflect the urgency of the situation , and that too much court work was still being conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were urging colleagues to stay away from the office unless it was absolutely necessary , some solicitors were being forced to go to their office because they had to collect files for court sittings that they felt should not be going ahead .
Both solicitors and barristers also had concerns about attending what they thought were non-urgent cases in courtrooms where up to 20 people might be gathered in a relatively small space .
Policy in the courts is agreed between the Courts Service and each of the presidents of the Supreme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court divisions .
The Law Society president , Michele O ’ Boyle , sent a circular to solicitors on Friday saying much of the feedback the society had received in relation to Thursday ’ s restrictions had been critical .
“ Many colleagues thought that the courts should be closed completely , other than for urgent business , and that much greater clarity was needed as to how urgent business should be defined.
” At a meeting on Monday attended by Ms O ’ Boyle , the society ’ s director general , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courts Service , Angela Denning , and others , court policy was further discussed .
One of the concerns identified had to do with the statute of limitations .
Ms O ’ Boyle told members afterwards that if the courts offices were closed , then the statute of limitations will be put on hold , until the offices reopen .
A spokesman for the Courts Service said the changes introduced last week had the effect of creating a “ huge decrease ” in the number of people going to court , and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in those cases that did go ahead .
“ We have responded in a way which protected the health , rights , and liberty of all court users , ” the spokesman said .
“ Any overnight collapsing of all courts was and is not an option for extended periods – as people have a right of access to liberty , redress , and to have their rights vindicated or protected .
”

Notices of additional changes were issued by the Courts Service late on Monday afternoon. Photograph: Collins
Further significant restrictions in the work being done in the courts have been introduced against a backdrop where many lawyers were concerned about the courts and the judiciary’s initial response to the coronavirus crisis.
Notices of additional changes were issued by the Courts Service late on Monday afternoon.
A spokesman for the service said the policies that began to be introduced last Thursday were “a sequential, organised, and orderly reduction in court business.”
“Working with the presidents of the various courts, we have issued notices on three court sittings days in a row, which have effectively adjourned all but urgent court matters for the coming weeks. This has happened in a calm, orderly, and organised manner.”
READ MORE
The latest notices mean that no new High Court cases or trials will begin, even if they do not involve oral testimony from witnesses, during the rest of this law term.
Judges will continue to be available for bail and extradition matters, habeas corpus, wardship, injunctions and urgent judicial review matters.
In the Circuit Court jury trials currently sitting will be completed, but no new jury trials will begin during the present law term.
In the District Court, the president has decided that only urgent matters will be heard during the remainder of this law term.
The notices issued on Monday follow the issuing of notices on Thursday and Friday last detailing the courts’ response to the coronavirus crisis.
Sources said many solicitors, barristers, and some judges, felt that the initial measures introduced did not adequately reflect the urgency of the situation, and that too much court work was still being conducted.
Some solicitors felt that although practices were urging colleagues to stay away from the office unless it was absolutely necessary, some solicitors were being forced to go to their office because they had to collect files for court sittings that they felt should not be going ahead.
Both solicitors and barristers also had concerns about attending what they thought were non-urgent cases in courtrooms where up to 20 people might be gathered in a relatively small space.
Policy in the courts is agreed between the Courts Service and each of the presidents of the Supreme, Appeal, High, Circuit and District court divisions.
The Law Society president, Michele O’Boyle, sent a circular to solicitors on Friday saying much of the feedback the society had received in relation to Thursday’s restrictions had been critical.
“Many colleagues thought that the courts should be closed completely, other than for urgent business, and that much greater clarity was needed as to how urgent business should be defined.”
At a meeting on Monday attended by Ms O'Boyle, the society's director general, Ken Murphy, the head of the Courts Service, Angela Denning, and others, court policy was further discussed.
One of the concerns identified had to do with the statute of limitations. Ms O’Boyle told members afterwards that if the courts offices were closed, then the statute of limitations will be put on hold, until the offices reopen.
A spokesman for the Courts Service said the changes introduced last week had the effect of creating a “huge decrease” in the number of people going to court, and had allowed for more “social distancing” in those cases that did go ahead.
“We have responded in a way which protected the health, rights, and liberty of all court users,” the spokesman said.
“Any overnight collapsing of all courts was and is not an option for extended periods – as people have a right of access to liberty, redress, and to have their rights vindicated or protected.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Retired Dublin teacher convicted of indecent assault of boys five decades ago

