theirishtimes--2020-11-03--Covid-19 school absences: What parents and teachers need to know

Covid has changed many facets of school life , but an area that is still fraught with uncertainty is that of attendance .
The pandemic is posing a series of vexing questions for schools and families as they try to balance health advice with the provision of education this year .
Can parents face prosecution for prolonged Covid absences from school ?
Are children entitled to remote tuition if they are at risk ?
Do parents face losing their school place if they homeschool their children ?
We ’ ve examined how schools are navigating their way through the maze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help shed light on how these issues are being addressed in classrooms Remote learning Under Department of Education guidelines , only students medically certified as “ very high risk ” are entitled to access school tuition remotely on an ongoing basis .
It means some students end up missing school because they are following restricted movement protocols , while some students are being homeschooled by their parents who have become concerned about the rise in Covid-19 cases .
Tina Walsh , primary school teacher at Cloonliffen National School , Co. Mayo , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her vulnerable 6th class students since September .
“ I ring her on Google Hangouts for about twenty-past nine in the morning , ” says Walsh , “ The iPad sits at her desk and she faces the other two students that are opposite her.
” When the class need to see the board , Walsh moves the iPad so that the student can see it .
“ It ’ s like she is virtually here , ” says Walsh .
“ She is online with us , in her uniform , twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with us for Irish and maths and then she might be with us for English and SESE [ social environmental and scientific education ] .
” Walsh emails the week ’ s work in advance and when the student is not in virtual attendance she works independently from the pre-explained work .
“ She has health issues , ” says Walsh , “ She needs to be home , but she also has an entitlement to education.
” The student ’ s parents first contacted the principal about the possibility of remote learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in regular contact with Walsh now .
“ I meet her mom every week , ” says Walsh , “ They are so thankful to be honest that their daughter can continue her education but just in a safer way.
” While Walsh reports that the provision of distance learning during class is “ completely normal ” now , she also says it would be difficult to provide it for more than one student in the class .
“ We wouldn ’ t be able to cope with any more than one pupil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Walsh .
“ If I have her on the iPad it means there are only nine iPads in the school.
” Recent guidance on remote learning published by the Department of Education , outlined several scenarios for its implementation .
It is suggested that a designated teacher from staff who has been medically certified as being at very high risk of Covid-19 could support remote learning from home .
It is also suggested that the special education teacher could reassign time to support remote learning needs .
There is growing concern , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers will increase the negative educational impact Covid-19 has had on those with additional needs .
Responsible attendance While schools normally promote and encourage full school attendance , this year things have changed .
“ We need to rethink what responsible school attendance looks like , ” says Caitríona Hand , principal of Citywest Educate Together National school ( ETNS ) .
“ And responsible school attendance this year is not the same as responsible school attendance last year.
” Hand says that , while parents should be aiming to send their children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following HSE advice in relation to Covid-19 guidelines .
“ If there is any chance that you might be a risk to someone else because of Covid , then you should not come to school , ” she says , “ Take that day to get advice from your GP and follow their advice.
” Hand says that the community have been very responsible when it comes to school attendance this year .
“ The children are coming in when they should , and they are staying at home when they have symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must restrict movement.
” When a student is restricting their movements or has been advised to self-isolate , schools are tasked with supporting the continuation of that student ’ s learning .
Guidance for schools also stipulates that they should “ support equity of access to digital resources ” and prepare students for remote learning by giving them “ frequent opportunities to use selected digital platforms.
” Walsh states that , while she believes it is necessary to provide remote support to students for Covid-related absences , it is increasing her workload .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue on with the work at home , but I do feel that it is a lot of extra work for teachers to be dealing with a class and then to go to the online learning too.
” 20-day concerns There was some initial concern among parents that Covid-related school absences would result in Tusla investigations .
However , while schools are obliged to supply Tusla with a list of all students who have missed 20 days of school , this will not result in automatic intervention .
“ There are two types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of attendance , ” says Hand .
“ And the list of children who have missed 20 days is quite separate to the request for support for a family and it doesn ’ t result in action.
” Roderic O ’ Gorman , Minister for Children , recently confirmed that Covid-related absences would not form part of a student ’ s overall attendance record .
A spokesperson for Tusla stated that it “ will take into account the requirement for students who feel unwell with symptoms consistent with Covid-19 or who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school .
Schools will note any medically directed Covid-related absences as explained.
” This may alleviate the concerns of parents , but it has caused some confusion among school principals who say they have not received official communication on the matter .
“ We haven ’ t been given a mechanism for recording that , ” says Hand , “ I haven ’ t gotten any clear guidance on how to report Covid-19-related absences , we have just come up with our own phrasing within the school.
” As the number of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too does parental anxiety and there are an increasing number of parents seeking to avail of remote learning .
Schools are , however , not obliged to provide remote learning without medical certification .
The educational onus lies solely with the parent or guardian in this scenario .
Hand explains that schools also do not have the capacity to provide support for this situation .
“ Our job at the moment is to provide in-building education , ” says Hand .
“ If we try to do something else as well , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tasked with right now.
” Citywest ETNS has published their distance learning plan on their website and parents who choose to keep their children at home are free to use it but Hand stresses that their focus is on the provision of in-school education .
Hand also says that the school will not be providing additional work to children who are at home for a couple of days .
“ Our distance learning plan is there , and parents are free to use it , ” says Hand “ They are encouraged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teacher.
” There are concerns among teachers , however , that during Level 5 restrictions they may be expected to provide both in-building and remote education .
“ We appreciate that families have very legitimate concerns , particularly where a family member has an underlying health condition , “ a spokesperson for Tusla says .
They also state that anecdotally they have seen that parents are monitoring what is happening in their child ’ s school and community and are making decisions based on this .
“ Let ’ s say in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send their kids in , I fear that we are going to have be doing both in-class and online teaching , and that will be a lot of work on teachers , ” says Walsh .

