theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Newly homeless people refused emergency accommodation

Some newly homeless people are being refused emergency accommodation in Dublin , despite promises no one would be left outdoors during the coronavirus outbreak .
Others in 24-hour accommodation are being forced to share rooms and not getting enough eat , it has been claimed .
The situation is ongoing , despite a Dublin City Council report last week that 1,000 additional emergency beds had been sourced in the capital .
On Tuesday , after a day trying to secure emergency beds for three homeless men , the Mendicity Institution had to send them away with sleeping bags .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to be the only service still providing sit-down , hot meals .
Other services , including Trust , Merchants Quay Ireland ( MQI ) and the Capuchin Day Centre , are closed .
These provided meals as well as showers and clothes .
MQI and the Capuchin centre are providing take-away food .
Louisa Santoro , manager of the Mendicity Institution , says the service is prioritising two cohorts - “ people who are rough-sleeping or who are in hostels where they are not getting any proper food ” .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 890 people every day .
As part of its Covid-19 strategy the Dublin Region Homeless Executive ( DRHE ) tasked hostels to remain open 24 hours and provide three meals daily , to allow residents to stay off the streets .
Despite this , “ people are coming here hungry ” says Ms Santoro .
“ Some hostels appear to provide only a light breakfast and a bowl of soup later in the day.
” Most worrying , she says , is that some newly homeless people from outside Dublin are being refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is particularly affecting eastern European men , she says .
“ We have seen a lot of people here who have lost their jobs , who have lost accommodation that was slightly tenuous – sharing , sleeping on a couch – and now they ’ re out .
New presentations are definitely an issue .
There isn ’ t a clear process as to what happens for somebody who has not needed accommodation before , now needing it .
“ Lack of showers is a major issue for them .
We have people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past fortnight .
It is not possible to engage with someone when they in that level of discomfort , about washing their hands when they can not wash themselves , ” she says .
On one morning last week , there were 20 people at tables eating pasta , pork and vegetables .
Among them was Nicolae Dragimir ( 34 ) , from Romania , who has been homeless for a month .
Speaking through an interpreter , he says he is sleeping “ beside a bank in Dublin 4 ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I was working in a restaurant , paying rent before and when , after coronavirus , I had no money to pay for rent – I was sharing a room – and they said , ‘ You have to leave because we will bring someone who can afford to pay ’ .
“ I took my clothes , a pillow and some stuff and I left and found a place where to sleep .
For accommodation I came here to ring the freephone [ for homeless services ] .
They said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I go .
They asked if I had any PPS number .
I don ’ t have a PPS number.
” A PPS number is not necessary to get an emergency bed , the DRHE confirmed .
Asked about cleaning himself , he says : “ I bought a few bottles of water in Lidl .
I found a hiding place in a park and I wash myself .
As you can imagine , it was not a proper wash. ” Others , including Dan Iacob ( 35 ) , a bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostels .
He is in a room with three others , sleeping in bunk beds .
Zilvinas Budrys ( 37 ) , a chef from Lithuania , is in a hostel which he says is serving only breakfast – “ cornflakes , milk and coffee ” .
The concerns are echoed by public representatives .
Independent Dublin City Councillor Anthony Flynn , who is also founder of Inner City Helping Homeless , said the charity ’ s outreach team was seeing about 90 people sleeping rough a night .
“ There are new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , including people recently released from prison and non-nationals who can ’ t get beds .
“ More needs to be done to ensure proper access to washing and sanitation is available .
Outdoor showers , sanitation devices need to be implemented without delay as it could save lives.
” Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin said much work was being done by the DRHE on the Covid-19 crisis , but “ some people are still falling between the cracks .
“ Some have been refused access to emergency accommodation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ adequate food or showers due to the reduction in day services .
I have raised these issues directly with the DRHE and the Department , ” the Dublin West TD said .
A DRHE spokeswoman said the executive was “ aware of a small number of individuals who became homeless in local authority areas outside the Dublin region ” .
It had “ made contact with the other authorities for these people to return there ” .
Though asked specifically about the situation of newly homeless people , originally from eastern Europe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have not been made aware of shortcomings in the provision of food at any of our facilities , ” she added .
She said showers were available in all hostels and outreach teams were engaging with people sleeping rough , and “ getting them into the emergency accommodation we have provided ” .

Some newly homeless people are being refused emergency accommodation in Dublin, despite promises no one would be left outdoors during the coronavirus outbreak.
Others in 24-hour accommodation are being forced to share rooms and not getting enough eat, it has been claimed.
The situation is ongoing, despite a Dublin City Council report last week that 1,000 additional emergency beds had been sourced in the capital. On Tuesday, after a day trying to secure emergency beds for three homeless men, the Mendicity Institution had to send them away with sleeping bags.
Dan Iacob, at the Mendicity Institution at Aran Quay, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
The 202 year-old charity on the south quays appears to be the only service still providing sit-down, hot meals.
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Other services, including Trust, Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) and the Capuchin Day Centre, are closed. These provided meals as well as showers and clothes. MQI and the Capuchin centre are providing take-away food.
Louisa Santoro, manager of the Mendicity Institution, says the service is prioritising two cohorts - "people who are rough-sleeping or who are in hostels where they are not getting any proper food".
It is serving hot meals for up to 80 to 90 people every day.
No clear process
As part of its Covid-19 strategy the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) tasked hostels to remain open 24 hours and provide three meals daily, to allow residents to stay off the streets.
Despite this, “people are coming here hungry” says Ms Santoro. “Some hostels appear to provide only a light breakfast and a bowl of soup later in the day.”
Most worrying, she says, is that some newly homeless people from outside Dublin are being refused emergency accommodation in the capital – which is particularly affecting eastern European men, she says.
“We have seen a lot of people here who have lost their jobs, who have lost accommodation that was slightly tenuous – sharing, sleeping on a couch – and now they’re out. New presentations are definitely an issue. There isn’t a clear process as to what happens for somebody who has not needed accommodation before, now needing it.
“Lack of showers is a major issue for them. We have people who are in the same underwear for the past fortnight. It is not possible to engage with someone when they in that level of discomfort, about washing their hands when they cannot wash themselves,” she says.
Newly homeless
On one morning last week, there were 20 people at tables eating pasta, pork and vegetables. Among them was Nicolae Dragimir (34), from Romania, who has been homeless for a month. Speaking through an interpreter, he says he is sleeping "beside a bank in Dublin 4", unable to get an emergency bed.
“I was working in a restaurant, paying rent before and when, after coronavirus, I had no money to pay for rent – I was sharing a room – and they said, ‘You have to leave because we will bring someone who can afford to pay’.
“I took my clothes, a pillow and some stuff and I left and found a place where to sleep. For accommodation I came here to ring the freephone [for homeless services]. They said to go the Garda station with ID, so I go. They asked if I had any PPS number. I don’t have a PPS number.”
A PPS number is not necessary to get an emergency bed, the DRHE confirmed.
Asked about cleaning himself, he says: "I bought a few bottles of water in Lidl. I found a hiding place in a park and I wash myself. As you can imagine, it was not a proper wash."
Others, including Dan Iacob (35), a bar tender from Romania, are staying in hostels. He is in a room with three others, sleeping in bunk beds.
Zilvinas Budrys (37), a chef from Lithuania, is in a hostel which he says is serving only breakfast – "cornflakes, milk and coffee".
The concerns are echoed by public representatives.
Independent Dublin City Councillor Anthony Flynn, who is also founder of Inner City Helping Homeless, said the charity's outreach team was seeing about 90 people sleeping rough a night.
“There are new people on the streets,” he said, including people recently released from prison and non-nationals who can’t get beds.
“More needs to be done to ensure proper access to washing and sanitation is available. Outdoor showers, sanitation devices need to be implemented without delay as it could save lives.”
Shortcomings
Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin said much work was being done by the DRHE on the Covid-19 crisis, but “some people are still falling between the cracks.
“Some have been refused access to emergency accommodation. Others are struggling to get access to adequate food or showers due to the reduction in day services. I have raised these issues directly with the DRHE and the Department,” the Dublin West TD said.
A DRHE spokeswoman said the executive was “aware of a small number of individuals who became homeless in local authority areas outside the Dublin region”.
It had "made contact with the other authorities for these people to return there". Though asked specifically about the situation of newly homeless people, originally from eastern Europe, she did not address this.
“We have not been made aware of shortcomings in the provision of food at any of our facilities,” she added.
She said showers were available in all hostels and outreach teams were engaging with people sleeping rough, and “getting them into the emergency accommodation we have provided”.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Man remanded in custody after pleading guilty to knife attack on family

A 54-year-old man has been remanded in custody for sentence after he pleaded guilty to a series of knife attacks on a family just two days before Christmas which left one woman fighting for her life in hospital .
Thomas O ’ Sullivan pleaded guilty to a total of five charges arising out of the incident when he was brought before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday .
He pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to a 47-year-old woman at her home on Middle Glanmire Road in Cork on December 23rd contrary to Section 4 of the Non Fatal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also pleaded guilty to three counts of assault causing harm to the woman ’ s 20-year-old daughter , 17-year-old daughter and ten-year-old son contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act .
The defendant , with an address at Silvercourt , Silversprings also pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in the course of committing a burglary at the woman ’ s home contrary to Section 13 of the Criminal Justice ( Theft and Fraud Offences ) Act 2001 .
Defence barrister , Ray Boland said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a psychiatric report from Dr Sandra Barry whom his client had been attending for four or five years .
Prosecution barrister , Sinead Behan said the state had no difficulty with the matter being adjourned as it would facilitate the presentation of victim impact statements .
Judge Sean O Donnabhain granted the adjournment and remanded the defendant in continuing custody to appear again at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on June 19th for sentence .
Previously at Cork District Court , Judge Mary Dorgan made an order prohibiting naming the injured parties on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCarthy who said gardaí were keen to protect the anonymity of the ten year old child .
On that occasion , Det Garda Dermot Crowley said the state would allege that the 47-year-old woman suffered a number of stab wounds to her torso which required her to undergo emergency surgery lasting nine hours .

