theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Covid-19: Taoiseach rules out short national lockdown as focus shifts to regional restrictions

Regional restrictions rather than a short , strict national lockdown may be the next step taken by the Government if action is needed to halt sharply rising Covid-19 case numbers .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday urged the public to change their behaviours so “ we can make Level 3 work , protect lives and livelihoods ” and stop Covid-19 spreading .
He said there was “ some evidence ” Level 3 had an influence for the better in Dublin and across the country it can also “ have an impact ” .
Senior Government figures stressed there were no immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a “ circuit breaker ” , despite the deteriorating coronavirus metrics over the weekend .
Mr Martin also questioned the workability of the measure .
“ The idea of just locking things down for two weeks and being able to come back as normal , I ’ m not sure that ’ s a runner , ” he said .
It is anticipated that if increased Covid-19 restrictions are introduced they may first be limited to counties with higher rates of the disease , such as Donegal .
“ There is every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional , ” one Government source said .
Public health officials are to closely monitor the impact of the nationwide move to Level 3 of the Government ’ s phased Covid-19 plan has had , with the first indicators of whether the measures are stabilising the situation to be seen by the end of the week .
The whole State joined Dublin and Donegal on Level 3 restrictions for three weeks from last Tuesday .
There is some encouragement that the rate of new cases in the capital is slowing after three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said .
Speculation around possible further measures comes after 814 new cases and two coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) on Sunday .
Of the additional cases , 226 were located in Dublin , 77 in Cork , 64 in Galway , 56 in Donegal , and 48 in Meath , with the remainder spread across the country .
This follows 1,012 new cases reported on Saturday , the highest daily total since the height of the pandemic in mid-April .
The State ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the figures from recent days pointed towards “ rapidly increasing growth rates across the country ” .
He reiterated it was vital that people limited their social contacts to an “ absolute minimum , ” and followed the other public health guidelines .
On Saturday he said he was very worried about the numbers and how quickly they are deteriorating .
Senior Health Service Executive officials are to meet on Monday to discuss the pressure on the hospital system and intensive care units across the country .
There were 39 hospital intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 30 patients in ICU with Covid-19 – a key metric watched by Nphet .
There were also 204 Covid-19 positive patients in hospital , a figure that has been steadily increasing in recent weeks .
The Government also played down another possible measure on Sunday as Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed the school midterm break “ is not going to be extended ” , yesterday .
“ We have emerging and mounting evidence of the educational cost ” to children of school closures , he said .
“ We need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ keeping children in school is a priority for the Government ” , Mr Donnelly said during an interview on RTÉ Radio .
The Minister was reacting to reports on Friday that the midterm break in schools may be extended in October .
Meanwhile , in Northern Ireland the Executive is to meet on Monday and will consider the need for further restrictions after almost 2,000 new cases of coronavirus were identified over the weekend .
A further 1,066 cases were reported by the North ’ s Department of Health on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists , who include those involved in testing for Covid-19 , have warned that there is an increasing mood for industrial action over pay issues .
The chairman of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association ( MLSA ) Kevin O ’ Boyle said there was “ palpable anger and unrest in laboratories all across the country and the likelihood of industrial action is growing ” .

Suffolk Street in central Dublin: the rate of new cases in the capital is slowing after three weeks of Level 3 restrictions. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Regional restrictions rather than a short, strict national lockdown may be the next step taken by the Government if action is needed to halt sharply rising Covid-19 case numbers.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday urged the public to change their behaviours so “we can make Level 3 work, protect lives and livelihoods” and stop Covid-19 spreading.
He said there was “some evidence” Level 3 had an influence for the better in Dublin and across the country it can also “have an impact”.
Hospital Report
Senior Government figures stressed there were no immediate plans for a short lockdown, known as a “circuit breaker”, despite the deteriorating coronavirus metrics over the weekend.
READ MORE
Mr Martin also questioned the workability of the measure. “The idea of just locking things down for two weeks and being able to come back as normal, I’m not sure that’s a runner,” he said.
It is anticipated that if increased Covid-19 restrictions are introduced they may first be limited to counties with higher rates of the disease, such as Donegal. "There is every possibility that the next step will be regional," one Government source said.
Public health officials are to closely monitor the impact of the nationwide move to Level 3 of the Government’s phased Covid-19 plan has had, with the first indicators of whether the measures are stabilising the situation to be seen by the end of the week. The whole State joined Dublin and Donegal on Level 3 restrictions for three weeks from last Tuesday.
There is some encouragement that the rate of new cases in the capital is slowing after three weeks of Level 3 restrictions, another Government source said.
Coronavirus-related deaths
Speculation around possible further measures comes after 814 new cases and two coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) on Sunday.
Of the additional cases, 226 were located in Dublin, 77 in Cork, 64 in Galway, 56 in Donegal, and 48 in Meath, with the remainder spread across the country.
This follows 1,012 new cases reported on Saturday, the highest daily total since the height of the pandemic in mid-April.
The State’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the figures from recent days pointed towards “rapidly increasing growth rates across the country”.
He reiterated it was vital that people limited their social contacts to an “absolute minimum,” and followed the other public health guidelines. On Saturday he said he was very worried about the numbers and how quickly they are deteriorating.
Senior Health Service Executive officials are to meet on Monday to discuss the pressure on the hospital system and intensive care units across the country.
There were 39 hospital intensive care beds vacant at the weekend, and 30 patients in ICU with Covid-19 – a key metric watched by Nphet. There were also 204 Covid-19 positive patients in hospital, a figure that has been steadily increasing in recent weeks.
Midterm break
The Government also played down another possible measure on Sunday as Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed the school midterm break “is not going to be extended”, yesterday.
“We have emerging and mounting evidence of the educational cost” to children of school closures, he said.
“We need to keep children in schools,” and “keeping children in school is a priority for the Government”, Mr Donnelly said during an interview on RTÉ Radio.
The Minister was reacting to reports on Friday that the midterm break in schools may be extended in October .
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland the Executive is to meet on Monday and will consider the need for further restrictions after almost 2,000 new cases of coronavirus were identified over the weekend.
A further 1,066 cases were reported by the North’s Department of Health on Sunday, and 902 on Saturday.
Elsewhere medical scientists, who include those involved in testing for Covid-19, have warned that there is an increasing mood for industrial action over pay issues.
The chairman of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) Kevin O’Boyle said there was “palpable anger and unrest in laboratories all across the country and the likelihood of industrial action is growing”.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Family say they slept under bridge after Limerick eviction

A family from Limerick city have said they slept under a bridge after being evicted from their home at the weekend .
John Johnson ( 54 ) and his adult children were evicted from their home in Assumpta Park last Saturday .
The family said they had been unable to source emergency accommodation due to a lack of available bed spaces .
“ The bailiffs came Saturday morning and told us to get out of the house , ” Mr Johnson said .
“ I asked them what about Covid-19 and they said that we had to go and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said they left but had no place left to go .
“ It ’ s ridiculous , especially with the pandemic.
” In February , the High Court ruled that a financial fund was entitled to possession of the Johnson ’ s home under a “ lifetime ” mortgage of €52,700 obtained by Mr Johnson ’ s father , Larry , eight years before his death in 2015 .
A “ lifetime ” or “ reverse ” mortgage allows elderly homeowners to borrow against the value of their home , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid out of their estate following their death .
Mr Johnson said the family couldn ’ t afford to satisfy the €52,700 loan .
They slept under Sarsfield Bridge on Saturday and Sunday night , he said .
“ I ’ m working all my life in the bar trade , and I was on a community employment scheme for three years and I got another job in a pub .
I was there a week and it closed due to Covid , ” Mr Johnson added .
Local Independent councillor Frankie Daly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation for the family .
“ I think its appalling that , in the middle of a pandemic , a vulnerable man and his family have been left to sleep out under a bridge , ” Cllr Daly said .
A spokesman for Limerick City and County Council said it did not comment on individual cases .
However , he confirmed the council has engaged with the family and that “ an assessment of the customer has now taken place ” .
“ The current situation with Covid-19 has been challenging for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Action Team are working to ensure spaces for all those presenting , ” the spokesman said .
According to the latest figures , there were 2,654 applicants on the council ’ s housing waiting list .
There were 128 individuals and 30 families accessing homeless services locally .

