theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Voluntary groups are ‘holding rural Ireland together’

State funding for charities needs to be done on a multiannual basis and for a minimum of three years , The Wheel has stated .
The organisation , which represents 1,700 bodies within the €7 billion charity and voluntary service sector , has suggested such a move would “ greatly reduce ” the administrative costs for organisations and give certainty to their work forces .
The Wheel has also called for State funding to be used to help charities meet the costs of compliance .
It believes that charities often have to do duplicate reports across state bodies describing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsustainable ” .
In its general election manifesto entitled Stronger Communities , Stronger Ireland , The Wheel says uncertain income streams cause a lot of stress and mean that charities can not plan ahead as they would wish to do .
It suggests that rural Ireland is being “ held together by community and voluntary groups ” providing services that the State can not or will not provide .
The Wheel public policy director Ivan Cooper said recovery from the economic crash has been limited in rural Ireland and voluntary organisations survive with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Community and voluntary organisations delivering these services and supports are struggling to meet an increase in demand for services combined with increasingly precarious funding arrangements and demanding compliance requirements.
” All the political parties were invited to the manifesto launch though none sent a sitting TD .
Fine Gael election candidate Deirdre Duffy , who has had a long time interest in the sector , said voluntary organisations should not be treated like “ second-class citizens ” .
She cited her involvement in the Together for Yes campaign as an example of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We bring flexibility , we bring innovation , we see around corners .
We change things , ” she said .
“ If everything has to be delivered by the public service , you are stifling and you are not letting room for other models of engagement .
We provide a magic touch that no State can provide .
Politics of the future has to find a common purpose.
” Fianna Fáil election candidate Deirdre O ’ Donovan said regulations take away time and energy from voluntary organisations though governments are dependent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the drive that you have is used against you .
We should be working and acknowledging what our community sector is doing , ” she said .
She maintained single year funding “ does that work ” and said Fianna Fáil has a manifesto commitment to ensure that voluntary organisations and charities in receipt of state aid will get multiyear funding .
Green Party candidate Cllr Peter Kavanagh said Ireland did not have an advanced philanthropy model despite being a generous country .
“ We don ’ t have an effective culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among any kind of organisation that can be tapped for funding , ” she said .
“ We don ’ t have tax effective giving in a major way .
We really need to radically reimagine philanthrophy .
”

State funding for charities needs to be done on a multiannual basis and for a minimum of three years, The Wheel has stated.
The organisation, which represents 1,700 bodies within the €7 billion charity and voluntary service sector, has suggested such a move would “greatly reduce” the administrative costs for organisations and give certainty to their work forces.
The Wheel has also called for State funding to be used to help charities meet the costs of compliance.
It believes that charities often have to do duplicate reports across state bodies describing the practice as “inefficient, unnecessary and unsustainable”.
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In its general election manifesto entitled Stronger Communities, Stronger Ireland, The Wheel says uncertain income streams cause a lot of stress and mean that charities cannot plan ahead as they would wish to do.
It suggests that rural Ireland is being “held together by community and voluntary groups” providing services that the State cannot or will not provide.
The Wheel public policy director Ivan Cooper said recovery from the economic crash has been limited in rural Ireland and voluntary organisations survive with little in the way of funding.
“Community and voluntary organisations delivering these services and supports are struggling to meet an increase in demand for services combined with increasingly precarious funding arrangements and demanding compliance requirements.”
Invited
All the political parties were invited to the manifesto launch though none sent a sitting TD.
Fine Gael election candidate Deirdre Duffy, who has had a long time interest in the sector, said voluntary organisations should not be treated like "second-class citizens".
She cited her involvement in the Together for Yes campaign as an example of how committed volunteers can change society.
“We bring flexibility, we bring innovation, we see around corners. We change things,” she said.
“If everything has to be delivered by the public service, you are stifling and you are not letting room for other models of engagement. We provide a magic touch that no State can provide. Politics of the future has to find a common purpose.”
Regulations
Fianna Fáil election candidate Deirdre O'Donovan said regulations take away time and energy from voluntary organisations though governments are dependent on such organisations.
“The passion and the drive that you have is used against you. We should be working and acknowledging what our community sector is doing,” she said.
She maintained single year funding “does that work” and said Fianna Fáil has a manifesto commitment to ensure that voluntary organisations and charities in receipt of state aid will get multiyear funding.
Green Party candidate Cllr Peter Kavanagh said Ireland did not have an advanced philanthropy model despite being a generous country.
“We don’t have an effective culture among high-worth individuals, among corporates, among any kind of organisation that can be tapped for funding,” he said.
“We don’t have tax effective giving in a major way. We really need to radically reimagine philanthrophy.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Decision not to charge teens over Waterford acid attack upheld

Two teenagers who attacked another three teens with acid in Waterford last year will not face criminal charges after an earlier decision to caution them instead has been upheld on review .
Tega Agberhiere ( 17 ) , a youth player for Waterford FC , suffered severe injuries to his face and body and his eyesight was damaged when an unspecified acidic substance was thrown on him .
Oisín Daly ( 19 ) and Pádraig Sullivan were also injured .
All three victims suffered severe skin burns in the incident last April in what their families say was a premeditated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tega who suffered very significant injuries to his face , back and legs , said her son was coping in the best way he could .
“ He is carrying on with this life but it is very difficult , ” she said .
“ When he wakes up every morning the scars are still there .
It ’ s physical and emotional ; it ’ s distressing for him .
The good news is he ’ s alive.
” Ms Agberhiere was speaking to Damien Tiernan , host of the Deise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waterford .
The injured boys ’ parents explained they had met with representatives of the DPP ’ s office in Waterford Garda station earlier this week .
They said that in December they had been told two cautions under the juvenile liaison programme - which seeks to deal with youth offenders in a manner that ensures they do not get a criminal record - were issued for two of the teenagers involved .
Pádraig ’ s mother Shirley Sullivan said they were told last month while one of the youths had been cautioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have thrown the acid was pending review .
However , when they met the DPP ’ s representatives this week , the families were informed the caution that was pending would now be served .
It means the decision to deal with the chief suspect by way of caution rather than to charge him with a criminal offence had been upheld .
Ms Sullivan said she was very disappointed as she believed the crime was so serious it warranted a criminal conviction .
She was also upset that the offence had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault that was premeditated and was determined to continue campaigning for justice .
“ This was grievous bodily harm and for these boys to do this and get a slap on the wrist… One of these boys got a gang together , he went to another estate [ where they did not live ] and the other boy threw the acid , ” she said .
The parents of the victims believe four perpetrators , not two , were involved in the incident which occurred in the Earlscourt housing estate .
Ms Agberhiere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badly injured to his face which had left scarring he could never cover up .
She did not know what emotional impact it would have on him in the years to come .
She also said the caution that had been pending review could not be served on the teenage perpetrator it was intended for because he was now abroad working .
Both Ms Agberhiere and Ms Sullivan said they were seeking justice for their sons .
And they believed the perpetrators should be charged and brought before the courts where a judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Tega Agberhiere (17), a youth player for Waterford FC, suffered severe injuries to his face and body and his eyesight was damaged when an unspecified acidic substance was thrown on him.
Two teenagers who attacked another three teens with acid in Waterford last year will not face criminal charges after an earlier decision to caution them instead has been upheld on review.
Tega Agberhiere (17), a youth player for Waterford FC, suffered severe injuries to his face and body and his eyesight was damaged when an unspecified acidic substance was thrown on him. Oisín Daly (19) and Pádraig Sullivan were also injured.
All three victims suffered severe skin burns in the incident last April in what their families say was a premeditated attack.
Christie Agberhiere, the mother of Tega who suffered very significant injuries to his face, back and legs, said her son was coping in the best way he could.
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“He is carrying on with this life but it is very difficult,” she said. “When he wakes up every morning the scars are still there. It’s physical and emotional; it’s distressing for him. The good news is he’s alive.”
Ms Agberhiere was speaking to Damien Tiernan, host of the Deise Today programme, on WLR FM in Waterford.
The injured boys’ parents explained they had met with representatives of the DPP’s office in Waterford Garda station earlier this week.
They said that in December they had been told two cautions under the juvenile liaison programme - which seeks to deal with youth offenders in a manner that ensures they do not get a criminal record - were issued for two of the teenagers involved.
Pádraig's mother Shirley Sullivan said they were told last month while one of the youths had been cautioned the other caution for the teen believed to have thrown the acid was pending review.
However, when they met the DPP’s representatives this week, the families were informed the caution that was pending would now be served. It means the decision to deal with the chief suspect by way of caution rather than to charge him with a criminal offence had been upheld.
Ms Sullivan said she was very disappointed as she believed the crime was so serious it warranted a criminal conviction. She was also upset that the offence had been treated as disorder rather than a serious assault that was premeditated and was determined to continue campaigning for justice.
“This was grievous bodily harm and for these boys to do this and get a slap on the wrist… One of these boys got a gang together, he went to another estate [where they did not live] and the other boy threw the acid,” she said.
The parents of the victims believe four perpetrators, not two, were involved in the incident which occurred in the Earlscourt housing estate.
Ms Agberhiere said her son Tega had been very badly injured to his face which had left scarring he could never cover up. She did not know what emotional impact it would have on him in the years to come.
She also said the caution that had been pending review could not be served on the teenage perpetrator it was intended for because he was now abroad working.
Both Ms Agberhiere and Ms Sullivan said they were seeking justice for their sons. And they believed the perpetrators should be charged and brought before the courts where a judge and jury could decide the outcome.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Ireland to get its first ‘zero emission’ diesel-electric hybrid buses

