theirishtimes--2020-11-27--New charge of capital murder for Det Garda Colm Horkan accused

A new charge of capital murder was brought before Friday ’ s sitting of Castlerea District Court in the case of Stephen Silver ( 44 ) , accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea last June .
Detective Garda Colm Horkan ( 49 ) , who was based in Castlerea Garda station , died on June 17th at the junction of Main Street and St Patrick Street in the town after he was shot while responding to an incident in the town .
The accused , of Aughaward , Foxford , Co Mayo had been on remand since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday ’ s morning ’ s sitting where he was remanded in custody to the Midlands Prison , Portlaoise where he will appear via video link before Harristown Court on December 4th .
The accused was brought to the court sitting amid a heavy Garda presence .
He was wearing a grey jacket , a white opened necked shirt , grey slacks and had his hair tied back .
The accused was arrested and charged with the new offence at 11.29 a.m. this morning by Garda Helen Gillen of Castlerea Garda Station .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge of capital murder .
Superintendent Tom Colsh told the court this was a new charge and said the earlier charge of murder against the accused remained “ but may be withdrawn ” at a later date .
Supt .
Colsh said he hoped to have directions in respect of the Book of Evidence before next Friday ’ s sitting .
Judge Alan Mitchell granted an application for legal aid in respect of the new charge to the accused ’ s solicitor , Gearoid Geraghty .

A new charge of capital murder was brought before Friday’s sitting of Castlerea District Court in the case of Stephen Silver (44), accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea last June.
Detective Garda Colm Horkan (49), who was based in Castlerea Garda station, died on June 17th at the junction of Main Street and St Patrick Street in the town after he was shot while responding to an incident in the town.
The accused, of Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo had been on remand since the incident. Mr Silver appeared before Friday’s morning’s sitting where he was remanded in custody to the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise where he will appear via video link before Harristown Court on December 4th.
The accused was brought to the court sitting amid a heavy Garda presence. He was wearing a grey jacket, a white opened necked shirt, grey slacks and had his hair tied back.
READ MORE
The accused was arrested and charged with the new offence at 11.29 a.m. this morning by Garda Helen Gillen of Castlerea Garda Station. The accused made no reply to the charge of capital murder.
Superintendent Tom Colsh told the court this was a new charge and said the earlier charge of murder against the accused remained “but may be withdrawn” at a later date.
Supt. Colsh said he hoped to have directions in respect of the Book of Evidence before next Friday’s sitting.
Judge Alan Mitchell granted an application for legal aid in respect of the new charge to the accused’s solicitor, Gearoid Geraghty.


theirishtimes--2020-11-27--Water body backs EPA call for ‘decade of action’ on Irish environment

The EPA ’ s call for a decade for action to address Ireland ’ s pressing environmental issues , that range across many sectors , has been strongly backed by a statutory body which advises the Government on enhancing water resources .
An Fóram Uisce ( AFU ) welcomed the EPA recommendation in its latest evaluation of Ireland ’ s environment that a “ national environmental policy ” be put in place to achieve short , medium , and long-term goals “ for protecting and improving our cherished environment for future generations ” .
Protecting and improving the state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent in that context , said AFU chairman Dr Tom Collins .
“ The urgency of this can not be understated .
We , together , must act and act fast to improve and preserve our aquatic environments for ourselves and our future generations.
” Ireland ’ s Environment : An Integrated Assessment 2020 found “ enduring and systemic challenges are putting pressure on the environment and remain to be solved ” .
These cut across different environmental topics such as climate , air , soil , water , biodiversity and waste , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all levels of society .
“ Almost half of Ireland ’ s rivers and lakes are failing to achieve good quality status - a legal requirement of EU legislation .
The number of our pristine rivers has declined catastrophically , from over 500 rivers to the current 20 , ” he pointed out .
Biodiversity was in serious decline , with freshwater habitats identified as having the fastest biodiversity loss of all ecosystems , he said .
“ Water is the lynchpin for life on this island , supporting how and where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our recreation and , ultimately , our health.
” “ Almost half of Ireland ’ s rivers and lakes are failing to achieve good quality status – a legal requirement of EU legislation .
The number of our pristine rivers has declined catastrophically , from over 500 rivers to the current 20 , ” Dr Collins pointed out .
Green ministers have issued a joint statement defending actions being pursued by the Government to address the climate and biodiversity crises facing Ireland .
Ministers Eamon Ryan , Pippa Hackett and Malcolm Noonan were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report published this week on the state of the Irish environment .
It concludes the outlook for Ireland ’ s environment is “ not optimistic ” , unless implementation of solutions across all sectors of society is accelerated over the next decade .
Having delivered “ the most ambitious programme for government ever on climate action and biodiversity ” , the ministers said it added up to the “ policy shifts ” needed to turn the environmental crisis around .
Minister for Environment , Climate , Communications and Transport , Eamon Ryan admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timely reminder of what we need to do to tackle the climate , water and biodiversity crises we face ” .
“ We are already making progress , with a new climate bill about to set binding emissions targets , and substantial budget 2020 increases in areas from retrofitting to public transport to biodiversity .
We have also committed to developing a national land use plan , ” he said .
He accepted there was more to do but the Green Party would ensure “ environment and climate issues are at the heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifetime of this government ” .
Minister of State for land use and biodiversity Senator Pippa Hackett said : “ The EPA report highlights the need for environmentally-sustainable agriculture and I ’ m working with farmers to achieve that.
” Investment in horticulture and in supporting up to 500 farmers in converting to organic farming were helping agriculture address environmental issues .
“ We have 23 European Innovation Partnerships schemes where farmers are working collaboratively , in groups , with ecologists and advisers to achieve better habitat management for hen harriers , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on dairy farms .
I want to see more of this kind of activity.
” She recognised forestry of the future must be multi-functional .
“ It must address climate action and deliver for biodiversity , for water quality , and for local communities .
I ’ m appointing a forestry policy group , which will include more environmental NGOs than previously , to work on developing this new forestry model.
” Minister of State for heritage Malcolm Noonan said the report highlighted the scale of challenge facing the Government and all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the national environmental policy advocated by the EPA , he said .
A new national biodiversity plan would come into operation in 2021 , “ setting ambitious targets for 30 per cent land and 30 per cent marine protection , with 10 per cent strictly protected as guided by the EU Biodiversity Strategy ” .
He added : “ I want to empower local authorities to lead on biodiversity and water quality through the development of an enhanced heritage division in each Council , an all-Island approach to biodiversity data gathering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan would “ plot a way forward for all communities to become active participants and citizen scientists in conserving biodiversity ” .

The report found biodiversity was in serious decline, with freshwater habitats identified as having the fastest biodiversity loss of all ecosystems. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
The EPA’s call for a decade for action to address Ireland’s pressing environmental issues, that range across many sectors, has been strongly backed by a statutory body which advises the Government on enhancing water resources.
An Fóram Uisce (AFU) welcomed the EPA recommendation in its latest evaluation of Ireland’s environment that a “national environmental policy” be put in place to achieve short, medium, and long-term goals “for protecting and improving our cherished environment for future generations”.
Protecting and improving the state of Ireland's water environment was particularly urgent in that context, said AFU chairman Dr Tom Collins. "The urgency of this cannot be understated. We, together, must act and act fast to improve and preserve our aquatic environments for ourselves and our future generations."
Ireland’s Environment: An Integrated Assessment 2020 found “enduring and systemic challenges are putting pressure on the environment and remain to be solved”. These cut across different environmental topics such as climate, air, soil, water, biodiversity and waste, and across organisations and sectors, business and all levels of society.
READ MORE
“Almost half of Ireland’s rivers and lakes are failing to achieve good quality status - a legal requirement of EU legislation. The number of our pristine rivers has declined catastrophically, from over 500 rivers to the current 20,” he pointed out.
Freshwater
Biodiversity was in serious decline, with freshwater habitats identified as having the fastest biodiversity loss of all ecosystems, he said. “Water is the lynchpin for life on this island, supporting how and where we live, our food systems, our recreation and, ultimately, our health.”
“Almost half of Ireland’s rivers and lakes are failing to achieve good quality status – a legal requirement of EU legislation. The number of our pristine rivers has declined catastrophically, from over 500 rivers to the current 20,” Dr Collins pointed out.
Green ministers have issued a joint statement defending actions being pursued by the Government to address the climate and biodiversity crises facing Ireland.
Ministers Eamon Ryan, Pippa Hackett and Malcolm Noonan were responding to the findings of an EPA report published this week on the state of the Irish environment.
It concludes the outlook for Ireland’s environment is “not optimistic”, unless implementation of solutions across all sectors of society is accelerated over the next decade.
Having delivered “the most ambitious programme for government ever on climate action and biodiversity”, the ministers said it added up to the “policy shifts” needed to turn the environmental crisis around.
Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan admitted the report was “a stark and timely reminder of what we need to do to tackle the climate, water and biodiversity crises we face”.
“We are already making progress, with a new climate bill about to set binding emissions targets, and substantial budget 2020 increases in areas from retrofitting to public transport to biodiversity. We have also committed to developing a national land use plan,” he said.
He accepted there was more to do but the Green Party would ensure “environment and climate issues are at the heart of decision making and investment over the lifetime of this government”.
Agriculture
Minister of State for land use and biodiversity Senator Pippa Hackett said: “The EPA report highlights the need for environmentally-sustainable agriculture and I’m working with farmers to achieve that.”
Investment in horticulture and in supporting up to 500 farmers in converting to organic farming were helping agriculture address environmental issues.
“We have 23 European Innovation Partnerships schemes where farmers are working collaboratively, in groups, with ecologists and advisers to achieve better habitat management for hen harriers, for pearl mussels, in the uplands and on dairy farms. I want to see more of this kind of activity.”
She recognised forestry of the future must be multi-functional. “It must address climate action and deliver for biodiversity, for water quality, and for local communities. I’m appointing a forestry policy group, which will include more environmental NGOs than previously, to work on developing this new forestry model.”
Minister of State for heritage Malcolm Noonan said the report highlighted the scale of challenge facing the Government and all of society. The programme for government amounted to the national environmental policy advocated by the EPA, he said.
Minister of State for heritage Malcolm Noonan said the report highlighted the scale of challenge facing the Government and all of society. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Times
A new national biodiversity plan would come into operation in 2021, “setting ambitious targets for 30 per cent land and 30 per cent marine protection, with 10 per cent strictly protected as guided by the EU Biodiversity Strategy”.
He added: “I want to empower local authorities to lead on biodiversity and water quality through the development of an enhanced heritage division in each Council, an all-Island approach to biodiversity data gathering and conservation.”
The new all Ireland pollinator plan would “plot a way forward for all communities to become active participants and citizen scientists in conserving biodiversity”.