Covid has changed many facets of school life, but an area that is still fraught with uncertainty is that of attendance.
The pandemic is posing a series of vexing questions for schools and families as they try to balance health advice with the provision of education this year.
Can parents face prosecution for prolonged Covid absences from school? Are children entitled to remote tuition if they are at risk? Do parents face losing their school place if they homeschool their children?
Hospital Report
We’ve examined how schools are navigating their way through the maze of scenarios posed by Covid-19 absences to help shed light on how these issues are being addressed in classrooms
READ MORE
Remote learning
Under Department of Education guidelines, only students medically certified as "very high risk" are entitled to access school tuition remotely on an ongoing basis.
It means some students end up missing school because they are following restricted movement protocols, while some students are being homeschooled by their parents who have become concerned about the rise in Covid-19 cases.
Tina Walsh, primary school teacher at Cloonliffen National School, Co. Mayo, has been providing remote access to one of her vulnerable 6th class students since September.
"I ring her on Google Hangouts for about twenty-past nine in the morning," says Walsh, "The iPad sits at her desk and she faces the other two students that are opposite her."
When the class need to see the board, Walsh moves the iPad so that the student can see it. “It’s like she is virtually here,” says Walsh. “She is online with us, in her uniform, twice a day minimum. She is always with us for Irish and maths and then she might be with us for English and SESE [social environmental and scientific education].”
Under Department of Education guidelines, students medically certified as very high risk are entitled to access school tuition remotely. Photograph: Keith Heneghan
Walsh emails the week’s work in advance and when the student is not in virtual attendance she works independently from the pre-explained work.
“She has health issues,” says Walsh, “She needs to be home, but she also has an entitlement to education.”
The student’s parents first contacted the principal about the possibility of remote learning for their daughter in June and are in regular contact with Walsh now.
“I meet her mom every week,” says Walsh, “They are so thankful to be honest that their daughter can continue her education but just in a safer way.”
While Walsh reports that the provision of distance learning during class is “completely normal” now, she also says it would be difficult to provide it for more than one student in the class.
“We wouldn’t be able to cope with any more than one pupil because we only have ten iPads, says Walsh. “If I have her on the iPad it means there are only nine iPads in the school.”
Recent guidance on remote learning published by the Department of Education, outlined several scenarios for its implementation.
It is suggested that a designated teacher from staff who has been medically certified as being at very high risk of Covid-19 could support remote learning from home. It is also suggested that the special education teacher could reassign time to support remote learning needs.
There is growing concern, however, that reliance on special education teachers will increase the negative educational impact Covid-19 has had on those with additional needs.
Responsible attendance
While schools normally promote and encourage full school attendance, this year things have changed.
"We need to rethink what responsible school attendance looks like," says Caitríona Hand, principal of Citywest Educate Together National school (ETNS). "And responsible school attendance this year is not the same as responsible school attendance last year."
Hand says that, while parents should be aiming to send their children to school, they should also be following HSE advice in relation to Covid-19 guidelines.
“If there is any chance that you might be a risk to someone else because of Covid, then you should not come to school,” she says, “Take that day to get advice from your GP and follow their advice.”
Hand says that the community have been very responsible when it comes to school attendance this year. “The children are coming in when they should, and they are staying at home when they have symptoms or have been a close contact and must restrict movement.”
The list of children who have missed 20 days is quite separate to the request for support for a family and it doesn't result in action
When a student is restricting their movements or has been advised to self-isolate, schools are tasked with supporting the continuation of that student’s learning.
Guidance for schools also stipulates that they should “support equity of access to digital resources” and prepare students for remote learning by giving them “frequent opportunities to use selected digital platforms.”
Walsh states that, while she believes it is necessary to provide remote support to students for Covid-related absences, it is increasing her workload. “I do think they need to continue on with the work at home, but I do feel that it is a lot of extra work for teachers to be dealing with a class and then to go to the online learning too.”
20-day concerns
There was some initial concern among parents that Covid-related school absences would result in Tusla investigations.
However, while schools are obliged to supply Tusla with a list of all students who have missed 20 days of school, this will not result in automatic intervention.
“There are two types of submissions that schools make in terms of attendance,” says Hand. “And the list of children who have missed 20 days is quite separate to the request for support for a family and it doesn’t result in action.”
Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, recently confirmed that Covid-related absences would not form part of a student’s overall attendance record.
A spokesperson for Tusla stated that it “will take into account the requirement for students who feel unwell with symptoms consistent with Covid-19 or who have been informed to self-isolate and not to attend school. Schools will note any medically directed Covid-related absences as explained.”
This may alleviate the concerns of parents, but it has caused some confusion among school principals who say they have not received official communication on the matter.
“We haven’t been given a mechanism for recording that,” says Hand, “I haven’t gotten any clear guidance on how to report Covid-19-related absences, we have just come up with our own phrasing within the school.”
Uncertified home-schooling
As the number of confirmed cases rise within the population, so too does parental anxiety and there are an increasing number of parents seeking to avail of remote learning.
Schools are, however, not obliged to provide remote learning without medical certification. The educational onus lies solely with the parent or guardian in this scenario.
Hand explains that schools also do not have the capacity to provide support for this situation.
“Our job at the moment is to provide in-building education,” says Hand. “If we try to do something else as well, that is going to weaken what we are tasked with right now.”
We appreciate that families have very legitimate concerns, particularly where a family member has an underlying health condition
Citywest ETNS has published their distance learning plan on their website and parents who choose to keep their children at home are free to use it but Hand stresses that their focus is on the provision of in-school education.
Hand also says that the school will not be providing additional work to children who are at home for a couple of days.
“Our distance learning plan is there, and parents are free to use it,” says Hand “They are encouraged to use it without expectation of feedback from the teacher.”
There are concerns among teachers, however, that during Level 5 restrictions they may be expected to provide both in-building and remote education.
“We appreciate that families have very legitimate concerns, particularly where a family member has an underlying health condition, “a spokesperson for Tusla says.
They also state that anecdotally they have seen that parents are monitoring what is happening in their child’s school and community and are making decisions based on this.
“Let’s say in Level 5 parents don’t want to send their kids in, I fear that we are going to have be doing both in-class and online teaching, and that will be a lot of work on teachers,” says Walsh.


theirishtimes--2020-11-03--I’ve just started college, is it too late to apply for a Susi grant?

I recently received an offer of one of my CAO preferences in a late round and have now started in to my first-year course at IT Carlow .
Is it too late to apply for Susi funding ?
You still have time to apply for student funding for academic year 2020-2021 but you had better be quick , as Susi ’ s online application system will close this Thursday , November 5th .
You can make an application online ( susi.ie ) .
To be eligible for funding , you must meet all the eligibility criteria .
Before you start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete Susi ’ s online eligibility reckoner .
This will give you a good indication of your eligibility for student funding .
If the reckoner indicates that you might be eligible for funding , you should then create a Susi account .
Keep your login details safe as this account will not only allow you to make an application , it will also allow you to track its progress .
And if you are awarded funding , this is where you can view your payment details .
You will be asked several questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details , previous education , income and more so be sure to have this information to hand before you start the application .
You should also check your applicant class as this will determine whose income is taken into account for assessment purposes .
You will be classed as either a dependant student , a mature dependant student or an independent student .
If you are classed as a dependant student or a mature dependant student , your parents ’ or legal guardians ’ income will also be counted and these details will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you are classed as an independent student , your spouse , civil partner or cohabitant ’ s income will also be counted and these details will be required in the application form .
Susi is currently processing applications as they are received so you will have a decision quite soon after submitting your application .
Following an initial assessment of your application , Susi might ask you to share documents to support your application .
If documents are required , you will receive a checklist letter listing the type of documents that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you return these documents as soon as possible so that Susi can finalise your application and you can receive a final decision .
Susi will accept late applications from students after November 5th provided you meet certain criteria .
These can include if your course commences in 2021 prior to the end of the 2020-2021 academic year ; you have had a change in circumstances such as your reckonable income ; number of dependant children ; normal residence ; immigration status ; change of course or institution ; or other extenuating circumstances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can download the late application request form from Susi ’ s website and email the completed form to Susi after November 5th .

I recently received an offer of one of my CAO preferences in a late round and have now started in to my first-year course at IT Carlow. Is it too late to apply for Susi funding?
You still have time to apply for student funding for academic year 2020-2021 but you had better be quick, as Susi's online application system will close this Thursday, November 5th. You can make an application online (susi.ie).
To be eligible for funding, you must meet all the eligibility criteria. Before you start an application, take some time to complete Susi’s online eligibility reckoner. This will give you a good indication of your eligibility for student funding.
If the reckoner indicates that you might be eligible for funding, you should then create a Susi account. Keep your login details safe as this account will not only allow you to make an application, it will also allow you to track its progress. And if you are awarded funding, this is where you can view your payment details.
READ MORE
You will be asked several questions relating to your PPS number, course details, previous education, income and more so be sure to have this information to hand before you start the application.
Susi will accept late applications from students after November 5th provided you meet certain criteria
You should also check your applicant class as this will determine whose income is taken into account for assessment purposes. You will be classed as either a dependant student, a mature dependant student or an independent student. If you are classed as a dependant student or a mature dependant student, your parents’ or legal guardians’ income will also be counted and these details will be required in the application form. If you are classed as an independent student, your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant’s income will also be counted and these details will be required in the application form.
Susi is currently processing applications as they are received so you will have a decision quite soon after submitting your application. Following an initial assessment of your application, Susi might ask you to share documents to support your application. If documents are required, you will receive a checklist letter listing the type of documents that are accepted. It is important that you return these documents as soon as possible so that Susi can finalise your application and you can receive a final decision.
Susi will accept late applications from students after November 5th provided you meet certain criteria.
These can include if your course commences in 2021 prior to the end of the 2020-2021 academic year; you have had a change in circumstances such as your reckonable income; number of dependant children; normal residence; immigration status; change of course or institution; or other extenuating circumstances.
If you satisfy some of these criteria, you can download the late application request form from Susi’s website and email the completed form to Susi after November 5th.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Public health doctors to ballot for strike action over pay

Public health doctors who are playing a central role in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic are to ballot for strike action over pay .
The decision to hold a ballot on November 16th for industrial action up to and including strike action was taken at a national meeting of public health specialists which was convened by the Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) on Monday night .
The move follows what the IMO said was “ a deeply disappointing ” meeting with the Department of Health last week .
The IMO has been campaigning for some time for public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health specialists to be awarded consultant contracts “ to reflect their expertise and specialist skills ” .
Public health specialists earn about €113,000 at present .
Hospital consultants with a type-A contract — which permits them to treat only public patients — and have a pay scale that ranges from €141,026 to €195,653 .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said he is committed to the establishment of a consultant-led public health model .
“ The Department and the HSE are finalising a proposal on consultant posts which they will submit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokeswoman said last week .
In September the Cabinet approved the introduction of new legislation which would allow the Government to increase pay for certain groups .
However sources said the doctors were told by the Department of Health last week that it was still working on a business case for the Department of Public Expenditure .
Sources said no contract proposals for public health specialists were tabled .

