theirishtimes--2020-05-05--Number of arrests for breaching Covid-19 restrictions increases significantly

The number of people arrested by gardaí , or who had criminal proceedings begun against them , for breaching the 2km Covid-19 restriction increased significantly last week .
Gardaí around the country have now arrested , or begun proceedings against , 139 people .
Almost 1,200 other crimes were also detected by gardaí during the Covid-19 enforcement operation .
Furthermore , there have been 52 incidents in which gardaí have been deliberately coughed at or spat at while policing during the crisis .
In some 28 cases since April 8th gardaí have used so-called spit hoods on suspects ; devices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect spitting saliva or , at times , blood .
However , after conducting Operation Fanacht over the May Bank Holiday Weekend , members of the force have reported overwhelming compliance by the public with the Covid-19 restrictions in place .
Of some 13,324 drivers counted passing through four Garda checkpoints on Friday , May 1st , only 21 drivers in cars were stopped and told to go home because they did not have a valid reason for making their journey .
In an update about the Covid-19 policing operation released on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to end their journey and return home agreed to do so , meaning no action was taken against them .
The four sample checkpoints where the count was maintained were large ones , at unspecified locations , and where Transport Infrastructure Ireland ( TII ) technology was used to record the number of type of vehicle that passed through .
“ The continued high level of compliance with the health guidelines is very welcome and we thank the public for it , ” Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said of the low number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checkpoints .
“ Both the low level of ‘ turn-backs ’ at major checkpoints and the very small usage of the regulations compared to the huge number of interactions we have had with people show that the vast majority of people are playing their part in tackling Covid-19.
” Mr Harris said the Garda was continuing its approach of policing by consensus , adding arresting or commencing proceedings against suspects remained a last resort .
“ Regrettably , we continue to see spitting and coughing attacks on our personnel .
These are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members in the current environment .
We must protect them from such disgraceful attacks , ” he said .
“ This includes having the option of using anti-spit guards in very limited circumstances .
We have made it clear these anti-spit guards are only to be used as last resort.
” Exactly one week ago Mr Harris revealed there had been 76 people arrested or against whom a criminal process had begun , without the need to arrest them , under the Covid-19 operation to April 25th .
That has now increased to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period to May 2nd .
In the cases where proceedings were commenced against people for breach of the regulations but where the suspects were not arrested , the name and contact details of each person was taken and gardaí were due to consult with the DPP about each person facing criminal charges .
New powers were granted to the Garda on April 8th enabling them to arrest , or begin proceedings against , people who were found to be more than 2km from home without a valid reason , which can include shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits or working in a post classified as “ essential work ” .
In the first 10 days of operation some 34 arrests or ‘ proceedings commenced ’ were confirmed .
A further 42 arrests or ‘ proceedings commenced ’ had been recorded by April 25th .
And now an additional 63 cases of arrest or ‘ proceedings commenced ’ were recorded in the week ending Saturday , May 2nd .
Aside from the arrests or ‘ proceedings commenced ’ in the past week for breaches of the Covid-19 regulations , the increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has resulted in the detection of almost 1,200 offences not related to Covid-19 .
Garda sources said these had included driving offences and having no tax or insurance , public order crime as well as some drug and weapons crimes .
A total of 1,172 offences were detected under regular policing powers , not linked to Covid-19 .

The number of people arrested by gardaí, or who had criminal proceedings begun against them, for breaching the 2km Covid-19 restriction increased significantly last week. Gardaí around the country have now arrested, or begun proceedings against, 139 people.
Almost 1,200 other crimes were also detected by gardaí during the Covid-19 enforcement operation. Furthermore, there have been 52 incidents in which gardaí have been deliberately coughed at or spat at while policing during the crisis.
In some 28 cases since April 8th gardaí have used so-called spit hoods on suspects; devices placed over the head to prevent a suspect spitting saliva or, at times, blood.
However, after conducting Operation Fanacht over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, members of the force have reported overwhelming compliance by the public with the Covid-19 restrictions in place.
READ MORE
Of some 13,324 drivers counted passing through four Garda checkpoints on Friday, May 1st, only 21 drivers in cars were stopped and told to go home because they did not have a valid reason for making their journey.
In an update about the Covid-19 policing operation released on Tuesday, Garda Headquarters said all 21 drivers told to end their journey and return home agreed to do so, meaning no action was taken against them.
The four sample checkpoints where the count was maintained were large ones, at unspecified locations, and where Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) technology was used to record the number of type of vehicle that passed through.
"The continued high level of compliance with the health guidelines is very welcome and we thank the public for it," Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said of the low number of drivers "turned back" at checkpoints.
“Both the low level of ‘turn-backs’ at major checkpoints and the very small usage of the regulations compared to the huge number of interactions we have had with people show that the vast majority of people are playing their part in tackling Covid-19.”
Mr Harris said the Garda was continuing its approach of policing by consensus, adding arresting or commencing proceedings against suspects remained a last resort.
“Regrettably, we continue to see spitting and coughing attacks on our personnel. These are a significant health and safety risk to our members in the current environment. We must protect them from such disgraceful attacks,” he said.
“This includes having the option of using anti-spit guards in very limited circumstances. We have made it clear these anti-spit guards are only to be used as last resort.”
Exactly one week ago Mr Harris revealed there had been 76 people arrested or against whom a criminal process had begun, without the need to arrest them, under the Covid-19 operation to April 25th. That has now increased to 139 arrests or proceedings commenced in the period to May 2nd.
In the cases where proceedings were commenced against people for breach of the regulations but where the suspects were not arrested, the name and contact details of each person was taken and gardaí were due to consult with the DPP about each person facing criminal charges.
New powers were granted to the Garda on April 8th enabling them to arrest, or begin proceedings against, people who were found to be more than 2km from home without a valid reason, which can include shopping, attending medical appointments, urgent family visits or working in a post classified as “essential work”.
In the first 10 days of operation some 34 arrests or ‘proceedings commenced’ were confirmed. A further 42 arrests or ‘proceedings commenced’ had been recorded by April 25th. And now an additional 63 cases of arrest or ‘proceedings commenced’ were recorded in the week ending Saturday, May 2nd.
Aside from the arrests or ‘proceedings commenced’ in the past week for breaches of the Covid-19 regulations, the increased Garda activity, including checkpoints nationwide, has resulted in the detection of almost 1,200 offences not related to Covid-19.
Garda sources said these had included driving offences and having no tax or insurance, public order crime as well as some drug and weapons crimes. A total of 1,172 offences were detected under regular policing powers, not linked to Covid-19.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Warning issued over liquid nitrogen following theft

Gardaí have warned anyone who comes across containers of liquid nitrogen stolen in Co Cork to contact them immediately as the substance can cause severe burns if it comes in contact with skin .
Gardaí in Midleton issued the warning after a local farmer and builder contacted them to say that there had been a break-in at a yard where he stored tools and among the items stolen was liquid nitrogen .
The thieves made off with five containers of liquid nitrogen which can be used as a coolant for machines such as vacuum pumps as well as a preservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minor medical procedures .
Gardaí do not believe the liquid nitrogen was the intended target of the thieves in the break-in but they are concerned it could prove harmful if people come into contact with it without proper protection .
“ Liquid nitrogen is colourless , odourless and tasteless .
When spilled or in contact with skin , it can cause severe burns .
There is also a risk of suffocation if the substance is released in a confined space , ” warned gardaí in a statement .
The liquid nitrogen containers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thieves broke into the farmyard near Killeagh between Midleton and Youghal between 1am and 7.30am on Tuesday , May 5th .
All the stolen items were removed from the scene using an Ifor Williams trailer which was also from taken from the scene and gardaí estimate that the value of the stolen items including the trailer may total several thousand euro .
Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact them at Midleton Garda Station on 021-4621550 or Youghal Garda Station on 024-92200 .

Gardaí do not believe the liquid nitrogen was the intended target of the thieves. Stock photograph: Getty Images
Gardaí have warned anyone who comes across containers of liquid nitrogen stolen in Co Cork to contact them immediately as the substance can cause severe burns if it comes in contact with skin.
Gardaí in Midleton issued the warning after a local farmer and builder contacted them to say that there had been a break-in at a yard where he stored tools and among the items stolen was liquid nitrogen.
The thieves made off with five containers of liquid nitrogen which can be used as a coolant for machines such as vacuum pumps as well as a preservative for the transportation of food and for minor medical procedures.
Gardaí do not believe the liquid nitrogen was the intended target of the thieves in the break-in but they are concerned it could prove harmful if people come into contact with it without proper protection.
READ MORE
“Liquid nitrogen is colourless, odourless and tasteless. When spilled or in contact with skin, it can cause severe burns. There is also a risk of suffocation if the substance is released in a confined space,” warned gardaí in a statement.
The liquid nitrogen containers and a quantity of tools were stolen when thieves broke into the farmyard near Killeagh between Midleton and Youghal between 1am and 7.30am on Tuesday, May 5th.
All the stolen items were removed from the scene using an Ifor Williams trailer which was also from taken from the scene and gardaí estimate that the value of the stolen items including the trailer may total several thousand euro.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact them at Midleton Garda Station on 021-4621550 or Youghal Garda Station on 024-92200.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Historic Bridgemount House in Mayo badly damaged by fire

An overnight fire has extensively damaged one of Co Mayo ’ s most historic homes , Bridgemount House at Belcarra @ @ @ @ @ of units of Mayo Fire Brigade spent much of the night battling the blaze before @ @ @ @ @ control .
The current occupiers of the two-storey building managed to flee the property on @ @ @ @ @ .
They then raised the alarm .
There are no reports of injuries in the @ @ @ @ @ by gardaí on Wednesday .
Bridgemount House was the home of the Acton family in @ @ @ @ @ became the place of residence of Dame Judy Coyne , founder of the Knock Handmaidens @ @ @ @ @ husband Liam Coyne , a District Court Judge in the early years of the Irish @ @ @ @ @ Belcarra community say they are shocked and saddened by the damage to a building they @ @ @ @ @ treasure ” .