The prosecution said it had no difficulty with the case being adjourned as it would facilitate the presentation of victim impact statements.
A 54-year-old man has been remanded in custody for sentence after he pleaded guilty to a series of knife attacks on a family just two days before Christmas which left one woman fighting for her life in hospital.
Thomas O'Sullivan pleaded guilty to a total of five charges arising out of the incident when he was brought before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday.
He pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to a 47-year-old woman at her home on Middle Glanmire Road in Cork on December 23rd contrary to Section 4 of the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997.
He also pleaded guilty to three counts of assault causing harm to the woman’s 20-year-old daughter, 17-year-old daughter and ten-year-old son contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act.
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The defendant, with an address at Silvercourt, Silversprings also pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in the course of committing a burglary at the woman's home contrary to Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
Defence barrister, Ray Boland said he was seeking an adjournment to allow the preparation of a psychiatric report from Dr Sandra Barry whom his client had been attending for four or five years.
Prosecution barrister, Sinead Behan said the state had no difficulty with the matter being adjourned as it would facilitate the presentation of victim impact statements.
Judge Sean O Donnabhain granted the adjournment and remanded the defendant in continuing custody to appear again at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on June 19th for sentence.
Previously at Cork District Court, Judge Mary Dorgan made an order prohibiting naming the injured parties on foot of an application by Insp Sean McCarthy who said gardaí were keen to protect the anonymity of the ten year old child.
On that occasion, Det Garda Dermot Crowley said the state would allege that the 47-year-old woman suffered a number of stab wounds to her torso which required her to undergo emergency surgery lasting nine hours.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--‘Passengers have the right’ to refund when flight is cancelled, says regulator

The aviation regulator has moved to reassure anyone whose flights were cancelled as a result of Covid-19 that they are entitled to a refund .
In a statement on Thursday night , the Commission for Aviation Regulation ( CAR ) said while customers could accept a voucher when offered they are within their rights to opt for a refund .
“ Passengers have the right to choose a refund of the ticket price paid when their flight is cancelled , ” it said in a statement on Thursday , referencing European regulations .
“ Airlines are entitled to offer vouchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept a voucher but are under no obligation to do so.
” The statement follows anger among grounded customers at being pressed to accept vouchers instead of refunds .
Minister for Transport Shane Ross ’ s department had said that although passengers remain legally entitled to full refunds if flights are cancelled , it had to protect businesses and jobs in the travel and airline sector .
On Monday , it emerged that Ryanair had joined a significant number of other airlines , including Aer Lingus , in primarily offering vouchers to passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis continues .
Some customers had been told their refunds were being processed .
Thursday ’ s clarity from the regulator will be welcome .
European law requires an airline to pay a refund within seven days and there is a complaint mechanism open to those who wish to pursue it .
“ We acknowledge the unprecedented disruption that Covid-19 has caused to the aviation sector and those working in it , the high volume of calls that airlines are dealing with and the absolute need to safeguard the welfare of staff @ @ @ @ @ @

On Monday, it emerged that Ryanair had joined a significant number of other airlines, including Aer Lingus, in primarily offering vouchers to passengers whose flights have been cancelled as the coronavirus crisis continues. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA
The aviation regulator has moved to reassure anyone whose flights were cancelled as a result of Covid-19 that they are entitled to a refund.
In a statement on Thursday night, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) said while customers could accept a voucher when offered they are within their rights to opt for a refund.
“Passengers have the right to choose a refund of the ticket price paid when their flight is cancelled,” it said in a statement on Thursday, referencing European regulations.
“Airlines are entitled to offer vouchers to passengers. Passengers can choose to accept a voucher but are under no obligation to do so.”
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The statement follows anger among grounded customers at being pressed to accept vouchers instead of refunds.
Protecting businesses
Minister for Transport Shane Ross’s department had said that although passengers remain legally entitled to full refunds if flights are cancelled, it had to protect businesses and jobs in the travel and airline sector.
On Monday, it emerged that Ryanair had joined a significant number of other airlines, including Aer Lingus, in primarily offering vouchers to passengers whose flights have been cancelled as the coronavirus crisis continues. Some customers had been told their refunds were being processed.
Thursday’s clarity from the regulator will be welcome. European law requires an airline to pay a refund within seven days and there is a complaint mechanism open to those who wish to pursue it.
“We acknowledge the unprecedented disruption that Covid-19 has caused to the aviation sector and those working in it, the high volume of calls that airlines are dealing with and the absolute need to safeguard the welfare of staff,” the CAR said.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Proposals for traffic calming measures on roads in north and west Dublin outlined

Fingal County Council has proposed putting “ traffic calming measures ” , such as speed ramps , road signs and markings , on 12 roads across north and west Co Dublin .
The proposals , which are subject to a public consultation , will affect people in Donabate , Swords , Rush , Castleknock , Blanchardstown , Ongar , Malahide , Sutton and Portmarnock .
The plans for the proposals are only available online on the council website due to Covid-19 restrictions , Fingal County Council said .
In the Dublin 15 area , the council has proposed placing two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three ramps at Glenville Road in Blanchardstown , four speed cushions at Manorsfield Road in Ongar , one ramp at Barnwell Road in Ongar and one ramp at Diswellstown Road in Castleknock .
In the Swords-Balbriggan operational area , the local authority intends to place three ramps in Donabate at Carrsmill/Rahillion , two ramps on the Brackenstown Road in Swords , one raised table junction ramp at the junction of Portrane Road and Beaverstown Road and two ramps at the avenue of St Catherine ’ s National school in Rush .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ramp and a set of traffic calming cushions on Strand Road in Sutton , one table top ramp at Back Road at Castlefield in Malahide and two sets of traffic calming speed cushions at Station Road in Portmarnock .
Members of the public who wish to make a submission in relation to the Dublin 15 proposals should address them to the Administrative Officer , Castleknock-Mulhuddart Area , Operations Department , Fingal County Council , Grove Road , Blanchardstown , Dublin 15 .
Submissions must be made before 4:30pm on Tuesday , May 26th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Swords-Balbriggan operational area must be made before 4:30pm on May 22nd , to the Senior Executive Officer , Balbriggan Swords Area , Operations Department , Fingal County Council , Grove Road , Blanchardstown , Dublin 15 .
And submissions in relation to the the proposals for the Malahide-Howth operational area can may be made either online on the council website , or in writing to the administrative officer , Howth-Malahide Operational Area , Operations Department , Fingal County Council , Grove Road , Blanchardstown , Dublin 15 .
The deadline for these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The proposals, which are subject to a public consultation, will affect people in Donabate, Swords, Rush, Castleknock (above), Blanchardstown, Ongar, Malahide, Sutton and Portmarnock. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
Fingal County Council has proposed putting "traffic calming measures", such as speed ramps, road signs and markings, on 12 roads across north and west Co Dublin.
The proposals, which are subject to a public consultation, will affect people in Donabate, Swords, Rush, Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Ongar, Malahide, Sutton and Portmarnock.
The plans for the proposals are only available online on the council website due to Covid-19 restrictions, Fingal County Council said.
In the Dublin 15 area, the council has proposed placing two traffic calming ramps at Castleknock Drive, three ramps at Glenville Road in Blanchardstown, four speed cushions at Manorsfield Road in Ongar, one ramp at Barnwell Road in Ongar and one ramp at Diswellstown Road in Castleknock.
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In the Swords-Balbriggan operational area, the local authority intends to place three ramps in Donabate at Carrsmill/Rahillion, two ramps on the Brackenstown Road in Swords, one raised table junction ramp at the junction of Portrane Road and Beaverstown Road and two ramps at the avenue of St Catherine's National school in Rush.
In the Malahide-Howth operational area, proposals include a ramp and a set of traffic calming cushions on Strand Road in Sutton, one table top ramp at Back Road at Castlefield in Malahide and two sets of traffic calming speed cushions at Station Road in Portmarnock.
Members of the public who wish to make a submission in relation to the Dublin 15 proposals should address them to the Administrative Officer, Castleknock-Mulhuddart Area, Operations Department, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Submissions must be made before 4:30pm on Tuesday, May 26th.
Representations in relation to proposals for the Swords-Balbriggan operational area must be made before 4:30pm on May 22nd, to the Senior Executive Officer, Balbriggan Swords Area, Operations Department, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
And submissions in relation to the the proposals for the Malahide-Howth operational area can may be made either online on the council website, or in writing to the administrative officer, Howth-Malahide Operational Area, Operations Department, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The deadline for these submissions 4:30pm on Tuesday, May 26.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Over 1.5m view religious service from Knock online