theirishtimes--2020-11-27--Coronavirus search: How is Covid-19 spreading in your locality?

The electoral area of Milford in Co Donegal has the highest 14-day incidence rate of coronavirus cases in the State and is more than three times the national rate , the latest data shows .
The 14-day rate per 100,000 population is a useful measure of how the virus is spreading and data has been made available by authorities showing that rate in each 166 local electoral areas .
The latest figures published on the Government ’ s data hub examines the 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate between November 10th and November 23rd .
While the State ’ s 14-day Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population , Milford ’ s rate is 355.8 .
Of the six areas with the highest incidence rate of coronavirus in the State , four of them are in Donegal .
Milford is followed by the electoral area of Letterkenny ( 305.5 ) while the areas of Buncrana ( 281.7 ) and Carndonagh ( 265.3 ) have the fifth and sixth highest rates in the country respectively .
When the figures were published two weeks , Buncrana had the highest rate in the country at 536.5 cases per 100,000 population .
Other electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South in Co Louth at 299.1 , Waterford City South ( 284.7 ) , Edenderry in Co Offaly ( 252.9 ) and Limerick City West ( 243.6 ) .
The national rate has been decreasing gradually since the move to tighter restrictions on October 22nd and stood at 107.8 as of Monday , down from 135 two weeks ago .
The latest figures show eight electoral area recorded less than five cases , with three areas in Mayo - Belmullet , Swinford and Westport - recording five or less cases over the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ballinasloe in Co Galway ; Muinbeag in Co Carlow ; Cahir in Tipperary ; Carrickmacross-Castleblaney in Co Monaghan ; and Bantry-West Cork also recorded less than five cases .
In Dublin , Ballymun-Finglas had the highest incidence rate of coronavirus cases in the county at 192.7 , followed by Tallaght South ( 163.5 ) and Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart at 158.6 cases per 100,000 population .
The electoral area of Rush-Lusk recorded the lowest incidence rate in Dublin of at 46.1 per 100,000 population , 2.3 times lower than the national rate .
This was followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 59.4 .
Search the table with this story to see how your area is coping with Covid-19 .
If you are reading this on The Irish Times app and can ’ t see the searchable table , go here .

Milford in Co Donegal has the highest 14-day incidence rate of coronavirus cases in the State. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins
The electoral area of Milford in Co Donegal has the highest 14-day incidence rate of coronavirus cases in the State and is more than three times the national rate, the latest data shows.
The 14-day rate per 100,000 population is a useful measure of how the virus is spreading and data has been made available by authorities showing that rate in each 166 local electoral areas.
The latest figures published on the Government's data hub examines the 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate between November 10th and November 23rd. While the State's 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate is now 107.8 per 100,000 population, Milford's rate is 355.8.
Of the six areas with the highest incidence rate of coronavirus in the State, four of them are in Donegal. Milford is followed by the electoral area of Letterkenny (305.5) while the areas of Buncrana (281.7) and Carndonagh (265.3) have the fifth and sixth highest rates in the country respectively.
READ MORE
When the figures were published two weeks, Buncrana had the highest rate in the country at 536.5 cases per 100,000 population.
Other electoral areas that recorded high rates include Dundalk South in Co Louth at 299.1, Waterford City South ( 284.7), Edenderry in Co Offaly (252.9) and Limerick City West (243.6).
The national rate has been decreasing gradually since the move to tighter restrictions on October 22nd and stood at 107.8 as of Monday, down from 135 two weeks ago.
The latest figures show eight electoral area recorded less than five cases, with three areas in Mayo - Belmullet, Swinford and Westport - recording five or less cases over the two week timeframe. The electoral area of Ballinasloe in Co Galway; Muinbeag in Co Carlow; Cahir in Tipperary; Carrickmacross-Castleblaney in Co Monaghan; and Bantry-West Cork also recorded less than five cases.
In Dublin, Ballymun-Finglas had the highest incidence rate of coronavirus cases in the county at 192.7, followed by Tallaght South (163.5) and Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart at 158.6 cases per 100,000 population.
The electoral area of Rush-Lusk recorded the lowest incidence rate in Dublin of at 46.1 per 100,000 population, 2.3 times lower than the national rate. This was followed by Glencullen-Sandyford at 49.2 and Pembroke at 59.4.
Search the table with this story to see how your area is coping with Covid-19. If you are reading this on The Irish Times app and can't see the searchable table, go here.


theirishtimes--2020-11-27--Public health doctors expected to back ballot for strike action

Public health specialists , who are playing a key role in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic , are expected to back strike action in a ballot which will be finalised later on Friday .
The doctors , who are represented by the Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) , have been campaigning for some time for public health to become a consultant-led service and for public health specialists to be awarded consultant contracts “ to reflect their expertise and specialist skills ” .
Public health specialists earn about € 113,000 .
Hospital consultants with a type-A contract - which permits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a pay scale that ranges from €141,026 to €195,653 .
The doctors commenced a ballot for industrial action up to and including strike action earlier this month and the outcome will be announced on Friday evening .
It is expected that the doctors will back industrial action in the ballot .
If the doctors do vote in favour of industrial action the are expected to decide the details at a meeting likely to take place next Monday .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said he is committed to the establishment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is understood that the public health doctors are concerned Government proposals may not see all existing public health specialists automatically upgraded to consultant positions but rather they would have to compete for posts as they came on stream .
They are also angry at what they perceive to be delays on the part of the Government in introducing the new public health model .
Talks on a new public health model took place between the Department of Health and the IMO in 2019 on foot of a report by external consultants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet approved the introduction of legislation which would allow the Government to increase pay for certain groups , which it saw as a key requirement to deal with the public health specialists issue .
However , the doctors maintain they still have not received any specific proposals from the Department of Health and the enabling legislation on pay announced by the Government in September has not yet been enacted by the Oireachtas .
This legislation is expected to be brought before the Oireachtas by the Department of Public Expenditure in December .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has submitted proposals to the Department of Public Expenditure on consultant posts in public health which it has drawn up in consultation with the HSE .

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said he is committed to the establishment of a consultant-led public health model. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
Public health specialists, who are playing a key role in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, are expected to back strike action in a ballot which will be finalised later on Friday.
The doctors, who are represented by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), have been campaigning for some time for public health to become a consultant-led service and for public health specialists to be awarded consultant contracts “to reflect their expertise and specialist skills”.
Public health specialists earn about € 113,000. Hospital consultants with a type-A contract - which permits them to treat only public patients - have a pay scale that ranges from €141,026 to €195,653.
The doctors commenced a ballot for industrial action up to and including strike action earlier this month and the outcome will be announced on Friday evening. It is expected that the doctors will back industrial action in the ballot.
READ MORE
If the doctors do vote in favour of industrial action the are expected to decide the details at a meeting likely to take place next Monday.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said he is committed to the establishment of a consultant-led public health model.
However, it is understood that the public health doctors are concerned Government proposals may not see all existing public health specialists automatically upgraded to consultant positions but rather they would have to compete for posts as they came on stream.
They are also angry at what they perceive to be delays on the part of the Government in introducing the new public health model.
Talks on a new public health model took place between the Department of Health and the IMO in 2019 on foot of a report by external consultants Crowe Howarth.
In September 2020 the Cabinet approved the introduction of legislation which would allow the Government to increase pay for certain groups, which it saw as a key requirement to deal with the public health specialists issue.
However, the doctors maintain they still have not received any specific proposals from the Department of Health and the enabling legislation on pay announced by the Government in September has not yet been enacted by the Oireachtas.
This legislation is expected to be brought before the Oireachtas by the Department of Public Expenditure in December.
It is understood that the Department of Health has submitted proposals to the Department of Public Expenditure on consultant posts in public health which it has drawn up in consultation with the HSE.


theirishtimes--2020-11-27--Exiting Level 5: What will reopen, when will it happen and when will we know?

