theirishtimes--2020-08-03--Coronavirus: Warning against blame game as 46 more cases are confirmed

There have been no further deaths related to Covid-19 in the State but 46 new cases confirmed , according to figures released on Monday evening by the Department of Health .
This means the death toll from the virus stands at 1,763 while the total number of cases in the State rises to 26,208 .
Last Thursday saw a spike of 85 new cases .
This was followed by 38 extra cases on Friday , 45 on Saturday and 53 on Sunday .
Dr Ronan Glynn , the department ’ s Acting Chief Medical Officer , cautioned against blaming any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater numbers in recent days .
“ The vast majority of young people in Ireland have followed public health advice and have made very significant sacrifices to protect themselves and others .
People of all ages will occasionally slip up as they learn to live safely with this virus .
“ We should not seek to attribute blame , but rather continue to encourage one another to build on and sustain the great efforts that we have all made to date .
“ We continue to urge everyone to observe the safe behaviours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , washing hands regularly , wearing a face covering where appropriate , avoiding crowds and doing all we can to protect each other.
” “ NPHET continues to monitor the evolving situation very closely and will meet tomorrow.
” Of the latest confirmed cases , 27 are men and 19 are women .
Some 85 per cent are under 45 years of age .
Five cases have been identified as community transmission , and 32 are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case .
Some 15 cases are located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laois , seven in Co Clare , five in Co Offaly and the remaining 11 are spread across nine other counties .
The HSE said it working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread .
Earlier , the country ’ s two main organisations representing vintners issued a fresh plea to the Government to allow pubs to reopen ahead of a key recommendation to be made by public health experts on the issue on Tuesday .
The Vintners Federation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday for the Government to provide a substantial compensation package for the industry if there was any further delays to the resumption of their business .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) is due to issue a recommendation to the Minister for Health , Stephen Donnelly , on Tuesday on whether it believes pubs can reopen safely as scheduled on August 10th amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic .
To date Mr Donnelly has refused to signal his views on the issue and said he will await guidance from NPHET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postpone the planned reopening of pubs that do not serve food , colloquially known as “ wet pubs ” , on July 20th as part of Phase 4 of the reopening of the economy following an increase in the number of confirmed Covid-19 infections .
The Vintners Federation of Ireland , which represents over 3,500 publicans outside Dublin , said its members felt they were being used as “ a messaging tool ” by the Government by keeping their door shut .
VFI , chief executive , Padraig Cribben , said the postponement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge strain on pub owners , their families and local communities with many publicans “ at breaking point ” .
Mr Cribben said VFI members felt the Government was using the sector to capture public attention as the Taoiseach , Micheál Martin , had stated on several occasions that keeping pubs shut was designed to send a strong message to the public about avoiding complacency .
The VFI leader said keeping pubs closed was not a viable option given that society was expected to live with the coronavirus for some period to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deny publicans the opportunity to trade when every other sector in society is open , ” Mr Cribben remarked .
He described the coming week as a “ make or break ” period for the pub industry .
Mr Cribben added : “ It is impossible to overstate the crisis facing the sector that accepted the Government decision to close pubs back in March but now is forced to stand aside as uncontrolled environments such as house parties are allowed to take place .
The pub is a controlled and regulated environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Echoing the VFI ’ s call for pubs to be allowed to reopen , the Licensed Vintners Association , which represents around 600 pub owners in Dublin , said pubs could no longer be left in limbo after being unable to trade for the past 140 days .
LVA chief executive , Donal O ’ Keeffe , said it was time for the Government to either open the pubs or to provide a “ meaningful compensation package ” .
Publicans have also criticised the failure of the Government to provide them with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to allow pubs to reopen safely .
The LVA pointed out that it was the second time in the space of three weeks that publicans had been left uncertain about whether they could reopen their premises with less than a week ’ s notice .
Mr O ’ Keeffe said the lack of clarity meant pubs did not know whether they should have staff lined up to work from next week , order and purchase stock or how to be organising their premises to apply measures that would be contained in yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country can ’ t continue to be left in limbo .
It is creating intolerable pressure for publicans , their staff and suppliers , ” Mr O ’ Keeffe said .
He questioned how many times the Government were going to “ walk an entire industry up that hill of uncertainty.
” Mr O ’ Keeffe said the Government could not keep on “ kicking the can down the road ” when it came to tackling the future of the pub industry .
“ Either they are going to let us trade or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t they need to come up with a meaningful compensation package for the sector , ” Mr O ’ Keeffe said .
He added : “ No other industry is facing this level of insecurity and no other sector has been singled out in a way that the pubs of this country have been.
” The LVA said the vast majority of publicans had shown great responsibility during the public health crisis with pubs all over Ireland supporting the lockdown back in March .
Mr O ’ Keeffe pointed out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors for good since the crisis began Publicans have expressed concern that the Government ’ s focus on reopening schools at the end of August may result in a further delay to the planned reopening of pubs .
Speaking on RTÉ ’ s This Week on Sunday , Mr Donnelly said public health officials had told him that the international experience showed that the number of new Covid-19 cases increased when pubs were allowed to reopen .
Refused to be drawn about his views on whether pubs could reopen on August 10th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority was to have schools reopen at the end of the month .
“ So I don ’ t want to prejudge what NPHET may decide , ” the Minister added .

There have been no further deaths related to Covid-19 in the State but 46 new cases confirmed, according to figures released on Monday evening by the Department of Health.
This means the death toll from the virus stands at 1,763 while the total number of cases in the State rises to 26,208.
Last Thursday saw a spike of 85 new cases. This was followed by 38 extra cases on Friday, 45 on Saturday and 53 on Sunday.
Dr Ronan Glynn, the department’s Acting Chief Medical Officer, cautioned against blaming any particular group in Irish society for the greater numbers in recent days.
READ MORE
“The vast majority of young people in Ireland have followed public health advice and have made very significant sacrifices to protect themselves and others. People of all ages will occasionally slip up as they learn to live safely with this virus.
“We should not seek to attribute blame, but rather continue to encourage one another to build on and sustain the great efforts that we have all made to date.
“We continue to urge everyone to observe the safe behaviours that we recommend such as physical distancing, washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering where appropriate, avoiding crowds and doing all we can to protect each other.”
“NPHET continues to monitor the evolving situation very closely and will meet tomorrow.”
Of the latest confirmed cases, 27 are men and 19 are women. Some 85 per cent are under 45 years of age.
Five cases have been identified as community transmission, and 32 are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.
Some 15 cases are located in Co Kildare, eight in Co Laois, seven in Co Clare, five in Co Offaly and the remaining 11 are spread across nine other counties.
The HSE said it working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
Vintners’ concern
Earlier, the country’s two main organisations representing vintners issued a fresh plea to the Government to allow pubs to reopen ahead of a key recommendation to be made by public health experts on the issue on Tuesday.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland and Licensed Vintners’ Association called on Monday for the Government to provide a substantial compensation package for the industry if there was any further delays to the resumption of their business.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is due to issue a recommendation to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, on Tuesday on whether it believes pubs can reopen safely as scheduled on August 10th amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
To date Mr Donnelly has refused to signal his views on the issue and said he will await guidance from NPHET.
The Government decided last month to postpone the planned reopening of pubs that do not serve food, colloquially known as “wet pubs”, on July 20th as part of Phase 4 of the reopening of the economy following an increase in the number of confirmed Covid-19 infections.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland, which represents over 3,500 publicans outside Dublin, said its members felt they were being used as “a messaging tool” by the Government by keeping their door shut.
VFI, chief executive, Padraig Cribben, said the postponement of the reopening of pubs was placing a huge strain on pub owners, their families and local communities with many publicans “at breaking point”.
Mr Cribben said VFI members felt the Government was using the sector to capture public attention as the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, had stated on several occasions that keeping pubs shut was designed to send a strong message to the public about avoiding complacency.
The VFI leader said keeping pubs closed was not a viable option given that society was expected to live with the coronavirus for some period to come.
“It is simply unfair to deny publicans the opportunity to trade when every other sector in society is open,” Mr Cribben remarked.
‘Make or break’
He described the coming week as a “make or break” period for the pub industry.
Mr Cribben added: “It is impossible to overstate the crisis facing the sector that accepted the Government decision to close pubs back in March but now is forced to stand aside as uncontrolled environments such as house parties are allowed to take place. The pub is a controlled and regulated environment where social distancing can be safely maintained.”
Echoing the VFI’s call for pubs to be allowed to reopen, the Licensed Vintners Association, which represents around 600 pub owners in Dublin, said pubs could no longer be left in limbo after being unable to trade for the past 140 days.
LVA chief executive, Donal O’Keeffe, said it was time for the Government to either open the pubs or to provide a “meaningful compensation package”.
Publicans have also criticised the failure of the Government to provide them with guidelines about measures to be put in place to allow pubs to reopen safely.
The LVA pointed out that it was the second time in the space of three weeks that publicans had been left uncertain about whether they could reopen their premises with less than a week’s notice.
Mr O’Keeffe said the lack of clarity meant pubs did not know whether they should have staff lined up to work from next week, order and purchase stock or how to be organising their premises to apply measures that would be contained in yet unpublished guidelines.
“Pubs across the country can’t continue to be left in limbo. It is creating intolerable pressure for publicans, their staff and suppliers,” Mr O’Keeffe said.
Question
He questioned how many times the Government were going to “walk an entire industry up that hill of uncertainty.”
Mr O’Keeffe said the Government could not keep on “kicking the can down the road” when it came to tackling the future of the pub industry.
“Either they are going to let us trade or they won’t. If they won’t they need to come up with a meaningful compensation package for the sector,” Mr O’Keeffe said.
He added: “No other industry is facing this level of insecurity and no other sector has been singled out in a way that the pubs of this country have been.”
The LVA said the vast majority of publicans had shown great responsibility during the public health crisis with pubs all over Ireland supporting the lockdown back in March.
Mr O’Keeffe pointed out that ten pubs in Dublin had closed their doors for good since the crisis began
Publicans have expressed concern that the Government’s focus on reopening schools at the end of August may result in a further delay to the planned reopening of pubs.
Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week on Sunday, Mr Donnelly said public health officials had told him that the international experience showed that the number of new Covid-19 cases increased when pubs were allowed to reopen.
Refused to be drawn about his views on whether pubs could reopen on August 10th, Mr Donnelly said the State’s priority was to have schools reopen at the end of the month.
“So I don’t want to prejudge what NPHET may decide,” the Minister added.


