theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Students risk losing out as online teaching creates ‘digital divide’

If the secondary school students in John Gavin ’ s Irish class thought they were getting off lightly when the schools closed , they had another thing coming .
Gavin broadcasts his classes from a home-made studio equipped with a 27-inch iMac , gigabit broadband and professional-grade microphones .
It allows him to conduct quizzes in real-time , screencast tutorials and share video from his computer screen .
“ Essentially , I ’ m delivering classes online – it ’ s just the class isn ’ t physically there with me .
They don ’ t miss out on anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co Clare .
But his students – whether they like it or not – are the lucky ones .
The dramatic shift from classroom to online learning since the closure of schools just over a week ago has come at a cost .
Many students are losing out because they do not have access to devices and broadband , or their teachers are ill-equipped for remote teaching .
The prospect of long-term school closures raises the chance that some pupils – especially those in exam years – could be disadvantaged considerably .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are equipped to do remote teaching from home is a complete red herring , ” says Gavin .
“ They might have a good set-up in school using Office 365 or Edmodo or Google Classroom .
But many live in remote , rural locations where they don ’ t have fibre broadband or decent computer equipment.
” One teacher in a disadvantaged school , who declined to be named , said she was already worried about the impact on students .
“ I ’ m personally worried that my students are behind already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and emails set up when other schools already had this stuff up and running , ” she says .
Michael Hallissy , a former primary school teacher and founding partner of H2 Learning , agrees that some teachers and schools are at a disadvantage when it comes to online teaching .
“ There is a challenge here in terms of access and equity , ” he says .
“ There are teachers who do not have robust internet and they may not have some of the skills , but they are absolutely brilliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was something that was not on their radar last week.
” Shifting from classroom teaching to remote teaching is not automatic , he says , and requires training and support for those involved .
“ You really need to carefully design learning for online , it is not the same as face to face .
People need to be trained , ” says Hallissy .
The online sharing of educational resources may be useful for those who are digitally trained , he says , but it may overwhelm other teachers who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were all trained to teach in a room in a space with the other learners , so there is a need to give teachers support around what those models of learning look like , ” says Hallissy .
The inequity is not confined to post-primary schools .
The deputy principal of a Waterford-based disadvantaged primary school believes the current crisis is only making divisions mare apparent .
“ Consider the children with no electricity in their houses ; people have been laid off .
I know of a family that , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the last thing to be paid , ” says the deputy principal , who declined to be named as she did not want to identify the school .
The home community school liaison teacher in the school went to a toy store following the school closures to source items for some of the children , she says .
He delivered things such as colouring pencils , crayons , colouring books and Lego to students who are without .
“ Some of our students are without a desk , never mind a laptop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say greater training and support for teachers for remote education is urgently needed .
One short-term measure which could make a big difference is that schools could provide their in-school devices to students while the buildings are closed .
“ All those iPads or notebooks or laptops are useless in the schools right now , ” says Gavin , who also runs Leavingcertirish.com , a revision website for students .
“ Give them to the students now so they can make use of them .
”

If the secondary school students in John Gavin’s Irish class thought they were getting off lightly when the schools closed, they had another thing coming.
Gavin broadcasts his classes from a home-made studio equipped with a 27-inch iMac, gigabit broadband and professional-grade microphones. It allows him to conduct quizzes in real-time, screencast tutorials and share video from his computer screen.
"Essentially, I'm delivering classes online – it's just the class isn't physically there with me. They don't miss out on anything," says Gavin from Tulla, Co Clare.
But his students – whether they like it or not – are the lucky ones.
READ MORE
The dramatic shift from classroom to online learning since the closure of schools just over a week ago has come at a cost.
Many students are losing out because they do not have access to devices and broadband, or their teachers are ill-equipped for remote teaching.
The prospect of long-term school closures raises the chance that some pupils – especially those in exam years – could be disadvantaged considerably.
“The idea that all teachers out there are equipped to do remote teaching from home is a complete red herring,” says Gavin.
"They might have a good set-up in school using Office 365 or Edmodo or Google Classroom. But many live in remote, rural locations where they don't have fibre broadband or decent computer equipment."
One teacher in a disadvantaged school, who declined to be named, said she was already worried about the impact on students.
“I’m personally worried that my students are behind already because we are struggling to get systems and emails set up when other schools already had this stuff up and running,” she says.
Michael Hallissy, a former primary school teacher and founding partner of H2 Learning, agrees that some teachers and schools are at a disadvantage when it comes to online teaching.
“There is a challenge here in terms of access and equity,” he says. “There are teachers who do not have robust internet and they may not have some of the skills, but they are absolutely brilliant teachers,” he says. “This was something that was not on their radar last week.”
Training and support
Shifting from classroom teaching to remote teaching is not automatic, he says, and requires training and support for those involved.
“You really need to carefully design learning for online, it is not the same as face to face. People need to be trained,” says Hallissy.
The online sharing of educational resources may be useful for those who are digitally trained, he says, but it may overwhelm other teachers who are just finding their digital feet.
“We were all trained to teach in a room in a space with the other learners, so there is a need to give teachers support around what those models of learning look like,” says Hallissy.
The inequity is not confined to post-primary schools. The deputy principal of a Waterford-based disadvantaged primary school believes the current crisis is only making divisions mare apparent.
“Consider the children with no electricity in their houses; people have been laid off. I know of a family that, on a regular day, the electricity bill is the last thing to be paid,” says the deputy principal, who declined to be named as she did not want to identify the school.
The home community school liaison teacher in the school went to a toy store following the school closures to source items for some of the children, she says. He delivered things such as colouring pencils, crayons, colouring books and Lego to students who are without.
“Some of our students are without a desk, never mind a laptop,” she says.
Most teachers say greater training and support for teachers for remote education is urgently needed.
One short-term measure which could make a big difference is that schools could provide their in-school devices to students while the buildings are closed.
"All those iPads or notebooks or laptops are useless in the schools right now," says Gavin, who also runs Leavingcertirish.com, a revision website for students. "Give them to the students now so they can make use of them."


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--'Big flaws in these plans': New Clontarf flood defences selected

The construction of new flood defences in Clontarf , Dublin , is to go ahead almost a decade after controversial coastal barriers were rejected by local residents .
Dublin City Council has selected a “ dual wall ” solution , with the main barrier at the sea and a secondary defence wall located along the footpath at Clontarf Road .
Parts of the secondary wall will be demountable .
The demountable sections will be used in areas where higher defences , above 1.2m , are needed and will be erected at times when the area is at risk of flooding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at “ significant risk of flooding ” the council said .
The council secured planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in 2008 to build flood defences up to 2.75m ( 9ft ) involving earthen embankments and walls at a cost of €4 million .
Following objections from local residents , the council offered to reduce the height of the protective embankment to 2.17m ( 7ft ) , the lowest height permitted by An Bord Pleanála .
However , despite having been hit by an “ extreme tidal event ” in February 2002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2004 , both of which caused damage to homes and businesses , residents opposed this reduced barrier .
The council said it received more than 2,000 submissions which had been “ virtually wholly opposed ” to the project going ahead even in its modified form .
Locals had described the defences as a “ cheap and nasty solution ” and an “ eyesore ” .
Safety concerns of walkers using the promenade were also raised .
Large yellow sandbags have been left in place along the Clontarf Road since .
In late 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barriers up to 1.6m tall ( 5ft 3 ) , also involving a dual wall solution , which it intended to submit to An Bord Pleanála .
However , concerns remained in relation to the heights , with residents worried in particular that women walking along the sea promenade would not be visible from the road due to the secondary wall .
The council now says that , “ after much discussion and consultation ” with a joint working group of local elected representatives , council officials and community representatives , it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demountable barriers used where the height would exceed 1.2m .
The revised cost of the project is not yet known .
The council said “ additional work exploring possible procurement options is currently ongoing ” .
However , Green Party councillor Donna Cooney said she remained unhappy with the plans , which would involve using the cycleway and promenade as a flood plain , with the waters blocked from reaching the road by the secondary wall .
“ I honestly don ’ t see why you would protect the road but not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sea side of the cycleway .
Also demountables rely on manpower which requires time and money and enough warning for the perfect storm.
” Ms Cooney said she would favour a “ well-designed multifunctional flood defence ” which could involve a raised cycleway on top of the barrier to create passive viewing .
“ I see big flaws in these plans and they don ’ t seem to have taken into account the concerns raised , particularly in relation to passive surveillance of the promenade .
They haven ’ t even costed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Large yellow sandbags have been left in place along the Clontarf Road following flooding. Photograph: Alan Betson
The construction of new flood defences in Clontarf, Dublin, is to go ahead almost a decade after controversial coastal barriers were rejected by local residents.
Dublin City Council has selected a "dual wall" solution, with the main barrier at the sea and a secondary defence wall located along the footpath at Clontarf Road. Parts of the secondary wall will be demountable.
The demountable sections will be used in areas where higher defences, above 1.2m, are needed and will be erected at times when the area is at risk of flooding. An estimated 400 homes and businesses are at “significant risk of flooding” the council said.
The council secured planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in 2008 to build flood defences up to 2.75m (9ft) involving earthen embankments and walls at a cost of €4 million.
READ MORE
Following objections from local residents, the council offered to reduce the height of the protective embankment to 2.17m (7ft), the lowest height permitted by An Bord Pleanála.
However, despite having been hit by an “extreme tidal event” in February 2002 and a less severe one in October 2004, both of which caused damage to homes and businesses, residents opposed this reduced barrier.
Submissions
The council said it received more than 2,000 submissions which had been “virtually wholly opposed” to the project going ahead even in its modified form. Locals had described the defences as a “cheap and nasty solution” and an “eyesore”. Safety concerns of walkers using the promenade were also raised. Large yellow sandbags have been left in place along the Clontarf Road since.
In late 2018 the council proposed new €10 million defence barriers up to 1.6m tall (5ft 3), also involving a dual wall solution, which it intended to submit to An Bord Pleanála. However, concerns remained in relation to the heights, with residents worried in particular that women walking along the sea promenade would not be visible from the road due to the secondary wall.
The council now says that, “after much discussion and consultation” with a joint working group of local elected representatives, council officials and community representatives, it had decided on a solution that would see demountable barriers used where the height would exceed 1.2m.
The revised cost of the project is not yet known. The council said “additional work exploring possible procurement options is currently ongoing”.
However, Green Party councillor Donna Cooney said she remained unhappy with the plans, which would involve using the cycleway and promenade as a flood plain, with the waters blocked from reaching the road by the secondary wall.
“I honestly don’t see why you would protect the road but not the cycleway. The wall should be on the sea side of the cycleway. Also demountables rely on manpower which requires time and money and enough warning for the perfect storm.”
Ms Cooney said she would favour a “well-designed multifunctional flood defence” which could involve a raised cycleway on top of the barrier to create passive viewing.
“I see big flaws in these plans and they don’t seem to have taken into account the concerns raised, particularly in relation to passive surveillance of the promenade. They haven’t even costed the alternatives before deciding to dismiss them.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Public transport companies give details of alcohol and drugs tests

