theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Calls for review of Leaving Cert grading system as Cabinet to discuss new Covid restrictions

The Government is coming under pressure to change its calculated grading system for Leaving Cert students after similar “ standardisation ” measures in the United Kingdom were scrapped amid controversy on Monday .
Opposition parties last night called for a review of the Government ’ s plan after the British government made a U-turn on A-level results , abandoning its standardisation process when students learned that up to 40 per cent of the grades estimated by their teachers had been marked down by the process .
The Government has a similar process for estimating grades , taking into account the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of other factors including a school ’ s previous results .
Sinn Féin and the Labour Party urged Minister for Education Norma Foley to explain how the Irish system would not mean the same level of grades being marked down .
Sources said that the Opposition parties were briefed on the process for estimating grades two weeks ago but were only offered general assurances about the system .
Sinn Féin ’ s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the UK experience “ raises enormous questions for the calculated grades process here ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean students from disadvantaged schools that have a history of lower results “ are very worried that they will have their results dragged back because of where they are or what school they went to ” .
Labour spokesman for education Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the Government was operating an “ it ’ ll be grand ” approach to calculated grades and schools reopening .
Following controversies in Britain there was now a “ galloping momentum ” to review the calculated grades process in Ireland , said Mr Ó Ríordáin .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why our system won ’ t have the same problems as the UK system , ” said Mr Ó Ríordáin .
He said Ms Foley should appear at the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee this week to answer questions about the system .
A spokesman for the Department of Education said Ms Foley was aware of the policy developments around grades in the UK on Monday , but reiterated the Irish system “ will treat students fairly and equitably ” .
The Irish process was working from estimated percentage marks provided by teachers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the spokesman .
This would give officials working on the standardisation of results “ considerably more detailed information about students for use in the calculated grades process ” , he said .
“ Strong measures have been put in place to identify and reward exceptional students from schools that typically in the past would have performed at average or below average levels.
” Meanwhile , a full Cabinet meeting has been scheduled for this morning at short notice , leading to speculation that further restrictions to combat the recent rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source suggested new enforcement measures may be on the cards , requiring the approval of the full Cabinet .
However , it is understood there will be no further county lockdowns arising from the meeting .
It was previously expected that only the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 would meet would meet on Tuesday to discuss the latest recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team , which held a lengthy meeting on Monday to discuss the recent increase in case numbers and the merits of any new restrictions .
Political sources said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be introduced , while trends in testing , and current outbreaks in meat plants and other facilities are also set to be on the Cabinet agenda .
It has also emerged that about 28,000 people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will receive no benefit from Tuesday after failing to confirm their continued eligibility for the scheme .
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said the payment continued to be a “ vital source of income ” for thousands of individuals , but “ resources are not unlimited and we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and families who genuinely need it ” .

Sinn Féin and the Labour Party urged Minister for Education Norma Foley to explain how the Irish system would not mean the same level of grades being marked down. File photograph: Getty
The Government is coming under pressure to change its calculated grading system for Leaving Cert students after similar "standardisation" measures in the United Kingdom were scrapped amid controversy on Monday.
Opposition parties last night called for a review of the Government’s plan after the British government made a U-turn on A-level results, abandoning its standardisation process when students learned that up to 40 per cent of the grades estimated by their teachers had been marked down by the process.
The Government has a similar process for estimating grades, taking into account the teachers’ predicated grades, but also a series of other factors including a school’s previous results.
Sinn Féin and the Labour Party urged Minister for Education Norma Foley to explain how the Irish system would not mean the same level of grades being marked down.
READ MORE
Sources said that the Opposition parties were briefed on the process for estimating grades two weeks ago but were only offered general assurances about the system.
Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the UK experience “raises enormous questions for the calculated grades process here”.
He warned that the Irish system could mean students from disadvantaged schools that have a history of lower results “are very worried that they will have their results dragged back because of where they are or what school they went to”.
Labour spokesman for education Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the Government was operating an “it’ll be grand” approach to calculated grades and schools reopening.
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: “I absolutely believe we will recover from this and we will have better days again,” he said
Following controversies in Britain there was now a “galloping momentum” to review the calculated grades process in Ireland, said Mr Ó Ríordáin.
“What we need to know from the Minister is why our system won’t have the same problems as the UK system,” said Mr Ó Ríordáin. He said Ms Foley should appear at the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee this week to answer questions about the system.
A spokesman for the Department of Education said Ms Foley was aware of the policy developments around grades in the UK on Monday, but reiterated the Irish system “will treat students fairly and equitably”.
A student wearing a mask takes part in a final secondary school exam in Hong Kong. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP
The Irish process was working from estimated percentage marks provided by teachers, rather than grades as in the UK, said the spokesman. This would give officials working on the standardisation of results “considerably more detailed information about students for use in the calculated grades process”, he said.
“Strong measures have been put in place to identify and reward exceptional students from schools that typically in the past would have performed at average or below average levels.”
Coronavirus restrictions
Meanwhile, a full Cabinet meeting has been scheduled for this morning at short notice, leading to speculation that further restrictions to combat the recent rise in cases could be introduced. One political source suggested new enforcement measures may be on the cards, requiring the approval of the full Cabinet.
However, it is understood there will be no further county lockdowns arising from the meeting.
It was previously expected that only the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 would meet would meet on Tuesday to discuss the latest recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team, which held a lengthy meeting on Monday to discuss the recent increase in case numbers and the merits of any new restrictions.
Political sources said that further restrictions on nursing home visits could be introduced, while trends in testing, and current outbreaks in meat plants and other facilities are also set to be on the Cabinet agenda.
It has also emerged that about 28,000 people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will receive no benefit from Tuesday after failing to confirm their continued eligibility for the scheme.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said the payment continued to be a “vital source of income” for thousands of individuals, but “resources are not unlimited and we need to ensure that this money goes to the people and families who genuinely need it”.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Man threatened to pour acid over his former partner, court hears

A woman has been granted a protection order after she told a court her former partner threatened to pour acid over her .
The woman told Dublin District Family Court on Tuesday that she broke up with the man in recent months and had to flee her home after he found out where she was living .
The woman said she has been getting text messages from the man “ telling me he ’ s going to pour acid on me and is looking for me ” .
The woman said he had been physically and verbally abusing towards her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the back and called her “ a tramp ” .
She said her former partner had recently found out where she was living and was “ seen in the area ” .
She said the man texted her saying he knew the road she was living on and so she left immediately and is now staying in a women ’ s refuge where she said she feels safe .
The man was not present in court .
Judge John O ’ Leary granted the woman a protection order on an ex-parte ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man , which prohibits him from using or threatening to use violence .
A full hearing , which the man is expected to attend , was set for a later date .
In a separate case , a woman told the court her former partner punched her in the head twice after he found out she had a new partner .
The woman told the court she and the man have a child together .
She said the man was dropping the child back to her home after an access visit when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man she was seeing a new partner .
The woman said her former partner asked her if her new partner had been introduced to their children .
The woman told the court he got “ real aggressive ” and said that the person who had told him about her new partner “ would be watching ” .
The woman said her former partner asked her “ did I want a dig ” and that was he was coming “ closer and closer ” to her and subsequently punched her twice in the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident , following “ another incident ” during lockdown .
The man was not present in court .
The judge granted the woman a protection order on an ex-parte basis against the man and set a full hearing , which the man is expected to attend , for a later date .
In another case , a woman secured a protection order against her ex husband .
The woman told the court that earlier this month she had a missed call from the man and called him back .
She said her ex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know why he had called her .
The woman said he told her that he had taken drugs .
The woman said she told him that she had concerns about him having access to their daughter .
The woman said her former husband told her “ he was going to kill me ” .
The woman said the man has problems with alcohol and that she had spoken to him a few times on the phone recently and he had been incoherent .
She said she fears for her safety as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship and had previously threatened to kill her and her family .
The judge granted the woman a protection order on an ex parte basis against the man and set a full hearing , which the man is expected to attend , for a later date .

