theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Former British soldier to stand trial for manslaughter of Tyrone man

A former British soldier is to stand trial for the manslaughter of a 23-year-old man in Co Tyrone more than 30 years ago .
Aidan McAnespie was shot dead in Aughnacloy as he walked through a British army checkpoint on his way to Aghaloo GAA grounds to watch a football match .
The judge at Dungannon Magistrates ’ Court ruled that there was sufficient evidence for 50-year-old David Jonathon Holden , whose address was given as care of his lawyer ’ s Belfast offices , to go on trial for the unlawful killing of Mr McAnespie on February 21st , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grenadier Guardsman who now lives in England , was released on bail of £500 and will appear in court again next month .
The decision was welcomed by the Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew , who said it was “ a step forward for the family in the campaign for the truth of what happened to Aidan ” .
She said the case also highlighted “ the need for the legacy mechanisms agreed in the Stormont House Agreement to be implemented in full so all families bereaved by the conflict can get access @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Aidan McAnespie had been on his way to Aghaloo GAA grounds to watch a football match when he was killed.
A former British soldier is to stand trial for the manslaughter of a 23-year-old man in Co Tyrone more than 30 years ago.
Aidan McAnespie was shot dead in Aughnacloy as he walked through a British army checkpoint on his way to Aghaloo GAA grounds to watch a football match.
The judge at Dungannon Magistrates' Court ruled that there was sufficient evidence for 50-year-old David Jonathon Holden, whose address was given as care of his lawyer's Belfast offices, to go on trial for the unlawful killing of Mr McAnespie on February 21st, 1988.
Mr Holden, a former Grenadier Guardsman who now lives in England, was released on bail of £500 and will appear in court again next month.
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The decision was welcomed by the Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew, who said it was "a step forward for the family in the campaign for the truth of what happened to Aidan".
She said the case also highlighted "the need for the legacy mechanisms agreed in the Stormont House Agreement to be implemented in full so all families bereaved by the conflict can get access to truth," she said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--North’s MPs fail in bid to alter British government Brexit law

An attempt by Northern Ireland MPs to change British government legislation so that Northern businesses would have guarantees of unfettered access to the British market after Brexit has failed .
The British government has insisted that its withdrawal Bill provides assurances about access of Northern manufacturing and business to the British market .
DUP , SDLP and Alliance MPs were seeking through an amendment to the Bill to have copperfastened legislative commitments of such access .
They were supported by Sinn Féin , whose MPs do not sit in the House of Commons , the Ulster Unionist Party , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Northern Ireland business leaders .
The MPs ’ amendment , however , was defeated 337 to 262 votes .
DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said it was “ disappointing that the government opposed a united Northern Ireland effort to ensure the government meets its promises on unfettered access to the UK market for Northern Ireland .
“ This was a positive amendment which sought nothing more than to ensure the government honoured its promises and that the Conservative party ’ s manifesto commitment was delivered upon .
“ The amendment would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it stands where Ministers could potentially not bring forward regulations , or indeed access to the UK market could be subject to huge numbers of checks and costly administration , ” said Mr Wilson .
He added : “ Every Northern Ireland MP in the House of Commons supported this proposal , such is the degree of concern about the impact on the Northern Ireland economy if we do not have such access to our largest market .
The Government ’ s own assessments state there will be an impact on the Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Wilson was the only Northern Ireland MP permitted to speak on the amendment .
Criticising the refusal to allow the SDLP or Alliance speak , SDLP MP Claire Hanna said : “ This will contribute to the very real feeling that this Brexit , and this form of Brexit , is being enforced on Northern Ireland , who have never given their consent.
” Sinn Féin in a statement said that “ Westminster has never acted in Ireland ’ s interests and never will ” .
“ Sinn Féin has used our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the Good Friday agreement and prevent any hardening of the Border .
We will continue to work with the EU 27 and the Irish Government to represent the best interests of the people of Ireland , ” it added .
Angela McGowan , director of the Confederation of British Industry ( CBI ) in Northern Ireland , said “ given the unprecedented support from the Northern Irish political parties and business community , it ’ s clearly disappointing that reassurances haven ’ t yet translated into clear legal commitments .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK government to ensure unfettered access for firms between GB and NI .
We recognise , however , that NI ’ s business voice will be better amplified if we have the NI Executive and the North-South Ministerial Council restored.
” Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI welcomed the fact that the Northern Ireland MPs united in pressing for the amendment but he too was disappointed it was rejected .
He said politicians and business people were seeking legal commitments in the withdrawal Bill to back up the British government ’ s pledges .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ British government to put their money where their mouth was and they have chosen not to do so , ” added Mr Kelly .

Sinn Féin said that ‘Westminster has never acted in Ireland’s interests and never will’.
An attempt by Northern Ireland MPs to change British government legislation so that Northern businesses would have guarantees of unfettered access to the British market after Brexit has failed.
The British government has insisted that its withdrawal Bill provides assurances about access of Northern manufacturing and business to the British market. DUP, SDLP and Alliance MPs were seeking through an amendment to the Bill to have copperfastened legislative commitments of such access.
They were supported by Sinn Féin, whose MPs do not sit in the House of Commons, the Ulster Unionist Party, who do not have any seats, and by Northern Ireland business leaders.
The MPs’ amendment, however, was defeated 337 to 262 votes.
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DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said it was "disappointing that the government opposed a united Northern Ireland effort to ensure the government meets its promises on unfettered access to the UK market for Northern Ireland.
“This was a positive amendment which sought nothing more than to ensure the government honoured its promises and that the Conservative party’s manifesto commitment was delivered upon.
“The amendment would have removed the uncertainty within the Bill as it stands where Ministers could potentially not bring forward regulations, or indeed access to the UK market could be subject to huge numbers of checks and costly administration,” said Mr Wilson.
He added: “Every Northern Ireland MP in the House of Commons supported this proposal, such is the degree of concern about the impact on the Northern Ireland economy if we do not have such access to our largest market. The Government’s own assessments state there will be an impact on the Northern Ireland economy from the withdrawal agreement.”
Mr Wilson was the only Northern Ireland MP permitted to speak on the amendment. Criticising the refusal to allow the SDLP or Alliance speak, SDLP MP Claire Hanna said: "This will contribute to the very real feeling that this Brexit, and this form of Brexit, is being enforced on Northern Ireland, who have never given their consent."
Sinn Féin in a statement said that “Westminster has never acted in Ireland’s interests and never will”.
"Sinn Féin has used our political influence in Dublin and Brussels to protect the Good Friday agreement and prevent any hardening of the Border. We will continue to work with the EU 27 and the Irish Government to represent the best interests of the people of Ireland," it added.
‘North’s business voice’
Angela McGowan, director of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in Northern Ireland, said “given the unprecedented support from the Northern Irish political parties and business community, it’s clearly disappointing that reassurances haven’t yet translated into clear legal commitments.
“The CBI looks forward to working with the UK government to ensure unfettered access for firms between GB and NI. We recognise, however, that NI’s business voice will be better amplified if we have the NI Executive and the North-South Ministerial Council restored.”
Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI welcomed the fact that the Northern Ireland MPs united in pressing for the amendment but he too was disappointed it was rejected. He said politicians and business people were seeking legal commitments in the withdrawal Bill to back up the British government's pledges.
“This was an opportunity for the British government to put their money where their mouth was and they have chosen not to do so,” added Mr Kelly.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Nearly 5,000 children adopted by parents in Ireland since 1991

Almost 5,000 children from 34 countries have been adopted by parents resident in Ireland since 1991 , figures published on Wednesday show .
A report from the Adoption Authority of Ireland on inter-country adoptions over the past 29 years shows 4,989 children were adopted from other countries with the majority ( 4,282 ) adopted between January 1991 and October 2010 .
These were recognised by the then adoption board .
Since 2010 a total of 707 children were adopted and recognised by the adoption authority .
The largest number ( 1,629 ) have come from Russia , followed by Romania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Ethiopia ( 308 ) and Kazakhstan ( 151 ) .
While between 1991 and 2010 children were adopted from 33 countries , the number of nationalities from which Irish parents adopted slipped to 23 after the Adoption Act 2010 .
Irish parents stopped adopting from several countries that year – including Zimbabwe and Paraguay .
Among those in which more recent adoptions have been effected are Haiti and Lithuania .
Of the children adopted between 1991 and 2010 , the majority ( 81 per cent ) are now aged between 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2004 on .
Some 11 per cent are now aged 29 to 31 years with a large proportion of these adopted from Romania in the early 1990s .
The top five countries from which this earlier cohort came were Russia ( 1,414 ) , Romania ( 807 ) , Vietnam ( 785 ) , China ( 381 ) and Ethiopia ( 197 ) .
The majority of children adopted since 2010 ( 86 per cent ) are now aged between six and 12 years .
The top five countries from which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 215 ) , Vietnam ( 114 ) , Ethiopia ( 111 ) , the United States ( 79 ) and China ( 49 ) .

