theirishtimes--2020-11-23--O’Callaghan says she is ‘deeply sorry’ for flouting Covid rules

RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O ’ Callaghan made an on-air apology on Sunday for failing to observe Covid-19 social distancing guidelines at a recent gathering to mark the retirement of a colleague .
Photographs were published on Friday showing Ms O ’ Callaghan with her arm around a long-serving colleague on the woman ’ s last day at work .
Other high-profile RTÉ figures photographed standing close together at the informal event were Bryan Dobson , David McCullagh and Eileen Dunne , all of whom have apologised .
Speaking on her Sunday with Miriam radio programme , Ms O ’ Callaghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RTÉ in a statement last week , telling her listeners directly that no one else was to blame for her lapse in social distancing and that she was “ deeply sorry ” .
In remarks at the start of her programme , the Prime Time presenter said she was acutely aware that it was important for people in the public eye “ to lead by example ” .
“ By appearing in this photograph in the way I did , I seriously failed to do that and in that moment I know I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be forever sorry , ” she said .
Gardaí are examining how the event for Phil Collins , a reception supervisor who worked at RTÉ for 40 years , was organised at the broadcaster ’ s Donnybrook campus in Dublin 4 .
Investigators are trying to determine if the gathering met the criteria of being “ an event ” under the Covid-19 regulations and that if it was , a criminal investigation into those who organised it could begin .
Attendance at an event that breaches social distancing guidelines is not an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to €1,000 or imprisonment for one month .
The event was not an official RTÉ function but informally arranged for Ms Collins .
Mr Dobson , Mr McCullagh and Ms Dunne all apologised directly to listeners and viewers on programmes that they present .
RTÉ ’ s managing director of news and current affairs , Jon Williams , was also photographed at the event in images that first appeared in the Irish Sun last Friday .
He said he was “ very sorry ” for what he described as a “ momentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken .
Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth , chair of the Oireachtas media and culture committee , has said that she plans to discuss the incident with colleagues on Wednesday .

RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan made an on-air apology on Sunday for failing to observe Covid-19 social distancing guidelines at a recent gathering to mark the retirement of a colleague.
Photographs were published on Friday showing Ms O’Callaghan with her arm around a long-serving colleague on the woman’s last day at work.
Other high-profile RTÉ figures photographed standing close together at the informal event were Bryan Dobson, David McCullagh and Eileen Dunne, all of whom have apologised.
Speaking on her Sunday with Miriam radio programme, Ms O’Callaghan followed up on her apology issued by RTÉ in a statement last week, telling her listeners directly that no one else was to blame for her lapse in social distancing and that she was “deeply sorry”.
READ MORE
‘Lead by example’
In remarks at the start of her programme, the Prime Time presenter said she was acutely aware that it was important for people in the public eye “to lead by example”.
“By appearing in this photograph in the way I did, I seriously failed to do that and in that moment I know I let everyone down and for that I will be forever sorry,” she said.
Gardaí are examining how the event for Phil Collins, a reception supervisor who worked at RTÉ for 40 years, was organised at the broadcaster's Donnybrook campus in Dublin 4.
Investigators are trying to determine if the gathering met the criteria of being “an event” under the Covid-19 regulations and that if it was, a criminal investigation into those who organised it could begin.
Fines
Attendance at an event that breaches social distancing guidelines is not an offence but organisers can face fines of up to €1,000 or imprisonment for one month. The event was not an official RTÉ function but informally arranged for Ms Collins.
Mr Dobson, Mr McCullagh and Ms Dunne all apologised directly to listeners and viewers on programmes that they present.
RTÉ's managing director of news and current affairs, Jon Williams, was also photographed at the event in images that first appeared in the Irish Sun last Friday. He said he was "very sorry" for what he described as a "momentary lapse of judgment" when photographs were taken.
Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth, chair of the Oireachtas media and culture committee, has said that she plans to discuss the incident with colleagues on Wednesday.


theirishtimes--2020-11-23--Macabre exhumation of Roger Casement’s remains documented

The macabre exhumation of the remains of Roger Casement in Pentonville Prison in London in 1965 is recounted in detail in the latest volume of documents from the archives of the Department of Foreign Affairs .
Casement , who was landed from a German submarine at Banna Strand , was hanged for treason in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising .
The return of his remains to be buried in Ireland had long been sought by Irish governments and it was finally agreed by the British prime minister Harold Wilson in 1965 .
The duty of observing the exhumation fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based at the London embassy .
In a memo sent on March 4th , 1965 , he recorded that he went to the prison at 5pm on the evening of February 22nd with other Irish and British officials to supervise the dig .
The Home Office officials present expected to find a layer of charcoal near the body as they understood lime was not used at the date of Casement ’ s execution .
They believed the grave would be 10ft deep and the soil was typical London clay , which was heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams of prison officials dug steadily and at about 7.30 were surprised to come across a layer of lime .
Immediately below it was a very thick mud and water floating on top of it there appeared two small black objects which on examination by a doctor turned out to be two bones of the thumb .
“ By this stage the bottom of the hole excavated became full of water and it was necessary to send for a pump ... After the grave was pumped out gradually we began to come across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diggers had left a step at each end of the grave and were excavating mainly in the middle .
In this hole in the middle we came across the arm bones , the bones of the pelvis and many ribs and vertebrae .
We also came across the thigh bones .
These were all extremely well-preserved by the action of the lime though very much blackened by it and encrusted with soil and lime itself .
“ We got some water and had them washed and dried and put in the coffin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ flesh had disappeared and the bones were no longer articulated .
It also appeared that one of the workmen in his excitement had disturbed them with his pick-axe .
This is understandable in view of the impossibility of seeing them in view of the muddy mess of water in which they lay and also in view of the unpleasantness of the unaccustomed job which he was performing .
“ However , at this stage it became a matter of some delicacy to find the head and if possible to see that we preserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
When this was done and the bones were washed we felt that we had practically all of them that could possibly have survived the action of the quick lime and of 49 years in a waterlogged grave.
” Keating said the question remained whether these were in fact the bones of Casement .
“ On this matter , I have no doubt .
There is first of all the identification by the British authorities of his grave and the fact that [ they ] obviously did not have any idea of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair would seem to identify him as also would the fact that the leg bones were obviously those of an extremely tall man .
It may be of interest to record that one of the grave diggers said that one of the leg bones looked as if it had broken at some time and reset.
” The next day the remains were flown to Ireland .
An elaborate State funeral followed on March 1st , with the coffin brought through the centre of Dublin , where huge crowds had gathered , before being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lemass wrote to Wilson to express his appreciation .
“ The Irish people warmly welcomed your decision which , as I stated in the Dáil , represented yet another step towards the establishment of the closest and most friendly relations between the two countries .
”

The macabre exhumation of the remains of Roger Casement in Pentonville Prison in London in 1965 is recounted in detail in the latest volume of documents from the archives of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Casement, who was landed from a German submarine at Banna Strand, was hanged for treason in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising. The return of his remains to be buried in Ireland had long been sought by Irish governments and it was finally agreed by the British prime minister Harold Wilson in 1965.
The duty of observing the exhumation fell to Paul Keating, then a diplomat based at the London embassy. In a memo sent on March 4th, 1965, he recorded that he went to the prison at 5pm on the evening of February 22nd with other Irish and British officials to supervise the dig.
Irish president Eamon de Valera speaking at the funeral of Irish nationalist Roger Casement at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, March 2nd, 1965. Photograph: Hulton Archive
The Home Office officials present expected to find a layer of charcoal near the body as they understood lime was not used at the date of Casement’s execution. They believed the grave would be 10ft deep and the soil was typical London clay, which was heavy and difficult to dig.
READ MORE
“Two teams of prison officials dug steadily and at about 7.30 were surprised to come across a layer of lime. Immediately below it was a very thick mud and water floating on top of it there appeared two small black objects which on examination by a doctor turned out to be two bones of the thumb.
“By this stage the bottom of the hole excavated became full of water and it was necessary to send for a pump... After the grave was pumped out gradually we began to come across the remains. At this stage the diggers had left a step at each end of the grave and were excavating mainly in the middle. In this hole in the middle we came across the arm bones, the bones of the pelvis and many ribs and vertebrae. We also came across the thigh bones. These were all extremely well-preserved by the action of the lime though very much blackened by it and encrusted with soil and lime itself.
“We got some water and had them washed and dried and put in the coffin. They were not all together since the flesh had disappeared and the bones were no longer articulated. It also appeared that one of the workmen in his excitement had disturbed them with his pick-axe. This is understandable in view of the impossibility of seeing them in view of the muddy mess of water in which they lay and also in view of the unpleasantness of the unaccustomed job which he was performing.
“However, at this stage it became a matter of some delicacy to find the head and if possible to see that we preserved it as intact as possible...
“... When this was done and the bones were washed we felt that we had practically all of them that could possibly have survived the action of the quick lime and of 49 years in a waterlogged grave.”
‘Warmly welcomed’
Keating said the question remained whether these were in fact the bones of Casement. “On this matter, I have no doubt. There is first of all the identification by the British authorities of his grave and the fact that [they] obviously did not have any idea of what would be found. In addition the hair would seem to identify him as also would the fact that the leg bones were obviously those of an extremely tall man. It may be of interest to record that one of the grave diggers said that one of the leg bones looked as if it had broken at some time and reset.”
The next day the remains were flown to Ireland. An elaborate State funeral followed on March 1st, with the coffin brought through the centre of Dublin, where huge crowds had gathered, before being interred in Glasnevin Cemetery.
Taoiseach Sean Lemass wrote to Wilson to express his appreciation. "The Irish people warmly welcomed your decision which, as I stated in the Dáil, represented yet another step towards the establishment of the closest and most friendly relations between the two countries."


