theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Covid-19: Community infection numbers ‘not falling as much as we would like’

The number of Covid-19 infections coming from the community is “ persistant ” and “ not falling as much as we would like ” , the Department of Health ’ s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has said .
While most indicators are going in the right direction , Dr Holohan said there is a “ persistent level of infections coming from the community , if I ’ m honest about it , particularly from younger people in the community ” .
Speaking on Wednesday night , he said he remains “ hopeful ” , despite this , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be relaxed on May 18th in line with the Government ’ s plans .
However , he said that were he asked now about easing restrictions tomorrow , he would not yet be in a position to advise that this should happen .
“ I won ’ t sit here today and say that we are going to be in a position on May 18th ( to ease restrictions ) .
If the conditions were today , I think we still aren ’ t at that point .
But I ’ m hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) also believes , Dr Holohan said , that further spikes in the infection rate in the community were possible as measures are relaxed .
“ When Ireland eases social distancing restrictions , we may have periods of time when the numbers of people infected increases significantly.
” He was speaking after the publication of new figures which showed a further 37 people diagnosed with Covid-19 had died , bringing the State total to 1,375 .
A further 265 cases were confirmed , bringing the total to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of those infected with Covid-19 have recovered and the majority of these , almost 72 per cent , while in the community .
An additional 6.4 per cent , or 1,399 people have been discharged from hospitals , bringing the number of people who have recovered to 17,110 , or 78 per cent of all analysed cases .
The department also published an analysis of underlying conditions associated with 327 cases of people with the virus who required intensive care .
A total of 165 people , or 50 per cent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23.2 per cent ) had chronic respiratory disease , 75 ( 22.6 per cent ) had diabetes and 53 ( 16.2 per cent ) had a body mass index of more than 40 , which is defined as obese .
According to the latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre , as of midnight on Monday , 13 per cent of cases had been hospitalised .
Of those hospitalised , 373 cases were admitted to the ICU .
Dublin still has the highest number of cases , with 10,734 , or 49 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 6 per cent ( 1,289 ) and Cork with 5 per cent ( 1,192 ) .
Dr Holohan emphasisd that the easing of social distancing restrictions be accompanied by “ a high level of adherence to the fundamental , individual behaviours needed to guard against transmission of the virus .
We have to adapt our behaviours in order to live safely with Covid-19.
” He said it was beyond the remit of NPHET to determine whether it was possible for the Leaving Cert to go ahead in keeping with social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to find ways in which they can accommodate that advice , and assess whether they can accommodate to that advice or not ” .
He said the team was available to give advice to the Department of Education , if it was sought .
A planning meeting over the future of the Leaving Cert exams concluded on Wednesday afternoon without a decision on whether a “ plan B ” of awarding candidates predicted grades should be used instead .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh attended a meeting with with parents , teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold the Leaving Cert at the end of July .
Teachers ’ unions met on Wednesday night to discuss what role if any its members will be prepared to play in grading Leaving Cert students if the exams are cancelled later this summer .
Meanwhile , Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said Government income and wage supports introduced in response to the Covid-19 crisis are set to be reduced in the weeks ahead .
He indicated that the wage subsidy payments , which firms are using to keep some 400,000 people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modified way beyond the current expiry date at the end of June .
The warning came as the European Commission published a forecast suggesting the State ’ s economy will shrink by about 8 per cent this year due to the impact of the pandemic .
The economy is then expected to rebound by about 6 per cent next year , though Brussels warned its predictions are “ clouded by a higher than usual degree of uncertainty ” .
Meanwhile , traffic volumes have increased by more than 10 per cent on many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towns and cities since some restrictions on movement were lifted on Tuesday .
Car volumes on the main roads were up during rush hour on Tuesday morning ( 7am to 10am ) by between 5 and 16 per cent compared to the previous Tuesday .
Figures released by Transport Infrastructure Ireland ( TII ) show that the largest increase was in cross-border traffic with the M1 north of junction 20 , which is the last exit before the Border , up by 16 per cent on Tuesday and 22 per cent on Wednesday @

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has advised the public against seeking out the services of hair stylists and barbers during the continued Covid-19 restrictions. Video: RTÉ
The number of Covid-19 infections coming from the community is “persistent” and “not falling as much as we would like”, the Department of Health’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has said.
While most indicators are going in the right direction, Dr Holohan said there is a “persistent level of infections coming from the community, if I’m honest about it, particularly from younger people in the community”.
Speaking on Wednesday night, he said he remains “hopeful”, despite this, that restrictions on movement and other measures will be relaxed on May 18th in line with the Government’s plans.
However, he said that were he asked now about easing restrictions tomorrow, he would not yet be in a position to advise that this should happen.
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“I won’t sit here today and say that we are going to be in a position on May 18th (to ease restrictions). If the conditions were today, I think we still aren’t at that point. But I’m hopeful,” he said.
Further spikes
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) also believes, Dr Holohan said, that further spikes in the infection rate in the community were possible as measures are relaxed.
“When Ireland eases social distancing restrictions, we may have periods of time when the numbers of people infected increases significantly.”
He was speaking after the publication of new figures which showed a further 37 people diagnosed with Covid-19 had died, bringing the State total to 1,375. A further 265 cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 22,248.
Health officials said 78 per cent of those infected with Covid-19 have recovered and the majority of these, almost 72 per cent, while in the community.
An additional 6.4 per cent, or 1,399 people have been discharged from hospitals, bringing the number of people who have recovered to 17,110, or 78 per cent of all analysed cases.
The department also published an analysis of underlying conditions associated with 327 cases of people with the virus who required intensive care. A total of 165 people, or 50 per cent, had chronic heart disease, 76 (23.2 per cent) had chronic respiratory disease, 75 (22.6 per cent) had diabetes and 53 (16.2 per cent) had a body mass index of more than 40, which is defined as obese.
According to the latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, as of midnight on Monday, 13 per cent of cases had been hospitalised. Of those hospitalised, 373 cases were admitted to the ICU. Dublin still has the highest number of cases, with 10,734, or 49 per cent, followed by Kildare, with 6 per cent (1,289) and Cork with 5 per cent (1,192).
Dr Holohan emphasisd that the easing of social distancing restrictions be accompanied by “a high level of adherence to the fundamental, individual behaviours needed to guard against transmission of the virus. We have to adapt our behaviours in order to live safely with Covid-19.”
Leaving Cert
He said it was beyond the remit of NPHET to determine whether it was possible for the Leaving Cert to go ahead in keeping with social distancing rules.
“Other sectors are going to have to find ways in which they can accommodate that advice, and assess whether they can accommodate to that advice or not”.
He said the team was available to give advice to the Department of Education, if it was sought.
A planning meeting over the future of the Leaving Cert exams concluded on Wednesday afternoon without a decision on whether a “plan B” of awarding candidates predicted grades should be used instead.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh attended a meeting with with parents, teachers, school managers and students over plans to hold the Leaving Cert at the end of July.
Teachers’ unions met on Wednesday night to discuss what role if any its members will be prepared to play in grading Leaving Cert students if the exams are cancelled later this summer.
Meanwhile, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said Government income and wage supports introduced in response to the Covid-19 crisis are set to be reduced in the weeks ahead.
He indicated that the wage subsidy payments, which firms are using to keep some 400,000 people in their jobs, will continue in a modified way beyond the current expiry date at the end of June.
Economic forecast
The warning came as the European Commission published a forecast suggesting the State's economy will shrink by about 8 per cent this year due to the impact of the pandemic. The economy is then expected to rebound by about 6 per cent next year, though Brussels warned its predictions are "clouded by a higher than usual degree of uncertainty".
Meanwhile, traffic volumes have increased by more than 10 per cent on many routes into the State's main towns and cities since some restrictions on movement were lifted on Tuesday.
Car volumes on the main roads were up during rush hour on Tuesday morning (7am to 10am) by between 5 and 16 per cent compared to the previous Tuesday.
Figures released by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) show that the largest increase was in cross-border traffic with the M1 north of junction 20, which is the last exit before the Border, up by 16 per cent on Tuesday and 22 per cent on Wednesday.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Doctors claim they have been forced to cancel private hospital procedures

