theirishtimes--2020-07-23--Two thirds of heavy drinkers in denial about their alcohol consumption, study finds

Two thirds of heavy drinkers are in denial about their alcohol consumption , with women who drink harmfully particularly likely to see themselves as moderate drinkers , a landmark study published on Thursday finds .
Conducted by the Health Research Board ( HRB ) and published in the British Medical Journal , the study found just one in three regular binge drinkers were aware of their drinking pattern .
A third of people who were alcohol dependent considered themselves as either “ light ” or “ moderate ” drinkers while one in two who were alcohol dependent described themselves as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinkers who “ sometimes binge drink ” .
Titled Drinking in Denial , the study draws on interviews with and questionnaires from 7,005 people .
It is the first population-wide examination of the public ’ s perception of their own drinking .
Respondents were asked how much alcohol they consumed , whether and how often they engaged in ‘ risky single occasion drinking ’ ( RSOD ) also known as ‘ binge drinking ’ , and to characterise their drinking .
Binge drinking was defined as consuming six or more standard drinks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinking at least once a month but not being dependent on alcohol .
Harmful drinking means being dependent on alcohol .
While just over half ( 51.6 per cent ) of drinkers were low-risk drinkers , 97.6 per cent of drinkers classified themselves as “ light or moderate ” drinkers .
Some 70.9 per cent classified themselves as light or moderate drinkers who never binged , and 26.7 per cent categorised themselves as light or moderate drinkers who sometimes binge drank .
Just 2.4 per cent classified themselves as heavy drinkers .
Dependent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to describe themselves as a heavy drinker ( 11.4 per cent compared with 18.7 per cent ) .
“ Of those who had a hazardous or harmful pattern of drinking ( numbering 2,420 ) , 67.9 per cent were unaware of this and misclassified themselves as being either a light or moderate drinker , ” says the report .
And this misperception of their own hazardous or harmful drinking was more pronounced among respondents who were older , less-educated , married , retired or engaged in home duties .
Given the damage over-drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerning that so many Irish people with alcohol dependence believe themselves to be light or moderate drinkers , ” say the authors .
There was a need for awareness raising on what constituted a standard drink and what moderate drinking actually meant .
“ Our findings regarding awareness of hazardous and harmful drinking are similar to a recent study in Australia , which reported that 68 per cent of Australian drinkers who consume 11 or more standard drinks on a ‘ typical occasion ’ consider themselves a ‘ responsible drinker ’ .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily low-risk limits .
“ In order for individuals to monitor and be aware of their alcohol consumption , knowledge on the standard drink concept and low-risk drinking guidelines is required .
“ It is unrealistic to expect people to stay within low-risk limits and to be able to accurately assess their own hazardous or harmful drinking in the absence of knowledge on what actually constitutes hazardous or harmful drinking.
” Dr Mairead O ’ Driscoll , interim chief executive at the HRB said the study underlined the need for further initiatives to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmful-drinking and to raise awareness about its impact .

Just 2.4 per cent of people classified themselves as heavy drinkers. File photograph: The Irish Times
Two thirds of heavy drinkers are in denial about their alcohol consumption, with women who drink harmfully particularly likely to see themselves as moderate drinkers, a landmark study published on Thursday finds.
Conducted by the Health Research Board (HRB) and published in the British Medical Journal, the study found just one in three regular binge drinkers were aware of their drinking pattern.
A third of people who were alcohol dependent considered themselves as either “light” or “moderate” drinkers while one in two who were alcohol dependent described themselves as “light” or “moderate” drinkers who “sometimes binge drink”.
Titled Drinking in Denial, the study draws on interviews with and questionnaires from 7,005 people. It is the first population-wide examination of the public’s perception of their own drinking.
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Respondents were asked how much alcohol they consumed, whether and how often they engaged in ‘risky single occasion drinking’ (RSOD) also known as ‘binge drinking’, and to characterise their drinking. Binge drinking was defined as consuming six or more standard drinks in one sitting. Hazardous drinking means binge drinking at least once a month but not being dependent on alcohol. Harmful drinking means being dependent on alcohol.
While just over half (51.6 per cent) of drinkers were low-risk drinkers, 97.6 per cent of drinkers classified themselves as “light or moderate” drinkers.
Binge drinking
Some 70.9 per cent classified themselves as light or moderate drinkers who never binged, and 26.7 per cent categorised themselves as light or moderate drinkers who sometimes binge drank. Just 2.4 per cent classified themselves as heavy drinkers.
Dependent female drinkers were less likely than males to describe themselves as a heavy drinker (11.4 per cent compared with 18.7 per cent).
“Of those who had a hazardous or harmful pattern of drinking (numbering 2,420), 67.9 per cent were unaware of this and misclassified themselves as being either a light or moderate drinker,” says the report.
And this misperception of their own hazardous or harmful drinking was more pronounced among respondents who were older, less-educated, married, retired or engaged in home duties.
Given the damage over-drinking can cause, “it is particularly concerning that so many Irish people with alcohol dependence believe themselves to be light or moderate drinkers,” say the authors.
There was a need for awareness raising on what constituted a standard drink and what moderate drinking actually meant.
"Our findings regarding awareness of hazardous and harmful drinking are similar to a recent study in Australia, which reported that 68 per cent of Australian drinkers who consume 11 or more standard drinks on a 'typical occasion' consider themselves a 'responsible drinker'."
The report calls for public guidance on daily low-risk limits.
“In order for individuals to monitor and be aware of their alcohol consumption, knowledge on the standard drink concept and low-risk drinking guidelines is required.
“It is unrealistic to expect people to stay within low-risk limits and to be able to accurately assess their own hazardous or harmful drinking in the absence of knowledge on what actually constitutes hazardous or harmful drinking.”
Dr Mairead O’Driscoll, interim chief executive at the HRB said the study underlined the need for further initiatives to reduce alcohol consumption, to clearly identify harmful-drinking and to raise awareness about its impact.


theirishtimes--2020-07-23--John Delaney denies trying to paralyse ODCE inquiry into FAI

Former Football Association of Ireland ( FAI ) chief executive John Delaney has rejected claims by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement ( ODCE ) that he is engaging in conduct that would paralyse the corporate watchdog ’ s investigative powers .
In a sworn statement , Mr Delaney said he needs extra time to examine thousands of files , including contents of his emails , so he can set out exactly what material he alleges to be covered by legal professional privilege , with the effect it can not be used by the ODCE as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said more than 1,000 media articles were written since March 2019 in relation to him , with many containing unfounded allegations .
These were enormously damaging to his future career prospects and related to documents relating to his former employment and other private and confidential information .
He said that because of “ negative and hostile media in Ireland ” , he moved to the UK in October and works 60 to 80 hours a week managing the operations of a start-up business which has provided “ essential services ” to public bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he has put his “ personal health at risk by attending sites where Covid-19 is prevalent ” even while taking required healthcare precautions .
“ I do this because I need the work to support myself and my family , ” he said , adding that he lives in a “ modest ” shared two-bedroom apartment .
He had hoped to return to Ireland to inspect the documents , but due to Covid-19 travel restrictions and work demands , made arrangements for his solicitor , Aidan Eames to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return to Ireland to personally inspect the seized items , he added .
The High Court was due later this month to make a determination concerning the files that are covered by legal privilege but , because Mr Delaney sought more time , the matter will next be mentioned before the court in September .
The material , comprising 13 hard copy documents and a digital device containing 270,000 separate files including Mr Delaney ’ s emails , was seized from the FAI ’ s offices at Abbottstown under a search warrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Delaney to examine the files to see which ones are private to him or covered by professional legal privilege was put in place and it was envisaged that the inspection would be completed before the end of July .
HOwever , Mr Delaney , a notice party to the action , asked for additional time due to the large volume of files involved .
That application was opposed by the ODCE , whose lawyers said Mr Delaney was seeking to “ complicate ” a “ relatively simple exercise ” .
The ODCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request to involve an IT forensic expert but argued it had put in place a system that balanced the rights and obligations of all parties and made the timetable entirely achievable .
Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds had directed Mr Delaney to provide a sworn statement setting out his co-operation with the inspection process to date .
In his statement , Mr Delaney denied trying to delay the process , said he did not know how many documents would need to be inspected and was concerned his rights may be infringed if he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said the amount of time allotted to examine the files was “ surprising and disquieting ” and the material went back several years .
The ODCE was seeking to resile from an examination strategy it had designed , which had been approved by the court , and trying to blame him “ for making the strategy unworkable ” , he said .
He was locked out of his former work email account in March of last year and , like most people , would be hard pressed to even give a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his account .
He said he has “ acted in good faith ” and was disappointed to be criticised after making genuine and sincere efforts to assist the ODCE .
Paul McGarry SC , for Mr Delaney , told the High Court this week his client and Mr Eames were at all times “ practical , helpful and reasonable ” regarding examination of the documents .
Kerida Naidoo SC , with Elva Duffy BL , for the ODCE , said his side believes the investigation could be done much quicker than appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s experts .
The court had heard the IT expert consulted by Mr Delaney had said the examination could take six or seven months .
Ms Justice Reynolds said she was anxious the matter proceed as soon as possible and directed Mr Delaney ’ s lawyers to furnish the ODCE with a list of documents said to be covered by legal professional privilege by early September .