Irish Rail , Dublin Bus and Luas have all sacked or sanctioned drivers over the past three years for failing alcohol and drugs tests .
Irish Rail said a minimum of 5 per cent ( 190 ) of all its 3,800 employees – across all roles – undergo random drug and alcohol testing every year .
There were also “ for cause ” tests carried out after any incidents , spokesman Barry Kenny said .
One train driver failed a test over the past three years , he added .
The employee was “ subject to our disciplinary process ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a safety-critical role ” .
“ The test was positive for alcohol in a post-incident situation , arising from shunting out-of-service vehicles , ” Mr Kenny said .
The incident happened in 2018 .
There were 220 tests carried out across all staff last year , 226 the previous year and 193 in 2017 .
There was no breakdown of how many drivers were among them .
Dublin Bus said all its internal testing for drugs and alcohol was carried out by the CIÉ medical department .
“ Under the Road Traffic Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested for drugs and alcohol at mandatory checkpoints or if involved in a road traffic accident , ” said Dublin Bus spokeswoman Carol Donohue .
“ We have had one failed test over the past three years as a result of an alcohol test post-incident .
Ms Donohoe declined to detail any of the circumstances surrounding the incident or the number of random checks carried out by Dublin Bus on its drivers every year .
Separately , a Luas driver was also sacked over the past three years for failing a drugs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capital ’ s light rail system , refused to answer any questions about the incident ; however , Transport Infrastructure Ireland ( TII ) – the State agency in charge of roads and railways – confirmed the dismissal .
In response to a parliamentary question by Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy , the TII ’ s head of regulatory and administration , Gary Lynch , said : “ One instance occurred in the past three years in which a Luas driver failed a drugs and alcohol test .
“ The sanction imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Light Rail , in such cases is dismissal from employment , ” he added .
Dervla Brophy , spokeswoman for Transdev , declined to answer a number of questions about the incident , saying : “ We ’ ve no comment.
” Bus Éireann said none of its staff had failed any such tests over the past decade .
It said all alcohol and drug testing on Bus Éireann staff was carried out by the CIÉ medical department .
“ Over the past 10 years , no Bus Éireann employee has tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Sheridan .
“ All staff have an obligation to comply with the company ’ s drug and alcohol policy.
” Mr Sheridan declined to give numbers for testing on staff .
In January Bus Éireann apologised after one of its drivers failed a Garda breathalyser test while in charge of a bus with passengers on board on New Year ’ s Day .
Ms Murphy said she would like to see more transparency in relation to how alcohol and drugs testing is handled by public transport operators .
“ There is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers on public transport that you carry them safely , ” she said .
“ It would be useful and important to see where alcohol and drugs testing fits into each of the operators ’ risk assessments : whether it ’ s random or routine ; if it ’ s internal , what kind of a code does it come under .
“ There is a deficiency of information .
But I don ’ t think there is very significant evidence that there is a wholesale problem and that has to be acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that private operators of public transport needed to be equally opened to the same scrutiny .

Irish Rail said one train driver failed a test over the past three years, and ‘is no longer employed in a safety-critical role’. File photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times
Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Luas have all sacked or sanctioned drivers over the past three years for failing alcohol and drugs tests.
Irish Rail said a minimum of 5 per cent (190) of all its 3,800 employees – across all roles – undergo random drug and alcohol testing every year.
There were also “for cause” tests carried out after any incidents, spokesman Barry Kenny said.
One train driver failed a test over the past three years, he added.
READ MORE
The employee was “subject to our disciplinary process” and “is no longer employed in a safety-critical role”.
“The test was positive for alcohol in a post-incident situation, arising from shunting out-of-service vehicles,” Mr Kenny said. The incident happened in 2018.
There were 220 tests carried out across all staff last year, 226 the previous year and 193 in 2017. There was no breakdown of how many drivers were among them.
Dublin Bus said all its internal testing for drugs and alcohol was carried out by the CIÉ medical department.
"Under the Road Traffic Act 2016 our bus drivers can be randomly tested for drugs and alcohol at mandatory checkpoints or if involved in a road traffic accident," said Dublin Bus spokeswoman Carol Donohue.
“We have had one failed test over the past three years as a result of an alcohol test post-incident.
“The relevant employee’s contract of employment was subsequently terminated.”
Circumstances
Ms Donohoe declined to detail any of the circumstances surrounding the incident or the number of random checks carried out by Dublin Bus on its drivers every year.
Separately, a Luas driver was also sacked over the past three years for failing a drugs and alcohol test.
Transdev, which operates the capital's light rail system, refused to answer any questions about the incident; however, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) – the State agency in charge of roads and railways – confirmed the dismissal.
In response to a parliamentary question by Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy, the TII's head of regulatory and administration, Gary Lynch, said: "One instance occurred in the past three years in which a Luas driver failed a drugs and alcohol test.
"The sanction imposed by the Luas operator, Transdev Dublin Light Rail, in such cases is dismissal from employment," he added.
Dervla Brophy, spokeswoman for Transdev, declined to answer a number of questions about the incident, saying: "We've no comment."
Bus Éireann said none of its staff had failed any such tests over the past decade.
It said all alcohol and drug testing on Bus Éireann staff was carried out by the CIÉ medical department.
There is a very significant obligation when you are carrying passengers on public transport
"Over the past 10 years, no Bus Éireann employee has tested positive under such tests," said spokesman John Sheridan.
“All staff have an obligation to comply with the company’s drug and alcohol policy.”
Mr Sheridan declined to give numbers for testing on staff.
Breathalyser
In January Bus Éireann apologised after one of its drivers failed a Garda breathalyser test while in charge of a bus with passengers on board on New Year’s Day.
Ms Murphy said she would like to see more transparency in relation to how alcohol and drugs testing is handled by public transport operators.
“There is a very significant obligation when you are carrying passengers on public transport that you carry them safely,” she said.
“It would be useful and important to see where alcohol and drugs testing fits into each of the operators’ risk assessments: whether it’s random or routine; if it’s internal, what kind of a code does it come under.
“There is a deficiency of information. But I don’t think there is very significant evidence that there is a wholesale problem and that has to be acknowledged at the same time.”
Ms Murphy added that private operators of public transport needed to be equally opened to the same scrutiny.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Delays in testing and tracing are the real problem

