theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Rock art over 4,000 years old found by Sligo community project

Rare prehistoric rock art , believed to be at least 4,000 years old , has been discovered on a portal tomb in north Co Sligo .
It is one of a number of similar finds made in the course of a community project , which encourages “ citizen archaeologists ” to look out for and report artefacts .
Another highlight of the Sligo Community Archeology Project was the discovery during lockdown in March of a rare Bronze Age stone pendant in Drumcliffe .
It was found by 14-year-old Darragh McDaniel while he was helping to dig a drain on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rock art was noticed at Cloghcor portal tomb by archeologist Tamlyn McHugh , who is heading up the community project , when she was conducting a video interview with the farmer who owns the land , Leo Leyden .
She later returned to the site after dark with her husband , Sligo-based landscape photographer Ciaran McHugh , and found that the rock art was more apparent in torch light .
The pair detected a series of cup marks incised into the surface of the stone , as well as a rosette design .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to determine if the rock art and the portal tomb are contemporaneous or if it was a later addition , “ but it is prehistoric and at least 4,000 years old ” .
The find was reported to the National Monument Service ( NMS ) .
Christiaan Corlett , an archeologist with the NMS , described the discovery as “ a very exciting find because rock art on portal tombs is rare ” .
Portal tombs date to the Neolithic ( 4000BC-2500BC ) age and are one of four types of megalithic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tombs , court tombs and wedge tombs .
Rock art has also been found on Ireland ’ s best-known portal tomb , Poulnabrone , in the Burren in Co Clare .
Ms McHugh said the community archaeology project , a joint initiative between Sligo County Council and the Heritage Council , was an opportunity to explore monuments like the Cloghcor portal tomb .
“ It ’ s exciting that archaeological sites and artefacts are being found by the public – these significant discoveries can help us better understand our past and perhaps rewrite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said the archaeologist .
The land owner , Mr Leyden , was also delighted with the discovery .
“ Farmers are custodians of these monuments and I am proud to have this tomb on the family land , ” he said .
“ We have taken good care of the monument , observed it change through the seasons and have remembered the stories and legends associated with it down through the generations.
” Meanwhile , the Bronze Age pendant was not Darragh McDaniel ’ s only find .
The teenager also discovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a burnt mound believed to have been an open-air cooking site .
In April , two previously unrecorded shell midden sites were found by local residents Eimear Healy and Daithi Bradley in Rosses Point and were added to the Archaeological Survey of Ireland .
Last Friday two more middens were found at Mullaghmore .
Middens are mounds of shells left by prehistoric people .
Ms McHugh said numerous quern stones ( tools for grinding grain ) had also been found , including one which was brought ashore from Oyster Island by members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These were reported to the National Museum of Ireland and have been deposited there .
Nessa O ’ Connor , archaeologist and assistant keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland , emphasised the importance of reporting such objects .
“ This could be your contribution to your own local heritage and help ensure that objects and related information on their context in the landscape can be available to all as a source of new archaeological knowledge and as a research resource .
”

Rare prehistoric rock art, believed to be at least 4,000 years old, has been discovered on a portal tomb in north Co Sligo.
It is one of a number of similar finds made in the course of a community project, which encourages “citizen archaeologists” to look out for and report artefacts.
Another highlight of the Sligo Community Archeology Project was the discovery during lockdown in March of a rare Bronze Age stone pendant in Drumcliffe. It was found by 14-year-old Darragh McDaniel while he was helping to dig a drain on his family’s land.
Cloghcor portal tomb rock art: found by Tamlyn McHugh, who was heading up a community project, when she was conducting a video interview with farmer Leo Leyden. Photograph: Ciaran McHugh
The prehistoric rock art was noticed at Cloghcor portal tomb by archeologist Tamlyn McHugh, who is heading up the community project, when she was conducting a video interview with the farmer who owns the land, Leo Leyden.
READ MORE
She later returned to the site after dark with her husband, Sligo-based landscape photographer Ciaran McHugh, and found that the rock art was more apparent in torch light.
The pair detected a series of cup marks incised into the surface of the stone, as well as a rosette design. Ms McHugh said that research was under way to determine if the rock art and the portal tomb are contemporaneous or if it was a later addition, “but it is prehistoric and at least 4,000 years old”. The find was reported to the National Monument Service (NMS).
Portal tombs
Christiaan Corlett, an archeologist with the NMS, described the discovery as “a very exciting find because rock art on portal tombs is rare”.
Portal tombs date to the Neolithic (4000BC-2500BC) age and are one of four types of megalithic tombs in Ireland, along with passage tombs, court tombs and wedge tombs. Ireland’s best-known portal tomb is Poulnabrone, in the Burren in Co Clare.
Ms McHugh said the community archaeology project, a joint initiative between Sligo County Council and the Heritage Council, was an opportunity to explore monuments like the Cloghcor portal tomb.
“It’s exciting that archaeological sites and artefacts are being found by the public – these significant discoveries can help us better understand our past and perhaps rewrite some of our interpretation of monuments,” said the archaeologist. The land owner, Mr Leyden, was also delighted with the discovery.
Farmers as custodians
“Farmers are custodians of these monuments and I am proud to have this tomb on the family land,” he said. “We have taken good care of the monument, observed it change through the seasons and have remembered the stories and legends associated with it down through the generations.”
Meanwhile, the Bronze Age pendant was not Darragh McDaniel’s only find. The teenager also discovered a Bronze Age “Fulacht Fia”, a burnt mound believed to have been an open-air cooking site.
In April, two previously unrecorded shell midden sites were found by local residents Eimear Healy and Daithi Bradley in Rosses Point and were added to the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. Last Friday two more middens were found at Mullaghmore. Middens are mounds of shells left by prehistoric people. Ms McHugh said numerous quern stones (tools for grinding grain) had also been found, including one which was brought ashore from Oyster Island by members of the North West Sea Kayaking Association.
These were reported to the National Museum of Ireland and have been deposited there. Nessa O’Connor, archaeologist and assistant keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland, emphasised the importance of reporting such objects.
“This could be your contribution to your own local heritage and help ensure that objects and related information on their context in the landscape can be available to all as a source of new archaeological knowledge and as a research resource.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Residents support elderly man in bid to resist notice to quit apartment

A group of Dublin residents say they will “ not back down ” until what they describe as a move to evict an elderly neighbour is withdrawn by their landlord , an approved housing body .
Eddie Lyons ( 81 ) , who lives alone in an apartment in Ffrench Mullen House in Dublin 2 , was served with a notice to quit by Tuath Housing in early 2018 , months after his tenancy transferred from Dublin City Council .
The grounds for the notice was that he was not keeping his one-bedroom apartment in good order .
The notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August 2018 following an adjudication which he attended without representation , and again by the District Court on March 13th , 2020 , at which he was also unrepresented .
Execution of the notice was delayed due to Covid-19 , but on October 15th he received a letter from Tuath telling him Dublin City Council had confirmed a bed was available for him in a homeless hostel .
His rent would be €94 per week with “ all meals .
.
.
included in this package ” .
He currently pays €38.40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer of alternative accommodation will be held until October 21st , 2020 .
After this date the offer will not be available , ” states the letter .
It tells him he “ must surrender ” his keys by Wednesday and remove his possessions as “ any belongings left in the property after this date will be removed ” .
A spokeswoman for Tuath said they were not evicting Mr Lyons but had “ serious and growing concern over his health , safety and his ability to live independently ” .
Mr Lyons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1994 in the old Charlemont Street flats .
Following their regeneration , management transferred to Tuath housing and Mr Lyons moved in in November 2017 .
Showing the apartment to The Irish Times , he says : “ It ’ s not the tidiest.
” The entrance hall , bathroom and kitchen need to be cleaned , but are not filthy .
He sleeps on a camp-bed in a cluttered , untidy bedroom and has little other furniture .
Many of his belongings remain in the boxes from moving in .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has not had power for several weeks , saying he will “ put money in it ” .
There is an odour of cat urine , though it is not overpowering .
He has no immediate family , “ Just first cousins and my cat , Blackie.
” Asked how he feels about the prospect of losing his home , he says , “ I feel bad about it .
I am worried .
I wouldn ’ t be able to bring Blackie either.
” The Tuath spokeswoman said it had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his needs .
Mr Lyons had been shown alternative housing at a nearby senior citizens ’ complex with “ wrap-around supports ” , but he had turned it down .
“ We are hoping [ he ] will voluntarily transfer to more suitable accommodation for his needs where an element of care and support can be provided.
” Mr Lyons said he had viewed the housing in nearby Ranelagh twice , but it was a bedsit , “ just a room and I didn ’ t like it ” .
Tuath says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lyons , however , says he wants to stay in his home of 26 years , adding : “ There ’ s no doubt the place where I am could be put in order any way Tuath wants.
” Neighbours Carmel Ward and Gina Nicoletti got to know Mr Lyons since the lockdown .
Describing him as “ a very quiet man who lives a solitary life ” , Ms Ward says : “ What he needs is some support , a home-help , with cleaning and cooking.
” They had been unaware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on him during the lockdown .
“ We are determined he won ’ t be on his own anymore and will support him in whatever way we can , ” said Ms Nicoletti .
“ We demand humane treatment for Eddie and we won ’ t back down until this eviction order is quashed.
” The Tuath spokeswoman said it was “ heartening ” to hear Mr Lyons was “ engaging with his local community to seek help ” .
This was an important step forward .