A retired Dublin school teacher has being convicted of fondling school boys five decades ago .
Patrick Harte ( 78 ) of Glendown Park , Templeogue , Dublin had denied 11 counts of indecent assault of seven complainants at the Sancta Maria Christian Brothers on Synge Street , Dublin city centre .
The alleged offences took place on dates between September 1968 and September 1970 .
The jury of six men and six women began deliberations on Friday but from Monday morning they began using a court room , instead of the smaller jury room , to deliberate .
Jurors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and kept this social distancing position even when the judge , courts staff and others returned to the court room to take their verdicts .
One juror was wearing a hard plastic mask which covered his nose and mouth .
Another juror had his face partially covered with a scarf .
After a little over six hours , they brought in guilty verdict on all counts .
The verdicts were by majority with two jurors dissenting .
The trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the defendant was a teacher at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complainants were aged around 10 .
Anne Rowland SC , prosecuting , told the jury that the accused would fondle some of the boys after calling them to the top of the class .
She said he allegedly put his hand down the trousers of one child while sitting him on his knee .
One complainant , now aged in his 60s , told the trial that the accused called him up to the top of the class and then put his hand down his trousers and fondled his genitals .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The trial , which began last week , heard that Harte strenuously denied the allegations .
He told gardaí that the classroom was a busy place with other teachers and an inspector coming in and out .
He said by reason of this level of activity it would have been foolhardy to carry out any of alleged actions .
Judge Martin Nolan thanked the jurors for doing their civic duty in what he said was a difficult case .
“ This was not an easy matter .
The court needs you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaved in a very responsible way .
You ’ ve done your duty , ” he told jurors .
Ms Rowland told the court that in light of the current situation , the DPP had no objection to Harte being remanded on continuing bail .
Judge Nolan remanded him to appear for sentence on April 27th .
He told counsel that if there was a difficulty on that date , the case could be rescheduled .

A retired Dublin school teacher has being convicted of fondling school boys five decades ago.
Patrick Harte (78) of Glendown Park, Templeogue, Dublin had denied 11 counts of indecent assault of seven complainants at the Sancta Maria Christian Brothers on Synge Street, Dublin city centre. The alleged offences took place on dates between September 1968 and September 1970.
The jury of six men and six women began deliberations on Friday but from Monday morning they began using a court room, instead of the smaller jury room, to deliberate.
Jurors were spread out around the court room and kept this social distancing position even when the judge, courts staff and others returned to the court room to take their verdicts.
READ MORE
One juror was wearing a hard plastic mask which covered his nose and mouth. Another juror had his face partially covered with a scarf.
After a little over six hours, they brought in guilty verdict on all counts. The verdicts were by majority with two jurors dissenting.
The trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the defendant was a teacher at the primary school in the late 1960s when the complainants were aged around 10.
Anne Rowland SC, prosecuting, told the jury that the accused would fondle some of the boys after calling them to the top of the class. She said he allegedly put his hand down the trousers of one child while sitting him on his knee.
One complainant, now aged in his 60s, told the trial that the accused called him up to the top of the class and then put his hand down his trousers and fondled his genitals. He said Harte had previously physically assaulted him.
The trial, which began last week, heard that Harte strenuously denied the allegations. He told gardaí that the classroom was a busy place with other teachers and an inspector coming in and out.
He said by reason of this level of activity it would have been foolhardy to carry out any of alleged actions.
Judge Martin Nolan thanked the jurors for doing their civic duty in what he said was a difficult case.
“This was not an easy matter. The court needs you. You’ve taken your time and behaved in a very responsible way. You’ve done your duty,” he told jurors.
Ms Rowland told the court that in light of the current situation, the DPP had no objection to Harte being remanded on continuing bail. Judge Nolan remanded him to appear for sentence on April 27th.
He told counsel that if there was a difficulty on that date, the case could be rescheduled.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--HSE had plan to deal with any risk posed by staff returning from Cheltenham

The HSE put in place a plan to deal with any risk posed by healthcare workers returning from the recent Cheltenham Racing Festival whether they were displaying symptoms of Covid-19 or not .
The HSE ’ s national director of human resources , Anne Marie Hoey , in an internal circular to HSE officials on March 15th advised that it was the responsibility of each service “ to ensure that an appropriate plan is in place to identify staff who have returned from the Cheltenham Race Festival.
” She said healthcare workers with symptoms “ should self-isolate and call their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Those without symptoms “ should contact their local Occupational Health Department prior to returning to work to seek advice and will be subject to passive monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from date of return .
“ If during that period the health care worker becomes symptomatic they should self-isolate and then contact their local Occupational Health Department to arrange for testing.
” There has been widespread criticism that the racing festival , which drew a crowd of 250,000 , was allowed to go ahead despite the outbreak of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pension abatement for frontline healthcare staff has been approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform .
Effective until June 30th , the waiver relates to the rehiring of retired former employees to frontline posts to meet demands arising from the coronavirus pandemic .
In a circular to HSE officials , Ms Hoey outlined that data on each individual rehired by te HSE would be kept to help provide an “ aggregate summary of data/costing for the public health sector in respect of rehired public servants to whom the temporary waiver has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet known how many healthcare retirees will return to work on the frontline , given the fact that older people are more impacted by Covid-19 than others .