Over 1.5 million people watched religious services online from Knock Shrine in Co Mayo between March 1st and Wednesday of this week .
Spokeswoman Maria Casey said that the Knock Shrine website had received “ over 600,000 page views on the livestream alone while Knock Shrine YouTube channel had over 722,000 viewers and the Knock Shrine Facebook page had almost 150,000 views ” .
Traffic was particularly high over Easter she said , with Masses available online daily at midday and 7.30pm every evening .
As elsewhere in Ireland , the Basilica and parish church at Knock are closed due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Shrine ’ s 120 staff laid off .
A skeletal group of “ seven or eight ” remained working to look after the Shrine , she said .
One of the largest diocesan pilgrimages to Knock , that from Dublin , was due to take place next weekend but is not now going ahead .
Ms Casey estimated that “ approximately 3,000 ” pilgrims would have taken part as it was the capacity of Knock Basilica which the Dublin archdiocese filled daily in years past during pilgrimages .
The Dublin pilgrimage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next Sunday , beginning with the rosary at 2.30pm with Mass celebrated at 3.00pm .
Benedic will be at 3.45pm , followed by a virtual visit to the Apparition Chapel .
At 4.15pm pilgrims will be able to place a petition , light a candle or have a Mass said online .
All will available at knockshrine.ie/watch-live .
It is unclear yet how many of the other annual pilgrimages to Knock from Ireland ’ s 26 Catholic dioceses will actually take place to the Shrine this year .
Many may now follow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nor is it clear yet whether the annual Knock novena , usually attended by many thousands , will go ahead next August .
“ No decision has been made on that , ” Ms Casey said .
The pilgrimage season at Knock usually begins in mid-April and continues until the second week of October .
Meanwhile the Catholic Church ’ s relationship support agency Accord is offering free and confidential advice to people experiencing extra pressure due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic .
Its numbers are 01 531 3331 for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in Dublin , and 028 9568 0151 or 00353 1 531 3331 for people in Northern Ireland .

Pilgrims at Knock for the Feast of the Assumption in 2006. File photograph: Alan Betson
Over 1.5 million people watched religious services online from Knock Shrine in Co Mayo between March 1st and Wednesday of this week.
Spokeswoman Maria Casey said that the Knock Shrine website had received "over 600,000 page views on the livestream alone while Knock Shrine YouTube channel had over 722,000 viewers and the Knock Shrine Facebook page had almost 150,000 views".
Traffic was particularly high over Easter she said, with Masses available online daily at midday and 7.30pm every evening.
As elsewhere in Ireland, the Basilica and parish church at Knock are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic with almost all of the Shrine's 120 staff laid off. A skeletal group of "seven or eight" remained working to look after the Shrine, she said.
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One of the largest diocesan pilgrimages to Knock, that from Dublin, was due to take place next weekend but is not now going ahead. Ms Casey estimated that “approximately 3,000” pilgrims would have taken part as it was the capacity of Knock Basilica which the Dublin archdiocese filled daily in years past during pilgrimages.
Virtual pilgrimage
The Dublin pilgrimage to Knock will now take place virtually next Sunday, beginning with the rosary at 2.30pm with Mass celebrated at 3.00pm. Benedic will be at 3.45pm, followed by a virtual visit to the Apparition Chapel. At 4.15pm pilgrims will be able to place a petition, light a candle or have a Mass said online.
All will available at knockshrine.ie/watch-live.
It is unclear yet how many of the other annual pilgrimages to Knock from Ireland’s 26 Catholic dioceses will actually take place to the Shrine this year. Many may now follow the Dublin example of taking part virtually.
Nor is it clear yet whether the annual Knock novena, usually attended by many thousands, will go ahead next August. “No decision has been made on that,” Ms Casey said. The pilgrimage season at Knock usually begins in mid-April and continues until the second week of October.
Meanwhile the Catholic Church’s relationship support agency Accord is offering free and confidential advice to people experiencing extra pressure due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its numbers are 01 531 3331 for people outside Dublin, 01 905 9555 for people in Dublin, and 028 9568 0151 or 00353 1 531 3331 for people in Northern Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Contact tracing information to be ‘actively’ shared across Border

Contact tracing information will be “ very actively ” shared across the Border as part of a programme of enhanced testing and tracing to be trialled shortly , the North ’ s Chief Medical Officer has said .
Dr Michael McBride told the Northern Assembly ’ s health committee on Thursday that a pilot contact tracing scheme would begin early next week .
It is to be expanded into a four-week training programme involving 300-600 staff “ so that we are ready to turn that service on when that ’ s required ” .
Thirteen more people with coronavirus have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the latest figures from the Department of Health .
It brings the total number of deaths in hospital among patients confirmed to have coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , to 263 .
According to the daily update released on Thursday afternoon , 142 further positive cases have been identified , bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,016 .
A total of 689 people who are either confirmed or suspected to have coronavirus are being treated in hospitals in Northern Ireland , with 37 patients in intensive care .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contact tracing stopped in Northern Ireland and in the rest of the UK in mid-March , and has been a key point of difference between the approach in the North and that of the Republic .
Sinn Féin ’ s Colm Gildernew said the conversations that were taking place with his colleagues in the Republic of Ireland focused on using common technology such as digital apps to support contact tracing and , given the flow of people across the Border , on “ ensuring that we ’ re able to exchange that information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are plugged into colleagues in the Republic of Ireland using the digital platform that they are using to enhance contact tracing , because obviously the two systems will have to talk to each other , ” he said .
“ We ’ re going to have to share information very actively.
” Meanwhile , there were further indications on Thursday that Northern Ireland could choose to adopt its own timetable with regard to relaxing coronavirus restrictions .
The First Minister , Arlene Foster , said decisions to emerge from lockdown would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be set down and agreed by ourselves in the Northern Ireland Executive in conjunction with our colleagues in the other parts of the UK ” .
Because of that , she said , “ you could well see different parts of the United Kingdom move in different time to other parts ” .
The North ’ s Minister of Finance , Conor Murphy of Sinn Féin , said at the daily press briefing that the North was “ responsible for setting our own regulations and we have our own set of circumstances ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of an island which had had a “ roughly similar experience ” and which was on a “ different trajectory ” to that in Britain , and these factors would be taken into consideration “ when we plan our own emergence from this ” .
However , all parties have said it is too early to ease restrictions .
The Minister for Economy , the DUP MLA Diane Dodds , said any discussion about what the recovery should look like was still at the planning stage .
“ No decisions have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The Executive will discuss on Friday whether to reopen cemeteries , which were closed in the North to prevent the spread of coronavirus but which have been the focus of much recent controversy .
Both the First Minister and Mr Swann have said they believe they should reopen .
Mr Murphy said he was “ hugely sympathetic to people who want to visit loved ones ” but “ the key message has been to stay at home to save lives ” .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which had been suspended to free up officers during the coronavirus pandemic , would resume from May 1st .
Meanwhile , the Minister of the Economy has said the suggestion from a ministerial colleague that some unionists were putting the economy ahead of public health was “ deeply regrettable ” .
Sinn Féin junior Minister Declan Kearney , who is also the party ’ s national chairman , wrote in An Phoblacht that “ right-wing elements in the British cabinet ” and “ some unionists in the north of Ireland ” were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and suggested their motivation was a “ typical capitalist reflex ” that put the market economy first and prioritised “ corporate greed over public welfare ” .
Asked about the comments at the daily press briefing , Ms Dodds said it was “ a very regrettable intervention by the junior Minister – this is not the time for either identity or ideological politics ” .
“ We need to ensure the first and foremost priority we have is to set aside difference and to ensure we protect and save lives , ” she @ @

