theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Woman gets barring order against ex over ‘most damaging’ behaviour

A High Court judge has granted a barring order against a man whose behaviour has had a “ most damaging ” effect on his ex-wife and their children .
Mr Justice Max Barrett said there were reasonable grounds for believing the safety and welfare of the woman and children required the court to issue the barring order .
The man had “ remarkably ” sought to justify striking his wife during their marriage , the judge said .
The court had “ set him right ” on that as “ there is no excuse for domestic violence ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inimical effect on his marriage and children and he has conducted himself so badly one of the children has a dissociative identity disorder and all have been “ stressed out ” , a phrase which seemed “ too mild ” .
His relations with his children are “ fraught ” .
The judge said the couple ’ s daughter had recalled hours of arguments at home , always hearing her father ’ s voice the first to be raised , and being “ forever afraid ” for her mother .
When her father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she could not recall when life had been “ less than uneasy ” .
He made the comments in a judgment on the woman ’ s appeal over aspects of proper provision orders made by the Circuit Court in divorce proceedings and seeking a barring order .
The judge reversed an order providing for sale of the family home once the youngest child turns 18 , with the proceeds split 60/40 between the woman and man .
Instead , he made orders which will see the home ultimately transferred into the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for the man ’ s consent , once the mortgage is cleared and she has met all mortgage repayments in the interim .
He noted the man has breached certain orders concerning payment of maintenance and the woman is budgeting on the basis he will continue not to pay those .
The woman , whom the couple had agreed during the marriage would be a homemaker , has taken up employment and believed , as long as she continued in employment , she will be able to meet the full mortgage repayments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The judge believed the man had understated both his income and savings and had made “ dubious ” claims of impecuniosity .
He directed him to meet half of the educational expenses of the children and other maintenance payments but only if the woman be made redundant or should circumstances mean she can not continue in employment .
Both parties represented themselves in court and the judge said he was “ taken aback ” by the man ’ s behaviour towards the woman as he had never before seen such a “ sustained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on another .
The man ’ s behaviour was “ impossible ” and he appeared , for whatever reason , to have “ lost all sense of decency and propriety ” in his dealings with his ex-wife .
The woman , as a human being , never mind the fact she is the mother of their children whom she is rearing “ and rearing well , “ is a being of dignity and worth , entitled at all times to respect ” .
The man ’ s behaviour left the court in no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” home life must have been when the man was around and what a toll his behaviour must have taken on the woman and children .
The man had time and again at the hearing launched into an almost unceasing “ stuck record ” diatribe typically comprising allegations Ms A is a liar and mentally unwell when she was neither , the judge said .
He also called her a “ bunny boiler ” , an insult which lowered the man even further in the court ’ s estimation , and further alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a “ great conspiracy ” against him .
The “ diatribe ” also included claims he was a good father “ which regretfully is not borne out by the evidence ” .

The court had set the man right that there is no excuse for domestic violence.
A High Court judge has granted a barring order against a man whose behaviour has had a "most damaging" effect on his ex-wife and their children.
Mr Justice Max Barrett said there were reasonable grounds for believing the safety and welfare of the woman and children required the court to issue the barring order.
The man had “remarkably” sought to justify striking his wife during their marriage, the judge said. The court had “set him right” on that as “there is no excuse for domestic violence”.
The man’s behaviour has had an inimical effect on his marriage and children and he has conducted himself so badly one of the children has a dissociative identity disorder and all have been “stressed out”, a phrase which seemed “too mild”. His relations with his children are “fraught”.
READ MORE
The judge said the couple’s daughter had recalled hours of arguments at home, always hearing her father’s voice the first to be raised, and being “forever afraid” for her mother. When her father asked her about good times at home, she could not recall when life had been “less than uneasy”.
He made the comments in a judgment on the woman’s appeal over aspects of proper provision orders made by the Circuit Court in divorce proceedings and seeking a barring order.
The judge reversed an order providing for sale of the family home once the youngest child turns 18, with the proceeds split 60/40 between the woman and man. Instead, he made orders which will see the home ultimately transferred into the woman’s sole ownership, without the need for the man’s consent, once the mortgage is cleared and she has met all mortgage repayments in the interim.
He noted the man has breached certain orders concerning payment of maintenance and the woman is budgeting on the basis he will continue not to pay those. The woman, whom the couple had agreed during the marriage would be a homemaker, has taken up employment and believed, as long as she continued in employment, she will be able to meet the full mortgage repayments and other payments, he noted.
The judge believed the man had understated both his income and savings and had made “dubious” claims of impecuniosity. He directed him to meet half of the educational expenses of the children and other maintenance payments but only if the woman be made redundant or should circumstances mean she cannot continue in employment.
Sense of decency
Both parties represented themselves in court and the judge said he was “taken aback” by the man’s behaviour towards the woman as he had never before seen such a “sustained and bitter” attack by one person on another. The man’s behaviour was “impossible” and he appeared, for whatever reason, to have “lost all sense of decency and propriety” in his dealings with his ex-wife.
The woman, as a human being, never mind the fact she is the mother of their children whom she is rearing “and rearing well, “is a being of dignity and worth, entitled at all times to respect”.
The man’s behaviour left the court in no doubt as to how “frighteningly unpleasant” home life must have been when the man was around and what a toll his behaviour must have taken on the woman and children.
The man had time and again at the hearing launched into an almost unceasing “stuck record” diatribe typically comprising allegations Ms A is a liar and mentally unwell when she was neither, the judge said. He also called her a “bunny boiler”, an insult which lowered the man even further in the court’s estimation, and further alleged officers of the court had been acting in a “great conspiracy” against him.
The “diatribe” also included claims he was a good father “which regretfully is not borne out by the evidence”.


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Animal charity run by Cathy Davey hits the financial buffers over Covid-19

Singer-songwriter Cathy Davey has said her charity My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue is €70,000 in debt this year despite a surge in abandoned animals as a result of the pandemic .
Davey and her partner Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy run the animal charity which is based on three farms in Co Kildare .
The charity is named after the Father Ted song My Lovely Horse which Hannon co-wrote with Father Ted creators Graham Lenihan and Arthur Mathews .
Since its foundation in 2011 , the My Lovely Horse animal rescue has expanded to include , not only horses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
There are 450 animals in total on the new farms .
Ms Davey said the charity ’ s main source of income has been “ shaking buckets on Grafton Street ” which has not been possible this year in the same way because of the prolonged retail closure , Electric Picnic , which did not go ahead this year , and bag packing at Marks and Spencer .
She says the charity has been able to survive as a result of the forbearance of its suppliers who will eventually have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppliers and we owe our vets , ” she said .
Ms Davey said she and other founder members have had to subsidise the charity at a time when musicians have been unable to earn themselves because of the pandemic .
“ We haven ’ t been working .
It ’ s just been thin air .
Everyone has been taking a financial hit , ” she said .
“ We are pretty much a voluntary organisation .
We haven ’ t lost staff as such , but we have not been able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our heads have been done working the whole time instead of trying to plan for growth.
” She said rumours that the charity was on the verge of closure were completely off the mark .
“ We will never close our doors as long as we are here we are able to work .
We will not stop doing what we are doing ” she stated .
The charity has assembled an all-star cast of Irish musicians on Friday evening to highlight the funding difficulties for the charity .
Along with Cathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neill , David Geraghty , Stephen James Smith , David Keenan and Conor O ’ Brien of Villagers will participate .
The event is live on Facebook from 8pm .
Separately , Dublin beer collective , D8 Beers , has announced that the sole beneficiary from the sale of its Winter Ale will be the charity .
The beer can be purchased online at d8Beers.com .
“ The people behind our chosen charity are solid , good folk with big hearts , ” said D8 Beers co-founder Garret Murphy .
“ These people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lives of animals in unfortunate situations .
We think their great work should be rewarded .
”

