theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Empathy education: ‘It’s just as important as maths or Stem subjects’

The recent suicide of UK television presenter Caroline Flack shone a spotlight on online abuse and how people who are decent and mannerly to each other ’ s faces can often be cruel and thoughtless online .
In the wake of Flack ’ s death – just days before she was due to go on trial for the alleged assault of her boyfriend – both mainstream press and social media users were accused of abusing and harassing Flack and other famous figures .
The hashtag # BeKind trended on social media .
Numerous hair salons have vowed never to stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at their own online and real-life behaviour .
Does this incident highlight a problem with empathy , or are people precisely as unkind as we ’ ve always been ?
And is it time to mainstream empathy education ?
Prof Pat Dolan , joint founder and director of the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway , recently launched Activating Social Empathy , an initiative to introduce empathy education for adolescents in secondary school .
It ’ s part of a suite of work undertaken by a team of researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form part of the Junior Cycle well-being programme .
“ Empathy education is urgently needed in schools to curb hate speech aggression and racial and other forms of negative profiling – it is imperative that the new incoming Minister for Education adopts empathy education in the same way as maths or other Stem subjects , ” Dolan says .
Hugh Fitzmaurice , an English and history teacher at CBC Monkstown in south county Dublin , has been involved in the pilot programme .
“ The course consists of 12 40-minute classes , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , we talk about understanding empathy , and the difference between empathy and sympathy .
“ We also encourage students to have empathy for themselves , particularly in the transition from primary to secondary school , which can be hard .
If you start with empathy for yourself , it can extend out to global empathy on issues like climate .
But even small irritants like queue-skipping in the canteen reduces when students consider another person ’ s feelings.
” The full , evaluated programme will be available as a free resource @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new second-level initiative is building on the work of Roots of Empathy , an international and evidence-led programme aimed at developing empathy among primary school children .
In Ireland , the project is delivered by children ’ s charity Barnardos and is led by Susana Nunez .
“ The programme addresses the emotional learning side of the curriculum , ” Nunez explains .
“ We bring in a parent from the neighbourhood with a new baby , and the children in the classroom learn from them .
The children try to understand what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a way for them to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings and to understand other people as well.
” The programme runs once a week over the course of a school year and is facilitated by a trained instructor .
It fosters empathy and emotional intelligence , while studies have shown it can also reduce bullying and aggression as well as promote prosocial and kinder behaviour .
“ If the baby is crying , for instance , the instructor in the class addresses crying and why a baby might cry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when their child cries .
But we also ask the children in class how they themselves feel when the baby cries , have they ever seen someone cry , what did it feel like and what they would do to help them.
” Each family visit is preceded and followed by a session with the instructor , who helps the children to process what they have learned .
“ When the baby first comes to class , they ’ re between two and four months old and in their parent ’ s arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the child can be crawling , so the class gets to celebrate those milestones and they feel pride .
What is pride ?
It can be hard for a child to know what that is , but they know they feel it when the baby does something , ” says Nunez .
“ Then we can expand that out to a time they did something that made them feel proud .
In one class where I was the instructor , a pupil said they were proud of learning to cycle , but when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be proud of , his classmates intervened and started listing all the good things he had done.
” Because resources are limited , the programme runs primarily – but not exclusively – in schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas .
“ In one school where the children have been affected by trauma or violent incidents , they understandably struggled with attention and instruction .
But everything changed when the baby came to the room.
” Nunez believes we are born with the capacity for empathy , but that it needs to be encouraged and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It leads to less problems in school .
It gives hope to teachers .
It helps us in conflict resolution .
It leads to less bullying .
It creates better , more well-adjusted adults and citizens .
It makes better neighbours .
More people are beginning to understand it is not just a wishy-washy concept , but something that we need for the world to be a better place.
” ‘ In Denmark each class has a “ Klassens tid ” hour every week where students learn about listening to and understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of writers and educators in the United States turned their attention to how storytelling could foster greater empathy , connection and wellbeing .
Irish writer Colum McCann was one of the people who got the organisation up and running and , more recently , social entrepreneur Ruairí McKiernan took over as the organisation ’ s European director .
“ Narrative 4 trains and supports teachers and youth workers to facilitate an evidence-based process known as the story exchange , ” McKiernan says .
“ This offers young people a space to reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to connect and learn from others .
A big part of the magic is witnessing someone else relay your story back to the wider group .
It requires a little vulnerability but this feeds into an alchemy of sorts.
” The programme has expanded through the US and is now working in South Africa , Mexico , Palestine and elsewhere , with Limerick as the European headquarters for the operation .
Research by academics at Yale University and other institutions have shown that the programme can make a real difference to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was attracted to it because I feel something is missing in society that offers a space of the soul , time for people to stop , pause , reflect and connect , ” says McKiernan .
“ It ’ s a place for seeing the richness and power of stories .
Empathy is a huge part of that , the ability to go beyond ourselves and connect with how another person or group might be feeling.
” Denmark , consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world , has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1993 .
“ Each class has a ‘ Klassens tid ’ hour every week where students learn about listening to and understanding each other , ” says McKiernan .
“ It gives a space for expression , to share problems and work together to find a solution .
There is great work going on in schools in Ireland too , but we need to do more to mainstream it.
” We need a “ kindness revolution ” , says McKiernan , author of Hitching for Hope – a Journey into the Heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants for our woes is part of a divisive rush to other people , and it distracts from the root causes of inequality , greed and poor leadership .
This is a top-down issue , especially when you look at how bullies maintain and seize power .
Life is short and can be hard going but it can be so much sweeter when we invest in kindness as a core currency .

The recent suicide of UK television presenter Caroline Flack shone a spotlight on online abuse and how people who are decent and mannerly to each other's faces can often be cruel and thoughtless online.
In the wake of Flack’s death – just days before she was due to go on trial for the alleged assault of her boyfriend – both mainstream press and social media users were accused of abusing and harassing Flack and other famous figures.
The hashtag #BeKind trended on social media. Numerous hair salons have vowed never to stock gossip magazines and people were urged to look at their own online and real-life behaviour.
Does this incident highlight a problem with empathy, or are people precisely as unkind as we’ve always been? And is it time to mainstream empathy education?
READ MORE
Prof Pat Dolan, joint founder and director of the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway, recently launched Activating Social Empathy, an initiative to introduce empathy education for adolescents in secondary school.
It's part of a suite of work undertaken by a team of researchers at the university and is designed to form part of the Junior Cycle well-being programme.
“Empathy education is urgently needed in schools to curb hate speech aggression and racial and other forms of negative profiling – it is imperative that the new incoming Minister for Education adopts empathy education in the same way as maths or other Stem subjects,” Dolan says.
Hugh Fitzmaurice, an English and history teacher at CBC Monkstown in south county Dublin, has been involved in the pilot programme.
“The course consists of 12 40-minute classes,” he explains. “In the first stage, we talk about understanding empathy, and the difference between empathy and sympathy.
“We also encourage students to have empathy for themselves, particularly in the transition from primary to secondary school, which can be hard. If you start with empathy for yourself, it can extend out to global empathy on issues like climate. But even small irritants like queue-skipping in the canteen reduces when students consider another person’s feelings.”
The full, evaluated programme will be available as a free resource to schools from September 2020.
The new second-level initiative is building on the work of Roots of Empathy, an international and evidence-led programme aimed at developing empathy among primary school children. In Ireland, the project is delivered by children's charity Barnardos and is led by Susana Nunez.
“The programme addresses the emotional learning side of the curriculum,” Nunez explains.
“We bring in a parent from the neighbourhood with a new baby, and the children in the classroom learn from them. The children try to understand what the baby is feeling and thinking; this is a way for them to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings and to understand other people as well.”
The programme runs once a week over the course of a school year and is facilitated by a trained instructor. It fosters empathy and emotional intelligence, while studies have shown it can also reduce bullying and aggression as well as promote prosocial and kinder behaviour.
“If the baby is crying, for instance, the instructor in the class addresses crying and why a baby might cry, and what a parent might feel when their child cries. But we also ask the children in class how they themselves feel when the baby cries, have they ever seen someone cry, what did it feel like and what they would do to help them.”
Each family visit is preceded and followed by a session with the instructor, who helps the children to process what they have learned.
“When the baby first comes to class, they’re between two and four months old and in their parent’s arms; by the time they leave, the child can be crawling, so the class gets to celebrate those milestones and they feel pride. What is pride? It can be hard for a child to know what that is, but they know they feel it when the baby does something,” says Nunez.
“Then we can expand that out to a time they did something that made them feel proud. In one class where I was the instructor, a pupil said they were proud of learning to cycle, but when another child said he had nothing to be proud of, his classmates intervened and started listing all the good things he had done.”
Because resources are limited, the programme runs primarily – but not exclusively – in schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
“In one school where the children have been affected by trauma or violent incidents, they understandably struggled with attention and instruction. But everything changed when the baby came to the room.”
Nunez believes we are born with the capacity for empathy, but that it needs to be encouraged and nurtured.
“It makes children kinder. It leads to less problems in school. It gives hope to teachers. It helps us in conflict resolution. It leads to less bullying. It creates better, more well-adjusted adults and citizens. It makes better neighbours. More people are beginning to understand it is not just a wishy-washy concept, but something that we need for the world to be a better place.”
‘In Denmark each class has a “Klassens tid” hour every week where students learn about listening to and understanding each other’
In 2012, a group of writers and educators in the United States turned their attention to how storytelling could foster greater empathy, connection and wellbeing.
Irish writer Colum McCann was one of the people who got the organisation up and running and, more recently, social entrepreneur Ruairí McKiernan took over as the organisation’s European director.
“Narrative 4 trains and supports teachers and youth workers to facilitate an evidence-based process known as the story exchange,” McKiernan says.
“This offers young people a space to reflect, consider their own lives and stories and to connect and learn from others. A big part of the magic is witnessing someone else relay your story back to the wider group. It requires a little vulnerability but this feeds into an alchemy of sorts.”
The programme has expanded through the US and is now working in South Africa, Mexico, Palestine and elsewhere, with Limerick as the European headquarters for the operation.
Research by academics at Yale University and other institutions have shown that the programme can make a real difference to the lives of young people.
“I was attracted to it because I feel something is missing in society that offers a space of the soul, time for people to stop, pause, reflect and connect,” says McKiernan. “It’s a place for seeing the richness and power of stories. Empathy is a huge part of that, the ability to go beyond ourselves and connect with how another person or group might be feeling.”
Denmark, consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, has had mandatory empathy education for six- to 16-year-olds since 1993.
“Each class has a ‘Klassens tid’ hour every week where students learn about listening to and understanding each other,” says McKiernan.
“It gives a space for expression, to share problems and work together to find a solution. There is great work going on in schools in Ireland too, but we need to do more to mainstream it.”
We need a “kindness revolution”, says McKiernan, author of Hitching for Hope – a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland.
“Blaming migrants for our woes is part of a divisive rush to other people, and it distracts from the root causes of inequality, greed and poor leadership. This is a top-down issue, especially when you look at how bullies maintain and seize power. Life is short and can be hard going but it can be so much sweeter when we invest in kindness as a core currency.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--My daughter wants a job combating climate change. Is this possible?