Almost 5,000 children from 34 countries have been adopted by parents resident in Ireland since 1991, figures published on Wednesday show.
A report from the Adoption Authority of Ireland on inter-country adoptions over the past 29 years shows 4,989 children were adopted from other countries with the majority (4,282) adopted between January 1991 and October 2010. These were recognised by the then adoption board.
Since 2010 a total of 707 children were adopted and recognised by the adoption authority.
The largest number (1,629) have come from Russia, followed by Romania (807), China (430), Ethiopia (308) and Kazakhstan (151).
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While between 1991 and 2010 children were adopted from 33 countries, the number of nationalities from which Irish parents adopted slipped to 23 after the Adoption Act 2010. Irish parents stopped adopting from several countries that year – including Zimbabwe and Paraguay. Among those in which more recent adoptions have been effected are Haiti and Lithuania.
Of the children adopted between 1991 and 2010, the majority (81 per cent) are now aged between 10 years and 16 indicating they were adopted from 2004 on. Some 11 per cent are now aged 29 to 31 years with a large proportion of these adopted from Romania in the early 1990s.
The top five countries from which this earlier cohort came were Russia (1,414), Romania (807), Vietnam (785), China (381) and Ethiopia (197).
The majority of children adopted since 2010 (86 per cent)are now aged between six and 12 years. The top five countries from which the more recent adoptees came were Russia (215), Vietnam (114), Ethiopia (111), the United States (79) and China (49).


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Varadkar lauds hopefuls at young scientist exhibition

The Government ’ s ambition is not only to nurture talent in science , technology , engineering and maths ( Stem ) , but especially to tackle inherent gender bias in these critical areas of research , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said .
Opening the 2020 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition at the RDS in Dublin on Wednesday , he said he found it reassuring 60 per cent of participants present were female “ because it shows that our strategies are helping to bring about the change our society needs ” .
He added : “ Science and Maths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
.
.
But it is for boys as well , so keep doing it.
” Paying tribute to the students ’ imagination , determination , and vision for a better future , he said the exhibition was an Irish gathering of world-class research and ingenuity .
“ It also makes me feel a little inadequate , ” he admitted .
When he was at school , “ we were not as clever , and certainly not as confident , and none of us had patents ” .
The exhibition underlined action mattered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Varadkar .
“ So many of us have good ideas that we let wither and die .
You remind us of what can be achieved when we turn those ideas into action.
” “ Over 1,000 students , over 500 projects , over 200 schools ” represented the innovators , entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow .
With climate change being the dominant theme , young people understood intuitively so many of the solutions to it were going to be new technologies , he said .
With more than 50,000 people due to visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a remarkable tribute to the quality of your research and a testament to the way the exhibition is run.
” He singled out projects suggesting change is coming .
“ I commend Loreto Secondary School , Balbriggan , on their investigation of whether confidence affects their interest in pursuing a career in Stem ; Lanesboro Community College , Longford , on whether gender drives subject choice at senior cycle and beyond and Naas Community College on whether females drop out of sport earlier than males.
” He also welcomed research by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glasnevin in Dublin , on “ how we can shift Ireland ’ s cultural perception and participation of women in sport ” .
He welcomed younger people participating in the Primary Science Fair in coming days .
“ The calibre of projects you are producing leaves me in no doubt that you will be challenging to win the young scientists ’ exhibition in a few short years.
” Minister for Education Joe McHugh paid tribute to student efforts to make the life of their peers easier , by for example devising ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were showing leadership in addressing wider issues facing society and providing “ road maps for our generation ” on how best to tackle them .
Meanwhile , BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh confirmed BT will continue to sponsor and organise the exhibition until 2023 .
While a survey had shown some 80 per cent of participants at the exhibition go on to study some form of science or engineering at third level , they endeavoured to increase diversity with competition judges and alumni going out to Deis disadvantaged schools and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach was achieving results , he added .

Projects on climate change and mental wellbeing dominate 2020 entries at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, while almost 60 per cent of 1,125 students whose work will be exhibited are female.
The Government's ambition is not only to nurture talent in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem), but especially to tackle inherent gender bias in these critical areas of research, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.
Opening the 2020 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition at the RDS in Dublin on Wednesday, he said he found it reassuring 60 per cent of participants present were female "because it shows that our strategies are helping to bring about the change our society needs".
He added: “Science and Maths isn’t just for the boys . . . But it is for boys as well, so keep doing it.”
Paying tribute to the students’ imagination, determination, and vision for a better future, he said the exhibition was an Irish gathering of world-class research and ingenuity.
READ MORE
“It also makes me feel a little inadequate,” he admitted. When he was at school, “we were not as clever, and certainly not as confident, and none of us had patents”.
The exhibition underlined action mattered as well as ideas, said Mr Varadkar. “So many of us have good ideas that we let wither and die. You remind us of what can be achieved when we turn those ideas into action.”
“Over 1,000 students, over 500 projects, over 200 schools” represented the innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow. With climate change being the dominant theme, young people understood intuitively so many of the solutions to it were going to be new technologies, he said.
With more than 50,000 people due to visit the exhibition this year, “it’s a remarkable tribute to the quality of your research and a testament to the way the exhibition is run.”
He singled out projects suggesting change is coming. "I commend Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, on their investigation of whether confidence affects their interest in pursuing a career in Stem; Lanesboro Community College, Longford, on whether gender drives subject choice at senior cycle and beyond and Naas Community College on whether females drop out of sport earlier than males."
Ministerial tribute
He also welcomed research by St Mary’s Secondary School, Glasnevin in Dublin, on “how we can shift Ireland’s cultural perception and participation of women in sport”.
He welcomed younger people participating in the Primary Science Fair in coming days. “The calibre of projects you are producing leaves me in no doubt that you will be challenging to win the young scientists’ exhibition in a few short years.”
Minister for Education Joe McHugh paid tribute to student efforts to make the life of their peers easier, by for example devising ways to counter cyberbullying. But increasingly, he said they were showing leadership in addressing wider issues facing society and providing “road maps for our generation” on how best to tackle them.
Meanwhile, BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh confirmed BT will continue to sponsor and organise the exhibition until 2023.
While a survey had shown some 80 per cent of participants at the exhibition go on to study some form of science or engineering at third level, they endeavoured to increase diversity with competition judges and alumni going out to Deis disadvantaged schools and those who have never participated. This approach was achieving results, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Farmers group questions vegan billboard campaign funding

The organisation behind a high-profile vegan billboard advertising campaign has been accused of being a “ secret society ” and lacking in transparency by the Irish Farmers ’ Association ( IFA ) .
The Go Vegan advertising campaign features messages on billboards encouraging people to adopt a vegan diet , and is linked to Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary in Co Meath .
IFA president Joe Healy criticised the lack of transparency around where the company ’ s income comes from and who was funding the campaign .
“ It seems extraordinary that a multimillion euro advertising campaign across Ireland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obscure animal sanctuary in Ireland , ” he said .
“ They need to stop being a secret society and tell the public who is funding them.
” The company was not a registered charity and did not disclose where its income came from , Mr Healy said .
Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary describes itself as a not-for-profit company that provides a home for 200 “ non-human animals who are rescued from animal-use industries ” , who were now “ free from subjugation , exploitation and killing ” .
Sandra Higgins , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Animal Sanctuary and Go Vegan World , said neither company published the names of donors due to data protection laws and “ out of respect for donors ’ wishes ” .
Ms Higgins declined to provide a breakdown of what proportion of the companies ’ funding came from outside of Ireland .
“ The identity of our donors and the details as to how much funding comes from outside Ireland is irrelevant to our work , ” she said .
“ In our culture where everything has a monetary value it is difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet concern for animal rights without public credit is exactly the motive of those funding Go Vegan World and Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary , ” she said .
Those donating to the two companies did so because they “ share our moral conviction that it is wrong to use and kill other animals ” , she said .
The companies were not registered as charities as their activities “ do not fit within the definition of a charitable organisation ” in Ireland , she said .
Mr Healy said the IFA took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on billboards which stated : “ Eating animal foods contributes more to climate change than transport.
” The farmers ’ group had complained to the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland ( ASAI ) about the advert , but were informed it was outside of the authority ’ s remit , he said .
“ I think the public deserve to know who is funding these campaigns , ” Mr Healy said .
In response Ms Higgins said the animal rights group would be happy to discuss the future well-being of the IFA ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We would be interested in asking them how they intend looking after their farmers when animal agriculture collapses , as it inevitably will , ” she said .
Ms Higgins said Go Vegan World would be willing to assist farmers in any way possible to “ transition from animal agriculture to an alternative , sustainable and ethical way of making a living ” .

