theirishtimes--2020-10-30--Five nursing homes receiving ‘intensive’ State support as they battle serious coronavirus outbreaks

Five nursing homes are receiving “ intensive ” support from the State as they battle serious coronavirus outbreaks , Health Service Executive officials have confirmed .
The number of care homes requiring significant support to fight outbreaks has increased from just one two weeks ago to five at this point , as the recent sharp increases in Covid-19 cases nationally begins to impact nursing homes .
Paul Reid , HSE chief executive , said supports were being provided to about five nursing homes dealing with category “ red ” outbreaks , under the health service ’ s traffic-light alert system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing category “ amber ” outbreaks were also being supported by the HSE .
Nursing homes deemed to be on status red of the HSE ’ s alert system would include those facing significant numbers of positive cases , staffing pressures , personal protective equipment shortages , or where public health teams fear there is insufficient infection-control measures in place .
Nursing homes facing outbreaks of this level were being kept “ under very close watch ” by health officials , Mr Reid told a briefing on Thursday .
Liam Woods , HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however the majority of residential care facilities in the country “ are managing fine ” at present .
Deaths in nursing homes account for about half of the country ’ s 1,902 coronavirus-related fatalities , as many facilities were overwhelmed with outbreaks in the early months of the pandemic .
There were six more deaths and a further 866 confirmed Covid-19 cases reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) on Thursday .
Eight more deaths from coronavirus were reported in Northern Ireland where a further 822 new cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arlene Foster said there were “ green shoots of hope ” with the R or reproductive number – the number of people each person infected with the virus transmits it to – having “ dropped below one for the first time since the early summer ” , and it was below one in 10 out of 11 council areas .
Separately , public health authorities are reviewing whether mandatory use of face masks should be extended to children at primary level across the State .
At present , only secondary students are required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation has requested a review in light of latest international health guidance aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 .
World Health Organisation guidance states that children aged between six and 11 should wear face masks on a “ risk-based approach ” , while France announced yesterday that its primary pupils will be required to wear them in order to keep schools open .
Many schools here , meanwhile , are scrambling to secure supplies of hand sanitiser after the Department of Education announced it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the basis that it is unable to guarantee they were safe to use .
Schools are due to reopen after the midterm break on Monday and teachers ’ unions and school managers have warned that principals will be under pressure to secure supplies in time .
The department , however , said it was working with suppliers to ensure stock is provided to schools in time for their reopening .
The move follows a wide-ranging review of products after a hand sanitiser – ViraPro – was withdrawn last week due to safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of some schools who were unable to source alternatives in time .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Thursday again reiterated the Government ’ s position that schools would definitely open after the mid-term break .
The HSE has meanwhile provided an upbeat assessment of school safety with official data showing very low rates of transmission of Covid-19 in education settings .
Testing data shows 2.5 per cent of close contacts of Covid-19 cases in schools tested positive , compared to 10 per cent in the wider community .
Dr Abigail Collins , a consultant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest figures were very reassuring and show that schools in general are not “ incubators ” of Covid-19 .

Some 2.5 per cent of close contacts of Covid-19 cases in schools tested positive, testing data shows, compared to 10 per cent in the wider community
Five nursing homes are receiving "intensive" support from the State as they battle serious coronavirus outbreaks, Health Service Executive officials have confirmed.
The number of care homes requiring significant support to fight outbreaks has increased from just one two weeks ago to five at this point, as the recent sharp increases in Covid-19 cases nationally begins to impact nursing homes.
Paul Reid, HSE chief executive, said supports were being provided to about five nursing homes dealing with category "red" outbreaks, under the health service's traffic-light alert system.
Hospital Report
A further 35 residential care facilities facing category “amber” outbreaks were also being supported by the HSE.
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Nursing homes deemed to be on status red of the HSE’s alert system would include those facing significant numbers of positive cases, staffing pressures, personal protective equipment shortages, or where public health teams fear there is insufficient infection-control measures in place.
Nursing homes facing outbreaks of this level were being kept “under very close watch” by health officials, Mr Reid told a briefing on Thursday.
Liam Woods, HSE national director of acute hospitals, said however the majority of residential care facilities in the country "are managing fine" at present.
Overwhelmed
Deaths in nursing homes account for about half of the country’s 1,902 coronavirus-related fatalities, as many facilities were overwhelmed with outbreaks in the early months of the pandemic.
There were six more deaths and a further 866 confirmed Covid-19 cases reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) on Thursday.
Eight more deaths from coronavirus were reported in Northern Ireland where a further 822 new cases of Covid-19 were also identified.
First Minister Arlene Foster said there were “green shoots of hope” with the R or reproductive number – the number of people each person infected with the virus transmits it to – having “dropped below one for the first time since the early summer”, and it was below one in 10 out of 11 council areas.
Separately, public health authorities are reviewing whether mandatory use of face masks should be extended to children at primary level across the State.
At present, only secondary students are required to wear face coverings in schools.
However, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation has requested a review in light of latest international health guidance aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.
World Health Organisation guidance states that children aged between six and 11 should wear face masks on a "risk-based approach", while France announced yesterday that its primary pupils will be required to wear them in order to keep schools open.
Safe to use
Many schools here, meanwhile, are scrambling to secure supplies of hand sanitiser after the Department of Education announced it was withdrawing more than 50 products from schools on the basis that it is unable to guarantee they were safe to use.
Schools are due to reopen after the midterm break on Monday and teachers’ unions and school managers have warned that principals will be under pressure to secure supplies in time.
The department, however, said it was working with suppliers to ensure stock is provided to schools in time for their reopening.
The move follows a wide-ranging review of products after a hand sanitiser – ViraPro – was withdrawn last week due to safety concerns. This led to the closure of some schools who were unable to source alternatives in time.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Thursday again reiterated the Government's position that schools would definitely open after the mid-term break.
Upbeat assessment
The HSE has meanwhile provided an upbeat assessment of school safety with official data showing very low rates of transmission of Covid-19 in education settings.
Testing data shows 2.5 per cent of close contacts of Covid-19 cases in schools tested positive, compared to 10 per cent in the wider community.
Dr Abigail Collins, a consultant in public health medicine, said the latest figures were very reassuring and show that schools in general are not "incubators" of Covid-19.


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--Fears that further cancellation of Tidy Towns will see it ‘lost forever’

The annual Tidy Towns contest , which has run for more than 60 years , is threatened with being “ lost forever ” if the Covid-19 pandemic forces the competition ’ s cancellation for the second year in a row , it has been warned .
Casting doubt on the nationwide competition resuming next year , Minister for Community Heather Humphreys said a go-ahead will depend on the public health risks existing in the first three months of 2021 .
More than 800 local Tidy Towns committees and their volunteers were left dismayed when the contest was cancelled in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stem the spread of Covid-19 .
The competition , which has been running since 1958 , encourages communities to work together to improve their local environment .
It was launched by the tourist board , then Bord Fáilte , but was later taken over by the government .
Ms Humphreys said her department will be “ monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis and a decision on the competition , with any necessary precautions in place , will be made early in 2021 ” .
But Seán Sherlock , Labour ’ s community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conceivable reason ” for the contest not to take place next year , and urged the Government to give it the go-ahead immediately to ensure it survives .
“ If ever there was a time to facilitate the continuance of the work of the Tidy Towns committees , it is now , ” he said .
“ It is very easy to adhere to protocols and there should be no delay to the competition proceeding next year .
It does not require close proximity between people and it gives people a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dark and uncertain time.
” Given the profile of volunteers – many of whom are older or retired – there is a real danger that a loss of momentum through activities being stalled for more than a year , “ could mean that voluntary effort being lost forever , ” said Mr Sherlock .
“ There is no guarantee the same people will come back in subsequent years .
We need to keep volunteers together , because the very future of the Tidy Towns competition depends on it proceeding over the next 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further delay the return on the competition would also takes it toll on mental health and social solidarity in countless communities , according to the Cork East TD .
“ We can ’ t allow communities that have taken a massive hit already to be diminished further , ” he said .
“ The impact of the potential loss of this activity would be to the detriment of these communities and there is no conceivable reason why the competition couldn ’ t be allowed to proceed , if only to send a signal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social solidarity .
“ If we lose that now , one is always fearful that the community effort may not come back as strong , or it could be lost forever .
That would be my fear.
” Mr Sherlock called on Ms Humphreys to send a “ clear signal from Government now , particularly in the midst of the negativity that exists at present , that people can drive on with the TidyTowns effort.
” “ It is a great way of bringing people together appropriately to battle against the lockdowns that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of their houses and give them some sort of hope and knit people together in outdoor settings in all weathers , and stave off loneliness and isolation , ” he added .
“ It might also encourage more people to get involved , giving them a social interaction , and allowing them to connect to other people and contribute positively to their community.
” Ray Kelly , interim managing director of long-standing TidyTowns sponsor SuperValu , said the supermarket chain “ remains committed to the competition ” .
“ SuperValu will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of Tidy Towns volunteers across generations when it is safe to do so again , ” he added .