The Cabinet will on Friday afternoon sign off on a plan to ease the nationwide Level 5 lockdown restrictions and reopen the country in a number of phases in the run-up to Christmas .
So what will that look like ?
The first phase of the gradual reopening will come into effect on December 1st or 2nd , and allow retail shops , hairdressers , and gyms to open up .
In this phase the Government has focused on reopening services where the likelihood of Covid-19 infection is lower .
All non-essential retail outlets will be permitted to reopen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filling virtual shopping baskets online to begin their Christmas shopping .
Cinemas , museums and galleries are also expected to reopen , and outdoor sports such as tennis and golf may be allowed to resume .
It is likely restaurants and pubs that serve food will reopen in a second phase , potentially a week later on December 7th .
Nursing home residents are to be permitted one scheduled visit a week under this phase .
The hospitality sector had strongly lobbied to be allowed to resume trading for the traditionally busy Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules on the time limits and number of people allowed to sit together at a table .
The definition of “ pubs that serve food ” may also be tightened , to clamp down on pubs opening while only serving very limited food options , à la cheese toasties grilled at the bar .
In short , no .
While pubs that can operate as restaurants will be given the green light to open , so-called “ wet pubs ” will not .
The drink-only pubs will still be shuttered and restricted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of infection associated with people congregating in settings where alcohol is served , it is unlikely drink-only pubs will be allowed to reopen this year .
Dublin “ wet pubs ” have been completely closed during the current six-week lockdown when “ wet pubs ” outside the capital were allowed to serve takeaway .
However , with Friday ’ s announcement Dublin ’ s “ wet pubs ” are expected be allowed to serve takeaway alcohol like establishments elsewhere in the Republic .
Under a planned third phase of the staggered reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between counties are to be eased for a period of about two weeks close to Christmas , to allow family and friends celebrate the holiday together .
It is thought this third phase will begin on December 18th , with the size of home visits permitted likely to be fewer than six people from three households .
If coronavirus case numbers shoot up during December , given people will be congregating and socialising , limits on household visits and non-essential travel between counties will be reimposed in early January .
Well , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) recommended a more limited easing of restrictions .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan recommended the hospitality sector remain limited to takeaway services for the entire month of December .
The public health group said a choice should be made between relaxing restrictions on household visits , or allowing the hospitality sector reopen .
However , Government figures have stressed ad nauseam of late that it is Nphet who advise , and then Government decides .
Politicians are charged with considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as wider economic and societal implications .
The Government has also been the subject of fierce lobbying from the hospitality industry in recent days .
Following a Cabinet Covid-19 sub-committee meeting on Thursday night , Government is set to reject Nphet ’ s advice and proceed with much of its original three phase plan .
When will we know all this for certain ?
Cabinet is due to kick off at 2pm on Friday , with full details of the reopening plan to be announced at a press conference afterwards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major Covid-19 announcements have often come late in the day following lengthy Cabinet meetings , that is unlikely to be the case this time .
Politicians are well aware that the hugely popular Late Late Toy Show airs on RTÉ One at 9.35pm , so any press conference will have to be done and dusted before that .

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced that the country will move to Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions, "with some modifications", from December 1st. Video: RTÉ
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced last Friday plans for the easing of nationwide Level 5 lockdown restrictions and the reopening of the country over a number of phases from tomorrow in the run-up to Christmas.
So what will that look like?
What happens in phase one?
Hospital Report
The first phase of the gradual reopening will come into effect on Tuesday and will see all shops, including those deemed non-essential under Level 5 guidelines, hairdressers, and gyms allowed to reopen.
Gyms will not be allowed to put on exercise or dance classes and leisure centres and swimming pools may reopen for individual training only.
READ MORE
Cinemas, museums, galleries and libraries will reopen, and outdoor sports such as tennis and golf will be allowed to resume.
Non-contact training will also be allowed outdoors in pods of 15 people. No matches/events will be allowed to take place except professional and elite sports, approved inter-county Gaelic games, horse-racing and approved equestrian events, all behind closed doors.
Places of worship will reopen for services with restrictive measures while gatherings of 15 people may take place outdoors.
Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs will be able to reopen open with services limited to residents only.
The Government has requested that people continue to work from home unless it is absolutely necessary that they attend in person, while public transport capacity will be limited to 50 per cent.
Weddings and funeral will continue to be permitted with up to 25 attendees.
The Government has also announced that from December 1st, face masks should be worn in busy or crowded streets and outdoor spaces, crowded workplaces or places of worship.
The Taoiseach advised that households should not mix with other households other than those within their social bubble until December 18th.
So-called ’wet pubs’ to stay closed except for takeaway drinks. Photograph: Andy Rain /EPA
And phase two?
Restaurants and pubs “operating as restaurants with their own kitchen” will be allowed to reopen in this second phase on December 4th, including access for non-residents to restaurants in hotels. All meals must be prepared inside the premises, the Government said.
Nphet had recommended that there be one visitor a week for residents in nursing homes from the second week in December but this was not mentioned during last night’s announcement.
What about the ‘wet pubs’?
In short, no. While pubs that can operate as restaurants and “serve a substantial meal” have been given the green light to open, so-called “wet pubs” have not. The drink-only pubs will be restricted to takeaway service only.
The Government said that “additional seasonal support” through Covid-19 schemes would be made available to qualifying businesses that must remain closed over Christmas.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin addresses the nation at Government Buildings on October 19th announcing a nationwide lockdwon for six weeks. Photograph: Julien Behal/Pool/AFP via Getty
What about home visits?
Under the planned third phase of the reopening, restrictions on household visits and travel between counties are to be eased for a period of three weeks, to allow family and friends to celebrate Christmas together.
This phase will begin on December 18th, with households allowed to mix with up to two other households. People will be allowed to travel outside their county for three weeks until January 6th.
Nphet approved all this?
Well, not exactly. In a letter to Government last week, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) recommended a more limited easing of restrictions.
It said the hospitality sector should remain limited to takeaway services for all of December and that a choice should be made between this and relaxing restrictions on household visits.
Government figures have stressed that it is the job of Nphet to advise, and for them to decide after considering the economic and societal impact of what has been proposed.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan at a press conference in Dublin on Thursday. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins
What happens on January 7th?
The Government has said the measures that were in place before December 18th, which includes open shops, hairdressers and restaurants, will apply subject to ongoing review and the trajectory of the virus.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly warned on Sunday that both Nphet and the Government were expecting the level of cases to rise from the second week in December, and that a rapid rise could lead to further measures being introduced in January.
Mr Donnelly said he did not expect to introduce restrictive measures before the end of December. Data released over the weekend suggests Ireland has outperformed much of the rest of Europe when managing the second wave of the virus.
“The truth is nobody knows precisely what might be required in January,” said the minister. “Is it possible additional measures will have to be brought in? If cases are in uncontrolled, rapid exponential growth in early January then obviously we would have to review the situation.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-27--North enters two-week circuit-breaker lockdown

Northern Ireland enters a two-week circuit-breaker lockdown on Friday designed to arrest the spread of coronavirus .
From Friday , pubs , restaurants , non-essential retail and close contact services will close for two weeks to help curb the spread of the virus .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill said the decision was “ difficult but right ” , while the hospitality sector is seeking assurances from Stormont that it can reopen on December 11th .
On Thursday eight more coronavirus deaths were recorded in Northern Ireland , taking the total Covid-19 death toll there to 962 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus in the North , bringing the total number of confirmed cases there since the outbreak of the pandemic to 51,118 .
Hospital bed occupancy in Northern Ireland is at 99 per cent .
There are now 431 patients in Northern Ireland hospitals receiving Covid treatment , with 39 in intensive care and 33 on ventilators .
The overall seven-day Covid incidence for Northern Ireland is 130 cases per 100,000 of population .
The North ’ s First Minister Arlene Foster said the R rate of infection was now just below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say we no longer have the highest level of incidences in the British Isles .
We now sit below England and Wales .
So , we have successfully slowed down the rising trend of infection rates , ” she added .
The fresh lockdown came as details of a rollout of the coronavirus vaccine , being planned by a special Northern Ireland taskforce , were announced .
Minister for Health Robin Swann said the rollout would be a “ major logistical exercise lasting many months , taking us to the middle of next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am cautious by nature , I am optimistic that vaccination will increasingly do the heavy lifting for us in 2021 in the battle against coronavirus , ” he said .
Ms Foster said that Northern Ireland , which has a population of about 1.8 million , will receive about 4 million doses of the vaccines , when they are authorised .
Rollout would be over a number of phases , starting with care home residents and staff , health and social care workers and people aged over 80 .
Under-50s would receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was proposed to have fixed mass vaccination sites to vaccinate all health workers .
“ The plan is that between 5,000 and 8,000 can be vaccinated per day to ensure that all 100,000 healthcare staff can be covered over a three-week period , ” Ms Foster said .