My daughter is very environmentally conscious and a keen Greta Thunberg fan .
She wants a career which involves fighting climate change , but I ’ m worried that she ’ s ignoring other sectors with decent salary prospects .
Is there an area of study which has the best of both worlds ?
Climate change awareness and activism among young people is fuelling a big interest in a range of careers linked to the environment and sustainability .
Many are seeking out careers wherein they can be at the vanguard of social and environmental change .
It might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineering is a very practical way in which your daughter might put such awareness into practice .
To view a range of courses in the engineering area where young people can make a major contribution to protecting the planet , alongside strong career prospects , visit careersportal.ie/courses .
One of the newer options is building engineering , which concerns everything from heating , cooling and ventilation systems , among other functions , in large , commercial-scale premises .
Big projects such as data centres and hospitals , for example , are now more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent or more of the capital allocation for such multimillion-euro projects is attributed to the design , implementation and maintenance of these systems .
While previously it might have been architects or structural engineers who would be the best known professions in the construction sector , the building engineering industry has been working closely with TU Dublin and others to jointly market the profession to the wider public .
We spend up to 90 per cent of our time in buildings which require energy for heat , light , power and ventilation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of energy , followed by transport and industry .
A spokesperson for TU Dublin has confirmed that the growing level of environmental awareness among school leavers is leading to a high level of interest in their building engineering programmes .
Demand is also rising for professionals in this category , with an estimated 10 jobs advertised for every one graduate coming out the system .
Starting salaries are also high with students being headhunted before they reach their final year on salaries in excess of €30,000 per annum .
At TU Dublin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at level seven ( ordinary degree ) , which is a three-year full-time programme .
Upon graduation , some will then take up full-time employment , but a large number continue up to level eight ( honours degree ) choosing either full-time or part-time options .
Students can also enter the level eight programme indirectly by first completing an applicable feeder course such as the TU Dublin engineering ( general entry ) course .

Engineering is one career route for students who want to do their bit to protect the planet. Photograph: iStock
My daughter is very environmentally conscious and a keen Greta Thunberg fan. She wants a career which involves fighting climate change, but I’m worried that she’s ignoring other sectors with decent salary prospects. Is there an area of study which has the best of both worlds?
Climate change awareness and activism among young people is fuelling a big interest in a range of careers linked to the environment and sustainability. Many are seeking out careers wherein they can be at the vanguard of social and environmental change.
It might not sound like an obvious choice, but engineering is a very practical way in which your daughter might put such awareness into practice.
To view a range of courses in the engineering area where young people can make a major contribution to protecting the planet, alongside strong career prospects, visit careersportal.ie/courses.
READ MORE
One of the newer options is building engineering, which concerns everything from heating, cooling and ventilation systems, among other functions, in large, commercial-scale premises.
Big projects such as data centres and hospitals, for example, are now more technologically advanced. Up to 60 per cent or more of the capital allocation for such multimillion-euro projects is attributed to the design, implementation and maintenance of these systems.
While previously it might have been architects or structural engineers who would be the best known professions in the construction sector, the building engineering industry has been working closely with TU Dublin and others to jointly market the profession to the wider public.
We spend up to 90 per cent of our time in buildings which require energy for heat, light, power and ventilation. Buildings are one of the biggest end-users of energy, followed by transport and industry.
A spokesperson for TU Dublin has confirmed that the growing level of environmental awareness among school leavers is leading to a high level of interest in their building engineering programmes. Demand is also rising for professionals in this category, with an estimated 10 jobs advertised for every one graduate coming out the system. Starting salaries are also high with students being headhunted before they reach their final year on salaries in excess of €30,000 per annum.
At TU Dublin, students can start a building engineering course at level seven (ordinary degree), which is a three-year full-time programme.
Upon graduation, some will then take up full-time employment, but a large number continue up to level eight (honours degree) choosing either full-time or part-time options. Students can also enter the level eight programme indirectly by first completing an applicable feeder course such as the TU Dublin engineering (general entry) course.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Not a normal St Patrick’s Day, but plenty still found time for a walk

There was some evidence of social distancing among those out for fresh air on the east coast on St Patrick ’ s Day , but it was hard to spot .
From mid-morning there were traffic jams on the seafront in Bray as a large contingent of locals and Dubliners sought a break from working at home or self-isolating .
In Dún Laoghaire , crowds walked the east and west piers , while the usual Co Wicklow bank holiday venues of Powerscourt House and Avoca in Kilmacanogue were quieter then normal , but still busy .
On Bray promenade Daragh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ to get out , to get some fresh air ” for themselves and their children Olivia ( 6 ) , Tommy ( 2 ) and two-week-old Eleanor .
Daragh , a musician , would normally have been playing in Dublin pubs and venues on St Patrick ’ s Day .
He also plays guitar in his local Church of Christian Science .
But the coronavirus came along , coinciding with the arrival of his and Linda ’ s newest arrival , Eleanor .
“ Yeah , the money is a worry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is going to last ” , he said .
Linda said it was “ lovely ” to be at the seaside .
The family had gone for a drive to get out of the house , and Linda was more than happy to get out of the car .
Also taking the air on the promenade was Kathleen Sheeran , owner of the well-known “ The Club ” bar in Dalkey .
Kathleen was accompanied by three generations of her family : daughter Miriam Smyth , Miriam ’ s husband Aidan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We needed to get out , we go for a walk in different places , we decided to come to Bray today , ” said Miriam .
“ We are worried about the virus but we are keeping together and trying to keep a distance from each other ” she added stepping backwards .
Julie Fleming and her boyfriend Pete Lawless from Stillorgan had walked the “ seven or eight ” kilometres around the cliffs on Bray Head to emerge in the new harbour development in Greystones .
They were hoping to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Beach House pub was off limits .
Many walkers set off for Main Street and the railway station in search of a coffee shop .
“ Yes , we are concerned about the virus but we are getting out now while we can ” , said Julie .
On the east pier in Dún Laoghaire retired couple Sarah and John Mulligan were taking a walk “ as we always do ” .
“ Look at all these people – you can ’ t keep them cooped up indoors on the first fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said John .
In Greystones , the town now famous for its coffee shops , Main Street was quiet .
The Happy Pear , which usually boasts queues down the street on bank holidays , was closed in the afternoon .
Tables outside Camile Thai were spaced far from each other .
A few walkers sat around the railway station waiting for the train back to Bray .
At Powerscourt House in Enniskerry , Evandro Dos Ramos had cycled out from Dublin on his bike .
He said the situation with coronavirus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe cycling on his bike - “ at least from the virus ” he commented , adding that some of the roads were dangerous .
Painter and decorator Peter Byrne from Shankill was taking his wife Anne and mother-in-law Maureen out for a break .
“ You have got to get out of the house .
No , I ’ m not worried about us , we got some lovely bread to take home , ” he said gesturing towards Powerscourt House where , for once , there was plenty of space to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tables had been removed but there were plenty more on the open air terrace .