A group of Dublin residents say they will “not back down” until what they describe as a move to evict an elderly neighbour is withdrawn by their landlord, an approved housing body.
Eddie Lyons (81), who lives alone in an apartment in Ffrench Mullen House in Dublin 2, was served with a notice to quit by Tuath Housing in early 2018, months after his tenancy transferred from Dublin City Council.
The grounds for the notice was that he was not keeping his one-bedroom apartment in good order.
The notice was upheld by the Residential Tenancies Board in August 2018 following an adjudication which he attended without representation, and again by the District Court on March 13th, 2020, at which he was also unrepresented.
READ MORE
Execution of the notice was delayed due to Covid-19, but on October 15th he received a letter from Tuath telling him Dublin City Council had confirmed a bed was available for him in a homeless hostel. His rent would be €94 per week with “all meals . . . included in this package”. He currently pays €38.40 per week.
“Please note this offer of alternative accommodation will be held until October 21st, 2020. After this date the offer will not be available,” states the letter. It tells him he “must surrender” his keys by Wednesday and remove his possessions as “any belongings left in the property after this date will be removed”.
‘Live independently’
A spokeswoman for Tuath said they were not evicting Mr Lyons but had "serious and growing concern over his health, safety and his ability to live independently".
Mr Lyons, originally from Galway, lived here since 1994 in the old Charlemont Street flats. Following their regeneration, management transferred to Tuath housing and Mr Lyons moved in in November 2017.
Eddie Lyons: wants to stay in his home of 26 years. “There’s no doubt the place where I am could be put in order any way Tuath wants.” Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Showing the apartment to The Irish Times, he says: “It’s not the tidiest.” The entrance hall, bathroom and kitchen need to be cleaned, but are not filthy. He sleeps on a camp-bed in a cluttered, untidy bedroom and has little other furniture. Many of his belongings remain in the boxes from moving in. Though he has a pre-pay electricity meter, he has not had power for several weeks, saying he will “put money in it”. There is an odour of cat urine, though it is not overpowering.
He has no immediate family, “Just first cousins and my cat, Blackie.”
Asked how he feels about the prospect of losing his home, he says, “I feel bad about it. I am worried. I wouldn’t be able to bring Blackie either.”
The Tuath spokeswoman said it had been trying without success to engage with him on his needs. Mr Lyons had been shown alternative housing at a nearby senior citizens’ complex with “wrap-around supports”, but he had turned it down. “We are hoping [he] will voluntarily transfer to more suitable accommodation for his needs where an element of care and support can be provided.”
‘A solitary life’
Mr Lyons said he had viewed the housing in nearby Ranelagh twice, but it was a bedsit, "just a room and I didn't like it". Tuath says a two-bed unit is available.
My Lyons, however, says he wants to stay in his home of 26 years, adding: “There’s no doubt the place where I am could be put in order any way Tuath wants.”
Neighbours Carmel Ward and Gina Nicoletti got to know Mr Lyons since the lockdown. Describing him as "a very quiet man who lives a solitary life", Ms Ward says: "What he needs is some support, a home-help, with cleaning and cooking."
They had been unaware of his situation until they began checking on him during the lockdown. “We are determined he won’t be on his own anymore and will support him in whatever way we can,” said Ms Nicoletti. “We demand humane treatment for Eddie and we won’t back down until this eviction order is quashed.”
The Tuath spokeswoman said it was “heartening” to hear Mr Lyons was “engaging with his local community to seek help”. This was an important step forward.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Proposal for 14-storey tower beside Victorian market

A 506-bed co-living development with a tower almost 50m tall – more than twice the Dublin City Council permitted height – has been proposed for a site beside the city ’ s Victorian fruit and vegetable market .
The Fruitmarket Partnership has applied to An Bord Pleanála for permission to build a shared accommodation scheme of 360 bedrooms , with a total of 506 beds , in 61 “ apartment clusters ” sharing kitchen and living facilities .
The scheme would be built in four blocks on two separate sites on Mary ’ s Lane and Halston Street in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capel Street .
The four blocks would range in height up to 14 storeys or 49m , more than twice the 24m maximum allowed under the Dublin City Development Plan .
Concerns about the height of the scheme have been raised by the council , An Bord Pleanála and city councillors .
However , the developers pointed out the government ’ s building height guidelines in 2018 removed limits on heights in the city and overrides the city development plan .
The 14-storey building would , they said , “ create a striking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gateway to , and a catalyst for , the future regeneration of the area ” .
Three of the blocks , including the 14-storey tower , would be opposite the fruit and vegetable market on Mary ’ s Lane , which has been designated for a major regeneration scheme with a new retail market planned .
The third , an eight-storey block , would be on Halston Street close to St Michan ’ s Catholic Church which dates from the early 1800s .
In a presentation to councillors on Monday , council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been flagged as a concern from the outset by the planning department ” .
She said the council ’ s conservation office had also raised concerns in relation to the proximity of the development to the fruit market , which was a protected structure .
Labour councillor Joe Costello asked how the height could be justified given there was “ nothing comparable in the area ” .
“ Will it not dwarf the fruit and vegetable market which is about to be regenerated and is the landmark structure in the area ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ring said he was concerned about the 5.3m allocated per bedspace particularly in light of the coronavirus pandemic .
He queried whether terms such as “ clusters , shared courtyards and shared residents services ” gave rise for particular concern given the pandemic .
An Bord Pleanála has sought justification for the height of the development “ in particular the 14 storeys “ and has raised concern about the impact on the character and setting of the “ features of conservation interest in the vicinity including the protected structures on the site and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market building ” .
The developers said the design was of “ high quality ” and was “ likely to complement and enhance the character , legibility and connectivity of the Markets Area as well as actively promoting the regeneration of the area ” .
Submissions on the plan can be made to An Bord Pleanála until October 27th .
A decision is due in January .

The proposed scheme would be built in four blocks on two separate sites on Mary’s Lane and Halston Street in Dublin’s markets area west of Capel Street
A 506-bed co-living development with a tower almost 50m tall – more than twice the Dublin City Council permitted height – has been proposed for a site beside the city's Victorian fruit and vegetable market.
The Fruitmarket Partnership has applied to An Bord Pleanála for permission to build a shared accommodation scheme of 360 bedrooms, with a total of 506 beds, in 61 "apartment clusters" sharing kitchen and living facilities.
The scheme would be built in four blocks on two separate sites on Mary’s Lane and Halston Street in the city’s markets area west of Capel Street. The four blocks would range in height up to 14 storeys or 49m, more than twice the 24m maximum allowed under the Dublin City Development Plan.
Concerns about the height of the scheme have been raised by the council, An Bord Pleanála and city councillors. However, the developers pointed out the government’s building height guidelines in 2018 removed limits on heights in the city and overrides the city development plan. The 14-storey building would, they said, “create a striking, landmark building that will act as the gateway to, and a catalyst for, the future regeneration of the area”.
READ MORE
Three of the blocks, including the 14-storey tower, would be opposite the fruit and vegetable market on Mary’s Lane, which has been designated for a major regeneration scheme with a new retail market planned. The third, an eight-storey block, would be on Halston Street close to St Michan’s Catholic Church which dates from the early 1800s.
Concerns
In a presentation to councillors on Monday, council planner Klara Crowley said the height "has been flagged as a concern from the outset by the planning department". She said the council's conservation office had also raised concerns in relation to the proximity of the development to the fruit market, which was a protected structure.
Labour councillor Joe Costello asked how the height could be justified given there was "nothing comparable in the area".
“Will it not dwarf the fruit and vegetable market which is about to be regenerated and is the landmark structure in the area?” he asked.
Independent councillor Nial Ring said he was concerned about the 5.3m allocated per bedspace particularly in light of the coronavirus pandemic. He queried whether terms such as "clusters, shared courtyards and shared residents services" gave rise for particular concern given the pandemic.
Justification
An Bord Pleanála has sought justification for the height of the development “in particular the 14 storeys “ and has raised concern about the impact on the character and setting of the “features of conservation interest in the vicinity including the protected structures on the site and St Michan’s church and the market building”.
The developers said the design was of “high quality” and was “likely to complement and enhance the character, legibility and connectivity of the Markets Area as well as actively promoting the regeneration of the area”.
Submissions on the plan can be made to An Bord Pleanála until October 27th. A decision is due in January.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--I want to be a vet but CAO points are just too high. Are there any other options?