The woman said she had received threatening text messages from her former partner. File photograph: iStock
A woman has been granted a protection order after she told a court her former partner threatened to pour acid over her.
The woman told Dublin District Family Court on Tuesday that she broke up with the man in recent months and had to flee her home after he found out where she was living.
The woman said she has been getting text messages from the man “telling me he’s going to pour acid on me and is looking for me”.
The woman said he had been physically and verbally abusing towards her in the past and had kicked her in the back and called her “a tramp”.
READ MORE
She said her former partner had recently found out where she was living and was “seen in the area”. She said the man texted her saying he knew the road she was living on and so she left immediately and is now staying in a women’s refuge where she said she feels safe.
The man was not present in court.
Judge John O’Leary granted the woman a protection order on an ex-parte (one side only represented) basis against the man, which prohibits him from using or threatening to use violence.
A full hearing, which the man is expected to attend, was set for a later date.
Physical abuse
In a separate case, a woman told the court her former partner punched her in the head twice after he found out she had a new partner.
The woman told the court she and the man have a child together. She said the man was dropping the child back to her home after an access visit when a person who lives nearby told the man she was seeing a new partner.
The woman said her former partner asked her if her new partner had been introduced to their children. The woman told the court he got “real aggressive” and said that the person who had told him about her new partner “would be watching”.
The woman said her former partner asked her “did I want a dig” and that was he was coming “closer and closer” to her and subsequently punched her twice in the head.
She said this was the second incident, following “another incident” during lockdown. The man was not present in court.
The judge granted the woman a protection order on an ex-parte basis against the man and set a full hearing, which the man is expected to attend, for a later date.
Death threat
In another case, a woman secured a protection order against her ex husband. The woman told the court that earlier this month she had a missed call from the man and called him back.
She said her ex husband was “incoherent” and didn’t know why he had called her. The woman said he told her that he had taken drugs.
The woman said she told him that she had concerns about him having access to their daughter. The woman said her former husband told her “he was going to kill me”.
The woman said the man has problems with alcohol and that she had spoken to him a few times on the phone recently and he had been incoherent.
She said she fears for her safety as the man had been violent during their relationship and had previously threatened to kill her and her family.
The judge granted the woman a protection order on an ex parte basis against the man and set a full hearing, which the man is expected to attend, for a later date.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--New Covid restrictions: How do they compare with NPHET’s advice?

Tuesday ’ s Cabinet briefing was unusually fractious .
There were complaints from Tánaiste Leo Varadkar , and many Ministers , over how little time people had to reflect on a series of significant changes , and how it would impact on their departments .
Sources maintained that there was also an unusual degree of pushback to recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) .
Afterwards , Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a series of key actions – but where do they differ from advice given by health officials , and a memo brought to Cabinet on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donnelly ?
All businesses to continue to facilitate remote working where possible .
Compared to the language in the NPHET ’ s letter and the memo brought to Cabinet by Stephen Donnelly , this is softer advice .
The memo , following language in Dr Glynn ’ s letter , states that “ all businesses should revert to remote working unless it is absolutely essential for an employee to attend in person ” .
All visits to home will be limited to six people from outside the home , and from no more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and outdoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people .
Sources say this was one of the most hotly contested reforms , due to the impact it would have on weddings and other gatherings , which currently allow up to 50 people indoors .
A footnote to Dr Glynn ’ s advice says that the changes should be applied to weddings from August 24th , saving ceremonies planned for this weekend .
The Government has instead committed to review the situation amid concerns that it would stymie not just weddings but other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source explained , “ It ’ s not just people ; it ’ s money circulating.
” Restaurants and cafes including pubs operating as restaurants can remain open but with mandatory restrictions on closing times of 11.30pm .
The NPHET letter outlines a series of other measures which it says should be made legally binding , including the mandatory wearing of face coverings by staff and a requirement for customers to wear face coverings on arrival and departure .
Also , a requirement to keep contact details and for customers to be seated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with table service only .
Much of this is already covered in guidelines , but a Government source said on Tuesday that these measures were likely to be incorporated into regulations , subject to the Attorney General ’ s advice .
The new closing time is later by half an hour , with political sources saying the hope was to make house parties slightly less attractive .
Sports events and matches will revert to behind closed doors with strict avoidance of social gatherings before and after events , with indoor and outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding limits on indoor and outdoor activities .
Despite little indication of transmission at sporting events , this seems to closely follow the NPHET advice given to the Minister for Health , driven by concerns about activities before and afterwards .
Public transport should be avoided where possible ; in the context of private transport , the wearing of face masks is advised where households are mixed .
Again , the language from the Cabinet memo , which stipulated baldly that public transport “ should be avoided ” , was softened .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have been dispensed with .
NPHET advised that “ people should not share private vehicles with others from outside their household ” , but Mr Martin made no mention of this .
State bodies with responsibility for monitoring inspection and compliance will intensify activities , and Departments of Health and Justice to consider new legislation to give additional powers to the Garda and agencies to enforce public health measures .
This seems to be in keeping with NPHET advice that there should be greater enforcement arrangements to ensure premises are operating within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will happen as soon as possible , subject to review by the Attorney General .
Over-70s will be asked to exercise individual judgment , to limit interactions to a small network for short periods , to avoid public transport where possible and shop during designated hours .
The Government appears to have closely followed the NPHET advice here .

Tuesday's Cabinet briefing was unusually fractious. There were complaints from Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, and many Ministers, over how little time people had to reflect on a series of significant changes, and how it would impact on their departments.
Sources maintained that there was also an unusual degree of pushback to recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). Afterwards, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a series of key actions – but where do they differ from advice given by health officials, and a memo brought to Cabinet on the changes by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly?
All businesses to continue to facilitate remote working where possible.
Compared to the language in the NPHET's letter and the memo brought to Cabinet by Stephen Donnelly, this is softer advice. The memo, following language in Dr Glynn's letter, states that "all businesses should revert to remote working unless it is absolutely essential for an employee to attend in person".
READ MORE
All visits to home will be limited to six people from outside the home, and from no more than three households, indoors or outdoors, and outdoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people.
Sources say this was one of the most hotly contested reforms, due to the impact it would have on weddings and other gatherings, which currently allow up to 50 people indoors. A footnote to Dr Glynn’s advice says that the changes should be applied to weddings from August 24th, saving ceremonies planned for this weekend. The Government has instead committed to review the situation amid concerns that it would stymie not just weddings but other events which support businesses. One Government source explained, “It’s not just people; it’s money circulating.”
Restaurants and cafes including pubs operating as restaurants can remain open but with mandatory restrictions on closing times of 11.30pm.
The NPHET letter outlines a series of other measures which it says should be made legally binding, including the mandatory wearing of face coverings by staff and a requirement for customers to wear face coverings on arrival and departure. Also, a requirement to keep contact details and for customers to be seated at a table, not a bar, with table service only.
Much of this is already covered in guidelines, but a Government source said on Tuesday that these measures were likely to be incorporated into regulations, subject to the Attorney General’s advice. The new closing time is later by half an hour, with political sources saying the hope was to make house parties slightly less attractive.
Sports events and matches will revert to behind closed doors with strict avoidance of social gatherings before and after events, with indoor and outdoor training to adhere to the 6/15 rule regarding limits on indoor and outdoor activities.
Despite little indication of transmission at sporting events, this seems to closely follow the NPHET advice given to the Minister for Health, driven by concerns about activities before and afterwards.
Public transport should be avoided where possible; in the context of private transport, the wearing of face masks is advised where households are mixed.
Again, the language from the Cabinet memo, which stipulated baldly that public transport "should be avoided", was softened. Also, a harsh piece of advice appears to have been dispensed with. NPHET advised that "people should not share private vehicles with others from outside their household", but Mr Martin made no mention of this.
State bodies with responsibility for monitoring inspection and compliance will intensify activities, and Departments of Health and Justice to consider new legislation to give additional powers to the Garda and agencies to enforce public health measures.
This seems to be in keeping with NPHET advice that there should be greater enforcement arrangements to ensure premises are operating within regulations. Government sources say that this will happen as soon as possible, subject to review by the Attorney General.
Over-70s will be asked to exercise individual judgment, to limit interactions to a small network for short periods, to avoid public transport where possible and shop during designated hours.
The Government appears to have closely followed the NPHET advice here.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Hotels fear loss of ‘golden market’ following new advice

Recommendations that over-70s should reconsider taking staycations and visiting hotels has been met with disappointment by the hospitality and tourism sector .
Under new restrictions , older people are being advised to limit their social interactions , and only visit shops during designated hours .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the over-70s were being asked to “ exercise their individual judgment ” on the wisdom of travelling elsewhere in the country for a holiday .
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said he would not recommend people in this age group visiting hotels .
In reaction to the advice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation , said the over-70s had already been “ less visible on the tourism and hospitality circuit for obvious reasons ” since the pandemic began .
The recent “ bump ” in business across the hotel and tourism sector had been driven by families on staycations over the summer , which would “ virtually dry up in September when schools reopen , ” he said .
At this time of year the sector often saw more business from those in retirement , he said .
The loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further blow ” to hotels and the hospitality sector , which was facing into a “ really , really long winter ” and the prospect of significant job losses , he said .
Michael Lennon , owner of Westport Woods Hotel , Co Mayo , said the industry traditionally would be more reliant “ on a golden market of the 55s to 70s and above ” in the coming months .
At present , “ Westport itself is very busy with a variety of people of all age groups , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they know they ’ re coming to a safe place , ” Mr Lennon said .
Representative bodies for restaurants and pubs welcomed the Government ’ s easing of mandatory closing times by half an hour to 11.30pm .
Adrian Cummins , chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland , said the move would help businesses .
“ We lobbied extremely hard to have closing times for restaurants extended until 12 , so we welcome extending it to 11.30pm , that is a good decision , ” he said .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their movements would not have a “ huge impact ” on restaurant trade , and said the measure was “ not doomsday ” for the sector .
Similarly , Donall O ’ Keeffe , chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association , which represents Dublin pubs , welcomed the easing of limits on opening hours .
The shift to close pubs operating as restaurants at 11.30pm was a “ positive step ” and “ a more reasonable ” time , he said .
The publican group had lobbied for the 11pm closing time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been announced “ out of the blue ” in recent weeks , he said .
The lobby group had expressed concern the early closing time “ would fuel house parties , ” Mr O ’ Keeffe said .
The new advice for over-70s would not have a major impact on pubs that were open , as the majority of current customers tended to be younger , he said .
“ Our older customers were coming back in off-peak times , in lower numbers , ” he said .

Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation: The loss of the over-70s cohort would be a ‘further blow’ to hotels and the hospitality sector. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Recommendations that over-70s should reconsider taking staycations and visiting hotels has been met with disappointment by the hospitality and tourism sector.
Under new restrictions, older people are being advised to limit their social interactions, and only visit shops during designated hours.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the over-70s were being asked to "exercise their individual judgment" on the wisdom of travelling elsewhere in the country for a holiday. Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said he would not recommend people in this age group visiting hotels.
In reaction to the advice, Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, chief executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, said the over-70s had already been "less visible on the tourism and hospitality circuit for obvious reasons" since the pandemic began.
READ MORE
The recent “bump” in business across the hotel and tourism sector had been driven by families on staycations over the summer, which would “virtually dry up in September when schools reopen,” he said.
Retirement
At this time of year the sector often saw more business from those in retirement, he said. The loss of that cohort would be a “further blow” to hotels and the hospitality sector, which was facing into a “really, really long winter” and the prospect of significant job losses, he said.
Michael Lennon, owner of Westport Woods Hotel, Co Mayo, said the industry traditionally would be more reliant "on a golden market of the 55s to 70s and above" in the coming months.
At present, “Westport itself is very busy with a variety of people of all age groups,” he said. “The older people will travel if they know they’re coming to a safe place,” Mr Lennon said.
Representative bodies for restaurants and pubs welcomed the Government’s easing of mandatory closing times by half an hour to 11.30pm.
Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said the move would help businesses. "We lobbied extremely hard to have closing times for restaurants extended until 12, so we welcome extending it to 11.30pm, that is a good decision," he said.
‘Not doomsday’
Mr Cummins predicted Government advice that over-70s limit their movements would not have a “huge impact” on restaurant trade, and said the measure was “not doomsday” for the sector.
Similarly, Donall O'Keeffe, chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, which represents Dublin pubs, welcomed the easing of limits on opening hours.
The shift to close pubs operating as restaurants at 11.30pm was a “positive step” and “a more reasonable” time, he said.
The publican group had lobbied for the 11pm closing time to be relaxed after the measure had been announced “out of the blue” in recent weeks, he said. The lobby group had expressed concern the early closing time “would fuel house parties,” Mr O’Keeffe said.
The new advice for over-70s would not have a major impact on pubs that were open, as the majority of current customers tended to be younger, he said. “Our older customers were coming back in off-peak times, in lower numbers,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Banning spectators from outdoor sporting events ‘bizarre’, says Professor

Government measures to temporarily ban spectators from outdoor sporting events have been branded “ bizarre ” when people can continue to congregate in pubs .
Kingston Mills , professor of experimental immunology at Trinity College Dublin , said he did not understand the measure , one of a number of new Covid-19 restrictions introduced on Tuesday .
“ [ It is ] completely bizarre .
People are fed up and one of the things that would lift people ’ s spirits is a bit of live sport , ” he said .
“ One hundred people in a pub ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing , I have seen them in my local pub ... and then you are not allowed to have 50 or 100 people at a football match ?
” Prof Mills welcomed some of the Government interventions , including measures intended to protect older people - although he said they would be growing tired of such restrictions - but said he found inconsistencies in the various approaches .
Prof Mills said he was weary of advice for people to avoid public transport .
“ We are saying don ’ t take public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge risk ; I think public transport where they are spaced out and wearing masks is maybe less of a risk , but it ’ s a risk , ” he said .
However , he added that he did not believe it was an area of great transmission .
“ Obviously if people can work from home , they should work from home.
” Prof Mills said the area where gains must be made is in testing .
It is not happening quickly enough , he said , and there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing - with 90 minute processing times - that would not only “ completely change the whole dynamic ” but would allow for testing at airports and replace the current invasive procedures with saliva samples .
He said there were “ half-hearted ” efforts at controlling potential transmission via overseas travel .
Prof Sam McConkey of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland ( RCSI ) said he was not surprised by the need for a further crackdown on social movements and that there was now an argument to pursue a New Zealand-style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have taken action .
It ’ s clear to me given the numbers are rising that we definitely , as a society , need to take action , ” he said .
“ Inevitably we were going to relax the restrictions to the extent that we were going to see a rise of some sort.
” However , he said he hoped the latest tranche of moves represented a more “ finessed and tailored ” approach than the previous lockdown .
Another option , he said , was to follow the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight weeks of aggressive measures followed by a focus on strictly controlled travel into the country which would allow a greater return to normal living conditions .

Government measures to temporarily ban spectators from outdoor sporting events have been branded “bizarre” when people can continue to congregate in pubs.
Kingston Mills, professor of experimental immunology at Trinity College Dublin, said he did not understand the measure, one of a number of new Covid-19 restrictions introduced on Tuesday.
“[It is] completely bizarre. People are fed up and one of the things that would lift people’s spirits is a bit of live sport,” he said.
“One hundred people in a pub; I know they aren’t social distancing, I have seen them in my local pub...and then you are not allowed to have 50 or 100 people at a football match?”
READ MORE
Prof Mills welcomed some of the Government interventions, including measures intended to protect older people - although he said they would be growing tired of such restrictions - but said he found inconsistencies in the various approaches.
Prof Mills said he was weary of advice for people to avoid public transport.
“We are saying don’t take public transport. I think packed public transport is a huge risk; I think public transport where they are spaced out and wearing masks is maybe less of a risk, but it’s a risk,” he said. However, he added that he did not believe it was an area of great transmission.
“Obviously if people can work from home, they should work from home.”
Prof Mills said the area where gains must be made is in testing. It is not happening quickly enough, he said, and there was now an opportunity to move to rapid testing - with 90 minute processing times - that would not only “completely change the whole dynamic” but would allow for testing at airports and replace the current invasive procedures with saliva samples.
He said there were “half-hearted” efforts at controlling potential transmission via overseas travel.
Prof Sam McConkey of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) said he was not surprised by the need for a further crackdown on social movements and that there was now an argument to pursue a New Zealand-style approach.
“I am glad that we have taken action. It’s clear to me given the numbers are rising that we definitely, as a society, need to take action,” he said.
“Inevitably we were going to relax the restrictions to the extent that we were going to see a rise of some sort.”
However, he said he hoped the latest tranche of moves represented a more “finessed and tailored” approach than the previous lockdown.
Another option, he said, was to follow the lead of New Zealand and apply six to eight weeks of aggressive measures followed by a focus on strictly controlled travel into the country which would allow a greater return to normal living conditions.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Hospital workers in Dublin city to be offered low-cost parking

Hospital staff are to be offered low-cost parking facilities in Dublin city centre following the end of their clamping exemption at the end of this month , Dublin City Council has said .
Since March , hospital workers in Dublin city have been exempt from paying parking charges when they use on-street parking in the vicinity of a hospital or health centre .
However , council chief executive Owen Keegan last week said the measure would be discontinued at the end of the month .
Instead , 500 parking spaces will be available to hospital workers in three city centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €5 per space per day .
From next month , 400 parking spaces will be allocated for such workers in the Ilac car park , and a combined total of 100 spaces in the Drury Street and Dawson Street car parks .
Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu said the €5 maximum charge was “ very affordable ” and “ well below the current market rate for secure off-street car parking in the city centre ” .
The detailed arrangements for accessing these spaces will be worked out between relevant hospital management and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council said .
The arrangement will be reviewed after six months .
Up to now staff who displayed a copy of an ID card or a note on hospital or GP practice letterhead paper in their vehicle would not be clamped by the council ’ s parking enforcement services .
The council said in March it was taking this approach in line with Government requirements to assist healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Keegan last week said the measure would end on August 31st because of the difficulties it was causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has been decided , with considerable regret , that the enforcement concession in respect of HSE staff parking in the vicinity of hospitals can not be sustained , ” he said .
“ A decision has now been made that the concession will end on August 31st , after which a full parking enforcement service will operate in the vicinity of hospitals.
” The parking concession was “ always intended to be a temporary measure ” , Mr Keegan said .
“ At the time it was introduced it was not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it applied , as there was limited demand for on-street parking .
However , with the resumption in economic activity there has been a significant recovery in traffic volumes and in on-street parking demand , ” he said .
“ This has led to a situation where residents with residents ’ parking permits , living in the vicinity of major hospitals , can not access on-street parking at or close to their homes at certain times .
”