Contact tracing information will be “very actively” shared across the Border as part of a programme of enhanced testing and tracing to be trialled shortly, the North’s Chief Medical Officer has said.
Dr Michael McBride told the Northern Assembly’s health committee on Thursday that a pilot contact tracing scheme would begin early next week.
It is to be expanded into a four-week training programme involving 300-600 staff “so that we are ready to turn that service on when that’s required”.
Thirteen more people with coronavirus have died in hospital in Northern Ireland, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health.
READ MORE
It brings the total number of deaths in hospital among patients confirmed to have coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, to 263.
According to the daily update released on Thursday afternoon, 142 further positive cases have been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,016.
A total of 689 people who are either confirmed or suspected to have coronavirus are being treated in hospitals in Northern Ireland, with 37 patients in intensive care. More than 2,700 have been discharged.
Contact tracing stopped in Northern Ireland and in the rest of the UK in mid-March, and has been a key point of difference between the approach in the North and that of the Republic.
Sinn Féin's Colm Gildernew said the conversations that were taking place with his colleagues in the Republic of Ireland focused on using common technology such as digital apps to support contact tracing and, given the flow of people across the Border, on "ensuring that we're able to exchange that information rapidly" across the island.
“We are plugged into colleagues in the Republic of Ireland using the digital platform that they are using to enhance contact tracing, because obviously the two systems will have to talk to each other,” he said. “We’re going to have to share information very actively.”
Timetable
Meanwhile, there were further indications on Thursday that Northern Ireland could choose to adopt its own timetable with regard to relaxing coronavirus restrictions.
The First Minister, Arlene Foster, said decisions to emerge from lockdown would be "led by the criteria that will be set down and agreed by ourselves in the Northern Ireland Executive in conjunction with our colleagues in the other parts of the UK".
Because of that, she said, “you could well see different parts of the United Kingdom move in different time to other parts”.
The North's Minister of Finance, Conor Murphy of Sinn Féin, said at the daily press briefing that the North was "responsible for setting our own regulations and we have our own set of circumstances".
It was, he said, part of an island which had had a “roughly similar experience” and which was on a “different trajectory” to that in Britain, and these factors would be taken into consideration “when we plan our own emergence from this”.
However, all parties have said it is too early to ease restrictions. The Minister for Economy, the DUP MLA Diane Dodds, said any discussion about what the recovery should look like was still at the planning stage. "No decisions have been made on any of these so far."
Reopening of cemeteries
The Executive will discuss on Friday whether to reopen cemeteries, which were closed in the North to prevent the spread of coronavirus but which have been the focus of much recent controversy.
Both the First Minister and Mr Swann have said they believe they should reopen. Mr Murphy said he was “hugely sympathetic to people who want to visit loved ones” but “the key message has been to stay at home to save lives”.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) announced on Thursday that investigations into Troubles-era killings, which had been suspended to free up officers during the coronavirus pandemic, would resume from May 1st.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Economy has said the suggestion from a ministerial colleague that some unionists were putting the economy ahead of public health was “deeply regrettable”.
Sinn Féin junior Minister Declan Kearney, who is also the party's national chairman, wrote in An Phoblacht that "right-wing elements in the British cabinet" and "some unionists in the north of Ireland" were encouraging a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, and suggested their motivation was a "typical capitalist reflex" that put the market economy first and prioritised "corporate greed over public welfare".
Asked about the comments at the daily press briefing, Ms Dodds said it was “a very regrettable intervention by the junior Minister – this is not the time for either identity or ideological politics”.
“We need to ensure the first and foremost priority we have is to set aside difference and to ensure we protect and save lives,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Claim few nursing homes getting HSE staff help

The vast bulk of private nursing homes have not received any staffing support from the Health Service Executive in dealing with the impact of Covid-19 following on from agreement reached last week , their representative body has maintained .
Nursing Homes Ireland said urgent staff redeployment was needed from the public health service to deal with an emerging “ huge crisis ” .
Nursing Homes Ireland said 96 per cent of nursing homes ( 227 of the 236 who responded to a survey ) said they had not received staffing support from the HSE .
Last week , the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow existing health service personnel to volunteer to work in private nursing homes which had been affected by Covid-19 .
“ The heralded redeployment of staff is not manifesting on the ground , ” Nursing Home Ireland said .
It said “ a huge crisis is now emerging and is likely to exacerbate , arising from mass testing for Covid-19 being undertaken in nursing homes ” .
“ A snapshot survey of private and voluntary nursing homes across the country , undertaken Wednesday , April 22nd , informed there are large numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now unavailable due to Covid-19.
” It said 60 nursing homes said that overall 107 senior nurses were absent due to Covid-19 , and 102 nursing homes said of 223 nurses were absent due to Covid-19 .
Four nursing homes said more than 10 of their nursing staff were absent , and 158 nursing homes said 427 healthcare assistants were absent due to Covid-19 .
Responding to the survey at Thursday ’ s National Public Health Emergency Team briefing , Dr Colm Henry , the HSE ’ s chief clinical officer , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nursing homes .
Dr Henry said : “ If the screening that is taking place now identifies additional staff having to go off as asymptomatic cases or contacts , we will have to look at redeploying more staff from acute hospitals .
“ We were building up the acute sector for a surge that thankfully didn ’ t happen and we may have to tap into resources.
” He pointed to examples of staff from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , the Central Remedial Clinic and the University of Limerick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That , I ’ m afraid , will have to increase because of the likelihood we ’ ll identify more positive cases in nursing homes during the screening exercise we began last Friday.
” Minister for Health Simon Harris has said the decision to prioritise testing in nursing homes would result in large numbers of staff being able to go back to work quickly .
Mr Harris was responding to concerns about the survey raised by Sinn Féin health spokeswoman Louise O ’ Reilly .
She said there was an urgent need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been given to utilising private hospitals to assist the nursing home sector when the “ taxpayer is on the hook for a minimum of €345 million ” .
She said some of their staff could be redeployed when the hospitals have 80 per cent of vacancies .
Mr Harris said one of the best ways to address the issue of staffing in nursing homes was to quickly turn around the test results for such staff .
He said there would be a broadening of the criteria for testing and they had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was confident they were moving to this rate of testing .

Sinn Féin health spokeswoman Louise O’Reilly has asked if consideration has been given to using private hospitals to assist the nursing home sector when the “taxpayer is on the hook for a minimum of €345 million”. Photograph: Alan Betson
The vast bulk of private nursing homes have not received any staffing support from the Health Service Executive in dealing with the impact of Covid-19 following on from agreement reached last week, their representative body has maintained.
Nursing Homes Ireland said urgent staff redeployment was needed from the public health service to deal with an emerging "huge crisis".
Nursing Homes Ireland said 96 per cent of nursing homes (227 of the 236 who responded to a survey) said they had not received staffing support from the HSE.
Last week, the HSE and trade unions announced an agreement which would allow existing health service personnel to volunteer to work in private nursing homes which had been affected by Covid-19.
READ MORE
“The heralded redeployment of staff is not manifesting on the ground,” Nursing Home Ireland said.
It said “a huge crisis is now emerging and is likely to exacerbate, arising from mass testing for Covid-19 being undertaken in nursing homes”.
Unavailable staff
“A snapshot survey of private and voluntary nursing homes across the country, undertaken Wednesday, April 22nd, informed there are large numbers of nursing, care and other staff now unavailable due to Covid-19.”
It said 60 nursing homes said that overall 107 senior nurses were absent due to Covid-19, and 102 nursing homes said of 223 nurses were absent due to Covid-19. Four nursing homes said more than 10 of their nursing staff were absent, and 158 nursing homes said 427 healthcare assistants were absent due to Covid-19.
Responding to the survey at Thursday’s National Public Health Emergency Team briefing, Dr Colm Henry, the HSE’s chief clinical officer, said staff from acute hospitals may be redeployed to nursing homes.
Dr Henry said: “If the screening that is taking place now identifies additional staff having to go off as asymptomatic cases or contacts, we will have to look at redeploying more staff from acute hospitals.
‘Screening exercise’
“We were building up the acute sector for a surge that thankfully didn’t happen and we may have to tap into resources.” He pointed to examples of staff from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the Central Remedial Clinic and the University of Limerick Hospital Group being deployed already. “That, I’m afraid, will have to increase because of the likelihood we’ll identify more positive cases in nursing homes during the screening exercise we began last Friday.”
Minister for Health Simon Harris has said the decision to prioritise testing in nursing homes would result in large numbers of staff being able to go back to work quickly.
Mr Harris was responding to concerns about the survey raised by Sinn Féin health spokeswoman Louise O’Reilly . She said there was an urgent need to address this issue and asked if consideration had been given to utilising private hospitals to assist the nursing home sector when the “taxpayer is on the hook for a minimum of €345 million”. She said some of their staff could be redeployed when the hospitals have 80 per cent of vacancies.
Mr Harris said one of the best ways to address the issue of staffing in nursing homes was to quickly turn around the test results for such staff.
He said there would be a broadening of the criteria for testing and they had the capacity for 10,000 tests a day. He was confident they were moving to this rate of testing.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Data shows spread in community substantially under control