My dream has always been to work as a vet with small animals .
I ’ m in sixth year and aiming for UCD , but the CAO points have jumped from 567 last year to 589 this year which , realistically , is just too high for me .
What other options are there ?
From your email it is clear that nothing short of becoming a veterinary surgeon will satisfy your ambitions .
On the plus side , this will give you the motivation to achieve your potential in the Leaving Cert .
The downside , as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very high .
The circumstances in 2020 were unique , and CAO points may drop back in 2021 .
There is just one veterinary faculty on the island of Ireland , offering 82 places each year .
Since the foundation of the State , a proportion of those places are reserved for students from Northern Ireland , making entry through the CAO to UCD a very competitive process .
The UCD programme is of the highest quality and is one of only seven European faculties to meet the accreditation requirements of the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest has offered an international programme taught through English with 120 places .
Through a relationship with Budapest nurtured by Dr Tim O Leary , a veterinary surgeon based in west Cork ( timolearyvet @ gmail.com ) , up to 40 Irish students annually now take this 5½-year undergraduate programme .
I have visited Budapest and have found a vibrant Irish veterinary student body , with their own GAA and other Irish cultural bodies to sustain them .
The programme is quite rigorous and not for the faint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kosice in Slovakia , Brno in the Czech Republic and the Estonian University of Life Sciences have also attracted smaller numbers of Irish students over the past 10 years .
University Cardenal Herrera in Valencia also offers a five-year programme through English with annual fees of €15,060 .
Many Irish students are also studying veterinary medicine in Poland in recent years , particularly at the University of Warsaw .
Programmes are also offered in Lublin , Olsztyn and Wroclaw .
Fees for many of these programmes are about €8000 annually .
Eunicas.ie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researching these options .
All of these universities schedule written examinations annually for Irish students based , in most cases , on biology and chemistry .
In the past year , due to Covid-19 , many colleges operated online applications and exams .
Given the ever-expanding demand for veterinary services , particularly in the area of your interest in small animals , graduates returning from courses abroad have no problem registering with the Veterinary Council of Ireland .
My advice would be to put the UCD course top of your CAO list .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your second choice and seeking one of the handful of postgraduate places in veterinary in UCD following graduation .
If you are open to studying abroad , both Dr Tim O ’ Leary and Eunicas are worth contacting .

There is just one veterinary faculty on the island of Ireland, offering 82 places each year. Photograph: iStock
My dream has always been to work as a vet with small animals. I’m in sixth year and aiming for UCD, but the CAO points have jumped from 567 last year to 589 this year which, realistically, is just too high for me. What other options are there?
From your email it is clear that nothing short of becoming a veterinary surgeon will satisfy your ambitions. On the plus side, this will give you the motivation to achieve your potential in the Leaving Cert. The downside, as you note, is the points requirements are very high. The circumstances in 2020 were unique, and CAO points may drop back in 2021.
There is just one veterinary faculty on the island of Ireland, offering 82 places each year. Since the foundation of the State, a proportion of those places are reserved for students from Northern Ireland, making entry through the CAO to UCD a very competitive process.
I have visited Budapest and have found a vibrant Irish veterinary student body, with their own GAA and other Irish cultural bodies
The UCD programme is of the highest quality and is one of only seven European faculties to meet the accreditation requirements of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
READ MORE
Since 1992, the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest has offered an international programme taught through English with 120 places. Through a relationship with Budapest nurtured by Dr Tim O Leary, a veterinary surgeon based in west Cork (timolearyvet@gmail.com), up to 40 Irish students annually now take this 5½-year undergraduate programme.
I have visited Budapest and have found a vibrant Irish veterinary student body, with their own GAA and other Irish cultural bodies to sustain them. The programme is quite rigorous and not for the faint hearted, with annual fees of €12,000.
Kosice in Slovakia, Brno in the Czech Republic and the Estonian University of Life Sciences have also attracted smaller numbers of Irish students over the past 10 years. University Cardenal Herrera in Valencia also offers a five-year programme through English with annual fees of €15,060.
Many Irish students are also studying veterinary medicine in Poland in recent years, particularly at the University of Warsaw. Programmes are also offered in Lublin, Olsztyn and Wroclaw. Fees for many of these programmes are about €8000 annually. Eunicas.ie is a good place to start if researching these options.
My advice would be to put the UCD course top of your CAO list. You might also consider listing science as your second choice
All of these universities schedule written examinations annually for Irish students based, in most cases, on biology and chemistry. In the past year, due to Covid-19, many colleges operated online applications and exams.
Given the ever-expanding demand for veterinary services, particularly in the area of your interest in small animals, graduates returning from courses abroad have no problem registering with the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
My advice would be to put the UCD course top of your CAO list. You might also consider listing science as your second choice and seeking one of the handful of postgraduate places in veterinary in UCD following graduation. If you are open to studying abroad, both Dr Tim O'Leary and Eunicas are worth contacting.
Email queries to askbrian@irishtimes.com


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Covid gives us a chance to take higher education by the scruff of the neck

There is no doubt that the Covid-19 crisis has impacted hugely on education , especially at primary and secondary levels .
The third-level sector , however , has been able to continue at close-to-normal pace , thanks to the fact that older students are more capable of adapting to online learning .
The move to online learning has led to a lot of handwringing and suggestions that students are being short-changed and somehow missing out .
Yes , they are missing out on the rite-of-passage aspect of higher education , but I suspect many students will not miss the long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less-than-ideal timetables and the constant stress of having to juggle studies and part-time jobs .
But will their education suffer ?
To answer this question , we first need to talk about the reality of modern day third-level education .
Higher education is a place where students are supposed to take charge of their own learning .
It ’ s not school .
They must attend for some types of modules , notably laboratory ones , and they must hand in assignments on time .
Other than that , they are free to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated like adults .
Many choose not to attend many lectures at all and , indeed , most lecturers have had experiences of walking into an exam hall to check on our students only to ask ourselves “ Who ’ s that guy ?
” Most students , however , attend for a good percentage of their lectures and , indeed , many students like lectures , not because they are necessarily the optimum mechanism for learning , but because they keep students on track .
One key aspect of lecturing is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality assurance systems , no moderation of individual lecturers takes place .
And so , the standard of lecturing is variable , from the inspirational to the coma-inducing while differing in style and method : blackboard , whiteboard , Apple pen , PowerPoint , you name it .
That ’ s fine because we ’ re not corporations tasked with delivering branded lessons , complete with company logos , where everyone is on message .
The essence of a higher education is diversity .
When Covid arrived , the transition to online learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact , and , no doubt , some lecturers lacked the skills to step up to the plate .
Most however , as demonstrated in a recent Quality and Qualifications Ireland ( QQI ) report , managed very well and I can safely say that in my school in DCU , students appreciated our efforts and , in some cases , found that their learning improved .
Indeed , quite a few pointed out that laboratories that had been moved online forced the students to think a lot more compared with regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ on autopilot ” .
If that ’ s the current reality of higher education , what about the directions in which it is moving ?
Ever since the turn of the century there has been movement of so-called progressive educators , education consultants and gurus of all kinds who have championed the idea that our current education system is not fit for purpose and that it needs to be revolutionised , not just tweaked .
The late Sir Ken Robinson , for example , became a worldwide celebrity by claiming that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including teachers and academics , lapped this stuff up .
At the beginning of this century , many respected academics were extolling the virtues of Moocs ( massive open online courses ) with many suggesting a young child in sub-Saharan Africa , armed with nothing more than a phone , could get a qualification worthy of MIT .
Politicians , business leaders and all sorts of other stakeholders have bemoaned the “ fact ” that students lack 21st century skills and that we need to adopt much more active approaches to learning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lecture .
Students , they claim , need to acquire less knowledge and more skills !
The same people also say we need to champion “ flexible learning ” so that students , including those already in the workplace , are able to avail of lifelong learning , a form of learning that is often deemed to be essential in the rapidly changing 21st century .
Most advocates of progressive education methods ( active learning , problem-based learning , digital learning , and so on ) are silent now , which is rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ideas , they ’ d be out in the media reassuring students and parents alike that their sons and daughters are not going to receive a sub-standard education .
For what it ’ s worth , I ’ d be quite happy to never give a traditional lecture again .
I would miss the human contact , as would many of my colleagues , but it ’ s not all about us .
It ’ s about the students .
One thing I know for sure is my colleagues and I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic purpose of education , the design of assessments , the difference between “ nice to dos ” and “ need to dos ” and the need to spread students ’ workload evenly over the semester .
Interestingly , I have never heard so many colleagues being so open about their teaching , sharing ideas , comparing approaches and taking the whole question of student “ engagement ” so seriously .
The tragedy of Covid has provided us with a real opportunity to take our higher education system by the scruff of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better .
The future doesn ’ t have to be all online , at least not in the sense that students will have to learn from home , but it will incorporate online elements and it will rely less on cramming hundreds of students into lecture halls to hear a Powerpoint presentation .
Let ’ s try to be positive .