The organisation behind a high-profile vegan billboard advertising campaign has been accused of being a “secret society” and lacking in transparency by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).
The Go Vegan advertising campaign features messages on billboards encouraging people to adopt a vegan diet, and is linked to Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary in Co Meath.
IFA president Joe Healy criticised the lack of transparency around where the company's income comes from and who was funding the campaign.
“It seems extraordinary that a multimillion euro advertising campaign across Ireland and the UK would be run from an obscure animal sanctuary in Ireland,” he said.
READ MORE
“They need to stop being a secret society and tell the public who is funding them.” The company was not a registered charity and did not disclose where its income came from, Mr Healy said.
‘Non-human animals’
Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary describes itself as a not-for-profit company that provides a home for 200 “non-human animals who are rescued from animal-use industries”, who were now “free from subjugation, exploitation and killing”.
Sandra Higgins, who is a director of both Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary and Go Vegan World, said neither company published the names of donors due to data protection laws and "out of respect for donors' wishes".
Ms Higgins declined to provide a breakdown of what proportion of the companies’ funding came from outside of Ireland.
“The identity of our donors and the details as to how much funding comes from outside Ireland is irrelevant to our work,” she said.
“In our culture where everything has a monetary value it is difficult to conceive of a purely altruistic motive. Yet concern for animal rights without public credit is exactly the motive of those funding Go Vegan World and Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary,” she said.
‘Moral conviction’
Those donating to the two companies did so because they “share our moral conviction that it is wrong to use and kill other animals”, she said.
The companies were not registered as charities as their activities “do not fit within the definition of a charitable organisation” in Ireland, she said.
Mr Healy said the IFA took issue with Go Vegan’s messaging on billboards which stated: “Eating animal foods contributes more to climate change than transport.”
The farmers’ group had complained to the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI) about the advert, but were informed it was outside of the authority’s remit, he said. “I think the public deserve to know who is funding these campaigns,” Mr Healy said.
In response Ms Higgins said the animal rights group would be happy to discuss the future well-being of the IFA’s membership with the association.
“We would be interested in asking them how they intend looking after their farmers when animal agriculture collapses, as it inevitably will,” she said.
Ms Higgins said Go Vegan World would be willing to assist farmers in any way possible to “transition from animal agriculture to an alternative, sustainable and ethical way of making a living”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Derry and Strabane becomes first council to adopt menopause policy in NI

Derry and Strabane has become the first council area in Northern Ireland to agree to adopt a menopause policy .
Its aim is to foster an environment in which colleagues can “ openly and comfortably ” discuss the menopause and ensure that women suffering from menopausal symptoms feel confident asking for support from a manager or from human resources .
It also aims to reduce absenteeism due to menopausal symptoms .
The policy will set out the guidelines for members of staff and managers on providing the right support to manage menopausal symptoms at work .
The decision was made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strabane District Council ’ s ( DCSDC ) Governance and Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday evening .
The decision will be ratified at a full council meeting later this month .
The council ’ s lead HR officer , Paula Donnelly , who outlined the proposals to the committee , said it was evidence of DCSDC ’ s commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for all its employees .
Councillors were told that research shows that the majority of women are unwilling to discuss menopause related health problems with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or adjustments that they may need .
Ms Donnelly said she hoped the policy would foster an environment in which colleagues can openly and comfortably instigate conversations , or engage in discussions about menopause .
She also said it aimed to ensure that everyone understands what menopause is , can confidently have good conversations , and are clear on the Council ’ s policy and practices .

The policy will set out the guidelines for members of staff and managers on providing the right support to manage menopausal symptoms at work. Photograph: iStock
Derry and Strabane has become the first council area in Northern Ireland to agree to adopt a menopause policy.
Its aim is to foster an environment in which colleagues can “openly and comfortably” discuss the menopause and ensure that women suffering from menopausal symptoms feel confident asking for support from a manager or from human resources. It also aims to reduce absenteeism due to menopausal symptoms.
The policy will set out the guidelines for members of staff and managers on providing the right support to manage menopausal symptoms at work. The decision was made at a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s (DCSDC) Governance and Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday evening. The decision will be ratified at a full council meeting later this month.
The council’s lead HR officer, Paula Donnelly, who outlined the proposals to the committee, said it was evidence of DCSDC’s commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for all its employees. Councillors were told that research shows that the majority of women are unwilling to discuss menopause related health problems with their manager, nor ask for the support or adjustments that they may need.
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Ms Donnelly said she hoped the policy would foster an environment in which colleagues can openly and comfortably instigate conversations, or engage in discussions about menopause. She also said it aimed to ensure that everyone understands what menopause is, can confidently have good conversations, and are clear on the Council’s policy and practices.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--RIC controversy has set back bid for united Ireland, says Varadkar

The prospect of a united Ireland had been pushed back and reconciliation undermined by the Royal Irish Constabulary ( RIC ) commemoration controversy , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said .
Mr Varadkar accused “ some elements of the Opposition ” of false claims and misrepresentation – notably that the event would be “ a celebration of the Black and Tans ” .
He said Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan had made the right decision on Tuesday to defer the event , a decision made with his imprimatur .
However , in a further twist on Wednesday , a Minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that came to Cabinet for approval before Christmas did not include the RIC event .
Chief whip Sean Kyne told Nuacht TG4 that a list was read out of proposed events , including occasions to mark the burning of Cork , the murder of Cork ’ s lord mayor Tomás MacCurtain , the sacking of Balbriggan and the execution of Kevin Barry .
“ This [ RIC ] commemoration was not on the list that came before Government before Christmas so it wasn ’ t on the list of what we discussed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Justice said it was the Minister rather than the Government who had taken the lead in organising it because the two organisations in question were police services .
Mr Varadkar accepted lessons could be learned from the controversy , and “ perhaps things could have been handled differently ” .
He said it had become an issue of unnecessary controversy , and he hoped the commemoration could be held at a later date after consultation with the Opposition and others .
Speaking at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes in a united Ireland ” , and that it could be achieved in his lifetime .
A united Ireland , however , was about a different state and “ must be one that recognises our shared history ” , and the fact that there were one million people on the island who identify as British and as being from a unionist background .
The controversy was a setback for unity and reconciliation , he added .
Unionist politicians have deplored the decision by Mr Flanagan to call off the planned commemoration for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unionist Party and the Traditional Unionist voice said the decision and the reaction to the proposal raised questions about how unionists would be treated in a united Ireland .
“ Those leading the vehement opposition to this event are the same people who tell those of us in Northern Ireland that British identity would be respected and accommodated within some mythical ‘ new Ireland ’ , ” said Jeffrey Donaldson .
“ When agreement can not be found to commemorate those who died 100 years ago it is a clear demonstration of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of respect and reconciliation , particularly in relation to the British identity in Northern Ireland by republicans.
” Mr Donaldson said that those who served in the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police “ were Irish men and women from all religious backgrounds who lived and worked in an Ireland that was politically united ” .
“ Many of them suffered or were murdered for no reason other than the fact they wore a crown on their uniform , and it is difficult to escape the conclusion that opposition to this commemoration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken said the decision was “ disappointing , but not surprising given the tone of the debate and the language used by some of the leaders and elected representatives of political parties in the Republic of Ireland ” .
“ It exposed a direct and underlying contradiction to their previous public statements about reconciliation , ” he said .
“ The comments coming from Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin representatives were deeply regrettable , and will further affirm the view among many unionists in Northern Ireland that there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to hold a deep animosity against anyone or any organisation linked to ‘ the Brits ’ .
” Mr Aiken said that describing members of the RIC as “ colonialists ” and “ oppressors ” when the “ vast majority of these men came from the island of Ireland , and served their communities with dedication , is an insult to their memory and their descendants ” .
“ These types of comments do nothing to build reconciliation , and demonstrate that some elements of society with the Republic of Ireland remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those perceived to be associated with it .
“ This hostility will not be lost on unionists who are the subject of repeated entreaties to consider embracing Irish unity and who are constantly assured that all would be well .
Actions really do speak louder than words , ” said Mr Aiken .
TUV leader Jim Allister said the “ climbdown ” by the Government was a “ telling signal to unionists as to how they and their history would be treated in an all-Ireland ” .
“ If a predominantly Roman Catholic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so vilified by republican agitators , in a supposedly enlightened and modern state , that its government toadies to such bigotry , we can all imagine how unionist culture and traditions would fare in such a republican utopia.
” Minister for Business Heather Humphreys , who is a TD in the Border region for Cavan-Monaghan , said she agreed with the postponement of the event but she stressed it should go ahead at a future date .
“ There was a lot of misinformation about this particular commemoration .
It was certainly never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black and Tans .
It was about remembering the Irish men that lost their lives while working for the RIC , and it ’ s important that we remember all Irish lives that were lost , ” she told reporters at an IDA Ireland event in Dublin .
“ I do look forward to it taking place .
A number of people have contacted me because their family members have served in the RIC and they did make sacrifices , and I do believe that they deserve to be remembered.
” Ms Humphreys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commemoration took place “ as long as it takes place ” .