theirishtimes--2020-11-23--Nasal flu vaccine may be extended to teens due to low take-up

Provision of the free nasal flu vaccine may be extended to teenagers due to low take-up among the target group of younger children .
With uptake rates at just 20 per cent among children aged two to 12 , consideration is being given to making the vaccine available to older children , according to former Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) president Ray Walley .
Mr Walley , a north Dublin GP , said discussions were ongoing between the HSE , the IMO and the Irish College of General Practitioners ( ICGP ) about making use of supplies by providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 years .
While no decisions have been made , he said : “ It we don ’ t get the take-up we need among the target group , access may need to be expanded.
” About 600,000 doses of live vaccine were ordered for children aged two to 12 under the new programme , announced by former minister for health Simon Harris last May .
Only 122,000 of these doses have been administered since October , but the HSE has said there may be a time lag between the time GPs administer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About 450,000 doses have been distributed but unused doses will start expiring in January if not administered by then .
Dr Walley said GPs were “ shocked ” at the lack of demand for the new vaccine , which he described as a “ no-brainer ” due to its proven efficacy and safety in other countries .
“ It ’ s safe and effective , it ’ s been in use internationally for almost 20 years and it ’ s easy to take , with no needle involved .
The vaccine protects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be at risk if children passed on a flu infection.
” There have been 41 deaths of children due to flu in the past decade in Ireland , and almost 5,000 hospitalisations .
While flu has yet to circulate in the community this winter , it is likely to cause major disruption when it does .
Anyone showing flu-like symptoms such as cough or fever – which are also Covid-19 symptoms – is required to quarantine pending a test , along with their contacts .

There have been 41 deaths of children due to flu in the past 10 years in Ireland, and almost 5,000 hospitalisations. Photograph: Thinkstock
Provision of the free nasal flu vaccine may be extended to teenagers due to low take-up among the target group of younger children.
With uptake rates at just 20 per cent among children aged two to 12, consideration is being given to making the vaccine available to older children, according to former Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) president Ray Walley.
Mr Walley, a north Dublin GP, said discussions were ongoing between the HSE, the IMO and the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) about making use of supplies by providing the vaccine to children aged up to 18 years.
Hospital Report
While no decisions have been made, he said: “It we don’t get the take-up we need among the target group, access may need to be expanded.”
READ MORE
About 600,000 doses of live vaccine were ordered for children aged two to 12 under the new programme, announced by former minister for health Simon Harris last May.
Only 122,000 of these doses have been administered since October, but the HSE has said there may be a time lag between the time GPs administer the vaccine and a claim being submitted.
Expiring in January
About 450,000 doses have been distributed but unused doses will start expiring in January if not administered by then.
Dr Walley said GPs were “shocked” at the lack of demand for the new vaccine, which he described as a “no-brainer” due to its proven efficacy and safety in other countries.
“It’s safe and effective, it’s been in use internationally for almost 20 years and it’s easy to take, with no needle involved. The vaccine protects children, and it protects others who might be at risk if children passed on a flu infection.”
There have been 41 deaths of children due to flu in the past decade in Ireland, and almost 5,000 hospitalisations.
While flu has yet to circulate in the community this winter, it is likely to cause major disruption when it does. Anyone showing flu-like symptoms such as cough or fever – which are also Covid-19 symptoms – is required to quarantine pending a test, along with their contacts.


theirishtimes--2020-11-23--Mental health supports ‘immediately’ needed for direct-provision residents

Mental-health supports and services are urgently needed for vulnerable people who continue to live in direct provision while the Government lays out plans for a new programme to replace the current system , a Limerick-based charity has said .
The Doras charity warned that unsuitable accommodation , delays in case processing , substance misuse and addiction , a lack of support services and the impact of Covid-19 are detrimentally affecting the mental health of people in direct provision .
In a report published today , the charity underlined the need for staff and management in direct-provision centres to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental-health needs of residents , including people “ at high risk of suicide ” .
Citing the example of a man who “ died by suicide ” in a direct-provision centre in Monaghan in August , the charity warned that more residents have expressed suicidal ideation during the Covid-19 pandemic .
The impact of Covid-19 on the lives of those in direct provision , including increased levels of isolation and the stigma associated with being an asylum seeker , is very concerning , notes the charity .
The report criticises the State for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provision in its Covid-19 response , noting that residents continue to share bedrooms and communal facilities .
The State ’ s failure to provide vulnerability assessments , “ despite having an obligation to do so ” since signing up to the European Union recast reception conditions directive in July 2018 , means people with pre-existing mental conditions are not being identified , says the report .
Accessible supports are also required for those suffering from substance misuse and addiction arising from “ forced idleness ” , including social exclusion , long-term unemployment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multilingual outreach services are needed to prevent the “ further traumatisation ” of people already suffering as a result of war , human trafficking , exploitation , grief or loss , Doras director John Lannon said .
“ We see too many cases of people who feel they have been abandoned with nowhere to turn for mental-health support , ” he said .
Mr Lannon commended the Government for it commitment to replacing the current system but noted that supports were needed “ immediately ” for vulnerable people .
While mainstream mental-health supports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many direct-provision residents are “ unaware , or unable to access , such services ” , he warned .
“ The problems are compounded by the lack of multilingual mental health services in Ireland , ” added Mr Lannon .
The report expressed concern that recommendations from GPs , psychiatric services and other health professionals were not being acted upon by some staff at centres .
It also warned that children with suicidal ideation , as reported by numerous bodies including the Ombudsman for Children ’ s office , is an ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms to be made available to at-risk residents and for the introduction of independent monitoring of centres from January 2021 .
A spokesman for the Department of Children and Equality said discussions were ongoing with the Health Service Executive regarding the introduction of vulnerability assessments before the end of 2020 .
The International Protection Accommodation Service takes account of any identified vulnerabilities when carrying out initial health assessments , said the spokesman .
“ Every effort is made to ensure that residents ’ specific needs are met , ” he said .
Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such cases are referred directly to the HSE and other agencies as appropriate.
” Health Information and Quality Authority inspections of direct-provision centres are due to begin early in 2021 , he added .

The Doras report criticises the State for failing to initially consider people in direct provision in its Covid-19 response, noting that residents continue to share bedrooms and communal facilities. Photograph: Alan Betson
Mental-health supports and services are urgently needed for vulnerable people who continue to live in direct provision while the Government lays out plans for a new programme to replace the current system, a Limerick-based charity has said.
The Doras charity warned that unsuitable accommodation, delays in case processing, substance misuse and addiction, a lack of support services and the impact of Covid-19 are detrimentally affecting the mental health of people in direct provision.
In a report published today, the charity underlined the need for staff and management in direct-provision centres to be able to “appropriately respond” to the mental-health needs of residents, including people “at high risk of suicide”.
Citing the example of a man who “died by suicide” in a direct-provision centre in Monaghan in August, the charity warned that more residents have expressed suicidal ideation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
READ MORE
The impact of Covid-19 on the lives of those in direct provision, including increased levels of isolation and the stigma associated with being an asylum seeker, is very concerning, notes the charity.
The report criticises the State for failing to initially consider people in direct provision in its Covid-19 response, noting that residents continue to share bedrooms and communal facilities.
The State’s failure to provide vulnerability assessments, “despite having an obligation to do so” since signing up to the European Union recast reception conditions directive in July 2018, means people with pre-existing mental conditions are not being identified, says the report.
Accessible supports are also required for those suffering from substance misuse and addiction arising from “forced idleness”, including social exclusion, long-term unemployment and trauma, it adds.
Targeted, multilingual outreach services are needed to prevent the “further traumatisation” of people already suffering as a result of war, human trafficking, exploitation, grief or loss, Doras director John Lannon said. “We see too many cases of people who feel they have been abandoned with nowhere to turn for mental-health support,” he said.
Mr Lannon commended the Government for it commitment to replacing the current system but noted that supports were needed “immediately” for vulnerable people.
While mainstream mental-health supports are in principle available to asylum seekers, many direct-provision residents are "unaware, or unable to access, such services", he warned. "The problems are compounded by the lack of multilingual mental health services in Ireland, " added Mr Lannon.
Suicidal ideation
The report expressed concern that recommendations from GPs, psychiatric services and other health professionals were not being acted upon by some staff at centres. It also warned that children with suicidal ideation, as reported by numerous bodies including the Ombudsman for Children’s office, is an ongoing problem.
The report calls for single rooms to be made available to at-risk residents and for the introduction of independent monitoring of centres from January 2021.
A spokesman for the Department of Children and Equality said discussions were ongoing with the Health Service Executive regarding the introduction of vulnerability assessments before the end of 2020.
The International Protection Accommodation Service takes account of any identified vulnerabilities when carrying out initial health assessments, said the spokesman.
“Every effort is made to ensure that residents’ specific needs are met,” he said. Where more intensive care needs are required, such cases are referred directly to the HSE and other agencies as appropriate.” Health Information and Quality Authority inspections of direct-provision centres are due to begin early in 2021, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-11-23--Children’s charity forced to cancel travel to foreign destinations