Singer-songwriter Cathy Davey has said her charity My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue is €70,000 in debt this year despite a surge in abandoned animals as a result of the pandemic.
Davey and her partner Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy run the animal charity which is based on three farms in Co Kildare.
The charity is named after the Father Ted song My Lovely Horse which Hannon co-wrote with Father Ted creators Graham Lenihan and Arthur Mathews.
Since its foundation in 2011, the My Lovely Horse animal rescue has expanded to include, not only horses, but dogs, pigs and goats as well.
READ MORE
There are 450 animals in total on the new farms.
Ms Davey said the charity's main source of income has been "shaking buckets on Grafton Street" which has not been possible this year in the same way because of the prolonged retail closure, Electric Picnic, which did not go ahead this year, and bag packing at Marks and Spencer.
She says the charity has been able to survive as a result of the forbearance of its suppliers who will eventually have to be paid “We owe our suppliers and we owe our vets,” she said.
Ms Davey said she and other founder members have had to subsidise the charity at a time when musicians have been unable to earn themselves because of the pandemic. “We haven’t been working. It’s just been thin air. Everyone has been taking a financial hit,” she said.
“We are pretty much a voluntary organisation. We haven’t lost staff as such, but we have not been able to build new accommodation for winter.
“Our heads have been done working the whole time instead of trying to plan for growth.”
She said rumours that the charity was on the verge of closure were completely off the mark. “We will never close our doors as long as we are here we are able to work. We will not stop doing what we are doing ” she stated.
The charity has assembled an all-star cast of Irish musicians on Friday evening to highlight the funding difficulties for the charity. Along with Cathy Davey and Hannon, Lisa O'Neill, David Geraghty, Stephen James Smith, David Keenan and Conor O'Brien of Villagers will participate. The event is live on Facebook from 8pm.
Separately, Dublin beer collective, D8 Beers, has announced that the sole beneficiary from the sale of its Winter Ale will be the charity.
The beer can be purchased online at d8Beers.com.
"The people behind our chosen charity are solid, good folk with big hearts," said D8 Beers co-founder Garret Murphy.
“These people work tirelessly to bring comfort and save the lives of animals in unfortunate situations. We think their great work should be rewarded.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--12 things you need to do to flourish in your remote college assignments

A written assignment for college brings with it many challenges .
You receive the assignment brief , the lecturer supplements it with a questions and answers session and you start to tackle the task .
But it ’ s not always straightforward as each piece of writing can present a variety of key considerations .
Now , in the midst of a remote learning environment due to Covid-19 , written tasks seem to be more prevalent than ever before .
Back in March when learning swiftly moved online , learners were required to complete additional written tasks in many instances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the process , in the hope that everything would return to normality on campus for this current academic year .
But , as much of the learning remains remote and the virtual learning environment ( VLE ) has never been as popular , there are many things to consider when tackling the college assignment remotely .
In the past , virtual learning environments were primarily used to post lecture notes , assignment briefs and general course or module information .
Now , in many courses it is the main point of contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point for submitting assignments .
Teaching staff are engaging with the VLE more than ever and many are engaging in two-way communication : uploading more course material , frequenting it more regularly , facilitating a forum , responding to emails through the VLE , organising quizzes etc .
Links to many of the online classes are placed in a prominent place on the VLE module page so there is no avoiding it if you want to access live or recorded lectures !
2 .
The basics of academic writing are the same Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the new normal , the basics required to write your assignment remain the same .
For example , good punctuation , grammar and structure are all vital .
Adhering to guidelines set by lecturers is still as important as ever .
3 .
Avail of all support available With the pressure of additional writing tasks on many programmes , some third level colleges are making available additional writing and tutoring supports .
These vary from one college to another .
In some colleges , course leaders or individual lecturers will present specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others a member of the writing support staff will facilitate .
Some colleges , like AIT , run workshops and seminars , on Zoom , tailored to support the needs of learners , such as interactive seminars on tackling your writing assignment or a 30-minute presentation on reflective writing , followed by a questions and answers session .
Many colleges invite learners , either individually , as a class or through the class representative , to submit ideas for presentations which will be tailored to the specific needs identified .
Referencing and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very important .
The first thing to find out is what referencing guide applies to your module/programme , such as Harvard , Vancouver , Chicago , MLA , APA or IEEE .
Each bibliography follows a standardised format and there are differences between each .
Get a copy of it and take note of the areas you are likely to use i.e .
how to reference a journal article or how to reference lecture notes .
Many learners have difficulty tackling referencing initially but once they get used to applying it , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If your college provides support , specifically for referencing , then avail of it .
Plagiarism is when you present somebody else ’ s work as your own .
Familiarise yourself with your college ’ s specific policy .
Many lecturers explain it in class or there are resources on the virtual learning environment .
Attend any workshops that are being organised , particularly those suggested by your lecturer .
You don ’ t want to be penalised for unintentional plagiarism , because you weren ’ t clear on the guidelines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is really important to contribute during the online classes .
For many people it is easy to turn off the camera , mute the microphone and listen in .
Others are happy to contribute when they can .
And they are right !
It is important to do your bit to enrich the learning experience .
Turn on the camera , where possible , open the microphone , where there is no background noise , and take part , particularly in the breakout rooms .
In some modules , there are marks built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so you don ’ t have the opportunity to corner your lecturer at the end of class to check important points relating to your course work .
The online communication can be equally beneficial- once you know how your lecturer , tutor or supervisor is approaching it .
Find out how your lecturer likes to communicate , in the absence of their office hours .
Are they happy to set up drop-ins on Zoom or Teams ?
Are they available for phone calls ?
Are they going to respond to emails about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a specific time each week ?
It is important to establish their availability , rather than frantically try to phone their office an hour before a deadline .
The temptation to blame Covid-19 , or poor internet , or a dodgy laptop , or technical glitches may be very real !
Let ’ s face it , everyone is going to encounter some difficulties regarding online learning , but just try to overcome them as best you can .
If your internet goes down in the middle of a class , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the slides will be available afterwards , or the lecturer is happy to do a recap , or a classmate will help out .
There is always someone available to help .
.
.just ask !
The volume of emails has increased for most people due to the move online .
In the past it was easier to ignore emails as there was a good chance you would hear about important notices , events etc .
One of the good things about the remote delivery is that there are additional seminars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of which are notified through email .
Maybe it ’ s a useful information briefing organised by the students ’ union , or a questions and answers session set up by the access office , it may be a last minute Zoom drop-in on referencing , or a seminar outlining tips on how to cope with online learning .
.
.
By and large everything is free and all are accessible from your home .
There are two ways of looking at this in the online learning environment .
There are additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lieu of assignments and as a result learners are under huge pressure for time .
On the other hand time is freed up from the commute that once was .
So , rather than feel overwhelmed by looming deadlines coming in all directions , look at it as the luxury of being able to complete the work from home , supported by a range of online resources .
It is still important to divide out your time effectively and seat realistic goals .
Leave time aside for editing and proofreading your writing tasks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing process .
Try and meet your deadlines and try to avoid seeking extensions where possible .
I am often asked the question : how can I improve my writing ?
Simple answer : Practice !
Little and often can make a huge difference .
For example , start a blog , or a weekly reflective essay .
That 20 - 30 minutes every few days can make a huge different to your overall writing .
It can help to start the thought process ( thus helping to combat writer ’ s block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a piece of writing and can also help you to see both your strengths and weaknesses which will be a huge help with tackling graded writing tasks as part of your course work .
12 .
Set up or get involved in a writers ’ support group Writing can be lonely , particularly in the current pandemic when contacts are limited .
But it doesn ’ t need to be .
Why not set up a support group to talk about your writing , to discuss the various writing projects you are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feedback is invaluable and is an excellent learning experience .
Group together a group of friends , or classmates , or colleagues , set up an online meeting and start talking about the writing , It might help to make it easier to tackle .