An overnight fire has extensively damaged one of Co Mayo’s most historic homes, Bridgemount House at Belcarra near Castlebar.
A number of units of Mayo Fire Brigade spent much of the night battling the blaze before eventually bringing the flames under control.
The current occupiers of the two-storey building managed to flee the property on Tuesday evening after smelling smoke. They then raised the alarm.
There are no reports of injuries in the outbreak which is being investigated by gardaí on Wednesday.
READ MORE
Bridgemount House was the home of the Acton family in the 19th century and later became the place of residence of Dame Judy Coyne, founder of the Knock Handmaidens' Society, and her husband Liam Coyne, a District Court Judge in the early years of the Irish Free State.
The local Belcarra community say they are shocked and saddened by the damage to a building they describe as an “architectural treasure”.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Covid-19: HSE outlines ‘flexible’ working options to help staff with childcare

The HSE has proposed that staff experiencing childcare difficulties could be offered a range of flexible and working arrangements .
The HSE suggested that options could include shift rotation ( where both parents were frontline workers ) , longer work days ( allowing for more time off duty ) , weekend working , split shifts , night working , and staggered start and finish times .
In a new document received by trade unions on Wednesday the HSE again stated that there was “ no special paid leave available for Covid-19 caring arrangements ” .
It said , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be considered by managers , including working from home “ where possible ” and/or working adjusted hours to facilitate employees to balance work and caring responsibilities .
“ If employees are not set up for remote working at present , they need to continue to remain available to work , and their employer/manager should identify work that can be given to them .
Employers/managers are required to identify and engage with employees on alternative arrangements e.g .
staggering hours , wider opening hours including weekend work , and temporary assignment to another role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the home and can not perform their current role remotely , the employee is still to be considered as actively on duty and available to work .
“ Employers/managers are required to be flexible and innovative in terms of ensuring that employees remain as productive as possible during this time and this may include assigning work outside the employee ’ s usual core duties , ie potentially a new role .
“ This should be continuously reviewed by management to ensure that employees are placed where they are most needed to deliver critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the public sector under the principle of one public service to deal with this crisis .
What this means is that is any employee can be assigned work outside their usual core duties/a new role as required by the public service.
” The trade union Fórsa said on Wednesday that although no agreement was made with staff representatives on the new arrangements , consultations that had taken place had “ marginally increased the wriggle-room for those who are able to avail of the flexible work arrangements ” .
However Fórsa ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new HSE arrangements were “ complicated ” and “ still falls far short of what ’ s required to balance the childcare and professional needs of essential health workers ” .
“ While it is a marginal improvement , this amended HSE approach still risks reducing the number of available essential workers .
It also does little to assist the very many dedicated health workers who have now made expensive provision for alternative childcare arrangements in order to balance their home and professional responsibilities , ” he said .
Fórsa said “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split shifts and weekend working could also place a huge additional burden on essential health staff , who may have no option but to take them up in order to look after their children ” .
Mr Donnelly said the Government should either make direct childcare provision available to essential staff , or meet the additional costs incurred by individuals who made their own childcare arrangements during the period when schools and crèches remain closed .

HSE chief executive Paul Reid pictured on Sunday. HSE has proposed that staff experiencing childcare difficulties could be offered a range of flexible and working arrangements. Photograph: Leon Farrell/PA
Healthcare staff will have to pay € 90 per week for childcare to facilitate them going to work under a new Government scheme.
Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said the new scheme, which is to come into effect after May 18th, would provide essential health care workers with 45 hours of childcare per week in their homes.
The Minister told the Dáil the Government was recommending that childcare workers volunteering for the scheme would be paid, on average € 15-per-hour.
She said new service would cost about € 4.7 million per week and could cover 5,000 families. Most of the cost would be borne by the State, she said.
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In the coming days eligible health workers will be advised to contact a Pobal parent support centre to request the service and to indicate their childcare needs and preferences, Ms Zappone added.
“It is initially intended to run the scheme for a period of four weeks. There will be a review after two weeks, and also at the end of the four-week period.”
The provision of childcare for essential health workers has been a major issue for staff and trade unions over recent weeks since the closure of schools and crèches. A HSE survey last month indicated that up to 8,000 staff either had or forecast they would soon have childcare difficulties.
The HSE has proposed separately that staff experiencing childcare difficulties could be offered a range of flexible and working arrangements.
It suggested that options could include shift rotation (where both parents were frontline workers), longer work days (allowing for more time off duty), weekend working, split shifts, night working, and staggered start and finish times.
Flexible working
In a new document received by trade unions on Wednesday the HSE again stated that there was “no special paid leave available for Covid-19 caring arrangements”.
It said, however, that all forms of flexible working must be considered by managers, including working from home “where possible” and/or working adjusted hours to facilitate employees to balance work and caring responsibilities.
“If employees are not set up for remote working at present, they need to continue to remain available to work, and their employer/manager should identify work that can be given to them. Employers/managers are required to identify and engage with employees on alternative arrangements e.g. staggering hours, wider opening hours including weekend work, and temporary assignment to another role. If employees cannot work outside the home and cannot perform their current role remotely, the employee is still to be considered as actively on duty and available to work.
“Employers/managers are required to be flexible and innovative in terms of ensuring that employees remain as productive as possible during this time and this may include assigning work outside the employee’s usual core duties, ie potentially a new role.
Trade union Fórsa said on Wednesday that although no agreement was made with staff representatives on the new arrangements, consultations that had taken place had “marginally increased the wriggle-room for those who are able to avail of the flexible work arrangements”.
However Fórsa’s head of health Éamonn Donnelly said the new HSE arrangements were “complicated” and “still falls far short of what’s required to balance the childcare and professional needs of essential health workers”.
“While it is a marginal improvement, this amended HSE approach still risks reducing the number of available essential workers.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said proposals for split shifts had been removed in subsequent talks on Wednesday.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Sinn Féin councillor on Cork County Council resigns from party

Sinn Féin has suffered a setback in Cork following Cllr Paul Hayes ’ s announcement that he is to quit the party and sit as an independent .
He was one of only two Sinn Féin councillors on Cork County Council , Cllr Hayes is a native of Clonakilty in West Cork , Cllr Hayes , held his seat for the party in the 2019 local elections which saw the party ’ s representation on the council drop dramatically to just two seats after winning ten in 2014 .
Speaking to The Irish Times , Cllr Hayes ( 42 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resign from Sinn Féin due to a growing frustration with how the party has been organised locally and the lack of support from Dublin .
Cllr Hayes , a father of three young children who lives in Courtmacsherry and has been a member of the party for 25 years , said : “ I ’ ve been frustrated with the lack of organisation locally for a while now – last year heading into the local elections , we were very haphazard in our approach when it came to selecting candidates for Bandon and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said several party members did not come out to canvass in the local elections and it fell to a small number of family and friends to help him hold his seat in a reduced electoral area .
He said he accepted the tide was against Sinn Féin in the local elections but said there was a similar lack of commitment locally facing into this year ’ s general election despite the party riding high in the national opinion polls .
“ The tide was coming in for us and people were reacting well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as evident from the fact candidates who couldn ’ t get elected in last year ’ s locals were topping the poll in the general election .
“ But I don ’ t think we got the support we needed from party HQ – Mary Lou came down to Cork to visit the city constituencies and Cork East and then she went to Kerry but she by-passed us here in Cork South West .
“ I think it ’ s important to have the leadership coming into a place – it gives everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe the candidate is in with a chance so when it doesn ’ t happen , then it ’ s very disappointing.
” Cllr Hayes , who previously ran for Sinn Féin in Cork South West in 2011 when he got 3,346 first preferences or 7.33per cent of the poll , took 4,777 first preferences or 10.77per cent but did not win a seat .
He also referenced a lack of support when it came to fund-raising which fell to himself to organise , ending up practically footing the bill for posters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I had take time off from my job with a coffee distribution firm .
I took a month off for the general and three weeks for the local , again at my own expense so it wasn ’ t sustainable to continue.
” Cllr Hayes said the Irish South and West Fisheries Organisation nominated him for the Seanad but Sinn Féin declined to support him .
Since announcing his decision to resign and sit as an independent on Cork County Council , Cllr Hayes has been approached by several other parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s in no rush to join anyone .
“ I ’ ve been in a party for the last 25 years and I ’ m not keen to jump into another party structure ...
I ’ m not saying ‘ No , nay never ’ to others or even to Sinn Féin down the road but something has to change locally .