Some private sector medical consultants have claimed they have been forced to stop carrying out procedures because the Government has withdrawn insurance cover from them .
Medical consultants working in private hospitals taken over by the Government , and who had not signed up to a temporary contract to treat only public patients , were covered by the State ’ s Clinical Indemnity Scheme .
However , that arrangement expired at midnight last Sunday and they are no longer covered by the scheme .
Such consultants were not permitted to charge fees to patients but some had been carrying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private facilities which have been taken over by the State to provided additional capacity during the current Covid-19 crisis .
The Irish Times on Wednesday spoke to one private consultant who said he had been told that a planned urgent procedure on a patient with cancer had been cancelled in a private hospital due to the absence of clinical indemnity cover .
The patient is now expected to be dealt with in the public system by another doctor .
While the Government effectively took over nearly 20 private hospitals for an initial three-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 600 medical consultants who practised in these facilities .
Government sources on Wednesday said that 281 of these private consultants had now signed up to work in the public system with a further 64 indicating a willingness to sign .
Government sources said in the Bon Secours Group , 109 consultants had accepted the temporary locum contract and more were expected to do so .
Sources said there was a 73 per cent occupancy rate in the Bon Secours hospital in Cork .
However in other locations doctors have maintained that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 25 per cent of beds in use .
The HSE said on Wednesday that in the last week that had been “ a significant increase in utilisation across most sites ” .
“ Up to end April , based on the information received to date , private hospitals activity includes the following - 2,650 inpatient cases , 8,585 day cases , almost 8,000 diagnostic tests and 3,180 outpatient appointments under these new arrangements .
It is expected that the final total activity figures will be higher once the activity is validated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , radiology , time dependent procedures such as endoscopy , cardiovascular surgery and cancer surgery ” , the HSE said .
Many private consultants have not signed the proposed contract - which offers a salary of between €141,000 and €195,000 - on the basis that they would still have to pay the cost of their private rooms , staff and other facilities and that in the absence of income from fee-paying patients , their practices could become not viable .
Government sources said private consultants who signed the proposed new public contract would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated by the State Claims Agency .
Sources said the issue of cover for doctors ’ carrying out pro-bono work was being looked at .
Government sources said the HSE “ may also contribute to the cost of these consultants ’ private rooms so long as it is agreed as necessary for the services being provided ” .
The HSE declined to answer questions about any agreement it had entered into regarding payment for consultants ’ private rooms .
The Minister for Health Simon Harris is expected to hold talks with the private @ @ @ @ @

One consultant said he had been told that a planned urgent procedure on a patient with cancer had been cancelled. File image: Getty
Some private sector medical consultants have claimed they have been forced to stop carrying out procedures because the Government has withdrawn insurance cover from them.
Medical consultants working in private hospitals taken over by the Government, and who had not signed up to a temporary contract to treat only public patients, were covered by the State’s Clinical Indemnity Scheme. However, that arrangement expired at midnight last Sunday and they are no longer covered by the scheme.
Such consultants were not permitted to charge fees to patients but some had been carrying out procedures on a voluntary pro-bono basis in private facilities which have been taken over by the State to provided additional capacity during the current Covid-19 crisis.
The Irish Times on Wednesday spoke to one private consultant who said he had been told that a planned urgent procedure on a patient with cancer had been cancelled in a private hospital due to the absence of clinical indemnity cover. The patient is now expected to be dealt with in the public system by another doctor.
READ MORE
While the Government effectively took over nearly 20 private hospitals for an initial three-month period, this move did not cover up to 600 medical consultants who practised in these facilities.
Government sources on Wednesday said that 281 of these private consultants had now signed up to work in the public system with a further 64 indicating a willingness to sign.
Government sources said in the Bon Secours Group, 109 consultants had accepted the temporary locum contract and more were expected to do so.
Sources said there was a 73 per cent occupancy rate in the Bon Secours hospital in Cork.
However in other locations doctors have maintained that the figure is much lower with only about 25 per cent of beds in use.
The HSE said on Wednesday that in the last week that had been “a significant increase in utilisation across most sites”.
“Up to end April, based on the information received to date, private hospitals activity includes the following - 2,650 inpatient cases, 8,585 day cases, almost 8,000 diagnostic tests and 3,180 outpatient appointments under these new arrangements. It is expected that the final total activity figures will be higher once the activity is validated by the private hospitals. Services include chemotherapy, radiology, time dependent procedures such as endoscopy, cardiovascular surgery and cancer surgery”, the HSE said.
Many private consultants have not signed the proposed contract - which offers a salary of between €141,000 and €195,000 - on the basis that they would still have to pay the cost of their private rooms, staff and other facilities and that in the absence of income from fee-paying patients, their practices could become not viable.
Government sources said private consultants who signed the proposed new public contract would be covered by the clinical indemnity scheme operated by the State Claims Agency.
Sources said the issue of cover for doctors’ carrying out pro-bono work was being looked at.
Government sources said the HSE “may also contribute to the cost of these consultants’ private rooms so long as it is agreed as necessary for the services being provided”.
The HSE declined to answer questions about any agreement it had entered into regarding payment for consultants’ private rooms.
The Minister for Health Simon Harris is expected to hold talks with the private consultants later this week.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--To open or not to open: pubs facing existential crisis in Covid-19 era

The Swan has a long and storied history .
The well-known Dublin pub derives its name from the time when most people were illiterate and pubs were identified by the animal symbol on the front door .
It sits on a site , at the corner of Aungier Street and York Street , where there has been a pub of some description since 1661 .
The existing building is one of only 12 extant Victorian pubs in the capital .
But like every other pub in the State it will have to adjust to the new realities of life in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since March 15th .
If the Government ’ s roadmap for reopening is followed through , it will not open again for another three months until August 10th .
Ronan Lynch is the third generation of his family to run The Swan .
His father Seán won 15 caps playing rugby for Ireland .
He was also a British and Irish Lion and a bronze bust erected by his customers in 2002 sits in the corner of the pub .
Sitting under the wonderful Victorian skylight which brings light into his shuttered premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs open ahead of the Government ’ s schedule .
As the president of the Licenced Vintners Association ( LVA ) , the representative body of the pub trade in Dublin , he says it would be unfair to allow restaurants and cafes open up on June 29th , but not pubs .
The LVA and the Vintners Federation of Ireland ( VFI ) have published radical proposals to accelerate pub openings .
Pubs , like restaurants , will be table service only .
There will be no DJs or live music and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing four people per 10 metre square .
The Swan is a mid-sized Dublin pub .
Mr Lynch estimates that on rough calculation , the LVA/VFI joint-proposal will allow for a maximum of 35 people on his premises at any one time .
Though he helped to draw up the measures and present them to the Government , he is not sure that they apply to himself .
On a Saturday night , The Swan might have 200 people on the premises .
“ That doesn ’ t make any financial sense for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines on two metres.
” Mr Lynch stressed that the point of seeking a reopening of pubs on June 29th rather than August 10th is to give publicans a choice .
“ Opportunity is the key word here .
It all depends on their actual structure and what their fixed costs are .
Customer confidence is going to be a big aspect .
We will take a lot of learning from what is being done in other jurisdictions.
” He suggested it would greatly help the aim of social distancing if pubs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrels out the front for people to sit on .
There are 7,500 pubs in the country .
Many people feel that Covid-19 will be the last straw for some pub businesses in rural areas which are suffering from the smoking ban , drink-driving laws and the drift towards drinking at home .
Last year Paris Texas in Kilkenny city won Irish pub of the year .
It specialises in American food and can seat 125 people when full .
Owner Pat Crotty employs 50 full and part-time staff .
He has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordering Perspex screens of the kind seen in shops .
These , he points out , have already been trailed successfully in Stockholm .
“ I see it as the very obvious solution .
It means you are in a safe place because nobody else is in your space , ” he says .
“ Most Irish pubs and restaurants can not do four people per 10 metre square as a rule of thumb .
If you are using screens , the amount of space doesn ’ t matter .
What matters is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr Crotty said the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) guidelines on social distancing are “ onerous ” , but he notes that they are to be applied “ where possible ” and there should be some flexibility around their interpretation .
The point , he stresses , is to keep customers and staff safe .
“ The biggest difficulty is that having done all these things there will be more staff required , ” he says .
“ There is no point in me opening up doing only 25 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business .
If I do that , I might as well close the door and die slowly .
If I close the door now , I ’ ll die fast .
”

The Swan has a long and storied history. The well-known Dublin pub derives its name from the time when most people were illiterate and pubs were identified by the animal symbol on the front door.
It sits on a site, at the corner of Aungier Street and York Street, where there has been a pub of some description since 1661. The existing building is one of only 12 extant Victorian pubs in the capital.
But like every other pub in the State it will have to adjust to the new realities of life in the Covid-19 era and has been shut since March 15th. If the Government’s roadmap for reopening is followed through, it will not open again for another three months until August 10th.
Pubs across Ireland are struggling to survive the lockdown and the Vinters association of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association are calling on the government to ease restrictions sooner. Video: Enda O'Dowd
Ronan Lynch is the third generation of his family to run The Swan. His father Seán won 15 caps playing rugby for Ireland. He was also a British and Irish Lion and a bronze bust erected by his customers in 2002 sits in the corner of the pub.
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Sitting under the wonderful Victorian skylight which brings light into his shuttered premises, Lynch says it is imperative that pubs open ahead of the Government’s schedule.
Ronan Lynch, chairman of the LVA and owner of The Swan on Dublin’s Aungier Street. - “There is no point in me opening up doing only 25 per cent to 30 per cent of my previous business”. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
As the president of the Licenced Vintners Association (LVA), the representative body of the pub trade in Dublin, he says it would be unfair to allow restaurants and cafes open up on June 29th, but not pubs.
The LVA and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) have published radical proposals to accelerate pub openings.
Pubs, like restaurants, will be table service only. There will be no DJs or live music and social distancing will be maintained by only allowing four people per 10 metre square.
The Swan is a mid-sized Dublin pub. Mr Lynch estimates that on rough calculation, the LVA/VFI joint-proposal will allow for a maximum of 35 people on his premises at any one time. Though he helped to draw up the measures and present them to the Government, he is not sure that they apply to himself. On a Saturday night, The Swan might have 200 people on the premises.
“That doesn’t make any financial sense for us to open up under the current guidelines on two metres.”
Mr Lynch stressed that the point of seeking a reopening of pubs on June 29th rather than August 10th is to give publicans a choice. “Opportunity is the key word here. It all depends on their actual structure and what their fixed costs are. Customer confidence is going to be a big aspect. We will take a lot of learning from what is being done in other jurisdictions.”
He suggested it would greatly help the aim of social distancing if pubs were allowed to use outdoor areas or put barrels out the front for people to sit on.
There are 7,500 pubs in the country. Many people feel that Covid-19 will be the last straw for some pub businesses in rural areas which are suffering from the smoking ban, drink-driving laws and the drift towards drinking at home.
Last year Paris Texas in Kilkenny city won Irish pub of the year. It specialises in American food and can seat 125 people when full. Owner Pat Crotty employs 50 full and part-time staff.
He has already decided to pre-empt the new guidelines by ordering Perspex screens of the kind seen in shops. These, he points out, have already been trailed successfully in Stockholm. "I see it as the very obvious solution. It means you are in a safe place because nobody else is in your space," he says.
“Most Irish pubs and restaurants cannot do four people per 10 metre square as a rule of thumb. If you are using screens, the amount of space doesn’t matter. What matters is if I am safe in that space.”
Mr Crotty said the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on social distancing are "onerous", but he notes that they are to be applied "where possible" and there should be some flexibility around their interpretation.
The point, he stresses, is to keep customers and staff safe. “The biggest difficulty is that having done all these things there will be more staff required,” he says.
“There is no point in me opening up doing only 25 per cent to 30 per cent of my previous business. If I do that, I might as well close the door and die slowly. If I close the door now, I’ll die fast.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Lunar lockdown: 2020’s last supermoon to light up Irish skies

