theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Broadcasters focusing on climate change to benefit from €40m scheme

Irish broadcasters that focus on climate change will benefit from new guidelines for the State ’ s €40 million Sound & Vision scheme , which will be announced on Thursday .
The fourth iteration of the scheme will see the €40 million budget distributed around Irish broadcasters that “ undertake imaginative and innovative programming ” , Minister for Communications Richard Bruton has said .
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland ( BAI ) , which administers the scheme , will run up to three open funding rounds annually , which will focus initially on climate change and adult/media literacy issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play in helping communities understand and mobilize around the major challenges of our time , ” Mr Bruton said .
“ Climate disruption will be a focus of this year ’ s scheme .
It is the defining issue of this generation and broadcasters play a crucial role in informing the public on the nature of the challenge .
There will also be a focus on initiatives to develop local and community broadcasting and projects with lower funding levels.
” The Sound & Vision scheme is funded by the TV licence fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a greater role as technology and consumer preferences evolve , is being reviewed by the Commission on Irish Public Service Broadcasting , launched in December 2019 .
In another landmark change to be introduced in this iteration of the scheme , the BAI will institute a Digital First Principal , designed to facilitate the distribution of content on digital media first to try and capture younger audiences where they tend to view their media .
The BAI will also aim to establish specific measures for projects with lower funding levels in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling basis with “ a less onerous application process and a maximum funding limit available ” .
A standardised points system is also being examined to govern the evaluation of applications and assist in providing feedback to applicants .
The Sound and Vision Scheme will split funds between TV and Radio on a 85 per cent/15 per cent basis , the department confirmed .
New metrics will also be introduced to assess the impact of the initiatives .
The most recent review of the scheme found that Ireland is unlikely to see significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and diversity unless there is public intervention .
The scheme is in part designed to offset that .
“ Our heritage is our greatest asset and public service broadcasting must reflect the diversity of Irish culture , ” said Mr Bruton .
Following today ’ s Ministerial approval , the BAI is clear to launch the scheme and seek applications .
It is estimated that the fund will have an annual value in excess of €14 million .

Minister for Communications Richard Bruton: the scheme will focus initially on climate change and adult/media literacy issues. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill / The Irish Times
Irish broadcasters that focus on climate change will benefit from new guidelines for the State’s €40 million Sound & Vision scheme, which will be announced on Thursday.
The fourth iteration of the scheme will see the €40 million budget distributed around Irish broadcasters that "undertake imaginative and innovative programming", Minister for Communications Richard Bruton has said.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), which administers the scheme, will run up to three open funding rounds annually, which will focus initially on climate change and adult/media literacy issues.
“Creative content has an enormous role to play in helping communities understand and mobilize around the major challenges of our time,” Mr Bruton said. “Climate disruption will be a focus of this year’s scheme. It is the defining issue of this generation and broadcasters play a crucial role in informing the public on the nature of the challenge. There will also be a focus on initiatives to develop local and community broadcasting and projects with lower funding levels.”
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The Sound & Vision scheme is funded by the TV licence fee. Its performance, and whether it has a greater role as technology and consumer preferences evolve, is being reviewed by the Commission on Irish Public Service Broadcasting, launched in December 2019.
Younger audiences
In another landmark change to be introduced in this iteration of the scheme, the BAI will institute a Digital First Principal, designed to facilitate the distribution of content on digital media first to try and capture younger audiences where they tend to view their media.
The BAI will also aim to establish specific measures for projects with lower funding levels in the community radio and TV sectors on a rolling basis with “a less onerous application process and a maximum funding limit available”.
A standardised points system is also being examined to govern the evaluation of applications and assist in providing feedback to applicants.
The Sound and Vision Scheme will split funds between TV and Radio on a 85 per cent/15 per cent basis, the department confirmed. New metrics will also be introduced to assess the impact of the initiatives.
The most recent review of the scheme found that Ireland is unlikely to see significant indigenous content reflecting Irish culture, heritage and diversity unless there is public intervention. The scheme is in part designed to offset that.
“Our heritage is our greatest asset and public service broadcasting must reflect the diversity of Irish culture,” said Mr Bruton.
Following today’s Ministerial approval, the BAI is clear to launch the scheme and seek applications. It is estimated that the fund will have an annual value in excess of €14 million.


theirishtimes--2020-03-12--Coronavirus shutdown: what does it all mean and how concerned should I be?

What is happening now ?
The country has gone into a partial lockdown or at the very least schools , colleges , childcare centres and public facilities in the Republic are closed for at least two weeks in response to the spread of coronavirus .
Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people have been cancelled as have outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people .
Shops , cafes and restaurants will stay open but businesses that can facilitate remote working have been told to let people work from home where possible .
At least two weeks ?
Actually it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case of the schools .
According to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar the measures will remain in place until March 29th and will be kept under review .
Why is this happening now ?
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has said the unprecedented measures have been taken in the light of a significant increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 , a number of ICU hospitalisation , one death , some clusters of cases , cases in hospital settings and evidence of community transmission .
The key phrase in recent days has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That means that authorities are trying to slow down the speed at which the new cases present themselves and push them out over a longer period of time to try and stop the health service being overwhelmed by many people getting ill at the same time .
What has the Government been saying ?
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he knew that some of what was happening would come “ as a real shock and it is going involve big changes in the way we live our lives .
I know that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ re doing it for each other , ” he said .
“ Together , we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back .
Acting together , as one nation , we can save many lives .
Our economy will suffer .
It will bounce back.
” Tánaiste Simon Coveney said thousands of lives could be saved through a collective national response being introduced , which was unprecedented in scale and effect across society .
“ Never before has such drastic action been taken in face of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told a press briefing .
He said the steps were being taken based on the advice of the best public health experts .
“ The irony is that in order to pull together we are asking people to stay apart .
The closures proposed will disrupt the everyday connectivity that makes us who we are , ” he said .
What impact will this all have on the economy ?
A huge one .
We have already seen a dramatic decline in spending on holidays , hotels , restaurants and more .
Tens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector alone are at risk .
In the days ahead , business life will slow as the measures take effect .
It is too soon to say how bad the long-term impact will be .
We don ’ t know how long it will last and we don ’ t know what will happen when the current phase of the crisis passes .
What is the thinking behind the new rules ?
The idea is to reduce the amount of interaction people have with each other in order to slow the march of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or at least one of them , is social distancing .
People need to reduce the number of contacts they have with other people .
That does not mean that you have to lock yourself in your home for the next two weeks – you can still see friends and family .
If , however , people are displaying any symptoms then they will need to cut themselves off from other people to avoid spreading the illness .
There has been panic buying in shops .
Should I be concerned ?
There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops as the measures were rolled out with many staples including rice , pasta , tinned goods and toilet paper disappearing .
The Taoiseach and the Minister for Enterprise have both insisted shops and supply chains will remain open .
The director of Retail Ireland , Arnold Dillon , said supply chains were “ functioning as normal and were well-placed to respond ” .
Why are people so panicked ?
It is a natural response to an unnatural situation .
And of course once some people start panic buying everyone feels like they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty shelves are not helping .
It is important to remember that shelves will be restocked every evening and restocking will continue into the future .
What about buses and trains and planes ?
Public transport will continue to operate as normal – or at least as normal as can be expected in what are extraordinary times .
According to officials , all the other measures being introduced mean that there is likely to be a significant drop in demand for public transport services .
People can still fly to other countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ another thing entirely .
Does this mean I don ’ t have to go to work ?
No , it doesn ’ t .
People are being encouraged to continue to go to work and people who can work from home are being encouraged to do so and we have been asked to minimise social interaction where possible .
And sport ?
This is a busy time for sport in Ireland , right ?
It was a busy time but as a result of the spread of coronavirus , sport in Ireland will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least March 29th .
The GAA , Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association have suspended all activity at club , county and educational levels until March 29th from midnight on Thursday .
Most of them are gone too .
MCD Promotions has postponed all shows and events affected by the public-gathering guidelines for the duration of the measures .
Original tickets will be valid for rescheduled shows .
And Confirmations and Masses and funerals ?
All confirmations due to take place in the days ahead across Ireland have been cancelled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be limited to fewer than 100 people and , while Masses are going ahead , they are likely to be scaled back .
What about the US travel ban on European countries ?
Ireland is not affected .
US president Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on all non-US travellers entering America from Europe .
The US department of homeland security suggested that the ban only applies to countries in the Schengen Area ( the European borderless free travel area ) so Ireland – as well as Romania , Bulgaria and Britain – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we go back to the start ?
How serious is this illness ?
It is very serious , there is no two ways about it .
While the vast majority of people who contract coronavirus will be fine within a couple of weeks , about 15 per cent of people will become very ill while about 5 per cent will get critically ill .
The mortality rate of the illness is fluctuating from country to country and from week to week as it spreads , but with the information we have at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of those who get the illness may die .
The number falls dramatically among younger people and – so far at least – the percentage of children who have become seriously ill or died is minuscule .
What should I do if I have symptoms ?
Contact your GP urgently and do not leave the house .
The principal symptoms are headache , dry cough , shortness of breath , muscle pain and fever .
If you think you have the illness but are feeling well , the advice is to consult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helpline on 1850 24 1850 for advice .
What else should I do ?