Northern Ireland enters a two-week circuit-breaker lockdown on Friday designed to arrest the spread of coronavirus.
From Friday, pubs, restaurants, non-essential retail and close contact services will close for two weeks to help curb the spread of the virus.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the decision was "difficult but right", while the hospitality sector is seeking assurances from Stormont that it can reopen on December 11th.
On Thursday eight more coronavirus deaths were recorded in Northern Ireland, taking the total Covid-19 death toll there to 962.
READ MORE
There were also 442 new confirmed cases of the virus in the North, bringing the total number of confirmed cases there since the outbreak of the pandemic to 51,118.
Hospital bed occupancy in Northern Ireland is at 99 per cent. There are now 431 patients in Northern Ireland hospitals receiving Covid treatment, with 39 in intensive care and 33 on ventilators.
The overall seven-day Covid incidence for Northern Ireland is 130 cases per 100,000 of population.
The North's First Minister Arlene Foster said the R rate of infection was now just below 1.
"I am glad to say we no longer have the highest level of incidences in the British Isles. We now sit below England and Wales. So, we have successfully slowed down the rising trend of infection rates," she added.
The fresh lockdown came as details of a rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, being planned by a special Northern Ireland taskforce, were announced.
Minister for Health Robin Swann said the rollout would be a "major logistical exercise lasting many months, taking us to the middle of next year at least".
“While I am cautious by nature, I am optimistic that vaccination will increasingly do the heavy lifting for us in 2021 in the battle against coronavirus,” he said.
Ms Foster said that Northern Ireland, which has a population of about 1.8 million, will receive about 4 million doses of the vaccines, when they are authorised.
Rollout would be over a number of phases, starting with care home residents and staff, health and social care workers and people aged over 80.
Under-50s would receive the vaccines in the last phase.
It was proposed to have fixed mass vaccination sites to vaccinate all health workers. “The plan is that between 5,000 and 8,000 can be vaccinated per day to ensure that all 100,000 healthcare staff can be covered over a three-week period,” Ms Foster said.


theirishtimes--2020-11-27--Honour front line staff fighting Covid-19 with job security, says President Higgins

The best memorial to honour the efforts and sacrifice of front line workers , who have led the fight against the Covid 19 pandemic , would be to ensure that all such workers enjoy job security and decent working conditions , President Michael D Higgins has said .
President Higgins paid tribute to all involved in the fight against Covid-19 when he sent a message of support to the organisers of the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival in Cork .
He said front line workers showed the same solidarity that Mother Jones exhibited in her fight for justice for workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mother Jones , who was born Mary Harris near Shandon on Cork ’ s northside in 1837 and died in Maryland in the United States 90 years ago on November 30th , had galvanised American workers with her battle cry , “ Remember the dead and fight like hell for the living.
” “ A survivor of the Great Famine , the Yellow Fever Epidemic of Memphis and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which robbed her of her home , family and livelihood as well as the so called ‘ Spanish Flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a woman of enormous grit and vigour .
“ Yet , despite the toll of such personal struggle and tragedy , she found and mustered the resolve that enabled her to contribute so much to the labour movement in the United States over a period of several decades , ” he recalled .
President Higgins said that the current Covid-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented risk for those who work tirelessly and selfless in the Irish health system as well as those who ensure the continued delivery of essential services and utilities upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of such a crisis , we are presented with perhaps a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do things better , to embrace and bring to fruition a new paradigm of existence with each other , in relation to work and living and , with the world itself .
“ Today , let us commemorate the many thousands around the world who have , through their generous and willing efforts in the service of others , lost their own lives to Covid-19 , giving their lives for others with whom they shared the public world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also the many thousands more who continue to put their lives at risk in order to continue their important work ... to all those workers who have responded to the Coronavirus crisis with such a generous spirit of solidarity , we owe an enormous debt of gratitude .
“ However gratitude , whose expression is so important , can not be and must never be , perceived as any adequate substitute for the dignity , well being and security of employment which is the right of all workers in any far and inclusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He said that as Ireland and the world navigates its way towards a shared and better future , people should resolve to build a lasting memorial to “ those brave and selfless workers who have been too easily left out of the pages of history ” .
“ Today as we reflect on the dynamic role of trade unions in the wake of the pandemic and the safe-keeping of our front line workers , let us all commit to continuing our appreciation by standing in solidarity with all those whose contribution is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Let us commit to recognising and enabling their right to protection , to be represented , to participate , to job security and decent working conditions now and into the future , ” said President Higgins before wishing the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival well .
Spirit of Mother Jones Festival spokesman , Jim Nolan thanked President Higgins for his support and said given Mother Jones had survived at least three pandemics , the organisers felt they should make every effort to have a festival in spite of Covid 19 to remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Nolan said the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival , which will be available on line , will begin on Friday afternoon with a discussion on the role of front line workers and trade unions during the pandemic with contributions from Phil Ni Sheaghdha of the INMO and Anne Piggott of ASTI .
Several talks from the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival archives will also be shown , featuring Margaret Aspinall ( Hillsborough Family Support Group ) , campaigning journalist , Chris Mullin ( Error of Judgement ) and Cork children ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The festival will streamed throughout the weekend on www.corkcommunitytv.ie and Virgin Media 803 and the full festival programme with dates of various talks and lectures , many of a historical and commemorative nature , can be accessed at www.motherjonescork.com , said Mr Nolan .

The best memorial to honour the efforts and sacrifice of front line workers, who have led the fight against the Covid 19 pandemic, would be to ensure that all such workers enjoy job security and decent working conditions, President Michael D Higgins has said.
President Higgins paid tribute to all involved in the fight against Covid-19 when he sent a message of support to the organisers of the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival in Cork. He said front line workers showed the same solidarity that Mother Jones exhibited in her fight for justice for workers in the US.
He recalled that Mother Jones, who was born Mary Harris near Shandon on Cork's northside in 1837 and died in Maryland in the United States 90 years ago on November 30th, had galvanised American workers with her battle cry, "Remember the dead and fight like hell for the living."
"A survivor of the Great Famine, the Yellow Fever Epidemic of Memphis and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which robbed her of her home, family and livelihood as well as the so called 'Spanish Flu' pandemic of 1918/1919, Mother Jones was a woman of enormous grit and vigour.
READ MORE
“Yet, despite the toll of such personal struggle and tragedy, she found and mustered the resolve that enabled her to contribute so much to the labour movement in the United States over a period of several decades,” he recalled.
President Higgins said that the current Covid-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented risk for those who work tirelessly and selfless in the Irish health system as well as those who ensure the continued delivery of essential services and utilities upon which Irish citizens depend.
“However out of such a crisis, we are presented with perhaps a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do things better, to embrace and bring to fruition a new paradigm of existence with each other, in relation to work and living and, with the world itself.
“Today, let us commemorate the many thousands around the world who have, through their generous and willing efforts in the service of others, lost their own lives to Covid-19, giving their lives for others with whom they shared the public world.
"Let us remember and celebrate also the many thousands more who continue to put their lives at risk in order to continue their important work ... to all those workers who have responded to the Coronavirus crisis with such a generous spirit of solidarity, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude.
“However gratitude, whose expression is so important, cannot be and must never be, perceived as any adequate substitute for the dignity, well being and security of employment which is the right of all workers in any far and inclusive society for which Mother Jones fought tirelessly.”
He said that as Ireland and the world navigates its way towards a shared and better future, people should resolve to build a lasting memorial to "those brave and selfless workers who have been too easily left out of the pages of history".
“Today as we reflect on the dynamic role of trade unions in the wake of the pandemic and the safe-keeping of our front line workers, let us all commit to continuing our appreciation by standing in solidarity with all those whose contribution is so vital during this difficult time.
"Let us commit to recognising and enabling their right to protection, to be represented, to participate, to job security and decent working conditions now and into the future," said President Higgins before wishing the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival well.
Spirit of Mother Jones Festival spokesman, Jim Nolan thanked President Higgins for his support and said given Mother Jones had survived at least three pandemics, the organisers felt they should make every effort to have a festival in spite of Covid 19 to remember the 90th anniversary of her death.
Mr Nolan said the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival, which will be available on line, will begin on Friday afternoon with a discussion on the role of front line workers and trade unions during the pandemic with contributions from Phil Ni Sheaghdha of the INMO and Anne Piggott of ASTI.
Several talks from the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival archives will also be shown, featuring Margaret Aspinall (Hillsborough Family Support Group), campaigning journalist, Chris Mullin (Error of Judgement) and Cork children's rights campaigner, Louise O'Keeffe.
The festival will streamed throughout the weekend on www.corkcommunitytv.ie and Virgin Media 803 and the full festival programme with dates of various talks and lectures, many of a historical and commemorative nature, can be accessed at www.motherjonescork.com, said Mr Nolan.


theirishtimes--2020-11-27--Businesses can show ‘Dunkirk spirit’ by taking new direct ferry to France