The last supermoon of the year will be visible in Irish skies on Thursday and Friday night .
The supermoon is expected to be visible at 9.15pm on Thursday and 10.50pm on Friday .
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the perigee or its closest approach to Earth .
Astronomy Ireland has urged the public to look to the East to see the supermoon rising tonight .
“ This is one of the closest full moons of the year , hence the name supermoon , ” said David Armstrong , founder of Astronomy Ireland magazine .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ‘ The Moon Illusion ’ which makes the already bloated full moon look even bigger to the human eye , perhaps twice as large as normal.
” There have been three supermoons already this year - which were visible on February 9th , March 9th and April 8th .
This particular supermoon is known as the flower moon .
Thursday night is due to be mainy dry with clear spells but a few scattered showers may occur along Atlantic coasts .
Some mist and fog patches will develop in calm conditions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Friday night is expected to be dry with clear spells though patches of mist and fog will develop in calm conditions .
Meanwhile , the planet Mercury should be easier to see this month , as John Flannery writes in his monthly column for The Irish Times .

The last supermoon of the year, the flower moon, will be visible in Irish skies on Thursday and Friday night. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA
The last supermoon of the year will be visible in Irish skies on Thursday and Friday night. The supermoon is expected to be visible at 9.15pm on Thursday and 10.50pm on Friday.
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the perigee or its closest approach to Earth.
Astronomy Ireland has urged the public to look to the East to see the supermoon rising tonight.
“This is one of the closest full moons of the year, hence the name supermoon,” said David Moore, founder of Astronomy Ireland magazine.
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“There will be a second phenomenon known as ‘The Moon Illusion’ which makes the already bloated full moon look even bigger to the human eye, perhaps twice as large as normal.”
There have been three supermoons already this year - which were visible on February 9th, March 9th and April 8th. This particular supermoon is known as the flower moon.
Thursday night is due to be mainy dry with clear spells but a few scattered showers may occur along Atlantic coasts. Some mist and fog patches will develop in calm conditions with lowest temperatures between 6 and 8 degrees.
Friday night is expected to be dry with clear spells though patches of mist and fog will develop in calm conditions.
Meanwhile, the planet Mercury should be easier to see this month, as John Flannery writes in his monthly column for The Irish Times.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Man arrested after assaulting another person with weapon

A man has been arrested after armed gardaí ended a barricade incident at a house in Co Limerick .
The man had assaulted another person with a weapon and then retreated from gardaí into the house .
After several hours of negotiations failed to end the incident , and with the suspect barricaded into the house , armed gardaí storm the property and arrested the man .
He was set to appear before the courts early on Thursday morning to face charges in relation to the incident .
While the man had earlier assaulted the victim with a weapon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the house and the situation was quickly brought under control by the Armed Support Unit when they forced they way into the property .
The series of incidents began at around 8pm on Wednesday when gardaí received reports of a public order incident in the Templegreen estate in Newcastle West , Co Limerick .
The suspect had assaulted another man with a weapon , leaving him seriously injured .
Paramedics attended the scene and treated the victim , who was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick though has since been discharged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Newcastle West attended the scene they were backed up by the Armed Support Unit once it became clear the suspect had fled and barricaded himself into a house .
He had gone into a property on the nearby Cois Timpeall housing estate and barricaded himself into the sitting room .
While gardaí attempted to negotiate with the man for a lengthy period from outside the property , he refused to come out and surrender , leading to the house being stormed by the armed gardaí on the scene .
Once gardaí gained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to Henry St Garda station , where he was held overnight .
He has since been charged and was expected to appear before Limerick District Court on Thursday morning .

A man has been arrested after armed gardaí ended a barricade incident at a house in Co Limerick. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images
A man has been arrested after armed gardaí ended a barricade incident at a house in Co Limerick.
The man had assaulted another person with a weapon and then retreated from gardaí into the house.
After several hours of negotiations failed to end the incident, and with the suspect barricaded into the house, armed gardaí storm the property and arrested the man.
He was set to appear before the courts early on Thursday morning to face charges in relation to the incident.
READ MORE
While the man had earlier assaulted the victim with a weapon, or implement, he was not armed in the house and the situation was quickly brought under control by the Armed Support Unit when they forced they way into the property.
The series of incidents began at around 8pm on Wednesday when gardaí received reports of a public order incident in the Templegreen estate in Newcastle West, Co Limerick.
The suspect had assaulted another man with a weapon, leaving him seriously injured. Paramedics attended the scene and treated the victim, who was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick though has since been discharged.
While local, unarmed, gardaí from Newcastle West attended the scene they were backed up by the Armed Support Unit once it became clear the suspect had fled and barricaded himself into a house.
He had gone into a property on the nearby Cois Timpeall housing estate and barricaded himself into the sitting room.
While gardaí attempted to negotiate with the man for a lengthy period from outside the property, he refused to come out and surrender, leading to the house being stormed by the armed gardaí on the scene.
Once gardaí gained access the man was arrested and was taken to Henry St Garda station, where he was held overnight. He has since been charged and was expected to appear before Limerick District Court on Thursday morning.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Irish public’s trust in institutions during Covid-19 above EU average

Irish people ’ s trust in institutions during the Covid-19 crisis - most notably the healthcare system and the government - remains high when compared to the European average , new research shows .
However , European survey data also shows the employment impact of the crisis , with almost a third of Irish respondents saying they lost jobs or contracts , either temporarily or permanently , compared to an EU average of 28 per cent .
The statistics from Eurofound , the EU employment and working conditions agency , shows that trust in the Garda , the healthcare system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the news media is ahead of the EU27 average .
This is despite Europeans in general reporting “ dramatic fall in trust in the EU and their national governments , with low levels reported across many countries ” .
The data was gathered from 85,000 people during April .
With 8,700 respondents , Ireland was the most responsive country to the EU-wide survey .
The responses suggest that trust in the Irish government is among the highest in the EU , rated at 6.3 on a scale of 1-10 , compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the European Union itself remains strong , at 6.0 versus an average of 4.6 .
Only Finland had higher trust in the EU .
Data from Irish responses also show trust in the Garda is very high , at 7.2 , compared to a European average of 6.2 .
Trust in the news media was also higher than the average at 5.5 in Ireland versus 4.6 elsewhere in Europe .
The findings buck a series of trends evident elsewhere in the survey , according to Eurofound .
“ The first results show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic , with many respondents reporting high levels of loneliness coupled with low levels of optimism about their future.
” Some 59 per cent of Irish respondents expressed optimism about the future compared to an overall figure of 45 per cent for the EU .
Nine per cent of Irish respondents reported feeling downhearted and depressed , versus a European average of 13 per cent .
They also reported feeling lonely less often ( 12 per cent versus 16 per cent ) than the European average .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over had the highest mental wellbeing in the State , similar to trends in other countries .
Students had the lowest mental wellbeing , even lower than unemployed people .
Younger people were also more likely to report feeling tense “ all or most of the time ” , with the figure for younger cohorts 20 per cent , significantly higher than the overall population at 13 per cent , and higher than the EU average of 18 per cent .
The impact of the crisis on employment is also reflected in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish respondents saying they lost their jobs , or contracts in the case of self-employed people , either temporarily or permanently .
Some 72 per cent of people who lost their jobs were self-employed .
Almost half reported that their working hours had decreased .
Women were more likely to have had their working hours increase than men , while 15 per cent of those in work said it is either “ very likely ” or “ rather likely ” that they would lose their jobs .
Work-life balance among Irish respondents was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU average .
However , Irish women reported being too tired after work to do necessary household jobs at a higher rate than men , and also found it difficult to concentrate on their job or give it more time .
“ Working from home with children present may account for at least some of the gender differences , with women on average continuing to do more housework and childcare , ” Eurofound suggested .
A higher level of teleworking was reported by Irish workers , at 43 per cent compared to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The impact of Covid-19 on personal finances is also becoming clear , with 16 per cent of respondents reporting difficulties in making ends meet .
However , this is lower than the EU average of 23 per cent .
Irish savings are in a worse state than the European average , with 22 per cent of Irish respondents stating they have no savings at all .
Around one third ( 35 per cent ) said their savings could keep the household going for up to three months , and 11 per cent stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a year or more , less than the EU average of 14 per cent .
People over 50 or over were most likely to have savings , while 30 per cent of people aged 35-49 had no savings at all .
Accommodation insecurity and mortgage arrears in Ireland were similar to average EU levels in the survey .