Former Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney has rejected claims by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) that he is engaging in conduct that would paralyse the corporate watchdog’s investigative powers.
In a sworn statement, Mr Delaney said he needs extra time to examine thousands of files, including contents of his emails, so he can set out exactly what material he alleges to be covered by legal professional privilege, with the effect it cannot be used by the ODCE as part of its investigation into the FAI.
He said more than 1,000 media articles were written since March 2019 in relation to him, with many containing unfounded allegations. These were enormously damaging to his future career prospects and related to documents relating to his former employment and other private and confidential information.
‘Hostile media’
He said that because of “negative and hostile media in Ireland”, he moved to the UK in October and works 60 to 80 hours a week managing the operations of a start-up business which has provided “essential services” to public bodies in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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He said he has put his “personal health at risk by attending sites where Covid-19 is prevalent” even while taking required healthcare precautions.
“I do this because I need the work to support myself and my family,” he said, adding that he lives in a “modest” shared two-bedroom apartment.
He had hoped to return to Ireland to inspect the documents, but due to Covid-19 travel restrictions and work demands, made arrangements for his solicitor, Aidan Eames to do so. He had not ignored a direction to return to Ireland to personally inspect the seized items, he added.
The High Court was due later this month to make a determination concerning the files that are covered by legal privilege but, because Mr Delaney sought more time, the matter will next be mentioned before the court in September.
Search warrant
The material, comprising 13 hard copy documents and a digital device containing 270,000 separate files including Mr Delaney’s emails, was seized from the FAI’s offices at Abbottstown under a search warrant last February.
A plan that allowed Mr Delaney to examine the files to see which ones are private to him or covered by professional legal privilege was put in place and it was envisaged that the inspection would be completed before the end of July. HOwever, Mr Delaney, a notice party to the action, asked for additional time due to the large volume of files involved.
That application was opposed by the ODCE, whose lawyers said Mr Delaney was seeking to “complicate” a “relatively simple exercise”.
The ODCE said it had no objection to his request to involve an IT forensic expert but argued it had put in place a system that balanced the rights and obligations of all parties and made the timetable entirely achievable.
Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds had directed Mr Delaney to provide a sworn statement setting out his co-operation with the inspection process to date.
In his statement, Mr Delaney denied trying to delay the process, said he did not know how many documents would need to be inspected and was concerned his rights may be infringed if he and his lawyers were not given enough time.
He said the amount of time allotted to examine the files was “surprising and disquieting” and the material went back several years.
The ODCE was seeking to resile from an examination strategy it had designed, which had been approved by the court, and trying to blame him “for making the strategy unworkable”, he said.
Hard pressed
He was locked out of his former work email account in March of last year and, like most people, would be hard pressed to even give a ballpark estimate of the number of files in his account.
He said he has “acted in good faith” and was disappointed to be criticised after making genuine and sincere efforts to assist the ODCE.
Paul McGarry SC, for Mr Delaney, told the High Court this week his client and Mr Eames were at all times “practical, helpful and reasonable” regarding examination of the documents.
Kerida Naidoo SC, with Elva Duffy BL, for the ODCE, said his side believes the investigation could be done much quicker than appeared to be suggested by Mr Delaney’s experts. The court had heard the IT expert consulted by Mr Delaney had said the examination could take six or seven months.
Ms Justice Reynolds said she was anxious the matter proceed as soon as possible and directed Mr Delaney’s lawyers to furnish the ODCE with a list of documents said to be covered by legal professional privilege by early September.


theirishtimes--2020-07-23--Winner of €49.5m Euromillions jackpot contacts National Lottery

The winner of the €49.5 million EuroMillions jackpot has come forward to claim the prize , the National Lottery confirmed on Thursday .
Ireland ’ s 16th winner of the European draw is registered in Dublin and paid for a €2.50 normal play ticket online for last Tuesday ’ s draw .
That ticket scooped €49,564,587 .
As always , the identity and whereabouts of the winner is of keen public interest but remains unknown and will not be made public .
A National Lottery spokesperson said he , she or they contacted Lotto headquarters and will now be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” before officially claiming the money .
“ We were absolutely delighted to hear from Ireland ’ s latest EuroMillions jackpot winner who now becomes the 16th EuroMillions jackpot winner in Ireland since the game was introduced in 2004 .
We are now making arrangements for the winner or winners to make their claim in the coming weeks.
” Because the ticket was purchased online , a digital notification was sent to the winning account as well as a separate email immediately after the draw .
When it emerged the winner was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process of drawing down the funds from the other nine participating lotteries in the EuroMillions community .
Ireland ’ s continued fascination with the Euromillions jackpot , particularly in the midst of an economic recession , is reflective of past life-changing wins .
Possibly most famous of all was Dolores McNamara , the 2005 Limerick winner and Ireland ’ s first , who landed more than €115 million .
Meanwhile , the National Lottery has asked players of the domestic draw in Clonmel , Co Tipperary to check their tickets with a €70,725 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8th .

The identity and whereabouts of the Euromillions winner is of keen public interest but remains unrevealed.
The winner of the €49.5 million EuroMillions jackpot has come forward to claim the prize, the National Lottery confirmed on Thursday.
Ireland’s 16th winner of the European draw is registered in Dublin and paid for a €2.50 normal play ticket online for last Tuesday’s draw. That ticket scooped €49,564,587.
As always, the identity and whereabouts of the winner is of keen public interest but remains unknown and will not be made public.
A National Lottery spokesperson said he, she or they contacted Lotto headquarters and will now be “carefully guided through the prize claims process” before officially claiming the money.
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"We were absolutely delighted to hear from Ireland's latest EuroMillions jackpot winner who now becomes the 16th EuroMillions jackpot winner in Ireland since the game was introduced in 2004. We are now making arrangements for the winner or winners to make their claim in the coming weeks."
Because the ticket was purchased online, a digital notification was sent to the winning account as well as a separate email immediately after the draw.
When it emerged the winner was in Ireland, the National Lottery began the process of drawing down the funds from the other nine participating lotteries in the EuroMillions community.
Ireland’s continued fascination with the Euromillions jackpot, particularly in the midst of an economic recession, is reflective of past life-changing wins.
Possibly most famous of all was Dolores McNamara, the 2005 Limerick winner and Ireland's first, who landed more than €115 million.
Meanwhile, the National Lottery has asked players of the domestic draw in Clonmel, Co Tipperary to check their tickets with a €70,725 prize remaining unclaimed from Saturday February, 8th.


theirishtimes--2020-07-23--Woman who slit civil servant’s throat appeals conviction

A woman who slit a civil servant ’ s throat as she walked home from work in Dublin has appealed her conviction for attempted murder .
Laura Kenna ( 37 ) , of no fixed abode , who was later diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder , pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity when she went on trial at the Central Criminal Court last year .
She has also appealed the 10-year jail term she was given after a jury found her guilty .
The trial heard that Fionnuala Bourke was attacked on Lower Drumcondra Road as she walked home from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Bourke noticed a woman sitting on a wall outside a house .
As she approached , Kenna sprung up and pushed her back onto a grassy area .
Kenna did not say anything , but started to stab her .
Ms Bourke felt short stabs and could also feel her face being slashed , before she felt a dramatic slash straight across her neck .
Kenna then spoke , telling Bourke that she would let her go if she handed over her handbag .
Ms Bourke required surgery and spent time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kenna later admitted to gardaí that she had “ sliced her like you would a goat ” .
Ms Justice Tara Burns described the attack as vicious , random , horrifying and frightening .
“ She is very lucky that she is still with us and doesn ’ t have more significant injuries , ” she said of Ms Bourke .
The judge said that it was clear that Kenna was suffering from a significant mental health condition at the time , which might have gone untreated for up to six years.The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Kenna and suspended the last five years .
On Thursday , Kenna ’ s barrister , Barry White SC appealed his client ’ s conviction and sentence to the Court of Appeal .
He said he was asking the court to exercise an exceptional jurisdiction and rule the conviction unsafe .
He said that the chief evidence against his client , that of consultant psychiatrist Prof Harry Kennedy , was fundamentally flawed and inadequate .
He reminded the court that Prof Kennedy had given contrasting evidence to the psychiatrist called by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychiatrists were attached to the Central Mental Hospital .
Dr Monks had said Kenna was acting in response to delusional beliefs at the time , and qualified for the verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity .
During the trial , Prof Kennedy testified that Kenna was not delusional at the time , but had carried out the attack in anger and out of a sense of entitlement , telling gardaí that she needed money .
Court of Appeal President Justice George Birmingham asked if it was not then a matter for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them .
Mr White agreed that it was but noted that , when it came to sentence , there was one additional report before the court .
This was from her treating psychiatrist , who concluded that Kenna had been acutely psychotic at the time of the assault .
“ This conviction is unsafe , ” he said .
Mr White also submitted that the sentence handed down was excessive and should be reduced .
“ It seems to me that Ms Kenna is someone more to be pitied than punished , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a personal view.
” Anthony Sammon SC responded on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) .
“ This was a case of conflicting psychiatric opinion , ” he said .
“ The Oireachtas has given to the citizenry the power to make a decision in this area .
It is expressly given to juries , not to judges.
” He said that Mr White had not jumped the very high bar necessary to set aside the jury ’ s verdict for reasons of perversity .
He said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence had been formulated .
Justice Birmingham , presiding with Justice Patrick McCarthy and Justice Isobel Kennedy , reserved judgment in the case .