The first “ zero emission capability ” buses to be used by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are to be deployed in Dublin and regional cities by the end of the year .
The National Transport Authority ( NTA ) has signed a deal for 100 Enviro400ER , double decker buses which allows for a further 500 such buses over the next four and-a-half years .
The total value of the full complement of 600 buses is about €273 million , with the cost of each of the first 100 buses coming in at about €450,000 .
The Enviro400ER is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 2.5 kilometres continuous electric range with no exhaust emissions .
It utilises the BAE Systems Series-ER hybrid system with a 32kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged externally via a plug-in connection .
The set-up meets meets the requirements of the EU ’ s Clean Vehicles Directive .
In addition to its continuous zero tailpipe emissions range , the Enviro400ER switches off its diesel engine at low speeds during approach to and departure from stops and when stationary .
The buses are supplied by Alexander Dennis Limited based in Larbert , Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and coach manufacturer .
The NTA has previously purchased nine hybrid diesel electric buses for service in Dublin and the regional cities .
Three of these are deployed in Dublin , via Dublin Bus .
These buses , introduced last May , use electricity captured as heat energy from the braking process , to reduce the amount of work that the low-emission diesel engine is required to do to propel the bus and power the on-board facilities .
But these buses can not run in zero emissions mode .
The NTA previously announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Cork streets within five years .
It expects electric buses rather than biogas-fuelled vehicles are more likely to be deployed .
Fully electric buses would have no diesel engine .
There are very few double-decker buses available in electric vehicle mode as they are larger buses and batteries are not good enough yet for the types of routes used in Ireland .
But they are expected to be available in three or four years ’ time .

The total value of the full complement of 600 buses is about €273 million. File photograph: Aidan Crawley
The first “zero emission capability” buses to be used by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are to be deployed in Dublin and regional cities by the end of the year.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has signed a deal for 100 Enviro400ER, double decker buses which allows for a further 500 such buses over the next four and-a-half years.
The total value of the full complement of 600 buses is about €273 million, with the cost of each of the first 100 buses coming in at about €450,000.
The Enviro400ER is a diesel-electric hybrid, capable of at least 2.5 kilometres continuous electric range with no exhaust emissions. It utilises the BAE Systems Series-ER hybrid system with a 32kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged externally via a plug-in connection. The set-up meets meets the requirements of the EU’s Clean Vehicles Directive.
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In addition to its continuous zero tailpipe emissions range, the Enviro400ER switches off its diesel engine at low speeds during approach to and departure from stops and when stationary.
The buses are supplied by Alexander Dennis Limited based in Larbert, Scotland, the UK’s largest bus and coach manufacturer.
The NTA has previously purchased nine hybrid diesel electric buses for service in Dublin and the regional cities. Three of these are deployed in Dublin, via Dublin Bus. These buses, introduced last May, use electricity captured as heat energy from the braking process, to reduce the amount of work that the low-emission diesel engine is required to do to propel the bus and power the on-board facilities. But these buses can not run in zero emissions mode.
The NTA previously announced fully electric double-decker buses could be seen on Cork streets within five years. It expects electric buses rather than biogas-fuelled vehicles are more likely to be deployed. Fully electric buses would have no diesel engine.
There are very few double-decker buses available in electric vehicle mode as they are larger buses and batteries are not good enough yet for the types of routes used in Ireland. But they are expected to be available in three or four years’ time.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Churches urge urgent political action on housing crisis

A Catholic bishop has described the homeless crisis as “ a scandal ” which must “ be addressed with urgency by any incoming Government ” .
Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian said that having more than 10,000 people homeless “ in a society of relative economic prosperity is a scandal which can not become a societal norm ” .
He said homes are increasingly becoming regarded as financial assets rather than essential needs .
“ This way of thinking needs to be reversed to put the person , the family and the local community at the centre of housing policies.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children in temporary accommodation “ must be addressed as the distress , worry and trauma which these families and children endure is immense and will have lasting impact on their opportunities in life , ” said Dr McGuckian , whose diocese covers most of Donegal .
The ongoing difficulty young people faced in renting or buying their own home “ could have serious implications for society ” , he warned .
Dr McGuckian , who is chairman of the Catholic Bishops Council for Justice and Peace , called on all politicians to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any new government , ahead of political spin , point-scoring or popularity ” .
On climate action , he urged politicians to “ prioritise immediate action on this issue which not only affects us nationally but has global consequences .
” They should also “ ensure that certain sectors of our society , such as the agricultural sector and those already experiencing poverty , are not disproportionately disadvantaged by climate-related policies.
” On migrants , he pointed out that emigration dominated Ireland ’ s history for centuries .
He said the council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents of intolerant and racist language and actions by a small minority in our country ” .
The Methodist Church in Ireland has also called for the next government to commit “ to building tens of thousands of social housing units in the coming years on public land available to the government rather than holding out for private developers ” .
It also said its supported the call by campaigner Peter McVerry for a change to the Constitution to make the provision of housing a right .
It was “ concerned that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would take positive steps against racial rhetoric within our public sphere ” and that the government “ deal transparently and positively in regard to the housing of asylum seekers ” .
It also said it wants to see an end to direct provision .
The next government should also “ be committed to the reduction of carbon emissions and a just transition away from fossil fuels within Ireland and to play its part in global efforts to this end ” .

A homeless man eats food provided by Feed Our Homeless charity at College Green in Dublin, earlier this month. Photograph: Damien Eagers
A Catholic bishop has described the homeless crisis as “a scandal” which must “be addressed with urgency by any incoming Government”.
Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian said that having more than 10,000 people homeless "in a society of relative economic prosperity is a scandal which cannot become a societal norm".
He said homes are increasingly becoming regarded as financial assets rather than essential needs. “This way of thinking needs to be reversed to put the person, the family and the local community at the centre of housing policies.”
Family homelessness and the increasing number of children in temporary accommodation "must be addressed as the distress, worry and trauma which these families and children endure is immense and will have lasting impact on their opportunities in life," said Dr McGuckian, whose diocese covers most of Donegal.
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The ongoing difficulty young people faced in renting or buying their own home “could have serious implications for society”, he warned.
Dr McGuckian, who is chairman of the Catholic Bishops Council for Justice and Peace, called on all politicians to “commit to prioritising the common good in any new government, ahead of political spin, point-scoring or popularity”.
On climate action, he urged politicians to “prioritise immediate action on this issue which not only affects us nationally but has global consequences .”
They should also “ensure that certain sectors of our society, such as the agricultural sector and those already experiencing poverty, are not disproportionately disadvantaged by climate-related policies.”
On migrants, he pointed out that emigration dominated Ireland’s history for centuries. He said the council was concerned “at the increase in incidents of intolerant and racist language and actions by a small minority in our country”.
Social housing
The Methodist Church in Ireland has also called for the next government to commit "to building tens of thousands of social housing units in the coming years on public land available to the government rather than holding out for private developers".
It also said its supported the call by campaigner Peter McVerry for a change to the Constitution to make the provision of housing a right.
It was “concerned that all in political office, particularly TDs, would take positive steps against racial rhetoric within our public sphere” and that the government “deal transparently and positively in regard to the housing of asylum seekers”. It also said it wants to see an end to direct provision.
The next government should also “be committed to the reduction of carbon emissions and a just transition away from fossil fuels within Ireland and to play its part in global efforts to this end”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Court overturns €158,864 award to woman for 2014 trip and fall

The Court of Appeal has overturned an award of €158,864 damages to a woman who tripped and fell while crossing a courtyard area adjacent to her workplace in Co Sligo .
Giving the three-judge decision on Thursday , Mr Justice Brian McGovern said there was “ no credible evidence ” to support the liability finding of the trial judge .
Geraldine McHugh ( 66 ) , now retired from her job as a clerical officer with the Revenue , had sued the Office of the Revenue Commissioners , the Minister for Social Protection and the State over the accident at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1st 2014 .
She alleged concrete pavers in the courtyard area were in a dangerous and defective condition and she was caused to trip and fall as a result of that .
She alleged her left foot was caught on a raised tile , she fell forward and suffered injuries to her wrist , thumb , back and hip .
The defendants denied liability , pleaded contributory negligence and appealed after the High Court ’ s Ms Justice Bronagh O ’ Hanlon awarded a total €158,864 damages to Ms McHugh in late 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending appeal which was against both the finding of liability and the sum awarded .
In the appeal court judgment , Mr Justice McGovern said CCTV footage established Ms McHugh had incorrectly identified to her engineer the point at which she fell .
Having seen that footage , Ms McHugh accepted she had identified the wrong area and her engineer accepted his report was on the basis of his having examined an area where she did not trip and fall , “ although close to it ” .
Her engineer also accepted under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the place where Ms McHugh actually fell and this evidence was corroborated by the engineer called on behalf of the appellants .
The High Court ’ s conclusions on liability were based on comments by Ms McHugh ’ s engineer the snagging of her toe was consistent with the raised lip of a concrete paver , Mr Justice McGovern said .
That conclusion was “ against the weight of the evidence ” .
He said the trial judge had accepted the “ fallacious thesis ” of Ms McHugh ’ s engineer that ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2 ) she must have tripped , ( 3 ) , if she tripped , there “ must have been a trip hazard ( even though none could be identified on inspection ) ” and ( 4 ) , if there was a trip hazard , there must have been negligence .
Because Ms McHugh fell in the manner in which she did , it does not necessarily follow there was a trip hazard .
“ Everyone ’ s experience of life is that people can fall in the absence of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was invited to fill in the evidential gaps in Ms McHugh ’ s case and fell into error in doing so , he held .
The trial judge erroneously considered the evidence satisfied the burden of proof on Ms McHugh but the evidence fell short of doing so to such an extent it could be said there was “ no credible evidence ” to support the liability finding .
He concluded the appeal would be allowed .
Because of the rejection of the High Court findings on liability , there was no need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was excessive , he added .
The defendants are also entitled to their costs , he directed .

