theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Trade unions call for emergency funding to tackle ‘crisis’ facing third level colleges

Trade unions representing staff at all levels of the education system have joined forces to call for emergency funding to ease the “ crisis ” facing third level institutions .
The Irish Congress of Trade Union ’ s education sector group - which includes unions representing staff at primary , secondary and tertiary level - says the coronavirus pandemic has exposed serious flaws at the heart of thethird level system .
It says these can only be addressed through the development of a long-term plan and vision , involving all key stakeholders in the sector , to ensure the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group has called for a third level forum to be established which could also look at the creation of greater security of employment across the sector by tackling issues around short-term contracts and precarious employment .
Speaking on behalf of Siptu , divisional organiser Adrian Kane said : “ The sector faces a number of major challenges , not least the funding shortfall at the universities arising from the Covid 19 emergency and the need to address how we fund the system into the future .
“ The entirely negative response we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far is both unhelpful and untenable.
” He said further education , training and lifelong learning systems will have a “ pivotal ” role to play in the recovery after the emergency .
To help meet longer-term challenges , he said a new vision for the sector is urgently required .
Higher education institutions are estimated to be facing a euro500 million shortfall this year and next due to the pandemic , according to the Higher Education Authority , However .
Government departments have signalled that there is nowhere near this kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Irish Federation of University Teachers ( Ifut ) said the university sector had entered the pandemic already in a deep state of crisis .
“ Its frailties have now been exposed and exacerbated .
A genuine resolution must be based on social dialogue with all key actors involved , ” he said .
“ The proposal to establish a new Department of Higher Education has potential .
It could be capable of addressing these challenges if its approach was to be rooted in social dialogue , if it was to be suitably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tackle the issues identified.
” Seamus Lahart , president of the Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) , added that cuts to funding have been very damaging for both the educational experience of students and the working conditions of academic staff .
He cautioned that any move to address this should not negatively impact or neglect the early years , primary , post primary , further education and lifelong learning sectors , which have also been under-resourced for many year years .
“ Now more than ever , we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education system , ’ he said .
Ictu 's education sector group includes the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland ( ASTI ) , TUI , Ifut , Forsa , Siptu , INTO and Unite .

Trade unions representing staff at all levels of the education system have joined forces to call for emergency funding to ease the “crisis” facing third level institutions. Photograph: iStock
Trade unions representing staff at all levels of the education system have joined forces to call for emergency funding to ease the “crisis” facing third level institutions.
The Irish Congress of Trade Union’s education sector group - which includes unions representing staff at primary, secondary and tertiary level - says the coronavirus pandemic has exposed serious flaws at the heart of thethird level system.
It says these can only be addressed through the development of a long-term plan and vision, involving all key stakeholders in the sector, to ensure the sector is placed on a sustainable footing.
The group has called for a third level forum to be established which could also look at the creation of greater security of employment across the sector by tackling issues around short-term contracts and precarious employment.
READ MORE
Emergency
Speaking on behalf of Siptu, divisional organiser Adrian Kane said: “The sector faces a number of major challenges, not least the funding shortfall at the universities arising from the Covid 19 emergency and the need to address how we fund the system into the future.
“The entirely negative response we have heard from the Department on this so far is both unhelpful and untenable.”
He said further education, training and lifelong learning systems will have a “pivotal” role to play in the recovery after the emergency.
To help meet longer-term challenges, he said a new vision for the sector is urgently required.
Higher education institutions are estimated to be facing a euro500 million shortfall this year and next due to the pandemic, according to the Higher Education Authority,
However. Government departments have signalled that there is nowhere near this kind of funding available.
Crisis
Frank Jones of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (Ifut) said the university sector had entered the pandemic already in a deep state of crisis.
“Its frailties have now been exposed and exacerbated. A genuine resolution must be based on social dialogue with all key actors involved,” he said.
“The proposal to establish a new Department of Higher Education has potential. It could be capable of addressing these challenges if its approach was to be rooted in social dialogue, if it was to be suitably resourced and was to move with urgency to tackle the issues identified.”
Seamus Lahart, president of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), added that cuts to funding have been very damaging for both the educational experience of students and the working conditions of academic staff.
He cautioned that any move to address this should not negatively impact or neglect the early years, primary, post primary, further education and lifelong learning sectors, which have also been under-resourced for many year years.
“Now more than ever, we need a fully-integrated, coherent and properly funded education system,’ he said.
Ictu's education sector group includes the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), TUI, Ifut, Forsa, Siptu, INTO and Unite.


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--O’Doherty and Waters ordered to pay legal costs of case against State over Covid-19 laws

Gemma O ’ Doherty and John Waters are facing a significant legal bill after the High Court ruled they must pay the costs of their failed attempt to challenge laws brought in due to Covid-19 .
In a ruling Thursday morning , Mr Justice Charles Meenan said the pair must pay the legal costs of both the State respondents and the notice parties , the Dáil , Seanad and the Ceann Comhairle .
The judge said that the costs , estimated to be a substantial five figure sum , should be limited to the two day hearing of their application @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grant the pair permission to have their judicial review challenge against the laws go to a full hearing of the High Court .
Mr Waters and Ms O ’ Doherty , who claim the laws are unconstitutional , are appealing the dismissal of their action , which they had claimed was brought in the public interest , to the Court of Appeal .
The State , represented by Patrick McCann SC , and Gerard Meehan BL and the notice parties represented by Francis Kieran BL , who opposed the application , sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay their costs of the High Court hearing .
Both argued that there were no factors in the action that made it exceptional to the general rule that the losing parties should pay the legal costs of the action .
Mr McCann said they were not entitled to invoke public interest as a reason for bringing their proceedings , while Mr Kieran relied on the court ’ s finding that the case against the Oireachtas was unstateable .
Ms O ’ Doherty and Mr Waters said they should not have to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As well as claiming that the case was brought in the public interest , they also claimed they were entitled to a protective costs order .
They further claimed it was unnecessary for the Oireachtas to be separately represented from the State in the proceedings .
They also claimed that by being directed by the court that their application for permission to bring challenge should be notice to the other parties , they were presented with a legal hurdle which they ought not to have been .
In his ruling on who should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Justice Meenan dismissed their arguments and that they must pay the others side ’ s legal costs .
He said that their contention that they ought not to be penalised by having to pay the costs because the action was brought in the public interest “ does not stand up to much scrutiny.
” The applicants , he said , did not engage with the case being made by the respondents , including the legal principals being relied on to resist their challenge , “ in any meaningful way.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceeded with their application on the basis they were of the opinion that they had an arguable case , and that this in itself was sufficient for the court to grant them permission to bring their challenge .
There is no doubt that the issues raised by the widespread Covid-19 restrictions “ are important matters of public interest , ” he added .
However , “ the manner in which the applicants conducted the proceedings , their failure to consider or answer the case being made against them and to only have regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings were very far from being in the public interest , ” he said .
In the circumstances the judge said that there was no reason for the court to depart from the normal rule that costs follow the event .
The costs , he added , were limited to those associated with the two day hearing of the leave application .
In his judgment earlier this month dismissing their application for leave the judge said they had not provided the court with any expert evidence or facts to support their view that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionate or unconstitutional .
The laws brought in by the State to help deal with the pandemic he said in his judgment are “ constitutionally permissible.
” The applicants he said who have “ no medical of scientific qualifications or expertise relied on their own unsubstantiated views , gave speeches , engaged in empty rhetoric and sought to draw parallel to Nazi Germany which is both absurd and offensive.
” The judge also dismissed the applicant ’ s claims against the manner in which the laws were voted on and passed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Doherty and Mr Waters , who represented themselves , challenged legislation including the 2020 Health Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act , the 2020 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act Covid-19 Act , The 1947 Health Act ( Affected Areas ) Order .
Their proceedings were also aimed at striking down temporary restriction regulations brought due to Covid-19 under the 1947 Health Act .
They claimed the laws , and the manner in which they were enacted , are repugnant to several articles of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity and the family .