Laura Kenna (37) pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity when she went on trial at the Central Criminal Court last year for the attempted murder of a woman in Dublin. Photograph: Collins.
A woman who slit a civil servant’s throat as she walked home from work in Dublin has appealed her conviction for attempted murder.
Laura Kenna (37), of no fixed abode, who was later diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity when she went on trial at the Central Criminal Court last year.
She has also appealed the 10-year jail term she was given after a jury found her guilty.
The trial heard that Fionnuala Bourke was attacked on Lower Drumcondra Road as she walked home from work on January 3rd, 2017.
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Ms Bourke noticed a woman sitting on a wall outside a house. As she approached, Kenna sprung up and pushed her back onto a grassy area. Kenna did not say anything, but started to stab her.
Ms Bourke felt short stabs and could also feel her face being slashed, before she felt a dramatic slash straight across her neck. Kenna then spoke, telling Bourke that she would let her go if she handed over her handbag. Ms Bourke required surgery and spent time in an intensive care unit after the attack.
Kenna later admitted to gardaí that she had “sliced her like you would a goat”.
Ms Justice Tara Burns described the attack as vicious, random, horrifying and frightening.
“She is very lucky that she is still with us and doesn’t have more significant injuries,” she said of Ms Bourke.
Untreated condition
The judge said that it was clear that Kenna was suffering from a significant mental health condition at the time, which might have gone untreated for up to six years.The judge imposed a 15-year term of imprisonment on Kenna and suspended the last five years.
On Thursday, Kenna’s barrister, Barry White SC appealed his client’s conviction and sentence to the Court of Appeal. He said he was asking the court to exercise an exceptional jurisdiction and rule the conviction unsafe.
He said that the chief evidence against his client, that of consultant psychiatrist Prof Harry Kennedy, was fundamentally flawed and inadequate. He reminded the court that Prof Kennedy had given contrasting evidence to the psychiatrist called by the defence, Dr Stephen Monks. Both psychiatrists were attached to the Central Mental Hospital.
Dr Monks had said Kenna was acting in response to delusional beliefs at the time, and qualified for the verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.
During the trial, Prof Kennedy testified that Kenna was not delusional at the time, but had carried out the attack in anger and out of a sense of entitlement, telling gardaí that she needed money.
Court of Appeal President Justice George Birmingham asked if it was not then a matter for the jury, having heard from both of them.
Mr White agreed that it was but noted that, when it came to sentence, there was one additional report before the court. This was from her treating psychiatrist, who concluded that Kenna had been acutely psychotic at the time of the assault.
“This conviction is unsafe,” he said.
Excessive sentence
Mr White also submitted that the sentence handed down was excessive and should be reduced.
“It seems to me that Ms Kenna is someone more to be pitied than punished,” he remarked. “That’s a personal view.”
Anthony Sammon SC responded on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
“This was a case of conflicting psychiatric opinion,” he said. “The Oireachtas has given to the citizenry the power to make a decision in this area. It is expressly given to juries, not to judges.”
He said that Mr White had not jumped the very high bar necessary to set aside the jury’s verdict for reasons of perversity. He said there was nothing wrong with the way the sentence had been formulated.
Justice Birmingham, presiding with Justice Patrick McCarthy and Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment in the case.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Schools to reopen fully in late August, Taoiseach says

Schools will fully reopen in late August with a comprehensive plan to be announced on Monday , Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said .
He was speaking following a briefing from the Minister for Education Norma Foley and senior officials at the Department of Education on Friday morning .
Mr Martin said a major financial package will be unveiled on Monday along with detailed guidance for schools to assist them to reopen fully in a “ robust and resilient way ” .
“ The objective is that schools reopen fully and keep everyone safe .
The full plans will be outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprehensive .
It ’ s a holistic plan , involving everyone in the school community , ranging from curriculum to teacher supply and supports , right across the board , ” Mr Martin said .
The Taoiseach said he wanted to give confidence and hope to parents that extensive planning had gone into the reopening plans .
“ We want this to be for the long haul , ” he said .
“ I ’ m very confident we ’ re in a good position , thanks to the strong partnership approach ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August.
” Mr Martin confirmed that special measures will be in place for “ high risk ” or immuno-compromised students and teachers who can not return to the classroom .
He declined to comment in more detail ahead of Monday ’ s announcement .
Ms Foley added that her number one objective is the “ full and safe ” reopening of schools .
In response to questions over the lack of clarity or detailed guidelines , Ms Foley insisted that “ clarity takes time ” and her department was taking a team approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider school community .
She paid tribute to teachers , schools and students ’ representatives whose contributions and observations have informed the plan .
While physical distancing rules advise that one metre distancing is required between pupils in most circumstances , Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan said this should not form any obstacle to the full return of special schools or classes .
The plans to be announced on Monday , meanwhile , are understood to include funds for additional substitution cover , structural alterations to classrooms and improve bathrooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hygiene routines .
Enhanced supervision and substitution will needed to cover an expected increase in absences of teacher and special needs assistants in light of official guidance that states teachers with any symptoms should stay away from the classroom .
Detailed guidelines will be issued to schools next week with templates on safe classroom layouts and protocols for a Covid-19 outbreak .
Large quantities of hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment are being contracted centrally and will be distributed to schools .
Responding to the Taoiseach ’ s comments , Sinn Féin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laoghaire said schools , teachers and parents are “ still in the dark ” over school reopening plans .
“ We need certainty and assurances that school will return at the end of August – dragging this out is causing real concern , ” he said .
Labour ’ s education spokesman Aodhan O ’ Ríordáin also criticised a lack of clarity to date which , he said , was feeding into anxiety on the part of parents and students .

A plan to reopen schools to all pupils on a full-time basis will be published next Monday. Photograph: iStock
A comprehensive plan to fully reopen schools to all pupils on a full-time basis will be announced next Monday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed.
He was speaking following a briefing from the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, and senior officials at the Department of Education on Friday morning.
Mr Martin said a major financial package will be unveiled along with detailed guidance for schools to assist them with fully reopening in a "robust and resilient way".
“The objective is that schools reopen fully and keep everyone safe. The full plans will be outlined on Monday. They are by nature comprehensive. It’s a holistic plan, involving everyone in the school community, ranging from curriculum to teacher supply and supports, right across the board,” Mr Martin said.
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The Taoiseach said he wanted to give confidence and hope to parents that extensive planning had gone into the reopening plans.
“We want this to be for the long haul,” he said. “I’m very confident we’re in a good position, thanks to the strong partnership approach, [to reopen] towards the end of August.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Education Norma Foley at the Department of Education in Marlborough Street, Dublin on Friday, at a briefing on plans to reopen schools in August. Photograph: Julien Behal Photography
‘High-risk’
Mr Martin confirmed that special measures will be in place for “high-risk” or immuno-compromised students and teachers who cannot return to the classroom.
He declined to comment in more detail ahead of Monday’s announcement.
Ms Foley added that her number one objective is the "full and safe" reopening of schools.
In response to questions over the lack of clarity or detailed guidelines, Ms Foley insisted that “clarity takes time” and said her department was taking a team approach to reopening schools in consultation with the wider school community.
She paid tribute to teachers, schools and students’ representatives whose contributions and observations have informed the plan.
While physical distancing rules advise that one-metre distancing is required between pupils in most circumstances, Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan said this should not form any obstacle to the full return of special schools or classes.
“Our aim is to support all schools so that they can re-open in the autumn. This involves recognising the additional challenges faced by special schools and schools with special classes, in terms of cleaning, social distancing, and the health vulnerability of the students,” Ms Madigan said.
Both ministers confirmed that the “July stimulus” package announced earlier this week includes €75 million in grant aid to fund school reconfiguration work to assist with reopening in August.
These works may include reconfiguration of classroom space, adapting storage facilities, altering desk layouts, adapting toilet areas and other types of work. The grant will be paid directly to eligible schools during the month of August.
The plans to be announced on Monday, meanwhile, are understood to include funds for additional substitution cover, structural alterations to classrooms and to improve bathrooms for hand-washing, along with daily cleaning and hygiene routines.
Absences
Enhanced supervision and substitution will be needed to cover an expected increase in absences of teachers and special needs assistants in light of official guidance that states teachers with any symptoms should stay away from the classroom.
Detailed guidelines will be issued to schools next week with templates on safe classroom layouts and protocols for a Covid-19 outbreak.
Large quantities of hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment are being contracted centrally and will be distributed to schools.
Responding to the Taoiseach’s comments, Sinn Féin’s education spokesman Donnchadh O’Laoghaire said schools, teachers and parents are “still in the dark” over school reopening plans.
“We need certainty and assurances that school will return at the end of August – dragging this out is causing real concern,” he said.
Labour’s education spokesman Aodhán Ó Ríordáin also criticised a lack of clarity to date which, he said, was feeding into anxiety on the part of parents and students.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Covid-19: Lockdown saw ‘sharp increase’ in illegal dumping, ‘backyard burning’