A written assignment for college brings with it many challenges. You receive the assignment brief, the lecturer supplements it with a questions and answers session and you start to tackle the task. But it’s not always straightforward as each piece of writing can present a variety of key considerations.
Now, in the midst of a remote learning environment due to Covid-19, written tasks seem to be more prevalent than ever before. Back in March when learning swiftly moved online, learners were required to complete additional written tasks in many instances to replace seated examinations.
Most got through the process, in the hope that everything would return to normality on campus for this current academic year.
But, as much of the learning remains remote and the virtual learning environment (VLE) has never been as popular, there are many things to consider when tackling the college assignment remotely.
READ MORE
1. Engage with the VLE!
In the past, virtual learning environments were primarily used to post lecture notes, assignment briefs and general course or module information. Now, in many courses it is the main point of contact with the lecturer and is the central point for submitting assignments.
Teaching staff are engaging with the VLE more than ever and many are engaging in two-way communication: uploading more course material, frequenting it more regularly, facilitating a forum, responding to emails through the VLE, organising quizzes etc. Links to many of the online classes are placed in a prominent place on the VLE module page so there is no avoiding it if you want to access live or recorded lectures!
2. The basics of academic writing are the same
Just remember that although many things have changed in the new normal, the basics required to write your assignment remain the same. For example, good punctuation, grammar and structure are all vital. Adhering to guidelines set by lecturers is still as important as ever.
3. Avail of all support available
With the pressure of additional writing tasks on many programmes, some third level colleges are making available additional writing and tutoring supports. These vary from one college to another. In some colleges, course leaders or individual lecturers will present specific writing support sessions themselves, while in others a member of the writing support staff will facilitate.
Some colleges, like AIT, run workshops and seminars, on Zoom, tailored to support the needs of learners, such as interactive seminars on tackling your writing assignment or a 30-minute presentation on reflective writing, followed by a questions and answers session.
Many colleges invite learners, either individually, as a class or through the class representative, to submit ideas for presentations which will be tailored to the specific needs identified.
4. Referencing guide
Referencing and the use of the relevant referencing guides is very important. The first thing to find out is what referencing guide applies to your module/programme, such as Harvard, Vancouver, Chicago, MLA, APA or IEEE.
Each bibliography follows a standardised format and there are differences between each. Get a copy of it and take note of the areas you are likely to use i.e. how to reference a journal article or how to reference lecture notes. Many learners have difficulty tackling referencing initially but once they get used to applying it, it becomes a part of the writing process.
If your college provides support, specifically for referencing, then avail of it.
5. Avoid plagiarism
Plagiarism is when you present somebody else’s work as your own. Familiarise yourself with your college’s specific policy. Many lecturers explain it in class or there are resources on the virtual learning environment. Attend any workshops that are being organised, particularly those suggested by your lecturer. You don’t want to be penalised for unintentional plagiarism, because you weren’t clear on the guidelines.
6. Contribute during online sessions
It may be daunting initially but it is really important to contribute during the online classes. For many people it is easy to turn off the camera, mute the microphone and listen in. Others are happy to contribute when they can. And they are right! It is important to do your bit to enrich the learning experience.
Turn on the camera, where possible, open the microphone, where there is no background noise, and take part, particularly in the breakout rooms. In some modules, there are marks built in for attending and participating.
7. Check your lecturers’ availability
Okay, so you don’t have the opportunity to corner your lecturer at the end of class to check important points relating to your course work. The online communication can be equally beneficial- once you know how your lecturer, tutor or supervisor is approaching it.
Find out how your lecturer likes to communicate, in the absence of their office hours. Are they happy to set up drop-ins on Zoom or Teams? Are they available for phone calls? Are they going to respond to emails about a particular assignment, for example, during a specific time each week?
It is important to establish their availability, rather than frantically try to phone their office an hour before a deadline.
8. Bounce back when things go wrong
The temptation to blame Covid-19, or poor internet, or a dodgy laptop, or technical glitches may be very real! Let’s face it, everyone is going to encounter some difficulties regarding online learning, but just try to overcome them as best you can.
If your internet goes down in the middle of a class, the chances are it will be recorded, or the slides will be available afterwards, or the lecturer is happy to do a recap, or a classmate will help out. There is always someone available to help . . .just ask!
9. Read your emails
The volume of emails has increased for most people due to the move online. In the past it was easier to ignore emails as there was a good chance you would hear about important notices, events etc.
One of the good things about the remote delivery is that there are additional seminars, supports, information sessions etc., the majority of which are notified through email. Maybe it’s a useful information briefing organised by the students’ union, or a questions and answers session set up by the access office, it may be a last minute Zoom drop-in on referencing, or a seminar outlining tips on how to cope with online learning . . . By and large everything is free and all are accessible from your home.
10. Manage your time effectively
There are two ways of looking at this in the online learning environment. There are additional writing tasks on many programmes, in lieu of assignments and as a result learners are under huge pressure for time. On the other hand time is freed up from the commute that once was.
So, rather than feel overwhelmed by looming deadlines coming in all directions, look at it as the luxury of being able to complete the work from home, supported by a range of online resources. It is still important to divide out your time effectively and seat realistic goals.
Leave time aside for editing and proofreading your writing tasks, which are vital steps in the writing process. Try and meet your deadlines and try to avoid seeking extensions where possible.
11. Writing practice
I am often asked the question: how can I improve my writing? Simple answer: Practice!
Little and often can make a huge difference. For example, start a blog, or a weekly reflective essay. That 20 - 30 minutes every few days can make a huge different to your overall writing. It can help to start the thought process (thus helping to combat writer’s block!), can assist with structuring a piece of writing and can also help you to see both your strengths and weaknesses which will be a huge help with tackling graded writing tasks as part of your course work.
12. Set up or get involved in a writers’ support group
Writing can be lonely, particularly in the current pandemic when contacts are limited. But it doesn’t need to be. Why not set up a support group to talk about your writing, to discuss the various writing projects you are working on, to discuss ideas? Critical feedback is invaluable and is an excellent learning experience. Group together a group of friends, or classmates, or colleagues, set up an online meeting and start talking about the writing, It might help to make it easier to tackle.
Emer Connolly is AIT’s academic writing tutor


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Handcuffs in mental health facilities ‘sends all the wrong messages’, says watchdog