Hospital consultants with a type-A contract have a pay scale of €141,026-€195,653 whereas public health specialists earn about €113,000 at present. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Public health doctors who are playing a central role in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic are to ballot for strike action over pay.
The decision to hold a ballot on November 16th for industrial action up to and including strike action was taken at a national meeting of public health specialists which was convened by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) on Monday night.
The move follows what the IMO said was “a deeply disappointing” meeting with the Department of Health last week.
The IMO has been campaigning for some time for public health to become a consultant-led service and for public health specialists to be awarded consultant contracts “to reflect their expertise and specialist skills”.
READ MORE
Public health specialists earn about €113,000 at present. Hospital consultants with a type-A contract — which permits them to treat only public patients — and have a pay scale that ranges from €141,026 to €195,653.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said he is committed to the establishment of a consultant-led public health model.
“The Department and the HSE are finalising a proposal on consultant posts which they will submit to Department of Public Expenditure in mid-November”, a spokeswoman said last week.
In September the Cabinet approved the introduction of new legislation which would allow the Government to increase pay for certain groups.
However sources said the doctors were told by the Department of Health last week that it was still working on a business case for the Department of Public Expenditure. Sources said no contract proposals for public health specialists were tabled.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Vicky Phelan seeks further cancer treatment options as new tumour is discovered

CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan has said she must continue looking for cancer treatment options after discovering a new tumour in her lung .
The Limerick mother is determined to keep fighting for what her campaign group 221+ believes is a fair tribunal approach to deal with the CervicalCheck controversy her own legal case first exposed .
One amendment campaigners want to the current structure is to ensure that any woman whose cancer comes back can return to the tribunal to claim further costs , as had been the case with HIV and hepatitis compensation schemes .
“ We know from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back ; it is fatal , it is as simple as that , ” she said .
“ We have seen it with Ruth Morrissey ( who died in July ) , we ’ ve seen it with Emma Mhic Mhathúna ( who died in 2018 ) .
I ’ m going to see it ; my cancer is back and I ’ m literally just buying time , that ’ s all I ’ m doing at this stage .
I am going to die , I know that.
” Ms Phelan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone away – rather it had remained stable – the recent discovery of a tumour is the first in over two years .
“ Women do not survive if it comes back .
That ’ s all we ’ re asking for , is to allow those women who are taking cases who are currently cancer free , who are in remission to be allowed to go back [ to the tribunal ] if their cancer comes back , ” she told RTÉ ’ s Drive Time programme on Monday .
In recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ betrayed ” by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly for his formal establishment of the CervicalCheck tribunal despite assurances it would be delayed .
She said issues around the tribunal are ongoing and her group is currently consulting its members and getting legal advice .
“ We were given assurances by the Minister .
.
.
that he would pause the tribunal so it was very , very disappointing to us that the order [ for it to begin ] had been assigned and it couldn ’ t be stopped , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what people , including the Minister , forget ; that this tribunal is designed to meet the needs of the women and families affected by the CervicalCheck scandal.
” In relation to her own ongoing battle against the disease , Ms Phelan said there are not many treatment options but she remains determined to fight for the right tribunal terms before stepping back to focus on her health .
“ This is a disease that affects very young women with young families , ” she said .
“ All of these women are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some cases [ they are ] women who have not had the opportunity to have families , so why wouldn ’ t I try and do as much as I can to try and help as many women as I can [ to ] not go through what I ’ m going through ?
It ’ s as simple as that .
”

Vicky Phelan: “Women do not survive if it comes back. That’s all we’re asking for, is to allow those women who are taking cases who are currently cancer free, who are in remission to be allowed to go back [to the tribunal] if their cancer comes back,” she told RTÉ’s Drive Time programme on Monday. Photograph Nick Bradshaw / The Irish Times
CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan has said she must continue looking for cancer treatment options after discovering a new tumour in her lung.
The Limerick mother is determined to keep fighting for what her campaign group 221+ believes is a fair tribunal approach to deal with the CervicalCheck controversy her own legal case first exposed.
One amendment campaigners want to the current structure is to ensure that any woman whose cancer comes back can return to the tribunal to claim further costs, as had been the case with HIV and hepatitis compensation schemes.
“We know from cervical cancer that if it does come back; it is fatal, it is as simple as that,” she said.
READ MORE
"We have seen it with Ruth Morrissey (who died in July), we've seen it with Emma Mhic Mhathúna (who died in 2018). I'm going to see it; my cancer is back and I'm literally just buying time, that's all I'm doing at this stage. I am going to die, I know that."
Ms Phelan explained that although her cancer had never gone away – rather it had remained stable – the recent discovery of a tumour is the first in over two years.
“Women do not survive if it comes back. That’s all we’re asking for, is to allow those women who are taking cases who are currently cancer free, who are in remission to be allowed to go back [to the tribunal] if their cancer comes back,” she told RTÉ’s Drive Time programme on Monday.
In recent days Ms Phelan said she felt "betrayed" by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly for his formal establishment of the CervicalCheck tribunal despite assurances it would be delayed.
She said issues around the tribunal are ongoing and her group is currently consulting its members and getting legal advice.
“We were given assurances by the Minister. . . that he would pause the tribunal so it was very, very disappointing to us that the order [for it to begin] had been assigned and it couldn’t be stopped,” she said.
“I think that’s what people, including the Minister, forget; that this tribunal is designed to meet the needs of the women and families affected by the CervicalCheck scandal.”
In relation to her own ongoing battle against the disease, Ms Phelan said there are not many treatment options but she remains determined to fight for the right tribunal terms before stepping back to focus on her health.
“This is a disease that affects very young women with young families,” she said. “All of these women are leaving young children behind, or in some cases [they are] women who have not had the opportunity to have families, so why wouldn’t I try and do as much as I can to try and help as many women as I can [to] not go through what I’m going through? It’s as simple as that.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Nine face criminal charges after being caught with fireworks this year

Nine people are facing criminal charges after being caught with illegal fireworks this year , according to the Garda .
Gardaí have also seized €35,490 worth of fireworks so far this year under Operation Tombola .
This is an increase on 2019 , when €30,901 worth were seized during the whole year .
Nine people have been charged or summoned to court in relation to fireworks , while another 42 youth referrals have been handed out .
“ Even though Halloween is over , An Garda Síochána would like to remind the public about the dangers posed by fireworks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , suffer terrible injuries caused by fireworks , including burns , loss of limbs and serious eye injuries , ” the Garda said in a statement .
“ The sale , possession or use of fireworks in this country is illegal .
It is also illegal to possess any fireworks that may have been legally purchased outside of the jurisdiction and then brought into the State , and gardaí will confiscate any fireworks found in the possession of persons and such persons are also liable to prosecution.
” Operation Tombola is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anti-social behaviour during the Halloween period .
The operation was brought forward in Dublin this year , due to the increased presence of fireworks there .
It launched in early September in the capital , a month before its rollout nationally .
“ Apart from the risk of injury , fireworks can cause great distress and annoyance to elderly residents .
They can set off intruder alarms , causing unnecessary extra demands on Garda resources , ” the Garda said .
“ They can also cause great distress to family pets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of outbreaks of fires in properties if fireworks continue to burn after landing .
”

Nine people are facing criminal charges after being caught with illegal fireworks this year, according to the Garda.
Gardaí have also seized €35,490 worth of fireworks so far this year under Operation Tombola. This is an increase on 2019, when €30,901 worth were seized during the whole year.
Nine people have been charged or summoned to court in relation to fireworks, while another 42 youth referrals have been handed out.
"Even though Halloween is over, An Garda Síochána would like to remind the public about the dangers posed by fireworks. Each year, many people, including children, suffer terrible injuries caused by fireworks, including burns, loss of limbs and serious eye injuries," the Garda said in a statement.
READ MORE
“The sale, possession or use of fireworks in this country is illegal. It is also illegal to possess any fireworks that may have been legally purchased outside of the jurisdiction and then brought into the State, and gardaí will confiscate any fireworks found in the possession of persons and such persons are also liable to prosecution.”
Yearly initiative
Operation Tombola is a yearly initiative to reduce public order issues and anti-social behaviour during the Halloween period.
The operation was brought forward in Dublin this year, due to the increased presence of fireworks there. It launched in early September in the capital, a month before its rollout nationally.
“Apart from the risk of injury, fireworks can cause great distress and annoyance to elderly residents. They can set off intruder alarms, causing unnecessary extra demands on Garda resources,” the Garda said.
“They can also cause great distress to family pets and animals. Finally, there is always the possibility of outbreaks of fires in properties if fireworks continue to burn after landing.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Erroneous payments in North will be recouped, Diane Dodds says