Cheltenham festival which drew a crowd of 250,00 went ahead the outbreak of coronavirus. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA
The HSE put in place a plan to deal with any risk posed by healthcare workers returning from the recent Cheltenham Racing Festival whether they were displaying symptoms of Covid-19 or not.
The HSE's national director of human resources, Anne Marie Hoey, in an internal circular to HSE officials on March 15th advised that it was the responsibility of each service "to ensure that an appropriate plan is in place to identify staff who have returned from the Cheltenham Race Festival."
She said healthcare workers with symptoms "should self-isolate and call their local Occupational Health Department for further advice".
Those without symptoms “should contact their local Occupational Health Department prior to returning to work to seek advice and will be subject to passive monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from date of return.
READ MORE
“If during that period the health care worker becomes symptomatic they should self-isolate and then contact their local Occupational Health Department to arrange for testing.”
There has been widespread criticism that the racing festival, which drew a crowd of 250,000, was allowed to go ahead despite the outbreak of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, a waiver of pension abatement for frontline healthcare staff has been approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Effective until June 30th, the waiver relates to the rehiring of retired former employees to frontline posts to meet demands arising from the coronavirus pandemic.
In a circular to HSE officials, Ms Hoey outlined that data on each individual rehired by te HSE would be kept to help provide an “aggregate summary of data/costing for the public health sector in respect of rehired public servants to whom the temporary waiver has been applied”.
It is not yet known how many healthcare retirees will return to work on the frontline, given the fact that older people are more impacted by Covid-19 than others.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Northern Executive starts implementing findings of cash-for-ash report

The Sinn Féin finance Minister Conor Murphy has moved to implement a number of measures to try to prevent a recurrence of the Renewable Heat Incentive ( RHI ) scandal .
And during a debate in the Northern Assembly on Monday on Sir Patrick Coghlin ’ s report into the botched cash-for-ash scheme , First Minister Arlene Foster again apologised for her failings .
And appearing close to tears , she referred to personal “ dark moments ” over recent years .
She welcomed the fact that there was no finding of political or other corruption in Sir Patrick ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke of the affect such claims had on her and her family .
Sir Patrick was critical of some Ministers , including Ms Foster , some special advisers and the Northern Ireland civil service , but said there was no “ corrupt or malicious activity on the part of officials , Ministers or special advisers ” .
Ms Foster , who as Minister of Enterprise , Trade and Investment was the responsible Minister when the RHI scheme was introduced in 2012 , told Assembly members that the report must become a “ roadmap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In quite a personal statement Ms Foster said she came into politics not for gain but to advance the values important to her and to try to make people ’ s lives better for people in Northern Ireland .
.
.
and to heal divisions .
“ That ’ s what motivates me and that is why I have such deep and personal regret at the mistakes that were made in this scheme , ” she said .
Ms Foster added , “ When I look back it was the allegations of corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To allege that someone is corrupt is amongst the most damaging accusation to be levelled against anyone .
“ I therefore welcome the clear and categorical finding by Sir Patrick that corruption played no role in the failure of this scheme .
To those who made such claims they should now publicly accept this finding.
” Referring to how some politicians had alleged corruption , Ms Foster said before questioning anyone ’ s integrity such people should wait for the facts .
And referring to how the RHI disaster prompted the late Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January 2017 , thus bringing down Stormont , Ms Foster said “ there was no good reason to bring these institutions down and keep them down for so many years ” .
“ This is not a day for recrimination , it is a day for learning , ” added Ms Foster who said lessons would be learned from the debacle and action taken to prevent such future situations .
“ I acknowledge my role in damaging public trust but I am determined to play a full part in rebuilding that trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished her remarks Ms Foster became emotional and seemed close to tears as she thanked God , her family and her friends and colleagues who helped her “ through some very dark moments over the last couple of years ” .
She spoke about her “ precious family who had to listen to so many people speak of their wife , daughter , sister and mother in such a disparaging way [ and ] who never stopped believing in me as a person of integrity ” .
Meanwhile , Sinn Féin finance Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting of the Northern Executive earlier on Monday had agreed to strengthen governance and accountability arrangements for Ministers in the wake of the RHI report .
Measures to address the report ’ s proposals included establishing an external , independent panel to identify any potential misconduct by civil servants in relation to Sir Patrick ’ s findings .
Its members are Niamh O ’ Donoghue , a former senior Irish civil servant with almost 40 years ’ experience , June Milligan , a former British diplomat who also worked with the Welsh government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior civil servant who worked for the British Cabinet Office for 27 years .
Mr Murphy said part of the panel ’ s work would be to “ identify any potential disciplinary charges relating to civil servants ” .
During Monday ’ s debate DUP MLA Christopher Stalford referred to how in relation to RHI the report was severely critical of two senior Northern Ireland civil servants , David Sterling , current head of the service who is to retire in August , and Dr Andrew McCormick .
“ The significant failings identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named individuals by the inquiry require swift and immediate action , ” he said .
Mr Murphy said that under a new Ministerial code and guidance Ministers must be “ responsible for the management , conduct and discipline of their special advisers ” .
In addition Ministerial meetings and decisions must be recorded .
The new code also strengthened “ the requirements for Ministers to declare interests and avoid conflicts of interest , ” he added .