In February, the High Court ruled a financial fund was entitled to possession of the home in Limerick under a “lifetime” mortgage of €52,700 obtained by John Johnson’s father, Larry, eight years before his death in 2015.
A family from Limerick city have said they slept under a bridge after being evicted from their home at the weekend.
John Johnson (54) and his adult children were evicted from their home in Assumpta Park last Saturday. The family said they had been unable to source emergency accommodation due to a lack of available bed spaces.
“The bailiffs came Saturday morning and told us to get out of the house,” Mr Johnson said.
“I asked them what about Covid-19 and they said that we had to go and that they were only doing their job.”
READ MORE
He said they left but had no place left to go.
“It’s ridiculous, especially with the pandemic.”
In February, the High Court ruled that a financial fund was entitled to possession of the Johnson’s home under a “lifetime” mortgage of €52,700 obtained by Mr Johnson’s father, Larry, eight years before his death in 2015.
‘Reverse’ mortgage
A “lifetime” or “reverse” mortgage allows elderly homeowners to borrow against the value of their home, with the intention that the principal monies will be paid out of their estate following their death.
Mr Johnson said the family couldn’t afford to satisfy the €52,700 loan. They slept under Sarsfield Bridge on Saturday and Sunday night, he said.
“I’m working all my life in the bar trade, and I was on a community employment scheme for three years and I got another job in a pub. I was there a week and it closed due to Covid,” Mr Johnson added.
Local Independent councillor Frankie Daly said he was trying to help source accommodation for the family.
‘Appalling’ act
“I think its appalling that, in the middle of a pandemic, a vulnerable man and his family have been left to sleep out under a bridge,” Cllr Daly said.
A spokesman for Limerick City and County Council said it did not comment on individual cases. However, he confirmed the council has engaged with the family and that “an assessment of the customer has now taken place”.
“The current situation with Covid-19 has been challenging for the provision for homeless services but Limerick Homeless Action Team are working to ensure spaces for all those presenting,” the spokesman said.
According to the latest figures, there were 2,654 applicants on the council’s housing waiting list. There were 128 individuals and 30 families accessing homeless services locally.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Coronavirus: Tighter restrictions mulled for Dublin as cases rise

Dublin could be facing additional Covid-19 restrictions following a rise in cases over recent days .
With Government sources indicating that tighter restrictions are expected in Border counties within days , the capital is also coming under scrutiny following a resurgence of infections over the past three days .
The incidence of the virus in Dublin appeared to stabilise last week but since Saturday more than 200 cases a day have been recorded , according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) , which meets on Thursday , would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country and “ would have to be careful how we evaluate Dublin ” , he said .
“ We can ’ t conclude we have turned the corner in Dublin even if we can see the growth rate is different to what it was , ” he told NPHET ’ s briefing on Monday .
“ We don ’ t have anything like the evidence I would like to be able to conclude the situation in Dublin is sufficiently stable.
” Earlier , when briefing opposition parties along with Taoiseach Micheál Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures in relation to Dublin are “ not yet conclusive ” and that this could cast doubt on the effectiveness of the current Level 3 measures which are in place .
With widespread and accelerating community transmission occurring , it was not possible to document all patterns of infection , and measures directed at the entire population were needed , according to Dr Holohan .
Further deaths in nursing homes were also likely if this pattern continued , he warned .
Dr Holohan said he would like to see “ encouraging signs ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting .
He stressed the first line of defence against the virus was individual behaviour , he said , adding that “ the Government is not going to wash your hands for you , or put on your face mask ” .
The three party leaders discussed rising case numbers in some Border counties on Monday , while the Government ’ s Covid-19 oversight committee also met .
Sources say an announcement on increasing border counties to Level 4 is expected by Thursday .
Under Level 4 restrictions , people will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes , gyms and leisure centres will be closed and numbers at weddings will be reduced to six .
The oversight committee will meet again on Wednesday , before NPHET ’ s meeting the following day .
Mr Martin and Dr Holohan were questioned by TDs on delays in approving rapid testing kits .
Dr Holohan is understood to have told opposition parties that he has received a paper on antigen testing but wanted to go through it and test its validity .
One further death from Covid-19 and 825 new cases were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included 254 in Dublin , 147 in Cork , 39 in Cavan and 38 in Donegal .
The median age of cases is 30 years .
In Northern Ireland , three more deaths and 877 new cases were recorded as Stormont Executive Ministers considered whether a six-week lockdown should be introduced to curb the dramatic rise of the virus there .
The Executive is expected to meet on Tuesday , with evidence of renewed tensions between Ministers on how to tackle the spiralling rise in Covid-19 .
Sources say public health bosses have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown and that a further six-week lockdown may be required in the new year .
Separately , the Taoiseach has undertaken to consider a proposal from Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall to keep “ summer time ” and not change the clocks at the end of this month .
Ms Shortall told the meeting this would give more daylight in the evenings and make it easier for people to get out for exercise and sunlight .

Shoppers amid the pandemic on Monday on Grafton Street, Dublin. “We can’t conclude we have turned the corner in Dublin even if we can see the growth rate is different to what it was,” chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Dublin could be facing additional Covid-19 restrictions following a rise in cases over recent days.
With Government sources indicating that tighter restrictions are expected in Border counties within days, the capital is also coming under scrutiny following a resurgence of infections over the past three days.
The incidence of the virus in Dublin appeared to stabilise last week but since Saturday more than 200 cases a day have been recorded, according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
Hospital Report
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), which meets on Thursday, would be watching the situation in all parts of the country and “would have to be careful how we evaluate Dublin”, he said.
READ MORE
“We can’t conclude we have turned the corner in Dublin even if we can see the growth rate is different to what it was,” he told NPHET’s briefing on Monday. “We don’t have anything like the evidence I would like to be able to conclude the situation in Dublin is sufficiently stable.”
The Government is not going to wash your hands for you, or put on your face mask
Earlier, when briefing opposition parties along with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Dr Holohan cautioned TDs that the figures in relation to Dublin are “not yet conclusive” and that this could cast doubt on the effectiveness of the current Level 3 measures which are in place.
Accelerating
With widespread and accelerating community transmission occurring, it was not possible to document all patterns of infection, and measures directed at the entire population were needed, according to Dr Holohan. Further deaths in nursing homes were also likely if this pattern continued, he warned.
Dr Holohan said he would like to see “encouraging signs” in the trends by Thursday’s meeting.
He stressed the first line of defence against the virus was individual behaviour, he said, adding that “the Government is not going to wash your hands for you, or put on your face mask”.
The three party leaders discussed rising case numbers in some Border counties on Monday, while the Government’s Covid-19 oversight committee also met.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan: ‘We don’t have anything like the evidence I would like to be able to conclude the situation in Dublin is sufficiently stable.’ Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins
Sources say an announcement on increasing border counties to Level 4 is expected by Thursday. Under Level 4 restrictions, people will not be allowed to visit each other’s homes, gyms and leisure centres will be closed and numbers at weddings will be reduced to six. The oversight committee will meet again on Wednesday, before NPHET’s meeting the following day.
Mr Martin and Dr Holohan were questioned by TDs on delays in approving rapid testing kits. Dr Holohan is understood to have told opposition parties that he has received a paper on antigen testing but wanted to go through it and test its validity.
Median age
One further death from Covid-19 and 825 new cases were reported on Monday. The new cases included 254 in Dublin, 147 in Cork, 39 in Cavan and 38 in Donegal. The median age of cases is 30 years.
In Northern Ireland, three more deaths and 877 new cases were recorded as Stormont Executive Ministers considered whether a six-week lockdown should be introduced to curb the dramatic rise of the virus there.
The Executive is expected to meet on Tuesday, with evidence of renewed tensions between Ministers on how to tackle the spiralling rise in Covid-19.
Sources say public health bosses have recommended Northern Ireland enter an imminent six-week lockdown and that a further six-week lockdown may be required in the new year.
Separately, the Taoiseach has undertaken to consider a proposal from Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall to keep “summer time” and not change the clocks at the end of this month. Ms Shortall told the meeting this would give more daylight in the evenings and make it easier for people to get out for exercise and sunlight.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Covid-era college: Empty lecture halls, virtual clubs, ‘click and collect’ libraries

It ’ s Freshers ’ Week at Trinity College Dublin and a cold wind rattles through the empty front square .
The only telltale sign a new academic year is underway is a lone student inspecting posters which dot the campus advertising the college ’ s 120 clubs and societies .
The pandemic has profoundly altered the college experience for students .
This time last year , thousands of giddy students got their first taste of college life surrounded by noisy society stalls .
This year , most of their college life is being experienced through a laptop screen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third level sector the vast majority of lectures are online , with just tutorials and practicals taking place in-person in some colleges .
Club and society events are mostly virtual or are being held outdoors , subject to a maximum of 15 people .
Signing up is a remote process which involves scanning QR codes on posters .
The numbers permitted on campus at any one time are a fraction of normal times .
In this strange , subdued semester , many students keep a distance from each other , robbing campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strangers together and lead to lifelong friendships .
However , Trinity College Dublin ’ s provost , Dr Patrick Prendergast , is looking on the bright side .
The university , he says , is proving resilient by keeping college life going , albeit in new ways .
Just the day before , he was giving a welcome talk online to hundreds of new students .
“ When I looked at the freshers at our welcome event online , I saw that they ’ re still as fresh-faced as we were .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
“ They don ’ t know that last year this square was full of stalls .
They ’ re happy to be here .
And they ’ re appreciative of what we ’ re trying to do for them , ” he says .
Trinity , like most other third level colleges , is offering limited in-person teaching in areas such as engineering , science , nursing and medicine , where practicals and laboratory work are crucial to the learning process .
Courses in the arts , humanities and social sciences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope is that more in-person teaching can resume should public health restrictions ease .
“ It ’ s important for students ’ wellbeing to meet each other and their lecturers , in a physically distanced way , ” says Prendergast .
“ That ’ s why calls to do everything online are too glib and easy a solution .
We have to find the right way to deliver education that recognises the wellbeing of students and the importance of in-person activities.
” But there are worries about student engagement if there is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In normal times , about one in five students across the third level sector fail to complete their courses .
Could these dropout rates climb even higher again ?
“ Students don ’ t drop out – usually , anyway – due to a lack of academic ability , ” says Prendergast .
“ They drop out due to a lack of motivation or satisfaction with a course .
That could end up happening to a greater extent if we don ’ t have more in-person events for students .
“ Meeting their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay motivated and engaged .
We need to think of all these things.
” For many students , however , there is frustration .
The Union of Students in Ireland ( USI ) says the sudden shift to online tuition has created problems and uncertainty for many .
It says students should be offered refunds or contract releases without financial penalty should they wish to leave term-time accommodation .
Lorna Fitzpatrick , USI president , says campuses should remain open to students for vital services and needs such as libraries , health centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and study spaces required by students .
She says spaces must be designated on all campuses for students to access study and to join back-to-back lectures , while internet connectivity issues should be addressed through dedicated on-campus space or regional access points .
Prendergast , however , says he isn ’ t yet hearing demands for refunds or requests to leave accommodation .
“ It hasn ’ t come up as an issue – and we believe it shouldn ’ t if we can maintain in-person teaching events.
” He says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the student experience by setting up large “ breakout ” spaces in marquees on the college lawns for work , study or dining .
The library remains open , though with reduced capacity .
Should current restrictions ease , Prendergast says most students can expect to be on campus for between two or three days .
But the threat of a Covid-19 outbreak on campus looms large , given the experience of UK colleges where hundreds of students are on lockdown .
The college ’ s on-campus accommodation is full , with 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus , with hundreds more in student accommodation in Dartry .
Prendergast says the college has safeguards in place .
Students are required to remain in dedicated bubbles or pods .
As well as offering Covid testing on campus , the college offers weekly Covid screening services to staff and students .
It ’ s all aimed at boosting confidence that the university is a safe environment .
“ There have also been very few applications for deferrals this year .
Our message is that you don ’ t succeed in life by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face into this challenge , ” he says .
Students , in particular , have been criticised for breaching guidelines around socialising in recent weeks .
However , Prendergast feels they have had a raw deal .
“ I ’ ve nothing but admiration for this generation of freshers and what they ’ ve been through .
They ’ re here now and want to make a go of it .
“ I see some of the them being demonised .
.
.
okay , there will be mistakes that young people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they shouldn ’ t be having .
“ But let ’ s trust them as best we can ; let ’ s trust them to share the ambition of keeping universities open .
They ’ ll have the benefit of in-person teaching ; we ’ ll have the benefit of teaching them and seeing their success in their chosen subjects .
”