All money paid out to ineligible firms through an emergency Covid-19 business grant scheme in Northern Ireland will be recovered , the Minister in charge has pledged .
Failure to quickly repay grants paid in error led to the resignation of Sinn Féin senator Elisha McCallion , Assembly member Catherine Kelly , and two party officials in recent days .
Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds told the North ’ s Assembly on Monday that out of a total of 24,700 grants , 452 – worth £4.5 million – had been paid in error , and so far 74 had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would “ put in place a full process to recover ineligible payments ” and undertake an evaluation of the scheme , which closed on October 20th .
Under the March 2020 scheme , grants of £10,000 ( €11,068 ) were paid automatically to those already in receipt of small business rates relief to support firms affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Constituency offices belonging to MPs and MLAs were ineligible , but it emerged that payments had been made to three Sinn Féin offices – in West Tyrone and in Lurgan , Co @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the then senator , Ms McCallion , in respect of her former office as MP for Foyle .
They were only repaid after the issue was raised by BBC Radio Ulster ’ s Stephen Nolan Show last week .
The Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald apologised for the “ clear failure to immediately reimburse public money ” , and said the party ’ s examination of the matter was now “ complete ” .
It also emerged that a landlord who rents an office to DUP MP Paul Girvan received a grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
In the Assembly on Monday , the Alliance Party MLA Andrew Muir said the revelations around the scheme had caused “ great anger and concern ” in Northern Ireland , and he called on the Minister to “ commit to commission a swift , independent investigation into this matter so we all quickly know what happened , who knew , how the money is going to be recovered and why we only found out about this scandal last week ” .
Defending the scheme , Ms Dodds said there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be here had they not had that type of relief ” .
She said Ministers had taken a decision “ supported by every party in the Executive that there would be a number of automatic payments because this would get money out more quickly to those businesses ” .
She had , she said , written to ministerial colleagues in March to outline the risk to the scheme , but that risk , “ balanced against the need to get money out very , very quickly in a difficult situation in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
was a risk they thought was appropriate ” .
Following a complaint by the DUP , the PSNI is “ considering the matter as to whether a criminal investigation is required ” into the three payments to Sinn Féin .
The Assembly ’ s standards commissioner has also been asked to investigate .
The North ’ s First Minister , Arlene Foster , told the BBC on Monday her party colleague had been right to report the matter to the police .
“ It ’ s up to the police , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal investigation but I absolutely support my party colleague in the complaint he has made , ” she said .

Failure to quickly repay Covid-19 grants paid in error led to the resignation of Sinn Féin senator Elisha McCallion. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA
All money paid out to ineligible firms through an emergency Covid-19 business grant scheme in Northern Ireland will be recovered, the Minister in charge has pledged.
Failure to quickly repay grants paid in error led to the resignation of Sinn Féin senator Elisha McCallion, Assembly member Catherine Kelly, and two party officials in recent days.
Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds told the North's Assembly on Monday that out of a total of 24,700 grants, 452 – worth £4.5 million – had been paid in error, and so far 74 had been recouped.
She said her department would “put in place a full process to recover ineligible payments” and undertake an evaluation of the scheme, which closed on October 20th.
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Under the March 2020 scheme, grants of £10,000 (€11,068) were paid automatically to those already in receipt of small business rates relief to support firms affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Clear failure’
Constituency offices belonging to MPs and MLAs were ineligible, but it emerged that payments had been made to three Sinn Féin offices – in West Tyrone and in Lurgan, Co Armagh, as well as that of the then senator, Ms McCallion, in respect of her former office as MP for Foyle.
They were only repaid after the issue was raised by BBC Radio Ulster's Stephen Nolan Show last week.
The Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald apologised for the “clear failure to immediately reimburse public money”, and said the party’s examination of the matter was now “complete”.
It also emerged that a landlord who rents an office to DUP MP Paul Girvan received a grant in error. The money was repaid on Friday.
In the Assembly on Monday, the Alliance Party MLA Andrew Muir said the revelations around the scheme had caused "great anger and concern" in Northern Ireland, and he called on the Minister to "commit to commission a swift, independent investigation into this matter so we all quickly know what happened, who knew, how the money is going to be recovered and why we only found out about this scandal last week".
Balancing of risk
Defending the scheme, Ms Dodds said there were many businesses “here today that would not be here had they not had that type of relief”.
She said Ministers had taken a decision “supported by every party in the Executive that there would be a number of automatic payments because this would get money out more quickly to those businesses”.
She had, she said, written to ministerial colleagues in March to outline the risk to the scheme, but that risk, “balanced against the need to get money out very, very quickly in a difficult situation in order to save jobs and businesses . . . was a risk they thought was appropriate”.
Following a complaint by the DUP, the PSNI is “considering the matter as to whether a criminal investigation is required” into the three payments to Sinn Féin.
The Assembly’s standards commissioner has also been asked to investigate.
The North's First Minister, Arlene Foster, told the BBC on Monday her party colleague had been right to report the matter to the police.
“It’s up to the police, of course, whether they decide to instigate criminal investigation but I absolutely support my party colleague in the complaint he has made,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--HSE initiative aims to help schools deal with Covid outbreaks

New multidisciplinary Health Service Executive “ school teams ” have been established to help manage Covid-19 outbreaks among student and staff populations .
Priority testing and a special seven-day phone line to enable principals seek guidance on what to do when a case of the virus is identified are also being put in place .
Details of the new supports were released to schools on Monday morning as students were returning for the new term .
They have been welcomed by teaching unions with the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation ( INTO ) noting that the inclusion of education officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the specific environments .
Led by public health professionals , the teams will include education inspectors reassigned to the HSE , temporarily replacing their normal duties .
When a positive Covid-19 case is identified , the public health team members will contact schools and help undertake an initial risk assessment .
They will also be able to inform schools of any further actions required .
Inspectors and other team members will respond to queries from the HSE ’ s new Covid-19 Principal School Line , designed to provide public health guidance in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams will also assist with gathering required information from principals to help identify close contacts , who will in turn be contacted by school management .
The HSE will then notify them of their test appointment .
These will now be issued as a priority in cases of school-based close contacts through a specific referral process .
Testing swabs for a school group will be sent to a laboratory as a “ red-flagged ” batch and be processed with reference numbers to allow batch reporting of results for the particular school .
Responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , INTO general secretary John Boyle said staffing of the new teams by education officials and a commitment to fast testing was welcome .
“ The department must ensure this new service delivers a significant improvement in support to schools , ensuring no principal is left waiting for days for a risk assessment or public health guidance , ” he said .
The organisation has also acknowledged an updated definition of “ close and casual contacts ” in school settings published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These include any person who has had face-to-face contact within less than one metre with a confirmed case of Covid-19 for more than 15 minutes in a school day .
It also includes anyone who has been between one and two metres from a confirmed case for more than 15 minutes but taking into account mitigating factors such as face-coverings , pods and ventilation .
However , while acknowledging the various measures , the Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) has called for “ ongoing , robust engagement ” between unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health authorities to “ ensure that the concerns of teachers are fully addressed ” .
It has also reiterated its call for an audit of schools to ensure they have the required resources to ensure full compliance with public health advice .
“ We welcome the clarifications provided today to schools .
These are issues that we raised , ” said general secretary Michael Gillespie in a statement on Monday .
“ However , teachers have a range of concerns that need to be addressed on an ongoing basis.
” Mr Gillespie pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found 71 per cent did not believe enhanced allocations provided in response to Covid-19 had been sufficient .