The Make-A-Wish children ’ s charity has accumulated a backlog of individual experiences to fulfil due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has forced it to completely overhaul the way it operates .
Since 1992 , Make-A-Wish Ireland has helped children with life-threatening medical conditions , many of whom do not survive their illness .
With no government funding , it is entirely reliant on public charity .
The organisation , which launches its Christmas appeal on Monday , estimates that by the end of the year it will have more than 200 seriously ill children waiting for their wishes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or reimagined in many cases due to the collapse in global travel .
“ We are not going to be granting the same wishes that we have in other years , ” said chief executive Susan O ’ Dwyer .
As well as the cancellation of foreign travel to favourite destinations such as Disney Land , volunteer work has been restricted and many of the ‘ wish packages ’ have been delivered to the homes of children for their parents to oversee .
Even replacement “ staycations ” have been derailed by Level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the charity has also dropped .
“ These children need us now more than ever because they live with this isolation on a regular basis because of their conditions .
Covid has exacerbated that , ” explained Ms O ’ Dwyer .
Clodagh Sweeney Marett , whose daughter Keri died last year on her 16th birthday , praises the experience her family had at a Dirty Dancing musical in Dublin last year .
Of Keri , she said : “ She loved music , princess stuff , she was a real girly-girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and singing to her.
” Keri had quadriplegic cerebral palsy and brain damage , and every detail of the experience had been thought through , her mother recalled , from nail painting in the hotel to a VIP compartment at the theatre , away from a potentially overwhelming crowd .
“ She absolutely loved every second of it .
Afterwards they arranged for us to meet the cast and they were so good to her , ” she said .
“ Even though she was severely special needs they communicated with her so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t think people realise how much it means to kids and their families .
We have memories beyond memories.
” This year , Make-A-Wish is hoping its Believe in Magic Christmas appeal will help them deliver the wishes of the more than 200 children still waiting .
It has drafted in the magician Keith Barry to help promote its online donations drive at makeawish.ie .

The Make-A-Wish children’s charity has accumulated a backlog of individual experiences to fulfil due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has forced it to completely overhaul the way it operates.
Since 1992, Make-A-Wish Ireland has helped children with life-threatening medical conditions, many of whom do not survive their illness. With no government funding, it is entirely reliant on public charity.
The organisation, which launches its Christmas appeal on Monday, estimates that by the end of the year it will have more than 200 seriously ill children waiting for their wishes to be granted, with plans either rescheduled or reimagined in many cases due to the collapse in global travel.
“We are not going to be granting the same wishes that we have in other years,” said chief executive Susan O’Dwyer.
READ MORE
As well as the cancellation of foreign travel to favourite destinations such as Disney Land, volunteer work has been restricted and many of the 'wish packages' have been delivered to the homes of children for their parents to oversee. Even replacement "staycations" have been derailed by Level 5 restrictions.
The number of applications to the charity has also dropped.
“These children need us now more than ever because they live with this isolation on a regular basis because of their conditions. Covid has exacerbated that,” explained Ms O’Dwyer.
Musical
Clodagh Sweeney Marett, whose daughter Keri died last year on her 16th birthday, praises the experience her family had at a Dirty Dancing musical in Dublin last year.
Of Keri, she said: “She loved music, princess stuff, she was a real girly-girl and she loved people talking to her and singing to her.”
Keri had quadriplegic cerebral palsy and brain damage, and every detail of the experience had been thought through, her mother recalled, from nail painting in the hotel to a VIP compartment at the theatre, away from a potentially overwhelming crowd.
“She absolutely loved every second of it. Afterwards they arranged for us to meet the cast and they were so good to her,” she said. “Even though she was severely special needs they communicated with her so well, like any other child.
“I don’t think people realise how much it means to kids and their families. We have memories beyond memories.”
This year, Make-A-Wish is hoping its Believe in Magic Christmas appeal will help them deliver the wishes of the more than 200 children still waiting.
It has drafted in the magician Keith Barry to help promote its online donations drive at makeawish.ie.


theirishtimes--2020-11-23--Dublin homelessness to cost €213m next year

The cost of providing homeless services in Dublin is expected to reach €213 million next year , an increase of more than €150 million since the crisis hit six years ago .
Dublin City Council is raising its budget for emergency accommodation and other services for homeless people by more than €22 million next year .
Spending on homeless services is the largest single element of the council ’ s €1.079 billion budget for 2021 , which will be presented to councillors this week .
The council ’ s 2015 budget for homelessness represented a substantial boost in funding after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with an increase from €45.8 million to €59.2 million .
The additional money was designed to address a sudden rise in homeless numbers , and an emerging trend of families presenting as homeless .
However , this proved insufficient , and by the end of 2015 more than €70 million had been spent , largely providing rooms in hostels and hotels .
In an attempt to resolve the problem , the council upped its budget for the following year to more than €91 million , but again this was not enough and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million .
The 2017 budget was €119 million – representing almost 15 per cent of the entire budget for running the city .
Again this proved inadequate , and by the end of the year €134 million had been spent .
Funding for homeless services for 2018 was set at €142 million , and €150 million in 2019 , but the largest increase was for this year , with a budget of €190 million .
However , the council projects that , due to additional costs , partially linked to the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , the final tally for 2020 will top €200 million for the first time .
Total losses and costs to the council ’ s revenues directly due to the pandemic are expected to exceed €33 million next year .
By the end of this year the pandemic will have hit the council ’ s coffers to the tune of just under €42 million .
The council is not expecting a rapid turnaround in its fortunes in 2021 , with costs associated with managing the pandemic in the city projected to exceed €11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely due to a the reduction in business activity in the city , both office and retail – to reach almost €22 million .
The largest losses are expected to be in parking meter collections , which are projected to drop by more than €12 million .
Tolls from the East Link bridge are expected to be down €1.9 million , leisure centre charges down almost €1.6 million , clamping charges €1 million and planning application fees down €500,000 .
Council chief executive Owen Keegan said the pandemic was “ having a disproportionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly the city centre .
“ The pandemic has also provided an extraordinary boost to remote working and encouraged the wholesale relocation of what were previously city centre-based employees to the detriment of its economy and a boost to online retail activity , again to the detriment of physical retail activity .
”

The Simon Community serving food and hot drinks to homeless people and rough sleepers on St Stephen’s Green in Dublin, 2017. Photograph: Dave Meehan
The cost of providing homeless services in Dublin is expected to reach €213 million next year, an increase of more than €150 million since the crisis hit six years ago.
Dublin City Council is raising its budget for emergency accommodation and other services for homeless people by more than €22 million next year. Spending on homeless services is the largest single element of the council's €1.079 billion budget for 2021, which will be presented to councillors this week.
The council’s 2015 budget for homelessness represented a substantial boost in funding after several years of cuts to the service, with an increase from €45.8 million to €59.2 million. The additional money was designed to address a sudden rise in homeless numbers, and an emerging trend of families presenting as homeless.
However, this proved insufficient, and by the end of 2015 more than €70 million had been spent, largely providing rooms in hostels and hotels.
READ MORE
In an attempt to resolve the problem, the council upped its budget for the following year to more than €91 million, but again this was not enough and the eventual spend for 2016 topped €103 million.
The 2017 budget was €119 million – representing almost 15 per cent of the entire budget for running the city. Again this proved inadequate, and by the end of the year €134 million had been spent. Funding for homeless services for 2018 was set at €142 million, and €150 million in 2019, but the largest increase was for this year, with a budget of €190 million.
However, the council projects that, due to additional costs, partially linked to the coronavirus pandemic, including the need to provide full-day services, the final tally for 2020 will top €200 million for the first time.
Council losses
Total losses and costs to the council’s revenues directly due to the pandemic are expected to exceed €33 million next year.
By the end of this year the pandemic will have hit the council’s coffers to the tune of just under €42 million. The council is not expecting a rapid turnaround in its fortunes in 2021, with costs associated with managing the pandemic in the city projected to exceed €11 million and the loss of income – largely due to a the reduction in business activity in the city, both office and retail – to reach almost €22 million.
The largest losses are expected to be in parking meter collections, which are projected to drop by more than €12 million. Tolls from the East Link bridge are expected to be down €1.9 million, leisure centre charges down almost €1.6 million, clamping charges €1 million and planning application fees down €500,000.
Council chief executive Owen Keegan said the pandemic was "having a disproportionate impact on the economy of Dublin", particularly the city centre.
“The pandemic has also provided an extraordinary boost to remote working and encouraged the wholesale relocation of what were previously city centre-based employees to the detriment of its economy and a boost to online retail activity, again to the detriment of physical retail activity.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-23--Ballet schools push for official pirouette on ‘unfair’ Covid restrictions