Since March, hospital workers in Dublin city have been exempt from clamping when they use on-street parking in the vicinity of a hospital or health centre. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Hospital staff are to be offered low-cost parking facilities in Dublin city centre following the end of their clamping exemption at the end of this month, Dublin City Council has said.
Since March, hospital workers in Dublin city have been exempt from paying parking charges when they use on-street parking in the vicinity of a hospital or health centre. However, council chief executive Owen Keegan last week said the measure would be discontinued at the end of the month.
Instead, 500 parking spaces will be available to hospital workers in three city centre car parks at a maximum cost of €5 per space per day.
From next month, 400 parking spaces will be allocated for such workers in the Ilac car park, and a combined total of 100 spaces in the Drury Street and Dawson Street car parks.
READ MORE
Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu said the €5 maximum charge was "very affordable" and "well below the current market rate for secure off-street car parking in the city centre".
The detailed arrangements for accessing these spaces will be worked out between relevant hospital management and the car park operators, the city council said. The arrangement will be reviewed after six months.
Up to now staff who displayed a copy of an ID card or a note on hospital or GP practice letterhead paper in their vehicle would not be clamped by the council’s parking enforcement services. The council said in March it was taking this approach in line with Government requirements to assist healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Difficulties for residents
Mr Keegan last week said the measure would end on August 31st because of the difficulties it was causing for residents living near hospitals.
“It has been decided, with considerable regret, that the enforcement concession in respect of HSE staff parking in the vicinity of hospitals cannot be sustained,” he said.
“A decision has now been made that the concession will end on August 31st, after which a full parking enforcement service will operate in the vicinity of hospitals.”
The parking concession was “always intended to be a temporary measure”, Mr Keegan said.
“At the time it was introduced it was not a major issue in the various locations where it applied, as there was limited demand for on-street parking. However, with the resumption in economic activity there has been a significant recovery in traffic volumes and in on-street parking demand,” he said.
“This has led to a situation where residents with residents’ parking permits, living in the vicinity of major hospitals, cannot access on-street parking at or close to their homes at certain times.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Bunratty and King John’s castles face closure, operator says

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Co Clare and King John ’ s Castle in Limerick will close in less than two weeks unless the Government provides €6.4 million in emergency funding , the operator of the amenities has said .
The Shannon Group , which includes Shannon Airport and commercial properties including heritage and tourism sites , has said it needs an “ urgent ” answer to its request for the sum .
Unless the group received support , it said , both castles and Bunratty Folk Park would close on August 31st .
The State-owned group made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July seeking assistance in securing the viability of the sites until June 2021 .
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to major revenue losses at both sites , which are hugely dependant on American and continental European tourists .
US and continental tourists account for 80 per cent of visitors in a normal year .
Chief executive Mary Considine said “ both sites are very important to the local economy and to tourism in the region , and Shannon Group is doing everything it can to keep the two heritage sites open ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sites , will require total funding of €6.4 million to June 2021 , “ when a pick-up in visitor numbers usually occurs ” .
Ms Considine paid tribute to Shannon Heritage employees , whom she said had faced very challenging times .
However , she said a major marketing campaign and a slight bounce in domestic visitors had not made up for the loss of international customers .
“ Our focus now is on protecting our employees ’ jobs in the long-term , which requires difficult short-term decision so that we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate comment was forthcoming from the Department of Tourism .

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Co Clare and King John’s Castle in Limerick will close in less than two weeks unless the Government provides €6.4 million in emergency funding, the operator of the amenities has said.
The Shannon Group, which includes Shannon Airport and commercial properties including heritage and tourism sites, has said it needs an “urgent” answer to its request for the sum.
Unless the group received support, it said, both castles and Bunratty Folk Park would close on August 31st.
The State-owned group made a submission to the Department of Transport in July seeking assistance in securing the viability of the sites until June 2021.
READ MORE
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to major revenue losses at both sites, which are hugely dependant on American and continental European tourists. US and continental tourists account for 80 per cent of visitors in a normal year.
Challenging times
Chief executive Mary Considine said “both sites are very important to the local economy and to tourism in the region, and Shannon Group is doing everything it can to keep the two heritage sites open”.
She said Shannon Heritage, which runs both sites, will require total funding of €6.4 million to June 2021, “when a pick-up in visitor numbers usually occurs”.
Ms Considine paid tribute to Shannon Heritage employees, whom she said had faced very challenging times. However, she said a major marketing campaign and a slight bounce in domestic visitors had not made up for the loss of international customers.
“Our focus now is on protecting our employees’ jobs in the long-term, which requires difficult short-term decision so that we can survive, recover and rebuild.”
No immediate comment was forthcoming from the Department of Tourism.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--What is causing the slowdown in the test and trace system?

With turnaround times slowing , the country ’ s system for testing and tracing for Covid-19 is again coming under scrutiny .
Questions are being asked about whether it is up to the task of severing the chains of transmission , and facilitating vital steps such as the reopening of schools in less than a fortnight .
Just what is happening in the testing and tracing system , and can it handle the pressure ?
What is causing the slowdown ?
Put simply , there is more disease in the community .
This means more testing to be done , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts to be traced , and more pressure on the system .
With 1,250 cases in the last 14 days , about 2 per cent of tests are now coming back positive .
The number of contacts being traced has risen significantly , with up to 50 close contacts in some instances .
On August 4th , there were 260 calls being made per day by contact tracers , with 800 being placed last Sunday .
Prof Mary Codd , who runs a contact tracing centre at UCD , says that contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she says the days since the UCD centre was reopened on August 9th have been “ unbelievably intense ” , with numbers of contacts being traced “ off the scale ” compared to what was seen in lockdown .
“ We have seen lots of gatherings of family and friends which have resulted in wide dispersions of contacts , from gathering in a holiday location in one part of the country to the north , west , south and east.
” What that means , she says , is that the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contacts in a variety of settings ” .
What exactly happens with a test ?
There are three steps : sampling , analysis and contact tracing .
For members of the public , you are either tested at a sampling centre , or at home by the National Ambulance Service .
Those in residential settings like nursing homes are tested there , and some sectors like meat plants are being serially tested on a rolling basis .
Healthcare workers have a fast track for testing .
It is then sent for analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the sample is contact traced .
Contact tracers undertake three sets of calls : to alert the person diagnosed , then to assess their close contacts , then to their close contacts .
How long does it take ?
People are again beginning to share stories of waiting days for tests and results .
One person based in Dublin , whose entire family was mildly symptomatic , told The Irish Times they were referred for a test last Friday afternoon , but were only tested on Monday afternoon .
Anecdotes are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slippage .
From referral to getting an appointment , the average time is now 0.9 days , with average swabs taking 1.3 days to get a lab result .
On average , it is taking 1.8 days to complete all contact tracing calls .
While this would suggest an overall time of four days , the HSE says adding these figures together doesn ’ t give the full picture , and says the median end-to-end time is 2.83 days .
This specific figure is not a regularly published number on the HSE ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the three-day target the HSE has set itself for 90 per cent of cases , which is recommended by experts .
However , one thing is clear from looking at the data , things are getting slower .
The HSE says this is due to more people testing positive as the disease circulates .
What is being done about it ?
The HSE says that it has enough capacity in the system to test all those who need a test , and can do 15,000 a day .
For three of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available , more than 10,000 tests have been taken , indicating that while the load on the system is substantial , it is not yet at its limit .
More contact tracing centres are being brought on stream to make calls ; up until August 9th , there was just one operating , when a second centre at UCD was brought on stream .
Last week , centres operated by the Revenue Commissioners in Galway and Dublin were recommissioned , and the Army band was drafted in to provide extra support .