The deaths of another 28 people who had been diagnosed with Covid-19 have been reported by the Department of Health , alongside a significant spike in diagnosed cases .
However , Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said the 936 new cases had to be seen in the context of “ an ambitious programme of testing in nursing homes and residential facilities ” .
Some 794 people have now died in Ireland following a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of the virus .
Modelling data published by the Department of Health suggests that at the moment , the spread of the virus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr Holohan emphasised that significant risks were still attached to the relaxation of the measures .
Warning against complacency , he pointed to data gleaned from seismilogical sensors , as well as mobile phones , which indicated an increase in activity in the last few days .
“ This is giving us hard evidence that there is more population movement in spite of our continuing advice .
It ’ s giving us an evidential base for some of the concerns we ’ ve been expressing ” He said that while people may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pathway towards the slackening of measures on the fifth of May , that is not the case .
If the decision was to be made today , we wouldn ’ t be advising any of the restrictions in place be relaxed .
“ It ’ s really important that people don ’ t anticipate that ’ s what ’ s going to happen on the 5th of May , it is not a certainty that this is the position we ’ ll be in ” .
“ It would take very little indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have done ; there ’ s no sense in which we have achieved something here that couldn ’ t all be undone very quickly , ” he said .
Prof Philip Nolan , chairman of the National Public Health Emergency Team ’ s epidemiological modelling group , said that the reproduction rate of the virus , the so-called R0 number , was somewhere between 0.5 and 0.8 , meaning that on average every infected person is passing the virus on to less than one other person .
However , discusssing the potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaxed , he said an R number of 1.6 would see “ a dangerous peak in cases , perhaps up to 1,000 a week ” .
If it were to grow to 2.4 , “ we have a real difficulty , we wouldn ’ t be able to cope with that , quite frankly ” .
Prof Nolan said there had been a “ very significant supression of the growth of Covid-19 .
.
.
in Ireland monitored against all the different indicators you might use ” .
He said data showed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general population ” , but it was not clear whether it is under control in nursing homes and other long term residential facilities .
The latest data shows that 60.8 per cent of those diagnosed with the virus , some 10,004 people , have recovered , with 3,638 ( 22.1 per cent ) still unwell , and 816 ( 5 per cent ) in hospital .
The numbers of deaths per day , Prof Nolan said , has been relatively stable since the end of the first week in April , “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be under control ” .
Despite the positive trends in the data , Prof Nolan emphasised that “ while we are on track to get the level of disease down , but we ’ re certainly not there yet ” .
The Government and its public health expert team published seemingly contradictory datasets on public movement on Thursday , with the Chief Medical Officer saying sensor information showed there had been “ slippage ” in compliance with lockdown protocals .
Pointing to data gleaned from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies ’ National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase in activity in recent days , Dr Tony Holohan said it was “ hard evidence that there is more population movement in spite of our continuing advice ” .
He also referred to data captured from Apple-made smartphones , which showed an increase in people walking , driving and taking public transport .
While he sympathised with the impact unprecedented restrictions are having on people , he emphasised that positive trends in recent data could easily be undone if social distancing and other measures were not observed .
Earlier in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed to data from the National Transport Authority ( NTA ) which showed the number of cars on Ireland ’ s road network had fallen by up to 70 per cent compared to the same dates in 2019 .
Liz Canavan , the assistant secretary at the Department , said that while there is “ anecdotal evidence ” in relation to more people being on the roads , TII “ undertook an analysis of the traffice figures for this week , and the volumes are in line with the previous weeks since the @ @ @ @ @

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says that data provided by the Irish National Seismic Network - used to monitor earthquakes - shows an increase in population movement in recent days, despite continued coronavirus restrictions. Video: RTÉ
The deaths of another 28 people who had been diagnosed with Covid-19 have been reported by the Department of Health, alongside a significant spike in diagnosed cases.
However, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said the 936 new cases had to be seen in the context of "an ambitious programme of testing in nursing homes and residential facilities".
Some 794 people have now died in Ireland following a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of the virus.
Modelling data published by the Department of Health suggests that at the moment, the spread of the virus in the community is substantially under control. However, Dr Holohan emphasised that significant risks were still attached to the relaxation of the measures.
READ MORE
Warning against complacency, he pointed to data gleaned from seismilogical sensors, as well as mobile phones, which indicated an increase in activity in the last few days.
“This is giving us hard evidence that there is more population movement in spite of our continuing advice. It’s giving us an evidential base for some of the concerns we’ve been expressing”
He said that while people may feel that Ireland is on “a pathway towards the slackening of measures on the fifth of May, that is not the case. If the decision was to be made today, we wouldn’t be advising any of the restrictions in place be relaxed.
“It’s really important that people don’t anticipate that’s what’s going to happen on the 5th of May, it is not a certainty that this is the position we’ll be in”.
“It would take very little indeed for us to lose the good work we have done; there’s no sense in which we have achieved something here that couldn’t all be undone very quickly,” he said.
‘Significant supression’
Prof Philip Nolan, chairman of the National Public Health Emergency Team's epidemiological modelling group, said that the reproduction rate of the virus, the so-called R0 number, was somewhere between 0.5 and 0.8, meaning that on average every infected person is passing the virus on to less than one other person.
However, discusssing the potential growth of that metric if measures are relaxed, he said an R number of 1.6 would see “a dangerous peak in cases, perhaps up to 1,000 a week”. If it were to grow to 2.4, “we have a real difficulty, we wouldn’t be able to cope with that, quite frankly”.
Prof Nolan said there had been a “very significant supression of the growth of Covid-19. . . in Ireland monitored against all the different indicators you might use”. He said data showed the disease is “heavily suppressed in the general population”, but it was not clear whether it is under control in nursing homes and other long term residential facilities.
The latest data shows that 60.8 per cent of those diagnosed with the virus, some 10,004 people, have recovered, with 3,638 (22.1 per cent) still unwell, and 816 (5 per cent) in hospital. The numbers of deaths per day, Prof Nolan said, has been relatively stable since the end of the first week in April, “a final indication that the disease appears to be under control”.
Despite the positive trends in the data, Prof Nolan emphasised that “while we are on track to get the level of disease down, but we’re certainly not there yet”.
Contradictory datasets
The Government and its public health expert team published seemingly contradictory datasets on public movement on Thursday, with the Chief Medical Officer saying sensor information showed there had been “slippage” in compliance with lockdown protocals.
Pointing to data gleaned from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies’ National Seismic Network, which appeared to show an increase in activity in recent days, Dr Tony Holohan said it was “hard evidence that there is more population movement in spite of our continuing advice”.
He also referred to data captured from Apple-made smartphones, which showed an increase in people walking, driving and taking public transport. While he sympathised with the impact unprecedented restrictions are having on people, he emphasised that positive trends in recent data could easily be undone if social distancing and other measures were not observed.
Earlier in the day, the Department of the Taoiseach pointed to data from the National Transport Authority (NTA) which showed the number of cars on Ireland's road network had fallen by up to 70 per cent compared to the same dates in 2019.
Liz Canavan, the assistant secretary at the Department, said that while there is "anecdotal evidence" in relation to more people being on the roads, TII "undertook an analysis of the traffice figures for this week, and the volumes are in line with the previous weeks since the restrictions were introduced."


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--An Post and Irish Times team up to deliver news to your home

A Co Meath family yesterday were among the first in Ireland to receive a copy of The Irish Times from their local postman as part of a new system designed to keep newspapers flowing to homes around the country .
The Mooneys were one of more than 200 households who had newspapers delivered by An Post as part of a new service .
The service is designed to help readers throughout the State keep up to date with the news , particularly those cocooned in their homes .
“ This partnership with An Post came about because of the challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very pleased to now offer every person in the country access to their preferred newspaper when they want it , delivered safely to their home , ” said Liam Kavanagh , managing director of The Irish Times .
“ It ’ s a great demonstration of how business can respond in the face of adversity.
” In the coming weeks , the new service is expected to grow quickly to reach more than 2,000 households .
It is not the only initiative operated by An Post to respond to the public health emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would provide staff to check on older and more vulnerable members of society cut off from their relatives and friends as a result of movement restrictions .
Orders for newspaper delivery can be placed through the News Delivery service , owned and operated by The Irish Times , by visiting newsdelivery.ie Separately , An Post offers a facility where families can register for a “ request a check-in ” service free of charge .
If someone has a specific need for groceries or prescriptions , the postal worker will provide them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity ensuring personal support to older and vulnerable people during the crisis .

A Co Meath family yesterday were among the first in Ireland to receive a copy of The Irish Times from their local postman as part of a new system designed to keep newspapers flowing to homes around the country.
The Mooneys, who are cocooning in their home near Trim, were one of more than 200 households who had newspapers delivered on Thursday by An Post as part of a new service.
The service is designed to help readers of the print edition of The Irish Times throughout the State keep up to date with the news, particularly those who arecocooned in their homes because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Anne Mooney takes delivery of The Irish Times from the postman. Photograph: Michael Mooney
"This partnership with An Post came about because of the challenges of the pandemic, and we are very pleased to now offer every person in the country access to their preferred newspaper when they want it, delivered safely to their home," said Liam Kavanagh, managing director of The Irish Times. "It's a great demonstration of how business can respond in the face of adversity."
READ MORE
In the coming weeks, the new service is expected to grow quickly to reach more than 2,000 households.
It is not the only initiative operated by An Post to respond to the public health emergency – earlier this month, the company said it would provide staff to check on older and more vulnerable members of society cut off from their relatives and friends as a result of movement restrictions.
Orders for newspaper delivery can be placed through the News Delivery service, owned and operated by The Irish Times, by visiting newsdelivery.ie
Separately, An Post offers a facility where families can register for a “request a check-in” service free of charge.
If someone has a specific need for groceries or prescriptions, the postal worker will provide them with details of Alone – the national charity ensuring personal support to older and vulnerable people during the crisis.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Leaving Cert to begin on July 29th, Minister for Education tells Dáil

