theirishtimes--2020-05-02--What happens if Covid-19 shuts off the Irish emigration safety valve?

By now , Jamie Fitzcarlos and her Australian husband Steve Fitzcarlos should have been settling into their new life in Ireland , expanding their nascent brewing operation , reconnecting with family , finding a home .
But they were stopped in their tracks by the Covid-19 pandemic , as they were “ pretty much about to board the plane ” .
Fitzcarlos moved to Australia as a backpacker 15 years ago and stayed , until a health scare in 2017 made her consider more seriously the prospect of return emigration .
“ It made me rethink what I wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was to be home , closer to my friends and family .
I think as Irish people we always yearn for home , there ’ s something about it that just draws you back.
” The drift away from , and back towards , home is deeply embedded in the Irish psyche .
Since the Famine , emigration has been both one of our major social problems and most reliable economic solutions .
It is both a fissure in Irish society , and a safety valve .
When times are bad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they , like Fitzcarlos intended to , frequently come back .
In the year to April 2019 , 26,900 Irish people came home from abroad .
That same year , 54,900 people – both Irish and other nationalities – left the country , the lowest figure recorded since 2008 .
Both were signs of confidence in the economy .
Now it is safe to assume 2020 will see the emigration figure plummet to a new low , even though we are also on the cusp of a prolonged period of unprecedented economic upheaval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century , we are facing into a major recession without the safety valve of emigration .
What does it mean for our future economy and society ?
What will it mean for the younger people who might have emigrated in the past and now can not ?
What are the implications for employment sectors such as healthcare and food production if inward migration stutters ?
“ Emigration has been just a remarkable feature of the Irish economy .
You could go back to the Famine to relate [ the ] fluctuations in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Prof Alan Barrett , chief executive of the ESRI .
In the past , emigration meant “ there was almost like an upper limit on how high unemployment in Ireland would go .
If unemployment were to go up in Ireland relative to the UK , Irish people would always spill over into the UK , ” says Barrett .
“ The economics of this relationship are very clear .
It has been a fundamental part of the working of the Irish economy .
What ’ s different this time is you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic downturn.
” Throughout history , “ once employment rates and wage rates between Ireland and the UK start differing , there is a movement of people ” .
It is a phenomenon that has occurred in roughly 30-year cycles and is tied to periods of economic hardship .
“ It happened in the 1920s , 1950s , 1980s , and then the 2010s , ” says Prof Mary Gilmartin of Maynooth University .
These trends are borne out by CSO data .
Emigration began to rise in the years after the War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland in 1920 .
Between the census of 1911 and 1926 , 405,029 more people left the country than returned .
By the 1930s the net figure was back down to 166,751 .
The 1950s were once again a time of mass emigration .
The net figure for those who left from 1951 to 1956 was 200,000 ; between then and the next census in 1961 , another net 212,000 left .
And again in the 1980s , the net figure soared to just over 200,000 .
After the banking crash , between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80,000 people left each year , peaking at 83,000 in 2012 , the same year unemployment peaked .
During earlier phases of emigration , remittances provided an economic lifeline .
In the most recent phase , emigration acted as a safety valve by “ getting people off the Live Register and getting them working in other places .
It is a generalisation , but again , the people who left didn ’ t have the same kind of social , economic or cultural capital as the people who stayed .
The people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealth , or family businesses.
” These trends have given rise to a theory , says Gilmartin , that “ the conservatism of Irish society could be connected to the patterns of leaving and staying ” .
Now that 30-year cycle has been smashed by the global coronavirus pandemic , the exit route is gone – not just to the UK , but everywhere else .
The impact of that will be seen in unemployment figures in the first instance , Barrett predicts .
“ During the last recession , unemployment topped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around when you see those forecasts that employment could top 20 or 22 per cent , that ’ s partly what it ’ s based on.
” The knock-on effects of this are hugely significant .
The longer the crisis continues , the longer people are out of work , with no opportunity to travel abroad and keep their skills up , the more difficult it will be for them to secure employment in the future .
The other significant impact will be on those graduates who , even in good times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons , or because they wanted to take advantage of opportunities in other countries , with long-term benefits to their career .
“ For people who are going to graduate this year or next year , that ’ s one of those choices they ’ re just not going to have , ” says Barrett .
The harsh reality , he says , is that “ if you graduate at the time of a recession , it can actually have really long-term effects on your career trajectory .
That ’ s a pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The outlook for Ireland ’ s young people is particularly bleak .
In March , the youth unemployment rate , including those on the pandemic payment , rose to 34 per cent for the 15- to 24-year-old age group .
The analysts at Carraighill , a financial consultancy which advises international hedge funds , estimate that if the lockdown goes on for a year , youth unemployment could rise to 52 per cent .
Compounding the issue is the fact that younger people are more likely to work in the sectors worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism-related ventures and events ” , points out Cliff Taylor , managing editor with The Irish Times .
In a worst-case scenario , says David Higgins , analyst at Carraighill , “ youth unemployment in the UK could be as high as 45 per cent , with a similarly high level across the euro zone .
There is nowhere to turn for young Irish people looking for work abroad ” .
Over the coming months it will be increasingly “ important to be imaginative around those age cohorts who are less vulnerable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been hit twice in 10 years by serious economic shocks ” , suggests Prof Brigid Laffan , director of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute ( EUI ) .
“ We as a society should try to get younger people back to work sooner , if it ’ s possible .
The longer this goes on , the worse it is in terms of employment and career patterns.
” Even if there are better employment prospects elsewhere , international travel restrictions post the pandemic might mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering more quickly – possibly Australia , New Zealand and Singapore – is difficult .
However , Barrett believes , “ some countries may just be in a better position to ensure that when you get off the airplane , you can be tested and quarantined ” .
It could mean a scenario like a modern-day Ellis Island , where people have to go through rudimentary health checks before they are allowed to enter a country .
The vista of a generation of trapped , disaffected young people , with no opportunities at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , raises troubling prospects for the future political landscape of the country .
Could Ireland prove a fertile ground for the far-right populism that has so far failed to gain a foothold here ?
Laffan doesn ’ t believe so .
“ People can become radicalised in tough economic times , but they can also become very cautious in tough economic times .
Ireland has always pivoted on the centre , and I think recently it has pivoted towards the centre left.
” During times of economic hardship , anti-migrant sentiment has tended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Martin Ruhs , chair in migration studies and deputy director of the Migration Policy Centre at EUI , does not expect that to happen on a wide scale .
“ What could be different about this crisis is that if there ’ s a lot of public awareness and public discourse about the contribution that migrants make in dealing with the emergency , this might counteract some of the negative attitudes to immigration.
” The other major impact of the crisis , in terms of the movement of people , will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us the opportunity to re-evaluate the work done by essential workers from abroad , who are often lower paid and left with precarious employment situations , Ruhs believes .
One of the pivotal moments of the pandemic was the image of the UK prime minister , Boris Johnson , standing on the steps of Downing Street after he was released from intensive care , thanking the two nurses who had stayed by his bedside all night – both of them migrants .
“ What Covid has done is shine a light on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these services are actually migrant .
We ’ re not only talking about highly skilled migrants like doctors or even nurses , we ’ re talking about cleaners in hospitals , we ’ re talking about farm workers , people working in the care sector .
The one question that people always ask during a crisis like this is whether or not the domestic labour supply to these sectors will go up ” , as job opportunities in other sectors contract , and the supply of migrant workers dries up , Ruhs says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests , that won ’ t happen .
“ There isn ’ t an awful lot of evidence that domestic workers will return to those sectors in large numbers unless some of the market conditions and structures of the sectors change.
” One unanticipated consequence of the pandemic is that it has sparked a debate about conditions in the sectors of the economy that are reliant on migrant workforces , as happened here in recent weeks , after Keelings flew fruit pickers from Bulgaria .
Ruhs believes the crisis has offered an opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like everyone else , is in a waiting game .
Her emigration plans are on hold until April 2021 .
“ It ’ s hard re-adjusting when you ’ ve been preparing to say goodbye to your life here [ in Australia ] after so long .
”