The Revenue Commissioners, the Minister for Social Protection and the State were sued over the accident at Cranmore, Co Sligo, on September 1st 2014. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
The Court of Appeal has overturned an award of €158,864 damages to a woman who tripped and fell while crossing a courtyard area adjacent to her workplace in Co Sligo.
Giving the three-judge decision on Thursday, Mr Justice Brian McGovern said there was “no credible evidence” to support the liability finding of the trial judge.
Geraldine McHugh (66), now retired from her job as a clerical officer with the Revenue, had sued the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Minister for Social Protection and the State over the accident at Cranmore, Co Sligo, on September 1st 2014. She alleged concrete pavers in the courtyard area were in a dangerous and defective condition and she was caused to trip and fall as a result of that.
She alleged her left foot was caught on a raised tile, she fell forward and suffered injuries to her wrist, thumb, back and hip. The defendants denied liability, pleaded contributory negligence and appealed after the High Court’s Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon awarded a total €158,864 damages to Ms McHugh in late 2018.
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A stay applied on the award pending appeal which was against both the finding of liability and the sum awarded. In the appeal court judgment, Mr Justice McGovern said CCTV footage established Ms McHugh had incorrectly identified to her engineer the point at which she fell.
Having seen that footage, Ms McHugh accepted she had identified the wrong area and her engineer accepted his report was on the basis of his having examined an area where she did not trip and fall, “although close to it”. Her engineer also accepted under cross-examination there was no tripping hazard at the place where Ms McHugh actually fell and this evidence was corroborated by the engineer called on behalf of the appellants.
The High Court’s conclusions on liability were based on comments by Ms McHugh’s engineer the snagging of her toe was consistent with the raised lip of a concrete paver, Mr Justice McGovern said. That conclusion was “against the weight of the evidence”.
He said the trial judge had accepted the “fallacious thesis” of Ms McHugh’s engineer that (1) Ms McHugh fell over, (2) she must have tripped, (3), if she tripped, there “must have been a trip hazard (even though none could be identified on inspection)” and (4), if there was a trip hazard, there must have been negligence. Because Ms McHugh fell in the manner in which she did, it does not necessarily follow there was a trip hazard.
“Everyone’s experience of life is that people can fall in the absence of any specific hazard.”
The High Court judge was invited to fill in the evidential gaps in Ms McHugh’s case and fell into error in doing so, he held. The trial judge erroneously considered the evidence satisfied the burden of proof on Ms McHugh but the evidence fell short of doing so to such an extent it could be said there was “no credible evidence” to support the liability finding. He concluded the appeal would be allowed. Because of the rejection of the High Court findings on liability, there was no need to address the claim the sum awarded was excessive, he added.
The defendants are also entitled to their costs, he directed.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Family calls for investigation review following verdict of unlawful killing

The family of a mechanic shot dead in his home in the Dublin mountains 11 years ago has called on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to review the investigation into his death .
It follows a verdict of unlawful killing by an unknown assailant returned by a jury on Thursday at the inquest into the death of Liam Murray ( 42 ) at Rockbrook Cottages , Cruagh Road , Rathfarnham on a date between March 17th and March 20th , 2009 .
Mr Murray ’ s family urged Mr Harris to consider referring his death to the Garda cold-case unit or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ put a fresh impetus ” into the investigation of his murder .
In a statement issued on behalf of the Murray family , solicitor Robert Purcell said : “ Liam was a hard-working , law-abiding man who was loved very much by his family and many friends .
He was assassinated in his bed by an unknown gunman .
“ If this could happen to Liam it could happen to any citizen in this State.
” The inquest was told Mr Murray , a single man with no children , was probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Day as he lay in bed but his body was not discovered until three days later .
Dublin Coroner ’ s Court heard evidence that he had been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation in the years before his death including an attempt on his life when shots were fired into his bedroom in November 2006 .
Det Insp Garrett Billings , who investigated the shooting , said Mr Murray had made a statement in which he admitted being in dispute with a man who had made a threatening phone call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Det Insp Billings said he obtained a recording of the call made to Fiona Murray in March 2006 but that she declined to make a statement to gardaí .
He told the inquest he met the individual who made the call who admitted he was involved in a dispute with Mr Murray but said he denied any knowledge of the shooting incident .
Det Insp Billings said Mr Murray contacted him in April 2007 and said he did not want this individual to be approached by gardaí or the matter to be investigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Billings said he would have continued to investigate the incident if there had been additional evidence .
Questioned by Breffni Gordon for the Murray family , Det Insp Billings said the individual had admitted he had spoken to Mr Murray ’ s sister but made no admission about any threat .
In the absence of a statement by Ms Murray , the detective said he did not have enough evidence to make any arrest in the case which came to a “ halt ” in April 2007 .
Mr Gordon expressed surprise that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in the investigation of Mr Murray ’ s death were unaware of previous death threats against the deceased .
He said it appeared odd that Det Sgt Thomas Doyle had told the inquest he was unaware of such threats given Det Insp Billings said his colleague had told him about them .
The jury issued a recommendation that there should be a better approach to communications and information sharing within An Garda Síochána , particularly between gardaí working in the same district .
Det Supt George McGeary , who took over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two suspects were identified and arrested in July 2011 .
Although a file was prepared on the case , he said the Director of Public Prosecutions ultimately directed there was insufficient evidence to sustain any murder charge .
The inquest had been delayed for a number of years after the family took a legal action against Dr Cullinane ’ s predecessor , Dr Brian Farrell , over his refusal to provide them with the Garda file on Mr Murray ’ s murder .
It was originally scheduled to take place in September 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused an application by Mr Murray ’ s family for access to the file , claiming there was no basis to do so .

Dublin Coroner’s Court heard evidence that Liam Murray had been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation in the years before his death including an attempt on his life. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
The family of a mechanic shot dead in his home in the Dublin mountains 11 years ago has called on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to review the investigation into his death.
It follows a verdict of unlawful killing by an unknown assailant returned by a jury on Thursday at the inquest into the death of Liam Murray (42) at Rockbrook Cottages, Cruagh Road, Rathfarnham on a date between March 17th and March 20th, 2009.
Mr Murray’s family urged Mr Harris to consider referring his death to the Garda cold-case unit or to take any other steps that would “put a fresh impetus” into the investigation of his murder.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Murray family, solicitor Robert Purcell said: “Liam was a hard-working, law-abiding man who was loved very much by his family and many friends. He was assassinated in his bed by an unknown gunman.
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“If this could happen to Liam it could happen to any citizen in this State.”
The inquest was told Mr Murray, a single man with no children, was probably killed on the evening of St Patrick’s Day as he lay in bed but his body was not discovered until three days later.
Ongoing threats
Dublin Coroner’s Court heard evidence that he had been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation in the years before his death including an attempt on his life when shots were fired into his bedroom in November 2006.
Det Insp Garrett Billings, who investigated the shooting, said Mr Murray had made a statement in which he admitted being in dispute with a man who had made a threatening phone call to his sister eight months earlier.
Det Insp Billings said he obtained a recording of the call made to Fiona Murray in March 2006 but that she declined to make a statement to gardaí.
Ms Murray gave evidence that she was not asked to make a statement regarding the phone call. *
Det Insp Billings told the inquest he met the individual who made the call who admitted he was involved in a dispute with Mr Murray but said he denied any knowledge of the shooting incident.
Det Insp Billings said Mr Murray contacted him in April 2007 and said he did not want this individual to be approached by gardaí or the matter to be investigated further.
Notwithstanding this, Det Insp Billings said he would have continued to investigate the incident if there had been additional evidence.
Questioned by Breffni Gordon for the Murray family, Det Insp Billings said the individual had admitted he had spoken to Mr Murray’s sister but made no admission about any threat.
In the absence of a statement by Ms Murray, the detective said he did not have enough evidence to make any arrest in the case which came to a “halt” in April 2007.
Mr Gordon expressed surprise that several gardaí who gave evidence about their role in the investigation of Mr Murray’s death were unaware of previous death threats against the deceased.
He said it appeared odd that Det Sgt Thomas Doyle had told the inquest he was unaware of such threats given Det Insp Billings said his colleague had told him about them.
The jury issued a recommendation that there should be a better approach to communications and information sharing within An Garda Síochána, particularly between gardaí working in the same district.
Det Supt George McGeary, who took over the murder investigation in late 2010, said two suspects were identified and arrested in July 2011.
Although a file was prepared on the case, he said the Director of Public Prosecutions ultimately directed there was insufficient evidence to sustain any murder charge.
The inquest had been delayed for a number of years after the family took a legal action against Dr Cullinane’s predecessor, Dr Brian Farrell, over his refusal to provide them with the Garda file on Mr Murray’s murder.
It was originally scheduled to take place in September 2015.
In October 2018 the High Court refused an application by Mr Murray’s family for access to the file, claiming there was no basis to do so.
* This article was amended on February 6th, 2020