The news that 40,000 people across the country are waiting for a coronavirus test will come as no surprise to doctors and commentators who have been saying for days that long delays were occurring in the system .
The HSE is now acknowledging people are waiting an average of four to five days to get tested ; add in at least another two days for the swabbed sample to be processed and results reported back to the patients , and that gives an average delay of a week .
This is bad news for a system allegedly following the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test , test ” .
It is also of concern that it has taken so long for the system to admit to the delays , after journalists were last week being fobbed off with non-specific answers to their questions .
It bears repeating ; the public wants the truth , and their trust will be compromised without it .
People understand how difficult it is to suddenly scale up supply to meet demands in a crisis such as this .
They understand that countries all over the world are competing for the supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are available .
They recognise the great efforts that have been made to ramp up supplies , and to pay for them .
Yet the numbers barely add up ; the HSE says 40,000 kits are being distributed now , with a further 20,000 to come during the week and talks ongoing about a supply of 100,000 kits a week from China .
This is to clear the backlog , perform 4,500 tests a day and meet the inevitable increase in demand as contacts are traced and people fall ill. People waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if their condition worsens , get medical help .
To that extent , they aren ’ t greatly affected by the delay , aside from the stress caused by waiting .
The real problem is that the delays in testing are causing knock-on delays in contact tracing , the other essential element in the two-pronged approach used by Asian countries to successfully tackle their epidemics .
When a person tests positive , we urgently need to contact anyone they have been in close contact with , so they can modify their behaviour and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But if we ’ re coming at this a week late , those contacts of the “ index ” case may themselves have shed the virus and infected others by the time the contact tracers knock on their door .
There may also be problems around properly remembering who you were in contact with a week earlier .
Although healthcare workers are supposed to be prioritised for testing , they have also been affected by the delays .
This means more of them spend longer unavailable to work in the health service , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate from the general issues outlined above .
In one large Dublin hospital last week , 100 nurses and 30 doctors were unable to work for this reason , and delays most probably were responsible for many of these absences .
This situation is disturbing now , but will be completely untenable when the surge properly comes .
Testing is not the only part of our response showing early strain .
The supply of PPE or personal protective equipment and oxygen is an issue for many medical professionals in many parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulties involved in ramping up orders when international demand is soaring .
The experience of China shows equipment needs to be directed to where it ’ s most needed .
Can we do this successfully in our fractured health system , traditionally full of sectoral fiefdoms and rivalries ?
Who , in this “ war ” , carries the clout to order hospitals to redirect equipment to other hospitals , or to get them to take in patients when they feel they are already overloaded ?
We are told the Taoiseach is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the virus , also known as Covid-19 , but what is the chain of command below him ?
Who will be the deliverer of bad news ?
The person making unpalatable decisions ?
The clinical leader rallying battle-weary doctors and nurses ?
More clarity and clearer leadership on this would be welcome .
The weekend has been dominated by discourse about a minority of people not observing social distancing rules .
In reality , we are more likely to need a lockdown as a result of misfiring testing and contract tracing systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on beaches and in parks .

There are now about 40,000 people in Ireland waiting for a test for the coronavirus, the HSE said at a briefing on Sunday.
The news that 40,000 people across the country are waiting for a coronavirus test will come as no surprise to doctors and commentators who have been saying for days that long delays were occurring in the system.
The HSE is now acknowledging people are waiting an average of four to five days to get tested; add in at least another two days for the swabbed sample to be processed and results reported back to the patients, and that gives an average delay of a week.
This is bad news for a system allegedly following the World Health Organisation advice to "test, test, test". It is also of concern that it has taken so long for the system to admit to the delays, after journalists were last week being fobbed off with non-specific answers to their questions.
It bears repeating; the public wants the truth, and their trust will be compromised without it. People understand how difficult it is to suddenly scale up supply to meet demands in a crisis such as this. They understand that countries all over the world are competing for the supplies of testing equipment and personal protective equipment that are available.
READ MORE
They recognise the great efforts that have been made to ramp up supplies, and to pay for them. Yet the numbers barely add up; the HSE says 40,000 kits are being distributed now, with a further 20,000 to come during the week and talks ongoing about a supply of 100,000 kits a week from China. This is to clear the backlog, perform 4,500 tests a day and meet the inevitable increase in demand as contacts are traced and people fall ill.
It is planned that patients with mild symptoms will recover in isolation in the community, rather than in hospital, where all coronavirus cases are being treated at present. Photograph: Michael Cooper/PA Wire
People waiting to be tested should self-isolate and, if their condition worsens, get medical help. To that extent, they aren’t greatly affected by the delay, aside from the stress caused by waiting.
The real problem is that the delays in testing are causing knock-on delays in contact tracing, the other essential element in the two-pronged approach used by Asian countries to successfully tackle their epidemics.
In one large Dublin hospital last week, 100 nurses and 30 doctors were unable to work due to being in self-isolation
When a person tests positive, we urgently need to contact anyone they have been in close contact with, so they can modify their behaviour and remove the risk of further transmission. But if we’re coming at this a week late, those contacts of the “index” case may themselves have shed the virus and infected others by the time the contact tracers knock on their door. There may also be problems around properly remembering who you were in contact with a week earlier.
Although healthcare workers are supposed to be prioritised for testing, they have also been affected by the delays. This means more of them spend longer unavailable to work in the health service, due to the requirement for self-isolation, separate from the general issues outlined above.
In one large Dublin hospital last week, 100 nurses and 30 doctors were unable to work for this reason, and delays most probably were responsible for many of these absences. This situation is disturbing now, but will be completely untenable when the surge properly comes.
Equipment
Testing is not the only part of our response showing early strain. The supply of PPE or personal protective equipment and oxygen is an issue for many medical professionals in many parts of the country. Again, people understand the difficulties involved in ramping up orders when international demand is soaring.
The experience of China shows equipment needs to be directed to where it’s most needed. Can we do this successfully in our fractured health system, traditionally full of sectoral fiefdoms and rivalries? Who, in this “war”, carries the clout to order hospitals to redirect equipment to other hospitals, or to get them to take in patients when they feel they are already overloaded?
We are told the Taoiseach is in overall command of Ireland’s response to the virus, also known as Covid-19, but what is the chain of command below him? Who will be the deliverer of bad news? The person making unpalatable decisions? The clinical leader rallying battle-weary doctors and nurses? More clarity and clearer leadership on this would be welcome.
The weekend has been dominated by discourse about a minority of people not observing social distancing rules. In reality, we are more likely to need a lockdown as a result of misfiring testing and contract tracing systems than because people chose to take walks on beaches and in parks.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Political pressure will not dictate response, says Coveney

Any decision to further tighten restrictions on the movement of people to deal with the coronavirus crisis will be taken on foot of medical advice and not political pressure , Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said .
Mr Coveney said a tightening of restrictions will be taken if required and advised by the Chief Medical Officer , Dr Tony Holohan .
The Tánaiste ’ s comments came after Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that workplaces where people can not adequately practice social distancing should close .
“ If it is necessary in the days and weeks ahead to tighten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we will do that immediately on the advice of the CMO , ” Mr Coveney told RTÉ ’ s This Week programme .
Differences also emerged between Fianna Fáil and the Government over how some aspects of the crisis are being handled .
Robert Troy , the party ’ s business spokesman , called on the Government to introduce a 12-month moratorium on local authority rates rather that current plans to defer rates for three months on a case-by-case basis .
“ The current Government policy for a three-month rates deferral are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in complete freefall and are being introduced ad hoc by each local authority , ” Mr Troy said .
Work is ongoing among Ministers and officials on finalising an income support scheme for people who lose their jobs , as well as measures on providing childcare for frontline staff in the health sector .
Mr Coveney said the Government is “ going to introduce a significant and supportive economic package in the coming days that will go well beyond what we have announced to date ” .
“ That will treat everybody equally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to separate the people who have lost their jobs to date from the people who may lose their jobs next week ... We want to do something that provides , if you like , a guaranteed level of income for everybody across the country.
” A number of models on income support – such as providing a percentage of wages up to a certain limit or a flat rate payment – are understood to be under consideration .
Meanwhile , Ms McDonald has reacted angrily to suggestions from Fine Gael that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unity government as long as it does not include Sinn Féin .
She accused the Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader , Leo Varadkar , of having the “ politics of exclusion ” at the foremost in his mind .
“ You can ’ t have a unity government , you can ’ t have a consensus , if you insist on excluding people like me who represents a quarter of the voting population in the last election.
” There is ongoing concern about the ability to pass legislation through the Oireachtas in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Senior Government sources have previously said the incoming Seanad , which will be elected in the week after March 30th , can not sit until 11 nominees appointed by a new taoiseach are in place .
Under the legislation , Mr Varadkar , as outgoing Taoiseach , is not empowered to choose them , sources had said .
Attorney General Séamus Woulfe has provided Mr Varadkar with legal advice on the issue .
Senior Government sources said there are “ conflicting legal opinions ” but added “ there is no question that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be open to challenge without the Taoiseach ’ s nominees.
” However , it was added that money Bills don ’ t need to be passed by the Seanad , but just referred to it .