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the official opening of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in the RDS on Wednesday. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
The prospect of a united Ireland had been pushed back and reconciliation undermined by the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) commemoration controversy, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.
Mr Varadkar accused “some elements of the Opposition” of false claims and misrepresentation – notably that the event would be “a celebration of the Black and Tans”.
He said Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan had made the right decision on Tuesday to defer the event, a decision made with his imprimatur.
However, in a further twist on Wednesday, a Minister said the list of centenary commemorations for 2020 that came to Cabinet for approval before Christmas did not include the RIC event.
READ MORE
Chief whip Sean Kyne told Nuacht TG4 that a list was read out of proposed events, including occasions to mark the burning of Cork, the murder of Cork’s lord mayor Tomás MacCurtain, the sacking of Balbriggan and the execution of Kevin Barry.
“This [RIC] commemoration was not on the list that came before Government before Christmas so it wasn’t on the list of what we discussed,” Mr Kyne said.
The Department of Justice said it was the Minister rather than the Government who had taken the lead in organising it because the two organisations in question were police services.
Mr Varadkar accepted lessons could be learned from the controversy, and “perhaps things could have been handled differently”.
He said it had become an issue of unnecessary controversy, and he hoped the commemoration could be held at a later date after consultation with the Opposition and others.
Speaking at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in Dublin, the Taoiseach said he “firmly believes in a united Ireland”, and that it could be achieved in his lifetime.
A united Ireland, however, was about a different state and “must be one that recognises our shared history”, and the fact that there were one million people on the island who identify as British and as being from a unionist background.
The controversy was a setback for unity and reconciliation, he added.
Unionist reaction
Unionist politicians have deplored the decision by Mr Flanagan to call off the planned commemoration for the RIC.
The DUP, Ulster Unionist Party and the Traditional Unionist voice said the decision and the reaction to the proposal raised questions about how unionists would be treated in a united Ireland.
"Those leading the vehement opposition to this event are the same people who tell those of us in Northern Ireland that British identity would be respected and accommodated within some mythical 'new Ireland'," said Jeffrey Donaldson.
“When agreement cannot be found to commemorate those who died 100 years ago it is a clear demonstration of how far we still have to travel in terms of respect and reconciliation, particularly in relation to the British identity in Northern Ireland by republicans.”
Mr Donaldson said that those who served in the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police "were Irish men and women from all religious backgrounds who lived and worked in an Ireland that was politically united".
“Many of them suffered or were murdered for no reason other than the fact they wore a crown on their uniform, and it is difficult to escape the conclusion that opposition to this commemoration is based again on that.”
Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken said the decision was "disappointing, but not surprising given the tone of the debate and the language used by some of the leaders and elected representatives of political parties in the Republic of Ireland".
“It exposed a direct and underlying contradiction to their previous public statements about reconciliation,” he said.
"The comments coming from Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin representatives were deeply regrettable, and will further affirm the view among many unionists in Northern Ireland that there are many within the Republic of Ireland who continue to hold a deep animosity against anyone or any organisation linked to 'the Brits'."
Hostile
Mr Aiken said that describing members of the RIC as “colonialists” and “oppressors” when the “vast majority of these men came from the island of Ireland, and served their communities with dedication, is an insult to their memory and their descendants”.
“These types of comments do nothing to build reconciliation, and demonstrate that some elements of society with the Republic of Ireland remain openly hostile to the British identity or those perceived to be associated with it.
“This hostility will not be lost on unionists who are the subject of repeated entreaties to consider embracing Irish unity and who are constantly assured that all would be well. Actions really do speak louder than words,” said Mr Aiken.
TUV leader Jim Allister said the "climbdown" by the Government was a "telling signal to unionists as to how they and their history would be treated in an all-Ireland".
“If a predominantly Roman Catholic state police force from the South is so vilified by republican agitators, in a supposedly enlightened and modern state, that its government toadies to such bigotry, we can all imagine how unionist culture and traditions would fare in such a republican utopia.”
Minister for Business Heather Humphreys, who is a TD in the Border region for Cavan-Monaghan, said she agreed with the postponement of the event but she stressed it should go ahead at a future date.
“There was a lot of misinformation about this particular commemoration. It was certainly never about commemorating anything to do with the Black and Tans. It was about remembering the Irish men that lost their lives while working for the RIC, and it’s important that we remember all Irish lives that were lost,” she told reporters at an IDA Ireland event in Dublin.
“I do look forward to it taking place. A number of people have contacted me because their family members have served in the RIC and they did make sacrifices, and I do believe that they deserve to be remembered.”
Ms Humphreys said she did not mind when the commemoration took place “as long as it takes place”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-08--Dublin man jailed for six months in New York for one-punch killing of ‘gentleman’

A Dublin man was jailed for six months in New York over the one-punch death of another Irishman , with the victim ’ s mother calling for a change in the law to ensure that similar crimes result in harsher sentences .
Steven O ’ Brien ( 26 ) sobbed throughout Wednesday ’ s hearing at the Queens County Criminal Court in New York before he was taken away to begin a sentence that the victim ’ s mother decried as an “ inadequate response by society to a death ” caused by a single punch .
O ’ Brien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class A misdemeanour that carries up to a year in prison , according to the New York penal code - and pleaded guilty at his trial in November 2019 .
He stood accused of punching 21-year-old Danny McGee , of Drumlish , Co. Longford , in the head during a disagreement outside the Gaslight Bar in Queens a year earlier .
Mr McGee was found unconscious outside the bar in the early hours of November 22nd , 2018 , and died in hospital .
O ’ Brien reportedly fled the scene but was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court appearances over the course of the past year , O ’ Brien pleaded not guilty in the face of a possible one-year sentence .
His negotiated guilty plea , issued 364 days after the crime , saw him jailed for half of that .
Appearing in a packed courtroom on Tuesday , O ’ Brien stood with his head bowed and sobbed as the acting district attorney representing Mr McGee ’ s family , Kevin Ramnarain , read an emotionally charged victim impact statement on behalf of Danny ’ s mother , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Danny ’ s death on me is immeasurable , ” she wrote .
“ Thoughts of him consume every waking moment.
” Mrs McGee said her “ honest , determined , compassionate ” son was a “ gentleman ” who loved and excelled in playing Gaelic football .
He had been raised to be a “ good and decent person , to have respect for others and to not raise a hand in anger to anyone.
” That he died in such a violent manner left her in “ disbelief ” and struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t have the words to explain what it is like to go to a graveyard to ‘ visit ’ your child , ” she wrote .
Her statement excoriated O ’ Brien not only for his actions that fateful night , in which she said video footage showed him punch her son when he was not even looking in O ’ Brien ’ s direction , but for his repeated pleas that he was not guilty .
“ You chose to prolong our family ’ s agony , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge and sentence were inadequate for such a killing .
“ It breaks my heart to think that the state of New York thinks so little of Danny ’ s life and the lives of all other one-punch victims as to treat these homicides as nothing more than a minor assault , ” Mrs McGee said .
This was underscored by the assistant district attorney , Mr Ramnarain , who told the judge that it was “ unconscionable ” for one-punch death cases to continue to be treated as misdemeanour assaults .
Presiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he needed to use his time behind bars to consider how his anger has affected not only his victim ’ s life and family , but his own .
When she asked him would he address the McGee family , he looked down at the ground and shook his head , leaving his lawyer , Matthew Gartenberg , to offer condolences instead .
As he was led away in handcuffs , O ’ Brien ’ s family and friends cried .
Some shook their heads .
Mr Gartenberg told The Irish Times his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted responsibility ” for his actions .
“ He ’ s really looking forward to putting this behind him , ” he said .
Outside the courtroom , Mrs McGee was comforted by her family .
She told The Irish Times her son needed justice , and that she wanted O ’ Brien “ to serve some time and think about his actions ” .
O ’ Brien refused to answer questions about the case before the hearing .
His lawyer , Mr Gartenberg , would not comment on his client ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this would be affected by the outcome of the trial and sentence .