Listowel, which won an award in 2018 in the small town category in the Tidy Towns competition. Photograph: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus
The annual Tidy Towns contest, which has run for more than 60 years, is threatened with being “lost forever” if the Covid-19 pandemic forces the competition’s cancellation for the second year in a row, it has been warned.
Casting doubt on the nationwide competition resuming next year, Minister for Community Heather Humphreys said a go-ahead will depend on the public health risks existing in the first three months of 2021.
More than 800 local Tidy Towns committees and their volunteers were left dismayed when the contest was cancelled in April this year during the first lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19.
The competition, which has been running since 1958, encourages communities to work together to improve their local environment. It was launched by the tourist board, then Bord Fáilte, but was later taken over by the government.
READ MORE
Ms Humphreys said her department will be “monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis and a decision on the competition, with any necessary precautions in place, will be made early in 2021”.
But Seán Sherlock, Labour's community spokesman, insisted there was "no conceivable reason" for the contest not to take place next year, and urged the Government to give it the go-ahead immediately to ensure it survives.
“If ever there was a time to facilitate the continuance of the work of the Tidy Towns committees, it is now,” he said.
“It is very easy to adhere to protocols and there should be no delay to the competition proceeding next year. It does not require close proximity between people and it gives people a little bit of hope and optimism in such a dark and uncertain time.”
Given the profile of volunteers – many of whom are older or retired – there is a real danger that a loss of momentum through activities being stalled for more than a year, “could mean that voluntary effort being lost forever,” said Mr Sherlock.
“There is no guarantee the same people will come back in subsequent years. We need to keep volunteers together, because the very future of the Tidy Towns competition depends on it proceeding over the next 12 months and beyond.”
Any move to further delay the return on the competition would also takes it toll on mental health and social solidarity in countless communities, according to the Cork East TD.
Solidarity
“We can’t allow communities that have taken a massive hit already to be diminished further,” he said.
“The impact of the potential loss of this activity would be to the detriment of these communities and there is no conceivable reason why the competition couldn’t be allowed to proceed, if only to send a signal to communities that there is still that social solidarity.
“If we lose that now, one is always fearful that the community effort may not come back as strong, or it could be lost forever. That would be my fear.”
Mr Sherlock called on Ms Humphreys to send a “clear signal from Government now, particularly in the midst of the negativity that exists at present, that people can drive on with the TidyTowns effort.”
“It is a great way of bringing people together appropriately to battle against the lockdowns that are happening, allowing people to get out of their houses and give them some sort of hope and knit people together in outdoor settings in all weathers, and stave off loneliness and isolation,” he added.
“It might also encourage more people to get involved, giving them a social interaction, and allowing them to connect to other people and contribute positively to their community.”
Ray Kelly, interim managing director of long-standing TidyTowns sponsor SuperValu, said the supermarket chain "remains committed to the competition".
“SuperValu will continue to support the Tidy Towns competition, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of Tidy Towns volunteers across generations when it is safe to do so again,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--‘Public health doctors are at the frontline,’ says Dr Ina Kelly

Public health doctors are at the frontline of the national fight against Covid-19 , working seven days a week on complex cases and transmission chains in nursing homes , schools and factories , says Dr Ina Kelly .
Kelly , who chairs the Irish Medical Organisation ’ s health committee , strongly supports demands for an end to the long-running battle by public health doctors for consultant status .
“ This is the vital work that is required to identify the source and stop the spread of the disease .
In many countries , public health medicine is valued , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist level elsewhere are recognised and respected keeping their communities safe , Kelly says : “ In Ireland , the role has tended to be overlooked and ignored , undervalued and disrespected.
” Having graduated from University College Dublin in 1986 , Kelly completed her general professional training in Ireland and the UK followed by GP training in Western Australia .
On her return to Ireland , she began work in public health , completing a number of extra qualifications , including higher public health specialist training in 2010 .
The unfairness in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ most obvious at the top of the scale ” , where those at the highest levels in public health bring specialist training to the table , but do not qualify for consultant grade .
“ I was required to complete higher specialist training ( HST ) .
In other jurisdictions , a public health doctor who completed HST would be employed as a consultant .
“ Not in Ireland .
As a result , the contract under which I work does not reflect the role I am doing and is not on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other specialities , ” she said .
The lack of consultant recognition has consequences , she argues , since it displays “ a wider disrespect ” by the State for the role of public health in the health services .
“ We have been seeking to reverse this situation for almost 20 years but with no success .
Experts who have examined the area agree with our view , ” she says .
Two government-commissioned documents , the Crowe Horwath report and the Scally Report , both called for public health specialists to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disrespect is deeply demoralising to the current generation of public health doctors .
More worryingly , it discourages the next generation from even considering public health in Ireland as a speciality worthy of their attention , ” she says .
Already , the State has fewer senior public health doctors than other similar-sized countries .
Ireland has 60 , yet Scotland and New Zealand employ 179 and 169 respectively – and all at consultant level .
Given the pandemic , public health services globally will be recruiting talent : “ We will lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next generation of leaders to other countries if we don ’ t address this now , ” she says .
Public health doctors have supported reforms during long and “ tortured ” negotiations with the Department of Health , but that is “ with the caveat that those already working are awarded consultant status immediately ” .
“ There is absolutely no obstacle to the State doing this .
What is lacking is the will to resolve this matter .
[ The ] Government is seeking to again disrespect myself and my colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government of yet “ another delaying tactic ” , Kelly says : “ If we proceed on this road there will be fewer and fewer specialists working in Ireland .
That long abused delaying tactic and our patience has simply run out.
” Public health doctors are balloting now because of past “ broken promises ” by the State : “ Throughout this pandemic , public health doctors have stepped up to the plate , taking on increased leadership roles and working long and hard .
“ It is time that the State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what now seems its increasingly hollow applause , ” she says .

Public health doctor Dr Ina Kelly. ‘The contract under which I work does not reflect the role I am doing.’ Photograph: Shane O’Neill
Public health doctors are at the frontline of the national fight against Covid-19, working seven days a week on complex cases and transmission chains in nursing homes, schools and factories, says Dr Ina Kelly.
Kelly, who chairs the Irish Medical Organisation’s health committee, strongly supports demands for an end to the long-running battle by public health doctors for consultant status.
“This is the vital work that is required to identify the source and stop the spread of the disease. In many countries, public health medicine is valued,” she says.
Doctors trained to specialist level elsewhere are recognised and respected keeping their communities safe, Kelly says: "In Ireland, the role has tended to be overlooked and ignored, undervalued and disrespected."
READ MORE
Having graduated from University College Dublin in 1986, Kelly completed her general professional training in Ireland and the UK followed by GP training in Western Australia.
On her return to Ireland, she began work in public health, completing a number of extra qualifications, including higher public health specialist training in 2010.
The unfairness in pay grades is, Kelly says, “most obvious at the top of the scale”, where those at the highest levels in public health bring specialist training to the table, but do not qualify for consultant grade.
“I was required to complete higher specialist training (HST). In other jurisdictions, a public health doctor who completed HST would be employed as a consultant.
“Not in Ireland. As a result, the contract under which I work does not reflect the role I am doing and is not on a par with my consultant colleagues in other specialities,” she said.
The lack of consultant recognition has consequences, she argues, since it displays “a wider disrespect” by the State for the role of public health in the health services.
“We have been seeking to reverse this situation for almost 20 years but with no success. Experts who have examined the area agree with our view,” she says. Two government-commissioned documents, the Crowe Horwath report and the Scally Report, both called for public health specialists to be recognised as consultants.
“That disrespect is deeply demoralising to the current generation of public health doctors. More worryingly, it discourages the next generation from even considering public health in Ireland as a speciality worthy of their attention,” she says.
Already, the State has fewer senior public health doctors than other similar-sized countries. Ireland has 60, yet Scotland and New Zealand employ 179 and 169 respectively – and all at consultant level.
Given the pandemic, public health services globally will be recruiting talent: “We will lose the best and the brightest of the next generation of leaders to other countries if we don’t address this now,” she says.
Public health doctors have supported reforms during long and "tortured" negotiations with the Department of Health, but that is "with the caveat that those already working are awarded consultant status immediately".
“There is absolutely no obstacle to the State doing this. What is lacking is the will to resolve this matter. [The] Government is seeking to again disrespect myself and my colleagues,” she says.
Accusing the Government of yet “another delaying tactic”, Kelly says: “If we proceed on this road there will be fewer and fewer specialists working in Ireland. That long abused delaying tactic and our patience has simply run out.”
Public health doctors are balloting now because of past “broken promises” by the State: “Throughout this pandemic, public health doctors have stepped up to the plate, taking on increased leadership roles and working long and hard.
“It is time that the State gave us its full support rather than what now seems its increasingly hollow applause,” she says.