Maureen Canavan from the Department of the Taoiseach outlines the latest measures the Government are taking to deal with problems arising from Covid-19. Video: RTE
Any decision to further tighten restrictions on the movement of people to deal with the coronavirus crisis will be taken on foot of medical advice and not political pressure, Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said.
Mr Coveney said a tightening of restrictions will be taken if required and advised by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan.
The Tánaiste’s comments came after Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that workplaces where people cannot adequately practice social distancing should close.
“If it is necessary in the days and weeks ahead to tighten the restrictions, we will do that and we will do that immediately on the advice of the CMO,” Mr Coveney told RTÉ’s This Week programme.
READ MORE
Differences also emerged between Fianna Fáil and the Government over how some aspects of the crisis are being handled.
Robert Troy, the party's business spokesman, called on the Government to introduce a 12-month moratorium on local authority rates rather that current plans to defer rates for three months on a case-by-case basis.
“The current Government policy for a three-month rates deferral are nowhere near enough for sectors that are in complete freefall and are being introduced ad hoc by each local authority,” Mr Troy said.
Income support
Work is ongoing among Ministers and officials on finalising an income support scheme for people who lose their jobs, as well as measures on providing childcare for frontline staff in the health sector.
Mr Coveney said the Government is “going to introduce a significant and supportive economic package in the coming days that will go well beyond what we have announced to date”.
“That will treat everybody equally, so in other words we are not going to separate the people who have lost their jobs to date from the people who may lose their jobs next week... We want to do something that provides, if you like, a guaranteed level of income for everybody across the country.”
You can't have a unity government, you can't have a consensus, if you insist on excluding people like me
A number of models on income support – such as providing a percentage of wages up to a certain limit or a flat rate payment – are understood to be under consideration.
Meanwhile, Ms McDonald has reacted angrily to suggestions from Fine Gael that it is not ruling out a national unity government as long as it does not include Sinn Féin.
‘Politics of exclusion’
She accused the Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Leo Varadkar, of having the "politics of exclusion" at the foremost in his mind.
“You can’t have a unity government, you can’t have a consensus, if you insist on excluding people like me who represents a quarter of the voting population in the last election.”
There is ongoing concern about the ability to pass legislation through the Oireachtas in the absence of a new government being formed.
Senior Government sources have previously said the incoming Seanad, which will be elected in the week after March 30th, cannot sit until 11 nominees appointed by a new taoiseach are in place. Under the legislation, Mr Varadkar, as outgoing Taoiseach, is not empowered to choose them, sources had said.
Attorney General Séamus Woulfe has provided Mr Varadkar with legal advice on the issue. Senior Government sources said there are “conflicting legal opinions” but added “there is no question that... any legislation passed by the Seanad could be open to challenge without the Taoiseach’s nominees.”
However, it was added that money Bills don’t need to be passed by the Seanad, but just referred to it.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Gardaí could close public spaces under proposed coronavirus measures

Gardaí and local authorities may be told to close public spaces where social distancing is not being practised , under new measures being considered to limit the spread of coronavirus .
The proposal comes as the death of a fourth person from the virus , also known as Covid-19 , was announced on Sunday and concern grew over the backlog of people awaiting testing for the disease .
More than 40,000 people are awaiting a test , with the average delay four to five days , HSE officials said on Sunday .
Adding the time it takes to process the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to find out if they have the disease .
Acknowledging the delays , HSE chief executive Paul Reid said 40,000 testing kits were being distributed at the moment and 20,000 more would be available on Wednesday .
He said the HSE was in advanced negotiations with China to secure another 100,000 kits .
Testing will be available at 41 centres nationally from Tuesday .
Cork GP Dr Nick Flynn described the backlog of people waiting for tests as “ a problem ” .
“ The success or failure of our delay strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease and early contact tracing .
It ’ s not good enough simply to say that people waiting for a test are self-isolating.
” Dr Flynn said it would also be helpful to know what percentage of tests carried out so far are still awaiting processing .
The new movement restrictions , which may be applied to areas such as beaches , parks and caravan parks that become overcrowded , are due to be considered by the National Public Health Emergency Team tomorrow .
The proposals have been drawn up following concerns that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches , mountains and walking routes – as during fine weather over the weekend – could be helping the spread of the disease .
The emergency team is also likely to recommend the extension of existing restrictions on mass gatherings and the closure of schools beyond March 29th .
On foot of concerns raised by doctors about a shortage of personal protective equipment when treating patients with Covid-19 , Mr Reid said the health service had “ a good stock overall ” .
The HSE had a €200 million order in for 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400,000 gowns , he said .
Aer Lingus is expected to air-freight the consignment from a Chinese warehouse to Ireland shortly .
The amount of equipment involved represents 13 years of normal supply .
Dr Donal O ’ Hanlon , president of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association wrote to Minister for Health Simon Harris on Friday , saying that doctors across the country were reporting widespread shortages of personal protective equipment .
He said stocks were “ running out ” in some locations , “ leaving frontline staff and their patients in extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to die in the Republic was a male patient in the east of the country .
A further 121 new cases were confirmed on Sunday evening , bringing the total to 906 .
While this is below the 1,300 forecast under the Government ’ s modelling , this is not regarded as significant because the outbreak is still at an early stage .
However , public health doctors carrying out contact tracing are finding that the majority of contacts of confirmed cases are mostly household members , according to chief medical officer Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , as in China , most people get the disease from a family member rather than in the wider community .
Northern Ireland on Sunday recorded a second death , 20 new cases and a total of 128 cases of the disease .
Referring to the record 793 deaths recorded in Italy on Saturday , Mr Reid said Ireland can “ make it so different ” but needed to grasp the opportunity to save lives over the next seven days .
Italy last evening had recorded 5,560 new confirmed cases in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 59,138 .
Total deaths number 5,476 .
The Department of Education said there was no intention “ at this moment ” to cancel or postpone the Leaving or Junior Cert exams this summer .
Senior Government officials are due to meet today to discuss proposals for providing childcare for essential healthcare workers during the coming months .
All McDonald ’ s restaurants in the UK and Ireland will close by 7pm on Monday at the latest to protect the safety of their employees and customers , the company said last night .

Dollymount beach on Sunday. The proposals have been drawn up following concerns that large groups of people who gather at beaches, mountains and walking routes – as during fine weather over the weekend – could be helping the spread of coronavirus. Photograph: Alan Betson
Gardaí and local authorities may be told to close public spaces where social distancing is not being practised, under new measures being considered to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The proposal comes as the death of a fourth person from the virus, also known as Covid-19, was announced on Sunday and concern grew over the backlog of people awaiting testing for the disease.
More than 40,000 people are awaiting a test, with the average delay four to five days, HSE officials said on Sunday. Adding the time it takes to process the test, many patients are waiting a week to find out if they have the disease.
Acknowledging the delays, HSE chief executive Paul Reid said 40,000 testing kits were being distributed at the moment and 20,000 more would be available on Wednesday. He said the HSE was in advanced negotiations with China to secure another 100,000 kits. Testing will be available at 41 centres nationally from Tuesday.
READ MORE
Cork GP Dr Nick Flynn described the backlog of people waiting for tests as "a problem".
“The success or failure of our delay strategy is all about early diagnosis of the disease and early contact tracing. It’s not good enough simply to say that people waiting for a test are self-isolating.”
Dr Flynn said it would also be helpful to know what percentage of tests carried out so far are still awaiting processing.
The new movement restrictions, which may be applied to areas such as beaches, parks and caravan parks that become overcrowded, are due to be considered by the National Public Health Emergency Team tomorrow.
The proposals have been drawn up following concerns that large groups of people who gather at beaches, mountains and walking routes – as during fine weather over the weekend – could be helping the spread of the disease.
The emergency team is also likely to recommend the extension of existing restrictions on mass gatherings and the closure of schools beyond March 29th.
On foot of concerns raised by doctors about a shortage of personal protective equipment when treating patients with Covid-19, Mr Reid said the health service had “a good stock overall”.
The HSE had a €200 million order in for 11 million masks, 1 million goggles and 400,000 gowns, he said.
Aer Lingus is expected to air-freight the consignment from a Chinese warehouse to Ireland shortly. The amount of equipment involved represents 13 years of normal supply.
Ellen Creed, from Dublin, with the flowers left outside her door for Mother’s Day after the HSE urged people to comply with social distancing guidelines during the holiday. Photograph: Bryan O Brien
Dr Donal O’Hanlon, president of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association wrote to Minister for Health Simon Harris on Friday, saying that doctors across the country were reporting widespread shortages of personal protective equipment. He said stocks were “running out” in some locations, “leaving frontline staff and their patients in extremely exposed positions”.
The fourth person to die in the Republic was a male patient in the east of the country. A further 121 new cases were confirmed on Sunday evening, bringing the total to 906.
While this is below the 1,300 forecast under the Government’s modelling, this is not regarded as significant because the outbreak is still at an early stage.
However, public health doctors carrying out contact tracing are finding that the majority of contacts of confirmed cases are mostly household members, according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
This appears to show that, as in China, most people get the disease from a family member rather than in the wider community.
Northern Ireland on Sunday recorded a second death, 20 new cases and a total of 128 cases of the disease.
Referring to the record 793 deaths recorded in Italy on Saturday, Mr Reid said Ireland can "make it so different" but needed to grasp the opportunity to save lives over the next seven days.
Italy last evening had recorded 5,560 new confirmed cases in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total to 59,138. Total deaths number 5,476.
The Department of Education said there was no intention “at this moment” to cancel or postpone the Leaving or Junior Cert exams this summer.
Senior Government officials are due to meet today to discuss proposals for providing childcare for essential healthcare workers during the coming months.
All McDonald’s restaurants in the UK and Ireland will close by 7pm on Monday at the latest to protect the safety of their employees and customers, the company said last night.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Three men arrested as gardaí target dissident republicans

