theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Kingsmill Massacre sole survivor awarded MBE in British New Year honours

Alan Black , the sole survivor of the 1976 Kingsmill Massacre , is among more than 80 people from Northern Ireland who received awards in Queen Elizabeth ’ s New Year honours list .
Mr Black survived the shooting even though he was shot 18 times in the Provisional IRA attack at Kingsmill in south Armagh .
In the attack a busload of textile workers were flagged down at Kingsmill as they were returning from work .
The one Catholic among them was singled out and told to run away .
The eleven other workers , all Protestants , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprise at least eleven members .
While the massacre was admitted by an organisation calling itself the South Armagh Republican Action Force , the Historical Inquiries Team in 2011 found that the Provisional IRA carried out the “ purely sectarian ” and “ calculated slaughter ” of the men .
Mr Black was awarded an MBE for services to the community in south Armagh .
South Armagh Ulster Unionist representative , Councillor David Taylor said it was a “ much-deserved award to Alan Black , who despite enduring and surviving one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has shown nothing but dignity and humanity throughout his life ” .
“ I know his recognition in the New Year honours list will be well received by people locally and much further afield as both he and the Kingsmill families continue their battle for truth and justice , even after 45 long years , ” he added .
Concert pianist Barry Douglas received a CBE ( Commander of the Order of the British Empire ) for services to music and to community relations in Northern Ireland .
Champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next Olympics in Tokyo , was honoured with a BEM ( Medallist of the Order of the British Empire ) for services to gymnastics .
Mr McClenaghan from Newtownards , Co Down , who has also competed for Northern Ireland is a Commonwealth and European pommel horse champion .
Lord Diljit Singh Rana , one of Northern Ireland ’ s leading hoteliers was awarded an OBE ( Order of the British Empire ) for services to the business and economy in Northern Ireland .
Amanda McNamee , principal of Lagan College integrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Member of the Order of the British Empire ) for services to education .
Jonathan McMillen , an executive officer at the North ’ s Department for Communities , who works with the Syrian refugee project in Northern Ireland received a BEM for services to refugees .
Karen McDowell , a member of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was made an MBE for services to the North ’ s fire and rescue service and to the LGBTQ community .
Ms McDowell , a station commander from Dromore in Co Down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and works to promote greater acceptance of transgendered people .
Fiona Chamberlain , the former Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland , received a CB ( Order of the Bath ) , for public service , as did Derek Baker , permanent secretary of the North ’ s Department of Education .
David Lindsay , Lord-Lieutenant of Co Down , was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order .

Alan Black survived the shooting even though he was shot 18 times in the Provisional IRA attack at Kingsmill in south Armagh. File photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Alan Black, the sole survivor of the 1976 Kingsmill Massacre, is among more than 80 people from Northern Ireland who received awards in Queen Elizabeth's New Year honours list.
Mr Black survived the shooting even though he was shot 18 times in the Provisional IRA attack at Kingsmill in south Armagh.
In the attack a busload of textile workers were flagged down at Kingsmill as they were returning from work. The one Catholic among them was singled out and told to run away.
The eleven other workers, all Protestants, were shot by an IRA gang reckoned to comprise at least eleven members.
READ MORE
While the massacre was admitted by an organisation calling itself the South Armagh Republican Action Force, the Historical Inquiries Team in 2011 found that the Provisional IRA carried out the “purely sectarian” and “calculated slaughter” of the men.
Mr Black was awarded an MBE for services to the community in south Armagh.
South Armagh Ulster Unionist representative, Councillor David Taylor said it was a "much-deserved award to Alan Black, who despite enduring and surviving one of the most horrific events of the entire Troubles, has shown nothing but dignity and humanity throughout his life".
“I know his recognition in the New Year honours list will be well received by people locally and much further afield as both he and the Kingsmill families continue their battle for truth and justice, even after 45 long years,” he added.
Pianist Barry Douglas received a CBE for services to music and to community relations in Northern Ireland. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Concert pianist Barry Douglas received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to music and to community relations in Northern Ireland.
Champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, who will compete for Ireland in the next Olympics in Tokyo, was honoured with a BEM (Medallist of the Order of the British Empire) for services to gymnastics.
Mr McClenaghan from Newtownards, Co Down, who has also competed for Northern Ireland is a Commonwealth and European pommel horse champion.
Lord Diljit Singh Rana, one of Northern Ireland’s leading hoteliers was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to the business and economy in Northern Ireland.
Amanda McNamee, principal of Lagan College integrated school in Belfast was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to education.
Gymnast Rhys McClenaghan won bronze on the pommel horse at the World Championships in 2019. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Jonathan McMillen, an executive officer at the North’s Department for Communities, who works with the Syrian refugee project in Northern Ireland received a BEM for services to refugees.
Karen McDowell, a member of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was made an MBE for services to the North’s fire and rescue service and to the LGBTQ community.
Ms McDowell, a station commander from Dromore in Co Down, transgendered while working in the service and works to promote greater acceptance of transgendered people.
Fiona Chamberlain, the former Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland, received a CB (Order of the Bath), for public service, as did Derek Baker, permanent secretary of the North's Department of Education.
David Lindsay, Lord-Lieutenant of Co Down, was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
The North's chief social worker Sean Holland received a CBE.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Appy couples: Those who meet on dating sites keener to settle down – study

With the Covid crisis putting paid to New Year ’ s Eve celebrations and many other opportunities to seek romance in person , dating apps have thrived .
But while such tech has long been associated with hookups , or casual relationships , a study suggests those who couple up after swiping right have as satisfying a relationship as those who met via traditional encounters – and might even be keener to settle down .
“ We actually find that in certain ways couples that met through dating apps have even stronger long-term family formation or relationship intentions than other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other digital ways of meeting , ” said Dr Gina Potarca , author of the research from the University of Geneva .
Writing in the journal PLOS One , Dr Potarca analysed results from the nationally representative 2018 family and generations survey conducted by the Swiss federal statistical office that quizzed those aged 15 to 79 on a multitude of issues , including where couples met , and their intentions within that relationship .
Dr Potarca focused on a sample of 3,245 partnered individuals over the age of 18 , and whose relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , finding that while the majority of individuals reported meeting their partner offline , 104 met their partner through dating apps , 264 met them via dating websites and 125 found their partner by means of other online services .
The proportion of people meeting their partner through dating apps rose dramatically over time .
But analysis of answers to questions around relationship intentions revealed there was little difference when it came to marital intentions and the desire or intention to have children between those who met via apps and those who met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was little difference in relationship and life satisfaction .
Indeed , those who met their partner through an app were more likely to be planning to move in with them if they were not already cohabiting , even when factors such as age were taken into account .
In addition , women who met their partner through an app were more likely to want a child within the next three years than those who met their partner offline .
The study also found that dating apps were linked to couples forming across wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pairing up with less educated men – the latter , said Dr Potarca , might be because app matches are based more on appearance and may be less influenced by social stigma .
Dr Potarca said the study pushed back against fears that dating apps threaten long-term relationships .
“ These moral panics don ’ t usually reflect the actual trends that are happening , ” she said .
However , the study is only based on respondents in Switzerland , and some of the questions were only aimed at people in heterosexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who met their partner on a dating app was relatively small , while it is difficult to disentangle cause and effect given the study is based on observations alone .
Dr Kathryn Coduto , an assistant professor of communication and media studies at South Dakota State University and an expert on dating apps who was not involved in the work , added there might be biases in who is answering the survey and how .
But she said the results chimed with smaller studies that suggested dating apps were not leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Coduto added that while some might be surprised by the findings about dating app users wanting to cohabit sooner and possibly being keener to consider children , many people download apps looking for long-term relationships .
“ In fact , if that ’ s your motivation when downloading the app and you meet someone with those same goals , you probably would be ready to move in sooner , ” she said .
Dr Coduto said it would be interesting to look further at non-heterosexual relationships and how many partners individuals had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current partner .
“ It ’ s easy to read this study and think that all of these people got online , matched with their partner , and were done and ready to have children or at least move in together , ” she said .
“ My guess is that it was much more of a slog than that , so it would be insightful to know what that process was like.
” – Guardian