It's Freshers' Week at Trinity College Dublin and a cold wind rattles through the empty front square.
The only telltale sign a new academic year is underway is a lone student inspecting posters which dot the campus advertising the college’s 120 clubs and societies.
The pandemic has profoundly altered the college experience for students. This time last year, thousands of giddy students got their first taste of college life surrounded by noisy society stalls.
Hospital Report
This year, most of their college life is being experienced through a laptop screen.
READ MORE
Public health restrictions mean that right across the third level sector the vast majority of lectures are online, with just tutorials and practicals taking place in-person in some colleges.
Club and society events are mostly virtual or are being held outdoors, subject to a maximum of 15 people. Signing up is a remote process which involves scanning QR codes on posters.
The numbers permitted on campus at any one time are a fraction of normal times. In this strange, subdued semester, many students keep a distance from each other, robbing campus life of many spontaneous connections that throw strangers together and lead to lifelong friendships.
Resilient
However, Trinity College Dublin's provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast, is looking on the bright side. The university, he says, is proving resilient by keeping college life going, albeit in new ways.
Just the day before, he was giving a welcome talk online to hundreds of new students.
“When I looked at the freshers at our welcome event online, I saw that they’re still as fresh-faced as we were. They’re looking forward to their time here.
“They don’t know that last year this square was full of stalls. They’re happy to be here. And they’re appreciative of what we’re trying to do for them,” he says.
Trinity, like most other third level colleges, is offering limited in-person teaching in areas such as engineering, science, nursing and medicine, where practicals and laboratory work are crucial to the learning process.
Meeting their peer students is an important way to stay motivated and engaged. We need to think of all these things
Courses in the arts, humanities and social sciences, however, are online. The hope is that more in-person teaching can resume should public health restrictions ease.
“It’s important for students’ wellbeing to meet each other and their lecturers, in a physically distanced way,” says Prendergast. “That’s why calls to do everything online are too glib and easy a solution. We have to find the right way to deliver education that recognises the wellbeing of students and the importance of in-person activities.”
Dropout rates
But there are worries about student engagement if there is not a return to meaningful in-person teaching. In normal times, about one in five students across the third level sector fail to complete their courses. Could these dropout rates climb even higher again?
“Students don’t drop out – usually, anyway – due to a lack of academic ability,” says Prendergast. “They drop out due to a lack of motivation or satisfaction with a course. That could end up happening to a greater extent if we don’t have more in-person events for students.
“Meeting their peer students is an important way to stay motivated and engaged. We need to think of all these things.”
For many students, however, there is frustration. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) says the sudden shift to online tuition has created problems and uncertainty for many. It says students should be offered refunds or contract releases without financial penalty should they wish to leave term-time accommodation.
Lorna Fitzpatrick, USI president, says campuses should remain open to students for vital services and needs such as libraries, health centres, food provision, essential in-person teaching, and study spaces required by students.
On-campus space
She says spaces must be designated on all campuses for students to access study and to join back-to-back lectures, while internet connectivity issues should be addressed through dedicated on-campus space or regional access points.
Prendergast, however, says he isn’t yet hearing demands for refunds or requests to leave accommodation.
“It hasn’t come up as an issue – and we believe it shouldn’t if we can maintain in-person teaching events.”
He says the college is doing its best to enhance the student experience by setting up large “breakout” spaces in marquees on the college lawns for work, study or dining. The library remains open, though with reduced capacity. Should current restrictions ease, Prendergast says most students can expect to be on campus for between two or three days.
But the threat of a Covid-19 outbreak on campus looms large, given the experience of UK colleges where hundreds of students are on lockdown.
The college’s on-campus accommodation is full, with 1,000 students living in halls at the city-centre campus, with hundreds more in student accommodation in Dartry.
Safeguards
Prendergast says the college has safeguards in place. Students are required to remain in dedicated bubbles or pods. As well as offering Covid testing on campus, the college offers weekly Covid screening services to staff and students. It’s all aimed at boosting confidence that the university is a safe environment.
I've nothing but admiration for this generation of freshers and what they've been through
“There have also been very few applications for deferrals this year. Our message is that you don’t succeed in life by skipping challenges; we all have to face into this challenge,” he says.
Students, in particular, have been criticised for breaching guidelines around socialising in recent weeks. However, Prendergast feels they have had a raw deal .
“I’ve nothing but admiration for this generation of freshers and what they’ve been through. They’re here now and want to make a go of it.
“I see some of the them being demonised . . . okay, there will be mistakes that young people will make when it comes to social events that they shouldn’t be having.
“But let’s trust them as best we can; let’s trust them to share the ambition of keeping universities open. They’ll have the benefit of in-person teaching; we’ll have the benefit of teaching them and seeing their success in their chosen subjects.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--The Secret Teacher: Pandemic pressures have hardened us to our bashers

I have never been prouder to be a teacher in Ireland .
We have been back in the classroom for several weeks and all I have sensed in the profession is support and solidarity .
Schools have remained open , and the news that one of the main unions plans to ballot does not mean that teachers are hungry for strike action .
Not one teacher I have spoken to has any desire to down tools .
Balloting for a strike does not mean there will be one .
Our critics would rather emphasise strike than ballot , in line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusions .
Demonstrating curiosity about what it is like to actually be a teacher , or perhaps even asking questions , seems unthinkable .
We would be delighted to answer them – we are well used to questions , after all .
Instead of being asked for our views we are instead told what they are : teachers don ’ t want to work , teachers had six months off this summer , teachers will strike , and so on .
The pressure of the pandemic and its impact on our students has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have bigger things to worry about .
Public pressure to reopen schools was enormous , and the sheer number of people who had to get back into schools meant that our working conditions simply could not adhere to the same criteria as other workplaces .
We voiced our concerns but got on with it anyway when the ideal public safety standards could not be provided .
Make no mistake about it , we are delighted to see our students and they are delighted to see us .
We all want to remain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for anyone who engaged in it properly , and most of us did .
Long days in masks are no picnic either , and there is no denying that this was one advantage of school life online .
So many normal things about school are no more , or only exist in some warped version of what they previously were .
Even the long-running partnership between playgrounds and ball-playing has fallen victim of Covid due to the risk of contamination .
Telling students off for talking in class has well and truly disappeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masked up so they tend to sit silently waiting for us to get the show on the road .
We awkwardly fumble with a combination of sanitising and getting slides up and running to an eerie silence , totally untypical of school as we have always known it .
I even find myself asking students to talk among themselves .
During breaks and lunches we find ourselves keeping the students in check on minor things that have become of major importance to public health : “ Pull up your mask ” , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ don ’ t hand her the phone , try to show it to her with you still holding it ” .
Young people crave these little relaxations in the rules and yet they are freedoms we must deny them .
Their willingness to accept that we have no choice is as remarkable as their compliance with everything else .
Given that many young people were obviously poorly practised in the Covid regimen when we first started back , they have conditioned themselves to these new norms very quickly – something the young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful to them for this , and we also owe their parents a debt of gratitude as they are clearly conveying and reinforcing the importance of these behaviours .
All of this provides much appreciated support to us in our roles .
Absences , especially those that last more than a day , create a new unsettledness .
Those around the empty seat are all too aware of what it could mean that their allocated seat is nearby .
Older or younger siblings being in school may slow any hasty conclusions , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a genuine enthusiasm for learning that wasn ’ t there before .
It isn ’ t just the usual September resolve to start well but instead clear evidence that there are worse ways to spend our days .
A legacy of the horrendous ( mis ? )
calculated grades process is the sense that any tiny morsel of homework or class work could end up counting after all , so far fewer corners are being cut and far fewer chances being taken .
Forewarned is forearmed .
Over the years I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person picking on them : “ If you ignore him he ’ ll stop ’ , or “ she ’ s only jealous , ” or “ if he had anything better to do , he wouldn ’ t be bothering you ” .
We as a profession seem to be following similar advice when it comes to the negativity .
Teacher support from parents and students is high , an increase in teacher solidarity is evident , and fewer of us seem to be rising to the bait when it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse of teachers .
Perhaps if we continue to ignore the critics they will give up on us and move on .
And so , a few weeks in , we are smiling behind those masks , and ironically enough there is a sense of safety in numbers .
We are not letting the uninformed negativity of others get to us .
We are also much uplifted by clear evidence that the parents and students have our backs on this one .
As a profession we extend that spirit of support and solidarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the virus since our return .
It is vitally important that they hear how united we are during 2020 ’ s exceptional version of back-to-school .

