theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Judge orders release of woman who poses ‘imminent’ risk to mother

A traumatised and dangerous young woman must be released from a secure care unit despite the “ imminent ” risk she poses to the lives of her mother and other women because there is no legal basis for her continued detention , the president of the High Court has ruled .
There is “ simply no legal right or entitlement ” to detain the 18-year-old woman so as to protect those to whom she poses a serious risk because of her threats to kill and maim them , Ms Justice Mary Irvine said .
The judge agreed to put a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides consider her decision and allow “ some small comfort ” to the woman ’ s mother to feel safe even for that time .
The judge said she recognised the mother now finds herself in “ unimaginable ” circumstances and every effort should be made to ensure the mother , and other women , are protected .
The mother , who was in court , has left her home and has been recently rehoused by a local authority because of the threat posed by her daughter .
In her ruling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ probably the most disturbing ” she had had to decide in her 13 years as a High Court judge .
The unanimous medical evidence since March last is that the woman has capacity to make decisions about her person and welfare , with the effect she does not meet the criteria for wardship , the judge ruled .
Nor did she meet the criteria for detention under the Mental Health Act because , while she has a number of personality disorders , she has not been diagnosed with a mental disorder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some other basis , possibly under its inherent jurisdiction to continue her detention , but there was no such basis , the judge held .
Hard cases make bad law , the court was being asked to effectively make a preventative detention order because of the risk the woman poses to the mother and other women , she said .
“ People can not be detained because of fears they may commit a crime , even a crime as heinous as the one threatened here.
” On the basis of those and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Child and Family Agency to withdraw wardship proceedings initiated by it last year for the woman , in advance of her 18th birthday .
She also lifted the detention and other orders made in those proceedings .
The judge also held there is no basis for directing an independent medical assessment with a view to a fresh wardship inquiry for reasons including there had been no change in the unanimous medical view that the woman has capacity .
She stressed she was not ruling out the woman and/or her mother may seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedure but said what was being proposed would appear to involve the law being “ radically and significantly redrawn ” .
The woman has various personality disorders and a medical disorder and has been in care since she was aged 12 .
She has also been assessed as having developmental immaturity .
She has been in a children ’ s secure care unit for the past two years .
She is facing assault charges in the District and Circuit Courts and is on bail concerning those on condition she remains in the children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that unit was grounded on the High Court orders , today ’ s development in the High Court case may lead to a bid to change her bail conditions .
The woman had opposed the wardship petition , initiated in July 2019 , until earlier this week when lawyers for her mother and herself suggested the wardship jurisdiction could be extended to include a person in her situation with a number of personality disorders .
The court also heard the woman wanted to be placed in secure detention , preferably in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to an onward placement arranged for her by the CFA as she considered it unsuitable to her needs .
Lawyers for the woman and her mother had urged the court to find some basis to extend the detention under some form of expanded wardship jurisdiction , pending the court sending out an independent medical doctor to undertake a fresh assessment of the woman , but their application was opposed by the CFA and HSE as legally unstateable .
The judge said , in this case , four psychiatrists have all agreed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control her conduct and actions .
The evidence is she can control her actions but has her mind set against that , the judge said .
She had said she would accept treatment to address childhood trauma but would not accept treatment concerning control of her actions .
She had said : “ I can stop myself , I just choose not to , ” the judge said .
For the various procedural and legal reasons outlined in her ruling , she could not continue the detention orders , could not direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term detention orders , the judge concluded .
She praised the “ extensive ” efforts of the CFA to help the woman over years , noting it had approached 36 units , including in the UK , in an effort to secure a place for her without success .
While the woman had said the onward placement arranged for her by the CFA was not suitable , the court had no evidence of that , she added .

‘Simply no legal right or entitlement’ to detain the 18-year-old woman so as to protect those to whom she poses a serious risk, court rules
A traumatised and dangerous young woman must be released from a secure care unit despite the “imminent” risk she poses to the lives of her mother and other women because there is no legal basis for her continued detention, the president of the High Court has ruled.
There is "simply no legal right or entitlement" to detain the 18-year-old woman so as to protect those to whom she poses a serious risk because of her threats to kill and maim them, Ms Justice Mary Irvine said.
The judge agreed to put a 48-hour stay on the ruling to allow the sides consider her decision and allow “some small comfort” to the woman’s mother to feel safe even for that time.
The judge said she recognised the mother now finds herself in “unimaginable” circumstances and every effort should be made to ensure the mother, and other women, are protected.
READ MORE
The mother, who was in court, has left her home and has been recently rehoused by a local authority because of the threat posed by her daughter.
In her ruling on Tuesday, the judge said this case was “probably the most disturbing” she had had to decide in her 13 years as a High Court judge.
The unanimous medical evidence since March last is that the woman has capacity to make decisions about her person and welfare, with the effect she does not meet the criteria for wardship, the judge ruled.
Nor did she meet the criteria for detention under the Mental Health Act because, while she has a number of personality disorders, she has not been diagnosed with a mental disorder.
The court was asked to find some other basis, possibly under its inherent jurisdiction to continue her detention, but there was no such basis, the judge held.
Hard cases make bad law, the court was being asked to effectively make a preventative detention order because of the risk the woman poses to the mother and other women, she said. “People cannot be detained because of fears they may commit a crime, even a crime as heinous as the one threatened here.”
On the basis of those and other findings, she granted an application by the Child and Family Agency to withdraw wardship proceedings initiated by it last year for the woman, in advance of her 18th birthday. She also lifted the detention and other orders made in those proceedings.
Unanimous medical view
The judge also held there is no basis for directing an independent medical assessment with a view to a fresh wardship inquiry for reasons including there had been no change in the unanimous medical view that the woman has capacity.
She stressed she was not ruling out the woman and/or her mother may seek to advance their claims via another legal procedure but said what was being proposed would appear to involve the law being “radically and significantly redrawn”.
The woman has various personality disorders and a medical disorder and has been in care since she was aged 12. She has also been assessed as having developmental immaturity.
She has been in a children’s secure care unit for the past two years.
She is facing assault charges in the District and Circuit Courts and is on bail concerning those on condition she remains in the children's unit.
Because her detention in that unit was grounded on the High Court orders, today’s development in the High Court case may lead to a bid to change her bail conditions.
The woman had opposed the wardship petition, initiated in July 2019, until earlier this week when lawyers for her mother and herself suggested the wardship jurisdiction could be extended to include a person in her situation with a number of personality disorders.
The court also heard the woman wanted to be placed in secure detention, preferably in the UK, and did not wish to go to an onward placement arranged for her by the CFA as she considered it unsuitable to her needs.
Lawyers for the woman and her mother had urged the court to find some basis to extend the detention under some form of expanded wardship jurisdiction, pending the court sending out an independent medical doctor to undertake a fresh assessment of the woman, but their application was opposed by the CFA and HSE as legally unstateable.
The judge said, in this case, four psychiatrists have all agreed the woman has capacity to make decisions and to control her conduct and actions.
The evidence is she can control her actions but has her mind set against that, the judge said. She had said she would accept treatment to address childhood trauma but would not accept treatment concerning control of her actions.
She had said: “I can stop myself, I just choose not to,” the judge said.
For the various procedural and legal reasons outlined in her ruling, she could not continue the detention orders, could not direct a new wardship inquiry or make short term detention orders, the judge concluded.
She praised the “extensive” efforts of the CFA to help the woman over years, noting it had approached 36 units, including in the UK, in an effort to secure a place for her without success. While the woman had said the onward placement arranged for her by the CFA was not suitable, the court had no evidence of that, she added.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Flu vaccine delay should be resolved by end of October - IMO

The Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) has contacted its members over “ frustrations ” with seasonal flu vaccine delays saying two-thirds of the overall supply required should arrive with a pending shipment , with the rest by the end of October .
In a letter last Friday , the IMO explained that influenza vaccine arrives in a number of shipments , but the initial ones have been delayed , and have brought reduced quantities .
“ The HSE is working with the manufacturer to minimise any disruption , ” it said .
It is also expected that the ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children will start at the beginning of next month .
However , due to initial shortages in the regular vaccine , the Irish College of General Practitioners ( ICGP ) has warned that plans for dedicated flu vaccine clinics will be delayed until sufficient quantities are made available .
The prompt roll out of the vaccine is of particular concern this year due to the coronavirus and its potential to seriously impact hospital capacity .
Medical sources believe it will also help rule out regular flu strains in those who have symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health effects of having both coronavirus and regular flu simultaneously .
The IMO told its members that following discussions with HSE primary care and the National Immunisation Office , “ frustratingly there are reduced quantities available for initial orders ” .
“ However , based on current information , on the delivery of their second order each GP should have received two-thirds of the amount of vaccine each site ordered for the entire 2019-20 season.
” GPs and other distributors can access an online calendar to track delivery dates .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those most at risk .
Fortnightly deliveries are made during the flu season and the vaccine is currently available to order .
However , while it had been hoped that the level of delivery could have been escalated this year in light of the public health circumstances , they have so far remained in line with 2019 .
“ Based on current information , on the delivery of their second order each GP should have received two thirds of the amount of vaccine each site ordered for the entire the 2019-20 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Current schedules for flu vaccine shipments indicate that total supplies will have been delivered into Ireland by the end of October.
” Dr Nuala O ’ Connor , clinical lead on Covid-19 for ICGP said that , according to the HSE , by the end of this week all GPs will have received a small initial quantity of the vaccine .
“ Our members had hoped to start vaccinating people as quickly as possible , and plans for dedicated flu vaccine clinics will need to be delayed until we have sufficient flu vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Our understanding is that this is a temporary issue and will be resolved.
” On Tuesday , the HSE ’ s chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry acknowledged delays in the arrival of the vaccine , but said further batches were due to arrive soon with sufficient quantities for the population .
Dr Colman O ’ Loughlin , president of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland , said the southern hemisphere , often used as an indicator of what is coming in the north in any given year , has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking on RTÉ radio , he said “ that doesn ’ t always translate to the same situation up here in the northern hemisphere , but it does often follow on.
” He said social distancing and other measures , coupled with the flu vaccine , “ hopefully will see an ability to control flu so there won ’ t be such a negative impact on the system as there can be ” .

Due to initial shortages in the regular vaccine, the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) has warned plans for dedicated flu vaccine clinics will be delayed. Photograph: iStock
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has contacted its members over "frustrations" with seasonal flu vaccine delays saying two-thirds of the overall supply required should arrive with a pending shipment, with the rest by the end of October.
In a letter last Friday, the IMO explained that influenza vaccine arrives in a number of shipments, but the initial ones have been delayed, and have brought reduced quantities.
“The HSE is working with the manufacturer to minimise any disruption,” it said.
It is also expected that the ordering process for a nasal spray vaccine for children will start at the beginning of next month.
READ MORE
However, due to initial shortages in the regular vaccine, the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) has warned that plans for dedicated flu vaccine clinics will be delayed until sufficient quantities are made available.
The prompt roll out of the vaccine is of particular concern this year due to the coronavirus and its potential to seriously impact hospital capacity.
Medical sources believe it will also help rule out regular flu strains in those who have symptoms of Covid-19. There are also concerns about the health effects of having both coronavirus and regular flu simultaneously.
The IMO told its members that following discussions with HSE primary care and the National Immunisation Office, “frustratingly there are reduced quantities available for initial orders”.
“However, based on current information, on the delivery of their second order each GP should have received two-thirds of the amount of vaccine each site ordered for the entire 2019-20 season.”
GPs and other distributors can access an online calendar to track delivery dates. The first batches of the vaccine are being prioritised for those most at risk.
Fortnightly deliveries are made during the flu season and the vaccine is currently available to order.
However, while it had been hoped that the level of delivery could have been escalated this year in light of the public health circumstances, they have so far remained in line with 2019.
“Based on current information, on the delivery of their second order each GP should have received two thirds of the amount of vaccine each site ordered for the entire the 2019-20 season,” the IMO said.
"Current schedules for flu vaccine shipments indicate that total supplies will have been delivered into Ireland by the end of October."
Dr Nuala O’Connor, clinical lead on Covid-19 for ICGP said that, according to the HSE, by the end of this week all GPs will have received a small initial quantity of the vaccine.
“Our members had hoped to start vaccinating people as quickly as possible, and plans for dedicated flu vaccine clinics will need to be delayed until we have sufficient flu vaccine in our surgeries,” she said.
“Our understanding is that this is a temporary issue and will be resolved.”
On Tuesday, the HSE's chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry acknowledged delays in the arrival of the vaccine, but said further batches were due to arrive soon with sufficient quantities for the population.
Dr Colman O'Loughlin, president of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland, said the southern hemisphere, often used as an indicator of what is coming in the north in any given year, has had a "very mild" flu season.
Speaking on RTÉ radio, he said "that doesn't always translate to the same situation up here in the northern hemisphere, but it does often follow on."
He said social distancing and other measures, coupled with the flu vaccine, “hopefully will see an ability to control flu so there won’t be such a negative impact on the system as there can be”.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Covid-19: Restaurant industry left ‘in a vacuum of the unknown’- RAI

The chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland has said that National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) can not prove that the hospitality sector is contributing to the rise in Covid cases .
Adrian Cummins argued the problem lies with contact tracing and said the restaurant industry had been left “ in a vacuum of the unknown ” .
“ If there is spread from the hospitality sector , how come staff haven ’ t got it ?
” he asked on Newstalk Breakfast .
Mr Cummins said if cases continue at the current rate , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would show the hospitality sector was not the problem .
A further 188 confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday night by NPHET , 76 of them in Dublin .
This brings to 33,121 the total number of cases linked to the virus in the Republic .
No new deaths were reported , leaving the total number of deaths at 1,792 .
The restaurant association has called on the Government to publish the international evidence relied on by the Cabinet to support the decision to ban indoor dining in restaurants , cafes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on indoor dining were imposed in Dublin last week as an additional restriction on top of the Level 3 measures under the Government ’ s new five-level alert system in an attempt to suppress the rising number of Covid-19 infections in the capital .
Mr Cummins said on Monday that business owners wanted to see the international evidence which shows the virus is spreading in restaurants .
He called on the Government to “ fix ” the contact tracing data in order to give confidence to businesses and employees across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work because of the latest restrictions on the hospitality sector , said Mr Cummins , and some businesses were fearful that they may not survive the three-week period during which they can not serve customers indoors .
Prof Philip Nolan , chair of NPHET ’ s epidemiological modelling advisory group , said at the weekend that the ban on indoor dining in Dublin restaurants and bars was justified as cases of the disease were originating in these environments before spreading to people ’ s homes .
While the disease was “ amplifying ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households , there was “ more than sufficient evidence ” that Covid-19 was originating in congregated social settings such as bars and restaurants , he told RTÉ ’ s Saturday with Katie Hannon .
Prof Nolan said it was a “ misinterpretation of the numbers ” to say there were lots of cases in family homes but very few cases in other congregated settings .
“ If there ’ s one case in a restaurant that will lead to four or five infections .
That could lead to three or four households and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
There was “ compelling international evidence ” that indoor dining and congregation were “ major drivers of community transmission ” , he continued .
Prof Nolan later clarified these remarks by saying public health doctors “ would track down the source if they had the resources to do so , but they don ’ t ” .

A worker cleans the outdoor dining area of a restaurant in Dublin’s city centre before the further restrictions were introduced last weekend. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland has said that National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) cannot prove that the hospitality sector is contributing to the rise in Covid cases.
Adrian Cummins argued the problem lies with contact tracing and said the restaurant industry had been left “in a vacuum of the unknown”.
“If there is spread from the hospitality sector, how come staff haven’t got it?” he asked on Newstalk Breakfast.
Mr Cummins said if cases continue at the current rate, even with further restrictions in place, it would show the hospitality sector was not the problem.
READ MORE
A further 188 confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday night by NPHET, 76 of them in Dublin. This brings to 33,121 the total number of cases linked to the virus in the Republic. No new deaths were reported, leaving the total number of deaths at 1,792.
The restaurant association has called on the Government to publish the international evidence relied on by the Cabinet to support the decision to ban indoor dining in restaurants, cafes and food-serving pubs in Dublin.
The restrictions on indoor dining were imposed in Dublin last week as an additional restriction on top of the Level 3 measures under the Government’s new five-level alert system in an attempt to suppress the rising number of Covid-19 infections in the capital.
Mr Cummins said on Monday that business owners wanted to see the international evidence which shows the virus is spreading in restaurants. He called on the Government to “fix” the contact tracing data in order to give confidence to businesses and employees across the country.
There were 50,000 people out of work because of the latest restrictions on the hospitality sector, said Mr Cummins, and some businesses were fearful that they may not survive the three-week period during which they cannot serve customers indoors.
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of NPHET’s epidemiological modelling advisory group, said at the weekend that the ban on indoor dining in Dublin restaurants and bars was justified as cases of the disease were originating in these environments before spreading to people’s homes.
While the disease was “amplifying” through community transmission in people’s households, there was “more than sufficient evidence” that Covid-19 was originating in congregated social settings such as bars and restaurants, he told RTÉ’s Saturday with Katie Hannon.
Prof Nolan said it was a “misinterpretation of the numbers” to say there were lots of cases in family homes but very few cases in other congregated settings.
“If there’s one case in a restaurant that will lead to four or five infections. That could lead to three or four households and 15 to 20 cases,” he said. There was “compelling international evidence” that indoor dining and congregation were “major drivers of community transmission”, he continued.
Prof Nolan later clarified these remarks by saying public health doctors “would track down the source if they had the resources to do so, but they don’t”.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Three passengers arrested after €245,000 of cocaine seized at Dublin Airport