Research found couples who met online were more likely to be planning to cohabit. Photograph: iStock
With the Covid crisis putting paid to New Year’s Eve celebrations and many other opportunities to seek romance in person, dating apps have thrived.
But while such tech has long been associated with hookups, or casual relationships, a study suggests those who couple up after swiping right have as satisfying a relationship as those who met via traditional encounters – and might even be keener to settle down.
"We actually find that in certain ways couples that met through dating apps have even stronger long-term family formation or relationship intentions than other couples that met either offline or through other digital ways of meeting," said Dr Gina Potarca, author of the research from the University of Geneva.
Writing in the journal PLOS One, Dr Potarca analysed results from the nationally representative 2018 family and generations survey conducted by the Swiss federal statistical office that quizzed those aged 15 to 79 on a multitude of issues, including where couples met, and their intentions within that relationship.
READ MORE
Dr Potarca focused on a sample of 3,245 partnered individuals over the age of 18, and whose relationship was no more than 10 years old, finding that while the majority of individuals reported meeting their partner offline, 104 met their partner through dating apps, 264 met them via dating websites and 125 found their partner by means of other online services.
The proportion of people meeting their partner through dating apps rose dramatically over time.
But analysis of answers to questions around relationship intentions revealed there was little difference when it came to marital intentions and the desire or intention to have children between those who met via apps and those who met offline. What is more, there was little difference in relationship and life satisfaction.
Indeed, those who met their partner through an app were more likely to be planning to move in with them if they were not already cohabiting, even when factors such as age were taken into account. In addition, women who met their partner through an app were more likely to want a child within the next three years than those who met their partner offline.
The study also found that dating apps were linked to couples forming across wider geographical distances, and highly educated women pairing up with less educated men – the latter, said Dr Potarca, might be because app matches are based more on appearance and may be less influenced by social stigma.
Dr Potarca said the study pushed back against fears that dating apps threaten long-term relationships. “These moral panics don’t usually reflect the actual trends that are happening,” she said.
Dating apocalypse
However, the study is only based on respondents in Switzerland, and some of the questions were only aimed at people in heterosexual relationships. In addition, the number of people who met their partner on a dating app was relatively small, while it is difficult to disentangle cause and effect given the study is based on observations alone.
Dr Kathryn Coduto, an assistant professor of communication and media studies at South Dakota State University and an expert on dating apps who was not involved in the work, added there might be biases in who is answering the survey and how. But she said the results chimed with smaller studies that suggested dating apps were not leading to a "dating apocalypse".
Dr Coduto added that while some might be surprised by the findings about dating app users wanting to cohabit sooner and possibly being keener to consider children, many people download apps looking for long-term relationships.
“In fact, if that’s your motivation when downloading the app and you meet someone with those same goals, you probably would be ready to move in sooner,” she said.
Dr Coduto said it would be interesting to look further at non-heterosexual relationships and how many partners individuals had had via dating apps before meeting their current partner.
“It’s easy to read this study and think that all of these people got online, matched with their partner, and were done and ready to have children or at least move in together,” she said. “My guess is that it was much more of a slog than that, so it would be insightful to know what that process was like.” – Guardian


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Q&A: How have we ended up going back to Level 5 lockdown?

Back to full-blown Level 5 then ?
And earlier than we thought .
Why is it happening now ?
An emergency Cabinet meeting was held on Wednesday evening , with Covid-19 infections surging and the numbers in hospitals with the virus climbing alarmingly .
After the meeting Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the country was moving back to Level 5 in the Living with Covid-19 framework .
Why was ramping-up of restrictions agreed to ?
It is all about the numbers .
As the Cabinet was meeting , a further 1,718 cases of coronavirus were announced , bringing the total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic to 90,157 in the Republic .
Wednesday ’ s figure was the highest daily tally since the start of the crisis in February .
A further 13 deaths relating to Covid-19 were also announced , taking the total number of deaths relating to the virus to 2,226 .
Are those numbers as terrible as they sound ?
Yes , and it has been widely anticipated that things are only likely to get worse in the days ahead .
“ This is perhaps the most dangerous moment for the country since Covid-19 began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meeting .
How is testing going ?
It is approaching capacity .
With widespread transmission of the virus now occurring in the community , the benefit of individuals taking action to prevent infection “ far outweighs ” what testing and tracing can achieve , according to HSE chief executive Paul Reid .
So , what was decided at the Cabinet meeting ?
All Level 5 restrictions – including the closure on Thursday evening of non-essential retail as well as the re-imposition of restricted movement to within 5km of homes from midnight Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swimming pools must stay closed from close of business Thursday .
Organised outdoor gatherings are not allowed .
Funerals are limited to 10 mourners .
Wedding parties cut to just six people from January 3rd .
People are being asked to work from home .
And school holidays are to be extended by almost a week .
Yes .
Even the smallest of New Year ’ s Eve house parties have been knocked on the head .
The Government is ending a concession which would have allowed two families to socialise in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already in place will remain ?
Gastro-pubs and restaurants will have to stay closed , although takeaway and delivery services will be allowed .
Hairdressers , salons , cinemas , galleries and museums also closed on Christmas Eve and will remain shut .
Mass and religious services have moved online only .
Schools are to remain closed until January 11th .
Students were due to return on January 6th .
The Department of Housing has confirmed that a moratorium on evictions will be reintroduced from midnight on Wednesday until February 10th due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will all the new restrictions end ?
It is hard to say for sure .
The Taoiseach said the restrictions will be in place until the end of January .
However , he admitted many of the measures could remain beyond that point .
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has previously indicated that there is a case for Level 5 restrictions staying in place until those most at risk are vaccinated .
What about the vaccines ?
There has been mixed news on this front .
By the end of the week about 40,000 doses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
This will be followed by 40,000 per week throughout January and early February , which will largely be for nursing homes .
Ireland is set to receive an additional one million doses after the EU responded to surging case numbers by ramping up orders for the one treatment it has so far authorised .
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will now take an additional 100 million doses of the vaccine , on top of the 200 million already ordered .
There have been delays in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to get .
The rollout of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine is unlikely to go ahead as hoped in January after a senior official in the European Medicines Agency said regulators did not have enough information about it .
Ireland has ordered 3.3 million doses of this vaccine .
It has also ordered 3.3 million doses of the Sanofi/GSK vaccine , but this is delayed until late 2021 .
And what about the new variant of Covid-19 ?
At the time of writing seven cases of the new , more transmissible variant of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have been sequenced in the Republic , along with one in Northern Ireland , according to a new risk assessment from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control .
It added that while there is no information to suggest that infections with the new strain are more severe , because of increased transmissibility , the impact of the virus is assessed as high in terms of hospitalisations and deaths .