When a positive Covid-19 case is identified, the public health team members will contact schools and help undertake an initial risk assessment.
New multidisciplinary Health Service Executive “school teams” have been established to help manage Covid-19 outbreaks among student and staff populations.
Priority testing and a special seven-day phone line to enable principals seek guidance on what to do when a case of the virus is identified are also being put in place.
Details of the new supports were released to schools on Monday morning as students were returning for the new term.
They have been welcomed by teaching unions with the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) noting that the inclusion of education officials in the teams would help them better understand the specific environments.
READ MORE
Led by public health professionals, the teams will include education inspectors reassigned to the HSE, temporarily replacing their normal duties.
When a positive Covid-19 case is identified, the public health team members will contact schools and help undertake an initial risk assessment. They will also be able to inform schools of any further actions required.
Inspectors and other team members will respond to queries from the HSE's new Covid-19 Principal School Line, designed to provide public health guidance in responding to confirmed cases.
Contact identification
The school teams will also assist with gathering required information from principals to help identify close contacts, who will in turn be contacted by school management. The HSE will then notify them of their test appointment.
These will now be issued as a priority in cases of school-based close contacts through a specific referral process.
Testing swabs for a school group will be sent to a laboratory as a “red-flagged” batch and be processed with reference numbers to allow batch reporting of results for the particular school.
Responding to the layered processes put in place on Monday, INTO general secretary John Boyle said staffing of the new teams by education officials and a commitment to fast testing was welcome.
“The department must ensure this new service delivers a significant improvement in support to schools, ensuring no principal is left waiting for days for a risk assessment or public health guidance,” he said.
The organisation has also acknowledged an updated definition of “close and casual contacts” in school settings published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on Friday, which it had sought.
Union engagement
These include any person who has had face-to-face contact within less than one metre with a confirmed case of Covid-19 for more than 15 minutes in a school day.
It also includes anyone who has been between one and two metres from a confirmed case for more than 15 minutes but taking into account mitigating factors such as face-coverings, pods and ventilation.
However, while acknowledging the various measures, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has called for “ongoing, robust engagement” between unions, the Department of Education and public health authorities to “ensure that the concerns of teachers are fully addressed”.
It has also reiterated its call for an audit of schools to ensure they have the required resources to ensure full compliance with public health advice.
“We welcome the clarifications provided today to schools. These are issues that we raised,” said general secretary Michael Gillespie in a statement on Monday. “However, teachers have a range of concerns that need to be addressed on an ongoing basis.”
Mr Gillespie pointed out that a recent survey of members found 71 per cent did not believe enhanced allocations provided in response to Covid-19 had been sufficient.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Man convicted of Tallaght murder in 2015 loses court appeal

A murderer , who ran into the arms of a garda shortly after the killing , has lost his “ audacious ” appeal against conviction , in what the State ’ s barrister likened to a “ slam dunk ” case .
Warren Nolan was 18 years old when he shot dead 35-year-old Alan O ’ Neill in the victim ’ s front garden at Kiltalown Road in Tallaght , Dublin , on May 27th , 2015 .
He then burned out the car he used in the attack .
Nolan , now 23 , of Rowlagh Park in Clondalkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced to life in prison .
The case against him had been circumstantial .
His trial heard that both gunshot residue and accelerant were found on the gloves that he was wearing when he ran from the burning car into the arms of a garda .
The T-shirt he was wearing also bore traces of accelerant .
However , the hoodie that he was wearing over that T-shirt had been mislaid during the investigation and was never tested .
At the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Bowman SC , applied to Justice Paul McDermott to withdraw the case from the jury .
He argued that the lack of a test on the hoodie had resulted in a real risk of an unfair trial .
The trial judge ruled against him and the jury found him guilty .
Nolan appealed against his conviction to the Court of Appeal on a single ground .
Mr Bowman argued that , in light of the “ central importance of the potential forensic evidence ” that could have been garnered from the hoodie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fact in ruling against him .
However , counsel for the DPP noted that Nolan had been arrested running from the burning car used to stalk the deceased .
“ He runs into the arms of a garda , ” remarked Shane Costello SC .
He noted that Nolan had then said : “ I only set fire to the car ” .
This showed knowledge of something else , he suggested .
“ He ’ s wearing the gloves that had the gunshot residue on them .
He lies through interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hesitate to say that this is as close to a slam dunk case as you can find.
” Court of Appeal President Justice George Birmingham , presiding with Justice Patrick McCarthy and Justice Aileen Donnelly , delivered an ex tempore judgment .
He noted that the missing hoodie and what a test result might have shown had not featured as a major issue until the very end of the trial .
“ Coming at this stage of the trial , the application might be described as a brave one , ” he remarked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to mind , ” he continued .
“ The arguments are really based on speculation that , had there been a test , that no gunshot residue would have been identified , ” he suggested .
“ That might seem to be a somewhat optimistic assumption.
” He said that the court was of the same view as the trial judge , that a fair trial had not been undermined .
The court dismissed the appeal .

A murderer, who ran into the arms of a garda shortly after the killing, has lost his “audacious” appeal against conviction, in what the State’s barrister likened to a “slam dunk” case.
Warren Nolan was 18 years old when he shot dead 35-year-old Alan O’Neill in the victim’s front garden at Kiltalown Road in Tallaght, Dublin, on May 27th, 2015. He then burned out the car he used in the attack.
Nolan, now 23, of Rowlagh Park in Clondalkin in Dublin had denied both crimes but was convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced to life in prison.
The case against him had been circumstantial. His trial heard that both gunshot residue and accelerant were found on the gloves that he was wearing when he ran from the burning car into the arms of a garda. The T-shirt he was wearing also bore traces of accelerant.
READ MORE
However, the hoodie that he was wearing over that T-shirt had been mislaid during the investigation and was never tested.
At the end of his trial, his barrister, Michael Bowman SC, applied to Justice Paul McDermott to withdraw the case from the jury.
He argued that the lack of a test on the hoodie had resulted in a real risk of an unfair trial.
The trial judge ruled against him and the jury found him guilty.
Nolan appealed against his conviction to the Court of Appeal on a single ground.
Mr Bowman argued that, in light of the “central importance of the potential forensic evidence” that could have been garnered from the hoodie, the judge had erred in law and fact in ruling against him.
However, counsel for the DPP noted that Nolan had been arrested running from the burning car used to stalk the deceased.
“He runs into the arms of a garda,” remarked Shane Costello SC.
He noted that Nolan had then said: “I only set fire to the car”. This showed knowledge of something else, he suggested.
“He’s wearing the gloves that had the gunshot residue on them. He lies through interview,” continued counsel. “I hesitate to say that this is as close to a slam dunk case as you can find.”
Court of Appeal President Justice George Birmingham, presiding with Justice Patrick McCarthy and Justice Aileen Donnelly, delivered an ex tempore judgment.
He noted that the missing hoodie and what a test result might have shown had not featured as a major issue until the very end of the trial.
“Coming at this stage of the trial, the application might be described as a brave one,” he remarked. “Audacious is another word that comes to mind,” he continued.
“The arguments are really based on speculation that, had there been a test, that no gunshot residue would have been identified,” he suggested. “That might seem to be a somewhat optimistic assumption.”
He said that the court was of the same view as the trial judge, that a fair trial had not been undermined. The court dismissed the appeal.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Man with ‘life changing injuries’ sues over alleged compensation delay

A man who suffered “ life changing injuries ” after being assaulted has brought High Court proceedings over alleged delay by the State in progressing his claim for compensation .
The action has been brought by Noel Hickey who , in February 2014 , was assaulted by two men .
He was punched and kicked in the head with steel-capped boots , which left him in a coma for four weeks .
His injuries included bleeding to the brain , deformation to the facial region , broken eye socket , broken nose , broken jaw , and a broken chin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has no sense of smell or taste , and has required ongoing surgeries to treat his injuries .
Due to acquired brain injury , every aspect of Mr Hickey ’ s life has been affected , including his ability to work , the High Court heard on Monday .
In 2014 he made an application for compensation to the Criminal Compensation Tribunal , set up to compensate those who suffer personal injury as well as the families of those killed as a result of a violent crime .
The criminal proceedings which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded in July 2018 , when the two persons who assaulted him pleaded guilty before a sitting of Limerick Circuit Criminal Court .
Mr Hickey claims there has been a lengthy delay in progressing his claim , amounting to a breach of his rights .
His counsel Thomas Creed SC said no interim payment had been made to his client , who would only be able to work again as a plumber in a supervised capacity .
Counsel said it appeared that the tribunal was understaffed .
There was a backlog of 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would receive any compensation until 2023 or 2024 at the earliest , some 10 years after he suffered the injuries .
As a result of the delay , Mr Hickey has brought judicial review proceedings against the tribunal , the Department of Justice , Ireland and the Attorney General .
Mr Hickey , aged in his mid-30s , of Newtown , Elton , Knocklong , Co Limerick seeks an order directing the tribunal to make a final determination on his application for compensation under the scheme .
The delay progressing his claim amounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional justice and fair procedures , he claims .
Permission to bring the case was granted , on an ex-parte basis , by Mr Justice Charles Meenan who adjourned the matter to December .