“ Alice , can you put the cat down now ?
” ballet teacher Miss Rita asks as music begins for pliés .
The young student is waltzing around her living room cradling her cat .
Such are the opportunities for distraction when lessons are conducted via video link .
Movement is restricted to what can be done within a small space at home and what is visible to Miss Rita and her assistants on a Zoom video thumbnail .
Coffee tables have been pushed aside , rugs rolled up and younger siblings begged and bribed to stay clear of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the age of the pandemic .
The Metropolitan School of Dance , which operates from six locations across Dublin and Kildare , had been reopened for just a week when Level 3 restrictions came into force in the capital on September 18th .
“ We were so excited about getting back to work , ” school principal Maireád Langan said .
“ I had planned for the possibility of more restrictions and a return to Zoom ; I just didn ’ t realise it would happen a week after reopening.
” While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with public health guidelines , many feel the industry has been unfairly treated or overlooked .
Outdoor sports training for school-aged children in groups of 15 can continue under Level 5 , but in-person dance lessons are not permitted under Level 3. while gyms can remain open for individual training at that level .
These , according to Langan , are “ inconsistencies ” .
“ I don ’ t want to knock the GAA – they do a great job – but not everybody is interested in sport , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students would probably prefer to run around a pitch than point their toes at a screen .
Video classes were manageable for a while , but she did not anticipate sustaining the arrangement for months on end .
As this term draws to a close , she is worried some students will choose not to enrol again come January .
“ It is really important that I can give my students some form of continuity .
If we are back to Level 3 , I don ’ t know if they will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as this is the passion of my life , this is also my business … I am trying to put a positive spin on this , but I really just don ’ t know what to do.
” The Irish Ballet Teachers Association ( IBTA ) was formed this year to push for over 250 private ballet schools and youth companies to be considered as education providers when it comes to Covid-19 restrictions .
The organisation is a necessary campaigning tool , according to its chairwoman , and owner of the Corrib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hayes , as dance teachers do not fall under the jurisdiction of either Sports Ireland or the Department of Education .
Hayes says private schools are being unfairly penalised .
Dance has been allowed to continue in school PE and in the youth work sector , under guidance published by the Department of Children , which “ recognises the importance of the youth work sector ” but explicitly excludes classes provided by private or commercial operators .
“ We view ourselves as educators ... Recognising us under the educational framework , as is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the specialist teaching we do .
“ People seem to have no idea how many children we cater to .
Arts are not getting the same sort of look-in as the GAA or gyms.
” She says there is “ no scientific evidence to say that what we are proposing is any more dangerous than adults training at the gym … The problem is if we don ’ t open under Level 3 then we might not open at all ” .
A spokesman for the Department of the Arts said the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every sector , including dance , will be considered carefully ” when decisions are being made by Government for restrictions after December 1st .

“Alice, can you put the cat down now?” ballet teacher Miss Rita asks as music begins for pliés.
The young student is waltzing around her living room cradling her cat. Such are the opportunities for distraction when lessons are conducted via video link.
Movement is restricted to what can be done within a small space at home and what is visible to Miss Rita and her assistants on a Zoom video thumbnail.
Coffee tables have been pushed aside, rugs rolled up and younger siblings begged and bribed to stay clear of makeshift studios.
READ MORE
This is ballet class in the age of the pandemic.
The Metropolitan School of Dance, which operates from six locations across Dublin and Kildare, had been reopened for just a week when Level 3 restrictions came into force in the capital on September 18th.
“We were so excited about getting back to work,” school principal Maireád Langan said. “I had planned for the possibility of more restrictions and a return to Zoom; I just didn’t realise it would happen a week after reopening.”
While ballet teachers understand the need to comply with public health guidelines, many feel the industry has been unfairly treated or overlooked.
Outdoor sports training for school-aged children in groups of 15 can continue under Level 5, but in-person dance lessons are not permitted under Level 3. while gyms can remain open for individual training at that level. These, according to Langan, are “inconsistencies” .
“I don’t want to knock the GAA – they do a great job – but not everybody is interested in sport,” she said, while adding that some of her students would probably prefer to run around a pitch than point their toes at a screen.
Positive spin
Video classes were manageable for a while, but she did not anticipate sustaining the arrangement for months on end. As this term draws to a close, she is worried some students will choose not to enrol again come January.
“It is really important that I can give my students some form of continuity. If we are back to Level 3, I don’t know if they will continue with me after Christmas.
“As much as this is the passion of my life, this is also my business … I am trying to put a positive spin on this, but I really just don’t know what to do.”
The Irish Ballet Teachers Association (IBTA) was formed this year to push for over 250 private ballet schools and youth companies to be considered as education providers when it comes to Covid-19 restrictions.
The organisation is a necessary campaigning tool, according to its chairwoman, and owner of the Corrib Dance Academy in Co Galway, Phyllis Hayes, as dance teachers do not fall under the jurisdiction of either Sports Ireland or the Department of Education.
Unfairly penalised
Hayes says private schools are being unfairly penalised. Dance has been allowed to continue in school PE and in the youth work sector, under guidance published by the Department of Children, which “recognises the importance of the youth work sector” but explicitly excludes classes provided by private or commercial operators.
“We view ourselves as educators ... Recognising us under the educational framework, as is done in the UK, would acknowledge the specialist teaching we do.
“People seem to have no idea how many children we cater to. Arts are not getting the same sort of look-in as the GAA or gyms.”
She says there is “no scientific evidence to say that what we are proposing is any more dangerous than adults training at the gym … The problem is if we don’t open under Level 3 then we might not open at all”.
A spokesman for the Department of the Arts said the “impact of any and all restrictions for every sector, including dance, will be considered carefully” when decisions are being made by Government for restrictions after December 1st.


theirishtimes--2020-11-23--Co Cork site chosen for Ireland-France cable station

A site near Carrigtwohill in east Co Cork has been selected by EirGrid as the place to build a converter station for the proposed Ireland-France Celtic Interconnector .
The converter station at Ballyadam will be a key component of the almost €1 billion project to link the Irish and French electricity grids .
The interconnector will allow 700MW of electricity to flow between the countries , enough to power about 450,000 homes .
The project will also include a fibre optic link for high speed telecommunications .
EirGrid , the operator of Ireland ’ s electricty grid , is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site completes the public consultation and selection process for the interconnector ’ s land route in the State .
The interconnector will link Pontusval in Brittany with Claycastle beach , which is south of Youghal .
From Calycastle , it will follow the N25 Wexford to Cork road , passing via Killeagh and Castlemartyr , before veering north at Midleton to Ballyadam , a distance of about 34km .
The Ballyadam site is on land owned by the IDA and is situated between the N25 and the the Cork to Midleton rail line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US pharmaceutical giant Amgen , which abandoned plans to move there in 2010 .
The station will convert direct current electricity from the interconnector into alternating current electricity , which will be fed into the national grid at a substation at Knockraha , some 10km from Ballyadam .
All 44km of cables are to be laid underground .
East Cork TD David Stanton said he was satisfied with the proposal and that a significant fund would be set up to deliver a “ community benefit ” to the towns along the route .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping it would bypass the towns of Killeagh and Castlemartyr , rather than digging up roads and footpaths that had recently been laid .
The Celtic Interconnector will provide a link for Ireland ’ s grid to the EU networks after Britain ’ s exit from the EU is completed .
When operational in 2026 , it is hoped the connection will help bring cheaper domestic electricity prices , given rates are lower in France .
It is also hoped that Ireland will be able to use the interconnector to export renewable energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mark Foley , EirGrid ’ s chief executive , said more than 1,000 responses were received to the most recent public consultation on the project .

The interconnector will allow 700MW of electricity to flow between the countries, enough to power about 450,000 homes. Photograph: iStock
A site near Carrigtwohill in east Co Cork has been selected by EirGrid as the place to build a converter station for the proposed Ireland-France Celtic Interconnector.
The converter station at Ballyadam will be a key component of the almost €1 billion project to link the Irish and French electricity grids.
The interconnector will allow 700MW of electricity to flow between the countries, enough to power about 450,000 homes. The project will also include a fibre optic link for high speed telecommunications.
EirGrid, the operator of Ireland’s electricty grid, is expected to announce on Monday that the Ballyadam site completes the public consultation and selection process for the interconnector’s land route in the State.
READ MORE
The interconnector will link Pontusval in Brittany with Claycastle beach, which is south of Youghal. From Calycastle, it will follow the N25 Wexford to Cork road, passing via Killeagh and Castlemartyr, before veering north at Midleton to Ballyadam, a distance of about 34km.
The Ballyadam site is on land owned by the IDA and is situated between the N25 and the the Cork to Midleton rail line. It had previously been reserved for US pharmaceutical giant Amgen, which abandoned plans to move there in 2010.
The station will convert direct current electricity from the interconnector into alternating current electricity, which will be fed into the national grid at a substation at Knockraha, some 10km from Ballyadam. All 44km of cables are to be laid underground.
Community benefit
East Cork TD David Stanton said he was satisfied with the proposal and that a significant fund would be set up to deliver a “community benefit” to the towns along the route.
However, he said he was still hoping it would bypass the towns of Killeagh and Castlemartyr, rather than digging up roads and footpaths that had recently been laid.
The Celtic Interconnector will provide a link for Ireland’s grid to the EU networks after Britain’s exit from the EU is completed.
When operational in 2026, it is hoped the connection will help bring cheaper domestic electricity prices, given rates are lower in France. It is also hoped that Ireland will be able to use the interconnector to export renewable energy that the State is unable to store.
Mark Foley, EirGrid’s chief executive, said more than 1,000 responses were received to the most recent public consultation on the project.