What is happening now?
The country has gone into a partial lockdown or at the very least schools, colleges, childcare centres and public facilities in the Republic are closed for at least two weeks in response to the spread of coronavirus. Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people have been cancelled as have outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people. Shops, cafes and restaurants will stay open but businesses that can facilitate remote working have been told to let people work from home where possible.
At least two weeks?
Actually it is a little bit longer – certainly in the case of the schools. According to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar the measures will remain in place until March 29th and will be kept under review.
Why is this happening now?
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has said the unprecedented measures have been taken in the light of a significant increase in the number of cases of Covid-19, a number of ICU hospitalisation, one death, some clusters of cases, cases in hospital settings and evidence of community transmission. The key phrase in recent days has been "flattening the curve". That means that authorities are trying to slow down the speed at which the new cases present themselves and push them out over a longer period of time to try and stop the health service being overwhelmed by many people getting ill at the same time.
What has the Government been saying?
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he knew that some of what was happening would come “as a real shock and it is going involve big changes in the way we live our lives. I know that I am asking people to make enormous sacrifices. We’re doing it for each other,” he said. “Together, we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back. Acting together, as one nation, we can save many lives. Our economy will suffer. It will bounce back.”
READ MORE
Anything else?
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said thousands of lives could be saved through a collective national response being introduced, which was unprecedented in scale and effect across society. "Never before has such drastic action been taken in face of a public health threat," he told a press briefing . He said the steps were being taken based on the advice of the best public health experts. "The irony is that in order to pull together we are asking people to stay apart. The closures proposed will disrupt the everyday connectivity that makes us who we are," he said.
What impact will this all have on the economy?
A huge one. We have already seen a dramatic decline in spending on holidays, hotels, restaurants and more. Tens of thousands of jobs in the tourism sector alone are at risk. In the days ahead, business life will slow as the measures take effect. It is too soon to say how bad the long-term impact will be. We don’t know how long it will last and we don’t know what will happen when the current phase of the crisis passes.
What is the thinking behind the new rules?
The idea is to reduce the amount of interaction people have with each other in order to slow the march of the disease. The key phrase, or at least one of them, is social distancing. People need to reduce the number of contacts they have with other people. That does not mean that you have to lock yourself in your home for the next two weeks – you can still see friends and family. If, however, people are displaying any symptoms then they will need to cut themselves off from other people to avoid spreading the illness.
There has been panic buying in shops. Should I be concerned?
There was a huge amount of panic buying in shops as the measures were rolled out with many staples including rice, pasta, tinned goods and toilet paper disappearing. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Enterprise have both insisted shops and supply chains will remain open. The director of Retail Ireland, Arnold Dillon, said supply chains were "functioning as normal and were well-placed to respond".
Why are people so panicked?
It is a natural response to an unnatural situation. And of course once some people start panic buying everyone feels like they should too. Social media images of empty shelves are not helping. It is important to remember that shelves will be restocked every evening and restocking will continue into the future.
What about buses and trains and planes?
Public transport will continue to operate as normal – or at least as normal as can be expected in what are extraordinary times. According to officials, all the other measures being introduced mean that there is likely to be a significant drop in demand for public transport services. People can still fly to other countries. Whether or not they want to is another thing entirely.
Does this mean I don’t have to go to work?
No, it doesn’t. People are being encouraged to continue to go to work and people who can work from home are being encouraged to do so and we have been asked to minimise social interaction where possible.
And sport? This is a busy time for sport in Ireland, right?
It was a busy time but as a result of the spread of coronavirus, sport in Ireland will come to a complete stop until at least March 29th. The GAA, Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association have suspended all activity at club, county and educational levels until March 29th from midnight on Thursday.
What about concerts?
Most of them are gone too. MCD Promotions has postponed all shows and events affected by the public-gathering guidelines for the duration of the measures. Original tickets will be valid for rescheduled shows.
And Confirmations and Masses and funerals?
All confirmations due to take place in the days ahead across Ireland have been cancelled. The Catholic Church has asked that funerals be limited to fewer than 100 people and, while Masses are going ahead, they are likely to be scaled back.
What about the US travel ban on European countries?
Ireland is not affected. US president Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on all non-US travellers entering America from Europe. The US department of homeland security suggested that the ban only applies to countries in the Schengen Area (the European borderless free travel area) so Ireland – as well as Romania, Bulgaria and Britain – is not included.
Okay, can we go back to the start? How serious is this illness?
It is very serious, there is no two ways about it. While the vast majority of people who contract coronavirus will be fine within a couple of weeks, about 15 per cent of people will become very ill while about 5 per cent will get critically ill. The mortality rate of the illness is fluctuating from country to country and from week to week as it spreads, but with the information we have at this stage it looks like about 2 per cent of those who get the illness may die. The number falls dramatically among younger people and – so far at least – the percentage of children who have become seriously ill or died is minuscule.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
Contact your GP urgently and do not leave the house. The principal symptoms are headache, dry cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain and fever. If you think you have the illness but are feeling well, the advice is to consult the HSE website or ring the HSELive helpline on 1850 24 1850 for advice.
What else should I do?
Keep washing your hands.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Kissing Blarney Stone shelved amid Covid-19 fears

The kissing of the Blarney Stone has been suspended for the foreseeable future amid fears about the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland .
Owner of Blarney castle , Sir Charles Colthurt , said the suspension was “ a necessary step in the current climate.
” “ For the first time in its history no one will be kissing the Blarney Stone .
We will keep the castle and gardens open for anyone who may want to get some fresh air and experience all the beautiful walks we have available throughout the estate.
” Staff at the castle have vowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midst of concerns about public health .
Local legend has it that visitors who bend over backwards to kiss the stone built into Blarney Castle are rewarded with the “ gift of the gab ” .
A castle was built on the site in Blarney early in the 13th century , and replaced by the present building in the mid 15th century by the McCarthys .
The famous stone , according to one version , is part of the Stone of Sconce which was originally Scottish , and reputedly given to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gesture of appreciation for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn .
The Blarney angle reportedly comes from Queen Elizabeth I who reportedly experienced difficulty when she tried to make McCarthy sign over his land to her under title .
So loquacious was he in avoiding the issue that she declared he was giving her “ Blarney ” and thus a legend was begun .
Or so the story goes .
Blarney Castle is generally in the top 10 most popular fee-paying tourist attraction in the country .
It attracts in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celebrities who have kissed the world famous stone include Winston Churchill and Laurel and Hardy .
Churchill kissed the stone on his visit to Ireland in 1912 .

The kissing of the Blarney Stone has been suspended for the foreseeable future amid fears about the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland.
Owner of Blarney castle, Sir Charles Colthurt, said the suspension was “a necessary step in the current climate.”
“For the first time in its history no one will be kissing the Blarney Stone. We will keep the castle and gardens open for anyone who may want to get some fresh air and experience all the beautiful walks we have available throughout the estate.”
Keen to kiss the Blarney Stone with a little help from a friend. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times
Staff at the castle have vowed to give their visitors the safest experience possible in the midst of concerns about public health.
READ MORE
Local legend has it that visitors who bend over backwards to kiss the stone built into Blarney Castle are rewarded with the “gift of the gab”.
A castle was built on the site in Blarney early in the 13th century, and replaced by the present building in the mid 15th century by the McCarthys. The famous stone, according to one version, is part of the Stone of Sconce which was originally Scottish, and reputedly given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce as a gesture of appreciation for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn.
The Blarney angle reportedly comes from Queen Elizabeth I who reportedly experienced difficulty when she tried to make McCarthy sign over his land to her under title. So loquacious was he in avoiding the issue that she declared he was giving her “Blarney” and thus a legend was begun. Or so the story goes.
Blarney Castle is generally in the top 10 most popular fee-paying tourist attraction in the country.
It attracts in the region of 460,000 visitors every year.
Celebrities who have kissed the world famous stone include Winston Churchill and Laurel and Hardy.
Churchill kissed the stone on his visit to Ireland in 1912.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Hundreds of prisoners may be released to reduce jail risk of Covid-19

Prisoners with less than three months remaining on their sentences will be considered for early release as part of plans being put in place by the Irish Prison Service to deal the coronavirus risk .
Hundreds of prisoners may be released from jails in the Republic in a pre-emptive response by Prison Service to the coronavirus risk .
Security sources stressed that no decision has been made , adding the step may be taken to better position prisons to respond in the event of some prisoners testing positive for the virus .
Prisoners with less than three months remaining would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by those with up to six months remaining .
The Irish Times understands prisoners with more than 12 months left to serve would never be considered , nor would those serving sentences for violent crimes , including sex offences .
On Friday night , the Irish Prison Service said the confirmation of a Covid-19 case in an Irish jail would “ present significant challenges for prison management ” .
“ In this regard , the Irish Prison Service is in discussion with the Department of Justice and Equality on a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in custody in a controlled manner.
” Sources said if the prison population was reduced the medical services and other staff would be much better placed to isolate and deal with any Covid-19 cases .
A smaller prison population would also be easier to manage in the event prison officers or other staff , including caterers and teachers , were infected .
There is concern within the Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service that the prisoner population may be especially vulnerable to Covid-19 .
Many prisoners have serious underlying health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of drug abuse , and a large number are being maintained in methadone .
The Prison Service has already moved to take steps in a bid to keep Covid-19 out of jails , including cutting back on visits .
Security sources pointed out while the prisons were at 97 per cent capacity , some were beyond capacity .
The prisoner population has also been steadily increasing , after years of decline , as recorded crime increases .
In the period since the start of the year numbers have increased from 4,400 to just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has also emerged that new Garda rosters will require Garda members to work 12-hour shifts from Monday as part of efforts to increase patrols and reassure the public amid concern over Covid-19 .
The Garda response will be coordinated by a new Covid-19 Coordination Unit in Garda Headquarters , Phoenix Park , Dublin , which will operate 24-7 and will be headed by Liaison and Protection Det Chief Supt Cliona Richardson .