By now, Jamie Fitzcarlos and her Australian husband Steve Fitzcarlos should have been settling into their new life in Ireland, expanding their nascent brewing operation, reconnecting with family, finding a home. But they were stopped in their tracks by the Covid-19 pandemic, as they were “pretty much about to board the plane”.
Fitzcarlos moved to Australia as a backpacker 15 years ago and stayed, until a health scare in 2017 made her consider more seriously the prospect of return emigration. “It made me rethink what I wanted to be doing in the long-term. And that was to be home, closer to my friends and family. I think as Irish people we always yearn for home, there’s something about it that just draws you back.”
The drift away from, and back towards, home is deeply embedded in the Irish psyche. Since the Famine, emigration has been both one of our major social problems and most reliable economic solutions. It is both a fissure in Irish society, and a safety valve. When times are bad, people leave; when times are better they, like Fitzcarlos intended to, frequently come back.
In the year to April 2019, 26,900 Irish people came home from abroad. That same year, 54,900 people – both Irish and other nationalities – left the country, the lowest figure recorded since 2008. Both were signs of confidence in the economy.
READ MORE
Now it is safe to assume 2020 will see the emigration figure plummet to a new low, even though we are also on the cusp of a prolonged period of unprecedented economic upheaval. For the first time in a century, we are facing into a major recession without the safety valve of emigration. What does it mean for our future economy and society? What will it mean for the younger people who might have emigrated in the past and now cannot? What are the implications for employment sectors such as healthcare and food production if inward migration stutters?
“Emigration has been just a remarkable feature of the Irish economy. You could go back to the Famine to relate [the] fluctuations in the Irish economy to outward movement,” says Prof Alan Barrett, chief executive of the ESRI.
In the past, emigration meant “there was almost like an upper limit on how high unemployment in Ireland would go. If unemployment were to go up in Ireland relative to the UK, Irish people would always spill over into the UK,” says Barrett.
“The economics of this relationship are very clear. It has been a fundamental part of the working of the Irish economy. What’s different this time is you have this incredible international synchronising of the economic downturn.”
Throughout history, “once employment rates and wage rates between Ireland and the UK start differing, there is a movement of people”.
It is a phenomenon that has occurred in roughly 30-year cycles and is tied to periods of economic hardship. “It happened in the 1920s, 1950s, 1980s, and then the 2010s,” says Prof Mary Gilmartin of Maynooth University.
These trends are borne out by CSO data. Emigration began to rise in the years after the War of Independence, with 15,858 people leaving Ireland in 1920. Between the census of 1911 and 1926, 405,029 more people left the country than returned. By the 1930s the net figure was back down to 166,751.
The 1950s were once again a time of mass emigration. The net figure for those who left from 1951 to 1956 was 200,000; between then and the next census in 1961, another net 212,000 left. And again in the 1980s, the net figure soared to just over 200,000.
After the banking crash, between the years 2011 and 2015, about 80,000 people left each year, peaking at 83,000 in 2012, the same year unemployment peaked.
During earlier phases of emigration, remittances provided an economic lifeline.
Bleak outlook
In the most recent phase, emigration acted as a safety valve by “getting people off the Live Register and getting them working in other places. It is a generalisation, but again, the people who left didn’t have the same kind of social, economic or cultural capital as the people who stayed. The people who stayed are the people who have family wealth, or family businesses.”
These trends have given rise to a theory, says Gilmartin, that “the conservatism of Irish society could be connected to the patterns of leaving and staying”.
Now that 30-year cycle has been smashed by the global coronavirus pandemic, the exit route is gone – not just to the UK, but everywhere else. The impact of that will be seen in unemployment figures in the first instance, Barrett predicts. “During the last recession, unemployment topped out at 15 per cent. This time around when you see those forecasts that employment could top 20 or 22 per cent, that’s partly what it’s based on.”
The knock-on effects of this are hugely significant. The longer the crisis continues, the longer people are out of work, with no opportunity to travel abroad and keep their skills up, the more difficult it will be for them to secure employment in the future.
The other significant impact will be on those graduates who, even in good times, spent a period outside Ireland for lifestyle reasons, or because they wanted to take advantage of opportunities in other countries, with long-term benefits to their career. “For people who are going to graduate this year or next year, that’s one of those choices they’re just not going to have,” says Barrett.
The harsh reality, he says, is that “if you graduate at the time of a recession, it can actually have really long-term effects on your career trajectory. That’s a pretty depressing thing to be thinking about”.
The outlook for Ireland’s young people is particularly bleak. In March, the youth unemployment rate, including those on the pandemic payment, rose to 34 per cent for the 15- to 24-year-old age group. The analysts at Carraighill, a financial consultancy which advises international hedge funds, estimate that if the lockdown goes on for a year, youth unemployment could rise to 52 per cent.
Compounding the issue is the fact that younger people are more likely to work in the sectors worst hit – “pubs, hotels, tourism-related ventures and events”, points out Cliff Taylor, managing editor with The Irish Times.
In a worst-case scenario, says David Higgins, analyst at Carraighill, “youth unemployment in the UK could be as high as 45 per cent, with a similarly high level across the euro zone. There is nowhere to turn for young Irish people looking for work abroad”.
Over the coming months it will be increasingly “important to be imaginative around those age cohorts who are less vulnerable to the disease, particularly given that millennials have been hit twice in 10 years by serious economic shocks”, suggests Prof Brigid Laffan, director of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute (EUI).
“We as a society should try to get younger people back to work sooner, if it’s possible. The longer this goes on, the worse it is in terms of employment and career patterns.”
Even if there are better employment prospects elsewhere, international travel restrictions post the pandemic might mean getting a visa to places that are recovering more quickly – possibly Australia, New Zealand and Singapore – is difficult. However, Barrett believes, “some countries may just be in a better position to ensure that when you get off the airplane, you can be tested and quarantined”. It could mean a scenario like a modern-day Ellis Island, where people have to go through rudimentary health checks before they are allowed to enter a country.
Anti-migrant sentiment
The vista of a generation of trapped, disaffected young people, with no opportunities at home and little possibility of travelling abroad, raises troubling prospects for the future political landscape of the country. Could Ireland prove a fertile ground for the far-right populism that has so far failed to gain a foothold here?
Laffan doesn’t believe so. “People can become radicalised in tough economic times, but they can also become very cautious in tough economic times. Ireland has always pivoted on the centre, and I think recently it has pivoted towards the centre left.”
During times of economic hardship, anti-migrant sentiment has tended to rise across Europe. However, Prof Martin Ruhs, chair in migration studies and deputy director of the Migration Policy Centre at EUI, does not expect that to happen on a wide scale. “What could be different about this crisis is that if there’s a lot of public awareness and public discourse about the contribution that migrants make in dealing with the emergency, this might counteract some of the negative attitudes to immigration.”
The other major impact of the crisis, in terms of the movement of people, will be on inward migration.
This crisis gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate the work done by essential workers from abroad, who are often lower paid and left with precarious employment situations, Ruhs believes. One of the pivotal moments of the pandemic was the image of the UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, standing on the steps of Downing Street after he was released from intensive care, thanking the two nurses who had stayed by his bedside all night – both of them migrants.
“What Covid has done is shine a light on the fact that many of the workers providing these services are actually migrant. We’re not only talking about highly skilled migrants like doctors or even nurses, we’re talking about cleaners in hospitals, we’re talking about farm workers, people working in the care sector. The one question that people always ask during a crisis like this is whether or not the domestic labour supply to these sectors will go up”, as job opportunities in other sectors contract, and the supply of migrant workers dries up, Ruhs says.
Based on past trends, he suggests, that won’t happen. “There isn’t an awful lot of evidence that domestic workers will return to those sectors in large numbers unless some of the market conditions and structures of the sectors change.”
One unanticipated consequence of the pandemic is that it has sparked a debate about conditions in the sectors of the economy that are reliant on migrant workforces, as happened here in recent weeks, after Keelings flew fruit pickers from Bulgaria. Ruhs believes the crisis has offered an opportunity to address those issues.
Jamie Fitzcarlos, like everyone else, is in a waiting game. Her emigration plans are on hold until April 2021. “It’s hard re-adjusting when you’ve been preparing to say goodbye to your life here [in Australia] after so long.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-01--Miriam Lord: Another Soliloquy on Merrion Street, but there was a daring twist

There was something missing in the polished cameo shot with the camera trained on Leo alone .
And it wasn ’ t the poetry .
It was the slogan .
Even though it wasn ’ t there , we could see it in the mind ’ s eye as a Taoiseach in possession of no government showcased his statesmanship in front of an audience of the people .
There , in neat general election letters , above his head .
This was what Friday evening ’ s big speech was all about .
Complete with a roadmap and the undivided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance and reassurance .
Varadkar delivered this in the process of confirming his Government ’ s comprehensively leaked decision that the Covid-19 restrictions are to continue for two more weeks , with just a few minor changes .
However , there is a plan to gradually unwind the shutdown in a series of stages , in a sensible way .
Hard to argue with that .
“ Reopening Ireland ” .
From the people who brought you “ Project Ireland ” .
They know their way around a plan ; they have managed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best poised to unwind it .
Leo Varadkar sold it very well during his latest address to the nation .
If he can deliver on the roadmap , and the shaky-looking government formation talks hit the buffers , it could be just the ticket to a new term .
This speech marked a radical departure by the Taoiseach .
Yes , he was still front and centre in the grandeur of Government Buildings , with the showy accoutrements of State positioned around him .
Still standing tall in the middle of the picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here ’ s the daring twist : this time Leo addressed the nation from the bottom of the stairs .
Last time , he impressed us hugely from the Serious Corridor upstairs .
Of course , the absence of poetry was noted .
Did ideas man John Concannon accidentally drop The Heaney Book down the back of a radiator ?
Or maybe the speechwriter was still sulking because Labour ’ s Alan Kelly quoted Eavan Boland , who died this week , in the Dáil on Thursday , thus stealing a march .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest to working journalists , who hung around Leinster House all day wondering when they would be informed of a time and place for the unveiling by the Taoiseach of his much-trailed Covid Lockdown Exit .
They really wanted to ask him questions about it .
But they couldn ’ t because Leo ’ s people decided it was time for another Soliloquy on Merrion Street .
At least the hacks were able to recite most of the lines along with him because they were comprehensively leaked well before he opened his mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Taoiseach would be going on The Late Late Show a few hours later , there to be eviscerated by Ryan Tubridy along with the other light entertainment acts offering themselves up for Friday night slaughter .
And you can ’ t say braver than that .
The unwinding will take part in five stages at three-week intervals .
Here , the Taoiseach signalled the numbers by quickly unfurling his fingers , just like the host of an old , incomprehensible game show called 3-2-1 , in which the co-star was “ Dusty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government Buildings was that “ the over-70s will be allowed out ” .
What happens after that is anybody ’ s guess .
They might wreck the gaff .
Just as well the pubs will remain closed .
Along with DIY shops and garden centres , which will have to wait a few weeks longer while the big supermarkets buy in new stock and take all their business .
We hear the Taoiseach and members of his cabinet were overjoyed when told the exit strategy would involve “ five stages ” and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken that these were not actual stages , for performance purposes .
It ’ ll be more like Tour de France stages : gruelling , but ultimately exhilarating .
People will be able to exert themselves now over five kilometres , instead of confining themselves to two .
This means they will be able to lie less to gardaí , which will remove a lot of stress .
Two more weeks of tight restrictions should be doable , when the outcome means the safety of family members and fellow citizens .
“ Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will see our friends again , ” mused Leo , waxing slightly poetic .
Wistfully .
He mentioned the “ 10,000 ” or so letters he has received in recent weeks .
Who knew so many people feel compelled to write to the Taoiseach with their thoughts and dreams and problems and desires ?
Tight restrictions ?
We know all about them after weeks of flattening the curve .
Another two shouldn ’ t make much difference at this stage when the future looks elastic .
Never mind .
The Fianna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House carpark , mentioned them .
Leo stole his thunder in every other department – it ’ s difficult for Micheál to stay relevant .
Micheál ’ s backdrop was of the railings in front of the National Library and a fella wheeling his bicycle past the camera .
Not a patch on the flags and pillars and marble staircase of Government Buildings .
Meanwhile , Sinn Féin ’ s Mary Lou McDonald was also canvassed for her opinion on TV after the Taoiseach ’ s performance .
Her backdrop was even gloomier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a black-and-white portrait of Countess Markievicz .
Meanwhile , the man in possession of no government but still firmly in charge told the nation that their effort so far “ has been worthwhile .
It is working .
So let ’ s finish what we started.
” The good days will come again , promised Leo .