Schools remain open, and the news that one of the main unions plans to ballot does not mean teachers are hungry for strike action. Photograph: iStock
I have never been prouder to be a teacher in Ireland.
We have been back in the classroom for several weeks and all I have sensed in the profession is support and solidarity.
Schools have remained open, and the news that one of the main unions plans to ballot does not mean that teachers are hungry for strike action. Not one teacher I have spoken to has any desire to down tools. Balloting for a strike does not mean there will be one. Our critics would rather emphasise strike than ballot, in line with their tendency to jump to hasty conclusions.
Demonstrating curiosity about what it is like to actually be a teacher, or perhaps even asking questions, seems unthinkable. We would be delighted to answer them – we are well used to questions, after all.
READ MORE
Instead of being asked for our views we are instead told what they are: teachers don’t want to work, teachers had six months off this summer, teachers will strike, and so on.
The pressure of the pandemic and its impact on our students has hardened us to the teacher-bashers. We have bigger things to worry about.
Public pressure to reopen schools was enormous, and the sheer number of people who had to get back into schools meant that our working conditions simply could not adhere to the same criteria as other workplaces. We voiced our concerns but got on with it anyway when the ideal public safety standards could not be provided.
Make no mistake about it, we are delighted to see our students and they are delighted to see us. We all want to remain in school – online teaching was no holiday for anyone who engaged in it properly, and most of us did.
Absences, especially those that last more than a day, create a new unsettledness
Long days in masks are no picnic either, and there is no denying that this was one advantage of school life online. So many normal things about school are no more, or only exist in some warped version of what they previously were. Even the long-running partnership between playgrounds and ball-playing has fallen victim of Covid due to the risk of contamination.
No talking in class
Telling students off for talking in class has well and truly disappeared: they are seated far apart and masked up so they tend to sit silently waiting for us to get the show on the road. We awkwardly fumble with a combination of sanitising and getting slides up and running to an eerie silence, totally untypical of school as we have always known it. I even find myself asking students to talk among themselves. During breaks and lunches we find ourselves keeping the students in check on minor things that have become of major importance to public health: “Pull up your mask”, “step back a little further”, “don’t hand her the phone,try to show it to her with you still holding it”.
Students with face masks enter their classroom at the Petri primary school in Dortmund, Germany. Face masks are not required in Irish primary schools. Photograph: Ina Fassbender/AFP
Young people crave these little relaxations in the rules and yet they are freedoms we must deny them.
Their willingness to accept that we have no choice is as remarkable as their compliance with everything else. Given that many young people were obviously poorly practised in the Covid regimen when we first started back, they have conditioned themselves to these new norms very quickly – something the young do remarkably well. We are enormously grateful to them for this, and we also owe their parents a debt of gratitude as they are clearly conveying and reinforcing the importance of these behaviours. All of this provides much appreciated support to us in our roles.
Absences, especially those that last more than a day, create a new unsettledness. Those around the empty seat are all too aware of what it could mean that their allocated seat is nearby. Older or younger siblings being in school may slow any hasty conclusions, but only after the initial wondering.
No corners
There is a genuine enthusiasm for learning that wasn’t there before. It isn’t just the usual September resolve to start well but instead clear evidence that there are worse ways to spend our days. A legacy of the horrendous (mis?)calculated grades process is the sense that any tiny morsel of homework or class work could end up counting after all, so far fewer corners are being cut and far fewer chances being taken. Forewarned is forearmed.
We are smiling behind those masks, and ironically enough there is a sense of safety in numbers. We are not letting the uninformed negativity of others get to us
Over the years I have told many a child not to heed the person picking on them: “If you ignore him he’ll stop’, or “she’s only jealous,” or “if he had anything better to do, he wouldn’t be bothering you”.
We as a profession seem to be following similar advice when it comes to the negativity. Teacher support from parents and students is high, an increase in teacher solidarity is evident, and fewer of us seem to be rising to the bait when it comes to engaging with online whining and downright abuse of teachers. Perhaps if we continue to ignore the critics they will give up on us and move on.
And so, a few weeks in, we are smiling behind those masks, and ironically enough there is a sense of safety in numbers. We are not letting the uninformed negativity of others get to us. We are also much uplifted by clear evidence that the parents and students have our backs on this one.
As a profession we extend that spirit of support and solidarity to the schools that have been impacted by the virus since our return. It is vitally important that they hear how united we are during 2020’s exceptional version of back-to-school.


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Calculated grades: A tale of two schools

The postcode lottery has long determined a student ’ s prospects of going to college .
We know that 100 per cent of students in some Dublin schools , particularly around the most affluent parts of the southside , have higher third-level progression rates than disadvantaged areas of the city where as few as 22 per cent go to college .
This year , however , calculated grades – a response to the cancellation of this year ’ s Leaving Cert as a result of Covid-19 – may have upended a system that has benefited the middle classes for generations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ructions .
Coding and communication errors in the calculated grades process saw almost 8,000 students receive higher grades than they should have , while more than 6,000 students were marked down .
Trish McGrath is principal of Hewitt College , a fee-paying “ grinds ” school in Cork where some students are disappointed this year .
She says teachers were reluctant to sign up to calculated grades but agreed after negotiations where the Department of Education said school data would be combined with historic school results data to generate the student ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK which saw more affluent students do better and disadvantaged students suffer under the calculated grades system , the Irish Government decided to remove school profiling and standardisation .
McGrath says this had adverse effects on a large cohort of students , both in public and private educational settings .
“ The new algorithm penalised students who believed in the education system , who believed that if they worked hard , they would achieve their goals… The issue was the poor manner in which the entire process was handled by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish Times was contacted by several students and parents from a range of high-achieving schools – although most were fee-paying – who complained about being marked down .
In one case , a student was marked down in seven subjects , resulting in five downgrades and her seventh CAO choice .
An analysis of the calculated grades shows that 14 per cent of students were downgraded in Deis – or disadvantaged – schools , compared with 17 per cent in other schools .
This year , the grades awarded by teachers in Deis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven points in other schools and by 9.5 points in grind schools , which may account for why the algorithm appears to have had an impact on schools like Hewitt College and Dublin ’ s Institute of Education .
Educators and campaigners say the Irish and UK educational systems have always enhanced privilege and rewarded poverty and that the current controversy is holding a mirror to that reality .
Michelle O ’ Kelly is principal and a former student of Mercy Secondary School , Inchicore , an all-girls Deis school in Dublin 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year onwards .
“ There is no denying that due to some socioeconomic issues that our community experiences , our students ’ pathway to college is not as smooth as it may be for other young people , ” O ’ Kelly says .
“ This year , 68 per cent of our Leaving Cert class applied for third level and 100 per cent of them secured one of their top three choices , while 69 per cent were marked down .
This year ’ s system was absolutely fair… why should the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young person ’ s future ?
Using Junior Cycle results as a predictor of performance was more equitable than using the school ’ s historical data .
“ The bigger question is whether the Leaving Certificate is a fair way of assessing our young people in any given year .
There are always inequities there and it is students from disadvantaged backgrounds who feel this when the CAO offers come out.
” Cliona Hannon , director of the Trinity Access Programme , says the idea of the Leaving Cert as a fair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collective Stockholm syndrome ” that ties us to an outdated model .
“ We shove all young people into classrooms where teachers are forced to teach to a test , which has a negative effect on both learning and the profession , ” she says .
“ I feel huge sympathy for this year ’ s Leaving Cert students , who showed resilience in the face of extraordinary adversity .
And two of my four children have gone through the Leaving Cert , so I know what a Herculean task it is for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who feel let down by the system every year and either don ’ t raise it because they feel that their concerns won ’ t be considered , explored or validated .
There are families where education is limited ; there may be health issues and young people may have caring responsibilities ; there may be huge financial stress and the students may need to work part-time .
In high-performing schools , there may be ski holidays and musicals and it is assumed that everyone will go to college.
” Analysing 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students from disadvantaged schools perform just as well in third-level as students from fee-paying schools ; the hurdle is securing a college place to begin with .
“ Education is alchemy .
There are few ways of getting out of consistent poverty apart from education .
It would be a tragedy if we revert to the previous system , ” she says .
‘ I was shocked by my results ...
I missed out on medicine ’ Oskar Davenne , Hewitt College , Cork “ I ’ ve wanted to be a doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it wouldn ’ t be easy and I studied hard .
After the Junior Cert , Mum offered to send me to a fee-paying school , so I went to Hewitt because it gets good grades .
“ I was nervous about predicted grades as I didn ’ t know what it meant , whereas I knew what the Leaving Cert entailed .
“ I was shocked by my results .
Biology is my best subject and I had always gotten marks in the high 90s , so I thought this was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confused when I saw a H2 .
My standard in French is H2 but I got a H3 , and my H3 in maths was low .
I knew then I was unlikely to get my course .
I was disappointed again when I didn ’ t get any upgrade after the review .
“ I ’ m 17 , almost 18 , so I could always repeat .
Going abroad isn ’ t a financial option .
I ’ m unsure what to do right now .
I ’ m not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed , everyone seems to be downgraded .
“ I ’ m glad that less-advantaged students did well , and it ’ s not about us versus them , but we feel there ’ s no reasoning given and that teachers know our marks better than a Government computer programme.
” ‘ I ’ ve worked really hard to get to college ...
I ’ ve got a place in international business and Spanish at DCU ’ Aoife Fleming , Mercy College , Inchicore “ I loved going to school and knew what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit , I was happy I wouldn ’ t have to sit the exam during a pandemic but also nervous about the calculated grades process and standardisation , which meant we ’ d be up against fee-paying schools where over 90 per cent of the students go to college and we ’ d be marked down against them .
“ In a fee-paying school , you benefit from the reputation and the networks , and it ’ s likely your parents can afford grinds .
I was lucky enough to get grinds in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that supports students from Deis schools ] .
“ I do understand where the other students are coming from , but I ’ ve worked really hard to get to college , as have many of my classmates who were up against significant obstacles .
Our results did not come from nothing ; they reflect the amount of work we put in .
”