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Court approves €35,000 payment to parents of boy who died before birth

The High Court has approved a payment of €35,000 by a Dublin maternity hospital to the family of an infant boy who died a few hours after he was delivered .
Couple Asumpta Sweeney and Jason Butler , and their family , had sued Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital arising out of the death of Rory Jason Sweeney Butler at the hospital on November 19th , 2015 last .
The family claimed the hospital had been negligent , and for the nervous shock they suffered due to Rory ’ s wrongful death in the hospital ’ s neo-natal intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was admitted by the defendant .
The payment , which is statutory compensation known as the solatium for distress , to the family was formally approved at the High Court on Tuesday by Mr Justice Robert Eager .
Richard Kean SC , instructed by solicitor Caoimhe Haughey for the plaintiffs said that the case arose out of what the untimely and “ very tragic ” death of Rory .
The money , counsel said , is to be paid to parents , with an address at Lissadel Drive , Drimnagh , Dublin 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other family members had waived any entitlement to any payment out of the award , counsel added .
Counsel added that other related but separate proceedings have been brought arising out of Rory ’ s death .

The High Court has approved a payment of €35,000 by a Dublin maternity hospital to the family of an infant boy who died a few hours after he was delivered.
The High Court has approved a payment of €35,000 by a Dublin maternity hospital to the family of an infant boy who died a few hours after he was delivered.
Couple Asumpta Sweeney and Jason Butler, and their family, had sued Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital arising out of the death of Rory Jason Sweeney Butler at the hospital on November 19th, 2015 last.
The family from Drimnagh, Dublin 12, claimed the hospital had been negligent, and for the nervous shock they suffered due to Rory’s wrongful death in the hospital’s neo-natal intensive care unit.
Liability in the case was admitted by the defendant.
READ MORE
The payment, which is statutory compensation known as the solatium for distress, to the family was formally approved at the High Court on Tuesday by Mr Justice Robert Eager.
Richard Kean SC, instructed by solicitor Caoimhe Haughey for the plaintiffs said that the case arose out of what the untimely and “very tragic” death of Rory.
The money, counsel said, is to be paid to Rory’s parents and to his siblings.
Other family members had waived any entitlement to any payment out of the award, counsel added.
Counsel added that other related but separate proceedings have been brought arising out of Rory’s death.


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--‘An apostle of nonviolence’: International papers react to John Hume’s death

John Hume has been described as “ an apostle of nonviolence ” , a “ committed European ” and a “ giant of peace ” in international media .
Mr Hume , who was 83 , died on Monday morning in a Derry nursing home following a long period of illness .
The Washington Post on Tuesday described him as “ an apostle of nonviolence who led Northern Ireland ’ s largest Catholic political party and helped quell three decades of bloodshed in the British province ” .
In The New York Times , reporter Alan Cowell says Mr Hume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the longtime leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party and a towering figure in the grinding and oft-thwarted drive to end 25 years of The Troubles ” .
French paper Le Monde describes Mr Hume as “ a giant of peace , a Catholic nationalist who worked tirelessly in Northern Ireland to silence the guns for the four decades of his career in politics ” .
Mr Hume is photographed on the front page of both the Guardian and the Financial Times in the UK , described as a “ titan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ voice of peace ” in the Financial Times .
The Guardian obituary notes “ over almost 30 turbulent years he decisively influenced the way that successive British and Irish administrations handled their common Northern Ireland problem and monitored their efforts to quell the civil disorder and political deadlock ” .
Arthur Beesley writes in the Financial Times that Mr Hume “ rejected violence as the relentless cycle of killings threatened to spill over into civil war ” and “ played a pivotal role in coaxing the outlawed Irish Republican Army to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Northern Ireland ” .
Mr Hume is photographed on the front page of all national papers in Ireland on Tuesday , described as a “ giant of peace , ” a “ patriot ” and a “ hero ” .

John Hume has been described as “an apostle of nonviolence”, a “committed European” and a “giant of peace” in international media.
Mr Hume, who was 83, died on Monday morning in a Derry nursing home following a long period of illness.
The Washington Post on Tuesday described him as "an apostle of nonviolence who led Northern Ireland's largest Catholic political party and helped quell three decades of bloodshed in the British province".
Guardian front page, Tuesday 4 August 2020: Russians stole secret documents from ex-minister’s personal email pic.twitter.com/6a1jwrshNT — Guardian news (@guardiannews) August 3, 2020 All of today’s papers pay tribute to John Hume in their front pages #RIPJohnHume pic.twitter.com/h7m86Oj2I0 — NewsBrands Ireland (@newsbrandsirl) August 4, 2020
In The New York Times, reporter Alan Cowell says Mr Hume "rose from hardscrabble beginnings to become the longtime leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party and a towering figure in the grinding and oft-thwarted drive to end 25 years of The Troubles".
READ MORE
French paper Le Monde describes Mr Hume as "a giant of peace, a Catholic nationalist who worked tirelessly in Northern Ireland to silence the guns for the four decades of his career in politics".
Mr Hume is photographed on the front page of both the Guardian and the Financial Times in the UK, described as a “titan and a visionary” in the Guardian and a “voice of peace” in the Financial Times.
The Guardian obituary notes "over almost 30 turbulent years he decisively influenced the way that successive British and Irish administrations handled their common Northern Ireland problem and monitored their efforts to quell the civil disorder and political deadlock".
Arthur Beesley writes in the Financial Times that Mr Hume "rejected violence as the relentless cycle of killings threatened to spill over into civil war" and "played a pivotal role in coaxing the outlawed Irish Republican Army to stop its militant campaign to force Britain from Northern Ireland".
Mr Hume is photographed on the front page of all national papers in Ireland on Tuesday, described as a “giant of peace,” a “patriot” and a “hero”.


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Weather warnings bring little cheer for holidaymakers and farmers

The forecast for those holidaying in the west of Ireland this week is decidedly damp after Met Éireann issued weather warnings for counties along the Atlantic coast .
Conditions elsewhere are set to be less than summer-like too , with what the forecaster described as “ unsettled conditions ” expected until the weekend when the weather is set to improve .
The Irish Farmers ’ Association said on Tuesday farmers were becoming concerned that the prolonged period of wet weather could make it difficult to get machinery into fields to save the harvest due to the ground being so soft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status yellow rainfall alert now in force for counties Donegal , Galway and Mayo .
While status yellow is the least severe of Met Éireann ’ s three warning categories , the forecaster said up to 50mm of rain was expected with potentially higher amounts possible in mountainous areas , bringing localised flooding , poor visibility and poor driving conditions .
This warning is valid until lunchtime on Wednesday .
The second warning is a status yellow small craft warning for southwest winds reaching force 6 or 7 on all Irish coasts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
The third warning is that weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop on Tuesday evening and night and continue through the rest of the week .
The detailed forecast for the week is for unsettled weather up to Friday when the best of any sunshine will break through bringing higher temperatures and some thundery showers .
Tuesday , is set to continue cloudy across the island with patchy outbreaks of rain or drizzle .
Heavy and persistent rain will spread from the northwest to the southeast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blustery , with fresh to strong southwesterly winds and top temperatures of 16 to 22 degrees are forecast .
Wednesday will start cloudy with outbreaks of rain continuing in most places through the morning , heavy at times .
The rain will clear during the afternoon , with drier and brighter weather following from the west .
Thursday will bring a mix of cloud and sunny spells .
Cloudiest in the west and south with some patchy drizzle at times .
Highest temperatures of 19 to 22 degrees in most places , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south coast in a moderate southerly breeze .
By Friday the weather looks set to improve with a mix of sunny spells and showers forecast and a gradual rising in temperatures to between 18 to 23 degrees .
Some thundery bursts of rain are possible possible .
It will be warmest in the south and east , with light to moderate southerly winds .
Saturday will bring sunny spells and some showers , mainly in the west and north .
Highest temperatures of 18 to 21 degrees with light and variable breezes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with highest temperatures of 19 to 22 degrees .