There was some evidence of social distancing among those out for fresh air on the east coast on St Patrick’s Day, but it was hard to spot.
From mid-morning there were traffic jams on the seafront in Bray as a large contingent of locals and Dubliners sought a break from working at home or self-isolating.
In Dún Laoghaire, crowds walked the east and west piers, while the usual Co Wicklow bank holiday venues of Powerscourt House and Avoca in Kilmacanogue were quieter then normal, but still busy.
On Bray promenade Daragh and Linda Butler from Finglas were set “to get out, to get some fresh air” for themselves and their children Olivia (6), Tommy (2) and two-week-old Eleanor.
READ MORE
Daragh, a musician, would normally have been playing in Dublin pubs and venues on St Patrick’s Day. He also plays guitar in his local Church of Christian Science. But the coronavirus came along, coinciding with the arrival of his and Linda’s newest arrival, Eleanor. “Yeah, the money is a worry, you don’t know how long it is going to last”, he said.
Darragh and Linda Butler and their children enjoying a St Patrick’s Day trip to Bray
Linda said it was “lovely” to be at the seaside. The family had gone for a drive to get out of the house, and Linda was more than happy to get out of the car.
Also taking the air on the promenade was Kathleen Sheeran, owner of the well-known “The Club” bar in Dalkey. Kathleen was accompanied by three generations of her family: daughter Miriam Smyth, Miriam’s husband Aidan and their children Rachel and Eve.
“We needed to get out, we go for a walk in different places, we decided to come to Bray today,” said Miriam. “We are worried about the virus but we are keeping together and trying to keep a distance from each other” she added stepping backwards.
Julie Fleming and her boyfriend Pete Lawless from Stillorgan had walked the “seven or eight” kilometres around the cliffs on Bray Head to emerge in the new harbour development in Greystones. They were hoping to find the French creperie open, but knew the Beach House pub was off limits. Many walkers set off for Main Street and the railway station in search of a coffee shop. “Yes, we are concerned about the virus but we are getting out now while we can”, said Julie.
On the east pier in Dún Laoghaire retired couple Sarah and John Mulligan were taking a walk “as we always do”.
“Look at all these people – you can’t keep them cooped up indoors on the first fine spring day we have had,” said John.
In Greystones, the town now famous for its coffee shops, Main Street was quiet. The Happy Pear, which usually boasts queues down the street on bank holidays, was closed in the afternoon. Tables outside Camile Thai were spaced far from each other. A few walkers sat around the railway station waiting for the train back to Bray.
Evandro Dos Ramos is pictured after cycling from Dublin to Powerscourt on Tuesday.
At Powerscourt House in Enniskerry, Evandro Dos Ramos had cycled out from Dublin on his bike. He said the situation with coronavirus was “very serious” but he felt safe cycling on his bike - “ at least from the virus” he commented, adding that some of the roads were dangerous.
Painter and decorator Peter Byrne from Shankill was taking his wife Anne and mother-in-law Maureen out for a break. “You have got to get out of the house. No, I’m not worried about us, we got some lovely bread to take home,” he said gesturing towards Powerscourt House where, for once, there was plenty of space to sit and enjoy a coffee. Some tables had been removed but there were plenty more on the open air terrace.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--‘This is the calm before the storm, before the surge’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said elderly citizens and those with long-term illnesses will be asked to stay at home for several weeks as the Government grapples with the mounting crisis posed by the coronavirus .
Setting the scene for the difficult months ahead , Mr Varadkar warned that the disruption to everyday life could last into the summer .
The Government is now moving to put in place systems to ensure that elderly people who are asked to “ cocoon ” will have access to food and supplies .
“ At a certain point we will advise the elderly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay at home for several weeks , ” he said in a rare televised address on Tuesday night .
“ We are putting in place the systems to ensure that if you are one of them you will have food , supplies and are checked on .
We call this ‘ cocooning ’ and it will save many lives , particularly the most vulnerable , the most precious in our society.
” Mr Varadkar acknowledged that while many would find it difficult to stay apart from their loved ones , people needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of the virus .
He said that while the public wanted to know when the coronavirus crisis would be over , “ the truth is we don ’ t know yet ” .
“ This emergency is likely to go on well beyond March 29th .
It could go on for months into the summer so we need to be sensible in the approach we take.
” Mr Varadkar warned that Ireland was “ in the midst of a global and national emergency , a pandemic the likes of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he also cautioned that it would take years to recover economically .
“ I am confident that our economy will bounce back but the damage will be significant and lasting .
The bill will be enormous and it may take years to pay it .
“ Coronavirus is already having a deep impact on jobs and economic activity and will continue to do so.
” The Government has , to date , signed off on a €3 billion package for health , social welfare and business and says it will take further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving to deploy “ full resources to ensure that essential shops , workplaces and public transport can continue to operate ” , Mr Varadkar said .
“ People will still need to buy goods and avail of personal services in the weeks and months ahead .
“ This is the calm before the storm , before the surge .
And when it comes , and it will come , never will so many ask so much of so few.
” In his speech , he said the country had witnessed “ a St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a day that none of us will ever forget ” .
“ Today ’ s children will tell their own children and grandchildren about the national holiday of 2020 that had no parties , no parades but instead saw everyone staying at home to protect each other.
” Meanwhile , the Health Service Executive says it is confident it can overcome delays in carrying out coronavirus tests and reporting results that threaten to derail the strategy of the health service in fighting the disease .
With patients reporting waits of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says new supplies of testing equipment due to arrive this week and an expansion of lab capacity will improve turnaround times .
A further 69 coronavirus cases were confirmed on Tuesday night , the biggest daily increase yet recorded , bringing the total number to 292 .
The HSE ’ s Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) said on Tuesday that the latest Covid-19 cases involved 29 males and 40 females .
Of these , 48 were in the east of the State , 13 were in the south , five were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the west .
Another 10 cases were diagnosed in Northern Ireland on Tuesday , giving a total of 62 confirmed cases there .
Mr Varadkar warned again that the number of cases could rise to 15,000 by the end of the month with further rises in the weeks thereafter .
“ We can not stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back.
” He said this could be done only “ if everyone takes sustained action .
Nothing less will do .
”

Government Buildings, illuminated in green for St Patrick’s Day, during the Taoiseach’s address to the nation. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said elderly citizens and those with long-term illnesses will be asked to stay at home for several weeks as the Government grapples with the mounting crisis posed by the coronavirus.
Setting the scene for the difficult months ahead, Mr Varadkar warned that the disruption to everyday life could last into the summer. The Government is now moving to put in place systems to ensure that elderly people who are asked to “cocoon” will have access to food and supplies.
“At a certain point we will advise the elderly and people who have a long-term illness to stay at home for several weeks,” he said in a rare televised address on Tuesday night.
“We are putting in place the systems to ensure that if you are one of them you will have food, supplies and are checked on. We call this ‘cocooning’ and it will save many lives, particularly the most vulnerable, the most precious in our society.”
READ MORE
Mr Varadkar acknowledged that while many would find it difficult to stay apart from their loved ones, people needed to keep their physical distance in order to stop the spread of the virus.
He said that while the public wanted to know when the coronavirus crisis would be over, “the truth is we don’t know yet”.
“This emergency is likely to go on well beyond March 29th. It could go on for months into the summer so we need to be sensible in the approach we take.”
Economic recovery
Mr Varadkar warned that Ireland was "in the midst of a global and national emergency, a pandemic the likes of which none of us has seen before" as he also cautioned that it would take years to recover economically.
“I am confident that our economy will bounce back but the damage will be significant and lasting. The bill will be enormous and it may take years to pay it.
"Coronavirus is already having a deep impact on jobs and economic activity and will continue to do so."
The Government has, to date, signed off on a €3 billion package for health, social welfare and business and says it will take further action if needed.
The State was moving to deploy “full resources to ensure that essential shops, workplaces and public transport can continue to operate”, Mr Varadkar said.
“People will still need to buy goods and avail of personal services in the weeks and months ahead.
“This is the calm before the storm, before the surge. And when it comes, and it will come, never will so many ask so much of so few.”
In his speech, he said the country had witnessed “a St Patrick’s Day like no other, a day that none of us will ever forget”.
“Today’s children will tell their own children and grandchildren about the national holiday of 2020 that had no parties, no parades but instead saw everyone staying at home to protect each other.”
Test results
Meanwhile, the Health Service Executive says it is confident it can overcome delays in carrying out coronavirus tests and reporting results that threaten to derail the strategy of the health service in fighting the disease.
With patients reporting waits of up to six days for results, the HSE says new supplies of testing equipment due to arrive this week and an expansion of lab capacity will improve turnaround times.
A further 69 coronavirus cases were confirmed on Tuesday night, the biggest daily increase yet recorded, bringing the total number to 292.
The HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said on Tuesday that the latest Covid-19 cases involved 29 males and 40 females. Of these, 48 were in the east of the State, 13 were in the south, five were in the northwest and three were in the west.
Another 10 cases were diagnosed in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, giving a total of 62 confirmed cases there.
Mr Varadkar warned again that the number of cases could rise to 15,000 by the end of the month with further rises in the weeks thereafter.
“We cannot stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back.” He said this could be done only “if everyone takes sustained action. Nothing less will do.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Full text of Leo Varadkar’s St Patrick’s Day broadcast