The postcode lottery has long determined a student’s prospects of going to college. We know that 100 per cent of students in some Dublin schools, particularly around the most affluent parts of the southside, have higher third-level progression rates than disadvantaged areas of the city where as few as 22 per cent go to college.
This year, however, calculated grades – a response to the cancellation of this year’s Leaving Cert as a result of Covid-19 – may have upended a system that has benefited the middle classes for generations. And it is causing no shortage of ructions.
Coding and communication errors in the calculated grades process saw almost 8,000 students receive higher grades than they should have, while more than 6,000 students were marked down.
Trish McGrath is principal of Hewitt College, a fee-paying "grinds" school in Cork where some students are disappointed this year.
READ MORE
She says teachers were reluctant to sign up to calculated grades but agreed after negotiations where the Department of Education said school data would be combined with historic school results data to generate the student’s grade.
Following a public outcry in the UK which saw more affluent students do better and disadvantaged students suffer under the calculated grades system, the Irish Government decided to remove school profiling and standardisation.
McGrath says this had adverse effects on a large cohort of students, both in public and private educational settings.
“The new algorithm penalised students who believed in the education system, who believed that if they worked hard, they would achieve their goals… The issue was the poor manner in which the entire process was handled by the department,” she says.
The Irish Times was contacted by several students and parents from a range of high-achieving schools – although most were fee-paying – who complained about being marked down. In one case, a student was marked down in seven subjects, resulting in five downgrades and her seventh CAO choice.
An analysis of the calculated grades shows that 14 per cent of students were downgraded in Deis – or disadvantaged – schools, compared with 17 per cent in other schools.
This year, the grades awarded by teachers in Deis schools rose by nine points compared with seven points in other schools and by 9.5 points in grind schools, which may account for why the algorithm appears to have had an impact on schools like Hewitt College and Dublin’s Institute of Education.
Educators and campaigners say the Irish and UK educational systems have always enhanced privilege and rewarded poverty and that the current controversy is holding a mirror to that reality.
Michelle O'Kelly is principal and a former student of Mercy Secondary School, Inchicore, an all-girls Deis school in Dublin 8 which promotes a college-going culture from first year onwards.
“There is no denying that due to some socioeconomic issues that our community experiences, our students’ pathway to college is not as smooth as it may be for other young people,” O’Kelly says.
"This year, 68 per cent of our Leaving Cert class applied for third level and 100 per cent of them secured one of their top three choices, while 69 per cent were marked down. This year's system was absolutely fair… why should the past performance of a school predict a young person's future? Using Junior Cycle results as a predictor of performance was more equitable than using the school's historical data.
There are always people who feel let down by the system every year and either don't raise it because they feel that their concerns won't be considered, explored or validated
“The bigger question is whether the Leaving Certificate is a fair way of assessing our young people in any given year. There are always inequities there and it is students from disadvantaged backgrounds who feel this when the CAO offers come out.”
Cliona Hannon, director of the Trinity Access Programme, says the idea of the Leaving Cert as a fair and impartial system suggests we have a "collective Stockholm syndrome" that ties us to an outdated model.
“We shove all young people into classrooms where teachers are forced to teach to a test, which has a negative effect on both learning and the profession,” she says.
“I feel huge sympathy for this year’s Leaving Cert students, who showed resilience in the face of extraordinary adversity. And two of my four children have gone through the Leaving Cert, so I know what a Herculean task it is for families.
Education is alchemy. There are few ways of getting out of consistent poverty apart from education
“But there are always people who feel let down by the system every year and either don’t raise it because they feel that their concerns won’t be considered, explored or validated. There are families where education is limited; there may be health issues and young people may have caring responsibilities; there may be huge financial stress and the students may need to work part-time. In high-performing schools, there may be ski holidays and musicals and it is assumed that everyone will go to college.”
Analysing 20 years of data, Hannon says, students from disadvantaged schools perform just as well in third-level as students from fee-paying schools; the hurdle is securing a college place to begin with.
“Education is alchemy. There are few ways of getting out of consistent poverty apart from education. It would be a tragedy if we revert to the previous system,” she says.
'I was shocked by my results... I missed out on medicine'
Oskar Davenne, Hewitt College, Cork
"I've wanted to be a doctor since I was seven. I knew it wouldn't be easy and I studied hard. After the Junior Cert, Mum offered to send me to a fee-paying school, so I went to Hewitt because it gets good grades.
Former Hewitt College student Oskar Davenne at Hewitt College, Cork city. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/ Provision
“I was nervous about predicted grades as I didn’t know what it meant, whereas I knew what the Leaving Cert entailed.
I'm not the only person from my school who is disappointed, everyone seems to be downgraded
“I was shocked by my results. Biology is my best subject and I had always gotten marks in the high 90s, so I thought this was a lock for a H1. I was confused when I saw a H2. My standard in French is H2 but I got a H3, and my H3 in maths was low. I knew then I was unlikely to get my course. I was disappointed again when I didn’t get any upgrade after the review.
“I’m 17, almost 18, so I could always repeat. Going abroad isn’t a financial option. I’m unsure what to do right now. I’m not the only person from my school who is disappointed, everyone seems to be downgraded.
“I’m glad that less-advantaged students did well, and it’s not about us versus them, but we feel there’s no reasoning given and that teachers know our marks better than a Government computer programme.”
'I've worked really hard to get to college... I've got a place in international business and Spanish at DCU'
Aoife Fleming, Mercy College, Inchicore
"I loved going to school and knew what college course I wanted. When Covid-19 hit, I was happy I wouldn't have to sit the exam during a pandemic but also nervous about the calculated grades process and standardisation, which meant we'd be up against fee-paying schools where over 90 per cent of the students go to college and we'd be marked down against them.
I do understand where the other students are coming from, but I've worked really hard to get to college, as have many of my classmates
“In a fee-paying school, you benefit from the reputation and the networks, and it’s likely your parents can afford grinds. I was lucky enough to get grinds in Trinity for maths [through a programme that supports students from Deis schools].
“I do understand where the other students are coming from, but I’ve worked really hard to get to college, as have many of my classmates who were up against significant obstacles. Our results did not come from nothing; they reflect the amount of work we put in.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--I missed out on CAO points for nursing. Is there another route into it?

I did my Leaving Cert in 2019 and missed out on a CAO offer in nursing , my only choice .
I enrolled on a level five pre-nursing course in a local further education ( FE ) college .
I secured distinctions in all my eight modules , but was devastated when I didn ’ t receive an offer from any of my 10 CAO nursing choices this year .
How do I go about getting into nursing now ?
Sadly , as the entry route into high points CAO pre-university courses has grown exponentially in recent years across all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained out of range for most pre-nursing Post-Leaving Cert ( PLC ) students .
The route into nursing from our PLC courses was up until 2015-16 mainly through the UK , where the fees of nursing and other paramedical students were paid for through the NHS .
The UK government abolished that funding mode , resulting in prohibitively expensive fees of up to £9,250 .
Scotland , through a quirk in EU regulations , offered a fee-free route to many Irish students ( up to 500 Irish students currently register in Scottish universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves the transition arrangements on 31st December .
It is not clear what the fee model will be for Republic of Ireland students in both the UK and Northern Ireland from September 2021 .
Why are there so few places in our Irish third-level institutions to accommodate our level five pre-nursing graduates ?
Why did they always have to go to work in the UK to secure their qualifications ?
Since 2009 , the Irish third-level sector expanded hugely to accommodate the growing numbers of school-leavers who wish to proceed to college .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and higher student : lecturer ratios .
That is , apart from nursing .
In 2009 , 1,880 places were awarded in level eight nursing degree programmes through the CAO .
In a cost-cutting measure in 2010 , the Health Service Executive withdrew sanction for 310 of those places , reducing the number of places to 1,570 .
That number remained at this level until 2016 , when the numbers increased by 60 .
They were further increased by 200 in 2018 , to 1,830 , which was the published number on offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added in September this year as part of Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris ’ s increased numbers to accommodate the calculated grades crisis .
In short , we have denied about 2,500 school leavers and FE level five graduates the opportunity to train as nurses over the past decade .
We did this to save a pittance .
You and other potential nurses who have proven their worth through exemplary PLC awards have been sold short by appalling mismanagement of our nursing profession .
Hopefully , Mr Harris will use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-level places to meet your desire to serve your community as a nurse .