Gemma O'Doherty and John Waters are facing a significant legal bill after the High Court ruled they must pay the costs of their failed attempt to challenge laws brought in due to Covid-19.
In a ruling Thursday morning, Mr Justice Charles Meenan said the pair must pay the legal costs of both the State respondents and the notice parties, the Dáil, Seanad and the Ceann Comhairle.
The judge said that the costs, estimated to be a substantial five figure sum, should be limited to the two day hearing of their application only.
Last month the court refused to grant the pair permission to have their judicial review challenge against the laws go to a full hearing of the High Court.
READ MORE
Mr Waters and Ms O’Doherty, who claim the laws are unconstitutional, are appealing the dismissal of their action, which they had claimed was brought in the public interest, to the Court of Appeal.
The State, represented by Patrick McCann SC, and Gerard Meehan BL and the notice parties represented by Francis Kieran BL, who opposed the application, sought orders from the court directing the applicants to pay their costs of the High Court hearing.
Both argued that there were no factors in the action that made it exceptional to the general rule that the losing parties should pay the legal costs of the action.
Mr McCann said they were not entitled to invoke public interest as a reason for bringing their proceedings, while Mr Kieran relied on the court’s finding that the case against the Oireachtas was unstateable.
Ms O’Doherty and Mr Waters said they should not have to pay the legal costs on several grounds.
As well as claiming that the case was brought in the public interest, they also claimed they were entitled to a protective costs order.
They further claimed it was unnecessary for the Oireachtas to be separately represented from the State in the proceedings.
They also claimed that by being directed by the court that their application for permission to bring challenge should be notice to the other parties, they were presented with a legal hurdle which they ought not to have been.
In his ruling on who should pay the legal costs on Thursday, Mr Justice Meenan dismissed their arguments and said that they must pay the others side's legal costs.
He said that their contention that they ought not to be penalised by having to pay the costs because the action was brought in the public interest “does not stand up to much scrutiny.”
The applicants, he said, did not engage with the case being made by the respondents, including the legal principles being relied on to resist their challenge, “in any meaningful way.”
He said Ms O’Doherty and Mr Waters proceeded with their application on the basis they were of the opinion that they had an arguable case, and that this in itself was sufficient for the court to grant them permission to bring their challenge.
There is no doubt that the issues raised by the widespread Covid-19 restrictions “are important matters of public interest,” he added.
However, “the manner in which the applicants conducted the proceedings, their failure to consider or answer the case being made against them and to only have regard to their own opinions meant that those proceedings were very far from being in the public interest,” he said.
In the circumstances the judge said that there was no reason for the court to depart from the normal rule that costs follow the event. The costs, he added, were limited to those associated with the two day hearing of the leave application.
In his judgment earlier this month dismissing their application for leave the judge said they had not provided the court with any expert evidence or facts to support their view that the laws challenged by the applicants were disproportionate or unconstitutional.
The laws brought in by the State to help deal with the pandemic he said in his judgment are “constitutionally permissible.”
The applicants he said who have "no medical of scientific qualifications or expertise relied on their own unsubstantiated views, gave speeches, engaged in empty rhetoric and sought to draw parallel to Nazi Germany which is both absurd and offensive."
The judge also dismissed the applicant’s claims against the manner in which the laws were voted on and passed by the houses of the Oireachtas.
Ms O’Doherty and Mr Waters, who represented themselves, challenged legislation including the 2020 Health Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, the 2020 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act Covid-19 Act, The 1947 Health Act (Affected Areas) Order.
Their proceedings were also aimed at striking down temporary restriction regulations brought due to Covid-19 under the 1947 Health Act.
They claimed the laws, and the manner in which they were enacted, are repugnant to several articles of the constitution including rights to travel, bodily integrity and the family.


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Simon Harris tests negative for Covid-19 after waiting three days for result

Minister for Health Simon Harris had to wait three days for a coronavirus test result last week .
The Minister remained in self-isolation for the period while waiting for the test result , which was negative .
Mr Harris was tested last Thursday after being referred by his GP , whom he had contacted after displaying symptoms .
In accordance with official advice , he isolated himself from other family members at home and stayed indoors .
He also dialled in remotely to last Friday ’ s Cabinet meeting .
He was given the all-clear on Sunday and returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public on Wednesday at an event at the National Council for the Blind in Dublin .
According to the Health Service Executive , it is currently taking an average of 1.3 day for a person to be referred for a swab , and another 1.4 days for the result to come back .
However , the time from swab to lab result is much longer in the community ( 46.3 hours ) and in hospitals ( 16.3 hours ) .
A further three deaths of people diagnosed with Covid-19 , and 47 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This brings to 1,659 the total number of deaths in the Republic , and to 25,111 the number of cases .
Up to 40 per cent of cases are still occurring through community transmission , meaning the cause of infection is unknown .

Minister for Health Simon Harris TD, visiting the National Council for the Blind of Ireland at its Iona Resource Centre, in Dublin on Wednesday. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
Minister for Health Simon Harris had to wait three days for a coronavirus test result last week.
The Minister remained in self-isolation for the period while waiting for the test result, which was negative.
Mr Harris was tested last Thursday after being referred by his GP, whom he had contacted after displaying symptoms. In accordance with official advice, he isolated himself from other family members at home and stayed indoors. He also dialled in remotely to last Friday’s Cabinet meeting.
He was given the all-clear on Sunday and returned to normal working this week, appearing in public on Wednesday at an event at the National Council for the Blind in Dublin.
READ MORE
According to the Health Service Executive, it is currently taking an average of 1.3 day for a person to be referred for a swab, and another 1.4 days for the result to come back. However, the time from swab to lab result is much longer in the community (46.3 hours) and in hospitals (16.3 hours).
A further three deaths of people diagnosed with Covid-19, and 47 new cases, were reported on Wednesday. This brings to 1,659 the total number of deaths in the Republic, and to 25,111 the number of cases.
Up to 40 per cent of cases are still occurring through community transmission, meaning the cause of infection is unknown.


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Search continues in Drogheda for young boy believed to have fallen into River Boyne

Searches for a young boy who is believed to have fallen into the River Boyne in Drogheda will continue on @ @ @ @ @ to reports that a boy had fallen into the river at the Bridge of Peace @ @ @ @ @ An extensive search was carried out by gardaí and the emergency services into the early @ @ @ @ @ boy was not located .
Gardaí said searches are set to continue on Thursday morning @

Searches for a young boy who is believed to have fallen into the River Boyne in Drogheda will continue on Thursday morning.
Searches for a young boy who is believed to have fallen into the River Boyne in Drogheda will continue on Thursday morning.
Gardaí responded to reports that a boy had fallen into the river at the Bridge of Peace at 10.15pm on Wednesday.
An extensive search was carried out by gardaí and the emergency services into the early hours of Thursday but the boy was not located. Gardaí said searches are set to continue on Thursday morning.


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Ireland has higher per capita death ratio than US, study finds

The Republic currently has the 22nd highest number of deaths from coronavirus in the world and a higher per capita death ratio and case fatality ratio than the United States , according to new data from the Johns Hopkins University .
The data , which is not up to date to the day , records a total of 25,066 confirmed cases and 1,658 deaths in the Republic .
The case fatality ratio – the number of deaths divided by the number of confirmed cases – is 6.6 per cent .
There have been 34.16 deaths per 100,000 people .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world have reported very different case fatality ratios .
This is due to a range of factors , many of which remain unknown , but which include differences in the number of people tested .
“ With more testing , more people with milder cases are identified , ” the university said .
“ This lowers the case-fatality ratio.
” Other issues include demographics .
For example , mortality tends to be higher in older populations .
Characteristics of the healthcare system also play a role as mortality may rise as hospitals become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the data , the United States has by far the highest number of confirmed cases at 1,831,821 .
The US dwarfs even Brazil and Russia which are next in line with 555,383 and 423,186 cases respectively .
The United States , unsurprisingly , also has the highest death toll at 106,180 .
It is followed by the United Kingdom at 39,452 , Italy at 33,530 , and Brazil at 31,199 .
However , when measured by the case fatality ratio , the US rate of 5.8 per cent compares favourably with rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 14.4 per cent in Italy .
The case fatality ratio is lower in Brazil , China and Russia where it is 5.6 per cent , 5.5 per cent , and 1.2 per cent respectively .
The Republic ’ s rate of 6.6 per cent is higher than all three of these countries , as well as the US , but considerably better than the UK and Italy .
In terms of deaths per 100,000 people , the Republic is ahead of the US with 34.16 deaths as against 32.45 in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazil , Russia and China where the rates are 14.89 , 3.48 , and 0.33 respectively .
However , the Republic compares more favourably to the UK and Italy where there have been 59.34 and 55.48 deaths per 100,000 people respectively .

The Republic currently has the 22nd highest number of deaths from coronavirus in the world and a higher per capita death ratio and case fatality ratio than the United States, according to new data from the Johns Hopkins University.
The data, which is not up to date to the day, records a total of 25,066 confirmed cases and 1,658 deaths in the Republic.
The case fatality ratio – the number of deaths divided by the number of confirmed cases – is 6.6 per cent. There have been 34.16 deaths per 100,000 people.
The university pointed out that countries throughout the world have reported very different case fatality ratios.
READ MORE
This is due to a range of factors, many of which remain unknown, but which include differences in the number of people tested. “With more testing, more people with milder cases are identified,” the university said. “This lowers the case-fatality ratio.”
Other issues include demographics. For example, mortality tends to be higher in older populations. Characteristics of the healthcare system also play a role as mortality may rise as hospitals become overwhelmed and have fewer resources.
According to the data, the United States has by far the highest number of confirmed cases at 1,831,821. The US dwarfs even Brazil and Russia which are next in line with 555,383 and 423,186 cases respectively.
The United States, unsurprisingly, also has the highest death toll at 106,180. It is followed by the United Kingdom at 39,452, Italy at 33,530, and Brazil at 31,199.
Case fatality ratio
However, when measured by the case fatality ratio, the US rate of 5.8 per cent compares favourably with rates of 14.1 per cent in the UK and 14.4 per cent in Italy.
The case fatality ratio is lower in Brazil, China and Russia where it is 5.6 per cent, 5.5 per cent, and 1.2 per cent respectively. The Republic’s rate of 6.6 per cent is higher than all three of these countries, as well as the US, but considerably better than the UK and Italy.
In terms of deaths per 100,000 people, the Republic is ahead of the US with 34.16 deaths as against 32.45 in the US. It is also significantly ahead of Brazil, Russia and China where the rates are 14.89, 3.48, and 0.33 respectively.
However, the Republic compares more favourably to the UK and Italy where there have been 59.34 and 55.48 deaths per 100,000 people respectively.