Sinn Féin has suffered a setback in Cork following Cllr Paul Hayes’s announcement that he is to quit the party and sit as an independent.
Sinn Féin has suffered a setback in Cork following Cllr Paul Hayes's announcement that he is to quit the party and sit as an independent. He was one of only two Sinn Féin councillors on Cork County Council,
Cllr Hayes is a native of Clonakilty in West Cork, Cllr Hayes, held his seat for the party in the 2019 local elections which saw the party's representation on the council drop dramatically to just two seats after winning ten in 2014.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Cllr Hayes (42) said he had taken the decision to resign from Sinn Féin due to a growing frustration with how the party has been organised locally and the lack of support from Dublin.
Cllr Hayes, a father of three young children who lives in Courtmacsherry and has been a member of the party for 25 years, said: "I've been frustrated with the lack of organisation locally for a while now – last year heading into the local elections, we were very haphazard in our approach when it came to selecting candidates for Bandon and Bantry, " he said.
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He said several party members did not come out to canvass in the local elections and it fell to a small number of family and friends to help him hold his seat in a reduced electoral area.
He said he accepted the tide was against Sinn Féin in the local elections but said there was a similar lack of commitment locally facing into this year’s general election despite the party riding high in the national opinion polls.
"The tide was coming in for us and people were reacting well to Mary Lou and momentum was building as evident from the fact candidates who couldn't get elected in last year's locals were topping the poll in the general election.
"But I don't think we got the support we needed from party HQ – Mary Lou came down to Cork to visit the city constituencies and Cork East and then she went to Kerry but she by-passed us here in Cork South West.
“I think it’s important to have the leadership coming into a place – it gives everyone a boost and people think that they believe the candidate is in with a chance so when it doesn’t happen, then it’s very disappointing.”
Preferences
Cllr Hayes, who previously ran for Sinn Féin in Cork South West in 2011 when he got 3,346 first preferences or 7.33per cent of the poll, took 4,777 first preferences or 10.77per cent but did not win a seat.
He also referenced a lack of support when it came to fund-raising which fell to himself to organise, ending up practically footing the bill for posters and leaflets for both local and general elections.
“I had take time off from my job with a coffee distribution firm. I took a month off for the general and three weeks for the local, again at my own expense so it wasn’t sustainable to continue.”
Cllr Hayes said the Irish South and West Fisheries Organisation nominated him for the Seanad but Sinn Féin declined to support him.
Since announcing his decision to resign and sit as an independent on Cork County Council, Cllr Hayes has been approached by several other parties, wishing to recruit him but he’s in no rush to join anyone.
“I’ve been in a party for the last 25 years and I’m not keen to jump into another party structure ... I’m not saying ‘No, nay never’ to others or even to Sinn Féin down the road but something has to change locally.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Most parents unhappy with Leaving Cert proposals, survey shows

Almost 75 per cent of parents are not happy with plans for the Leaving Certificate to go ahead on July 29th , according to a soon to be published survey from the National Parents Council-Post Primary .
Paul Rolston , spokesman for the council told RTÉ ’ s Today with Séan O ’ Rourke show that there had been a “ huge response “ to the survey .
“ A decision needs to be reached soon because the pressure and uncertainty on students and parents is unfair , ” he said .
On the same programme a school principal suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the data already in schools should be considered instead of Leaving Certificate exams for 2020 .
Sharon McGrath , principal of Fingal Community College , said that there is an urgent need for a “ plan B ” as it was impossible to guarantee that the exams could go ahead on July 29th .
There is a need for teachers , students , parents and the Department of Education to “ sit around a table ” and decide how best to respond , she said .
The Department of Education has said “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Leaving Cert are being examined by officials .
However , it says it is still planning for the exams to go ahead on July 29th , subject to public health advice .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh is to attend an advisory group meeting on the exams on Wednesday to review where the department is on “ all scenarios related to the Leaving Cert ” , a department spokesman said .
The department has declined to comment further , but education sources have said the option of awarding grades to students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be discussed .

Department fo Education sources say option of awarding grades to students in the absence of exams will be discussedPhotograph: Eric Luke
Teachers’ unions have voiced concerns with Department of Education officials about the health implications for members if the Leaving Cert goes ahead later this summer.
Among the concerns relate to the safety thresholds for numbers that will be allowed in classrooms and exam halls, according to sources.
The executive committees of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) both met on Wednesday night to discuss these issues and what role their members may play in grading Leaving Cert students if the exams are cancelled.
It followed a meeting attended by Minister for Education Joe McHugh on Wednesday, during which a number of alternatives to the written exams were discussed, including predicted or expected grades.
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Viable alternative
Proposals for teachers' grading their students for State exams have proved a source of major opposition among teachers’ unions over recent years.
However, well-placed sources said at last night’s meetings there was a recognition that an urgent alternative to the Leaving Cert is required and members need to be seen to support students.
The views of both unions will be crucial is determining what viable alternative assessment options can be put forward.
The development comes as a new survey shows an overwhelming majority of Leaving Cert students want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with estimated grades.
The survey of 24,000 sixth years by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union conducted in recent days shows just 15 per cent want the exams to go ahead on July 29th.
By contrast, some some 79 per cent want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with predicted or estimated grades. The survey size represents a sample of almost 39 per cent of all Leaving Cert students.
Ciara Fanning, the union’s president, said the union will continue to advocate for and represent the interests of second-level students through its involvement in regular Department of Education meetings.
“This survey reinforces our mandate for clarification now - particularly as an increasing number of students are now in favour of cancellation and a thoughtful process established to ensure fairness and equity to all,” she said.
Discussions
Another meeting of an advisory group on the exams including representatives of groups for teachers, schools and parents is due next week.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, Mr McHugh thanked those who took part and said there had been constructive discussion.
“Discussions here today will assist in making decisions regarding arrangements for the Leaving Certificate that have students’ best interests at heart and that are guided at all times by the public health advice.”
It is understood that a number of different types of assessment were discussed at Wednesday’s meeting, including the option of allowing students to opt for predicted grades and sit the exams themselves in July/August if they wish.
The practicalities of running the exams in the context of social distancing and public health advice were also discussed.
The advisory group of stakeholders included representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Department.
The Higher Education Authority also attended the meeting to assist feeding back to consultations it is involved with across the third level sector.
In addition, the advisory group received updates on the measures that have been put in place to support the wellbeing of students at this time.
Mr McHugh has said the Department of Education plan remains that the exams are due to go ahead on July 29th, subject to public health advice.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Coronavirus testing criteria broadened to include people with one symptom

GPs have been informed that the criteria for Covid-19 testing has been broadened .
Testing is no longer confined to those in at-risk groups and will now include those who have a cough , fever or shortness of breath .
The decision to broaden the criteria was made by the National Public Health Emergency Team , who announced the deaths of another 23 patients at its briefing on Tuesday .
There have now been 1,339 Covid-19 related deaths in the Republic .
The total number of cases stands at 21,983 .
The Irish College of General Practitioners said it welcomed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is a necessary step as restrictions are easing , “ said Dr Mary Favier , president of the ICGP .
“ We are increasingly confident the systems the HSE have put in place will be able to accommodate and manage the ramping up in the number of tests performed each week .
“ As we increase the number of tests , it is critically important that contact tracing is timely and appropriately organised in order to deal with the anticipated rise .
If a test result is positive , Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contacts so that we are then managing the ongoing spread of the disease.
” From mid-March , just one symptom was necessary to become eligible for a test .
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said around 20,000 people a day had been seeking a test at the time and acknowledged that the net may have been cast too widely “ in good faith ’ ’ .
Changes to the testing criteria were made in late March and those with symptoms of the disease also had to belong to one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , close contacts of a confirmed case , pregnant women or those suffering from some chronic conditions in order to qualify for testing .
Since late April , the testing criteria were slightly relaxed , with one symptom plus membership of a priority group making someone eligible for testing .
Testing is now no longer confined to those in at-risk groups and will include those who have a cough , fever or shortness of breath .