theirishtimes--2020-11-23--How to tell whether handmade Irish goods are genuine

Even if you have spent the last 10 months hiding under a rock – and let ’ s face it , that is where many of us would like to have been during the Great Unpleasantness – you may be aware there have been many calls for consumers to show their support for local businesses by shopping closer to home in the run-up to Christmas .
The arguments are hard to refute , we would go as far as to say they are impossible to refute .
To recap , shopping locally rather than on websites based overseas will keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow more money to circulate in the economy and lessen the environmental damage done by an endless stream of parcels and presents flying across the world .
But sometimes it can be hard to determine what is actually local and what is actually Irish .
Does an website that ends with the letters .ie mean it is an Irish website ?
No .
Does a Tricolour draped over a brand ’ s masthead guarantee it is Irish ?
No .
We have come across many sites and shops – both online and off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and handmade artisan products that you ’ d think Ireland ’ s retail space was entirely populated by comely maidens and sean-nós singers in flat caps packing boxes full of Christmas treats while the Walls of Limerick played to a bodhrán beat driven by Peig Sayers booms over our hand-hewn speakers from the Wild Atlantic Way .
Labelling laws in this country – and indeed in most countries – continue to be woollier than an Aran jumper , which means unscrupulous manufacturers and retailers can , if they so choose , get away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Does natural mean anything ?
Or homemade ?
Or handmade ?
Or farm fresh ?
Or even local ?
Is there a definition for local ?
Not really .
You might think it means within 20 or 30km of you home or even on the island of Ireland – and that is what it should mean – but it is not defined in law which means it can be abused which is why you need to have your wits about you .
Luckily , there are people who can help us to navigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we do want to shop local we can .
Ann Chapman is a jewellery designer and owner of Stonechat Jewellers and has been making handmade , contemporary jewellery from a base in Dublin since 2012 .
She has been doing her homework in recent weeks and got in touch with Pricewatch with a plea for people to look behind the labels to ensure that they are buying products which are “ authentically Irish made or handmade in Ireland ” .
She says that “ clarity on the origin and make up of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Standards are vague and labelling is often misleading .
By understanding the terms involved and knowing what labels to search for , you can buy 100 per cent Irish-made or 100 per cent handmade or both ” .
She says that “ just because a product has an Irish flag sticker does not mean it is made in Ireland .
These stickers are actually not regulated , so many companies use them as a ‘ feel-good ’ tactic ” .
She advises people to always check out a company ’ s website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of origin on their website , product packaging , or other materials .
Check their ‘ about us ’ or ‘ company story ’ pages .
For companies who truly source and manufacture their products in Ireland , they will most likely talk about this , ” she says .
If the information is not sufficiently clear then she encourages consumers to simply ask the question .
“ If brands are not clear anywhere online or in other materials about where their products are made , ask them .
Not only if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is it 100 per cent made in Ireland.
” She also has advice on how to establish when and if a product is actually handmade and stresses the importance of making the right checks .
“ When we buy handmade we are helping to ensure traditional making skills are kept alive and , in the long term , creating a demand for education in these skills .
Handmade is a celebration of our living culture and our craft skills .
Each handmade item is about people and the time and effort that goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about the design talent as well as the technical skills of the craft maker.
” Based on Unesco ’ s definition , handmade means that the “ manual contribution of the artisan ” must be “ the most substantial component of the finished product ” .
Lots of items are incorrectly labelled handmade though and here are some tips to tell the difference .
Chapman says that for something to be handmade it has to be made by hand – obviously – or by a hand process , using a machine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sewing machine by hand but not a factory-level sewing machine .
“ It involves a degree of craftsmanship and implies that a handmade item is typically of higher quality than one mass produced on a production line.
” She suggests people check a brand ’ s social media and website and says : “ If it ’ s handmade you will see the creative and making process shown .
And read the fine print – does it say handmade or assembled or designed in Ireland – all three mean different things.
” She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ label “ look for the story of the artisan who made the product .
Online shopping has made this easier than ever as it has become a point of pride for brands if it ’ s handmade and don ’ t get confused by long stories on social about it being made with love or other generalities – this can obscure the truth .
If it ’ s handmade , the make up and workshop images will be there on their wall ” .
She says there are multiple benefits of shopping with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You get high-quality items that are built to last – handmade items have longevity .
Artisans have pride in their work and want it to last .
Even the materials are hand-picked by an individual with pride in their craft and the finished product.
” And of course there is customisation .
“ Since each and every item is made by hand , and you are usually talking directly to the person making it , you can tweak the colour or size of something you are interested in , or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to your own specification .
You gain a unique connection with an artisan .
You can be in direct contact with the person who made the item with their own hands , ” she says .
There is also the environment .
“ Handmade items aren ’ t made in a waste-producing factory and shipped halfway around the world using fuel and energy .
Buying handmade – especially really locally – can greatly reduce your carbon footprint on the world.
” And who wouldn ’ t want to do that ?

Even if you have spent the last 10 months hiding under a rock – and let’s face it, that is where many of us would like to have been during the Great Unpleasantness – you may be aware there have been many calls for consumers to show their support for local businesses by shopping closer to home in the run-up to Christmas.
The arguments are hard to refute, we would go as far as to say they are impossible to refute.
To recap, shopping locally rather than on websites based overseas will keep Irish businesses open, save jobs, allow more money to circulate in the economy and lessen the environmental damage done by an endless stream of parcels and presents flying across the world.
But sometimes it can be hard to determine what is actually local and what is actually Irish. Does an website that ends with the letters .ie mean it is an Irish website? No. Does a Tricolour draped over a brand’s masthead guarantee it is Irish? No.
READ MORE
We have come across many sites and shops – both online and off – claiming to sell "traditional" and handmade artisan products that you'd think Ireland's retail space was entirely populated by comely maidens and sean-nós singers in flat caps packing boxes full of Christmas treats while the Walls of Limerick played to a bodhrán beat driven by Peig Sayers booms over our hand-hewn speakers from the Wild Atlantic Way.
Tall tales
Labelling laws in this country – and indeed in most countries – continue to be woollier than an Aran jumper, which means unscrupulous manufacturers and retailers can, if they so choose, get away with the most outrageously tall tales.
Does natural mean anything? Or homemade? Or handmade? Or farm fresh? Or even local? Is there a definition for local? Not really. You might think it means within 20 or 30km of you home or even on the island of Ireland – and that is what it should mean – but it is not defined in law which means it can be abused which is why you need to have your wits about you.
Luckily, there are people who can help us to navigate the maze of marketing to ensure that if we do want to shop local we can.
Ann Chapman is a jewellery designer and owner of Stonechat Jewellers and has been making handmade, contemporary jewellery from a base in Dublin since 2012. She has been doing her homework in recent weeks and got in touch with Pricewatch with a plea for people to look behind the labels to ensure that they are buying products which are "authentically Irish made or handmade in Ireland".
She says that “clarity on the origin and make up of some products continues to be an issue. Standards are vague and labelling is often misleading. By understanding the terms involved and knowing what labels to search for, you can buy 100 per cent Irish-made or 100 per cent handmade or both”.
She says that “just because a product has an Irish flag sticker does not mean it is made in Ireland. These stickers are actually not regulated, so many companies use them as a ‘feel-good’ tactic”.
She advises people to always check out a company’s website. “Try to find the country of origin on their website, product packaging, or other materials. Check their ‘about us’ or ‘company story’ pages. For companies who truly source and manufacture their products in Ireland, they will most likely talk about this,” she says.
If the information is not sufficiently clear then she encourages consumers to simply ask the question. “If brands are not clear anywhere online or in other materials about where their products are made, ask them. Not only if it’s made in Ireland, but is it 100 per cent made in Ireland.”
She also has advice on how to establish when and if a product is actually handmade and stresses the importance of making the right checks.
“When we buy handmade we are helping to ensure traditional making skills are kept alive and, in the long term, creating a demand for education in these skills. Handmade is a celebration of our living culture and our craft skills. Each handmade item is about people and the time and effort that goes into each piece of work. It’s about the design talent as well as the technical skills of the craft maker.”
Tips
Based on Unesco’s definition, handmade means that the “manual contribution of the artisan” must be “the most substantial component of the finished product”. Lots of items are incorrectly labelled handmade though and here are some tips to tell the difference.
Chapman says that for something to be handmade it has to be made by hand – obviously – or by a hand process, using a machine by hand, for example, a sewing machine by hand but not a factory-level sewing machine . “It involves a degree of craftsmanship and implies that a handmade item is typically of higher quality than one mass produced on a production line.”
She suggests people check a brand’s social media and website and says: “If it’s handmade you will see the creative and making process shown. And read the fine print – does it say handmade or assembled or designed in Ireland – all three mean different things.”
She adds that if a product has no label “look for the story of the artisan who made the product. Online shopping has made this easier than ever as it has become a point of pride for brands if it’s handmade and don’t get confused by long stories on social about it being made with love or other generalities – this can obscure the truth. If it’s handmade, the make up and workshop images will be there on their wall”.
She says there are multiple benefits of shopping with local artisans including the well-established economic benefits. “You get high-quality items that are built to last – handmade items have longevity. Artisans have pride in their work and want it to last. Even the materials are hand-picked by an individual with pride in their craft and the finished product.”
And of course there is customisation. “Since each and every item is made by hand, and you are usually talking directly to the person making it, you can tweak the colour or size of something you are interested in, or even get a fully commissioned custom order made up to your own specification. You gain a unique connection with an artisan. You can be in direct contact with the person who made the item with their own hands,” she says.
There is also the environment. “Handmade items aren’t made in a waste-producing factory and shipped halfway around the world using fuel and energy. Buying handmade – especially really locally – can greatly reduce your carbon footprint on the world.”
And who wouldn’t want to do that?