In quite a personal statement Ms Foster said she came into politics not for gain but to advance the values important to her and to try to make people’s lives better for people in Northern Ireland. . . and to heal divisions. File photograph: PA
The Sinn Féin finance Minister Conor Murphy has moved to implement a number of measures to try to prevent a recurrence of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal.
And during a debate in the Northern Assembly on Monday on Sir Patrick Coghlin's report into the botched cash-for-ash scheme, First Minister Arlene Foster again apologised for her failings.
And appearing close to tears, she referred to personal “dark moments” over recent years. She welcomed the fact that there was no finding of political or other corruption in Sir Patrick’s report published on Friday, and spoke of the affect such claims had on her and her family.
Sir Patrick was critical of some Ministers, including Ms Foster, some special advisers and the Northern Ireland civil service, but said there was no "corrupt or malicious activity on the part of officials, Ministers or special advisers".
READ MORE
Ms Foster, who as Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment was the responsible Minister when the RHI scheme was introduced in 2012, told Assembly members that the report must become a “roadmap to fix the broken symptoms”.
In quite a personal statement Ms Foster said she came into politics not for gain but to advance the values important to her and to try to make people’s lives better for people in Northern Ireland. . . and to heal divisions.
“That’s what motivates me and that is why I have such deep and personal regret at the mistakes that were made in this scheme,” she said.
Ms Foster added, “When I look back it was the allegations of corruption that were of the utmost concern. To allege that someone is corrupt is amongst the most damaging accusation to be levelled against anyone.
“I therefore welcome the clear and categorical finding by Sir Patrick that corruption played no role in the failure of this scheme. To those who made such claims they should now publicly accept this finding.”
Referring to how some politicians had alleged corruption, Ms Foster said before questioning anyone’s integrity such people should wait for the facts.
And referring to how the RHI disaster prompted the late Martin McGuinness to resign as Deputy First Minister in January 2017, thus bringing down Stormont, Ms Foster said "there was no good reason to bring these institutions down and keep them down for so many years".
“This is not a day for recrimination, it is a day for learning,” added Ms Foster who said lessons would be learned from the debacle and action taken to prevent such future situations.
“I acknowledge my role in damaging public trust but I am determined to play a full part in rebuilding that trust,” she said.
As she finished her remarks Ms Foster became emotional and seemed close to tears as she thanked God, her family and her friends and colleagues who helped her “through some very dark moments over the last couple of years”.
She spoke about her “precious family who had to listen to so many people speak of their wife, daughter, sister and mother in such a disparaging way [and] who never stopped believing in me as a person of integrity”.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin finance Minister Mr Murphy told the Assembly that a meeting of the Northern Executive earlier on Monday had agreed to strengthen governance and accountability arrangements for Ministers in the wake of the RHI report.
Measures to address the report's proposals included establishing an external, independent panel to identify any potential misconduct by civil servants in relation to Sir Patrick's findings. Its members are Niamh O'Donoghue, a former senior Irish civil servant with almost 40 years' experience, June Milligan, a former British diplomat who also worked with the Welsh government, and Jim Barron, a former senior civil servant who worked for the British Cabinet Office for 27 years.
Mr Murphy said part of the panel’s work would be to “identify any potential disciplinary charges relating to civil servants”.
During Monday’s debate DUP MLA Christopher Stalford referred to how in relation to RHI the report was severely critical of two senior Northern Ireland civil servants, David Sterling, current head of the service who is to retire in August, and Dr Andrew McCormick.
“The significant failings identified and the clear blame attached to those named individuals by the inquiry require swift and immediate action,” he said.
Mr Murphy said that under a new Ministerial code and guidance Ministers must be “responsible for the management, conduct and discipline of their special advisers”. In addition Ministerial meetings and decisions must be recorded.
The new code also strengthened “the requirements for Ministers to declare interests and avoid conflicts of interest,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Big increase in Covid-19 cases likely as testing is stepped up