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Academic freedom is under pressure in Irish universities

Academic freedom is essential to the university ’ s mission of discovering new knowledge and teaching existing knowledge to students .
It is unfortunately under threat worldwide from pressures both internal and external to the academy .
Academic freedom is guaranteed in all western democracies .
The guarantee in the Irish Universities Act 1997 is comprehensive : “ A member of the academic staff of a university shall have the freedom , within the law , in his or her teaching , research and any other activities , either in or outside the university , to question and test received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to state controversial or unpopular opinions and shall not be disadvantaged or subject to less favourable treatment by the university for the exercise of that freedom ” .
Academic freedom thrives on diversity , encouraging the free contest of contrasting ideas and thereby facilitating reliable and timely discovery of new knowledge .
Denial of academic freedom produces monotonous error-ridden uniformity .
For example , the USSR brought scientific research under political control in the 1930s .
This fostered the rise of agricultural geneticist Trofim Denisovitch Lysenko ( 1898-1976 ) who believed mendelian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that heredity can be changed by good crop husbandry , thereby improving agriculture .
Lysenko ’ s ideas harmonised with Communist ideology and pleased Joseph Stalin .
Lysenko was appointed director of the Institute of Genetics of the Soviet Academy of Sciences and he ruthlessly removed scientists who disagreed with him – many were imprisoned ; some executed .
Lysenko ’ s ideas were disastrous both for Russian science and agriculture , contributing to several famines .
Lysenko was removed from office in 1965 by Nikita Krushchev ( 1984-1971 ) .
Dictatorial regimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theAmerican Association of University Professorsreports that one-party communist China tightened restrictions on academic freedom in 2018 , suspending some professors who criticised government policy .
Students monitor faculty speech and report deviations from government policy to the authorities .
But apart from dictatorships , there are many threats to academic freedom throughout the world .
One worrying development , particularly in America and increasingly in UK , is the growing campus culture of intolerance towards expression of legitimate opinions deemed to be on the “ wrong ” side of a range of issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion , immigration policy and religion .
Thankfully , Ireland has so far experienced only a mild version of this new intolerance .
Such intolerance is frequently student-lead and involves , for example , “ no-platforming ” of properly invited guest speakers to campus who are known advocates of positions not favoured by the politically correct students .
Speakers are denied the opportunity to speak , perhaps by barricading the lecture hall .
This negates academic freedom .
All too often university authorities are supine in the face of this intolerance and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But academic freedom must be protected and I was pleased to see UCD academics rise to the occasion recently .
University natural sciences are also at risk of co-option by the State entirely in the service of the economy .
Economies run on science-based technology and governments rightly expect universities to support economic growth by producing scientists and engineers and doing applied research .
But there is much more to science .
Scientists must also do curiosity-driven research that has no obvious near-term practical applications but expands understanding of the natural world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share of Government research funding currently supports applied research .
This limits scientists ’ academic freedom to choose their research areas and damages the overall health of science .
In accordance with government policy , Ireland now leads the world in rate of transfer of students from second to third level and our universities are bursting at the seams .
Nevertheless government university funding has seriously declined over the past decade , forcing universities to chase foreign students who pay large economic fees in an attempt to maintain income .
This can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed changing its academic freedom policy to accommodate expanding international links with China and other countries , prompting me to write this article .
The proposal was withdrawn in the face of widespread opposition from academic staff .
Finally a proposal that can be easily implemented : All incoming university students should be taught a module on the nature and role of the university , including the cornerstone of academic freedom .
William Reville is an emeritus professor of biochemistry at UCC

Thousands of people marched in anti-government protests in Budapest in 2018 over limits on academic freedom under Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s nationalist government. Photograph: Marko Drobnjakovic/AP.
Academic freedom is essential to the university’s mission of discovering new knowledge and teaching existing knowledge to students. It is unfortunately under threat worldwide from pressures both internal and external to the academy.
Academic freedom is guaranteed in all western democracies. The guarantee in the Irish Universities Act 1997 is comprehensive : “A member of the academic staff of a university shall have the freedom, within the law, in his or her teaching, research and any other activities, either in or outside the university, to question and test received wisdom, to put forward new ideas and to state controversial or unpopular opinions and shall not be disadvantaged or subject to less favourable treatment by the university for the exercise of that freedom”.
Academic freedom thrives on diversity, encouraging the free contest of contrasting ideas and thereby facilitating reliable and timely discovery of new knowledge.
Denial of academic freedom produces monotonous error-ridden uniformity. For example, the USSR brought scientific research under political control in the 1930s. This fostered the rise of agricultural geneticist Trofim Denisovitch Lysenko (1898-1976) who believed mendelian hereditary theory is erroneous. He proposed that heredity can be changed by good crop husbandry, thereby improving agriculture.
READ MORE
Lysenko's ideas were disastrous both for Russian science and agriculture, contributing to several famines.
Lysenko's ideas harmonised with Communist ideology and pleased Joseph Stalin. Lysenko was appointed director of the Institute of Genetics of the Soviet Academy of Sciences and he ruthlessly removed scientists who disagreed with him – many were imprisoned; some executed.
Lysenko's ideas were disastrous both for Russian science and agriculture, contributing to several famines. Lysenko was removed from office in 1965 by Nikita Krushchev (1984-1971).
Dictatorial regimes constrain academic freedom. For example, theAmerican Association of University Professorsreports that one-party communist China tightened restrictions on academic freedom in 2018, suspending some professors who criticised government policy. Students monitor faculty speech and report deviations from government policy to the authorities.
There is a growing campus culture of intolerance towards expression of legitimate opinions deemed to be on the 'wrong' side of a range of issues.
But apart from dictatorships, there are many threats to academic freedom throughout the world. One worrying development, particularly in America and increasingly in UK, is the growing campus culture of intolerance towards expression of legitimate opinions deemed to be on the "wrong" side of a range of issues, for example sexual orientation/gender/transgender issues, abortion, immigration policy and religion. Thankfully, Ireland has so far experienced only a mild version of this new intolerance.
Such intolerance is frequently student-lead and involves, for example, “no-platforming” of properly invited guest speakers to campus who are known advocates of positions not favoured by the politically correct students. Speakers are denied the opportunity to speak, perhaps by barricading the lecture hall. This negates academic freedom.
All too often university authorities are supine in the face of this intolerance and many academics feel too intimidated to speak out. But academic freedom must be protected and I was pleased to see UCD academics rise to the occasion recently.
University natural sciences are also at risk of co-option by the State entirely in the service of the economy. Economies run on science-based technology and governments rightly expect universities to support economic growth by producing scientists and engineers and doing applied research. But there is much more to science.
Scientists must also do curiosity-driven research that has no obvious near-term practical applications but expands understanding of the natural world. However, the lion’s share of Government research funding currently supports applied research. This limits scientists’ academic freedom to choose their research areas and damages the overall health of science.
In accordance with government policy, Ireland now leads the world in rate of transfer of students from second to third level and our universities are bursting at the seams.
Nevertheless government university funding has seriously declined over the past decade, forcing universities to chase foreign students who pay large economic fees in an attempt to maintain income. This can also put pressure on academic freedom.
UCD proposed changing its academic freedom policy to accommodate expanding international links with China and other countries, prompting me to write this article. The proposal was withdrawn in the face of widespread opposition from academic staff.
Finally a proposal that can be easily implemented: All incoming university students should be taught a module on the nature and role of the university, including the cornerstone of academic freedom.
William Reville is an emeritus professor of biochemistry at UCC


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Nursing homes dispute accuracy of HSE data on Covid-19 deaths