There has been mixed news on the vaccine front. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Back to full-blown Level 5 then? And earlier than we thought. Why is it happening now?
An emergency Cabinet meeting was held on Wednesday evening, with Covid-19 infections surging and the numbers in hospitals with the virus climbing alarmingly. After the meeting Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the country was moving back to Level 5 in the Living with Covid-19 framework.
Why was ramping-up of restrictions agreed to?
Hospital Report
It is all about the numbers. As the Cabinet was meeting, a further 1,718 cases of coronavirus were announced, bringing the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 90,157 in the Republic. Wednesday’s figure was the highest daily tally since the start of the crisis in February. A further 13 deaths relating to Covid-19 were also announced, taking the total number of deaths relating to the virus to 2,226.
READ MORE
Are those numbers as terrible as they sound?
Yes, and it has been widely anticipated that things are only likely to get worse in the days ahead. “This is perhaps the most dangerous moment for the country since Covid-19 began,” one Minister said ahead of the meeting.
How is testing going?
It is approaching capacity. With widespread transmission of the virus now occurring in the community, the benefit of individuals taking action to prevent infection "far outweighs" what testing and tracing can achieve, according to HSE chief executive Paul Reid.
So, what was decided at the Cabinet meeting?
All Level 5 restrictions were agreed, including the closure on Thursday evening of non-essential retail and the re-imposition of restricted movement to within 5km which came into effect at midnight on Wednesday.
Gyms and swimming pools must stay closed from close of business Thursday. Golf and tennis clubs are closed.
No visitors are permitted in private homes or gardens (except for essential family reasons such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerably people).
Organised outdoor gatherings are not allowed, people may meet only one person from another household when taking exercise.
Funerals are limited to 10 mourners. Wedding parties cut to just six people from January 3rd. People are being asked to work from home.
School holidays are to be extended by almost a week and will not reopen until January 11th. The situation is expected to be reviewed before that date.
Anything else?
Yes. Even the smallest of New Year’s Eve house parties have been knocked on the head. The Government is ending a concession which would have allowed two families to socialise in one home until December 31st.
And rules already in place will remain?
Gastro-pubs and restaurants will have to stay closed, although takeaway and delivery services will be allowed. Hairdressers, salons, cinemas, galleries and museums also closed on Christmas Eve and will remain shut. Mass and religious services have moved online only.
What about schools?
Schools are to remain closed until January 11th. Students were due to return on January 6th. Higher, further and adult education should remain primarily online. Early Learning and Chidcare Services are open with protective measures.
What else?
The Department of Housing has confirmed that a moratorium on evictions will be reintroduced from midnight on Wednesday until February 10th due to the curbs on travel. The Government have further agreed the ban on air travel and passenger travel on ferries from the UK will be extended to January 6th. As a similar new strain has been identified in South Africa, this ban will also apply to South Africa.
And when will all the new restrictions end?
It is hard to say for sure. The Taoiseach said the restrictions will be in place until the end of January. However, he admitted many of the measures could remain beyond that point. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has previously indicated that there is a case for Level 5 restrictions staying in place until those most at risk are vaccinated.
What about the vaccines?
There has been mixed news on this front. By the end of the week about 40,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine should be in the country. This will be followed by 40,000 per week throughout January and early February, which will largely be for nursing homes. Ireland is set to receive an additional one million doses after the EU responded to surging case numbers by ramping up orders for the one treatment it has so far authorised. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will now take an additional 100 million doses of the vaccine, on top of the 200 million already ordered.
And the bad news?
There have been delays in the approval of other vaccines Ireland is due to get. The rollout of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine is unlikely to go ahead as hoped in January after a senior official in the European Medicines Agency said regulators did not have enough information about it. Ireland has ordered 3.3 million doses of this vaccine. It has also ordered 3.3 million doses of the Sanofi/GSK vaccine, but this is delayed until late 2021.
And what about the new variant of Covid-19?
At the time of writing seven cases of the new, more transmissible variant of Covid-19, first identified in the UK, have been sequenced in the Republic, along with one in Northern Ireland, according to a new risk assessment from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. It added that while there is no information to suggest that infections with the new strain are more severe, because of increased transmissibility, the impact of the virus is assessed as high in terms of hospitalisations and deaths.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--HSE reaches agreement with social media companies over vaccine information

Health officials have reached an agreement with major social media companies to ensure anyone searching online for information on Covid-19 vaccines will be directed to reliable sources .
The move comes amid concerns around the world regarding misinformation and vaccine scepticism as efforts ramp up to ensure necessary public participation .
“ We are providing regularly updated information on the HSE website and are working with Facebook and Twitter to make sure the public get accurate , reliable health information in relation to vaccines , ” Paul Reid , HSE chief executive said on Wednesday .
The HSE said its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean searches for vaccine information in Ireland will prompt users to visit its website in the first instance .
“ We had similar partnerships in relation to [ general ] Covid-19 information .
We would ask that people get their information from reputable sources and follow the public health advice , ” it said .
Dr Ronan Glynn , a deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health said such efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation related to the virus was welcome .
“ The potential for false claims , myth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society who have genuine and very understandable questions about the new vaccine remains a concern , ” he said .
Twitter has recently expanded its misinformation policy to cover tweets it believes are advancing “ harmful , false or misleading narratives ” about vaccinations .
Facebook said that since March it has been providing free advertising for public health campaigns “ connecting people to accurate and authoritative information and preventing the spread of harmful misinformation .
”

The HSE has reached an agreement with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. File photograph: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Health officials have reached an agreement with major social media companies to ensure anyone searching online for information on Covid-19 vaccines will be directed to reliable sources.
The move comes amid concerns around the world regarding misinformation and vaccine scepticism as efforts ramp up to ensure necessary public participation.
"We are providing regularly updated information on the HSE website and are working with Facebook and Twitter to make sure the public get accurate, reliable health information in relation to vaccines," Paul Reid, HSE chief executive said on Wednesday.
Hospital Report
The HSE said its agreements with Twitter, Facebook and Instagram mean searches for vaccine information in Ireland will prompt users to visit its website in the first instance.
READ MORE
“We had similar partnerships in relation to [general] Covid-19 information. We would ask that people get their information from reputable sources and follow the public health advice,” it said.
Dr Ronan Glynn, a deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health said such efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation related to the virus was welcome.
“The potential for false claims, myth and rumour to negatively influence those in our society who have genuine and very understandable questions about the new vaccine remains a concern,” he said.
Twitter has recently expanded its misinformation policy to cover tweets it believes are advancing “harmful, false or misleading narratives” about vaccinations. Facebook said that since March it has been providing free advertising for public health campaigns “connecting people to accurate and authoritative information and preventing the spread of harmful misinformation.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Demand for post-Brexit direct sailings to Europe surges

The first direct sailing to mainland Europe operated by shipping company Stena Line after Brexit comes into effect is fully booked , the company has said .
The Stena Horizon ferry on Saturday will carry more than 50 driver-accompanied lorries along with between 40 and 50 unaccompanied trailers on the sailing from Rosslare to Cherbourg .
Demand for space on the first two ferries operated by Danish shipping firm DFDS on the new direct service to mainland Europe between Rosslare and Dunkirk , both of which are leaving from the Co Wexford port on Saturday , is reported to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booking on to direct ferries to continental Europe to avoid post-Brexit controls at EU-UK border crossings after Brexit takes effect on Thursday night .
The direct ferries have become more popular for logistics firms looking to avoid potential delays at British ports in the wake of the long traffic delays at ports in southern England caused by France ’ s ban on road freight from the UK before Christmas .
Stena Line brought forward the planned doubling of ferry sailings and capacity on its ships on the direct service between Rosslare and Cherbourg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said there is insufficient capacity for roll-on , roll-off lorry freight on direct routes to mainland Europe to take at least 150,000 lorries that cross the so-called landbridge every year through Britain to mainland Europe that has been the fastest and cheapest route to date .
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney last week urged businesses to book on to direct ferries to and from mainland Europe “ for the foreseeable future ” for the “ certainty ” of avoiding traffic logjams at British ports as a result of the post-Brexit border @ @ @ @

Stena Line brought forward the planned doubling of ferry sailings and capacity on its ships on the direct service between Rosslare and Cherbourg in response to congestion.
The first direct sailing to mainland Europe operated by shipping company Stena Line after Brexit comes into effect is fully booked, the company has said.
The Stena Horizon ferry on Saturday will carry more than 50 driver-accompanied lorries along with between 40 and 50 unaccompanied trailers on the sailing from Rosslare to Cherbourg.
Demand for space on the first two ferries operated by Danish shipping firm DFDS on the new direct service to mainland Europe between Rosslare and Dunkirk, both of which are leaving from the Co Wexford port on Saturday, is reported to be over-subscribed.
Transport and export companies are booking on to direct ferries to continental Europe to avoid post-Brexit controls at EU-UK border crossings after Brexit takes effect on Thursday night.
READ MORE
The direct ferries have become more popular for logistics firms looking to avoid potential delays at British ports in the wake of the long traffic delays at ports in southern England caused by France's ban on road freight from the UK before Christmas.
Stena Line brought forward the planned doubling of ferry sailings and capacity on its ships on the direct service between Rosslare and Cherbourg in response to the congestion.
Hauliers have said there is insufficient capacity for roll-on, roll-off lorry freight on direct routes to mainland Europe to take at least 150,000 lorries that cross the so-called landbridge every year through Britain to mainland Europe that has been the fastest and cheapest route to date.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney last week urged businesses to book on to direct ferries to and from mainland Europe "for the foreseeable future" for the "certainty" of avoiding traffic logjams at British ports as a result of the post-Brexit border checks and inspections.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Covid-19: Staff at Wheatfield Prison test positive for virus