Scaled-up testing for coronavirus across the country from this week is expected to confirm a large increase in cases .
The measure is critical at this stage of the pandemic in Ireland to have any chance of curbing its worst effects , according to public health doctors .
In tandem with more extensive testing , the ability to process test results is being ramped up , with 10 acute hospitals building capacity to run coronavirus tests with automated systems to process large numbers of samples at any one time .
The initial five include the Mater Hospital and St Vincent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galway University Hospital .
Essentially this is decentralising testing from the National Virus Reference Laboratory based in UCD , which will continue to be a key testing facility .
GPs were able to electronically book tests through the HSE digital network from Monday .
Up to now people looking for a test had to ring their GP , who then contacted public health services or the National Ambulance Service , which meant long delays .
HSE chief operations officer Anne O ’ Connor confirmed , however , that due to a backlog of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday morning .
An interim solution was put in place and it was expected it to be fully operational later in the day .
Establishing the true incidence of Covid-19 is necessary so health services can quickly update planning in response to an unfolding scenario and to manage cases in a better way by improving “ contact tracing ” and concentrating efforts where most cases are occurring with widespread community transmission .
The changes coincide with criteria for testing being expanded .
It was concentrated on those with symptoms having travelled from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; now it is being applied to those with symptoms consistent with the virus given that community transmission is likely to be increasing .
Irish College of General Practitioners president Dr Mary Favier said the new arrangements “ will make a considerable difference ” , but the public needed to be patient until the service was fully operation over coming days .
The service was for those with symptoms consistent with the virus ; not the “ worried well ” .
Those being tested would be given a code and time slot for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure on cases in Ireland could be 2,000 as indicated by some modelling .
“ That is why testing is being scaled up – we want to know.
” Initially 19 designated centres will provide testing after GPs determine they are clinically warranted .
This will increase over the week to at least 34 .
The HSE confirmed ambulance service testing in homes and use of roving vehicles would continue .
Drive-through options will also be offered .
Designated GPs will also conduct tests with appropriate precautions .
Testing centres are being concentrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases are occurring .
These sites will be attendance by referral only – individuals can not simply show up and receive a test .
Prof Sam McConkey , head of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland ’ s department of international health and tropical medicine , who has been tracking the global spread of coronavirus , has underlined the need to create rapid testing ability – what he called “ surge capacity for identification and testing ” of Covid-19 as cases escalate .
The National Virus Reference Laboratory has the ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national capacity will increase substantially by the end of this week .
Prof Liam Glynn , professor of general practice at the University of Limerick , said Ireland was on the same trajectory as Italy a fortnight ago , but intervention on testing meant the country was more likely to follow South Korea , with less cases and fatalities .
He tweeted : “ We will get worse [ due to more testing ] but then can # FlattenTheCurve like South Korea AND SAVE LIVES .
Be a hero and play your part.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 38 degrees or more , or chills and/or respiratory tract infection including cough will require testing , public health specialists are advising .
The test is similar to a flu test with swabs taken from the nose , throat , or sputum ( mix of saliva and mucous ) .
It currently takes between 24 and 36 hours between the sample being taken and results being delivered to the patient .
There are no issues , it is understood , with availability of test kits .
Some 1.5 million were distributed by WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .

Testing it is being applied to those with symptoms consistent with the virus given that community transmission is likely to be increasing. Photograph: Alan Betson
Scaled-up testing for coronavirus across the country from this week is expected to confirm a large increase in cases.
The measure is critical at this stage of the pandemic in Ireland to have any chance of curbing its worst effects, according to public health doctors.
In tandem with more extensive testing, the ability to process test results is being ramped up, with 10 acute hospitals building capacity to run coronavirus tests with automated systems to process large numbers of samples at any one time.
The initial five include the Mater Hospital and St Vincent's hospitals in Dublin, and Galway University Hospital. Essentially this is decentralising testing from the National Virus Reference Laboratory based in UCD, which will continue to be a key testing facility.
READ MORE
GPs were able to electronically book tests through the HSE digital network from Monday. Up to now people looking for a test had to ring their GP, who then contacted public health services or the National Ambulance Service, which meant long delays.
HSE chief operations officer Anne O’Connor confirmed, however, that due to a backlog of GP referrals the Heathlink electronic system failed on Monday morning. An interim solution was put in place and it was expected it to be fully operational later in the day.
Establishing the true incidence of Covid-19 is necessary so health services can quickly update planning in response to an unfolding scenario and to manage cases in a better way by improving “contact tracing” and concentrating efforts where most cases are occurring with widespread community transmission.
The changes coincide with criteria for testing being expanded.
It was concentrated on those with symptoms having travelled from an area where many cases were occurring; now it is being applied to those with symptoms consistent with the virus given that community transmission is likely to be increasing.
Irish College of General Practitioners president Dr Mary Favier said the new arrangements "will make a considerable difference", but the public needed to be patient until the service was fully operation over coming days. The service was for those with symptoms consistent with the virus; not the "worried well". Those being tested would be given a code and time slot for their test.
She said the true figure on cases in Ireland could be 2,000 as indicated by some modelling. “That is why testing is being scaled up – we want to know.”
Initially 19 designated centres will provide testing after GPs determine they are clinically warranted. This will increase over the week to at least 34.
The HSE confirmed ambulance service testing in homes and use of roving vehicles would continue.
Drive-through options will also be offered. Designated GPs will also conduct tests with appropriate precautions.
Testing centres are being concentrated in the east and southwest where most cases are occurring. These sites will be attendance by referral only – individuals cannot simply show up and receive a test.
Global spread
Prof Sam McConkey, head of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland’s department of international health and tropical medicine, who has been tracking the global spread of coronavirus, has underlined the need to create rapid testing ability – what he called “surge capacity for identification and testing” of Covid-19 as cases escalate.
The National Virus Reference Laboratory has the ability to process 600 tests a day, but national capacity will increase substantially by the end of this week.
Prof Liam Glynn, professor of general practice at the University of Limerick, said Ireland was on the same trajectory as Italy a fortnight ago, but intervention on testing meant the country was more likely to follow South Korea, with less cases and fatalities.
He tweeted: “We will get worse [due to more testing] but then can #FlattenTheCurve like South Korea AND SAVE LIVES. Be a hero and play your part.”
Anyone with a new fever of 38 degrees or more, or chills and/or respiratory tract infection including cough will require testing, public health specialists are advising.
The test is similar to a flu test with swabs taken from the nose, throat, or sputum (mix of saliva and mucous). It currently takes between 24 and 36 hours between the sample being taken and results being delivered to the patient.
There are no issues, it is understood, with availability of test kits. Some 1.5 million were distributed by WHO to more than 50 countries in recent weeks.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Closure of dental practices inevitable, dentists warn