A sharp rise in household waste generated during lockdown led to big increases in illegal dumping and “ backyard burning ” , according to an Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) report .
Enquiries to the EPA website increased four-fold during the lockdown period in relation to illegal backyard burning , according to the report on Covid-19 ’ s impact on the Irish environment .
The scale of increased illegal dumping and burning of waste was such the EPA worked with local authorities and waste enforcement authorities “ to make sure complaints were directed to the appropriate local authority and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely attributable to the larger volumes of waste generated by households during lockdown , including from home improvement works ” , it concluded .
There was a fall in commercial and retail waste , however , while the State retained adequate capacity to handle increased medical waste .
In April and May , 75 per cent more complaints were reported through the EPA ’ s “ See It ?
Say It !
” app compared with the same period in 2019 .
Grocery sales rose by 25 per cent during the 12 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 21 per cent on average during lockdown with brown bin waste up by 26 per cent ; residual waste was up by 19 per cent , and recycling waste was up by 8 per cent .
The presence of large quantities of unopened food in brown bins “ was linked with panic buying in the early stage of the lockdown ” .
Waste recovery at compost and bio-stabilisation facilities increased by 25 per cent reflecting increases in brown bin and garden waste .
Suspension of construction activity resulted in a 70 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Skip hire , by contrast , increased significantly and civic amenity facilities also saw an initial surge in activity with people involved in clear-outs and clean-ups .
“ With people spending more time in their homes we observed a 38 per cent increase in queries from the public seeking clarification on neighbourhood noise and the relevant legislation on the right of redress to the district court , ” it said .
Air quality improved in urban areas with a significant decrease of pollution from traffic , the EPA said , but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solid fuels in the home .
“ New measures and policies are needed to reduce harmful emissions from residential solid fuel burning , especially in towns and cities , to improve the local air quality and reduce the consequential impact on people ’ s health , ” it warned .
Although all data is not yet available , a decrease in pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from the transport and energy sectors has occurred – agricultural emissions were largely unaffected .
There is an opportunity to build on benefits observed in transport choices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while “ new measures and policies [ are ] needed to reduce harmful emissions from residential solid fuel burning ” .
“ The principal causes of poor air quality in Ireland are emissions of fine particulates from burning solid fuels in the home and emissions of nitrogen dioxide from fossil-fuelled vehicles , ” the EPA added .
There was a decrease of up to 50 per cent in nitrogen dioxide levels at the EPA ’ s 80 monitoring stations adjacent to normally heavy urban traffic .
However , levels of fine particulates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions , there has been an emerging trend of increasing air pollution at many of our monitoring stations , though concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are currently still below levels typical for this time of year , ” the EPA pointed out .
“ Improvements in air quality observed in our urban areas clearly demonstrate the impact that traffic levels have on the quality of the air we breathe .
The improvements were rapid and significant as commuting levels dropped dramatically and more people switched to cycling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would return to “ normal ” levels , it hoped proposed changes in cities and towns to increase space allocated to cyclists and pedestrians may help to retain some of the improvement .
“ In addition , and adhering to safety protocols , a switch to more public transport may also help transform the air quality on our streets.
” The EPA will look at economy-wide emissions projections including lockdown impact later this year .
For the year to end of May , petrol deliveries were down over 30 per cent and diesel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a reduction of one million tonnes of CO2 compared to 2019 .
Traffic movements were down almost 60 per cent during lockdown compared to directly beforehand , though they have now rebounded .
There was a 20 per cent reduction in electricity demand , cutting emissions by over 300,000 tonnes of CO2 .
Gas demand reduced by 15 per cent and has remained relatively flat since due to prolonged good weather .
The EPA underlined the need for measures to reduce emissions and decouple them from economic growth .
However , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
“ As well as being likely to result in a swift rebound in emissions as the economic recovery gathers pace , there is a risk that low [ fossil ] fuel prices could reduce the appetite for electrification in transport and home heating.
” Due to the severe impact the current Covid-19 restrictions have had on household and national finances , the resources available for “ green investment ” could be constrained , it said .
It highlighted the possibility of delays in implementing greenhouse gas and air pollutant mitigation measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobby groups to delay the introduction of new environmental measures “ considered by some to be of secondary importance to the recovery of the economy ” .
It added : “ If economic recovery is pursued at all costs , following a business as usual approach , then there is a risk that not only will emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants return to pre-lockdown levels , but meeting our obligations under the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution will be set back a number of years .
@

There was increased illegal dumping and burning of waste during the Covid-19 lockdown. File photograph: The Irish Times
A sharp rise in household waste generated during the Covid-19 lockdown led to big increases in illegal dumping and “backyard burning”, according to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report.
Enquiries to the EPA website increased four-fold during the lockdown period in relation to illegal backyard burning, according to the report on Covid-19’s impact on the Irish environment.
The scale of increased illegal dumping and burning of waste was such the EPA worked with local authorities and waste enforcement authorities “to make sure complaints were directed to the appropriate local authority and addressed”.
The issue “is likely attributable to the larger volumes of waste generated by households during lockdown, including from home improvement works”, it concluded.
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There was a fall in commercial and retail waste, however, while the State retained adequate capacity to handle increased medical waste.
In April and May, 75 per cent more complaints were reported through the EPA’s “See It? Say It!” app compared with the same period in 2019.
Grocery sales rose by 25 per cent during the 12 weeks up to mid-May. Household waste increased by 21 per cent on average during lockdown with brown bin waste up by 26 per cent; residual waste was up by 19 per cent, and recycling waste was up by 8 per cent.
The presence of large quantities of unopened food in brown bins “was linked with panic buying in the early stage of the lockdown”. Waste recovery at compost and bio-stabilisation facilities increased by 25 per cent reflecting increases in brown bin and garden waste.
Suspension of construction activity resulted in a 70 per cent reduction in construction and demolition waste. Skip hire, by contrast, increased significantly and civic amenity facilities also saw an initial surge in activity with people involved in clear-outs and clean-ups.
“With people spending more time in their homes we observed a 38 per cent increase in queries from the public seeking clarification on neighbourhood noise and the relevant legislation on the right of redress to the district court,” it said.
Air quality improved in urban areas with a significant decrease of pollution from traffic, the EPA said, but there was no change in pollution from burning solid fuels in the home.
“New measures and policies are needed to reduce harmful emissions from residential solid fuel burning, especially in towns and cities, to improve the local air quality and reduce the consequential impact on people’s health,” it warned.
Although all data is not yet available, it appears a decrease in pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from the transport and energy sectors has occurred, while agricultural emissions were largely unaffected.
There is an opportunity to build on benefits observed in transport choices in urban areas, the agency said, while “new measures and policies [are] needed to reduce harmful emissions from residential solid fuel burning”.
"The principal causes of poor air quality in Ireland are emissions of fine particulates from burning solid fuels in the home and emissions of nitrogen dioxide from fossil-fuelled vehicles," the EPA added.
There was a decrease of up to 50 per cent in nitrogen dioxide levels at the EPA’s 80 monitoring stations adjacent to normally heavy urban traffic. However, levels of fine particulates did not show a similar decrease.
“Since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, there has been an emerging trend of increasing air pollution at many of our monitoring stations, though concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are currently still below levels typical for this time of year,” the EPA pointed out.
“Improvements in air quality observed in our urban areas clearly demonstrate the impact that traffic levels have on the quality of the air we breathe. The improvements were rapid and significant as commuting levels dropped dramatically and more people switched to cycling and walking.”
While the EPA anticipated traffic would return to “normal” levels, it hoped proposed changes in cities and towns to increase space allocated to cyclists and pedestrians may help to retain some of the improvement.
“In addition, and adhering to safety protocols, a switch to more public transport may also help transform the air quality on our streets.”
The EPA will look at economy-wide emissions projections including lockdown impact later this year. For the year to end of May, petrol deliveries were down over 30 per cent and diesel deliveries down by a fifth – resulting in a reduction of one million tonnes of CO2 compared to 2019.
Traffic movements were down almost 60 per cent during lockdown compared to directly beforehand, though they have now rebounded. There was a 20 per cent reduction in electricity demand, cutting emissions by over 300,000 tonnes of CO2 . Gas demand reduced by 15 per cent and has remained relatively flat since due to prolonged good weather.
The EPA underlined the need for measures to reduce emissions and decouple them from economic growth. However, there were risk factors posing a threat to this. “As well as being likely to result in a swift rebound in emissions as the economic recovery gathers pace, there is a risk that low [fossil] fuel prices could reduce the appetite for electrification in transport and home heating.”
Due to the severe impact the current Covid-19 restrictions have had on household and national finances, the resources available for “green investment” could be constrained, it said.
It highlighted the possibility of delays in implementing greenhouse gas and air pollutant mitigation measures, given a call from industry and lobby groups to delay the introduction of new environmental measures “considered by some to be of secondary importance to the recovery of the economy”.
It added: “If economic recovery is pursued at all costs, following a business as usual approach, then there is a risk that not only will emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants return to pre-lockdown levels, but meeting our obligations under the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution will be set back a number of years.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Isis suspect Lisa Smith charged with financing terrorism