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--Public health doctors set to ballot for strike action over pay and contracts

The State ’ s public health doctors are set to ballot for strike action in a long-running battle with the Department of Health to secure consultant-grade contracts .
The Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) is to convene a national meeting of public health specialists on Monday , which is likely to consider when such a vote would take place .
The IMO ’ s public health doctor committee met on Friday following a “ deeply disappointing ” meeting with the department earlier in the week over reform plans .
The doctors ’ representative body has been campaigning for public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for public health specialists to be awarded consultant contracts to reflect their skills .
Public health specialists earn €113,822 at present .
Hospital consultants with a type-A contract , which permits them to treat only public patients , have a pay scale ranging €141,026-€195,653 .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly favours consultant-led public health and his department and the Health Service Executive are finalising a proposal that will go to the Department of Public Expenditure in mid-November .
Doctors wants all 60 existing public health specialists to be offered consultant contracts immediately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be advertised over a phased period .
Last month the Cabinet approved new legislation that would allow for higher pay for some State employees , but the Department of Public Expenditure still fears “ copycat ” pay demands .
The chief executive of the IMO , Susan Clyne , said she believed a strike ballot will be held in coming weeks : “ Public health members across the country are appalled by the fact that this matter remains unresolved.
” Claiming they are being “ forced ” into industrial action , she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their duties to the public , particularly at this time ” , adding that the Government has a duty , too , to properly to fund public health .
“ While we are aware that the Department of Health is developing proposals for future public health structures , that does not resolve the current issue of 60 specialists [ who are ] working consultant jobs but not on consultant contracts .
The level of disrespect is astounding at any time but is particularly galling in the context of a pandemic .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government honour its commitment to implement the recommendations of the reports they themselves commissioned , including most recently the Crowe Horwath report and the Scally report.
” The Government is also facing potential industrial action by medical scientists .
Members of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association decided earlier this month to ballot for industrial action if progress was not made in a dispute over pay .
No date for any ballot has yet been announced .

CEO of the IMO Susan Clyne said she believed a strike ballot will be held in coming weeks. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
The State's public health doctors are set to ballot for strike action in a long-running battle with the Department of Health to secure consultant-grade contracts.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) is to convene a national meeting of public health specialists on Monday, which is likely to consider when such a vote would take place.
The IMO’s public health doctor committee met on Friday following a “deeply disappointing” meeting with the department earlier in the week over reform plans. The doctors’ representative body has been campaigning for public health to become a consultant-led service and for public health specialists to be awarded consultant contracts to reflect their skills.
Public health specialists earn €113,822 at present. Hospital consultants with a type-A contract, which permits them to treat only public patients, have a pay scale ranging €141,026-€195,653.
READ MORE
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly favours consultant-led public health and his department and the Health Service Executive are finalising a proposal that will go to the Department of Public Expenditure in mid-November.
Doctors wants all 60 existing public health specialists to be offered consultant contracts immediately, though they fear that the positions may be advertised over a phased period.
‘Copycat’
Last month the Cabinet approved new legislation that would allow for higher pay for some State employees, but the Department of Public Expenditure still fears “copycat” pay demands.
The chief executive of the IMO, Susan Clyne, said she believed a strike ballot will be held in coming weeks: "Public health members across the country are appalled by the fact that this matter remains unresolved."
Claiming they are being “forced” into industrial action, she said public health doctors “are very mindful of their duties to the public, particularly at this time”, adding that the Government has a duty, too, to properly to fund public health.
“While we are aware that the Department of Health is developing proposals for future public health structures, that does not resolve the current issue of 60 specialists [who are] working consultant jobs but not on consultant contracts. The level of disrespect is astounding at any time but is particularly galling in the context of a pandemic. All our colleagues are asking is that the Government honour its commitment to implement the recommendations of the reports they themselves commissioned, including most recently the Crowe Horwath report and the Scally report.”
The Government is also facing potential industrial action by medical scientists. Members of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association decided earlier this month to ballot for industrial action if progress was not made in a dispute over pay. No date for any ballot has yet been announced.


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--Most face masks to protect against coronavirus do not meet standards

The majority of face masks on sale to protect against the spread of coronavirus do not comply with regulations , Ireland ’ s official standards body is warning .
The National Standards Authority of Ireland ( NSAI ) worked with the Department of Health , the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission earlier this year to “ fast track ” a new standard for coverings .
Known as SWiFT 19 , the standard – which should be printed on packaging for products that meet the criteria – tells shoppers that a mask has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in adhering to public health advice during the pandemic .
Along with a subsequent European standard – known as CEN/CWA 17553 – it is designed to reassure consumers that a mask is made of suitable material , is breathable , protects others from the spread of the virus and is comfortable to be worn for a period of time .
Elizabeth O ’ Ferrall , of the NSAI , who led the project to develop the SWiFT 19 standard , said most masks for sale , including designer labels and major sporting brands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they adhere , to the specification .
“ I would say , from trawling products , that the majority are not complying with any specification at all , ” she told The Irish Times .
“ That is really challenging in terms of consumer protection.
” Ms O ’ Ferrall said some people are buying designer or sporting-brand face masks that they have seen worn by celebrities or high-profile figures yet “ they don ’ t comply with any specifications ” .
Pointing to masks not designed properly , she said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” appear in public or on television “ where they spend the whole time pulling it up on their nose because it is falling down ” .
People have also complained , she said , that masks are not breathable while some mask manufacturers claim they are reusable but do not state for how long or how often they can be washed before becoming ineffective .
The SWiFT 19 standard compels manufacturers to state such detail .
Ms O ’ Ferrall said there was also an issue over home-made masks .
While some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard , she said “ without testing we don ’ t know if they comply or not ” .
However , she pointed to international public health advice that “ any face mask is better than no face mask ” .
Amid an “ alarming ” rise in the transmission of Covid-19 across Europe , the NSAI is urging shoppers to make sure their face masks for day-to-day use are meeting either the Irish or European specifications .
Geraldine Larkin , NSAI chief executive , said the SWiFT 19 specification was drawn up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by experts to ensure non-medical and non-PPE face masks for the general public are safe and effective to use .
“ When used in conjunction with relevant public health advice such as hand washing and social distancing , these masks may contribute to the prevention of the spread of viral infections such as Covid-19 , ” she added .

The majority of face masks on sale to protect against the spread of coronavirus do not comply with regulations, Ireland’s official standards body is warning.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) worked with the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission earlier this year to "fast track" a new standard for coverings.
Known as SWiFT 19, the standard – which should be printed on packaging for products that meet the criteria – tells shoppers that a mask has been tested and deemed suitable for use in adhering to public health advice during the pandemic.
Hospital Report
Along with a subsequent European standard – known as CEN/CWA 17553 – it is designed to reassure consumers that a mask is made of suitable material, is breathable, protects others from the spread of the virus and is comfortable to be worn for a period of time.
READ MORE
Elizabeth O’Ferrall, of the NSAI, who led the project to develop the SWiFT 19 standard, said most masks for sale, including designer labels and major sporting brands, do not adhere, or state that they adhere, to the specification.
“I would say, from trawling products, that the majority are not complying with any specification at all,” she told The Irish Times.
“That is really challenging in terms of consumer protection.”
Ms O’Ferrall said some people are buying designer or sporting-brand face masks that they have seen worn by celebrities or high-profile figures yet “they don’t comply with any specifications”.
Pointing to masks not designed properly, she said there are many examples where “key leaders” appear in public or on television “where they spend the whole time pulling it up on their nose because it is falling down”.
Washed
People have also complained, she said, that masks are not breathable while some mask manufacturers claim they are reusable but do not state for how long or how often they can be washed before becoming ineffective.
The SWiFT 19 standard compels manufacturers to state such detail.
Ms O’Ferrall said there was also an issue over home-made masks. While some she had seen looked to meet the standard, she said “without testing we don’t know if they comply or not”.
However, she pointed to international public health advice that “any face mask is better than no face mask”.
Amid an "alarming" rise in the transmission of Covid-19 across Europe, the NSAI is urging shoppers to make sure their face masks for day-to-day use are meeting either the Irish or European specifications.
Geraldine Larkin, NSAI chief executive, said the SWiFT 19 specification was drawn up in direct response to the coronavirus crisis by experts to ensure non-medical and non-PPE face masks for the general public are safe and effective to use.
“When used in conjunction with relevant public health advice such as hand washing and social distancing, these masks may contribute to the prevention of the spread of viral infections such as Covid-19,” she added.