Cost-cutting means there are few options for entry into nursing outside the CAO process, despite the number of PLC courses. Photograph: iStock
I did my Leaving Cert in 2019 and missed out on a CAO offer in nursing, my only choice. I enrolled on a level five pre-nursing course in a local further education (FE) college. I secured distinctions in all my eight modules, but was devastated when I didn’t receive an offer from any of my 10 CAO nursing choices this year. How do I go about getting into nursing now?
Sadly, as the entry route into high points CAO pre-university courses has grown exponentially in recent years across all disciplines, level eight nursing degrees have remained out of range for most pre-nursing Post-Leaving Cert (PLC) students.
The route into nursing from our PLC courses was up until 2015-16 mainly through the UK, where the fees of nursing and other paramedical students were paid for through the NHS. The UK government abolished that funding mode, resulting in prohibitively expensive fees of up to £9,250.
Scotland, through a quirk in EU regulations, offered a fee-free route to many Irish students (up to 500 Irish students currently register in Scottish universities each year). However, it leaves the transition arrangements on 31st December. It is not clear what the fee model will be for Republic of Ireland students in both the UK and Northern Ireland from September 2021.
READ MORE
Why are there so few places in our Irish third-level institutions to accommodate our level five pre-nursing graduates? Why did they always have to go to work in the UK to secure their qualifications?
Since 2009, the Irish third-level sector expanded hugely to accommodate the growing numbers of school-leavers who wish to proceed to college. Colleges have done this with reduced resources and higher student:lecturer ratios.
That is, apart from nursing. In 2009, 1,880 places were awarded in level eight nursing degree programmes through the CAO.
In a cost-cutting measure in 2010, the Health Service Executive withdrew sanction for 310 of those places, reducing the number of places to 1,570.
That number remained at this level until 2016, when the numbers increased by 60. They were further increased by 200 in 2018, to 1,830, which was the published number on offer in 2020.
Additional nursing places were added in September this year as part of Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris’s increased numbers to accommodate the calculated grades crisis.
In short, we have denied about 2,500 school leavers and FE level five graduates the opportunity to train as nurses over the past decade. We did this to save a pittance.
You and other potential nurses who have proven their worth through exemplary PLC awards have been sold short by appalling mismanagement of our nursing profession. Hopefully, Mr Harris will use the present crisis to create sufficient long-term third-level places to meet your desire to serve your community as a nurse.


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Drugs seized in Holyhead valued at £6m were ‘destined for Northern Ireland’

Seven people have been charged after £8 million worth of drugs were seized in various operations since the beginning of the month by the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) in conjunction with the National Crime Agency and Border Force .
The seizures consisted of Class A cocaine , cannabis and prescription drugs and were removed during five separate operations since October 1st , the PSNI said on Monday .
Detective Chief Superintendent John McVea , Head of the PSNI ’ s Criminal Investigations Branch , said £6 million worth of suspected Class A cocaine was found in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales concealed with refrigerated goods , which they believe was destined for Northern Ireland .
“ This seizure is one of the largest in recent times and would have caused significant harm to people living in our communities , ” Mr McVea said .
A 51 year old man was charged by the NCA with exporting Class A drugs and appeared in court in Wales on Monday .
Separately , £600,000 of suspected cocaine , £4,000 of suspected cannabis , £10,000 cash and a high value car was discovered at a “ drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Three men were charged with a number of drug-related offences and possessing criminal property and have appeared in court .
“ I believe it was linked to an organised crime gang , which operates on an international scale , ” Mr McVea said .
In addition , approximately £1 million of suspected cannabis , which had been strapped on to the roof of a large horse box-type vehicle , was recovered after the lorry shed its load on the M1 motorway on Saturday .
A man was charged and has appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B drugs and intent to supply .
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have also charged two men with drugs-related offences following the seizure of £90,000 worth of suspected cannabis in December 2019 .
Mr McVea added : “ Drugs cause nothing but misery and pain within our communities and this is why removing these dangerous substances from our streets is a key priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and our partner agencies .
“ We have had significant successes in October already and we will continue in our relentless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs from society but also those involved in the supply .
“ People who bring drugs into our communities do not care about the pain and misery they cause , instead they only care about the significant profits they can make .
”

Suspected cocaine found in a lorry in the Holyhead port in Wales which the PSNI believe was destined for Northern Ireland. Photograph: PSNI
Seven people have been charged after £8 million worth of drugs were seized in various operations since the beginning of the month by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in conjunction with the National Crime Agency and Border Force.
The seizures consisted of Class A cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs and were removed during five separate operations since October 1st, the PSNI said on Monday.
Detective Chief Superintendent John McVea, Head of the PSNI's Criminal Investigations Branch, said £6 million worth of suspected Class A cocaine was found in a lorry in the Holyhead port in Wales concealed with refrigerated goods, which they believe was destined for Northern Ireland.
“This seizure is one of the largest in recent times and would have caused significant harm to people living in our communities,” Mr McVea said.
READ MORE
A 51 year old man was charged by the NCA with exporting Class A drugs and appeared in court in Wales on Monday.
Separately, £600,000 of suspected cocaine, £4,000 of suspected cannabis, £10,000 cash and a high value car was discovered at a "drugs factory" in the Cookstown area last Thursday.
Three men were charged with a number of drug-related offences and possessing criminal property and have appeared in court.
“I believe it was linked to an organised crime gang, which operates on an international scale,” Mr McVea said.
In addition, approximately £1 million of suspected cannabis, which had been strapped on to the roof of a large horse box-type vehicle, was recovered after the lorry shed its load on the M1 motorway on Saturday.
A man was charged and has appeared in court charged with possession of Class B drugs and intent to supply.
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have also charged two men with drugs-related offences following the seizure of £90,000 worth of suspected cannabis in December 2019.
Mr McVea added: “Drugs cause nothing but misery and pain within our communities and this is why removing these dangerous substances from our streets is a key priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and our partner agencies.
“We have had significant successes in October already and we will continue in our relentless pursuit of removing not only these dangerous drugs from society but also those involved in the supply.
“People who bring drugs into our communities do not care about the pain and misery they cause, instead they only care about the significant profits they can make.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Man jailed for six years for sexually abusing niece

A man who sexually abused his niece while he was “ effectively acting as her parent ” has been jailed for six years .
Patrick Cawley ( 49 ) took Winnie McDonagh ( 23 ) into his home when she was aged four following the death of her mother and first sexually abused her when she was 15 years old .
The Central Criminal Court heard that Ms McDonagh was not able to marry within the Traveller Community because she was no longer a virgin because of the sexual assaults by her uncle .
During a trial last July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co Dublin , pleaded guilty to two charges of defilement of a child on dates unknown between November 23rd , 2011 and November 22nd , 2014 .
His guilty pleas came after Ms McDonagh had given her evidence before a jury , but before she underwent cross examination .
Patrick McGrath SC , prosecuting , told the court that Ms McDonagh did not want anonymity to apply to any of the parties in this case .
The court heard that Ms McDonagh ’ s mother died when she was aged four and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife .
Passing sentence , Ms Justice Tara Burns said the abuse began when the victim was 15 and parentless .
She said Cawley was “ effectively acting as her parent ” , that Ms McDonagh did not go to secondary school and had no access to people who might have helped her .
“ What a perfect opportunity for the accused to take advantage of a vulnerable young girl , ” Ms Justice Burns said .
Ms Justice Burns said the mitigating factors were Cawley ’ s guilty plea , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be supportive of his children and grandchildren .
She noted that one of his sons died in 2009 from leukaemia and that Cawley was by all accounts an attentive father .
She said it was a shame that “ he did not show an ounce of that love and care to the child he had taken in as his own ” .
Ms Justice Burns described the offence as being the most serious nature of offences that come before the court .
She said Cawley was “ acting effectively in loco parentis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms McDonagh was 15 and the offending was persistent in nature .
She said a significant factor for Ms McDonagh was that of her not being able to marry a member of the Traveller Community due to not being a virgin .
After passing the sentence , Ms Justice Burns told Ms McDonagh that she was very impressed by her evidence and said she was “ a most impressive person ” .