The future of third-level education will rely less on cramming hundreds of students into lecture halls to hear a Powerpoint presentation. Photograph: iStock
There is no doubt that the Covid-19 crisis has impacted hugely on education, especially at primary and secondary levels. The third-level sector, however, has been able to continue at close-to-normal pace, thanks to the fact that older students are more capable of adapting to online learning.
The move to online learning has led to a lot of handwringing and suggestions that students are being short-changed and somehow missing out. Yes, they are missing out on the rite-of-passage aspect of higher education, but I suspect many students will not miss the long commutes, the sub-standard accommodation, the less-than-ideal timetables and the constant stress of having to juggle studies and part-time jobs.
Hospital Report
But will their education suffer? To answer this question, we first need to talk about the reality of modern day third-level education.
Higher education is a place where students are supposed to take charge of their own learning. It’s not school. They must attend for some types of modules, notably laboratory ones, and they must hand in assignments on time.
READ MORE
Other than that, they are free to do what they like. They are treated like adults. Many choose not to attend many lectures at all and, indeed, most lecturers have had experiences of walking into an exam hall to check on our students only to ask ourselves “Who’s that guy?”
No moderation of individual lecturers takes place. And so, the standard of lecturing is variable, from the inspirational to the coma-inducing while differing in style and method
Most students, however, attend for a good percentage of their lectures and, indeed, many students like lectures, not because they are necessarily the optimum mechanism for learning, but because they keep students on track.
One key aspect of lecturing is that while modern universities are laden down with quality assurance systems, no moderation of individual lecturers takes place. And so, the standard of lecturing is variable, from the inspirational to the coma-inducing while differing in style and method: blackboard, whiteboard, Apple pen, PowerPoint, you name it.
That’s fine because we’re not corporations tasked with delivering branded lessons, complete with company logos, where everyone is on message. The essence of a higher education is diversity.
When Covid arrived, the transition to online learning had to occur rapidly, almost instantaneously in fact, and, no doubt, some lecturers lacked the skills to step up to the plate. Most however, as demonstrated in a recent Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) report, managed very well and I can safely say that in my school in DCU, students appreciated our efforts and, in some cases, found that their learning improved.
Indeed, quite a few pointed out that laboratories that had been moved online forced the students to think a lot more compared with regular laboratories where students often tend to work “on autopilot”.
If that’s the current reality of higher education, what about the directions in which it is moving? Ever since the turn of the century there has been movement of so-called progressive educators, education consultants and gurus of all kinds who have championed the idea that our current education system is not fit for purpose and that it needs to be revolutionised, not just tweaked.
The late Sir Ken Robinson, for example, became a worldwide celebrity by claiming that "schools kill creativity". Many, including teachers and academics, lapped this stuff up.
At the beginning of this century, many respected academics were extolling the virtues of Moocs (massive open online courses) with many suggesting a young child in sub-Saharan Africa, armed with nothing more than a phone, could get a qualification worthy of MIT.
Politicians, business leaders and all sorts of other stakeholders have bemoaned the “fact” that students lack 21st century skills and that we need to adopt much more active approaches to learning, not passive methods epitomised by the traditional lecture. Students, they claim, need to acquire less knowledge and more skills!
I'd be quite happy to never give a traditional lecture again. I would miss the human contact, as would many of my colleagues, but it's not all about us. It's about the students
The same people also say we need to champion “flexible learning” so that students, including those already in the workplace, are able to avail of lifelong learning, a form of learning that is often deemed to be essential in the rapidly changing 21st century.
Most advocates of progressive education methods (active learning, problem-based learning, digital learning, and so on) are silent now, which is rather strange. If they really believed in their ideas, they’d be out in the media reassuring students and parents alike that their sons and daughters are not going to receive a sub-standard education.
For what it’s worth, I’d be quite happy to never give a traditional lecture again. I would miss the human contact, as would many of my colleagues, but it’s not all about us. It’s about the students.
One thing I know for sure is my colleagues and I have never had so many discussions about the basic purpose of education, the design of assessments, the difference between “nice to dos” and “need to dos” and the need to spread students’ workload evenly over the semester.
Interestingly, I have never heard so many colleagues being so open about their teaching, sharing ideas, comparing approaches and taking the whole question of student “engagement” so seriously.
The tragedy of Covid has provided us with a real opportunity to take our higher education system by the scruff of the neck and make real change for the better. The future doesn’t have to be all online, at least not in the sense that students will have to learn from home, but it will incorporate online elements and it will rely less on cramming hundreds of students into lecture halls to hear a Powerpoint presentation. Let’s try to be positive.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--How nuns schooled today’s torch-bearers of feminism

The convent school prefect is having a moment .
From arts and media to politics and law , it ’ s the graduates of all-girls Catholic schools who are blazing a trail for independent women .
Marian Keyes , Aisling Bea , Louise O ’ Neill , Amy Huberman , Sharon Horgan , Deirdre O ’ Kane , Claire Byrne and Sally Rooney are some of culture ’ s most influential female figures with one thing in common : they are products of educational institutions that were run for women by women .
So , too , are politicians such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister for Justice Helen McEntee .
The first female leader of the Opposition , Sinn Féin ’ s Mary-Lou McDonald , attended Notre Dame in Dublin .
Our two female former presidents of Ireland , Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson , were educated by nuns .
On our screens , Derry Girls , set around a group of convent school teens , and Fleabag – written by former girls ’ Catholic school alumni Phoebe Waller-Bridge – are two of the biggest shows on television .
Who ’ d have thought the future anointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schooled by nuns ?
Who ’ d have predicted the next generation of female superheroes would wear tartan skirts and a gabardine ?
Certainly not me .
I went to a Presentation for a fortnight , after changing over from a non-denominational , co-educational school .
I ran out of the place in culture shock .
It was all girls and prayers .
When I subsequently heard Maeve Binchy recalling how the nuns taught her about “ men ’ s insatiable lust ” and “ women ’ s holy purity ” , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Maeve was later surprised to found out : “ Fellas were like the rest of us .
They were normal.
” But Liz McManus , the former Labour minister , says she predicted the trajectory from a long way off .
McManus , who attended Mount Anville and then Holy Child Killiney , once cited nuns as her role models .
They set an example to the young McManus as women in the driving seat , as educators .
She believes the seeds of the women ’ s liberation movement were actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the walls of the convents of Ireland .
“ Well , the impression imprinted on my brain was you had a group of women running the show .
It was a complex – entirely run by women , ” says McManus .
“ Who knows , perhaps a bishop was somewhere telling them what to do , but you never had that feeling .
“ There was a certain subversive streak in them .
At the time , in the late 1950s , it was a sin to send your child to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us : ‘ Don ’ t let that stop you , just apply.
’ They were their own women , their own people .
“ At their core was equality of education , within this most unusual construct of an all-women enterprise .
I think nuns gave it their all .
Of course , there were horror stories and nuns behaved very badly in orphanages , and we should never forget that .
But where it worked , it worked extremely well , ” she adds .
With hindsight , Lisa McGee – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can see the value of an all-female environment .
She attended Thornhill Convent of Mercy in Derry , where alumni include singer-politician Dana and actress Roma Downey .
“ The convent school experience was such a positive thing ; you find out who you really are , away from the male gaze , as it were .
I was raging about it at the time .
But it was so good for me .
Some of the younger nuns definitely were feminists .
“ I had an Irish teacher who was terrifying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject .
Another was a working class woman who had attained an education , a career and an opportunity to travel the world , all because she joined an order .
She had been to Africa and India .
She must have had a calling , but it wasn ’ t a bad life for a woman who didn ’ t want to get married.
” Emer Smyth , research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute ( ESRI ) , says it is important to point out that girls ’ Catholic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The intake is different .
People who go on to careers in the professions and the arts are more middle class in the first place , ” she explains .
“ In a way , nuns were early feminists .
There was subservience in the church , but aside from the patriarchal structures of access , they were the only women for a long time who got to be senior managers .
They were the early providers of women ’ s education.
” Minister of State for special education Josepha Madigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the woman she is today .
She recalls them all vividly : Sr Doyle , Sr Henry , Sr Day , Sr Ní Riain .
“ They were incredibly earnest in their belief of what women could do .
They were more progressive than they are given credit for , and we came out strong women as a result .
There was never a question of us not going to college .
It was just assumed that we would .
They expected a lot of us and our studies ... “ They would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community , inclusivity , the suffragettes .
Their effect on feminism today is something not spoken about – even having religion in a school can be looked upon in scorn .
“ The nuns brought a lot to the table , and they should be remembered for that .
They were the epitome of feminine professionalism and aptitude .
They gave me my courage , my confidence , my character.
” Prof Judith Harford , deputy head of UCD ’ s school of education , says women were at the vanguard of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late 19th century , with the Ursuline , Dominican and Loreto orders opening colleges for women who were , at the time , excluded from the university sphere .
“ Within these elite all-female environments , girls were exposed to both women who were progressive and enlightened , and to women who promoted conservative and conventional ideas .
“ The pushing of boundaries commenced in the late 19th century , with religious women advocating for access to higher education and playing leadership roles in colleges .
But there is a caveat : some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which afforded women subordinate status within a deeply hierarchical social fabric and church structure.
” Deirdre Raftery , professor of the history of education at UCD , notes how nuns pushed for education for girls who could not afford boarding school , and battled the bishops on rights such as higher education and training for themselves , and access for young female students to the Civil Service and university .
“ Convents also presented opportunities to girls who became nuns , at a time when they had little opportunity .
It offered them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gave them a route to teacher training , nursing and missionary work overseas , ” says Prof Raftery .
She directs us to the best-known feminist of our era , Germaine Greer , to encapsulate the feelings of many schooled by nuns .
Greer , a former Presentation girl , said : “ They worked harder on me than my mother did .
They really loved us .
I realise that now , although I didn ’ t realise it at time.
” How many religious remain in schools ?
The recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sr Benvenuta as she was known by generations of students – has placed into focus the contribution of nuns to Irish education .
Not surprisingly , the number of teachers who are members of religious orders has dropped sharply over recent decades .
In 1970 nearly one in five – or 3,700 – primary school teachers were members of religious orders .
By 1998 , the number reached 740 .
A survey in 2004 , estimated there were just 50 religious still teaching at primary level and 20 at second level .
Teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Notwithstanding the drop in numbers , the links between schools and the Catholic Church remain strong .
About 90 per cent of primary schools are under the patronage of the church , while at second level about half of schools are associated with religious congregations .
Many more , however , remain involved in pastoral work at primary level or secondary schools , with more than 100 religious employed as chaplains in community schools .