The Leaving Certificate exams will start on July 29th , Minister for Education Joe McHugh has confirmed .
He told the Dáil that the formal timetable would be announced in the first week of June when details would be released .
Earlier however he said the Government was considering all contingencies including predictive assessment as he was criticised by the Opposition for the poor communications by his department leaving students , parents and teachers frustrated .
The Dáil heard that British university offers to 4,000 Irish students could be affected by the delay in the Leaving Certificate results being issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ major issue ” and they were taking seriously the concerns that offers will be withdrawn to Irish students if results are not known before August 31st .
The Minister acknowledged the criticism about communications but said 1,300 staff in his department had had to change the way they were working , and they were being bombarded with work .
Questioned by Green Party education spokeswoman Catherine Martin about predicted grades , and if there was a plan B , he said “ we ’ re working on all contingencies because we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time soon.
” “ We do not anticipate that we are going to be any more informed or less informed next week or the following week .
“ With that level of uncertainty we have a moral obligation and a duty to work on all contingencies ” .
He added that they were doing this with the stakeholders - the students , parents , the unions and the different patron bodies .
He said that he had spoken to his British counterpart Gavin Williamson over concerns for the 4,000 Irish applicants .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ó Laoghaire who said he had been contacted by the father of a student who had received two conditional offers from UK universities to study medicine .
“ Both universities are insisting that those offers will be lost unless Leaving Cert results are issued before August 31st , ” Mr Ó Laoghaire said .
Mr McHugh has spoken to the British education secretary , and the Department of Education secretary general had been in touch with his British counterpart .
He said “ this is something we need to find a solution to.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline for the €116 Leaving Cert exam fee will be extended from April 30th until after the exams are completed .
However , Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin called for the fee to be abolished entirely due to the financial pressure facing many families this year .
“ Students shouldn ’ t be charged €116 for the privilege of sitting the exam this year , particularly given the financial circumstances many families in this country now find themselves in , ” Mr O Ríordáin said .
Many Opposition TDs also raised the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Junior and Leaving Cert exam students given what they described as an ongoing lack of clarity over aspects of the exams .
In response , Mr McHugh announced that plans are being finalised for a new system of mental health supports to help protect students ’ wellbeing .
He said this outreach support will be delivered in conjunction with the Department of Health .
Mr McHugh also announced that thousands of parents will be provided with refunds for school transport , on the basis that it has not been available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decided that at the end of the school year when the exact impact in terms of numbers of weeks of school closure is known , a refund for that period of closure will be issued to parents , ” he said .

The Minister for Education Joe McHugh said that he had spoken to his British counterpart Gavin Williamson over concerns for 4,000 Irish applicants for UK college places this year.
The Leaving Certificate exams will start on July 29th, Minister for Education Joe McHugh has confirmed.
He told the Dáil that the formal timetable would be announced in the first week of June when details would be released.
Earlier however he said the Government was considering all contingencies including predictive assessment as he was criticised by the Opposition for the poor communications by his department leaving students, parents and teachers frustrated.
The Dáil heard that British university offers to 4,000 Irish students could be affected by the delay in the Leaving Certificate results being issued.
READ MORE
Mr McHugh acknowledged it was a “major issue” and they were taking seriously the concerns that offers will be withdrawn to Irish students if results are not known before August 31st.
The Minister acknowledged the criticism about communications but said 1,300 staff in his department had had to change the way they were working, and they were being bombarded with work.
Uncertainty
Questioned by Green Party education spokeswoman Catherine Martin about predicted grades, and if there was a plan B, he said “we’re working on all contingencies because we do not anticipate things to be normal any time soon.”
“We do not anticipate that we are going to be any more informed or less informed next week or the following week.
“With that level of uncertainty we have a moral obligation and a duty to work on all contingencies”. He added that they were doing this with the stakeholders - the students, parents, the unions and the different patron bodies.
He said that he had spoken to his British counterpart Gavin Williamson over concerns for the 4,000 Irish applicants.
He was responding to Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire who said he had been contacted by the father of a student who had received two conditional offers from UK universities to study medicine.
“Both universities are insisting that those offers will be lost unless Leaving Cert results are issued before August 31st,” Mr Ó Laoghaire said.
Mr McHugh has spoken to the British education secretary, and the Department of Education secretary general had been in touch with his British counterpart.
He said “this is something we need to find a solution to.”
Exam fee
Mr McHugh also announced that the deadline for the €116 Leaving Cert exam fee will be extended from April 30th until after the exams are completed.
However, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin called for the fee to be abolished entirely due to the financial pressure facing many families this year.
“Students shouldn’t be charged €116 for the privilege of sitting the exam this year, particularly given the financial circumstances many families in this country now find themselves in,” Mr O Ríordáin said.
Many Opposition TDs also raised the issue of stress and anxiety facing this year’s Junior and Leaving Cert exam students given what they described as an ongoing lack of clarity over aspects of the exams.
In response, Mr McHugh announced that plans are being finalised for a new system of mental health supports to help protect students’ wellbeing.
He said this outreach support will be delivered in conjunction with the Department of Health.
Mr McHugh also announced that thousands of parents will be provided with refunds for school transport, on the basis that it has not been available to children over recent weeks.
“I have decided that at the end of the school year when the exact impact in terms of numbers of weeks of school closure is known, a refund for that period of closure will be issued to parents,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Cost of policing visit of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge put at €1.3m

The cost to the Garda of providing security during the recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Ireland has been estimated at €1.3 million .
A major security operation was required when Prince William and Kate Middleton visited the Republic last month for a trip of just over 48 hours .
It involved armed gardaí from the Emergency Response Unit escorting the couple around with Royal protection officers from Britain .
Snipers were also deployed on rooftops in some areas they visited for long periods .
The high visibility policing operation , involving uniform frontline members , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they visited and on the routes between those locations .
Significant road diversions were also in place while drains were combed for any explosive devices in advance of their visit .
Many of the gardaí involved in the security operation were working overtime in order that regular policing could continue across the country .
The cost of the security operation has been confirmed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in correspondence to the Policing Authority .
Garda sources while it may take some time for all of the overtime and expense claims to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived at , the final bill would be €1.3 million or very close to that figure .
Mr Harris told the Policing Authority the visit was a “ significant pressure… specifically on the overtime and travel and subsistence budgets ” .
The cost of the visit , from March 3rd to 5th , compares to €300,000 for a visit to Ireland of about 36 hours by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 .
However , the cost to the Garda of the visit was modest compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland in 2011 .
Last June when US president Donald Trump visited Ireland the security bill ran to €11 million while the visit by US vice president Mike Pence last September cost €3 million .
The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge saw the couple visit President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin as well as other parts of Dublin including the Garden of Remembrance , Government Buildings , the Guinness Store House , Temple Bar and Howth .
They also visited the Teagasc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and met farmers in the county as well as the children ’ s and family charity Extern in Co Kildare .
They concluded their visit in Galway , with a walkabout in the city , and were given a crash course in hurling at Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club .
Mr Harris also told the Policing Authority the policing operation around Covid19 would put the force under unprecedented financial pressure but said senior officers had been asked to stay within their budgets for this time of year .
However , informed sources said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full scale of the policing operation required for Covid19 was formulated and put in place and that budgets would be exceeded given the scale of the operation required .

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin on March 3rd. Photograph: Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The cost to the Garda of providing security during the recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Ireland has been estimated at €1.3 million.
A major security operation was required when Prince William and Kate Middleton visited the Republic last month for a trip of just over 48 hours.
It involved armed gardaí from the Emergency Response Unit escorting the couple around with Royal protection officers from Britain. Snipers were also deployed on rooftops in some areas they visited for long periods.
The high visibility policing operation, involving uniform frontline members, was also in place in the places they visited and on the routes between those locations.
READ MORE
Significant road diversions were also in place while drains were combed for any explosive devices in advance of their visit. Many of the gardaí involved in the security operation were working overtime in order that regular policing could continue across the country.
The cost of the security operation has been confirmed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in correspondence to the Policing Authority.
Overtime
Garda sources while it may take some time for all of the overtime and expense claims to be processed before a precise cost could be arrived at, the final bill would be €1.3 million or very close to that figure.
Mr Harris told the Policing Authority the visit was a "significant pressure… specifically on the overtime and travel and subsistence budgets".
The cost of the visit, from March 3rd to 5th, compares to €300,000 for a visit to Ireland of about 36 hours by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
However, the cost to the Garda of the visit was modest compared to the €24 million security budget for the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland in 2011.
Last June when US president Donald Trump visited Ireland the security bill ran to €11 million while the visit by US vice president Mike Pence last September cost €3 million.
The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge saw the couple visit President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin as well as other parts of Dublin including the Garden of Remembrance, Government Buildings, the Guinness Store House, Temple Bar and Howth.
They also visited the Teagasc Animal Bioscience Research Centre in Co Meath and met farmers in the county as well as the children's and family charity Extern in Co Kildare.
They concluded their visit in Galway, with a walkabout in the city, and were given a crash course in hurling at Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club.
Mr Harris also told the Policing Authority the policing operation around Covid19 would put the force under unprecedented financial pressure but said senior officers had been asked to stay within their budgets for this time of year.
However, informed sources said the update to the authority was written before the full scale of the policing operation required for Covid19 was formulated and put in place and that budgets would be exceeded given the scale of the operation required.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--New mothers being left out of coronavirus pandemic payment, groups claim