The number of contacts being traced in the State has risen significantly, with up to 50 close contacts in some instances. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
With turnaround times slowing, the country’s system for testing and tracing for Covid-19 is again coming under scrutiny.
Questions are being asked about whether it is up to the task of severing the chains of transmission, and facilitating vital steps such as the reopening of schools in less than a fortnight. Just what is happening in the testing and tracing system, and can it handle the pressure?
What is causing the slowdown?
Put simply, there is more disease in the community. This means more testing to be done, more cases to be managed, more contacts to be traced, and more pressure on the system. With 1,250 cases in the last 14 days, about 2 per cent of tests are now coming back positive.
READ MORE
The number of contacts being traced has risen significantly, with up to 50 close contacts in some instances. On August 4th, there were 260 calls being made per day by contact tracers, with 800 being placed last Sunday.
What’s happening on the frontline?
Prof Mary Codd, who runs a contact tracing centre at UCD, says that contact tracing is holding up under pressure. However, she says the days since the UCD centre was reopened on August 9th have been "unbelievably intense", with numbers of contacts being traced "off the scale" compared to what was seen in lockdown.
“We have seen lots of gatherings of family and friends which have resulted in wide dispersions of contacts, from gathering in a holiday location in one part of the country to the north, west, south and east.” What that means, she says, is that the virus is “widely dispersed through a multiplicity of contacts in a variety of settings”.
What exactly happens with a test?
There are three steps: sampling, analysis and contact tracing.
For members of the public, you are either tested at a sampling centre, or at home by the National Ambulance Service. Those in residential settings like nursing homes are tested there, and some sectors like meat plants are being serially tested on a rolling basis. Healthcare workers have a fast track for testing.
It is then sent for analysis at a lab, and if positive, the sample is contact traced. Contact tracers undertake three sets of calls: to alert the person diagnosed, then to assess their close contacts, then to their close contacts.
How long does it take?
People are again beginning to share stories of waiting days for tests and results. One person based in Dublin, whose entire family was mildly symptomatic, told The Irish Times they were referred for a test last Friday afternoon, but were only tested on Monday afternoon.
Anecdotes are not data but figures show there has been slippage. From referral to getting an appointment, the average time is now 0.9 days, with average swabs taking 1.3 days to get a lab result. On average, it is taking 1.8 days to complete all contact tracing calls. While this would suggest an overall time of four days, the HSE says adding these figures together doesn’t give the full picture, and says the median end-to-end time is 2.83 days. This specific figure is not a regularly published number on the HSE’s dashboard, but it is just under the three-day target the HSE has set itself for 90 per cent of cases, which is recommended by experts.
However, one thing is clear from looking at the data, things are getting slower. The HSE says this is due to more people testing positive as the disease circulates.
What is being done about it?
The HSE says that it has enough capacity in the system to test all those who need a test, and can do 15,000 a day. For three of the past four days on which data is available, more than 10,000 tests have been taken, indicating that while the load on the system is substantial, it is not yet at its limit.
More contact tracing centres are being brought on stream to make calls; up until August 9th, there was just one operating, when a second centre at UCD was brought on stream. Last week, centres operated by the Revenue Commissioners in Galway and Dublin were recommissioned, and the Army band was drafted in to provide extra support.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--NI Executive to consider reintroducing restrictions to limit virus spread

The North ’ s Executive is to consider reintroducing some restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus when it meets on Thursday .
These could include lowering the number of people who are allowed to meet indoors or outdoors , or measures focused on specific geographical areas or sectors .
Relaxations which had been postponed , including the reopening of pubs serving drinks only , are expected to be further delayed .
“ The time is coming for the Executive to consider fresh and concrete actions to prevent further spread of the virus , ” the North ’ s health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday afternoon .
“ This could include imposing localised restrictions , or introducing more general measures , or a combination of both , ” he said .
The number of coronavirus cases in the North has been rising in recent weeks , with 41 new cases identified in the last 24 hours , according to figures released by the Department of Health ( DoH ) on Tuesday .
One more coronavirus-related death was announced , bringing the total number of fatalities recorded by the department to 559 .
The number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North ’ s Chief Scientific Officer , Professor Ian Young , was 16 per 100,000 in the last seven days , or 24 per 100,000 in the last 14 days .
“ Those figures are slightly higher than the rest of the UK or Republic of Ireland , on average , indicating that the epidemic is increasing significantly in Northern Ireland , ” he said .
Mr Swann warned on Tuesday that there was a “ clear indication ” Covid-19 was “ on the advance again ” in the North , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down a very slippery and treacherous slope.
” Northern Ireland was at a “ critical juncture ” in its response to Covid-19 , he said , but people could protect themselves and prevent the further spread of the virus by following guidance around social distancing and hand washing , and observing the regulations around the wearing of face coverings indoors .
The North ’ s Chief Scientific Officer , Professor Ian Young , provided more information on the spread of the virus .
The average number of cases , he said , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day at the end of June and start of July to an average of over 40 .
Increased testing , he said , was not sufficient to explain the rise , as while the number of tests carried out rose by approximately four-fold in that period , the number of cases had risen by around tenfold .
However , he noted that the figures “ disguise the fact that there ’ s very considerable variation ” in the number of cases which have been diagnosed in different council areas .
In the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 78 cases were confirmed in the last week , compared to only three in Fermanagh and Omagh .
The North ’ s Chief Medical Officer , Dr Michael McBride , said actions and decisions taken now would decisions made now would “ determine our outcomes ” in the weeks ahead , and he had a “ simple message ” to those who are not following the advice .
“ Wise up.
” The health minister announced the North ’ s annual flu vaccination programme is to begin early , in September , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ in an effort to reduce health risks in individuals and reduce the pressure on our health and social care system .
”

The North’s Executive is to consider reintroducing some restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus when it meets on Thursday.
These could include lowering the number of people who are allowed to meet indoors or outdoors, or measures focused on specific geographical areas or sectors.
Relaxations which had been postponed, including the reopening of pubs serving drinks only, are expected to be further delayed.
"The time is coming for the Executive to consider fresh and concrete actions to prevent further spread of the virus," the North's health minister, Robin Swann, told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.
READ MORE
“This could include imposing localised restrictions, or introducing more general measures, or a combination of both,” he said.
The number of coronavirus cases in the North has been rising in recent weeks, with 41 new cases identified in the last 24 hours, according to figures released by the Department of Health (DoH) on Tuesday.
One more coronavirus-related death was announced, bringing the total number of fatalities recorded by the department to 559.
The number of cases per head of population, according to the North's Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Ian Young, was 16 per 100,000 in the last seven days, or 24 per 100,000 in the last 14 days.
"Those figures are slightly higher than the rest of the UK or Republic of Ireland, on average, indicating that the epidemic is increasing significantly in Northern Ireland, " he said.
‘Slippery slope’
Mr Swann warned on Tuesday that there was a “clear indication” Covid-19 was “on the advance again” in the North, and there was a “danger of sliding down a very slippery and treacherous slope.”
Northern Ireland was at a “critical juncture” in its response to Covid-19, he said, but people could protect themselves and prevent the further spread of the virus by following guidance around social distancing and hand washing, and observing the regulations around the wearing of face coverings indoors.
The North’s Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Ian Young, provided more information on the spread of the virus. The average number of cases, he said, has progressively risen from three to four per day at the end of June and start of July to an average of over 40.
Increased testing, he said, was not sufficient to explain the rise, as while the number of tests carried out rose by approximately four-fold in that period, the number of cases had risen by around tenfold.
However, he noted that the figures “disguise the fact that there’s very considerable variation” in the number of cases which have been diagnosed in different council areas.
In the worst affected area, Mid and East Antrim, 78 cases were confirmed in the last week, compared to only three in Fermanagh and Omagh.
The North’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said actions and decisions taken now would decisions made now would “determine our outcomes” in the weeks ahead, and he had a “simple message” to those who are not following the advice. “Wise up.”
The health minister announced the North’s annual flu vaccination programme is to begin early, in September, with the vaccine made more widely available “in an effort to reduce health risks in individuals and reduce the pressure on our health and social care system.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Boy (7) rescued after inflatable raft is swept out to sea

A seven-year-old boy was rescued after being blown out to sea on an inflatable raft on Tuesday .
The incident occurred at Smerwick Harbour on Co Kerry ’ s Dingle Peninsula .
The Coast Guard received the first of a series of 999 calls about the incident at about 2.40pm on Tuesday , with reports that a boy was being swept out into the Atlantic despite the best efforts of beach users to rescue him .
A local source said that while the conditions were relatively mild at the time , a slight offshore wind was enough to blow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or four swimmers , a surfer and a number of local boats attempted to reach the boy , who was eventually intercepted by a man in a rib and brought to safety .
The all clear was sounded at 3.15pm .
The Coast Guard had also immediately tasked a number of units in response to the incident – including a local land-based rescue crew and a helicopter .
The boy had been swept out about 50 to 60 yards offshore by the time of the first emergency call and would have continued at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considered a safe bathing destination , there is no lifeguard on duty .

A seven-year-old boy was rescued after being blown out to sea on an inflatable raft on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at Smerwick Harbour on Co Kerry’s Dingle Peninsula.
The Coast Guard received the first of a series of 999 calls about the incident at about 2.40pm on Tuesday, with reports that a boy was being swept out into the Atlantic despite the best efforts of beach users to rescue him.
A local source said that while the conditions were relatively mild at the time, a slight offshore wind was enough to blow the inflatable quickly out to sea.
READ MORE
Three or four swimmers, a surfer and a number of local boats attempted to reach the boy, who was eventually intercepted by a man in a rib and brought to safety. The all clear was sounded at 3.15pm.
The Coast Guard had also immediately tasked a number of units in response to the incident – including a local land-based rescue crew and a helicopter.
The boy had been swept out about 50 to 60 yards offshore by the time of the first emergency call and would have continued at a fast pace.
Although the area is considered a safe bathing destination, there is no lifeguard on duty.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--What are the new Covid-19 restrictions announced on Tuesday?