Gardaí have seized €245,000 of cocaine at Dublin Airport on Sunday .
Three people , two men and one woman @ @ @ @ @ , were arrested in connection with the incident at about 7.50pm .
Customs officers alerted @ @ @ @ @ had arrived on a flight from mainland Europe that they had detained on suspicion of @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said the passengers had ingested about 280 pellets of suspected cocaine ( pending analysis @ @ @ @ @ were arrested and taken to Ballymun Garda Station detained under Section 2 of the Drug @ @ @ @ @ of the arrested men and the woman have since been charged in relation to the @ @ @ @ @ to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice on Tuesday .
The other man remains @ @ @ @

Gardaí say three passengers ingested about 280 pellets of suspected cocaine. Photograph: An Garda Síochana
Gardaí have seized €245,000 of cocaine at Dublin Airport on Sunday. Three people, two men and one woman all aged in their 20s, were arrested in connection with the incident at about 7.50pm.
Customs officers alerted gardaí about three passengers who had arrived on a flight from mainland Europe that they had detained on suspicion of drug trafficking.
A Garda spokesman said the passengers had ingested about 280 pellets of suspected cocaine (pending analysis).
All three persons were arrested and taken to Ballymun Garda Station detained under Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act 1996.
READ MORE
One of the arrested men and the woman have since been charged in relation to the incident. They are due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice on Tuesday. The other man remains in Garda custody.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Rise in Covid-19 hospitalisations ‘a very concerning trend’, says Paul Reid

The chief executive of the Irish health service has described the rise in hospitalisations for Covid-19 as “ a very concerning trend ” and called on the public to take all necessary measures to protect friends , family and healthcare workers .
HSE chief Paul Reid tweeted late on Monday night that there are currently 90 people being treated in hospital for Covid-19 included 19 people in ICU , a sharp rise from the 23 hospitalisations and eight ICU patients four weeks ago .
“ This is a very concerning trend , ” warned Mr Reid .
“ Please ignore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to protect our family , friends and health workers from being the next number .
Please let ’ s do it .
We can.
” In another tweet , Mr Reid said 85,000 tests had been carried out over the past week but cautioned that testing “ doesn ’ t provide us with a ‘ suit of armour ’ against the virus .
Our first line of defence is ourselves and and what we do .
It ’ s serious again but we can turn this around too.
” Official data released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Irish hospitals and 96 suspected cases .
There are 17 confirmed cases receiving ICU treatment and another eight ICU patients with suspected Covid-19 .
Of the confirmed ICU cases , nine are on a ventilator and of the suspected cases , three are using a ventilator .
Concerns are rising over the admission rate to hospitals , as even a relatively low number of Covid-19 cases disrupts normal procedures .
Intensive care consultant John Bates urged the HSE on Tuesday to ensure that non-Covid-19 treatment continues in hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Dr Bates told RTÉ ’ s Morning Ireland programme that the “ small but steady ” increase in cases in recent weeks was a cause for concern heading into the winter months .
The “ usual business ” of flu and other ailments will start to pick up shortly , he warned .
Dr Bates added that if there is a further increase in Covid-19 cases it would have a significant impact on non-Covid patients .
Waiting lists had already increased substantially because hospitals had focused on Covid-19 care earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to continue non-Covid-19 work.
” The Irish Hospital Consultants Association said this week that an additional 2,000 hospital beds were needed almost immediately and that investment was required to increase space in hospitals to allow for social distancing .
However , the HSE ’ s chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said more intensive care beds was not the solution to the spread of Covid-19 and that the State should not rely on beds “ as a line of defence ” .
The only way to prevent the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Newstalk Breakfast .
Trained staff and the availability of specialist equipment such as ventilators were what led to a 79 per cent recovery rate earlier this year , he said .
However , Dr Henry did acknowledge that more beds are still badly needed .
“ Yes , we absolutely need more beds , they were at a miserable 225 and we ’ re at 278 beds now.
” Dr Henry said there had been some delays in the arrival of the flu vaccine , but further batches were due to arrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said the HSE was looking ahead to winter and planning for an increase in respiratory illnesses that could mimic Covid-19 .
Asked if Christmas would have to be cancelled , he said “ it should never be cancelled , but it will be in a different way.
” Dr Colman O ’ Loughlin , president of the Intensive Care Society and a consultant at the Mater hospital , said the situation is being monitored very closely in case there is a tipping point that will require meaningful action .
The number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mater hospital from 16 to 21 in recent days .
Dr O ’ Loughlin said there are 16 Covid patients in ICU beds nationally with seven outside Dublin , which showed that it is not just a Dublin problem .
He said Covid-19 patients were not just displaying respiratory failure , there was also neurological and cardiac impact , not all of which could be managed on wards and required intensive care .
“ We are trying to keep all the beds open , not just for Covid patients .
We are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Dr O ’ Loughlin said there was “ a long way to go ” in increasing intensive care bed capacity .
It takes a long time to “ switch on a bed ” as it requires at least six months training for a registered nurse to become an intensive care nurse .
Ireland operates a 1:1 ratio of nurse to patient in ICUs , this was the international standard which meant that 5.6 nurses were required to operate one ICU bed , he said .
“ That is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Delays in the arrival of the flu vaccine was also of concern , he said .
Data from Australia had shown they had a very mild flu season this year , in the past that had traditionally been a sign of what to expect in the northern hemisphere .
Dr O ’ Loughlin said some of the measures introduced for Covid-19 would also work to suppress the flu .
The number of people infected with Covid-19 is expected to continue to rise over the coming days with the question of further restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered at the end of this week and early next week .
The numbers will be monitored closely in several counties over coming days , with Kildare a particular worry it is understood , as officials and Ministers consider the possibility of extending the Level 3 restrictions currently in place in Dublin .
Officials say they are particularly concerned about Louth , Waterford , Limerick , Kildare , Leitrim , Donegal , Offaly and Wicklow .
A further 188 confirmed cases of the virus were reported on Monday night by the National Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 76 of them in Dublin .
This brings to 33,121 the total number of cases linked to the virus in the Republic .
No new deaths were reported , leaving the total number of deaths at 1,792 .
Of Monday ’ s cases , 25 are in Cork , 21 in Donegal , 16 in Kildare , 13 in Galway , seven in Roscommon and seven in Waterford , with the remaining 23 cases spread across 12 counties .