GPs have been informed that the criteria for Covid-19 testing has been broadened. Testing is no longer confined to those in at-risk groups and will now include those who have a cough, fever or shortness of breath.
The decision to broaden the criteria was made by the National Public Health Emergency Team, who announced the deaths of another 23 patients at its briefing on Tuesday. There have now been 1,339 Covid-19 related deaths in the Republic. The total number of cases stands at 21,983.
The Irish College of General Practitioners said it welcomed the widening of the testing criteria.
“This is a necessary step as restrictions are easing, “ said Dr Mary Favier, president of the ICGP. “We are increasingly confident the systems the HSE have put in place will be able to accommodate and manage the ramping up in the number of tests performed each week.
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“As we increase the number of tests, it is critically important that contact tracing is timely and appropriately organised in order to deal with the anticipated rise. If a test result is positive, Public Health must ensure they quickly trace that person’s contacts so that we are then managing the ongoing spread of the disease.”
Timeline of testing criteria
From mid-March, just one symptom was necessary to become eligible for a test. Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said around 20,000 people a day had been seeking a test at the time and acknowledged that the net may have been cast too widely "in good faith''. Changes to the testing criteria were made in late March and those with symptoms of the disease also had to belong to one of several priority groups, such as healthcare workers, close contacts of a confirmed case, pregnant women or those suffering from some chronic conditions in order to qualify for testing.
Since late April, the testing criteria were slightly relaxed, with one symptom plus membership of a priority group making someone eligible for testing. Testing is now no longer confined to those in at-risk groups and will include those who have a cough, fever or shortness of breath.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Wage and income support schemes set to be reduced, Paschal Donohoe indicates

Government income and wage supports introduced in response to the Covid-19 crisis are set to be reduced in the weeks ahead , the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has indicated .
However he has said they will continue in a modified way beyond their current expiry date of the end of June The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment , due to expire in June , will continue “ in a form ” , Mr Donohoe told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland , The payments will continue “ in a way that is affordable but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Changes are due to be made on Wednesday to the way the wage subsidy payments are made , to make sure it is more effective for those on lower incomes and the scheme is keeping more than 400,000 people in a job which is critical , said Mr Donohoe .
A further 598,000 people are claiming the €350 a week pandemic unemployment payment , according to the latest figures .
However , Mr Donohoe said the two payments are costing many hundreds of millions of euro each week and that “ a pathway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be decided .
The level of the payments and how they will be made available are something which the Government will make a decision on soon , he said .
The government will continue to help citizens adapt to the huge changes in their living standards , he said .
The latest exchequer returns show the Government ’ s budget deficit – the difference between what it spends and what it collects in tax – swelled to €7.5 billion in April , more than twice the level recorded at this stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise beyond €23billion , the Minister warned , depending on the success achieved in overcoming the public health challenge .
The Government faces difficult decisions on both the wage subsidy and pandemic unemployment payments .
On the wage subsidy scheme , businesses are returning to work on different timescales and many say they need an ongoing subsidy if they are not to make people redundant , given the likely lower level of business .
The pandemic unemployment payment of €350 a week is well above the €203 a week basic jobseekers benefit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Late Late show that the payment would be available until sectors had reopened , but the issue for the Government is that many workers will not be re-employed immediately .
Mr Donohoe indicated last weekend that there could not be three different types of unemployment payments in the longer term – those that applied to people who lost their jobs before , during and after the Covid crisis .
The deaths of another 23 patients were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) at its briefing on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in the Republic .
The total number of cases stands at 21,983 .
Ireland ’ s conservative approach to easing Covid-19 restrictions has been defended by the Minister for Health and the chief medical officer .
Acknowledging the Irish plan is “ pretty conservative ” , Simon Harris said , “ I ’ d rather be taking it slow and steady ” and saving lives instead of loosening up too early and possibly “ planning for failure ” .
Meanwhile , Minister for Education Joe McHugh will attend an advisory group meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the Department of Education is on “ all scenarios related to the Leaving Cert ” , a department spokesman said .
The department , which is still planning for the exams to go ahead on July 29th , has declined to comment further , but education sources have said the option of awarding grades to students in the absence of exams is due to be discussed .

The Government faces a political battle over any changes to the special Covid-19 payments, opposition groups have warned, as Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe again suggests that the payments will not continue indefinitely.
Government income and wage supports introduced in response to the Covid-19 crisis are set to be reduced in the weeks ahead, Mr Donohoe indicated again this morning, though he said they will continue in a modified way beyond their current expiry date of the end of June.
But a Dáil battle over changing the pandemic payments is certain, with People Before Profit TDs warning this morning that they will fight such a move. And in the Dáil on Wednesday, Mary Lou McDonald warned the Government not to cut the payments.
The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, due to expire in June, will continue "in a form", Mr Donohoe told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland, The payments will continue "in a way that is affordable but also makes sense for our citizens".
READ MORE
Changes are due to be made on Wednesday to the way the wage subsidy payments are made, to make sure it is more effective for those on lower incomes and the scheme is keeping more than 400,000 people in a job which is critical, said Mr Donohoe. A further 598,000 people are claiming the €350 a week pandemic unemployment payment, according to the latest figures.
Decision
However, Mr Donohoe said the two payments are costing many hundreds of millions of euro each week and that “a pathway for both of those payments” would have to be decided. The level of the payments and how they will be made available are something which the Government will make a decision on soon, he said.
Speaking at Leinster House, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd-Barrett said: “We put €64 billion into bailing out the banks . . . I think we can well afford to protect the incomes of workers who have lost jobs as a result of a public health emergency and to use the very considerable wealth that exists in this country, to share it out in a fairer way, to ensure that working people and key public services do not suffer pain and austerity on the other side of this public health emergency”.
Mr Boyd-Barrett suggested that the government should introduce “wealth taxes” or target “extremely profitable multinationals who pay little or no tax.” He said there are “plenty of places other than rifling the pockets of workers to protect workers income and jobs.”
The government will continue to help citizens adapt to the huge changes in their living standards, he said.
The latest exchequer returns show the Government’s budget deficit – the difference between what it spends and what it collects in tax – swelled to €7.5 billion in April, more than twice the level recorded at this stage last year.
The forecast deficit could rise beyond €23 billion, the Minister warned, depending on the success achieved in overcoming the public health challenge.
Different timescales
The Government faces difficult decisions on both the wage subsidy and pandemic unemployment payments. On the wage subsidy scheme, businesses are returning to work on different timescales and many say they need an ongoing subsidy if they are not to make people redundant, given the likely lower level of business.
The pandemic unemployment payment of €350 a week is well above the €203 a week basic jobseekers benefit. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar appeared to indicate on the Late Late show that the payment would be available until sectors had reopened, but the issue for the Government is that many workers will not be re-employed immediately. Mr Donohoe indicated last weekend that there could not be three different types of unemployment payments in the longer term – those that applied to people who lost their jobs before, during and after the Covid crisis.
The deaths of another 23 patients were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) at its briefing on Tuesday. There have now been 1,339 Covid-19-related deaths in the Republic. The total number of cases stands at 21,983.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Woman secures protection order against two sons

A woman has secured protection orders against her two sons at Dublin District Family Court .
The woman told the court on Tuesday : “ If someone doesn ’ t help me I ’ m going to have a nervous breakdown or a heart attack.
” The woman , who was present in court , said one of her sons lives with her and was very violent and aggressive .
“ I ’ m terrified of him , ” she said .
The woman said her son suffers with drug and alcohol issues and that three weeks ago he smashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously damaged bins , microwaves , her washing basket and her mobile phone .
The woman told the court her other son also suffers with drug problems but that he doesn ’ t live with her .
She said he was in her home recently and she told him that he couldn ’ t stay .
Judge John Campbell granted the woman protection orders on an ex-parte ( one side only represented ) basis against both her sons , which prohibits them from using or threatening to use violence .
A full hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend , was set for a later date .
In a separate case , a woman told the court her son threatened to “ burn me out of it ” .
The woman secured a protection order on an ex-parte basis .
The woman told the court her son is on drugs .
“ I feel my life is threatened at the moment , ” she said .
The woman said her son ’ s behaviour was “ unpredictable and erratic ” and that she was afraid to leave her home .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home recently when her son “ came at me to try and get my phone off me ” .
“ He said he would burn me out of it , ” the woman told the court .
The woman said her son previously lived with her but that she had the locks changed .
She said her son had come back to the house and was “ booting in the door , threatening to put in all the windows ” .
“ I ’ m walking on eggshells for fear of what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The woman told the court there was an incident last year when her son “ had me up against the wall ” .
“ It ’ s been like this for years but it ’ s gotten really bad since last summer , ” she added .
The judge granted the woman a protection order and set a full hearing , which her son is expected to attend , for a later date .
Separately , a woman secured an interim barring order against her husband .
The woman said her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had threatened to burn down the family home .
The woman said her husband had called her “ horrible , filthy names ” and she had locked herself in her room as a result of his behaviour .
“ He says he ’ s going to burn this house down , ” the woman told the court .
“ Because he ’ s on cocaine I don ’ t know whether he ’ s capable of that or not.
” The judge granted the woman an interim barring order , which excludes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight days and from carrying out any further violence or threats of violence , and from watching or being near the home .
A full hearing , which the woman ’ s husband is expected to attend , was set for next week .
Emergency applications are continuing to be heard at the court at Dolphin House daily .