A file image of rain clouds over Co Galway. A status yellow rain warning for Galway has now lifted but another has been put in place for three other counties. Photograph: Getty
The forecast for those holidaying in the west of Ireland this week is decidedly damp after Met Éireann issued weather warnings for counties along the Atlantic coast.
Conditions elsewhere are set to be less than summer-like too, with the forecaster saying “unsettled conditions”are expected until the weekend when the weather is set to improve.
The Irish Farmers’ Association said on Tuesday farmers were becoming concerned that the prolonged period of wet weather could make it difficult to get machinery into fields to save the harvest due to the ground being so soft.
Tuesday was a day of mixed fortunes for those on holidays with temperatures of up to 24 degrees in Dublin’s Phoenix Park while up to 30mm of rain fell in Malin Head.
READ MORE
A yellow rainfall warning in place earlier on Tuesday across counties Donegal, Galway and Mayo has now lifted.
But a similar level rainfall warning has now come into force across counties Clare, Cork and Kerry. It will remain in place until 1pm on Wednesday.
While status yellow is the least severe of Met Éireann’s three warning categories, the forecaster said up to 40mm of rain was expected with spot flooding possible and with poor visibility and poor driving conditions.
The detailed forecast for the week is for unsettled weather up to Friday when the best of any sunshine will break through bringing higher temperatures and some thundery showers.
Tuesday is set to continue cloudy across the island with patchy outbreaks of rain or drizzle. Heavy and persistent rain will spread from the northwest to the southeast through the day. Winds will be blustery, with fresh to strong southwesterly winds and top temperatures of 16 to 22 degrees are forecast.
Wednesday will start cloudy with outbreaks of rain continuing in most places through the morning, heavy at times. The rain will clear during the afternoon, with drier and brighter weather following from the west.
Thursday will bring a mix of cloud and sunny spells. Cloudiest in the west and south with some patchy drizzle at times. Highest temperatures of 19 to 22 degrees in most places, but a degree or two cooler towards the south coast in a moderate southerly breeze.
By Friday the weather looks set to improve with a mix of sunny spells and showers forecast and a gradual rising in temperatures to between 18 and 23 degrees. Some thundery bursts of rain are possible. It will be warmest in the south and east, with light to moderate southerly winds.
Saturday will bring sunny spells and some showers, mainly in the west and north. Highest temperatures of 18 to 21 degrees with light and variable breezes.
Sunday is looking mainly dry and sunny with highest temperatures of 19 to 22 degrees.


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Pubs in Ireland may need to reopen county-by-county, says WHO’s Mike Ryan

Ireland may need to consider reopening pubs on a county by county basis depending on local coronavirus threat levels , Mike Ryan , executive director with the World Health Organisation has suggested .
As the Cabinet meets to discuss whether the country will proceed to phase four of the so-called roadmap to reopening society and business , Mr Ryan said it faces a “ very difficult decision ” .
The government will have to weigh up the risks of people gathering in “ poorly ventilated , crowded places where people may reduce their social distancing and let down their guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates in pubs and bars .
“ It is a balance and depends on people ’ s behaviour and how they adapt , ” he said .
Suggesting a potential localised lockdown system , Mr Ryan said it “ may be where there is localised community transmission , localised measures may have to be taken.
” “ You can use a much more localised strategy – by county , by province , whatever it is in the Irish context – but to do that you need very localised data and a localised response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan said such a system to contain the spread of Covid-19 would also require the ability for a rapid response to local outbreaks , with quick testing and investigation of clusters .
But he added that there was a limit to how localised measures can be in a small country in Ireland where people are moving about between areas of differing risk .
“ Quite frankly , there are no correct answers .
Everyday it changes and the government must remain flexible , ” he said .
Mr Ryan also warned that anticipated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country “ is not a panacea ” against imported cases of the virus .
“ If I am tested today and I ’ m negative , I may have been exposed three days ago and I ’ m incubating the virus , ” he told RTÉ ’ s Today with Sarah McInerney .
Testing ahead of travel will take out some positive cases but wouldn ’ t detect them all , however the government needs to manage a compromise between the health and economic risks to the country when making its decisions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.5 million registrations of the Covid tracker app in Ireland since its launch .
Mr Ryan also appealed to younger people to play their part in combating the spread of the virus .
While most data suggests children under the age of 10 are not transmitting the disease as effectively as others , teenagers are passing it on in a similar way to older adults .
International evidence shows the behaviour of these younger people is contributing to the spread of the disease either getting better or worse , he cautioned .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus and we know the consequences of not stopping that transmission , ” he said .
“ What we need to do is get to a point where we can pick up the flares ups and small outbreaks quickly - and they will happen , in some sense , they are inevitable .
“ The test is how quickly do we react , and can we in some way snuff out those small clusters before they affect the whole community .
We do not want to get back to full blown community transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or people have to reduce contact to nearly nil .
“ We can sustain a new norm if we all do what we need to do.
” Mr Ryan said caution will be vital over the coming months .
While it was an “ incredible achievement ” that there are 26 potential vaccines in “ full blown trials ” - six of which are in phase three trials , being testing on populations - just seven months into the pandemic “ we have to be patient , we have to make sure those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Mr Ryan said a good vaccine would drive down transmission and reduce deaths “ but it may not be the silver bullet ” .
“ It may not be the complete answer .
We may have to sustain the public health measures , ” he said .

Ireland may need to consider reopening pubs on a county by county basis depending on local coronavirus threat levels, Mike Ryan, executive director with the World Health Organisation has suggested. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Ireland may need to consider reopening pubs on a county by county basis depending on local coronavirus threat levels, Mike Ryan, executive director with the World Health Organisation has suggested.
As the Cabinet meets to discuss whether the country will proceed to phase four of the so-called roadmap to reopening society and business, Mr Ryan said it faces a “very difficult decision”.
The government will have to weigh up the risks of people gathering in “poorly ventilated, crowded places where people may reduce their social distancing and let down their guard” against the ability to manage transmission rates in pubs and bars.
“It is a balance and depends on people’s behaviour and how they adapt,” he said.
READ MORE
Suggesting a potential localised lockdown system, Mr Ryan said it “may be where there is localised community transmission, localised measures may have to be taken.”
“You can use a much more localised strategy – by county, by province, whatever it is in the Irish context – but to do that you need very localised data and a localised response capacity,” he said.
Mr Ryan said such a system to contain the spread of Covid-19 would also require the ability for a rapid response to local outbreaks, with quick testing and investigation of clusters.
But he added that there was a limit to how localised measures can be in a small country in Ireland where people are moving about between areas of differing risk.
“Quite frankly, there are no correct answers. Everyday it changes and the government must remain flexible,” he said.
Mr Ryan also warned that anticipated pre-travel testing of passengers arriving into the country “is not a panacea” against imported cases of the virus.
“If I am tested today and I’m negative, I may have been exposed three days ago and I’m incubating the virus,” he told RTÉ’s Today with Sarah McInerney.
Testing ahead of travel will take out some positive cases but wouldn’t detect them all, however the government needs to manage a compromise between the health and economic risks to the country when making its decisions, he added.
There have been over 1.5 million registrations of the Covid tracker app in Ireland since its launch.
Mr Ryan also appealed to younger people to play their part in combating the spread of the virus.
While most data suggests children under the age of 10 are not transmitting the disease as effectively as others, teenagers are passing it on in a similar way to older adults.
International evidence shows the behaviour of these younger people is contributing to the spread of the disease either getting better or worse, he cautioned.
“We know what drives transmission of this virus and we know the consequences of not stopping that transmission,” he said.
“What we need to do is get to a point where we can pick up the flares ups and small outbreaks quickly - and they will happen, in some sense, they are inevitable.
“The test is how quickly do we react, and can we in some way snuff out those small clusters before they affect the whole community. We do not want to get back to full blown community transmission where everyone has to stay at home or people have to reduce contact to nearly nil.
“We can sustain a new norm if we all do what we need to do.”
Mr Ryan said caution will be vital over the coming months.
While it was an “incredible achievement” that there are 26 potential vaccines in “full blown trials” - six of which are in phase three trials, being testing on populations - just seven months into the pandemic “we have to be patient, we have to make sure those vaccines are safe and effective”, he added.
Mr Ryan said a good vaccine would drive down transmission and reduce deaths “but it may not be the silver bullet”.
“It may not be the complete answer. We may have to sustain the public health measures,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Q&A: Pubs, travel and weddings, the decisions Cabinet will make today