Dr Ronan Glynn (centre), acting chief medical officer, Department of Health, called on young people to “be a role model” for others. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
A further 334 confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, 174 of them in Dublin.
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said that, despite making up just a quarter of the population, people aged 15 to 34 accounted for 40 per cent of Covid-19 cases in the past two months.
“This is not surprising as they are more likely to be moving about in the community, going to school, higher education or work, and keeping our economy and key services going,” he said.
Hospital Report
Tonight there are 90 people hospitalised,19 in ICU (23 & 8, 4 weeks ago).This is a very concerning trend.Please ignore noises that relay otherwise.We all have to protect our family, friends & health workers from being the next number. Please let's do it. We can #COVID19 @HSELive — Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) September 21, 2020
In a fresh appeal to heed the public health advice, he said: “For teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s in particular, I know that what has been, and is being asked of you again is extraordinary. This pandemic has impacted on your education, your employment, your relationships and your social lives.”
READ MORE
He said the vast majority have “done the right thing” and have heeded public health advice.
“But the disease is continuing to spread disproportionately among younger people at present. And so, I am asking you to stick with this and continue to follow the public health advice.”
He called on young people to “be a role model” for others.
The latest cases, announced on Tuesday evening, bring to 33,444 the total number of cases linked to the virus in the Republic.
No new deaths were reported, leaving the total number of deaths at 1,792.
Men account for 158 of the new cases and women for 175, and the gender was not given in one case. Some 72 per cent are aged under 45.
Fifty-five cases were identified as community transmission and 53 per cent are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.
Of the new cases, 34 are in Cork, 30 in Kildare, 18 in Donegal, 10 in Galway, 10 in Louth, six in Clare, six in Mayo, six in Meath, six in Roscommon, five in Waterford, five in Limerick, with the remaining 23 spread across 11 counties.
Earlier this week, the chief executive of the Health Service Executive described the rise in hospitalisations for Covid-19 as “very concerning” and called on the public to take all necessary measures to protect friends, family and healthcare workers.
HSE chief Paul Reid tweeted late on Monday night that there are currently 90 people being treated in hospital for Covid-19 included 19 people in ICU, a sharp rise from the 23 hospitalisations and eight ICU patients four weeks ago.
“This is a very concerning trend,” warned Mr Reid. “Please ignore noises that relay otherwise. We all have to protect our family, friends and health workers from being the next number. Please let’s do it. We can.”
In another tweet, Mr Reid said 85,000 tests had been carried out over the past week but cautioned that testing “doesn’t provide us with a ‘suit of armour’ against the virus. Our first line of defence is ourselves and and what we do. It’s serious again but we can turn this around too.”
Official data released on Tuesday shows there are currently 90 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Irish hospitals and 96 suspected cases. There are 17 confirmed cases receiving ICU treatment and another eight ICU patients with suspected Covid-19. Of the confirmed ICU cases, nine are on a ventilator and of the suspected cases, three are using a ventilator.
Concerns are rising over the admission rate to hospitals, as even a relatively low number of Covid-19 cases disrupts normal procedures.
Intensive care consultant John Bates urged the HSE on Tuesday to ensure that non-Covid-19 treatment continues in hospitals despite the rise in cases of the virus.
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association said this week an additional 2,000 hospital beds were needed almost immediately and that investment was required to increase space in hospitals to allow for social distancing.
However, the HSE’s chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said more intensive care beds was not the solution to the spread of Covid-19 and that the State should not rely on beds “as a line of defence”.
Dr Colman O’Loughlin, president of the Intensive Care Society and a consultant at the Mater hospital, said the situation was being monitored very closely in case there was a tipping point that will require meaningful action.
“The numbers don’t lie,” he told RTÉ Radio 1’s Today with Claire Byrne show on Tuesday.
The number of Covid-19 patients had increased at the Mater hospital from 16 to 21 in recent days.
Dr O’Loughlin said Covid-19 patients were not just displaying respiratory failure, there was also neurological and cardiac impact, not all of which could be managed on wards and required intensive care.
“We are trying to keep all the beds open, not just for Covid patients. We are doing our best to run parallel systems,” he said.
Delays in the arrival of the flu vaccine was also of concern, he said. Data from Australia had shown they had a very mild flu season this year, in the past that had traditionally been a sign of what to expect in the northern hemisphere.
Dr O’Loughlin said some of the measures introduced for Covid-19 would also work to suppress the flu.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill calls Van Morrison’s anti-lockdown songs ‘unhelpful’

Northern Ireland ’ s political leaders have urged the public not to be swayed by Van Morrison ’ s coronavirus protest songs and instead listen to scientific evidence .
First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill were commenting after the famous Belfast musician penned three songs denouncing lockdown measures .
In his songs , Morrison accused the Government of taking people ’ s freedom and alleged scientists were making up “ crooked facts ” to justify restrictions to “ enslave ” the population .
Mrs Foster said : “ I think Van has a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just the executive here in Northern Ireland .
“ But , look , we live in a free society .
Van writes many songs about many issues .
“ He ’ s decided to write some protest songs around lockdown .
I don ’ t agree with his messaging , obviously .
“ But we live in a free country and therefore it is his right to write those songs .
“ What I ’ m asking people to do is to look at that in the context of art and entertainment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message based on science and data and the best advice that we have , and I hope that people will listen to the first and deputy first ministers , and to the executive , when we say this is a real threat , we need to take action , and we ’ re asking you to work with us on proportionate action.
” “ But I think his interventions are unhelpful , particularly given the juncture that we now are at in terms of trying to deal with Covid-19 , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save lives based on the best medical and scientific advice that we have and we ’ ll continue to do that .
”

Van Morrison has called for an end to lockdown measures which he claims “enslave” people. Photograph: David Jensen/PA Wire
Northern Ireland’s political leaders have urged the public not to be swayed by Van Morrison’s coronavirus protest songs and instead listen to scientific evidence.
First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill were commenting after the famous Belfast musician penned three songs denouncing lockdown measures.
In his songs, Morrison accused the Government of taking people’s freedom and alleged scientists were making up “crooked facts” to justify restrictions to “enslave” the population.
Mrs Foster said: “I think Van has a particular view on governments across the world and not just the executive here in Northern Ireland.
READ MORE
“But, look, we live in a free society. Van writes many songs about many issues.
“He’s decided to write some protest songs around lockdown. I don’t agree with his messaging, obviously.
“But we live in a free country and therefore it is his right to write those songs.
“What I’m asking people to do is to look at that in the context of art and entertainment, whereas we’re giving you a message based on science and data and the best advice that we have, and I hope that people will listen to the first and deputy first ministers, and to the executive, when we say this is a real threat, we need to take action, and we’re asking you to work with us on proportionate action.”
Ms O’Neill described Morrison as a “great entertainer”.
“But I think his interventions are unhelpful, particularly given the juncture that we now are at in terms of trying to deal with Covid-19,” she added.
“We’re trying to save lives based on the best medical and scientific advice that we have and we’ll continue to do that.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Coronavirus: Almost half of Irish people believe the worst ‘is ahead of us’

As the numbers of people infected grows , public fears about a second wave of coronavirus and support for more stringent restrictions have grown this month , according to public opinion research published by the Department of Health .
Research carried out last week and published on Monday night shows the numbers in favour of further restrictions surpassed those against such a move in recent weeks , rising to more than half ( 52 per cent ) of all respondents to the poll .
The numbers of those opposed to more restrictions fell to under a third ( 29 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of those who expressed a view favour further restrictions .
There has been a similar movement in recent weeks in the numbers of people who believe the measures introduced by the Government are “ insufficient ” – it rose from 30 per cent to 39 per cent during the period in question .
More than half of people ( 54 per cent ) say the response has been appropriate ; only 7 per cent say it has been too extreme .
Almost half of respondents ( 47 per cent ) say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Levels of worry in the population are similar to those seen at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in April , the research says .

As the numbers of people infected grows, public fears about a second wave of coronavirus and support for more stringent restrictions have grown this month, according to public opinion research published by the Department of Health.
Research carried out last week and published on Monday night shows the numbers in favour of further restrictions surpassed those against such a move in recent weeks, rising to more than half (52 per cent) of all respondents to the poll. The numbers of those opposed to more restrictions fell to under a third (29 per cent) – meaning that a significant majority of those who expressed a view favour further restrictions.
There has been a similar movement in recent weeks in the numbers of people who believe the measures introduced by the Government are “insufficient” – it rose from 30 per cent to 39 per cent during the period in question. More than half of people (54 per cent) say the response has been appropriate; only 7 per cent say it has been too extreme. Almost half of respondents (47 per cent) say the worst is “ahead of us”.
Hospital Report
Levels of worry in the population are similar to those seen at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in April, the research says.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Budget 2021: Women’s council calls for increased payments for new parents

The National Women ’ s Council of Ireland ( NWCI ) has called on the Government to increase maternity , paternity and parent ’ s benefit to €295 per week .
The organisation has also called for the investment in early years education to increase to 1 per cent of gross domestic product ( GDP ) over the next decade .
In its pre-budget submission , the NWCI outlined 10 broad principles for budget 2021 , which , it says , must “ build the foundations for a feminist economic recovery ” in the aftermath of Covid-19 .
The pre-budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living wage , beginning with early years educators in 2020 .
The document also highlights a need to regularise the “ situation of migrant workers ” .
As well as the increased payment rate of benefit , it calls for an increase in the duration of paid parent ’ s leave to 12 weeks per parent , increase paid paternity leave to 4 weeks and converting existing unpaid parental leave to paid leave .
In terms of taxation , the NWCI called for the introduction of a wealth tax , a financial transaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate .
It also called for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies and assurance that the implemented tax policy “ matches our goals on a low carbon economy ” .
Following the need for many people to work from home during Covid-19 , the council believes there is a need to examine the reorganisation of work , reduced working time and the 4-day week .
Orla O ’ Connor , director of the council , said the budget was being implemented in the context of a global pandemic which has “ shone a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequalities ” .
“ This is no more so evident in our dependence on the underpaid and undervalued care labour of women ; in the inefficiencies of privatised , essential public services ; the inadequacies in our social welfare system ; and the prevalence of low paid and precarious work in which women predominate , ” she said .
Ms O ’ Connor said one of the most “ glaring ” learnings from lockdown is that “ care work is absolutely essential for a functioning economy and society ” .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once and for all , by delivering in budget 2021 public , early childhood education and care , ” she added .
“ This means increased investment in early years , rising to at least 1 per cent of GDP over the next decade .
It means funding national afterschool care , supports for childminding and the Childcare Ireland agency .
Critically , we must see the introduction of a living wage for all early years educators in 2020.
” Ms O ’ Connor added that the budget must choose to fund investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ It must deliver universal public services on the basis of need , not ability to pay , by investing in the care economy , health and in housing , ” she said .
“ As we face into budget season , and the reality that Covid-19 will be with us for a while to come , it is critical that Government prioritise public childcare , investment in public services and in the creation of decent jobs for women .
”