Handcuffs were used 18 times as mechanical restraints at the Central Mental Hospital ( CHM ) in Dundrum , a new report states .
The Mental Health Commission ( MHC ) , the review body for mental health facilities in the State , has revealed that the incidences of handcuffs being used in the Central Mental Hospital were among 6,747 occasions when restrictive practices , such as physical restraint and isolation , were used in 2019 .
MHC chief executive John Farrelly .
said handcuffs were a “ stark reality which reminds us of what restrictive practices can mean for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still using handcuffs to restrain people sends out all the wrong messages and is simply not reflective of what a modern mental health service should look like.
” He described restrictive practices as having a “ lasting and traumatising impact ” on patients which should only be authorised in the strictest of circumstances and only in accordance with rules set down by the MHC .
The figure of 6,747 instances shows a 10 per cent decrease on the 7,497 cases recorded in 2018 , but a 42 per cent increase on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of the 6,747 episodes , 1,796 involved seclusion or physical restraint .
Physical restraint was the most frequently used restrictive intervention .
It was used in most centres and accounted for 75 per cent of all interventions in 2019 , compared to 76 per cent in 2018 .
Seclusion accounted for 25 per cent of restrictive interventions in 2019 , compared to 24 per cent in 2018 .
The only use of mechanical restraint was the CMH where handcuffs were used .
Mr Farrelly said the rise of 42 per cent in reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that previous instances of restraint were not reported .
“ This is why the MHC launched its reduction strategy to raise awareness and prompt providers to fully identify all practices which needed to be discontinued or reduced , ” he said .
He stressed the MHC ’ s campaign to reduce the number of restrictive practices may have led to greater awareness among professionals about using restrictions .
“ The current evidence is that there is no therapeutic effect linked to the use of restraint .
People are gaining an increasing understanding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where there are effective staffing arrangements , there should be very limited need for these practices , ” he said .
He suggested that the levels of physical restraint and seclusion were not decreasing at a rate that would suggest that these practices are slowly but surely disappearing from our mental health services .
He said that if the health services were serious about eradicating restrictive practices , mental health facilities would have to be upgraded and staff training increased .
“ Ultimately , we want to reach a position where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited and exceptional circumstances , ” he said .
“ The culture of using restrictive practices in this country must be properly examined .
We must ask ourselves if we are happy , as a society , to continue restraining or secluding hundreds of very unwell people in buildings up and down the country every year .
“ The MHC recognises that human rights are paramount when it comes to how people are treated and cared for .
Every person who accesses mental health services must have their human rights vindicated and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and autonomy respected .
”

Handcuffs were used 18 times as mechanical restraints at the Central Mental Hospital (CHM) in Dundrum, a new report states. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
Handcuffs were used 18 times as mechanical restraints at the Central Mental Hospital (CHM) in Dundrum, a new report states.
The Mental Health Commission (MHC), the review body for mental health facilities in the State, has revealed that the incidences of handcuffs being used in the Central Mental Hospital were among 6,747 occasions when restrictive practices, such as physical restraint and isolation, were used in 2019.
MHC chief executive John Farrelly. said handcuffs were a “stark reality which reminds us of what restrictive practices can mean for people.
“The fact that we are still using handcuffs to restrain people sends out all the wrong messages and is simply not reflective of what a modern mental health service should look like.”
READ MORE
He described restrictive practices as having a “lasting and traumatising impact” on patients which should only be authorised in the strictest of circumstances and only in accordance with rules set down by the MHC.
The figure of 6,747 instances shows a 10 per cent decrease on the 7,497 cases recorded in 2018, but a 42 per cent increase on the use of restrictive practices in 2008.
Of the 6,747 episodes, 1,796 involved seclusion or physical restraint.
Physical restraint was the most frequently used restrictive intervention. It was used in most centres and accounted for 75 per cent of all interventions in 2019, compared to 76 per cent in 2018.
Seclusion accounted for 25 per cent of restrictive interventions in 2019, compared to 24 per cent in 2018.
The only use of mechanical restraint was the CMH where handcuffs were used.
Mr Farrelly said the rise of 42 per cent in reported cases is down to better reporting and that previous instances of restraint were not reported.
“ This is why the MHC launched its reduction strategy to raise awareness and prompt providers to fully identify all practices which needed to be discontinued or reduced,” he said.
He stressed the MHC’s campaign to reduce the number of restrictive practices may have led to greater awareness among professionals about using restrictions.
“The current evidence is that there is no therapeutic effect linked to the use of restraint. People are gaining an increasing understanding that in the buildings which are designed well, where there are effective staffing arrangements, there should be very limited need for these practices,” he said.
He suggested that the levels of physical restraint and seclusion were not decreasing at a rate that would suggest that these practices are slowly but surely disappearing from our mental health services.
He said that if the health services were serious about eradicating restrictive practices, mental health facilities would have to be upgraded and staff training increased.
“Ultimately, we want to reach a position where we only see these practices applied in very limited and exceptional circumstances,” he said.
“The culture of using restrictive practices in this country must be properly examined. We must ask ourselves if we are happy, as a society, to continue restraining or secluding hundreds of very unwell people in buildings up and down the country every year.
“The MHC recognises that human rights are paramount when it comes to how people are treated and cared for. Every person who accesses mental health services must have their human rights vindicated and have their dignity, bodily integrity, privacy and autonomy respected.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Submissions sought on Bill to give workers ‘right to switch off’ from online work

Public submissions are being sought on a new code of practice giving employees the legal right to disconnect while working from home after an increase in remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic .
The Workplace Relations Commission is being tasked with designing the code that , once approved by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise , Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar , would be admissible as evidence in court proceedings .
“ We want remote working to become a bigger part of life after Covid .
If done right , the benefits will be huge .
However , it is vitally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that employees enjoy are maintained and that an appropriate work-life balance is struck , ” said Mr Varadkar The intention of the code would be to ensure employers and employees are aware of their requirements and entitlements and understand how they apply , especially for remote working .
“ It ’ s really important that we get this right so that employees can switch off from work properly , ” said Mr Varadkar .
The commission is inviting submissions up to January 22nd , 2021 .
The Tánaiste said that working from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past year and that while technology has enabled people to remain connected “ in a way that wasn ’ t possible years ago , it also has its downsides.
” “ This new code will help all workers strike a better balance between home and work life , ” he said .

Public submissions are being sought on a new code of practice giving employees the legal right to disconnect while working from home after an increase in remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Workplace Relations Commission is being tasked with designing the code that, once approved by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, would be admissible as evidence in court proceedings.
“We want remote working to become a bigger part of life after Covid. If done right, the benefits will be huge. However, it is vitally important that the existing rights and entitlements that employees enjoy are maintained and that an appropriate work-life balance is struck,” said Mr Varadkar
The intention of the code would be to ensure employers and employees are aware of their requirements and entitlements and understand how they apply, especially for remote working.
READ MORE
“It’s really important that we get this right so that employees can switch off from work properly,” said Mr Varadkar.
The commission is inviting submissions up to January 22nd, 2021.
The Tánaiste said that working from home had become the norm for many people over the past year and that while technology has enabled people to remain connected “in a way that wasn’t possible years ago, it also has its downsides.”
“This new code will help all workers strike a better balance between home and work life,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Coronavirus: ‘Too much social contact’ recently, Holohan says as earlier restrictions on the cards