Three men have been arrested by gardaí targeting dissident republicanism .
Two are aged in their 40s and one in @ @ @ @ @ detained in the midlands area and are being held in Dublin .
The Special Detective @ @ @ @ @ Emergency Response Unit and other national units during the arrest operation .
It remains a @ @ @ @ @ are being carried out by the Special Detective Unit supported by the Divisional Search team @ @ @ @ @ .
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey , Policing and Security , said : “ This ongoing @ @ @ @ @ determination to ensure the security of our State , in the midst of the ongoing @ @ @ @ @ All of An Garda Síochána ’ s specialist units whose responsibility it is to protect @ @ @ @ @ continued to be fully resourced and active keeping people safe at this time.
” – @

Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey said: “All of An Garda Síochána’s specialist units whose responsibility it is to protect the security of the State continued to be fully resourced and active keeping people safe at this time.” File photograph: Frank Miller
Three men have been arrested by gardaí targeting dissident republicanism.
Two are aged in their 40s and one in his 50s.
They were detained in the midlands area and are being held in Dublin.
The Special Detective Unit was supported by the Emergency Response Unit and other national units during the arrest operation.
READ MORE
It remains a live operation and further searches are being carried out by the Special Detective Unit supported by the Divisional Search team and the Garda Dog Unit.
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey, Policing and Security, said: "This ongoing operation demonstrates An Garda Síochána determination to ensure the security of our State, in the midst of the ongoing critical Covid-19 situation.
“All of An Garda Síochána’s specialist units whose responsibility it is to protect the security of the State continued to be fully resourced and active keeping people safe at this time.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Coronavirus confinement: Thirteen tips to make self-isolating easier

In the days ahead many of us will be spending a lot more time in our homes .
Some people will be working from home , some people will be self-isolating and too many people will be sick .
For those who are well but struggling to cope with the confinement ( and we include ourselves in that cohort , to be honest ) thought we ’ d look for some diversions that will hopefully not only help us through the tough days ahead but might also save us a few bob .
And – all going well – we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ukulele too .
1 : Cook up a storm .
If you are anything like Pricewatch you have mountains of cookbooks that you have bought over many years that you barely look at now .
They just sit on shelves judging you and reminding you of your tendency to waste money on the one hand while lecturing the nation on how to be better with money on the other .
.
.
Oh wait , that ’ s just us !
Well , with little else to distract you in the days ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cookbooks up and see if they have anything on their pages that you fancy ?
Another option when it comes to cooking is to use the great sage that is the internet to match the ingredients you have in your house after that joyless , panic-fuelled sweep of the supermarket last week with recipes that might use them .
There are loads of sites that provide such a service but one that we like the look of is supercook.com .
It is ridiculously simple to use .
Add whatever ingredients you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today and it will instantly give you some excellent ideas .
We fed the site parmesan , onions , milk , garlic , potatoes and broccoli and it gave us parmesan and broccoli stuffed potatoes which – we have to say – not only sounded amazing , it also sounded really easy to do .
Have we done it yet ?
No , but we will .
2 : Walkies .
We can ’ t hang out with each other for a while .
We all know that – or at least most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who don ’ t need to start copping themselves on .
But just because we have to keep our distance for a while does not mean we have to stay in our houses forever .
There are a lot of people walking the legs off themselves – and their poor unfortunate dogs – these days .
It ’ s a free and safe way to clear the head and get a bit fitter .
But remember , it ’ s probably best to avoid places where there are loads of other walkers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another option would be to set yourself some class of running challenge – a couch-to-5k kind of thing .
Getting fitting will make you feel better .
3 : Statements of intent .
Spend a little time in the days ahead getting your head around exactly where your money is going each month so you can work out what you can do to cut back .
The good news is it is neither as tedious or as difficult as it sounds .
There was a time when carrying out even the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endless sheaves of bank statements , collecting all your receipts and looking over incomprehensible utility bills .
And maybe even staring mystified at cheque stubs .
But times have changed and technology is now your friend .
So , the first step on your road to financial redemption will see you log on to your online bank account so you can go through the last six months of your transactions – or year if you ’ re feeling bored .
Keep an eye out for all payments or direct debits that look unfamiliar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the payment is substantial or just €2.99 for some online service you have long since forgotten you signed up for .
Cancel all the subscriptions to services that you reckon are of no value to you any more .
Saving yourself even a tenner will make yourself feel better for a bit .
4 : On-street art galleries .
In recent days Pricewatch has come across many great ideas to help take our minds off the crises that has gripped our world .
We have also come across many great ideas to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And we came across one idea that does all of the above .
Have your children draw pictures each day – but not just for themselves or for you but for the downstairs window at the front of your house .
This will amuse them .
It will amuse you .
And it will amuse the people who walk past your house .
This notion obviously works best if you live in a house that faces directly on to the road .
If you live up a long drive you might want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or draw really big pictures !
5 : All credit to you .
Pay a bit more attention to your credit cards in the days ahead – and by that we don ’ t mean sitting on your couch drinking wine and shopping on Amazon .
Really get to know your cards and work out how much they are costing you every month .
Also work out how you have been using them over recent months and years .
Chances are you have not done that for a long time – or , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever .
Last year , the Irish League of Credit Unions published a survey which suggested that just under 60 per cent of people do not know the rate of interest their credit card provider charges , while even more have no idea how and when interest is applied to their cards .
It also revealed that most of us routinely use them for spontaneous purchases .
Have a look how you are using you card .
6 : Be house proud .
Has there ever been a better time to draw up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then do something to make it all better ?
Spend a little bit of time wandering from room to room jotting down all the things that displease you and that you think you could make better .
Please , please , please do not include electrics , plumbing or structural issues unless you actually know how to fix those things .
We are talking more about messy shelves , badly arranged pictures , drawers so overstuffed with junk that you have not been able to open them for donkey ’ s years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrecking your head or the heads of those around you , start making things better .
It will be good for your house , good for your head and it may even be good for your wallet if you find things that you will get use out of that you completely forgot you had .
And can we say again that unless you are actually qualified , stay away from the electrics .
7 : Explore your viewing options .
Such is its omnipresence of Netflix that when many people talk about binge-watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring exclusively to the streaming service .
And while Pricewatch is as big a fan of Netflix as the next couch potato , there are others other there that will allow you to broaden your viewing options without breaking the bank .
Pricewatch has subscriptions – ones we pay for , for the avoidance of all doubt – to Netflix , Now TV and Amazon Prime .
We have also signed up to Disney+ although that has yet to start streaming .
( And before you judge the ludicrous amount television-related things we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind that the Pricewatch house is full of children , and that pubs and restaurants are things of memory – and not just because of the Great Unpleasantness we are all living through .
If you have not signed up already , Now TV might be ideal to get you through what we hope will be a relatively short-lived confinement .
It gives you access to all the content on Sky and Sky Atlantic and includes box sets such as the Sopranos , Game of Thrones and Modern Family , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract-free so you can pay for a month or two months , after which we will be – hopefully – be able to roam free again .
8 : Become a Ted head .
You know the way you love the idea of Ted Talks but can never really find the time to watch or listen to them ?
Well , resolve to watch just one every day .
It won ’ t take long and by the time the current crisis passes you might find you are suddenly a whole lot smarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit of a bore at dinner parties but that is a risk you are just going to have to take .
9 : Take on a musical challenge .
Have you a musical instrument in your home ?
One that belongs to you or a loved one ?
A child maybe ?
Have a go at learning it .
There are literally thousands of YouTube videos just waiting to help you out .
For its part Pricewatch is determined to learn the ukulele .
And yes , everyone else in this part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development .
They should be grateful we are not learning the recorder .
Yet .
10 : Download a learning app .
And we ’ re not just talking for the kids .
It is obviously really important that children keep their education going for as long as the schools stay close , parents and adults can also learn new things .
We love Duolingo but that is not all there is out there .
There is also MangaHigh , which is a whole raft of maths games .
There is also ABCya.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games .
11 : Get switching .
We are constantly banging on on this page about the need for people to be more proactive about switching utilities .
According to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities , the vast majority of gas and electricity customers in Ireland did not switch providers last year .
Many have never switched .
Consumers who have failed to switch gas or electricity suppliers over the last four years have paid almost €1,700 more in utility bills than if they had made the move .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or renegotiated every year for the last four years could have saved €704 on gas , €1,097 on electricity or €1,696 on their dual-fuel costs .
The first things you need are copies of your most recent gas or electricity bill , or both if you ’ re a dual-fuel customer .
You also need your gas point reference number or meter point reference number , so energy suppliers can identify your property .
They are on your bills .
Then you need a current gas and/or electricity meter reading , so your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final bill and your new supplier can start from that point .
The first and easiest thing to do is call your existing provider and tell them you are taking your business elsewhere unless they give you a better deal .
And by better deal you should expect to be offered a discount of between 10 and 20 per cent on what you are paying .
If they refuse simply go elsewhere .
All companies offer substantial discounts to new customers .
12 : Cash in the attic .
Your financial spring clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too which may generate some cash .
Take a day to wander through your house boxing up all the stuff you no longer use or no longer like .
Sell the stuff on donedeal.ie or , better still , donate things that other people may need to a charity .
13 : Tot up the numbers .
Work out how much money you are saving while self-isolating .
If you are working from home , then work out how much less you are spending on commuting , on lunches and takeaway coffees and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tot up how much you are saving by not going to the pub or to restaurants .
Add in how much you might have been spending on flights in the days and weeks ahead .
Throw in whatever you have managed to save through your bank account audit and by switching utilities .
Work out a weekly figure and then multiply it by how many weeks long we find ourselves in this miserable situation .
If you can , set the money aside .
Then , when the good times come again – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all the restaurants , pubs , coffee shops , bookshops , small local providers , travel agents and even airlines and spend all around you .
Every single business in Ireland will need all of our support to help them get back on their feet in the weeks and months ahead .