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made a special televised address to the nation on St Patrick ’ s Day , speaking about the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on Ireland This is a Saint Patrick ’ s Day like no other .
A day that none of us will ever forget .
Today ’ s children will tell their own children and grandchildren about the national holiday in 2020 that had no parades or parties , but instead saw everyone staying at home to protect each other .
In years to come , let them say of us , when things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at our best .
Our country is making big demands of our healthcare staff , big demands of every single one of us .
Tonight I want you to know why these actions are being taken and what more needs to be done .
We are in the midst of a global and national emergency – a pandemic – the likes of which none of us has seen before .
So far the number of cases in Ireland has been relatively small .
However , we believe that number will rise to fifteen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the month and rise further in the weeks thereafter .
The vast majority of us who contract Covid-19 will experience a mild illness , but some will be hospitalised and sadly some people will die .
We can not stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back .
We can , as you have heard by now , flatten the curve .
But only if everyone takes sustained action .
Nothing less will do .
We all need to take steps to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is spread .
Not just at public gatherings or public places but also in our own homes places of leisure and work .
Large public gatherings are cancelled .
All pubs and bars are shut .
We have also asked people to curtail or cancel social gatherings like parties , weddings and other celebrations .
I know these choices won ’ t be easy , but they are necessary .
More will be required in the coming weeks to reduce the spread of the virus .
At all times we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert advice , from our Public Health Emergency Team led by the Chief Medical Officer .
We will always put your life and your health ahead of any other concern .
All resources that we have , financial and human , are being deployed to serve this great national effort .
We are watching what ’ s happening around the world and will learn from the experience of other countries affected by Covid-19 before us – what works and what doesn ’ t .
We know the best strategies focus on testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is our strategy .
We will keep our essential services , supply chains and utilities operating .
Many of you want to know when this will be over .
The truth is we don ’ t know yet .
This Emergency is likely to go on well beyond March 29th .
It could go on for months into the summer so we need to be sensible in the approach we take .
We will deploy our full resources to ensure that essential shops , workplaces and public transport can continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy goods and avail of personal services in the weeks and months ahead .
However , to do so , we need your co-operation and that of business and industry to make social distancing workable .
This may mean changing how you do your business… but we will work with you to find safe and creative ways to do this .
This may mean adjusted opening hours , staggering breaks , phone calls rather than meetings , and if possible working from home .
As you plan your life it will mean avoiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses and getting things delivered rather than physically going to the premises .
In short – we are asking people to come together as a nation by staying apart from each other .
The most basic messages of washing your hands properly and practicing good hygiene around sneezing and coughing are still the most important .
And , if you have a new cough that isn ’ t going away or a high temperature… stay at home and phone your doctor .
A test will be arranged for you .
At a certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who have a long-term illness to stay at home for several weeks .
We are putting in place the systems to ensure that if you are one of them , you will have food , supplies and are checked on .
We call this “ cocooning ” and it will save many lives , particularly the most vulnerable , the most precious in our society .
It ’ s going to be very difficult to stay apart from our loved ones .
Most grandparents just want to give their grandkids a hug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as this is , we need to keep our physical distance to stop the virus .
Technology can help – check in with your loved ones on Skype or Facetime and promise them you ’ ll see them again soon .
We ’ ve already seen our fantastic community spirit spring into action .
Phone your neighbours , see if they need help , and make sure those who are living alone are not left alone .
To all the young people watching – I know you are bored and probably a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your friends and you might even be wishing you were back at school .
You ’ re going to have to wait a while longer for that .
I hope you remember that this time is tough on your parents as well .
So I ’ m asking you to ask your parents at least once a day what you can do to help them .
Keep up your schoolwork and call your grandparents .
Keep up your schoolwork , call your grandparents and try not to fight with your brothers and sisters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken about little else in recent days .
My partner , my two sisters , and both their husbands are working in the health service – here in Ireland and in the UK .
They are all apprehensive .
They have heard the stories from China and Italy of hospitals being overwhelmed and medical staff getting sick .
I am so proud of all of them .
Not all superheroes wear capes , some wear scrubs and gowns .
All of our healthcare workers need us to do the right thing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals are being tooled up .
Essential equipment is on the way .
Retired staff are returning to service .
People are training for changed roles .
This is the calm before the storm – before the surge .
And when it comes – and it will come – never will so many ask so much of so few .
We will do all that we can to support them .
I am also grateful to the many people who have joined this great national effort .
Not just our healthcare staff but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil servants who are learning how to do contact tracing .
The early education and childcare workers offering to look after the children of our front line staff so they can go to work .
The teachers and lecturers finding new innovative ways to teach students on-line and putting together contingency plans for the Leaving Cert and College exams .
The people who are stocking our shelves every day , and those who are serving customers .
Our hauliers , who leave their families on a Sunday evening and travel across the continent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , medicine and equipment that we need .
All who have kept our supply chain moving , we thank them , a different kind of frontline service .
Our journalists and broadcasters who are helping to inform and educate .
All are deserving of our respect and thanks .
Coronavirus is already having a deep impact on jobs and economic activity and will continue to do so .
Some people watching will have seen their jobs lost , businesses closed or their working hours reduced .
More will be worried that this might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do not know when the Emergency will end .
I know this is causing huge stress to you and your families on top of fear of the virus .
While we do not have all the answers now we are doing and will do all we can to help you through the time ahead .
You will receive income support as quickly and efficiently as possible and when we are through the worst , we will work as hard as possible to get people back to work and get business open again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solidarity in this time of national sacrifice .
For those who have lost their jobs and had their incomes reduced temporarily , there must be help and understanding from those who can give it , particularly the banks , government bodies and utilities .
We went into this crisis with a strong economy and the public finances in good order .
We have the capacity and credit rating to borrow billions if we need to .
I am confident that our economy will bounce back , but the damage will be significant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it may take years to pay it .
The Government has already signed off a 3 billion euro package for health , social welfare and business – we will take further action as needed .
Tonight I know many of you are feeling scared and overwhelmed .
That is a normal reaction , but we will get through this and we will prevail .
We need to halt the spread of the virus but we also need to halt the spread of fear .
So please rely only on information from trusted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE , from the World Health Organisation and from the national media .
Do not forward or share messages that are from other , unreliable sources .
So much harm has already been caused by those messages , and we must insulate our communities and the most vulnerable from the contagion of fear .
Fear is a virus in itself .
Please take regular breaks from watching news and media , and from consuming social media .
Constantly scrolling on your phone or obsessively following the latest developments is not good for anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-being as well as your physical health .
Tonight on our national holiday I also want to send a message around the world that we are all in this together .
To the people of China , Spain and Italy who have suffered untold heartbreak and loss – we are with you .
To all of those across the world who have lost a loved one to this virus – we are with you .
To all those living in the shadow of what is to come – we are with you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ race , nationality or gender .
They are the shared enemy of all humanity .
So it will be the shared enterprise of all humanity that finds a treatment and a vaccine that protects us .
Tonight I send a message of friendship and of hope from Ireland to everyone around the world this Saint Patrick ’ s Day .