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--UCD medical students withhold fees in protest at fee increases

More than 70 per cent of Graduate Entry Medicine ( GEM ) students in University College , Dublin are withholding fees in protest over further fee increases and disruptions to learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
Fees have increased year-on-year since 2017 for such students and now stand at €16,290 for Irish students and €55,140 for non-EU students , representing an increase of €1,000 and €3,000 respectively since 2017 .
“ What ’ s really frustrating is the feeling UCD aren ’ t taking us seriously or treating us as grown-ups .
There is the sense they just see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being taken advantage of that isn ’ t very nice , ” said Colin Smyth , a second-year GEM student at UCD .
Graduate entry students are those who have begun a medical degree having already secured a separate undergraduate degree , such as general science , before sitting the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test ( GAMSAT ) exams and beginning Medicine as a postgraduate .
A minimum of a second class honours undergraduate degree is required .
Although only graduates are eligible , it is equivalent in standard to the undergraduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans to cover the cost of the course ’ s fees complain that the fees outstrip the maximum available bank loan , capped at €15,000 per annum , from Bank of Ireland .
“ We have to make up the shortfall ourselves somehow , but our earning power is reduced this year with the pandemic .
Our usual summer jobs have disappeared and some of us are struggling to make ends meet , ” said Mr Smyth .
Class sizes have also increased year-on-year , they complain , up from 100 per class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , resulting in numbers and scheduling difficulties when classes are held in person .
Students are “ falling over one another to make a contribution ” in virtual Zoom call tutorials , Mr Smyth said .
“ It ’ s been extremely difficult and we are in pure survival mode to get through exams.
” “ We ’ ve no idea where the money is going , or why our fees are going up .
We don ’ t know how much our degree will cost by the end .
People were already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus it ’ s very frustrating , ” he said .
In a meeting last week , students said they were told by Prof Michael Keane and Dr Patrick Felle that the UCD School of Medicine would not change tuition fee policies for the current year , or recommend an indefinite freezing .
However , the School of Medicine said it would consider freezing fees for the 2021/2022 academic year .
Students demanded a “ comprehensive explanation for the proposed annual increase in tuition fees ” , but this was refused .
Supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second year GEM student from Dublin , has relied on part-time athletic therapy work with GAA teams to help pay his way .
With so many games called off this year , he is beginning to struggle .
“ Thankfully I had enough money saved to secure a loan , but that doesn ’ t cover the full fees or any of my other expenses .
Looking forward , the money I have saved is not going to see me through for very long , ” he said .
UCD Students ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will prompt “ a major change ” by UCD .
The problems facing GEM students are shared by students in other disciplines , he said .
“ We are frankly tired of the costs of running the university being placed on students .
Now , with Covid , the unfairness has been fully unmasked and UCD has shown itself willing to gamble with student welfare for financial gain , ” Mr Anderson said .
The School of Medicine was contacted for comment by The Irish Times , but did not respond .

The School of Medicine said it would consider freezing fees for the 2021/2022 academic year. Photograph: Frank Miller
More than 70 per cent of Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) students in University College, Dublin are withholding fees in protest over further fee increases and disruptions to learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fees have increased year-on-year since 2017 for such students and now stand at €16,290 for Irish students and €55,140 for non-EU students, representing an increase of €1,000 and €3,000 respectively since 2017.
“What’s really frustrating is the feeling UCD aren’t taking us seriously or treating us as grown-ups. There is the sense they just see us as cash cows and a feeling of being taken advantage of that isn’t very nice,” said Colin Smyth, a second-year GEM student at UCD.
Graduate entry students are those who have begun a medical degree having already secured a separate undergraduate degree, such as general science, before sitting the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) exams and beginning Medicine as a postgraduate.
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A minimum of a second class honours undergraduate degree is required. Although only graduates are eligible, it is equivalent in standard to the undergraduate Medicine degree.
Irish students seeking bank loans to cover the cost of the course’s fees complain that the fees outstrip the maximum available bank loan, capped at €15,000 per annum, from Bank of Ireland.
We've no idea where the money is going, or why our fees are going up
“We have to make up the shortfall ourselves somehow, but our earning power is reduced this year with the pandemic. Our usual summer jobs have disappeared and some of us are struggling to make ends meet,” said Mr Smyth.
Class sizes have also increased year-on-year, they complain, up from 100 per class two years ago to 140 students now, resulting in numbers and scheduling difficulties when classes are held in person.
Zoom tutorials
Students are “falling over one another to make a contribution” in virtual Zoom call tutorials, Mr Smyth said. “It’s been extremely difficult and we are in pure survival mode to get through exams.”
“We’ve no idea where the money is going, or why our fees are going up. We don’t know how much our degree will cost by the end. People were already angry, but when you add in coronavirus it’s very frustrating,” he said.
In a meeting last week, students said they were told by Prof Michael Keane and Dr Patrick Felle that the UCD School of Medicine would not change tuition fee policies for the current year, or recommend an indefinite freezing.
However, the School of Medicine said it would consider freezing fees for the 2021/2022 academic year. Students demanded a “comprehensive explanation for the proposed annual increase in tuition fees”, but this was refused.
We are frankly tired of the costs of running the university being placed on students
Supporting a fees freeze, Sean Gray, a second year GEM student from Dublin, has relied on part-time athletic therapy work with GAA teams to help pay his way. With so many games called off this year, he is beginning to struggle.
“Thankfully I had enough money saved to secure a loan, but that doesn’t cover the full fees or any of my other expenses. Looking forward, the money I have saved is not going to see me through for very long,” he said.
UCD Students’ Union president Conor Anderson hopes the protest will prompt “a major change” by UCD. The problems facing GEM students are shared by students in other disciplines, he said.
“We are frankly tired of the costs of running the university being placed on students. Now, with Covid, the unfairness has been fully unmasked and UCD has shown itself willing to gamble with student welfare for financial gain,” Mr Anderson said.
The School of Medicine was contacted for comment by The Irish Times, but did not respond.


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--Tidy Towns cancellation: ‘The town is the worse for it’

“ I think it is going to be very difficult to stop it from unravelling completely , ” says Kieran Kennedy , a volunteer in Glenties , Co Donegal , who has worked hard to keep his town spick and span for the Tidy Towns contest .
The majority of volunteers are retired or semi-retired , he says : “ If you are at that age , and there is nothing happening for a couple years , it seems an awful long way back to get back to where you were .
I don ’ t know if the older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Kennedy is proud of Glenties ’ reputation in the contest , having won the overall national award winner five times , along with regular category wins .
The competition has value for towns and villages beyond trophies , he says : “ Even though we don ’ t have tourist attractions , Glenties is a very well-known town .
People love to visit , walking through the town and admiring it .
When people start to come back , if the town has let itself down badly , that be can a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people staying over , stopping for an ice cream or a coffee that keeps the town alive .
If it loses that , and the motivation and local competitiveness , the town could deteriorate big time.
” With the cancellation of the contest , “ everything froze ” .
“ The town is the worse for it , particularly a small town like Glenties , ” he says , adding that there has been little support from local authorities .
“ There are no milestones to work towards .
Other events that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the MacGill Summer School – to have the town looking its best have also gone .
Morale is on the floor .
“ It is like everything has stood still .
I don ’ t think we will realise the impact of all this until we try to get back to where we were , if it is ever normal again , after a lost year or years.
” Volunteer work is outdoors , so should be safe , says Kennedy , who fears that the consequences of “ going in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or two years ” must be countered by community activity .
“ It would give something for people to aspire towards .
It isn ’ t going to impact on case numbers if two or three people are going out , socially distanced , and picking up litter and planting flower beds .
”

"I think it is going to be very difficult to stop it from unravelling completely," says Kieran Kennedy, a volunteer in Glenties, Co Donegal, who has worked hard to keep his town spick and span for the Tidy Towns contest.
The majority of volunteers are retired or semi-retired, he says: “If you are at that age, and there is nothing happening for a couple years, it seems an awful long way back to get back to where you were. I don’t know if the older generation will have the energy for that.”
Kennedy is proud of Glenties’ reputation in the contest, having won the overall national award winner five times, along with regular category wins.
The competition has value for towns and villages beyond trophies, he says: “Even though we don’t have tourist attractions, Glenties is a very well-known town. People love to visit, walking through the town and admiring it. When people start to come back, if the town has let itself down badly, that be can a spiral in itself.
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“It is the people staying over, stopping for an ice cream or a coffee that keeps the town alive. If it loses that, and the motivation and local competitiveness, the town could deteriorate big time.”
With the cancellation of the contest, “everything froze”.
“The town is the worse for it, particularly a small town like Glenties,” he says, adding that there has been little support from local authorities.
“There are no milestones to work towards. Other events that Tidy Towns would have built towards – like the MacGill Summer School – to have the town looking its best have also gone. Morale is on the floor.
“It is like everything has stood still. I don’t think we will realise the impact of all this until we try to get back to where we were, if it is ever normal again, after a lost year or years.”
Volunteer work is outdoors, so should be safe, says Kennedy, who fears that the consequences of “going in and out of lockdown for the next year or two years” must be countered by community activity.
“It would give something for people to aspire towards. It isn’t going to impact on case numbers if two or three people are going out, socially distanced, and picking up litter and planting flower beds.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--Minister tells coursing organisation to release captured hares

The Irish Coursing Club ( ICC ) has been ordered by the Government to release all hares it has captured for coursing meetings that will not now take place because of Covid-19 restrictions .
The numbers of hares involved are unknown , but many clubs captured hares for coursing meetings that began before the Level 5 restrictions were introduced .
With another five weeks of lockdown to go , however , the Minister for Heritage , Darragh O ’ Brien , called for the hares , a protected species , to be released on animal welfare grounds .
Mr O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservation , issued licences to the Irish Coursing Club in September for clubs to net and tag hares for the 2020/2021 season , on condition that all Covid-19 rules were obeyed .
Licences allow coursing clubs to catch and net hares for coursing meets in which greyhounds are all muzzled and the hares must be released afterwards .
The coursing season – and the licences – runs until the end of February .
The Department of Heritage wrote to the ICC on October 20th , and again on October 23rd , about “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ net and tag hares in the context of the Covid-19 public health emergency ” .
Days later , the department told the chief executive of the ICC , DJ Histon , that “ it seems clear ” that coursing will not restart “ until at least December 1st .
“ It is not clear at what point after that date it may be possible for coursing to resume , ” an official told the ICC executive , adding that clubs will have captured hares for meetings that are now off .
“ Clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are better off in the wild rather than being held in captivity in groups in confined enclosures .
“ Accordingly , given that by 1 December hares will have been held in captivity for at least six weeks from the date of introduction of Level 5 restrictions , in many cases hares will already have been held in captivity for a number of weeks prior to the introduction of Level 5 , and it is not clear at what point after 1 December it may be possible for coursing to recommence.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animal welfare and the conservation of this protected species ” the Minister requested that “ coursing clubs would release captured hares back into the wild as soon as possible ” .
The ICC has been contacted for comment .