This time Leo addressed the nation from the bottom of the stairs. And he skipped the poetry. Photograph: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
There was something missing in the polished cameo shot with the camera trained on Leo alone. And it wasn’t the poetry.
It was the slogan.
Even though it wasn’t there, we could see it in the mind’s eye as a Taoiseach in possession of no government showcased his statesmanship in front of an audience of the people. There, in neat general election letters, above his head.
“Reopening Ireland”.
READ MORE
This was what Friday evening’s big speech was all about. Complete with a roadmap and the undivided attention of a worried nation anxious for guidance and reassurance.
Varadkar delivered this in the process of confirming his Government’s comprehensively leaked decision that the Covid-19 restrictions are to continue for two more weeks, with just a few minor changes. However, there is a plan to gradually unwind the shutdown in a series of stages, in a sensible way.
Hard to argue with that.
“Reopening Ireland”. From the people who brought you “Project Ireland”.
They know their way around a plan; they have managed the lockdown very competently and now seem best poised to unwind it. Leo Varadkar sold it very well during his latest address to the nation.
If he can deliver on the roadmap, and the shaky-looking government formation talks hit the buffers, it could be just the ticket to a new term.
This speech marked a radical departure by the Taoiseach.
Did ideas man John Concannon accidentally drop The Heaney Book down the back of a radiator?
Yes, he was still front and centre in the grandeur of Government Buildings, with the showy accoutrements of State positioned around him. Still standing tall in the middle of the picture looking all handsome and leaderly.
But here’s the daring twist: this time Leo addressed the nation from the bottom of the stairs. Last time, he impressed us hugely from the Serious Corridor upstairs.
High-fives all round for smarts.
Of course, the absence of poetry was noted. Did ideas man John Concannon accidentally drop The Heaney Book down the back of a radiator? Or maybe the speechwriter was still sulking because Labour’s Alan Kelly quoted Eavan Boland, who died this week, in the Dáil on Thursday, thus stealing a march.
Whatever. This was of no real interest to working journalists, who hung around Leinster House all day wondering when they would be informed of a time and place for the unveiling by the Taoiseach of his much-trailed Covid Lockdown Exit. They really wanted to ask him questions about it.
But they couldn’t because Leo’s people decided it was time for another Soliloquy on Merrion Street. At least the hacks were able to recite most of the lines along with him because they were comprehensively leaked well before he opened his mouth.
Although, to be fair, the Taoiseach would be going on The Late Late Show a few hours later, there to be eviscerated by Ryan Tubridy along with the other light entertainment acts offering themselves up for Friday night slaughter. And you can’t say braver than that.
The unwinding will take part in five stages at three-week intervals. Here, the Taoiseach signalled the numbers by quickly unfurling his fingers, just like the host of an old, incomprehensible game show called 3-2-1, in which the co-star was “Dusty Bin”.
The biggest news from Government Buildings was that “the over-70s will be allowed out”. What happens after that is anybody’s guess. They might wreck the gaff. Just as well the pubs will remain closed. Along with DIY shops and garden centres, which will have to wait a few weeks longer while the big supermarkets buy in new stock and take all their business.
We hear the Taoiseach and members of his cabinet were overjoyed when told the exit strategy would involve “five stages” and there was terrible disappointment when the news was broken that these were not actual stages, for performance purposes.
It’ll be more like Tour de France stages: gruelling, but ultimately exhilarating.
People will be able to exert themselves now over five kilometres, instead of confining themselves to two. This means they will be able to lie less to gardaí, which will remove a lot of stress.
Two more weeks of tight restrictions should be doable, when the outcome means the safety of family members and fellow citizens.
“Not long from now, some summer night, we will see our friends again,” mused Leo, waxing slightly poetic. Wistfully.
Micheál's backdrop was of the railings in front of the National Library and a fella wheeling his bicycle past
He mentioned the “10,000” or so letters he has received in recent weeks. Who knew so many people feel compelled to write to the Taoiseach with their thoughts and dreams and problems and desires?
Tight restrictions? We know all about them after weeks of flattening the curve. Another two shouldn’t make much difference at this stage when the future looks elastic.
He didn’t mention masks.
Never mind. The Fianna Fáil leader, stuck in the Leinster House carpark, mentioned them. Leo stole his thunder in every other department – it’s difficult for Micheál to stay relevant. Micheál’s backdrop was of the railings in front of the National Library and a fella wheeling his bicycle past the camera. Not a patch on the flags and pillars and marble staircase of Government Buildings.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald was also canvassed for her opinion on TV after the Taoiseach’s performance. Her backdrop was even gloomier, in a darkened room in front of a black-and-white portrait of Countess Markievicz.
Meanwhile, the man in possession of no government but still firmly in charge told the nation that their effort so far “has been worthwhile. It is working. So let’s finish what we started.”
The good days will come again, promised Leo.
.


theirishtimes--2020-05-02--Meet Sam, the resourceful young fox that has made Dublin city centre its home

On Friday morning , photographer Paul Lanigan ventured into Dublin city centre with the intention of taking photographs of empty streets during the Covid-19 pandemic .
The streets were empty alright , but of humans , not a fox which ambled down Fleet Street in Temple Bar with its breakfast in its mouth .
The time was 9am when the street would normally be full of delivery trucks and tourists on an early morning stroll .
“ I never thought I would see a fox in daylight , especially at 9am .
It didn ’ t seem possible , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fox carefully .
Fortunately the animal was preoccupied with the pigeon in its mouth .
Mr Lanigan got his photograph .
It is the same fox that was filmed on Grafton Street last week strolling in the early afternoon in a thoroughfare that would normally be thronged with shoppers .
The fox has a name .
It ’ s Sam , according to Trinity College Dublin zoologist Collie Ennis , a suitably androgenous name as nobody who has observed the fox can tell at this stage if it is a dog ( male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is about 11 months old , he reckons , and has a mangey tail .
Mr Ennis said Sam ’ s parents inhabit a territory around Merrion Square .
Now that Sam has reached a certain age , it has been kicked out of the den , and unlike its human equivalents , can not plead that the rents in Dublin city centre are too exorbitant .
“ All the time now at Trinity , you see him sitting at Lincoln Place gate at the dental hospital mournfully looking towards where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s why he ’ s out and about in the city centre during the day looking a bit panicked , ” explains Mr Ennis .
“ We were concerned that he was not eating , but we can see from the photograph that there is no need to be concerned .
They are incredibly adaptable animals .
They can switch from McDonald ’ s leftovers to killing rats and pigeons within days which is exactly what happened.
” UCD zoologist and PhD student Holly English says Sam looks like a healthy young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not possible to discern the sex of the animal from the photograph .
She says the pictures demonstrates how foxes are the “ ultimate opportunists ” and are excellent scavengers .
“ I think based on commentary I ’ ve seen online , some people are worried that foxes in the city centre have less to eat these days because the restaurants and everything are closed , ” she said .
“ But this photo is a fine example that foxes are wild animals and well able to find food on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predators .
They ’ re just as good at taking any opportunistic scraps left behind by people too.
” Ms English says this is an “ incredibly busy time ” for foxes as cubs are born following the mating season which lasts from January to March .
Cubs , which were born the previous year will often help out their parents in scavenging for food for the new arrivals .
She believes that the increased sightings of foxes in city centre locations during daylight hours is related to the lockdown .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are connected to the number of people out and about.
” She had hoped to get some special collars put on Dublin ’ s foxes so we can get a better idea of what size their territories are in the city and learn more about their behaviour , but that activity has been suspended because of the lockdown .