Emergency applications are continuing to be heard at Dublin District Family Court at Dolphin House daily. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins
A woman has secured protection orders against her two sons at Dublin District Family Court.
The woman told the court on Tuesday: “If someone doesn’t help me I’m going to have a nervous breakdown or a heart attack.”
The woman, who was present in court, said one of her sons lives with her and was very violent and aggressive. “I’m terrified of him,” she said.
The woman said her son suffers with drug and alcohol issues and that three weeks ago he smashed her windows. She said he has previously damaged bins, microwaves, her washing basket and her mobile phone.
READ MORE
The woman told the court her other son also suffers with drug problems but that he doesn’t live with her. She said he was in her home recently and she told him that he couldn’t stay.
Judge John Campbell granted the woman protection orders on an ex-parte (one side only represented) basis against both her sons, which prohibits them from using or threatening to use violence. A full hearing, which both men are expected to attend, was set for a later date.
Protection order
In a separate case, a woman told the court her son threatened to “burn me out of it”. The woman secured a protection order on an ex-parte basis.
The woman told the court her son is on drugs. “I feel my life is threatened at the moment,” she said.
The woman said her son’s behaviour was “unpredictable and erratic” and that she was afraid to leave her home. She said there was an incident at her home recently when her son “came at me to try and get my phone off me”.
“He said he would burn me out of it,” the woman told the court. The woman said her son previously lived with her but that she had the locks changed.
She said her son had come back to the house and was “booting in the door, threatening to put in all the windows”. “I’m walking on eggshells for fear of what he will do,” the woman said.
The woman told the court there was an incident last year when her son “had me up against the wall”.
“It’s been like this for years but it’s gotten really bad since last summer,” she added.
The judge granted the woman a protection order and set a full hearing, which her son is expected to attend, for a later date.
Interim barring order
Separately, a woman secured an interim barring order against her husband. The woman said her husband has a long history of taking cocaine and had threatened to burn down the family home.
The woman said her husband had called her “horrible, filthy names” and she had locked herself in her room as a result of his behaviour.
“He says he’s going to burn this house down,” the woman told the court. “Because he’s on cocaine I don’t know whether he’s capable of that or not.”
The judge granted the woman an interim barring order, which excludes the man from the family home for eight days and from carrying out any further violence or threats of violence, and from watching or being near the home.
A full hearing, which the woman’s husband is expected to attend, was set for next week.
Emergency applications are continuing to be heard at the court at Dolphin House daily.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Lockdown easing: ‘To be able to get out again is great’

Michael Walsh returned to Ballinrobe after living 40 years in London .
When he returned in 2004 , playing golf , a habit he picked up during his time away , became his way of settling back into his home town .
His childhood friend , Tom Watson – a golfer , but not the golfer – played regularly with a group .
Their weekly game became a ritual , something denied to both since the Covid-19 crisis began .
Fit and healthy , Walsh is delighted that golf clubs will reopen on May 18th .
However , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives in Partry , beyond the 5km limit .
“ It is a torture , ” he admitted on Tuesday .
“ Overall , the easing of restrictions is a really good thing .
It is an indication that things are moving on not just for us but for everyone.
” Like so many others of his age , Walsh spent the last five weeks largely confined to the house .
It is , he is certain , the most time he has ever spent in any of his homes during his adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minor fall about seven weeks ago and was off her feet for a couple of weeks during the beginning of the lockdown .
They have been diligent about the rules and tried to remain amused by the minor annoyances .
Watson was one of those who stayed in Ballinrobe , running the family garage for 20 years before knocking it and converting it into a successful furniture store .
“ I was glad I did it .
The last recession put the kibosh on it and I retired .
I wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It has everything I require .
A good golf course .
A good race course .
A good football pitch .
It ticks all the boxes .
Lovely walks by the river which I used to do every day and the town park is done up and beautiful lit up at night.
” One of the more famous facts about Ballinrobe is that it once had 49 pubs .
There were about 1,500 people in the town then .
Now , there are 3,000 and seven pubs .
The golf group – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Summer Wine – enjoyed visiting the local taverns after a game .
The group would vary in number .
Seán McEvoy , a Down man living in the locality , joined them regularly along with Gerry Comer .
They ’ ve lost a few friends in recent years .
John Rochford was a local force of nature .
Brendan Higgins was a good friend .
“ When you reach our age , you begin to lose people , which is kind of tough , ” says Michael Walsh .
Unlike his friend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the golf-course : “ I ’ ll be there on the 18th rain , hail or snow , ” he vows .
“ Pre-Covid , as we will call it , the biggest job I had was collecting the grandchildren from school .
You do miss that awfully .
And you can ’ t give them a hug and they are looking in the window at you and wondering what is going on.
” Mondays at 12 was his time for golf .
“ I didn ’ t collect the grandchildren that day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or four hours , go in and have a pint and go home.
” He was up and out first thing Tuesday morning and intended using every last metre of his 5km allowance on his afternoon walk .
Their golf group keeps in touch by phone but they are of the face-to-face generation .
Michael Walsh has avoided boredom by setting himself projects he had either put off or hadn ’ t noticed because he spent so much time on Mayo ’ s golf courses .
He isn ’ t worried about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry me is watching some of the reports about the retirement homes and nursing homes and the impact of the virus .
And the lack of Government help and thought about these places .
They were just left to kind of run themselves and whatever happened , happened.
” “ I do think the golf club will be under pressure after this.
” Watson can not understand the logic of the 5km rule .
His local course has members from Galway and across Mayo .
“ Some are as far as Oranmore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ them !
But the crazy thing about this is if you get into your car in Headford you are totally isolating until you get to the golf club .
It doesn ’ t make a lot of sense .
I presume the club house won ’ t be open or any of that stuff .
You get back into your car and you go home.
” Nevertheless , Watson will take the blessings offered : “ To be able to get out again is great .
We may have missed the best of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be giving out about going out in the rain now .
”

Michael Walsh returned to Ballinrobe after living 40 years in London. When he returned in 2004, playing golf, a habit he picked up during his time away, became his way of settling back into his home town.
His childhood friend, Tom Watson – a golfer, but not the golfer – played regularly with a group. Their weekly game became a ritual, something denied to both since the Covid-19 crisis began.
Fit and healthy, Walsh is delighted that golf clubs will reopen on May 18th. However, it is a bittersweet result for him. He lives in Partry, beyond the 5km limit.
“It is a torture,” he admitted on Tuesday. “Overall, the easing of restrictions is a really good thing. It is an indication that things are moving on not just for us but for everyone.”
READ MORE
Like so many others of his age, Walsh spent the last five weeks largely confined to the house. It is, he is certain, the most time he has ever spent in any of his homes during his adult life.
His wife Bridie had a minor fall about seven weeks ago and was off her feet for a couple of weeks during the beginning of the lockdown. They have been diligent about the rules and tried to remain amused by the minor annoyances.
Watson was one of those who stayed in Ballinrobe, running the family garage for 20 years before knocking it and converting it into a successful furniture store.
‘Everything I require’
“I was glad I did it. The last recession put the kibosh on it and I retired. I wouldn’t swap here for anywhere in the world. It has everything I require. A good golf course. A good race course. A good football pitch. It ticks all the boxes. Lovely walks by the river which I used to do every day and the town park is done up and beautiful lit up at night.”
One of the more famous facts about Ballinrobe is that it once had 49 pubs. There were about 1,500 people in the town then. Now, there are 3,000 and seven pubs.
The golf group – Michael nicknamed them The Last of the Summer Wine – enjoyed visiting the local taverns after a game. The group would vary in number. Seán McEvoy, a Down man living in the locality, joined them regularly along with Gerry Comer. They’ve lost a few friends in recent years. John Rochford was a local force of nature. Brendan Higgins was a good friend.
“When you reach our age, you begin to lose people, which is kind of tough,” says Michael Walsh.
Unlike his friend, Watson will be able to get to the golf-course: “I’ll be there on the 18th rain, hail or snow,” he vows.
“Pre-Covid, as we will call it, the biggest job I had was collecting the grandchildren from school. You do miss that awfully. And you can’t give them a hug and they are looking in the window at you and wondering what is going on.”
Mondays at 12 was his time for golf.
‘Potter around’
“I didn’t collect the grandchildren that day. We would potter around for three or four hours, go in and have a pint and go home.”
He was up and out first thing Tuesday morning and intended using every last metre of his 5km allowance on his afternoon walk.
Their golf group keeps in touch by phone but they are of the face-to-face generation. Michael Walsh has avoided boredom by setting himself projects he had either put off or hadn’t noticed because he spent so much time on Mayo’s golf courses. He isn’t worried about the virus in itself.
“What does worry me is watching some of the reports about the retirement homes and nursing homes and the impact of the virus. And the lack of Government help and thought about these places. They were just left to kind of run themselves and whatever happened, happened.”
“I do think the golf club will be under pressure after this.”
Watson cannot understand the logic of the 5km rule. His local course has members from Galway and across Mayo.
“Some are as far as Oranmore. They will have a job to watch them! But the crazy thing about this is if you get into your car in Headford you are totally isolating until you get to the golf club. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. I presume the club house won’t be open or any of that stuff. You get back into your car and you go home.”
Nevertheless, Watson will take the blessings offered: “To be able to get out again is great. We may have missed the best of the summer. But we won’t be giving out about going out in the rain now.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Harris defends Ireland’s ‘slow and steady’ unwinding of coronavirus restrictions