The Minister for Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has called for the hares, a protected species, to be released on animal welfare grounds. Photograph: William Cherry/Presseye
The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) has been ordered by the Government to release all hares it has captured for coursing meetings that will not now take place because of Covid-19 restrictions.
The numbers of hares involved are unknown, but many clubs captured hares for coursing meetings that began before the Level 5 restrictions were introduced.
With another five weeks of lockdown to go, however, the Minister for Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, called for the hares, a protected species, to be released on animal welfare grounds.
Mr O’Brien, who has responsibility for conservation, issued licences to the Irish Coursing Club in September for clubs to net and tag hares for the 2020/2021 season, on condition that all Covid-19 rules were obeyed.
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Licences allow coursing clubs to catch and net hares for coursing meets in which greyhounds are all muzzled and the hares must be released afterwards. The coursing season – and the licences – runs until the end of February.
The Department of Heritage wrote to the ICC on October 20th, and again on October 23rd, about “coursing activities and the coursing licences to net and tag hares in the context of the Covid-19 public health emergency”.
Not restart
Days later, the department told the chief executive of the ICC, DJ Histon, that “it seems clear” that coursing will not restart “ until at least December 1st.
“It is not clear at what point after that date it may be possible for coursing to resume,” an official told the ICC executive, adding that clubs will have captured hares for meetings that are now off.
“Clearly wild hares which are a protected species are better off in the wild rather than being held in captivity in groups in confined enclosures.
“Accordingly, given that by 1 December hares will have been held in captivity for at least six weeks from the date of introduction of Level 5 restrictions, in many cases hares will already have been held in captivity for a number of weeks prior to the introduction of Level 5, and it is not clear at what point after 1 December it may be possible for coursing to recommence.”
The letter concluded that “in terms of animal welfare and the conservation of this protected species” the Minister requested that “coursing clubs would release captured hares back into the wild as soon as possible”.
The ICC has been contacted for comment.


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--‘High level of inconsistency’ in how Covid restrictions are applied to retailers

Some retailers that have been allowed to keep trading during the current period of coronavirus restrictions are being told not to sell greeting cards , magazines or wreaths amid confusion over how the rules are applied to individual shops .
Vincent Jennings , chief executive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association , said there was a grave inconsistency in how the measures aimed at halting the spread of the disease were being applied .
He said some shops had been told they could not sell magazines , stationary , books or flowers while others were allowed to sell them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The central purpose of the rules appears to be to take out the browsing element and reduce the dwell time in shops , ” he said .
“ I can walk up and down the aisles of Tesco or Aldi and spend as long as I want there but I can ’ t look at flowers in a local shop or buy that most seditious of things – a book in newsagents.
” Mr Jennings said this “ high level of inconsistency ” was not fair for businesses trying their best to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell my members that they can ’ t sell a greeting card or a wreath to put on a grave ?
” he asked .
Damien English , the Minister of State for Retail Businesses , came under fire on Friday after telling RTÉ ’ s Prime Time on Thursday night that children ’ s clothes were not essential items .
When asked by presenter Miriam O ’ Callaghan why it was possible to “ buy a bottle of wine , but not socks for my son ” , Mr English responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miriam .
Clothes are not essential ” .
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said he believed Mr English had “ let himself down ” with the comments .
Mr Gannon said clothes were essential and he pointed out that during the lockdown in March , April and May , supermarkets were able to sell clothing alongside food and other essential items .
Arnold Dillon , director of Ibec body Retail Ireland , drew a distinction between the first and second lockdowns .
He said what retailers were permitted to sell had grown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of restrictions as fears grew about “ the ability of many businesses to survive ” .
“ The run-up to Christmas is the key trading period of the year and many retailers are relying on it to recoup losses incurred during the first lockdown.
” Mr Dillon said that the restrictions imposed on retailers now “ are less severe than those earlier in the year ” and this had created some additional confusion .
“ We need a consistent approach to enforcement across the country.
” Taoiseach Micheál Martin told reporters that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click-and-collect services offered by some retailers .
He said the Level 5 restrictions had to “ include instruments to reduce congregation of people , reduce gatherings of people in shops and in other locations ” in an effort to bring down the number of people infected with the virus .
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said context was important in the debate and that if large retailers were allowed to sell clothes while smaller retailers were forced to stay closed , it would become a bigger issue .
He told RTÉ ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair to all retailers , particularly small- and medium-sized retailers who do sell clothes , we do need to have a level playing field in relation to the definition of non-essential goods ” .

Some retailers that have been allowed to keep trading during the current period of coronavirus restrictions are being told not to sell greeting cards, magazines or wreaths amid confusion over how the rules are applied to individual shops.
Vincent Jennings, chief executive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, said there was a grave inconsistency in how the measures aimed at halting the spread of the disease were being applied.
He said some shops had been told they could not sell magazines, stationary, books or flowers while others were allowed to sell them without comment from the authorities.
Hospital Report
"The central purpose of the rules appears to be to take out the browsing element and reduce the dwell time in shops,"he said. "I can walk up and down the aisles of Tesco or Aldi and spend as long as I want there but I can't look at flowers in a local shop or buy that most seditious of things – a book in newsagents."
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Mr Jennings said this “high level of inconsistency” was not fair for businesses trying their best to keep going.
Under fire
“How am I supposed to tell my members that they can’t sell a greeting card or a wreath to put on a grave?” he asked.
Damien English, the Minister of State for Retail Businesses, came under fire on Friday after telling RTÉ's Prime Time on Thursday night that children's clothes were not essential items.
When asked by presenter Miriam O’Callaghan why it was possible to “buy a bottle of wine, but not socks for my son”, Mr English responded that “socks come under clothes, Miriam. Clothes are not essential”.
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said he believed Mr English had "let himself down" with the comments. Mr Gannon said clothes were essential and he pointed out that during the lockdown in March, April and May, supermarkets were able to sell clothing alongside food and other essential items.
Arnold Dillon, director of Ibec body Retail Ireland, drew a distinction between the first and second lockdowns. He said what retailers were permitted to sell had grown in importance over the course of the current period of restrictions as fears grew about "the ability of many businesses to survive".
Confusion
“The run-up to Christmas is the key trading period of the year and many retailers are relying on it to recoup losses incurred during the first lockdown.”
Mr Dillon said that the restrictions imposed on retailers now “are less severe than those earlier in the year” and this had created some additional confusion.
“We need a consistent approach to enforcement across the country.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin told reporters that people could still buy online or use click-and-collect services offered by some retailers.
He said the Level 5 restrictions had to “include instruments to reduce congregation of people, reduce gatherings of people in shops and in other locations” in an effort to bring down the number of people infected with the virus.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said context was important in the debate and that if large retailers were allowed to sell clothes while smaller retailers were forced to stay closed, it would become a bigger issue.
He told RTÉ’s News at One that “to be fair to all retailers, particularly small- and medium-sized retailers who do sell clothes, we do need to have a level playing field in relation to the definition of non-essential goods”.


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--Toy shop operator: Kids ‘may have to take what they are given’ this year