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) has called on the Government to increase maternity, paternity and parent’s benefit to €295 per week. Photograph: iStock
The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) has called on the Government to increase maternity, paternity and parent's benefit to €295 per week.
The organisation has also called for the investment in early years education to increase to 1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade.
In its pre-budget submission, the NWCI outlined 10 broad principles for budget 2021, which, it says, must “build the foundations for a feminist economic recovery” in the aftermath of Covid-19.
The pre-budget submission calls for the implementation of a living wage, beginning with early years educators in 2020. The document also highlights a need to regularise the “situation of migrant workers”.
READ MORE
As well as the increased payment rate of benefit, it calls for an increase in the duration of paid parent’s leave to 12 weeks per parent, increase paid paternity leave to 4 weeks and converting existing unpaid parental leave to paid leave.
In terms of taxation, the NWCI called for the introduction of a wealth tax, a financial transaction tax and a minimum effective corporate tax rate. It also called for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies and assurance that the implemented tax policy “matches our goals on a low carbon economy”.
Following the need for many people to work from home during Covid-19, the council believes there is a need to examine the reorganisation of work, reduced working time and the 4-day week.
Orla O’Connor, director of the council, said the budget was being implemented in the context of a global pandemic which has “shone a harsh spotlight, and even reinforced gender inequalities”.
“ This is no more so evident in our dependence on the underpaid and undervalued care labour of women; in the inefficiencies of privatised, essential public services; the inadequacies in our social welfare system; and the prevalence of low paid and precarious work in which women predominate,” she said.
Ms O’Connor said one of the most “glaring” learnings from lockdown is that “care work is absolutely essential for a functioning economy and society”.
“ This is our opportunity to solve the childcare crisis once and for all, by delivering in budget 2021 public, early childhood education and care,” she added. “This means increased investment in early years, rising to at least 1 per cent of GDP over the next decade. It means funding national afterschool care, supports for childminding and the Childcare Ireland agency. Critically, we must see the introduction of a living wage for all early years educators in 2020.”
Ms O’Connor added that the budget must choose to fund investment through “progressive, gender sensitive taxation”.
“It must deliver universal public services on the basis of need, not ability to pay, by investing in the care economy, health and in housing,” she said.
“As we face into budget season, and the reality that Covid-19 will be with us for a while to come, it is critical that Government prioritise public childcare, investment in public services and in the creation of decent jobs for women.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--How to get ready for a graduate scheme

How to get ready for a graduate scheme

One of the most popular – and indeed fruitful – paths graduates are taking upon leaving education nowadays is the graduate scheme , because it gives them a bird ’ s eye view of all the different functions within the business before they choose to specialise .
Here are 13 tips to get you ready .
1 .
Think about your options There are many different sectors out there and many different lines of work within each of those sectors , so think broadly about everything that is out there .
What is most suited to you ?
What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ?
If you have a genuine interest in the field and enjoy what you are doing , you are more likely to succeed .
Most schemes accept graduates from any discipline .
2 .
What are you looking to get out of it ?
Jobs mean different things to different people .
Apart from basic survival , they offer people a variety of different things , so it ’ s important to consider what you want from it .
Do you want to work abroad ?
Is a large salary important ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sector important ?
Consider your priorities and see if they apply to the scheme or company you are applying for .
Go to careers fairs and talk to graduate recruiters .
If you can , talk to someone who took part in the scheme previously .
Learn as much as you can about the culture of the company and what the person got out of it .
Networking at these events can also be important when it comes to finding the best scheme for you .
Many graduate schemes are highly sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daunting .
Companies nowadays are targeting students in first and second year for these programmes .
Be aware as early as possible what sort of companies you ’ re interested in and what might be required for their programmes .
Make contact with companies and ask questions to ascertain whether it is a good fit .
No experience , no problem .
When hiring for graduate jobs , employers don ’ t expect you to have a wealth of experience .
The aim is to demonstrate your value as an employee and show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company , so don ’ t panic about experience .
Try to ascertain what the interview process will be .
It could be over the phone , via Skype or Zoom , or even sometimes involve blank screen video interviews where applicants have to record automated answers to questions .
This can prove difficult for some people , but there is free software available online to practise this technique .
Employers will want to know how you deal with obstacles and rejection in order to get an idea of how resilient you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any time you had a difficulty with a project you were working on , so you can recall that process in an interview or on an application form .
What did you learn about yourself during the lockdown ?
Did you have to contend with sudden changes in your final-year college programme ?
What did you learn from this ?
Pay close attention to the job posting and what transferable skills you can apply to the role , including volunteer work or summer jobs .
Include relevant college work on your CV .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work experience , relevant coursework can be included to showcase your skills .
Writing , teamwork and presentation skills are just some of the workplace skills you can learn and refine in college .
Proofread carefully .
Demonstrate your attention to detail by thoroughly reviewing your CV for typos , grammatical errors and inconsistencies .
It will be important to have an idea of the sector the company operates in .
What are the key issues and challenges for businesses in that sector ?
What are the key words or terms that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be important to have an idea of the company itself .
How does it operate ?
What are its key markets ?
What are its overarching strategic goals ?
All this information is likely available on the company ’ s website so you should take the time to peruse as much of that as possible before you go for an interview .
Make sure your contact information is professional , that your email address makes sense and that your phone number is correct .
Make sure your social media profile is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of values you want an employer to see .
Employers want to know you ’ re proud of your achievements and confident in your skills .
Make sure this comes through in your CV by highlighting all your best and most relevant strengths and accomplishments .
Recruiters often have several applications to review and can spend less than a minute reading your application .
Your CV should be powerful but brief .
It should be easy for the recruiter to quickly understand how your history and experience align with the job they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to relax as much as possible and not let your nerves get to you .
When you are in the interview , remember that it ’ s perfectly acceptable to pause before responding to questions in order to think about your answer .
Also , if you ’ re unsure about a question , ask for clarification .
Regardless of whether you were successful or not , try to spend some time after your interview thinking about the process and how you handled it .
Make some notes on questions or events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can work on them for next time .
You could also ask for feedback from the employer in the event you were unsuccessful .
Most are happy to provide it , but – be warned – it can be very general .
Once you get in the door , there is a good level of support , training , and development opportunities on these schemes , and you are ensured of a mentor to help you through problems .
Graduates will be rotated around and will get to see different types of roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible and you will be far more attractive to your employer as you will have a holistic view of the business .
Companies are looking to see how you work with other people , so it ’ s important not to be dictatorial or rude in group situations .
It ’ s vitally important you ’ re able to listen and take instructions .
Schemes will often involve working in big teams so make sure you are bringing your communication skills to it .