A charge of financing terrorism has been brought against Isis suspect Lisa Smith .
The 38-year-old former Irish Defence Forces member from Co Louth also intends to challenge a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) that her trial will be in the non-jury Special Criminal Court , a judge was told on Friday .
She had initially been charged in December with an offence contrary to the Criminal Justice ( Terrorist Offences ) , which carries a possible 10-year sentence , for being a member of Islamic State ( Isis ) from 2015 to 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ again at Dublin District Court on Friday for a book of evidence to be served and a trial order , but an additional charge was put to her instead .
The new charge is under the same legislation and relates to financing terrorism with €800 in assistance via a Western Union account in 2015 .
Special Detective Unit ( SDU ) Sergeant Gareth Kane told Judge Paula Murphy that Ms Smith was charged at 10.28am at the courthouse .
He said , “ she made no reply ” .
There was no objection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended to the new charge .
The book of evidence could not be served and a trial order could not be made because Ms Smith ’ s independent surety was not present .
Defence solicitor Peter Corrigan told the court that he would have the surety in court next week .
He also said the decision by the DPP to grant a certificate for trial in the Special Criminal Court will be challenged .
“ The defendant has been denied her fundamental right to a jury trial , ” he said .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of evidence until the issue of the trial venue has been dealt with , he submitted .
State solicitor Jonathan Antoniotti confirmed the DPP has directed trial on indictment .
There was consent from the DPP and the Attorney General in respect of the venue , he said .
Ms Smith stood at the side of the court holding the new charge sheet , but did not address the court .
Her solicitor said , “ We have only been notified of the transfer to the Special Criminal Court.
” In reply , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last Thursday and he added that the District Court did not have jurisdiction to hear arguments in relation the trial venue .
Serving a book of evidence and making a trial order did not prejudice judicial review proceedings which can be brought at any stage , the State solicitor submitted .
Judge Paula Murphy ordered Ms Smith to appear again next Friday to be served with the book of evidence and for the return for trial order to be made .
The surety also had to be present , she said .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that had to be done in the High Court .
Mr Corrigan said Ms Smith has had to abide by “ stringent conditions for eight months ” .
Legal aid was granted for the new charge .
The mother-of-one was brought back to Ireland on December 1st when she was arrested .
It followed a trek from war-torn Syria to Turkey with her two-year-old daughter .
She was questioned for three days before she was charged .
After a four-week stint in custody on remand , she was released on High Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including an internet and social media ban .
She had to lodge €500 .
A further €1,000 out of €5,000 independent surety had to be paid .
Peter Corrigan , her solicitor , had pleaded on her behalf with the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) to drop the case due to lack of evidence .
Mr Corrigan also said Ms Smith was anxious to prove her innocence .

Lisa Smith at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin on Friday. Photograph: Collins Courts
A charge of financing terrorism has been brought against Isis suspect Lisa Smith.
The 38-year-old former Irish Defence Forces member from Co Louth also intends to challenge a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that her trial will be in the non-jury Special Criminal Court, a judge was told on Friday.
She had initially been charged in December with an offence contrary to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences), which carries a possible 10-year sentence, for being a member of Islamic State (Isis) from 2015 to 2019.
The accused, from Co Louth appeared again at Dublin District Court on Friday for a book of evidence to be served and a trial order, but an additional charge was put to her instead.
READ MORE
The new charge is under the same legislation and relates to financing terrorism with €800 in assistance via a Western Union account in 2015.
Special Detective Unit (SDU) Sergeant Gareth Kane told Judge Paula Murphy that Ms Smith was charged at 10.28am at the courthouse.
He said, “she made no reply”. There was no objection to the existing bail terms to be extended to the new charge.
The book of evidence could not be served and a trial order could not be made because Ms Smith’s independent surety was not present.
Defence solicitor Peter Corrigan told the court that he would have the surety in court next week. He also said the decision by the DPP to grant a certificate for trial in the Special Criminal Court will be challenged.
“The defendant has been denied her fundamental right to a jury trial,” he said. His client would not be getting the book of evidence until the issue of the trial venue has been dealt with, he submitted.
State solicitor Jonathan Antoniotti confirmed the DPP has directed trial on indictment. There was consent from the DPP and the Attorney General in respect of the venue, he said.
Ms Smith stood at the side of the court holding the new charge sheet, but did not address the court.
Her solicitor said, “We have only been notified of the transfer to the Special Criminal Court.”
In reply, Mr Antoniotti said the defence was told last Thursday and he added that the District Court did not have jurisdiction to hear arguments in relation the trial venue.
Serving a book of evidence and making a trial order did not prejudice judicial review proceedings which can be brought at any stage, the State solicitor submitted.
Judge Paula Murphy ordered Ms Smith to appear again next Friday to be served with the book of evidence and for the return for trial order to be made. The surety also had to be present, she said.
She refused an application to relax bail terms saying that had to be done in the High Court.
Mr Corrigan said Ms Smith has had to abide by “stringent conditions for eight months”.
Legal aid was granted for the new charge.
The mother-of-one was brought back to Ireland on December 1st when she was arrested. It followed a trek from war-torn Syria to Turkey with her two-year-old daughter.
She was questioned for three days before she was charged. After a four-week stint in custody on remand, she was released on High Court bail with a list of strict conditions including an internet and social media ban.
She had to lodge €500. A further €1,000 out of €5,000 independent surety had to be paid.
Peter Corrigan, her solicitor, had pleaded on her behalf with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to drop the case due to lack of evidence. Mr Corrigan also said Ms Smith was anxious to prove her innocence.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Dubliners willing to sacrifice car space for safer cycling facilities, research finds

Up to 350,000 Dubliners could reach O ’ Connell Bridge in less than 25 minutes by bicycle according to new research from the National Transport Authority and cycling organisation Sustrans .
More than 60,000 return cycle trips are made daily in Dublin by people who could have used a car , according to the Bike Life report which includes a survey of 1,100 Dublin residents .
The survey was conducted face-to-face by the independent market research company Behaviour & Attitudes .
However , many more people said they would use a bike in Dublin if cycling infrastructure was improved .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ least once a week in Dublin including 11 per cent who cycle five days a week or more , while 21 per cent of adults don ’ t currently cycle but would like to .
Men cycle more than women with 35 per cent of men cycling at least once a week compared to 14 per cent of women .
The survey showed a high degree of willingness to sacrifice space for cars on roads to provide safer cycling facilities .
Just under 70 per cent said more cycle tracks along roads , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage them to cycle more .
An even higher number , 84 per cent , supported building more of these segregated lanes , even when this would mean less room for other road traffic .
Dublin City Council is in the process of building segregated cycle lanes on the Liffey quays , and installing barriers on cyclelanes across the city to prevent motorists from encroaching on cycle space .
Dubliners were keen to see cycling provision improved not only in the city centre , but in their local suburbs or urban villages .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be increased for people socialising , cycling and walking on their local main street and 72 per cent said speed limits should be reduced on local roads .
Just under 80 per cent said more cycling would make their area a better place to live and work and almost 60 per cent said streets outside local schools should be closed to cars during drop off and pick-up times .
Just over 60 per cent said there were too many people driving in their neighbourhood .
More Dubliners would like to like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75 per cent ) , public transport ( 71 per cent ) and walking ( 61 per cent ) , than on driving ( 34 per cent ) .
Dubliners from lower income households were the least likely to cycle , despite being less likely to own a car .
Of those in semi-skilled or unskilled manual occupations , homemakers and people not in employment , 32 per cent don ’ t have a van or car compared to 8 per cent in managerial or professional jobs .
However , more than 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to own a car never cycle .
One fifth of Dubliners in those groups said they would like to start cycling .
When asked why they didn ’ t cycle , 35 per cent said they were concerned about safety , 26 per cent said they were not confident cycling , and 22 per cent said cycling was “ not for people like me ” .
The report noted that “ being a ‘ cyclist ’ can be associated with a certain type of person and characteristics ” .
It said cycling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusion and could help many residents access employment , healthcare and everyday services , “ but only if we make cycling attractive , safe and easy for everyone ” .

A newly-installed cycle lane and pedestrian lane installed on Ormond Quay by Dublin City Council as pictured in May. It reduces the usual two lanes of vehicular traffic down to one. Photograph: Alan Betson
Up to 350,000 Dubliners could reach O'Connell Bridge in less than 25 minutes by bicycle according to new research from the National Transport Authority and cycling organisation Sustrans.
More than 60,000 return cycle trips are made daily in Dublin by people who could have used a car, according to the Bike Life report which includes a survey of 1,100 Dublin residents. The survey was conducted face-to-face by the independent market research company Behaviour & Attitudes.
However, many more people said they would use a bike in Dublin if cycling infrastructure was improved.
Nearly a quarter of adults cycle at least once a week in Dublin including 11 per cent who cycle five days a week or more, while 21 per cent of adults don’t currently cycle but would like to. Men cycle more than women with 35 per cent of men cycling at least once a week compared to 14 per cent of women.
READ MORE
The survey showed a high degree of willingness to sacrifice space for cars on roads to provide safer cycling facilities. Just under 70 per cent said more cycle tracks along roads, physically separated from traffic and pedestrians would encourage them to cycle more. An even higher number, 84 per cent, supported building more of these segregated lanes, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.
Dublin City Council is in the process of building segregated cycle lanes on the Liffey quays, and installing barriers on cyclelanes across the city to prevent motorists from encroaching on cycle space.
Dubliners were keen to see cycling provision improved not only in the city centre, but in their local suburbs or urban villages. More than 80 per cent said space should be increased for people socialising, cycling and walking on their local main street and 72 per cent said speed limits should be reduced on local roads. Just under 80 per cent said more cycling would make their area a better place to live and work and almost 60 per cent said streets outside local schools should be closed to cars during drop off and pick-up times. Just over 60 per cent said there were too many people driving in their neighbourhood.
More Dubliners would like to like to see increased Government spending on cycling (75 per cent), public transport (71 per cent) and walking (61 per cent), than on driving (34 per cent).
Dubliners from lower income households were the least likely to cycle, despite being less likely to own a car.
Of those in semi-skilled or unskilled manual occupations, homemakers and people not in employment, 32 per cent don’t have a van or car compared to 8 per cent in managerial or professional jobs.
However, more than 80 per cent in the socio-economic groups least likely to own a car never cycle.
One fifth of Dubliners in those groups said they would like to start cycling. When asked why they didn’t cycle, 35 per cent said they were concerned about safety, 26 per cent said they were not confident cycling, and 22 per cent said cycling was “not for people like me”.
The report noted that “being a ‘cyclist’ can be associated with a certain type of person and characteristics”. It said cycling had potential to reduce social and economic exclusion and could help many residents access employment, healthcare and everyday services, “but only if we make cycling attractive, safe and easy for everyone”.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Donohoe denies ‘mixed messages’ between himself and Varadkar over passing on VAT cut