British troops famously left through Dunkirk in wartime but the French port is to become a valuable entry point for Ireland into mainland Europe in the wake of Britain ’ s departure from the EU .
Danish shipping line DFDS announced on Friday that a new daily service between Rosslare Europort and Dunkirk that will bypass Britain and serve as another transit route to Europe for Irish importers and exporters .
It will alow them to avoid expected Brexit-related border delays on the UK “ landbridge ” route and shave hours off the journey for lorries landing at Cherbourg destined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Benelux countries , Germany and beyond .
The direct ferry , taking between 22 and 24 hours , will not be quicker than the landbridge , which can take 13 hours , but the certainty of travel will help traders plan the transport of time-sensitive goods and avoid unpredictable delays due to the need for EU-UK border checks from January 1st .
Arriving directly from Ireland into Dunkirk , which is some 15km from the Belgian border , the service will give Irish traders and transport companies access to major European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced the new roll-on , roll-off service for road freight and passengers this morning in a statement to the Copenhagen stock exchange .
The company said that the new ferry route , bypassing the UK after Brexit , would offer trucks and their drivers “ direct and paperless transport between EU countries.
” The company said that the port of Dunkirk “ is a gateway to Ireland ’ s top export markets - France , Belgium , Germany and the Netherlands - and a host of secondary markets.
” Additional capacity has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ferries on the route that will be “ a cost-efficient alternative to driving through the UK , ” DFDS said .
“ We are extremely pleased to offer Irish and other European businesses a cost-efficient way of trading directly with each other , ” said Torben Carlson , chief executive of DFDS .
“ There will be no customs formalities or possible waiting times that the Brexit transition potentially may bring about for trucks passing through the UK.
” The three ferries will ensure that there will be six departures over the course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Each ferry can carry up to 125 trucks and drivers in single cabins to protect against Covid-19 .
The company estimates that the crossing time will be 24 hours .
“ Upon arrival in Dunkirk or Rosslare , truck drivers will be fully rested and immediately able to reach many major destinations within the legal driving limit , ” the company said .
The route is expected to generate revenues of €40 million in 2022 and is joined owned by Irish interests with the company overseeing the route led by managing director Aidan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said : “ We ’ re working hard to minimise disruption and delays for hauliers using the Britain landbridge to get to the continent next year .
But alternatives like this new direct connection by sea will help.
” Separately , European shipping line CLdN , which already operates services between Ireland and continental Europe , is adding a second weekly service between Cork and Zeebrugge in Belgium , one of Europe ’ s busiest sea ports , in light of Brexit coming into effect in January .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity on routes between Ireland and Europe in anticipation of potential traffic constraints on ferries serving the landbridge route and greater demand from Irish companies seeking to transport directly to mainland Europe .
CLdN will offer eight direct sailings per week in each direction between Ireland and the ports of Zeebrugge and Rotterdam on mainland Europe with capacity to carry more than a quarter of a million cargo units annually , including on its so-called “ Brexit buster ” ferry MV Celine .
“ As we have shown and continue to deliver , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more frequency to match demand to and from Ireland and will react immediately the market signals a requirement , as we see the Irish market as a core route in our portfolio , ” said a spokesman .
The company ’ s ships are largely for container and unaccompanied lorry trailer traffic with the capacity to transport a small number of driver-accompanied freight trailers .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin urged businesses this week to “ trial ” direct routes to Europe to transport goods in case there are delays on the landbridge after Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK government has warned about the potential for lengthy delays and kilometres-long queues of lorries heading into the English Channel ports as a result of post-Brexit checks .
Cherbourg , which will be served by daily ferries from Dublin and Rosslare from January , currently provides the closest direct sea route to these areas but the port is five hours further west .
This distance limits onward lorry journeys due to highly regulated limits on driver hours .
The length of the journey means drivers will , unlike on the landbridge , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving hours by the time they arrive in France .
“ Dunkirk will mean that we can go into a far bigger market close to big cities , ” said Eugene Drennan , president of the Irish Road Haulage Association , who said the route would provide “ surety ” to the sector .
The move sees DFDS , a major shipping line operating 55 ferries on 24 routes , return to the market having sold its Irish Sea routes to Stena Line in 2010 .

A DFDS ferry on a British Channel route. The Danish shipping line is to operate a new daily service between Rosslare Europort and Dunkirk that will bypass the UK. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP
British troops famously left through Dunkirk in wartime but the French port is to become a valuable entry point for Ireland into mainland Europe in the wake of Britain's departure from the EU.
Danish shipping line DFDS announced on Friday that a new daily service between Rosslare Europort and Dunkirk that will bypass Britain and serve as another transit route to Europe for Irish importers and exporters.
It will alow them to avoid expected Brexit-related border delays on the UK "landbridge" route and shave hours off the journey for lorries landing at Cherbourg destined for important export markets for Irish companies in the Benelux countries, Germany and beyond.
Certainty of travel
The direct ferry, taking between 22 and 24 hours, will not be quicker than the landbridge, which can take 13 hours, but the certainty of travel will help traders plan the transport of time-sensitive goods and avoid unpredictable delays due to the need for EU-UK border checks from January 1st.
READ MORE
Arriving directly from Ireland into Dunkirk, which is some 15km from the Belgian border, the service will give Irish traders and transport companies access to major European motorway networks.
The Danish shipping company announced the new roll-on, roll-off service for road freight and passengers this morning in a statement to the Copenhagen stock exchange.
The company said that the new ferry route, bypassing the UK after Brexit, would offer trucks and their drivers "direct and paperless transport between EU countries."
The company said that the port of Dunkirk "is a gateway to Ireland's top export markets - France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands - and a host of secondary markets."
Additional capacity has been chartered to deploy three freight and passenger ferries on the route that will be “a cost-efficient alternative to driving through the UK,” DFDS said.
“We are extremely pleased to offer Irish and other European businesses a cost-efficient way of trading directly with each other,” said Torben Carlson, chief executive of DFDS.
“There will be no customs formalities or possible waiting times that the Brexit transition potentially may bring about for trucks passing through the UK.”
The three ferries will ensure that there will be six departures over the course of the week in each direction. Each ferry can carry up to 125 trucks and drivers in single cabins to protect against Covid-19. The company estimates that the crossing time will be 24 hours.
“Upon arrival in Dunkirk or Rosslare, truck drivers will be fully rested and immediately able to reach many major destinations within the legal driving limit,” the company said.
The route is expected to generate revenues of €40 million in 2022 and is joined owned by Irish interests with the company overseeing the route led by managing director Aidan Coffey.
Responding to news of the route Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “We’re working hard to minimise disruption and delays for hauliers using the Britain landbridge to get to the continent next year. But alternatives like this new direct connection by sea will help.”
Belgium
Separately, European shipping line CLdN, which already operates services between Ireland and continental Europe, is adding a second weekly service between Cork and Zeebrugge in Belgium, one of Europe’s busiest sea ports, in light of Brexit coming into effect in January.
The company has been increasing its services and capacity on routes between Ireland and Europe in anticipation of potential traffic constraints on ferries serving the landbridge route and greater demand from Irish companies seeking to transport directly to mainland Europe.
CLdN will offer eight direct sailings per week in each direction between Ireland and the ports of Zeebrugge and Rotterdam on mainland Europe with capacity to carry more than a quarter of a million cargo units annually, including on its so-called “Brexit buster” ferry MV Celine.
“As we have shown and continue to deliver, we will deploy larger vessels or add more frequency to match demand to and from Ireland and will react immediately the market signals a requirement, as we see the Irish market as a core route in our portfolio,” said a spokesman.
The company’s ships are largely for container and unaccompanied lorry trailer traffic with the capacity to transport a small number of driver-accompanied freight trailers.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin urged businesses this week to “trial” direct routes to Europe to transport goods in case there are delays on the landbridge after Brexit comes into effect next year. The UK government has warned about the potential for lengthy delays and kilometres-long queues of lorries heading into the English Channel ports as a result of post-Brexit checks.
Daily ferries
Cherbourg, which will be served by daily ferries from Dublin and Rosslare from January, currently provides the closest direct sea route to these areas but the port is five hours further west. This distance limits onward lorry journeys due to highly regulated limits on driver hours.
The length of the journey means drivers will, unlike on the landbridge, not have used up any of their daily driving hours by the time they arrive in France.
"Dunkirk will mean that we can go into a far bigger market close to big cities," said Eugene Drennan, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, who said the route would provide "surety" to the sector.
The move sees DFDS, a major shipping line operating 55 ferries on 24 routes, return to the market having sold its Irish Sea routes to Stena Line in 2010.


theirishtimes--2020-11-27--School at centre of major Covid-19 outbreak unaware of case for days

A school which was forced to close after the discovery of 17 coronavirus cases says it believes the outbreak could have been contained if there was greater transparency over sharing data at an earlier stage .
Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil in Glanmire , Co Cork closed earlier this week after Covid-19 cases were detected across a number of classes .
The school said it was first alerted to a positive case on November 15th last , followed by other cases over subsequent days .
However , it has since emerged that another case had been detected within the school community several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unaware of .
It is understood that public health authorities may have been provided with inaccurate information at the time about whether this first case was on the school premises while infectious .
Dr Seán Ó Conaill , chair of the school ’ s board of management , said staff and students had done an “ amazing job ” in taking all necessary precautions since it reopened .
However , he said the fact that the school was not alerted to the first positive case for several days meant it was unaware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been circulating in the school .
“ Perhaps the HSE needs to look at how they communicate these cases to schools .
We need to weigh up the right to privacy versus the general public health .
At a national level , that needs to be looked at , ” he said .
He added that the school had been working closely with the HSE and he had sympathy that they were “ only working with information they had to hand ” at the time .
In a statement , the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with the school principal to assess the situation and to provide advice and support to parents , teachers , and students , she added .
“ We thank the staff , pupils and families for their co-operation with this measure , which will ensure the safety of students , staff , and the wider community , ” the statement says .
“ We ’ d like to reassure both the school community and the wider community that the department of public health locally , supported by national colleagues , are working closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is investigated and controlled.
” In a letter sent to parents earlier this week , the HSE said that it is “ unusual to see an outbreak of this scale among a school population.
” The letter said school management had implemented appropriate Covid-19 control measures and was cooperating completely with the public health investigation .
Given the high number of cases , the HSE said it had decided to test the rest of the school population , both children and staff , and all children were now advised to restrict their movements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children not identified as a case or close contact will be referred for two tests , a number of days apart .

Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil in Glanmire, Co Cork closed earlier this week after Covid-19 cases were detected across a number of classes. Photograph: iStock.
A school which was forced to close after the discovery of 17 coronavirus cases says it believes the outbreak could have been contained if there was greater transparency over sharing data at an earlier stage.
Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil in Glanmire, Co Cork closed earlier this week after Covid-19 cases were detected across a number of classes.
The school said it was first alerted to a positive case on November 15th last, followed by other cases over subsequent days.
However, it has since emerged that another case had been detected within the school community several days previously, which the school was unaware of.
READ MORE
It is understood that public health authorities may have been provided with inaccurate information at the time about whether this first case was on the school premises while infectious.
Dr Seán Ó Conaill, chair of the school’s board of management, said staff and students had done an “amazing job” in taking all necessary precautions since it reopened.
However, he said the fact that the school was not alerted to the first positive case for several days meant it was unaware of a heightened risk that the virus may have been circulating in the school.
“Perhaps the HSE needs to look at how they communicate these cases to schools. We need to weigh up the right to privacy versus the general public health. At a national level, that needs to be looked at,” he said.
He added that the school had been working closely with the HSE and he had sympathy that they were “only working with information they had to hand” at the time.
Unusual
In a statement, the HSE said public health officials were in close contact with the school principal to assess the situation and to provide advice and support to parents, teachers, and students, she added.
“We thank the staff, pupils and families for their co-operation with this measure, which will ensure the safety of students, staff, and the wider community,” the statement says.
“We’d like to reassure both the school community and the wider community that the department of public health locally, supported by national colleagues, are working closely with the school to ensure the outbreak is investigated and controlled.”
In a letter sent to parents earlier this week, the HSE said that it is “unusual to see an outbreak of this scale among a school population.”
The letter said school management had implemented appropriate Covid-19 control measures and was cooperating completely with the public health investigation.
Given the high number of cases, the HSE said it had decided to test the rest of the school population, both children and staff, and all children were now advised to restrict their movements until Tuesday, December 8th.
All children not identified as a case or close contact will be referred for two tests, a number of days apart.


theirishtimes--2020-11-28--Department of Housing ‘crossed the line’ in criticising asylum seeker plans, O’Brien says

The Department of Housing ’ s criticism of proposals to end the State ’ s direct provision system are “ very unconstructive ” and have “ crossed the line ” , a Green Party Minister of State has said .
Calls to offer asylum seekers own-door accommodation in lieu of the direct provision system are “ not workable ” and threaten the State ’ s ability to house homeless people , the Department of Housing warned last week .
Last month , a Government expert group led by former top European Commission official Dr Catherine Day recommended that local authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seekers in own-door housing by mid-2023 .
The group ’ s findings will inform a White Paper due before the end of the year , but the three-party Government has already committed to ending direct provision during the Coalition ’ s lifetime .
Saying that it has “ significant concerns ” about the Day recommendations , the Department of Housing said local authorities would not be able to find enough accommodation for asylum seekers and asserted that warnings it had given in June on the issue had been ignored .
Pitting against each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State for Community Development Joe O ’ Brien accused the Department of Housing of “ not being very collegiate ” and warned that its language would pit vulnerable people against each other .
“ Of course it ’ s their job to flag barriers and difficulties with [ the Day report ] , but I think they ’ ve crossed the line in going further and pushing back against the proposed policy .
What they ’ re doing is very unconstructive , ” he said .
Saying he was “ surprised and disappointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr O ’ Brien said the Programme for Government calls for “ annualised ” spending to pay for changes to asylum seeker housing .
The Department of Rural and Community Development is eager , the Minister of State said , to engage with local communities ahead of going ahead with plans to house asylum seekers .
“ There has to be an understanding that we have 8,000-plus people whose situation is urgent .
Society as a whole accepts the way they ’ re being looked after right now is not good enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in changing that.
” However , there were complaints about a lack of communication in Letterkenny , Co Donegal , after it emerged that currently-disused student apartments are to be used as an accommodation centre for 60 asylum seeker families .
The Port Road accommodation centre , which is currently being renovated , is expected to receive families from the end of January .
It will be managed by a company called Bridgestock Care .
While the Government is moving closer to ending direct provision , Minister for Integration Roderic O ’ Gorman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asylum seekers who arrive in the meantime .
Full supports will be offered , he added .
Each family will have their own apartment , in line with the National Standards for Accommodation Centres that were adopted in 2019 and which come into effect on January 1st next year .
Saying that Letterkenny is a “ welcoming town ” , Mr O ’ Gorman said a “ friends of the centre ” group will be set up to promote integration between residents and the local community .
Claiming that no consultation has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Letterkenny-based Independent councillor Michael McBride said questions had been asked months ago when rumours first spread , but no reply came .
Putting a figure of 350 on the number of people likely to arrive , though this is not confirmed , Cllr McBride questioned whether schools and medical services can cope with such extra numbers .

Minister of State Joe O’Brien has criticised the Department of Housing response to proposals to replace the direct provision system. File photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
The Department of Housing’s criticism of proposals to end the State’s direct provision system are “very unconstructive” and have “crossed the line”, a Green Party Minister of State has said.
Calls to offer asylum seekers own-door accommodation in lieu of the direct provision system are “not workable” and threaten the State’s ability to house homeless people, the Department of Housing warned last week.
Last month, a Government expert group led by former top European Commission official Dr Catherine Day recommended that local authorities should be required to house all asylum seekers in own-door housing by mid-2023.
The group’s findings will inform a White Paper due before the end of the year, but the three-party Government has already committed to ending direct provision during the Coalition’s lifetime.
READ MORE
Saying that it has “significant concerns” about the Day recommendations, the Department of Housing said local authorities would not be able to find enough accommodation for asylum seekers and asserted that warnings it had given in June on the issue had been ignored.
Pitting against each other
However, Green Party Minister of State for Community Development Joe O’Brien accused the Department of Housing of “not being very collegiate” and warned that its language would pit vulnerable people against each other.
“Of course it’s their job to flag barriers and difficulties with [the Day report], but I think they’ve crossed the line in going further and pushing back against the proposed policy. What they’re doing is very unconstructive,” he said.
Saying he was “surprised and disappointed” by the department’s opposition, Mr O’Brien said the Programme for Government calls for “annualised” spending to pay for changes to asylum seeker housing.
The Department of Rural and Community Development is eager, the Minister of State said, to engage with local communities ahead of going ahead with plans to house asylum seekers.
“There has to be an understanding that we have 8,000-plus people whose situation is urgent. Society as a whole accepts the way they’re being looked after right now is not good enough. Everyone has to play their part in changing that.”
However, there were complaints about a lack of communication in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, after it emerged that currently-disused student apartments are to be used as an accommodation centre for 60 asylum seeker families.
The Port Road accommodation centre, which is currently being renovated, is expected to receive families from the end of January. It will be managed by a company called Bridgestock Care.
Full supports
While the Government is moving closer to ending direct provision, Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman said, accommodation must be ensured for asylum seekers who arrive in the meantime. Full supports will be offered, he added.
Each family will have their own apartment, in line with the National Standards for Accommodation Centres that were adopted in 2019 and which come into effect on January 1st next year.
Saying that Letterkenny is a “welcoming town”, Mr O’Gorman said a “friends of the centre” group will be set up to promote integration between residents and the local community.
Claiming that no consultation has taken place on the issue, however, Letterkenny-based Independent councillor Michael McBride said questions had been asked months ago when rumours first spread, but no reply came.
Putting a figure of 350 on the number of people likely to arrive, though this is not confirmed, Cllr McBride questioned whether schools and medical services can cope with such extra numbers.


theirishtimes--2020-11-28--‘It’s just causing stress and hassle’: Parents react to end of sibling-first admission policies