The convent school prefect is having a moment. From arts and media to politics and law, it’s the graduates of all-girls Catholic schools who are blazing a trail for independent women.
Marian Keyes, Aisling Bea, Louise O'Neill, Amy Huberman, Sharon Horgan, Deirdre O'Kane, Claire Byrne and Sally Rooney are some of culture's most influential female figures with one thing in common: they are products of educational institutions that were run for women by women.
So, too, are politicians such as Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. The first female leader of the Opposition, Sinn Féin's Mary-Lou McDonald, attended Notre Dame in Dublin. Our two female former presidents of Ireland, Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson, were educated by nuns.
On our screens, Derry Girls, set around a group of convent school teens, and Fleabag – written by former girls’ Catholic school alumni Phoebe Waller-Bridge – are two of the biggest shows on television.
READ MORE
Lisa McGee, creator and writer of Derry Girls, attended Thornhill Convent of Mercy in Derry.
Who’d have thought the future anointed torch-bearers of modern feminism would have been schooled by nuns? Who’d have predicted the next generation of female superheroes would wear tartan skirts and a gabardine?
Certainly not me. I went to a Presentation for a fortnight, after changing over from a non-denominational, co-educational school. I ran out of the place in culture shock.
It was all girls and prayers. When I subsequently heard Maeve Binchy recalling how the nuns taught her about "men's insatiable lust" and "women's holy purity", I felt I'd dodged a bullet. Maeve was later surprised to found out: "Fellas were like the rest of us. They were normal."
But Liz McManus, the former Labour minister, says she predicted the trajectory from a long way off. McManus, who attended Mount Anville and then Holy Child Killiney, once cited nuns as her role models. They set an example to the young McManus as women in the driving seat, as educators.
The convent school experience was such a positive thing; you find out who you really are, away from the male gaze, as it were
She believes the seeds of the women’s liberation movement were actually sown, unlikely as it is, within the walls of the convents of Ireland.
“Well, the impression imprinted on my brain was you had a group of women running the show. It was a complex – entirely run by women,” says McManus.
“Who knows, perhaps a bishop was somewhere telling them what to do, but you never had that feeling.
Liz McManus, former Labour Party TD, believes the seeds of the women’s liberation movement were actually sown within the walls of the convents of Ireland. Photograph: Eric Luke
“There was a certain subversive streak in them. At the time, in the late 1950s, it was a sin to send your child to Trinity. They’d say to us: ‘Don’t let that stop you, just apply.’ They were their own women, their own people.
“At their core was equality of education, within this most unusual construct of an all-women enterprise. I think nuns gave it their all. Of course, there were horror stories and nuns behaved very badly in orphanages, and we should never forget that. But where it worked, it worked extremely well,” she adds.
With hindsight, Lisa McGee – creator and writer of Derry Girls – can see the value of an all-female environment.
She attended Thornhill Convent of Mercy in Derry, where alumni include singer-politician Dana and actress Roma Downey.
“The convent school experience was such a positive thing; you find out who you really are, away from the male gaze, as it were. I was raging about it at the time. But it was so good for me. Some of the younger nuns definitely were feminists.
"I had an Irish teacher who was terrifying, but she was passionate about teaching the subject. Another was a working class woman who had attained an education, a career and an opportunity to travel the world, all because she joined an order. She had been to Africa and India. She must have had a calling, but it wasn't a bad life for a woman who didn't want to get married."
The nuns brought a lot to the table, and they should be remembered for that. They were the epitome of feminine professionalism and aptitude
Emer Smyth, research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), says it is important to point out that girls' Catholic schools tend to attract the middle class.
“The intake is different. People who go on to careers in the professions and the arts are more middle class in the first place,” she explains.
“In a way, nuns were early feminists. There was subservience in the church, but aside from the patriarchal structures of access, they were the only women for a long time who got to be senior managers. They were the early providers of women’s education.”
Minister of State for special education Josepha Madigan believes her education in Mount Anville moulded the woman she is today. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
Minister of State for special education Josepha Madigan believes her education in Mount Anville moulded the woman she is today. She recalls them all vividly: Sr Doyle, Sr Henry, Sr Day, Sr Ní Riain.
“They were incredibly earnest in their belief of what women could do. They were more progressive than they are given credit for, and we came out strong women as a result. There was never a question of us not going to college. It was just assumed that we would. They expected a lot of us and our studies...
“They would talk to us about social awareness, the community, inclusivity, the suffragettes. Their effect on feminism today is something not spoken about – even having religion in a school can be looked upon in scorn.
“The nuns brought a lot to the table, and they should be remembered for that. They were the epitome of feminine professionalism and aptitude. They gave me my courage, my confidence, my character.”
Prof Judith Harford, deputy head of UCD's school of education, says women were at the vanguard of promoting higher education for women in the late 19th century, with the Ursuline, Dominican and Loreto orders opening colleges for women who were, at the time, excluded from the university sphere.
“Within these elite all-female environments, girls were exposed to both women who were progressive and enlightened, and to women who promoted conservative and conventional ideas.
“The pushing of boundaries commenced in the late 19th century, with religious women advocating for access to higher education and playing leadership roles in colleges. But there is a caveat: some supported the propagation of a gendered ideology which afforded women subordinate status within a deeply hierarchical social fabric and church structure.”
Not surprisingly, the number of teachers who are members of religious orders has dropped sharply over recent decades
Deirdre Raftery, professor of the history of education at UCD, notes how nuns pushed for education for girls who could not afford boarding school, and battled the bishops on rights such as higher education and training for themselves, and access for young female students to the Civil Service and university.
“Convents also presented opportunities to girls who became nuns, at a time when they had little opportunity. It offered them an alternative to marriage and motherhood, and gave them a route to teacher training, nursing and missionary work overseas,” says Prof Raftery.
She directs us to the best-known feminist of our era, Germaine Greer, to encapsulate the feelings of many schooled by nuns. Greer, a former Presentation girl, said: "They worked harder on me than my mother did. They really loved us. I realise that now, although I didn't realise it at time."
How many religious remain in schools?
The recent death of Dr Margaret MacCurtain – or Sr Benvenuta as she was known by generations of students – has placed into focus the contribution of nuns to Irish education.
Dr Margaret MacCurtain, or Sr Benvenuta as she was known by generations of students – played an enourmous role in Irish education. Photograph: Eric Luke
Not surprisingly, the number of teachers who are members of religious orders has dropped sharply over recent decades.
In 1970 nearly one in five – or 3,700 – primary school teachers were members of religious orders. By 1998, the number reached 740.
A survey in 2004, estimated there were just 50 religious still teaching at primary level and 20 at second level. Teachers say the numbers have fallen significantly since.
Notwithstanding the drop in numbers, the links between schools and the Catholic Church remain strong.
About 90 per cent of primary schools are under the patronage of the church, while at second level about half of schools are associated with religious congregations.
Many more, however, remain involved in pastoral work at primary level or secondary schools, with more than 100 religious employed as chaplains in community schools.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Covid-19: Schools and colleges to remain open during Level 5 restrictions

There is “ overwhelming ” evidence that schools remain safe settings and they will continue to operate during the Level 5 restrictions , Minister for Education Norma Foley has said .
In a statement , she said the move to increase public health restrictions will support schools to continue to operate safely and sustainably during the pandemic .
Schools are due to close on Friday for the one-week mid-term break and are scheduled to reopen as planned on Monday , November 2nd .
A spokeswoman for Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said third level institutes will continue to operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teaching and learning taking place online .
Ms Foley and public health officials are due to meet with teachers ’ unions and school managers on Tuesday morning to respond to concerns they have expressed over testing and contact tracing .
“ Our school communities have put enormous effort and energy into re-opening our schools and keeping them safe over the first half of this term .
Transmission rates of Covid-19 in schools are low , much lower than the rate currently in the community , ” Ms Foley said .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health guidelines for schools and the successful implementation and adherence of all in the school community to the guidelines .
“ Schools have been supported in this by significant investment to support all infection prevention and control measures recommended by the public health authorities.
” Ms Foley said a significant factor in the decision to move to Level 5 was that by doing so we can support our schools to continue to operate safely .
She said the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) has reviewed the national experience of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemiological data and information gathered through case and outbreak management .
Having considered this evidence , she said Nphet has recommended that schools remain open during Level 5 restrictions , even in the current trajectory of the disease .
“ Ensuring that our children can continue to attend school safely is a key objective for the Government .
The Department of Education and Skills has been meeting regularly with the education partners including management bodies , teachers ’ unions and representatives of the school communities , to provide them with up to date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss any concerns which they may have , ” she said .
Latest public health data as of October 19th shows that a total of 10,513 students and teachers have been involved in mass testing .
This has resulted in the detection of 246 additional cases .
This equates to a positive detection rate of 2 per cent of additional detected cases , compared to over 7 per cent in the community .
“ In other words , where mass testing has been carried out of close contacts in the school setting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a small number of additional confirmed cases , not all of which are transmitted within the school setting , ” she said .
“ This rate is remaining much lower than the comparable positive detection rate in the community , which is over 7 per cent .
Public health has confirmed that they are casting their net wide with mass testing in schools to assess evidence of levels of transmission and that this low rate supports other evidence that schools are safe environment for staff and students.
” Teachers ’ unions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public health officials to reassess the risks facing school staff and students .
The Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) said confirmed cases were at a “ vastly higher ” level than when schools first re-opened .
“ Of particular concern is the uncertainty around the definition of close contacts and casual contacts in schools , ” said TUI president Martin Marjoram : “ What appears to be a lack of consistency and clarity in this regard is causing severe stress and anxiety for school staff .
The situation must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have trust in the system and understand the decision-making process.
” The union is also seeking a review for “ high risk ” teachers in a scenario where the rest of society is effectively locked down .
The Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation said it was growing increasingly concerned that the current health precautions for teachers were inadequate .
It said the situation was untenable and said the Government must ensure all necessary protective measures are put in place within the next fortnight to ensure schools can reopen safely after mid-term .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports the hypothesis that children are not at increased risk from Covid-19 in the school setting .
“ I want to express again my thanks to all those responsible in our school communities for working so hard to implement and keep to the guidelines .
This work is paying off , and I urge everyone to remain vigilant , ” she said .
“ We are all aware of the importance to children of keeping schools open .
We have learned through research and direct experience that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For children , it impacts on wellbeing , learning , on social development , can worsen educational disadvantage and can impact on child welfare .