Toy shop operators fear that parents – afraid they will be unable to secure must-have gifts for their children – will turn to major online retailers in the run-up to Christmas while they are unable to open due to coronavirus restrictions .
While many toy shops are selling goods online , this trade will not make up for the sales lost while their shops are shuttered for six weeks in the lead-up to Christmas .
Toy shop owners say that , unlike other retailers , they will be unable to recoup their losses in the new year as their busiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Daithí O ’ Connor , of World of Wonder , which has six toy stores across Munster , said some 40 per cent of yearly toy sales are recorded in the last 10 weeks of the year .
He said toys are “ as essential for the Christmas period as hardware was for the summer period ” but his and other businesses were “ not being given this equal consideration ” by the Government .
Mr O ’ Connor said that unlike other non-essential purchases , “ as the lockdown progresses parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their toys anywhere they can ” .
“ This will probably be online , ” he said , adding that up to 70 per cent of online shopping was done through companies based overseas .
He said this would “ leave a lot less business , particularly for smaller Irish retailers when and if we are let open ” .
While other non-essential retailers “ will have a huge post-Christmas sale and will in many if not most instances do more business in the weeks after Christmas than before ” , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who know well that “ if you haven ’ t sold any particular toy by December 24th , then you will not sell it at any price ” .
“ Parents understandably just aren ’ t interested , ” he said .
Mr O ’ Connor said the toy business is “ small relative to other retail categories ” and that allowing it to open early relative to other retail “ would have a negligible , if not zero , effect on the spread of Covid-19 ” .
“ It would in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 weeks ’ business into 24 days , a reality that would be unique to toys , ” he said .
Katherine Staunton , of Nimble Fingers in Stillorgan , Dublin , was similarly downbeat about the impact the lockdown would have on her business in the weeks ahead .
“ Because it is happening in November it will hit us pretty hard , ” she said .
“ If it had been almost any other month of the year it wouldn ’ t be so bad .
“ In December we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and November wouldn ’ t be far behind .
We simply can ’ t make that up.
” She said people opting to shop locally had made “ a huge difference to us , we have seen people making a more conscious decision to buy off businesses in their community ” but there will be much ground to be made up .
Ms Staunton is a second-generation toy seller and Nimble Fingers was the inspiration for the Late Late Toy Show .
RTÉ researcher Pan Collins visited in 1975 and was mesmerised by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of devoting a 30-minute segment of the programme to toys in the run-up to Christmas .
Presenter Gay Byrne agreed and the slot was so successful that a full show was dedicated to the subject the following year .
The annual broadcast has become a fixture for many children growing up in Ireland and continues 45 years on .
Ms Staunton said that while conventional wisdom has it that parents hold off on major purchases until after their child or children have written to Santa , she believes this year will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people had appeared a lot more organised than in past years .
“ There haven ’ t been many people giving out about Christmas talk coming too soon in 2020 , ” she said .
“ I think this year there will be a lot of kids who may have to take what they are given .
”

Toy shop operators fear that parents – afraid they will be unable to secure must-have gifts for their children – will turn to major online retailers in the run-up to Christmas while they are unable to open due to coronavirus restrictions.
While many toy shops are selling goods online, this trade will not make up for the sales lost while their shops are shuttered for six weeks in the lead-up to Christmas. Toy shop owners say that, unlike other retailers, they will be unable to recoup their losses in the new year as their busiest time of the year will have passed.
Daithí O'Connor, of World of Wonder, which has six toy stores across Munster, said some 40 per cent of yearly toy sales are recorded in the last 10 weeks of the year.
He said toys are “as essential for the Christmas period as hardware was for the summer period” but his and other businesses were “not being given this equal consideration” by the Government.
READ MORE
Panic
Mr O’Connor said that unlike other non-essential purchases, “as the lockdown progresses parents will begin to panic and try get their toys anywhere they can”.
“This will probably be online,” he said, adding that up to 70 per cent of online shopping was done through companies based overseas.
He said this would “leave a lot less business, particularly for smaller Irish retailers when and if we are let open”.
Daithí O’Connor, proprietor of World of Wonder, says that unlike other non-essential purchases, ‘as the lockdown progresses parents will begin to panic and try get their toys anywhere they can’. Photograph: Valerie O’Sullivan
While other non-essential retailers “will have a huge post-Christmas sale and will in many if not most instances do more business in the weeks after Christmas than before”, he said this not the case for toy shops who know well that “if you haven’t sold any particular toy by December 24th, then you will not sell it at any price”.
“Parents understandably just aren’t interested,” he said.
Mr O’Connor said the toy business is “small relative to other retail categories” and that allowing it to open early relative to other retail “would have a negligible, if not zero, effect on the spread of Covid-19”.
“It would in fact be safer rather than trying to squeeze 10 weeks’ business into 24 days, a reality that would be unique to toys,” he said.
Katherine Staunton, of Nimble Fingers in Stillorgan, Dublin, was similarly downbeat about the impact the lockdown would have on her business in the weeks ahead.
“Because it is happening in November it will hit us pretty hard,” she said. “If it had been almost any other month of the year it wouldn’t be so bad.
Turnover
“In December we do 25 per cent of our annual turnover and November wouldn’t be far behind. We simply can’t make that up.”
She said people opting to shop locally had made “a huge difference to us, we have seen people making a more conscious decision to buy off businesses in their community” but there will be much ground to be made up.
Ms Staunton is a second-generation toy seller and Nimble Fingers was the inspiration for the Late Late Toy Show. RTÉ researcher Pan Collins visited in 1975 and was mesmerised by the selection and decided to pitch the idea of devoting a 30-minute segment of the programme to toys in the run-up to Christmas.
Presenter Gay Byrne agreed and the slot was so successful that a full show was dedicated to the subject the following year. The annual broadcast has become a fixture for many children growing up in Ireland and continues 45 years on.
Ms Staunton said that while conventional wisdom has it that parents hold off on major purchases until after their child or children have written to Santa, she believes this year will be different.
She said in recent weeks people had appeared a lot more organised than in past years.
“There haven’t been many people giving out about Christmas talk coming too soon in 2020,” she said. “I think this year there will be a lot of kids who may have to take what they are given.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-31--Report will ‘release’ survivors from shame, says Catherine Corless

The report of the State investigation into mother-and-baby homes will release survivors from the shame they carry , historian Catherine Corless has said .
The 4,000-page report by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes was presented to Minister for Children Roderic O ’ Gorman on Friday .
It will be published after it has been reviewed by the Attorney General .
The report includes the testimonies of people who lived and worked in 14 mother-and-baby homes and four county homes between the 1920s and the 1990s .
Ms Corless , whose work led to the discovery of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the setting up of the commission , said it was “ wonderful ” that the report had been finalised .
She said she hoped the “ whole truth of what happened ” would be revealed , and that “ nothing will be covered up ” .
“ It ’ s a shame that we don ’ t get [ the report ] today so that we would know exactly .
I know this will mean an awful lot to survivors of Tuam home and all the homes .
Just an acknowledgment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is their pain , ” she told RTÉ ’ s The Late Late Show .
Ms Corless said survivors of the homes still carry shame and this report would help release them from that .
“ I believe this report will more or less release them from that shame .
They carried the pain of not having their mothers , and what their mothers went through .
The survivors speak of the pain of their mothers more so than themselves .
It is their dearest wish to see some atonement for what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in those homes , ” she added .
The historian said that many survivors seek their personal information from Tusla , the child and family agency , but a lot of the information is redacted .
“ Their own files , their own life , and yet they ’ re not allowed to see what ’ s in those files .
That ’ s what they want .
They just want information .
Identity is a huge thing with them .
To know their identity , to know where their mother went , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know how she fared in life , ” Ms Corless said .
“ When you think about it , it ’ s so cruel to deny them .
It ’ s wrong .
It ’ s a basic human right to know your identity .
They ’ re still treating them as second class citizens.
” Ms Corless believes that most of the mothers from the homes would want to connect with their children , and only in “ the very odd case ” a mother might say they do not want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government must apologise to the people affected by the homes .

The report of the State investigation into mother-and-baby homes will release survivors from the shame they carry, historian Catherine Corless has said.
The 4,000-page report by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes was presented to Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman on Friday. It will be published after it has been reviewed by the Attorney General.
The report includes the testimonies of people who lived and worked in 14 mother-and-baby homes and four county homes between the 1920s and the 1990s.
Ms Corless, whose work led to the discovery of infant remains in Tuam, Co Galway, and the setting up of the commission, said it was "wonderful" that the report had been finalised.
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She said she hoped the “whole truth of what happened” would be revealed, and that “nothing will be covered up”.
“It’s a shame that we don’t get [the report] today so that we would know exactly. I know this will mean an awful lot to survivors of Tuam home and all the homes. Just an acknowledgment of what has happened to them because that is their pain,” she told RTÉ’s The Late Late Show.
Ms Corless said survivors of the homes still carry shame and this report would help release them from that.
“I believe this report will more or less release them from that shame. They carried the pain of not having their mothers, and what their mothers went through. The survivors speak of the pain of their mothers more so than themselves. It is their dearest wish to see some atonement for what their mothers had to put up with in those homes,” she added.
The historian said that many survivors seek their personal information from Tusla, the child and family agency, but a lot of the information is redacted.
“Their own files, their own life, and yet they’re not allowed to see what’s in those files. That’s what they want. They just want information. Identity is a huge thing with them. To know their identity, to know where their mother went, to know was she alright, to know how she fared in life,” Ms Corless said.
“When you think about it, it’s so cruel to deny them. It’s wrong. It’s a basic human right to know your identity. They’re still treating them as second class citizens.”
Ms Corless believes that most of the mothers from the homes would want to connect with their children, and only in “the very odd case” a mother might say they do not want to be known.
She added that the Government must apologise to the people affected by the homes.


theirishtimes--2020-10-30--Compliance with Level 5 restrictions ‘very high’, say gardaí