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the country that this St Patrick’s Day is a day no one will ever forget. Video: RTÉ
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made a special televised address to the nation on St Patrick’s Day, speaking about the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on Ireland
Lá Fhéile Pádraig shona daoibh!
This is a Saint Patrick’s Day like no other.
A day that none of us will ever forget.
READ MORE
Today’s children will tell their own children and grandchildren about the national holiday in 2020 that had no parades or parties, but instead saw everyone staying at home to protect each other.
In years to come, let them say of us, when things were at their worst, we were at our best.
Our country is making big demands of our healthcare staff, big demands of every single one of us.
Tonight I want you to know why these actions are being taken and what more needs to be done.
We are in the midst of a global and national emergency – a pandemic – the likes of which none of us has seen before.
So far the number of cases in Ireland has been relatively small.
However, we believe that number will rise to fifteen thousand cases or more by the end of the month and rise further in the weeks thereafter.
The vast majority of us who contract Covid-19 will experience a mild illness, but some will be hospitalised and sadly some people will die.
We cannot stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back.
We can, as you have heard by now, flatten the curve. But only if everyone takes sustained action. Nothing less will do.
We all need to take steps to reduce close human contact. That is how the virus is spread. Not just at public gatherings or public places but also in our own homes places of leisure and work.
Large public gatherings are cancelled. All pubs and bars are shut.
We have also asked people to curtail or cancel social gatherings like parties, weddings and other celebrations. I know these choices won’t be easy,but they are necessary.
More will be required in the coming weeks to reduce the spread of the virus. At all times we will be guided by, and take the expert advice, from our Public Health Emergency Team led by the Chief Medical Officer.
We will always put your life and your health ahead of any other concern. All resources that we have, financial and human, are being deployed to serve this great national effort.
We are watching what’s happening around the world and will learn from the experience of other countries affected by Covid-19 before us – what works and what doesn’t.
We know the best strategies focus on testing, contact tracing and social distancing. So, that is our strategy.
We will keep our essential services, supply chains and utilities operating.
Many of you want to know when this will be over.
The truth is we don’t know yet.
This Emergency is likely to go on well beyond March 29th. It could go on for months into the summer so we need to be sensible in the approach we take.
We will deploy our full resources to ensure that essential shops, workplaces and public transport can continue to operate. People will still need to buy goods and avail of personal services in the weeks and months ahead.
However, to do so, we need your co-operation and that of business and industry to make social distancing workable. This may mean changing how you do your business… but we will work with you to find safe and creative ways to do this.
This may mean adjusted opening hours, staggering breaks, phone calls rather than meetings, and if possible working from home.
As you plan your life it will mean avoiding unnecessary journeys. Shopping online from local businesses and getting things delivered rather than physically going to the premises.
In short – we are asking people to come together as a nation by staying apart from each other.
The most basic messages of washing your hands properly and practicing good hygiene around sneezing and coughing are still the most important.
And, if you have a new cough that isn’t going away or a high temperature… stay at home and phone your doctor. A test will be arranged for you.
At a certain point we will advise the elderly and people who have a long-term illness to stay at home for several weeks. We are putting in place the systems to ensure that if you are one of them, you will have food, supplies and are checked on.
We call this “cocooning” and it will save many lives, particularly the most vulnerable, the most precious in our society.
It’s going to be very difficult to stay apart from our loved ones.
Most grandparents just want to give their grandkids a hug and a kiss – but as hard as this is, we need to keep our physical distance to stop the virus.
Technology can help – check in with your loved ones on Skype or Facetime and promise them you’ll see them again soon.
We’ve already seen our fantastic community spirit spring into action.
Phone your neighbours, see if they need help, and make sure those who are living alone are not left alone.
To all the young people watching – I know you are bored and probably a bit fed up. You want to see your friends and you might even be wishing you were back at school.
You’re going to have to wait a while longer for that.
I hope you remember that this time is tough on your parents as well.
So I’m asking you to ask your parents at least once a day what you can do to help them. Keep up your schoolwork and call your grandparents.
Keep up your schoolwork, call your grandparents and try not to fight with your brothers and sisters.
Like you, my family has spoken about little else in recent days.
My partner, my two sisters, and both their husbands are working in the health service – here in Ireland and in the UK. They are all apprehensive. They have heard the stories from China and Italy of hospitals being overwhelmed and medical staff getting sick.
I am so proud of all of them.
Not all superheroes wear capes, some wear scrubs and gowns.
All of our healthcare workers need us to do the right thing in the weeks ahead.
Our community services and hospitals are being tooled up.
Essential equipment is on the way.
Retired staff are returning to service. People are training for changed roles.
This is the calm before the storm – before the surge.
And when it comes – and it will come – never will so many ask so much of so few.
We will do all that we can to support them.
I am also grateful to the many people who have joined this great national effort.
Not just our healthcare staff but also our army cadets, librarians and civil servants who are learning how to do contact tracing.
The early education and childcare workers offering to look after the children of our front line staff so they can go to work.
The teachers and lecturers finding new innovative ways to teach students on-line and putting together contingency plans for the Leaving Cert and College exams.
The people who are stocking our shelves every day, and those who are serving customers.
Our hauliers, who leave their families on a Sunday evening and travel across the continent to ensure that we have the products, medicine and equipment that we need. All who have kept our supply chain moving, we thank them, a different kind of frontline service.
Our journalists and broadcasters who are helping to inform and educate. All are deserving of our respect and thanks.
Coronavirus is already having a deep impact on jobs and economic activity and will continue to do so.
Some people watching will have seen their jobs lost, businesses closed or their working hours reduced. More will be worried that this might happen to them too, especially as we do not know when the Emergency will end.
I know this is causing huge stress to you and your families on top of fear of the virus.
While we do not have all the answers now we are doing and will do all we can to help you through the time ahead.
You will receive income support as quickly and efficiently as possible and when we are through the worst, we will work as hard as possible to get people back to work and get business open again.
Everyone in our society must show solidarity in this time of national sacrifice. For those who have lost their jobs and had their incomes reduced temporarily, there must be help and understanding from those who can give it, particularly the banks, government bodies and utilities.
We went into this crisis with a strong economy and the public finances in good order.
We have the capacity and credit rating to borrow billions if we need to.
I am confident that our economy will bounce back, but the damage will be significant and lasting. The bill will be enormous and it may take years to pay it.
The Government has already signed off a 3 billion euro package for health, social welfare and business – we will take further action as needed.
Tonight I know many of you are feeling scared and overwhelmed. That is a normal reaction, but we will get through this and we will prevail.
We need to halt the spread of the virus but we also need to halt the spread of fear.
So please rely only on information from trusted sources. From Government, from the HSE, from the World Health Organisation and from the national media.
Do not forward or share messages that are from other, unreliable sources. So much harm has already been caused by those messages, and we must insulate our communities and the most vulnerable from the contagion of fear.
Fear is a virus in itself.
Please take regular breaks from watching news and media, and from consuming social media. Constantly scrolling on your phone or obsessively following the latest developments is not good for anyone.
Look after your mental health and well-being as well as your physical health.
Tonight on our national holiday I also want to send a message around the world that we are all in this together.
To the people of China, Spain and Italy who have suffered untold heartbreak and loss – we are with you.
To all of those across the world who have lost a loved one to this virus – we are with you.
To all those living in the shadow of what is to come – we are with you.
Viruses pay no attention to borders, race, nationality or gender.
They are the shared enemy of all humanity.
So it will be the shared enterprise of all humanity that finds a treatment and a vaccine that protects us.
Tonight I send a message of friendship and of hope from Ireland to everyone around the world this Saint Patrick’s Day.
Lá Fheile Pádraig shona daoibh!
Oíche mhaith.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on coronavirus emergency: ‘We are in this together’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said elderly citizens and those with long term illnesses will be asked to stay at home for several weeks as the Government grapples with the mounting crisis posed by coronavirus .
In a rare televised address , Mr Varadkar warned that the disruption to everyday life could last into the summer .
The Government is now moving to put in place systems to ensure that elderly people who are asked to “ cocoon ” will have access to food and supplies .
“ At a certain point we will advise the elderly and people who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for several weeks .
We are putting in place the systems to ensure that if you are one of them you will have food , supplies and are checked on .
We call this ‘ cocooning ’ and it will save many lives , particularly the most vulnerable , the most precious in our society.
” Mr Varadkar acknowledged that while many will find it difficult to stay apart from their loved ones , people need to keep their physical distance in order to stop the spread of the virus .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the coronavirus crisis would be over , “ the truth is we don ’ t know yet.
” “ This emergency is likely to go on well beyond March 29th .
It could go on for months into the summer so we need to be sensible in the approach we take.
” Mr Varadkar warned that we are “ in the midst of a global and national emergency , a pandemic the likes of which none of us has seen before ” as he also cautioned that it will take years to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our economy will bounce back but the damage will be significant and lasting .
The bill will be enormous and it may take years to pay it.
” “ Coronavirus is already having a deep impact on jobs and economic activity and will continue to do so.
” The Government has , to date , signed off a €3bn package for health , social welfare and business and says it will take further action if needed .
The State is moving to deploy “ full resources to ensure that essential shops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate , ” Mr Varadkar said .
“ People will still need to buy goods and avail of personal services in the weeks and months ahead.
” “ This is the calm before the storm , before the surge .
And when it comes , and it will come , never will so many ask so much of so few.
” In his speech he said that the country had witnessed “ a St Patrick ’ s Day like no other , a day that none of us will ever forget .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children and grandchildren about the national holiday of 2020 that had no parties , no parades but instead saw everyone staying at home to protect each other.
” Meanwhile , the Health Service Executive says it is confident it can overcome delays in carrying out coronavirus tests and reporting results that threaten to derail the strategy of the health service in fighting the disease .
With patients reporting waits of up to six days for results , the HSE says new supplies of testing equipment due to arrive this week and an expansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A further 69 coronavirus cases were confirmed last night , the biggest daily increase yet recorded , bringing the total number to 292 .
The HSE ’ s Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) said on Tuesday that the latest Covid-19 cases involved 29 males and 40 females .
Of these , 48 were in the east of the State , 13 were in south , five were in the northwest and three were in the west .
Another 10 cases were diagnosed in Northern Ireland yesterday , giving a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Varadkar warned again that the number of cases could rise to 15,000 by the end of the month with further rises in the weeks thereafter .
“ We can not stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back.
” He said this could only be done “ if everyone takes sustained action .
Nothing less will do .
”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the country that this St Patrick’s Day is a day no one will ever forget. Video: RTÉ
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said elderly citizens and those with long term illnesses will be asked to stay at home for several weeks as the Government grapples with the mounting crisis posed by coronavirus.
In a rare televised address, Mr Varadkar warned that the disruption to everyday life could last into the summer. The Government is now moving to put in place systems to ensure that elderly people who are asked to “cocoon” will have access to food and supplies.
“At a certain point we will advise the elderly and people who have a long-term illness to stay at home for several weeks. We are putting in place the systems to ensure that if you are one of them you will have food, supplies and are checked on. We call this ‘cocooning’ and it will save many lives, particularly the most vulnerable, the most precious in our society.”
Mr Varadkar acknowledged that while many will find it difficult to stay apart from their loved ones, people need to keep their physical distance in order to stop the spread of the virus.
READ MORE
He said that while the public wanted to know when the coronavirus crisis would be over, “the truth is we don’t know yet.”
“This emergency is likely to go on well beyond March 29th. It could go on for months into the summer so we need to be sensible in the approach we take.”
Economic hit
Mr Varadkar warned that we are “in the midst of a global and national emergency, a pandemic the likes of which none of us has seen before” as he also cautioned that it will take years to recover economically.
“I am confident that our economy will bounce back but the damage will be significant and lasting. The bill will be enormous and it may take years to pay it.”
"Coronavirus is already having a deep impact on jobs and economic activity and will continue to do so."
The Government has, to date, signed off a €3bn package for health, social welfare and business and says it will take further action if needed.
The State is moving to deploy “full resources to ensure that essential shops, workplaces and public transport can continue to operate,” Mr Varadkar said.
“People will still need to buy goods and avail of personal services in the weeks and months ahead.”
“This is the calm before the storm, before the surge. And when it comes, and it will come, never will so many ask so much of so few.”
In his speech he said that the country had witnessed “a St Patrick’s Day like no other, a day that none of us will ever forget. Today’s children will tell their own children and grandchildren about the national holiday of 2020 that had no parties, no parades but instead saw everyone staying at home to protect each other.”
"Tonight I know many of you are feeling scared and overwhelmed. That is a normal reaction, but we will get through this and we will prevail, " Mr Varadkar added.
Virus testing
Meanwhile, the Health Service Executive says it is confident it can overcome delays in carrying out coronavirus tests and reporting results that threaten to derail the strategy of the health service in fighting the disease.
With patients reporting waits of up to six days for results, the HSE says new supplies of testing equipment due to arrive this week and an expansion of lab capacity will improve turnaround times.
A further 69 coronavirus cases were confirmed last night, the biggest daily increase yet recorded, bringing the total number to 292.
The HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said on Tuesday that the latest Covid-19 cases involved 29 males and 40 females. Of these, 48 were in the east of the State, 13 were in south, five were in the northwest and three were in the west.
Another 10 cases were diagnosed in Northern Ireland yesterday, giving a total of 62 confirmed cases there.
Mr Varadkar warned again that the number of cases could rise to 15,000 by the end of the month with further rises in the weeks thereafter.
“We cannot stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back.” He said this could only be done “if everyone takes sustained action. Nothing less will do.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Guinness announces fund to help bar staff and elderly