theirishtimes--2020-11-22--Community crime reduction model should be rolled out nationwide, report states

A pilot project which allows disadvantaged communities to collectively highlight issues of crime and anti-social behaviour should be rolled out nationwide , according an evaluation report .
The Community Crime Impact Assessment ( CCIA ) tool allows communities to report issues collectively to the Garda and local authorities , instead of relying solely on individuals to report crimes .
In areas where people are subject to harassment or intimidation for going to the Garda , the CCIA mechanism gives communities “ safety in numbers ” and allows problems to be identified and addressed , according to the assessment by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched today .
The tool has been piloted in areas of Dublin 8 and Dublin 15 over the last three years .
Feedback has been positive , with residents feeling more engaged in their communities as initiatives taken to improve the quality of live in such areas .
These includes reducing drug dealing , drug debt intimidation , joyriding and littering , Citywide said .
The evaluation recommends CCIAs be introduced in other areas “ as part of a package of measures to build individual and community resilience ” .
“ Most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persistent daily events often associated with drug-related activities and general anti-social behaviour because they are either afraid of reprisal from those involved , or because they feel that their complaints are not important or will not be treated seriously by authorities , ” said Anna Quigley of Citywide .
“ As a result , these widespread experiences , which corrode community quality of life , are continuously downplayed or ignored .
This has a really damaging impact on the fabric of a community.
” As well as giving people “ strength in numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as residents ’ associations and encourages problemsolving approaches to social problems , it said .
The CCIA mechanism has three stages .
First , residents are surveyed about crime and drug problems in their area .
This data is then fed into a problem-solving group made up of gardaí , local authorities and other State organisations , such as the HSE , which implements initiatives to address the issues .
Lastly , the effectiveness of the response is monitored over time “ so that difficulties that people are living with are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin 8 pilot , residents who were surveyed complained of a wide range of problems including drug debt intimidation , young people gathering for organised fights and racist abuse of shop staff .
Robberies from shops was also a major issue .
One shop in the area was subjected to six armed robberies in one year .
In response , the Garda re-established a local drugs unit and stepped up community policing patrols .
Gardaí also made contact with local businesses so issues could be reported more efficiently .
A similar survey was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents raised the issue of dumping and littering .
This led to a clean-up of the area by the council which had the added benefit of reducing joyriding in the area .
CCIAs are also effective at communicating issues which might not constitute crimes but are impacting quality of life in the area , for example loud parties at night , the report said .
Citywide said the implementation of CCIAs must be supported by the Policing Authority and by community policing efforts .
“ The value of visible , accessible , friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people affected by anti-social behaviour and crime may discretely bring matters to police attention in the context of a casual conversation on the street corner or in a shop , minimising the risk of reprisal , ” the report stated .

A pilot project found one shop in the Dublin 8 area was subjected to six armed robberies in one year.
A pilot project which allows disadvantaged communities to collectively highlight issues of crime and anti-social behaviour should be rolled out nationwide, according an evaluation report.
The Community Crime Impact Assessment (CCIA) tool allows communities to report issues collectively to the Garda and local authorities, instead of relying solely on individuals to report crimes.
In areas where people are subject to harassment or intimidation for going to the Garda, the CCIA mechanism gives communities "safety in numbers" and allows problems to be identified and addressed, according to the assessment by the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign which is being launched today.
The tool has been piloted in areas of Dublin 8 and Dublin 15 over the last three years. Feedback has been positive, with residents feeling more engaged in their communities as initiatives taken to improve the quality of live in such areas.
READ MORE
These includes reducing drug dealing, drug debt intimidation, joyriding and littering, Citywide said.
The evaluation recommends CCIAs be introduced in other areas “as part of a package of measures to build individual and community resilience”.
"Most people don't report the ongoing and persistent daily events often associated with drug-related activities and general anti-social behaviour because they are either afraid of reprisal from those involved, or because they feel that their complaints are not important or will not be treated seriously by authorities," said Anna Quigley of Citywide.
“As a result, these widespread experiences, which corrode community quality of life, are continuously downplayed or ignored. This has a really damaging impact on the fabric of a community.”
As well as giving people “strength in numbers”, CCIAs strengthen existing community structures such as residents’ associations and encourages problemsolving approaches to social problems, it said.
The CCIA mechanism has three stages. First, residents are surveyed about crime and drug problems in their area. This data is then fed into a problem-solving group made up of gardaí, local authorities and other State organisations, such as the HSE, which implements initiatives to address the issues.
Lastly, the effectiveness of the response is monitored over time “so that difficulties that people are living with are not forgotten or ignored”.
In the Dublin 8 pilot, residents who were surveyed complained of a wide range of problems including drug debt intimidation, young people gathering for organised fights and racist abuse of shop staff.
Robberies from shops was also a major issue. One shop in the area was subjected to six armed robberies in one year.
In response, the Garda re-established a local drugs unit and stepped up community policing patrols. Gardaí also made contact with local businesses so issues could be reported more efficiently.
A similar survey was carried out in Dublin 15, where residents raised the issue of dumping and littering. This led to a clean-up of the area by the council which had the added benefit of reducing joyriding in the area.
CCIAs are also effective at communicating issues which might not constitute crimes but are impacting quality of life in the area, for example loud parties at night, the report said.
Citywide said the implementation of CCIAs must be supported by the Policing Authority and by community policing efforts.
“The value of visible, accessible, friendly gardaí in disadvantaged communities is undeniable in that people affected by anti-social behaviour and crime may discretely bring matters to police attention in the context of a casual conversation on the street corner or in a shop, minimising the risk of reprisal,” the report stated.


theirishtimes--2020-11-22--Proposed new housing system for asylum seekers ‘not workable’, says housing department

The own-door accommodation system proposed by the Government expert group to replace direct provision is “ not workable or implementable ” and risks having “ a significant negative affect ” on the ability of homeless people to access housing , the department of housing has warned .
The Department of Housing , Planning and Local Government has said it has “ significant concerns ” around the system proposed by the expert group led by Dr Catherine Day which has called for a mandatory obligation to be placed on all local authorities to source own-door accommodation for asylum seekers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October , calls for the new asylum system to replace direct provision to be fully implemented by mid-2023 .
Its findings will inform a Government white paper which is scheduled for publication before the end of this year .
In its observations of the expert group ’ s report published on the Department of Justice website , the housing department says local authorities will be unable to find accommodation for asylum seekers given the lack of stock available to the general public .
It accuses the advisory group of failing to “ effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department ’ s June submission and warns the proposed system “ has the potential to cut across and impact negatively on a range of other Government commitments to other vulnerable groups ” .
The expert group ’ s proposals that accommodation be supplied by local authorities from a “ severely constrained supply ” is “ unrealistic ” , it argues .
Additional pressure on the Housing Assistance Payment ( HAP ) would have “ a very serious impact ” across the entire housing budget and “ would inevitably lead to rental inflation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a situation where homeless families and people are competing for accommodation with people coming from direct provision , leaving more people homeless and in emergency accommodation , it adds .
The department states it is “ fully supportive ” of the group ’ s efforts to tackle the asylum issue but that securing housing for people leaving direct provision and moving into private rental accommodation is already a challenge .
The two-and-a-half year timeframe for clearing the existing backlog of people leaving the system and awaiting housing is “ overly ambitious ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people will be relocated out of private rental accommodation if they receive leave to remain is “ built on a false premise ” , it says , adding that people may not be willing to leave having settled and integrated into the local community .
It also expressed concerns that those served with deportation orders but who continue to avail of housing for a period before leaving the country would build up arrears and could “ resist tenancy termination ” .
The Day report ’ s proposals are “ almost exclusively dependent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered workable or implementable without having a significant negative affect on the ability of other cohorts , such as homeless people , to access housing in a severely constrained housing market ” , it writes .
If the proposals are implemented , local authorities will have to use their own stock “ which was meant for social housing applicants ” , it states .
Introducing thousands of asylum seekers into the private housing market , where 68,000 households are already on the housing list , could “ foreseeably have a displacement effect ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in rented accommodation , it adds .
The department notes that local authorities are already providing supports to refugees granted international protection or leave to remain and who are seeking housing after leaving the direct provision system .
It recommends that the Government prioritise a “ blended solution ” combining “ new build appropriately scaled direct provision centres ” with vacant housing .
In the event of a surge in asylum applications , housing could be supplemented “ on an exceptional basis ” through the private rental market .
The housing department argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff should be responsible for housing asylum seekers when the direct provision portfolio has been transferred to the Department of Children and Equality .
In its report , the expert group notes on a number of occasions that a whole-of-government approach is needed to ensure the system which replaces direct provision succeeds .
Asked last week to comment on the lack of housing stock nationwide , Dr Day said she recognised it would “ take time for local authorities to build up housing ” but that housing pressure was not the same in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe with close co-operation between local authorities , NGOs and local communities it can be done ” .