In the days ahead many of us will be spending a lot more time in our homes. Some people will be working from home, some people will be self-isolating and too many people will be sick. For those who are well but struggling to cope with the confinement (and we include ourselves in that cohort, to be honest) thought we’d look for some diversions that will hopefully not only help us through the tough days ahead but might also save us a few bob. And – all going well – we’ll learn how to play the ukulele too.
1: Cook up a storm. If you are anything like Pricewatch you have mountains of cookbooks that you have bought over many years that you barely look at now. They just sit on shelves judging you and reminding you of your tendency to waste money on the one hand while lecturing the nation on how to be better with money on the other. . . Oh wait, that's just us!
Well, with little else to distract you in the days ahead, why not open some of those cookbooks up and see if they have anything on their pages that you fancy? Another option when it comes to cooking is to use the great sage that is the internet to match the ingredients you have in your house after that joyless, panic-fuelled sweep of the supermarket last week with recipes that might use them. There are loads of sites that provide such a service but one that we like the look of is supercook.com. It is ridiculously simple to use. Add whatever ingredients you have to hand or would like to cook with today and it will instantly give you some excellent ideas. We fed the site parmesan, onions, milk, garlic, potatoes and broccoli and it gave us parmesan and broccoli stuffed potatoes which – we have to say – not only sounded amazing, it also sounded really easy to do. Have we done it yet? No, but we will.
2: Walkies. We can't hang out with each other for a while. We all know that – or at least most of us do. And the ones who don't need to start copping themselves on. But just because we have to keep our distance for a while does not mean we have to stay in our houses forever. There are a lot of people walking the legs off themselves – and their poor unfortunate dogs – these days. It's a free and safe way to clear the head and get a bit fitter. But remember, it's probably best to avoid places where there are loads of other walkers, just to be on the safe side. Another option would be to set yourself some class of running challenge – a couch-to-5k kind of thing. Getting fitting will make you feel better.
READ MORE
3: Statements of intent. Spend a little time in the days ahead getting your head around exactly where your money is going each month so you can work out what you can do to cut back. The good news is it is neither as tedious or as difficult as it sounds. There was a time when carrying out even the most cursory of financial audits required sifting through endless sheaves of bank statements, collecting all your receipts and looking over incomprehensible utility bills. And maybe even staring mystified at cheque stubs.
But times have changed and technology is now your friend. So, the first step on your road to financial redemption will see you log on to your online bank account so you can go through the last six months of your transactions – or year if you’re feeling bored. Keep an eye out for all payments or direct debits that look unfamiliar; it doesn’t matter if the payment is substantial or just €2.99 for some online service you have long since forgotten you signed up for. Cancel all the subscriptions to services that you reckon are of no value to you any more. Saving yourself even a tenner will make yourself feel better for a bit.
4: On-street art galleries. In recent days Pricewatch has come across many great ideas to help take our minds off the crises that has gripped our world. We have also come across many great ideas to keep kids entertained, engaged and educated too. And we came across one idea that does all of the above. Have your children draw pictures each day – but not just for themselves or for you but for the downstairs window at the front of your house. This will amuse them. It will amuse you. And it will amuse the people who walk past your house. This notion obviously works best if you live in a house that faces directly on to the road. If you live up a long drive you might want to come up with another plan. Or draw really big pictures!
5: All credit to you. Pay a bit more attention to your credit cards in the days ahead – and by that we don't mean sitting on your couch drinking wine and shopping on Amazon. Really get to know your cards and work out how much they are costing you every month. Also work out how you have been using them over recent months and years. Chances are you have not done that for a long time – or, let's be honest here, ever. Last year, the Irish League of Credit Unions published a survey which suggested that just under 60 per cent of people do not know the rate of interest their credit card provider charges, while even more have no idea how and when interest is applied to their cards. It also revealed that most of us routinely use them for spontaneous purchases. Have a look how you are using you card.
6: Be house proud. Has there ever been a better time to draw up a snag list for your house and then do something to make it all better? Spend a little bit of time wandering from room to room jotting down all the things that displease you and that you think you could make better. Please, please, please do not include electrics, plumbing or structural issues unless you actually know how to fix those things. We are talking more about messy shelves, badly arranged pictures, drawers so overstuffed with junk that you have not been able to open them for donkey's years. Then, slowly and methodically and without wrecking your head or the heads of those around you, start making things better. It will be good for your house, good for your head and it may even be good for your wallet if you find things that you will get use out of that you completely forgot you had. And can we say again that unless you are actually qualified, stay away from the electrics.
7: Explore your viewing options. Such is its omnipresence of Netflix that when many people talk about binge-watching box sets or whatever nowadays they are referring exclusively to the streaming service. And while Pricewatch is as big a fan of Netflix as the next couch potato, there are others other there that will allow you to broaden your viewing options without breaking the bank. Pricewatch has subscriptions – ones we pay for, for the avoidance of all doubt – to Netflix, Now TV and Amazon Prime. We have also signed up to Disney+ although that has yet to start streaming. (And before you judge the ludicrous amount television-related things we have signed up for, bear in mind that the Pricewatch house is full of children, and that pubs and restaurants are things of memory – and not just because of the Great Unpleasantness we are all living through.
If you have not signed up already, Now TV might be ideal to get you through what we hope will be a relatively short-lived confinement. It gives you access to all the content on Sky and Sky Atlantic and includes box sets such as the Sopranos, Game of Thrones and Modern Family, as well as very recently released movies. It is contract-free so you can pay for a month or two months, after which we will be – hopefully – be able to roam free again.
8: Become a Ted head. You know the way you love the idea of Ted Talks but can never really find the time to watch or listen to them? Well, resolve to watch just one every day. It won't take long and by the time the current crisis passes you might find you are suddenly a whole lot smarter. You might also find you are a bit of a bore at dinner parties but that is a risk you are just going to have to take.
9: Take on a musical challenge. Have you a musical instrument in your home? One that belongs to you or a loved one? A child maybe? Have a go at learning it. There are literally thousands of YouTube videos just waiting to help you out. For its part Pricewatch is determined to learn the ukulele. And yes, everyone else in this part of the world is delighted by this development. They should be grateful we are not learning the recorder. Yet.
10: Download a learning app. And we're not just talking for the kids. It is obviously really important that children keep their education going for as long as the schools stay close, parents and adults can also learn new things. We love Duolingo but that is not all there is out there. There is also MangaHigh, which is a whole raft of maths games. There is also ABCya.com, which has all manner of learning games.
11: Get switching. We are constantly banging on on this page about the need for people to be more proactive about switching utilities. According to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the vast majority of gas and electricity customers in Ireland did not switch providers last year. Many have never switched. Consumers who have failed to switch gas or electricity suppliers over the last four years have paid almost €1,700 more in utility bills than if they had made the move. According to the independent energy regulator, people who switched or renegotiated every year for the last four years could have saved €704 on gas, €1,097 on electricity or €1,696 on their dual-fuel costs.
The first things you need are copies of your most recent gas or electricity bill, or both if you’re a dual-fuel customer. You also need your gas point reference number or meter point reference number, so energy suppliers can identify your property. They are on your bills. Then you need a current gas and/or electricity meter reading, so your old supplier can provide you with a final bill and your new supplier can start from that point.
The first and easiest thing to do is call your existing provider and tell them you are taking your business elsewhere unless they give you a better deal. And by better deal you should expect to be offered a discount of between 10 and 20 per cent on what you are paying. If they refuse simply go elsewhere. All companies offer substantial discounts to new customers.
12: Cash in the attic. Your financial spring clean can turn into a physical spring clean too which may generate some cash. Take a day to wander through your house boxing up all the stuff you no longer use or no longer like. Sell the stuff on donedeal.ie or, better still, donate things that other people may need to a charity.
13: Tot up the numbers. Work out how much money you are saving while self-isolating. If you are working from home, then work out how much less you are spending on commuting, on lunches and takeaway coffees and all the rest. You can also tot up how much you are saving by not going to the pub or to restaurants. Add in how much you might have been spending on flights in the days and weeks ahead. Throw in whatever you have managed to save through your bank account audit and by switching utilities. Work out a weekly figure and then multiply it by how many weeks long we find ourselves in this miserable situation. If you can, set the money aside. Then, when the good times come again – as they surely will – go out to all the restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, bookshops, small local providers, travel agents and even airlines and spend all around you. Every single business in Ireland will need all of our support to help them get back on their feet in the weeks and months ahead.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--I work in hospitality and fear losing my job. How do I upskill?