A number of staff have tested positive for Covid-19 at Dublin ’ s Wheatfield Prison .
While it did not specify how many positive tests had been recorded , the Irish Prison Service said in a statement on Wednesday that contact tracing is under way and that there are no cases among prisoners .
“ As a precaution , the Irish Prison Service , in conjunction with the HSE , will test all prisoners and all staff , ” it said .
An outbreak control team has been established to help guard against any further spread of the disease within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been told that staff would be in contact if any confirmed cases materialised among the prison population and there is no need to contact Wheatfield .
Phone and video calls for prisoners will continue as normal and prisoners will be able to access services such as drug counselling and psychology after Christmas when they are deemed safe .
“ We will be allowing people out of cells for exercise and showering and to access phone and video calls .
We have also provided Netflix in cells and this will provide some entertainment in @ @ @ @

‘As a precaution, the Irish Prison Service, in conjunction with the HSE, will test all prisoners and all staff.’ Photograph: Alan Betson
A number of staff have tested positive for Covid-19 at Dublin's Wheatfield Prison.
While it did not specify how many positive tests had been recorded, the Irish Prison Service said in a statement on Wednesday that contact tracing is under way and that there are no cases among prisoners.
“As a precaution, the Irish Prison Service, in conjunction with the HSE, will test all prisoners and all staff,” it said.
An outbreak control team has been established to help guard against any further spread of the disease within the prison.
READ MORE
Families of prisoners have been told that staff would be in contact if any confirmed cases materialised among the prison population and there is no need to contact Wheatfield.
Phone and video calls for prisoners will continue as normal and prisoners will be able to access services such as drug counselling and psychology after Christmas when they are deemed safe.
"We will be allowing people out of cells for exercise and showering and to access phone and video calls. We have also provided Netflix in cells and this will provide some entertainment in the evening."


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Covid-19 silences the bells of Christ Church Cathedral on New Year’s Eve

Covid-19 restrictions mean the bells of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin will not ring in the New Year for the first time in living memory and possibly in centuries .
The cathedral has been a focal point for generations of Dubliners at midnight on New Year ’ s Eve .
It used to be accompanied by a religious ceremony but in recent years people have gathered on the steps outside the Jury ’ s hotel in Christ Church .
The Dean of Christ Church Rev Dermot Dunne said social distancing scuppered any plans they might have had to ring out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 19 bells takes at least 10 bellringers .
“ We decided to call it off , ” he said .
“ It ’ s been a long tradition for us so long that I don ’ t know how long it goes back .
We are going back into a stricter lockdown .
The bellringers are conscious of their need to keep apart as well.
” Rev Dunne said the cathedral was able to ring the bells for services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day , but the stricter lockdown and escalating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire country shut as a result of Covid-19 , all New Year ’ s Eve events have moved online .
Fáilte Ireland will showcase illuminated locations from Kilkenny to Cork , Killarney , Tipperary and Killaloe .
RTÉ ’ s NYE Countdown , presented by Kathryn Thomas and Deirdre O ’ Kane live from the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin , will start at 10.45pm on RTÉ One and on the RTÉ Player .

Covid-19 restrictions mean the bells of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin will not ring in the New Year for the first time in living memory and possibly in centuries.
The cathedral has been a focal point for generations of Dubliners at midnight on New Year’s Eve. It used to be accompanied by a religious ceremony but in recent years people have gathered on the steps outside the Jury’s hotel in Christ Church.
The Dean of Christ Church Rev Dermot Dunne said social distancing scuppered any plans they might have had to ring out the bells.
A full ring of the 19 bells takes at least 10 bellringers.
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“We decided to call it off,” he said. “It’s been a long tradition for us so long that I don’t know how long it goes back. We are going back into a stricter lockdown. The bellringers are conscious of their need to keep apart as well.”
Rev Dunne said the cathedral was able to ring the bells for services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but the stricter lockdown and escalating Covid-19 cases makes that impossible.
With the entire country shut as a result of Covid-19, all New Year’s Eve events have moved online.
Fáilte Ireland will showcase illuminated locations from Kilkenny to Cork, Killarney, Tipperary and Killaloe.
RTÉ's NYE Countdown, presented by Kathryn Thomas and Deirdre O'Kane live from the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, will start at 10.45pm on RTÉ One and on the RTÉ Player.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Coronavirus: Vaccine the only game in town to end lockdown cycle

Politicians don ’ t do panic , not officially , but there was more than a touch of desperation to the latest responses of the Irish and British governments to surging Covid-19 case numbers .
Both Micheál Martin and Boris Johnson were forced on Wednesday to pull down the shutters on society given the paucity of alternative ways they have of tackling the virus .
Almost a year since we started fighting the disease , lockdown remains the fallback response of politicians when they can no longer ignore the warnings delivered by public health officials .
With the decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic , the final plank in the Government ’ s strategy for tackling Covid-19 has been swept away .
Ministers may contend that the delay is just for a few days , but we have heard a similar refrain before in relation to the closure of schools and the length of lockdowns generally .
As a nation we are now shutting our schools and depriving our students of a proper education , while at the same time leaving off-licences open .
This even though alcohol has repeatedly been identified as a driver of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in case numbers are occurring in 18- to 34-year-olds , traditionally the biggest consumers of alcohol .
The same criticisms can be made of Martin ’ s speech as were made about previous announcements by taoisigh .
No mention of effective quarantine arrangements , for example , or measures to tackle the Border issue .
While case numbers are rising across the country , they are highest now in three Border counties – Donegal , Monaghan and Louth .
This has been the trend for months yet no meaningful action has been taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in both jurisdictions .
And while Johnson ’ s government may have made a hames of responding to the crisis for much of this year , the UK appears to be leading the way in terms of vaccine approval and genetic research into the virus .
Most care-home residents in the North have already been vaccinated , while the Republic ’ s vaccination programme in nursing homes only starts next week .
The UK has now approved two vaccines while Ireland waits for decisions from the European Medicines Agency , which has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorisations without any visible benefit so far .
At this stage it is unclear whether the new UK and South African variants of the virus are as much a threat as they have been made out to be , but if this does prove the case we will be indebted to the work of scientists in London and Porton Down , not Brussels .
This new lockdown will work to a point .
The Christmas effect will wear off ; most people will hole themselves up for January .
Things will get worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But then what ?
The old questions remain ; what do you do then ?
Do you lift restrictions at the end of January , just as we did at the start of this month ?
Or do you continue the lockdown into the spring , with all that entails ?
There is no prospect , given the suite of measures being applied , the failings in quarantine and other areas , and the declining compliance in sections of the population , of eliminating the virus or reducing numbers to , say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be said , is not alone in Europe is facing this conundrum .
Many countries with previously good track-records have fallen by the wayside ; including ourselves , with currently the fastest growth in cases on the continent .
It follows that the only game in town from now on is the vaccine .
Should we go down the emergency authorisation route used by the UK ?
Should we focus on giving the maximum number of people a first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine , rather than holding two doses for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alacrity and agility in rolling out what options there are if we are to hope to lift the shutters again early ( ish ) in 2021 .