Minister for Education Norma Foley: ‘Transmission rates of Covid-19 in schools are low, much lower than the rate currently in the community.’ Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
There is "overwhelming" evidence that schools remain safe settings and they will continue to operate during the Level 5 restrictions, Minister for Education Norma Foley has said.
In a statement, she said the move to increase public health restrictions will support schools to continue to operate safely and sustainably during the pandemic.
Schools are due to close on Friday for the one-week mid-term break and are scheduled to reopen as planned on Monday, November 2nd.
Hospital Report
A spokeswoman for Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said third level institutes will continue to operate under their current restrictions, with most teaching and learning taking place online.
READ MORE
Ms Foley and public health officials are due to meet with teachers’ unions and school managers on Tuesday morning to respond to concerns they have expressed over testing and contact tracing.
“Our school communities have put enormous effort and energy into re-opening our schools and keeping them safe over the first half of this term. Transmission rates of Covid-19 in schools are low, much lower than the rate currently in the community,” Ms Foley said.
“This is a result of the effectiveness of the public health guidelines for schools and the successful implementation and adherence of all in the school community to the guidelines.
Key objective
Ms Foley said a significant factor in the decision to move to Level 5 was that by doing so we can support our schools to continue to operate safely.
She said the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) has reviewed the national experience of school reopening to date, including the epidemiological data and information gathered through case and outbreak management.
Having considered this evidence, she said Nphet has recommended that schools remain open during Level 5 restrictions, even in the current trajectory of the disease.
"Ensuring that our children can continue to attend school safely is a key objective for the Government. The Department of Education and Skills has been meeting regularly with the education partners including management bodies, teachers' unions and representatives of the school communities, to provide them with up to date information and to offer an opportunity to discuss any concerns which they may have," she said.
Latest public health data as of October 19th shows that a total of 10,513 students and teachers have been involved in mass testing. This has resulted in the detection of 246 additional cases.
This equates to a positive detection rate of 2 per cent of additional detected cases, compared to over 7 per cent in the community.
“In other words, where mass testing has been carried out of close contacts in the school setting of confirmed cases, this has only resulted in a small number of additional confirmed cases, not all of which are transmitted within the school setting,” she said.
“ This rate is remaining much lower than the comparable positive detection rate in the community, which is over 7 per cent. Public health has confirmed that they are casting their net wide with mass testing in schools to assess evidence of levels of transmission and that this low rate supports other evidence that schools are safe environment for staff and students.”
Teachers’ unions have called for urgent meetings with the Minister and public health officials to reassess the risks facing school staff and students.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) said confirmed cases were at a “vastly higher” level than when schools first re-opened.
" Of particular concern is the uncertainty around the definition of close contacts and casual contacts in schools," said TUI president Martin Marjoram:
“What appears to be a lack of consistency and clarity in this regard is causing severe stress and anxiety for school staff. The situation must be urgently reviewed - school staff must have trust in the system and understand the decision-making process.”
The union is also seeking a review for “high risk” teachers in a scenario where the rest of society is effectively locked down.
Increasing concern
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation said it was growing increasingly concerned that the current health precautions for teachers were inadequate.
It said the situation was untenable and said the Government must ensure all necessary protective measures are put in place within the next fortnight to ensure schools can reopen safely after mid-term.
Ms Foley, meanwhile, said latest evidence supports the hypothesis that children are not at increased risk from Covid-19 in the school setting.
“I want to express again my thanks to all those responsible in our school communities for working so hard to implement and keep to the guidelines. This work is paying off, and I urge everyone to remain vigilant,” she said.
“We are all aware of the importance to children of keeping schools open. We have learned through research and direct experience that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level. For children, it impacts on wellbeing, learning, on social development, can worsen educational disadvantage and can impact on child welfare.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Teacher unions concerned at schools staying open amid lockdown

Teachers ’ unions have expressed concern over the Government ’ s decision to keep schools open , as the country enters a national lockdown for a six-week period .
Following a continued increase in the number of coronavirus cases and hospitalisations the Government on Monday moved the country to Level 5 of its Living with Covid-19 plan .
The Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) said it had repeatedly sought information from the Department of Education on what extra protections would be provided to schools , but had yet to receive a response .
TUI president Martin Marjoram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe for schools to remain open under Level 5 had “ regrettably ” not yet been provided .
The union said “ urgent engagement ” with department officials was required across a range of issues .
Mr Marjoram said the number of new Covid-19 cases was at a “ vastly higher level than when schools first reopened ” .
The potential risk to staff and students from keeping schools open needed to be “ reassessed on an ongoing basis ” , he said .
The lack of consistency in who was deemed close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing following confirmed cases in schools , was causing “ severe stress ” , he said .
Speaking on Monday , Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was “ necessary ” to keep schools open to avoid young people ’ s futures becoming “ another victim ” of Covid-19 .
John Boyle , the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation ( INTO ) general secretary , said the Government had “ failed ” to deliver a fast-tracked testing and tracing system since schools reopened .
“ If our primary and special schools are to fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next month , Government must ensure that the necessary protective measures and protocols are put in place within the next fortnight , ” he said .
The INTO also called for detailed figures on the number of school staff who had tested positive since schools reopened in September .
In a statement on Monday , the union said it was seeking “ an urgent review ” of policies on the wearing of face coverings by pupils and school staff .
It was also seeking “ a clear explanation ” of the difference between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was referred for testing following confirmed cases .
The union said it was “ essential ” that pupils and staff connected to confirmed cases were tested within 24 hours .
Diarmaid de Paor , deputy general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland ( ASTI ) , said the union had been demanding a review of medical guidance on the safety of schools remaining open .
“ We have consistently stated that we will be guided by medical advice .
However , this advice must be clear , unambiguous and must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr de Paor said .
“ We wish schools to remain open but they must only remain open if it is safe for them to do so .
”

TUI president Martin Marjoram, right, says the potential risk to staff and students from keeping schools open needed to be ‘reassessed on an ongoing basis’. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Teachers’ unions have expressed concern over the Government’s decision to keep schools open, as the country enters a national lockdown for a six-week period.
Following a continued increase in the number of coronavirus cases and hospitalisations the Government on Monday moved the country to Level 5 of its Living with Covid-19 plan.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) said it had repeatedly sought information from the Department of Education on what extra protections would be provided to schools, but had yet to receive a response.
Hospital Report
TUI president Martin Marjoram said assurances over how it could be safe for schools to remain open under Level 5 had "regrettably" not yet been provided. The union said "urgent engagement" with department officials was required across a range of issues.
READ MORE
Mr Marjoram said the number of new Covid-19 cases was at a “vastly higher level than when schools first reopened”. The potential risk to staff and students from keeping schools open needed to be “reassessed on an ongoing basis”, he said.
The lack of consistency in who was deemed close contacts, and who was referred for testing following confirmed cases in schools, was causing “severe stress”, he said.
Speaking on Monday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was “necessary” to keep schools open to avoid young people’s futures becoming “another victim” of Covid-19.
‘Failed’ to deliver
John Boyle, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) general secretary, said the Government had "failed" to deliver a fast-tracked testing and tracing system since schools reopened.
“If our primary and special schools are to fully reopen after mid-term break and operate safely next month, Government must ensure that the necessary protective measures and protocols are put in place within the next fortnight,” he said.
The INTO also called for detailed figures on the number of school staff who had tested positive since schools reopened in September.
In a statement on Monday, the union said it was seeking “an urgent review” of policies on the wearing of face coverings by pupils and school staff.
It was also seeking “a clear explanation” of the difference between a close and casual contact, in who was referred for testing following confirmed cases.
The union said it was “essential” that pupils and staff connected to confirmed cases were tested within 24 hours.
Medical advice
Diarmaid de Paor, deputy general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), said the union had been demanding a review of medical guidance on the safety of schools remaining open.
“We have consistently stated that we will be guided by medical advice. However, this advice must be clear, unambiguous and must be explained clearly to us,” Mr de Paor said.
“We wish schools to remain open but they must only remain open if it is safe for them to do so.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Taoiseach: Following new Covid-19 measures will offer ‘respite’ at Christmas