Guinness has announced it will set up a €1.5 million fund to help support bar staff and the elderly in @ @ @ @ @ health crisis .
Some €1.2 million of the funding will be provided to bar staff @ @ @ @ @ Government recommendation all pubs across the country close to help prevent the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 .
The remaining €300,000 will be used to support elderly people during the unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ partnership with Alone , a charity for the elderly .
The charity welcomed the funding @ @ @ @ @ to maintain and expand the support services it offers to elderly communities .
The closures @ @ @ @ @ of jobs could be at risk and many premises would not be able to open @ @ @ @ @ of the emergency measures to tackle coronavirus .
Oliver Loomes , country director of Guinness @ @ @ @ @ the company would work with the Licensed Vintners ’ Association and Vintners ’ Federation of @ @ @ @ @ support bar staff to maximum effect using this funding ” .

Guinness has announced it will set up a €1.5 million fund to help support bar staff and the elderly in light of the coronavirus public health crisis.
Some €1.2 million of the funding will be provided to bar staff unable to work following the Government recommendation all pubs across the country close to help prevent the spread of the virus, officially known as Covid-19.
The remaining €300,000 will be used to support elderly people during the unprecedented health crisis, through a partnership with Alone, a charity for the elderly.
Elderly communities
The charity welcomed the funding, which will be used to maintain and expand the support services it offers to elderly communities.
READ MORE
The closures led to concerns that thousands of jobs could be at risk and many premises would not be able to open again following the financial impact of the emergency measures to tackle coronavirus.
Oliver Loomes, country director of Guinness owners Diageo Ireland, said the company would work with the Licensed Vintners' Association and Vintners' Federation of Ireland around how to "support bar staff to maximum effect using this funding".


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Bus Éireann warns Expressway services at risk

The sustainability of the Bus Éireann Expressway network is at risk , with the coronavirus outbreak causing a decline in passenger numbers , the company has said .
In a letter to the National Bus and Rail Union ( NBRU ) on Monday , the State-owned company said a number of commercial bus operators had already ceased to run some services .
“ No one could foresee the challenges presented by Covid-19 given the growth momentum we have achieved to date , but will require our partnership to confront and address the predicament this crisis presents in the days and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Kent said .
The NBRU had expressed strong concern about staff at Bus Éireann and the other State-owned transport companies having to handle cash and the absence of hand sanitisers .
In a note to members , the union said Expressway was a commercial operation which relied exclusively on passenger revenue for the 500 jobs it supported .
It said Expressway could not keep running if no money was collected .
“ Expressway serves a multitude of hospitals .
Something will need to be done ( probably post crisis ) to reconcile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its staff are fulfilling at this crucial time and the notion that it ( Bus Eireann ) can commercially ‘ wash its face ’ through dramatically reduced revenue.
” “ The job of the NBRU is trying to keep all staff in gainful employment whilst trying to keep workers safe.
” In his letter on the union ’ s concerns Mr Kent said confirmed that hand sanitiser would be available for all drivers and that a new enhanced cleaning service would be put in place to “ target all vehicles and address the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Kent said the ability to provide for social distance on-board the company ’ s fleet of buses was “ a continuing development ” .
He said the company ’ s priority “ has been our drivers and to date we have taken action by cordoning off the seats directly behind the driver ” .
Dublin Bus said it was putting in place 100 additional contractors to “ deep clean ” the entire fleet with particular emphasis on the driver ’ s cab and hard surfaces that were frequently touched .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not handle cash as part of passengers ’ fares .
Irish Rail chief executive Jim Meade said : “ We are informing commuters to where possible use non-cash channels ( Leap , online booking and collection ) or cash payment at Ticket Vending Machines where possible .
However , as a public service provider to the whole community , a small number of customers may have difficulties or barriers to such channels .
However , I am confident that we can dramatically reduce cash handling for staff , and with the distribution of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is available.
” He said train carriages would be disinfected and the company had received a consignment of hand sanitiser .
He said the company would also update HSE advisory posters in stations and on trains with the new advisory stressing social distancing .
“ Allied with the dramatic reduction in numbers travelling , this will facilitate social distancing , and we will review with the National Transport Authority and other transport operators if further measures are necessary .
”

The sustainability of the Bus Éireann Expressway network is at risk, with the coronavirus outbreak causing a decline in passenger numbers, the company has said.
In a letter to the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) on Monday, the State-owned company said a number of commercial bus operators had already ceased to run some services.
“No one could foresee the challenges presented by Covid-19 given the growth momentum we have achieved to date, but will require our partnership to confront and address the predicament this crisis presents in the days and weeks ahead”, its chief executive Stephen Kent said.
The NBRU had expressed strong concern about staff at Bus Éireann and the other State-owned transport companies having to handle cash and the absence of hand sanitisers.
READ MORE
In a note to members, the union said Expressway was a commercial operation which relied exclusively on passenger revenue for the 500 jobs it supported.
It said Expressway could not keep running if no money was collected.
“Expressway serves a multitude of hospitals. Something will need to be done (probably post crisis) to reconcile the social service/obligations that the company and its staff are fulfilling at this crucial time and the notion that it (Bus Eireann) can commercially ‘wash its face’ through dramatically reduced revenue.”
“The job of the NBRU is trying to keep all staff in gainful employment whilst trying to keep workers safe.”
In his letter on the union's concerns Mr Kent said confirmed that hand sanitiser would be available for all drivers and that a new enhanced cleaning service would be put in place to "target all vehicles and address the cab and all customer touch points".
Mr Kent said the ability to provide for social distance on-board the company’s fleet of buses was “a continuing development”. He said the company’s priority “has been our drivers and to date we have taken action by cordoning off the seats directly behind the driver”.
Dublin Bus
Dublin Bus said it was putting in place 100 additional contractors to "deep clean" the entire fleet with particular emphasis on the driver's cab and hard surfaces that were frequently touched.
The bulk of drivers at Dublin Bus do not handle cash as part of passengers’ fares.
Irish Rail chief executive Jim Meade said: "We are informing commuters to where possible use non-cash channels (Leap, online booking and collection) or cash payment at Ticket Vending Machines where possible. However, as a public service provider to the whole community, a small number of customers may have difficulties or barriers to such channels. However, I am confident that we can dramatically reduce cash handling for staff, and with the distribution of hand sanitisers ensure regular and timely cleaning is available."
He said train carriages would be disinfected and the company had received a consignment of hand sanitiser.
He said the company would also update HSE advisory posters in stations and on trains with the new advisory stressing social distancing.
"Allied with the dramatic reduction in numbers travelling, this will facilitate social distancing, and we will review with the National Transport Authority and other transport operators if further measures are necessary."