On Friday morning, photographer Paul Lanigan ventured into Dublin city centre with the intention of taking photographs of empty streets during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The streets were empty alright, but of humans, not a fox which ambled down Fleet Street in Temple Bar with its breakfast in its mouth. The time was 9am when the street would normally be full of delivery trucks and tourists on an early morning stroll.
“I never thought I would see a fox in daylight, especially at 9am. It didn’t seem possible,” Mr Lanigan said.
He approached the fox carefully. Fortunately the animal was preoccupied with the pigeon in its mouth. Mr Lanigan got his photograph.
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It is the same fox that was filmed on Grafton Street last week strolling in the early afternoon in a thoroughfare that would normally be thronged with shoppers.
The fox has a name. It's Sam, according to Trinity College Dublin zoologist Collie Ennis, a suitably androgenous name as nobody who has observed the fox can tell at this stage if it is a dog (male) or a vixen (female).
It is about 11 months old, he reckons, and has a mangey tail. Mr Ennis said Sam's parents inhabit a territory around Merrion Square.
Now that Sam has reached a certain age, it has been kicked out of the den, and unlike its human equivalents, cannot plead that the rents in Dublin city centre are too exorbitant.
"All the time now at Trinity, you see him sitting at Lincoln Place gate at the dental hospital mournfully looking towards where Mammy and Daddy hang around. That's why he's out and about in the city centre during the day looking a bit panicked," explains Mr Ennis.
“We were concerned that he was not eating, but we can see from the photograph that there is no need to be concerned. They are incredibly adaptable animals. They can switch from McDonald’s leftovers to killing rats and pigeons within days which is exactly what happened.”
UCD zoologist and PhD student Holly English says Sam looks like a healthy young adult fox who is fully grown though it is not possible to discern the sex of the animal from the photograph.
She says the pictures demonstrates how foxes are the “ultimate opportunists” and are excellent scavengers.
“I think based on commentary I’ve seen online, some people are worried that foxes in the city centre have less to eat these days because the restaurants and everything are closed,” she said.
“But this photo is a fine example that foxes are wild animals and well able to find food on their own. They’re excellent predators. They’re just as good at taking any opportunistic scraps left behind by people too.”
Ms English says this is an "incredibly busy time" for foxes as cubs are born following the mating season which lasts from January to March. Cubs, which were born the previous year will often help out their parents in scavenging for food for the new arrivals.
She believes that the increased sightings of foxes in city centre locations during daylight hours is related to the lockdown.
“They are more nocturnal. These day-time sightings are connected to the number of people out and about.”
She had hoped to get some special collars put on Dublin’s foxes so we can get a better idea of what size their territories are in the city and learn more about their behaviour, but that activity has been suspended because of the lockdown.


theirishtimes--2020-05-02--Man released without charge over fatal assault in Co Wexford

A man has been released without charge in relation to an apparent fatal stabbing in Co Wexford in the early @ @ @ @ @ assault took place at about 12.30am at a residence in Enniscorthy .
Gardaí attended the @ @ @ @ @ 40s ) with apparent stab wounds was discovered .
The man was later pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ man in his early 40s was arrested a short distance away , and was then @ @ @ @ @ under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 .
A file @ @ @ @ @ gardaí for the Director of Public Prosecutions .
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to @ @ @ @ @ with information to contact Enniscorthy Garda station on 0539233534 , the Garda confidential line on @ @ @ @ @ any Garda station .

The man was detained at Wexford Garda station and has been released without charge. Photograph: Stephen Collins
A man has been released without charge in relation to an apparent fatal stabbing in Co Wexford in the early hours of Friday.
The assault took place at about 12.30am at a residence in Enniscorthy. Gardaí attended the scene and a man (40s) with apparent stab wounds was discovered. The man was later pronounced dead at the scene.
A man in his early 40s was arrested a short distance away, and was then detained at Wexford Garda station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
A file will now be prepared by gardaí for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
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Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident and for anyone with information to contact Enniscorthy Garda station on 0539233534, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.


theirishtimes--2020-05-02--Coronavirus claims 25 more lives in Ireland and 343 more cases reported

A further 25 people diagnosed with Covid-19 have died , the National Public Health Emergency Team disclosed on Saturday .
There have now been a total of 1,286 deaths associated with the disease in Ireland , it said .
Another 343 new confirmed cases were also reported .
This brings the total number of cases to 21,176 .
This is the fifth day in a row that the increase in the number of new cases has been 2 per cent or lower .
Four deaths previously thought to be Covid-19 related were denotified and have been reflected in the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released a more detailed breakdown of information from the State ’ s Health Protection Surveillance Centre on 20,742 cases as of midnight last Thursday .
Of those cases , 2,785 people , or 13 per cent , have been hospitalised and , of those , 368 cases have been admitted to hospital intensive care units , an increase of one on the previous day .
There were 5,973 cases associated with healthcare workers , up 133 on Wednesday ’ s figure .
The gender breakdown of the 20,742 cases was 58 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The average age of these cases was 49 years .
Dublin had the highest number of cases at 10,277 , or 50 per cent of all cases , followed by Kildare with 1,226 ( 6 per cent ) and Cork with 1,156 ( 6 per cent ) .
Where the transmission of the disease is known , community transmission was found in 63 per cent of the cases , where close contacts account for 34 per cent and travel abroad 3 per cent .
The latest figures come as Ireland prepares for another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in March , in an effort to combat the virus .
However , a phased lifting of the restrictions on Irish life will begin on May 18th , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced on Friday evening .
On Saturday Minister for Health Simon Harris raised doubts about the possibility of people being able to travel overseas this year , saying that it was “ not looking good ” .
He advised people not to leave the island of Ireland this year and said that it was looking highly unlikely that people could take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told RTÉ that any incoming travellers had to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus and that other countries had similar restrictions in place .
In-bound visitors had to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator form , which had to contain their contact details and address at which they will be self-isolating .
Mr Harris said the Taoiseach had asked some Ministers to assess with the Attorney General whether this needed to be supported by regulations .
He added that a decision would be made on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister disclosed that as of Saturday afternoon , there had been 169,377 tests for Covid-19 carried out and that the State was carrying out more testing per head of population than many other countries .
Speaking at Government Buildings in his Friday night live televised address , Mr Varadkar warned that beginning the opening-up of the country too soon could result in “ going back to square one ” , with a rise in the number of cases , hospital admissions and deaths .
Should the progress in containing the virus continue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toease the restrictions on May 18th in five phases , three weeks apart , each dependent on the success of the previous one .
He warned that if any stage resulted in a “ second wave ” of the virus , restrictions would be reimposed .

A further 25 people diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, the National Public Health Emergency Team disclosed on Saturday.
There have now been a total of 1,286 deaths associated with the disease in Ireland, it said.
Another 343 new confirmed cases were also reported. This brings the total number of cases to 21,176. This is the fifth day in a row that the increase in the number of new cases has been 2 per cent or lower.
Four deaths previously thought to be Covid-19 related were denotified and have been reflected in the death toll figure of 1,286.
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The department released a more detailed breakdown of information from the State’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre on 20,742 cases as of midnight last Thursday.
Of those cases, 2,785 people, or 13 per cent, have been hospitalised and, of those, 368 cases have been admitted to hospital intensive care units, an increase of one on the previous day.
There were 5,973 cases associated with healthcare workers, up 133 on Wednesday’s figure.
The gender breakdown of the 20,742 cases was 58 per cent female and 42 per cent male. The average age of these cases was 49 years.
Dublin had the highest number of cases at 10,277, or 50 per cent of all cases, followed by Kildare with 1,226 (6 per cent) and Cork with 1,156 (6 per cent).
Where the transmission of the disease is known, community transmission was found in 63 per cent of the cases, where close contacts account for 34 per cent and travel abroad 3 per cent.
The latest figures come as Ireland prepares for another two weeks of restrictions, put in place in March, in an effort to combat the virus.
However, a phased lifting of the restrictions on Irish life will begin on May 18th, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced on Friday evening.
What about travelling abroad?
On Saturday Minister for Health Simon Harris raised doubts about the possibility of people being able to travel overseas this year, saying that it was "not looking good".
He said the advice at the moment was that people should not leave the island of Ireland and said that it was looking highly unlikely that people could take foreign holidays this year. Mr Harris told RTÉ that any incoming travellers had to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus and that other countries had similar restrictions in place.
In-bound visitors had to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator form, which had to contain their contact details and address at which they will be self-isolating.
Mr Harris said the Taoiseach had asked some Ministers to assess with the Attorney General whether this needed to be supported by regulations. He added that a decision would be made on this over the coming weeks.
The Minister disclosed that as of Saturday afternoon, there had been 169,377 tests for Covid-19 carried out and that the State was carrying out more testing per head of population than many other countries.
Speaking at Government Buildings in his Friday night live televised address, Mr Varadkar warned that beginning the opening-up of the country too soon could result in “going back to square one”, with a rise in the number of cases, hospital admissions and deaths.
Should the progress in containing the virus continue, he said, the Government would begin toease the restrictions on May 18th in five phases, three weeks apart, each dependent on the success of the previous one. He warned that if any stage resulted in a "second wave" of the virus, restrictions would be reimposed.


theirishtimes--2020-05-02--Almost 2,000 working or ‘job ready’ through Ireland’s call recruitment drive