Video footage showed Steven O’Brien punched Danny McGee, pictured above, though Mr McGee was not even looking in his direction. O’Brien (26) was sentenced to six months in jail for Mr McGee’s one-punch killing in a New York court on Wednesday.
A Dublin man was jailed for six months in New York over the one-punch death of another Irishman, with the victim’s mother calling for a change in the law to ensure that similar crimes result in harsher sentences.
Steven O'Brien (26) sobbed throughout Wednesday's hearing at the Queens County Criminal Court in New York before he was taken away to begin a sentence that the victim's mother decried as an "inadequate response by society to a death" caused by a single punch.
O’Brien was charged with third-degree assault - a class A misdemeanour that carries up to a year in prison, according to the New York penal code - and pleaded guilty at his trial in November 2019. He stood accused of punching 21-year-old Danny McGee, of Drumlish, Co. Longford, in the head during a disagreement outside the Gaslight Bar in Queens a year earlier.
Mr McGee was found unconscious outside the bar in the early hours of November 22nd, 2018, and died in hospital.
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O’Brien reportedly fled the scene but was arrested the next day. In several court appearances over the course of the past year, O’Brien pleaded not guilty in the face of a possible one-year sentence. His negotiated guilty plea, issued 364 days after the crime, saw him jailed for half of that.
Appearing in a packed courtroom on Tuesday, O'Brien stood with his head bowed and sobbed as the acting district attorney representing Mr McGee's family, Kevin Ramnarain, read an emotionally charged victim impact statement on behalf of Danny's mother, Colleen McGee.
“The impact of Danny’s death on me is immeasurable,” she wrote. “Thoughts of him consume every waking moment.”
Mrs McGee said her “honest, determined, compassionate” son was a “gentleman” who loved and excelled in playing Gaelic football. He had been raised to be a “good and decent person, to have respect for others and to not raise a hand in anger to anyone.”
That he died in such a violent manner left her in “disbelief” and struggling to keep it together some days.
“I don’t have the words to explain what it is like to go to a graveyard to ‘visit’ your child,” she wrote.
Her statement excoriated O’Brien not only for his actions that fateful night, in which she said video footage showed him punch her son when he was not even looking in O’Brien’s direction, but for his repeated pleas that he was not guilty.
“You chose to prolong our family’s agony,” she said, adding that the misdemeanour charge and sentence were inadequate for such a killing.
“It breaks my heart to think that the state of New York thinks so little of Danny’s life and the lives of all other one-punch victims as to treat these homicides as nothing more than a minor assault,” Mrs McGee said.
‘Unconscionable’
This was underscored by the assistant district attorney, Mr Ramnarain, who told the judge that it was “unconscionable” for one-punch death cases to continue to be treated as misdemeanour assaults.
Presiding Judge Mary Bejarano told O'Brien he needed to use his time behind bars to consider how his anger has affected not only his victim's life and family, but his own. When she asked him would he address the McGee family, he looked down at the ground and shook his head, leaving his lawyer, Matthew Gartenberg, to offer condolences instead.
As he was led away in handcuffs, O’Brien’s family and friends cried. Some shook their heads. Mr Gartenberg told The Irish Times his client was remorseful, and had “accepted responsibility” for his actions.
“He’s really looking forward to putting this behind him,” he said.
Outside the courtroom, Mrs McGee was comforted by her family. She told The Irish Times her son needed justice, and that she wanted O’Brien “to serve some time and think about his actions”.
O’Brien refused to answer questions about the case before the hearing. His lawyer, Mr Gartenberg, would not comment on his client’s immigration status, and whether or not this would be affected by the outcome of the trial and sentence.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Beef taskforce meeting with supermarket chains in bid to secure price increase

Groups representing livestock farmers are meeting today with some of the largest retailers in the State in an effort to secure a price increase for beef .
This meeting between the beef taskforce and retailers is the first time since the beef crisis began that the biggest supermarket chains in the country will sit across a table from farming groups .
It is currently under way in the Department of Agriculture , with representatives from Tesco , Dunnes , Supervalu , Lidl and Aldi in attendance .
Speaking on his way into the meeting this morning , Irish Farmers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chains are the “ kingmakers ” and are “ on top of the pile , dictating price ” .
“ The key thing is the retailers are here , ” he said , warning of “ unsustainable discounting ” in the sector .
“ There ’ s no point in a race to the bottom , ” he said .
“ It is important to see what sort of an attitude they bring to the table , ” Mr Healy said , adding that it would have to be a better attitude than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An agenda circulated to attendees in advance of the meeting shows that the discussion with retailers is scheduled to run to around lunchtime , followed by updates from Teagasc and a further market update report .
Pat McCormack , president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association ( ICMSA ) said he would be calling on the retailers to explain the margins they were obtaining on Irish beef they were selling , especially when compared to other markets in Europe .
“ We need to see that gap closed , not narrowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Elsewhere , a progress update sent to attendees shows that consultancy firm Grant Thornton has been awarded a tender to carry out an independent review of market and consumer requirements , especially whether there is a strong relationship between consumer demands and bonus criteria paid out for cattle of a certain age by the processing industry .
Beef farmers believe there is no evidence to support the payment of a bonus for younger cattle , which de facto lowers the price that can be achieved for older animals which don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also conduct detailed analysis of the price achieved for Irish cattle , as well as competition law issues relevant to the beef sector .

IFA president Joe Healy says the supermarket chains are the “kingmakers” and are “on top of the pile, dictating price”. File photograph
Groups representing livestock farmers are meeting today with some of the largest retailers in the State in an effort to secure a price increase for beef.
This meeting between the beef taskforce and retailers is the first time since the beef crisis began that the biggest supermarket chains in the country will sit across a table from farming groups. It is currently under way in the Department of Agriculture, with representatives from Tesco, Dunnes, Supervalu, Lidl and Aldi in attendance.
Speaking on his way into the meeting this morning, Irish Farmers' Association president Joe Healy said the supermarket chains are the "kingmakers" and are "on top of the pile, dictating price".
“The key thing is the retailers are here,” he said, warning of “unsustainable discounting” in the sector. “There’s no point in a race to the bottom,” he said. “It is important to see what sort of an attitude they bring to the table,” Mr Healy said, adding that it would have to be a better attitude than that shown by processors in previous talks.
READ MORE
An agenda circulated to attendees in advance of the meeting shows that the discussion with retailers is scheduled to run to around lunchtime, followed by updates from Teagasc and a further market update report.
Pat McCormack, president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) said he would be calling on the retailers to explain the margins they were obtaining on Irish beef they were selling, especially when compared to other markets in Europe. "We need to see that gap closed, not narrowed, but closed," he said.
Elsewhere, a progress update sent to attendees shows that consultancy firm Grant Thornton has been awarded a tender to carry out an independent review of market and consumer requirements, especially whether there is a strong relationship between consumer demands and bonus criteria paid out for cattle of a certain age by the processing industry. Beef farmers believe there is no evidence to support the payment of a bonus for younger cattle, which de facto lowers the price that can be achieved for older animals which don't qualify for the bonus.
Grant Thornton will also conduct detailed analysis of the price achieved for Irish cattle, as well as competition law issues relevant to the beef sector.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--RTÉ to appeal ruling that it must pay ex-producer €100,000