The UK has now approved two vaccines while Ireland waits for decisions from the European Medicines Agency, which has taken a more “relaxed” approach to authorisations without any visible benefit so far. Photograph: Getty Images
Politicians don’t do panic, not officially, but there was more than a touch of desperation to the latest responses of the Irish and British governments to surging Covid-19 case numbers.
Both Micheál Martin and Boris Johnson were forced on Wednesday to pull down the shutters on society given the paucity of alternative ways they have of tackling the virus.
Almost a year since we started fighting the disease, lockdown remains the fallback response of politicians when they can no longer ignore the warnings delivered by public health officials.
Hospital Report
With the decision to delay the reopening of schools in the Republic, the final plank in the Government’s strategy for tackling Covid-19 has been swept away.
READ MORE
Ministers may contend that the delay is just for a few days, but we have heard a similar refrain before in relation to the closure of schools and the length of lockdowns generally.
As a nation we are now shutting our schools and depriving our students of a proper education, while at the same time leaving off-licences open. This even though alcohol has repeatedly been identified as a driver of unsafe socialisation and although the biggest rises in case numbers are occurring in 18- to 34-year-olds, traditionally the biggest consumers of alcohol.
The same criticisms can be made of Martin’s speech as were made about previous announcements by taoisigh. No mention of effective quarantine arrangements, for example, or measures to tackle the Border issue.
Border counties
While case numbers are rising across the country, they are highest now in three Border counties – Donegal, Monaghan and Louth. This has been the trend for months yet no meaningful action has been taken until this month thanks to lockdown decisions in both jurisdictions.
And while Johnson’s government may have made a hames of responding to the crisis for much of this year, the UK appears to be leading the way in terms of vaccine approval and genetic research into the virus.
Most care-home residents in the North have already been vaccinated, while the Republic’s vaccination programme in nursing homes only starts next week.
This new lockdown will work to a point. Things will get worse for a while, then improve. But then what?
The UK has now approved two vaccines while Ireland waits for decisions from the European Medicines Agency, which has taken a more "relaxed" approach to authorisations without any visible benefit so far.
At this stage it is unclear whether the new UK and South African variants of the virus are as much a threat as they have been made out to be, but if this does prove the case we will be indebted to the work of scientists in London and Porton Down, not Brussels.
This new lockdown will work to a point. The Christmas effect will wear off; most people will hole themselves up for January. Things will get worse for a while, then improve.
But then what?
The old questions remain; what do you do then? Do you lift restrictions at the end of January, just as we did at the start of this month? Or do you continue the lockdown into the spring, with all that entails?
Single digits
There is no prospect, given the suite of measures being applied, the failings in quarantine and other areas, and the declining compliance in sections of the population, of eliminating the virus or reducing numbers to, say, single digits.
Ireland, it has to be said, is not alone in Europe is facing this conundrum. Many countries with previously good track-records have fallen by the wayside; including ourselves, with currently the fastest growth in cases on the continent.
It follows that the only game in town from now on is the vaccine. Should we go down the emergency authorisation route used by the UK? Should we focus on giving the maximum number of people a first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, rather than holding two doses for a smaller group?
We have to show alacrity and agility in rolling out what options there are if we are to hope to lift the shutters again early(ish) in 2021.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Brexit to hit parcel post to and from Britain

One of the first ways Brexit will impact Irish consumers on New Year ’ s Day will be the addition of significant volumes of red tape and form filling , as well as higher charges , when sending and receiving parcels to and from Britain .
But Brexit will have no impact on letters to and from Britain , or on any goods and parcels to or from Northern Ireland .
For the almost five decades the UK was a member of the EU , the movement of parcel post between the two jurisdictions was seamless with few , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change as of Friday and customs forms will have to be completed by anyone looking to send a parcel to Britain , An Post has confirmed .
Hundreds of thousands of parcels coming into the Republic will also require additional form-filling with charges applied before deliveries can be completed , despite the Withdrawal Agreement reached on Christmas Eve .
An Post said the form-filling exercises will apply to goods travelling to and from Britain with electronic customs data required for each item before posting .
While the steps may be new for consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the processes required as it handles over 10 million parcels annually from non-EU countries , all of which have to be available for Irish customs officials to inspect .
The 16 million parcels An Post receives annually from Britain will join the stream of parcels presented to Customs .
There is , however , unlikely to be a need for delivery companies to levy charges directly on a significant percentage of home deliveries , as it is planned that 95 per cent of UK retailers for whom An Post delivers will add any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checkout .
That means Irish consumers will not have to fill out customs forms to receive their online purchases .
The remaining 5 per cent - amounting to 800,000 parcels - will require consumers to pay additional charges in advance of delivery .
Parcels will not be released by An Post - or any of the leading delivery companies - until payments are received .
Irish residents or businesses sending parcels to the UK will be required to complete an online customs declaration forms .
Customs charges will not apply if the item @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under €45 .
A spokesman for An Post said items bought from British sellers before January 1st but not delivered before the transition period ends are likely to be marked as exempt from new charges .

One of the first ways Brexit will impact Irish consumers on New Year’s Day will be the addition of significant volumes of red tape and form filling, as well as higher charges, when sending and receiving parcels to and from Britain.
But Brexit will have no impact on letters to and from Britain, or on any goods and parcels to or from Northern Ireland.
For the almost five decades the UK was a member of the EU, the movement of parcel post between the two jurisdictions was seamless with few, if any, customs obstacles.
Things will change as of Friday and customs forms will have to be completed by anyone looking to send a parcel to Britain, An Post has confirmed.
READ MORE
Hundreds of thousands of parcels coming into the Republic will also require additional form-filling with charges applied before deliveries can be completed, despite the Withdrawal Agreement reached on Christmas Eve.
An Post said the form-filling exercises will apply to goods travelling to and from Britain with electronic customs data required for each item before posting.
While the steps may be new for consumers, An Post is already familiar with the processes required as it handles over 10 million parcels annually from non-EU countries, all of which have to be available for Irish customs officials to inspect.
The 16 million parcels An Post receives annually from Britain will join the stream of parcels presented to Customs.
There is, however, unlikely to be a need for delivery companies to levy charges directly on a significant percentage of home deliveries, as it is planned that 95 per cent of UK retailers for whom An Post delivers will add any VAT or customs charges at the online checkout.
That means Irish consumers will not have to fill out customs forms to receive their online purchases. The remaining 5 per cent - amounting to 800,000 parcels - will require consumers to pay additional charges in advance of delivery.
Parcels will not be released by An Post - or any of the leading delivery companies - until payments are received.
Irish residents or businesses sending parcels to the UK will be required to complete an online customs declaration forms.
Customs charges will not apply if the item is a gift with a value of under €45.
A spokesman for An Post said items bought from British sellers before January 1st but not delivered before the transition period ends are likely to be marked as exempt from new charges.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Schools welcome decision to close until January 11th

The Cabinet has agreed to keep schools closed until January 11th following record numbers of Covid-19 cases in recent days and calls from unions and parents ’ groups not to play “ Russian roulette ” with children ’ s health .
Schools had been due to reopen on January 6th , but the decision to delay was made at a hastily convened Cabinet meeting on Wednesday .
It comes following an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 , the highest number of hospitalisations since May , and a massive rise in referrals of suspected cases in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for by John Boyle , general secretary of the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation ( INTO ) , in a letter to Minister for Education Norma Foley on Tuesday .
The organisation representing primary schools said January 11th should be the earliest date for children to begin the new term .
Mr Boyle said this should be considered “ on public health grounds in the interest of securing safer schools for pupils , staff and their families ” .
In a short statement on Wednesday , following the announcement by Government that schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the move .
“ We welcome the swift movement by Government to delay the reopening of our primary and special schools , ” he said .
“ As we set out yesterday , the alarming public health data and concerns expressed in respect of the new Covid-19 variation warrant this approach .
“ We will seek to work constructively with the Department of Education and Nphet to ensure our schools reopen next month and have the necessary supports and protection to stay open safely.
” Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland ( ASTI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision by the Government to delay re-opening schools was the correct one .
Mr Christie maintained the new variant of the virus , which is much more infectious than previous variations , meant that the situation had changed .
“ Today ’ s announcement that schools will re-open on January 11th presents a new window of opportunity for a comprehensive review of the existing school safety arrangements and mitigations that are in place , ” he said .
“ Serious consideration must be given to whether these are now sufficient given the emergence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Christie said they wanted the relative level of safety in schools that existed between September and Christmas to be restored and that the extended holidays should be used to put measures in place to ensure such a safe reopening .
Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) general secretary Michael Gillespie said that the delay in re-opening must be used to ensure that schools are as safe as possible for students and staff .
He said the spike in cases is causing “ grave concern and anxiety ” .
He echoed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional time be used to investigate what additional safety measures and enhancements may be required in schools .
“ We have said at all times that we will be guided by the advice of the public health authorities and we trust that there will be full consultation and engagement with the Department of Education and Nphet in relation to issues of concern in the coming days , ” he said .
The latest report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre , published on Wednesday , shows there were 21 clusters of Covid-19 detected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ending December 31st .
That figure represented a reduction of four on the week before .
Schools closed for Christmas holidays on December 22nd , and the report pointed out that transmission of Covid-19 within the school setting had not necessarily been established in these outbreaks .
Before the announcement to delay re-opening was made , the National Parents Association , which represents more than 40 per cent of students and families in secondary schools , said it would be “ reckless to say the least , if not unconscionable ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked several times this year to play Russian roulette with their children ’ s health and the guilt and anguish felt by parents whose children have caught this virus in school is something no other parent should have to endure , ” it said .
“ As the light begins to appear at the end of the tunnel let us not put at risk another boy or girl ’ s life .
While we appreciate the priority to keep schools open this lockdown if handled properly will be our last one.
” A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Providers has said it is seeking clarity from the Government about whether or not its facilities will be closed for the next month .