A number of nursing homes have questioned the accuracy of internal Health Service Executive data quantifying the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 in their facilities .
The list of 167 facilities contains figures on Covid-19 deaths produced by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) , the division of the HSE which provides official figures on deaths linked to the virus .
The data was presented to the board of the HSE .
The list was published last week by The Irish Times .
A total of 24 nursing homes have contacted The Irish Times to query their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE board .
Twelve homes say they have no deaths associated with the virus , despite having a single death ascribed to them in the HPSC data .
Those homes are St Joseph ’ s Centre , Shankill ; St Louise ’ s , Chapelizod ; St Vincent ’ s Centre , Navan Road ; and Sally Park nursing home in Dublin ; St Mary ’ s in Shantalla , Ballinderry nursing home and Castleturvin House in Galway ; Ballinamore House in Co Mayo ; Oakfield nursing home , in Gorey , Co @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leitrim ; the Brothers of Charity Ireland South East Region service in Belmont , Waterford ; and St Ursula ’ s nursing home , Bettystown , Co Meath .
Millrace nursing home in Galway says it has had no Covid deaths in the home , and three were ascribed to it in the data .
A spokesman for St Joseph ’ s in Shankill said it had been “ misrepresented in this report .
There have been no Covid-related deaths or any suspected deaths due to Covid at this facility ” .
St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been no deaths of residents , actual or probable , from the disease , and it had not had a positive case .
It said the care of its residents was its first priority and it adhered to all legislation , regulations and guidelines .
The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland South East Region stated it has had no Covid-related deaths in its locations .
The Daughters of Charity disability support services said it has had no Covid-19 deaths across St Vincent ’ s and St Louise ’ s , or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inaccurate figures reported have been extremely upsetting to family members and staff , ” a spokeswoman said .
Castleturvin House said it “ has not had a probable or confirmed Covid-19 death ” .
Ballinamore nursing home said : “ There has been no death from Covid-19 .
.
.
our centre , thankfully , is free from Covid-19.
” A spokeswoman for Oakfield nursing home said the report was “ factually inaccurate as we have had no cases of Covid-19 and no deaths related to Covid-19 ” .
A spokeswoman for Lough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there and that had been confirmed by the director of public health in the local HSE division .
She said the publication had caused “ great distress and anguish ” to those involved in the nursing home .
Sally Park said in a statement that it has “ had no Covid-19 deaths in the centre and its focus is on the care and welfare of its residents and staff ” .
It said publication of the data “ caused great distress , fear and anxiety ” to its community .
In a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had no Covid infections , and criticised the reporting of The Irish Times .
A further 11 do not dispute having had outbreaks and associated Covid-19 deaths in their facilities but say their internal figure is lower than the number of deaths from the disease listed in the HSE data .
Those homes include Tara Winthrop private clinic ; Kiltipper Woods nursing home ; Loughshinny nursing home ; Clonskeagh community unit , and CareChoice facilities in Malahide and Finglas , all in Dublin ; another CareChoice facility in Macroom , Cork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lodge in Monaghan ; and Beechwood Nursing Home in Carlow .
A spokesman for Tara Winthrop said it had 23 confirmed or suspected Covid-19 deaths , rather than the 29 attributed to it .
“ The team at Tara Winthrop private clinic are deeply saddened by the loss of these lovely residents and we extend our condolences to their families , ” he said .
A spokesman for Kiltipper said the figures were inaccurate and its “ focus remains and will continue to remain on providing the highest standards of person-centred care for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time ” .
Loughshinny said last week the figure of 18 deaths was “ factually inaccurate ” and that its figure was nine deaths .
Beechwood said it had suffered 10 Covid-19 related deaths , not 16 as the HSE figures reported .
“ The other six residents had been receiving end-of-life care and death certification made no reference to Covid -19 being a contributory factor to their deaths , ” the home said .
CareChoice did not dispute that some Covid deaths had occurred in the facilities named , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the data .
A spokesman for Drumbear Lodge disputed the 20 deaths in the HPSC data , saying the majority of those who had contracted the virus had survived , but a “ number in the low teens ” had not .
He said families had been “ extremely supportive ” of the home and its staff during a difficult time .
In response to a series of queries from The Irish Times about why more than 20 care homes were contesting the accuracy of its internal figures , the HSE said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snapshot in time and is constantly being superseded as newer and more accurate data becomes available ” .
The HSE said it was “ continually gathering data on Covid-19 outbreaks , cases and deaths , including in nursing homes and other residential care settings ” through the computerised infectious disease reporting system , which the HPSC uses to manage the surveillance and control of infectious diseases in the State .
“ This confidential , preliminary data is used , on an ongoing basis , to help co-ordinate the HSE response to outbreaks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the residential settings involved , ” it said .
The HSE pointed out that residential care families “ differ greatly , meeting a wide variety of care needs .
Some settings provide care to those with very complex needs , while others may have few residents requiring such medical care .
“ Therefore , we would again strongly caution against the use of such data to compare the impact of Covid-19 within residential settings , ” the HSE said in a statement .

The HSE said it was ‘continually gathering data on Covid-19 outbreaks, cases and deaths, including in nursing homes and other residential care settings’ through the computerised infectious disease reporting system. File photograph: RollingNews.ie
A number of nursing homes have questioned the accuracy of internal Health Service Executive data quantifying the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 in their facilities.
The list of 167 facilities contains figures on Covid-19 deaths produced by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the division of the HSE which provides official figures on deaths linked to the virus. The data was presented to the board of the HSE. The list was published last week by The Irish Times.
A total of 25 nursing homes have contacted The Irish Times to query their inclusion on the list compiled for the HSE board. Twelve homes say they have no deaths associated with the virus, despite having a single death ascribed to them in the HPSC data.
(June 18th, 2020: Two more nursing homes query their inclusion on HSE list of Covid-19 deaths)
READ MORE
Those homes are St Joseph's Centre, Shankill; St Louise's, Chapelizod; St Vincent's Centre, Navan Road; and Sally Park nursing home in Dublin; St Mary's in Shantalla, Ballinderry nursing home and Castleturvin House in Galway; Ballinamore House in Co Mayo; Oakfield nursing home, in Gorey, Co Wexford; Lough Erril nursing home in Leitrim; the Brothers of Charity Ireland South East Region service in Belmont, Waterford; St Francis Nursing Home, Ballinasloe, Co Galway; and St Ursula's nursing home, Bettystown, Co Meath.
Millrace nursing home in Galway says it has had no Covid deaths in the home, and three were ascribed to it in the data.
A spokesman for St Joseph’s in Shankill said it had been “misrepresented in this report. There have been no Covid-related deaths or any suspected deaths due to Covid at this facility”. St Mary’s in Shantalla said there had been no deaths of residents, actual or probable, from the disease, and it had not had a positive case. It said the care of its residents was its first priority and it adhered to all legislation, regulations and guidelines. The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland South East Region stated it has had no Covid related deaths in its locations.
The Daughters of Charity disability support services said it has had no Covid-19 deaths across St Vincent’s and St Louise’s, or any of its residential facilities. “The inaccurate figures reported have been extremely upsetting to family members and staff,” a spokeswoman said.
Castleturvin House said it “has not had a probable or confirmed Covid-19 death”. Ballinamore nursing home said: “There has been no death from Covid-19 . . . our centre, thankfully, is free from Covid-19.”
A spokeswoman for Oakfield nursing home said the report was “factually inaccurate as we have had no cases of Covid-19 and no deaths related to Covid-19”.
‘Great distress’
A spokeswoman for Lough Erril said no Covid-19-related death had occurred there and that had been confirmed by the director of public health in the local HSE division. She said the publication had caused “great distress and anguish” to those involved in the nursing home.
Sally Park said in a statement that it has “had no Covid-19 deaths in the centre and its focus is on the care and welfare of its residents and staff”. It said publication of the data “caused great distress, fear and anxiety” to its community. In a statement, St Ursula’s nursing home said it had no Covid infections, and criticised the reporting of The Irish Times.
A further 11 do not dispute having had outbreaks and associated Covid-19 deaths in their facilities but say their internal figure is lower than the number of deaths from the disease listed in the HSE data.
Those homes include Tara Winthrop private clinic; Kiltipper Woods nursing home; Loughshinny nursing home; Clonskeagh community unit, and CareChoice facilities in Malahide and Finglas, all in Dublin; another CareChoice facility in Macroom, Cork; Larchfield Park in Kildare; Drumbear Lodge in Monaghan; and Beechwood Nursing Home in Carlow.
A spokesman for Tara Winthrop said it had 23 confirmed or suspected Covid-19 deaths, rather than the 29 attributed to it.
“The team at Tara Winthrop private clinic are deeply saddened by the loss of these lovely residents and we extend our condolences to their families,” he said.
A spokesman for Kiltipper said the figures were inaccurate and its “focus remains and will continue to remain on providing the highest standards of person-centred care for all our residents and in supporting staff at this time”.
Loughshinny said last week the figure of 18 deaths was “factually inaccurate” and that its figure was nine deaths. Beechwood said it had suffered 10 Covid-19 related deaths, not 16 as the HSE figures reported.
“The other six residents had been receiving end-of-life care and death certification made no reference to Covid -19 being a contributory factor to their deaths,” the home said.
CareChoice did not dispute that some Covid deaths had occurred in the facilities named, but that the figure was lower than suggested by the data.
A spokesman for Drumbear Lodge disputed the 20 deaths in the HPSC data, saying the majority of those who had contracted the virus had survived, but a “number in the low teens” had not. He said families had been “extremely supportive” of the home and its staff during a difficult time.
‘Snapshot’
In response to a series of queries from The Irish Times about why more than 20 care homes were contesting the accuracy of its internal figures, the HSE said that the data “simply represents a snapshot in time and is constantly being superseded as newer and more accurate data becomes available”.
The HSE said it was “continually gathering data on Covid-19 outbreaks, cases and deaths, including in nursing homes and other residential care settings” through the computerised infectious disease reporting system, which the HPSC uses to manage the surveillance and control of infectious diseases in the State.
“This confidential, preliminary data is used, on an ongoing basis, to help co-ordinate the HSE response to outbreaks and to develop management strategies in conjunction with the residential settings involved,” it said.
The HSE pointed out that residential care families “differ greatly, meeting a wide variety of care needs. Some settings provide care to those with very complex needs, while others may have few residents requiring such medical care.
“Therefore, we would again strongly caution against the use of such data to compare the impact of Covid-19 within residential settings,” the HSE said in a statement.
* This article was amended on June 9th, 2020