RTÉ said on Thursday it will appeal ruling that it must pay a former television producer €100,000 for forcing her to retire at the age of 65 .
The State broadcaster was ordered to pay the compensation by the Workplace Relations Commission ( WRC ) to Anne Roper , an executive television producer , who was obliged to retire in July 2018 despite requests to continue working for RTÉ for a further 18 months .
In a statement on Thursday , RTÉ said it “ intends to appeal the decision of the Workplace Relations Commission which was published yesterday ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WRC in January 2019 claiming the broadcaster had discriminated against her on grounds of age .
The producer had gone from a salary of €100,000 to a pension of €12,000 as a result , which the commission said had a “ significant ” financial impact .
RTÉ had argued it was necessary for Ms Roper to retire at 65 “ to ensure intergenerational fairness and to facilitate the promotion of younger producers ” .
The broadcaster submitted that because attrition was so low in the organisation there was “ no turnover ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result “ young people are prevented from progressing ” .
This meant the broadcaster ’ s output was “ deprived of the ideas and input of young people , ” RTÉ had said .
While working for RTÉ , Ms Roper produced the highly acclaimed documentary No Country for Women , which aired in 2018 .
She had been appointed to the role of senior television producer in 1997 after nine years at RTÉ .
In the year before she turned 65 she had expressed her wish to remain working for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear ” RTÉ would not allow her to stay on , she said .
Initially she pursued the matter through RTÉ ’ s internal grievance procedures with the support of the National Union of Journalists , but later took her case to the WRC .
The ruling from WRC adjudicating officer Catherine Byrne found Ms Roper ’ s departure “ fell considerably short ” as a means of achieving intergenerational fairness in the organisation .
“ The effect of this on the organisation was so confined and limited to one department , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justified , ” Ms Byrne said .
The ruling said “ compared to several other employees who , when they reached age 65 , were permitted to continue working , the complainant was treated less favourably ” .
The producer had been innovative , keen to train younger producers , and engaged with technology , the ruling said .
The decision to insist she retire was “ disproportionate to the outcome that it achieved ” , it said .
The commission awarded Ms Roper compensation of €100,000 , the equivalent to a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for RTÉ said the organisation was “ reviewing ” the WRC decision , which it can appeal to the Labour Court .

Anne Roper filed her complaint to the WRC in January 2019. File photograph.
RTÉ said on Thursday it will appeal ruling that it must pay a former television producer €100,000 for forcing her to retire at the age of 65.
The State broadcaster was ordered to pay the compensation by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to Anne Roper, an executive television producer, who was obliged to retire in July 2018 despite requests to continue working for RTÉ for a further 18 months.
In a statement on Thursday, RTÉ said it “intends to appeal the decision of the Workplace Relations Commission which was published yesterday”.
Ms Roper filed her complaint to the WRC in January 2019 claiming the broadcaster had discriminated against her on grounds of age.
READ MORE
The producer had gone from a salary of €100,000 to a pension of €12,000 as a result, which the commission said had a “significant” financial impact.
RTÉ had argued it was necessary for Ms Roper to retire at 65 “to ensure intergenerational fairness and to facilitate the promotion of younger producers”.
The broadcaster submitted that because attrition was so low in the organisation there was “no turnover” at producer or director grades, and as a result “young people are prevented from progressing”.
This meant the broadcaster’s output was “deprived of the ideas and input of young people,” RTÉ had said.
While working for RTÉ, Ms Roper produced the highly acclaimed documentary No Country for Women, which aired in 2018. She had been appointed to the role of senior television producer in 1997 after nine years at RTÉ.
Desire to remain
In the year before she turned 65 she had expressed her wish to remain working for the broadcaster, but “it became clear” RTÉ would not allow her to stay on, she said.
Initially she pursued the matter through RTÉ’s internal grievance procedures with the support of the National Union of Journalists, but later took her case to the WRC.
The ruling from WRC adjudicating officer Catherine Byrne found Ms Roper's departure "fell considerably short" as a means of achieving intergenerational fairness in the organisation.
“The effect of this on the organisation was so confined and limited to one department, that I cannot accept it was objectively justified,” Ms Byrne said.
The ruling said “compared to several other employees who, when they reached age 65, were permitted to continue working, the complainant was treated less favourably”.
The producer had been innovative, keen to train younger producers, and engaged with technology, the ruling said.
The decision to insist she retire was “disproportionate to the outcome that it achieved”, it said.
The commission awarded Ms Roper compensation of €100,000, the equivalent to a year’s salary.
In a statement, a spokesman for RTÉ said the organisation was "reviewing" the WRC decision, which it can appeal to the Labour Court.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--HSE chief calls for fewer emergency departments

The chief executive of the Health Service Executive has said he would like to see fewer emergency departments around Ireland .
Paul Reid said it would be a policy decision for Government but he believes numbers need to be “ really assessed.
” Mr Reid was speaking on Thursday towards the worst ever week of overcrowding in the Irish hospital system .
There were 520 patients waiting for admission to hospital on Thursday morning , according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation ( INMO ) .
This is 4 per cent up on the same day last year but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set last Monday and Tuesday .
“ This is still a dangerous number of patients without beds , but any progress is welcome , ” said INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha .
“ We must keep a laser focus on driving this figure down in the coming days .
The only acceptable figure for patients without beds is zero.
” Because of the overcrowding , large sections of hospitals have effectively shut down and some emergency departments can no longer accommodate trolleys , the Irish Hospital Consultants Association ( IHCA ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety was being compromised .
But Mr Reid , speaking on Newstalk , said progress was being made in reducing the number of people on trolleys in hospitals .
The health system traditionally sees intense pressure on services at the start of the year during the winter flu season .
Health officials have directed that elective surgeries be cancelled , and Minister for Health Simon Harris has promised extra hospital beds in an attempt to ease the strain on emergency departments .
Mr Reid said there was a need to strengthen community care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If we keep doing everything the same as we ’ ve been doing it , we ’ ll continue to have the same answer and have an overcrowding issue.
” He called for three measures to be implemented .
“ The first one I ’ d call improving the capacity that we have in the system - the number of beds and resources to support those beds .
“ We need about 2,500 beds in the hospital system over a period of years .
“ We also need to resource up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give relief on to the acute hospital system .
“ That ’ s a major part of our national service plan next year .
“ More GPs , more diagnostics in our primary care centres , more capacity and capability of pharmacies to look at minor injuries , etc .
There ’ s a way of changing the route into the acute system.
” The second element is changing the way that the HSE organises its work between the acute system and the community system , he added .
“ The third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at the number of emergency departments that we ’ re managing all across the system .
“ So we ’ re currently managing 29 emergency departments , and that ’ s the route where primarily people go when they need it .
“ There ’ s a lot we need to do with our current emergency departments , but it has to be part of an assessment we do .
“ Just to give a simple example , in a national trauma strategy where we ’ re looking at people who would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does have a vision of having a small number of dedicated , major trauma centres across the country with a number of spines and hubs through the country off that , ” he said .

The chief executive of the Health Service Executive has said he would like to see fewer emergency departments around Ireland.
Paul Reid said it would be a policy decision for Government but he believes numbers need to be "really assessed."
Mr Reid was speaking on Thursday towards the worst ever week of overcrowding in the Irish hospital system. There were 520 patients waiting for admission to hospital on Thursday morning, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
This is 4 per cent up on the same day last year but down from the record high of 760 set last Monday and Tuesday.
READ MORE
“This is still a dangerous number of patients without beds, but any progress is welcome,” said INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha. “We must keep a laser focus on driving this figure down in the coming days. The only acceptable figure for patients without beds is zero.”
Because of the overcrowding, large sections of hospitals have effectively shut down and some emergency departments can no longer accommodate trolleys, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has claimed. As a result, patient safety was being compromised.
But Mr Reid, speaking on Newstalk, said progress was being made in reducing the number of people on trolleys in hospitals.
The health system traditionally sees intense pressure on services at the start of the year during the winter flu season.
Health officials have directed that elective surgeries be cancelled, and Minister for Health Simon Harris has promised extra hospital beds in an attempt to ease the strain on emergency departments.
Mr Reid said there was a need to strengthen community care to provide some relief to hospitals.
“If we keep doing everything the same as we’ve been doing it, we’ll continue to have the same answer and have an overcrowding issue.”
He called for three measures to be implemented. “The first one I’d call improving the capacity that we have in the system - the number of beds and resources to support those beds.
“We need about 2,500 beds in the hospital system over a period of years.
“We also need to resource up and strengthen our capacity in the community side to give relief on to the acute hospital system.
“That’s a major part of our national service plan next year.
“More GPs, more diagnostics in our primary care centres, more capacity and capability of pharmacies to look at minor injuries, etc. There’s a way of changing the route into the acute system.”
The second element is changing the way that the HSE organises its work between the acute system and the community system, he added.
“The third one is we do really need to look at the number of emergency departments that we’re managing all across the system.
“So we’re currently managing 29 emergency departments, and that’s the route where primarily people go when they need it.
“There’s a lot we need to do with our current emergency departments, but it has to be part of an assessment we do.
“Just to give a simple example, in a national trauma strategy where we’re looking at people who would be treated in major traumas. That does have a vision of having a small number of dedicated, major trauma centres across the country with a number of spines and hubs through the country off that,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Government will look at ‘anything on table’ to help FAI, says Ross