Schools had been due to reopen on January 6th, but the decision to delay was made at a hastily convened Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Photograph: iStock
The Cabinet has agreed to keep schools closed until January 11th following record numbers of Covid-19 cases in recent days and calls from unions and parents’ groups not to play “Russian roulette” with children’s health.
Schools had been due to reopen on January 6th, but the decision to delay was made at a hastily convened Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. It comes following an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19, the highest number of hospitalisations since May, and a massive rise in referrals of suspected cases in the past week.
The delay had been called for by John Boyle, general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), in a letter to Minister for Education Norma Foley on Tuesday.
The organisation representing primary schools said January 11th should be the earliest date for children to begin the new term. Mr Boyle said this should be considered “on public health grounds in the interest of securing safer schools for pupils, staff and their families”.
READ MORE
In a short statement on Wednesday, following the announcement by Government that schools would remain closed, Mr Boyle welcomed the move.
“We welcome the swift movement by Government to delay the reopening of our primary and special schools,” he said.
“As we set out yesterday, the alarming public health data and concerns expressed in respect of the new Covid-19 variation warrant this approach.
“We will seek to work constructively with the Department of Education and Nphet to ensure our schools reopen next month and have the necessary supports and protection to stay open safely.”
Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) general secretary Kieran Christie said the decision by the Government to delay re-opening schools was the correct one.
Mr Christie maintained the new variant of the virus, which is much more infectious than previous variations, meant that the situation had changed.
“Today’s announcement that schools will re-open on January 11th presents a new window of opportunity for a comprehensive review of the existing school safety arrangements and mitigations that are in place,” he said.
“Serious consideration must be given to whether these are now sufficient given the emergence of the new strain of coronavirus.”
Mr Christie said they wanted the relative level of safety in schools that existed between September and Christmas to be restored and that the extended holidays should be used to put measures in place to ensure such a safe reopening.
Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) general secretary Michael Gillespie said that the delay in re-opening must be used to ensure that schools are as safe as possible for students and staff.
He said the spike in cases is causing “grave concern and anxiety”.
He echoed the calls of the ASTI that the additional time be used to investigate what additional safety measures and enhancements may be required in schools.
“We have said at all times that we will be guided by the advice of the public health authorities and we trust that there will be full consultation and engagement with the Department of Education and Nphet in relation to issues of concern in the coming days,” he said.
The latest report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, published on Wednesday, shows there were 21 clusters of Covid-19 detected among school children or staff during the week ending December 31st. That figure represented a reduction of four on the week before.
Schools closed for Christmas holidays on December 22nd, and the report pointed out that transmission of Covid-19 within the school setting had not necessarily been established in these outbreaks.
Before the announcement to delay re-opening was made, the National Parents Association, which represents more than 40 per cent of students and families in secondary schools, said it would be "reckless to say the least, if not unconscionable" to reopen schools.
“Parents have been asked several times this year to play Russian roulette with their children’s health and the guilt and anguish felt by parents whose children have caught this virus in school is something no other parent should have to endure,” it said.
“As the light begins to appear at the end of the tunnel let us not put at risk another boy or girl’s life. While we appreciate the priority to keep schools open this lockdown if handled properly will be our last one.”
A spokesman for the Federation of Early Childhood Providers has said it is seeking clarity from the Government about whether or not its facilities will be closed for the next month.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Fishing trawler crew rescued off the coast of Co Dublin

The crew of a fishing trawler has been rescued from the Irish Sea after the boat got into difficulty southeast @ @ @ @ @ .
The trawler lost its steering and was unable to manoeuvre and sent out a @ @ @ @ @ hours of Wednesday morning .
The Howth Royal National Lifeboat Institute ( RNLI ) all-weather @ @ @ @ @ the stricken trawler .
The volunteer lifeboat crew took the vessel in tow and brought @ @ @ @ @ Skerries harbour .
The five-man crew of the fishing vessel were in good spirits despite @ @ @ @ @ Howth Lifeboat and volunteer crew returned to Howth station and stood down at 5.45am .
@ @ @ @ @ Connolly said : “ Our volunteer lifeboat crew are always ready to respond to a @ @ @ @ @ the early hours and we train for situations just like this .
We were delighted @ @ @ @ @ locate the fishing vessel , commence the tow and bring the vessel safely back to @ @ @

The volunteer lifeboat crew took the vessel in tow and brought it to the safety of Skerries harbour. Photograph: David Sleator
The crew of a fishing trawler has been rescued from the Irish Sea after the boat got into difficulty southeast of Skerries, Co Dublin.
The trawler lost its steering and was unable to manoeuvre and sent out a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The Howth Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) all-weather vessel was launched and located the stricken trawler.
The volunteer lifeboat crew took the vessel in tow and brought it to the safety of Skerries harbour.
READ MORE
The five-man crew of the fishing vessel were in good spirits despite the mechanical failure.
The Howth Lifeboat and volunteer crew returned to Howth station and stood down at 5.45am.
Howth RNLI lifeboat coxswain Fred Connolly said: "Our volunteer lifeboat crew are always ready to respond to a call for help even in the early hours and we train for situations just like this. We were delighted to be able to quickly locate the fishing vessel, commence the tow and bring the vessel safely back to Skerries."


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Record amount of drugs seized in 2020 despite Covid-19 pandemic

More drugs have been seized this year by the Garda ’ s specialist narcotics unit than at any time since it was created despite the Covid-19 pandemic having effectively shutdown the night-time economy since March .
Data obtained by The Irish Times reveals that the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau seized drugs valued at more than €36 million in the first 11 months of the year , compared to €21.3 million in all of last year .
Cannabis , in various forms , accounted for almost half of the value of seizures in monetary terms , with €15.2 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bureau seized 209kg of cocaine , valued at €14.6 million ; 24kg of heroin , valued €3.3 million ; and 15kg of ketamine , valued at €900,000 .
Sources believe the higher value of seizures by the bureau shows the drugs trade has proven resilient despite reduced levels of social activity with pubs and clubs closed and home visits restricted .
While drug consumption was generally linked to increasing disposable incomes , sources said many people ’ s finances had either been unaffected during the pandemic or had , at least in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A lot of people were also working from home and if they didn ’ t lose their job or have a pay cut they would have had more money than ever and that probably meant some people had more to spend on drugs , ” said one source .
Among the other narcotics seized were some 3,100 ecstasy tablets ; 734kg of khat , a plant chewed by users to give a euphoric high which is popular in some parts of Africa and the Middle East ; and more than 700,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xanax .
Most of the latter were likely to be sold to drug users on the black market , with these kinds of pills are often sold or bartered among chronic heroin addicts .
The Irish Times recently revealed that a record level of cash had been seized from criminals , mostly organised gangs , this year .
In the first 10 months , gardaí found €16.35 million in cash , more than double the amount seized in recent years .
Garda sources said criminals had this year been forced to “ hoard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses they usually launder cash through had been closed for lengthy periods due to the pandemic .
These include a wide variety of cash-based businesses such as pubs and nightclubs , takeaway food outlets , tanning salons and many others .
For those businesses that have remained open , the flow of cash through them has slowed as more people have switched to card payments so as to avoid handling money during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Senior gardaí said that while the level of drug seizures by the bureau to the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other factors were at play .
The strength of the Garda force is at an all-time high , which they believed would result in more crimes being detected .
Furthermore , a source said that moving large quantities of drugs around the country was riskier during the pandemic because of the unprecedented drop in traffic on the roads and the biggest high visibility Garda operation ever seen across the State taking place .