Johnny Howard ( 4 ) lives just around the corner from the school which his older brothers Patrick ( 7 ) and Liam ( 10 ) go to .
His father Brendan said the family always assumed the children would go to the same school – until this week , when the family received a letter to say Johnny had not been offered a place at the school .
It is the result of an end to sibling-first admission policies across Catholic primary schools in the greater Dublin area .
The school in question , Our Lady ’ s Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is oversubscribed and about more than 40 children are on its waiting list .
About a dozen of them – including Johnny – have siblings in the school .
“ Whoever came up with this policy doesn ’ t understand the practicalities of day to day life for working parents , ” Brendan Howard said .
“ Part of our consideration when we moved to this area was there was a local school in walking distance .
So , when we heard about the end of the sibling-first policy , it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have a plan B .
If he can ’ t get in , we ’ ll have to try to find another school if there is one .
It could mean getting another car ; trying to get to two schools in rush-hour traffic .
New uniforms , school books , additional voluntary contributions .
“ Or do we take our two older children out of their school to join him , with all the disruption that would cause ?
I can ’ t see who this benefits .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
.
it ’ s just causing lots of stress and hassle for parents.
” The mother of another child at the school , who declined to be named , said she was worried that another one of her children will not have any school place next year .
“ He is number 31 on the waiting list [ for the school ] , so I am very worried , ” she said .
Her son is down on waiting lists for two other oversubscribed schools where , she says , he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is due to finish his second year of preschool next year .
He will be five , finished preschool , and not able to go to primary school to join his sister .
.
.
it just doesn ’ t make sense.
” Mr Howard , meanwhile , is hoping his son will get a place in subsequent rounds of offers , on foot of other children not taking up their school places .
“ At the moment , we ’ re naively , maybe , hoping he will still get in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about what it could mean if he doesn ’ t .
It would be hugely disruptive and stressful for everyone .
”

Liam (10), Johnny (4) and Patrick Howard (7). Their father Brendan is worried they will not be able to attend the same school due to the end of sibling-first admission policies at their local school.
Johnny Howard (4) lives just around the corner from the school which his older brothers Patrick (7) and Liam (10) go to.
His father Brendan said the family always assumed the children would go to the same school – until this week, when the family received a letter to say Johnny had not been offered a place at the school. It is the result of an end to sibling-first admission policies across Catholic primary schools in the greater Dublin area.
The school in question, Our Lady’s Grove, like many schools in the area, is oversubscribed and about more than 40 children are on its waiting list. About a dozen of them – including Johnny – have siblings in the school.
"Whoever came up with this policy doesn't understand the practicalities of day to day life for working parents," Brendan Howard said.
READ MORE
“Part of our consideration when we moved to this area was there was a local school in walking distance. So, when we heard about the end of the sibling-first policy, it just sounded mad.
“We don’t have a plan B. If he can’t get in, we’ll have to try to find another school if there is one. It could mean getting another car; trying to get to two schools in rush-hour traffic. New uniforms, school books, additional voluntary contributions.
“Or do we take our two older children out of their school to join him, with all the disruption that would cause? I can’t see who this benefits. It’s not something that parents are requesting . . . it’s just causing lots of stress and hassle for parents.”
‘Very worried’
The mother of another child at the school, who declined to be named, said she was worried that another one of her children will not have any school place next year.
“He is number 31 on the waiting list [for the school], so I am very worried,” she said.
Her son is down on waiting lists for two other oversubscribed schools where, she says, he is even further down the list.
“He is due to finish his second year of preschool next year. He will be five, finished preschool, and not able to go to primary school to join his sister . . . it just doesn’t make sense.”
Mr Howard, meanwhile, is hoping his son will get a place in subsequent rounds of offers, on foot of other children not taking up their school places.
“At the moment, we’re naively, maybe, hoping he will still get in. We don’t want to think about what it could mean if he doesn’t. It would be hugely disruptive and stressful for everyone.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-28--Solicitor sees up to 30% rise in separation and divorce cases arising from Covid

Cork solicitor Sinead McNamara has seen a 20 per cent to 30 per cent increase in separation and divorce cases arising from the Covid-19 restrictions .
“ There is always a spike after Christmas because people have been living in close proximity , under pressurised conditions , for a period of time , and it focuses the mind and they make decisions .
So Covid has been a little bit like the Christmas period in that regard , ” she told The Irish Times .
A partner with Fitzgerald Legal and Advisory , Ms McNamara has been working in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with clients from across Munster .
The rise in inquiries coming into the firm ’ s Lapps Quay office in Cork City comes from the way couples are spending more time in each other ’ s company because of the pandemic .
“ If there were little cracks in the relationship pre-Covid then living under the microscope , where both parties are living at home , and under each other ’ s feet , 24-seven , and living at home during the home-schooling months , with children that needed entertaining thrown into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people found themselves living in a cauldron.
” Usually people might have “ dusted themselves off and got on with things ” , going out to work for eight to 10 hours a day , and only seeing their partner for two hours or so when they got home .
“ People were sort of putting up and shutting up , whereas now people ’ s eyes have been opened that their relationship is broken , and irreparably broken , and they are seeking to regularise their situation.
” In her view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being caused by the pandemic so much as the pandemic is speeding up a process that was probably inevitable .
“ They were marriages that were struggling anyway , and the difficulties were put under the spotlight because of the conditions we are living in , and people just decided ‘ that ’ s enough ’ .
” Instances of domestic violence are certainly being mentioned more .
Not just physical violence but also “ coercive behaviour ” that might not have manifested itself under normal circumstances .
“ But because people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are coming to the fore .
“ We can ’ t ignore the fact that some people are under pressure financially .
That brings its own reactions , sometimes very adverse ones , and those closest to [ the people feeling pressure ] sometimes bear the brunt of it.
” Legal aid should be improved for those who can not pay .
It is is available , but often people have to wait .
“ Living in an unhappy marriage and not being able to do anything about it because of a lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Sinead McNamara: she says the break-ups she is seeing are not being caused by the pandemic so much as the pandemic is speeding up a process that was probably inevitable. Photograph: Daragh McSweeney/Provision
Cork solicitor Sinead McNamara has seen a 20 per cent to 30 per cent increase in separation and divorce cases arising from the Covid-19 restrictions.
“There is always a spike after Christmas because people have been living in close proximity, under pressurised conditions, for a period of time, and it focuses the mind and they make decisions. So Covid has been a little bit like the Christmas period in that regard,” she told The Irish Times.
A partner with Fitzgerald Legal and Advisory, Ms McNamara has been working in the family law area for 20 years, working with clients from across Munster.
The rise in inquiries coming into the firm’s Lapps Quay office in Cork City comes from the way couples are spending more time in each other’s company because of the pandemic.
READ MORE
“If there were little cracks in the relationship pre-Covid then living under the microscope, where both parties are living at home, and under each other’s feet, 24-seven, and living at home during the home-schooling months, with children that needed entertaining thrown into the mix, well, a lot of people found themselves living in a cauldron.”
Usually people might have “dusted themselves off and got on with things”, going out to work for eight to 10 hours a day, and only seeing their partner for two hours or so when they got home.
“People were sort of putting up and shutting up, whereas now people’s eyes have been opened that their relationship is broken, and irreparably broken, and they are seeking to regularise their situation.”
In her view the break-ups she is seeing are not being caused by the pandemic so much as the pandemic is speeding up a process that was probably inevitable.
“They were marriages that were struggling anyway, and the difficulties were put under the spotlight because of the conditions we are living in, and people just decided ‘that’s enough’.”
Coercive behaviour
Instances of domestic violence are certainly being mentioned more. Not just physical violence but also “coercive behaviour” that might not have manifested itself under normal circumstances.
“But because people are living in such concentrated conditions these issues are coming to the fore.
“We can’t ignore the fact that some people are under pressure financially. That brings its own reactions, sometimes very adverse ones, and those closest to [the people feeling pressure] sometimes bear the brunt of it.”
Legal aid should be improved for those who cannot pay. It is is available, but often people have to wait. “Living in an unhappy marriage and not being able to do anything about it because of a lack of finance is very difficult for people.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-28--La Maison: Donegal design duo who have rolled with the changes

In 2005 , as the Celtic Tiger roared , friends Anne Blake and Claire McDonough gave up safe jobs in Donegal County Council to open an interior design and specialist gift store in Letterkenny .
Back then , both believed that there was a local market for their store , La Maison , concentrating on quality homeware and wedding gifts in a time when consumer spending was running high .
Blessed with a good eye for colour and design , neither had much , if any , retail experience , though they spent two years before they quit the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years the shop flourished , and it introduced Donegal ’ s first online wedding gift registry , but that promising start began to slow in 2007 as the first signs of trouble began to emerge .
“ Firstly we quickly realised we needed to offload as much stock as possible .
We had a huge storeroom full of Villeroy & Boch china , ” says Blake .
Soon , they realised that La Maison was only going to stay open if they diversified .
So they retrained , while still juggling the demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , customers found Blake ’ s infant daughter Annie sitting in a car seat in the shop .
Needs must .
By late 2007 , they ’ d retrained as interior designers , which allowed them “ to slowly steer ” away from retail and “ harness our design skills through consultancy and manufacturing ” , says McDonough .
“ We did this slowly , building relationships with trusted partners , hiring a skilled and creative team of designers and curtain makers .
We wanted to rebuild without borrowing money , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells The Irish Times .
Conscious that many customers were no longer flush , they offered DIY classes .
“ We introduced furniture-painting , lampshade-making , and seasonal décor workshops .
“ These were so popular with people and most definitely helped us keep the business open during the leanest year , ” says Blake .
“ There was a huge increase in DIY.
” Slowly , the business not only survived but began to get stronger .
Later , they held offbeat Christmas decor workshops .
Today they are common , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You know when you ’ re doing something right , when competitors follow .
In the business world you are either a sheep or a shepherd , ” laughs Blake , remembering old battles .
Ten years on , they have taken another major decision to operate solely as a design studio , manufacturing with six employees in the same shop where they first sold wedding gifts .
When the first Covid lockdown struck , they used the time to refurbish the premises into a new studio and to design a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the business in the years ahead .
“ We are very excited about the future .
We feel we have put our Covid time to good use .
We are very flexible , used to adapting and pivoting , so whatever happens , expect to see La Maison flourish , ” says McDonough .