Minister for Sport Shane Ross has said the Government will look at any options put forward to assist the Football Association of Ireland ( FAI ) following the appointment of new independent directors .
Speaking on RTÉ ’ s Morning Ireland , Mr Ross said : “ now we ’ ve got a new FAI , we ’ ll look at anything that ’ s put on the table ” .
The Minister had resisted giving financial aid to the organisation as recently as last month , following a request from the FAI for an €18 million bailout .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as independent chairman , alongside independent directors Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce .
He thanked them for “ taking on what will be an extremely formidable task ” and said it represented a “ new chapter in what has been a disastrous story ” .
While the Minister warned reforms had to be implemented to open the door to the restoration of Government funding and the possibility of a financial aid package , he said the “ precondition had been met ” .
Mr Ross said a blank cheque was not available for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new dawn here , we have a new opportunity ” .
There would be a particular emphasis on protecting junior and grassroots football , and the League of Ireland , Mr Ross said .
The FAI had strongly resisted the clearout of its board in recent months , Mr Ross said .
“ What we have succeeded in doing , against great resistence , is removing the entire board , ” he said .
“ But that doesn ’ t automatically change the culture , ” he added .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from discussing the future of the FAI in an upcoming bilateral meeting with Uefa , European football ’ s governing body , that is scheduled for next Tuesday .
“ We ’ re meeting them in a new atmosphere , ” he said .
“ Government stands ready to assist and look at any plans that are put down.
” Mr Ross also said he was focused on completing policy work rather than fighting a general election campaign .
He insisted there was still time to pass his judicial appointments Bill in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s running close , but I don ’ t think it ’ s run out yet , ” he said .

Minister for Sport Shane Ross has said the Government will look at any options put forward to assist the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) following the appointment of new independent directors.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Ross said: "now we've got a new FAI, we'll look at anything that's put on the table".
The Minister had resisted giving financial aid to the organisation as recently as last month, following a request from the FAI for an €18 million bailout.
Mr Ross welcomed the appointment of Roy Barrett as independent chairman, alongside independent directors Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce. He thanked them for "taking on what will be an extremely formidable task" and said it represented a "new chapter in what has been a disastrous story".
READ MORE
While the Minister warned reforms had to be implemented to open the door to the restoration of Government funding and the possibility of a financial aid package, he said the “precondition had been met”.
Mr Ross said a blank cheque was not available for the association but that “we have a new dawn here, we have a new opportunity”.
There would be a particular emphasis on protecting junior and grassroots football, and the League of Ireland, Mr Ross said.
The FAI had strongly resisted the clearout of its board in recent months, Mr Ross said. “What we have succeeded in doing, against great resistence, is removing the entire board,” he said. “But that doesn’t automatically change the culture,” he added.
He said the Government would not “shy away” from discussing the future of the FAI in an upcoming bilateral meeting with Uefa, European football’s governing body, that is scheduled for next Tuesday.
“We’re meeting them in a new atmosphere,” he said. “Government stands ready to assist and look at any plans that are put down.”
Mr Ross also said he was focused on completing policy work rather than fighting a general election campaign. He insisted there was still time to pass his judicial appointments Bill in the lifetime of this Government. “It’s running close, but I don’t think it’s run out yet,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Man dies following road traffic collision in Kerry

A man has died following a road traffic collision involving two cars in Co Kerry .
The fatal collision occurred @ @ @ @ @ Kilcummin on Thursday morning at about 6.45am .
The elderly man was taken to Kerry @ @ @ @ @ pronounced dead .
An elderly woman has been taken to the same hospital where she @ @ @ @ @ a critical condition while another woman has also been taken to Kerry University Hospital with @ @ @ @ @ Garda forensic team is currently at the scene .
The road is currently closed and @ @ @ @ @ .
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information , particularly any road users travelling in @ @ @ @ @ of the collision who may have camera footage to contact Killarney Garda station on 064 @ @ @ @ @ confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station .

The scene at Finnegan’s Cross, Kilcummin, Killarney where one person was killed in a car crash. Photograph: Don MacMonagle
A man has died following a road traffic collision involving two cars in Co Kerry.
The fatal collision occurred Finnegan’s Cross, Kilcummin on Thursday morning at about 6.45am.
The elderly man was taken to Kerry University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An elderly woman has been taken to the same hospital where she is described as being in a critical condition while another woman has also been taken to Kerry University Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
A Garda forensic team is currently at the scene. The road is currently closed and local diversions are in place.
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Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any road users travelling in the area at the time of the collision who may have camera footage to contact Killarney Garda station on 064 667 1160, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Seeking immunity from the ill effects of obesity

Your research looks at the links between obesity and the immune system and metabolism in children .
Why ?
“ We know that obesity in adults is linked with more than 200 different diseases .
Research tells us that in obesity the immune system becomes overactivated , which damages tissues in the body , and some immune cells become depleted so they can ’ t protect properly .
I want to see how we can protect children living with obesity from these immune system changes , to protect them against future disease and damage .
How did you get into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first person in my family to go to university .
I went to Maynooth University through the access programme , then after my PhD I worked as a Newman scholar with Donal O ’ Shea and Lydia Lynch in University College Dublin .
We were interested in a type of cell in the immune system called the invariant natural killer T-cell .
It attacks viruses and tumours , but stops working properly in obesity .
When I moved back to Maynooth to set up my own research group , I thought it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes in younger people living with obesity .
What did you find when you looked at children with obesity ?
We did a project with the National Children ’ s Research Centre , where we worked with children living with obesity at age six , 10 and 16 .
We could see kids as young as six were starting to show signs of chronic inflammation , a type of immune-system overactivation .
They already had molecular markers of it in their bloodstream .
I thought maybe if we can intervene with children who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune activation , turn down the chronic inflammation , we could perhaps delay or reduce related disease in adulthood .
We are looking at options there , using a gut hormone that is known to tone down chronic inflammation .
There is a shorter-term outlook too : in another project we are looking at obesity and vaccinations .
Tell us more about that .
We know that some vaccines are less effective in adults with obesity , which makes sense .
After all , we have been showing for 15 years that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhausted .
So we looked at the responses to childhood measles and rubella vaccinations , and in a small study we found that children with obesity have far less of the antibody titre after vaccinations , which means they may not be as well protected from these diseases .
Now we are looking at this more closely in larger numbers of children , and we hope to examine responses to the HPV vaccine too .
What do you love about your work ?
I just really enjoy it .
Of course there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out as you expect , but I ’ m a sunny-side-up kind of person , and you just rethink the experiment or find a new direction .
What do you do to take a break ?
I find that exercise is a great way to clear the mind .
When I was a teenager I did a lot of kickboxing , I was number one in the world at one point .
In the last few years I have been doing CrossFit , and I was involved in opening a gym where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those things that , no matter how you feel at the start of the class , you will always be happy about having done it afterwards .
It ’ s a great way to unwind .

Dr Andrew Hogan: “We could see kids as young as six were starting to show signs of chronic inflammation.”
Your research looks at the links between obesity and the immune system and metabolism in children. Why?
“We know that obesity in adults is linked with more than 200 different diseases. Research tells us that in obesity the immune system becomes overactivated, which damages tissues in the body, and some immune cells become depleted so they can’t protect properly. I want to see how we can protect children living with obesity from these immune system changes, to protect them against future disease and damage.
How did you get into this area of research?
I am the first person in my family to go to university. I went to Maynooth University through the access programme, then after my PhD I worked as a Newman scholar with Donal O'Shea and Lydia Lynch in University College Dublin.
READ MORE
We were interested in a type of cell in the immune system called the invariant natural killer T-cell. It attacks viruses and tumours, but stops working properly in obesity. When I moved back to Maynooth to set up my own research group, I thought it would be interesting to look at immune changes in younger people living with obesity.
What did you find when you looked at children with obesity?
We did a project with the National Children’s Research Centre, where we worked with children living with obesity at age six, 10 and 16. We could see kids as young as six were starting to show signs of chronic inflammation, a type of immune-system overactivation.
They already had molecular markers of it in their bloodstream. I thought maybe if we can intervene with children who are living with obesity and stop this immune activation, turn down the chronic inflammation, we could perhaps delay or reduce related disease in adulthood.
We are looking at options there, using a gut hormone that is known to tone down chronic inflammation. There is a shorter-term outlook too: in another project we are looking at obesity and vaccinations.
Tell us more about that.
We know that some vaccines are less effective in adults with obesity, which makes sense. After all, we have been showing for 15 years that in obesity the immune system is overactivated or exhausted.
So we looked at the responses to childhood measles and rubella vaccinations, and in a small study we found that children with obesity have far less of the antibody titre after vaccinations, which means they may not be as well protected from these diseases. Now we are looking at this more closely in larger numbers of children, and we hope to examine responses to the HPV vaccine too.
What do you love about your work?
I just really enjoy it. Of course there are times when things don’t work out as you expect, but I’m a sunny-side-up kind of person, and you just rethink the experiment or find a new direction.
What do you do to take a break?
I find that exercise is a great way to clear the mind. When I was a teenager I did a lot of kickboxing, I was number one in the world at one point. In the last few years I have been doing CrossFit, and I was involved in opening a gym where I teach classes. It’s one of those things that, no matter how you feel at the start of the class, you will always be happy about having done it afterwards. It’s a great way to unwind.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Passengers on hijacked minibus did not realise a crime was under way