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has denied there are “ mixed messages ” between himself and his Fine Gael party leader Tánaiste Leo Varadkar over passing on VAT reductions to customers .
Mr Donohoe said the message on the 2 per cent reduction of VAT from 23 per cent to 21 per cent announced yesterday in the July stimulus was very clear and that he and the Tánaiste were very clear on it .
Speaking at a press briefing on the € 7 billion July Stimulus package , which includes € 5.2 billion of new stimulus in addition to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , “ ( We all ) recognise the pressure that retailers are facing , that our shops are facing , at the moment .
There are fewer customers coming into them .
“ The message is very clear .
We recognise the challenges that retailers are facing today and we recognise the challenge they are facing .
“ The Tánaiste was recognising that for some retailers that times are so hard at the moment if they were to ( pass on ) the full effect this could create a dilemma for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want all retailers to pass on the VAT cut but we do recognise that for some retailers their situation is so precarious that they might pass some of it on to customers and keep some to retain their people employed.
” He said the Tánaiste recognised that complexity .
Speaking on RTÉ ’ s Today with Sarah McInerney show on Friday morning , Mr Varadkar said retailers can decide for themselves how they use the VAT reduction .
“ From my point of view , if I was going into a clothes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suit or shoes , rather than a two per cent reduction in the cost of that I would rather keep on the staff member , ” he said .
The largest-ever cash injection for the ailing Irish economy was announced by the Government in a bid to rescue it from the effects of the pandemic yesterday .
The €5 billion in cash , along with the €2 billion in loan guarantees for businesses , will be spread widely across public investments , worker and welfare supports , and funding for business and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisting that most of the money will be applied this year .
The total values of all coronavirus actions taken by the Government now amounts to €24 billion in 2020 , Mr Donohoe said .
He said such spending is unprecedented in the history of the State .
Speaking about the €7 billion July stimulus package , he said “ it is greater than the scale of packages in comparator countries ” .
He said that , proportionately , the summer package was greater that that announced by the UK Government in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £30 billion ( €36 billion ) .
He said the economic shock had meant that overall spending by the Government would exceed €86 billion in 2020 , compared to projections of €70 billion at the start of the year .
Mr Donohoe said the reality was that 750,000 Irish workers were on State schemes that did not exist four months ago .
He said that the rationale of the stimulus was to create and sustain employment and to give small Irish companies a “ fighting chance ” of surviving in the wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are of real value .
They are practical and operable quickly and will help to create new employment and sustain jobs , ” he said .
He said the extension of the wage subsidy scheme was the centrepiece of the the stimulus as without it many Irish companies would not continue to be viable during this period .
On the claim made by Sinn Féin that those who spend money on tourism or hospitality in January 2021 will not receive a tax rebate until 2022 , Mr Donohoe alluded to this being the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the start of the scheme is later in the year because the Government wants to encourage those who can afford to do so to book another holiday at home .
“ Because we are looking to pass on the discount for additional expenditure , the rebalancing will occur at the end of the tax year “ That is why we have a discount of 20 per cent .
It ’ s higher than the rate of VAT in relation to new spending .
We know this sector needs support , ” he @ @

Paschal Donohoe said rationale of July stimulus is to sustain employment and give small companies ‘fighting chance’. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has denied there are "mixed messages" between himself and his Fine Gael party leader Tánaiste Leo Varadkar over passing on VAT reductions to customers.
Mr Donohoe said the message on the 2 per cent reduction of VAT from 23 per cent to 21 per cent announced yesterday in the July stimulus was very clear and that he and the Tánaiste were very clear on it.
Speaking at a press briefing on the €7 billion July Stimulus package, which includes €5.2 billion of new stimulus in addition to a €2 billion credit guarantee scheme, he said, “(We all) recognise the pressure that retailers are facing, that our shops are facing, at the moment. There are fewer customers coming into them.
“The message is very clear. We recognise the challenges that retailers are facing today and we recognise the challenge they are facing.
READ MORE
“The Tánaiste was recognising that for some retailers that times are so hard at the moment if they were to (pass on) the full effect this could create a dilemma for them,” he said.
“We want all retailers to pass on the VAT cut but we do recognise that for some retailers their situation is so precarious that they might pass some of it on to customers and keep some to retain their people employed.”
He said the Tánaiste recognised that complexity.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sarah McInerney show on Friday morning, Mr Varadkar said retailers can decide for themselves how they use the VAT reduction. "From my point of view, if I was going into a clothes shop today to buy a T-shirt or a suit or shoes, rather than a two per cent reduction in the cost of that I would rather keep on the staff member," he said.
The largest-ever cash injection for the ailing Irish economy was announced by the Government in a bid to rescue it from the effects of the pandemic yesterday. The €5 billion in cash, along with the €2 billion in loan guarantees for businesses, will be spread widely across public investments, worker and welfare supports, and funding for business and tax cuts, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin insisting that most of the money will be applied this year.
Coronavirus spending
The total values of all coronavirus actions taken by the Government now amounts to €24 billion in 2020, Mr Donohoe said.
He said such spending is unprecedented in the history of the State.
Speaking about the €7 billion July stimulus package, he said “it is greater than the scale of packages in comparator countries”.
He said that, proportionately, the summer package was greater that that announced by the UK Government in recent days, which amounts to a total of £30 billion (€36 billion).
He said the economic shock had meant that overall spending by the Government would exceed €86 billion in 2020, compared to projections of €70 billion at the start of the year.
Mr Donohoe said the reality was that 750,000 Irish workers were on State schemes that did not exist four months ago.
He said that the rationale of the stimulus was to create and sustain employment and to give small Irish companies a “fighting chance” of surviving in the wake of the pandemic.
“The measures are of real value. They are practical and operable quickly and will help to create new employment and sustain jobs,” he said.
He said the extension of the wage subsidy scheme was the centrepiece of the the stimulus as without it many Irish companies would not continue to be viable during this period.
On the claim made by Sinn Féin that those who spend money on tourism or hospitality in January 2021 will not receive a tax rebate until 2022, Mr Donohoe alluded to this being the normal process for such schemes.
He said the start of the scheme is later in the year because the Government wants to encourage those who can afford to do so to book another holiday at home.
“Because we are looking to pass on the discount for additional expenditure, the rebalancing will occur at the end of the tax year
“That is why we have a discount of 20 per cent. It’s higher than the rate of VAT in relation to new spending. We know this sector needs support,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Coronavirus: Government’s travel advice ‘not simple but straightforward’

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has acknowledged the Government ’ s green list on travel “ may not be simple ” but said it was “ very straightforward ” .
Ireland has always had differentiated travel advice depending on the country , he told RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Sarah McInerney show .
All the information is on the Department of Foreign Affairs website .
“ People aren ’ t simple , they do understand that there ’ s a difference between travelling to Greece or Yemen or Brazil .
“ What matters is a clear message for the public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s simple , but I don ’ t think it ’ s confusing.
” The Department of Foreign Affairs says no nonessential travel is the general advice , but there are exemptions , which are the green list countries , he explained .
“ The virus does not know whether you ’ re on essential or nonessential business or what passport you have – what we ’ re saying to people is that the safest thing is not to travel for any reason , to stay at home in Ireland and holiday at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between countries that have a very low level of the virus like Norway for example , or Italy or Greece , as opposed to countries that are hot spots .
“ The message from Government is that the safest thing to do is not to travel for any reason , to stay at home , and to stay in Ireland , holiday in Ireland .
“ But if you are travelling there are two sets of countries , for the green list the advice is take normal precautions , and you do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days when you come home .
For countries not on the green list the advice is no nonessential travel and whether you travel there for any reason whatsoever , essential or not , you still have to restrict our movements for 14 days when you return.
” “ We ’ re not going to treat you like a child , we ’ re not going to say to you that travelling to a hot spot like Brazil is somehow the same as going to Norway where the virus is at very low levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice .
Which is not the same for every country.
” Mr Varadkar said his comments on the green list before it was announced had happened because the Government hadn ’ t yet made a decision .
“ People were doing interviews and predicting what the decision might be , and we ’ d delayed making a decision on the green list , and because we delayed making a decision on the green list that led to confusion and mixed messages .
“ We ’ re all collectively responsible for that .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : that we needed to make a decision on this and then tell the public what that advice was .
”