I ’ ve been working in areas linked to hospitality for the past 20 years .
With the current coronavirus turmoil , my job is in jeopardy .
I ’ ve been thinking for quite a while about checking what upskilling opportunities are available to me to help me progress my career .
From your email I can see that you have developed a lot of experience and skills in your career over the past two decades .
Often , people in your circumstances who have developed a wide range of skills do not realise how valuable these skills are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other careers .
In short , there are lots of education and upskilling opportunities available to help progress your career .
You are not unique in how you are feeling , and I get many queries from others looking for similar advice .
Finding the right job can be a challenging , exciting or even daunting process , whatever your reason .
However , a range of supports and resources are available to you .
Firstly , there is a process called recognition of prior learning ( RPL ) which can be applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills you have and name them .
In deciding about your next career or education path , you may want to seek one of my professionally trained guidance counsellor colleagues at the Institute of Guidance Counsellors ( www.igc.ie/Supports/Private-Practitioners ) .
The Adult Education Guidance Services ( AEGS ) in Ireland is a free and confidential guidance service available to adults who are thinking about returning to education .
Although usually based in an Education and Training Board , the service gives advice on career options beyond this sector as well .
Contact your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explore your options .
CareersPortal.ie is also a valuable tool to support your research for courses , apprenticeship and employment options .
You can create your unique career file which will provide you with a range of tools to explore your best fit with the world of work and education .
A helpful self-assessment exercise on CareersPortal is the “ interest profiler ” .
Completing the exercise will highlight what jobs and educational courses would be most suited to you .
It takes about 10 minutes to complete and will generate your unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , start by clicking “ join ” on the website and follow the instructions .
You can also complete a personality assessment in relation to what career areas might suit you , and save occupations of interest to you and details of related courses in further education and training as well as higher education .

Consider the skills you have and name them. Photograph: iStock
I 've been working in areas linked to hospitality for the past 20 years. With the current coronavirus turmoil, my job is in jeopardy. I've been thinking for quite a while about checking what upskilling opportunities are available to me to help me progress my career.
From your email I can see that you have developed a lot of experience and skills in your career over the past two decades.
Often, people in your circumstances who have developed a wide range of skills do not realise how valuable these skills are; or how transferable they are to other careers. In short, there are lots of education and upskilling opportunities available to help progress your career.
You are not unique in how you are feeling, and I get many queries from others looking for similar advice. Finding the right job can be a challenging, exciting or even daunting process, whatever your reason. However, a range of supports and resources are available to you.
READ MORE
Firstly, there is a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) which can be applied to any adult worker. Consider the skills you have and name them.
In deciding about your next career or education path, you may want to seek one of my professionally trained guidance counsellor colleagues at the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (www.igc.ie/Supports/Private-Practitioners).
The Adult Education Guidance Services (AEGS) in Ireland is a free and confidential guidance service available to adults who are thinking about returning to education.
Although usually based in an Education and Training Board, the service gives advice on career options beyond this sector as well. Contact your nearest ETB to make an appointment and explore your options.
Unique career file
CareersPortal.ie is also a valuable tool to support your research for courses, apprenticeship and employment options. You can create your unique career file which will provide you with a range of tools to explore your best fit with the world of work and education.
A helpful self-assessment exercise on CareersPortal is the “interest profiler”. Completing the exercise will highlight what jobs and educational courses would be most suited to you. It takes about 10 minutes to complete and will generate your unique eight-page career interest report.
To complete it, start by clicking “join” on the website and follow the instructions. You can also complete a personality assessment in relation to what career areas might suit you, and save occupations of interest to you and details of related courses in further education and training as well as higher education.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Consumer agency warns over ‘sanitiser products’ website

Ireland ’ s leading consumer agency has warned about a website that has listed a range of hand sanitiser products for sale .
In an unusual move the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ( CCPC ) issued a warning to consumers in relation to a website called whatadeal.ie .
“ The CCPC has concerns around the information being provided to customers on the website , which sells hand sanitiser products , ” the alert published on Monday morning says .
It said it was “ closely monitoring the activities of the website ” and encouraged any consumer “ that encounters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any trader to contact CCPC for advice about their rights .
The statement said the vast majority of businesses act in good faith , “ in the current circumstances the CCPC has become concerned that a small minority of traders may engage in commercial practices which are damaging to consumers , particularly vulnerable consumers ” .
It said it was actively monitoring websites “ to check compliance with consumer protection law , including commercial practices which are misleading , or businesses who are failing to provide consumers with their rights under the Consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the site said it had been “ receiving messages looking for updates which we are trying our best to respond to everyone , under the current circumstances this is taking longer than usual ” .
It said people who had bought hand sanitise from the site would get their order .
“ We are working through , we are not closing until everyone receives there order .
We thank you for your patience at this time and can assure you we understand the importance of receiving your sanitizer , masks , gloves etc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this done .
”

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued a warning to consumers in relation to a website called whatadeal.ie. Image: iStock
Ireland’s leading consumer agency has warned about a website that has listed a range of hand sanitiser products for sale.
In an unusual move the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued a warning to consumers in relation to a website called whatadeal.ie.
“The CCPC has concerns around the information being provided to customers on the website, which sells hand sanitiser products,” the alert published on Monday morning says.
It said it was “closely monitoring the activities of the website” and encouraged any consumer “that encounters misleading practices or experiences difficulties” with any trader to contact CCPC for advice about their rights.
READ MORE
The statement said the vast majority of businesses act in good faith, “in the current circumstances the CCPC has become concerned that a small minority of traders may engage in commercial practices which are damaging to consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers”.
It said it was actively monitoring websites “to check compliance with consumer protection law, including commercial practices which are misleading, or businesses who are failing to provide consumers with their rights under the Consumer Rights Directive”.
A notice on the site said it had been “receiving messages looking for updates which we are trying our best to respond to everyone, under the current circumstances this is taking longer than usual”.
It said people who had bought hand sanitise from the site would get their order.
“We are working through, we are not closing until everyone receives there order. We thank you for your patience at this time and can assure you we understand the importance of receiving your sanitizer, masks, gloves etc. You can trust us to get this done.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Murder accused suffering from PTSD and alcohol dependency, court told

A 47-year-old woman was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) and alcohol dependency at the time she stabbed her partner to death , a psychiatrist has told her trial .
However , Dr Brenda Wright , testifying on behalf of the defence on Monday in the fourth week of the Louth woman ’ s murder trial at the Central Criminal Court , also told the prosecution that PTSD had not played a “ significant role ” in the killing .
Paula Farrell of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” McQuillan ( 30 ) at Ms Farrell ’ s home on New Year ’ s Day 2014 .
The mother-of-three testified last week that Mr McQuillan had tried to have sex with her but she did not want to have sex and he had started strangling her before she went to the kitchen for a knife .
Ms Farrell has accepted in her evidence that she stabbed Mr McQuillan with a knife four times but said she only remembered stabbing him twice .
Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Wright on Monda said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and interacting with the world in a stable way .
Ms Farrell was suffering from PTSD and alcohol dependancy disorder at the time of the killing , said Dr Wright .
She told the court that she found Ms Farrell ’ s PTSD was at the “ more severe end of the spectrum ” .The trial continues .

Paula Farrell of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne “Quilly” McQuillan (30). Photograph: Court Collins
A 47-year-old woman was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependency at the time she stabbed her partner to death, a psychiatrist has told her trial.
However, Dr Brenda Wright, testifying on behalf of the defence on Monday in the fourth week of the Louth woman’s murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, also told the prosecution that PTSD had not played a “significant role” in the killing.
Paula Farrell of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne “Quilly” McQuillan (30) at Ms Farrell’s home on New Year’s Day 2014.
The mother-of-three testified last week that Mr McQuillan had tried to have sex with her but she did not want to have sex and he had started strangling her before she went to the kitchen for a knife. Ms Farrell has accepted in her evidence that she stabbed Mr McQuillan with a knife four times but said she only remembered stabbing him twice.
READ MORE
Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Wright on Monda said that the accused had difficulty regulating her emotional state and interacting with the world in a stable way. Ms Farrell was suffering from PTSD and alcohol dependancy disorder at the time of the killing , said Dr Wright. She told the court that she found Ms Farrell’s PTSD was at the “more severe end of the spectrum”.The trial continues .