One of the most popular – and indeed fruitful – paths graduates are taking upon leaving education nowadays is the graduate scheme, because it gives them a bird’s eye view of all the different functions within the business before they choose to specialise. Here are 13 tips to get you ready.
1. Think about your options
There are many different sectors out there and many different lines of work within each of those sectors, so think broadly about everything that is out there. What is most suited to you? What are you interested in, and what excites you?
If you have a genuine interest in the field and enjoy what you are doing, you are more likely to succeed. Most schemes accept graduates from any discipline.
READ MORE
2. What are you looking to get out of it?
Jobs mean different things to different people. Apart from basic survival, they offer people a variety of different things, so it’s important to consider what you want from it. Do you want to work abroad? Is a large salary important? Is the reputation of the company or the sector important? Consider your priorities and see if they apply to the scheme or company you are applying for.
3. Ask the experts
Go to careers fairs and talk to graduate recruiters. If you can, talk to someone who took part in the scheme previously. Learn as much as you can about the culture of the company and what the person got out of it. Networking at these events can also be important when it comes to finding the best scheme for you.
4. Apply early
Many graduate schemes are highly sought after and securing a place can be daunting. Companies nowadays are targeting students in first and second year for these programmes. Be aware as early as possible what sort of companies you’re interested in and what might be required for their programmes. Make contact with companies and ask questions to ascertain whether it is a good fit.
5. Prepare
No experience, no problem. When hiring for graduate jobs, employers don’t expect you to have a wealth of experience. The aim is to demonstrate your value as an employee and show employers why hiring you would benefit their company, so don’t panic about experience.
Try to ascertain what the interview process will be. It could be over the phone, via Skype or Zoom, or even sometimes involve blank screen video interviews where applicants have to record automated answers to questions. This can prove difficult for some people, but there is free software available online to practise this technique.
Employers will want to know how you deal with obstacles and rejection in order to get an idea of how resilient you are. Start a process of informally recording any time you had a difficulty with a project you were working on, so you can recall that process in an interview or on an application form.
What did you learn about yourself during the lockdown? Did you have to contend with sudden changes in your final-year college programme? What did you learn from this?
Pay close attention to the job posting and what transferable skills you can apply to the role, including volunteer work or summer jobs.
Include relevant college work on your CV. Although you may have little to no work experience, relevant coursework can be included to showcase your skills. Writing, teamwork and presentation skills are just some of the workplace skills you can learn and refine in college.
Proofread carefully. Demonstrate your attention to detail by thoroughly reviewing your CV for typos, grammatical errors and inconsistencies.
6. Research the company
It will be important to have an idea of the sector the company operates in. What are the key issues and challenges for businesses in that sector? What are the key words or terms that are used in its day-to-day business?
It will also be important to have an idea of the company itself. How does it operate? What are its key markets? What are its overarching strategic goals? All this information is likely available on the company’s website so you should take the time to peruse as much of that as possible before you go for an interview.
7. Be professional
Make sure your contact information is professional, that your email address makes sense and that your phone number is correct. Make sure your social media profile is appropriate and is relevant to the types of values you want an employer to see.
8. Be confident
Employers want to know you’re proud of your achievements and confident in your skills. Make sure this comes through in your CV by highlighting all your best and most relevant strengths and accomplishments.
9. Keep it concise
Recruiters often have several applications to review and can spend less than a minute reading your application. Your CV should be powerful but brief. It should be easy for the recruiter to quickly understand how your history and experience align with the job they’re offering.
10. Relax
During the interview, try to relax as much as possible and not let your nerves get to you. When you are in the interview, remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to pause before responding to questions in order to think about your answer. Also, if you’re unsure about a question, ask for clarification.
11. Learn from the experience
Regardless of whether you were successful or not, try to spend some time after your interview thinking about the process and how you handled it. Make some notes on questions or events that may have thrown you so you can work on them for next time.
You could also ask for feedback from the employer in the event you were unsuccessful. Most are happy to provide it, but – be warned – it can be very general.
12. Be the sponge
Once you get in the door, there is a good level of support, training, and development opportunities on these schemes, and you are ensured of a mentor to help you through problems.
Graduates will be rotated around and will get to see different types of roles so try to absorb as much information as possible and you will be far more attractive to your employer as you will have a holistic view of the business.
13. Work with others
Companies are looking to see how you work with other people, so it’s important not to be dictatorial or rude in group situations. It’s vitally important you’re able to listen and take instructions. Schemes will often involve working in big teams so make sure you are bringing your communication skills to it.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Job hunting amid the pandemic: Five pointers to help you find that role

The Covid-19 pandemic and the measures introduced to curb its spread have had a devastating impact on Irish society and the economy .
Yet , despite the increased unemployment rate , there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a job .
The following are some tips to help you along the way .
Firstly , do not get despondent or feel hopeless about your prospects of finding a job .
Even if it takes a little longer than it would have in the absence of the pandemic , these times shall pass .
“ While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheated by the recent economic downturn , it ’ s really important that they focus on themselves and what is in their power to achieve now , ” says Deirdre Parker , a careers adviser at University College Cork .
“ Use whatever resources are available to them , rather than focus on events completely beyond their control .
It ’ s also important to not give up on career aspirations and think outside the box .
The career plan might be longer now , with more unanticipated elements , but it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paye , general manager of Jobs.ie , points out , the jobs market has already made back significant ground .
“ We have seen before that the jobs market can take sudden dips like it did in March , ” he says .
“ Compared to the start of April , the beginning of August saw a 500 per cent increase in jobs listings live on Jobs.ie .
We are now within 25 per cent of pre-Covid levels .
As we emerge from this period of uncertainty , we are all learning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This includes employers who , as they begin to reopen , know that you still need excellent employees to get your business back on track .
In certain instances , social distancing measures will mean they may even require more staff.
” Marie Laffey and Claire Murphy from NUI Galway ’ s Career Development Centre urge students to “ keep applying and don ’ t dwell on rejection ” .
“ In pre-lockdown times the average student took six to nine months to secure their first paid position , ” they say .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ each rejection and try and learn from each experience and then move on from it .
“ The hope is that this situation is temporary .
Graduates are not alone .
Firstly , self-care is important .
Reach out to support services in your colleges including career services or counselling.
” Jack Kennedy , an economist and researcher at Indeed ’ s hiring lab , says it is important to be patient .
“ The current crisis has thrown many business processes into disarray , ” he says .
“ Just as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no clear direction in sight , so are businesses .
“ Many of their staff are working to clear backlogs , or they may be taking longer to make decisions than normal .
Try not to become disheartened by this and keep the momentum up in your search.
” If you do find yourself getting constantly rejected , or , worse still , being constantly ignored , try to use the time you have to add strings to your bow .
“ Don ’ t despair of long waiting times to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Murphy .
“ Things are moving slower during Covid-19 .
“ Consider working outside your speciality in the interim .
Seek out volunteering opportunities .
All skills are transferable .
Don ’ t limit yourself in your search .
An opportunity may arise from the least expected source .
“ Attend free webinars you see advertised for your sector to gain an understanding of your sector .
Complete any free training courses to improve your skill sets .
Volunteer where possible to build team work , organisation , communication skills .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative and are not just waiting around to hear about jobs .
Showing you are improving your skills via courses , volunteering or part-time employment is contributing to your narrative of your story.
” Parker says the “ best thing ” an unemployed graduate can do with this unplanned downtime is to upskill , gain additional qualifications , and exploit newly available opportunities as much possible .
“ Many courses and events are now available free , or at a reduced cost since the lockdown due to the goodwill of course providers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , eCollege is a learning platform that delivers online training courses in business , project management , information technology , graphic design , web design , digital marketing , software development and basic computer literacy .
“ Their courses have been made available free of charge on a temporary basis as an additional support to those impacted by Covid-19 containment measures .
“ The Springboard+ and HCI upskilling initiative in higher education offers free and subsidised courses at certificate , degree and master ’ s level leading to qualifications in areas where there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as high-end manufacturing , data analytics , robotics , and artificial intelligence , via graduate conversion courses.
” All is changed , changed utterly , as WB Yeats wrote , so you too should be prepared to change your plans and expectations accordingly .
“ Be open minded about job searching , ” say Laffey and Murphy .
“ Define a job searching plan .
Keep a record on excel of what job , company and date you applied for .
Always remember to save a copy of the job description .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook , Amazon .
Johnson & Johnson , Fidelity Investments , MasterCard , and Microsoft are working remotely so don ’ t limit your search to Ireland as you may be able to work from home for companies located abroad.
” Kennedy says it is important to remember that careers paths are no longer linear .
“ Just because they may not start their career on the path they envisioned , it doesn ’ t mean they won ’ t end up there eventually , ” he says .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right away , but it may provide a chance to learn what work you do or don ’ t enjoy , and it might even lead to some unexpected professional opportunities .
“ People often presume they can only work in a particular industry , but the way we define industries is changing , for instance the finance sector has a demand for tech workers to work in areas such as cybersecurity and app development .
“ More than ever employers are looking for diverse experiences and backgrounds to bring a fresh perspective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your advantage.
” This is echoed by Mary McCarthy , a careers ’ adviser at University College Cork , who says there is a lot of uncertainty as a result of the pandemic .
“ While this is a time of unpredictability for graduates , human resilience and ability can quickly adapt to new situations when called on to do so , ” she says .
“ One thing is certain , change is constant and graduates have successfully learned to adapt to new situations throughout their lives .
At this time it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adopt openness , flexibility and a can-do attitude .
“ Over the coming year or so many graduates may find themselves building a professional career path by adopting an eclectic , stepping stone approach .
“ Some graduates opt to take the non-linear approach to their career by working in a sequence of varied types of jobs that may or may not necessarily connect to their university degree .
“ This has many advantages : it allows them to earn money , develop well-rounded and wide-ranging combinations of practical and transferable skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately want to take .
“ It also demonstrates to future employers that they are industrious , willing to work , open-minded , adaptable and resilient.
” National Recruitment Federation director Geraldine King says that while unemployment is high there will still be many opportunities emerging because of the pandemic .
“ Healthcare will continue to expand with new roles emerging all the time , ” she says .
“ IT roles are still very much in demand as are funds and supply chain with new opportunities still growing .
“ Roles that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hygiene sphere , technical and engineering specialists in sanitation will be hugely in demand , along with entry level roles as assistants and hygienist cleaners and planners .
“ New roles emerging in retail in the customer service , logistics/drivers and warehousing due to the volume of online shopping .
New roles are also emerging in deliveries of goods and we are starting to see new opportunities for drone pilots.
” Emma Scott , people partner at PwC , says the biggest tip she has for job-hunters is to be proactive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles that you are interested in , ” she says .
“ Check out the latest news sites for the issues they are commenting on as well as their own website .
“ Check out all the relevant job boards and be ahead of the game .
Reach out to recruiters and share your CV .
While there may be a hiring freeze in some sectors , if they have your details you might be first to be called .
“ Follow companies ’ social media channels to get better insights but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have .
If they are hiring , find out the closing date and apply well in advance of this to avoid any technical issues .
“ If you are still in college and are looking to complete your professional qualifications , find out what exemptions you have .
If there are exemptions you need , see if you can complete these during the summer.
” Paye says jobseekers should pay attention to detail .
“ If they mention something specific in the job spec for example , see if you can amend your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skill , ” he says .
“ Make sure that you register to receive job alerts in your field of work so that you are seeing the jobs advertised as they go live .
Also make sure that your profile is updated in our CV database as recruiters regularly search for talent before they even advertise a job.
” Even those with virtually no experience of working have skills and talents that when presented properly can cast them in a whole new light .
“ Relevant course work can be included on your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Kennedy .
“ Writing , teamwork and presentation skills are just some of the skills you can refine in college .
This , however , does not mean you need to list everything .
“ For instance , your primary school education should not appear on your CV if you are currently graduating from university .
Your CV should be powerful but brief .
Make it easy for the recruiter to quickly understand how your history and experience align with the job they ’ re offering.
” Laffey and Murphy suggest building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Draw on every skill you have from part-time employment , volunteering , societies , hobbies and interests , employability awards , ” they say .
“ Don ’ t underestimate the power of networking , even online .
Put yourself on the radar of those who are hiring in your sector .
Create a LinkedIn profile , follow employers in your sector , and use the necessary key words .
”