Women returning from maternity leave are excluded from the temporary wage subsidy scheme ( TWSS ) because they were on maternity benefit in January and February , trade unions and lobby groups have said .
The National Women ’ s Council of Ireland ( NWCI ) , the Irish Congress of Trade Unions ( ICTU ) and Siptu wrote to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe on Thursday to highlight an “ irregularity in the administration ” of the TWSS .
In the letter , the signatories state that women returning to work from maternity leave do not qualify for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an employee , they did not receive normal pay during January and February 2020 ” .
Revenue ’ s guidance on the scheme states that employers of workers who did not receive their usual pay in the first two months of the year can operate the scheme based on Average Revenue Net Weekly Pay , or pay the employee the appropriate wages without receiving a subsidy refund .
However , the reference period for the calculation of average pay is January and February 2020 , when those on maternity leave would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment .
“ Therefore , workers now find themselves in a position whereby their employers ’ options are to pay them without receiving the assistance that the TWSS offers or lay them off so that they can access the pandemic unemployment payment , ” the letter states .
“ This discrepancy impacts most acutely on low-paid women workers whose employers do not top up maternity benefit , and who have been reliant on statutory maternity benefit for the duration of their maternity leave , expecting to return to work on full pay.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resolve this issue as soon as possible so women returning to work “ have their jobs and income protected ” .
A spokeswoman for Revenue said the “ overarching ambition ” of the TWSS is to “ retain the link between employers and employees to the greatest extent possible for when business picks up after the crisis ” .
“ The scheme is confined to employees who were on the employer ’ s payroll at 29 February 2020 , and for whom a payroll submission has already been made to Revenue in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 March 2020.
” The spokeswoman again reiterated the options available to employers of individuals who were not on normal pay in the first two months of the year .
Duncan Smith , Labour TD for Dublin Fingal , also called for Mr Donohoe to “ remedy this flaw in the scheme ” .
“ When schemes like this are introduced in the eye of a pandemic , we do not expect everything to be perfect , but we do expect issues like this to be resolved when raised , ” said Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after maternity leave is a stressful enough time .
Everything should [ be ] done by Government to avoid any extra anxieties and pressures .
”

Representative bodies have called for the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, to resolve this issue as soon as possible so women returning to work ‘have their jobs and income protected’. Photograph: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland/PA Wire
Women returning from maternity leave are excluded from the temporary wage subsidy scheme (TWSS) because they were on maternity benefit in January and February, trade unions and lobby groups have said.
The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI), the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and Siptu wrote to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe on Thursday to highlight an "irregularity in the administration" of the TWSS.
In the letter, the signatories state that women returning to work from maternity leave do not qualify for the scheme because although “the person was an employee, they did not receive normal pay during January and February 2020”.
Revenue’s guidance on the scheme states that employers of workers who did not receive their usual pay in the first two months of the year can operate the scheme based on Average Revenue Net Weekly Pay, or pay the employee the appropriate wages without receiving a subsidy refund.
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However, the reference period for the calculation of average pay is January and February 2020, when those on maternity leave would have been receiving maternity benefit, a social welfare payment.
“Therefore, workers now find themselves in a position whereby their employers’ options are to pay them without receiving the assistance that the TWSS offers or lay them off so that they can access the pandemic unemployment payment,” the letter states.
“This discrepancy impacts most acutely on low-paid women workers whose employers do not top up maternity benefit, and who have been reliant on statutory maternity benefit for the duration of their maternity leave, expecting to return to work on full pay.”
Resolve
The three organisations called for the Minister to resolve this issue as soon as possible so women returning to work “have their jobs and income protected”.
A spokeswoman for Revenue said the “overarching ambition” of the TWSS is to “retain the link between employers and employees to the greatest extent possible for when business picks up after the crisis”.
“The scheme is confined to employees who were on the employer’s payroll at 29 February 2020, and for whom a payroll submission has already been made to Revenue in the period from 1 February 2020 to 15 March 2020.”
The spokeswoman again reiterated the options available to employers of individuals who were not on normal pay in the first two months of the year.
Duncan Smith, Labour TD for Dublin Fingal, also called for Mr Donohoe to "remedy this flaw in the scheme".
“When schemes like this are introduced in the eye of a pandemic, we do not expect everything to be perfect, but we do expect issues like this to be resolved when raised,” said Mr Smith.
“Going back to work after maternity leave is a stressful enough time. Everything should [be] done by Government to avoid any extra anxieties and pressures.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Half of most senior Garda posts filled by women after appointment of PSNI officer

Half of the most senior posts in An Garda Síochána are now filled by women following the appointment of a PSNI officer to the rank of assistant commissioner .
Paula Hilman has now officially left the PSNI , where she was a detective chief superintendent , to take up the role of Garda assistant commissioner .
There were 23 applications for the job , five of them women and Ms Hilman was the only candidate to apply from outside the Garda .
Overall , the Garda is made up of 73 per cent men and 27 per cent women .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as assistant commissioners .
At present , there are eight assistant commissioners in the Garda and two deputy commissioner posts , all working under Garda Commissioner Drew Harris .
Assistant Commissioner Orla McPartlin is in charge of community engagement and public safety , Assistant Commissioner Anne Marie Cagney is in charge of the Eastern Region while Assistant Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon is in charge of the Southern Region .
Policing Authority chairman Bob Collins said he was hopeful the appointment of Ms Hilman and that of Ms Cagney last month would encourage more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are two deputy commissioner posts ; one filled by John Twomey while the other post is vacant at present .
However , Ms McMahon is currently interim deputy commissioner as well as assistant commissioner of the Southern Region .
It is the first time such gender equality has been reached at the top of the Garda and is a record number of women in those ranks .
A recruitment competition to fill the vacancy at deputy commissioner level concluded late last year with the Policing Authority deciding not to select a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McMahon , who was not one of the candidates , was subsequently appointed by Mr Harris to fill the deputy commissioner post on an interim basis pending another recruitment competition to fill it permanently .
Ms Hilman is one of two officers joining the Garda from the PSNI .
Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley , who is due to retire from the PSNI in coming days , has been appointed to the rank of superintendent in the Garda .
Both appointments were confirmed by the Policing Authority on Thursday and they will take up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Hilman ’ s career in policing spans 34 years and most recently she has been the head of the PSNI ’ s public protection branch , which investigates child abuse , domestic abuse and serious sexual crime .
She is also an experienced public order commander and strategic firearms commander as well as managing gang feuds and previously led the PSNI ’ s hate crime branch .
Mr McCauley began his policing career 30 years ago and has held posts in neighbourhood policing , public order , planning and command and roads @ @

It is the first time such gender equality has been reached at the top of the Garda and is a record number of women in those ranks. Photograph: Frank Miller
Half of the most senior posts in An Garda Síochána are now filled by women following the appointment of a PSNI officer to the rank of assistant commissioner.
Paula Hilman has now officially left the PSNI, where she was a detective chief superintendent, to take up the role of Garda assistant commissioner .
There were 23 applications for the job, five of them women and Ms Hilman was the only candidate to apply from outside the Garda. Overall, the Garda is made up of 73 per cent men and 27 per cent women.
Ms Hilman joins three women already serving as assistant commissioners.
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At present, there are eight assistant commissioners in the Garda and two deputy commissioner posts, all working under Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
Assistant Commissioner Orla McPartlin is in charge of community engagement and public safety, Assistant Commissioner Anne Marie Cagney is in charge of the Eastern Region while Assistant Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon is in charge of the Southern Region.
Policing Authority chairman Bob Collins said he was hopeful the appointment of Ms Hilman and that of Ms Cagney last month would encourage more women to apply for senior Garda jobs.
Gender equality
There are two deputy commissioner posts; one filled by John Twomey while the other post is vacant at present. However, Ms McMahon is currently interim deputy commissioner as well as assistant commissioner of the Southern Region.
It is the first time such gender equality has been reached at the top of the Garda and is a record number of women in those ranks.
A recruitment competition to fill the vacancy at deputy commissioner level concluded late last year with the Policing Authority deciding not to select a successful candidate from the applicants.
Ms McMahon, who was not one of the candidates, was subsequently appointed by Mr Harris to fill the deputy commissioner post on an interim basis pending another recruitment competition to fill it permanently.
Retire
Ms Hilman is one of two officers joining the Garda from the PSNI. Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley, who is due to retire from the PSNI in coming days, has been appointed to the rank of superintendent in the Garda.
Both appointments were confirmed by the Policing Authority on Thursday and they will take up their posts the week after next.
Ms Hilman’s career in policing spans 34 years and most recently she has been the head of the PSNI’s public protection branch, which investigates child abuse, domestic abuse and serious sexual crime.
She is also an experienced public order commander and strategic firearms commander as well as managing gang feuds and previously led the PSNI’s hate crime branch.
Mr McCauley began his policing career 30 years ago and has held posts in neighbourhood policing, public order, planning and command and roads policing.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: 13 more hospital deaths reported in North

Thirteen more people with coronavirus have died in hospital in Northern Ireland , according to the latest figures from the Department of Health ( DoH ) .
It brings the total number of deaths in hospital among patients confirmed to have coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , to 263 .
According to the daily update released on Thursday afternoon , 142 further positive cases have been identified , bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,016 .
A total of 689 people who are either confirmed or suspected to have coronavirus are currently being treated in hospitals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care .
More than 2,700 have been discharged .
There are outbreaks of coronavirus in 58 care homes .
According to provisional data from the Public Health Agency ( PHA ) , as of April 20th there were 297 confirmed cases of coronavirus in nursing and residential homes in Northern Ireland .
The daily DoH figures include only deaths in hospitals among patients who have been confirmed to have the virus .
The most recent figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( NISRA ) , which include deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , show that the number of fatalities up until April 10th was at least a third higher .
Updated statistics covering the period until April 17th are expected to be released by NISRA on Friday .