The widespread closure of dental practices across the country is now inevitable due to the coronavirus outbreak , dentists have warned .
The Irish Dental Association ( IDA ) said on Monday that dentists had been “ left in the dark as to what was expected of them in the current situation ” .
It warned that up to 10,000 people who were employed indirectly or directly in dental care in Ireland could be affected as a result of closures .
IDA chief executive Fintan Hourihan said that dentists faced particular challenges in the current situation : “ By the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the most vulnerable groups of healthcare professionals to a virus like Covid-19 .
Dentists work in extremely close proximity to the mouths and throats of the patients they are treating and they use equipment which generates spray and droplets from a patient ’ s mouth .
Even with the use of protective clothing and best practice to minimise droplets or aerosols , it is extremely difficult to do the work of dentistry while trying to minimise the risk of contagion from Covid-19.
” Mr Hourihan said in other countries dental practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of relevant authorities “ but we have had no clear , unambiguous guidance from either the Dental Council or the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) as to the current crisis ” .
“ The implication that we can carry on as normal is clearly nonsense .
It flouts the national effort to try to increase social distancing and to reduce the spread of the virus.
” Mr Hourihan said in the absence of clear directions and with the ultimate focus on increasing social distancing , patients were cancelling their appointments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision themselves to close their practices for the duration of this crisis so as not to do anything that might increase the spread of the virus ” .
“ We are urgently seeking a meeting with the Minister for Health to discuss this matter with him and seek his advice as to how to proceed .
We would also be happy to discuss with the Minister whether there are other areas where dentists may be able to support the healthcare effort during this crisis.
” Mr Hourihan also warned that the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the profession : “ Approximately 10,000 people are employed directly and indirectly through dental practices .
Dentists receive negligible support from the HSE or the State for their services and the impact of closing their practices now will be severe and immediate.
” The IDA represents about 2,000 dentists working across the public and private sectors in Ireland .

The Irish Dental Association said dental services have been scaled down in other countries affected by Covid-19
The widespread closure of dental practices across the country is now inevitable due to the coronavirus outbreak, dentists have warned.
The Irish Dental Association (IDA) said on Monday that dentists had been "left in the dark as to what was expected of them in the current situation".
It warned that up to 10,000 people who were employed indirectly or directly in dental care in Ireland could be affected as a result of closures.
IDA chief executive Fintan Hourihan said that dentists faced particular challenges in the current situation:
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“By the nature of their work, dentists are one of the most vulnerable groups of healthcare professionals to a virus like Covid-19. Dentists work in extremely close proximity to the mouths and throats of the patients they are treating and they use equipment which generates spray and droplets from a patient’s mouth. Even with the use of protective clothing and best practice to minimise droplets or aerosols, it is extremely difficult to do the work of dentistry while trying to minimise the risk of contagion from Covid-19.”
Guidance
Mr Hourihan said in other countries dental practices had scaled down services on the instructions of relevant authorities "but we have had no clear, unambiguous guidance from either the Dental Council or the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) as to the current crisis".
“The implication that we can carry on as normal is clearly nonsense. It flouts the national effort to try to increase social distancing and to reduce the spread of the virus.”
Mr Hourihan said in the absence of clear directions and with the ultimate focus on increasing social distancing, patients were cancelling their appointments. “Many of our members are making the decision themselves to close their practices for the duration of this crisis so as not to do anything that might increase the spread of the virus”.
“We are urgently seeking a meeting with the Minister for Health to discuss this matter with him and seek his advice as to how to proceed. We would also be happy to discuss with the Minister whether there are other areas where dentists may be able to support the healthcare effort during this crisis.”
Financial impact
Mr Hourihan also warned that the crisis would have a massive financial impact on the profession: “Approximately 10,000 people are employed directly and indirectly through dental practices. Dentists receive negligible support from the HSE or the State for their services and the impact of closing their practices now will be severe and immediate.”
The IDA represents about 2,000 dentists working across the public and private sectors in Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--DPP secures video link hearings of hundreds of prisoner applications