The expert group led by Dr Catherine Day has called for a mandatory obligation to be placed on all local authorities to source own-door accommodation for asylum seekers. File photograph: Alan Betson
The own-door accommodation system proposed by the Government expert group to replace direct provision is “not workable or implementable” and risks having “a significant negative affect” on the ability of homeless people to access housing, the department of housing has warned.
The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has said it has “significant concerns” around the system proposed by the expert group led by Dr Catherine Day which has called for a mandatory obligation to be placed on all local authorities to source own-door accommodation for asylum seekers.
The group’s report, published in October, calls for the new asylum system to replace direct provision to be fully implemented by mid-2023. Its findings will inform a Government white paper which is scheduled for publication before the end of this year.
In its observations of the expert group’s report published on the Department of Justice website, the housing department says local authorities will be unable to find accommodation for asylum seekers given the lack of stock available to the general public.
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It accuses the advisory group of failing to "effectively address" the issues laid out in the department's June submission and warns the proposed system "has the potential to cut across and impact negatively on a range of other Government commitments to other vulnerable groups".
The expert group’s proposals that accommodation be supplied by local authorities from a “severely constrained supply” is “unrealistic”, it argues.
Additional pressure on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) would have “a very serious impact” across the entire housing budget and “would inevitably lead to rental inflation”.
The proposed system will also create a situation where homeless families and people are competing for accommodation with people coming from direct provision, leaving more people homeless and in emergency accommodation, it adds.
The department states it is “fully supportive” of the group’s efforts to tackle the asylum issue but that securing housing for people leaving direct provision and moving into private rental accommodation is already a challenge. The two-and-a-half year timeframe for clearing the existing backlog of people leaving the system and awaiting housing is “overly ambitious”, it notes.
The suggestion that people will be relocated out of private rental accommodation if they receive leave to remain is “built on a false premise”, it says, adding that people may not be willing to leave having settled and integrated into the local community.
It also expressed concerns that those served with deportation orders but who continue to avail of housing for a period before leaving the country would build up arrears and could “resist tenancy termination”.
The Day report’s proposals are “almost exclusively dependent on the private market, and are not considered workable or implementable without having a significant negative affect on the ability of other cohorts, such as homeless people, to access housing in a severely constrained housing market”, it writes.
If the proposals are implemented, local authorities will have to use their own stock “which was meant for social housing applicants”, it states.
Introducing thousands of asylum seekers into the private housing market, where 68,000 households are already on the housing list, could “foreseeably have a displacement effect” for low to medium income families currently in rented accommodation, it adds.
The department notes that local authorities are already providing supports to refugees granted international protection or leave to remain and who are seeking housing after leaving the direct provision system.
It recommends that the Government prioritise a “blended solution” combining “new build appropriately scaled direct provision centres” with vacant housing. In the event of a surge in asylum applications, housing could be supplemented “on an exceptional basis” through the private rental market.
The housing department argues it is “unclear” why its staff should be responsible for housing asylum seekers when the direct provision portfolio has been transferred to the Department of Children and Equality. In its report, the expert group notes on a number of occasions that a whole-of-government approach is needed to ensure the system which replaces direct provision succeeds.
Asked last week to comment on the lack of housing stock nationwide, Dr Day said she recognised it would "take time for local authorities to build up housing" but that housing pressure was not the same in every county in Ireland. "We believe with close co-operation between local authorities, NGOs and local communities it can be done".


theirishtimes--2020-11-22--Department warned HSE about ViraPro two weeks before recall

The HSE was warned by the Department of Agriculture about the ViraPro hand sanitiser more than a fortnight before it was officially recalled from schools and healthcare facilities .
The Department of Education recalled the hand sanitiser , which can cause adverse health issues , on October 22nd before schools were to close for the Halloween break .
It emerged on Sunday that a Department of Agriculture official emailed the HSE on October 7th to “ strongly advise removing all ViraPro Sanitiser Product you currently have in use.
” The email was obtained by RTE under the Freedom of Information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was purported to have 70 per cent ethanol content , were found to contain methanol , a chemical which can , with prolonged use , cause nausea , dermatitis , eye irritation , upper respiratory tract irritation and headaches .
Another email obtained by RTÉ , dated September 29th , shows a member of the HSE ’ s procurement team contacted an official in the Department of Agriculture about a “ follow up on the ViraPro issue.
” The department , which is the State ’ s licensing authority for approving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the HSE on October 8th ordering that the products be detained in warehouses where the sanitiser was stored .
The recall notice was not issued until more than two weeks later .
The department has said that the initial advisory notice in early October was made only to the HSE after preliminary tests results on samples of the HSE ’ s supply .
The HSE has said it quarantined all stock on the back of this notice and took no further action until test results were available .
It has said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manner .
It was previously reported that testing by the department had carried out on samples taken at different storage locations between September 30th and October 2nd .
Indicative results on October 8th showed the product should not be on the market , while final results on October 16th demonstrated that the product was not alcohol-based .
The product was removed from the register of approved biocides on October 20th .
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has admitted his department should have issued a public alert and informed other Government departments , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it learned on October 16th that ViraPro did not meet the standards of approval .
The minister has said that he was only informed of an issue about the hand sanitiser on October 22nd , the same day the schools were alerted with the warning around its use .
The Department of Agriculture licensed ViraPro , which is made in Turkey , on April 21st , based on the written documentation that it contained 70 per cent alcohol .
The HSE has said it purchased about 3.8 million units of ViraPro at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the the Turkish supplier ’ s products first surfaced in Ireland in late September when the European anti-fraud agency OLAF alerted the Revenue .
This led to consignments of the sanitiser being impounded and the samples being tested .

Concerns about the the Turkish supplier’s products first surfaced in Ireland in late September. File photograph: Dave Meehan
The HSE was warned by the Department of Agriculture about the ViraPro hand sanitiser more than a fortnight before it was officially recalled from schools and healthcare facilities.
The Department of Education recalled the hand sanitiser, which can cause adverse health issues, on October 22nd before schools were to close for the Halloween break.
It emerged on Sunday that a Department of Agriculture official emailed the HSE on October 7th to “strongly advise removing all ViraPro Sanitiser Product you currently have in use.”
The email was obtained by RTE under the Freedom of Information Act.
READ MORE
Samples of the hand sanitiser, which was purported to have 70 per cent ethanol content, were found to contain methanol, a chemical which can, with prolonged use, cause nausea, dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory tract irritation and headaches.
Another email obtained by RTÉ, dated September 29th, shows a member of the HSE's procurement team contacted an official in the Department of Agriculture about a "follow up on the ViraPro issue."
The department, which is the State’s licensing authority for approving biocide products including sanitisers, issued notices to the HSE on October 8th ordering that the products be detained in warehouses where the sanitiser was stored.
The recall notice was not issued until more than two weeks later.
The department has said that the initial advisory notice in early October was made only to the HSE after preliminary tests results on samples of the HSE’s supply.
The HSE has said it quarantined all stock on the back of this notice and took no further action until test results were available. It has said that it acted in a timely and appropriate manner.
It was previously reported that testing by the department had carried out on samples taken at different storage locations between September 30th and October 2nd.
Indicative results on October 8th showed the product should not be on the market, while final results on October 16th demonstrated that the product was not alcohol-based.
The product was removed from the register of approved biocides on October 20th.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has admitted his department should have issued a public alert and informed other Government departments, which had been using the product, when it learned on October 16th that ViraPro did not meet the standards of approval.
The minister has said that he was only informed of an issue about the hand sanitiser on October 22nd, the same day the schools were alerted with the warning around its use.
The Department of Agriculture licensed ViraPro, which is made in Turkey, on April 21st, based on the written documentation that it contained 70 per cent alcohol.
The HSE has said it purchased about 3.8 million units of ViraPro at a cost of €7.5 million.
Concerns about the the Turkish supplier's products first surfaced in Ireland in late September when the European anti-fraud agency OLAF alerted the Revenue.
This led to consignments of the sanitiser being impounded and the samples being tested.


theirishtimes--2020-11-22--Man and woman hospitalised after aggravated burglary in Dublin

Two people were hospitalised after an aggravated burglary in Dublin 8 on Saturday night .
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses @ @ @ @ @ , which occurred at approximately 11.30pm on Saturday in Merton Park .
During the incident @ @ @ @ @ a house in Merton Park and assaulted the occupants , before leaving the scene in @ @ @ @ @ man and woman were taken to St James ’ s Hospital to be treated for @ @ @ @ @ .
Gardaí are seeking witnesses who were in the vicinity of Merton Park between 11.15pm @ @ @ @ @ in question .
They are also keen to speak to anyone with relevant dashcam footage @ @ @ @ @ a small white Ford Transit Connect van , partial registration 06D , with a roof @ @ @ @ @ area between 10.30pm on Saturday and midnight .
Anyone with information is asked to contact @ @ @ @ @ 01-6669400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 .