The court heard Cawley was ‘effectively acting’ as Winnie McDonagh’s parent, that she did not go to secondary school and had no access to people who might have helped her. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
A man who sexually abused his niece while he was “effectively acting as her parent” has been jailed for six years.
Patrick Cawley (49) took Winnie McDonagh (23) into his home when she was aged four following the death of her mother and first sexually abused her when she was 15 years old.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Ms McDonagh was not able to marry within the Traveller Community because she was no longer a virgin because of the sexual assaults by her uncle.
During a trial last July, Cawley of Ardcath Road, Garristown, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to two charges of defilement of a child on dates unknown between November 23rd, 2011 and November 22nd, 2014.
READ MORE
His guilty pleas came after Ms McDonagh had given her evidence before a jury, but before she underwent cross examination.
Patrick McGrath SC, prosecuting, told the court that Ms McDonagh did not want anonymity to apply to any of the parties in this case.
The court heard that Ms McDonagh’s mother died when she was aged four and that she was taken in by Cawley and his wife.
Passing sentence, Ms Justice Tara Burns said the abuse began when the victim was 15 and parentless. She said Cawley was “effectively acting as her parent”, that Ms McDonagh did not go to secondary school and had no access to people who might have helped her.
“What a perfect opportunity for the accused to take advantage of a vulnerable young girl,” Ms Justice Burns said.
Ms Justice Burns said the mitigating factors were Cawley’s guilty plea, his expression of remorse and that he appears to be supportive of his children and grandchildren. She noted that one of his sons died in 2009 from leukaemia and that Cawley was by all accounts an attentive father.
She said it was a shame that “he did not show an ounce of that love and care to the child he had taken in as his own”.
Ms Justice Burns described the offence as being the most serious nature of offences that come before the court. She said Cawley was "acting effectively in loco parentis", that the abuse began when Ms McDonagh was 15 and the offending was persistent in nature.
She said a significant factor for Ms McDonagh was that of her not being able to marry a member of the Traveller Community due to not being a virgin.
Ms Justice Burns sentenced Cawley to six years imprisonment.
After passing the sentence, Ms Justice Burns told Ms McDonagh that she was very impressed by her evidence and said she was “a most impressive person”.


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--HSE urges parents to ensure children under 12 get vaccinated against flu

The HSE has launched the Children ’ s flu vaccine campaign which is aimed at ensuring children under 12 years of age receive the vaccine without charge .
Children aged from two to 12 years will be offered the flu vaccine at their GP ’ s clinic , or a pharmacy .
The vaccine can take the form of a simple spray administered up a child ’ s nose .
The HSE said it was particularly important for health services during the Covid-19 pandemic that children get vaccinated and prevent the spread of the flu to others , for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandparents .
If enough children are vaccinated against flu , fewer children and adults will need to see their doctor or need treatment in hospital because of flu , a spokesperson said .
Symptoms of flu in children include a high temperature , muscle pains , headache and extreme tiredness .
They may also have a dry cough and sore throat .
It may be difficult to tell the symptoms of flu from symptoms of Covid-19 .
Children carry the flu virus in their system longer than adults do , and children can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children and to vulnerable people around them .
Children are more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu .
Over the last 10 years in Ireland 4,750 children need to be admitted to hospital because of complications of flu .
Of these , 183 then had to go to intensive care and 41 died .
Children with chronic health conditions are most at risk of the serious complications of flu .
Dr Colm Henry , chief clinical officer with the HSE said the flu vaccine for children “ is a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children in the US since 2003 and in the UK since 2013 .
The flu vaccine helps your child ’ s immune system to produce antibodies that fight infection , and it will not result in your child getting the flu .
If your child has had the flu vaccine and they come into contact with flu virus , these antibodies attack the virus and stop children from getting sick .
”

The flu vaccine can be administered via a nasal spray for children under 12. Photograph: Getty Images
The HSE has launched the Children’s flu vaccine campaign which is aimed at ensuring children under 12 years of age receive the vaccine without charge.
Children aged from two to 12 years will be offered the flu vaccine at their GP’s clinic, or a pharmacy.
The vaccine can take the form of a simple spray administered up a child’s nose.
The HSE said it was particularly important for health services during the Covid-19 pandemic that children get vaccinated and prevent the spread of the flu to others, for example their brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents.
READ MORE
If enough children are vaccinated against flu, fewer children and adults will need to see their doctor or need treatment in hospital because of flu, a spokesperson said.
Symptoms of flu in children include a high temperature, muscle pains, headache and extreme tiredness . They may also have a dry cough and sore throat. It may be difficult to tell the symptoms of flu from symptoms of Covid-19.
Megan Ayres (9) and Evelyn Ayres (6) from Co Meath, got their flu vaccines to protect themselves and their grandma, Geraldine Murtagh. Photograph: Marc O’Sullivan
Children carry the flu virus in their system longer than adults do, and children can spread the flu virus easily to other children and to vulnerable people around them.
Children are more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu. Over the last 10 years in Ireland 4,750 children need to be admitted to hospital because of complications of flu.
Of these, 183 then had to go to intensive care and 41 died. Children with chronic health conditions are most at risk of the serious complications of flu.
Dr Colm Henry, chief clinical officer with the HSE said the flu vaccine for children “is a very safe vaccine and has been given to children in the US since 2003 and in the UK since 2013. The flu vaccine helps your child’s immune system to produce antibodies that fight infection, and it will not result in your child getting the flu. If your child has had the flu vaccine and they come into contact with flu virus, these antibodies attack the virus and stop children from getting sick.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Garda inquiry into death of man found at road in west Dublin

Gardaí are investigating after the body of a man in his 40s was found in west Dublin in “ unexplained @ @ @ @ @ the scene on the N3 at the Snugborough Road Bridge at 3.30am on Monday following @ @ @ @ @ lying unconscious in the area .
The man was brought to Connolly Hospital , where @ @ @ @ @ .
A postmortem is expected to be carried out on Tuesday .
Gardaí said they @ @ @ @ @ circumstances ” surrounding the death .
They have appealed for any witnesses or for anyone @ @ @ @ @ forward .
Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage @ @ @ @ @ were on the Snugborough Road or travelling on the N3 between 1am and 3.30am to @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01-6667000 , @ @ @ @ @ 1800-666111 or any Garda station .

The man was brought to Connolly Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Gardaí are investigating after the body of a man in his 40s was found in west Dublin in “unexplained circumstances”.
Gardaí attended the scene on the N3 at the Snugborough Road Bridge at 3.30am on Monday following reports that a man was lying unconscious in the area.
The man was brought to Connolly Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A postmortem is expected to be carried out on Tuesday.
Gardaí said they were investigating “all the circumstances” surrounding the death. They have appealed for any witnesses or for anyone with any information to come forward.
READ MORE
Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage such as dash-cam, who were on the Snugborough Road or travelling on the N3 between 1am and 3.30am to make this available to gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01-6667000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station.


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--New IRA leadership discussed possible attack on Shannon Airport, court told

The New IRA ’ s alleged leadership was secretly recorded in talks about a “ hard economic bombing campaign ” and cyber attacks on the United Kingdom , the Belfast High Court heard on Monday .
The possibility of targeting Shannon Airport because of its use by American troops was also discussed , it was claimed .
Details emerged as bail was refused to a woman accused of being a high-ranking and dedicated terrorist .
Ruling that Amanda McCabe ( 49 ) must remain in custody , Mr Justice McAlinden said : “ This is absolutely mad stuff being discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ailsbury Gardens in Lurgan , Co Armagh , is charged with belonging to a proscribed organisation and two counts of preparation of terrorist acts .
She is among 10 people facing prosecution as part of Operation Arbacia , a major police and MI5 investigation into the New IRA ’ s activities .
The surveillance-led investigation involved bugging two suspected meetings in Co Tyrone earlier this year .
Audio and video recordings were taken from alleged gatherings at properties in Sixmilecross and Omagh in February and July .
Opposing Ms McCabe ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed she was one of the high-ranking IRA members present on both occasions .
“ She is and was a dedicated terrorist over a period longer than simply the period covered by the two meetings , and she was an advocate of violence and violent attacks , ” he said .
“ In one particular passage ( of the alleged recordings ) she despaired at the ceasefire called by the IRA on a previous occasion.
” It was contended that she poses a risk to the public and national security .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IRA who discussed , amongst other things , a hard economic bombing campaign , and inquired about the prospect of carrying out cyber attacks within the UK , ” prosecution counsel added .
Defence barrister Joseph O ’ Keefe insisted his client has a clear record and must be presumed innocent .
But Mr Justice McAlinden held there was prima facie evidence of a woman allegedly prepared to go to “ extreme lengths to cause either serious damage to the British state or death or serious injuries to perceived agents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideals ” .
Referring to the alleged recordings of Ms McCabe , he said : “ This lady can be linked to making pretty horrendous assertions in terms of what she would like to see happen to various people by the use of torture .
“ Even , the prosecution say , some sort of bombing attack on Shannon Airport to show support for Arab terrorists because of the use of Shannon Airport for the transportation of American troops.
” Denying bail , the judge identified “ clear and unmanageable risks ” Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interfere with the course of justice .