Prisoners with less than three months remaining on their sentences will be considered for early release as part of plans being put in place by the Irish Prison Service to deal the coronavirus risk.
Hundreds of prisoners may be released from jails in the Republic in a pre-emptive response by Prison Service to the coronavirus risk.
Security sources stressed that no decision has been made, adding the step may be taken to better position prisons to respond in the event of some prisoners testing positive for the virus.
Prisoners with less than three months remaining would be considered for early release first, followed by those with up to six months remaining.
READ MORE
The Irish Times understands prisoners with more than 12 months left to serve would never be considered, nor would those serving sentences for violent crimes, including sex offences.
On Friday night, the Irish Prison Service said the confirmation of a Covid-19 case in an Irish jail would “present significant challenges for prison management”.
“In this regard, the Irish Prison Service is in discussion with the Department of Justice and Equality on a number of contingency measures to reduce the number of people in custody in a controlled manner.”
Sources said if the prison population was reduced the medical services and other staff would be much better placed to isolate and deal with any Covid-19 cases. A smaller prison population would also be easier to manage in the event prison officers or other staff, including caterers and teachers, were infected.
There is concern within the Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service that the prisoner population may be especially vulnerable to Covid-19. Many prisoners have serious underlying health, due in large part to years of drug abuse, and a large number are being maintained in methadone.
The Prison Service has already moved to take steps in a bid to keep Covid-19 out of jails, including cutting back on visits.
Security sources pointed out while the prisons were at 97 per cent capacity, some were beyond capacity. The prisoner population has also been steadily increasing, after years of decline, as recorded crime increases. “In the period since the start of the year numbers in jail have increased from 4,092 to 4,343 at present.”
Meanwhile, it has also emerged that new Garda rosters will require Garda members to work 12-hour shifts from Monday as part of efforts to increase patrols and reassure the public amid concern over Covid-19.
The Garda response will be coordinated by a new Covid-19 Coordination Unit in Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin, which will operate 24-7 and will be headed by Liaison and Protection Det Chief Supt Cliona Richardson.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Jury urged to stick with trial despite coronavirus

The jury in the trial of a childcare worker accused of sexually assaulting four girls in a Leinster creche has been urged to stick with the case despite the coronarvirus outbreak .
Judge Elma Sheahan told the jury of seven men and five women that the Courts of Criminal Justice will be a lot less crowded next week and they will have more space while eating their lunch .
She made the comments after it was announced that no new jury trials will be commencing in criminal courts for two weeks as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
Ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusion .
Speaking to the jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial on Friday , Judge Sheahan said she was “ completely aware ” of the stresses and difficulties the jurors may be experiencing .
“ Things are not easy for anybody , ” the judge said .
“ But these are most important matters and you ’ ve given them your full attention for the last five weeks .
I ’ d ask you to stick with us for the next week in terms of dealing with the matters.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less people attending courts from Monday .
“ There won ’ t be the crowds that have been here , ” she said .
She urged them to let her know if she could facilitate them in any way .
The trial of the 29-year-old man is set to conclude next week , with closing speeches expected on Monday , the jury was told .
No evidence was heard in the case on Friday .
The man is accused of 23 counts of sexually assaulting four girls at a Leinster creche on dates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they were aged between five and eight years old .
He denies the charges .

Speaking to the jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial on Friday, the judge said she was “completely aware” of the stresses and difficulties the jurors may be experiencing.
The jury in the trial of a childcare worker accused of sexually assaulting four girls in a Leinster creche has been urged to stick with the case despite the coronarvirus outbreak.
Judge Elma Sheahan told the jury of seven men and five women that the Courts of Criminal Justice will be a lot less crowded next week and they will have more space while eating their lunch.
She made the comments after it was announced that no new jury trials will be commencing in criminal courts for two weeks as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Ongoing criminal trials are to continue to their conclusion.
Speaking to the jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial on Friday, Judge Sheahan said she was "completely aware" of the stresses and difficulties the jurors may be experiencing.
READ MORE
“Things are not easy for anybody,” the judge said.
“But these are most important matters and you’ve given them your full attention for the last five weeks. I’d ask you to stick with us for the next week in terms of dealing with the matters.”
The judge said there would be a lot less people attending courts from Monday. “There won’t be the crowds that have been here,” she said. She urged them to let her know if she could facilitate them in any way.
The trial of the 29-year-old man is set to conclude next week, with closing speeches expected on Monday, the jury was told.
No evidence was heard in the case on Friday.
The man is accused of 23 counts of sexually assaulting four girls at a Leinster creche on dates between February 2015 and December 2016, when they were aged between five and eight years old. He denies the charges.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--HSE health professionals not in frontline service to be re-deployed

HSE personnel with nursing , medical and social care professional qualifications who are no longer engaged in frontline duties should be identified and re-deployed to assist where their skills are most required , the health authority has said in a new policy for use during the coronavirus outbreak .
In an updated document produced on Friday , the HSE said staff who retired in the past two years may be re-hired as part of the crisis management measures .
“ If necessary , employees may be required to work different hours or in a different location .
In this regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and urgency of need , ” the HSE said .
“ Notice requirements normally associated with alterations to the usual practice of scheduling shift changes , changes to hours of work and/or changes to work locations will be suspended for the duration of Covid-19 infection as redeployment needs will require assessment on a daily basis.
” The HSE also said in the updated policy document that in order to deal with the effects of Covid-19 infection , there may be a requirement for some or all identified non-essential services to be cancelled or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are curtailed or temporarily suspended [ non-essential services ] will be deemed available to be redeployed to assist in other essential service areas that are experiencing staffing shortages .
“ Employees most at risk of contracting Covid-19 in the workplace [ eg age 60 years or over , have a long-term medical condition , immune suppressed , pregnant ] will be assigned to non-direct contact areas.
” Controversial proposals put forward last week by the HSE to effectively ban strikes and disputes for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak , which were rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new version of the policy document .
Earlier proposals allowing the HSE to outsource some services if necessary have been omitted from the new document .
However , there is a separate side note governing outsourcing of services .
In this note the HSE said it acknowledged the unions ’ position with regard to outsourcing .
It said it continued to be committed to the provisions of the current public service agreement ( regarding outsourcing ) “ in normal circumstances ” .
However , it said the categorisation of the current outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak “ were now presenting us all with a unique , challenging and unprecedented situation ” .
The trade union Siptu said on Friday it would not agree to the HSE document as long as the reference to outsourcing remained in it .
However , the country ’ s largest public service union , Fórsa , on Friday pledged full co-operation with measures for tackling Covid-19 but sought engagement on operational matters .
Meanwhile , the National Bus and Rail Union ( NBRU ) has said it can not guarantee that its members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the absence of social distancing recommendations advanced by health experts being implemented in the State-owned bus and train companies .
General secretary Dermot O ’ Leary also said it would back members who made a conscious decision not to handle cash over fears of contracting the virus .
He said Bus Éireann , in particular , should inform customers as a matter of urgency that they must buy tickets in advance of travelling or use a Leap card .
He said these were health and welfare matters for staff rather than industrial relation @ @