Two people were hospitalised after an aggravated burglary in Dublin 8 on Saturday night. File photograph: Frank Miller/The Irish Times
Two people were hospitalised after an aggravated burglary in Dublin 8 on Saturday night.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses in relation to the burglary, which occurred at approximately 11.30pm on Saturday in Merton Park.
During the incident, two armed males entered a house in Merton Park and assaulted the occupants, before leaving the scene in a white van. A man and woman were taken to St James’s Hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries following the burglary.
Gardaí are seeking witnesses who were in the vicinity of Merton Park between 11.15pm and 11.45pm on the night in question. They are also keen to speak to anyone with relevant dashcam footage and who may have seen a small white Ford Transit Connect van, partial registration 06D, with a roof rack in the Dublin 8 area between 10.30pm on Saturday and midnight.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda station on 01-6669400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.


theirishtimes--2020-11-22--Four North parties demand public inquiry into Pat Finucane’s murder

Four of the North ’ s six largest political parties have written a joint letter to the British government demanding a public inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane .
Sinn Féin , the SDLP , Alliance and the Greens united to tell Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis in the letter that an inquiry would “ restore wider confidence in the rule of law and the administration of justice ” .
“ Thirty years on , it remains a matter of the utmost public interest that questions remain unanswered about who ordered the killing , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the joint letter states .
“ Only a public inquiry can now assist the Finucane family to get the truth about the scope and extent of state collusion into Pat ’ s killing.
” Mr Finucane ( 39 ) was shot by loyalist paramilitaries in front of his family in north Belfast in 1989 .
Claims subsequently emerged that the killing involved collusion with state security forces .
In February last year , the UK supreme court ruled that investigations into the fatal shooting of the solicitor have not been effective and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Lewis has previously indicated that a decision on whether to order a public inquiry will be made by the end of November .
In the letter to Mr Lewis – signed by Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O ’ Neill , SDLP leader Colum Eastwood , Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry and leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland Clare Bailey – the parties said that how the British government responds to the supreme court ruling is a “ matter of public interest ” .
Last month , Britain ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson to “ act without delay ” and order a public inquiry .
Meanwhile , Mr Finucane ’ s son John , a Sinn Féin MP for Belfast North , has written to all Westminster MPs asking for their support for such an inquiry .
Only a public inquiry can “ assist in ascertaining the true extent and scope of British state collusion in the killing of my father ” , he wrote .
“ It is a matter of public interest , not just in Ireland , but in Britain and internationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the questions around the full circumstances which led to the deliberate targeting and murder of a human rights solicitor and subsequent cover-up .
”

Four of the North's six largest political parties have written a joint letter to the British government demanding a public inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane.
Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Alliance and the Greens united to tell Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis in the letter that an inquiry would "restore wider confidence in the rule of law and the administration of justice".
“Thirty years on, it remains a matter of the utmost public interest that questions remain unanswered about who ordered the killing, about who knew what, and when,” the joint letter states.
“Only a public inquiry can now assist the Finucane family to get the truth about the scope and extent of state collusion into Pat’s killing.”
READ MORE
Mr Finucane (39) was shot by loyalist paramilitaries in front of his family in north Belfast in 1989. Claims subsequently emerged that the killing involved collusion with state security forces.
In February last year, the UK supreme court ruled that investigations into the fatal shooting of the solicitor have not been effective and fell short of international human rights standards.
Mr Lewis has previously indicated that a decision on whether to order a public inquiry will be made by the end of November.
In the letter to Mr Lewis – signed by Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry and leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland Clare Bailey – the parties said that how the British government responds to the supreme court ruling is a "matter of public interest".
Labour intervention
Last month, Britain's Labour Party urged British prime minister Boris Johnson to "act without delay" and order a public inquiry.
Meanwhile, Mr Finucane’s son John, a Sinn Féin MP for Belfast North, has written to all Westminster MPs asking for their support for such an inquiry.
Only a public inquiry can “assist in ascertaining the true extent and scope of British state collusion in the killing of my father”, he wrote.
“It is a matter of public interest, not just in Ireland, but in Britain and internationally too, that answers are provided to the questions around the full circumstances which led to the deliberate targeting and murder of a human rights solicitor and subsequent cover-up.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-22--Covid-19: University lecturers warn of ‘chaos’ if face-to-face teaching returns

University lecturers have warned of “ chaos and confusion ” if there is a return to face-to-face teaching in the new year in the absence of clear health and safety rules .
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has said he wants to boost on-campus activity for first year students , in particular , early next year amid concern over a potential rise in drop-out rates .
Covid-19 restrictions mean most teaching and learning in the further and higher education has been taking place online , with only practical and laboratory work in small groups permitted .
The Irish Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single , clear health and safety plan to be published if there is a return to face-to-face teaching .
It says the absence of such advice means colleges are planning in a vacuum and devising contradictory measures for preventing the spread of Covid-19 .
Joan Donegan , the federation ’ s general secretary , said a key issue is clarity on the two-metre versus one-metre rule for separation of students .
“ It is simply not acceptable that some colleges are now proposing a two-metre distance , others advocate one-metre while others define @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reducing separation still further , ” she said .
“ While everyone would prefer a return to on-campus education , to avoid the risk of chaos in efforts to combat Covid , the priority must be to ensure no staff or student in an individual college is exposed to inferior health and safety protection due to lack of clear minimum requirements at national level.
” She said health and safety in colleges was “ not an aspiration ” and any discretion or flexibility allowed to individual institutions must be subsidiary to clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met the presidents of higher education institutions last week , as well as student representatives , to discuss how on-campus activity could increase in line with public health guidance .
One idea being advanced is to promote small-scale , in-person contact which would allow new students to meet their peers across both further and higher education .
“ Our priorities will be continuing programmes and activities that can not take place online but this conversation needs to be about more than education , ” Mr Harris told the Dáil last week .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-being and the first-year student sitting at home at the kitchen table or in the box room of a house who has not been on campus .
If it is safe to get such students there for some activity and engagement , there would be a great benefit , although we have to manage it carefully and do so in line with public health advice.
” He said there had been “ real enthusiasm and leadership ” from the presidents of institutions in examining these options .
“ We need to do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flexibility and we can not be overly prescriptive on it , ” he said .
“ The safety and well-being of students and staff will be at the heart of all our decisions.
” Separately , Mr Harris has signalled that part-time students may be entitled to financial support on foot of a new review of thrid-level grants , which gets underway shortly .
He has said the current system of Susi ( Student Universal Support Ireland ) supports is “ not fit for purpose ” as it excludes part-time students and does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is to announce a major review of the grants scheme shortly , which is due to be completed in advance of next year ’ s budget .
About 40 per cent - or 77,000 - students receive some form of mean-tested financial assistance from Susi and other sources worth a total of about euro350 million .
The numbers availing of grant support are projected to increase significantly next year due to the impact of Covid-19 on family earnings .

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has said he wants to boost on-campus activity for first year students, in particular, early next year amid concern over a potential increase in drop-out rates. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
University lecturers have warned of “chaos and confusion” if there is a return to face-to-face teaching in the new year in the absence of clear health and safety rules.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has said he wants to boost on-campus activity for first year students, in particular, early next year amid concern over a potential rise in drop-out rates.
Covid-19 restrictions mean most teaching and learning in the further and higher education has been taking place online, with only practical and laboratory work in small groups permitted.
The Irish Federation of University Teachers has called for a single, clear health and safety plan to be published if there is a return to face-to-face teaching. It says the absence of such advice means colleges are planning in a vacuum and devising contradictory measures for preventing the spread of Covid-19.
READ MORE
Joan Donegan, the federation’s general secretary, said a key issue is clarity on the two-metre versus one-metre rule for separation of students.
“It is simply not acceptable that some colleges are now proposing a two-metre distance, others advocate one-metre while others define distance on a ‘nose-to-nose’ basis, reducing separation still further,” she said.
“While everyone would prefer a return to on-campus education, to avoid the risk of chaos in efforts to combat Covid, the priority must be to ensure no staff or student in an individual college is exposed to inferior health and safety protection due to lack of clear minimum requirements at national level.”
‘Not an aspiration’
She said health and safety in colleges was “not an aspiration” and any discretion or flexibility allowed to individual institutions must be subsidiary to clear national requirements and considerations.
Mr Harris met the presidents of higher education institutions last week, as well as student representatives, to discuss how on-campus activity could increase in line with public health guidance.
One idea being advanced is to promote small-scale, in-person contact which would allow new students to meet their peers across both further and higher education.
“Our priorities will be continuing programmes and activities that cannot take place online but this conversation needs to be about more than education,” Mr Harris told the Dáil last week.
“It has to be about welfare, well-being and the first-year student sitting at home at the kitchen table or in the box room of a house who has not been on campus. If it is safe to get such students there for some activity and engagement, there would be a great benefit, although we have to manage it carefully and do so in line with public health advice.”
He said there had been “real enthusiasm and leadership” from the presidents of institutions in examining these options.
“We need to do it in a way that gives our institutions flexibility and we cannot be overly prescriptive on it,” he said. “ The safety and well-being of students and staff will be at the heart of all our decisions.”
Grants
Separately, Mr Harris has signalled that part-time students may be entitled to financial support on foot of a new review of thrid-level grants, which gets underway shortly.
He has said the current system of Susi (Student Universal Support Ireland) supports is "not fit for purpose" as it excludes part-time students and does not cover expenses such as creche fees.
He is to announce a major review of the grants scheme shortly, which is due to be completed in advance of next year’s budget.
About 40 per cent - or 77,000 - students receive some form of mean-tested financial assistance from Susi and other sources worth a total of about euro350 million.
The numbers availing of grant support are projected to increase significantly next year due to the impact of Covid-19 on family earnings.