A man who suffered “life changing injuries” after being assaulted has brought High Court proceedings over alleged delay by the State in progressing his claim for compensation.
The action has been brought by Noel Hickey who, in February 2014, was assaulted by two men. He was punched and kicked in the head with steel-capped boots, which left him in a coma for four weeks.
His injuries included bleeding to the brain, deformation to the facial region, broken eye socket, broken nose, broken jaw, and a broken chin.
He now suffers from memory loss, has no sense of smell or taste, and has required ongoing surgeries to treat his injuries.
READ MORE
Due to acquired brain injury, every aspect of Mr Hickey’s life has been affected, including his ability to work, the High Court heard on Monday.
In 2014 he made an application for compensation to the Criminal Compensation Tribunal, set up to compensate those who suffer personal injury as well as the families of those killed as a result of a violent crime.
The criminal proceedings which arose as a result of his assault concluded in July 2018, when the two persons who assaulted him pleaded guilty before a sitting of Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.
Mr Hickey claims there has been a lengthy delay in progressing his claim, amounting to a breach of his rights.
His counsel Thomas Creed SC said no interim payment had been made to his client, who would only be able to work again as a plumber in a supervised capacity.
Counsel said it appeared that the tribunal was understaffed.
There was a backlog of 44 months and it seemed unlikely his client would receive any compensation until 2023 or 2024 at the earliest, some 10 years after he suffered the injuries.
As a result of the delay, Mr Hickey has brought judicial review proceedings against the tribunal, the Department of Justice, Ireland and the Attorney General.
Mr Hickey, aged in his mid-30s, of Newtown, Elton, Knocklong, Co Limerick seeks an order directing the tribunal to make a final determination on his application for compensation under the scheme.
The delay progressing his claim amounts to a breach of his rights to constitutional justice and fair procedures, he claims.
Permission to bring the case was granted, on an ex-parte basis, by Mr Justice Charles Meenan who adjourned the matter to December.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Prosecution against former journalist for district court next month

A criminal prosecution against former journalist , Gemma O ’ Doherty , arising over the erection of banners on a footbridge over the N11 in Kilmacanogue , Co Wicklow in August will go ahead at Bray District Court next month unless further directions in the case are issued by the DPP .
Judge David Kennedy ruled the case should proceed at a sitting of the court on December 14th unless the DPP had decided by then that Ms O ’ Doherty should face further charges in relation to the incident .
The case had previously been adjourned in September to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
Ms O ’ Doherty ( 52 ) , an anti-immigration campaigner and leader of one of several rival groups opposed to the Government ’ s restrictions to combat the Covid-19 pandemic , was arrested on August 28th , on public order offences in relation to the displaying of banners on a pedestrian bridge over the main Dublin-Wexford road at Kilmacanogue .
Gardaí received a number of complaints about the banners , which contained anti-facemask and anti-vaccination messages , and decided to remove them after observing motorists swerving as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Doherty ’ s solicitor , Brendan Maloney , told a sitting of Bray District Court on Monday that his client was “ unhappy with the delay ” in the case .
“ There is no progress being made with the DPP , ” said Mr Maloney .
The solicitor said Ms O ’ Doherty , who was not in court for the hearing , wished to emphasise that the alleged offences had taken place back in August .
Ms O ’ Doherty is charged with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peace under section 6 of the Criminal Justice ( Public Order ) Act at Kilmacanogue on August 28th .
Anyone convicted of the offence faces a maximum fine of €500 or prison term of three months or both .
The former Irish Independent journalist is also charged under section 24 of the same legislation with refusing to provide her name and address when demanded by Garda Joseph Waldron .
Anyone convicted of a section 24 offence is liable to a fine of up to €500 or a six-month jail sentence or both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not required to attend court , remains on continuing bail until December 14th .

A criminal prosecution against former journalist, Gemma O’Doherty, arising over the erection of banners on a footbridge over the N11 in Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow in August will go ahead at Bray District Court next month unless further directions in the case are issued by the DPP.
Judge David Kennedy ruled the case should proceed at a sitting of the court on December 14th unless the DPP had decided by then that Ms O’Doherty should face further charges in relation to the incident.
The case had previously been adjourned in September to allow the DPP time to consider the matter.
Ms O’Doherty (52), an anti-immigration campaigner and leader of one of several rival groups opposed to the Government’s restrictions to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, was arrested on August 28th, on public order offences in relation to the displaying of banners on a pedestrian bridge over the main Dublin-Wexford road at Kilmacanogue.
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Gardaí received a number of complaints about the banners, which contained anti-facemask and anti-vaccination messages, and decided to remove them after observing motorists swerving as a result of being distracted by the signs.
Ms O’Doherty’s solicitor, Brendan Maloney, told a sitting of Bray District Court on Monday that his client was “unhappy with the delay” in the case.
“There is no progress being made with the DPP,” said Mr Maloney.
The solicitor said Ms O’Doherty, who was not in court for the hearing, wished to emphasise that the alleged offences had taken place back in August.
Ms O’Doherty is charged with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace under section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act at Kilmacanogue on August 28th.
Anyone convicted of the offence faces a maximum fine of €500 or prison term of three months or both.
The former Irish Independent journalist is also charged under section 24 of the same legislation with refusing to provide her name and address when demanded by Garda Joseph Waldron.
Anyone convicted of a section 24 offence is liable to a fine of up to €500 or a six-month jail sentence or both.
Ms O’Doherty, who was not required to attend court, remains on continuing bail until December 14th.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Midlands Prison believe Covid outbreak contained after five inmates test positive

Prison authorities are confident they have contained a Covid-19 outbreak in the country ’ s largest prison .
Mass testing has been ongoing in the Midlands Prison since Friday when five inmates tested positive for the virus .
It is the first recorded spread of the virus within the prison system since the pandemic began .
The Irish Prison Service ( IPS ) confirmed on Monday that several staff members have also tested positive .
However no new cases have been detected among prisoners .
Five other prisoners have been diagnosed with the virus in various facilities in recent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted it outside prison and were isolated before they could transmit it within the prison system .
Covid-19 outbreaks in the prison system are seen as particularly dangerous due to inmates ’ close living conditions and the prevalence of immunosuppressive medical conditions within the population .
Sources say there is great worry among staff and inmates about the Midlands outbreak but that management are confident they have contained it to the A2 landing of the prison .
All prisoners and staff in the prison are being tested , with staff only permitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test .
A screening process to detect symptoms among prisoners has been completed and movement within the prison has been severely restricted .
“ This will support a return to a more normal prison regime as soon as possible , ” the IPS said in a statement .
It is understood a handful of Midlands staff are also self-isolating , having shown symptoms of the virus or been exposed to an infected person .
This includes the attendees of a prisoner disciplinary meeting last week which was attended by a prisoner , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prison officer .
Those present were forced to self-isolate after an attendee began showing symptoms the next day The Midlands has a prisoner population of 810 and is currently at about 90 per cent capacity .
IPS Director General Caron McCaffrey , who visited the Midlands Prison on Monday , said staff have been preparing for a possible outbreak for the past nine months .
“ And since Friday , Midlands Prison staff have expertly implemented this plan and protected the people in their care ” .
She praised prison staff for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
“ Unfortunately a number of staff have tested positive and we send them our best wishes and hope that they recover fully and quickly.
” Since the start of the pandemic the IPS has proven successful in limiting the spread of Covid-19 in jails nationwide .
Some prisoners were released early to create space to better manage the prison population .
Newly committed prisoners were segregated and observed to screen for the virus being brought in to jails , and part of Cloverhill Prison in Dublin has been designated as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Visits were also banned at an early stage and replaced with video calls .
Visiting recommenced during the summer before being banned again last month in line with Level 3 restrictions .