Cannabis with an estimated street value of €7 million was seized in October at Dublin Port as part of an investigation into criminal gangs. File photograph: Revenue
More drugs have been seized this year by the Garda’s specialist narcotics unit than at any time since it was created despite the Covid-19 pandemic having effectively shutdown the night-time economy since March.
Data obtained by The Irish Times reveals that the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau seized drugs valued at more than €36 million in the first 11 months of the year, compared to €21.3 million in all of last year.
Cannabis, in various forms, accounted for almost half of the value of seizures in monetary terms, with €15.2 million discovered in total. In addition, the bureau seized 209kg of cocaine, valued at €14.6 million; 24kg of heroin, valued €3.3 million; and 15kg of ketamine, valued at €900,000.
Sources believe the higher value of seizures by the bureau shows the drugs trade has proven resilient despite reduced levels of social activity with pubs and clubs closed and home visits restricted.
READ MORE
While drug consumption was generally linked to increasing disposable incomes, sources said many people’s finances had either been unaffected during the pandemic or had, at least in part, been protected by State supports.
“A lot of people were also working from home and if they didn’t lose their job or have a pay cut they would have had more money than ever and that probably meant some people had more to spend on drugs,” said one source.
Among the other narcotics seized were some 3,100 ecstasy tablets; 734kg of khat, a plant chewed by users to give a euphoric high which is popular in some parts of Africa and the Middle East; and more than 700,000 pills – including Zopiclone, Diazepam and Xanax. Most of the latter were likely to be sold to drug users on the black market, with these kinds of pills are often sold or bartered among chronic heroin addicts.
Record level of cash
The Irish Times recently revealed that a record level of cash had been seized from criminals, mostly organised gangs, this year. In the first 10 months, gardaí found €16.35 million in cash, more than double the amount seized in recent years.
Garda sources said criminals had this year been forced to “hoard” their money because many of the businesses they usually launder cash through had been closed for lengthy periods due to the pandemic. These include a wide variety of cash-based businesses such as pubs and nightclubs, takeaway food outlets, tanning salons and many others.
For those businesses that have remained open, the flow of cash through them has slowed as more people have switched to card payments so as to avoid handling money during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Senior gardaí said that while the level of drug seizures by the bureau to the end of November reflected a resilient drugs trade, other factors were at play. The strength of the Garda force is at an all-time high, which they believed would result in more crimes being detected.
Furthermore, a source said that moving large quantities of drugs around the country was riskier during the pandemic because of the unprecedented drop in traffic on the roads and the biggest high visibility Garda operation ever seen across the State taking place.


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Philanthropic donations almost doubled in 2020 in response to Covid-19

Donations from private and corporate donors almost doubled in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic , according to the Community Foundation for Ireland .
The philanthropic foundation , which disburses private donations into grants for charities and community groups , said it had issued more than €15 million in 1,377 grants to community , voluntary and charitable groups this year , averaging just under €11,000 .
Viewers of The Late Late Toy Show generated €6.5 million generated for services aimed at children , which the foundation will disburse .
The RTÉ Does Comic Relief TV event in June raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community groups to increase digital and technology support for frontline work as well as measures to protect against the virus .
Along with supports to deal with Covid-19 grants were also issued to groups engaging communities on climate action , restorative justice for young people and human rights .
The foundation also looked at identifying future priorities , including support for all-island civic society engagement .
The foundation has issued grants totalling €65 million since it was established 20 years ago but described 2020 as a “ record-breaking year ” for private and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established a Covid-19 fund from private donations to respond to immediate emergency need , including Meals on Wheels , virtual supports for vulnerable young people and initiatives to help people with disabilities .
The foundation also highlighted the importance of legacies with the launch of the Hugh Leonard Fund in honour of the playwright .
His literary estate has been made available by his daughter Danielle Byrne to support aspiring playwrights .
Chair of the foundation Mike Gaffney said : “ This past year has made clear for all to see the role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , communities and our country .
“ Much of the support has been targeted not only at responding to immediate need but also to give groups and communities the ability to plan for the longer-term by providing strategic and sustainable support .
“ Despite the remarkable generosity of our donors it is also important to acknowledge that throughout the year demand for support still exceeded the levels of support available .
As a foundation we are conscious that for many people and communities there remains great challenges.
” Chief executive of the foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conscious as we face into 2021 that it too will bring its own challenges .
“ The issues of climate change , domestic violence as well as rights for minorities such as travellers , migrants and LGBTI+ still need to be urgently addressed .
Brexit and the post-Covid scenario will also present their own challenges .
”

Donations from private and corporate donors almost doubled in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Community Foundation for Ireland.
The philanthropic foundation, which disburses private donations into grants for charities and community groups, said it had issued more than €15 million in 1,377 grants to community, voluntary and charitable groups this year, averaging just under €11,000.
Viewers of The Late Late Toy Show generated €6.5 million generated for services aimed at children, which the foundation will disburse.
The RTÉ Does Comic Relief TV event in June raised €5.8 million, which was targeted at community groups to increase digital and technology support for frontline work as well as measures to protect against the virus.
READ MORE
Along with supports to deal with Covid-19 grants were also issued to groups engaging communities on climate action, restorative justice for young people and human rights. The foundation also looked at identifying future priorities, including support for all-island civic society engagement.
The foundation has issued grants totalling €65 million since it was established 20 years ago but described 2020 as a “record-breaking year” for private and corporate donations.
The organisation said it established a Covid-19 fund from private donations to respond to immediate emergency need, including Meals on Wheels, virtual supports for vulnerable young people and initiatives to help people with disabilities.
The foundation also highlighted the importance of legacies with the launch of the Hugh Leonard Fund in honour of the playwright. His literary estate has been made available by his daughter Danielle Byrne to support aspiring playwrights.
Chair of the foundation Mike Gaffney said: "This past year has made clear for all to see the role philanthropy can contribute to supporting vulnerable people, communities and our country.
“Much of the support has been targeted not only at responding to immediate need but also to give groups and communities the ability to plan for the longer-term by providing strategic and sustainable support.
“Despite the remarkable generosity of our donors it is also important to acknowledge that throughout the year demand for support still exceeded the levels of support available. As a foundation we are conscious that for many people and communities there remains great challenges.”
Chief executive of the foundation Denise Charlton said: "We are conscious as we face into 2021 that it too will bring its own challenges.
“The issues of climate change, domestic violence as well as rights for minorities such as travellers, migrants and LGBTI+ still need to be urgently addressed. Brexit and the post-Covid scenario will also present their own challenges.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Covid-19: organ transplants fall 30% in 2020

There was a 30 per cent reduction in the number of transplants carried out this year , as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic , new figures from the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) show .
Between January and December 28th , 2020 , there were 190 transplants carried out in the Republic , down from the 274 transplants in 2019 .
Kidney was the most common type of transplant , with 123 taking place this year , followed by liver at 37 , lung at 16 and heart at nine .
There were also five pancreas transplants performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of donations from 90 individuals , 62 of whom were deceased donors .
Some 590 people are waiting for an organ transplant in Ireland , the HSE said .
On average , an estimated 30 people die each year while waiting for a transplant .
Speaking following the publication of the figures , Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said organ donation is “ among the most selfless gifts ” we can give another .
“ I sincerely thank the families of deceased donors who at a time of great tragedy found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others first .
I hope they can take some solace in the relief and joy brought to the 190 organ recipients and their families and friends , ” he said .
Mr Donnelly acknowledged the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on the service , adding it “ made it difficult ” for hospitals to undertake major surgeries .
“ Organ transplantation involves dealing with very sick people who require lengthy surgery and who need round-the-clock care from our intensive care staff .
While the number of transplants is lower than the 274 transplants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still a great achievement given the challenges caused by the pandemic , ” he said .
“ I want to acknowledge the great work of all the staff in the three transplant centres and the intensive care staff in our hospitals for maintaining organ donation and transplantation services despite Covid-19.
” Mr Donnelly confirmed he intends to bring the Human Tissue Bill to Cabinet in 2021 ; this will provide for a soft “ opt-out ” organ donation system .
“ I also want to confirm additional funding of €0.75 million in 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
This will further develop our National Organ Retrieval Service to be comparable with best international standards , ” he said .
“ The funding will also ensure that our organ donation services are equipped to meet additional demands following the introduction of the Human Tissue Bill.
” Dr Catherine Motherway , HSE clinical lead on organ donation , expressed gratitude to those families who elected to donate organs and save the lives of other people in this country .
“ Following a challenging and difficult year for all our services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation and transplant services in 2020 , ” she said .
“ We will continue to champion organ donation because organ donation saves lives and our achievements this year reflects the generosity of our families and patients and the professionalism of the intensive care , theatre , medical and nursing staff .
”