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Higgins: New ‘European conversation’ on EU needed after Brexit

President Michael D Higgins has urged a new “ European conversation ” to renew and future-proof the European Union after Britain leaves on Friday night .
Measures are needed to combat “ growing alienation ” from the union so that there is an alternative for those falling for far right extremism , neo-populism and abuses of nationalism , he said .
Speaking at a reception for diplomats at Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday , the President said fears are being stoked for political advantage and he blamed austerity “ enforced by unaccountable troikas , including EU institutions ” for worsening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disastrously on Europe .
” Austerity had “ led directly to lost cohesion ” and “ its manifestation on the European streets ” , he said .
Mr Higgins also warned that the EU must become “ a key global actor of influence , and indeed of action ” in wider global crises or “ it will continue to lose relevance , be perceived as weak ” .
Meanwhile , Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness , the vice-president of the European Parliament , has predicted Nigel Farage will embark on a crusade to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s leaving the EU .
Ms McGuinness , who clashed with Mr Farage during rowdy scenes in the parliament on Wednesday , warned the Brexit Party leader will “ travel far and wide ” for what she believes is “ now a crusade ” for him to undermine the union .
Ms McGuinness told the Pat Kenny show on Newstalk she believes the parliament may have given Mr Farage too much attention .
“ When you say ‘ good riddance to Nigel Farage ’ , in a way I suppose we have allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this – and maybe we should have played this better – insofar as not allow him to use the European Parliament as a platform to kill Europe , ” she told Newstalk .
“ I worry particularly at his comments [ on Wednesday ] where he ’ s not just happy that the UK is leaving , but he hates Europe and he ’ s an outright opponent of the whole European Union .
“ The idea of allowing somebody now to continue to chip away at a very unique structure which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , different interests but trying to work together in a world that ’ s fracturing – and he will be effective because he gets the airwaves .
“ And I think it means that the rest of us have to work harder.
” The MEP said the EU was moving into a “ much more dangerous and more difficult phase ” of the Brexit negotiations .
Separately , former taoiseach John Bruton said imminent trade negotiations between Brussels and London will be “ the most hazardous part of the entire Brexit process for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country will have interests to defend .
Some of these will differ from Irish interests , ” he said .
“ Trade offs will have to be made around the EU Council table.
” Ireland could “ find itself alone ” , he cautioned .
“ Immediate challenges remain on the horizon for Irish business , ” said chief executive Danny McCoy .
“ The new arrangements for Northern Ireland are complex , and many of the specific details of how they will work in practice still need to be worked out .
@

President Michael D Higgins warned that the EU must become ‘a key global actor of influence, and indeed of action’ in wider global crises or ‘it will continue to lose relevance, be perceived as weak’. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
President Michael D Higgins has urged a new "European conversation" to renew and future-proof the European Union after Britain leaves on Friday night.
Measures are needed to combat “growing alienation” from the union so that there is an alternative for those falling for far right extremism, neo-populism and abuses of nationalism, he said.
Speaking at a reception for diplomats at Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday, the President said fears are being stoked for political advantage and he blamed austerity "enforced by unaccountable troikas, including EU institutions" for worsening the economic bust "which impacted so disastrously on Europe. "
Austerity had “led directly to lost cohesion” and “its manifestation on the European streets”, he said.
READ MORE
Mr Higgins also warned that the EU must become “a key global actor of influence, and indeed of action” in wider global crises or “it will continue to lose relevance, be perceived as weak”.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness, the vice-president of the European Parliament, has predicted Nigel Farage will embark on a crusade to "kill Europe" despite Britain's leaving the EU.
Ms McGuinness, who clashed with Mr Farage during rowdy scenes in the parliament on Wednesday, warned the Brexit Party leader will "travel far and wide" for what she believes is "now a crusade" for him to undermine the union.
Ms McGuinness told the Pat Kenny show on Newstalk she believes the parliament may have given Mr Farage too much attention.
Difficult phase
“When you say ‘good riddance to Nigel Farage’, in a way I suppose we have allowed him become the focus of all of this – and maybe we should have played this better – insofar as not allow him to use the European Parliament as a platform to kill Europe,” she told Newstalk.
“I worry particularly at his comments [on Wednesday] where he’s not just happy that the UK is leaving, but he hates Europe and he’s an outright opponent of the whole European Union.
“The idea of allowing somebody now to continue to chip away at a very unique structure which is difficult to maintain – 27 member states, different interests but trying to work together in a world that’s fracturing – and he will be effective because he gets the airwaves.
“And I think it means that the rest of us have to work harder.”
The MEP said the EU was moving into a “much more dangerous and more difficult phase” of the Brexit negotiations.
Separately, former taoiseach John Bruton said imminent trade negotiations between Brussels and London will be "the most hazardous part of the entire Brexit process for Ireland. "
“Every other EU country will have interests to defend. Some of these will differ from Irish interests,” he said. “Trade offs will have to be made around the EU Council table.”
Ireland could “find itself alone”, he cautioned.
Business lobby group Ibec said a “new economic order” awaits Ireland.
“Immediate challenges remain on the horizon for Irish business,” said chief executive Danny McCoy.
"The new arrangements for Northern Ireland are complex, and many of the specific details of how they will work in practice still need to be worked out."


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Man accused of impeding investigation denies assisting alleged murderer

A handyman accused of impeding an investigation into the dismemberment of a retired grandmother denied to gardaí that he assisted her alleged murderer in the aftermath .
Father-of-two Keith Johnston also told interviewing detectives that he had not been “ sucked in ” and denied that accused Kieran Greene was “ useless ” when it came to labour and had needed his assistance .
“ Ah come on he is not a two-year-old , ” Mr Johnston told gardaí .
The “ trusted member ” of Patricia O ’ Connor ’ s family denied being at the site of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he had to travel there to help Mr Greene , he replied : “ What , dig her up , are you kidding ?
No.
” The accused man accepted he went on a “ shopping spree ” with Mr Greene the day before Mrs O ’ Connor ’ s body was found dismembered in the Wicklow mountains but told gardaí he had not “ put two and two together ” .
The jury was on Thursday listening to the final three interviews given by Mr Johnston to gardaí on September 26th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the ex-partner of the deceased ’ s daughter , Louise O ’ Connor and father to two of her five children .
Mr Johnston ( 43 ) , of Avonbeg Gardens , Tallaght , Dublin 24 is charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene , knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence , to wit the murder of Patricia O ’ Connor ( 61 ) on May 29th , 2017 .
The jury has heard that the body of Mrs O ’ Connor was dismembered into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine different locations over a 30km range in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between June 10th and 14th 2017 .
It is the prosecution ’ s case that Mrs O ’ Connor was already lying dead in a shallow grave in Wexford but not yet dismembered when Mr Johnston assisted Mr Greene in purchasing various DIY items .
It is also the State ’ s contention that Mr Johnston redecorated the bathroom at Mountainview Park in order to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the alleged murder of Mrs O ’ Connor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard that while in custody , Mr Greene changed his account of killing and dismembering his partner ’ s mother , six months after he was charged with her murder .
He claimed in his last interview in December 2017 that Mr Johnston “ made a plan ” and cut up Mrs O ’ Connor ’ s body parts beside a shallow grave in Wexford before directing him up the Wicklow mountains , where they both disposed of her remains .
In his third interview , gardaí told Mr Johnston that Mrs O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut up and asked him if he had any idea where Mr Greene had got the tools .
“ The shed is the best guess , ” he replied , adding there was hammers , chisels , tile cutters and pickaxes in the shed at Mountainview .
Detectives produced a number of receipts found in Mountainview from various DIY shops where items including a tow rope , utility knives , vinyl tape and a jerry can had been bought on June 9th , the day before Mrs O ’ Connor ’ s remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnston said he did not know why Mr Greene bought these items on June 9th and could not shed any light on it .
Gardaí asked Mr Johnston if this was the day before Mrs O ’ Connor ’ s body was cut up .
“ I didn ’ t put two and two together , ” he replied .
The jury has heard that gardaí viewed CCTV footage of two men , who they believed to be Mr Greene and Mr Johnston , purchasing a number of items including 30 extra-strong black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two hacksaws in B & Q on June 9th , 2017 .
Mr Johnston said Mr Greene had given him a lift on June 9th and Mr Greene had bought two axes in Woodies for the fire as they were going cheap .
Gardaí put it to Mr Johnston that it was him in the CCTV footage at Mr Price on June 9th carrying a petrol can and rope .
They asked Mr Johnston what did he think it was for .
“ I didn ’ t buy it , don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t ask him , ” he replied .
Mr Johnston said he had not identified himself in the CCTV footage in the various DIY shops and it could be anyone .
Asked by gardaí why he and Mr Greene went on “ a shopping spree ” , Mr Johnston said it was to replace “ lost or damaged tools and fishing ” .
Gardaí asked Mr Johnston why had he not told them about the items purchased on June 9th .
“ I told you already where I was .
.
.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ B & Q and Woodies , f*** off , lying swines , ” he replied .
Detectives told Mr Johnston that they had asked him specifically what he did on June 9th and he had not told them .
“ I f***ing did , I told these two coppers in Rathfarnham , ” he said .
Mr Johnston was asked about Mrs O ’ Connor ’ s head , which had been found in a black plastic bag .
Gardaí put it to him that those plastic bags had been bought in B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last time I saw them was when I was in the car , ” he replied .
He denied he had been at the shallow grave in Wexford on June 9th , saying : “ No way ” .
He said Mr Greene was “ worse than useless ” with a shovel .
“ Did you have to go down to help Mr Greene ?
” asked gardaí .
“ What , dig her up , are you kidding .
No .
I told you everything I know .
The answer is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change .
I ’ ve told you 20 times already , ” he replied .
Mr Johnston has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O ’ Connor .
Mr Johnston also denies engaging in the refurbishment of a bathroom at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 in order to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the murder of Mrs O ’ Connor .
Mr Greene ( 34 ) has pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connor at her home in Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 on May 29th , 2017 .
The deceased ’ s daughter Louise O ’ Connor ( 41 ) has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O ’ Connor disguising herself as Patricia O ’ Connor at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 on May 29th , 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O ’ Connor was dead .
The deceased ’ s granddaughter Stephanie O ’ Connor ( 22 ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mrs O ’ Connor at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 at a point in time after her murder on May 29th , 2017 in order to conceal the fact that she was already dead .
Evidence has been given that Mr Greene walked into Rathfarnham Garda Station on June 12th , 2017 and told a detective that he had done “ something terrible ” and dismembered the body of Mrs O ’ Connor on his own .
However , the accused man told gardaí on December 9th that he had taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was being set-up , as his girlfriend Louise O ’ Connor subsequently started going back out with her ex-boyfriend Mr Johnston .
The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of six men and six women .