The Cabinet faces a series of decisions this afternoon on whether it can proceed with the next stage of easing restrictions .
The decisions will be based on updated advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) which is meeting on Tuesday morning to examine the latest trends in in Covid-19 cases and clusters .
Here is a synopsis of the decisions to be taken today .
What will the Cabinet decide this afternoon ?
Whether the country can move to phase four of the so-called roadmap for reopening society and business from next Monday , August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the final phase on July 20th , but this date was pushed back to August 10th after what Taoiseach Micheál Martin said was “ very sobering advice ” from NPHET about the “ very real ” rise in the number of cases .
The Cabinet is meeting this afternoon and will make their decision based on advice from NPHET , which is assessing the current coronavirus threat level .
What is included in phase four ?
Pubs and bars which don ’ t serve food as well as hotel bars and casinos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Government has said .
The other main change would be an easing of restrictions on the number of people permitted to gather at events - something many couples hoping to get married are anxiously awaiting .
Under phase four , it was envisaged , the maximum permitted size of gatherings for people indoors will increase from 50 to 100 people , and from 200 to 500 for outdoor events .
Is the reopening of pubs likely ?
Senior Cabinet figures have said they are “ not optimistic ” about pubs reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night show 46 new coronavirus cases confirmed in the State .
Last Thursday saw a spike of 85 new cases , followed by 38 extra cases on Friday , 45 on Saturday and 53 on Sunday .
Last week , acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan McGlynn , Ireland ’ s most senior public health official , said he was “ very concerned ” about the rise in cases and a surge in the daily average of cases .
While the rise was in part to blame on known clusters - including at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct provision centres - Mr McGlynn said it “ wouldn ’ t be unreasonable ” to assume some of the increase was down to people gathering in restaurants , bars and other settings .
What do pub owners say ?
They are warning the Cabinet ’ s decision could “ make or break ” Ireland ’ s pub industry over the coming days .
The Vintners Federation of Ireland ( VFI ) , which represents over 3,500 publicans outside Dublin , believes pubs are being unfairly used to send a message to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a controlled and regulated environment where social distancing can be safely maintained ” .
Keeping pubs closed was not viable given that society was expected to live with the coronavirus for some period to come , according to VFI chief executive Pádraig Cribben .
The Cabinet is also expected to review the “ green list ” of countries that people can travel to without having to restrict their movements upon their return .
There are 15 countries on the list , including Finland , Greece , Malta , Italy , Cyprus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the incidence of new cases of coronavirus was below that of Ireland .
However , since then , figures from the European Centre for Disease Control ( ECDC ) show sharp rises in infection rates in some of those countries in recent weeks , based on cases per 100,000 people over 14 days .
It is understood that Malta and Cyprus may be removed from the green list based on these new figures .
It is also possible that countries where the threat of being infected with coronavirus is the same or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , the Cabinet will discuss a further tightening of restrictions on passengers arriving into Ireland from Covid-19 hotspots .
One measure could see the introduction of mandatory coronavirus tests for anyone travelling into Ireland before they depart .
An option being examined would require intending passengers to take a test within 24-72 hours prior to travel and providing proof of a negative test result to Irish immigration officials on arrival .

Closed pubs in Dublin’s Temple Bar. Publicans had hoped they would be able to reopen on August 10th. Photograph: Collins
What did the Cabinet meet to decide?
Whether the State could move into Phase Four of the so-called roadmap for reopening society and business from next Monday, August 10th. Phase Four had been originally planned for July 20th, but was pushed back. The Cabinet once again based its decision strongly on the advice from NPHET.
What did it do?
Phase Four is off the agenda for now. The existing social restrictions broadly remain in place. Given the recent rise in daily case numbers, the Cabinet opted for caution, determined not to risk the reopening of schools.
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The signs that caution would be the word of day were all there ahead of a press conference. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said shortly beforehand that NPHET was advising a “cautious approach”.
“We just can’t risk going backwards,” he said, and the meaning was clear.
So, does this mean no pubs for the rest of the summer?
Well, for another three weeks anyway. “I know that this will come as a blow to pub-owners, and I want them to know that I have enormous sympathy for their plight,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin. “This virus is taking away their ability to earn a living. It is stopping them from providing a key service in the heart of many communities.”
He said that internationally the reopening of bars had led to an increase in infection rates.
Facing repeated questions, the Taoiseach said he could not guarantee that pubs would reopen this year. The objective is that they will, but it all depends on the spread of the virus.
However, the silver lining, if there is one, is that the Government is currently examining whether some specific sectors will require “additional supports”. That could mean pubs. Well, publicans will certainly hope so.
But wasn’t there some talk about allowing rural pubs to open?
There has been some debate about the community importance of the rural pub, particularly in counties where there has been very few cases of the virus. But even these pubs are considered a threat to public health.
The notion that they could be treated differently was dismissed by the Taoiseach and by the acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn.
“I think there is a misperception out there that the vast majority of cases to date had been in Dublin. Just about one in four cases in the past two weeks has been in Dublin,” Dr Glynn said, adding that there have been “significant numbers” in other counties.
And restaurants?
Well, they will have to close at 11pm because too many people were trying to stay in them all night. This, however, is not a curfew, said the Taoiseach.
Well, at least more people can gather in other places now, right?
Wrong. That was another element that had been due to change, but has also been put on hold. The current limit of 50 people indoors and 200 people outdoors will remain for now.
This is a big problem for wedding couples trying to decide how many people they can invite.
Outdoor settings are considered safe, but NPHET is concerned about the “coming and going” of crowds and the potential to congregate before and after events. So the 200 limit for them stays in place.
Any changes for those intending to travel abroad?
Yes, the so-called "green list" of countries deemed of less risk than others has changed. Cyprus, Malta, Gibraltar, Monaco and San Marino have been removed "because of deteriorating virus numbers", said the Taoiseach.
So, what else did we learn?
Face coverings are to be made mandatory in shops and shopping centres from August 10th – not just on public transport, as is now the case. That will be a major step in the testing of people’s ability and will to wear masks – possibly the single biggest debating point about people’s behaviour during the pandemic. However, Mr Martin is confident: “When people are given a clear direction they follow it.”
Meanwhile, people in the direct provision system will now be treated the same as everyone else in terms of Covid-19 income supports.
So what now?
Stay the course. That is the message, but we are now really into a phase of testing the public’s resolve. The State is now in a precarious situation.
Ground has been lost, but it can be reclaimed quickly, said Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. “[We don’t want] to do anything to risk our schools’ reopening in a few weeks’ time or anything that might cause businesses or workplaces that have reopened to be forced to close again. We know how to suppress this virus. We just need to go back to basics.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--John Hume’s family ask people to ‘light a candle for peace’

The family of John Hume have asked people to light a candle for peace in memory of the Nobel Laureate who died on Monday .
Mr Hume , who was 83 , died on Monday morning in a Derry nursing home following a long period of illness .
He is survived by his wife , Pat , and children , Terese , Áine , Aidan , John and Mo , his brothers and sisters and grandchildren .
As preparations continue for his funeral in Derry on Wednesday the family requested some changes to the arrangements for the reception of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Derry on Tuesday .
At the request of the family it was agreed that rather than bring Mr Hume ’ s remains from his home near Moville in Co Donegal to St Eugene ’ s Cathedral for 5pm on Tuesday , as originally planned , that the cortège would leave Moville at 7.30 pm and arrive at the cathedral sometime after 8.30 pm .
And instead of people turning out at their homes as the funeral passed by they urged mourners “ to light a candle for peace at 9pm in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This request was issued because Mr Hume ’ s wife Pat and family did not want to create dangers of people contracting coronavirus .
On Monday night Father Paul Farren , administrator of St Eugene ’ s Cathedral in Derry met with the Hume family in preparation for Wednesday ` s funeral Mass .
“ Pat and her family are very grateful for the outpouring of love and support following the death of their beloved John , ” he said .
He added , “ The family are anxious that a public gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put someone ’ s health at risk in the context of the current Covid-19 pandemic , and are asking that people express their grief by staying at home and joining with the Hume family in a ‘ Celebration of Light for Peace ’ .
” Books of condolences have been opened across the country , including in Derry , Dublin , Belfast , Cork and Kilkenny .
Throughout Monday tributes poured in from current and former Irish and British and other leaders such as Taoiseach Micheál Martin , Bertie Ahern , Tony Blair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Clinton , President Michael D Higgins and former president Mary McAleese .
Members of the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement - a group made up of 40 well-known Irish-American politicians and business leaders - also released a statement on Tuesday , mant of them remembering their time working with him during his quest to secure American support for the peace process .
Ted Smyth , former Irish diplomat and President of the Advisory Board at Glucksman Ireland House NYU , said : ‘ ” You can not eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , John Hume in the Irish Times defined our challenge on the island of Ireland as reconciling two different loyalties by peaceful means ... .
John secured essential Irish American and US Government support for equal rights for nationalists and unionists .
There would have been no peace without America and that is why we still need America to protect his legacy and the Good Friday Agreement.
” Meanwhile the former US envoy to Northern Ireland and chair of the peace talks Gerge Mitchell said John Hume designed the template for negotiations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Senator described Hume as a “ visionary ” who could “ look into the future and see the circumstances under which this could be brought to a successful conclusion , which was very hard to do given the tremendous amount of violence and hostility and fear that existed at the time .
”