Data from Irish responses show trust in the Garda is very high, at 7.2, compared to a European average of 6.2. Photograph: Collins
Irish people’s trust in institutions during the Covid-19 crisis - most notably the healthcare system and the government - remains high when compared to the European average, new research shows.
However, European survey data also shows the employment impact of the crisis, with almost a third of Irish respondents saying they lost jobs or contracts, either temporarily or permanently, compared to an EU average of 28 per cent.
The statistics from Eurofound, the EU employment and working conditions agency, shows that trust in the Garda, the healthcare system, the government, the European Union and the news media is ahead of the EU27 average.
Source: Eurofound
This is despite Europeans in general reporting “dramatic fall in trust in the EU and their national governments, with low levels reported across many countries”.
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The data was gathered from 85,000 people during April. With 8,700 respondents, Ireland was the most responsive country to the EU-wide survey. The responses suggest that trust in the Irish government is among the highest in the EU, rated at 6.3 on a scale of 1-10, compared with a European average of 4.8.
Source: Eurostat
Trust in the European Union itself remains strong, at 6.0 versus an average of 4.6. Only Finland had higher trust in the EU. Data from Irish responses also show trust in the Garda is very high, at 7.2, compared to a European average of 6.2. Trust in the news media was also higher than the average at 5.5 in Ireland versus 4.6 elsewhere in Europe.
The findings buck a series of trends evident elsewhere in the survey, according to Eurofound. “The first results show a Europe grappling to respond to the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many respondents reporting high levels of loneliness coupled with low levels of optimism about their future.”
Source: Eurofound
Some 59 per cent of Irish respondents expressed optimism about the future compared to an overall figure of 45 per cent for the EU. Nine per cent of Irish respondents reported feeling downhearted and depressed, versus a European average of 13 per cent. They also reported feeling lonely less often (12 per cent versus 16 per cent) than the European average.
Despite cocooning measures, people aged 50 or over had the highest mental wellbeing in the State, similar to trends in other countries. Students had the lowest mental wellbeing, even lower than unemployed people.
Younger people were also more likely to report feeling tense “all or most of the time”, with the figure for younger cohorts 20 per cent, significantly higher than the overall population at 13 per cent, and higher than the EU average of 18 per cent.
The impact of the crisis on employment is also reflected in the survey, with 32 per cent of Irish respondents saying they lost their jobs, or contracts in the case of self-employed people, either temporarily or permanently. Some 72 per cent of people who lost their jobs were self-employed.
Source: Eurofound
Almost half reported that their working hours had decreased. Women were more likely to have had their working hours increase than men, while 15 per cent of those in work said it is either “very likely” or “rather likely” that they would lose their jobs. Work-life balance among Irish respondents was reported to be somewhat better than the EU average.
Source: Eurofound
However, Irish women reported being too tired after work to do necessary household jobs at a higher rate than men, and also found it difficult to concentrate on their job or give it more time. “Working from home with children present may account for at least some of the gender differences, with women on average continuing to do more housework and childcare,” Eurofound suggested.
Source: Eurofound
A higher level of teleworking was reported by Irish workers, at 43 per cent compared to an EU average of 37 per cent.
The impact of Covid-19 on personal finances is also becoming clear, with 16 per cent of respondents reporting difficulties in making ends meet. However, this is lower than the EU average of 23 per cent. Irish savings are in a worse state than the European average, with 22 per cent of Irish respondents stating they have no savings at all. Around one third (35 per cent) said their savings could keep the household going for up to three months, and 11 per cent stated they could afford to live off savings for a year or more, less than the EU average of 14 per cent.
People over 50 or over were most likely to have savings, while 30 per cent of people aged 35-49 had no savings at all. Accommodation insecurity and mortgage arrears in Ireland were similar to average EU levels in the survey.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: SVP launches urgent fundraising appeal

The Society of St Vincent de Paul ( SVP ) has launched an urgent fundraising appeal on Thursday as it expects calls for help in the coming weeks to escalate .
Calls to the charity for the first quarter of 2020 were at their highest level for over a decade , it said .
The Society of St Vincent de Paul helped over 160,000 people and families last year and had expected that figure to rise by about 10 per cent in 2020 .
However , it now believes that figure will be “ well exceeded ” as people find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing their job or living on reduced income due to restrictions in place limiting the spread of Covid-19 .
The Society of St Vincent de Paul said its income has “ drastically reduced ” due to the closure of its 234 shops and the cancellation of church-gate and shopping centre collections .
It is now seeking support from the public to deal with the expected increase in calls .
Kieran Stafford , national president of the charity , said the past few weeks have been “ the most difficult ” he has ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SVP .
“ Low income families have become no income families overnight as they wait for state supports to come through and calls to SVP for the first quarter of 2020 were at their highest level for over a decade , ” he said .
“ Thousands used to earning a regular wage are depending on the temporary Government subsidy or the Pandemic Unemployment Payment but that will eventually come to an end .
In the past two weeks , we have had more calls from families worried about the rent and without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those already struggling on an inadequate social welfare payment will struggle even more .
When this is over , many will still be trapped in a cycle of poverty.
” Mr Stafford said while physical visits to homes , emergency accommodation , hospitals and prisons have been halted the charity has been working online , by telephone and by post to provide support to those seeking help .
“ Many calls are seeking help with food and energy bills .
In most cases we are able to supply vouchers and work with utility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ callers just need to speak to someone about their circumstances and in those cases we are there to listen or help them find other appropriate services , ” he added .
Donations can be made through www.svp.ie , by calling 1818 176 176 or by post to Society of St Vincent de Paul , 91-92 Sean McDermott Street , Dublin 1 .

President of SVP Kieran Stafford has said the past few weeks have been ‘the most difficult’ he has ever known in over 20 years volunteering with the charity. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has launched an urgent fundraising appeal on Thursday as it expects calls for help in the coming weeks to escalate.
Calls to the charity for the first quarter of 2020 were at their highest level for over a decade, it said.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul helped over 160,000 people and families last year and had expected that figure to rise by about 10 per cent in 2020.
However, it now believes that figure will be “well exceeded” as people find themselves struggling financially as a result of losing their job or living on reduced income due to restrictions in place limiting the spread of Covid-19.
READ MORE
The Society of St Vincent de Paul said its income has “drastically reduced” due to the closure of its 234 shops and the cancellation of church-gate and shopping centre collections. It is now seeking support from the public to deal with the expected increase in calls.
Kieran Stafford, national president of the charity, said the past few weeks have been "the most difficult" he has ever known in over 20 years volunteering with SVP.
“Low income families have become no income families overnight as they wait for state supports to come through and calls to SVP for the first quarter of 2020 were at their highest level for over a decade,” he said.
“Thousands used to earning a regular wage are depending on the temporary Government subsidy or the Pandemic Unemployment Payment but that will eventually come to an end. In the past two weeks, we have had more calls from families worried about the rent and without savings to keep them afloat. And those already struggling on an inadequate social welfare payment will struggle even more. When this is over, many will still be trapped in a cycle of poverty.”
Mr Stafford said while physical visits to homes, emergency accommodation, hospitals and prisons have been halted the charity has been working online, by telephone and by post to provide support to those seeking help.
“Many calls are seeking help with food and energy bills. In most cases we are able to supply vouchers and work with utility companies on their behalf. Many other callers just need to speak to someone about their circumstances and in those cases we are there to listen or help them find other appropriate services,” he added.
Donations can be made through www.svp.ie, by calling 0818 176 176 or by post to Society of St Vincent de Paul, 91-92 Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Childcare scheme to health workers to include cleaners, Zappone says