Keith Johnston leaving court on Wedneday after the hearing, charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene. Photograph: Collins Courts
A handyman accused of impeding an investigation into the dismemberment of a retired grandmother denied to gardaí that he assisted her alleged murderer in the aftermath.
Father-of-two Keith Johnston also told interviewing detectives that he had not been "sucked in" and denied that accused Kieran Greene was "useless" when it came to labour and had needed his assistance. "Ah come on he is not a two-year-old," Mr Johnston told gardaí.
The “trusted member” of Patricia O’Connor’s family denied being at the site of a shallow grave in Wexford and when asked if he had to travel there to help Mr Greene, he replied: “What, dig her up, are you kidding? No.”
The accused man accepted he went on a “shopping spree” with Mr Greene the day before Mrs O’Connor’s body was found dismembered in the Wicklow mountains but told gardaí he had not “put two and two together”.
READ MORE
The jury was on Thursday listening to the final three interviews given by Mr Johnston to gardaí on September 26th and 27th, 2017. Mr Johnston is the ex-partner of the deceased’s daughter, Louise O’Connor and father to two of her five children.
Mr Johnston (43), of Avonbeg Gardens, Tallaght, Dublin 24 is charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene, knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence, to wit the murder of Patricia O’Connor (61) on May 29th, 2017.
The jury has heard that the body of Mrs O’Connor was dismembered into 15 separate parts that were found at nine different locations over a 30km range in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between June 10th and 14th 2017.
Redecorated bathroom
It is the prosecution’s case that Mrs O’Connor was already lying dead in a shallow grave in Wexford but not yet dismembered when Mr Johnston assisted Mr Greene in purchasing various DIY items.
It is also the State’s contention that Mr Johnston redecorated the bathroom at Mountainview Park in order to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the alleged murder of Mrs O’Connor.
The Central Criminal Court trial has heard that while in custody, Mr Greene changed his account of killing and dismembering his partner’s mother, six months after he was charged with her murder. He claimed in his last interview in December 2017 that Mr Johnston “made a plan” and cut up Mrs O’Connor’s body parts beside a shallow grave in Wexford before directing him up the Wicklow mountains, where they both disposed of her remains.
In his third interview, gardaí told Mr Johnston that Mrs O’Connor’s body had been cut up and asked him if he had any idea where Mr Greene had got the tools. “The shed is the best guess,” he replied, adding there was hammers, chisels, tile cutters and pickaxes in the shed at Mountainview.
Detectives produced a number of receipts found in Mountainview from various DIY shops where items including a tow rope, utility knives, vinyl tape and a jerry can had been bought on June 9th, the day before Mrs O’Connor’s remains were first found in Wicklow. Mr Johnston said he did not know why Mr Greene bought these items on June 9th and could not shed any light on it.
Gardaí asked Mr Johnston if this was the day before Mrs O’Connor’s body was cut up. “I didn’t put two and two together,” he replied.
‘Worse than useless’
The jury has heard that gardaí viewed CCTV footage of two men, who they believed to be Mr Greene and Mr Johnston, purchasing a number of items including 30 extra-strong black rubbish sacks, a tenon saw and two hacksaws in B&Q on June 9th, 2017.
Mr Johnston said Mr Greene had given him a lift on June 9th and Mr Greene had bought two axes in Woodies for the fire as they were going cheap.
Gardaí put it to Mr Johnston that it was him in the CCTV footage at Mr Price on June 9th carrying a petrol can and rope. They asked Mr Johnston what did he think it was for. “I didn’t buy it, don’t know, ask him. I didn’t ask him,” he replied.
Mr Johnston said he had not identified himself in the CCTV footage in the various DIY shops and it could be anyone.
Asked by gardaí why he and Mr Greene went on “a shopping spree”, Mr Johnston said it was to replace “lost or damaged tools and fishing”.
Gardaí asked Mr Johnston why had he not told them about the items purchased on June 9th. “I told you already where I was . . . I know for a fact I said B&Q and Woodies, f*** off, lying swines,” he replied.
Detectives told Mr Johnston that they had asked him specifically what he did on June 9th and he had not told them. “I f***ing did, I told these two coppers in Rathfarnham,” he said.
Mr Johnston was asked about Mrs O’Connor’s head, which had been found in a black plastic bag. Gardaí put it to him that those plastic bags had been bought in B&Q with Mr Greene. “Last time I saw them was when I was in the car,” he replied.
He denied he had been at the shallow grave in Wexford on June 9th, saying: “No way”. He said Mr Greene was “worse than useless” with a shovel.
“Did you have to go down to help Mr Greene?” asked gardaí. “What, dig her up, are you kidding. No. I told you everything I know. The answer is the answer and it’s not going to change. I’ve told you 20 times already,” he replied.
Set-up
Mr Johnston has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O’Connor.
Mr Johnston also denies engaging in the refurbishment of a bathroom at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 in order to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the murder of Mrs O’Connor.
Mr Greene (34) has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mrs O’Connor at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29th, 2017.
The deceased’s daughter Louise O’Connor (41) has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O’Connor disguising herself as Patricia O’Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29th, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O’Connor was dead.
The deceased’s granddaughter Stephanie O’Connor (22) has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O’Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 at a point in time after her murder on May 29th, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that she was already dead.
Evidence has been given that Mr Greene walked into Rathfarnham Garda Station on June 12th, 2017 and told a detective that he had done “something terrible” and dismembered the body of Mrs O’Connor on his own.
However, the accused man told gardaí on December 9th that he had taken “the rap” and felt he was being set-up, as his girlfriend Louise O’Connor subsequently started going back out with her ex-boyfriend Mr Johnston.
The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of six men and six women.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Cars undergoing NCT to be failed automatically due to equipment issue

Cars which undergo the National Car Test ( NCT ) over the coming weeks will be issued with a “ fail ” notice , regardless of the mechanical condition of their car .
In separate statements issued on Thursday night in response to potential difficulties with car-lifting equipment at the State ’ s 47 car test centres , both the Road Safety Authority ( RSA ) and centres manager Applus+ confirmed fail notices will be issued to all vehicles until the problem is resolved .
Grant Henderson of Applus+ said the extent of the problem may take weeks to quantify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue lasts for more than two months , a quarter of a million motorists could be affected .
If a motorist is prosecuted by the Garda and for not having a valid NCT they face a possible penalty of five penalty points , fines of up to €2,500 and/or a jail sentence .
On Wednesday , Applus+ suspended parts of the NCT which rely on the use of lifting equipment after some similar “ scissors-style ” lifting machines in use in car testing centres in Northern Ireland was found to have cracked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ examine underneath cars .
During inspections in Northern Ireland , signs of cracking were identified in 48 out of the 55 lifts in operation across 15 testing centres .
Testing was suspended across Northern Ireland .
In the Republic , however , only that part of the NCT which involves the use of the lifts has been suspended .
Motorists have been asked to turn up for their car tests as normal , and will receive a partial safety report , before returning at some point in the future to complete the remainder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will indicate the car has failed and will show that the full test was not completed .
Efforts were being made on Thursday to reach agreement between the Garda , the RSA and Applus+ on how to proceed .
However , there was no joint statement from the three bodies concerned .
In separate statements the RSA and Applus+ confirmed cars would receive a fail notice .
The RSA said : “ As an interim measure , a Vehicle Inspection Report will be issued in the normal way following a test .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ fail ’ it will clearly indicate “ no lift inspection done ” in relation to Stage 3 of the test dealing with the visual inspection of the underbody .
Motorists affected by the issue are advised to keep a copy of their vehicle inspection report with them in their vehicle.
” The RSA also advised motorists they would need to remedy any defects noted at stage one and two , before bringing the cars back at some time in the future for the remaining Stage 3 tests .
Applus+ made the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicate the result as a ‘ fail ’ it will clearly indicate “ No lift inspection done ” in relation to Stage 3 of the test dealing with the visual inspection of the underbody .
The Garda also advised motorists to keep a copy of the vehicle inspection report they receive from the test centre in their vehicle at all times .
“ The report should be presented to a member of An Garda Síochána if required to do so , ” the Garda said .
The director of government affairs with Insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pragmatic .
“ Insurers will not do anything to add to the inconvenience , ” he said .
Mr Jackson called on motorists to make their NCT appointment in the usual way and to go ahead and get their vehicle partially tested , for which they will receive a vehicle inspection certificate .