In 2005, as the Celtic Tiger roared, friends Anne Blake and Claire McDonough gave up safe jobs in Donegal County Council to open an interior design and specialist gift store in Letterkenny.
Back then, both believed that there was a local market for their store, La Maison, concentrating on quality homeware and wedding gifts in a time when consumer spending was running high.
Blessed with a good eye for colour and design, neither had much, if any, retail experience, though they spent two years before they quit the local authority researching.
For the first few years the shop flourished, and it introduced Donegal’s first online wedding gift registry, but that promising start began to slow in 2007 as the first signs of trouble began to emerge.
READ MORE
“Firstly we quickly realised we needed to offload as much stock as possible. We had a huge storeroom full of Villeroy & Boch china,” says Blake. Soon, they realised that La Maison was only going to stay open if they diversified.
So they retrained, while still juggling the demands of the shop and motherhood. Some days, customers found Blake’s infant daughter Annie sitting in a car seat in the shop. Needs must.
By late 2007, they’d retrained as interior designers, which allowed them “to slowly steer” away from retail and “harness our design skills through consultancy and manufacturing”, says McDonough.
You know when you're doing something right, when competitors follow. In the business world you are either a sheep or a shepherd
“We did this slowly, building relationships with trusted partners, hiring a skilled and creative team of designers and curtain makers. We wanted to rebuild without borrowing money, so we took our time,” she tells The Irish Times.
Conscious that many customers were no longer flush, they offered DIY classes. “We introduced furniture-painting, lampshade-making, and seasonal décor workshops.
“These were so popular with people and most definitely helped us keep the business open during the leanest year,” says Blake. “ There was a huge increase in DIY.”
Stronger
Slowly, the business not only survived but began to get stronger. Later, they held offbeat Christmas decor workshops. Today they are common, but they were not a decade ago.
“You know when you’re doing something right, when competitors follow. In the business world you are either a sheep or a shepherd,” laughs Blake, remembering old battles.
Ten years on, they have taken another major decision to operate solely as a design studio, manufacturing with six employees in the same shop where they first sold wedding gifts.
When the first Covid lockdown struck, they used the time to refurbish the premises into a new studio and to design a new website that will be the platform for the business in the years ahead.
“We are very excited about the future. We feel we have put our Covid time to good use. We are very flexible, used to adapting and pivoting, so whatever happens, expect to see La Maison flourish,” says McDonough.


theirishtimes--2020-11-28--Parents protest as dozens of siblings are not offered school places

Dozens of parents have expressed anger and frustration after their children were this week not offered places to join their older siblings in school .
The enrolment controversy follows an instruction by the Archdiocese of Dublin to hundreds of primary schools to end their sibling-first admission policies .
Under the change , parity is now given to all children in the local catchment area , rather than giving preference to siblings of pupils , in over-subscribed schools .
Parents across a number of schools in Dublin and north Wicklow say their children have been placed on waiting lists and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get school places .
This , they says , risks splitting up families and forcing children in the same family to attend different schools .
A committee of concerned parents at Our Lady ’ s Grove Primary School on Goatstown Road in Dublin 14 has written to the archdiocese this week after about a dozen siblings at the school did not get offered a place .
It said offers for all junior infant places were issued this week to parents and more than 40 children have been placed on a waiting list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a dozen have siblings in the school .
The letter states that many of these siblings live within minutes of the school but now have no guarantee they will be able to join their older brothers and sisters .
“ There are children who are due to turn five in October 2021 who , as things currently stand , will not be starting school in their nearest primary school which their siblings already attend .
No reasonable person could make the case that this is an acceptable situation , ” the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no consultation with parents over the change in policy , which they first learned of in September .
“ The parents ’ association committee of Our Lady ’ s Grove primary school feels that this policy is unfair to families and that it is not acceptable that parents are put under this considerable stress , ” it states .
“ We call on you now to reverse the policy urgently , so that no further groups of children and their families go through this.
” A number of other over-subscribed schools in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that siblings have been placed on waiting lists due to the change in admission policies .
Principals of these schools , however , say they are hopeful that most sibling children will be offered places in subsequent rounds .
A spokeswoman for the archdiocese said the idea behind the admission policy was that a “ parish school is established for the children of the parish ” .
She said the policy being applied across its schools has been the position of the archdiocese for many years and was now being standardised .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have been operating sibling-first policies for years without any complaint .
“ The diocesan policy is in place to ensure that siblings and children of the parish can be educated in their local primary school .
The majority of Catholic primary schools in the diocese have successfully operated the policy , ” the spokeswoman said .
The Department of Education has said the school admissions legislation does not oblige schools to end their sibling-first policies .
Other patron bodies such as Educate Together and the Church of Ireland are maintaining these policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin area have called on the archdiocese to review its policy .
Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll-McNeill said the need to arrange multiple drop-offs and collections at different times in different schools will make life even more difficult for parents .
Fianna Fáil TD Cormac Devlin also called for the admission policy to be re-examined .
“ It needs to be fair system which takes account of the fact that children have siblings in a school .
The changes are causing stress and anxiety for many parents , ” he said .

A group of parents protest over an end to sibling-first policies outside Our Lady’s Grove National School in Goatstown. Parents say it risks splitting up families and forcing children in the same family to attend different schools. Photograph: Laura Hutton
Dozens of parents have expressed anger and frustration after their children were this week not offered places to join their older siblings in school.
The enrolment controversy follows an instruction by the Archdiocese of Dublin to hundreds of primary schools to end their sibling-first admission policies.
Under the change, parity is now given to all children in the local catchment area, rather than giving preference to siblings of pupils, in over-subscribed schools.
Parents across a number of schools in Dublin and north Wicklow say their children have been placed on waiting lists and there is no guarantee they will be able to get school places. This, they says, risks splitting up families and forcing children in the same family to attend different schools.
READ MORE
A committee of concerned parents at Our Lady's Grove Primary School on Goatstown Road in Dublin 14 has written to the archdiocese this week after about a dozen siblings at the school did not get offered a place.
It said offers for all junior infant places were issued this week to parents and more than 40 children have been placed on a waiting list. Of these, it said, about a dozen have siblings in the school.
No guarantee
The letter states that many of these siblings live within minutes of the school but now have no guarantee they will be able to join their older brothers and sisters.
“There are children who are due to turn five in October 2021 who, as things currently stand, will not be starting school in their nearest primary school which their siblings already attend. No reasonable person could make the case that this is an acceptable situation,” the letter states.
The committee says there was no consultation with parents over the change in policy, which they first learned of in September.
“The parents’ association committee of Our Lady’s Grove primary school feels that this policy is unfair to families and that it is not acceptable that parents are put under this considerable stress,” it states.
“We call on you now to reverse the policy urgently, so that no further groups of children and their families go through this.”
A number of other over-subscribed schools in the Dublin and north Wicklow area have reported that siblings have been placed on waiting lists due to the change in admission policies.
Principals of these schools, however, say they are hopeful that most sibling children will be offered places in subsequent rounds.
A spokeswoman for the archdiocese said the idea behind the admission policy was that a “parish school is established for the children of the parish”.
She said the policy being applied across its schools has been the position of the archdiocese for many years and was now being standardised.
No complaint
In practice, however, many schools say they have been operating sibling-first policies for years without any complaint.
“The diocesan policy is in place to ensure that siblings and children of the parish can be educated in their local primary school. The majority of Catholic primary schools in the diocese have successfully operated the policy,” the spokeswoman said.
The Department of Education has said the school admissions legislation does not oblige schools to end their sibling-first policies. Other patron bodies such as Educate Together and the Church of Ireland are maintaining these policies.
A number of TDs in the Dublin area have called on the archdiocese to review its policy.
Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll-McNeill said the need to arrange multiple drop-offs and collections at different times in different schools will make life even more difficult for parents.
Fianna Fáil TD Cormac Devlin also called for the admission policy to be re-examined.
“It needs to be fair system which takes account of the fact that children have siblings in a school. The changes are causing stress and anxiety for many parents,” he said.