The DPP has secured a High Court direction allowing hundreds of applications in criminal proceedings involving prisoners in custody to be heard via video link .
The type of applications involved include bail and legal aid applications .
The president of the High Court , Mr Justice Peter Kelly , said the direction applies to some 500 applications listed for hearing up to and including Monday March 23rd next as well as to similar applications pending further order .
He had no idea how long “ these extraordinary circumstances ” which had led to the DPP ’ s application will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SC , for the DPP .
Earlier , in seeking the direction order ex parte ( one side only represented ) , Mr Gillane said the DPP wanted a direction that cases in respect of which section 33 of the Prisons Act applies will be heard via video link .
His application related to some 198 such matters on Wednesday , 121 on Thursday , 107 on Friday and 114 on Monday next and to future similar applications , counsel said .
Those in custody have the right to apply to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not apply to them , he added .
Making the direction , Mr Justice Kelly said applications concerning a prisoner in custody should , where possible , be done by video link and what was been sought by the DPP was in ease of the prison service and the courts to minimise the numbers in court .
The orders meant there would be no requirement to produce in court the relevant prisoners .
Section 33 of the Prisons Act 2007 concerns applications either by a prisoner or the DPP .
It provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard without the prisoner being in court if the court is satisfied of certain matters , including the interests of justice do not require the prisoner ’ s presence and a hearing without their presence will not prejudice them .
The section does not relate to applications concerning , for example , the arraignment or sentence of a prisoner or any application relating to their capacity to stand trial .

The DPP has secured a High Court direction allowing hundreds of applications in criminal proceedings involving prisoners in custody to be heard via video link. The type of applications involved include bail and legal aid applications.
The president of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, said the direction applies to some 500 applications listed for hearing up to and including Monday March 23rd next as well as to similar applications pending further order. He had no idea how long “these extraordinary circumstances” which had led to the DPP’s application will prevail, the judge told Sean Gillane SC, for the DPP.
Earlier, in seeking the direction order ex parte (one side only represented), Mr Gillane said the DPP wanted a direction that cases in respect of which section 33 of the Prisons Act applies will be heard via video link. His application related to some 198 such matters on Wednesday, 121 on Thursday, 107 on Friday and 114 on Monday next and to future similar applications, counsel said.
Those in custody have the right to apply to be in court if they maintain the relevant provisions do not apply to them, he added.
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Making the direction, Mr Justice Kelly said applications concerning a prisoner in custody should, where possible, be done by video link and what was been sought by the DPP was in ease of the prison service and the courts to minimise the numbers in court.
The orders meant there would be no requirement to produce in court the relevant prisoners. Section 33 of the Prisons Act 2007 concerns applications either by a prisoner or the DPP. It provides the court can direct such applications be heard without the prisoner being in court if the court is satisfied of certain matters, including the interests of justice do not require the prisoner’s presence and a hearing without their presence will not prejudice them.
The section does not relate to applications concerning, for example, the arraignment or sentence of a prisoner or any application relating to their capacity to stand trial.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Shops plan to limit customers and set rules on queuing

Irish retail is set to be transformed in the coming days with multiple store closures and changes to the layout of supermarkets and pharmacies to ensure essential supplies are maintained and customers and staff are kept safe .
On what he described as the “ the hardest and most challenging day ” in Irish retail history , with multiple store closures across the State and many thousands of people losing their jobs due to the coronavirus crisis , the chief executive of Retail Excellence David Fitzsimons outlined a series of changes .
In a letter to more than 2,000 shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their organisation had started laying-off staff .
He said in the coming days “ there will be significant layout reformatting of pharmacies and food stores .
These stores will have very clear guidelines regarding the number of customers in store , where you must stand , how you must pay .
Please respect this guidance , ” he said .
Among the shops that have already closed are all Mothercare outlets across State as well as Kilkenny Design shops , the Skechers shoe brand .
Paddy Power is set to announce it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening .
Mr Fitzsimons said retailers needed to be reminded that they had “ done the right thing [ by closing in a bid to curb the spread of the virus ] .
You are protecting your company and guaranteeing that when this is over , your great people have a job to return to , ” he said .
Mr Fitzsimons said it had been “ an even more challenging day for all of our essential workers in pharmacy and food ” .
He said “ when this is all over we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are our first responders and we greatly appreciate all that they are doing for us today and over the coming days.
” He said employers had an obligation to respect the confidentiality of employees and “ therefore should not disclose the nature of any illness disclosed to them by such employees from a fundamental confidentiality perspective as well as from a GDPR perspective ” .
He said his organisation had received hundreds of distressing phone calls and emails .
“ It has been upsetting for everyone to see what is happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more challenging .
We will need to prepare for a new way of shopping for essential items .
This new way will keep us all safe and healthy ” .
He urged retailers who had closed to switch off and keep safe and stressed that “ commerce will return in Ireland .
When this is all over we will host a party for you all .
We will look back on what happened and celebrate how we got through it together .
”