HSE said staff who retired in the past two years may be rehired as part of the crisis management measures. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
HSE personnel with nursing, medical and social care professional qualifications who are no longer engaged in frontline duties should be identified and re-deployed to assist where their skills are most required, the health authority has said in a new policy for use during the coronavirus outbreak.
In an updated document produced on Friday, the HSE said staff who retired in the past two years may be re-hired as part of the crisis management measures.
“If necessary, employees may be required to work different hours or in a different location. In this regard, redeployment will be based on need and urgency of need,” the HSE said.
“Notice requirements normally associated with alterations to the usual practice of scheduling shift changes, changes to hours of work and/or changes to work locations will be suspended for the duration of Covid-19 infection as redeployment needs will require assessment on a daily basis.”
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The HSE also said in the updated policy document that in order to deal with the effects of Covid-19 infection, there may be a requirement for some or all identified non-essential services to be cancelled or postponed.
“Employees in positions that are curtailed or temporarily suspended [non-essential services] will be deemed available to be redeployed to assist in other essential service areas that are experiencing staffing shortages.
“Employees most at risk of contracting Covid-19 in the workplace [eg age 60 years or over, have a long-term medical condition, immune suppressed, pregnant] will be assigned to non-direct contact areas.”
Strikes and disputes
Controversial proposals put forward last week by the HSE to effectively ban strikes and disputes for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak, which were rejected by unions, were dropped from the new version of the policy document.
Earlier proposals allowing the HSE to outsource some services if necessary have been omitted from the new document. However, there is a separate side note governing outsourcing of services.
In this note the HSE said it acknowledged the unions’ position with regard to outsourcing. It said it continued to be committed to the provisions of the current public service agreement (regarding outsourcing) “in normal circumstances”.
However, it said the categorisation of the current outbreak, and the Government announcement regarding the coronavirus outbreak “were now presenting us all with a unique, challenging and unprecedented situation”.
The trade union Siptu said on Friday it would not agree to the HSE document as long as the reference to outsourcing remained in it.
However, the country's largest public service union, Fórsa, on Friday pledged full co-operation with measures for tackling Covid-19 but sought engagement on operational matters.
Transport union
Meanwhile, the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) has said it cannot guarantee that its members will continue operating public transport services in the absence of social distancing recommendations advanced by health experts being implemented in the State-owned bus and train companies.
General secretary Dermot O’Leary also said it would back members who made a conscious decision not to handle cash over fears of contracting the virus.
He said Bus Éireann, in particular, should inform customers as a matter of urgency that they must buy tickets in advance of travelling or use a Leap card.
He said these were health and welfare matters for staff rather than industrial relation issues.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Woman with cervical cancer and in palliative care gets May date for damages action

A woman with cervical cancer who has sued in relation to alleged misinterpretation of her smear slides taken at different times over an eight-year period has had her case adjourned until late May at the High Court .
The 40-year-old is receiving palliative care and can not be named by order of the court .
She was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year .
Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told the case is more complex than the long-running Ruth Morrissey case in which a Supreme Court judgment is awaited .
When the case was mentioned to the judge on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could mediate it , they “ have my blessing ” .
Asked by Patrick Treacy SC , for the woman , if the court was recommending mediation , the judge replied he was .
The woman has sued the Health Service Executive , laboratory Quest Diagnostics and the Coombe hospital Dublin , which was responsible for the provision of cervical cytopathology and colposcopy services at the hospital including the processing , screening and reporting on one of the woman ’ s cervical samples as part of the National Cervical Screening programme .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an action .
The claims revolve around alleged misinterpretation of her smear slides taken at different dates between 2010 and 2018 .
She has claimed , as a result , her cancer was allegedly allowed to develop and spread unidentified , unmonitored and untreated until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer last summer .
The woman had in 2009 been referred for annual cervical screening and on December 2010 had a smear test at the hospital .
The sample was reviewed at a laboratory operated by the hospital and was reported back as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests in 2010 , 2012 , 2013 and 2014 were reviewed at a laboratory operated by Quest Diagnostics and it is claimed were also reported as showing no abnormality .
It is claimed the woman was advised other smear tests in 2015 , 2016 , 2017 and 2018 had detected no abnormalities .
In July last year , she was diagnosed with stage-four cervical cancer .
The claims are denied by all three defendants .
On Friday , Patrick Hanratty SC , for the HSE and Coombe hospital , had sought an adjournment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further particulars had been furnished and his side would not be in a position to deal with the case which was listed to start on March 27th .
Declan Buckley SC , for Quest Diagnostics , said his side were also not in a position to deal with the case on March 27th .
Mr Treacy said the woman is receiving palliative care .
June 10th “ would be far too late ” and he suggested a four-week adjournment .
The case will take about six to eight weeks to hear and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court last December .
The judge said he had a letter from a doctor in relation to the woman ’ s condition and this was a case which was going to be more complex than any dealt with by the court so far in relation to screening .
Accepting a March 27th hearing is not possible , he fixed a hearing date for May 20th .

A woman with cervical cancer who has sued in relation to alleged misinterpretation of her smear slides taken at different times over an eight-year period has had her case adjourned until late May at the High Court.
The 40-year-old is receiving palliative care and cannot be named by order of the court. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year.
Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told the case is more complex than the long-running Ruth Morrissey case in which a Supreme Court judgment is awaited. When the case was mentioned to the judge on Friday, he said, if the parties could mediate it, they “have my blessing”. Asked by Patrick Treacy SC, for the woman, if the court was recommending mediation, the judge replied he was.
The woman has sued the Health Service Executive, laboratory Quest Diagnostics and the Coombe hospital Dublin, which was responsible for the provision of cervical cytopathology and colposcopy services at the hospital including the processing, screening and reporting on one of the woman’s cervical samples as part of the National Cervical Screening programme.
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The woman’s husband has also brought an action. The claims revolve around alleged misinterpretation of her smear slides taken at different dates between 2010 and 2018. She has claimed, as a result, her cancer was allegedly allowed to develop and spread unidentified, unmonitored and untreated until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer last summer.
The woman had in 2009 been referred for annual cervical screening and on December 2010 had a smear test at the hospital. The sample was reviewed at a laboratory operated by the hospital and was reported back as showing no abnormal cells. Other smear tests in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were reviewed at a laboratory operated by Quest Diagnostics and it is claimed were also reported as showing no abnormality. It is claimed the woman was advised other smear tests in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 had detected no abnormalities.
Claims denied
In July last year, she was diagnosed with stage-four cervical cancer.
The claims are denied by all three defendants. On Friday, Patrick Hanratty SC, for the HSE and Coombe hospital, had sought an adjournment to June 10th next. He said further particulars had been furnished and his side would not be in a position to deal with the case which was listed to start on March 27th.
Declan Buckley SC, for Quest Diagnostics, said his side were also not in a position to deal with the case on March 27th.
Mr Treacy said the woman is receiving palliative care. June 10th “would be far too late” and he suggested a four-week adjournment. The case will take about six to eight weeks to hear and the March date had been specially fixed by the court last December.
The judge said he had a letter from a doctor in relation to the woman’s condition and this was a case which was going to be more complex than any dealt with by the court so far in relation to screening. Accepting a March 27th hearing is not possible, he fixed a hearing date for May 20th.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Trial of ex-British solider for attempted murder could take place by Skype

The trial of a former British soldier on an attempted murder charge could take place by Skype , a court has heard .
A lawyer for Dennis Hutchings applied for an adjournment of the case on Friday over concerns that the 79-year-old accused would not be able to attend his trial in person for health reasons .
Belfast Crown Court was told that Mr Hutchings is receiving medical treatment and his doctor said it is not safe for him to travel .
The defendant , from Cawsand in Cornwall , a former member of the Life Guards regiment , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of John Pat Cunningham in Co Tyrone in 1974 .
Mr Cunningham , a 27-year-old man with learning difficulties , was shot in the back as he ran away from an army patrol near Benburb .
The accused , who is on dialysis twice a week for renal failure , is facing charges of attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent .
Mr Justice O ’ Hara told the court on Friday that a video-link will allow Hutchings to participate fully in the trial and that the court could sit two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to participate in the trial by Skype .
Defence lawyer Ian Turkington said however that there could be a visibility challenge .
He said his client wants to be present in court for his trial .
He told the court : “ It ’ s not safe for him to travel .
The consultant said he should not travel and the reason for that is clear – between buses , trains , airports , airplanes and hotels , and backwards and forwards.
” Mr Justice O ’ Hara said on Friday the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak of the Covid-19 outbreak and asking for further delay could see the trial put back to September .
The defence lawyer said for his client “ to face these [ in his living room somewhere in England is not the preferred method of standing trial .
He asked the judge for a delay to consider the steps needed for his client to participate in a trial through Skype .
The judge adjourned the case to Monday , March 23 .

Belfast Crown Court heard that Dennis Hutchings is receiving medical treatment and his doctor said it is not safe for him to travel. Photograph: Alan Lewis
The trial of a former British soldier on an attempted murder charge could take place by Skype, a court has heard.
A lawyer for Dennis Hutchings applied for an adjournment of the case on Friday over concerns that the 79-year-old accused would not be able to attend his trial in person for health reasons.
Belfast Crown Court was told that Mr Hutchings is receiving medical treatment and his doctor said it is not safe for him to travel.
The defendant, from Cawsand in Cornwall, a former member of the Life Guards regiment, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham in Co Tyrone in 1974.
READ MORE
Mr Cunningham, a 27-year-old man with learning difficulties, was shot in the back as he ran away from an army patrol near Benburb.
The accused, who is on dialysis twice a week for renal failure, is facing charges of attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.
Mr Justice O’Hara told the court on Friday that a video-link will allow Hutchings to participate fully in the trial and that the court could sit two days a week if the accused is willing to participate in the trial by Skype.
Defence lawyer Ian Turkington said however that there could be a visibility challenge. He said his client wants to be present in court for his trial.
He told the court: “It’s not safe for him to travel. The consultant said he should not travel and the reason for that is clear – between buses, trains, airports, airplanes and hotels, and backwards and forwards.”
Mr Justice O’Hara said on Friday the country is potentially weeks away from the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak and asking for further delay could see the trial put back to September.
The defence lawyer said for his client "to face these [ in his living room somewhere in England is not the preferred method of standing trial.
“We are in uncharted territory.”
He asked the judge for a delay to consider the steps needed for his client to participate in a trial through Skype.
The judge adjourned the case to Monday, March 23.
- PA