A number of members of staff and inmates at Midlands Prison are self-isolating after being exposed to a positive case .Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
Prison authorities are confident they have contained a Covid-19 outbreak in the country’s largest prison.
Mass testing has been ongoing in the Midlands Prison since Friday when five inmates tested positive for the virus. It is the first recorded spread of the virus within the prison system since the pandemic began.
The Irish Prison Service (IPS) confirmed on Monday that several staff members have also tested positive. However no new cases have been detected among prisoners.
Hospital Report
Five other prisoners have been diagnosed with the virus in various facilities in recent months but the IPS is confident they all contracted it outside prison and were isolated before they could transmit it within the prison system.
READ MORE
Covid-19 outbreaks in the prison system are seen as particularly dangerous due to inmates’ close living conditions and the prevalence of immunosuppressive medical conditions within the population.
Sources say there is great worry among staff and inmates about the Midlands outbreak but that management are confident they have contained it to the A2 landing of the prison.
All prisoners and staff in the prison are being tested, with staff only permitted to return to work on receiving a negative test. A screening process to detect symptoms among prisoners has been completed and movement within the prison has been severely restricted.
“This will support a return to a more normal prison regime as soon as possible,” the IPS said in a statement.
It is understood a handful of Midlands staff are also self-isolating, having shown symptoms of the virus or been exposed to an infected person.
This includes the attendees of a prisoner disciplinary meeting last week which was attended by a prisoner, a senior manager, a chief officer and a prison officer. Those present were forced to self-isolate after an attendee began showing symptoms the next day
Preparation
The Midlands has a prisoner population of 810 and is currently at about 90 per cent capacity.
IPS Director General Caron McCaffrey, who visited the Midlands Prison on Monday, said staff have been preparing for a possible outbreak for the past nine months. “And since Friday, Midlands Prison staff have expertly implemented this plan and protected the people in their care”.
She praised prison staff for their “tireless efforts” in recent days. “Unfortunately a number of staff have tested positive and we send them our best wishes and hope that they recover fully and quickly.”
Since the start of the pandemic the IPS has proven successful in limiting the spread of Covid-19 in jails nationwide. Some prisoners were released early to create space to better manage the prison population.
Newly committed prisoners were segregated and observed to screen for the virus being brought in to jails, and part of Cloverhill Prison in Dublin has been designated as a quarantine facility for prisoners with suspected symptoms.
Visits were also banned at an early stage and replaced with video calls. Visiting recommenced during the summer before being banned again last month in line with Level 3 restrictions.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Schoolboy who slipped on canteen floor settles action for €50,000

A schoolboy who slipped on a school canteen floor and injured a section of his hip has settled his High Court action for €50,000 .
Adam Fay slipped on material believed to have been food probably dropped by another student during the school lunch break .
Adam Fay ( 17 ) , of Drumahilla , Bailieborough , Co Cavan had sued through his mother Jane Gray , St Aidan ’ s Comprehensive School , Co Cavan as a result of the accident during the school lunch break on October 24th , 2017 .
Mr Justice Garrett Simons was told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 14 years of age at the time , slipped as he walked across the canteen floor .
It was claimed the boy was caused to slip by reasons of the presence of deleterious material believed to be food lying on the floor .
The accident occurred at 1.40pm .
Adam , who was wearing school shoes at the time , was helped back on his feet by other students .
He was taken to Cavan General Hospital .
He was given crutches and discharged , but two weeks later due to continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed he had a healing fracture of the neck of the left femur .
The schoolboy was in hospital for a number of days and had to have an operation in which three metal screws were inserted .
He was also on crutches for about three months after the accident and had to have physiotherapy .
The boy also had a residual limp for eight months after the accident .
Mr Justice Simons was told liability was admitted in the case .

A schoolboy who slipped on a school canteen floor and injured a section of his hip has settled his High Court action for €50,000.
Adam Fay slipped on material believed to have been food probably dropped by another student during the school lunch break.
Adam Fay (17), of Drumahilla, Bailieborough, Co Cavan had sued through his mother Jane Gray, St Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Co Cavan as a result of the accident during the school lunch break on October 24th, 2017.
Mr Justice Garrett Simons was told the accident occurred when the boy, who was 14 years of age at the time, slipped as he walked across the canteen floor.
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It was claimed the boy was caused to slip by reasons of the presence of deleterious material believed to be food lying on the floor.
The accident occurred at 1.40pm. Adam, who was wearing school shoes at the time, was helped back on his feet by other students. He was taken to Cavan General Hospital. He was given crutches and discharged, but two weeks later due to continuing pain he had an MRI scan which revealed he had a healing fracture of the neck of the left femur.
The schoolboy was in hospital for a number of days and had to have an operation in which three metal screws were inserted. He was also on crutches for about three months after the accident and had to have physiotherapy.
The boy also had a residual limp for eight months after the accident.
Mr Justice Simons was told liability was admitted in the case.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Coronavirus: NI spread slows but O’Neill sounds note of caution

Eight more coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Monday .
The North ’ s Department of Health said seven of the deaths had occurred in the 24 hours to Monday morning , and one had occurred previously .
The total number of people who have died in the North with Covid-19 now stands at 724 , the department said .
A further 493 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed , bringing the total number of positive cases of Covid-19 identified in Northern Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic to 39,609 .
There are now 379 people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 52 in intensive care .
Pupils returned to school in Northern Ireland on Monday after an extended , two-week half-term holiday .
The spread of Covid-19 has slowed following the introduction of tighter restrictions – including the effective shutdown of the hospitality industry – just over two weeks ago , with the average number of cases over the past seven days now at 263 per 100,000 people , compared with about 350 when the new measures were implemented .
First Minister Arlene Foster said the “ current restrictions ” , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ would come to an end ” and Ministers were “ now constructing a strategy as to how we can then continue to live with the virus ” .
The point of the restrictions , she told the BBC ’ s Good Morning Ulster programme on Monday , was to bring the reproduction – or “ R ” number – of the virus below one , “ then after that we would have a strategy as to how we could continue to live with the virus but at the same time have our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions in the Assembly on Monday , Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill said the Executive intended “ to publish work around an exit strategy over the coming days ” but did not rule out an extension of the current restrictions .
Asked by the SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan if she could “ clarify if she agrees with the First Minister ’ s position that businesses should reopen if safe to do so in two weeks ’ time after the restrictions lift ” , Ms O ’ Neill said allowing as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously the ideal ” but she had been “ honest enough to say that we have to keep all options on the table ” .
Ministers , Ms O ’ Neill said , were “ consistent across the board in saying that we want to find a way to move away from continual lockdown ” .
The devolved administrations in Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales took part in a meeting of the UK ’ s emergency Cobra committee on Monday and agreed to “ work together on a joint approach to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government to further extend the job retention “ furlough ” scheme once a one-month extension ends on November 30th .
The North ’ s Minister for Finance , Conor Murphy , told the Assembly on Monday that while this new extension was “ welcomed ” , he would press for it to be extended beyond November “ for the weeks ahead will continue to be very challenging for businesses and workers who need certainty that the support offered by the furlough scheme will remain in place ” .
Meanwhile it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to print enforcement notices has delayed the introduction of tougher penalties for breaches of the North ’ s coronavirus regulations .
The Executive agreed last month to increase the minimum fine to £200 , and the maximum fine on conviction of a more serious breach to £10,000 .
In the Assembly on Monday , the Minister for Justice , Naomi Long , said the regulations “ should be laid shortly ” , but this would not happen until the police were ready to enforce them .
“ It is important that we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the timing of this will unfortunately be led largely by the time it will take for the PSNI to be able to police the new enforcement notices , ” she told Assembly members .
“ There have been some issues around delays in that because of the pressure on the bespoke printing that is required for those enforcement notices , ” she said .
“ However , as soon as those enforcement notices are ready to be able to be rolled out across the police service , we have the regulations ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Constable Alan Todd said police anticipated delivery of the new enforcement notices “ in the near future ” .
A drafting process , he said , had included “ the creation of new offences , new offence processing codes and other administrative actions required to give effect to any new penalties under the regulations .
“ This work was conducted by departments within the NI Executive , ” he said .
“ When the above process was completed , the Police Service was able to confirm the design for the new penalty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The tickets are produced by a specialist printer within a defined production and delivery schedule and we anticipate delivery in the near future.
” According to police statistics released on Monday , 652 officers and members of staff are absent from work due to Covid-19 , 570 of whom are self-isolating .
Almost 1,800 people have aready been issued with fixed-penalty fines for breaches of the regulations , and 47 have been fined £1,000 for failing to self-isolate after returning from abroad .