Compliance with the latest public health measures has been “ very high ” , with only two incidents of individuals suspected of breaching travel restrictions being recorded in the past week , gardaí have said .
Under Level 5 of the Living with Covid roadmap , all non-essential retail is closed and people are asked to stay at home , but can exercise within 5km of their home .
Gardaí have conducted checkpoints , community engagement patrols and visits to retail premises to ensure members of the public are adhering to the new regulations .
In a statement on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two incidents since October 22nd where individuals were suspected of breaching travel restriction regulations and files were sent to the director of public prosecutions ( DPP ) .
The statement also highlighted that the volume of private cars on roads has decreased since last week , with overall traffic levels down almost 50 per cent when compared with pre-Covid levels .
There has been one incident where the non-wearing of face masks has resulted in a file being sent to the DPP in the past week , bringing the total to eight since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The vast majority of retail premises were compliant with regulations or came into compliance when requested to do so , gardaí said .
However , up to October 29th , there were six incidents where premises have continued with suspected breaches of regulations .
A file will be sent to the DPP in each of the cases .
There are early indications that some categories of crime , such as burglary , have fallen since the introduction of Level 5 restrictions while others , such as drug offences , remain at similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime overall does not appear to be as significant as in the April-June period .
During the course of Covid-19 operation , gardaí recorded 71 crimes that were not related to breaches of regulations , mainly relating to road traffic and drug-related offences .
Deputy commissioner John Twomey thanked the public for complying with the restrictions .
“ We are continuing to visit and engage with retail premises to ensure compliance with the regulations .
We are seeing wide-spread compliance , but there are some premises who are potentially in breach of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the obligations upon them , ” he said .
“ An Garda Síochána will focus this weekend on those retailers who are still potentially not compliant.
” The deputy commissioner added that gardaí are continuing to support people who are vulnerable or isolated .
“ If you know of anyone who , for instance , needs their pension collected , or some shopping done , or checked on please contact your local Garda station .
We are here to help , ” he said .
“ We appreciate this is a difficult time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue to work together to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by adhering to the public health advice .
”

Compliance with the latest public health measures has been “very high”, with only two incidents of individuals suspected of breaching travel restrictions being recorded in the past week, gardaí have said.
Under Level 5 of the Living with Covid roadmap, all non-essential retail is closed and people are asked to stay at home, but can exercise within 5km of their home.
Gardaí have conducted checkpoints, community engagement patrols and visits to retail premises to ensure members of the public are adhering to the new regulations.
In a statement on Friday night, gardaí said there have been two incidents since October 22nd where individuals were suspected of breaching travel restriction regulations and files were sent to the director of public prosecutions (DPP).
READ MORE
The statement also highlighted that the volume of private cars on roads has decreased since last week, with overall traffic levels down almost 50 per cent when compared with pre-Covid levels.
There has been one incident where the non-wearing of face masks has resulted in a file being sent to the DPP in the past week, bringing the total to eight since this became a regulation during the summer.
The vast majority of retail premises were compliant with regulations or came into compliance when requested to do so, gardaí said.
However, up to October 29th, there were six incidents where premises have continued with suspected breaches of regulations. A file will be sent to the DPP in each of the cases.
Burglaries
There are early indications that some categories of crime, such as burglary, have fallen since the introduction of Level 5 restrictions while others, such as drug offences, remain at similar levels. However, the drop in crime overall does not appear to be as significant as in the April-June period.
During the course of Covid-19 operation, gardaí recorded 71 crimes that were not related to breaches of regulations, mainly relating to road traffic and drug-related offences.
Deputy commissioner John Twomey thanked the public for complying with the restrictions.
“We are continuing to visit and engage with retail premises to ensure compliance with the regulations. We are seeing wide-spread compliance, but there are some premises who are potentially in breach of the regulations and need to pay attention to the obligations upon them,” he said.
" An Garda Síochána will focus this weekend on those retailers who are still potentially not compliant."
The deputy commissioner added that gardaí are continuing to support people who are vulnerable or isolated.
“If you know of anyone who, for instance, needs their pension collected, or some shopping done, or checked on please contact your local Garda station. We are here to help,” he said.
“We appreciate this is a difficult time for people, but we all need to continue to work together to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by adhering to the public health advice.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-30--Irish surfer Conor Maguire rides ‘Ireland’s biggest wave’

It ’ s been compared to the monstrous big waves of the Pacific .
But for Irish surfer Conor Maguire , who has claimed what may be his country ’ s largest ever swell , it was almost on his doorstep at Mullaghmore in Co Sligo .
The biggest question for Maguire was not whether he wanted to try it , but if it was acceptable to venture out during the national Level 5 lockdown .
In the end , having asked permission of the local council and in co-ordination with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution , it was deemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – including five jetskis for safety .
Surfers in Ireland and Portugal , which both produce gigantic waves , had been watching the storm swell from Hurricane Epsilon , which they realised would push massive waves towards the Atlantic coast and the small number of places in Europe where waves more than 18m ( 60ft ) can form .
“ Originally when I saw the swell on the charts , I was like : ‘ Oh f**k , of course it would happen during lockdown !
’ ” Maguire told surfing website Magic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ So typical .
My main concern was not to offend anyone or put pressure on the hospital system or anything like that .
We contacted Sligo County Council and got permission to surf , spoke to the coastguard .
We had four skis and a paramedic on hand ; two spotters on the cliff .
We couldn ’ t have been any more safe , and [ it was ] the perfect time to take a good crack at it .
“ The original idea was just to have respect for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My friends are based in the area and we spoke to a lot of the locals before and they were buzzing people were out there .
And the headland was like an amphitheatre ; there were cars all the way around .
Everyone was in their cars , adhering to Covid protocols , as were we .
In the harbour , with the safety briefing , we had masks on and all that stuff .
It was pretty professional.
” The area , which generally produces waves of 6m to 9m ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a rare coincidence of conditions : the swell from the hurricane on top of a mid-Atlantic depression which produced waves breaking almost a mile out and touching , perhaps , 18m in height .
“ You could see it the whole way coming in .
In the middle of the bay [ Maguire ’ s jetski tow-in driver ] was like : ‘ Uhhh , okaaaaay ’ and I thought , ‘ oh f**k. ’ Then he just picked me up , did a loop and slung me in like a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it kind of felt like I was dropping 30 or 40 seconds , I was going and going .
“ The wave itself , it was smooth , man .
I felt like butter or something .
It was pretty easy .
I just kind of stood there [ laughs ] .
But it ended up catching up with me in the end.
” – Guardian

It’s been compared to the monstrous big waves of the Pacific. But for Irish surfer Conor Maguire, who has claimed what may be his country’s largest ever swell, it was almost on his doorstep at Mullaghmore in Co Sligo.
The biggest question for Maguire was not whether he wanted to try it, but if it was acceptable to venture out during the national Level 5 lockdown.
In the end, having asked permission of the local council and in co-ordination with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, it was deemed appropriate for Maguire and his support team – including five jetskis for safety.
Surfers in Ireland and Portugal, which both produce gigantic waves, had been watching the storm swell from Hurricane Epsilon, which they realised would push massive waves towards the Atlantic coast and the small number of places in Europe where waves more than 18m (60ft) can form.
READ MORE
“Originally when I saw the swell on the charts, I was like: ‘Oh f**k, of course it would happen during lockdown!’ ” Maguire told surfing website Magic Seaweed of his potentially record breaking wave.
“So typical. My main concern was not to offend anyone or put pressure on the hospital system or anything like that. We contacted Sligo County Council and got permission to surf, spoke to the coastguard. We had four skis and a paramedic on hand; two spotters on the cliff. We couldn’t have been any more safe, and [it was] the perfect time to take a good crack at it.
“The original idea was just to have respect for the locals and not to offend anyone. My friends are based in the area and we spoke to a lot of the locals before and they were buzzing people were out there. And the headland was like an amphitheatre; there were cars all the way around. Everyone was in their cars, adhering to Covid protocols, as were we. In the harbour, with the safety briefing, we had masks on and all that stuff. It was pretty professional.”
Coincidence of conditions
The area, which generally produces waves of 6m to 9m (20ft-30ft) in height, was hit by a rare coincidence of conditions: the swell from the hurricane on top of a mid-Atlantic depression which produced waves breaking almost a mile out and touching, perhaps, 18m in height.
“You could see it the whole way coming in. In the middle of the bay [Maguire’s jetski tow-in driver] was like: ‘Uhhh, okaaaaay’ and I thought, ‘oh f**k.’ Then he just picked me up, did a loop and slung me in like a big pendulum. When I was dropping down, it kind of felt like I was dropping 30 or 40 seconds, I was going and going.
“The wave itself, it was smooth, man. I felt like butter or something. It was pretty easy. I just kind of stood there [laughs]. But it ended up catching up with me in the end.” – Guardian


theirishtimes--2020-10-30--Legal costs of injury claims in court 20 times higher than cases dealt with by PIAB

The legal costs in personal injuries claims that are taken to court are nearly 20 times higher than those created when cases are dealt with by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board ( PIAB ) .
The higher costs exist “ even though the final award is only marginally higher than the settlement as assessed by PIAB ” , according to the final report of the Government ’ s Cost of Insurance Working Group .
“ This would indicate that the legal fees in litigated cases for claims under €100,000 are contributing to the costs insurers pay in settling such claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body set up to monitor legal charges , the Office of Legal Costs Adjudicators , came into operation 12 months ago , but it will be another year before it will have enough data “ to commence a meaningful review ” .
Meanwhile , plans to set up a fraud database have run into trouble following warning from the Data Protection Commissioner ( DPC ) that it could breach privacy rights .
The proposal under discussion would see Insurance Ireland ’ s existing Insurance Link database expanded to include new criteria to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent third party .
Following meetings between the Department of Justice , the DPC offered “ some preliminary views ” , but warned that a full ruling on the GDPR implications was not possible until the plan was more advanced .
However , the Cost of Insurance Working Group said the DPC ’ s warning that “ a much stronger justification ” would be needed before extra information categories could be added to the database raised question marks .
“ It appears it will be difficult to expand out the scope of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more useful in detecting fraudulent patterns of claims , ” the report says .
The benefits offered by a more detailed database “ may not be sufficient to justify the impact upon the privacy of those third parties who may be drawn within the scope of the database ” , it went on .
The Cost of Insurance Working Group , which was established in 2016 to help tackle rising insurance costs , now says that are four outstanding actions that could be taken to reduce high costs .
That includes a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with more work on the impact of legal fees on personal injury awards , and actions to cut down on the numbers of cases that end up in court .
Minister of State for Finance Sean Fleming said there was “ still much work to do ” , particularly on the cost and availability of insurance for small businesses , and voluntary and community groups .
He said the single most essential challenge which must be overcome if insurance charges are to fall is to bring the levels of personal injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line with those elsewhere .
Mr Fleming added that the Law Reform Commission recently published a report on the possibility of developing constitutionally-sound legislation to cap personal injury payments .