Almost 2,000 people hired through the Government “ Be on Call for Ireland ” recruitment drive to deal with the coronavirus pandemic are working or ready to work for the health service .
The HSE released figures on Saturday showing that just 57 of these recruits have begun working , 553 are “ job ready ” and 500 are “ available to the services as and when they need them.
” Some 880 student nurses who applied through the call-out were progressed through a separate stream and are working as health care assistants in community and acute hospitals , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,990 to come through the “ Be on Call for Ireland ” drive amounts to less than three per cent of the 73,000 people to apply to help the health service through this crisis .
Some 1,630 candidates have been “ successful at interview , ” said a HSE spokeswoman .
The spokeswoman for the HSE said that “ the vast majority of applications for the initiative were not health care professionals.
” There were 24,000 expressions of interest received within 24 hours of the recruitment call being made to reinforce frontline medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick ’ s Day .
The request to bolster staffing levels within the health service was made to anyone who had retired within the last five years as well as part-time workers and students .
The HSE has hired the recruitment company CPL , which provides subcontractors to Facebook and other large employers , to support the “ Be on Call for Ireland ” recruitment drive .
CPL has been recruited to contract the workers “ due to the strain on existing HSE resources to meet the Covid-19 challenge , ” the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly funded health service declined to disclose what it was paying the private company , saying that the rate of pay “ for its services for this project is commercially sensitive.
” Three-month contracts of employment through the recruitment drive will be with CPL , and not the HSE , but the HSE stressed that the contractors will be paid the same as HSE employees .
The contract includes “ a paid sick entitlement for employment-acquired Covid-19 illness , ” the HSE said , and that the contracts “ may be extended as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the wishes of the candidate.
” “ Employment contracts may be reviewed at a later date , once we understand the impact this is having on the healthcare system , ” said the spokeswoman .
The health service has said that it only plans to use the Be on Call for Ireland contractors “ when all other resourcing streams are exhausted.
” More than 1,000 people have been recruited to the health service separately by HBS Recruit , the HSE ’ s national recruitment service , during the Covid-19 pandemic .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Ireland initiative is to create reserve pools of ‘ job ready ’ new healthcare professionals for the services to use as and when they are needed in response to Covid-19 and healthcare management , ” said the HSE in reply to questions from The Irish Times .
“ The Covid-19 crisis is ongoing .
However , to date , the staffing needs have been largely met through other recruitment channels .
There continues to be a ‘ job ready ’ pool available through the ‘ Be on Call of Ireland ’ initiative.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett raised the short-term nature and other aspects of the contracts during Dáil questioning with the Taoiseach this week , asking him why the new workers had been “ given the worst possible contracts.
” The HSE said last weekend that about 4,500 HSE staff were out of work , either on sick leave in self-isolation with the coronavirus disease , with suspected Covid-19 symptoms or for other reasons such as childcare difficulties .

Almost 2,000 people hired through the Government “Be on Call for Ireland” recruitment drive to deal with the coronavirus pandemic are working or ready to work for the health service.
The HSE released figures on Saturday showing that just 57 of these recruits have begun working, 553 are “job ready” and 500 are “available to the services as and when they need them.”
Some 880 student nurses who applied through the call-out were progressed through a separate stream and are working as health care assistants in community and acute hospitals, the HSE said.
This combined total of 1,990 to come through the “Be on Call for Ireland” drive amounts to less than three per cent of the 73,000 people to apply to help the health service through this crisis.
READ MORE
Some 1,630 candidates have been “successful at interview,” said a HSE spokeswoman.
The spokeswoman for the HSE said that “the vast majority of applications for the initiative were not health care professionals.”
There were 24,000 expressions of interest received within 24 hours of the recruitment call being made to reinforce frontline medical staff when it was announced on St Patrick’s Day.
The request to bolster staffing levels within the health service was made to anyone who had retired within the last five years as well as part-time workers and students.
The HSE has hired the recruitment company CPL, which provides subcontractors to Facebook and other large employers, to support the "Be on Call for Ireland" recruitment drive.
CPL has been recruited to contract the workers “due to the strain on existing HSE resources to meet the Covid-19 challenge,” the HSE spokeswoman said in a statement.
The publicly funded health service declined to disclose what it was paying the private company, saying that the rate of pay “for its services for this project is commercially sensitive.”
Three-month contracts of employment through the recruitment drive will be with CPL, and not the HSE, but the HSE stressed that the contractors will be paid the same as HSE employees.
The contract includes “a paid sick entitlement for employment-acquired Covid-19 illness,” the HSE said, and that the contracts “may be extended as per the needs of the healthcare service and the wishes of the candidate.”
“Employment contracts may be reviewed at a later date, once we understand the impact this is having on the healthcare system,” said the spokeswoman.
The health service has said that it only plans to use the Be on Call for Ireland contractors "when all other resourcing streams are exhausted."
More than 1,000 people have been recruited to the health service separately by HBS Recruit, the HSE’s national recruitment service, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The purpose of the Be on Call for Ireland initiative is to create reserve pools of ‘job ready’ new healthcare professionals for the services to use as and when they are needed in response to Covid-19 and healthcare management,” said the HSE in reply to questions from The Irish Times.
“The Covid-19 crisis is ongoing. However, to date, the staffing needs have been largely met through other recruitment channels. There continues to be a ‘job ready’ pool available through the ‘Be on Call of Ireland’ initiative.”
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett raised the short-term nature and other aspects of the contracts during Dáil questioning with the Taoiseach this week, asking him why the new workers had been “given the worst possible contracts.”
The HSE said last weekend that about 4,500 HSE staff were out of work, either on sick leave in self-isolation with the coronavirus disease, with suspected Covid-19 symptoms or for other reasons such as childcare difficulties.


theirishtimes--2020-05-02--Gardaí close Phoenix Park gates as anti-lockdown protesters try to assemble

Gardaí closed two entrances to Dublin ’ s Phoenix Park on Saturday after protesters attempted to hold a rally .
Gemma O ’ Doherty who , along with John Waters , is taking a case against the State arguing the coronavirus restrictions on public movement are illegal , promoted the protest on Twitter yesterday saying it was being held “ in conjunction with the worldwide # MarchForFreedom ” .
The hashtag is being used by protesters in America calling for the lifting of restrictions there aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus .
A group of more than 400 protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state capitol building in Lansing , Michigan , this week to protest at strict social distancing measures introduced by governor Gretchen Whitmer .
While hundreds protested outside , some entered the building and engaged in a stand-off with guards .
As the Dublin event was due to start on Saturday afternoon , gardaí closed the Park Gate Street and North Circular Road entrances to the park and turned people away .
They also stopped and checked cars passing through the park .
Gardaí spoke to several would-be protesters and told them they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2km zone .
The 2km limit allows people to exercise near their homes and will be extended to 5km next week .
One could be heard telling gardaí that the natural law trumped man-made law and that he had a right under the Constitution to assemble .
Another said he was a man of God and that computers get viruses , not human beings .
Gardaí also surrounded the nearby Courts of Justice building .
Approximately 15 to 20 protesters turned up , some with placards , but they dispersed after about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not at the protest .
Earlier this week dozens of gardaí , including members of the Public Order Unit , were deployed to the Four Courts to ensure opponents of the Covid-19 movement restrictions did not gain access to the building .
About 40 people , some waving tricolours or holding copies of the Constitution gathered outside the courts building on Tuesday morning in support of Ms O ’ Doherty and Mr Waters .
The group was gathered closely together and few wore face masks .
Gardaí advised some to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Garda and the Courts Service were eager to avoid a repeat of last week when 100 people gathered for three hours in the Round Hall of the Four Courts for about three hours while Mr Waters and Ms O ’ Doherty were inside .
Their application for permission to bring a challenge against laws introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be heard before a High Court judge next week .
On Saturday the Garda said it implemented a policing operation on Saturday afternoon in the vicinity of the Criminal Courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardaí spoke to a number of people , some of whom left after being advised to do so .
Others had their names and addresses taken in accordance with the new regulations under the Health Act 1947 .
An Garda Síochána said it responded to the proposed protest with a “ graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent .
This has seen Garda members engage , educate , encourage and , as a last resort , enforce ” .
A senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on previous occasions and an investigation file will be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions .

Gardaí closed two entrances to Dublin's Phoenix Park on Saturday after protesters attempted to hold a rally.
Gemma O'Doherty who, along with John Waters, is taking a case against the State arguing the coronavirus restrictions on public movement are illegal, promoted the protest on Twitter yesterday saying it was being held "in conjunction with the worldwide #MarchForFreedom".
The hashtag is being used by protesters in America calling for the lifting of restrictions there aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus.
Gardai look like they are turning back Gemma O’Doherty’s supporters from a planned protest outside the Courts of Justice in Parkgate Street. pic.twitter.com/t9uJGGLJnW — Ronan McGreevy (@RMcGreevy1301) May 2, 2020
A group of more than 400 protesters – many of them armed – stormed the state capitol building in Lansing, Michigan, this week to protest at strict social distancing measures introduced by governor Gretchen Whitmer. While hundreds protested outside, some entered the building and engaged in a stand-off with guards.
READ MORE
As the Dublin event was due to start on Saturday afternoon, gardaí closed the Park Gate Street and North Circular Road entrances to the park and turned people away. They also stopped and checked cars passing through the park.
Gardaí spoke to several would-be protesters and told them they were breaking the law by being outside the 2km zone. The 2km limit allows people to exercise near their homes and will be extended to 5km next week.
One could be heard telling gardaí that the natural law trumped man-made law and that he had a right under the Constitution to assemble. Another said he was a man of God and that computers get viruses, not human beings.
Gardaí also surrounded the nearby Courts of Justice building. Approximately 15 to 20 protesters turned up, some with placards, but they dispersed after about an hour. Ms O’Doherty was not at the protest.
Earlier this week dozens of gardaí, including members of the Public Order Unit, were deployed to the Four Courts to ensure opponents of the Covid-19 movement restrictions did not gain access to the building.
About 40 people, some waving tricolours or holding copies of the Constitution gathered outside the courts building on Tuesday morning in support of Ms O’Doherty and Mr Waters.
Gardaí took positions nearby Courts of Justice building where approximately 15 to 20 protesters turned up, but they dispersed after about an hour.
Gardaí at the Park Gate Street entrance to Dublin’s Phoenix Park on Saturday. Photograph: Ronan McGreevy
The group was gathered closely together and few wore face masks. Gardaí advised some to return to their homes but no arrests were made. The Garda and the Courts Service were eager to avoid a repeat of last week when 100 people gathered for three hours in the Round Hall of the Four Courts for about three hours while Mr Waters and Ms O’Doherty were inside.
Their application for permission to bring a challenge against laws introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be heard before a High Court judge next week.
On Saturday the Garda said it implemented a policing operation on Saturday afternoon in the vicinity of the Criminal Courts of Justice and the Phoenix Park.
Gardaí spoke to a number of people, some of whom left after being advised to do so.
Others had their names and addresses taken in accordance with the new regulations under the Health Act 1947.
An Garda Síochána said it responded to the proposed protest with a "graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Garda members engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce".
A senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the investigation of breaches of the Covid-19 legislation on previous occasions and an investigation file will be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.


theirishtimes--2020-05-02--Tributes paid to former Olympian showjumper Col Billy Ringrose

Col Billy Ringrose , described as one of the greats of Irish showjumping following his death earlier this week , was an “ exemplary ambassador ” for Ireland , the Government has said as he was due to be laid to rest .
Leading tributes to the Olympian and ex-Army officer , Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe said Col Ringrose had made an “ immense contribution ” to both the Defence Forces and equestrian sport .
“ Colonel Ringrose was an exemplary ambassador for Ireland and especially for the Defence Forces , ” Mr Kehoe said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership of the Aga Khan team and his leadership role as Chef d ’ Equipe and of the Equitation School were remarkable.
” In a highly decorated career , Col Ringrose won the Aga Khan Trophy both as a rider and the Irish Chef d ’ Equipe .
Col Ringrose competed in two Olympic Games : in Stockholm in 1956 , where he came 23rd in the individual and seventh in the team event on Liffey Valley , and four years later in Rome , finishing 17th in the individual event on Loch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international showjumping Grands Prix as well as seven Nations Cup team events .
The legacy of the former Commanding Officer of the Army Equitation School is “ very evident ” in the school , based in McKee Barracks , and across the wider equestrian community , Mr Kehoe said .
” On behalf of the Government and the Defence Forces , I wish to express my deepest condolences to Colonel Ringrose ’ s family , ” he added .
Ronan Murphy , chief executive of Horse Sport Ireland , described Col Ringrose as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show jumping.
” “ His career as a rider and later as Chef d ’ Equipe was outstanding and he gained the respect of everyone he met not just for his sporting excellence but as a true gentleman , ” he said .
Col Ringrose ( 89 ) had been in ill health for some time and died peacefully in Dublin .
In accordance with Government directives and the interest of public health , his funeral mass was organised for Saturday with a memorial service celebrating his life to be held at a @ @ @

Col Billy Ringrose, described as one of the greats of Irish showjumping following his death earlier this week, was an "exemplary ambassador" for Ireland, the Government has said as he was due to be laid to rest.
Leading tributes to the Olympian and ex-Army officer, Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe said Col Ringrose had made an "immense contribution" to both the Defence Forces and equestrian sport.
"Colonel Ringrose was an exemplary ambassador for Ireland and especially for the Defence Forces," Mr Kehoe said.
Col Billy Ringrose (left) with former president Mary McAleese presenting the Chef d’Equipe of the Netherlands team with the Kerrygold Nations Cup at the RDS in August 1999. Photograph: Frank Miller
“His individual success in show-jumping alongside his membership of the Aga Khan team and his leadership role as Chef d’Equipe and of the Equitation School were remarkable.”
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In a highly decorated career, Col Ringrose won the Aga Khan Trophy both as a rider and the Irish Chef d’Equipe.
Col Ringrose competed in two Olympic Games: in Stockholm in 1956, where he came 23rd in the individual and seventh in the team event on Liffey Valley, and four years later in Rome, finishing 17th in the individual event on Loch an Easpaig.
He also won six international showjumping Grands Prix as well as seven Nations Cup team events.
The legacy of the former Commanding Officer of the Army Equitation School is “very evident” in the school, based in McKee Barracks, and across the wider equestrian community, Mr Kehoe said.
”On behalf of the Government and the Defence Forces, I wish to express my deepest condolences to Colonel Ringrose’s family,” he added.
Ronan Murphy, chief executive of Horse Sport Ireland, described Col Ringrose as "one of the greats of Irish show jumping."
“His career as a rider and later as Chef d’Equipe was outstanding and he gained the respect of everyone he met not just for his sporting excellence but as a true gentleman,” he said.
Col Ringrose (89) had been in ill health for some time and died peacefully in Dublin.
In accordance with Government directives and the interest of public health, his funeral mass was organised for Saturday with a memorial service celebrating his life to be held at a later date.


theirishtimes--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Family given wrong body of loved one by hospital in the Midlands

A hospital in the Midlands released the incorrect remains to the family of a loved one who had died , the HSE has confirmed .
The incident , which occurred at the Mullingar regional hospital on Friday April 24th , has resulted in a “ full internal review ” into how the situation arose .
Due to coronavirus , individuals who die from the virus are placed in sealed body bags by morticians before being transferred to an undertaker and families do not see the body of their deceased loved ones .
The Irish Mail on Sunday reported the error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bag bearing the deceased person ’ s name , even though their remains had been signed out .
The paper reports that the family were only informed of the error “ minutes ” before the funeral service was due to take place , and that the hearse had to be redirected to Mullingar hospital so the bodies could be swapped .
A spokeswoman for the HSE confirmed that the error occurred and added that “ following detection , the mistake was rectified ” .
“ We would like to offer our condolences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the distress this has caused during this difficult time , ” the spokeswoman added .
“ The Ireland East Hospital Group along with Regional Hospital Mullingar have convened their Serious Incident Management Team and are conducting a full internal review .
Processes and protocols have been reviewed within the hospital and its mortuary in order to mitigate this extremely rare event from happening again.
” Coronavirus has changed the way in which funerals are carried out , with only close family members being allowed to attend services which take place under strictly controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directors , the human body “ does not generally create a serious health hazard ” for Covid-19 infection after death .
“ There is no evidence so far of transmission of SARS-CoV2 through the handling of bodies of deceased persons , ” the guidelines , compiled by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre say .
Embalming is “ not recommended ” for those with confirmed Covid-19 infection at this time , although this recommendation is different in other countries .
The option of cremation is at the discretion of the family but is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and control .

Due to coronavirus, individuals who die from the virus are placed in sealed body bags. File photograph: Getty
A hospital in the Midlands released the incorrect remains to the family of a loved one who had died, the HSE has confirmed.
The incident, which occurred at the Mullingar regional hospital on Friday April 24th, has resulted in a “full internal review” into how the situation arose.
Due to coronavirus, individuals who die from the virus are placed in sealed body bags by morticians before being transferred to an undertaker and families do not see the body of their deceased loved ones.
The Irish Mail on Sunday reported the error was identified by a mortician who noticed a bag bearing the deceased person’s name, even though their remains had been signed out.
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The paper reports that the family were only informed of the error “minutes” before the funeral service was due to take place, and that the hearse had to be redirected to Mullingar hospital so the bodies could be swapped.
A spokeswoman for the HSE confirmed that the error occurred and added that “following detection, the mistake was rectified”.
“We would like to offer our condolences to the families and sincerely apologise for the distress this has caused during this difficult time,” the spokeswoman added.
"The Ireland East Hospital Group along with Regional Hospital Mullingar have convened their Serious Incident Management Team and are conducting a full internal review. Processes and protocols have been reviewed within the hospital and its mortuary in order to mitigate this extremely rare event from happening again."
Coronavirus has changed the way in which funerals are carried out, with only close family members being allowed to attend services which take place under strictly controlled guidelines.
According to guidelines for funeral directors, the human body “does not generally create a serious health hazard” for Covid-19 infection after death.
“There is no evidence so far of transmission of SARS-CoV2 through the handling of bodies of deceased persons,” the guidelines, compiled by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre say.
Embalming is “not recommended” for those with confirmed Covid-19 infection at this time, although this recommendation is different in other countries.
The option of cremation is at the discretion of the family but is not required for the purposes of infection prevention and control.


theirishtimes--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Families may be able to hug and kiss by early June, says virus doctor