Eight more coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Monday.
The North's Department of Health said seven of the deaths had occurred in the 24 hours to Monday morning, and one had occurred previously.
The total number of people who have died in the North with Covid-19 now stands at 724, the department said.
A further 493 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed, bringing the total number of positive cases of Covid-19 identified in Northern Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic to 39,609.
READ MORE
There are now 379 people with coronavirus in the North’s hospitals, with 52 in intensive care.
Pupils returned to school in Northern Ireland on Monday after an extended, two-week half-term holiday.
The spread of Covid-19 has slowed following the introduction of tighter restrictions – including the effective shutdown of the hospitality industry – just over two weeks ago, with the average number of cases over the past seven days now at 263 per 100,000 people, compared with about 350 when the new measures were implemented.
First Minister Arlene Foster said the "current restrictions", which are in place until November 13th, "would come to an end" and Ministers were "now constructing a strategy as to how we can then continue to live with the virus".
The point of the restrictions, she told the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme on Monday, was to bring the reproduction – or “R” number – of the virus below one, “then after that we would have a strategy as to how we could continue to live with the virus but at the same time have our economy open”.
Extension to restrictions
However, taking questions in the Assembly on Monday, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the Executive intended “to publish work around an exit strategy over the coming days” but did not rule out an extension of the current restrictions.
Asked by the SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan if she could “clarify if she agrees with the First Minister’s position that businesses should reopen if safe to do so in two weeks’ time after the restrictions lift”, Ms O’Neill said allowing as many businesses as possible to reopen was “obviously the ideal” but she had been “honest enough to say that we have to keep all options on the table”.
Ministers, Ms O’Neill said, were “consistent across the board in saying that we want to find a way to move away from continual lockdown”.
The devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales took part in a meeting of the UK's emergency Cobra committee on Monday and agreed to "work together on a joint approach to the Christmas period".
They also urged the UK government to further extend the job retention “furlough” scheme once a one-month extension ends on November 30th.
The North's Minister for Finance, Conor Murphy, told the Assembly on Monday that while this new extension was "welcomed", he would press for it to be extended beyond November "for the weeks ahead will continue to be very challenging for businesses and workers who need certainty that the support offered by the furlough scheme will remain in place".
Delayed
Meanwhile it has emerged that pressure on the facilities required to print enforcement notices has delayed the introduction of tougher penalties for breaches of the North’s coronavirus regulations.
The Executive agreed last month to increase the minimum fine to £200, and the maximum fine on conviction of a more serious breach to £10,000.
In the Assembly on Monday, the Minister for Justice, Naomi Long, said the regulations “should be laid shortly”, but this would not happen until the police were ready to enforce them.
“It is important that we do so as quickly as possible, however the timing of this will unfortunately be led largely by the time it will take for the PSNI to be able to police the new enforcement notices,” she told Assembly members.
“There have been some issues around delays in that because of the pressure on the bespoke printing that is required for those enforcement notices,” she said.
“However, as soon as those enforcement notices are ready to be able to be rolled out across the police service, we have the regulations ready to be laid in the chamber.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said police anticipated delivery of the new enforcement notices “in the near future”.
A drafting process, he said, had included “the creation of new offences, new offence processing codes and other administrative actions required to give effect to any new penalties under the regulations.
“This work was conducted by departments within the NI Executive,” he said.
“When the above process was completed, the Police Service was able to confirm the design for the new penalty notices and place the order with suppliers. The tickets are produced by a specialist printer within a defined production and delivery schedule and we anticipate delivery in the near future.”
According to police statistics released on Monday, 652 officers and members of staff are absent from work due to Covid-19, 570 of whom are self-isolating.
Almost 1,800 people have aready been issued with fixed-penalty fines for breaches of the regulations, and 47 have been fined £1,000 for failing to self-isolate after returning from abroad.
Additional reporting - PA.


theirishtimes--2020-11-02--Garda pleads guilty to assault of woman during arrest in Waterford

A Garda has pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman , while arresting her in Waterford city two years ago .
Garda Keith Ryan of Waterford Garda station was charged with a single count of assault against Martina McGrath ( 29 ) at Waterford District Court on Monday .
The case had been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission ( Gsoc ) following a complaint made by Martina McGrath .
The garda may avoid a conviction as Judge John Cheatle said he was taking into account a number of factors , including his remorse for the incident .
Garda Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the force for 12 years , has been suspended from the force since the incident in October 2018 .
The charge was downgraded today from the more serious section 3 assault causing harm to a charge of section 2 assault , under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act , 1997 .
The 36-year-old was part of a group of gardaí responding to an incident at an apartment block in Waterford city .
State solicitor Frank Hutchinson , prosecuting on behalf of the DPP , told the court that the incident took place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2018 outside apartments on Anne Street in Waterford .
Garda Keith Ryan and two female Garda colleagues had been responding after they received a complaint from the occupant of Penrose Court where Ms McGrath had been visiting .
The tenant had said that Ms McGrath would not leave and she became “ volatile ” when gardaí arrived , began to “ fight back ” and refused to leave the apartment complex , defence barrister Eoin Lawlor said .
The investigating officer with Gsoc , John Clerkin , confirmed the details as presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms McGrath cursed at Garda Ryan , saying , “ F**k you ” , and spat at him , Mr Lawlor said .
He put Ms McGrath ’ s head against the ground and then put her against the patrol car , while arresting her .
However , the other gardaí reported that they did not see Ms McGrath spit , instead seeing her take an “ abrupt step ” towards him .
Mr Lawlor said the placing of Ms McGrath ’ s head against the ground was a tactic to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , after she was arrested and placed into the patrol car , she tried to kick Garda Ryan in the head while he was driving the car .
The court heard that Ms McGrath has not worked since the incident , however , Mr Lawlor said that as the woman is currently in custody for another offence , she is not able to seek work .
In her victim impact statement , Martina McGrath , who spoke to the court via video link as she is in custody , said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident , is afraid of gardaí and doesn ’ t feel she can go to them for help .
Mr Lawlor said his client knew he “ fell below the standard set by An Garda Síochána ” and apologised to the court and said Garda Ryan feels “ profound regret ” over the incident .
Mr Lawlor said his client accepts he had used “ excessive force ” in the course of the arrest .
Garda Ryan has no previous convictions and had never been the subject of disciplinary hearing before .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convict the garda and to give him another chance , which the judge accepted .
Taking into account Garda Ryan ’ s remorse and his early plea , the judge said he would not treat the garda any differently to other defendants who don ’ t hold prior convictions .
“ I see no reason to why Garda Ryan will not be afforded the same benefit , ” Judge Cheatle added .
He put the case back so that a probation report on Garda Ryan could be carried out , with the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A Garda has pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman, while arresting her in Waterford city two years ago.
Garda Keith Ryan of Waterford Garda station was charged with a single count of assault against Martina McGrath (29) at Waterford District Court on Monday.
The case had been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) following a complaint made by Martina McGrath.
The garda may avoid a conviction as Judge John Cheatle said he was taking into account a number of factors, including his remorse for the incident.
READ MORE
Garda Ryan, who has been a member of the force for 12 years, has been suspended from the force since the incident in October 2018.
The charge was downgraded today from the more serious section 3 assault causing harm to a charge of section 2 assault, under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
The 36-year-old was part of a group of gardaí responding to an incident at an apartment block in Waterford city.
State solicitor Frank Hutchinson, prosecuting on behalf of the DPP, told the court that the incident took place around 8am on Sunday, October 14th, 2018 outside apartments on Anne Street in Waterford. Garda Keith Ryan and two female Garda colleagues had been responding after they received a complaint from the occupant of Penrose Court where Ms McGrath had been visiting.
The tenant had said that Ms McGrath would not leave and she became “volatile” when gardaí arrived, began to “fight back” and refused to leave the apartment complex, defence barrister Eoin Lawlor said.
The investigating officer with Gsoc, John Clerkin, confirmed the details as presented by Garda Ryan’s legal team.
Ms McGrath cursed at Garda Ryan, saying, “F**k you”, and spat at him, Mr Lawlor said. He put Ms McGrath’s head against the ground and then put her against the patrol car, while arresting her. However, the other gardaí reported that they did not see Ms McGrath spit, instead seeing her take an “abrupt step” towards him.
Mr Lawlor said the placing of Ms McGrath’s head against the ground was a tactic to avoid her spitting at Garda Ryan, and that, after she was arrested and placed into the patrol car, she tried to kick Garda Ryan in the head while he was driving the car.
The court heard that Ms McGrath has not worked since the incident, however, Mr Lawlor said that as the woman is currently in custody for another offence, she is not able to seek work.
In her victim impact statement, Martina McGrath, who spoke to the court via video link as she is in custody, said she was still suffering from the effects of the incident, is afraid of gardaí and doesn’t feel she can go to them for help.
Mr Lawlor said his client knew he “fell below the standard set by An Garda Síochána” and apologised to the court and said Garda Ryan feels “profound regret” over the incident.
Mr Lawlor said his client accepts he had used “excessive force” in the course of the arrest.
Garda Ryan has no previous convictions and had never been the subject of disciplinary hearing before. His barrister appealed to Judge Cheatle to not convict the garda and to give him another chance, which the judge accepted.
Taking into account Garda Ryan’s remorse and his early plea, the judge said he would not treat the garda any differently to other defendants who don’t hold prior convictions. “I see no reason to why Garda Ryan will not be afforded the same benefit,” Judge Cheatle added.
He put the case back so that a probation report on Garda Ryan could be carried out, with the case to return on May 17th, 2021.