There has been “ too much social contact ” in the past two weeks , and the reproduction rate of coronavirus is probably higher than 1.3 , chief medical officer Tony Holohan said on Friday .
Dr Holohan was speaking after it emerged the Government is to look at reintroducing some restrictions as early as December 28th following warnings from public health experts that infections from Covid-19 have begun to rise sharply .
Dr Holohan said social contacts had “ significantly increased ” over the past seven days , but they needed to be reduced to avoid greater risks from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night the anticipated period of relaxed restrictions – which begins on Friday – would be shortened after warnings from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) and a meeting with the Dr Holohan .
There was a very strong likelihood that pubs and restaurants would not be open for the New Years , Mr Martin said on Friday to Newstalk Breakfast .
Mr Martin said that under the proposed Level 3 + restrictions to be introduced after Christmas construction and non-essential retail would remain , but services such as hairdressers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said no decisions would be taken by the Government until next week , but there was a growing expectation that restaurants and pubs that serve food , which have been open since the start of December , would be closed again in the days after Christmas .
The rules on home visits are also likely to be tightened , with visitors from just one other household permitted , instead of three households from Friday .
With concern about infections on New Year ’ s Eve pubs and restaurants could be closed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party leader Alan Kelly has called on the Taoiseach to hold a Cabinet meeting immediately to give certainty to the hospitality sector .
While he believed one should always follow public health advice , Mr Kelly told RTÉ Radio ’ s News at One that there needed to be balance between such advice along with business , mental health and other societal factors.
“ I will say it again , NPHET will advise , but the Government has to make decisions.
” Dr Holohan denied any sector was being “ picked on ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings where alcohol was consumed leads to people being less cautious about adhering to advice and keeping distances .
Speaking on RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland said data had shown that social contacts had significantly increased in recent days and there was a need to reduce opportunities for social contact , in particular indoors .
It was difficult to maintain public health advice when the use of alcohol came into play , he warned .
If given the opportunity the virus would transmit very quickly .
There was still time to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , so that further restrictions would not have to be imposed , he added .
Earlier on Newstalk Breakfast Dr Holohan warned that the country could not afford “ to do ” Christmas or New Year ’ s in the usual way .
“ We think it ’ s clear with the change in the infection that we have at the moment , with Christmas around the corner , that we as a country can ’ t afford to do Christmas and then the New Year after that in the way we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do something if we ’ re going to prevent a surge of infection in January .
We think the length of time as we move today into a set of Christmas arrangements , the length of time incorporating both Christmas and the New Year , with what ’ s happened to the disease over the course of the last ten to 15 days , is simply too long .
“ Alcohol let ’ s be honest is a particular challenge for us in this country , a particular challenge in maintaining social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Dr Holohan said if the current pattern of transmission continued , the ability to maintain essential public services such as childcare , education and health would be placed at risk .
Mr Martin repeated his call for the public to behave as if they had the virus so they don ’ t pass it on to others .
People could still meet , they just needed to keep their distance .
“ You can engage with people , just watch the nature of that engagement.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the balance right , they wanted to give people a “ meaningful ” Christmas , but people needed to mind themselves , he said .
Mr Martin denied that the Government and Nphet are “ scaremongering ” with their warnings about transmission rates .
The Government was going to “ take on board ” the advice of Nphet , he said .
He had received “ a heads up ” from Dr Holohan and he had subsequently spoken with the two other coalition party leaders .
Government officials will work over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cushion to support businesses .
The Taoiseach said he wanted to move early to avoid ending up in a situation like in Northern Ireland and as had been seen elsewhere in Europe .
At the moment hospitals in Ireland were holding up well and had managed to maintain non-Covid services during the most recent lockdown .
“ We ’ re learning all the time .
The move comes after Nphet announced 484 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday night and a further three deaths .
The reproduction number , a measure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3 , according to Prof Philip Nolan , chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group .
If this continues , there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January , he said .
The Government will also consider a recommendation from Nphet that inter-county travel be restricted after Christmas and before New Year ’ s Eve , and that people be asked to stay in their county again to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in light of the increase in new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relax restrictions over the festive period , people were permitted to travel between counties again from Friday , allowing people to travel to see relatives and loved ones over Christmas .
Infectious diseases expert , Professor Paddy Mallon said that the sooner there is clarity about future restrictions the better for society and the hospitality sector .
While he understood the frustrations of the hospitality sector , the overall purpose of the message from Dr Holohan and Nphet was to give the sector “ early warnings of what ’ s coming down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Claire Byrne show , Prof Mallon said that everyone in the country , at all costs , wanted to avoid the need for to go back into Level 5 restrictions “ because it affects everybody.
” Early identifiers of the sort of activities that were causing the rise in numbers had indicated that it was workplace parties and funerals that were part of the problem , he added .
“ There was a specific reference to workplace parties - which don ’ t make sense and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - they are early warnings that we as a public really need to take on board and if we continue with those sorts of activities - it ’ s that lack of personal responsibility from people undertaking those activities .
It ’ s going to have an effect on everybody , ” he added .
Prof Mallon said that hospitals have been seeing a steady stream of admissions .
“ Those numbers haven ’ t fallen , we ’ re coping with them , we ’ re seeing ongoing transmissions and ongoing outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise we will see the numbers increase .
From the hospital perspective , we ’ re all worried , but at the same time we can see what the balance needs to be - the need to look at the wider picture .
“ The focus needs to be on addressing the concerns to the people who make the decisions which is the Government and the Taoiseach .
“ The sooner there ’ s clarity the better for everybody - it ’ s one of the difficulties we have with our national approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national direction is around rolling restrictions .
”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has called on members of the public to plan ahead and limit their contact with others over the Christmas period as Covid-19 cases start to rise again. Video: RTÉ
There has been “too much social contact” in the past two weeks, and the reproduction rate of coronavirus is probably higher than 1.3, chief medical officer Tony Holohan said on Friday.
Dr Holohan was speaking after it emerged the Government is to look at reintroducing some restrictions as early as December 28th following warnings from public health experts that infections from Covid-19 have begun to rise sharply.
Dr Holohan said social contacts had “significantly increased” over the past seven days, but they needed to be reduced to avoid greater risks from Covid-19.
Hospital Report
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Thursday night the anticipated period of relaxed restrictions – which begins on Friday – would be shortened after warnings from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) and a meeting with the Dr Holohan.
READ MORE
There was a very strong likelihood that pubs and restaurants would not be open for the New Years, Mr Martin said on Friday to Newstalk Breakfast. Mr Martin said that under the proposed Level 3 + restrictions to be introduced after Christmas construction and non-essential retail would remain, but services such as hairdressers would have to be monitored.
Officials have said no decisions would be taken by the Government until next week, but there was a growing expectation that restaurants and pubs that serve food, which have been open since the start of December, would be closed again in the days after Christmas.
The rules on home visits are also likely to be tightened, with visitors from just one other household permitted, instead of three households from Friday. With concern about infections on New Year’s Eve pubs and restaurants could be closed as early as December 28th.
However Labour party leader Alan Kelly has called on the Taoiseach to hold a Cabinet meeting immediately to give certainty to the hospitality sector.
While he believed one should always follow public health advice, Mr Kelly told RTÉ Radio’s News at One that there needed to be balance between such advice along with business, mental health and other societal factors.“I will say it again, NPHET will advise, but the Government has to make decisions.”
Picked on
Dr Holohan denied any sector was being “picked on” but added the more interactions in social settings where alcohol was consumed leads to people being less cautious about adhering to advice and keeping distances.
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland said data had shown that social contacts had significantly increased in recent days and there was a need to reduce opportunities for social contact, in particular indoors.
It was difficult to maintain public health advice when the use of alcohol came into play, he warned. If given the opportunity the virus would transmit very quickly. There was still time to take action to stop the rise in Covid-19 cases, so that further restrictions would not have to be imposed, he added.
Earlier on Newstalk Breakfast Dr Holohan warned that the country could not afford “to do” Christmas or New Year’s in the usual way.
“We think it’s clear with the change in the infection that we have at the moment, with Christmas around the corner, that we as a country can’t afford to do Christmas and then the New Year after that in the way we normally do.
“We need to do something if we’re going to prevent a surge of infection in January. We think the length of time as we move today into a set of Christmas arrangements, the length of time incorporating both Christmas and the New Year, with what’s happened to the disease over the course of the last ten to 15 days, is simply too long.
“Alcohol let’s be honest is a particular challenge for us in this country, a particular challenge in maintaining social distancing and high standards of public health behaviours,” he said.
Dr Holohan said if the current pattern of transmission continued, the ability to maintain essential public services such as childcare, education and health would be placed at risk.
Mr Martin repeated his call for the public to behave as if they had the virus so they don’t pass it on to others. People could still meet, they just needed to keep their distance. “You can engage with people, just watch the nature of that engagement.”
He said it was important for the Government to get the balance right, they wanted to give people a “meaningful” Christmas, but people needed to mind themselves, he said.
Mr Martin denied that the Government and Nphet are “scaremongering” with their warnings about transmission rates. The Government was going to “take on board” the advice of Nphet, he said. He had received “a heads up” from Dr Holohan and he had subsequently spoken with the two other coalition party leaders. Government officials will work over the weekend on plans to ensure there was a cushion to support businesses.
The Taoiseach said he wanted to move early to avoid ending up in a situation like in Northern Ireland and as had been seen elsewhere in Europe. At the moment hospitals in Ireland were holding up well and had managed to maintain non-Covid services during the most recent lockdown. “We’re learning all the time.
The move comes after Nphet announced 484 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday night and a further three deaths. The reproduction number, a measure of how many other people a case infects, now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3, according to Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group.
Clarity
If this continues, there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January, he said.
The Government will also consider a recommendation from Nphet that inter-county travel be restricted after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve, and that people be asked to stay in their county again to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in light of the increase in new cases.
Under the existing plan to relax restrictions over the festive period, people were permitted to travel between counties again from Friday, allowing people to travel to see relatives and loved ones over Christmas.
Infectious diseases expert, Professor Paddy Mallon said that the sooner there is clarity about future restrictions the better for society and the hospitality sector.
While he understood the frustrations of the hospitality sector, the overall purpose of the message from Dr Holohan and Nphet was to give the sector “early warnings of what’s coming down the track” he said.
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show, Prof Mallon said that everyone in the country, at all costs, wanted to avoid the need for to go back into Level 5 restrictions “because it affects everybody.”
Early identifiers of the sort of activities that were causing the rise in numbers had indicated that it was workplace parties and funerals that were part of the problem, he added.
“There was a specific reference to workplace parties - which don’t make sense and there was also a specific reference to funerals - they are early warnings that we as a public really need to take on board and if we continue with those sorts of activities - it’s that lack of personal responsibility from people undertaking those activities. It’s going to have an effect on everybody,” he added.
Prof Mallon said that hospitals have been seeing a steady stream of admissions. “Those numbers haven’t fallen, we’re coping with them, we’re seeing ongoing transmissions and ongoing outbreaks in healthcare facilities and as the numbers rise we will see the numbers increase. From the hospital perspective, we’re all worried, but at the same time we can see what the balance needs to be - the need to look at the wider picture.
“The focus needs to be on addressing the concerns to the people who make the decisions which is the Government and the Taoiseach.
“The sooner there’s clarity the better for everybody - it’s one of the difficulties we have with our national approach which is living with Covid which means the national direction is around rolling restrictions.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Proposals to close restaurants after Christmas would be ‘devastating’ , sector says