Ireland ’ s conservative approach to easing Covid-19 restrictions has been defended by the Minister for Health and the chief medical officer following comments by New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern .
Speaking at the weekend , Ms Ardern said New Zealand , which has had low numbers of cases and deaths on the back of a stringent lockdown , was in a “ great position ” because it can “ move through ” to an easing of restrictions “ in relatively short periods of time ” .
“ I was just looking at Ireland , their stepping-down is taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are back in work .
Because we ’ ve actually been managed to contain as we have , if we do it right , we ’ ll be back in quick step into getting the economy moving again , whereas others are taking a very long time.
” Acknowledging the Irish plan is “ pretty conservative ” , Minister for Health Simon Harris said , “ I ’ d rather be taking it slow and steady ” and saving lives instead of loosening up too early and possibly “ planning for failure ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) at its briefing on Tuesday .
There have now been 1,339 Covid-19-related deaths in the Republic .
The total number of cases stands at 21,983 .
Dr Tony Holohan acknowledged the NPHET public health advice to the Government was conservative and cautious due to the risk of a resurgence of infection .
“ We need to be in a position to satisfy ourselves that the easing of any restrictions does not lead to untoward spread of the disease.
” “ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of spread we had in March continuing unabated , that could lead to a significant challenge for the health system and a significant impact on people and could lead to a walking-back of restrictions we ’ ve already eased.
” It was “ not true ” that “ we ’ ve done the job or that we ’ ve passed the point of risk ” , he said .
Sources have said , however , that the easing of restrictions under the Government ’ s Covid-19 “ road map ” could be accelerated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is maintained .
With the number of patients in ICU falling , and the rate of growth of new cases having plateaued despite more testing , there is optimism in official circles that the easing of some restrictions could be brought forward to earlier phases in the plan .
The 211 new cases reported by the NPHET on Tuesday is the lowest daily figure in over a month , while the growth in new cases has been lower than 2 per cent for nine days .
The number of patients in intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 20 a week , though the number of hospitalisations remains high .
The fact that about 3 per cent of samples are testing positive is seen as an indication that the chains of transmission of the disease are being broken .
Dr Holohan also denied reports of tensions between NPHET and some Cabinet members , saying he has had a “ perfectly straightforward interaction ” with Ministers .
Unlike in some other countries , “ We ’ ve been able to get on with our job ” , he said .
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested for the virus , including 61,707 in the past week .

The HSE has defended Ireland’s conservative approach to easing Covid-19 restrictions following comments by New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Video: The AM Show/ RTÉ
Ireland’s conservative approach to easing Covid-19 restrictions has been defended by the Minister for Health and the chief medical officer following comments by New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern.
Speaking at the weekend, Ms Ardern said New Zealand, which has had low numbers of cases and deaths on the back of a stringent lockdown, was in a “great position” because it can “move through” to an easing of restrictions “in relatively short periods of time”.
“I was just looking at Ireland, their stepping-down is taking them through to July before some people are back in work. Because we’ve actually been managed to contain as we have, if we do it right, we’ll be back in quick step into getting the economy moving again, whereas others are taking a very long time.”
Acknowledging the Irish plan is “pretty conservative”, Minister for Health Simon Harris said, “I’d rather be taking it slow and steady” and saving lives instead of loosening up too early and possibly “planning for failure”.
READ MORE
Risk of resurgence
The deaths of another 23 patients were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) at its briefing on Tuesday. There have now been 1,339 Covid-19-related deaths in the Republic. The total number of cases stands at 21,983.
Dr Tony Holohan acknowledged the NPHET public health advice to the Government was conservative and cautious due to the risk of a resurgence of infection.
“We need to be in a position to satisfy ourselves that the easing of any restrictions does not lead to untoward spread of the disease.”
“If we lose control and see the rate of spread we had in March continuing unabated, that could lead to a significant challenge for the health system and a significant impact on people and could lead to a walking-back of restrictions we’ve already eased.”
It was “not true” that “we’ve done the job or that we’ve passed the point of risk”, he said.
Sources have said, however, that the easing of restrictions under the Government’s Covid-19 “road map” could be accelerated later in the summer if current progress is maintained.
ICU figures
With the number of patients in ICU falling, and the rate of growth of new cases having plateaued despite more testing, there is optimism in official circles that the easing of some restrictions could be brought forward to earlier phases in the plan.
The 211 new cases reported by the NPHET on Tuesday is the lowest daily figure in over a month, while the growth in new cases has been lower than 2 per cent for nine days.
The number of patients in intensive care has been dropping at a rate of about 20 a week, though the number of hospitalisations remains high. The fact that about 3 per cent of samples are testing positive is seen as an indication that the chains of transmission of the disease are being broken.
Dr Holohan also denied reports of tensions between NPHET and some Cabinet members, saying he has had a “perfectly straightforward interaction” with Ministers.
Unlike in some other countries, “We’ve been able to get on with our job”, he said.
Officials said 214, 761 people have been tested for the virus, including 61,707 in the past week.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--HSE feared €7.5m fraud during purchase of 350 ventilators

The HSE feared it was about to fall victim to fraud during a €7.5 million purchase of 350 ventilators for critically ill Covid-19 patients from a company in the Far East , and made a complaint to the Garda , according to a report to the Policing Authority .
A contract had been signed by the HSE and the money had been paid by the time the HSE made the complaint alleging attempted fraud , prompting the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau ( GNECB ) to launch an investigation in March .
At the time governments globally were struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s March report to the Policing Authority states that following receipt of the complaint from the HSE “ alleging an attempt to defraud €7.5 million , relating to the procurement of ventilators by a registered Irish company , an investigation was commenced by GNECB in conjunction with international partners , including Interpol and Europol ” .
“ It was established that the monies had been paid in full , however following the intervention of GNECB , an application was made to the High Court seeking injunctions and the payment has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Irish-based company that was acting as an agent in the transaction has now begun a breach of contract case against the HSE in the High Court after the HSE discontinued its planned purchase of the ventilators .
Garda sources have told The Irish Times the Garda investigation into the allegations made by the HSE was ongoing .
However , they added no findings had been made against any person or any company and it was yet to be established there was any attempt to defraud the HSE .
In response to queries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment on the case .
The HSE said as the matter was before the courts “ it would be inappropriate ” for the HSE to comment .
The Irish company acting as an agent in the transaction did not respond to requests for comment and neither did its legal representatives .

Since publication of this article, an Garda Síochana has confirmed that the information contained in the March report to the Policing Authority was incorrect. More details are available below.*
The HSE feared it was about to fall victim to fraud during a €7.5 million purchase of 350 ventilators for critically ill Covid-19 patients from a company in the Far East, and made a complaint to the Garda, according to a report to the Policing Authority.
A contract had been signed by the HSE and the money had been paid by the time the HSE made the complaint alleging attempted fraud, prompting the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) to launch an investigation in March. At the time governments globally were struggling to source ventilators.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris’s March report to the Policing Authority states that following receipt of the complaint from the HSE “alleging an attempt to defraud €7.5 million, relating to the procurement of ventilators by a registered Irish company, an investigation was commenced by GNECB in conjunction with international partners, including Interpol and Europol”.
READ MORE
“It was established that the monies had been paid in full, however following the intervention of GNECB, an application was made to the High Court seeking injunctions and the payment has not been transferred. The investigation remains ongoing.”
Breach of contract
The Irish-based company that was acting as an agent in the transaction has now begun a breach of contract case against the HSE in the High Court after the HSE discontinued its planned purchase of the ventilators.
Garda sources have told The Irish Times the Garda investigation into the allegations made by the HSE was ongoing. However, they added no findings had been made against any person or any company and it was yet to be established there was any attempt to defraud the HSE.
In response to queries, Garda Headquarters said it had no comment on the case. The HSE said as the matter was before the courts “it would be inappropriate” for the HSE to comment. The Irish company acting as an agent in the transaction did not respond to requests for comment and neither did its legal representatives.
* September 3rd, 2020: Since publication of this report, an Garda Síochana has confirmed that the information contained in the March report to the Policing Authority was incorrect, and that no monies whatsoever had in fact been paid by the HSE, nor had HSE or the GNECB made any application to the High Court seeking an injunction in relation to the matter or to any payment of monies. Injunction proceedings had in fact been brought by Narooma Ltd against the HSE alleging non-payment of a sum of money on foot of a contract.
September 3rd, 2020: Garda HQ corrects claim about €7.5m HSE ventilator deal


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Illegal dumping in Dublin rises 25% during Covid-19 pandemic