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has acknowledged the Government’s green list on travel “may not be simple” but said it was “very straightforward”.
Ireland has always had differentiated travel advice depending on the country, he told RTÉ radio’s Today with Sarah McInerney show.
All the information is on the Department of Foreign Affairs website. “People aren’t simple, they do understand that there’s a difference between travelling to Greece or Yemen or Brazil.
“What matters is a clear message for the public. I don’t think it’s simple, but I don’t think it’s confusing.”
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The Department of Foreign Affairs says no nonessential travel is the general advice, but there are exemptions, which are the green list countries, he explained.
“The virus does not know whether you’re on essential or nonessential business or what passport you have – what we’re saying to people is that the safest thing is not to travel for any reason, to stay at home in Ireland and holiday at home, but there is a difference between countries that have a very low level of the virus like Norway for example, or Italy or Greece, as opposed to countries that are hot spots.
“The message from Government is that the safest thing to do is not to travel for any reason, to stay at home, and to stay in Ireland, holiday in Ireland.
“But if you are travelling there are two sets of countries, for the green list the advice is take normal precautions, and you do not need to restrict your movements for 14 days when you come home. For countries not on the green list the advice is no nonessential travel and whether you travel there for any reason whatsoever, essential or not, you still have to restrict our movements for 14 days when you return.”
“We’re not going to treat you like a child, we’re not going to say to you that travelling to a hot spot like Brazil is somehow the same as going to Norway where the virus is at very low levels. We’re giving people honest advice. Which is not the same for every country.”
Mr Varadkar said his comments on the green list before it was announced had happened because the Government hadn’t yet made a decision. “People were doing interviews and predicting what the decision might be, and we’d delayed making a decision on the green list, and because we delayed making a decision on the green list that led to confusion and mixed messages.
“We’re all collectively responsible for that. That’s why I said what I said: that we needed to make a decision on this and then tell the public what that advice was.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Sculpture of heron stolen days after being unveiled in Cobh

Cobh Tidy Towns has said it is “ gutted ” after part of a wildlife sculpture was stolen from the @ @ @ @ @ a week after it was unveiled .
The steel sculpture , which is at the @ @ @ @ @ created by artist Emma Jane Rushworth and features two herons , three Arctic terns , @ @ @ @ @ Tidy Towns , who worked with Cork County Council on planning and fundraising for the @ @ @ @ @ Thursday morning that one of the herons had been cut off the fixture .
“ @ @ @ @ @ much loved public art feature in our lovely town targeted just after a week , @ @ @ @ @ Tidy Towns said .
“ The heron is a very distinctive piece , and we @ @ @ @ @ it somewhere and report it to their local Gardai .
We just want our bird @ @ @ @ @ are investigating the theft and that no arrests have been made .

A heron (facing second heron) has been stolen from the Velvet House Cross sculpture. Photograph: Facebook
Cobh Tidy Towns has said it is “gutted” after part of a wildlife sculpture was stolen from the town on Wednesday just over a week after it was unveiled.
The steel sculpture, which is at the Velvet House Cross, was created by artist Emma Jane Rushworth and features two herons, three Arctic terns, bulrushes and reeds.
Cobh Tidy Towns, who worked with Cork County Council on planning and fundraising for the sculpture, was notified on Thursday morning that one of the herons had been cut off the fixture.
“We are gutted. A much loved public art feature in our lovely town targeted just after a week,” a spokeswoman for Cobh Tidy Towns said. “The heron is a very distinctive piece, and we are hoping somebody will see it somewhere and report it to their local Gardai. We just want our bird back.”
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Gardaí said they are investigating the theft and that no arrests have been made.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Noah Donohoe’s family hopes inquest will answer remaining questions about teen’s death

A preliminary hearing of the inquest into the death of Belfast teenager Noah Donohoe is to take place later on Friday .
In a statement from the Donohoe family issued ahead of the beginning of proceedings , Noah ’ s family confirmed that , “ as reported in the media last week , the preliminary findings of the autopsy were that Noah had died of drowning , and that he did not suffer a severe head injury ” .
They said it was the “ family ’ s hope that the inquest will assist in answering the outstanding questions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undress , and how he met his death in a storm drain.
” The 14-year-old ’ s body was found in the drain in north Belfast on June 27th , six days after he went missing .
He had cycled across the city from his home in south Belfast to the Northwood Road area of north Belfast , where he was last seen just after 6pm on Sunday , June 21st , prompting a massive search by the emergency services , community rescue volunteers and members of the public .
The Police Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time that they believed he may have fallen off his bicycle and hit his head , and he was seen discarding his clothing and cycling naked , actions which police and his family said were “ completely out of character ” .
However the police said there was “ no evidence to suggest foul play.
” The Donohoe family also made an appeal to the public , saying “ every single small piece of information will assist in the recovery of the answers to these heart-breaking and painful questions ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Shore Road area [ of north Belfast ] who has CCTV in their homes to please keep the footage from the 21st June , not to overwrite it and please share it with the PSNI , Relatives for Justice or KRW Law .
This will be treated in confidence , ” they said .
Anyone with footage or other information is asked to contact info @ relativesforjustice or niallm @ kevinrwinters.com .

A preliminary hearing of the inquest into the death of Belfast teenager Noah Donohoe is to take place later on Friday.
In a statement from the Donohoe family issued ahead of the beginning of proceedings, Noah’s family confirmed that, “as reported in the media last week, the preliminary findings of the autopsy were that Noah had died of drowning, and that he did not suffer a severe head injury”.
They said it was the “family’s hope that the inquest will assist in answering the outstanding questions of how Noah was in a state of undress, and how he met his death in a storm drain.”
The 14-year-old’s body was found in the drain in north Belfast on June 27th, six days after he went missing.
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He had cycled across the city from his home in south Belfast to the Northwood Road area of north Belfast, where he was last seen just after 6pm on Sunday, June 21st, prompting a massive search by the emergency services, community rescue volunteers and members of the public.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said at the time that they believed he may have fallen off his bicycle and hit his head, and he was seen discarding his clothing and cycling naked, actions which police and his family said were "completely out of character".
However the police said there was “no evidence to suggest foul play.”
The Donohoe family also made an appeal to the public, saying “every single small piece of information will assist in the recovery of the answers to these heart-breaking and painful questions”.
“We specifically appeal to any householder in the Shore Road area [of north Belfast] who has CCTV in their homes to please keep the footage from the 21st June, not to overwrite it and please share it with the PSNI, Relatives for Justice or KRW Law. This will be treated in confidence,” they said.
Anyone with footage or other information is asked to contact info@relativesforjustice or niallm@kevinrwinters.com.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Man arrested after drugs, cash and bow and arrow seized in Dublin

A man was arrested after €11,000 in cash , cannabis worth €2,000 , a bow and arrow and drug paraphernalia @ @ @ @ @ in Dublin 7 earlier this week .
Gardaí attached to Bridewell Crime Prevention Unit searched @ @ @ @ @ A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene under Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking @ @ @ @ @ the seizure .
He has since been released with a file now being prepared for @ @ @ @ @ ( DPP ) .
Gardaí said their investigations are ongoing .

The items seized at the Dublin 7 house earlier this week. Photograph: An Garda Siochana
A man was arrested after €11,000 in cash, cannabis worth €2,000, a bow and arrow and drug paraphernalia were seized at a house in Dublin 7 earlier this week.
Gardaí attached to Bridewell Crime Prevention Unit searched the residence on Tuesday. A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene under Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act 1996 in connection with the seizure.
He has since been released with a file now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Gardaí said their investigations are ongoing.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--US authorities deport convicted IRA bomber

US authorities have deported a convicted IRA bomber who first travelled to the country 20 years ago .
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( Ice ) agency in Boston described Darcy Gearoid McMenamin as an Irish national and member of the Irish Republican Army .
In official documents , the agency said McMenamin has a history of paramilitary-related crime in Ireland , including a conviction for participation in the bombing of an RUC station near Omagh , Co Tyrone in 1993 .
A report in the London Independent in early 1994 said the then 18-year-old McMenamin , of Omagh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ court charged with bombing the RUC station in Fintona just 16 minutes after the end of the IRA ’ s Christmas ceasefire .
According to Ice , he received an eight-year prison sentence .
Last year , the Irish News reported that McMenamin ( 44 ) had been released from prison under the terms of the Belfast Agreement .
It said the Fintona station had been vacant when bombed but that two passers-by were injured .
“ There is no safe haven in the US for foreign nationals convicted of terrorist activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US enforcement and removal operations , said in a statement .
“ Those who believe they can hide in the US from their crimes including terrorist activities they committed in other countries are in for a rude awakening .
Ice remains committed to removing dangerous foreign nationals form the US , even those who may have managed to evade immigration law for a lengthy period of time.
” The meaning behind Mr Lyons ’ s reference to “ hiding ” is unclear given that McMenamin had served time for the offence in question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other incidents , although it does detail his immigration offences .
McMenamin is said to have entered and departed the US through the visa waiver program on numerous occasions between 2000 and 2007 , never disclosing his criminal history as is required under immigration law .
According to the Irish News , he had been running a successful business in the United States when he came to the attention of the authorities for motoring issues .
In 2007 , the US Customs and Border Protection service granted him “ port-authorised parole ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few days for the birth of his child .
He never departed the country and was therefore in violation of US law .
“ Ice is focused on removing public safety threats , such as convicted criminal aliens and gang members , as well as individuals who have violated our nation ’ s immigration laws and those convicted of terrorist activities , including those who illegally re-entered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges , ” the agency said .