Proposals to restrict the hospitality industry to takeaway services only from late December would have a “ devastating ” impact , the head of the Restaurants Association of Ireland ( RAI ) has said .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) advised the Government on Thursday to implement additional restrictions soon after Christmas in order to curb the spread of Covid-19 .
The reduced restrictions in the current phase were due to remain in place until January 6th .
While no decision has been made yet , 28th December has been floated by officials as a possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs that serve food .
Speaking on Friday , Dr Tony Holohan , chief medical officer , said there had been “ too much ” socialising over the last two weeks .
Recommended restrictions were targeted at areas where people congregate , and no sector had been “ picked on , ” he told RTÉ ’ s Morning Ireland .
Adrian Cummins , RAI chief executive , said the proposed restrictions on the hospitality sector before the end of 2020 “ will have a devastating economic impact ” on businesses and employees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummins said there had been “ zero cases linked to restaurants in the last two weeks.
” Padraig Cribben , chief executive of the Vintners ’ Federation of Ireland ( VFI ) , which represent pubs outside of Dublin , said it was a “ very disappointing and really concerning development ” .
Mr Cribben said it appeared there was a “ go to reaction to close hospitality on a recurring basis without any great evidence of cases emanating from the sector ” .
Donall O ’ Keeffe , chief executive of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which represent Dublin pubs , said the news was “ catastrophic ” .
“ We ’ re running out of language to describe how disappointing this is … Wet pubs have been closed since March 15th in Dublin , ” he said .
The Government ’ s plan for the hospitality sector during Covid-19 was “ simply not working , ” and for publicans and their staff “ our Christmas present is another lockdown , ” he said .
Nphet appeared to have “ no solutions ” to deal with increasing case numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry , he said .
Mark McGowan , the president of the RAI , said further restrictions would be “ a slap in the face ” for the struggling sector .
Speaking on Friday morning he called for a “ rapid ” decision and clarity from the Government on the possibility of a return of restrictions .
Mr McGowan told RTE radio ’ s Morning Ireland that the hospitality sector was controlled with well trained staff , and that statistics had shown transmission of the virus was mostly through households not restaurants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and any further restrictions would be “ a slap in the face , ” he said .
“ I ’ m very worried about the long term damage that yo-yo lockdowns are doing to our industry , ” he said .
On the same programme Danny McCoy , chief executive of business representative group Ibec , urged the Government to come up with “ a proportionate response ” to the rise in Covid-19 cases .
The impact of the virus on some sectors had been disappointing – especially hospitality and aviation , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response and quick decision making , but take the weekend and then make a proportionate response , ” he said .
Speaking on Prime Time on Thursday night , Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said Ireland is “ doing well ” when compared to other countries but that numbers “ have started rising again ” .
He said the Cabinet was meeting on Tuesday to discuss Nphet ’ s recommendations , as well as advice from other sources , but that it would not be a return to Level 5 .
“ The kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be between Christmas and New Years would be restrictions around hospitality - essentially closing hospitality again - and limiting visits of one household to another household but not a total ban on household visits , ” he said .
“ For example , retails and personal services would stay open.
” He said the Government did not want to make a decision on reimposing restrictions prior to Tuesday as it gives them additional time to consider advice and to see the numbers of positive cases in the coming days .
“ Bear in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving seven to 10 days ’ notice to those businesses even if that decision is not made until Tuesday , ” he added .
He acknowledged that the need to reimpose restrictions between New Year ’ s Eve and Christmas is “ devastating news ” .
“ I know not just for the hospitality sector in particular , but also for people who had planned the season , who are looking forward to seeing people over the New Year and that may not now be possible , ” he said .
“ Unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of days , then we will have to bring forward from the 6th of January the point at which we need to reimpose restrictions.
” He added : “ I know that ’ s a really hard thing to hear and a really difficult decision for people to take but if we don ’ t do that and wait until January 6th , the restrictions we reimpose might have to be tougher and might have to go on for longer and we don ’ t want that .
”