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Insurer argues it was entitled not to pay out on murdered man’s life policy

Irish Life was entitled to refuse to pay €250,000 life insurance for murdered gangland figure Eamon Dunne over his failure to disclose drug/alcohol misuse and depression when taking the policy out , the High Court has been told .
Dunne ( 42 ) was shot six times in the head and back in April 2010 while attending a birthday party in a pub in Cabra , Dublin .
He was linked to a number of gang murders , drug trafficking and was on bail awaiting trial at the time of his death for the robbery of a cash-in-transit van in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish Life Insurance policy , costing €103 a month , with his partner Georgina Saunders two years before his death .
Ms Saunders , with an address in Lanesborough Avenue , Finglas , Dublin , claims Irish Life failed to make payment wrongfully and in breach of the terms and conditions of the life insurance contract .
Irish Life denies the claims and says the policy was void by reason of non-disclosure of material facts about Dunne when the policy was taken out .
These included that in 2003 he had attended his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of problems including cocaine and ecstasy use , that he was depressed , had feelings of paranoia and was drinking excessively .
His GP told the court Dunne ’ s initial attendance at the surgery was in 2001 after a break-up with a previous girlfriend and he expressed suicidal thoughts .
He was prescribed sleeping pills and anti-depressants .
He attended the GP a number of times in 2003 when it was noted he was “ drinking eight cans a night ” and snorting substantial amounts of cocaine .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had trouble sleeping and was referred to a psychiatrist in Grangegorman , Dublin .
Irish Life says in his insurance proposal form , Dunne had stated he drank six units of alcohol a week , never suffered from a mental or nervous disorder or had treatment for such a disorder in the last five years .
He had also said he was not taking prescribed medication and did not take non-prescribed drugs .
The information he provided in the proposal form was entirely misleading and if disclosed it would have led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
Martin Duffy , Irish Life ’ s head of underwriting and protection of claims , told the court on Friday , because Mr Dunne was just 42 and died of multiple gunshot wounds , the company sought his medical records .
It was also learned Mr Dunne had two life policies with Zurich which had also refused to pay out on them , Mr Duffy said .
Asked by Mairéad McKenna BL , for Irish Life , would there have been a loading on the policy if his medical history had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been inappropriate .
It would be “ completely unacceptable from an insurance point of view ” to accept him as a policy holder given the extent of illicit drug use and concerns about his mental health , he said .
Ms Saunders was recalled to the witness box on Friday at the request of the defence to address answers she gave for preparatory work on her legal action in relation to certain questions which the defence claimed should have been answered when the policy was taken out .
She told Remy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she thought there was a misunderstanding in relation to these questions in the legal papers , known as “ interrogatories ” , as she was “ literally confirming ” the information .
“ Maybe I did not understand it , I am not sure , but there were details about mental health issues and I did not know him ( Dunne ) back then and every answer was ‘ yes ’ ” , she said .
Mr Justice Tony O ’ Connor has adjourned the case to May for legal submissions .

Eamon Dunne (42) was shot six times in the head and back in April 2010 while attending a birthday party in a pub in Cabra, Dublin. File photograph: Collins.
Irish Life was entitled to refuse to pay €250,000 life insurance for murdered gangland figure Eamon Dunne over his failure to disclose drug/alcohol misuse and depression when taking the policy out, the High Court has been told.
Dunne (42) was shot six times in the head and back in April 2010 while attending a birthday party in a pub in Cabra, Dublin. He was linked to a number of gang murders, drug trafficking and was on bail awaiting trial at the time of his death for the robbery of a cash-in-transit van in Kildare.
He had taken out the Irish Life Insurance policy, costing €103 a month, with his partner Georgina Saunders two years before his death.
Ms Saunders, with an address in Lanesborough Avenue, Finglas, Dublin, claims Irish Life failed to make payment wrongfully and in breach of the terms and conditions of the life insurance contract.
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Irish Life denies the claims and says the policy was void by reason of non-disclosure of material facts about Dunne when the policy was taken out.
These included that in 2003 he had attended his GP who noted he was suffering from a number of problems including cocaine and ecstasy use, that he was depressed, had feelings of paranoia and was drinking excessively.
His GP told the court Dunne’s initial attendance at the surgery was in 2001 after a break-up with a previous girlfriend and he expressed suicidal thoughts. He was prescribed sleeping pills and anti-depressants.
He attended the GP a number of times in 2003 when it was noted he was “drinking eight cans a night” and snorting substantial amounts of cocaine.
He was no longer suicidal but was still depressed and had trouble sleeping and was referred to a psychiatrist in Grangegorman, Dublin.
Entirely misleading
Irish Life says in his insurance proposal form, Dunne had stated he drank six units of alcohol a week, never suffered from a mental or nervous disorder or had treatment for such a disorder in the last five years. He had also said he was not taking prescribed medication and did not take non-prescribed drugs.
The information he provided in the proposal form was entirely misleading and if disclosed it would have led to the policy being declined, Irish Life says.
Martin Duffy, Irish Life’s head of underwriting and protection of claims, told the court on Friday, because Mr Dunne was just 42 and died of multiple gunshot wounds, the company sought his medical records.
It was also learned Mr Dunne had two life policies with Zurich which had also refused to pay out on them, Mr Duffy said.
Asked by Mairéad McKenna BL, for Irish Life, would there have been a loading on the policy if his medical history had been disclosed, Mr Duffy said that would have been inappropriate. It would be “completely unacceptable from an insurance point of view” to accept him as a policy holder given the extent of illicit drug use and concerns about his mental health, he said.
Ms Saunders was recalled to the witness box on Friday at the request of the defence to address answers she gave for preparatory work on her legal action in relation to certain questions which the defence claimed should have been answered when the policy was taken out.
She told Remy Farrell SC, for Irish Life, she thought there was a misunderstanding in relation to these questions in the legal papers, known as “interrogatories”, as she was “literally confirming” the information.
“Maybe I did not understand it, I am not sure, but there were details about mental health issues and I did not know him (Dunne) back then and every answer was ‘yes’”, she said.
Mr Justice Tony O’Connor has adjourned the case to May for legal submissions.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Government to consider rent-a-room proposals for asylum seekers

The Government will consider proposals to encourage homeowners with an empty room to rent it to asylum seekers who have been given permission to stay in Ireland .
The measure is intended to tackle enormous strains in finding a place to live for asylum seekers after they have been allowed to remain here .
The suggestion forms part of the considerations of an inter-departmental group looking at the direct provision system .
A submission for Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe from his officials at the Department of Public Expenditure explained how it would be a “ significantly cheaper option ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7,271 people in the direct provision system , of whom 1,585 are living in commercial accommodation premises .
The submission explained how getting a place to live is proving so difficult for many successful asylum seekers that some are choosing to stay in the direct provision system .
The memo , dated December 9th last and released under the Freedom of Information Act , said : “ [ Rent-a-room ] would be a significantly cheaper option than the emergency accommodation option that is currently being used at significant expense for new applicants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct consequence of spaces not being freed up by those with decisions [ to remain in Ireland ] choosing to stay within direct provision.
” The submission said that 8,000 people availed of the so-called “ rent-a-room ” scheme in 2017 at a cost to the exchequer of €12 million .
Under the scheme , homeowners can rent out a room for up to €14,000 a year without having to pay any tax on it .
While many people currently use it to provide accommodation to students , renting a room to somebody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give an income all year round .
The idea would provide not only economic benefits but also “ facilitate better integration into the community ” , the memo added .
It said the rent-a-room scheme was generally of use only to single people but this fitted well with the profile of those in direct provision – 55 per cent of whom are in Ireland by themselves .
Officials said they were looking for approval from the Minister to explore the option in consultation with non-governmental organisations for refugees .
It said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeowner , the relief has served to deliver effectively a new [ housing ] supply source where supply in the wider market has been slow coming on stream.
” Officials said they wanted to discuss the idea with colleagues in the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners about how the system would work in practice .
It said the most likely scenario was that the State would pay homeowners directly for their accommodation , as already happens with the Housing Assistance Payment ( Hap ) scheme .
A spokeswoman for Mr Donohoe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inter-departmental group on direct provision is part of an ongoing deliberative process and the draft report still needs to go to Government.
” The latest figures from the Department of Justice show that last weekend , there were 7,271 people in direct provision , 2,024 of whom are children .
Of those , 5,686 people – including 1,739 children – were living in 39 different international protection accommodation centres around the country .
This includes places like Mosney and the Balseskin reception centre near Dublin Airport .
Another 1,585 people are being housed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 285 child family members .