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said if people “ pulled together over the next six weeks we will have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way ” .
Speaking as he announced a move to Level 5 restrictions until December 1st in the fight against Covid-19 he said : “ If we all pull together , and follow the spirit of these new rules , it [ Christmas ] will be a very special time , and give us all some respite from the hardship of the last seven months.
” Covid-19 infections were on the rise across Europe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said in a televised address .
“ The reality of this terrible disease is that when we give it an opportunity to spread , it spreads , and when it spreads , it consumes large parts of our daily lives , and whole sections of the economy.
” The Taoiseach said the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) had been very clear about what it believed should be done , but the Government had to weigh up that advice , given the impact that increased restrictions had on society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental well-being , the capacity to treat non-Covid illness .
They create unemployment and loss of income for families , and social impacts such as increased domestic violence , he said .
Having given the matter careful thought , he said , the Government has decided that the evidence of a potentially grave situation in the weeks ahead is now too strong , and therefore for a period of six weeks from midnight on Wednesday , the entire country is to go to Level 5 .
The Government can not solve the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There are no laws or powers that can change the nature of the virus.
” “ Many people have done everything that has been asked of them , but some have not .
As Taoiseach , I ’ m asking everyone again to take this threat seriously.
” Some people , serious and well-intentioned people , argue that the country should be locked down , the borders sealed , and the virus eliminated , and the infection rate then maintained at zero .
However given our geographic location , proximity to Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two jurisdictions on the island , it was the advice of Nphet , and the view of the Government , that “ this is not a realistic option.
” He said others argue for a “ herd immunity ” approach , but this implies that we should accept higher levels of illness and death .
“ The government will not be taking this approach.
” It was his firm belief that the core responsibility of government was to protect lives and protect the public health , while also protecting livelihoods and supporting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what we will continue to do .
We work to suppress the virus when it is growing , and we work to reopen as much of our economy and society as possible when it is safe to do so.
” “ Until we have a safe vaccine , we must continue in that pattern .
This is the reality for the rest of the world , and it is unfortunately the reality here.
” The Taoiseach said restrictions had served to slow the growth of the virus but as the daily figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced the spread of the virus .
So further action was now required .
He said schools and childcare are to remain open .
“ We can not and will not allow our children and young people ’ s futures to be another victim of this disease .
They need their education.
” The Government will provide increased financial support for individuals and businesses , he said .
For those in danger of social isolation , the Government is introducing the concept of a support bubble , where such households can pair with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But everyone else is being asked to stay at home , other than going out for exercise within a five km radius of their homes .
There are to be no social or family gatherings in homes or gardens , and restaurants , cafes and bars , are to open for takeaway service only .
Weddings can still have up to 25 guests , and essential retail can remain open .
“ Those who can work from home must do so.
” Construction work is being deemed essential , and most manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If each of us does what is asked of us , for a period of just six weeks , we will suppress this virus , and we will emerge from these restrictions on the first of December , ” he said .
The Irish people were stronger than they realised , and more resilient than they could imagine , he said .
“ Our future is in our hands .
We must each dig deep within ourselves.
” We will come through this together , the Taoiseach said .

Taoiseach Micheál Martin: ‘There are no laws or powers that can change the nature of the virus.’ Photograph: Julien Behal/PA Wire
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said if people “pulled together over the next six weeks we will have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way”.
Speaking as he announced a move to Level 5 restrictions until December 1st in the fight against Covid-19 he said: “If we all pull together, and follow the spirit of these new rules, it [Christmas] will be a very special time, and give us all some respite from the hardship of the last seven months.”
Covid-19 infections were on the rise across Europe and much of the rest of the world, he said in a televised address.
Hospital Report
“The reality of this terrible disease is that when we give it an opportunity to spread, it spreads, and when it spreads, it consumes large parts of our daily lives, and whole sections of the economy.”
READ MORE
The Taoiseach said the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet)had been very clear about what it believed should be done, but the Government had to weigh up that advice, given the impact that increased restrictions had on society and the economy.
Severe restrictions affect mental well-being, the capacity to treat non-Covid illness. They create unemployment and loss of income for families, and social impacts such as increased domestic violence, he said.
Having given the matter careful thought, he said, the Government has decided that the evidence of a potentially grave situation in the weeks ahead is now too strong, and therefore for a period of six weeks from midnight on Wednesday, the entire country is to go to Level 5.
‘Take this threat seriously’
The Government cannot solve the crisis on its own, he said. “There are no laws or powers that can change the nature of the virus.”
“Many people have done everything that has been asked of them, but some have not. As Taoiseach, I’m asking everyone again to take this threat seriously.”
Some people, serious and well-intentioned people, argue that the country should be locked down, the borders sealed, and the virus eliminated, and the infection rate then maintained at zero.
However given our geographic location, proximity to Britain and Europe, and the existence of two jurisdictions on the island, it was the advice of Nphet, and the view of the Government, that “this is not a realistic option.”
He said others argue for a “herd immunity” approach, but this implies that we should accept higher levels of illness and death. “The government will not be taking this approach.”
It was his firm belief that the core responsibility of government was to protect lives and protect the public health, while also protecting livelihoods and supporting the wider economy and society.
“This is what we will continue to do. We work to suppress the virus when it is growing, and we work to reopen as much of our economy and society as possible when it is safe to do so.”
“Until we have a safe vaccine, we must continue in that pattern. This is the reality for the rest of the world, and it is unfortunately the reality here.”
Further action
The Taoiseach said restrictions had served to slow the growth of the virus but as the daily figures had shown, they had not significantly reduced the spread of the virus. So further action was now required.
He said schools and childcare are to remain open. “We cannot and will not allow our children and young people’s futures to be another victim of this disease. They need their education.”
The Government will provide increased financial support for individuals and businesses, he said.
For those in danger of social isolation, the Government is introducing the concept of a support bubble, where such households can pair with another as part of a support bubble.
But everyone else is being asked to stay at home, other than going out for exercise within a five km radius of their homes.
There are to be no social or family gatherings in homes or gardens, and restaurants, cafes and bars, are to open for takeaway service only.
Weddings can still have up to 25 guests, and essential retail can remain open. “Those who can work from home must do so.”
Construction work is being deemed essential, and most manufacturing will remain open, he said.
“If each of us does what is asked of us, for a period of just six weeks, we will suppress this virus, and we will emerge from these restrictions on the first of December,” he said.
The Irish people were stronger than they realised, and more resilient than they could imagine, he said. “Our future is in our hands. We must each dig deep within ourselves.”
We will come through this together, the Taoiseach said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Inquest into death of girl (17) in Mayo Covid ward stopped over rule breach

An inquest into the death of a 17-year-old Leaving Certificate student who died 10 days after allegedly being admitted to a Covid-19 ward of Mayo University Hospital was abandoned on Monday after a man refused to identify himself and disobeyed the instructions of the coroner to leave the courtroom .
Prior to the scheduled start of the inquest into death of Sally Maaz , Ballyhaunis , Co Mayo , at Ballina Courthouse , coroner Patrick O ’ Connor noted there were more than the 14 people allowed in the courtroom under Covid regulations .
A man at the rear of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was asked to leave by the coroner .
“ I am a member of the public .
I do not wish to give my name , ” the man stated .
He was then asked by Mr O ’ Connor and gardaí to leave the courtroom but he refused .
Others accompanying him protested it was “ unlawful ” to be asked to leave a public hearing .
One of the group , who identified herself as Jemima Burke , was warned she would also be removed from the hearing and was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have every right to be here , ” she said .
At one point , gardaí warned a woman who was filming on her mobile phone to desist .
After a break of about three-quarters of an hour , the coroner reconvened .
He said everyone had a right to attend a public hearing but added that in the midst of the Covid pandemic , a serious health issue , indoor gatherings were limited to 14 and what happened was in breach of the guidelines .
Mr O ’ Connor said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who were grieving the loss of their loved one .
“ It is the privacy and integrity and the interests of their daughter that must be given priority , ” the coroner continued .
“ Others may have their own agenda.
” The coroner then said he was “ not prepared for people ’ s health to be endangered or the public guidelines to be flouted ” and adjourned the preliminary hearing to December 16th .
Following the death of Sally Maaz in April , her parents questioned the circumstances surrounding her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rula Maaz said their daughter , who was born with a congenital heart defect , was admitted to the hospital ’ s Covid-19 ward 10 days before she died .
The couple , part of the extensive Syrian community in Ballyhaunis , said she was admitted to the Covid ward even though she had tested negative for coronavirus .
However , according to family , she tested positive before she died .