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Why pooling expertise to tackle Covid-19 works

Our lives have been severely restricted in recent months .
We are assured the constraints have been imposed following “ the best scientific advice ” , but what is the nature of this advice ?
Among the most important scientific tools used for guidance on the Covid-19 outbreak are mathematical models .
A model is a set of mathematical equations that can simulate physical , social or biological systems .
Mathematical models provide valuable guidance for decision-makers and allow us to measure changes , understand observations and predict future behaviour .
The Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group ( IEMAG ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mathematical modelling support and advice to the Chief Medical Officer and the National Public Health Emergency Team .
Members include leading experts from academia and from several government agencies .
Prof Philip Nolan , president of Maynooth University , is chairman .
IEMAG gathers data and monitors the characteristics of Covid-19 in Ireland and internationally .
It develops mathematical and statistical models to forecast the evolution of the outbreak , gauges the effect of public health interventions in advance and evaluates probable scenarios for numbers of new cases over time .
Responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as by public health advice and experience from international guidance and evidence .
Data from outbreaks already seen in other countries are used to calibrate and tune the models and guide decisions .
I spoke in a Zoom session with professors Brendan Murphy ( UCD ) and James Gleeson ( UL ) , who outlined the suite of models used by IEMAG to answer vital questions about the pandemic .
The central model is a population-based SEIR model .
This divides the population into groups that are susceptible ( S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , infectious ( I ) or recovered ( R ) .
The number of people in each group changes over time and is governed by a set of differential equations .
In the IEMAG model , the infectious group is further divided into six subgroups depending on the path of the infection .
Thus , there are nine coupled equations which must be solved together on a computer .
The interactions between groups depend on about a dozen factors known as parameters , for example , the incubation period , rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-quarantine and so on .
The results depend sensitively on these parameters .
A subcommittee of IEMAG was established to examine the numerous parameters and to determine the most probable values under varying conditions .
To allow for uncertainty , the model is run for a range of parameter values , giving a probable distribution of predicted values .
This is reminiscent of ensemble prediction for weather forecasting .
However , people are more fickle than parcels of air : while human behaviour does not much influence the weather , it has major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Thus , the precision of pandemic modelling lies somewhere between weather prediction ( good ) and economic forecasting ( poor ) .
As a result of interventions , there has been a very significant suppression of Covid-19 spread in Ireland .
The figure , using data up to May 16th , clearly shows the impact of interventions on the reproduction number .
There were marked drops on March 13th to 14th , when schools and universities closed , and March 28th , when the major lockdown started .
The reproduction rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has remained below 1 since then .
The number of deaths per day has been greatly reduced following mitigating steps .
However , if measures are relaxed too soon , an R-number above 1 could cause a dangerous peak in infections .
If it were allowed to go above 2 , the much more extreme consequences would be difficult to cope with .
Irish people have generally observed Government restrictions to contain the pandemic .
It is clear that interventions have greatly reduced the impact of the virus .
Without these restrictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Have we definitely passed the peak ?
What steps must be taken to avoid another surge ?
How long will the virus remain a problem ?
If a vaccine becomes available , what is the best strategy for using it ?
There are many uncertainties , but IEMAG is using the best available tools to get the most probable answers to such questions .
The advisory group has made several technical reports available online for the benefit of scientists throughout Ireland .
These describe the dynamic and statistical models , explain how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine the model parameters and outline the range of methodologies used .
IEMAG ’ s work shows the benefits of combining expertise from diverse fields in which different approaches complement and reinforce each other .
The modelling work is a wonderful example of blending the techniques of applied mathematics and statistics , worthy of recognition by the Irish public .
It is really refreshing that the Irish authorities are listening with respect to the scientific experts .
Let us hope this continues .
Peter Lynch is emeritus professor at UCD School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thatsmaths.com

Our lives have been severely restricted in recent months. We are assured the constraints have been imposed following “the best scientific advice”, but what is the nature of this advice? Among the most important scientific tools used for guidance on the Covid-19 outbreak are mathematical models.
A model is a set of mathematical equations that can simulate physical, social or biological systems. Mathematical models provide valuable guidance for decision-makers and allow us to measure changes, understand observations and predict future behaviour.
The Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group (IEMAG), established in March, provides statistical and mathematical modelling support and advice to the Chief Medical Officer and the National Public Health Emergency Team. Members include leading experts from academia and from several government agencies. Prof Philip Nolan, president of Maynooth University, is chairman.
IEMAG gathers data and monitors the characteristics of Covid-19 in Ireland and internationally. It develops mathematical and statistical models to forecast the evolution of the outbreak, gauges the effect of public health interventions in advance and evaluates probable scenarios for numbers of new cases over time.
READ MORE
Responses and interventions are informed by modelling expertise, as well as by public health advice and experience from international guidance and evidence. Data from outbreaks already seen in other countries are used to calibrate and tune the models and guide decisions.
Suite of models
I spoke in a Zoom session with professors Brendan Murphy (UCD) and James Gleeson (UL), who outlined the suite of models used by IEMAG to answer vital questions about the pandemic. The central model is a population-based SEIR model. This divides the population into groups that are susceptible (S), exposed (E) to the virus, infectious (I) or recovered (R). The number of people in each group changes over time and is governed by a set of differential equations.
In the IEMAG model, the infectious group is further divided into six subgroups depending on the path of the infection. Thus, there are nine coupled equations which must be solved together on a computer. The interactions between groups depend on about a dozen factors known as parameters, for example, the incubation period, rate of transmission, fraction of cases that self-quarantine and so on.
Numerous parameters
The results depend sensitively on these parameters. A subcommittee of IEMAG was established to examine the numerous parameters and to determine the most probable values under varying conditions.
To allow for uncertainty, the model is run for a range of parameter values, giving a probable distribution of predicted values. This is reminiscent of ensemble prediction for weather forecasting. However, people are more fickle than parcels of air: while human behaviour does not much influence the weather, it has major consequences for the evolution of an infectious outbreak. Thus, the precision of pandemic modelling lies somewhere between weather prediction (good) and economic forecasting (poor).
As a result of interventions, there has been a very significant suppression of Covid-19 spread in Ireland. The figure, using data up to May 16th, clearly shows the impact of interventions on the reproduction number. There were marked drops on March 13th to 14th, when schools and universities closed, and March 28th, when the major lockdown started. The reproduction rate of the virus, the R-number, has remained below 1 since then.
The number of deaths per day has been greatly reduced following mitigating steps. However, if measures are relaxed too soon, an R-number above 1 could cause a dangerous peak in infections. If it were allowed to go above 2, the much more extreme consequences would be difficult to cope with.
Irish people have generally observed Government restrictions to contain the pandemic. It is clear that interventions have greatly reduced the impact of the virus. Without these restrictions, we would be dealing with a catastrophe.
Passed the peak?
Have we definitely passed the peak? What steps must be taken to avoid another surge? How long will the virus remain a problem? If a vaccine becomes available, what is the best strategy for using it? There are many uncertainties, but IEMAG is using the best available tools to get the most probable answers to such questions.
The advisory group has made several technical reports available online for the benefit of scientists throughout Ireland. These describe the dynamic and statistical models, explain how data from Ireland and elsewhere are used to determine the model parameters and outline the range of methodologies used.
IEMAG’s work shows the benefits of combining expertise from diverse fields in which different approaches complement and reinforce each other. The modelling work is a wonderful example of blending the techniques of applied mathematics and statistics, worthy of recognition by the Irish public. It is really refreshing that the Irish authorities are listening with respect to the scientific experts. Let us hope this continues.
Peter Lynch is emeritus professor at UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics – he blogs at thatsmaths.com


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Covid-19: Limited easing of restrictions proposed as pressure grows to reopen economy