Proposals to restrict the hospitality industry to takeaway services only from late December would have a "devastating" impact, the head of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has said.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) advised the Government on Thursday to implement additional restrictions soon after Christmas in order to curb the spread of Covid-19. The reduced restrictions in the current phase were due to remain in place until January 6th.
While no decision has been made yet, 28th December has been floated by officials as a possible date to reintroduce restrictions on restaurants and pubs that serve food.
Speaking on Friday, Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, said there had been “too much” socialising over the last two weeks.
READ MORE
Recommended restrictions were targeted at areas where people congregate, and no sector had been “picked on,” he told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.
Adrian Cummins, RAI chief executive, said the proposed restrictions on the hospitality sector before the end of 2020 “will have a devastating economic impact” on businesses and employees.
In a post on Twitter, Mr Cummins said there had been “zero cases linked to restaurants in the last two weeks.”
Padraig Cribben, chief executive of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), which represent pubs outside of Dublin, said it was a “very disappointing and really concerning development”.
Mr Cribben said it appeared there was a “go to reaction to close hospitality on a recurring basis without any great evidence of cases emanating from the sector”.
Donall O’Keeffe, chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), which represent Dublin pubs, said the news was “catastrophic”.
“We’re running out of language to describe how disappointing this is … Wet pubs have been closed since March 15th in Dublin,” he said.
The Government’s plan for the hospitality sector during Covid-19 was “simply not working,” and for publicans and their staff “our Christmas present is another lockdown,” he said.
Nphet appeared to have “no solutions” to deal with increasing case numbers other than to shut down the hospitality industry, he said.
Mark McGowan, the president of the RAI, said further restrictions would be “a slap in the face” for the struggling sector.
Speaking on Friday morning he called for a “rapid” decision and clarity from the Government on the possibility of a return of restrictions.
Mr McGowan told RTE radio’s Morning Ireland that the hospitality sector was controlled with well trained staff, and that statistics had shown transmission of the virus was mostly through households not restaurants.
The hospitality sector was “driven” and any further restrictions would be “a slap in the face,” he said. “I’m very worried about the long term damage that yo-yo lockdowns are doing to our industry,” he said.
On the same programme Danny McCoy , chief executive of business representative group Ibec, urged the Government to come up with “a proportionate response” to the rise in Covid-19 cases.
The impact of the virus on some sectors had been disappointing – especially hospitality and aviation, he said. “We need a considered response and quick decision making, but take the weekend and then make a proportionate response,” he said.
Speaking on Prime Time on Thursday night, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said Ireland is "doing well" when compared to other countries but that numbers "have started rising again".
He said the Cabinet was meeting on Tuesday to discuss Nphet’s recommendations, as well as advice from other sources, but that it would not be a return to Level 5.
“The kind of restrictions we would thinking about reimposing would be between Christmas and New Years would be restrictions around hospitality - essentially closing hospitality again - and limiting visits of one household to another household but not a total ban on household visits,” he said.
“For example, retails and personal services would stay open.”
He said the Government did not want to make a decision on reimposing restrictions prior to Tuesday as it gives them additional time to consider advice and to see the numbers of positive cases in the coming days.
“Bear in mind, we’d still be giving seven to 10 days’ notice to those businesses even if that decision is not made until Tuesday,” he added.
He acknowledged that the need to reimpose restrictions between New Year’s Eve and Christmas is “devastating news”.
“I know not just for the hospitality sector in particular, but also for people who had planned the season, who are looking forward to seeing people over the New Year and that may not now be possible,” he said.
“Unless the numbers stabilise over the next number of days, then we will have to bring forward from the 6th of January the point at which we need to reimpose restrictions.”
He added: “I know that’s a really hard thing to hear and a really difficult decision for people to take but if we don’t do that and wait until January 6th, the restrictions we reimpose might have to be tougher and might have to go on for longer and we don’t want that.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Nphet says healthcare, education threatened by Covid-19 spread

The continued provision of healthcare , education and other essential services could be threatened by January if current Covid-19 trends continue , public health officials have warned .
Should the present pattern of transmission of the virus continue , there is “ every reason ” there could be significant challenges even in early January that could threaten non-Covid healthcare and other services , according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
The virus is spreading throughout the country , in all age groups , Dr Holohan told a National Public Health Emergency Team briefing .
“ We are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings , including workplace settings , Christmas parties and funerals .
I can not stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now .
The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January , a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.
” The five-day moving average is now 387 cases per day , he said .
The reproduction number , a measure of how many other people a case infects , now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3 , according to Prof Philip Nolan , chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are particularly concerned about older people and vulnerable adults , who have protected themselves through the second wave , and are now at risk during the festive season.
” If this continues , there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January , “ if not sooner ” , he said .
Prof Nolan said there were “ very strong and concerning ” early-warning signs of a renewed increase in the level of transmission of the virus .
The number of patients in hospital was decreasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling .
Demand for testing is increasing as is the positivity rate , up to almost 4 per cent .
The trend in cases is “ worryingly similar ” to what occurred in September , he said , with a growth rate of 1.5-2 per cent .
The figures are a clear warning that what people were doing in the first week of December was “ too much , and we need to stop now ” .
“ We are now at high risk of a surge in January with older and vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not inevitable , ” he concluded .
Dr Holohan confirmed Nphet had made recommendations to the Government following its meeting on Thursday , which will be considered by the Cabinet next Tuesday .
He said Taoiseach Micheál Martin had rung him on Thursday and he had provided him with a “ general understanding ” of the recommendations made by Nphet .
He declined to say what the recommendations were , saying it was important to allow time and space for the deliberative process to take place .
A further three deaths of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This brings to 2,143 the total number of deaths in the pandemic .
Nphet also reported 484 confirmed cases of the disease , bringing to 77,678 the total number of cases in the Republic .
Of the new cases , 150 are in Dublin , 45 in Wexford , 40 in Cork , 32 in Donegal , 29 in Limerick , with the remaining 188 cases spread across 20 other counties .
On Thursday afternoon , there were 200 Covid-19 patients in hospital , including 31 in ICU .
There were 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The national 14-day incidence has risen to 94.2 cases per 100,000 people .
Donegal has the highest county incidence at 246.9 followed by Louth at 207.9 .
Clare has the lowest incidence at 25.2 .