Sean Fleming: he said there was “still much work to do”, particularly on the cost and availability of insurance for small businesses, and voluntary and community groups
The legal costs in personal injuries claims that are taken to court are nearly 20 times higher than those created when cases are dealt with by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) .
The higher costs exist “even though the final award is only marginally higher than the settlement as assessed by PIAB”, according to the final report of the Government’s Cost of Insurance Working Group.
“This would indicate that the legal fees in litigated cases for claims under €100,000 are contributing to the costs insurers pay in settling such claims,” said the report.
A body set up to monitor legal charges, the Office of Legal Costs Adjudicators, came into operation 12 months ago, but it will be another year before it will have enough data “to commence a meaningful review”.
READ MORE
Meanwhile, plans to set up a fraud database have run into trouble following warning from the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) that it could breach privacy rights.
The proposal under discussion would see Insurance Ireland’s existing Insurance Link database expanded to include new criteria to improve detection of fraudulent claim patterns handled by an independent third party.
Following meetings between the Department of Justice, the DPC offered “some preliminary views”, but warned that a full ruling on the GDPR implications was not possible until the plan was more advanced.
However, the Cost of Insurance Working Group said the DPC’s warning that “a much stronger justification” would be needed before extra information categories could be added to the database raised question marks.
“It appears it will be difficult to expand out the scope of the existing Insurance Link to make it more useful in detecting fraudulent patterns of claims,” the report says.
The benefits offered by a more detailed database “ may not be sufficient to justify the impact upon the privacy of those third parties who may be drawn within the scope of the database”, it went on.
The Cost of Insurance Working Group, which was established in 2016 to help tackle rising insurance costs, now says that are four outstanding actions that could be taken to reduce high costs.
Database
That includes a “fully functioning” insurance fraud database”, along with more work on the impact of legal fees on personal injury awards, and actions to cut down on the numbers of cases that end up in court.
Minister of State for Finance Sean Fleming said there was "still much work to do", particularly on the cost and availability of insurance for small businesses, and voluntary and community groups.
He said the single most essential challenge which must be overcome if insurance charges are to fall is to bring the levels of personal injury damages awarded in the State more in line with those elsewhere.
Mr Fleming added that the Law Reform Commission recently published a report on the possibility of developing constitutionally-sound legislation to cap personal injury payments.


theirishtimes--2020-10-30--Anyone on Roscommon farm after Sunday faces jail, warns judge

A High Court judge has said any person occupying a farm in Co Roscommon after 6pm on Sunday is likely to find themselves being jailed for contempt .
Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds made the remarks after being told that while three siblings have stayed away from their farm at Falsk , Strokestown , other persons are preventing KBC bank from repossessing the property .
The property is the subject of a repossession order obtained by KBC bank .
Last week Michael Anthony , David , and Geraldine McGann were brought before the court by gardaí to explain why they should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave and not interfere with a bank ’ s possession of the property .
They were released from custody after giving sworn undertaking to leave , stay away from and remove their livestock from the farm .
When the matter returned before the court on Friday Rossa Fanning SC , for KBC , said while the McGanns have stayed away , his client remains unable to take possession of the property .
This was because at least one person , retired garda Kevin Taylor , is on the property and others may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week , Mr Taylor , of Dublin Road , Longford , informed KBCs agents who sought to secure the farm , he would not leave the property unless provided with a valid copy of the court ’ s order that the premises be vacated .
Mr Taylor acted in a threatening and aggressive manner towards KBC ’ s agents , counsel said .
When the agent went to leave the property , Mr Taylor threw a copy of the court ’ s order at the agent , counsel said .
Counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media about the property , where groups and individuals were encouraging people to act in defiance of the court ’ s orders .
Some of the posts were critical of KBC , the judge and lawyers involved in the case , counsel added .
As a result of “ a deliberate and contentious attempt to obstruct court orders ” KBC was seeking an order for the attachment and committal to prison of any person found in occupation of the property .
The McGanns were not in court on Friday but the judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence they had returned to the property .
She said there appeared to be a deliberate breach of the order by other persons “ who should know better ” and she was prepared to hear an application to jail anyone who remained on the property .
The court did not want to send anybody to Mountjoy prison , but given the ongoing breach of an order , the court ’ s hands would be left with no alternative other than to jail persons , she said .
If the property is vacated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) there would be no need to hear an application to jail persons in breach of the court ’ s order , she said .
The commentary on social media regarding the case was “ utterly reprehensible ” , she added .
KBC Bank obtained the possession order several years ago arising out of a €431,00 debt on the property from a loan to its registered owner Michael Anthony McGann .
They were evicted in 2018 but the house was later the scene of an attack on security men employed to secure it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the property by a group of masked men and a number of vehicles were burned .
The McGanns , who were not involved in the incidents , returned to the house and the bank then sought to have them jailed for contempt of court orders by failing to vacate .
They were again ordered by the court to leave last March .
Due to the pandemic , KBC did not immediately return to court but last week the trio were brought before Ms Justice Reynolds to answer their alleged contempt .
The case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

In 2018 the house was the scene of an attack on security men employed to secure it. They were forced from the property by a group of masked men and several vehicles were burned. File photograph: Brian Farrell
A High Court judge has said any person occupying a farm in Co Roscommon after 6pm on Sunday is likely to find themselves being jailed for contempt.
Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds made the remarks after being told that while three siblings have stayed away from their farm at Falsk, Strokestown, other persons are preventing KBC bank from repossessing the property.
The property is the subject of a repossession order obtained by KBC bank.
Last week Michael Anthony, David, and Geraldine McGann were brought before the court by gardaí to explain why they should not be jailed for contempt of orders to leave and not interfere with a bank's possession of the property.
READ MORE
They were released from custody after giving sworn undertaking to leave, stay away from and remove their livestock from the farm.
When the matter returned before the court on Friday Rossa Fanning SC, for KBC, said while the McGanns have stayed away, his client remains unable to take possession of the property.
This was because at least one person, retired garda Kevin Taylor, is on the property and others may also be present.
Counsel said, earlier this week, Mr Taylor, of Dublin Road, Longford, informed KBCs agents who sought to secure the farm, he would not leave the property unless provided with a valid copy of the court’s order that the premises be vacated.
Mr Taylor acted in a threatening and aggressive manner towards KBC’s agents, counsel said. When the agent went to leave the property, Mr Taylor threw a copy of the court’s order at the agent, counsel said.
Counsel said that there were also posts on social media about the property, where groups and individuals were encouraging people to act in defiance of the court’s orders.
Some of the posts were critical of KBC, the judge and lawyers involved in the case, counsel added.
As a result of “a deliberate and contentious attempt to obstruct court orders” KBC was seeking an order for the attachment and committal to prison of any person found in occupation of the property.
The McGanns were not in court on Friday but the judge said she was satisfied that there was no evidence they had returned to the property. She said there appeared to be a deliberate breach of the order by other persons “who should know better” and she was prepared to hear an application to jail anyone who remained on the property.
The court did not want to send anybody to Mountjoy prison, but given the ongoing breach of an order, the court’s hands would be left with no alternative other than to jail persons, she said.
Debt of €431,000
If the property is vacated by 6pm Sunday evening (November 1st) there would be no need to hear an application to jail persons in breach of the court’s order, she said.
The commentary on social media regarding the case was “utterly reprehensible”, she added.
KBC Bank obtained the possession order several years ago arising out of a €431,00 debt on the property from a loan to its registered owner Michael Anthony McGann.
They were evicted in 2018 but the house was later the scene of an attack on security men employed to secure it. The security men were forced from the property by a group of masked men and a number of vehicles were burned.
The McGanns, who were not involved in the incidents, returned to the house and the bank then sought to have them jailed for contempt of court orders by failing to vacate.
They were again ordered by the court to leave last March.
Due to the pandemic, KBC did not immediately return to court but last week the trio were brought before Ms Justice Reynolds to answer their alleged contempt.
The case will return before the court next week.