An inquest into the death of a 17-year-old Leaving Certificate student who died 10 days after allegedly being admitted to a Covid-19 ward of Mayo University Hospital was abandoned on Monday after a man refused to identify himself and disobeyed the instructions of the coroner to leave the courtroom.
Prior to the scheduled start of the inquest into death of Sally Maaz, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, at Ballina Courthouse, coroner Patrick O’Connor noted there were more than the 14 people allowed in the courtroom under Covid regulations.
A man at the rear of the court refused to identify himself and was asked to leave by the coroner.
“I am a member of the public. I do not wish to give my name,” the man stated. He was then asked by Mr O’Connor and gardaí to leave the courtroom but he refused. Others accompanying him protested it was “unlawful” to be asked to leave a public hearing.
READ MORE
One of the group, who identified herself as Jemima Burke, was warned she would also be removed from the hearing and was told to wear a face mask.
“We have every right to be here,” she said. At one point, gardaí warned a woman who was filming on her mobile phone to desist.
Breach of rules
After a break of about three-quarters of an hour, the coroner reconvened. He said everyone had a right to attend a public hearing but added that in the midst of the Covid pandemic, a serious health issue, indoor gatherings were limited to 14 and what happened was in breach of the guidelines.
Mr O’Connor said his main concern was for the Maaz family, who were grieving the loss of their loved one.
“It is the privacy and integrity and the interests of their daughter that must be given priority,” the coroner continued. “Others may have their own agenda.”
The coroner then said he was “not prepared for people’s health to be endangered or the public guidelines to be flouted” and adjourned the preliminary hearing to December 16th.
Following the death of Sally Maaz in April, her parents questioned the circumstances surrounding her death at Mayo University Hospital.
Abdullah and Rula Maaz said their daughter, who was born with a congenital heart defect, was admitted to the hospital’s Covid-19 ward 10 days before she died. The couple, part of the extensive Syrian community in Ballyhaunis, said she was admitted to the Covid ward even though she had tested negative for coronavirus. However, according to family, she tested positive before she died.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Low salaries in childcare sector leads to poor staffing levels, says providers

Providers of childcare services believe that low salaries in the sector impact on the ability to attract and retain qualified staff , and contribute to low morale .
They also believe there is a general sense that the work of the sector is not fully valued , according to a report just published .
The report , published on Monday by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs , assessed the average “ unit cost ” of providing early learning , and school age childcare , at €4.14 per hour .
The report said that the average unit cost was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jurisdictions , with a recent study in Scotland finding an equivalent cost of €4.20 .
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs , Roderic O ’ Gorman , said the report provided a rich and detailed understanding of the childcare market and a sound basis that could inform future funding decisions .
“ While the findings on unit cost give us some confidence in our current levels of State subvention , I am acutely aware that the unit cost is based on pay rates in the sector that are unacceptably low , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department by Crowe , in association with Apteligen , and included a survey that resulted in 573 responses that reflected the overall profile of the sector .
The study found that unit costs in rural areas tended to be lower than in urban ones , and that larger providers benefitted from economies of scale .
However rural providers also said low population numbers and operating in lower income areas , were challenges they faced .
Two-thirds of the respondents operated out of one or two rooms , and just under a quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The majority of respondents ( 83 per cent ) said the capacity to offer attractive wages was a key concern , though 59 per cent said they had not had any staff leave over the previous twelve months .
Staff costs were found to constitute 69 per cent of all costs , with premises accounting for eight per cent , the survey found .
Insurance was found to be one per cent .
The part-time nature of the work , including the fact that some providers closed for the summer months , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualified staff .
“ A common frustration expressed by a number of providers was the perceived complex level of administration required to operate in the sector and comply with regulations ; this administrative workload was reported as onerous and time-consuming , ” the report said .

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Roderic O’Gorman, said the report provided a rich and detailed understanding of the childcare market and a sound basis that could inform future funding decisions. Photograph: iStock
Providers of childcare services believe that low salaries in the sector impact on the ability to attract and retain qualified staff, and contribute to low morale.
They also believe there is a general sense that the work of the sector is not fully valued, according to a report just published.
The report, published on Monday by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, assessed the average “unit cost” of providing early learning, and school age childcare, at €4.14 per hour.
The report said that the average unit cost was closely aligned with data found in other jurisdictions, with a recent study in Scotland finding an equivalent cost of €4.20.
READ MORE
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Roderic O’Gorman, said the report provided a rich and detailed understanding of the childcare market and a sound basis that could inform future funding decisions.
“While the findings on unit cost give us some confidence in our current levels of State subvention, I am acutely aware that the unit cost is based on pay rates in the sector that are unacceptably low,” he said.
The report was drafted for the department by Crowe, in association with Apteligen, and included a survey that resulted in 573 responses that reflected the overall profile of the sector.
The study found that unit costs in rural areas tended to be lower than in urban ones, and that larger providers benefitted from economies of scale.
Staff costs
However rural providers also said low population numbers and operating in lower income areas, were challenges they faced.
Two-thirds of the respondents operated out of one or two rooms, and just under a quarter had more than three rooms available.
The majority of respondents (83 per cent) said the capacity to offer attractive wages was a key concern, though 59 per cent said they had not had any staff leave over the previous twelve months.
Staff costs were found to constitute 69 per cent of all costs, with premises accounting for eight per cent, the survey found. Insurance was found to be one per cent.
The part-time nature of the work, including the fact that some providers closed for the summer months, was also an issue in terms of attracting qualified staff.
“A common frustration expressed by a number of providers was the perceived complex level of administration required to operate in the sector and comply with regulations; this administrative workload was reported as onerous and time-consuming,” the report said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-19--Business owners hold mixed views ahead of increased Covid-19 measures

Eoin Wright is the owner and head stylist at Foundation Hair in Dublin 2 andfacing another spell of unemployment but is philosophical about the prospects of another lockdown .
He has drawn some comfort from the fact that he has been here before and will be better able to dance the shutdown dance this time around .
“ It is what it is and we can ’ t really do anything about it , ” he said .
“ The only good thing is that we have gone through closing and the reopening already and have put in place the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to allow us to reopen safely so we will be better prepared when that happens in a few weeks.
” He suggested a move up the levels of the Living with Covid plan this week will not make as much a difference as it might otherwise have had have as bookings started to fall off a cliff once Dublin went into Level 3 several weeks ago .
“ Once the 5km travel limit came in people started cancelling as they felt they couldn ’ t travel into us from outside the city.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his business has changed in 2020 with the whole schedule of hair appointments turned on its head since the first lockdown .
Late October and November would normally be a quiet month for salons but Wright said he had been anticipating things would be much busier this year with people placing more emphasis on regular appointments and on timing their visits with the Christmas party season .
He anticipated that there would be considerably more black market home visits by stylists this time around as people would inevitably be less compliant with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , April and May .
“ I think that is inevitable and I think it is going to hurt the whole sector , ” he suggested .
Like all his staff he will have to rely on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for the weeks ahead .
“ That is going to be tough for an awful lot of people but hopefully we will have a timeline that can be followed .
It won ’ t be so bad if we know that on a certain date we will be able to go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is an end point it might be okay.
” Dave Price of Perpetua Gym on Dublin ’ s Windmill Lane was more downbeat about the weeks ahead .
“ We re-opened at the end of June and had all the measures in place to run classes safely , ” he said .
“ Then we felt we had to cancel the classes when Dublin moved into Level 3 and now we have to close entirely.
” He said the gym would pivot towards offering online classes in the weeks ahead and stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as physical health .
“ We have to run the online classes , ” he said .
“ We could run outdoor classes but with the dark evening and the poor weather I am not sure how appealing that will be for people .
”

Eoin Wright of Foundation Hair, Dublin: ‘Once the 5km travel limit came in people started cancelling as they felt they couldn’t travel into us from outside the city.’ Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
Eoin Wright is the owner and head stylist at Foundation Hair in Dublin 2 andfacing another spell of unemployment but is philosophical about the prospects of another lockdown.
He has drawn some comfort from the fact that he has been here before and will be better able to dance the shutdown dance this time around.
“It is what it is and we can’t really do anything about it,” he said. “The only good thing is that we have gone through closing and the reopening already and have put in place the measures that needed to be put in place to allow us to reopen safely so we will be better prepared when that happens in a few weeks.”
Do you think your business will be able to survive further restrictions in the coming weeks or months? What impact could it have on your income, your company’s finances, and you personally? Photograph: Getty Images
He suggested a move up the levels of the Living with Covid plan this week will not make as much a difference as it might otherwise have had have as bookings started to fall off a cliff once Dublin went into Level 3 several weeks ago. “Once the 5km travel limit came in people started cancelling as they felt they couldn’t travel into us from outside the city.”
READ MORE
That is not the only was his business has changed in 2020 with the whole schedule of hair appointments turned on its head since the first lockdown.
Black market
Late October and November would normally be a quiet month for salons but Wright said he had been anticipating things would be much busier this year with people placing more emphasis on regular appointments and on timing their visits with the Christmas party season.
He anticipated that there would be considerably more black market home visits by stylists this time around as people would inevitably be less compliant with the regulations now than they were in March, April and May.
“I think that is inevitable and I think it is going to hurt the whole sector,” he suggested.
Like all his staff he will have to rely on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for the weeks ahead. “That is going to be tough for an awful lot of people but hopefully we will have a timeline that can be followed. It won’t be so bad if we know that on a certain date we will be able to go back to work, once we can see there is an end point it might be okay.”
Dave Price of Perpetua Gym on Dublin's Windmill Lane was more downbeat about the weeks ahead. "We re-opened at the end of June and had all the measures in place to run classes safely," he said.
“Then we felt we had to cancel the classes when Dublin moved into Level 3 and now we have to close entirely.”
He said the gym would pivot towards offering online classes in the weeks ahead and stressed the important of exercise for mental as well as physical health.
“We have to run the online classes,” he said. “We could run outdoor classes but with the dark evening and the poor weather I am not sure how appealing that will be for people.”