A man pictured at O’Connell Monument on Dublin’s O’Connell St. Many retailers have opted to close in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19. Photograph: Collins
Irish retail is set to be transformed in the coming days with multiple store closures and changes to the layout of supermarkets and pharmacies to ensure essential supplies are maintained and customers and staff are kept safe.
On what he described as the "the hardest and most challenging day" in Irish retail history, with multiple store closures across the State and many thousands of people losing their jobs due to the coronavirus crisis, the chief executive of Retail Excellence David Fitzsimons outlined a series of changes.
In a letter to more than 2,000 shop owners Mr Fitzsimons said most retailers in their organisation had started laying-off staff.
He said in the coming days “there will be significant layout reformatting of pharmacies and food stores. These stores will have very clear guidelines regarding the number of customers in store, where you must stand, how you must pay. Please respect this guidance,” he said.
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Among the shops that have already closed are all Mothercare outlets across State as well as Kilkenny Design shops, the Skechers shoe brand. Paddy Power is set to announce it is is closing all its stores on Monday evening.
Mr Fitzsimons said retailers needed to be reminded that they had “done the right thing [by closing in a bid to curb the spread of the virus]. You are protecting your company and guaranteeing that when this is over, your great people have a job to return to,” he said.
Mr Fitzsimons said it had been “an even more challenging day for all of our essential workers in pharmacy and food”.
He said “when this is all over we need to celebrate their work and assistance. They are our first responders and we greatly appreciate all that they are doing for us today and over the coming days.”
He said employers had an obligation to respect the confidentiality of employees and “therefore should not disclose the nature of any illness disclosed to them by such employees from a fundamental confidentiality perspective as well as from a GDPR perspective”.
He said his organisation had received hundreds of distressing phone calls and emails.
“It has been upsetting for everyone to see what is happening. The next few days will be even more challenging. We will need to prepare for a new way of shopping for essential items. This new way will keep us all safe and healthy”.
He urged retailers who had closed to switch off and keep safe and stressed that "commerce will return in Ireland. When this is all over we will host a party for you all. We will look back on what happened and celebrate how we got through it together."


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Judge says he will hold off ordering most surrenders to another jurisdiction for now

The High Court judge in charge of Irish extradition cases has said he will hold-off ordering anybody ’ s surrender to another jurisdiction for the moment , except for the most serious of offences .
Mr Justice Donald Binchy , who dealt with a list of up to 30 international extradition cases in the High Court on Monday , said he would not be making orders for surrender , save in the most serious of cases , until after the Easter break at the earliest .
He said the making of any orders “ might encourage flight ” and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
If somebody was to have their extradition ordered in the coming days and weeks , there could be no guarantee they would be surrendered in the required 25-day period , he said .
They may also have to be committed to prison which , he said , created a risk that “ should be avoided ” .
Mr Justice Binchy said he was not suggesting a wholesale adjournment of cases , as this could cause a backlog of cases that could lead to difficulties down the line .
He said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” with judgments being delivered “ whenever necessary ” .
He said hearings in which arguments are made for or against surrender only involved a small number of people and there were practical things that could be done to reduce the numbers of people in court at any one time .
Mr Justice Binchy said he would like to avoid “ any exchange of paper ” , which was “ probably something that should have happened 20 years ago anyway ” , and he encouraged documents to be exchanged electronically .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help us get through this ” .
Before the judge on Monday were eight applications listed to indorse incoming European Arrest Warrants ( EAWs ) and five applications listed to issue outgoing EAWs to other countries .
There were a further 17 cases listed for case management .
Hearings into the proposed extradition of individuals from Ireland are due to be heard in court in the coming days and weeks .
All Republic of Ireland extradition requests are dealt with by the High Court in Dublin .

Judge said the making of any orders “might encourage flight” and could “cause problems within the prison system”. Photograph Nick Bradshaw
The High Court judge in charge of Irish extradition cases has said he will hold-off ordering anybody’s surrender to another jurisdiction for the moment, except for the most serious of offences.
Mr Justice Donald Binchy, who dealt with a list of up to 30 international extradition cases in the High Court on Monday, said he would not be making orders for surrender, save in the most serious of cases, until after the Easter break at the earliest.
He said the making of any orders “might encourage flight” and could “cause problems within the prison system”. If somebody was to have their extradition ordered in the coming days and weeks, there could be no guarantee they would be surrendered in the required 25-day period, he said. They may also have to be committed to prison which, he said, created a risk that “should be avoided”.
Mr Justice Binchy said he was not suggesting a wholesale adjournment of cases, as this could cause a backlog of cases that could lead to difficulties down the line. He said it was “preferable that hearings go ahead” with judgments being delivered “whenever necessary”.
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He said hearings in which arguments are made for or against surrender only involved a small number of people and there were practical things that could be done to reduce the numbers of people in court at any one time.
Mr Justice Binchy said he would like to avoid “any exchange of paper”, which was “probably something that should have happened 20 years ago anyway”, and he encouraged documents to be exchanged electronically.
He said he would “welcome any suggestion to help us get through this”.
Before the judge on Monday were eight applications listed to indorse incoming European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) and five applications listed to issue outgoing EAWs to other countries. There were a further 17 cases listed for case management.
Hearings into the proposed extradition of individuals from Ireland are due to be heard in court in the coming days and weeks.
All Republic of Ireland extradition requests are dealt with by the High Court in Dublin.