A total of 689 people who are either confirmed or suspected to have coronavirus are currently being treated in hospitals in Northern Ireland, with 37 patients in intensive care. Photograph: Marijan Murat/dpa/AFP via Getty
Thirteen more people with coronavirus have died in hospital in Northern Ireland, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health (DoH).
It brings the total number of deaths in hospital among patients confirmed to have coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, to 263.
According to the daily update released on Thursday afternoon, 142 further positive cases have been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,016.
A total of 689 people who are either confirmed or suspected to have coronavirus are currently being treated in hospitals in Northern Ireland, with 37 patients in intensive care.
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More than 2,700 have been discharged.
There are outbreaks of coronavirus in 58 care homes. According to provisional data from the Public Health Agency (PHA), as of April 20th there were 297 confirmed cases of coronavirus in nursing and residential homes in Northern Ireland.
The daily DoH figures include only deaths in hospitals among patients who have been confirmed to have the virus.
The most recent figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), which include deaths in all settings including care homes and hospices, show that the number of fatalities up until April 10th was at least a third higher.
Updated statistics covering the period until April 17th are expected to be released by NISRA on Friday.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Probationary garda challenges decision to dispense with services

A probationary garda has brought a High Court challenge to the Garda Commissioner ’ s decision to dispense with her services .
Orlaith Fahy had been stationed at Finglas and Blanchardstown Garda Stations during her probationary period since 2016 .
She was also studying for a BA in Applied policing but after failing a fitness test she was told last February that , as she was now ineligible to complete the BA course , this was “ an essential prerequisite ” to becoming a garda .
She claims there is no provision in the Garda regulations entitling the commissioner to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an essential prerequisite .
Mark Harty SC , with Breffni Gordon BL , instructed by Hughes Murphy Solicitors , was on Thursday granted leave to seek a judicial review of the decision .
The application was made on a one-side only represented basis .
Mr Harty said the commissioner ’ s decision has already taken effect and he was not seeking any stay on it but seeking to quash it by judicial review .
He said his client had performed her duties with distinction , demonstrating exceptional proficiency and completed her period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unblemished record .
In her judicial review , she seeks orders and declarations including that the commissioner misapplied and/or misconstrued the relevant regulations and the procedures he operated were wholly artificial and had no appreciable prospect of conferring any benefit on her .
She seeks a declaration the procedures were also lacking transparency and failed to provide any sufficient reasoning for the decision .
She also seeks a declaration the decision was predetermined and had an inevitable outcome .
The commissioner also failed to assess her ability to be an efficient and effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided for the in the regulations , it is claimed .
Mr Justice Charles Meenan , on Thursday , granted leave to bring proceedings as an arguable case had been made out and said the matter could return in June .

Orlaith Fahy claims there is no provision in the Garda regulations entitling the commissioner to deem the attainment of a BA is an essential prerequisite. Photograph: Collins Photos
A probationary garda has brought a High Court challenge to the Garda Commissioner's decision to dispense with her services.
Orlaith Fahy had been stationed at Finglas and Blanchardstown Garda Stations during her probationary period since 2016.
She was also studying for a BA in Applied policing but after failing a fitness test she was told last February that, as she was now ineligible to complete the BA course, this was “an essential prerequisite” to becoming a garda.
She claims there is no provision in the Garda regulations entitling the commissioner to deem the attainment of the BA is an essential prerequisite.
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Mark Harty SC, with Breffni Gordon BL,instructed by Hughes Murphy Solicitors, was on Thursday granted leave to seek a judicial review of the decision. The application was made on a one-side only represented basis.
Mr Harty said the commissioner’s decision has already taken effect and he was not seeking any stay on it but seeking to quash it by judicial review.
He said his client had performed her duties with distinction, demonstrating exceptional proficiency and completed her period of service, on probation, with an unblemished record.
In her judicial review, she seeks orders and declarations including that the commissioner misapplied and/or misconstrued the relevant regulations and the procedures he operated were wholly artificial and had no appreciable prospect of conferring any benefit on her.
She seeks a declaration the procedures were also lacking transparency and failed to provide any sufficient reasoning for the decision.
She also seeks a declaration the decision was predetermined and had an inevitable outcome.
The commissioner also failed to assess her ability to be an efficient and effective member of the Garda in the manner provided for the in the regulations, it is claimed.
Mr Justice Charles Meenan, on Thursday, granted leave to bring proceedings as an arguable case had been made out and said the matter could return in June.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Octogenarian paedophile appeals conviction for abusing son

An octogenarian paedophile who serially abused children in his family and used his son as a “ sexual plaything ” should have his conviction set aside , the Court of Appeal has heard .
The Court of Appeal held a remote hearing on Thursday with lawyers and the three judges joining by video-link .
The appellant did not wish to be present during the hearing .
The 86-year-old man , who can not be named to protect his victim ’ s identity , was found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury of three counts of indecent assault of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 1977 and 1979 .
The convicted paedophile had denied the three charges .
The Clare man received consecutive sentences totalling four years by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy on May 15th , 2017 .
The maximum sentence for the offence at the time was two years .
Passing sentence , Ms Justice Murphy said the court was “ hugely constrained ” in terms of sentencing as the maximum penalty available at the time the offences were committed was two years imprisonment .
She said the maximum penalty was not “ in any way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his victim impact statement the man told his father : “ You took my childhood , education and the foundation of my childhood .
“ I have never felt truly safe in my life – and this is your fault .
You stole my life , ” he said .
Opening an appeal against conviction , the man ’ s barrister , Michael Delaney SC , said the hearing centred on the trial judge ’ s refusal to give a corroboration warning and there was a clear basis on the complainant ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complainant gave evidence over three days and there was various inconsistencies between his statements and sworn evidence which established that he could not be a reliable witness , triggering the need for the warning , submitted Mr Delaney .
The barrister argued that there were “ numerous respects ” in which the complainant had changed his evidence on certain issues in cross-examination and there had been a proper acknowledgement by the prosecution that this gave rise for the warning .
“ When we look at the case its almost fair to say in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offences that there is a change or development from the complainant of when and where the offences took place , who was present and when it was done , ” said Mr Delaney .
Mr Delaney said the trial judge ’ s warning was “ fairly terse ” and she had told the jury : “ I tend not to give corroboration warnings but I will say there is no independent evidence and no corroboration.
” The lawyer submitted that this was not a legally valid reason and there had been “ no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evidence .
The man ’ s trial heard the victim was “ used as a sexual plaything ” by his father .
He was subject to oral and anal rape , and was sometimes gagged and restrained , according to Mr Devally .
The man has previous convictions for sexual abuse of other family members .
He is currently serving a seven year sentence for rape and indecent assault of a niece as well as a four and a half sentence for indecent assault of his daughters .
President of the Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who sat with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy , said the court would reserve its judgement .

In his victim impact statement the man told his father: ‘You took my childhood, education and the foundation of my childhood.’ File Photograph: Collins Court
An octogenarian paedophile who serially abused children in his family and used his son as a “sexual plaything” should have his conviction set aside, the Court of Appeal has heard.
The Court of Appeal held a remote hearing on Thursday with lawyers and the three judges joining by video-link. The appellant did not wish to be present during the hearing.
The 86-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect his victim's identity, was found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury of three counts of indecent assault of his son at the family home on dates between 1977 and 1979. The convicted paedophile had denied the three charges.
The Clare man received consecutive sentences totalling four years by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy on May 15th, 2017. The maximum sentence for the offence at the time was two years.
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Passing sentence, Ms Justice Murphy said the court was “hugely constrained” in terms of sentencing as the maximum penalty available at the time the offences were committed was two years imprisonment. She said the maximum penalty was not “in any way commensurate” with the offending.
‘You stole my life’
In his victim impact statement the man told his father: “You took my childhood, education and the foundation of my childhood.
“I have never felt truly safe in my life – and this is your fault. You stole my life,” he said.
Opening an appeal against conviction, the man’s barrister, Michael Delaney SC, said the hearing centred on the trial judge’s refusal to give a corroboration warning and there was a clear basis on the complainant’s evidence for giving the warning.
The complainant gave evidence over three days and there was various inconsistencies between his statements and sworn evidence which established that he could not be a reliable witness, triggering the need for the warning, submitted Mr Delaney.
The barrister argued that there were “numerous respects” in which the complainant had changed his evidence on certain issues in cross-examination and there had been a proper acknowledgement by the prosecution that this gave rise for the warning.
“When we look at the case its almost fair to say in respect of every important feature of the offences that there is a change or development from the complainant of when and where the offences took place, who was present and when it was done,” said Mr Delaney.
Mr Delaney said the trial judge’s warning was “fairly terse” and she had told the jury: “I tend not to give corroboration warnings but I will say there is no independent evidence and no corroboration.”
The lawyer submitted that this was not a legally valid reason and there had been “no engagement whatsoever” by the judge with the evidence.
The man’s trial heard the victim was “used as a sexual plaything” by his father. He was subject to oral and anal rape, and was sometimes gagged and restrained, according to Mr Devally.
The man has previous convictions for sexual abuse of other family members. He is currently serving a seven year sentence for rape and indecent assault of a niece as well as a four and a half sentence for indecent assault of his daughters.
President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, who sat with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, said the court would reserve its judgement.