A sharp increase in dumping of household waste has been seen across Dublin city and county during the coronavirus pandemic , with illegal dumping rates up by 25 per cent in Dublin city alone .
Dublin city ’ s street-cleaning crews are encountering a rise in general refuse , as well as rubbish from household clear-outs , including , in one case , a bath dumped on Bride Street , close to Christ Church Cathedral .
In addition , workers are having to tackle Covid-19-related materials , such disposable gloves and masks which could be contaminated by the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ council has seen an increase in the illegal burning , as well as dumping , of household waste , and is using drones to try to identity perpetrators .
While in Fingal , people are driving into the countryside to throw black bags from their cars .
“ It is very disappointing that people are doing this , ” Simon Brock , of Dublin City Council ’ s waste-management department said .
“ We think we are seeing an increase in illegal dumping that ’ s 25 per cent over what we would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment , that impacts on the other services we need to provide.
” The problem appeared to be affecting all parts of the city , he said .
“ We are seeing it across the city .
In residential areas , down laneways , on green spaces , and on the street.
” The council has over recent weeks highlighted the issue of disposable masks and gloves being discarded in the street .
“ People have to take personal responsibility here and ensure they are disposing of these items safely , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was difficult to determine why dumping in general had increased so much in the current circumstances .
“ It ’ s very hard to put a finger on it .
It could be down to a misunderstanding about the availability of services , but all waste services are still operating – household waste collections , skip bags , our recycling centres are reopening , the options are there , ” he said .
“ Again , there is element of taking personal responsibility in this .
People know they have to properly dispose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing a general clear-out , that there are plenty of options available to them.
” The council will still prosecute illegal dumpers , he said .
“ We are continuing to carry out enforcement as we normally do , both of people dumping their waste and the unauthorised waste collectors who are engaged in criminality.
” South Dublin County Council has witnessed a “ sizeable increase ” of illegal dumping and burning of waste , in particular domestic household waste .
“ We are seeing a lot more dumping , and a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously seen at litter black spots , ” Damien McNulty of the council ’ s waste enforcement section said .
“ Previously it would have been a lot of house-clearance type of material , but there ’ s been a marked change and now it is mostly household waste.
” The larger number of people at home , without access to workplace bins , could account for some of the increase in dumping , he said .
“ We are surmising that there would be lots of people who previously used their employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their waste , who don ’ t have access to that at the moment.
” Concerns surrounding coronavirus , posed difficulties with obtaining identifying materials from dumped bags , he said .
“ The problem at the moment with any waste left at the side of the road is you have to assume that it could be contaminated with Covid-19 .
If we do think we might find a bill we would quarantine the bag for 72 hours before going through it , but our priority is safety.
” The council is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify dumpers .
“ We are using surveillance drones at known black spots and when we get knowledge from local residents.
” Waste is being dumped “ everywhere and anywhere ” Mr McNulty said .
“ You ’ ll see it along the main arterial routes – black bags just left at the edge of the road , at bus stops , it ’ s everywhere , unfortunately.
” The council had also secured “ good info ” in relation to illegal waste collectors .
“ With less traffic on the roads it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconspicuous.
” There had also been a “ 100 per cent increase ” in the number of bottles brought to bottle banks , he said .
“ I think that ’ s something that ’ s happening in all areas.
” In Fingal both the public and litter wardens were reporting an increase in illegal dumping , Michael Campbell of Fingal County Council ’ s litter-management office said .
“ We are having a particular issue at bottle banks , but also at textile banks , because the charity shops people would normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home clearing out the closet .
But when those textile banks are full , we would ask people to take the stuff away because it just encourages more dumping.
” Mr Campbell also thinks that some dumping is being perpetrated by people who previously used their employer ’ s bin .
“ I think there are possibly two factors : because there is reduced traffic on the road , people think there ’ ll be less chance they ’ ll be observed dumping ; and some people traditionally brought their waste to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t do that now.
” The dumping in Fingal appeared to be perpetrated by households , rather than by illegal commercial operators , he said .
“ It seems to be low-level domestic illegal dumping , rather than the ‘ man with a van ’ type of dumping.
” Large parts of Fingal are still rural , and these areas were a draw for dumpers .
“ The waste is being dumped county wide , people are putting black bags into their cars and driving out of the estates into rural areas.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Fingal ’ s urban areas , there was a notable change , Mr Campbell said .
“ It used to be the cigarette butts and crisp packets that would be the debris reported , now it ’ s discarded masks and gloves.
” The council was continuing its normal enforcement activities and no dumper should think their activities would be overlooked , he said .
“ If anything , people surely in these times should feel more civic duty any make sure their waste is disposed of properly.
” Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to have seen a substantial increase in illegal dumping , but a spokeswoman said , it was “ continuing to monitor the situation ” .
Just before 8am , only two hours since work has started , a single Dublin city street cleaning truck , known as a side loader , is already full to the brim with almost 40 bags of rubbish discarded in the north inner city .
In Beresford Street , close to the city ’ s fruit and vegetable markets , a pile of plastic bags has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably by foxes or seagulls ” says Shay Brady , the Dublin City Council waste management services co-ordinator for the area .
The contents of the torn bags spill across the footpath – food , nappies , several bottles of bleach , sanitary towels , glass bottles – the sort of waste that should be in a household bin .
It ’ s picked up with a shovel and brush and joins the rest of the rubbish in the van .
At a bottle bank in Phibsborough , dozens of cardboard boxes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more are lying on the ground along with plastic bags filled with bottles .
There ’ s also plenty of broken glass strewn around .
The broken glass is swept up first , before the boxes and backs are loaded into the already overburdened truck .
“ People think if they leave a box or a bag beside the bottle bank , that ’ s fine , but that is illegal dumping , and when stuff is left on the ground like that it can ’ t be recycled , ” Mr Brady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming a big problem , we get domestic waste dumped here , or bottles stacked up on top of the bring centre , that takes a long time to clear , but it has to be done quickly because it attracts more waste if it ’ s left.
” In some cases people are lazy and just leave the bottles in bags or boxes instead of putting them into the receptacles , even when they ’ re empty .
It is true that the number of bottles brought for recycling has increased in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Mr Brady says they are serviced regularly .
“ Our bottle banks are still operating as normal , they ’ re still being emptied by our contractors regularly .
If the bottle bank is full , come back later , or go to the next one , we have 84 bottle banks so there ’ s always another nearby , just please , don ’ t just dump them on the ground .
”