There was a 30 per cent reduction in the number of transplants carried out this year, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, new figures from the Health Service Executive (HSE) show.
Between January and December 28th, 2020, there were 190 transplants carried out in the Republic, down from the 274 transplants in 2019.
Kidney was the most common type of transplant, with 123 taking place this year, followed by liver at 37, lung at 16 and heart at nine. There were also five pancreas transplants performed.
The transplants were carried out as a result of donations from 90 individuals, 62 of whom were deceased donors.
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Some 590 people are waiting for an organ transplant in Ireland, the HSE said. On average, an estimated 30 people die each year while waiting for a transplant.
Speaking following the publication of the figures, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said organ donation is "among the most selfless gifts" we can give another.
“I sincerely thank the families of deceased donors who at a time of great tragedy found the strength to put the needs of others first. I hope they can take some solace in the relief and joy brought to the 190 organ recipients and their families and friends,” he said.
Mr Donnelly acknowledged the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on the service, adding it “made it difficult” for hospitals to undertake major surgeries.
“Organ transplantation involves dealing with very sick people who require lengthy surgery and who need round-the-clock care from our intensive care staff. While the number of transplants is lower than the 274 transplants carried out in 2019, it is still a great achievement given the challenges caused by the pandemic,” he said.
“I want to acknowledge the great work of all the staff in the three transplant centres and the intensive care staff in our hospitals for maintaining organ donation and transplantation services despite Covid-19.”
Mr Donnelly confirmed he intends to bring the Human Tissue Bill to Cabinet in 2021; this will provide for a soft “opt-out” organ donation system.
“I also want to confirm additional funding of €0.75 million in 2021 to improve our organ donation and transplant services. This will further develop our National Organ Retrieval Service to be comparable with best international standards,” he said.
“The funding will also ensure that our organ donation services are equipped to meet additional demands following the introduction of the Human Tissue Bill.”
Dr Catherine Motherway, HSE clinical lead on organ donation, expressed gratitude to those families who elected to donate organs and save the lives of other people in this country.
“Following a challenging and difficult year for all our services, we have continued to maintain our organ donation and transplant services in 2020,” she said.
“We will continue to champion organ donation because organ donation saves lives and our achievements this year reflects the generosity of our families and patients and the professionalism of the intensive care, theatre, medical and nursing staff.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Ryanair must pay costs of failed challenge against Covid-19 measures

Ryanair must pay the legal costs of its failed High Court challenge against travel measures introduced by the government in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Mr Justice Garrett Simons ruled last October that the government had not exceeded its executive powers and trespassed upon the legislative power in relation to the measures .
In a follow-up ruling regarding who should pay the legal costs of the action , estimated to be a low six-figure sum , published on Thursday the judge ruled that there was no reason to depart from the normal rule that the successful party is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the core issues he had to consider regarding who should pay the costs of the action included if the case raised issues of public interest that would justify the court departing from the normal rule of the successful party being entitled to its costs .
Other issues considered were if the government had changed the wording of its travel advice in response to the action , and if Ryanair could be said to be partially successful in the action , despite the fact the case was dismissed .
After receiving submissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the normal rule regarding legal costs “ did not need to be adjusted , ” by reference to the alleged public interest of the case .
The action he said was brought by “ a well-resourced company , for whom costs are not a deterrent , in pursuit of its own commercial interest.
” Ryanair , he added , had brought the case for a full hearing notwithstanding a change in the wording of the government ’ s travel advice after the action was initiated .
While certain issues were decided against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not add materially to the length the proceedings took to hear , the Judge also held .
In the circumstances the judge said he was making a costs order in favour of the State respondents against Ryanair .
Aer Lingus , which was a notice party to the action , where it supported Ryanair , must pay its own legal costs , the judge also directed .
In its action , which took three days to hear , Ryanair claimed the measures amounted to a legal restriction on travel in and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those claims , and argued that the measures were merely advisory and not binding in nature .
In its action against An Taoiseach Ireland and the Attorney General , Ryanair sought various orders and declarations , including one setting aside the measures announced in late July .
This included the advice not to travel outside of Ireland save for essential purposes .
Ryanair also challenged the requirement for those returning to the state from countries not on the designated “ green list ” to restrict their movements and self-isolate for 14 days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and breached various Health Acts , the European Convention of Human Rights and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights .
It further claimed the government ’ s travel measures were outrageous , confusing and a detriment to both the public and its business .
The state argued Ryanair had no legal basis to bring its challenge against the measures , that the courts could not intervene with this advice , and that the airline ’ s proceedings were moot or pointless .
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In his decision last October Mr Justice Simons found the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public health advice during the pandemic on a non-statutory basis .
The government was entitled , in the exercise of the executive power , to provide such advice to the public , he said .
As of August 2020 , the information published on the government ’ s websites provided an “ accurate portrayal ” of the legal status of the travel advice and public health advice , the judgment continued .
“ The advice to avoid non-essential travel and to restrict movements on entry to the state is just that : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said Ryanair ’ s principal complaint was that , as a matter of domestic and constitutional law , the government in publishing the impugned travel advice exceeded its executive powers and trespassed upon the legislative power .
These arguments were rejected by the judge .

Ryanair must pay the legal costs of its failed High Court challenge against travel measures introduced by government in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Justice Garrett Simons ruled last October that the Government had not exceeded its executive powers and trespassed upon the legislative power in relation to the measures.
In a follow-up ruling regarding who should pay the legal costs of the action – estimated to be a low six-figure sum – published on Thursday, the judge ruled that there was no reason to depart from the normal rule that the successful party is entitled to its costs.
The judge said the core issues he had to consider regarding who should pay the costs of the action included if the case raised issues of public interest that would justify the court departing from the normal rule of the successful party being entitled to its costs.
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Other issues considered were if the Government had changed the wording of its travel advice in response to the action, and if Ryanair could be said to be partially successful in the action, despite the fact the case was dismissed.
After receiving submissions from both sides, the judge said the normal rule regarding legal costs “did not need to be adjusted” by reference to the alleged public interest of the case.
The action he said was brought by “a well-resourced company, for whom costs are not a deterrent, in pursuit of its own commercial interest”.
Ryanair, he added, had brought the case for a full hearing notwithstanding a change in the wording of the Government’s travel advice after the action was initiated.
While certain issues were decided against the State, the pursuit of those issues did not add materially to the length the proceedings took to hear, the judge also held.
In the circumstances the judge said he was making a costs order in favour of the State respondents against Ryanair.
‘Legal restriction’
Aer Lingus, which was a notice party to the action, where it supported Ryanair, must pay its own legal costs, the judge also directed.
In its action, which took three days to hear, Ryanair claimed the measures amounted to a legal restriction on travel in and out of the country.
The State disputed those claims and argued that the measures were merely advisory and not binding in nature.
In its action, Ryanair sought various orders and declarations, including one setting aside the measures announced in late July.
This included the advice not to travel outside Ireland save for essential purposes.
Ryanair also challenged the requirement for those returning to the State from countries not on the designated “green list” to restrict their movements and self-isolate for 14 days.
The airline claimed the restrictions were unconstitutional and breached various health Acts, the European Convention of Human Rights and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.
It further claimed the Government’s travel measures were outrageous, confusing and a detriment to both the public and its business.
Moot or pointless
The State argued Ryanair had no legal basis to bring its challenge against the measures, that the courts could not intervene with this advice, and that the airline’s proceedings were moot or pointless. In his decision last October Mr Justice Simons found the Government acted lawfully in providing travel advice and public health advice during the pandemic on a non-statutory basis.
The Government was entitled, in the exercise of the executive power, to provide such advice to the public, he said.
As of August 2020, the information published on the Government’s websites provided an “accurate portrayal” of the legal status of the travel advice and public health advice, the judgment continued.
“The advice to avoid non-essential travel and to restrict movements on entry to the State is just that: advice,” the judge said.
He said Ryanair’s principal complaint was that, as a matter of domestic and constitutional law, the Government in publishing the impugned travel advice exceeded its executive powers and trespassed upon the legislative power.
These arguments were rejected by the judge.