Flowers and a message to the late John Hume rest below a Free Derry Corner in the Bogside of Derry City. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire.
The family of John Hume have asked people to light a candle for peace in memory of the Nobel Laureate who died on Monday.
Mr Hume, who was 83, died on Monday morning in a Derry nursing home following a long period of illness. He is survived by his wife, Pat, and children, Terese, Áine, Aidan, John and Mo, his brothers and sisters and grandchildren.
As preparations continue for his funeral in Derry on Wednesday the family requested some changes to the arrangements for the reception of his remains at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry on Tuesday.
1972: John Hume speaks to a British soldier at the Magilligan Anti-Internment Rally in Derry. Photograph: Jimmy McCormack/The Irish Times.
At the request of the family it was agreed that rather than bring Mr Hume's remains from his home near Moville in Co Donegal to St Eugene's Cathedral for 5pm on Tuesday, as originally planned, that the cortège would leave Moville at 7.30 pm and arrive at the cathedral sometime after 8.30 pm.
READ MORE
And instead of people turning out at their homes as the funeral passed by they urged mourners “to light a candle for peace at 9pm in their doors or at their home”.
This request was issued because Mr Hume’s wife Pat and family did not want to create dangers of people contracting coronavirus.
On Monday night Father Paul Farren, administrator of St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry met with the Hume family in preparation for Wednesday`s funeral Mass.
“Pat and her family are very grateful for the outpouring of love and support following the death of their beloved John,” he said
He added, “The family are anxious that a public gathering for John’s funeral might inadvertently put someone’s health at risk in the context of the current Covid-19 pandemic, and are asking that people express their grief by staying at home and joining with the Hume family in a ‘Celebration of Light for Peace’.”
Books of condolences have been opened across the country, including in Derry, Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Kilkenny.
Throughout Monday tributes poured in from current and former Irish and British and other leaders such as Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Bertie Ahern, Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, former US president Bill Clinton, President Michael D Higgins and former president Mary McAleese.
Members of the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement - a group made up of 40 well-known Irish-American politicians and business leaders - also released a statement on Tuesday, mant of them remembering their time working with him during his quest to secure American support for the peace process.
Ted Smyth, former Irish diplomat and President of the Advisory Board at Glucksman Ireland House NYU, said:
"As early as 1964, John Hume in the Irish Times defined our challenge on the island of Ireland as reconciling two different loyalties by peaceful means.... John secured essential Irish American and US Government support for equal rights for nationalists and unionists. There would have been no peace without America and that is why we still need America to protect his legacy and the Good Friday Agreement."
Meanwhile the former US envoy to Northern Ireland and chair of the peace talks Gerge Mitchell said John Hume designed the template for negotiations that led to the Belfast Agreement.
The US Senator described Hume as a “visionary” who could “look into the future and see the circumstances under which this could be brought to a successful conclusion, which was very hard to do given the tremendous amount of violence and hostility and fear that existed at the time.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Firefighters battle blaze on diesel tanker on Cork-Waterford road

Firefighters are fighting to bring a blaze on the main Cork-Waterford road under control after a diesel tanker caught fire near Carrigtwohill early this morning .
The blaze broke out on the tanker around 5.30am this morning between Cobh Cross and Little Island on the N25 and units of the Cork County Fire Service from Cobh and Midleton responded .
Gardaí put local diversions in place but have since re-opened the east bound lane of the dual carriageway but the westbound lane remains closed with local diversions put in place through Glounthaune village .
According to AA Roadwatch , traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Carrigtwohill heading westbound while there are also huge tailbacks on the Cobh Road , R624 .
This morning ’ s fire in the second major incident on the N25 in Co Cork in the past week and follows the death of an elderly woman in hospital following an unrelated car crash near Killeagh last week .
The 94-year-old woman was airlifted to Cork University Hospital on Friday following a three car collision at the entrance to a filling station at Burgess between Killeagh and Youghal on July 31st .
The woman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vehicles , suffered serious injuries in the collision and she lost her fight for life and passed away at Cork University Hospital on Sunday , August 2nd .
A man , aged 46 and a woman , aged 27 , were also injured in the collision which happened at 4.30pm on July 31st and were taken to hospital for treatment but have since been discharged .
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was travelling on the N25 at Burgess between 4pm and 4.30pm on Friday 31st July and may have witnessed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly anxious to speak with any road users who were in the area and have dash cam footage and they can be contacted at Midleton Garda Station on 021 4621550 .

Firefighters are fighting to bring a blaze on the main Cork-Waterford road under control after a diesel tanker caught fire near Carrigtwohill early this morning.
Firefighters are fighting to bring a blaze on the main Cork-Waterford road under control after a diesel tanker caught fire near Carrigtwohill early this morning.
The blaze broke out on the tanker around 5.30am this morning between Cobh Cross and Little Island on the N25 and units of the Cork County Fire Service from Cobh and Midleton responded.
Gardaí put local diversions in place but have since re-opened the east bound lane of the dual carriageway but the westbound lane remains closed with local diversions put in place through Glounthaune village.
According to AA Roadwatch, traffic remains extremely heavy from before Junction 4 at Carrigtwohill heading westbound while there are also huge tailbacks on the Cobh Road, R624.
READ MORE
This morning's fire in the second major incident on the N25 in Co Cork in the past week and follows the death of an elderly woman in hospital following an unrelated car crash near Killeagh last week.
Airlift
The 94-year-old woman was airlifted to Cork University Hospital on Friday following a three car collision at the entrance to a filling station at Burgess between Killeagh and Youghal on July 31st.
The woman, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, suffered serious injuries in the collision and she lost her fight for life and passed away at Cork University Hospital on Sunday, August 2nd.
A man, aged 46 and a woman, aged 27, were also injured in the collision which happened at 4.30pm on July 31st and were taken to hospital for treatment but have since been discharged.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was travelling on the N25 at Burgess between 4pm and 4.30pm on Friday 31st July and may have witnessed the collision to contact them.
They are particularly anxious to speak with any road users who were in the area and have dash cam footage and they can be contacted at Midleton Garda Station on 021 4621550.


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Murder investigation launched following discovery of woman’s body

A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of a woman ’ s body in Newry .
Patrycja Wyrebek @ @ @ @ @ dead at her home in Drumalane Park , Newry , on Sunday morning .
A @ @ @ @ @ and remained in custody on Monday afternoon .
Detective Inspector Mark Gibson has made an @ @ @ @ @ in the investigation .
“ My thoughts are very much with Patrycja ’ s family @ @ @ @ @ sad time , ” he said .
“ I would appeal to anyone who was @ @ @ @ @ of Newry between 8.30pm on Saturday , August 1st and 8.30am on Sunday , August @ @ @ @ @ heard anything suspicious to contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101 , quoting reference 692 @ @ @ @

A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of a woman's body in Newry.
Patrycja Wyrebek (20) was found dead at her home in Drumalane Park, Newry, on Sunday morning.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested and remained in custody on Monday afternoon.
Detective Inspector Mark Gibson has made an appeal for information to help in the investigation.
READ MORE
“My thoughts are very much with Patrycja’s family and friends at this extremely sad time,” he said.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in the Drumalane Park area of Newry between 8.30pm on Saturday, August 1st and 8.30am on Sunday, August 2nd and who saw or heard anything suspicious to contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 692 03/08/20.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Tony Blair: John Hume was a visionary titan who helped shape my politics