Public health officials are set to give the go-ahead on Thursday for a further easing of restrictions designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 , with only minor changes to the Government ’ s original roadmap .
Resuming some special education classes , allowing playgrounds to open earlier and permitting some summer camps to go ahead are among the measures being discussed .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan indicated a phasing of further changes is being contemplated , especially for those affecting children .
“ There may well be measures that take a lead-in time and planning .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start on the same date.
” Officials will discuss ways of ramping up testing for the disease , which is currently running at about one-fifth of capacity .
Measures to protect staff against infection are also under consideration , with figures showing almost one-third of cases occur among healthcare workers .
With the Department of Finance on Wednesday revealing a budget deficit of more than €6 billion for May , pressure is increasing on the Government to open up the economy faster than is planned in the five-phase roadmap .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , while likely to recommend phase two of the roadmap goes ahead on June 8th , is not expected to favour speeding up the plan , due to the continuing threat posed by new cases .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also downplayed expectations of an imminent acceleration of the Government ’ s roadmap to lift coronavirus restrictions .
Mr Varadkar , in an email to Fine Gael members , said he was “ confident ” the country could progress to the second phase of the plan next Monday .
The Cabinet is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the recommendation of NPHET .
“ We are now nearing the end of Phase One of our plan to re-open business and society , ” the Taoiseach said .
“ Cabinet will meet on Friday to decide whether it is safe to move to Phase Two .
I am confident that it will be .
As I have always said , our plan to re-open the country can be accelerated if it safe to do so .
“ But , I want to be confident that it is safe before making that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are calling for us to speed up before we even know for sure what impact the Phase One lifting of restrictions has had on the spread of the disease .
I think it is better to adopt this slow and steady approach than to go too fast and risk falling backwards.
” The future of the €350 Covid unemployment payment is also expected to be decided by the Government this week .
Sources said the payment could be reduced for part time workers and a closing date for new applications to the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paschal Donohoe said running “ these kinds of deficits are really important for our economy and our society at this point ” , and he stressed the deficit would in “ large part be addressed by the economic recovery ” .
Mr Donohoe added the better-than-expected figures contained “ some important signals ” but might not offer a reliable indication of future months .
Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the figures were “ way ahead of what the Government was expecting at this point in time ” , and argued that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
Ireland was “ way behind what other jurisdictions are doing right throughout Europe ” , Mr Doherty said .
The exchequer figures showed spending by Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection , which operates the Government ’ s two pandemic unemployment assistance programmes , was 67 per cent more than expected , at €7.4 billion .
But there was a marked decline in tax revenue with fewer people working and less consumer spending .
A further three deaths of people diagnosed with Covid-19 , and 47 new cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1,659 the total number of deaths in the Republic , and to 25,111 the number of cases .
Up to 40 per cent of cases are still occurring through community transmission , meaning the cause of infection is unknown .
As to whether phase two would begin as planned next week , Dr Holohan said “ our planning assumption has been that we ’ ll get there but we don ’ t know for certain ” .
“ As yet there is nothing suggesting we won ’ t be in a position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to let the remaining days of the week elapse .
”

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the Dáil that he is confident that phase two of the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions will go ahead as planned on Monday, June 8th. Video: Oireachtas TV
Public health officials are set to give the go-ahead on Thursday for a further easing of restrictions designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, with only minor changes to the Government’s original roadmap.
Resuming some special education classes, allowing playgrounds to open earlier and permitting some summer camps to go ahead are among the measures being discussed.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan indicated a phasing of further changes is being contemplated, especially for those affecting children.
“There may well be measures that take a lead-in time and planning. It doesn’t necessarily mean everything will start on the same date.”
READ MORE
Officials will discuss ways of ramping up testing for the disease, which is currently running at about one-fifth of capacity. Measures to protect staff against infection are also under consideration, with figures showing almost one-third of cases occur among healthcare workers.
Budget deficit
With the Department of Finance on Wednesday revealing a budget deficit of more than €6 billion for May, pressure is increasing on the Government to open up the economy faster than is planned in the five-phase roadmap.
However, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), while likely to recommend phase two of the roadmap goes ahead on June 8th, is not expected to favour speeding up the plan, due to the continuing threat posed by new cases.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also downplayed expectations of an imminent acceleration of the Government’s roadmap to lift coronavirus restrictions.
Mr Varadkar, in an email to Fine Gael members, said he was “confident” the country could progress to the second phase of the plan next Monday.
The Cabinet is expected to make such a decision on Friday on the recommendation of NPHET.
“We are now nearing the end of Phase One of our plan to re-open business and society,” the Taoiseach said.
“Cabinet will meet on Friday to decide whether it is safe to move to Phase Two. I am confident that it will be. As I have always said, our plan to re-open the country can be accelerated if it safe to do so.
“But, I want to be confident that it is safe before making that move. I am concerned that many are calling for us to speed up before we even know for sure what impact the Phase One lifting of restrictions has had on the spread of the disease. I think it is better to adopt this slow and steady approach than to go too fast and risk falling backwards.”
The future of the €350 Covid unemployment payment is also expected to be decided by the Government this week. Sources said the payment could be reduced for part time workers and a closing date for new applications to the scheme may be announced.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said running “these kinds of deficits are really important for our economy and our society at this point”, and he stressed the deficit would in “large part be addressed by the economic recovery”.
Mr Donohoe added the better-than-expected figures contained “some important signals” but might not offer a reliable indication of future months.
Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the figures were “way ahead of what the Government was expecting at this point in time”, and argued that there was now scope to significantly stimulate the economy.
Ireland was “way behind what other jurisdictions are doing right throughout Europe”, Mr Doherty said.
Spending
The exchequer figures showed spending by Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, which operates the Government’s two pandemic unemployment assistance programmes, was 67 per cent more than expected, at €7.4 billion. But there was a marked decline in tax revenue with fewer people working and less consumer spending.
A further three deaths of people diagnosed with Covid-19, and 47 new cases, were reported on Wednesday. This brings to 1,659 the total number of deaths in the Republic, and to 25,111 the number of cases.
Up to 40 per cent of cases are still occurring through community transmission, meaning the cause of infection is unknown.
As to whether phase two would begin as planned next week, Dr Holohan said “our planning assumption has been that we’ll get there but we don’t know for certain”.
“As yet there is nothing suggesting we won’t be in a position to make that recommendation, but we need to let the remaining days of the week elapse.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--All pupils will not be able to return to class at same time, INTO warns

It will not be possible for all pupils to be in a classroom at the same time when schools reopen , the head of the primary teachers ’ union has said .
John Boyle , general secretary of INTO , said the fact that we have the largest class sizes in Europe means many pupils will not be able to resume under current social-distancing guidelines .
The average class size in Irish primary schools is 25 , compared with an EU average of 20 , according to the OECD .
Many Irish schools , however , have in excess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also warned against a rush to reopen schools ahead of late August or September and said researchers are still divided on whether children are less likely to become infected or spread the virus .
“ It ’ s a fact too that some schools in other jurisdictions that opened early had to close again .
France and South Korea are two clear examples .
We simply can not afford to make that mistake here , ” he writes in an opinion column in today ’ s Irish Times .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can reopen our schools safely in August and we must all play our part to ensure this becomes a reality .
Our pupils , their parents and of course primary teachers deserve nothing less.
” Department of Education officials are understood to be examining the possibility of large groups or even entire classes staying in “ protective bubbles ” when schools reopen .
This could , if permitted under revised public health advice , allow the majority of children resume school on a full-time basis .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh warned last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attend school even if social-distancing requirements were to be reduced from two metres to one .
He also said he would not accept a “ half-return ” with students attending school only some of the week .
Department sources have since confirmed that segregating classes or large groups is under consideration .
Mr McHugh ’ s officials are drawing up a roadmap for reopening schools , which is due to be published next week .
His officials have been examining the experiences of countries such as Germany , France , Denmark and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roadmap is likely to provide guidelines for schools to help prepare them for new public health measures such as regular cleaning and one-way entry and exist systems .
The department has estimated that the cost for providing additional hygiene supports – such as hand sanitiser or cleaning services – is likely to be in excess of €25 million between September and December .
Meanwhile , department officials are also working on a summer programme that could see some disadvantaged – or Deis – schools reopen in July or August to provide “ catch-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this approach , existing social inclusion programmes , such as numeracy and literacy programmes , are being considered .
The programme would also provide separate support for pupils with special needs , such as those with intellectual disabilities , autism or Down syndrome .
It is understood three options are being considered including a home-based element , in which the family would be funded to hire a tutor for their child .
There may also be a school-based element , where tutors could provide support in either special or mainstream schools .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in schools , with support provided by special needs assistants .