The Government announced these new measures to combat coronavirus on Tuesday evening .
They are due to come into effect immediately and remain in place until September 13th .
* All businesses should continue to allow remote working where possible .
* If you are having visitors over to your home , you should limit them to six people from no more than three households .
* Outdoor gatherings are to be limited to 15 people .
* Restaurants and cafes , including pubs which serve food , can remain open but with a mandatory closing time of 11.30pm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ revert to ‘ behind-closed-doors ’ with no spectators allowed .
There should also be strict avoidance of social gatherings before and after games or fixtures .
* Indoor training should be limited to six people and outdoor training should be limited to 15 people .
* Public transport should be avoided where possible .
* If you are travelling in a car or other vehicle with someone from outside your household , it is recommended that you wear a face covering .
* All State bodies with responsibility for monitoring , inspection and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis .
Meanwhile , for those over-70 or who are extremely medically vulnerable , it is asked that you use your individual judgement to : * Keep the number of people you meet as low as possible .
When you do meet people - it should be at a distance of two metres and for as short a time as possible .
* Shop during designated hours ( special times that shops have set up for those who are over-70 or medically vulnerable to safely do their shopping ) .

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that the tightening of key restrictions to help curb the spread of Covid-19 will impact upon most people in Ireland. Video: RTÉ
The Government announced these new measures to combat coronavirus on Tuesday evening. They are due to come into effect immediately and remain in place until September 13th.
* All businesses should continue to allow remote working where possible.
* If you are having visitors over to your home, you should limit them to six people from no more than three households.
* Outdoor gatherings are to be limited to 15 people.
READ MORE
* Restaurants and cafes, including pubs which serve food, can remain open but with a mandatory closing time of 11.30pm.
* Sports events and matches are to revert to ‘behind-closed-doors’ with no spectators allowed. There should also be strict avoidance of social gatherings before and after games or fixtures.
* Indoor training should be limited to six people and outdoor training should be limited to 15 people.
* Public transport should be avoided where possible.
* If you are travelling in a car or other vehicle with someone from outside your household, it is recommended that you wear a face covering.
* All State bodies with responsibility for monitoring, inspection and compliance will intensify activities on an integrated basis.
Meanwhile, for those over-70 or who are extremely medically vulnerable, it is asked that you use your individual judgement to:
* Keep the number of people you meet as low as possible. When you do meet people - it should be at a distance of two metres and for as short a time as possible.
* Avoid public transport where possible.
* Shop during designated hours (special times that shops have set up for those who are over-70 or medically vulnerable to safely do their shopping).


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Northern Ireland’s new Attorney General sworn in

Northern Ireland ’ s new Attorney General has been sworn in today at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast .
Brenda King formally took office as chief legal adviser to the Stormont Executive at a ceremony overseen by Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan .
Ms King succeeds John Larkin QC , who stepped down in June after serving in the post for 10 years .
After taking the oath she said : “ I ’ m honoured to take up this role and looking forward to continuing to provide legal advice.
” Ms King ’ s legal career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Executive and as a former President of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel .
Educated at Queen ’ s University in Belfast , the University of South Carolina and Cambridge University , she started in private practice as a solicitor and also spent time in the diplomatic service .
With over 25 years experience drafting legislation in Northern Ireland and other jurisdictions , she was appointed Attorney General by the First and Deputy First Ministers .
Ms King ’ s new role involves responsibility for protecting the public interest in legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s most senior representative in the courts .
She can also participate in proceedings at the Assembly .
Only a handful of people were able to attend the swearing-in due to Covid-19 restrictions .
But Sir Declan told those present that Ms King is “ extremely well-qualified ” for the role .
“ She obviously had enormous experience in terms of her legislative background in Northern Ireland , ” the Lord Chief Justice said .

Northern Ireland’s new Attorney General has been sworn in today at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast.
Brenda King formally took office as chief legal adviser to the Stormont Executive at a ceremony overseen by Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan.
Ms King succeeds John Larkin QC, who stepped down in June after serving in the post for 10 years.
After taking the oath she said: “I’m honoured to take up this role and looking forward to continuing to provide legal advice.”
READ MORE
Ms King’s legal career has involved roles as First Legislative Counsel in the Executive and as a former President of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel.
Educated at Queen’s University in Belfast, the University of South Carolina and Cambridge University, she started in private practice as a solicitor and also spent time in the diplomatic service.
With over 25 years experience drafting legislation in Northern Ireland and other jurisdictions, she was appointed Attorney General by the First and Deputy First Ministers.
Ms King’s new role involves responsibility for protecting the public interest in legal matters, and being the Executive’s most senior representative in the courts. She can also participate in proceedings at the Assembly.
Only a handful of people were able to attend the swearing-in due to Covid-19 restrictions. But Sir Declan told those present that Ms King is “extremely well-qualified” for the role.
“She obviously had enormous experience in terms of her legislative background in Northern Ireland,” the Lord Chief Justice said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Belfast City Hall to be lit up for Noah Donohoe campaign

Belfast City Hall is set to be lit up blue to raise awareness of a campaign to find out what happened to a teenager who was found drowned .
Noah Donohoe disappeared in North Belfast in June , sparking a huge search effort .
His body was later found in a storm drain .
The 14-year-old ’ s mother Fiona has launched a public appeal to find out what happened to her son .
She has set up dedicated pages on Twitter and Facebook , called MyNoah Donohoe , as she seeks answers about his disappearance and death .
Sinn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall will be lit blue on Sunday to support Ms Donohoe ’ s campaign following a proposal he made .
“ The death of Noah Donohoe shocked the citizens of our city and left many heartbroken , least not the family and friends of Noah , ” he said .
“ I welcome the cross-party support for my proposal to have Belfast City Hall illuminated blue this Sunday to mark nine weeks since young Noah Donohoe had gone missing .
“ I hope that by illuminating the building , it will create awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of Noah .
“ I would appeal to anyone with any evidence or information in respect of Noah ’ s disappearance to bring this immediately to the PSNI , info justicefornoah.co.uk , Fiona Donohoe ’ s Solicitor , Niall Murphy or Relatives for Justice.
” – PA

Belfast City Hall is set to be lit up blue to raise awareness of a campaign to find out what happened to a teenager who was found drowned.
Noah Donohoe disappeared in North Belfast in June, sparking a huge search effort. His body was later found in a storm drain.
The 14-year-old’s mother Fiona has launched a public appeal to find out what happened to her son.
She has set up dedicated pages on Twitter and Facebook, called MyNoah Donohoe, as she seeks answers about his disappearance and death.
READ MORE
Sinn Féin councillor Steven Corr said the City Hall will be lit blue on Sunday to support Ms Donohoe’s campaign following a proposal he made.
“The death of Noah Donohoe shocked the citizens of our city and left many heartbroken, least not the family and friends of Noah,” he said.
“I welcome the cross-party support for my proposal to have Belfast City Hall illuminated blue this Sunday to mark nine weeks since young Noah Donohoe had gone missing.
“I hope that by illuminating the building, it will create awareness around the ongoing appeal for information on the death of Noah.
“I would appeal to anyone with any evidence or information in respect of Noah’s disappearance to bring this immediately to the PSNI, info justicefornoah.co.uk, Fiona Donohoe’s Solicitor, Niall Murphy or Relatives for Justice.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Cork floods: ‘This shouldn’t have happened... It was a very low tide’

“ Storm Ophelia did no damage at all – we didn ’ t get a drop of water coming in and you don ’ t expect to be flooded in August but this has done huge damage , we had 2ft of water in here Thursday morning and all the fridges and freezers are gone , the deli counter , the ice machine , all gone.
” Marcelle Leonti was in reflective mood as she surveyed the damage at the Landmark restaurant and guesthouse in Rosscarbery .
It has been almost a week since torrential overnight rain flooded the elegant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I was very upset – it ’ s very distressing – we spent quite a lot of money here since we bought it in 2017 and it was going well but this shouldn ’ t have happened really .
It was a very low tide so it was just rainfall but the mud and silt went everywhere as the stream overflowed the culvert.
” She pointed to a heavy wooden picnic bench that was carried almost 500m away by the flood to the carpark of the Celtic Ross Hotel , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbour , John Hayes , is a native of Rosscarbery and said the last time his terraced house in Newtown was flooded was in 1963 , when high tides , a southeasterly wind and heavy rain left the area under several feet of water .
“ There was no high tide the other morning and no winds , it was dead calm – it was all down to the rain and the culvert here under the road being unable to take the run-off , so it overspilled on to the road and backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discover four inches of water in my sittingroom.
” Across the road , neighbours Mossie O ’ Donovan and John Stringer were assessing the damage to their holiday homes in the town ’ s 19th century courthouse which was flooded , and where everything from floor boards to furnishings had to be thrown out .
“ We weren ’ t here at the time but one of the neighbours rang to say there was about a foot of water in her livingroom and we were all more or less the same , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all came from the stream over there because the culvert couldn ’ t take the volume of water , ” said O ’ Donovan .
Stringer said there was “ ferocious rain ” last Thursday morning .
“ But we ’ ve had ferocious rain before and never had any problems .
It seems the stream has filled up with shale and silt , it couldn ’ t take the volume of water that was coming down the channel and it spilled out across the road , ” he said .
“ My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the flooding so they will all [ have ] to go as will the furnishings and fittings – I ’ ve lost a cooker , a fridge a washing machine .
I ’ m waiting for the insurance assessors to come back with a figure but it will run into thousands of euros.
” Earlier , Patrick O ’ Donovan , Minister of State at the Office of Public Works , visited Rosscarbery and other parts of west Cork where he met people affected by floods .
“ It is only when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can fully appreciate the devastation the recent severe weather has brought to communities in Connonagh , Dunmanway and Rosscarbery , ” the Minister said .
He also discussed the issue with Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey .
“ The extent of the damage to the road network and infrastructure needs to be carefully examined by the relevant professionals and I would like to assure the communities affected that funding will be made available to deal with the aftermath of this destruction , ” he said .