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Department announces Covid-19 self-isolation facility for asylum seekers

An “ off-site self-isolation facility ” for asylum seekers suspected of contracting coronavirus is to be piloted as part of a range of measures to try and curb the spread in direct-provision centres .
The Department of Justice announced on Monday that all centres had been asked to “ generate a self-isolation capability for use by persons suspected to have the virus ” .
No visitors will be allowed enter centres to support social distancing and reduce contact .
Centres without independent living arrangements have been asked to implement “ staggered meal times or to provide takeaway facilities ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team for issues relating to Covid-19 cases in direct provision centres has also been established .
Despite repeated calls by refugee support groups for the most vulnerable residents to be moved out of direct-provision centres , the department did not commit to relocating people for the duration of the pandemic .
It is understood some 20 per cent of asylum seekers have pre-existing health conditions .
“ The HSE is currently considering the most effective prevention and cocoon measures for the most medically/socially vulnerable residents in the centres , ” said the spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the HSE to identify vulnerable residents .
The announcement comes two days after residents in a direct-provision centre in the west were informed a person in their building had tested positive for the virus .
A collective statement from the State ’ s primary refugee support groups , including the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland , repeated its call for people within the HSE risk categories to be moved from “ overcrowded ” centres into hotels or students accommodation hubs .
There are 5,686 people , including 1,739 children , residing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are an additional 1,585 people , including 285 children , staying in emergency accommodation.s

The Department of Justice announced that all direct-provision centres had been asked to “generate a self-isolation capability” for use by persons suspected to have contracted coronavirus. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh
An “off-site self-isolation facility” for asylum seekers suspected of contracting coronavirus is to be piloted as part of a range of measures to try and curb the spread in direct-provision centres.
The Department of Justice announced on Monday that all centres had been asked to “generate a self-isolation capability for use by persons suspected to have the virus” .
No visitors will be allowed enter centres to support social distancing and reduce contact. Centres without independent living arrangements have been asked to implement “staggered meal times or to provide takeaway facilities”, said a department spokesman.
A dedicated team for issues relating to Covid-19 cases in direct provision centres has also been established .
READ MORE
Despite repeated calls by refugee support groups for the most vulnerable residents to be moved out of direct-provision centres, the department did not commit to relocating people for the duration of the pandemic.
It is understood some 20 per cent of asylum seekers have pre-existing health conditions.
Cocooning measures
“The HSE is currently considering the most effective prevention and cocoon measures for the most medically/socially vulnerable residents in the centres,” said the spokesman, adding that the department was working with the HSE to identify vulnerable residents.
The announcement comes two days after residents in a direct-provision centre in the west were informed a person in their building had tested positive for the virus.
A collective statement from the State's primary refugee support groups, including the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, repeated its call for people within the HSE risk categories to be moved from "overcrowded" centres into hotels or students accommodation hubs.
There are 5,686 people, including 1,739 children, residing in 39 direct-provision centres around the country. There are an additional 1,585 people, including 285 children, staying in emergency accommodation.s


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Impact of Covid-19 on drugs trade likely to hit recreational cocaine users most

The Covid-19 outbreak will cut demand for cocaine and other drugs if it leads to hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs , gardaí believe .
“ The recreational drug-user – the guy who takes cocaine at weekends – may not be spending their money on cocaine , as we saw with the fall-off in usage during the economic crash in 2008 , ” said a Garda source .
Heroin usage , given its highly addictive nature , is not expected to be affected since those needing a heroin fix are unlikely to be too aware or concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If a guy or a girl is on heroin they have an addiction , and they ’ re likely to be oblivious to coronavirus .
They will need to get their four or five bags a day , and they will trample over anything to get their fix .
“ They ’ ll still be mixing in the same circles to get their heroin , so nothing is going to change for them except maybe there are fewer people on the street that they can beg for money from , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Covid-19 is similarly unlikely to affect people who smoke cannabis or weed as most have long-term suppliers and rarely buy their supplies in clubs or pubs .
“ Probably 60 per cent to 70 per cent of people who smoke weed do it at home watching television or walking the dog or fishing or whatever – that ’ s how they always smoked it , and that will continue , ” the Garda source said .
“ You can ’ t smoke in pubs or clubs , so closing down pubs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major impact .
There might be a bit of an increase at house parties but it won ’ t have any great impact , ” said another Garda drugs expert .
Explaining the impact of Covid-19 on cocaine sales , both agreed that cocaine usage was never as dependent on clubs as ecstasy was as a place for sale , although many people use it only when they are out clubbing .
“ Cocaine use will be hit alright because of club closures because a certain percentage is sold to clubbers .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into clubs to source cocaine the way they used to years ago to get their ecstasy , ” said one source .
“ A lot of people going to clubs will already have their supply before they go in , be it an eighth of a gramme , a gramme or two grammes , but they might take that now at a house party behind closed doors at someone ’ s house.
” Both Garda experts predict cocaine prices could fall from €70,000 a kilo to possibly €60,000 or €50,000 , but Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall-off in supply .
Cocaine imports from Colombia and Venezuela to Irish cities like Dublin and Cork – though Africa and Continental European countries – will continue to arrive , taking up to seven weeks .
Ireland ’ s cocaine supplies no longer come across the Atlantic in yachts such as The Lucky Day and Dances with Waves , when hundreds of kilos of drugs were seized off the coast of Ireland .
Instead most arrives in truck containers , hidden in consignments of products as varied as fruit and tiles , unloaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked up by gangs for distribution to lower level dealers .
A downturn in world trade on foot of Covid-19 , resulting in less container traffic into Europe and Ireland , could impact on supplies , but Irish gangs are likely to still find ways of delivery .
Some gardaí believe that major suppliers will not want to stockpile cocaine because the quality deteriorates if it has to be stashed in ditches or fields for any length of time .
Others believe that stockpiling is a real risk .
“ If there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellows are bringing down five or six kilos of coke a month , they might sell it at a reduced price or they might stockpile for a couple of months and be ready to go again when this is all over , ” said one source .

“The recreational drug-user – the guy who takes cocaine at weekends – may not be spending their money on cocaine, as we saw with the fall-off in usage during the economic crash in 2008.” Photograph: Getty Images
The Covid-19 outbreak will cut demand for cocaine and other drugs if it leads to hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs, gardaí believe.
“The recreational drug-user – the guy who takes cocaine at weekends – may not be spending their money on cocaine, as we saw with the fall-off in usage during the economic crash in 2008,” said a Garda source.
Heroin usage, given its highly addictive nature, is not expected to be affected since those needing a heroin fix are unlikely to be too aware or concerned about wider issues in society such as Covid-19.
“If a guy or a girl is on heroin they have an addiction, and they’re likely to be oblivious to coronavirus. They will need to get their four or five bags a day, and they will trample over anything to get their fix.
READ MORE
“They’ll still be mixing in the same circles to get their heroin, so nothing is going to change for them except maybe there are fewer people on the street that they can beg for money from,” The Irish Times was told.
Meanwhile, Covid-19 is similarly unlikely to affect people who smoke cannabis or weed as most have long-term suppliers and rarely buy their supplies in clubs or pubs.
“Probably 60 per cent to 70 per cent of people who smoke weed do it at home watching television or walking the dog or fishing or whatever – that’s how they always smoked it, and that will continue,” the Garda source said.
“You can’t smoke in pubs or clubs, so closing down pubs and clubs is not going to have any major impact. There might be a bit of an increase at house parties but it won’t have any great impact,” said another Garda drugs expert.
Clubbing
Explaining the impact of Covid-19 on cocaine sales, both agreed that cocaine usage was never as dependent on clubs as ecstasy was as a place for sale, although many people use it only when they are out clubbing.
“Cocaine use will be hit alright because of club closures because a certain percentage is sold to clubbers. But not a huge number of people go into clubs to source cocaine the way they used to years ago to get their ecstasy,” said one source.
“A lot of people going to clubs will already have their supply before they go in, be it an eighth of a gramme, a gramme or two grammes, but they might take that now at a house party behind closed doors at someone’s house.”
Both Garda experts predict cocaine prices could fall from €70,000 a kilo to possibly €60,000 or €50,000, but Covid-19 is unlikely to lead to any major fall-off in supply.
Cocaine imports from Colombia and Venezuela to Irish cities like Dublin and Cork – though Africa and Continental European countries – will continue to arrive, taking up to seven weeks.
Ireland's cocaine supplies no longer come across the Atlantic in yachts such as The Lucky Day and Dances with Waves, when hundreds of kilos of drugs were seized off the coast of Ireland.
Instead most arrives in truck containers, hidden in consignments of products as varied as fruit and tiles, unloaded in Irish ports, where they are picked up by gangs for distribution to lower level dealers.
Irish gangs
A downturn in world trade on foot of Covid-19, resulting in less container traffic into Europe and Ireland, could impact on supplies, but Irish gangs are likely to still find ways of delivery.
Some gardaí believe that major suppliers will not want to stockpile cocaine because the quality deteriorates if it has to be stashed in ditches or fields for any length of time. Others believe that stockpiling is a real risk.
“If there’s a drop off in demand and fellows are bringing down five or six kilos of coke a month, they might sell it at a reduced price or they might stockpile for a couple of months and be ready to go again when this is all over,” said one source.