A teacher distributes individual student stationary packs ahead of the return of students to a school in London this week. The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation has warned against a rush to reopen schools. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images
It will not be possible for all pupils to be in a classroom at the same time when schools reopen, the head of the primary teachers’ union has said.
John Boyle, general secretary of INTO, said the fact that we have the largest class sizes in Europe means many pupils will not be able to resume under current social-distancing guidelines.
The average class size in Irish primary schools is 25, compared with an EU average of 20, according to the OECD. Many Irish schools, however, have in excess of 30 pupils in “supersized” classes.
He also warned against a rush to reopen schools ahead of late August or September and said researchers are still divided on whether children are less likely to become infected or spread the virus.
READ MORE
"It's a fact too that some schools in other jurisdictions that opened early had to close again. France and South Korea are two clear examples. We simply cannot afford to make that mistake here," he writes in an opinion column in today's Irish Times.
‘Strong consensus’
“There is now a strong consensus that we can reopen our schools safely in August and we must all play our part to ensure this becomes a reality. Our pupils, their parents and of course primary teachers deserve nothing less.”
Department of Education officials are understood to be examining the possibility of large groups or even entire classes staying in “protective bubbles” when schools reopen.
This could, if permitted under revised public health advice, allow the majority of children resume school on a full-time basis.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh warned last week all students would not be able to attend school even if social-distancing requirements were to be reduced from two metres to one. He also said he would not accept a “half-return” with students attending school only some of the week.
Department sources have since confirmed that segregating classes or large groups is under consideration.
Mr McHugh's officials are drawing up a roadmap for reopening schools, which is due to be published next week. His officials have been examining the experiences of countries such as Germany, France, Denmark and Greece in reopening their schools.
The roadmap is likely to provide guidelines for schools to help prepare them for new public health measures such as regular cleaning and one-way entry and exist systems.
The department has estimated that the cost for providing additional hygiene supports – such as hand sanitiser or cleaning services – is likely to be in excess of €25 million between September and December.
Summer programme
Meanwhile, department officials are also working on a summer programme that could see some disadvantaged – or Deis – schools reopen in July or August to provide “catch-up” support to at-risk pupils.
Under this approach, existing social inclusion programmes, such as numeracy and literacy programmes, are being considered.
The programme would also provide separate support for pupils with special needs, such as those with intellectual disabilities, autism or Down syndrome.
It is understood three options are being considered including a home-based element, in which the family would be funded to hire a tutor for their child.
There may also be a school-based element, where tutors could provide support in either special or mainstream schools.
A third health-led strand could also take place in schools, with support provided by special needs assistants.


theirishtimes--2020-06-05--Nine-storey Dublin apartment scheme plan ‘obnoxious’

Plans to build almost 300 apartments in blocks up to nine storeys high in the grounds of a historic house in Dublin ’ s Monkstown would have an “ obnoxious visual impact ” and could create a “ huge rental ghetto ” in Monkstown village , according to locals .
Opposition is mounting to plans by Lulani Dalguise , a property company involving developer Bernard Doyle , to build eight blocks of 276 apartments and 22 houses in the grounds of Dalguise House , off Monkstown Road , close to the seafront , Dart station and village .
The application @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strategic housing development ( SHD ) system , would also see the large early-19th century villa divided into two separate houses , with a creche in the basement .
Locals said the apartment scheme “ threatens the very fabric of our beautiful village ” .
The Irish Georgian Society said it would result in the “ irretrievable loss of what may be the largest surviving 19th-century garden in the Monkstown and Dún Laoghaire areas ” .
A letter circulated in the village , signed by a number of local residents , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a “ sympathetic ” housing scheme would be “ an appropriate addition ” to the low-rise village .
However , residents believed the apartment scheme is likely to be purchased in its entirety by an institutional investor and become a “ monster development of 300 transient resident homes ” creating a “ huge residential ‘ ghetto ’ .
” The density of the scheme was likely to produce detrimental environmental consequences , and the development would be a “ massive eyesore with obnoxious visual impact ” , the letter stated .
Monkstown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the signatories of the letter , said the development would “ be like landing the Dundrum Town Centre in the middle of a village ” .
The economic model for apartment development that had emerged in recent years meant it was inevitable the development would stay in the rental market “ in perpetuity ” , he said .
Chris Craig , another signatory to the letter said there were serious environmental concerns with the project , including the increased strain on the overloaded sewage system , which periodically broke down resulting in swimming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which would result from carbon emissions due to the construction of such a large scheme .
“ This is not nimbyism , but I don ’ t see why such environmental damage should be inflicted when our own young people will not be able to buy there , ” Mr Craig said .
“ This is massive environmental damage inflicted for the benefit of absentee landlords.
” The Irish Georgian Society said it was greatly concerned that a “ potentially important historic garden ” would be lost through the construction of the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a significant heritage site would be consumed by a major residential development ” .
In the application to the board , the developer ’ s architectural consultants , Arc , said parts of the development would be visible from Dún Laoghaire ’ s West Pier but would “ present a small element in the overall view ” .
The visual impact on the surrounding houses would range from “ none ” or “ imperceptible ” to “ moderate ” .
Construction in the grounds would “ bring about a major change to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it said .
“ The new and more formal setting of the house will be different from the present rus in urbe [ illusion of countryside within a city ] , but the house will remain the focus.
” The planning application does not state the development is a build-to-rent project .
Mr Doyle did not respond to requests for comment .

Lulani Dalguise, a property company involving developer Bernard Doyle, is seeking to build in the grounds of Dalguise House off Monkstown Road.
Plans to build almost 300 apartments in blocks up to nine storeys high in the grounds of a historic house in Dublin's Monkstown would have an "obnoxious visual impact" and could create a "huge rental ghetto" in Monkstown village, according to locals.
Opposition is mounting to plans by Lulani Dalguise, a property company involving developer Bernard Doyle, to build eight blocks of 276 apartments and 22 houses in the grounds of Dalguise House, off Monkstown Road, close to the seafront, Dart station and village.
The application to An Bord Pleanála, made under the strategic housing development (SHD) system, would also see the large early-19th century villa divided into two separate houses, with a creche in the basement.
Locals said the apartment scheme "threatens the very fabric of our beautiful village". The Irish Georgian Society said it would result in the "irretrievable loss of what may be the largest surviving 19th-century garden in the Monkstown and Dún Laoghaire areas".
READ MORE
A letter circulated in the village, signed by a number of local residents, said the development of the nine-acre Dalguise lands with a “sympathetic” housing scheme would be “an appropriate addition” to the low-rise village.
However, residents believed the apartment scheme is likely to be purchased in its entirety by an institutional investor and become a “monster development of 300 transient resident homes” creating a “huge residential ‘ghetto’.”
Rental market
The density of the scheme was likely to produce detrimental environmental consequences, and the development would be a “massive eyesore with obnoxious visual impact”, the letter stated.
Monkstown Road resident David Harvey, one of the signatories of the letter, said the development would "be like landing the Dundrum Town Centre in the middle of a village".
The economic model for apartment development that had emerged in recent years meant it was inevitable the development would stay in the rental market “in perpetuity”, he said.
Chris Craig, another signatory to the letter said there were serious environmental concerns with the project, including the increased strain on the overloaded sewage system, which periodically broke down resulting in swimming bans at Seapoint, and air pollution which would result from carbon emissions due to the construction of such a large scheme.
“This is not nimbyism, but I don’t see why such environmental damage should be inflicted when our own young people will not be able to buy there,” Mr Craig said. “This is massive environmental damage inflicted for the benefit of absentee landlords.”
‘Historic garden’
The Irish Georgian Society said it was greatly concerned that a “ potentially important historic garden” would be lost through the construction of the scheme, and “in doing so, that a significant heritage site would be consumed by a major residential development”.
In the application to the board, the developer’s architectural consultants, Arc, said parts of the development would be visible from Dún Laoghaire’s West Pier but would “present a small element in the overall view”. The visual impact on the surrounding houses would range from “none” or “imperceptible” to “moderate”.
Construction in the grounds would “bring about a major change to the setting of the house”, it said. “The new and more formal setting of the house will be different from the present rus in urbe [illusion of countryside within a city], but the house will remain the focus.”
The planning application does not state the development is a build-to-rent project. Mr Doyle did not respond to requests for comment.


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Man airlifted to Dublin hospital after Longford incident

A man has been airlifted to hospital in Dublin having sustained serious injuries during an incident in Co Longford on @ @ @ @ @ , who was in critical condition , was discovered at a wooded area in Kenagh @ @ @ @ @ alerted .
After being attended to at the scene by paramedics he was airlifted to @ @ @ @ @ where he was being treated on Thursday night .
A Garda investigation has been launched @ @ @ @ @ the injured man , who is in a critical condition , was attacked or how @ @ @ @ @ The Garda investigation was exploring all possible avenues , sources said .
In reply to @ @ @ @ @ Phoenix Park , Dublin , confirmed a man had sustained injuries but made no comment @ @ @ @ @ incident .
“ Earlier today , Thursday 4th June 2020 , a man was discovered @ @ @ @ @ , Co Longford , ” it said .
“ The man was airlifted to Beaumont @ @ @ @ @ in a critical condition .
”

Gardaí said the man had been airlifted to Beaumont Hospital in the capital. File photograph: The Irish Times
A man has been airlifted to hospital in Dublin having sustained serious injuries during an incident in Co Longford on Thursday.
The injured man, who was in critical condition, was discovered at a wooded area in Kenagh and the emergency services were alerted.
After being attended to at the scene by paramedics he was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, where he was being treated on Thursday night.
A Garda investigation has been launched though it was unclear if the injured man, who is in a critical condition, was attacked or how he sustained his injuries. The Garda investigation was exploring all possible avenues, sources said.
READ MORE
In reply to queries, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin, confirmed a man had sustained injuries but made no comment on the nature of the incident.
“Earlier today, Thursday 4th June 2020, a man was discovered with serious injuries at Kenagh, Co Longford,” it said. “The man was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital where he is currently in a critical condition.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Two people held after €20,000 of cannabis seized in Dublin

A man and a woman have been arrested following the seizure of some € 20,000 worth of suspected cannabis in @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
The operation was targeting organised crime groups in the Sandyford area .
@ @ @ @ @ Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau , the Dublin Metropolitan Region East Divisional Drugs @ @ @ @ @ The operation resulted in a search of a house in Sandyford , which resulted in @ @ @ @ @ suspected cannabis herb , with an estimated value of €20,000 A man ( 37 ) @ @ @ @ @ ) were arrested by Gardaí as part of the investigation and they are currently detained @ @ @ @ @ Section 2 of the Criminal Justice ( Drug Trafficking ) Act 1996 .