“Storm Ophelia did no damage at all – we didn’t get a drop of water coming in and you don’t expect to be flooded in August but this has done huge damage, we had 2ft of water in here Thursday morning and all the fridges and freezers are gone, the deli counter, the ice machine, all gone.”
Marcelle Leonti was in reflective mood as she surveyed the damage at the Landmark restaurant and guesthouse in Rosscarbery. It has been almost a week since torrential overnight rain flooded the elegant two-storey building which she bought in 2017.
"I was very upset – it's very distressing – we spent quite a lot of money here since we bought it in 2017 and it was going well but this shouldn't have happened really. It was a very low tide so it was just rainfall but the mud and silt went everywhere as the stream overflowed the culvert." She pointed to a heavy wooden picnic bench that was carried almost 500m away by the flood to the carpark of the Celtic Ross Hotel, where she retrieved it days later.
Her neighbour, John Hayes, is a native of Rosscarbery and said the last time his terraced house in Newtown was flooded was in 1963, when high tides, a southeasterly wind and heavy rain left the area under several feet of water.
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“There was no high tide the other morning and no winds, it was dead calm – it was all down to the rain and the culvert here under the road being unable to take the run-off, so it overspilled on to the road and backed up. I came down at 8am to discover four inches of water in my sittingroom.”
Across the road, neighbours Mossie O'Donovan and John Stringer were assessing the damage to their holiday homes in the town's 19th century courthouse which was flooded, and where everything from floor boards to furnishings had to be thrown out.
‘Ferocious rain’
“We weren’t here at the time but one of the neighbours rang to say there was about a foot of water in her livingroom and we were all more or less the same, under a foot of water. It all came from the stream over there because the culvert couldn’t take the volume of water,” said O’Donovan.
Stringer said there was “ ferocious rain” last Thursday morning.
“But we’ve had ferocious rain before and never had any problems. It seems the stream has filled up with shale and silt, it couldn’t take the volume of water that was coming down the channel and it spilled out across the road,” he said.
“My wooden floors have all warped and buckled from the flooding so they will all [have] to go as will the furnishings and fittings – I’ve lost a cooker, a fridge a washing machine. I’m waiting for the insurance assessors to come back with a figure but it will run into thousands of euros.”
‘Devastation’
Earlier, Patrick O'Donovan, Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, visited Rosscarbery and other parts of west Cork where he met people affected by floods.
"It is only when you see the damage first hand that you can fully appreciate the devastation the recent severe weather has brought to communities in Connonagh, Dunmanway and Rosscarbery," the Minister said. He also discussed the issue with Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey.
“The extent of the damage to the road network and infrastructure needs to be carefully examined by the relevant professionals and I would like to assure the communities affected that funding will be made available to deal with the aftermath of this destruction,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Control team to tackle ‘localised outbreak’ in Limerick hospital

An “ outbreak control team ” has been established at University Hospital Limerick after one patient and one member of staff on a ward tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday , a hospital spokesman has confirmed .
The two confirmed cases of the virus involve a member of staff and a patient who were both on the same ward .
“ Contact tracing and testing is currently under way and all appropriate infection prevention and control measures are being followed in line with the national HPSC [ Health Protection Surveillance Centre ] guidance , ” a hospital spokesman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ward at the centre of what we believe to be a localised outbreak have been identified as contacts .
They have been asked to stay off work and to self-isolate in line with national guidance.
” The hospital said that it had completed “ initial testing of all patient contacts ” and this “ has not identified further cases ” .
“ Initial testing of all staff contacts is expected to be completed tomorrow , Wednesday , August 19th .
All patients on the ward in question have been informed of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spillane , chief operations manager of UL Hospitals Group , said that “ hospitals have been preparing for these situations for many months and we have now established an outbreak control team to put into operation our measures to protect the safety of patients and staff and to protect public health more generally ” .
“ This is the first outbreak of Covid-19 to have occurred in UHL since the start of the pandemic .
This is unfortunate but we have every reason to believe that this is a limited outbreak that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ms Spillane said .

The two confirmed cases of the virus involve a member of staff and a patient who were both on the same ward. Photograph: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
An “outbreak control team” has been established at University Hospital Limerick after one patient and one member of staff on a ward tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, a hospital spokesman has confirmed.
The two confirmed cases of the virus involve a member of staff and a patient who were both on the same ward.
“Contact tracing and testing is currently under way and all appropriate infection prevention and control measures are being followed in line with the national HPSC [Health Protection Surveillance Centre] guidance,” a hospital spokesman said.
“A number of staff from the ward at the centre of what we believe to be a localised outbreak have been identified as contacts. They have been asked to stay off work and to self-isolate in line with national guidance.”
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The hospital said that it had completed “initial testing of all patient contacts” and this “has not identified further cases”.
“Initial testing of all staff contacts is expected to be completed tomorrow, Wednesday, August 19th. All patients on the ward in question have been informed of the outbreak,” the spokesman said.
Noreen Spillane, chief operations manager of UL Hospitals Group, said that “hospitals have been preparing for these situations for many months and we have now established an outbreak control team to put into operation our measures to protect the safety of patients and staff and to protect public health more generally”.
“This is the first outbreak of Covid-19 to have occurred in UHL since the start of the pandemic. This is unfortunate but we have every reason to believe that this is a limited outbreak that is contained in the ward in question,” Ms Spillane said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--‘Part of my life died that night’ says Caroline Donohoe of husband’s murder

The wife of murdered Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe has said part of her life “ died ” on the night her husband was shot and killed during an armed robbery in 2013 .
Caroline Donohoe said sitting in court throughout the lengthy murder trial in Dublin was “ heartbreaking ” and some days “ were really , really difficult.
” Speaking in an interview published in the Dundalk-based newspaper The Argus , Ms Donohoe described the fallout of her husband ’ s killing seven years ago .
“ I am still trying to pick up the pieces … People say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t change the pain I feel every day .
I will love him to the day I die and no one else , ” Ms Donohoe said .
Aaron Brady ( 29 ) , Crossmaglen , Co Armagh , was convicted earlier this month of the capital murder of Det Garda Donohoe , who was fatally shot during an armed robbery at Lordship Credit Union , Bellurgan , Co Louth , in January 2013 .
“ Part of my life died that night , part of who I was .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hate that word , I ’ m his wife .
I lost who I was , people see me differently , ” she told The Argus .
The pair had met in the same class in Templemore Garda College in 1994 , and were later both posted to Dundalk Garda station .
They went on to marry and had two children , Amy and Niall , who are both now in their early teens .
Brady , who faced charges in Ireland after he was deported from the US in May 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial , Ms Donohoe said .
“ It was very difficult to look at him , ” she said .
Ms Donohoe said she has to drive past Lordship Credit Union whenever she travels to Dundalk .
“ Some days I go past and I will spend the whole day crying as it brings it all back , ” she said .
“ My life has totally changed , if I could only put the clock back … But we can ’ t do that.
” She described her late husband as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and added : “ I feel as though he is with me all the time , he ’ s a presence in our home.
” Following his murder Ms Donohoe did not return to work with the Garda , instead focusing on raising her two children .
She paid tribute to both the jury and the investigating gardaí who pursued the case over several years .
“ I ’ m so thankful to Supt Gerry Curley and the investigation team in Dundalk .
They have been unbelievable .
They told me from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they did , ” she said .
The jury in the case were “ amazing people , ” who she thanked for “ sticking with the trial .
”