The latest figures from the Department of Justice show that last weekend, there were 7,271 people in direct provision, in places like Mosney, pictured above. File photograph: Frank Miller
The Government will consider proposals to encourage homeowners with an empty room to rent it to asylum seekers who have been given permission to stay in Ireland.
The measure is intended to tackle enormous strains in finding a place to live for asylum seekers after they have been allowed to remain here.
The suggestion forms part of the considerations of an inter-departmental group looking at the direct provision system.
A submission for Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe from his officials at the Department of Public Expenditure explained how it would be a "significantly cheaper option" than providing emergency accommodation.
READ MORE
There are 7,271 people in the direct provision system, of whom 1,585 are living in commercial accommodation premises.
The submission explained how getting a place to live is proving so difficult for many successful asylum seekers that some are choosing to stay in the direct provision system.
The memo, dated December 9th last and released under the Freedom of Information Act, said: “[Rent-a-room] would be a significantly cheaper option than the emergency accommodation option that is currently being used at significant expense for new applicants.
“[It] is essentially a direct consequence of spaces not being freed up by those with decisions [to remain in Ireland] choosing to stay within direct provision.”
The submission said that 8,000 people availed of the so-called “rent-a-room” scheme in 2017 at a cost to the exchequer of €12 million.
Under the scheme, homeowners can rent out a room for up to €14,000 a year without having to pay any tax on it.
While many people currently use it to provide accommodation to students, renting a room to somebody who had been in direct provision would give an income all year round.
The idea would provide not only economic benefits but also “facilitate better integration into the community”, the memo added.
Single people
It said the rent-a-room scheme was generally of use only to single people but this fitted well with the profile of those in direct provision – 55 per cent of whom are in Ireland by themselves.
Officials said they were looking for approval from the Minister to explore the option in consultation with non-governmental organisations for refugees.
It said: “Apart from the obvious benefit to the homeowner, the relief has served to deliver effectively a new [housing] supply source where supply in the wider market has been slow coming on stream.”
Officials said they wanted to discuss the idea with colleagues in the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners about how the system would work in practice.
It said the most likely scenario was that the State would pay homeowners directly for their accommodation, as already happens with the Housing Assistance Payment (Hap) scheme.
A spokeswoman for Mr Donohoe said: “The report of the inter-departmental group on direct provision is part of an ongoing deliberative process and the draft report still needs to go to Government.”
The latest figures from the Department of Justice show that last weekend, there were 7,271 people in direct provision, 2,024 of whom are children.
Of those, 5,686 people – including 1,739 children – were living in 39 different international protection accommodation centres around the country. This includes places like Mosney and the Balseskin reception centre near Dublin Airport.
Another 1,585 people are being housed in commercial accommodation, with that total including 285 child family members.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--National Bus and Rail Union issues warning on services

The National Bus and Rail Union ( NBRU ) has said it can not guarantee that its members will continue operating public transport services in the absence of social distancing recommendations advanced by health experts being implemented in the State-owned bus and train companies .
General secretary Dermot O ’ Leary also said it would back members who made a conscious decision not to handle cash over fears of contracting the virus .
He said Bus Éireann , in particular , should inform customers as a matter of urgency that they must buy tickets in advance of travelling or use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were health and welfare matters for staff rather than industrial relation issues .
On Wednesday the NBRU said there should be a significant scaling back on the numbers permitted to travel on buses and trains to keep in line with “ social distancing ” recommendations put forward by public health experts .
It said the average full load on a double-deck bus was about 75 passengers when everyone seated and standing was included .
The union said this should be reduced to about 45 to meet “ social distancing ” guidelines .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executives of the three State-owned transport companies – Dublin Bus , Bus Éireann and Irish Rail – Mr O ’ Leary said that its call for the application of social distancing and other requirements proposed by public health experts “ had not been given the serious consideration that it warrants ” .
“ The NBRU is , in these difficult times , trying to ensure that the current requirement [ in the absence of advice to the contrary ] to operate public transport is supported .
However , we can not stand idly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be exposed to the threat of contracting and/or spreading the coronavirus.
” Mr O ’ Leary said the lack of hand sanitisers at points of entry to buses and trains was a major concern .
He called for assurances that buses and trains would be disinfected at regular intervals .
He said Bus Éireann drivers and front-line personnel are particularly worried about their exposure to the virus as the company ’ s fleet did not have protective screens and it has a higher prevalence of customers paying by cash .
Mr O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , coupled with maximum use of the fleet , “ should provide for the enablement of social distancing ” .
On Thursday Irish Rail told staff it was experiencing delays in securing supplies of hand sanitizers which have been ordered .
Chief executive Jim Meade also said it was not practical or achievable to place hand sanitizers at entry points to trains .
He told the NBRU that its train fleet had more than 2,500 doors in total .
Mr Meade also told the union in a letter that there may be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling as the virus outbreak continues .
He said maintaining maximum levels of service should in itself facilitate greater social distancing .
Mr Meade also signalled that there could be practical challenges associated with enforcing social distancing measures .

The union has sought reduced capacity on bus and train services to allow for social distancing. File photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) has said it cannot guarantee that its members will continue operating public transport services in the absence of social distancing recommendations advanced by health experts being implemented in the State-owned bus and train companies.
General secretary Dermot O’Leary also said it would back members who made a conscious decision not to handle cash over fears of contracting the virus.
He said Bus Éireann, in particular, should inform customers as a matter of urgency that they must buy tickets in advance of travelling or use a leap card.
He said these were health and welfare matters for staff rather than industrial relation issues.
READ MORE
On Wednesday the NBRU said there should be a significant scaling back on the numbers permitted to travel on buses and trains to keep in line with “social distancing” recommendations put forward by public health experts.
It said the average full load on a double-deck bus was about 75 passengers when everyone seated and standing was included. The union said this should be reduced to about 45 to meet “social distancing” guidelines.
In a letter on Friday to the chief executives of the three State-owned transport companies – Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Irish Rail – Mr O’Leary said that its call for the application of social distancing and other requirements proposed by public health experts “had not been given the serious consideration that it warrants”.
“The NBRU is, in these difficult times, trying to ensure that the current requirement [in the absence of advice to the contrary] to operate public transport is supported. However, we cannot stand idly by and allow our members and commuters be exposed to the threat of contracting and/or spreading the coronavirus.”
Call for assurances
Mr O’Leary said the lack of hand sanitisers at points of entry to buses and trains was a major concern. He called for assurances that buses and trains would be disinfected at regular intervals.
He said Bus Éireann drivers and front-line personnel are particularly worried about their exposure to the virus as the company’s fleet did not have protective screens and it has a higher prevalence of customers paying by cash.
Mr O’Leary said the reduction in numbers travelling, coupled with maximum use of the fleet, “should provide for the enablement of social distancing”.
On Thursday Irish Rail told staff it was experiencing delays in securing supplies of hand sanitizers which have been ordered. Chief executive Jim Meade also said it was not practical or achievable to place hand sanitizers at entry points to trains.
He told the NBRU that its train fleet had more than 2,500 doors in total.
Mr Meade also told the union in a letter that there may be a significant reduction in the number of people travelling as the virus outbreak continues. He said maintaining maximum levels of service should in itself facilitate greater social distancing.
Mr Meade also signalled that there could be practical challenges associated with enforcing social distancing measures.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Stop ‘wasting your money’, Minister tells panic buyers

People who are bulk buying food because of coronavirus crisis are wasting their money , Minister for Business Heather Humphreys has said .
The Government has warned against panic buying in supermarkets as reports emerged of long queues in shops across the country following the temporary closure of schools and childcare facilities .
Ms Humphreys met with the retail and grocery sector on Friday morning and said she remains confident there is sufficient stock to meet demand .
“ I want to be very clear , people do not need to stockpile .
Supermarkets and shops will remain open .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t do it .
In fact , we have never been in a stronger position to deal with this due to our preparations for a hard Brexit , ” she said .
“ A shelf can only hold so much .
The shelves were full again this morning and will be full again tomorrow morning .
I would say to people once again , you are wasting your money .
Do what you normally do.
” Ms Humphreys also said there were no plans for the closure of non-food stores as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said there were no plans to declare a “ status red ” emergency next Monday which would result in a national lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Rumours circulated on social media that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar would make the announcement at 8am on Monday morning .
This followed the widespread circulation of a voice message on Whatsapp where a man purporting to be a member of the Defence Forces made the claim .
The Defence Forces said there was no truth to the speculation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There is no substance to this material .
The Defence Forces are preparing to provide aid to the civil authorities to support the lead agency , the HSE and the Department of Health and local communities , within means and capabilities.
” “ Misinformation of this nature is unhelpful.
” Mr Donohoe has also said there are no such plans for this .
“ The Taoiseach is making comments on this nearly every day , as are Ministers every day .
I can not project what will be happening on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there are no such plans in place but we will review every day what is happening and communicate it every day .
But there are no such plans in place for an announcement like that.
” Meanwhile , Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe welcomed an announcement by the Revenue Commissioners that small businesses which could not make their VAT returns on time would not face interest payments .
The Revenue Commissioners will issue guidance in relation to the March/April VAT returns , which Mr Donohoe said would provide a potentially significant support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said that Revenue would engage on an ongoing basis with viable businesses experiencing temporary trading difficulties that may be hindering their ability to pay tax .
“ It is true to say that both the societal and the economic response to the Covid-19 outbreak is now evolving rapidly .
We want to again make clear that from a public health and economic point of view , we absolutely acknowledge the anxieties and concerns that citizens , employers and employees face at this moment of great difficulty .
“ But our citizens should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this challenge from a position of strength and that everything that can be done will be done to deal with this public health crisis .
We can and we will get through this .
”