Dublin city council have noticed an increase of 25% in illegal dumping since the lockdown regulations have been implemented. Video: Enda O'Dowd
A sharp increase in dumping of household waste has been seen across Dublin city and county during the coronavirus pandemic, with illegal dumping rates up by 25 per cent in Dublin city alone.
Dublin city's street-cleaning crews are encountering a rise in general refuse, as well as rubbish from household clear-outs, including, in one case, a bath dumped on Bride Street, close to Christ Church Cathedral. In addition, workers are having to tackle Covid-19-related materials, such disposable gloves and masks which could be contaminated by the virus.
Meanwhile, in south Dublin the county council has seen an increase in the illegal burning, as well as dumping, of household waste, and is using drones to try to identity perpetrators. While in Fingal, people are driving into the countryside to throw black bags from their cars.
"It is very disappointing that people are doing this," Simon Brock, of Dublin City Council's waste-management department said. "We think we are seeing an increase in illegal dumping that's 25 per cent over what we would normally encounter. Given the challenges at the moment, that impacts on the other services we need to provide."
READ MORE
The problem appeared to be affecting all parts of the city, he said. “We are seeing it across the city. In residential areas, down laneways, on green spaces, and on the street.”
Masks and gloves
The council has over recent weeks highlighted the issue of disposable masks and gloves being discarded in the street. “People have to take personal responsibility here and ensure they are disposing of these items safely,” Mr Brock said. However, it was difficult to determine why dumping in general had increased so much in the current circumstances.
“It’s very hard to put a finger on it. It could be down to a misunderstanding about the availability of services, but all waste services are still operating – household waste collections, skip bags, our recycling centres are reopening, the options are there,” he said.
“Again, there is element of taking personal responsibility in this. People know they have to properly dispose of their waste and if they are doing a general clear-out, that there are plenty of options available to them.”
The council will still prosecute illegal dumpers, he said. “We are continuing to carry out enforcement as we normally do, both of people dumping their waste and the unauthorised waste collectors who are engaged in criminality.”
South Dublin County Council has witnessed a "sizeable increase" of illegal dumping and burning of waste, in particular domestic household waste.
“We are seeing a lot more dumping, and a different type of dumping than we would have previously seen at litter black spots,” Damien McNulty of the council’s waste enforcement section said.
“Previously it would have been a lot of house-clearance type of material, but there’s been a marked change and now it is mostly household waste.”
The larger number of people at home, without access to workplace bins, could account for some of the increase in dumping, he said.
“We are surmising that there would be lots of people who previously used their employers’ bins or skips to get rid of their waste, who don’t have access to that at the moment.”
Concerns surrounding coronavirus, posed difficulties with obtaining identifying materials from dumped bags, he said.
“The problem at the moment with any waste left at the side of the road is you have to assume that it could be contaminated with Covid-19. If we do think we might find a bill we would quarantine the bag for 72 hours before going through it, but our priority is safety.”
Surveillance drones
The council is, however, using other means to identify dumpers. “We are using surveillance drones at known black spots and when we get knowledge from local residents.”
Waste is being dumped “everywhere and anywhere” Mr McNulty said. “You’ll see it along the main arterial routes – black bags just left at the edge of the road, at bus stops, it’s everywhere, unfortunately.”
The council had also secured “good info” in relation to illegal waste collectors. “With less traffic on the roads it’s harder for them to be inconspicuous.”
There had also been a “100 per cent increase” in the number of bottles brought to bottle banks, he said. “I think that’s something that’s happening in all areas.”
In Fingal both the public and litter wardens were reporting an increase in illegal dumping, Michael Campbell of Fingal County Council's litter-management office said.
“We are having a particular issue at bottle banks, but also at textile banks, because the charity shops people would normally go to are closed and people are at home clearing out the closet. But when those textile banks are full, we would ask people to take the stuff away because it just encourages more dumping.”
Mr Campbell also thinks that some dumping is being perpetrated by people who previously used their employer’s bin. “I think there are possibly two factors: because there is reduced traffic on the road, people think there’ll be less chance they’ll be observed dumping; and some people traditionally brought their waste to their places of employment and they can’t do that now.”
The dumping in Fingal appeared to be perpetrated by households, rather than by illegal commercial operators, he said.
“It seems to be low-level domestic illegal dumping, rather than the ‘man with a van’ type of dumping.”
Large parts of Fingal are still rural, and these areas were a draw for dumpers.
“The waste is being dumped county wide, people are putting black bags into their cars and driving out of the estates into rural areas.”
In relation to the litter found in Fingal’s urban areas, there was a notable change, Mr Campbell said. “It used to be the cigarette butts and crisp packets that would be the debris reported, now it’s discarded masks and gloves.”
The council was continuing its normal enforcement activities and no dumper should think their activities would be overlooked, he said. “If anything, people surely in these times should feel more civic duty any make sure their waste is disposed of properly.”
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is the only Dublin local authority not to have seen a substantial increase in illegal dumping, but a spokeswoman said, it was "continuing to monitor the situation".
‘Bottle banks are becoming a big problem’
Just before 8am, only two hours since work has started, a single Dublin city street cleaning truck, known as a side loader, is already full to the brim with almost 40 bags of rubbish discarded in the north inner city.
In Beresford Street, close to the city's fruit and vegetable markets, a pile of plastic bags has been ripped open on the ground, "probably by foxes or seagulls" says Shay Brady, the Dublin City Council waste management services co-ordinator for the area.
The contents of the torn bags spill across the footpath – food, nappies, several bottles of bleach, sanitary towels, glass bottles – the sort of waste that should be in a household bin. It’s picked up with a shovel and brush and joins the rest of the rubbish in the van.
At a bottle bank in Phibsborough, dozens of cardboard boxes are shoved in between the bottle receptacles, more are lying on the ground along with plastic bags filled with bottles. There’s also plenty of broken glass strewn around. The broken glass is swept up first, before the boxes and backs are loaded into the already overburdened truck.
“People think if they leave a box or a bag beside the bottle bank, that’s fine, but that is illegal dumping, and when stuff is left on the ground like that it can’t be recycled,” Mr Brady says.
“The bottle banks are becoming a big problem, we get domestic waste dumped here, or bottles stacked up on top of the bring centre, that takes a long time to clear, but it has to be done quickly because it attracts more waste if it’s left.”
In some cases people are lazy and just leave the bottles in bags or boxes instead of putting them into the receptacles, even when they’re empty. It is true that the number of bottles brought for recycling has increased in recent weeks so the banks fill rapidly, but Mr Brady says they are serviced regularly.
“Our bottle banks are still operating as normal, they’re still being emptied by our contractors regularly. If the bottle bank is full, come back later, or go to the next one, we have 84 bottle banks so there’s always another nearby, just please, don’t just dump them on the ground.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--In tribute to John Casey, founder of modern geometry

Next Tuesday – May 12th – is the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Casey , a notable Irish geometer .
Casey was born in 1820 in Kilbeheny , Co Limerick .
He was educated in nearby Mitchelstown , where he showed great aptitude for mathematics and also had a gift for languages .
He became a mathematics teacher , first in Tipperary town and later in Kilkenny .
Although having no advanced education , Casey pursued his interests in mathematics in his leisure time .
His work came to the attention of George Salmon and Richard Townsend of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enter Trinity , which he did in 1858 .
He was elected a scholar in 1861 and graduated the following year .
Casey took a position as science master at Kingstown School ( Dún Laoghaire ) and continued with his mathematical studies .
In 1873 , he was appointed professor at the Catholic University in St Stephen ’ s Green ; later reconstituted as University College Dublin .
He declined an offer of a chair at Trinity College : being a man of deep religious convictions , he felt obliged to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Casey produced several research papers on geometry while studying at Trinity .
In his career , he published more than 20 mathematical papers , many appearing in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society and in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy .
He also wrote six textbooks on geometry that were well received and widely used .
In one of these , A Sequel to Euclid , published by Hodges , Figgis & Co in 1881 , Casey included extensions to the theorems of Euclid he had discovered in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is regarded as one of the founders of the modern geometry of the triangle and circle .
Some 2000 years ago , the Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy established a result in Euclidean geometry : for a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle , the product of the diagonals is equal to the sum of the products of the opposite sides .
In symbols , if the sides , in order , are A , B , C and D and the diagonals are M and N , then AC + BD = MN .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he replaced the vertices of the quadrilateral by circles within and tangent to the outer circle , and proved a result for the common tangents that greatly generalised Ptolemy ’ s theorem .
Another theorem of Casey is important for graphic designers .
For four points A , B , C and D in order on a line , with the circles of diameter AC and BD intersecting at point O , the angle BOC is called Casey ’ s angle .
Its importance is that it is a perspective invariant , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and video game designers to achieve verisimilitude .
Casey married in 1847 and had two sons and two daughters .
He received many distinctions in recognition of his mathematical work .
In 1866 , he was elected as a member of the Royal Irish Academy , later serving as its vice-president .
In 1875 , he was made a fellow of the Royal Society .
He was awarded honorary degrees by Dublin University and by the Royal University of Ireland .
He died , aged 70 years , in 1891 and is buried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emeritus professor at UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics – he blogs at thatsmaths.com

Next Tuesday – May 12th – is the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Casey, a notable Irish geometer. Casey was born in 1820 in Kilbeheny, Co Limerick. He was educated in nearby Mitchelstown, where he showed great aptitude for mathematics and also had a gift for languages. He became a mathematics teacher, first in Tipperary town and later in Kilkenny.
Although having no advanced education, Casey pursued his interests in mathematics in his leisure time. His work came to the attention of George Salmon and Richard Townsend of Trinity College Dublin. They persuaded him to enter Trinity, which he did in 1858. He was elected a scholar in 1861 and graduated the following year.
Casey took a position as science master at Kingstown School (Dún Laoghaire) and continued with his mathematical studies. In 1873, he was appointed professor at the Catholic University in St Stephen's Green; later reconstituted as University College Dublin. He declined an offer of a chair at Trinity College: being a man of deep religious convictions, he felt obliged to support the development of Catholic education in Ireland.
Mathematical papers
Casey produced several research papers on geometry while studying at Trinity. In his career, he published more than 20 mathematical papers, many appearing in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society and in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. He also wrote six textbooks on geometry that were well received and widely used.
READ MORE
In one of these, A Sequel to Euclid, published by Hodges, Figgis & Co in 1881, Casey included extensions to the theorems of Euclid he had discovered in his own research. In consequence, he is regarded as one of the founders of the modern geometry of the triangle and circle.
Some 2000 years ago, the Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy established a result in Euclidean geometry: for a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle, the product of the diagonals is equal to the sum of the products of the opposite sides. In symbols, if the sides, in order, are A, B, C and D and the diagonals are M and N, then AC + BD = MN.
This theorem was extended by Casey; he replaced the vertices of the quadrilateral by circles within and tangent to the outer circle, and proved a result for the common tangents that greatly generalised Ptolemy’s theorem.
Importance
Another theorem of Casey is important for graphic designers. For four points A, B, C and D in order on a line, with the circles of diameter AC and BD intersecting at point O, the angle BOC is called Casey's angle. Its importance is that it is a perspective invariant, and this helps artists to produce realistic images and video game designers to achieve verisimilitude.
Casey married in 1847 and had two sons and two daughters. He received many distinctions in recognition of his mathematical work. In 1866, he was elected as a member of the Royal Irish Academy, later serving as its vice-president. In 1875, he was made a fellow of the Royal Society. He was awarded honorary degrees by Dublin University and by the Royal University of Ireland. He died, aged 70 years, in 1891 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
Peter Lynch is emeritus professor at UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics – he blogs at thatsmaths.com