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Belfast councillor calls for clearer guidance on protecting the homeless

For many of Belfast ’ s homeless who depend on services that are stretched to breaking point in normal times , the Covid-19 virus threatens not just services , but lives .
“ There is a lot of panic and worry within the homeless community , ” said Paul McCusker , a Belfast councillor , who has called for clearer guidance from the Stormont authorities on how the most vulnerable can be protected .
In the absence of clear instructions , hostels , drop-in centres and outreach services have been turning to each other for advice on hygiene and self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hostels with communal kitchens and bathrooms are usually full .
Many occupants already suffer with addictions , physical or mental health issues .
Self-isolation is difficult to manage .
Those outside face even steeper obstacles .
Hand-washing for them is difficult , if not impossible , particularly when many public places restrict access to bathrooms .
Hand sanitisers are unavailable .
No guidance has been given on self-isolation for those sleeping rough .
Equally , street beggars are likely to collect less on empty streets .
Those working with the homeless fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromised immune systems , making them more susceptible to the virus , as well as other diseases .
Other diseases , such as TB , already spread faster among the homeless : “ So we could see a higher death rate among this population , which I ’ m massively concerned about , ” said a Belfast harm-reduction worker .
Questioned about preparations , the Department of Communities said it was working with homeless , health and housing agencies to draw up plans to help “ this very vulnerable group ” .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in our society is a cross-government issue , ” said a spokesperson for the Department of Health .
The virus could add to homeless numbers , said Catherine Feely , advice services manager at the Housing Rights Service , echoing fears that many people “ will worry about being able to pay rent or mortgages ” .
On average , Northern Ireland workers have just over a month ’ s worth of savings , leading to calls for rent and mortgages freezes .
So far , no specific action has been taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said people who were self-isolating would not lose access to welfare benefits if they missed an appointment .
“ Nobody will be penalised for doing the right thing , ” it said .
The Department of Communities declined to say if extra staff would be drafted in to help with queues .
The Larder in east Belfast , one of Northern Ireland ’ s many independent food banks , saw nearly a third more people going to them for help last year .
That number has jumped by half as much again in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of panic in the community in food banks is palpable , ” said the Larder ’ s community co-ordinator , Louise Ferguson .
Previously , the Larder let people fill shopping baskets .
Faced with rising demand , it is moving to food packages .
“ It does feel like we are teetering on an edge here , with the welfare reform , and cuts and everything , ” Ms Ferguson said .
“ Even the back-up to that is crumbling .
Where do people go now ?
” Like elsewhere , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s supermarkets last week .
Some stores have imposed restrictions on toilet paper , rice , tinned tomatoes and pasta .
Yet , for those on the bread line , such restrictions are redundant : “ A major impact is that people are buying in bulk , and you can ’ t , ” said Athi Silevu about living on a low income .
Her family is seeking asylum in Northern Ireland .
Like others in her situation , she is not allowed to work and receives a £40 payment from the Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her biggest immediate worry , however , is what happens after schools close , because her daughter receives free school meals , along with 97,000 others .
Such meals are factored into her weekly budget .
“ Without it , I don ’ t know what we would do , ” she said .
Kevin McAreavy , principal of Holy Cross Boys Primary School in Ardoyne , which has some of the North ’ s worst deprivation , is acutely aware of the impact school closures will have – “ Whether that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals or childminding facilities ” or the breakfast club run by his school which some children rely upon heavily .

For many of Belfast’s homeless who depend on services that are stretched to breaking point in normal times, the Covid-19 virus threatens not just services, but lives.
"There is a lot of panic and worry within the homeless community," said Paul McCusker, a Belfast councillor, who has called for clearer guidance from the Stormont authorities on how the most vulnerable can be protected.
In the absence of clear instructions, hostels, drop-in centres and outreach services have been turning to each other for advice on hygiene and self-isolation tactics that will work in their services.
Hostels with communal kitchens and bathrooms are usually full. Many occupants already suffer with addictions, physical or mental health issues. Self-isolation is difficult to manage.
READ MORE
Those outside face even steeper obstacles. Hand-washing for them is difficult, if not impossible, particularly when many public places restrict access to bathrooms. Hand sanitisers are unavailable.
No guidance has been given on self-isolation for those sleeping rough. Equally, street beggars are likely to collect less on empty streets.
Those working with the homeless fear Covid-19 will put strains on their already compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to the virus, as well as other diseases.
Other diseases, such as TB, already spread faster among the homeless: “So we could see a higher death rate among this population, which I’m massively concerned about,” said a Belfast harm-reduction worker.
Questioned about preparations, the Department of Communities said it was working with homeless, health and housing agencies to draw up plans to help “this very vulnerable group”.
"Protecting the health and wellbeing of homeless people in our society is a cross-government issue," said a spokesperson for the Department of Health.
The virus could add to homeless numbers, said Catherine Feely, advice services manager at the Housing Rights Service, echoing fears that many people "will worry about being able to pay rent or mortgages".
On average, Northern Ireland workers have just over a month's worth of savings, leading to calls for rent and mortgages freezes. So far, no specific action has been taken by Stormont.
The Department for Communities said people who were self-isolating would not lose access to welfare benefits if they missed an appointment. “Nobody will be penalised for doing the right thing,” it said.
The Department of Communities declined to say if extra staff would be drafted in to help with queues.
Food banks
The Larder in east Belfast, one of Northern Ireland’s many independent food banks, saw nearly a third more people going to them for help last year.
That number has jumped by half as much again in the past fortnight. "The sense of panic in the community in food banks is palpable," said the Larder's community co-ordinator, Louise Ferguson.
Previously, the Larder let people fill shopping baskets. Faced with rising demand, it is moving to food packages.
“It does feel like we are teetering on an edge here, with the welfare reform, and cuts and everything,” Ms Ferguson said. “Even the back-up to that is crumbling. Where do people go now?”
Like elsewhere, there was panic buying in Northern Ireland’s supermarkets last week. Some stores have imposed restrictions on toilet paper, rice, tinned tomatoes and pasta.
Yet, for those on the bread line, such restrictions are redundant: “A major impact is that people are buying in bulk, and you can’t,” said Athi Silevu about living on a low income.
Her family is seeking asylum in Northern Ireland. Like others in her situation, she is not allowed to work and receives a £40 payment from the Home Office, which makes bulk buying impossible.
Her biggest immediate worry, however, is what happens after schools close, because her daughter receives free school meals, along with 97,000 others. Such meals are factored into her weekly budget. “Without it, I don’t know what we would do,” she said.
Kevin McAreavy, principal of Holy Cross Boys Primary School in Ardoyne, which has some of the North's worst deprivation, is acutely aware of the impact school closures will have – "Whether that's to do with free school meals or childminding facilities"or the breakfast club run by his school which some children rely upon heavily.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: UCD to open library for students without internet access

University College Dublin ( UCD ) is to open one of its libraries on campus for students without internet or laptop access at home , despite a two-week shutdown of schools and colleges ordered in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
The university is understood to be looking at how to accommodate a small number of students who do not have reliable internet access or laptops to continue their coursework online , following the Government decision to close universities last week .
The university will open one of the smaller libraries on its south Dublin campus in the health sciences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is believed some university library staff have expressed concerns with the plan , given other third-level institutions have taken steps to entirely close campuses to students .
Trinity College Dublin has shut down its campus and on Monday ordered students in campus accommodation to vacate their rooms in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
The UCD library space would accommodate significantly less than 100 people indoors , and would observe social distancing .
The measures will be trialled this week with students to register in advance in order to control the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email to staff , the university librarian Dr John Howard said the measures were needed to accommodate students “ who have no access to computers or wifi in their home circumstances.
” “ If there is a higher than anticipated demand this approach will be reviewed .
.
.
We will not provide any face-to-face services or active invigilation of the library space , ” the email said .
The trial would be run with a small handful of staff , who would do so on a voluntary basis , he said @

University College Dublin will open library services to a small number of students without internet access. Photograph: Alan Betson
University College Dublin (UCD) is to open one of its libraries on campus for students without internet or laptop access at home, despite a two-week shutdown of schools and colleges ordered in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The university is understood to be looking at how to accommodate a small number of students who do not have reliable internet access or laptops to continue their coursework online, following the Government decision to close universities last week.
The university will open one of the smaller libraries on its south Dublin campus in the health sciences building as a study space.
It is believed some university library staff have expressed concerns with the plan, given other third-level institutions have taken steps to entirely close campuses to students.
READ MORE
Trinity College Dublin has shut down its campus and on Monday ordered students in campus accommodation to vacate their rooms in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The UCD library space would accommodate significantly less than 100 people indoors, and would observe social distancing.
Trial
The measures will be trialled this week with students to register in advance in order to control the numbers permitted into the library.
In an email to staff, the university librarian Dr John Howard said the measures were needed to accommodate students "who have no access to computers or wifi in their home circumstances."
“If there is a higher than anticipated demand this approach will be reviewed . . . We will not provide any face-to-face services or active invigilation of the library space,” the email said.
The trial would be run with a small handful of staff , who would do so on a voluntary basis, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Eirgrid has ‘robust’ protocols to keep electricity flowing