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe: “Ireland is coming at this challenge from a position of strength . . . Everything that can be done will be done.” Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
People who are bulk buying food because of coronavirus crisis are wasting their money, Minister for Business Heather Humphreys has said.
The Government has warned against panic buying in supermarkets as reports emerged of long queues in shops across the country following the temporary closure of schools and childcare facilities.
Ms Humphreys met with the retail and grocery sector on Friday morning and said she remains confident there is sufficient stock to meet demand.
“I want to be very clear, people do not need to stockpile. Supermarkets and shops will remain open. Stockpiling could cause problems, so please don’t do it. In fact, we have never been in a stronger position to deal with this due to our preparations for a hard Brexit,” she said.
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“A shelf can only hold so much. The shelves were full again this morning and will be full again tomorrow morning. I would say to people once again, you are wasting your money. Do what you normally do.”
Ms Humphreys also said there were no plans for the closure of non-food stores as had been the case in Italy.
Meanwhile, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said there were no plans to declare a “status red” emergency next Monday which would result in a national lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Social media rumours
Rumours circulated on social media that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar would make the announcement at 8am on Monday morning. This followed the widespread circulation of a voice message on Whatsapp where a man purporting to be a member of the Defence Forces made the claim.
The Defence Forces said there was no truth to the speculation and hit out at the spreading of misinformation.
“There is no substance to this material. The Defence Forces are preparing to provide aid to the civil authorities to support the lead agency, the HSE and the Department of Health and local communities, within means and capabilities.”
“Misinformation of this nature is unhelpful.”
Mr Donohoe has also said there are no such plans for this. “The Taoiseach is making comments on this nearly every day, as are Ministers every day. I cannot project what will be happening on Monday but I want to be very clear that there are no such plans in place but we will review every day what is happening and communicate it every day. But there are no such plans in place for an announcement like that.”
VAT delay
Meanwhile, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe welcomed an announcement by the Revenue Commissioners that small businesses which could not make their VAT returns on time would not face interest payments.
The Revenue Commissioners will issue guidance in relation to the March/April VAT returns, which Mr Donohoe said would provide a potentially significant support in the coming weeks.
Mr Donohoe also said that Revenue would engage on an ongoing basis with viable businesses experiencing temporary trading difficulties that may be hindering their ability to pay tax.
“It is true to say that both the societal and the economic response to the Covid-19 outbreak is now evolving rapidly. We want to again make clear that from a public health and economic point of view, we absolutely acknowledge the anxieties and concerns that citizens, employers and employees face at this moment of great difficulty.
“But our citizens should also be reassured that Ireland is coming at this challenge from a position of strength and that everything that can be done will be done to deal with this public health crisis. We can and we will get through this.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Court rejects appeal comparing urinating in public to breastfeeding

A man charged with urinating in public has had his challenge to the constitutionality of the offence dismissed by the Court of Appeal .
Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly , delivering the judgment of the three-judge court , found the man ’ s comparison of urinating in public to breastfeeding in public to be an “ extraordinary comparison ” .
Ms Justice Donnelly also found his arguments about whether spitting , removing one ’ s shirt , amorously embracing and displaying risqué tattoos would be covered by the same section of legislation under which he has been charged to be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged to have exited his car on the Old Nangor Road , Dublin at around 3.45am on August 27th , 2015 and relieved himself .
This , it was claimed , was witnessed by a garda who later arrested him .
He was charged with committing an act contrary to public decency to wit urinating in public under section 5 of the Summary Jurisdiction ( Ireland ) Amendment Act 1871 .
Lawyers for Mr Bita , of Belgard Road , Tallaght , Dublin 24 , applied to the High Court to have his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indecent exposure prohibited .
Counsel for Mr Bita , Conor Devally SC , argued that the “ Victorian ” 1871 offence was unconstitutional because it was too vague and uncertain .
He argued that it was so vague that Mr Bita could not have known in advance that what he did fell within Section 5 of the act .
The offence Mr Bita is charged with is similar to the offence of causing scandal and injuring the morals of the community , which had previously been struck down and deemed unconstitutional by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High Court .
However , Mr Bita ’ s bid to seek prohibition was dismissed by the High Court in May .
He went on to appeal this High Court decision in the Court of Appeal and on Friday , the court dismissed this challenge .
In a 31-page written judgment handed down today , Ms Justice Donnelly rejected the arguments made by Mr Bita .
She wrote : “ The arguments that [ MR BITA ] made in the present appeal concerning issues such as whether breastfeeding in public , spitting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embracing and displaying risqué tattoos would be covered by the section are not relevant to this court ’ s consideration as to whether Section 5 is so vague or so uncertain that he could not have known , even with the benefit of legal advice , that urinating in the manner in which it is alleged that he did was an offence contrary to the section.
” Ms Justice Donnelly also noted that , in his appeal , Mr Bita argued that “ a man , even with the benefit of the finest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that urinating at the side of the road is captured by the section than a woman contemplating breastfeeding in public ” .
Lawyers for Bita argued : “ For many , neither act would be considered to be an act contract to public decency ... whereas for others , perhaps fewer in 2017 in the case of breastfeeding , it may well remain contrary to public decency.
” In response to the specific argument about breastfeeding , Ms Justice Donnelly found : “ To equate urinating in public view with breastfeeding in public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not say any more in relation to this , because it is not an act upon which [ MR BITA ] can rely to advance his case.
” The judge also rejected Mr Bita ’ s argument that the section is “ arbitrary ” and “ confers too great a power ” on gardai .
She noted that Mr Bita was not arrested for urinating in public but for “ failing to respond to the request for identification ” .
Ms Justice Donnelly added that he is “ not being tried simply because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being tried because of the circumstances in which that public urination occurred and in circumstances where the respondents have expressly contended that it is indecent ” .

A man charged with urinating in public has had his challenge to the constitutionality of the offence dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, delivering the judgment of the three-judge court, found the man’s comparison of urinating in public to breastfeeding in public to be an “extraordinary comparison”.
Ms Justice Donnelly also found his arguments about whether spitting, removing one’s shirt, amorously embracing and displaying risqué tattoos would be covered by the same section of legislation under which he has been charged to be “not relevant”.
Tezaur Bita is alleged to have exited his car on the Old Nangor Road, Dublin at around 3.45am on August 27th, 2015 and relieved himself. This, it was claimed, was witnessed by a garda who later arrested him.
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He was charged with committing an act contrary to public decency to wit urinating in public under section 5 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Amendment Act 1871.
Lawyers for Mr Bita, of Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, applied to the High Court to have his District Court trial on the charge of indecent exposure prohibited.
Counsel for Mr Bita, Conor Devally SC, argued that the “Victorian” 1871 offence was unconstitutional because it was too vague and uncertain. He argued that it was so vague that Mr Bita could not have known in advance that what he did fell within Section 5 of the act.
The offence Mr Bita is charged with is similar to the offence of causing scandal and injuring the morals of the community, which had previously been struck down and deemed unconstitutional by the courts, counsel had submitted in the High Court.
However, Mr Bita’s bid to seek prohibition was dismissed by the High Court in May. He went on to appeal this High Court decision in the Court of Appeal and on Friday, the court dismissed this challenge.
In a 31-page written judgment handed down today, Ms Justice Donnelly rejected the arguments made by Mr Bita.
She wrote: “The arguments that [MR BITA]made in the present appeal concerning issues such as whether breastfeeding in public, spitting, removing one’s shirt, amorously embracing and displaying risqué tattoos would be covered by the section are not relevant to this court’s consideration as to whether Section 5 is so vague or so uncertain that he could not have known, even with the benefit of legal advice, that urinating in the manner in which it is alleged that he did was an offence contrary to the section.”
Ms Justice Donnelly also noted that, in his appeal, Mr Bita argued that “a man, even with the benefit of the finest legal advice, would not more know that urinating at the side of the road is captured by the section than a woman contemplating breastfeeding in public”.
Lawyers for Bita argued: “For many, neither act would be considered to be an act contract to public decency... whereas for others, perhaps fewer in 2017 in the case of breastfeeding, it may well remain contrary to public decency.”
In response to the specific argument about breastfeeding, Ms Justice Donnelly found: “To equate urinating in public view with breastfeeding in public appears an extraordinary comparison. I will not say any more in relation to this, because it is not an act upon which [MR BITA]can rely to advance his case.”
The judge also rejected Mr Bita’s argument that the section is “arbitrary” and “confers too great a power” on gardai. She noted that Mr Bita was not arrested for urinating in public but for “failing to respond to the request for identification”.
Ms Justice Donnelly added that he is “not being tried simply because he urinated in public. He is being tried because of the circumstances in which that public urination occurred and in circumstances where the respondents have expressly contended that it is indecent”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Jogger injured by galloping horses will pay substantial legal costs, court told