Similar “scissors-style” lifting equipment is in use in car testing centres in Northern Ireland and was found to have cracked.
Cars which undergo the National Car Test (NCT) over the coming weeks will be issued with a “fail” notice, regardless of the mechanical condition of their car.
In separate statements issued on Thursday night in response to potential difficulties with car-lifting equipment at the State’s 47 car test centres, both the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and centres manager Applus+ confirmed fail notices will be issued to all vehicles until the problem is resolved.
Grant Henderson of Applus+ said the extent of the problem may take weeks to quantify, while the AA said if the issue lasts for more than two months, a quarter of a million motorists could be affected.
If a motorist is prosecuted by the Garda and for not having a valid NCT they face a possible penalty of five penalty points, fines of up to €2,500 and/or a jail sentence.
READ MORE
On Wednesday, Applus+ suspended parts of the NCT which rely on the use of lifting equipment after some similar “scissors-style” lifting machines in use in car testing centres in Northern Ireland was found to have cracked.
The equipment is used by staff to examine underneath cars. During inspections in Northern Ireland, signs of cracking were identified in 48 out of the 55 lifts in operation across 15 testing centres. Testing was suspended across Northern Ireland.
In the Republic, however, only that part of the NCT which involves the use of the lifts has been suspended.
Motorists have been asked to turn up for their car tests as normal, and will receive a partial safety report, before returning at some point in the future to complete the remainder of the test.
The partial report will indicate the car has failed and will show that the full test was not completed.
Interim measure
Efforts were being made on Thursday to reach agreement between the Garda, the RSA and Applus+ on how to proceed.
However, there was no joint statement from the three bodies concerned.
In separate statements the RSA and Applus+ confirmed cars would receive a fail notice.
The RSA said: “As an interim measure, a Vehicle Inspection Report will be issued in the normal way following a test. While it will indicate the result as a ‘fail’ it will clearly indicate “no lift inspection done” in relation to Stage 3 of the test dealing with the visual inspection of the underbody. Motorists affected by the issue are advised to keep a copy of their vehicle inspection report with them in their vehicle.”
The RSA also advised motorists they would need to remedy any defects noted at stage one and two, before bringing the cars back at some time in the future for the remaining Stage 3 tests.
Applus+ made the same points adding: “While it will indicate the result as a ‘fail’ it will clearly indicate “No lift inspection done” in relation to Stage 3 of the test dealing with the visual inspection of the underbody.
The Garda also advised motorists to keep a copy of the vehicle inspection report they receive from the test centre in their vehicle at all times. “The report should be presented to a member of An Garda Síochána if required to do so,” the Garda said.
The director of government affairs with Insurance Ireland Declan Jackson said insurers would be pragmatic. “Insurers will not do anything to add to the inconvenience,” he said.
Mr Jackson called on motorists to make their NCT appointment in the usual way and to go ahead and get their vehicle partially tested, for which they will receive a vehicle inspection certificate.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--It’s time to stop the commercialisation of our universities

Higher education institutions and students fuel industries , contribute to our economy , develop and enrich public spaces and help us to realise ideas and solutions to issues in our society and make it better .
As student activists , over the last number of years we have taken to the streets and lobbied against the chronic underfunding of our higher education sector , to little response from the government .
The can has been kicked down the road and Cassells ’ report - which set out options for the future funding of higher education - is gathering dust .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear to be doing well .
UCD is back to pre-crash levels of funding overall and ever expanding and pouring concrete .
Ranking positions may be falling , but non-EU student numbers are rising and , somehow , ends are met .
The progress of our institutions , of course , lies in their ability to get money from other places .
UCD currently sources more than 60 per cent of its income from non-exchequer sources , and other institutions are in similar situations .
This depletion in public funds results in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a detrimental effect on the progression of the core goals of higher education .
This must be addressed urgently by the next government .
At present , universities are using non-exchequer funding to benefit the university progressing as a business and not to promote the goals of public good .
Our education is now a commodity .
Commodified education institutions do not have to care about the welfare of students as a top priority .
They can turn around and say if you can not afford it , do not come here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise while in college , drop out .
If the two or four-hour daily commutes each way become overwhelming , well , you applied to come here .
We did not invite you .
It is a toxic , privileged and self serving sentiment .
When education is a product , and students merely customers , factors such as the public good or the wellbeing of students on campus , become secondary objectives .
The institution is run like a massive business for those who can afford to avail of its service .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal opportunity to attend higher education and succeed in it is not the priority ; it ’ s less profitable .
The numbers of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds attending higher education remain low .
The numbers of travellers in higher education remain low .
Additionally , for those who do make it to university , Susi and maintenance grants have not increased and don ’ t reflect the cost of living as a student in the slightest .
Dublin has already become a city for students who either live within a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families can afford to pay for the extortionate rents in this city .
If not , you have to go elsewhere , or delay attending university .
Our universities are only accountable to the public good if we are funding them .
If we want Ireland to live up to the ambition of equality , our next government has to start treating this chronic commercialisation of higher education as a massive barrier to social justice and equality and begin to plug the gap in public funding for universities immediately .
The benefits of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research that will revolutionise our healthcare system , our approach to the climate crisis , our understanding of society - to allowing people from all walks of life and all experiences to teach and learn together within and outside the classroom .
Universities have the capacity to foster creativity , critical thinking and empathy and that has to be at the forefront of their business - not profitability of different activities .

Higher education institutions and students fuel industries, contribute to our economy, develop and enrich public spaces and help us to realise ideas and solutions to issues in our society and make it better.
As student activists, over the last number of years we have taken to the streets and lobbied against the chronic underfunding of our higher education sector, to little response from the government.
The can has been kicked down the road and Cassells’ report - which set out options for the future funding of higher education - is gathering dust.
Despite this lack of investment, universities appear to be doing well. UCD is back to pre-crash levels of funding overall and ever expanding and pouring concrete.
READ MORE
Falling
Ranking positions may be falling, but non-EU student numbers are rising and, somehow, ends are met. The progress of our institutions, of course, lies in their ability to get money from other places. UCD currently sources more than 60 per cent of its income from non-exchequer sources, and other institutions are in similar situations.
This depletion in public funds results in a depletion in accountability, and it is having a detrimental effect on the progression of the core goals of higher education. This must be addressed urgently by the next government.
At present, universities are using non-exchequer funding to benefit the university progressing as a business and not to promote the goals of public good. Our education is now a commodity.
Commodified education institutions do not have to care about the welfare of students as a top priority.
Toxic
They can turn around and say if you cannot afford it, do not come here. If you struggle with finances or otherwise while in college, drop out. If the two or four-hour daily commutes each way become overwhelming, well, you applied to come here. We did not invite you. It is a toxic, privileged and self serving sentiment.
When education is a product, and students merely customers, factors such as the public good or the wellbeing of students on campus, become secondary objectives.
The institution is run like a massive business for those who can afford to avail of its service. Becoming accessible to everyone and providing an equal opportunity to attend higher education and succeed in it is not the priority; it’s less profitable.
The numbers of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds attending higher education remain low.
The numbers of single parents accessing higher education remain low.
The numbers of travellers in higher education remain low.
Additionally, for those who do make it to university, Susi and maintenance grants have not increased and don’t reflect the cost of living as a student in the slightest.
Extortionate
Dublin has already become a city for students who either live within a “reasonable” commuting distance, or whose families can afford to pay for the extortionate rents in this city. If not, you have to go elsewhere, or delay attending university.
Our universities are only accountable to the public good if we are funding them. If we want Ireland to live up to the ambition of equality, our next government has to start treating this chronic commercialisation of higher education as a massive barrier to social justice and equality and begin to plug the gap in public funding for universities immediately.
The benefits of investing in education are incredible.
From research that will revolutionise our healthcare system, our approach to the climate crisis, our understanding of society - to allowing people from all walks of life and all experiences to teach and learn together within and outside the classroom.
Universities have the capacity to foster creativity, critical thinking and empathy and that has to be at the forefront of their business - not profitability of different activities.
Joanna Siewierska, President, UCD Students’ Union


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Risk of coronavirus in Ireland remains moderate, says HSE