Families may be able to hug and kiss one another by early June through the expansion of family units , the director of the national virus reference laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun has said .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Friday that should the progress in containing the coronavirus continue , the Government would begin easing restrictions on May 18th as part of a roadmap of five phases , three weeks apart , each dependent on the success of the previous .
However , while information has been made available on how far people will be able to travel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants and pubs and numbers that will be able to gather in groups , there has been less clarity around when family members will be able to safely embrace one another .
Speaking with Brendan O ’ Connor on RTÉ Radio 1 , Dr de Gascun said he hoped to see the family unit expanding as part of the second phase of the roadmap which is set to begin on June 8th .
“ If the first set of changes are made and we don ’ t see any significant changes in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in the community , then we can move to the second wave changes… and your natural next step then is to expand the family unit , ” said Dr de Gascun .
He underlined that the roadmap “ wasn ’ t intended to be definitive ” but to offer people an “ indication ” of how restrictions may be lifted over the coming weeks and months .
“ We want people to stay with us on this , we need people to stay the course , so therefore we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible… but this is a framework document.
” On nursing homes , Dr de Gascún said that while no decision had been made yet regarding a second screening plan of residential homes it was being considered .
He said new data now suggested that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission could account for a “ significant proportion ” of cases across Ireland , particularly in nursing homes .
“ We have identified healthcare workers and patients who were asymptomatic but their test has detected the presence of the virus .
So that certainly has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do from a control measure in the coming weeks and months.
” Dr de Gascún dismissed claims that the decision not to lift more restrictions this week was based on a lack of testing , saying testing people was not going to change the numbers currently in hospital or intensive care .
Trying to reach 100,000 tests per week is “ missing the point ” , he said , adding that testing across hospitals was already being done .
The focus now is on mapping the spread of the virus in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and bringing the turnaround for testing and results to three days , he said .
Dr de Gascún said the primary concern over the past eight weeks had been the health emergency but that now , as numbers begin to fall , greater emphasis should be placed on concerns around the social and economic implications of keeping the State under lockdown .
He said he did not feel there had been any “ confrontation ” between the Government and health experts around the lifting of restrictions and that it was the role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on re-opening the country .

Families may be able to hug and kiss one another by early June through the expansion of family units, the director of the national virus reference laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun has said.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Friday that should the progress in containing the coronavirus continue, the Government would begin easing restrictions on May 18th as part of a roadmap of five phases, three weeks apart, each dependent on the success of the previous.
However, while information has been made available on how far people will be able to travel, the re-opening of schools, crèches, restaurants and pubs and numbers that will be able to gather in groups, there has been less clarity around when family members will be able to safely embrace one another.
Speaking with Brendan O'Connor on RTÉ Radio 1, Dr de Gascun said he hoped to see the family unit expanding as part of the second phase of the roadmap which is set to begin on June 8th.
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“If the first set of changes are made and we don’t see any significant changes in the numbers or pattern of the circulation of the virus in the community, then we can move to the second wave changes… and your natural next step then is to expand the family unit,” said Dr de Gascun.
He underlined that the roadmap “wasn’t intended to be definitive” but to offer people an “indication” of how restrictions may be lifted over the coming weeks and months.
“We want people to stay with us on this, we need people to stay the course, so therefore we’re trying to give them as much information as possible… but this is a framework document.”
On nursing homes, Dr de Gascún said that while no decision had been made yet regarding a second screening plan of residential homes it was being considered. He said new data now suggested that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission could account for a "significant proportion" of cases across Ireland, particularly in nursing homes.
“We have identified healthcare workers and patients who were asymptomatic but their test has detected the presence of the virus. So that certainly has an impact on what we need to do from a control measure in the coming weeks and months.”
Dr de Gascún dismissed claims that the decision not to lift more restrictions this week was based on a lack of testing, saying testing people was not going to change the numbers currently in hospital or intensive care.
Trying to reach 100,000 tests per week is “missing the point”, he said, adding that testing across hospitals was already being done. The focus now is on mapping the spread of the virus in the community, even among those who are self-isolating, and bringing the turnaround for testing and results to three days, he said.
Dr de Gascún said the primary concern over the past eight weeks had been the health emergency but that now, as numbers begin to fall, greater emphasis should be placed on concerns around the social and economic implications of keeping the State under lockdown.
He said he did not feel there had been any “confrontation” between the Government and health experts around the lifting of restrictions and that it was the role of political leaders to make the final decision on re-opening the country.


theirishtimes--2020-05-03--Third flight of U2-bought PPE for health workers lands in Dublin

A third flight carrying two million face masks and 32,000 surgical gowns for Irish healthcare workers , purchased by rock band U2 , landed at Dublin Airport from China on Sunday morning .
The shipment is the latest in a series of consignments paid for by the Dublin musicians from a €10 million donation , sourced from Chinese suppliers by Cork businessman Liam Casey of PCH International and flown back on a flight organised by Dublin aircraft leasing company Avolon .
The flight , an Airbus A330 , arrived in Dublin Airport from Shenzhen in China on Sunday morning with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabin containing the personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
The cargo of 2.1 million “ Type IIR ” surgical face masks and surgical gowns , said to be a priority for the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) , will be delivered to the health service for distribution .
This is the third and last flight organised by Avolon , funded by donations from the firm and its staff , corporate donors and members of public through a €350,000 crowdfunding campaign .
U2 and Mr Casey , a 24-year veteran of running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue sourcing and purchasing more PPE for Irish healthcare workers and shipping the equipment on more flights in the weeks ahead .
The supply of PPE continues to be a critical for frontline healthcare workers and others in fight against coronavirus as countries rush to maintain adequate supplies .
More than 6.6 million items of PPE were delivered across the health service last week .
Paul Reid , chief executive of the HSE , said last month that the supply of PPE continued to be challenging and that supplies were like “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of modern-day piracy going on ” as other parties attempt to out-bid an order secured for the Irish health service .
The HSE had accelerated deliveries of its own PPE from Chinese suppliers and that it had consolidated more deliveries into a second batch , increasing the size of its order to cover equipment worth €130 million .
The HSE is spending more than €200 million in all on PPE .
Avolon last week sent a note donors to its fully subscribed online crowdfunding campaign that paid for the charter of aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The note said that the company had transported a total of more than four million pieces of PPE on the three flights over the three previous weeks .
The second and third flights contained protective equipment purchased by U2 .
The first flight , which landed on April 7th , contained a mix shipment of PPE purchased by the band , the HSE and by Avolon itself .
The three consignments comprised 2.65 million surgical masks , 1.1 million protective gloves , 120,500 medical goggles , 100 face shields , the 32,000 surgical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors to Avolon ’ s fundraising campaign were Aircraft Leasing Ireland , the representative body for the industry , the Irish division of Standard Chartered Bank who gave €50,000 , and an Irish businessman , who did not wish to be identified , who also donated €50,000 .
Domhnál Slattery , chief executive of Avolon , told The Irish Times that the company was “ shocked at the speed and depth of the giving , ” from big corporate donations to small sums from individuals .
“ Normally whenever we do a fundraiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your cronies and say , ‘ give me a few quid.
’ Over a period of 72 hours , we had hundred and hundreds of 20 , 10 and 5 quid donations , people we have no connection with .
That is what overwhelmed us , ” he said .
Mr Slattery praised the collaborative efforts of all parties involved and the capacity of Irish networking , particularly Bono ’ s international contacts in politics and business and Mr Casey ’ s knowledge of China , to source , buy and ship much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was U2 ’ s money , Liam Casey ’ s buying power and our ability on the logistics , ” he said .
“ That then stretched to , ‘ well , let ’ s get everyone to put in a few quid , ’ so there is a holistic harmony on the whole thing .
”

The shipment is the latest in a series of consignments paid for by U2 from a €10 million donation
A third flight carrying two million face masks and 32,000 surgical gowns for Irish healthcare workers, purchased by rock band U2, landed at Dublin Airport from China on Sunday morning.
The shipment is the latest in a series of consignments paid for by the Dublin musicians from a €10 million donation, sourced from Chinese suppliers by Cork businessman Liam Casey of PCH International and flown back on a flight organised by Dublin aircraft leasing company Avolon.
The flight, an Airbus A330, arrived in Dublin Airport from Shenzhen in China on Sunday morning with the cargo belly space underneath and passenger cabin containing the personal protective equipment (PPE).
The consignment contained two million face masks and 32,000 surgical gowns for Irish healthcare workers
VIDEO: Some of the two million face masks and 32,000 surgical gowns being unloaded this am at Dublin Airport from third flight of @U2-bought personal protective equipment for health workers; A330 plane chartered by @avolon_aero https://t.co/BSLeHd1BXn via @IrishTimes pic.twitter.com/BVZfvjkZII — Simon Carswell (@SiCarswell) May 3, 2020
The cargo of 2.1 million "Type IIR" surgical face masks and surgical gowns, said to be a priority for the Health Service Executive (HSE), will be delivered to the health service for distribution.
READ MORE
This was the third and last flight organised by Avolon, funded by donations from the firm and its staff, corporate donors and members of public through a €350,000 crowdfunding campaign.
U2 and Mr Casey, a 24-year veteran of running manufacturing operations out of China, plan to continue sourcing and purchasing more PPE for Irish healthcare workers and shipping the equipment on more flights in the weeks ahead.
The supply of PPE continues to be a critical for frontline healthcare workers and others in fight against coronavirus as countries rush to maintain adequate supplies.
More than 6.6 million items of PPE were delivered across the health service last week.
Paul Reid, chief executive of the HSE, said last month that the supply of PPE continued to be challenging and that supplies were like "gold dust" with "elements of kind of modern-day piracy going on" as other parties attempt to out-bid an order secured for the Irish health service.
Second batch
The HSE had accelerated deliveries of its own PPE from Chinese suppliers and that it had consolidated more deliveries into a second batch, increasing the size of its order to cover equipment worth €130 million. The HSE is spending more than €200 million in all on PPE.
Among the donors to Avolon's fundraising campaign were Aircraft Leasing Ireland, the representative body for the industry, the Irish division of Standard Chartered Bank who gave to $50,000 (€45,709)*, and an Irish businessman, who did not wish to be identified, who donated €50,000.
Domhnál Slattery, chief executive of Avolon, said the company was “shocked at the speed and depth of the giving,” from big corporate donations to small sums from individuals.
*This article was edited on May 4th, 2020


theirishtimes--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: HSE says it will carry out 100,000 tests a week by mid-May