A childcare scheme for health workers will include hospital staff such as cleaners , canteen staff and private nursing home staff , Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone has said .
Under the proposals , childcare workers would look after the children of health care workers in their own homes at a cost of €90 per family per week .
Anyone who wants to take part of the scheme , which will be introduced on May 18th , should contact their human resources manager , said Ms Zappone , who added that a full list of staff covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Ms Zappone has said that childcare workers volunteering for the scheme would be paid , on average € 15-per-hour .
She said new service would cost about € 4.7 million per week and could cover 5,000 families .
Most of the cost would be borne by the State , she said .
The provision of childcare for essential health workers has been a major issue for staff and trade unions over recent weeks since the closure of schools and crèches .
A HSE survey last month indicated that up to 8,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon have childcare difficulties .
The delay in introducing the scheme was because the government had been awaiting the advice from Dr Tony Holohan on the public health risk of allowing child care workers into the homes of health care workers .
Full details of the scheme are available on the website of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and letters will be going out to human resource managers to appraise them of the details , Ms Zappone told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland .
Other frontline workers , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 when the scheme is broadened .
Ms Zappone said that the scheme will commence on May 18th for four weeks , with a review after two weeks .
“ It is a temporary measure , something like this has never been done before .
It will be a logistical challenge , but the scheme is there to support health care workers.
” Ms Zappone also called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to maintain the Department of Children and Youth Affairs .
She said if the Department were dissolved it would “ dilute the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When asked about suggestions that the department will be dissolved , Ms Zappone said she had read the reports , but hoped that was not the case .
Asked if she had mentioned that to the Taoiseach , Ms Zappone said she had and she hoped he was listening to the interview .
“ It is the sixth largest spending department .
A lot goes on there .
It would dilute focus on the rights of children if it were dissolved .
”

A childcare scheme for health workers will include hospital staff such as cleaners, canteen staff and private nursing home staff, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone has said.
Under the proposals, childcare workers would look after the children of health care workers in their own homes at a cost of €90 per family per week.
Anyone who wants to take part of the scheme, which will be introduced on May 18th, should contact their human resources manager, said Ms Zappone, who added that a full list of staff covered under the scheme will be finalised on Thursday.
Ms Zappone has said that childcare workers volunteering for the scheme would be paid, on average € 15-per-hour.
READ MORE
She said new service would cost about € 4.7 million per week and could cover 5,000 families. Most of the cost would be borne by the State, she said.
The provision of childcare for essential health workers has been a major issue for staff and trade unions over recent weeks since the closure of schools and crèches. A HSE survey last month indicated that up to 8,000 staff either had or forecast they would soon have childcare difficulties.
The delay in introducing the scheme was because the government had been awaiting the advice from Dr Tony Holohan on the public health risk of allowing child care workers into the homes of health care workers.
Full details of the scheme are available on the website of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and letters will be going out to human resource managers to appraise them of the details, Ms Zappone told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland.
Other frontline workers, such as gardaí, will be included in Phase 2 when the scheme is broadened. Ms Zappone said that the scheme will commence on May 18th for four weeks, with a review after two weeks.
“It is a temporary measure, something like this has never been done before. It will be a logistical challenge, but the scheme is there to support health care workers.”
Ms Zappone also called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to maintain the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
She said if the Department were dissolved it would “dilute the focus on the rights of children”.
When asked about suggestions that the department will be dissolved, Ms Zappone said she had read the reports, but hoped that was not the case. Asked if she had mentioned that to the Taoiseach, Ms Zappone said she had and she hoped he was listening to the interview.
“It is the sixth largest spending department. A lot goes on there. It would dilute focus on the rights of children if it were dissolved.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Irishman sets up company for mask production in Sligo

An Irish businessman is working towards setting up a mask production factory in Co Sligo in a move to restart Ireland after the coronavirus pandemic and reduce future personal protective equipment ( PPE ) shortages .
Neil Sands , with the help of his brother Kevin , has started a company called measc.ie which intends to produce masks domestically and reduce the country ’ s reliance on importing the product .
The pair have sourced machines to produce the equipment in China and Germany and hope to be up and running in around two weeks ’ time , providing medical-grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible ” .
“ My co-founder and I , my younger brother Kevin , have been looking at various means in which we can ramp up domestic production .
There are two main pillars to that .
The first is being able to get our hands on the machines themselves that will provide a sufficient outcome so that we can make an impact on the restart effort , ” Mr Sands said .
“ The second is on raw materials , which are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire .
We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply and how other small , Irish companies might be able to step forward and create what ’ s called meltblown material to make masks.
” Mr Sands said he has a machine confirmed in Germany and three in China , but that shipping costs are problematic .
“ We have high hopes that the German machine will be on the island in the next 10 days and will be ready for output , ” he added .
The idea arose after the businessman , who was also behind the Answer Ireland ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ papers on restarting societies focused greatly on the importance of mask wearing .
“ The consensus is , certainly scientifically now , that masks are a huge help in terms of transmission of Covid-19 , ” he said .
“ To say that we are self-sufficient in Ireland for masks in the near future , is a very , very long stretch .
It became clear to me that restarting Ireland is one thing but restarting Ireland safely is another.
” He said that Ireland only has one other mask production facility in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more are needed to meet the demands of the country post-pandemic .
The business model , he said , is “ based on soundness ” .
“ So we say that my mask is for you .
The idea is that wearing a mask protects those around us .
The word measc , comes from the Irish word meas , which means respect.
” Mr Sands said they were “ not 100 per cent clear on pricing yet ” because the cost of raw materials can vary so much , but that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price .
While the masks would be available in shops and online , Mr Sands also intends to introduce a subscription service , in which people would get five masks delivered to their homes per week .
The building in which they are working from was gifted to them by Arrotek , a medical device company in Sligo , and Mr Sands said he would “ welcome a partnership with anybody else , whether that ’ s government or corporate ” .

Neil Sands: The idea is that wearing a mask protects those around us.
An Irish businessman is working towards setting up a mask production factory in Co Sligo in a move to restart Ireland after the coronavirus pandemic and reduce future personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages.
Neil Sands, with the help of his brother Kevin, has started a company called measc.ie which intends to produce masks domestically and reduce the country's reliance on importing the product.
The pair have sourced machines to produce the equipment in China and Germany and hope to be up and running in around two weeks' time, providing medical-grade masks for "as close to cost as possible".
“My co-founder and I, my younger brother Kevin, have been looking at various means in which we can ramp up domestic production. There are two main pillars to that. The first is being able to get our hands on the machines themselves that will provide a sufficient outcome so that we can make an impact on the restart effort,” Mr Sands said.
READ MORE
“The second is on raw materials, which are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire. We’ve been looking at the options for domestic supply and how other small, Irish companies might be able to step forward and create what’s called meltblown material to make masks.”
Mr Sands said he has a machine confirmed in Germany and three in China, but that shipping costs are problematic.
“We have high hopes that the German machine will be on the island in the next 10 days and will be ready for output,” he added.
The idea arose after the businessman, who was also behind the Answer Ireland’s Call Initiative, noticed that international papers on restarting societies focused greatly on the importance of mask wearing.
“The consensus is, certainly scientifically now, that masks are a huge help in terms of transmission of Covid-19,” he said. “To say that we are self-sufficient in Ireland for masks in the near future, is a very, very long stretch. It became clear to me that restarting Ireland is one thing but restarting Ireland safely is another.”
He said that Ireland only has one other mask production facility in the southwest of the country and that more are needed to meet the demands of the country post-pandemic.
The business model, he said, is “based on soundness”.
“So we say that my mask is for you. The idea is that wearing a mask protects those around us. The word measc, comes from the Irish word meas, which means respect.”
Mr Sands said they were “not 100 per cent clear on pricing yet” because the cost of raw materials can vary so much, but that they intend to deliver the product at cost price.
While the masks would be available in shops and online, Mr Sands also intends to introduce a subscription service, in which people would get five masks delivered to their homes per week.
The building in which they are working from was gifted to them by Arrotek, a medical device company in Sligo, and Mr Sands said he would "welcome a partnership with anybody else, whether that's government or corporate".


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Donegal’s churches should aim to open for prayer by next week, bishop says

Catholic churches in Donegal should be open for personal prayer by May 13th , Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian has said .
In a letter to faithful in the diocese he said , “ I believe it is now time for us to move to a new phase and to open our churches again for personal prayer.
” It was “ time to co-operate generously in the gradual process of relaxation ” .
He asked “ all priests to ensure that all of the guidelines are in place before opening churches .
This will include steps such as creating signage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for hygiene etc before taking the step of opening .
It would be good to aim to have this done by Wednesday 13th May , ” he wrote .
People in the diocese had been “ extremely impressive in their patient acceptance of the current situation , ” he said , and had “ shown a strong lead in adopting a strict discipline in relation to the closing of our churches.
” However it was “ now time for us to move to a new phase and to open our churches again for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be observed and , if possible , churches ’ entrance doors “ should be left permanently open so that no one need touch the handle ” with a “ hand sanitiser at all entry and exit points.
” Candles should be lit without the use of common lighters with , possibly , “ a large candle permanently lit for lighting small candles so that people touch no surfaces .
Hand gel could be provided ” or candles “ could be removed entirely.
” A one-way system for entry and exit to churches should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with one pew open in every three .
There should “ be a rota for disinfecting commonly touched areas , such as pew ends , empty holy water fonts , notice boards , etc .
Where necessary , there should be volunteers to oversee the numbers entering the church.
” It is was also “ important to ensure that cleaning personnel are instructed what to wear for cleaning , ie masks , gloves and aprons .
They should be clearly instructed on what to clean/disinfect.
” Where funerals were concerned he said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service in the church we must work with undertakers to ensure that families are fully agreed in advance about those who can come into the church and cemetery.
” He noted that “ the Government guideline is very clear : ‘ Phase 1 foresees continuance of the restriction on attendance at funerals to a maximum of 10 people and only members of the household , close family or close friends if the deceased has no household or family members ’ .
” There would be “ no ceremonies of reception of remains the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it was “ very important that people who have been exposed to the coronavirus should not attend , ” Bishop McGuckian said .