US authorities have deported a convicted IRA bomber who first travelled to the country 20 years ago.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agency in Boston described Darcy Gearoid McMenamin as an Irish national and member of the Irish Republican Army.
In official documents, the agency said McMenamin has a history of paramilitary-related crime in Ireland, including a conviction for participation in the bombing of an RUC station near Omagh, Co Tyrone in 1993.
A report in the London Independent in early 1994 said the then 18-year-old McMenamin, of Omagh, Co Tyrone, appeared at Belfast magistrates' court charged with bombing the RUC station in Fintona just 16 minutes after the end of the IRA's Christmas ceasefire.
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According to Ice, he received an eight-year prison sentence.
Last year, the Irish News reported that McMenamin (44) had been released from prison under the terms of the Belfast Agreement. It said the Fintona station had been vacant when bombed but that two passers-by were injured.
"There is no safe haven in the US for foreign nationals convicted of terrorist activities," Todd M Lyons, a US enforcement and removal operations, said in a statement.
“Those who believe they can hide in the US from their crimes including terrorist activities they committed in other countries are in for a rude awakening. Ice remains committed to removing dangerous foreign nationals form the US, even those who may have managed to evade immigration law for a lengthy period of time.”
The meaning behind Mr Lyons’s reference to “hiding” is unclear given that McMenamin had served time for the offence in question. The US documents do not mention any other incidents, although it does detail his immigration offences.
McMenamin is said to have entered and departed the US through the visa waiver program on numerous occasions between 2000 and 2007, never disclosing his criminal history as is required under immigration law.
According to the Irish News, he had been running a successful business in the United States when he came to the attention of the authorities for motoring issues.
In 2007, the US Customs and Border Protection service granted him “port-authorised parole”, allowing him into the country for a few days for the birth of his child. He never departed the country and was therefore in violation of US law.
“Ice is focused on removing public safety threats, such as convicted criminal aliens and gang members, as well as individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws and those convicted of terrorist activities, including those who illegally re-entered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges,” the agency said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Man (40s) seriously injured after assault in Dublin city centre

A man in his 40s received serious head injuries after being assaulted by two men in Dublin city centre on @ @ @ @ @ took place on Upper Abbey Street and the man was brought to the Mater Hospital @ @ @ @ @ treated .
His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening .
A follow-up search of @ @ @ @ @ men , both aged in their 30s , who were involved in the assault .
@ @ @ @ @ to Store Street Garda Station where they are currently being detained under Section 4 of @ @ @ @ @ 1984 .
Gardaí said their investigations are ongoing .

The victim was brought to the Mater Hospital where he is currently being treatedFile photograph: Frank Miller
A man in his 40s received serious head injuries after being assaulted by two men in Dublin city centre on Thursday evening.
The assault took place on Upper Abbey Street and the man was brought to the Mater Hospital where he is currently being treated. His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.
A follow-up search of the area located the two men, both aged in their 30s, who were involved in the assault.
They were arrested and brought to Store Street Garda Station where they are currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
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Gardaí said their investigations are ongoing.


theirishtimes--2020-07-24--Coronavirus in Ireland: Latest data is ‘the start of something positive’

The latest data on coronavirus in Ireland is “ the start of something positive ” , the State ’ s acting chief medical officer has said .
Speaking at the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) briefing on Thursday , Dr Ronan Glynn said the spread of the virus had stabilised over the past week after transmission had increased over the previous two weeks .
“ It is absolutely early days .
Last week we were uncertain and worried .
The week before we were uncertain and pessimistic .
This week we can be uncertain but optimistic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest data on Covid-19 in the State was “ the start of something positive and we need to see it continue in the same way over the coming weeks ” .
He told the briefing that it was “ too early ” to decide whether remaining pubs , which do not serve a substantial meal , so-called “ wet pubs ” , could reopen again on August 10th .
Asked whether he was fearful that reopening pubs first would prevent schools reopening , he said that pubs were “ one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision would have to be taken on whether to reopen them in two weeks ’ time based on where the virus was then .
“ We can ’ t do anything to jeopardise the overarching priorities , ” he said .
Dr Glynn said the country was “ absolutely on track for children to go back to school in September ” based on how the Covid-19 infection rate has stabilised .
Dr Glynn urged people to keep following public health advice and to stay physically distant over the next five weeks to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim of getting children back to school ” .
Reopening schools was one of three priorities for the NPHET , he said ; the others are reopening healthcare services and protecting the most vulnerable in society .
Nine further coronavirus-related deaths and seven new confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported by NPHET on Wednesday , bringing total deaths to 1,763 .
Dr Glynn pointed out that eight of the deaths were late notifications and had occurred in April , May and June .
He said that late notifications were “ not unusual ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official registered for three months .
He recognised that this was a “ difficult time ” for families but he urged them to register deaths “ as quickly as possible so it can feed into our decision-making process ” .
The new confirmed cases of the disease brought the total number to 25,826 .
Professor Philip Nolan , chair of NPHET ’ s Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group , estimated that the reproduction rate or “ R ” number was about 1.1 but “ could be as high as 1.4 ” .
Anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading ; below means it is being suppressed .
A figure of 1.4 means for every five people infected by the virus it will spread to seven others .
The estimated “ R ” number was down from between 1.2 and 1.8 a week ago .
Prof Nolan said that there were 18 new Covid-19 cases being confirmed every day on average over the past week , compared with 19 a day last week and nine a day four weeks ago .
“ This week , it seems that we have achieved some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said that it was “ too early to tell ” for certain that the infection rate had stabilised .
Health officials would have to see this continuing “ for a week to 10 days before we would be comfortable to say that we had arrested the increase in cases ” , he said .
Still , he said that this was “ good news ” that the public had shown that they had reduced the transmission by taking individual actions on the back of warnings over recent weeks .
Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of the disease were notified to NPHET , while 183 people were infected over that period giving an infection rate of 3.8 for every 100,000 people .
Dr Glynn said that of the 272 cases the median age was 38 years of age and that 58 per cent of the people infected were under the age of 45 .
A third of the infections were healthcare workers .
Dr Colm Henry , the HSE ’ s chief clinical officer , said there was a sense among some young people that they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this had led to the drop in the median age of people becoming infected and a reluctance by some to come forward to be tested .
He said the average number of close contacts of infected young people being identified was as high as eight or nine , much higher than the average of five across all cases .
Earlier on Thursday , Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly described the reduced Covid-19 rate as “ some good news ” although the number of cases per week has been rising .
It had gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 61 cases in a week , up to 93 cases , then up to 124 cases , And last week we hit 143 cases.
” But he added that “ at the same time the average close contacts is still quite high and more than five ” .
The Minister told TDs that 51,000 tests had been carried out in the last week .
“ And we have a very low positivity rate of 0.3 , which suggests that the prevalence of the virus in the population is low ” .
Social Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told that only 7 per cent of people arriving in Ireland are contacted about being in self-isolation and only half of those who are contacted take the call .
That meant only 3.5 per cent of passengers were followed up on and this was “ unbelievable ” given the sacrifices the public had made to suppress the virus .

No new deaths related to Covid-19 and an additional 20 cases of the disease were reported on Friday.
There have now been 25,845 confirmed coronavirus cases in the State, and 1,763 Covid-19-related deaths to date.
This is the third time this week there has been no additional deaths reported. Thursday saw nine new Covid-19-related fatalities, the highest such daily increase in a number of weeks.
The 20 new cases reported on Friday is the second-highest such increase this week, behind the 36 new cases reported on Tuesday.
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The number of daily additional cases has steadily increased as the country continues to return to normal following lockdown restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement on Friday, Dr Ronan Glynn, acting chief medical officer, reiterated again that the coronavirus was a "highly infectious disease that is still circulating in our communities".
“While we have reason to be positive, we now need to continue to work together towards our collective goal of resuming healthcare services, reopening our children’s schools, and protecting the most vulnerable,” he said.
Positive trend
On Thursday, Dr Glynn said the latest data on coronavirus in Ireland was "the start of something positive". Speaking at a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) briefing, Dr Glynn said the spread of Covid-19 had stabilised over the past week after the transmission rate had increased over the previous two weeks.
“It is absolutely early days. Last week we were uncertain and worried. The week before we were uncertain and pessimistic. This week we can be uncertain but optimistic,” he said.
Dr Glynn said the latest data on Covid-19 in the State was “the start of something positive and we need to see it continue in the same way over the coming weeks”.
He told the briefing that it was “too early” to decide whether remaining pubs, which do not serve a substantial meal – so-called “wet pubs” – could reopen again on August 10th.
Asked whether he was fearful that reopening pubs first would prevent schools reopening, he said that pubs were “one of the highest risk environments” and that a decision would have to be taken on whether to reopen them in two weeks’ time based on where the virus was then.
“We can’t do anything to jeopardise the overarching priorities,” he said.
Dr Glynn said the country was “absolutely on track for children to go back to school in September” based on how the Covid-19 infection rate has stabilised.
Dr Glynn urged people to keep following public health advice and to stay physically distant over the next five weeks to reduce the rate further “to achieve that aim of getting children back to school”.
Reopening schools was one of three priorities for the NPHET, he said; the others are reopening healthcare services and protecting the most vulnerable in society.