John Hume was a political titan .
He was a visionary who saw how the world was shifting as we approached the 21st century and believed the historical struggle in Northern Ireland was of a bygone age .
He found a way to take the gun out of Irish politics and a constitutional path forward to achieve justice and peace – and in doing so cleared the ground for the seeds of peace to be planted .
In what had been barren political soil , he helped the seeds to bloom .
Northern Ireland was a problem I was determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ireland is in my blood .
My mother was born in Donegal and , when I was a child , my family used to holiday near Ballyshannon each summer .
Many of my formative experiences were had on the beautiful island .
It was there I played my first guitar chords , chased girls and drank my first Guinness .
But these holidays came to an end in 1969 .
The Troubles had begun .
Over the next couple of decades , news of the conflict , of violence and reprisal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all too common .
Bloody Sunday in John ’ s hometown of Derry .
The bombings in Dublin and Monaghan .
Enniskillen .
Each and every incident pushing the prospects for peace further away .
With this discord , the names and reputations of antagonists and protagonists alike also became known to households in Britain .
And just as those early years in Ulster had helped form my childhood , this battle of values , between reconciliation and conflict , helped shape my politics .
So too did John ’ s efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolute decision , or by saying boundaries don ’ t exist , but something quite simple : by finding a way of living together .
As I first made my way into politics in the 1980s , John was leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party .
He spoke to the Labour Party in Blackpool the year I gave my first leader ’ s speech in 1994 .
In that address , I spoke about the information revolution that was under way : another issue in which I felt John ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his time in seeing .
He believed that through revolutions in technology , telecommunication , and transport , the world was becoming a much smaller place .
The world was certainly smaller than that of the 1920s , when the Irish Border had been drawn .
At that point , Britain had wanted to shut out enemies on the continent .
But post-second World War and with the creation of the European Union , the nature of the problem had changed .
There were now many more bonds that united people than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undertaken a process of self-modernisation after joining the European Union , economic disparity was no longer an aggravating factor .
John also saw global convergence , liberalisation and openness as the guiding lights of the 20th century .
As he said , he was a Derry man , an Irish man , but also a European .
And he was a student of Europe ’ s history , something that would influence the path he set out to peace .
He was profoundly impacted by the continent ’ s experience through the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of Europe ’ s darkest hour came its greatest achievement .
One of the stories he used to tell was about his first time in Strasbourg .
There he walked across the bridge to Kehl in Germany and took some time to reflect on the continent ’ s history .
Little more than two decades before , the fields of Alsace , the Ardennes and the Ortenaukreis had been scenes of the horror .
He thought that if anyone had said then that one-quarter of a century later there would not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working together for common interests , they would have – in John ’ s words – “ been sent to a psychiatrist ” .
It is a sentiment I knew all too well .
In 1997 , if someone had told me that Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness would be sharing power in Northern Ireland by the time I left 10 Downing Street , I would have thought they were mad .
But that it happened was , to a large degree , because of John .
He understood that when there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of justice , but with force and violence on one side and on the other an unjust status quo – there will be no resolution .
But in finding a third way , he helped people see that there was a different way forward altogether .
This was particularly influential in the US , where his relationship with presidents from Carter through to Clinton and senators such as Ted Kennedy and George Mitchell meant he was often referred to as the 101st senator , from Northern Ireland .
And frankly , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such was his intelligence and charm .
He was the only person who was at home in every single point , or position , within British and Irish politics .
He was always the person I turned to for a sense of what might be done – and I often found myself not in negotiation with John , but getting mentored by him .
That he could reach across the whole political spectrum was because he was of his political party , but not constrained by it .
It is why his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brandt and Mandela , as people who have charted a new way forward for groups divided by their differences .
But John also understood that finding common ground was only a beginning .
And just as most thought peace would not be possible in Northern Ireland , once progress has been achieved , people can fail to appreciate that it can be reversed .
This is why he believed that we should all study what happened in Europe and in Ireland ; that every generation should relearn the lessons of the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t those on maps ; that all conflict was about seeing difference as a threat .
And he believed in the open mind .
His insights have relevance far beyond that of Northern Ireland and the legacy he leaves behind is one we should protect ; rather than trample on the garden we all created , we should continue to help it blossom .
Tony Blair served as prime minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1997 to 2007

John Hume was a political titan. He was a visionary who saw how the world was shifting as we approached the 21st century and believed the historical struggle in Northern Ireland was of a bygone age. He found a way to take the gun out of Irish politics and a constitutional path forward to achieve justice and peace – and in doing so cleared the ground for the seeds of peace to be planted. In what had been barren political soil, he helped the seeds to bloom.
Northern Ireland was a problem I was determined to tackle when I came into office. Ireland is in my blood. My mother was born in Donegal and, when I was a child, my family used to holiday near Ballyshannon each summer.
Many of my formative experiences were had on the beautiful island. It was there I played my first guitar chords, chased girls and drank my first Guinness. But these holidays came to an end in 1969. The Troubles had begun.
Over the next couple of decades, news of the conflict, of violence and reprisal, sectarianism and ethnic nationalism, became agonisingly all too common. Bloody Sunday in John’s hometown of Derry. The bombings in Dublin and Monaghan. Enniskillen. Each and every incident pushing the prospects for peace further away. With this discord, the names and reputations of antagonists and protagonists alike also became known to households in Britain.
READ MORE
Tony Blair, Gerry Adams and David Trimble are among those paying their respects to John Hume, with Adams saying " we wouldn't have the peace that we enjoy today if it wasn't for John Hume". Video: Reuters
Battle of values
And just as those early years in Ulster had helped form my childhood, this battle of values, between reconciliation and conflict, helped shape my politics. So too did John's efforts to resolve it. It was not by absolute decision, or by saying boundaries don't exist, but something quite simple: by finding a way of living together.
As I first made my way into politics in the 1980s, John was leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party. He spoke to the Labour Party in Blackpool the year I gave my first leader's speech in 1994. In that address, I spoke about the information revolution that was under way: another issue in which I felt John's influence and which he was way ahead of his time in seeing. He believed that through revolutions in technology, telecommunication, and transport, the world was becoming a much smaller place.
The world was certainly smaller than that of the 1920s, when the Irish Border had been drawn. At that point, Britain had wanted to shut out enemies on the continent. But post-second World War and with the creation of the European Union, the nature of the problem had changed.
There were now many more bonds that united people than divided them. And after Ireland had undertaken a process of self-modernisation after joining the European Union, economic disparity was no longer an aggravating factor.
John also saw global convergence, liberalisation and openness as the guiding lights of the 20th century. As he said, he was a Derry man, an Irish man, but also a European. And he was a student of Europe’s history, something that would influence the path he set out to peace. He was profoundly impacted by the continent’s experience through the first half of the 20th century and how out of Europe’s darkest hour came its greatest achievement.
One of the stories he used to tell was about his first time in Strasbourg. There he walked across the bridge to Kehl in Germany and took some time to reflect on the continent’s history. Little more than two decades before, the fields of Alsace, the Ardennes and the Ortenaukreis had been scenes of the horror. He thought that if anyone had said then that one-quarter of a century later there would not only be peace, but a unified continent working together for common interests, they would have – in John’s words – “been sent to a psychiatrist”.
That Hume could reach across the whole political spectrum was because he was of his political party, but not constrained by it
It is a sentiment I knew all too well. In 1997, if someone had told me that Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness would be sharing power in Northern Ireland by the time I left 10 Downing Street, I would have thought they were mad.
But that it happened was, to a large degree, because of John. He understood that when there are only two alternatives – in this case, of justice, but with force and violence on one side and on the other an unjust status quo – there will be no resolution. But in finding a third way, he helped people see that there was a different way forward altogether.
This was particularly influential in the US, where his relationship with presidents from Carter through to Clinton and senators such as Ted Kennedy and George Mitchell meant he was often referred to as the 101st senator, from Northern Ireland.
Intelligence and charm
And frankly, he could have been a successful politician anywhere, such was his intelligence and charm. He was the only person who was at home in every single point, or position, within British and Irish politics. He was always the person I turned to for a sense of what might be done – and I often found myself not in negotiation with John, but getting mentored by him.
That he could reach across the whole political spectrum was because he was of his political party, but not constrained by it. It is why his name now stands alongside Sadat and Begin, Brandt and Mandela, as people who have charted a new way forward for groups divided by their differences.
But John also understood that finding common ground was only a beginning. And just as most thought peace would not be possible in Northern Ireland, once progress has been achieved, people can fail to appreciate that it can be reversed.
This is why he believed that we should all study what happened in Europe and in Ireland; that every generation should relearn the lessons of the past. He believed lines that divide us aren’t those on maps; that all conflict was about seeing difference as a threat. And he believed in the open mind. His insights have relevance far beyond that of Northern Ireland and the legacy he leaves behind is one we should protect; rather than trample on the garden we all created, we should continue to help it blossom.
Tony Blair served as prime minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1997 to 2007


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Seamus Mallon: I saw John Hume’s raw courage as he faced bloodthirsty Paras

During the trauma of 1968-1970 , the events in Derry , Burntollet and Dungannon had been given a new dimension for all of us .
Television was the new phenomenon and it brought what was happening – in many cases live – straight into the sitting rooms of the people of Northern Ireland .
However , it was not just the TV footage of the events that came into the home ; it brought new faces , new voices and new attitudes into the lives of people hungry for knowledge of what was happening in our convoluted society .
John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who came into our homes .
Long before I met him in person , he had been in my sitting room many , many times , as he risked his life as he led his colleagues in the Civil Rights marches .
It was then I saw for the first time his raw courage as he faced a troop of bloodthirsty Paras on Magilligan Strand and declaimed , “ You may govern us , but you do not have our consent !
” It was that image of him in that confrontation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and challenged not just the Parachute Regiment , but also some of the marchers who were angry to the point of recklessness .
John , as I came to know very well , was the voice of calm as he stood on Magilligan Strand , just as he was so often in moments of political chaos .
During that dangerous and uncertain period , he had a tinge of a cleric about him which came , perhaps , from that stoicism which made him a man apart in all circumstances – be it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derry or in a crucial meeting in the White House .
Politics for John was about achieving the objective which had been decided upon .
He disliked political life which was constrained by routine and above all the repetitive rota of party meetings at which everyone felt obliged to speak – especially when they had nothing to say .
When the powersharing executive and the incipient Council of Ireland was allowed to collapse by a supine secretary of state , Merlyn Rees , John saw very clearly that there could be no lasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed .
Thus began John ’ s Washington venture – fuelled by his conviction that it was only the power and influence of the US government that could ease Britain towards unshackling that 400-year-old veto .
He made very clear his message to the American power-brokers , “ It is only you in Washington that can make the difference – it really can put this together.
” How right he was , confirmed ironically by none other than Margaret Thatcher when in her autobiography she ruefully said , “ The Americans made me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John since 1973 , mainly as deputy leader of our party .
Despite some public perceptions , there was no animosity between us .
Yes , sometimes we disagreed on issues of policy and party management but whatever the tensions we never broke that bond of friendship which we both valued .
The respect for each other , as people and as politicians working together through 30-plus years of strife , bloodshed and sectarian hatred , grew as we came to the end of our political careers .
John will be mourned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capitals of Washington , London , the European Parliament , and in Ireland , North and South .
But he will be greatly missed in the Derry that “ he loved so well ” where despite his honours and his fame , he was , above all , “ Our wee Johnny Hume.
” I know that , like William Butler Yeats , he would have agreed to : And say my glory Was I had such friends ” .
Séamus Mallon was Northern Ireland deputy first minister and deputy leader of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Hume prior to his own death in January 2020