Three airline passengers who were sitting in a hotel shuttle bus when it was stolen from Dublin Airport did not realise any crime was under way until after they were allowed off the vehicle .
The English couple and a Colombian national were being collected by a shuttle bus from Terminal 2 at the airport just before 1am on Wednesday to be taken to the nearby Carlton hotel .
However , when two men from Co Meath got on to the bus and drove it away while the driver was not on board , the passengers did not realise anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Ford Transit , was stolen when the driver stepped away for a moment .
The suspects , who are related to each other and are from Navan , drove the shuttle bus from the airport up the M1 and pulled off at junction 7 , dropping their passengers at the City North Hotel .
When the three passengers went into the hotel staff there realised something unusual had happened , and gradually it emerged the minibus they were on had been stolen .
The three passengers then made their way back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country on Wednesday ; shaken by the experience but uninjured .
The two men were eventually arrested , having stolen a second vehicle in Castleblayney , Co Monaghan .
The suspects , who are in their 30s , were being questioned on Wednesday night at Carrickmacross Garda station on suspicion of false imprisonment and unauthorised taking of the minibus .

The passengers were dropped at the City North Hotel near Julianstown in Co Meath when the hijacked bus left the M1 at Junction 7. Photograph: Google Street
Three airline passengers who were sitting in a hotel shuttle bus when it was stolen from Dublin Airport did not realise any crime was under way until after they were allowed off the vehicle.
The English couple and a Colombian national were being collected by a shuttle bus from Terminal 2 at the airport just before 1am on Wednesday to be taken to the nearby Carlton hotel.
However, when two men from Co Meath got on to the bus and drove it away while the driver was not on board, the passengers did not realise anything untoward was happening. The vehicle, a Ford Transit, was stolen when the driver stepped away for a moment.
The suspects, who are related to each other and are from Navan, drove the shuttle bus from the airport up the M1 and pulled off at junction 7, dropping their passengers at the City North Hotel.
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When the three passengers went into the hotel staff there realised something unusual had happened, and gradually it emerged the minibus they were on had been stolen.
The three passengers then made their way back to Dublin Airport by taxi and flew out of the country on Wednesday; shaken by the experience but uninjured.
The two men were eventually arrested, having stolen a second vehicle in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
The suspects, who are in their 30s, were being questioned on Wednesday night at Carrickmacross Garda station on suspicion of false imprisonment and unauthorised taking of the minibus.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Fewer schoolchildren drinking, smoking or having sex, study finds

Fewer children in Ireland are drinking , smoking , having sex or taking drugs , according to a major study on the health of school-aged children .
However , there is a slight drop in life satisfaction and happiness – especially among girls – and an increase in the proportion of children who have been bullied .
The findings are contained in a survey of 15,500 children during 2018 from more than 250 primary and secondary schools .
The Health Behaviours in School-aged Children 2018 Study was carried out by researchers at NUI Galway and forms part of a wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children across the globe .
The study shows almost two-thirds – 64 per cent – of children reported that they have never had an alcoholic drink , an increase of six percentage points since the last report in 2014 .
Of those children who reported ever having had alcohol , just over half received it from a parent , guardian , sibling or reported taking alcohol from the family home , while a further 30 per cent sourced it from friends .
The study also shows 11 per cent of children aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a five percentage-point drop from 2014 .
However , some 22 per cent reported trying e-cigarettes .
There is also a reduction in the number of 15-17-year-olds who reported having sexual intercourse , down 3 percentage points to 24 per cent .
Of those who reported having had intercourse , use of the birth control pill fell to 29 per cent in 2018 , while 64 per cent reported using condoms .
Bullying emerges as an area of growing concern , with 30 per cent reporting having been bullied in the past couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent in 2014 .
While there is alarm over bullying online , only 16 per cent reported having been a victim of cyberbullying .
On a related note , there was a four percentage-point drop in children saying they were “ very happy ” with life to 43 per cent compared to 2014 , with girls significantly less likely to report being very happy than boys .
Prof Saoirse Nic Gabhainn , who led the NUIG research team , said the findings demonstrated continued improvement in some areas of child health and wellbeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action was required at school , family and community levels .
“ It is vital to respond decisively to the high rates of e-cigarette use and the stubborn bullying patterns illustrated in this report , ” she said .
The study , funded by the Department of Health , also contains information on physical activity and the consumption of sugary sweets and drinks .
While just over half of children report exercising four or more times a week , 9 per cent of 10-17-year-olds report being physically inactive .
Both figures are static @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the findings of other studies .
In the area of food , consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened drinks was down by six percentage points .
Minister for Health Simon Harris said the findings showed many positive trends in health behaviours in children , as well highlighting some areas of concern .
But he said he was concerned over the number of teenagers trying e-cigarettes and vaping products .
“ This will be addressed by measures I will introduce in 2020 , including new legislation to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to children @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The study shows almost two-thirds – 64% – of children reported that they have never had an alcoholic drink, an increase of 6 percentage points since the last report in 2014. Photograph: iStock
Fewer children in Ireland are drinking, smoking, having sex or taking drugs, according to a major study on the health of school-aged children.
However, there is a slight drop in life satisfaction and happiness – especially among girls – and an increase in the proportion of children who have been bullied.
The findings are contained in a survey of 15,500 children during 2018 from more than 250 primary and secondary schools.
The Health Behaviours in School-aged Children 2018 Study was carried out by researchers at NUI Galway and forms part of a wider World Health Organisation study into the health of children across the globe.
READ MORE
The study shows almost two-thirds – 64 per cent – of children reported that they have never had an alcoholic drink, an increase of six percentage points since the last report in 2014.
Of those children who reported ever having had alcohol, just over half received it from a parent, guardian, sibling or reported taking alcohol from the family home, while a further 30 per cent sourced it from friends.
The study also shows 11 per cent of children aged 10 to 17 have tried smoking, a five percentage-point drop from 2014. However, some 22 per cent reported trying e-cigarettes.
There is also a reduction in the number of 15-17-year-olds who reported having sexual intercourse, down 3 percentage points to 24 per cent.
Of those who reported having had intercourse, use of the birth control pill fell to 29 per cent in 2018, while 64 per cent reported using condoms.
Bullying emerges as an area of growing concern, with 30 per cent reporting having been bullied in the past couple of months, up from 25 per cent in 2014. While there is alarm over bullying online, only 16 per cent reported having been a victim of cyberbullying.
On a related note, there was a four percentage-point drop in children saying they were “very happy” with life to 43 per cent compared to 2014, with girls significantly less likely to report being very happy than boys.
Prof Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, who led the NUIG research team, said the findings demonstrated continued improvement in some areas of child health and wellbeing, but also highlighted key areas where action was required at school, family and community levels.
“It is vital to respond decisively to the high rates of e-cigarette use and the stubborn bullying patterns illustrated in this report,” she said.
The study, funded by the Department of Health, also contains information on physical activity and the consumption of sugary sweets and drinks.
While just over half of children report exercising four or more times a week, 9 per cent of 10-17-year-olds report being physically inactive. Both figures are static since 2014 and are broadly in line with the findings of other studies.
In the area of food, consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened drinks was down by six percentage points.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said the findings showed many positive trends in health behaviours in children, as well highlighting some areas of concern.
But he said he was concerned over the number of teenagers trying e-cigarettes and vaping products. “This will be addressed by measures I will introduce in 2020, including new legislation to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to children under the age of 18.”