‘Draw on every skill you have from part-time employment, volunteering, societies, hobbies and interests, employability awards.’
The Covid-19 pandemic and the measures introduced to curb its spread have had a devastating impact on Irish society and the economy. Yet, despite the increased unemployment rate, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a job. The following are some tips to help you along the way.
1. Don’t get despondent
Firstly, do not get despondent or feel hopeless about your prospects of finding a job. Even if it takes a little longer than it would have in the absence of the pandemic, these times shall pass.
“While it’s understandable that graduates feel cheated by the recent economic downturn, it’s really important that they focus on themselves and what is in their power to achieve now,” says Deirdre Parker, a careers adviser at University College Cork.
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“Use whatever resources are available to them, rather than focus on events completely beyond their control. It’s also important to not give up on career aspirations and think outside the box. The career plan might be longer now, with more unanticipated elements, but it’s still a plan.”
As Chris Paye, general manager of Jobs.ie, points out, the jobs market has already made back significant ground. “We have seen before that the jobs market can take sudden dips like it did in March,” he says.
“Compared to the start of April, the beginning of August saw a 500 per cent increase in jobs listings live on Jobs.ie. We are now within 25 per cent of pre-Covid levels. As we emerge from this period of uncertainty, we are all learning to live with the new normal.
“This includes employers who, as they begin to reopen, know that you still need excellent employees to get your business back on track. In certain instances, social distancing measures will mean they may even require more staff.”
Marie Laffey and Claire Murphy from NUI Galway’s Career Development Centre urge students to “keep applying and don’t dwell on rejection”.
“In pre-lockdown times the average student took six to nine months to secure their first paid position,” they say. “It is important to learn from each rejection and try and learn from each experience and then move on from it.
“The hope is that this situation is temporary. Graduates are not alone. Firstly, self-care is important. Reach out to support services in your colleges including career services or counselling.”
Jack Kennedy, an economist and researcher at Indeed’s hiring lab, says it is important to be patient. “The current crisis has thrown many business processes into disarray,” he says. “Just as many of us currently struggle to make decisions with no clear direction in sight, so are businesses.
“Many of their staff are working to clear backlogs, or they may be taking longer to make decisions than normal. Try not to become disheartened by this and keep the momentum up in your search.”
2. Upskill
If you do find yourself getting constantly rejected, or, worse still, being constantly ignored, try to use the time you have to add strings to your bow.
“Don’t despair of long waiting times to hear back from employers,” say Laffey and Murphy. “Things are moving slower during Covid-19.
“Consider working outside your speciality in the interim. Seek out volunteering opportunities. All skills are transferable. Don’t limit yourself in your search. An opportunity may arise from the least expected source.
“Attend free webinars you see advertised for your sector to gain an understanding of your sector. Complete any free training courses to improve your skill sets. Volunteer where possible to build team work, organisation, communication skills.
“Employers are impressed with graduates who show initiative and are not just waiting around to hear about jobs. Showing you are improving your skills via courses, volunteering or part-time employment is contributing to your narrative of your story.”
Parker says the “best thing” an unemployed graduate can do with this unplanned downtime is to upskill, gain additional qualifications, and exploit newly available opportunities as much possible.
“Many courses and events are now available free, or at a reduced cost since the lockdown due to the goodwill of course providers,” she says.
“For example, eCollege is a learning platform that delivers online training courses in business, project management, information technology, graphic design, web design, digital marketing, software development and basic computer literacy.
“Their courses have been made available free of charge on a temporary basis as an additional support to those impacted by Covid-19 containment measures.
“The Springboard+ and HCI upskilling initiative in higher education offers free and subsidised courses at certificate, degree and master’s level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy such as high-end manufacturing, data analytics, robotics, and artificial intelligence, via graduate conversion courses.”
3. Be open-minded
All is changed, changed utterly, as WB Yeats wrote, so you too should be prepared to change your plans and expectations accordingly.
“Be open minded about job searching,” say Laffey and Murphy. “Define a job searching plan. Keep a record on excel of what job, company and date you applied for. Always remember to save a copy of the job description.
"Multinationals such as Google, Stripe, Facebook, Amazon. Johnson & Johnson, Fidelity Investments, MasterCard, and Microsoft are working remotely so don't limit your search to Ireland as you may be able to work from home for companies located abroad."
Kennedy says it is important to remember that careers paths are no longer linear. “Just because they may not start their career on the path they envisioned, it doesn’t mean they won’t end up there eventually,” he says.
“It’s disappointing not to land your dream job right away, but it may provide a chance to learn what work you do or don’t enjoy, and it might even lead to some unexpected professional opportunities.
“People often presume they can only work in a particular industry, but the way we define industries is changing, for instance the finance sector has a demand for tech workers to work in areas such as cybersecurity and app development.
“More than ever employers are looking for diverse experiences and backgrounds to bring a fresh perspective to the table. Use it to your advantage.”
This is echoed by Mary McCarthy, a careers’ adviser at University College Cork, who says there is a lot of uncertainty as a result of the pandemic. “While this is a time of unpredictability for graduates, human resilience and ability can quickly adapt to new situations when called on to do so,” she says.
“One thing is certain, change is constant and graduates have successfully learned to adapt to new situations throughout their lives. At this time it is very important to embrace the unexpected and adopt openness, flexibility and a can-do attitude.
“Over the coming year or so many graduates may find themselves building a professional career path by adopting an eclectic, stepping stone approach.
“Some graduates opt to take the non-linear approach to their career by working in a sequence of varied types of jobs that may or may not necessarily connect to their university degree.
“This has many advantages: it allows them to earn money, develop well-rounded and wide-ranging combinations of practical and transferable skills while figuring out the career direction they ultimately want to take.
“It also demonstrates to future employers that they are industrious, willing to work, open-minded, adaptable and resilient.”
National Recruitment Federation director Geraldine King says that while unemployment is high there will still be many opportunities emerging because of the pandemic.
“Healthcare will continue to expand with new roles emerging all the time,” she says. “IT roles are still very much in demand as are funds and supply chain with new opportunities still growing.
“Roles that did not exist before will emerge in the hygiene sphere, technical and engineering specialists in sanitation will be hugely in demand, along with entry level roles as assistants and hygienist cleaners and planners.
“New roles emerging in retail in the customer service, logistics/drivers and warehousing due to the volume of online shopping. New roles are also emerging in deliveries of goods and we are starting to see new opportunities for drone pilots.”
4. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Emma Scott, people partner at PwC, says the biggest tip she has for job-hunters is to be proactive. "Really research around the companies and roles that you are interested in," she says. "Check out the latest news sites for the issues they are commenting on as well as their own website.
“Check out all the relevant job boards and be ahead of the game. Reach out to recruiters and share your CV. While there may be a hiring freeze in some sectors, if they have your details you might be first to be called.
“Follow companies’ social media channels to get better insights but also to hear about job opportunities they may have. If they are hiring, find out the closing date and apply well in advance of this to avoid any technical issues.
“If you are still in college and are looking to complete your professional qualifications, find out what exemptions you have. If there are exemptions you need, see if you can complete these during the summer.”
Paye says jobseekers should pay attention to detail. “If they mention something specific in the job spec for example, see if you can amend your CV to reflect that you have that skill,” he says.
“Make sure that you register to receive job alerts in your field of work so that you are seeing the jobs advertised as they go live. Also make sure that your profile is updated in our CV database as recruiters regularly search for talent before they even advertise a job.”
5. Showcase yourself
Even those with virtually no experience of working have skills and talents that when presented properly can cast them in a whole new light.
“Relevant course work can be included on your CV to showcase your skills,” says Kennedy. “Writing, teamwork and presentation skills are just some of the skills you can refine in college. This, however, does not mean you need to list everything.
“For instance, your primary school education should not appear on your CV if you are currently graduating from university. Your CV should be powerful but brief. Make it easy for the recruiter to quickly understand how your history and experience align with the job they’re offering.”
Laffey and Murphy suggest building a profile or a personal brand online. “Draw on every skill you have from part-time employment, volunteering, societies, hobbies and interests, employability awards,” they say.
“Don’t underestimate the power of networking, even online. Put yourself on the radar of those who are hiring in your sector. Create a LinkedIn profile, follow employers in your sector, and use the necessary key words.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Investment in more detailed contact tracing needed to reveal key Covid-19 trends