A jogger who sued over injuries suffered after one or more galloping horses collided with him at the Curragh Racecourse is facing a substantial legal costs bill after losing his High Court damages action .
Mr Justice David Keane was told on Friday it had been agreed Gary Turner would pay the agreed costs of the defendants in the case – the Curragh racecourse and two sisters whose family have been training horses at the Curragh for more than a century .
Because the case ran for six days in the High Court , the costs are likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basis of the costs agreement , the judge agreed to adjourn the matter to April 24th .
In his judgment on the case last month , Mr Justice Keane said , while Mr Turner is entitled to “ every sympathy ” for his injuries and pain and suffering he has endured , the court could find no responsibility , and hence , no liability , on the part of the defendants .
The proximate cause of the accident , he concluded , was Mr Turner ’ s failure “ to keep a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of earphones to listen to music , impeding “ if not eliminating ” his ability to hear the approach of the racehorses or the shouted warnings of their approach .
Had Mr Turner been taking reasonable care either by keeping a proper lookout or ensuring he could hear the sound of the approaching racehorses or the shouted warnings of their approach , it was “ more than likely ” he could have avoided the accident “ by the simple and straightforward expedient of stopping or slowing down ” , he found .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abbey , Athgarvan Road , Newbridge , sued over the collision at the Maddenstown gallops on the Curragh plain on the morning of Saturday September 6th 2014 .
The horses were said to be galloping about 40 miles per hour and the force of the collision was such one jockey was dismounted .
Mr Turner , who was wearing earphones , said he heard the horses approach from his left after he had run past buildings and onto a grassy area with a palisade fence on his left but had no time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit him and he thought he was “ dying ” .
He suffered a dislocated shoulder and other injuries , has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and said he is in pain constantly .
He sued two related companies — the Curragh Racecourse and Curragh Racecourse Hospitality Ltd — along with two sisters , Tracey Collins and Sheena Collins , of Cunningham Lodge , The Curragh .
The Curragh defendants denied negligence and breach of duty , including claims of operating an unsafe system insofar as horses were permitted ride at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate defence , Tracey Collins , a horse trainer , and her sister Sheena , an employee of Tracey , denied negligence and breach of duty over the collision .
They pleaded contributory negligence on the part of Mr Turner over allegedly running towards a designated 6.6 metre wide gap for horses in railings without checking whether there were horses galloping through and causing or permitting an emergency situation they had no reasonable means of avoiding .

A jogger who sued over injuries suffered after one or more galloping horses collided with him at the Curragh Racecourse is facing a substantial legal costs bill after losing his High Court damages action.
Mr Justice David Keane was told on Friday it had been agreed Gary Turner would pay the agreed costs of the defendants in the case – the Curragh racecourse and two sisters whose family have been training horses at the Curragh for more than a century.
Because the case ran for six days in the High Court, the costs are likely to be a substantial six figure sum.
On the basis of the costs agreement, the judge agreed to adjourn the matter to April 24th.
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In his judgment on the case last month, Mr Justice Keane said, while Mr Turner is entitled to “every sympathy” for his injuries and pain and suffering he has endured, the court could find no responsibility, and hence, no liability, on the part of the defendants.
The proximate cause of the accident, he concluded, was Mr Turner’s failure “to keep a proper lookout”, together with the use of earphones to listen to music, impeding “if not eliminating” his ability to hear the approach of the racehorses or the shouted warnings of their approach. Had Mr Turner been taking reasonable care either by keeping a proper lookout or ensuring he could hear the sound of the approaching racehorses or the shouted warnings of their approach, it was “more than likely” he could have avoided the accident “by the simple and straightforward expedient of stopping or slowing down”, he found.
Mr Turner, a businessman of Walshestown Abbey, Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, sued over the collision at the Maddenstown gallops on the Curragh plain on the morning of Saturday September 6th 2014.
The horses were said to be galloping about 40 miles per hour and the force of the collision was such one jockey was dismounted.
Mr Turner, who was wearing earphones, said he heard the horses approach from his left after he had run past buildings and onto a grassy area with a palisade fence on his left but had no time to avoid them. He believed two horses hit him and he thought he was “dying”.
He suffered a dislocated shoulder and other injuries, has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and said he is in pain constantly. He sued two related companies — the Curragh Racecourse and Curragh Racecourse Hospitality Ltd — along with two sisters, Tracey Collins and Sheena Collins, of Cunningham Lodge, The Curragh.
The Curragh defendants denied negligence and breach of duty, including claims of operating an unsafe system insofar as horses were permitted ride at speed in the area. In their separate defence, Tracey Collins, a horse trainer, and her sister Sheena, an employee of Tracey, denied negligence and breach of duty over the collision. They pleaded contributory negligence on the part of Mr Turner over allegedly running towards a designated 6.6 metre wide gap for horses in railings without checking whether there were horses galloping through and causing or permitting an emergency situation they had no reasonable means of avoiding.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Higgins urges ‘solidarity and co-operation’ in coronavirus struggle

President Michael D Higgins has called on people to work “ in a spirit of solidarity and co-operation ” in confronting difficulties triggered by the coronavirus .
President Higgins added that he has been “ inspired and uplifted by the generous spirit of unity ” displayed by communities across the country .
In his annual St Patrick ’ s Day address , the President said that the 17th of March is a day when “ we recall the life of St Patrick , his transformative spirit , and the enormous legacy he has left behind as exile , migrant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world faces the global spread of the coronavirus we are called more than ever to follow the values embodied in the story of St Patrick , ” he said .
“ Those values of solidarity and concern for the wellbeing of our fellow citizens will play a fundamental role in our effective confronting of the challenge with which we are now presented.
” President Higgins said that coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , is “ a challenge that calls on the tradition and practice of our communities working together , recognising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in particular those who are most vulnerable .
“ So often , as President of Ireland , I have been inspired and uplifted by the generous spirit of unity that I have witnessed in communities across the country , ” he said .
The President referred to the many examples of care and compassion where communities have combined to look after the elderly and sick , vulnerable and marginalised .
“ That spirit , I have no doubt , will come very much to the fore during this difficult time , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we work to keep all members of our community safe , ” he said .
President Higgins also called on people to remember that “ we are also citizens of a wider global community ” .
“ St Patrick ’ s Day has become a profound expression of a common history that extends far beyond Irish shores , and of the strong bonds we share with our wider global family despite the miles , borders and oceans that may separate us .
“ As members of that global community we must commit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operation , joining with citizens across the world in fighting this global health emergency .
“ When we celebrate the feast of our patron saint , Patrick , let us draw on the best of our Irishness in order to create a safer future for ourselves and all those who live on our shared , vulnerable , planet.
” He added : “ On behalf of the people of Ireland , I extend a hand of friendship across the globe to all those who are Irish by birth , descent or association , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Irish people , or who simply have an interest in things Irish.
” President Higgins concluded his address by wishing all of those “ who form part of the Irish family ” a happy and peaceful St Patrick ’ s Day .
St Patrick ’ s Day in Ireland is set to be a much smaller celebration this year after all of the parades and festivals across the State were cancelled in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus .
The Government also announced measures to restrict the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor venues and fewer than 500 in outdoor venues , which would have an impact on any other planned celebrations for the day .

In his annual St Patrick’s day message President Michael D Higgins has called on people to work “in a spirit of solidarity and co-operation” in confronting difficulties triggered by coronavirus.
President Michael D Higgins has called on people to work "in a spirit of solidarity and co-operation" in confronting difficulties triggered by the coronavirus.
President Higgins added that he has been “inspired and uplifted by the generous spirit of unity” displayed by communities across the country.
In his annual St Patrick’s Day address, the President said that the 17th of March is a day when “we recall the life of St Patrick, his transformative spirit, and the enormous legacy he has left behind as exile, migrant and apostle”.
“Today, as the world faces the global spread of the coronavirus we are called more than ever to follow the values embodied in the story of St Patrick,” he said.
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“Those values of solidarity and concern for the wellbeing of our fellow citizens will play a fundamental role in our effective confronting of the challenge with which we are now presented.”
President Higgins said that coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, is “a challenge that calls on the tradition and practice of our communities working together, recognising the needs of all their members, and in particular those who are most vulnerable.
"So often, as President of Ireland, I have been inspired and uplifted by the generous spirit of unity that I have witnessed in communities across the country," he said.
The President referred to the many examples of care and compassion where communities have combined to look after the elderly and sick, vulnerable and marginalised.
“That spirit, I have no doubt, will come very much to the fore during this difficult time, which will require generous and compassionate citizenship as we work to keep all members of our community safe,” he said.
President Higgins also called on people to remember that “we are also citizens of a wider global community”.
“St Patrick’s Day has become a profound expression of a common history that extends far beyond Irish shores, and of the strong bonds we share with our wider global family despite the miles, borders and oceans that may separate us.
“As members of that global community we must commit to working in a spirit of solidarity and co-operation, joining with citizens across the world in fighting this global health emergency.
“When we celebrate the feast of our patron saint, Patrick, let us draw on the best of our Irishness in order to create a safer future for ourselves and all those who live on our shared, vulnerable, planet.”
‘The Irish family’
He added: “On behalf of the people of Ireland, I extend a hand of friendship across the globe to all those who are Irish by birth, descent or association, and to all those who have assisted our Irish people, or who simply have an interest in things Irish.”
President Higgins concluded his address by wishing all of those “who form part of the Irish family” a happy and peaceful St Patrick’s Day.
St Patrick’s Day in Ireland is set to be a much smaller celebration this year after all of the parades and festivals across the State were cancelled in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus.
The Government also announced measures to restrict the number of people at gatherings to under 100 in indoor venues and fewer than 500 in outdoor venues, which would have an impact on any other planned celebrations for the day.