Catholic churches in Donegal should be open for personal prayer by May 13th, Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian has said. In a letter to faithful in the diocese he said, "I believe it is now time for us to move to a new phase and to open our churches again for personal prayer."
It was “time to co-operate generously in the gradual process of relaxation”. He asked “all priests to ensure that all of the guidelines are in place before opening churches. This will include steps such as creating signage, roping benches off, assembling rotas for hygiene etc before taking the step of opening. It would be good to aim to have this done by Wednesday 13th May,” he wrote.
People in the diocese had been “extremely impressive in their patient acceptance of the current situation,” he said, and had “shown a strong lead in adopting a strict discipline in relation to the closing of our churches.”
However it was “now time for us to move to a new phase and to open our churches again for personal prayer.” Social distancing requirements should be observed and, if possible, churches’ entrance doors “should be left permanently open so that no one need touch the handle” with a“hand sanitiser at all entry and exit points.”
READ MORE
Candles should be lit without the use of common lighters with, possibly, “a large candle permanently lit for lighting small candles so that people touch no surfaces. Hand gel could be provided” or candles “could be removed entirely.”
A one-way system for entry and exit to churches should apply and pews should be cordoned off with one pew open in every three.
There should “be a rota for disinfecting commonly touched areas, such as pew ends, empty holy water fonts, notice boards, etc. Where necessary, there should be volunteers to oversee the numbers entering the church.”
It is was also “important to ensure that cleaning personnel are instructed what to wear for cleaning, ie masks, gloves and aprons. They should be clearly instructed on what to clean/disinfect.”
Where funerals were concerned he said that “as we move towards having a service in the church we must work with undertakers to ensure that families are fully agreed in advance about those who can come into the church and cemetery.”
He noted that “the Government guideline is very clear: ‘Phase 1 foresees continuance of the restriction on attendance at funerals to a maximum of 10 people and only members of the household, close family or close friends if the deceased has no household or family members’.”
There would be “no ceremonies of reception of remains the evening before a funeral, he said, and it was “ very important that people who have been exposed to the coronavirus should not attend,” Bishop McGuckian said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--GP referrals for patients with suspected cancers drop by 50%

Referrals from general practitioners to hospital clinics for patients with suspected cancers have dropped by 50 per cent , Opposition parties were told on Wednesday .
The HSE briefed political parties about their response to the Covid-19 pandemic in a virtual meeting where concerns about cancer screenings emerged .
Fianna Fáil ’ s health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said it was “ deeply concerning that the level of referrals to rapid access clinics has fallen by over 50 per cent ” .
“ Early detection is crucial .
It ’ s imperative that patients go to their GPs when they suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did before Covid-19 .
At this point a comprehensive public communications campaign should be launched to encourage people to do so .
This could save a lot of lives , ” Mr Donnelly said .
It comes as the HSE National Cancer Control Programme ( NCCP ) has urged anyone with potential signs and symptoms of cancer to ring their GP to check them out .
The HSE has said that it is “ a cause of concern ” for the National Cancer Control Programme that people with symptoms of cancer are delaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GP and hospital diagnostic cancer services are continuing to operate .
The average number of patients with suspected breast , lung , prostate and skin cancer being referred weekly to hospital clinics has dropped to less than half of that prior to the announcement of Covid-19 public health measures .
Dr Una Kennedy of the HSE ’ s NCCP said that in the last four weeks she has referred just one patient with symptoms that were concerning for cancer , and in that case it was a lump in the patient ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hospital and discharged with the good news that all was well .
Normally , I could expect to see at least one person per week with symptoms concerning for cancer .
Since the Covid-19 outbreak , the number of patients contacting my practice has declined markedly .
I ’ ve spoken with colleagues and many of them have noticed this too .
It ’ s very worrying .
The last thing we , as GPs , want is to see out patients ’ diagnosis being delayed .
People shouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid-19 .
If you have cancer , the sooner it ’ s detected the better chance you have of a successful outcome.
” At the briefing for opposition health represetaives , Mr Donnelly said that the HSE also confirmed that they are targeting a three day turnaround for Covid 19 tests in nursing homes .
“ It ’ s essential that testing in nursing homes is turned around quickly .
In hospitals the turnaround time is now regularly 24 hours .
For nursing homes it ’ s many times that .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target is to hit a three day testing turnaround time for nursing homes .
We need to be more ambitious .
One solution is to allow the trained staff in many homes to take the samples , ” Mr Donnelly said .
He also said that a plan for the re-starting of community care must be devised .
“ A lot of children who are sick , or who have special needs , are not getting the therapeutic care they need right now .
It ’ s understandable that these services were curtailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vital that these services are ramped back up quickly , and target the most urgent people .
”

HSE says it is ‘a cause of concern’ for the National Cancer Control Programme that people with symptoms of cancer are delaying seeking medical advice. Photograph: iStock
Referrals from general practitioners to hospital clinics for patients with suspected cancers have dropped by 50 per cent, Opposition parties were told on Wednesday.
The HSE briefed political parties about their response to the Covid-19 pandemic in a virtual meeting where concerns about cancer screenings emerged.
Fianna Fáil's health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said it was "deeply concerning that the level of referrals to rapid access clinics has fallen by over 50 per cent".
“Early detection is crucial. It’s imperative that patients go to their GPs when they suspect something may be up, as they did before Covid-19. At this point a comprehensive public communications campaign should be launched to encourage people to do so. This could save a lot of lives,” Mr Donnelly said.
READ MORE
It comes as the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has urged anyone with potential signs and symptoms of cancer to ring their GP to check them out. The HSE has said that it is “a cause of concern” for the National Cancer Control Programme that people with symptoms of cancer are delaying seeking medical advice.
At present, GP and hospital diagnostic cancer services are continuing to operate. The average number of patients with suspected breast, lung, prostate and skin cancer being referred weekly to hospital clinics has dropped to less than half of that prior to the announcement of Covid-19 public health measures.
Dr Una Kennedy of the HSE's NCCP said that in the last four weeks she has referred just one patient with symptoms that were concerning for cancer, and in that case it was a lump in the patient's breast.
“She was seen quickly at the hospital and discharged with the good news that all was well. Normally, I could expect to see at least one person per week with symptoms concerning for cancer. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the number of patients contacting my practice has declined markedly. I’ve spoken with colleagues and many of them have noticed this too. It’s very worrying. The last thing we, as GPs, want is to see out patients’ diagnosis being delayed. People shouldn’t be afraid to contact their GP because of Covid-19. If you have cancer, the sooner it’s detected the better chance you have of a successful outcome.”
At the briefing for opposition health represetaives, Mr Donnelly said that the HSE also confirmed that they are targeting a three day turnaround for Covid 19 tests in nursing homes.
“It’s essential that testing in nursing homes is turned around quickly. In hospitals the turnaround time is now regularly 24 hours. For nursing homes it’s many times that. The HSE confirmed to me today that their target is to hit a three day testing turnaround time for nursing homes. We need to be more ambitious. One solution is to allow the trained staff in many homes to take the samples,” Mr Donnelly said.
He also said that a plan for the re-starting of community care must be devised.
“A lot of children who are sick, or who have special needs, are not getting the therapeutic care they need right now. It’s understandable that these services were curtailed due to Covid-19. However, it’s vital that these services are ramped back up quickly, and target the most urgent people.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--New evidence emerges on decline of monarch butterflies