Suspected cannabis seized in a house in Sandyford on Thursday. Photograph: An Garda Siochana/Twitter
A man and a woman have been arrested following the seizure of some € 20,000 worth of suspected cannabis in an intelligance-led operation in Dublin on Thursday.
The operation was targeting organised crime groups in the Sandyford area .
It was conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the Dublin Metropolitan Region East Divisional Drugs Unit and Revenue Customs Service
The operation resulted in a search of a house in Sandyford, which resulted in the seizure of 1kg of suspected cannabis herb, with an estimated value of €20,000
READ MORE
A man (37) and a woman (29) were arrested by Gardaí as part of the investigation and they are currently detained at Dundrum Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.
Investigations are ongoing, a garda spokesman said.


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--Joint appeal issued to support victims of domestic abuse

Seven organisations have come together to support people who have suffered domestic abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions .
CRiTiCall ( Community Response Team Call ) is a new initiative involving St Patrick ’ s Cathedral Dublin , Safe Ireland , Dublin City Volunteer Centre , Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Volunteer Centre , Fingal Volunteer Centre , South Dublin County Volunteer Centre and Wicklow Volunteer Centre .
They have issued a joint appeal for donations ; for people to volunteer a holiday home or second property as a safe haven ; and for letters of courage and hope to be sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A side effect of Covid-19 has been an increase in reports of domestic abuse which has meant a surge in demand for support from people experiencing such abuse .
Dean of St Patrick ’ s Cathedral William Morton said : “ It is very difficult to contemplate the challenge that this presents for people who live with those who are the source of fear , violence and abuse .
At this time , in this crisis , we reach out to extend ourselves to those who are living in such dire circumstances to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Kelley Bermingham , community officer with St Patrick ’ s Cathedral , noted that gardaí had recorded “ a 25 per cent increase in reports of domestic abuse compared to the same period last year.
” She said “ we want to ensure that when people are ready to make the courageous step to leave an abusive situation that we have every resource to hand to support them.
” Supt Michael McNulty of Kevin St Garda Station said he supported CRiTiCaLL in what was “ a fantastic initiative ” while Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his support .
Offers of support can be made to Kelley Bermingham at St Patrick ’ s Cathedral and/or Lisa Marmion , services development manager of SAFE Ireland .

A side effect of Covid-19 has been an increase in reports of domestic abuse which has meant a surge in demand for support from people experiencing such abuse. Photograph: iStock
Seven organisations have come together to support people who have suffered domestic abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
CRiTiCall (Community Response Team Call) is a new initiative involving St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin, Safe Ireland, Dublin City Volunteer Centre, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Volunteer Centre, Fingal Volunteer Centre, South Dublin County Volunteer Centre and Wicklow Volunteer Centre.
They have issued a joint appeal for donations; for people to volunteer a holiday home or second property as a safe haven; and for letters of courage and hope to be sent to those emerging from domestic abuse.
A side effect of Covid-19 has been an increase in reports of domestic abuse which has meant a surge in demand for support from people experiencing such abuse.
READ MORE
Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral William Morton said: “It is very difficult to contemplate the challenge that this presents for people who live with those who are the source of fear, violence and abuse. At this time, in this crisis, we reach out to extend ourselves to those who are living in such dire circumstances to do what we can,” he said.
Kelley Bermingham, community officer with St Patrick’s Cathedral, noted that gardaí had recorded “a 25 per cent increase in reports of domestic abuse compared to the same period last year.”
She said “we want to ensure that when people are ready to make the courageous step to leave an abusive situation that we have every resource to hand to support them.”
Supt Michael McNulty of Kevin St Garda Station said he supported CRiTiCaLL in what was “a fantastic initiative” while Dublin Lord Mayor Tom Brabazon has also lent his support.
Offers of support can be made to Kelley Bermingham at St Patrick’s Cathedral and/or Lisa Marmion, services development manager of SAFE Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-06-04--McHugh insists summer programme will not exclude children with disabilities

The Minister for Education has played down concerns that thousands of children with special needs could be excluded from a Government “ summer programme ” for vulnerable children in school .
The programme , planned for July , comes in response to rising concern from parents and disability groups over the impact of long-term school closures on children with additional needs .
Groups which attended a meeting with Department of Education officials on Thursday to discuss the proposals expressed alarm that draft proposals were “ extremely limited ” in scope .
Inclusion Ireland , the support group for people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only children attending special schools or classes will be able to attend the programme this year .
“ Children with intellectual disabilities and autism have been out of school since early March and many of these young people will now not return to school until September at the earliest , ” said Mark O ’ Connor of Inclusion Ireland .
“ Inclusion Ireland calls on the Minister to widen the scheme to include all children with intellectual disabilities .
Parents tell us these children are regressing educationally and will have difficulty in recovering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Autism charity AsIAm also said it was “ extremely disappointed ” at the proposals which , it said , could exclude thousands of children with autism in mainstream classes who typically take part in the suspended July Provision scheme .
Under this scheme , about 10,000 children benefit from home tuition or in-school support .
AsIAm chief executive Adam Harris said many students with additional needs will face unprecedented challenges in readjusting to school , including mainstream classrooms .
“ A failure to provide the required support now will undoubtedly lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expulsion and poorer outcomes , ” he said .
“ We ’ re calling on the Minister to ensure that all students can access a level of support throughout the summer , and include the option of a face-to-face service at home for students who can not access support in school.
” In response , a spokesman for the Department of Education said both the Minister and the Taoiseach were committed to the summer programme and that no decisions have been made .
“ A proposal is being developed and the Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , ” he said .
“ Anybody who has been eligible in previous years will be eligible again this summer .
We are working on providing both a school-based scheme and a home-based scheme.
” He said it is “ not the case that only children who are in special classes or special schools will be able to avail of the programme or attend any service offered as part of the programme ” .
“ We are committed to running a programme and we are endeavouring to ensure it is as comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , principals , teachers , SNAs and also the families who may wish to avail of it , ” the spokesman added .

Groups which attended a meeting with officials on Thursday expressed alarm that draft proposals for a summer programme were ‘extremely limited’ in scope. Photograph: iStock
The Minister for Education has played down concerns that thousands of children with special needs could be excluded from a Government “summer programme” for vulnerable children in school.
The programme, planned for July, comes in response to rising concern from parents and disability groups over the impact of long-term school closures on children with additional needs.
Groups which attended a meeting with Department of Education officials on Thursday to discuss the proposals expressed alarm that draft proposals were “extremely limited” in scope.
Inclusion Ireland, the support group for people with disabilities, said the department indicated that only children attending special schools or classes will be able to attend the programme this year.
READ MORE
“Children with intellectual disabilities and autism have been out of school since early March and many of these young people will now not return to school until September at the earliest,” said Mark O’Connor of Inclusion Ireland.
“Inclusion Ireland calls on the Minister to widen the scheme to include all children with intellectual disabilities. Parents tell us these children are regressing educationally and will have difficulty in recovering this ground if it is ever recovered.”
Autism charity AsIAm also said it was “extremely disappointed” at the proposals which, it said, could exclude thousands of children with autism in mainstream classes who typically take part in the suspended July Provision scheme.
Under this scheme, about 10,000 children benefit from home tuition or in-school support.
AsIAm chief executive Adam Harris said many students with additional needs will face unprecedented challenges in readjusting to school, including mainstream classrooms.
“A failure to provide the required support now will undoubtedly lead to increased instances of school refusal, suspension and expulsion and poorer outcomes,” he said.
“We’re calling on the Minister to ensure that all students can access a level of support throughout the summer, and include the option of a face-to-face service at home for students who cannot access support in school.”
Proposal
In response, a spokesman for the Department of Education said both the Minister and the Taoiseach were committed to the summer programme and that no decisions have been made.
“A proposal is being developed and the Minister is due to update Cabinet colleagues next week,” he said.
“Anybody who has been eligible in previous years will be eligible again this summer. We are working on providing both a school-based scheme and a home-based scheme.”
He said it is “not the case that only children who are in special classes or special schools will be able to avail of the programme or attend any service offered as part of the programme”.
“We are committed to running a programme and we are endeavouring to ensure it is as comprehensive as possible with the support of schools, principals, teachers, SNAs and also the families who may wish to avail of it,” the spokesman added.