The risk of coronavirus cases occurring here remains moderate and Ireland is well prepared for any outbreak , according to the Health Service Executive .
HSE officials said there have been no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus in Ireland , though a number of people have received precautionary care .
“ You are extremely unlikely to catch novel coronavirus from someone in Ireland , ” Joe Ryan , HSE national director of services , told a briefing on Thursday .
While there have been 10 confirmed cases in the EU , the likelihood of further cases being brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At present , samples for testing need to be sent to the UK , with a turnaround of up to 48 hours , Cillian de Gascun , director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory at UCD , said .
However , from next week , Irish testing would be “ up and running ” and results would be ready within eight to 12 hours .
HSE assistant national director Dr Kevin Kelleher acknowledged that up to 20,000 Irish people could be affected by the virus but stressed this was a “ worst-case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There was a “ low degree of possibility ” of this happening , he said .
“ What we are striving to do is to try to ensure that if we do have a case here , we will minimise , and hopefully make sure there is no spread of the disease.
” All Irish hospitals with emergency departments are in a position to provide isolation facilities in the event of cases occurring here , Mr Ryan said .
If there were a large number of cases , patients would be cohorted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the health service .
Dr Kelleher said the health service has been planning “ for a long time ” for the kind of threat posed by the virus .
An emergency planning group within the HSE has been meeting three times a week since the crisis erupted and is also engaging with the Department ’ s National Public Health Emergency Team .
This group held a meeting on the coronavirus earlier this week , chaired by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan , and was due to meet again on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be affected to phone their GP first and talk to them rather than going to the surgery .
The relevant criteria are respiratory symptoms within 14 days of returning from Wuhan in China , or close contact with someone with the infection .
There is no specific treatment for the new coronavirus , though many of the symptoms can be treated .
Meanwhile , flu levels in Ireland rose unexpectedly last week , as cases of the B strain of the virus became more prominent .
So far this winter , it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among over-65s , and 3,164 cases have been reported .
This included 277 new cases last week .
Some 104 patients have been put in intensive care .
The average older person admitted for flu ends up spending three weeks in hospital , officials said .
Attendances at hospital emergency departments are also up on last week , while the number of patients waiting to be discharged rose to 624 .

Information in German, English and Chinese about the Coronavirus at Tegel airport in Berlin. Photograph: Andreas Gora/DPA/AFP
The risk of coronavirus cases occurring here remains moderate and Ireland is well prepared for any outbreak, according to the Health Service Executive.
HSE officials said there have been no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus in Ireland, though a number of people have received precautionary care.
"You are extremely unlikely to catch novel coronavirus from someone in Ireland," Joe Ryan, HSE national director of services, told a briefing on Thursday.
While there have been 10 confirmed cases in the EU, the likelihood of further cases being brought into Europe is moderate, he said.
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At present, samples for testing need to be sent to the UK, with a turnaround of up to 48 hours, Cillian de Gascun, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory at UCD, said. However, from next week, Irish testing would be “up and running” and results would be ready within eight to 12 hours.
HSE assistant national director Dr Kevin Kelleher acknowledged that up to 20,000 Irish people could be affected by the virus but stressed this was a "worst-case scenario" in the different models analysed. There was a "low degree of possibility" of this happening, he said.
“What we are striving to do is to try to ensure that if we do have a case here, we will minimise, and hopefully make sure there is no spread of the disease.”
All Irish hospitals with emergency departments are in a position to provide isolation facilities in the event of cases occurring here, Mr Ryan said. If there were a large number of cases, patients would be cohorted in wards, under the plans made by the health service.
Emergency planning
Dr Kelleher said the health service has been planning “for a long time” for the kind of threat posed by the virus. An emergency planning group within the HSE has been meeting three times a week since the crisis erupted and is also engaging with the Department’s National Public Health Emergency Team.
This group held a meeting on the coronavirus earlier this week, chaired by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan, and was due to meet again on Thursday.
Officials advised people who think they might be affected to phone their GP first and talk to them rather than going to the surgery. The relevant criteria are respiratory symptoms within 14 days of returning from Wuhan in China, or close contact with someone with the infection.
There is no specific treatment for the new coronavirus, though many of the symptoms can be treated.
Winter flu
Meanwhile, flu levels in Ireland rose unexpectedly last week, as cases of the B strain of the virus became more prominent.
So far this winter, it has caused 66 deaths, most of them among over-65s, and 3,164 cases have been reported. This included 277 new cases last week. Some 104 patients have been put in intensive care.
The average older person admitted for flu ends up spending three weeks in hospital, officials said.
Attendances at hospital emergency departments are also up on last week, while the number of patients waiting to be discharged rose to 624.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Judge orders woman (70s) with dementia be moved to daughter’s home

An elderly woman with dementia whose adult children disagreed over her future care is to be moved from a community nursing unit to the home of a daughter , a High Court judge has directed .
High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly noted the daughter had said all her siblings would have access to their mother and the entire family have her best interests at heart .
He told them he hoped they would not show any rancour between them before her and they owed it to her to make the “ very best ” of whatever time she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the woman is a ward of court who has been in a community nursing unit for some months .
Mr Justice Kelly , who manages the wards of court list , was asked on Thursday to decide whether she should go to a nursing home , return to her own home , where some family members live , or go to the home of the daughter .
David Leahy BL , for the general solicitor for wards of court , the committee representing the woman ’ s interests , said the adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she should live .
In evidence , a doctor involved in the woman ’ s care said the nursing unit is not intended for long term nursing care and may have difficulties with the Health Inspection Quality Authority if it keeps her much longer .
He expected her condition to deteriorate but that deterioration has not been as speedy as he had anticipated in previous reports .
She was physically well as of now and , while she would ultimately need nursing home care , did not require that as of now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether she contracted bugs and infections , he added .
When discussing prognosis and infections , the doctor remarked to the judge , as an aside , he had received a text from a colleague concerning a potential coronavirus case .
In reply to the judge , he stressed that potential case is not in the nursing unit but arose from an individual having attended the A & E department of a Dublin hospital .
Separately on Thursday , the HSE said there had been no suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , solicitor David Hickey , who met with the woman to ascertain her views , said he considered she lacked capacity to decide where she wished to live and had expressed no clear view .
The court also heard Sage Advocacy , which advocates for older people , had in a letter stated the woman ’ s face had “ lit up ” when the prospect of returning to her own home was raised .
That property was described by Mr Hickey as unsuitable for reasons including it is old with no bathroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has continence issues , is at risk of falls and needs 24 hour supervision , the court was told .
Having heard from all parties , Mr Justice Kelly said he considered the best option is for the woman to live in a family environment with one of her daughter ’ s in the latter ’ s modern home .
A nursing home or other institution is not appropriate for her at this stage for reasons including she would be more prone to contracting bugs and infections , which pose greater risk for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generously offered to facilitate access by her siblings to their mother , he hoped the arrangement would work out and she would be “ happy and content ” .
All of the options put before him carried risks , he could not foresee the future but he considered this option posed the least risk .
Because of the downward trajectory of her dementia , nursing home care will have to be considered in the future , he added .

High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly said he hoped the woman’s children would not show any rancour between them before her and they owed it to her to make the ‘very best’ of whatever time she has left.
An elderly woman with dementia whose adult children disagreed over her future care is to be moved from a community nursing unit to the home of a daughter, a High Court judge has directed.
High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly noted the daughter had said all her siblings would have access to their mother and the entire family have her best interests at heart.
He told them he hoped they would not show any rancour between them before her and they owed it to her to make the “very best” of whatever time she has left.
Aged in her 70s, the woman is a ward of court who has been in a community nursing unit for some months.
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Mr Justice Kelly, who manages the wards of court list, was asked on Thursday to decide whether she should go to a nursing home, return to her own home, where some family members live, or go to the home of the daughter.
David Leahy BL, for the general solicitor for wards of court, the committee representing the woman’s interests, said the adult children have different views as to where she should live.
In evidence, a doctor involved in the woman’s care said the nursing unit is not intended for long term nursing care and may have difficulties with the Health Inspection Quality Authority if it keeps her much longer.
He expected her condition to deteriorate but that deterioration has not been as speedy as he had anticipated in previous reports. She was physically well as of now and, while she would ultimately need nursing home care, did not require that as of now.
Her prognosis is dependent to some degree on whether she contracted bugs and infections, he added.
When discussing prognosis and infections, the doctor remarked to the judge, as an aside, he had received a text from a colleague concerning a potential coronavirus case.
In reply to the judge, he stressed that potential case is not in the nursing unit but arose from an individual having attended the A&E department of a Dublin hospital.
Separately on Thursday, the HSE said there had been no suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus here.
During the High Court hearing, solicitor David Hickey, who met with the woman to ascertain her views, said he considered she lacked capacity to decide where she wished to live and had expressed no clear view.
The court also heard Sage Advocacy, which advocates for older people, had in a letter stated the woman’s face had “lit up” when the prospect of returning to her own home was raised.
That property was described by Mr Hickey as unsuitable for reasons including it is old with no bathroom on the ground floor. The woman has continence issues, is at risk of falls and needs 24 hour supervision, the court was told.
Having heard from all parties, Mr Justice Kelly said he considered the best option is for the woman to live in a family environment with one of her daughter’s in the latter’s modern home.
A nursing home or other institution is not appropriate for her at this stage for reasons including she would be more prone to contracting bugs and infections, which pose greater risk for persons with dementia.
The daughter had generously offered to facilitate access by her siblings to their mother, he hoped the arrangement would work out and she would be “happy and content”.
All of the options put before him carried risks, he could not foresee the future but he considered this option posed the least risk.
Because of the downward trajectory of her dementia, nursing home care will have to be considered in the future, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Residential care staff carry-out unauthorised use of physical restraint