John Hume has died in his home city of Derry. Harry McGee reports on the life of Ireland’s chief architect in the peace process and a man described by Bill Clinton as ‘the Irish conflict’s Martin Luther King’.
During the trauma of 1968-1970, the events in Derry, Burntollet and Dungannon had been given a new dimension for all of us. Television was the new phenomenon and it brought what was happening – in many cases live – straight into the sitting rooms of the people of Northern Ireland. However, it was not just the TV footage of the events that came into the home; it brought new faces, new voices and new attitudes into the lives of people hungry for knowledge of what was happening in our convoluted society.
John Hume was one of those new faces who came into our homes. Long before I met him in person, he had been in my sitting room many, many times, as he risked his life as he led his colleagues in the Civil Rights marches. It was then I saw for the first time his raw courage as he faced a troop of bloodthirsty Paras on Magilligan Strand and declaimed, "You may govern us, but you do not have our consent!"
It was that image of him in that confrontation, as he threw caution to the wind and challenged not just the Parachute Regiment, but also some of the marchers who were angry to the point of recklessness. John, as I came to know very well, was the voice of calm as he stood on Magilligan Strand, just as he was so often in moments of political chaos. During that dangerous and uncertain period, he had a tinge of a cleric about him which came, perhaps, from that stoicism which made him a man apart in all circumstances – be it during a riot on the streets of Derry or in a crucial meeting in the White House.
Seamus Mallon and John Hume at the SDLP’s 33rd annual conference at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, February 2004. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Politics for John was about achieving the objective which had been decided upon. He disliked political life which was constrained by routine and above all the repetitive rota of party meetings at which everyone felt obliged to speak – especially when they had nothing to say.
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Supine secretary of state
When the powersharing executive and the incipient Council of Ireland was allowed to collapse by a supine secretary of state, Merlyn Rees, John saw very clearly that there could be no lasting political agreement until the unionist veto was removed. Thus began John’s Washington venture – fuelled by his conviction that it was only the power and influence of the US government that could ease Britain towards unshackling that 400-year-old veto. He made very clear his message to the American power-brokers, “It is only you in Washington that can make the difference – it really can put this together.”
How right he was, confirmed ironically by none other than Margaret Thatcher when in her autobiography she ruefully said, “The Americans made me do it.”
I worked closely with John since 1973, mainly as deputy leader of our party. Despite some public perceptions, there was no animosity between us. Yes, sometimes we disagreed on issues of policy and party management but whatever the tensions we never broke that bond of friendship which we both valued. The respect for each other, as people and as politicians working together through 30-plus years of strife, bloodshed and sectarian hatred, grew as we came to the end of our political careers.
John will be mourned by those who knew him in the political capitals of Washington, London, the European Parliament, and in Ireland, North and South. But he will be greatly missed in the Derry that “he loved so well” where despite his honours and his fame, he was, above all, “Our wee Johnny Hume.”
I know that, like William Butler Yeats, he would have agreed to:
“Think where man’s glory
Most begins and ends
And say my glory
Was I had such friends”.
Séamus Mallon was Northern Ireland deputy first minister and deputy leader of the SDLP. He wrote this tribute to John Hume prior to his own death in January 2020


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--John Hume has place in pantheon of Irish nationalist leaders such as O’Connell, Parnell and Redmond

John Hume changed the political agenda for both parts of Ireland in the second half of the 20th century .
In doing so , he made possible powersharing government in Northern Ireland , enhanced co-operation between both parts of Ireland and the normalisation of relations between London and Dublin .
Up to the 1960s , there was a general acquiescence in Éamon de Valera ’ s approach that the British had partitioned Ireland in the 1920s and that it was a matter for them to undo it .
There was little regard for the unionist position .
Hume saw the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced on Ireland by Britain but was the inevitable outcome of the conflicting demands of two groups of Irish people .
In 1964 , Hume set out in The Irish Times the agenda which was not only to dominate his political life but was to become the dominant influence in Dublin and London and ultimately in Washington and Brussels as well .
The three principles underlying his agenda were : violence was rejected , there could be no Irish unity without the consent of the Northern Irish majority and , meanwhile , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unionism were equally acceptable and legitimate political beliefs .
The Hume principles formed the basis for the SDLP , which he co-founded in 1970 and was subsequently to lead .
They eventually became the basis for the policies of the main political parties in Dublin , were supported by successive British governments and were the pillars on which successive agreements starting with the 1973 Sunningdale Communique were constructed .
The final convert to the Hume agenda was Sinn Féin/IRA and Hume ’ s monumental agreement with Gerry Adams in the 1990s made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Belfast and subsequent agreements leading to the peace currently enjoyed in Northern Ireland .
Hume ’ s success in having his agenda adopted and implemented was an extraordinary achievement and earns him a place in the pantheon of Irish nationalist leaders such as O ’ Connell , Parnell and Redmond , who promoted nationalist objectives without resort to violence .
During his political life Hume never veered from the peaceful path on which he had embarked in the 1960s .
His workload was by any standards very heavy .
He was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political party he co-founded .
At the same time , he was a regular presence in Dublin , London , Washington and Brussels .
In the turbulent days of the Troubles , his was the voice of hope and of reason in Dublin where the esteem in which he was held was such that he was approached by more than one political party and on more than one occasion to allow his name to be put forward for the office of president of Ireland .
Outside Ireland his task was even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the complex , Irish problem and he needed all his patience and his skills as a teacher to work his way around Washington , Brussels and London .
He was particularly at home in the US political scene , where his renunciation of violence and his adherence to the civil rights agenda struck a responsive chord .
Brussels was also fertile ground , because of Hume ’ s conviction that the European project , so successful in achieving German/French reconciliation , could do the same for Northern Ireland .
As far as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ layers of tradition difficult to penetrate , but without his support , the Irish government ’ s negotiation of the landmark 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement would not have been possible .
My relationship with him was both personal and professional .
Though we had both been seminarians in Maynooth in the 1950s , our paths did not cross until he visited Boston in 1969 , where I was consul general for Ireland .
Our professional relationship was especially close in the 1970s when I was the unofficial envoy from Dublin to the Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the turbulent summers , we holidayed together with our young families in Bunbeg in Donegal , a place of refuge at the time for many SDLP politicians and supporters .
I was honoured to be the Dublin observer at the meetings of the Bunbeg parliament .
As in any diplomatic situation , there was also an element of fun .
We took boat trips to the island of Gola , we climbed Errigal , had picnics on the beautiful Magheragallon strand and had many very late-night singsongs in the Óstán Gweedore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these gatherings , to which he also attracted Seamus Heaney , Brian Friel and Seamus Deane , later to become the Field Day group , and others from the fields of music , literature , architecture and law .
When abroad , he added his charismatic gift for entertainment to his political satchel .
There can be few political theatres in the western world , including the White House , where he has not performed Derry ’ s anthem , The Town I Loved So Well , often accompanied by its composer Phil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be complete without an acknowledgment of the role of his wife , Pat .
In the crazy days at the beginning of the Troubles , their kitchen in Derry was like the Situation Room in White House or the Cobra Room in Downing Street .
The only difference was that in the Hume house Pat always had ready on the Aga a boiling kettle for the tea and a pot of Irish stew for all comers .
She organised the disorganised John , kept his diary , briefed him on his next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his constituents , greeted and fed visiting politicians and journalists and somehow always managed to look calm and unflustered .
Her contribution to the achievement of his agenda in the political days was massive , as was her looking after his welfare in the later days .