Caroline Donohoe, widow of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, at his funeral in St Joseph’s Redemptorist Church, Dundalk Co Louth. on January 30th, 2013. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA Wire
The wife of murdered Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe has said part of her life "died" on the night her husband was shot and killed during an armed robbery in 2013.
Caroline Donohoe said sitting in court throughout the lengthy murder trial in Dublin was "heartbreaking" and some days "were really, really difficult."
Speaking in an interview published in the Dundalk-based newspaper The Argus, Ms Donohoe described the fallout of her husband’s killing seven years ago.
“I am still trying to pick up the pieces … People say time is a great healer but it doesn’t change the pain I feel every day. I will love him to the day I die and no one else,” Ms Donohoe said.
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Aaron Brady (29), Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, was convicted earlier this month of the capital murder of Det Garda Donohoe, who was fatally shot during an armed robbery at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth, in January 2013.
“Part of my life died that night, part of who I was. I became Adrian’s widow - I hate that word, I’m his wife. I lost who I was, people see me differently,” she told The Argus.
The pair had met in the same class in Templemore Garda College in 1994, and were later both posted to Dundalk Garda station. They went on to marry and had two children, Amy and Niall, who are both now in their early teens.
Brady, who faced charges in Ireland after he was deported from the US in May 2017, showed “no remorse” during the trial, Ms Donohoe said. “It was very difficult to look at him,” she said.
Ms Donohoe said she has to drive past Lordship Credit Union whenever she travels to Dundalk. “Some days I go past and I will spend the whole day crying as it brings it all back,” she said.
“My life has totally changed, if I could only put the clock back … But we can’t do that.”
She described her late husband as “the love of my life,” and added: “I feel as though he is with me all the time, he’s a presence in our home.”
Following his murder Ms Donohoe did not return to work with the Garda, instead focusing on raising her two children.
She paid tribute to both the jury and the investigating gardaí who pursued the case over several years.
"I'm so thankful to Supt Gerry Curley and the investigation team in Dundalk. They have been unbelievable. They told me from the beginning that they would stick with me and they did," she said.
The jury in the case were “amazing people,” who she thanked for “sticking with the trial.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Man arrested as herbal cannabis worth €310,000 is seized in Co Louth

A man has been arrested following a raid on a suspected cannabis grow house in Dundalk , Co Louth , @ @ @ @ @ was arrested after plain clothes detectives and uniformed gardaí found €310,000 worth of herbal cannabis @ @ @ @ @ house on Castle Road in the town .
The seizure was made just after 8am @ @ @ @ @ of the Dundalk District Drugs Unit and the Dundalk Detective Unit as well as uniformed @ @ @ @ @ in the course of the search at the premises cannabis plants at varying stages of @ @ @ @ @ along with approximately 13kg of suspected cannabis herb .
Lights , fans and an irrigation @ @ @ @ @ of cannabis plants were also seized .
A man aged in his early 20s was @ @ @ @ @ was being held at Dundalk Garda station under the provisions of section 4 of the @ @ @ @

Plants found during a raid on a suspected grow house in Dundalk, Co Louth. File photograph: An Garda Síochána
A man has been arrested following a raid on a suspected cannabis grow house in Dundalk, Co Louth, on Tuesday.
The man was arrested after plain clothes detectives and uniformed gardaí found €310,000 worth of herbal cannabis during the operation at a house on Castle Road in the town.
The seizure was made just after 8am. The operation involved members of the Dundalk District Drugs Unit and the Dundalk Detective Unit as well as uniformed gardaí.
Gardaí said that in the course of the search at the premises cannabis plants at varying stages of growth were located and seized along with approximately 13kg of suspected cannabis herb.
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Lights, fans and an irrigation system associated with the cultivation of cannabis plants were also seized.
A man aged in his early 20s was arrested at the scene and was being held at Dundalk Garda station under the provisions of section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.


theirishtimes--2020-08-18--Gemma O’Doherty denies trying to evade service of legal proceedings

Political activist Gemma O ’ Doherty has denied claims she tried to evade service of defamation proceedings brought against her by Jimmy Guerin , the brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin .
On Tuesday Ms O ’ Doherty told Mr Justice Richard Humphreys that defamation proceedings against her are vexatious and an “ outrageous attempt ” to silence her from revealing corruption , which she said “ will not happen.
” She also told the court that the publication of her purported home address in media reports of court proceedings where it was alleged she was trying to evade service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Representing herself Ms O ’ Doherty , said is a “ well respected ” and “ a multi award-winning journalist ” with over “ two million followers ” .
However , she said has “ received death threats ” and “ assaulted ” due to her work as an investigative reporter , and expressed her concern that ‘ Antifa ’ may try to harm her .
She also said that she had to take extra security precautions at the address , which can not be published due to an order of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is an independent councillor on Fingal County Council , claims he was defamed in comments allegedly posted by Ms O ’ Doherty about him on her Facebook and Twitter accounts in July 2019 .
He seeks damages , including aggravated and punitive damages , as well as injunctions permanently prohibiting the continued publication of the comments at the centre of the action .
The Howth-based councillor further seeks an order restraining Ms O ’ Doherty from publishing similar statements about him in the future .
Last week , following an ex-parte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secured various orders against Ms O ’ Doherty , including one deeming that she has been formally served with the summons outlining the action against her .
In their application Mr Guerin ’ s lawyers claimed Ms O ’ Doherty had been “ actively trying to evade service , ” of the proceedings she said were brought against her in order to stop her speaking out about Garda involvement in the murder of Veronica Guerin and the protection of alleged paedophiles by the gardai .
On Tuesday , Ms O ’ Doherty said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , of documents she said she had already been served , was “ utterly untrue.
” On an ex-parte basis , sought various orders varying the orders made last week .
The orders she seeks include one directing the service of any documents on her to an alternative address in Dublin or by email .
She sought orders preventing media publication of her purported home address .
She also said she intends to have Mr Guerin ’ s action against her struck out .
During her submissions , Ms O ’ Doherty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week ’ s application , which she said was “ derogatory , defamatory and vicious ” .
Ms O ’ Doherty claimed the judge who heard the case last week , Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy , erred by granting the orders .
She was further critical of both Mr Guerin and his legal team , and made allegations that the court had been misled and that perjury had been committed , and a complaint has been made to the gardaí .
Mr Justice Humphreys said he was prepared to make orders preventing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , he was not prepared to grant her any further orders in the absence of other side , and adjourned the matter to Wednesday ’ s sitting of the court .
Ms O ’ Doherty objected to the matter being adjourned .
She said the order she sought should be granted as the other side had obtained orders against her when she was not in court .
In reply , the judge said the matter would have to be heard in the presence of both sides .
While Ms O ’ Doherty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is how the law works ” , he said .

Political activist Gemma O'Doherty has denied claims she tried to evade service of defamation proceedings brought against her by Jimmy Guerin, the brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin.
On Tuesday Ms O'Doherty told Mr Justice Richard Humphreys that defamation proceedings against her are vexatious and an "outrageous attempt" to silence her from revealing corruption, which she said "will not happen."
She also told the court that the publication of her purported home address in media reports of court proceedings where it was alleged she was trying to evade service had endangered her privacy and her safety.
Representing herself Ms O’Doherty, said is a “well respected” and “a multi award-winning journalist” with over “two million followers”.
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However, she said has “received death threats” and “assaulted” due to her work as an investigative reporter, and expressed her concern that ‘Antifa’ may try to harm her.
She also said that she had to take extra security precautions at the address, which cannot be published due to an order of the court.
In his action Mr Guerin, who is an independent councillor on Fingal County Council, claims he was defamed in comments allegedly posted by Ms O'Doherty about him on her Facebook and Twitter accounts in July 2019.
He seeks damages, including aggravated and punitive damages, as well as injunctions permanently prohibiting the continued publication of the comments at the centre of the action.
The Howth-based councillor further seeks an order restraining Ms O’Doherty from publishing similar statements about him in the future.
Last week, following an ex-parte application, Mr Guerin’s lawyers secured various orders against Ms O’Doherty, including one deeming that she has been formally served with the summons outlining the action against her.
In their application Mr Guerin’s lawyers claimed Ms O’Doherty had been “actively trying to evade service,” of the proceedings she said were brought against her in order to stop her speaking out about Garda involvement in the murder of Veronica Guerin and the protection of alleged paedophiles by the gardai.
On Tuesday, Ms O’Doherty said the claim she had tried to evade service, of documents she said she had already been served, was “utterly untrue.”
On an ex-parte basis, sought various orders varying the orders made last week. The orders she seeks include one directing the service of any documents on her to an alternative address in Dublin or by email.
She sought orders preventing media publication of her purported home address. She also said she intends to have Mr Guerin’s action against her struck out.
During her submissions, Ms O’Doherty was critical of the media reporting of last week’s application, which she said was “derogatory, defamatory and vicious”.
Ms O'Doherty claimed the judge who heard the case last week, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, erred by granting the orders.
She was further critical of both Mr Guerin and his legal team, and made allegations that the court had been misled and that perjury had been committed, and a complaint has been made to the gardaí.
Mr Justice Humphreys said he was prepared to make orders preventing the media publishing her home address. However, he was not prepared to grant her any further orders in the absence of other side, and adjourned the matter to Wednesday’s sitting of the court.
Ms O’Doherty objected to the matter being adjourned. She said the order she sought should be granted as the other side had obtained orders against her when she was not in court.
In reply, the judge said the matter would have to be heard in the presence of both sides. While Ms O’Doherty might not like it, “that is how the law works”, he said.