Staff absences over weekend periods led to “ unnecessary restrictive practices ” being used at a residential centre for adults with intellectual disabilities in Co Roscommon , a report from the State ’ s health watchdog says .
Inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) said the use of such practices at Heather Services impacted upon resident ’ s rights and dignity .
The unannounced inspection , which took place over two days last October , found the centre , which is run by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland , was not compliant with seven out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspection reports published by Hiqa on Thursday on designated centres for people with disabilities , a good level of compliance with regulations and standards was found in 17 centres .
Inspectors said staffing arrangements were not always appropriate at Heather Services to meet the needs of residents and this had an impact on arrangements for the use of restraint .
“ As a result there had been unauthorised use of physical restraint on two separate occasions and it was not demonstrated that the provider was upholding residents ’ freedoms and right to liberty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ While the provider had ensured that there were sufficient staffing levels being provided to meet the complex needs of the residents on most days , staff absences due to sickness during weekend periods had led to staff members utilising unnecessary restrictive practices due to a reduction in staffing numbers.
” Inspectors also found that the management structure in place was “ not effective ” .
They said a sample of residents ’ personal plans outlined they were not being supported to achieve their individual social care goals .
The provider also failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarding measures for residents were available for the inspectors to review .
“ Residents living in one of the houses that made up the centre had been supported to purchase a vehicle for their use .
The inspectors sought to review the contracts that had been drawn up regarding the purchasing of the vehicle which should have been in place to ensure that residents ’ financial interests were safeguarded , ” the inspection report said .
“ However , these contracts were not available for review on the day of the inspection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate controls and consultation had been put in place to safeguard residents.
” Separately , inspectors at Le Cheile , Co Limerick , also run by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland , found a number of buildings on the campus were “ in an evident state of repair ” .
Inspectors found that while efforts had been made to decorate , there was an obvious need for maintenance works in all parts of the centre .
“ A number of surfaces were marked and paintwork was chipped throughout the centre .
Although clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wall in one house and on a ceiling in another , ” the inspection report said .
“ The bathroom facilities available to the majority of residents in two houses were of a poor standard ; dust and cobwebs were also evident.
” Staff also acknowledged that some bedrooms were not a suitable size for residents who use wheelchairs .
Inspectors found that when walking through the centre , with the exception of one recently refurbished bedroom , “ fire doors were not installed ” .

Staff absences over weekend periods led to “unnecessary restrictive practices” being used at a residential centre for adults with intellectual disabilities in Co Roscommon, a report from the State’s health watchdog says.
Staff absences over weekend periods led to “unnecessary restrictive practices” being used at a residential centre for adults with intellectual disabilities in Co Roscommon, a report from the State’s health watchdog says.
Inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) said the use of such practices at Heather Services impacted upon resident's rights and dignity.
The unannounced inspection, which took place over two days last October, found the centre, which is run by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, was not compliant with seven out of 13 regulations.
Of the 25 inspection reports published by Hiqa on Thursday on designated centres for people with disabilities, a good level of compliance with regulations and standards was found in 17 centres.
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Inspectors said staffing arrangements were not always appropriate at Heather Services to meet the needs of residents and this had an impact on arrangements for the use of restraint.
“As a result there had been unauthorised use of physical restraint on two separate occasions and it was not demonstrated that the provider was upholding residents’ freedoms and right to liberty,” the inspection report said.
“While the provider had ensured that there were sufficient staffing levels being provided to meet the complex needs of the residents on most days, staff absences due to sickness during weekend periods had led to staff members utilising unnecessary restrictive practices due to a reduction in staffing numbers.”
Management structure
Inspectors also found that the management structure in place was “not effective”. They said a sample of residents’ personal plans outlined they were not being supported to achieve their individual social care goals.
The provider also failed to ensure that information regarding financial safe guarding measures for residents were available for the inspectors to review.
“Residents living in one of the houses that made up the centre had been supported to purchase a vehicle for their use. The inspectors sought to review the contracts that had been drawn up regarding the purchasing of the vehicle which should have been in place to ensure that residents’ financial interests were safeguarded,” the inspection report said.
“However, these contracts were not available for review on the day of the inspection. The provider could not therefore demonstrate that appropriate controls and consultation had been put in place to safeguard residents.”
‘State of repair’
Separately, inspectors at Le Cheile, Co Limerick, also run by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, found a number of buildings on the campus were "in an evident state of repair".
Inspectors found that while efforts had been made to decorate, there was an obvious need for maintenance works in all parts of the centre.
“A number of surfaces were marked and paintwork was chipped throughout the centre. Although clean overall, food stains were observed on a wall in one house and on a ceiling in another,” the inspection report said.
“The bathroom facilities available to the majority of residents in two houses were of a poor standard; dust and cobwebs were also evident.”
Staff also acknowledged that some bedrooms were not a suitable size for residents who use wheelchairs.
Inspectors found that when walking through the centre, with the exception of one recently refurbished bedroom, “fire doors were not installed”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Teenager airlifted to hospital after being ‘hit by bus’ in Arklow, Co Wicklow, gardaí say

A 14-year-old schoolboy who was hit by a bus in Arklow , Co Wicklow on Thursday has been airlifted to Temple Street Children ’ s Hospital in Dublin for treatment .
It is understood that he was crossing the road on the town ’ s Main Street when the incident occurred at about 4:30pm .
He is believed to have been conscious and was able to speak to paramedics at the scene .
An eyewitness said the child appeared to have been trapped under the bus and a screen was erected around the vehicle while he was attended to by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services response was conducted including gardaí , fire brigade , ambulances .
Heavy lifting and cutting equipment were at the scene .
Gardaí confirmed they attended the scene of a single vehicle road traffic accident .
“ A male youth in his teens was hit by a bus .
The road is currently closed .
No further information is available at this time , ” gardaí said in a statement .
The Coastguard dispatched a helicopter which landed at Pearse ’ s Park GAA ground at about 5:15pm .
Once the boy had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin Airport where he landed at 6:15pm before being transferred to hospital .
He was accompanied by a family member , a doctor and a paramedic .
His exact condition is not known but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening .

The scene of a major rescue operation where a child was trapped under a bus in Arklow, Co Wicklow. Photograph: Garry O’Neill
A 14-year-old schoolboy who was hit by a bus in Arklow, Co Wicklow on Thursday has been airlifted to Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin for treatment.
It is understood that he was crossing the road on the town’s Main Street when the incident occurred at about 4:30pm. He is believed to have been conscious and was able to speak to paramedics at the scene.
An eyewitness said the child appeared to have been trapped under the bus and a screen was erected around the vehicle while he was attended to by emergency services personnel.
An air ambulance at Pearse’s Park. Photograph: Garry O’Neill
The scene at Main Street in Arklow, Co Wicklow earlier on Thursday. Photograph: Garry O’Neill
A major emergency services response was conducted including gardaí, fire brigade, ambulances. Heavy lifting and cutting equipment were at the scene.
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Gardaí confirmed they attended the scene of a single vehicle road traffic accident.
“A male youth in his teens was hit by a bus. The road is currently closed. No further information is available at this time,” gardaí said in a statement.
The Coastguard dispatched a helicopter which landed at Pearse's Park GAA ground at about 5:15pm.
Once the boy had been assessed, he was airlifted to Dublin Airport where he landed at 6:15pm before being transferred to hospital.
He was accompanied by a family member, a doctor and a paramedic. His exact condition is not known but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Major garda investigation into €4m mortgage fraud scheme

A major investigation is under way by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau ( GNECB ) into a large-scale , mortgage fraud scheme estimated at over €4 million .
Gardaí attached to the GNECB ’ s Serious Economic Crime Investigation Unit have identified a total of 109 suspicious mortgage applications which have been submitted to a number of financial institutions .
A male was arrested at his home in Rathfarnham , Dublin at 7am on Tuesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy contrary to Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 .
It followed searches on a number of premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of the investigation .
The suspected fraud was brought to the attention of gardaí after several banks and lending institutions became concerned about some mortgage applications being made .
Gardaí said a large quantity of documents and computers were seized during the course of the searches .
The man is currently being held at Rathfarnham Garda station for questioning .
According to gardaí , applicants paid varying amounts of money for the creation of false documents which were subsequently submitted to financial institutions to make their applications “ more favourable ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both in an upfront fee and then with an additional payment when the mortgage was secured , ” according to a Garda statement .
Gardaí said the investigation was ongoing and a full file would be prepared and submitted to the DPP .

A male was arrested at his home in Rathfarnham, Dublin at 7am on Tuesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy contrary to Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
A major investigation is under way by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) into a large-scale, mortgage fraud scheme estimated at over €4 million.
Gardaí attached to the GNECB’s Serious Economic Crime Investigation Unit have identified a total of 109 suspicious mortgage applications which have been submitted to a number of financial institutions.
A male was arrested at his home in Rathfarnham, Dublin at 7am on Tuesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy contrary to Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
It followed searches on a number of premises in Rathfarnham and Templeogue in south Dublin as part of the investigation.
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The suspected fraud was brought to the attention of gardaí after several banks and lending institutions became concerned about some mortgage applications being made.
Gardaí said a large quantity of documents and computers were seized during the course of the searches.
The man is currently being held at Rathfarnham Garda station for questioning.
According to gardaí, applicants paid varying amounts of money for the creation of false documents which were subsequently submitted to financial institutions to make their applications “more favourable” to the banks.
“They paid both in an upfront fee and then with an additional payment when the mortgage was secured,” according to a Garda statement.
Gardaí said the investigation was ongoing and a full file would be prepared and submitted to the DPP.