The assertion by a senior National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) official last Friday that restaurants were a principal driver of transmission of Covid-19 came as a surprise to many , not least the Dublin cafe-owners who had to shut down their businesses hours later under the latest round of restrictions in the capital .
But the claim by Prof Philip Nolan that public health doctors “ don ’ t need to know ” where a person got the virus also raised worrying questions about our contact tracing system which , with testing , is supposed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
“ We would like to go back and find out where people are getting the virus , but we don ’ t have the time or resources to pursue this academic exercise , ” Prof Nolan tweeted .
For months , public health officials have , without any qualifiers , published figures showing a low number of outbreaks in restaurants .
But Prof Nolan abruptly changed this narrative by saying there was “ lots of international evidence ” for the role of restaurants and bars in driving community transmission .
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health doctors “ would track down the source if they had the resources to do so , but they don ’ t ” .
This amounts to the same thing ; either we aren ’ t interested in , or haven ’ t the time/money/staff to investigate the ultimate source of outbreaks .
In fact , public health doctors do engage in source case investigation , but contact tracing teams who handle community cases do not .
It is perhaps understandable that in the white heat of a pandemic , the immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of tracing contacts and encouraging them to self-isolate , and thereby remove the risk of onward transmission , is considerable .
Contact tracing involves a particular skill-set that is adept at engaging with people and reassuring them about doing what is best for themselves and the community , infectious diseases expert Prof Mary Horgan points out .
“ Along with lab scientists , contact tracers are the unsung heroes of this pandemic , ” said Prof Horgan , who is president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this pandemic by now , including a prolonged lull over the summer .
There has been time to put the system on a more permanent footing , and for it to be more ambitious in its scope .
“ The system has to be capable of experimentation , ” Prof Horgan said .
“ We need to get forensic in at least some areas , to dig down into the information and establish trends , from which we can extrapolate.
” That information is a valuable resource that can tell us a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the virus is transmitting successfully and how people are adhering to the guidelines in place , according to Prof Horgan .
The HSE says that while contact tracing does include questions to all identified cases on the source of infection , “ consideration is now being given to how these processes can be further enhanced ” .
Perhaps the best example is in Japan , which majored on retrospective investigation of cases in additional to the prospective investigation of current cases that most countries do .
In prospective tracing , the close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they can be quarantined if they show symptoms .
But Japan also tried to find out where they were infected and then monitored people who visited that site .
The aim was to catch the one in five cases who turn out to be super-spreaders .
While the process of tracing contacts and gleaning information about their movements can be laborious , data analyst David Higgins said the process of analysing this information electronically was not .
“ Contact tracers have to collect information over a long period of time , roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They also have to get every bit of relevant information , ” Mr Higgins , of Carraighill consultants , said .
“ Details about cases , by Eircode location , could be uploaded onto a database , and a search could throw up matches by location and other criteria.
” The resulting information could help provide real-time clues about locations where the virus was spreading and , more broadly , point to general settings which are conducive to its transmission .
Given that NPHET was making “ life and death ” decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resources to ensure these were well informed , he said .
“ We ’ ll end up saving money in the long run.
” Yet it may be too late for now to widen the scope of contact tracing .
The World Health Organisation says contact tracing can be “ difficult ” when transmission of the virus is “ intense ” but should be carried out “ as much as possible ” .
For the coming weeks , fire-fighting is likely to dominate over disease detection .

Prof Philip Nolan has said there was “lots of international evidence” for the role of restaurants and bars in driving community transmission of Covid-19. File photograph: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
The assertion by a senior National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) official last Friday that restaurants were a principal driver of transmission of Covid-19 came as a surprise to many, not least the Dublin cafe-owners who had to shut down their businesses hours later under the latest round of restrictions in the capital.
But the claim by Prof Philip Nolan that public health doctors "don't need to know" where a person got the virus also raised worrying questions about our contact tracing system which, with testing, is supposed to be the main weapon we have in this pandemic.
“We would like to go back and find out where people are getting the virus, but we don’t have the time or resources to pursue this academic exercise,” Prof Nolan tweeted.
Hospital Report
For months, public health officials have, without any qualifiers, published figures showing a low number of outbreaks in restaurants. But Prof Nolan abruptly changed this narrative by saying there was “lots of international evidence” for the role of restaurants and bars in driving community transmission.
READ MORE
Later, he clarified his remarks by saying public health doctors “would track down the source if they had the resources to do so, but they don’t”.
This amounts to the same thing; either we aren’t interested in, or haven’t the time/money/staff to investigate the ultimate source of outbreaks.
In fact, public health doctors do engage in source case investigation, but contact tracing teams who handle community cases do not.
It is perhaps understandable that in the white heat of a pandemic, the immediate takes precedence over the important. The importance of tracing contacts and encouraging them to self-isolate, and thereby remove the risk of onward transmission, is considerable.
Contact tracing involves a particular skill-set that is adept at engaging with people and reassuring them about doing what is best for themselves and the community, infectious diseases expert Prof Mary Horgan points out.
Prof Philip Nolan’s claim that public health doctors ‘don’t need to know’ where a person got the virus raised worrying questions about the contact tracing system. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
“Along with lab scientists, contact tracers are the unsung heroes of this pandemic,” said Prof Horgan, who is president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
We have, however, been through several stages of this pandemic by now, including a prolonged lull over the summer. There has been time to put the system on a more permanent footing, and for it to be more ambitious in its scope.
“The system has to be capable of experimentation,” Prof Horgan said. “We need to get forensic in at least some areas, to dig down into the information and establish trends, from which we can extrapolate.”
That information is a valuable resource that can tell us a lot about people’s behaviour, where the virus is transmitting successfully and how people are adhering to the guidelines in place, according to Prof Horgan.
The HSE says that while contact tracing does include questions to all identified cases on the source of infection, “consideration is now being given to how these processes can be further enhanced”.
Japanese investigations
Perhaps the best example is in Japan, which majored on retrospective investigation of cases in additional to the prospective investigation of current cases that most countries do.
In prospective tracing, the close contacts of a Covid-19 case are monitored so they can be quarantined if they show symptoms. But Japan also tried to find out where they were infected and then monitored people who visited that site. The aim was to catch the one in five cases who turn out to be super-spreaders.
While the process of tracing contacts and gleaning information about their movements can be laborious, data analyst David Higgins said the process of analysing this information electronically was not.
“Contact tracers have to collect information over a long period of time, roughly the two weeks the virus spends incubating. They also have to get every bit of relevant information,” Mr Higgins, of Carraighill consultants, said.
“Details about cases, by Eircode location, could be uploaded onto a database, and a search could throw up matches by location and other criteria.”
The resulting information could help provide real-time clues about locations where the virus was spreading and, more broadly, point to general settings which are conducive to its transmission.
Given that NPHET was making “life and death” decisions for businesses, it should be given the resources to ensure these were well informed, he said. “We’ll end up saving money in the long run.”
Yet it may be too late for now to widen the scope of contact tracing. The World Health Organisation says contact tracing can be "difficult" when transmission of the virus is "intense" but should be carried out "as much as possible". For the coming weeks, fire-fighting is likely to dominate over disease detection.