The Republic ’ s main energy providers and distributors have said they have robust protocols in place to keep electricity and gas networks running during the coronavirus crisis .
Separately the Commission for Energy Regulation , which oversees the energy market , has ordered increased emergency credit for households in need , with a moratorium on disconnections until March 29th at least .
Eirgrid , which operates the national electricity grid and ensures the supply is available 24/7 said it was implementing “ additional precautionary measures ” in relation to coronavirus .
Eirgrid chief executive Mark Foley said robust plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-core staff to protect employees themselves but also to protect the continuing operation of the National Control Centre , which controls the flow of electricity throughout the country .
It is understood the plans also involve duplicate core teams which can operate the control centre .
Many Eirgrid employees are required to spend some years working in the control centre so experience is available in the event of sudden illness in the core team .
An off-site , duplicate control room is also understood to be available to Eirgrid should circumstances demand it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is kept secret for State security .
The ESB said measures which were planned for some months were being implemented “ in the critical functions of our business ” .
Back-up control rooms are already in use to support social distancing among staff completing critical roles .
Independent electricity generator SSE said it was continuing “ to respond according to the most up-to-date Government advice and engage with key stakeholders ” .
Gas Networks Ireland also said it had “ robust and tested procedures in place to ensure security of gas supply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welfare is protected ” .
A spokesman said a business continuity plan had been invoked “ and we do not envisage any disruption to global or local gas supplies ” .
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities said it and the energy providers had agreed a number of measures which would “ assist prepayment meter customers during this period to ensure they remain connected to their electricity and gas supplies ” .
The commission urged customers to only use emergency credit if absolutely necessary , as this credit would have to be paid @ @ @ @ @ @

Eirgrid’s Mark Foley: A secret off-site, duplicate control room is understood to be available to the national electricity grid operator. Photograph: Aidan Crawley
The Republic’s main energy providers and distributors have said they have robust protocols in place to keep electricity and gas networks running during the coronavirus crisis.
Separately the Commission for Energy Regulation, which oversees the energy market, has ordered increased emergency credit for households in need, with a moratorium on disconnections until March 29th at least.
Eirgrid, which operates the national electricity grid and ensures the supply is available 24/7 said it was implementing “additional precautionary measures” in relation to coronavirus.
Eirgrid chief executive Mark Foley said robust plans already in place included remote working for non-core staff to protect employees themselves but also to protect the continuing operation of the National Control Centre, which controls the flow of electricity throughout the country.
READ MORE
Duplicate core teams
It is understood the plans also involve duplicate core teams which can operate the control centre. Many Eirgrid employees are required to spend some years working in the control centre so experience is available in the event of sudden illness in the core team.
An off-site, duplicate control room is also understood to be available to Eirgrid should circumstances demand it, but the location of the facility is kept secret for State security.
The ESB said measures which were planned for some months were being implemented “in the critical functions of our business”.
Back-up control rooms are already in use to support social distancing among staff completing critical roles.
Security of gas supply
Independent electricity generator SSE said it was continuing “to respond according to the most up-to-date Government advice and engage with key stakeholders”.
Gas Networks Ireland also said it had “robust and tested procedures in place to ensure security of gas supply to our customers and to ensure that staff welfare is protected”. A spokesman said a business continuity plan had been invoked “and we do not envisage any disruption to global or local gas supplies”.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities said it and the energy providers had agreed a number of measures which would “assist prepayment meter customers during this period to ensure they remain connected to their electricity and gas supplies”.
The commission urged customers to only use emergency credit if absolutely necessary, as this credit would have to be paid back at a later date.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--People improvise with virtual St Patrick’s Day parades

We will live in a virtual world for the foreseeable future , so there was nothing for it only to have virtual St Patrick ’ s Day parades .
Families and communities around Ireland and abroad improvised their own parades , some of them indoors using toy tractors and cars and any old musical instrument lying around the house .
Others ventured outdoors practising social distancing while they marched up and down their streets .
# Virtualparade and # RTEvirtualparade were both trending on Irish Twitter on St Patrick ’ s Day afternoon .
Some of those who posted their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience than many thought possible .
One of the videos of St Patrick banishing the coronavirus from Ireland went viral , pun fully intended , on the internet on Tuesday .
It was made by the residents of a cul de sac in the Tolka estate in Glasnevin , Co Dublin who decided to hold virtual parades as many of the households have children who need amusing in these lockdown times .
One resident dressed up as St Patrick and the other improvised a coronavirus with a rubber Swiss ball and toilet roll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social distancing parade .
Each household went up and down the street .
It was a bit of craic , ” said resident Ciaran Keogh , father of four children between 18 months and eight .
In Cork , the children of sixth class in Scoil Eoin Ballincollig posted their own two minute Lego stop-motion Virtual St Paddy ’ s Day Parade .
The video took several days to complete and has picked up tens of thousands of views online .
The O ’ Halloran family in Co Clare had a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David marching around the field followed by their three children .
Their mother Nicola said : “ We are trying to keep our days busy .
I ’ m trying to keep things as light as possible for the kids , keep them entertained so they look back on this time as not a scary time.
” In normal circumstances the emergency services would be in the vanguard of the big parade in Dublin .
In the absence of same , the fire trucks at Dublin Airport did a circuit of the tarmac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Twitter account : “ Our fire and rescue service normally takes part in the Dublin St Patrick ’ s Day parade alongside Dublin Fire Brigade .
But these aren ’ t normal times.
” In Raphoe , Co Donegal , renowned local piper Christy Murray staged a one-man parade around the town playing his bagpipes to anyone who wished to listen to them .
In Cobh , Co Cork the local bellringer Adrian Gebruers played Óró , Sé do Bheatha ‘ bhaile for locals in honour of St Patrick ’ s Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Space Station tweeted a beautiful photograph of Ireland from space .
“ We hope you ’ re wearing green , ” NASA tweeted .
“ This # StPatricksDay , enjoy an astronaut ’ s eye view of Ireland , taken from aboard the International Space Station.
” NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan , a flight engineer on the International Space Station , explained the tweet further .
“ Happy # StPatricksDay !
This past fall I captured this clear day over the southern end of the Emerald Isle : Limerick , Cork and Kerry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Irish tricolour floating in one of the windows of the Cupola observatory from where astronauts can observe the Earth .

The Irish tricolour floats in a window of the Cupola observatory from where astronauts can observe the Earth.
We will live in a virtual world for the foreseeable future, so there was nothing for it only to have virtual St Patrick’s Day parades.
Families and communities around Ireland and abroad improvised their own parades, some of them indoors using toy tractors and cars and any old musical instrument lying around the house. Others ventured outdoors practising social distancing while they marched up and down their streets.
#Virtualparade and #RTEvirtualparade were both trending on Irish Twitter on St Patrick’s Day afternoon. Some of those who posted their videos on social media received a bigger audience than many thought possible.
Ireland as spotted from space: with St Patrick’s Day wishes from NASA.
One of the videos of St Patrick banishing the coronavirus from Ireland went viral, pun fully intended, on the internet on Tuesday.
READ MORE
It was made by the residents of a cul de sac in the Tolka estate in Glasnevin, Co Dublin who decided to hold virtual parades as many of the households have children who need amusing in these lockdown times.
One resident dressed up as St Patrick and the other improvised a coronavirus with a rubber Swiss ball and toilet roll holders painted pink.
"We had a social distancing parade. Each household went up and down the street. It was a bit of craic," said resident Ciaran Keogh, father of four children between 18 months and eight.
In Cork, the children of sixth class in Scoil Eoin Ballincollig posted their own two minute Lego stop-motion Virtual St Paddy’s Day Parade.
The video took several days to complete and has picked up tens of thousands of views online.
The O’Halloran family in Co Clare had a virtual parade in their back garden with dad David marching around the field followed by their three children.
Their mother Nicola said: “We are trying to keep our days busy. I’m trying to keep things as light as possible for the kids, keep them entertained so they look back on this time as not a scary time.”
Dublin Airport
In normal circumstances the emergency services would be in the vanguard of the big parade in Dublin.
In the absence of same, the fire trucks at Dublin Airport did a circuit of the tarmac with this comment on the airport's Twitter account: "Our fire and rescue service normally takes part in the Dublin St Patrick's Day parade alongside Dublin Fire Brigade. But these aren't normal times."
In Raphoe, Co Donegal, renowned local piper Christy Murray staged a one-man parade around the town playing his bagpipes to anyone who wished to listen to them.
In Cobh, Co Cork the local bellringer Adrian Gebruers played Óró, Sé do Bheatha 'bhaile for locals in honour of St Patrick's Day.
The astronauts on board the International Space Station tweeted a beautiful photograph of Ireland from space. “We hope you’re wearing green,” NASA tweeted. “This #StPatricksDay, enjoy an astronaut’s eye view of Ireland, taken from aboard the International Space Station.”
NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan, a flight engineer on the International Space Station, explained the tweet further. "Happy #StPatricksDay! This past fall I captured this clear day over the southern end of the Emerald Isle: Limerick, Cork and Kerry counties."
Morgan also shared a photo of the Irish tricolour floating in one of the windows of the Cupola observatory from where astronauts can observe the Earth.