Monarchs are spectacularly beautiful butterflies , beloved by the public , but their numbers have been dropping alarmingly since 2000 .
The herbicide Roundup was quickly identified as the culprit behind their decline but new suspects have now emerged to share the stage with Roundup .
The story is told by science writer Gabriel Popkin in the March edition of Scientific American .
The monarch is “ king of the butterflies ” , hence the name monarch .
They are native to both North and South America but no longer found in South America .
Monarch populations are also found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia and New Zealand .
The monarch is very striking looking – orange wings laced with black lines and bordered with white dots and a wingspan of about 10cm .
Monarchs can tolerate toxins ingested from milkweed , toxins that kill other species .
The distinctive monarch colouring warns potential predators – “ I am poisonous , stay away “ .
Any predator that eats a monarch becomes very ill. American monarchs are famous for their seasonal migration .
Western monarchs breed west of the Rockies and fly south to overwinter in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plains and Canada and fly south , covering up to 160km a day , to overwinter in Mexico .
The monarch life cycle is as follows : the female lays eggs ( up to 500 ) exclusively on the leaves of milkweed plants .
The eggs develop into caterpillars ( larvae ) after three to five days .
The caterpillars spend nine to 14 days eating the leaves .
The caterpillar next cocoons itself inside a chrysalis ( pupa ) where it undergoes metamorphosis into a butterfly over eight to 13 days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ finds a mate and can lay more eggs after five days .
Each February/March overwintering monarchs wake up , find mates and migrate north and east to lay eggs .
This is the first generation of the year .
The monarchs repeat this cycle three more times as they migrate northwards .
A monarch generation lasts about one month except for the fourth generation , the overwintering generation , that lives for up to eight months .
The numbers of monarchs overwintering in Mexico have been in serious decline over the past three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 1997 and 2007 .
This time frame coincides with the introduction ( in 1996 ) and large-scale deployment of Roundup , the Monsanto herbicide based on the chemical glyphosate .
Monsanto also genetically engineered Roundup-resistant agricultural plants , including corn , canola , soya and cotton .
Growing crops are sprayed with Roundup which kills all the other “ weed ” plants without harming the main crop .
Farmers took to Roundup like bees to honey .
Roundup was the most commonly used herbicide in the United States in 2007 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 94 per cent of soya beans and 80 per cent cotton in the US were Roundup-resistant strains .
Unfortunately for the monarch , Roundup kills milkweed plants – the midwestern milkweed population declined by 58 per cent between 1999 and 2010 and overwintering monarch numbers in Mexico declined steeply .
And so the hypothesis went forth in 2012 that the Roundup-induced loss of midwestern milkweed is killing the monarchs .
This hypothesis was reasonable and widely accepted .
It was especially welcomed in eco-warrior circles where Monsanto is demonised as a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Popkin cites new evidence indicating factors other than Roundup contribute to the monarchs ’ decline .
For example , monarch numbers in the US , both during and after the summer breeding season , have shown no steady decline although Mexican monarch numbers fell steeply .
It was also found that only 38 per cent of monarchs migrating to Mexico depart from midwestern corn fields , so how could milkweed loss there account for such big losses in Mexico ?
And many Mexican monarchs come from US areas with relatively few Roundup-treated crop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in the decline of the monarchs , but it may be a minor one .
It seems that many monarchs are dying as they migrate south in the fourth generation .
Possible reasons for this include increased virulence of a protozoan parasite that infects monarchs and/or increasing incidence of drought that reduces plant food that sustain the monarchs on their long journey .
Popkin reports that , disturbingly , some scientists who favoured the milkweed hypothesis initially advised against publicising the new findings listed above .
But the bottom line is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the exact causes of their decline are discovered .
William Reville is an emeritus professor of biochemistry at UCC

Monarch butterflies make Herculean migratory trips each autumn, travelling more than 3,500km from eastern Canada and the northeastern US to Mexico.
Monarchs are spectacularly beautiful butterflies, beloved by the public, but their numbers have been dropping alarmingly since 2000. The herbicide Roundup was quickly identified as the culprit behind their decline but new suspects have now emerged to share the stage with Roundup. The story is told by science writer Gabriel Popkin in the March edition of Scientific American.
The monarch is "king of the butterflies", hence the name monarch. They are native to both North and South America but no longer found in South America. Monarch populations are also found in Hawaii, Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.
The monarch is very striking looking – orange wings laced with black lines and bordered with white dots and a wingspan of about 10cm. Monarchs can tolerate toxins ingested from milkweed, toxins that kill other species. The distinctive monarch colouring warns potential predators – “I am poisonous, stay away “. Any predator that eats a monarch becomes very ill.
American monarchs are famous for their seasonal migration. Western monarchs breed west of the Rockies and fly south to overwinter in California. Eastern monarchs breed on the Great Plains and Canada and fly south, covering up to 160km a day, to overwinter in Mexico.
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The monarch life cycle is as follows: the female lays eggs (up to 500) exclusively on the leaves of milkweed plants. The eggs develop into caterpillars (larvae) after three to five days. The caterpillars spend nine to 14 days eating the leaves. The caterpillar next cocoons itself inside a chrysalis (pupa) where it undergoes metamorphosis into a butterfly over eight to 13 days. This butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, finds a mate and can lay more eggs after five days.
Each February/March overwintering monarchs wake up, find mates and migrate north and east to lay eggs. This is the first generation of the year. The monarchs repeat this cycle three more times as they migrate northwards. A monarch generation lasts about one month except for the fourth generation, the overwintering generation, that lives for up to eight months.
The numbers of monarchs overwintering in Mexico have been in serious decline over the past three decades – a 66 per cent reduction between 1997 and 2007. This time frame coincides with the introduction (in 1996) and large-scale deployment of Roundup, the Monsanto herbicide based on the chemical glyphosate. Monsanto also genetically engineered Roundup-resistant agricultural plants, including corn, canola, soya and cotton. Growing crops are sprayed with Roundup which kills all the other "weed" plants without harming the main crop.
Farmers took to Roundup like bees to honey. Roundup was the most commonly used herbicide in the United States in 2007. In 2015, 89 per cent of corn, 94 per cent of soya beans and 80 per cent cotton in the US were Roundup-resistant strains.
Unfortunately for the monarch, Roundup kills milkweed plants – the midwestern milkweed population declined by 58 per cent between 1999 and 2010 and overwintering monarch numbers in Mexico declined steeply. And so the hypothesis went forth in 2012 that the Roundup-induced loss of midwestern milkweed is killing the monarchs. This hypothesis was reasonable and widely accepted. It was especially welcomed in eco-warrior circles where Monsanto is demonised as a big environmental “baddy”.
New evidence
However, Popkin cites new evidence indicating factors other than Roundup contribute to the monarchs’ decline. For example, monarch numbers in the US, both during and after the summer breeding season, have shown no steady decline although Mexican monarch numbers fell steeply.
It was also found that only 38 per cent of monarchs migrating to Mexico depart from midwestern corn fields, so how could milkweed loss there account for such big losses in Mexico? And many Mexican monarchs come from US areas with relatively few Roundup-treated crop fields.
Roundup seems to play a role in the decline of the monarchs, but it may be a minor one. It seems that many monarchs are dying as they migrate south in the fourth generation. Possible reasons for this include increased virulence of a protozoan parasite that infects monarchs and/or increasing incidence of drought that reduces plant food that sustain the monarchs on their long journey.
Popkin reports that, disturbingly, some scientists who favoured the milkweed hypothesis initially advised against publicising the new findings listed above. But the bottom line is that monarchs can be helped to recover only when the exact causes of their decline are discovered.
William Reville is an emeritus professor of biochemistry at UCC


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Teachers voice concerns about health implications if Leaving Cert goes ahead

Teachers ’ unions have voiced concerns with Department of Education officials about the health implications for members if the Leaving Cert goes ahead later this summer .
Among the concerns relate to the safety thresholds for numbers that will be allowed in classrooms and exam halls , according to sources .
The executive committees of the Association of Secondary Teachers , Ireland ( ASTI ) and the Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) both met on Wednesday night to discuss these issues and what role their members may play in grading Leaving Cert students if the exams are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Minister for Education Joe McHugh on Wednesday , during which a number of alternatives to the written exams were discussed , including predicted or expected grades .
Proposals for teachers ' grading their students for State exams have proved a source of major opposition among teachers ’ unions over recent years .
However , well-placed sources said at last night ’ s meetings there was a recognition that an urgent alternative to the Leaving Cert is required and members need to be seen to support students .
The views of both unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative assessment options can be put forward .
The development comes as a new survey shows an overwhelming majority of Leaving Cert students want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with estimated grades .
The survey of 24,000 sixth years by the Irish Second-Level Students ’ Union conducted in recent days shows just 15 per cent want the exams to go ahead on July 29th .
By contrast , some some 79 per cent want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with predicted or estimated grades .
The survey size represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all Leaving Cert students .
Ciara Fanning , the union ’ s president , said the union will continue to advocate for and represent the interests of second-level students through its involvement in regular Department of Education meetings .
“ This survey reinforces our mandate for clarification now - particularly as an increasing number of students are now in favour of cancellation and a thoughtful process established to ensure fairness and equity to all , ” she said .
Another meeting of an advisory group on the exams including representatives of groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due next week .
Following Wednesday ’ s meeting , Mr McHugh thanked those who took part and said there had been constructive discussion .
“ Discussions here today will assist in making decisions regarding arrangements for the Leaving Certificate that have students ’ best interests at heart and that are guided at all times by the public health advice.
” It is understood that a number of different types of assessment were discussed at Wednesday ’ s meeting , including the option of allowing students to opt for predicted grades and sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish .
The practicalities of running the exams in the context of social distancing and public health advice were also discussed .
The advisory group of stakeholders included representatives of students , parents , teachers , school leadership and management bodies , the State Examinations Commission , the National Educational Psychological Service , the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Department .
The Higher Education Authority also attended the meeting to assist feeding back to consultations it is involved with across the third level sector .
In addition , the advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been put in place to support the wellbeing of students at this time .
Mr McHugh has said the Department of Education plan remains that the exams are due to go ahead on July 29th , subject to public health advice .