John Hume changed the political agenda for both parts of Ireland in the second half of the 20th century. In doing so, he made possible powersharing government in Northern Ireland, enhanced co-operation between both parts of Ireland and the normalisation of relations between London and Dublin.
Up to the 1960s, there was a general acquiescence in Éamon de Valera’s approach that the British had partitioned Ireland in the 1920s and that it was a matter for them to undo it. There was little regard for the unionist position. Hume saw the situation differently. Partition had not been forced on Ireland by Britain but was the inevitable outcome of the conflicting demands of two groups of Irish people. In 1964, Hume set out in The Irish Times the agenda which was not only to dominate his political life but was to become the dominant influence in Dublin and London and ultimately in Washington and Brussels as well.
Seán Donlon is a former ambassador to the US and former secretary general of the Department of Foreign Affairs. He played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process. File photograph: Dave Meehan
The three principles underlying his agenda were: violence was rejected, there could be no Irish unity without the consent of the Northern Irish majority and, meanwhile, there had to be a recognition that nationalism and unionism were equally acceptable and legitimate political beliefs.
The Hume principles formed the basis for the SDLP, which he co-founded in 1970 and was subsequently to lead. They eventually became the basis for the policies of the main political parties in Dublin, were supported by successive British governments and were the pillars on which successive agreements starting with the 1973 Sunningdale Communique were constructed.
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Outside Ireland his task was even more onerous. Not everyone understood the nature of the complex, Irish problem
The final convert to the Hume agenda was Sinn Féin/IRA and Hume’s monumental agreement with Gerry Adams in the 1990s made possible the end of IRA violence, the Belfast and subsequent agreements leading to the peace currently enjoyed in Northern Ireland.
Hume’s success in having his agenda adopted and implemented was an extraordinary achievement and earns him a place in the pantheon of Irish nationalist leaders such as O’Connell, Parnell and Redmond, who promoted nationalist objectives without resort to violence. During his political life Hume never veered from the peaceful path on which he had embarked in the 1960s.
Workload
His workload was by any standards very heavy. He was on the ground in Northern Ireland, growing the political party he co-founded. At the same time, he was a regular presence in Dublin, London, Washington and Brussels. In the turbulent days of the Troubles, his was the voice of hope and of reason in Dublin where the esteem in which he was held was such that he was approached by more than one political party and on more than one occasion to allow his name to be put forward for the office of president of Ireland.
Outside Ireland his task was even more onerous. Not everyone understood the nature of the complex, Irish problem and he needed all his patience and his skills as a teacher to work his way around Washington, Brussels and London. He was particularly at home in the US political scene, where his renunciation of violence and his adherence to the civil rights agenda struck a responsive chord. Brussels was also fertile ground, because of Hume’s conviction that the European project, so successful in achieving German/French reconciliation, could do the same for Northern Ireland. As far as Westminster was concerned, he found the layers of tradition difficult to penetrate, but without his support, the Irish government’s negotiation of the landmark 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement would not have been possible.
Relationship
My relationship with him was both personal and professional. Though we had both been seminarians in Maynooth in the 1950s, our paths did not cross until he visited Boston in 1969, where I was consul general for Ireland.
In the crazy days at the beginning of the Troubles, their kitchen in Derry was like the Situation Room in White House or the Cobra Room in Downing Street
Our professional relationship was especially close in the 1970s when I was the unofficial envoy from Dublin to the Northern Ireland political parties. To facilitate continuing contact during the turbulent summers, we holidayed together with our young families in Bunbeg in Donegal, a place of refuge at the time for many SDLP politicians and supporters. I was honoured to be the Dublin observer at the meetings of the Bunbeg parliament. As in any diplomatic situation, there was also an element of fun. We took boat trips to the island of Gola, we climbed Errigal, had picnics on the beautiful Magheragallon strand and had many very late-night singsongs in the Óstán Gweedore. Hume was the life and soul of these gatherings, to which he also attracted Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel and Seamus Deane, later to become the Field Day group, and others from the fields of music, literature, architecture and law. When abroad, he added his charismatic gift for entertainment to his political satchel. There can be few political theatres in the western world, including the White House, where he has not performed Derry's anthem, The Town I Loved So Well, often accompanied by its composer Phil Coulter.
No words about John Hume would be complete without an acknowledgment of the role of his wife, Pat. In the crazy days at the beginning of the Troubles, their kitchen in Derry was like the Situation Room in White House or the Cobra Room in Downing Street. The only difference was that in the Hume house Pat always had ready on the Aga a boiling kettle for the tea and a pot of Irish stew for all comers. She organised the disorganised John, kept his diary, briefed him on his next meeting, booked his flights, dealt with his constituents, greeted and fed visiting politicians and journalists and somehow always managed to look calm and unflustered.
Her contribution to the achievement of his agenda in the political days was massive, as was her looking after his welfare in the later days.


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Covid-19: Cabinet looks to tighten travel restrictions and decide on pubs reopening

The Cabinet will on Tuesday consider proposals to reduce the number of countries to which people are permitted to travel without having to restrict their movements upon their return .
Ministers will discuss proposals to shorten the travel “ green list ” alongside other measures to tighten restrictions on those arriving into Ireland from Covid-19 hotspots .
It is understood that Malta and Cyprus may be removed from the green list .
Senior Cabinet figures have also warned they are “ not optimistic ” about pubs reopening next week .
The Cabinet will discuss recommendations on the roadmap to reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as proposals to tighten up travel restrictions .
It is understood the option of departure Covid tests will form part of the discussion whereby a passenger would have to take a test before they arrive in Ireland .
Government sources said that while the focus remained on ensuring that schools could reopen at the end of the month , it was unlikely there would be any major change in international travel policy until September when the schools return .
“ We need to be realistic about international travel .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and people seeing their partners and loved ones for a year or years , ” a source said ahead of the Cabinet meeting .
The Government is likely instead to look at ways to reduce risk when it comes to travel within Europe with tighter restrictions when it comes to travel to and from hotspots .
The Department of Transport was asked by the Cabinet a fortnight ago to investigate the efficacy and potential of a system which would see passengers having to undergo Covid tests prior to their departure for Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taken within 24-72 hours prior to travel and proof of a negative test result would be presented to Irish immigration officials on arrival .
Under such a system , the cost of the test would be borne by the traveller rather than the State .
It was also envisaged that , under such a process , intending passengers who were found to be positive for Covid-19 would not undertake their planned journey .
This would avoid the necessity to test all other passengers in the event of one traveller being found to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made .
Meanwhile , as Ministers prepare to consider the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in Ireland , doctors have warned of a “ gaping hole ” over funding at the heart of the new Health Service Executive plan to recommence health services which was shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic several months ago .
The Irish Hospital Consultants ’ Association ( IHCA ) said on Monday it had raised concerns with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly at a meeting in recent days over the HSE plan for a safe return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health said in response : “ The HSE receives significant funding from the State , and additional funding has been provided to the HSE this year to support its response to the Covid-19 crisis .
Funding for the HSE will be kept under review as the provision of non-Covid services resumes.
” Meanwhile , the latest figures show there have been no further deaths related to Covid-19 in the State but 46 new cases are confirmed .
This means the death toll from the virus remains at 1,763 while the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 26,208 .
The five-day average is 53.4 , a figure boosted by the 85 cases reported on Thursday .

The Department of Transport was asked by the Cabinet a fortnight ago to investigate a system which would see passengers having to undergo Covid tests prior to their departure for Ireland. Photograph: Colin Keegan
The Cabinet will on Tuesday consider proposals to reduce the number of countries to which people are permitted to travel without having to restrict their movements upon their return. Ministers will discuss proposals to shorten the travel “green list” alongside other measures to tighten restrictions on those arriving into Ireland from Covid-19 hotspots.
It is understood that Malta and Cyprus may be removed from the green list.
Senior Cabinet figures have also warned they are “not optimistic” about pubs reopening next week.
The Cabinet will discuss recommendations on the roadmap to reopening from the National Public Health Emergency Team as well as proposals to tighten up travel restrictions.
READ MORE
It is understood the option of departure Covid tests will form part of the discussion whereby a passenger would have to take a test before they arrive in Ireland.
Government sources said that while the focus remained on ensuring that schools could reopen at the end of the month, it was unlikely there would be any major change in international travel policy until September when the schools return.
Hotspot traffic
“We need to be realistic about international travel. You can’t cut off business, travel, and people seeing their partners and loved ones for a year or years,” a source said ahead of the Cabinet meeting.
The Government is likely instead to look at ways to reduce risk when it comes to travel within Europe with tighter restrictions when it comes to travel to and from hotspots.
The Department of Transport was asked by the Cabinet a fortnight ago to investigate the efficacy and potential of a system which would see passengers having to undergo Covid tests prior to their departure for Ireland.
It was envisaged the test would be taken within 24-72 hours prior to travel and proof of a negative test result would be presented to Irish immigration officials on arrival.
Under such a system, the cost of the test would be borne by the traveller rather than the State.
It was also envisaged that, under such a process, intending passengers who were found to be positive for Covid-19 would not undertake their planned journey. This would avoid the necessity to test all other passengers in the event of one traveller being found to be Covid-19 positive after the journey was made.
HSE funding
Meanwhile, as Ministers prepare to consider the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in Ireland, doctors have warned of a “gaping hole” over funding at the heart of the new Health Service Executive plan to recommence health services which was shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic several months ago.
The Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association (IHCA) said on Monday it had raised concerns with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly at a meeting in recent days over the HSE plan for a safe return to services published in late July.
The Department of Health said in response: “The HSE receives significant funding from the State, and additional funding has been provided to the HSE this year to support its response to the Covid-19 crisis. Funding for the HSE will be kept under review as the provision of non-Covid services resumes.”
Meanwhile, the latest figures show there have been no further deaths related to Covid-19 in the State but 46 new cases are confirmed.
This means the death toll from the virus remains at 1,763 while the total number of cases in the State rises to 26,208.
The five-day average is 53.4, a figure boosted by the 85 cases reported on Thursday.