The rate of testing for Covid-19 has increased to 12,000 a day and the target of 100,000 tests a week will be achieved by mid-May , according to HSE chief executive Paul Reid .
By last Friday , 176,000 tests had been completed for the disease , placing Ireland among the top five or six countries in Europe for testing , Mr Reid said at a media briefing on Sunday morning .
He said the 12,000 tests completed last Friday meant the HSE has exceeded its plans for ramping up testing for that date .
Testing has now been completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he added .
Tests are now being processed in 40 laboratories , including 35 in hospitals .
Last Friday , an agreement was signed with Germany labs which will provide a daily capacity of 5,000 tests , Mr Reid told the briefing .
Mr Reid said by May 18th , the day Ireland will begin re-opening under a roadmap which contains five phases , tests would be at the target of 100,000 a week and results would be available within three days of referral and within two days of the swab having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing strategy has been dogged by delays for both appointments and the time taken to get results .
Efficient testing and contact tracing is seen as crucial to the lifting of restrictions on movement currently in place .
Meanwhile , Health Service Executive data released on Saturday night shows there were fewer than 100 people in intensive care units with confirmed coronavirus .
The HSE ’ s daily operations update released last night shows 98 people were in these units across the country and a further 22 people with suspected cases of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The equivalent figures were 99 and 21 on Friday and 105 and 18 the day before meaning the number of confirmed cases in intensive care is below 100 for the second day running .
A total of 67 confirmed cases and 10 suspected cases were being ventilated , the data shows and a total of 131 critical care beds were available last night .
A further 25 people diagnosed with Covid-19 have died , the National Public Health Emergency Team disclosed on Saturday .
There have now been a total of 1,286 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it said .
Another 343 new confirmed cases were also reported .
This brings the total number of cases to 21,176 .
This is the fifth day in a row that the increase in the number of new cases has been 2 per cent or lower .
The HSE data also show Dublin ’ s Mater hospital has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases , with 104 patients as of 8pm last night , followed by St James ’ s ( 76 ) , Tallaght ( 69 ) , Beaumont ( 67 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 64 ) .
The highest number of confirmed cases in a hospital outside Dublin is in Limerick where there are 41 patients .
The HSE is giving a further update at a briefing on Sunday morning .
On Saturday Minister for Health Simon Harris raised doubts about the possibility of people being able to travel overseas this year , saying that it was “ not looking good ” .
He said the advice at the moment was not to leave the island of Ireland and said that it was looking highly unlikely that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Harris told RTÉ that any incoming travellers had to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus and that other countries had similar restrictions in place .
In-bound visitors had to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator form , which had to contain their contact details and address at which they will be self-isolating .
Mr Harris said the Taoiseach had asked some Ministers to assess with the Attorney General whether this needed to be supported by regulations .
He added that a decision would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
The Minister disclosed that as of Saturday afternoon , there had been 169,377 tests for Covid-19 carried out and that the State was carrying out more testing per head of population than many other countries .
Ireland is preparing for another two weeks of restrictions , put in place in March , in an effort to combat the virus .
However , a phased lifting of the restrictions on Irish life will begin on May 18th , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced on Friday evening .
Speaking at Government Buildings in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that beginning the opening-up of the country too soon could result in “ going back to square one ” , with a rise in the number of cases , hospital admissions and deaths .
Should the progress in containing the virus continue , he said , the Government would begin to ease the restrictions on May 18th in five phases , three weeks apart , each dependent on the success of the previous one .
He warned that if any stage resulted in a “ second wave ” of the virus , restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Government plan here .

There were 98 people in intensive care units with confirmed coronavirus overnight, Paul Reid, Director General of the Health Service Executive has announced at the weekly HSE operational update on the response to Covid-19. Video: HSE Live
Health officials have warned they expected to see “considerably more’ outbreaks in disability and mental health residential units, as well as another 50 outbreaks in nursing homes.
The number of nursing homes where outbreaks are “of particular concern” has risen from 75 to 90 in a week.
HSE chief operations officer Anne O’Connor said there were now 481 long-term residential settings receiving supports, including 311 public and private older people’s services.
She said there were 100 outbreaks of the disease in disability units and 36 in mental health facilities.
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To assist centres where staff are out due to outbreaks, the HSE has redeployed 394 staff to long-term residential facilities, including 74 experience home care workers.
She was speaking at a media briefing on Sunday where HSE chief executive Paul Reid said the rate of testing for Covid-19 had increased to 12,000 a day and the target of 100,000 tests a week would be achieved by mid-May.
By last Friday, 176,000 tests had been completed for the disease, placing Ireland among the top five or six countries in Europe for testing, Mr Reid said.
The 12,000 tests completed last Friday meant the HSE has exceeded its plans for ramping up testing for that date, he added. A total of 60,000 swabs were taken last week and labs processed 57,000 of these.
Testing has now been completed in 80 per cent of the 551 nursing homes, including 84 per cent of those with outbreaks and this sweep will be completed in the coming days, he added. The focus of testing is then expected to move on to mental health and disability settings.
Tests are now being processed in 40 laboratories, including 35 located in hospitals. Last Friday, an agreement was signed with Germany labs which will provided a daily capacity of 5,000 tests, Mr Reid told the briefing.
Mr Reid said by May 18th, the day Ireland will begin re-opening under the Government roadmap, tests would be at the target of 100,000 a week and results would be available within three days of referral and within two days of the swab having been taken.
With the number of patients in ICU falling below 100, Mr Reid said the trend was positive “but it’s far too early to make any judgements”.
People are beginning to return to GPs for general care, having previously expressed a fear of infection, he said.
GP patients who return now to seek treatment will find much has changed, including having to wait in cars for appointment, perspex screens to protect staff and video evaluation before they get to surgery, HSE officials said.
Things will take longer and you will need to be patient, but we do want to see you so please get in touch,” said HSE GP lead, Dr John O’Brien.
According to Mr Reid, 241 private hospital consultant have now signed up to work in the public sector during the crisis. He said the original plan was for private hospitals to be used to accommodate an anticipated surge in cases. Now that this had not materialised private and public hospital capacity would be used to see patients on waiting lists.


theirishtimes--2020-05-03--Boy (17) attacked during early-morning burglary in Dundalk

A teenage boy was taken to hospital after he was attacked during a burglary in a house in Dundalk early @ @ @ @ @ burglary happened at a house on the Dublin Road area of the town at about @ @ @ @ @ both aged in their 20s , have been arrested .
“ At approximately 1am the @ @ @ @ @ the house .
They proceeded to assault a resident of the house , a 17-year-old @ @ @ @ @ statement said .
The boy was taken to hospital after the two men left the @ @ @ @ @ items .
After studying CCTV gardaí identified the two men and arrested them a short @ @ @ @ @ being held in Dundalk Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 @ @ @ @ @ anyone who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them at Dundalk @ @ @ @ @ the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 .

A teenage boy was taken to hospital after he was attacked during a burglary in a house in Dundalk early on Sunday.
The aggravated burglary happened at a house on the Dublin Road area of the town at about 1am.
Two men, both aged in their 20s, have been arrested.
“At approximately 1am the two men forced entry to the house. They proceeded to assault a resident of the house, a 17-year-old male,” a Garda statement said.
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The boy was taken to hospital after the two men left the scene with cash and other items.
After studying CCTV gardaí identified the two men and arrested them a short time later. They are being held in Dundalk Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them at Dundalk on 042 938 8400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-05-03--Man arrested following assault at Dublin apartment complex

A man has been arrested following an assault at an apartment complex in north Dublin on Saturday night .
A @ @ @ @ @ head injuries during the assault , which took place at about 11.50pm in the Kilmore @ @ @ @ @ .
The injured man was taken to Beaumont Hospital , where gardaí say his condition @ @ @ @ @ threatening .
Gardaí arrested a man in his 30s at the scene .
He is @ @ @ @ @ station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 .
The scene is being @ @ @ @ @ .
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to contact them in Coolock ( 01 666 4200 @ @ @ @ @ line ( 1800 666 111 ) .

Gardaí in Coolock have appealed for witnesses to come forward. File photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images
A man has been arrested following an assault at an apartment complex in north Dublin on Saturday night.
A man in his 50s received head injuries during the assault, which took place at about 11.50pm in the Kilmore Road area of Dublin 5.
The injured man was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where gardaí say his condition is described as not life threatening.
Gardaí arrested a man in his 30s at the scene. He is being detained at Coolock Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
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The scene is being preserved for a technical examination.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to contact them in Coolock (01 666 4200) or the Garda confidential line (1800 666 111).