The court heard claims of an alleged plan to attack Shannon Airport ‘to show support for Arab terrorists because of the use of Shannon Airport for the transportation of American troops’. File image: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times
The New IRA's alleged leadership was secretly recorded in talks about a "hard economic bombing campaign" and cyber attacks on the United Kingdom, the Belfast High Court heard on Monday.
The possibility of targeting Shannon Airport because of its use by American troops was also discussed, it was claimed.
Details emerged as bail was refused to a woman accused of being a high-ranking and dedicated terrorist.
Ruling that Amanda McCabe (49) must remain in custody, Mr Justice McAlinden said: “This is absolutely mad stuff being discussed in these meetings.”
READ MORE
Ms McCabe, of Ailsbury Gardens in Lurgan, Co Armagh, is charged with belonging to a proscribed organisation and two counts of preparation of terrorist acts.
She is among 10 people facing prosecution as part of Operation Arbacia, a major police and MI5 investigation into the New IRA’s activities.
The surveillance-led investigation involved bugging two suspected meetings in Co Tyrone earlier this year.
Audio and video recordings were taken from alleged gatherings at properties in Sixmilecross and Omagh in February and July.
Opposing Ms McCabe’s application for bail, a Crown lawyer claimed she was one of the high-ranking IRA members present on both occasions.
“She is and was a dedicated terrorist over a period longer than simply the period covered by the two meetings, and she was an advocate of violence and violent attacks,” he said.
“In one particular passage (of the alleged recordings) she despaired at the ceasefire called by the IRA on a previous occasion.”
It was contended that she poses a risk to the public and national security.
“This applicant is part of the leadership of the IRA who discussed, amongst other things, a hard economic bombing campaign, and inquired about the prospect of carrying out cyber attacks within the UK,” prosecution counsel added.
Defence barrister Joseph O’Keefe insisted his client has a clear record and must be presumed innocent.
But Mr Justice McAlinden held there was prima facie evidence of a woman allegedly prepared to go to “extreme lengths to cause either serious damage to the British state or death or serious injuries to perceived agents of the British state in furtherance of her political ideals”.
Referring to the alleged recordings of Ms McCabe, he said: “This lady can be linked to making pretty horrendous assertions in terms of what she would like to see happen to various people by the use of torture.
“Even, the prosecution say, some sort of bombing attack on Shannon Airport to show support for Arab terrorists because of the use of Shannon Airport for the transportation of American troops.”
Denying bail, the judge identified “clear and unmanageable risks” Ms McCabe would either re-offend, flee or interfere with the course of justice.


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Cannabis worth €140,000 seized after raids in Cork and Dublin

Gardaí have seized an estimated €140,000 worth of cannabis as part of a multi-agency operation , which took place in Cork and Dublin Five locations in Bantry and one in Dublin were searched in connection with the suspected importation , processing , and commercial sale of synthetic substances and controlled drugs .
This operation is related to similar operations conducted in Bantry in January 2020 .
As part of Monday ’ s operation two men , aged in their 20s , were arrested for suspected offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act and were detained under the provisions of Section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act 1996 , at Bantry Garda Station .
Searches also resulted in the seizure of approximately seven kilos of suspected cannabis valued at approximately €140,000 , subject to analysis .
In addition a significant but as of yet unspecified amount of synthetic/psychoactive material has also been seized .
The multi-agency operation involved Bantry District Drugs Unit , Cork West Divisional Drugs Unit and Store Street District Drugs Unit , and was assisted by the officers from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland ( FSAI ) , Customs and the environmental health service of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inspection at one of the premises searched , authorised officers of the environmental health service issued a closure order under the FSAI Act .
Control samples were taken by FSAI authorised officers for analysis .

Drugs seized by gardaí in the multi-agency operation, which took place in Cork and Dublin. Photograph: Garda Press Office
Gardaí have seized an estimated €140,000 worth of cannabis as part of a multi-agency operation, which took place in Cork and Dublin
Five locations in Bantry and one in Dublin were searched in connection with the suspected importation, processing, and commercial sale of synthetic substances and controlled drugs. This operation is related to similar operations conducted in Bantry in January 2020.
As part of Monday’s operation two men, aged in their 20s, were arrested for suspected offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act and were detained under the provisions of Section 2 Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, at Bantry Garda Station.
Searches also resulted in the seizure of approximately seven kilos of suspected cannabis valued at approximately €140,000, subject to analysis. In addition a significant but as of yet unspecified amount of synthetic/psychoactive material has also been seized.
READ MORE
The multi-agency operation involved Bantry District Drugs Unit, Cork West Divisional Drugs Unit and Store Street District Drugs Unit, and was assisted by the officers from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Customs and the environmental health service of the HSE.
As a result of an inspection at one of the premises searched, authorised officers of the environmental health service issued a closure order under the FSAI Act. Control samples were taken by FSAI authorised officers for analysis.


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Journalist alleges PSNI failing to investigate threat to rape her baby

A Northern Ireland journalist has lodged a complaint to the North ’ s Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson over an alleged PSNI failure to investigate a threat to rape her baby son .
Sunday World Northern Ireland journalist Patricia Devlin , supported by Amnesty International and the National Union of Journalists , has claimed that the PSNI is not taking the threat seriously .
Ms Devlin said that in October last year she received a direct message to her personal Facebook account threatening to rape her newborn son .
It was signed by Combat 18 , a neo-Nazi group which in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramilitaries .
Ms Devlin said the person suspected to be behind the threat is a convicted criminal , with links to loyalist paramilitaries and far-right groups , who is believed to have been involved in violent attacks in Northern Ireland .
“ Because of my job as a journalist , exposing criminals and paramilitaries , I have been on the receiving end of threats of violence and death threats for years , ” Ms Devlin said on Monday .
“ In Northern Ireland that now seems to go with the territory where press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and repeated threats to journalists , ” she added .
“ But , when I received a threat to rape my new-born baby , also identifying my grandmother and the location of where the sender believed she lived , I had enough .
I reported the threat to the PSNI and was even able to name the individual I suspect was behind the threat , ” said Ms Devlin .
She added , “ The police have had this individual ’ s name all this time .
Yet , a year on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioning , never mind arrested .
Meanwhile , the police have given me a constantly changing and contradictory story as to why they have not acted .
“ It is not acceptable for journalists to have to live under this sort of constant threat , to themselves and their families , simply for doing their jobs.
” Patrick Corrigan , Amnesty ’ s Northern Ireland director said the threats were totally abhorrent and were “ part of a wider climate of violence which is now undermining press freedom in Northern Ireland ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing concern the constant stream of threats being received by journalists in Northern Ireland , designed to shut down press scrutiny of criminal and paramilitary activity , ” he said .
He hoped the complaint to the ombudsman “ will help concentrate minds in the PSNI and ensure diligence in bringing these criminals to account ” .
The NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said “ that such despicable threats have been made is an outrage but that the subsequent police investigation has been so ineffectual and flawed is also completely unacceptable ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there had “ been a systemic failure by the PSNI to advance the investigation expeditiously and meaningfully ” .
“ For a year , the police have had more than ample evidence to arrest the individual identified right from the start , ” he added .
“ Explanations provided to date as to why that has not happened border on the farcical .
It is incredible that even a letter of complaint earlier this year to the chief constable himself ( Simon Byrne ) has failed to have any impact.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a complaint regarding police actions to contact the Police Ombudsman ” .

A Northern Ireland journalist has lodged a complaint to the North's Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson over an alleged PSNI failure to investigate a threat to rape her baby son.
Sunday World Northern Ireland journalist Patricia Devlin, supported by Amnesty International and the National Union of Journalists, has claimed that the PSNI is not taking the threat seriously.
Ms Devlin said that in October last year she received a direct message to her personal Facebook account threatening to rape her newborn son.
It was signed by Combat 18, a neo-Nazi group which in the past has had links to loyalist paramilitaries.
READ MORE
Ms Devlin said the person suspected to be behind the threat is a convicted criminal, with links to loyalist paramilitaries and far-right groups, who is believed to have been involved in violent attacks in Northern Ireland.
“Because of my job as a journalist, exposing criminals and paramilitaries, I have been on the receiving end of threats of violence and death threats for years,” Ms Devlin said on Monday.
“In Northern Ireland that now seems to go with the territory where press freedom comes at the price of constant and repeated threats to journalists,” she added.
“But, when I received a threat to rape my new-born baby, also identifying my grandmother and the location of where the sender believed she lived, I had enough. I reported the threat to the PSNI and was even able to name the individual I suspect was behind the threat,” said Ms Devlin.
She added, “The police have had this individual’s name all this time. Yet, a year on, no one has been brought in for questioning, never mind arrested. Meanwhile, the police have given me a constantly changing and contradictory story as to why they have not acted.
“It is not acceptable for journalists to have to live under this sort of constant threat, to themselves and their families, simply for doing their jobs.”
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty's Northern Ireland director said the threats were totally abhorrent and were "part of a wider climate of violence which is now undermining press freedom in Northern Ireland".
“Amnesty International has been watching with increasing concern the constant stream of threats being received by journalists in Northern Ireland, designed to shut down press scrutiny of criminal and paramilitary activity,” he said.
He hoped the complaint to the ombudsman “will help concentrate minds in the PSNI and ensure diligence in bringing these criminals to account”.
The NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said "that such despicable threats have been made is an outrage but that the subsequent police investigation has been so ineffectual and flawed is also completely unacceptable".
Ms Devlin's solicitor Kevin Winters said there had "been a systemic failure by the PSNI to advance the investigation expeditiously and meaningfully".
“For a year, the police have had more than ample evidence to arrest the individual identified right from the start,” he added. “Explanations provided to date as to why that has not happened border on the farcical. It is incredible that even a letter of complaint earlier this year to the chief constable himself (Simon Byrne) has failed to have any impact.”
The PSNI said it encouraged “anyone with a complaint regarding police actions to contact the Police Ombudsman”.