Department fo Education sources say option of awarding grades to students in the absence of exams will be discussedPhotograph: Eric Luke
Teachers’ unions have voiced concerns with Department of Education officials about the health implications for members if the Leaving Cert goes ahead later this summer.
Among the concerns relate to the safety thresholds for numbers that will be allowed in classrooms and exam halls, according to sources.
The executive committees of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) both met on Wednesday night to discuss these issues and what role their members may play in grading Leaving Cert students if the exams are cancelled.
It followed a meeting attended by Minister for Education Joe McHugh on Wednesday, during which a number of alternatives to the written exams were discussed, including predicted or expected grades.
READ MORE
Viable alternative
Proposals for teachers' grading their students for State exams have proved a source of major opposition among teachers’ unions over recent years.
However, well-placed sources said at last night’s meetings there was a recognition that an urgent alternative to the Leaving Cert is required and members need to be seen to support students.
The views of both unions will be crucial is determining what viable alternative assessment options can be put forward.
The development comes as a new survey shows an overwhelming majority of Leaving Cert students want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with estimated grades.
The survey of 24,000 sixth years by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union conducted in recent days shows just 15 per cent want the exams to go ahead on July 29th.
By contrast, some some 79 per cent want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with predicted or estimated grades. The survey size represents a sample of almost 39 per cent of all Leaving Cert students.
Ciara Fanning, the union’s president, said the union will continue to advocate for and represent the interests of second-level students through its involvement in regular Department of Education meetings.
“This survey reinforces our mandate for clarification now - particularly as an increasing number of students are now in favour of cancellation and a thoughtful process established to ensure fairness and equity to all,” she said.
Discussions
Another meeting of an advisory group on the exams including representatives of groups for teachers, schools and parents is due next week.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, Mr McHugh thanked those who took part and said there had been constructive discussion.
“Discussions here today will assist in making decisions regarding arrangements for the Leaving Certificate that have students’ best interests at heart and that are guided at all times by the public health advice.”
It is understood that a number of different types of assessment were discussed at Wednesday’s meeting, including the option of allowing students to opt for predicted grades and sit the exams themselves in July/August if they wish.
The practicalities of running the exams in the context of social distancing and public health advice were also discussed.
The advisory group of stakeholders included representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Department.
The Higher Education Authority also attended the meeting to assist feeding back to consultations it is involved with across the third level sector.
In addition, the advisory group received updates on the measures that have been put in place to support the wellbeing of students at this time.
Mr McHugh has said the Department of Education plan remains that the exams are due to go ahead on July 29th, subject to public health advice.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Red Flag: Data given to Eames Solicitors ‘without a lawful basis’

The Data Protection Commission has ruled that Dropbox , the online data storage and sharing company , unlawfully shared private data held by two employees of Red Flag Consulting with lawyers for businessman Denis O ’ Brien .
The data was given “ without a lawful basis ” , according to the commission , to Eames Solicitors acting for businessman Denis O ’ Brien who is suing the public relations company .
The commission ’ s judgment is contained in a ruling issued last week on a complaint against Dropbox made in January 2017 by Red Flag employees , Bríd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-page judgment , the commission notes that , after a motion for discovery was withdrawn by Mr O ’ Brien ’ s lawyers , Dropbox faced “ continuing pressure ” from Eames which “ culminated in the unauthorised disclosures ” to them .
The data commissioner ’ s investigation is linked to a long-running legal action by Mr O ’ Brien against Red Flag and five named defendants , including Gavin O ’ Reilly , the company ’ s chairman , and Karl Brophy , its chief executive .
The others on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conboy , Kevin Hiney and Bríd Murphy , and the Galway-based businessman , Declan Ganley , who was added later .
The action began in October 2015 when Mr O ’ Brien claimed he was the victim of a conspiracy to damage him and his businesses , in the process of which he was defamed .
Red Flag et al denied this .
Mr O ’ Brien ’ s case revolves around a USB memory stick containing a dossier of 339 files , mainly cuttings of published articles and unflattering assessments of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USB , originated in Red Flag and Mr O ’ Brien ’ s case quickly became a tussle over the businessman ’ s efforts to get access to Red Flag computers and any digital records relating to the dossier .
Mr O ’ Brien sought access to the Dropbox accounts of Bríd Murphy and Kevin Hiney .
Lawyers for Red Flag opposed this , while Dropbox said it would comply with any court order made .
After legal arguments , the motion for discovery was withdrawn , and no order was made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , Eames Solicitors continued to seek the information .
“ Dropbox faced continuing pressure from the plaintiff ’ s solicitors [ Eames ] to provide further information in relation to the complainants ’ [ ie Murphy and Hiney ’ s ] Dropbox accounts and usage .
“ [ T ] he prudent course of action for Dropbox would have been to maintain its initial position by refusing to provide any further information sought by the plaintiff in the absence of a court order , ” the ruling says in paragraph 68 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ may have been limited in nature and some or all of the information may have already been known to the parties to the High Court proceedings ” , it went on .
“ It appears that , by furnishing this further information .
.
.
Dropbox disclosed personal data in respect of matters of some sensitivity and controversy in the High Court proceedings .
.
.
” During exchanges with solicitors for Dropbox , Gallenalliance , Red Flag ’ s solicitors , Eugene F Collins had charged that “ unauthorised ” contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gallenalliance rejected the complaints made by Eugene F Collins , adding that “ a complaint submitted to the Data Protection Commissioner would be entirely meritless ” .
However , in its ruling , the commission ruled that Dropbox had “ breached Section 2A of the [ Data Protection ] Acts by processing the personal data [ of both ] without a lawful basis for doing so ” .
Asked to comment , Ms Murphy and Mr Hiney issued a statement saying : “ We welcome the very comprehensive and damning ruling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our personal data and are considering our next move.
” Questions submitted to Eames Solicitors , to Denis O ’ Brien ’ s spokesman , to Gallenalliance , and separately to its managing director John Gallen , did not elicit any response .

Denis O’Brien: The data commissioner’s investigation is linked to a long-running legal action by Mr O’Brien against Red Flag. Photograph: Collins Courts
The Data Protection Commission has ruled that Dropbox, the online data storage and sharing company, unlawfully shared private data held by two employees of Red Flag Consulting with lawyers for businessman Denis O'Brien.
The data was given "without a lawful basis", according to the commission, to Eames Solicitors acting for businessman Denis O'Brien who is suing the public relations company.
The commission's judgment is contained in a ruling issued last week on a complaint against Dropbox made in January 2017 by Red Flag employees, Bríd Murphy and Kevin Hiney.
In a 21-page judgment, the commission notes that, after a motion for discovery was withdrawn by Mr O’Brien’s lawyers, Dropbox faced “continuing pressure” from Eames which “culminated in the unauthorised disclosures” to them.
READ MORE
The data commissioner's investigation is linked to a long-running legal action by Mr O'Brien against Red Flag and five named defendants, including Gavin O'Reilly, the company's chairman, and Karl Brophy, its chief executive.
The others on the list are Red Flag employees, Séamus Conboy, Kevin Hiney and Bríd Murphy, and the Galway-based businessman, Declan Ganley, who was added later.
The action began in October 2015 when Mr O’Brien claimed he was the victim of a conspiracy to damage him and his businesses, in the process of which he was defamed. Red Flag et al denied this.
Mr O’Brien’s case revolves around a USB memory stick containing a dossier of 339 files, mainly cuttings of published articles and unflattering assessments of the businessman.
The dossier, but not the USB, originated in Red Flag and Mr O’Brien’s case quickly became a tussle over the businessman’s efforts to get access to Red Flag computers and any digital records relating to the dossier.
Court order
Mr O’Brien sought access to the Dropbox accounts of Bríd Murphy and Kevin Hiney. Lawyers for Red Flag opposed this, while Dropbox said it would comply with any court order made.
After legal arguments, the motion for discovery was withdrawn, and no order was made but costs were awarded to Red Flag. However, Eames Solicitors continued to seek the information.
“Dropbox faced continuing pressure from the plaintiff’s solicitors [Eames] to provide further information in relation to the complainants’ [ie Murphy and Hiney’s] Dropbox accounts and usage.
“[T]he prudent course of action for Dropbox would have been to maintain its initial position by refusing to provide any further information sought by the plaintiff in the absence of a court order,” the ruling says in paragraph 68.
The personal data disclosed by Dropbox "may have been limited in nature and some or all of the information may have already been known to the parties to the High Court proceedings", it went on.
“It appears that, by furnishing this further information . . . Dropbox disclosed personal data in respect of matters of some sensitivity and controversy in the High Court proceedings . . .”
During exchanges with solicitors for Dropbox, Gallenalliance, Red Flag's solicitors, Eugene F Collins had charged that "unauthorised" contacts had been "concealed".
Responding, Gallenalliance rejected the complaints made by Eugene F Collins, adding that “a complaint submitted to the Data Protection Commissioner would be entirely meritless”.
However, in its ruling, the commission ruled that Dropbox had “breached Section 2A of the [Data Protection] Acts by processing the personal data [of both] without a lawful basis for doing so”.
Asked to comment, Ms Murphy and Mr Hiney issued a statement saying: “We welcome the very comprehensive and damning ruling of what was a very serious breach of our personal data and are considering our next move.”
Questions submitted to Eames Solicitors, to Denis O'Brien's spokesman, to Gallenalliance, and separately to its managing director John Gallen, did not elicit any response.
In a statement to The Irish Times on May 11th, Dropbox said: "The privacy and security of our users is our top priority. We want to be clear that we do not give access to the contents of a user’s account without proper legal process, and did not do so in this case. As always, we thank the Data Protection Commission for its guidance and engagement with us.”