Dr Tony Holohan: “I cannot stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now. The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January, a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.” Photograph: Colin Keegan
The continued provision of healthcare, education and other essential services could be threatened by January if current Covid-19 trends continue, public health officials have warned.
Should the present pattern of transmission of the virus continue, there is "every reason" there could be significant challenges even in early January that could threaten non-Covid healthcare and other services, according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
The virus is spreading throughout the country, in all age groups, Dr Holohan told a National Public Health Emergency Team briefing.
“We are now getting reports of substantial outbreaks in social settings, including workplace settings, Christmas parties and funerals. I cannot stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now. The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January, a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.”
READ MORE
The five-day moving average is now 387 cases per day, he said.
The reproduction number, a measure of how many other people a case infects, now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3, according to Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group.
Festive threats
“We are particularly concerned about older people and vulnerable adults, who have protected themselves through the second wave, and are now at risk during the festive season.”
If this continues, there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January, “if not sooner”, he said.
Prof Nolan said there were “very strong and concerning” early-warning signs of a renewed increase in the level of transmission of the virus.
The number of patients in hospital was decreasing only slowly while ICU numbers were not falling.
Demand for testing is increasing as is the positivity rate, up to almost 4 per cent.
The trend in cases is “worryingly similar” to what occurred in September, he said, with a growth rate of 1.5-2 per cent.
The figures are a clear warning that what people were doing in the first week of December was “too much, and we need to stop now”.
Danger of surge
“We are now at high risk of a surge in January with older and vulnerable people a key concern, but this is not inevitable,” he concluded.
Dr Holohan confirmed Nphet had made recommendations to the Government following its meeting on Thursday, which will be considered by the Cabinet next Tuesday.
He said Taoiseach Micheál Martin had rung him on Thursday and he had provided him with a “general understanding” of the recommendations made by Nphet.
He declined to say what the recommendations were, saying it was important to allow time and space for the deliberative process to take place.
A further three deaths of Covid-19 patients were reported by the team. This brings to 2,143 the total number of deaths in the pandemic.
Nphet also reported 484 confirmed cases of the disease, bringing to 77,678 the total number of cases in the Republic.
Of the new cases, 150 are in Dublin, 45 in Wexford, 40 in Cork, 32 in Donegal, 29 in Limerick, with the remaining 188 cases spread across 20 other counties.
On Thursday afternoon, there were 200 Covid-19 patients in hospital, including 31 in ICU. There were 30 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
The national 14-day incidence has risen to 94.2 cases per 100,000 people. Donegal has the highest county incidence at 246.9 followed by Louth at 207.9. Clare has the lowest incidence at 25.2.


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Coronavirus: Restrictions may return soon after Christmas amid sharp rise in Covid-19 infections

The Government is expected to look at reintroducing some restrictions as early as December 28th after warnings from public health experts that infections from Covid-19 have begun to rise sharply .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Thursday night the anticipated period of relaxed restrictions – which begins on Friday – would be shortened after warnings from the National Public Health Emergency Team and a meeting with the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
Officials said no decisions would be taken by the Government until next week , but there was a growing expectation that restaurants and pubs that serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of December , would be closed again in the days after Christmas .
The rules on home visits are also likely to be tightened , with visitors from just one other household permitted , instead of three households from Friday .
It is understood there is great concern among public health experts about possible infections on New Year ’ s Eve and that pubs and restaurants could be closed in the days before that , with December 28th mentioned as a possible date .
The move comes after Nphet announced 484 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a further three deaths .
The reproduction number , a measure of how many other people a case infects , now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3 , according to Prof Philip Nolan , chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group .
If this continues , there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January , he said .
The level of hospitalisations , however , remains relatively low .
On Thursday afternoon , there were 200 Covid-19 patients in hospital , including 31 in ICU .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours .
But Dr Holohan said the virus was spreading throughout the country , in all age groups .
“ We are now getting reports of substantial outbreaks in social settings , including workplace settings , Christmas parties and funerals .
I can not stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now .
The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January , a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.
” Those intending to visit older relatives next week need to reduce their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Health Service Executive ’ s national lead for infection control , warned .
“ If you ’ re taking risks this weekend , and you ’ re visiting older relatives next week , you are putting their lives at risk , ” he said .
“ Only meet people indoors who you trust with your life , ” he said .
“ When they arrive , welcome them with alcohol .
This time it will be hand gel.
” While a growth in cases was not unexpected after restrictions were lifted earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the warnings from the public health experts have been growing starker in recent days .
Ministers are also watching developments in Europe , where many countries are heading into another lockdown as infections soar .
On Thursday , the Northern Ireland executive also announced that another lockdown would commence next week .
Once shops , bars and restaurants close for Christmas they will not reopen until February , the executive said .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill described the situation as “ quite dire ” .
The situation in the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Paramedics from the Republic ’ s National Ambulance Service have been asked to help out their colleagues in Northern Ireland due to the escalating pressures on the service there .
A number of crews are expected to work in Belfast and other cities in the North as high numbers of virus cases put hospitals under increasing strain .
Northern Ireland recorded a further 12 Covid-related deaths and 656 positive cases on Thursday .
The Government will also consider a recommendation from Nphet that inter-county travel be restricted after Christmas and before New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people be asked to stay in their county again to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in light of the increase in new cases .
Under the existing plan to relax restrictions over the festive period , people were permitted to travel between counties again from Friday , allowing people to travel to see relatives and loved ones over Christmas .

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has called on members of the public to plan ahead and limit their contact with others over the Christmas period as Covid-19 cases start to rise again. Video: RTÉ
The Government is expected to look at reintroducing some restrictions as early as December 28th after warnings from public health experts that infections from Covid-19 have begun to rise sharply.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Thursday night the anticipated period of relaxed restrictions – which begins on Friday – would be shortened after warnings from the National Public Health Emergency Team and a meeting with the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
Officials said no decisions would be taken by the Government until next week, but there was a growing expectation that restaurants and pubs that serve food, which have been open since the start of December, would be closed again in the days after Christmas.
Hospital Report
The rules on home visits are also likely to be tightened, with visitors from just one other household permitted, instead of three households from Friday. It is understood there is great concern among public health experts about possible infections on New Year’s Eve and that pubs and restaurants could be closed in the days before that, with December 28th mentioned as a possible date.
READ MORE
The move comes after Nphet announced 484 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday night and a further three deaths.
The reproduction number, a measure of how many other people a case infects, now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3, according to Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group.
January estimations
If this continues, there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January, he said.
The level of hospitalisations, however, remains relatively low. On Thursday afternoon, there were 200 Covid-19 patients in hospital, including 31 in ICU. There were 30 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
But Dr Holohan said the virus was spreading throughout the country, in all age groups.
“We are now getting reports of substantial outbreaks in social settings, including workplace settings, Christmas parties and funerals. I cannot stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now. The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January, a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.”
Those intending to visit older relatives next week need to reduce their contacts now, Prof Martin Cormican, the Health Service Executive's national lead for infection control, warned.
“If you’re taking risks this weekend, and you’re visiting older relatives next week, you are putting their lives at risk,” he said.
Eye on Europe
“Only meet people indoors who you trust with your life,” he said. “When they arrive, welcome them with alcohol. This time it will be hand gel.”
While a growth in cases was not unexpected after restrictions were lifted earlier this month, it is understood that the warnings from the public health experts have been growing starker in recent days.
Ministers are also watching developments in Europe, where many countries are heading into another lockdown as infections soar. On Thursday, the Northern Ireland executive also announced that another lockdown would commence next week. Once shops, bars and restaurants close for Christmas they will not reopen until February, the executive said.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the situation as “quite dire”.
The situation in the North’s health service continued to deteriorate. Paramedics from the Republic’s National Ambulance Service have been asked to help out their colleagues in Northern Ireland due to the escalating pressures on the service there.
A number of crews are expected to work in Belfast and other cities in the North as high numbers of virus cases put hospitals under increasing strain.
Northern Ireland recorded a further 12 Covid-related deaths and 656 positive cases on Thursday.
The Government will also consider a recommendation from Nphet that inter-county travel be restricted after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve, and that people be asked to stay in their county again to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in light of the increase in new cases.
Under the existing plan to relax restrictions over the festive period, people were permitted to travel between counties again from Friday, allowing people to travel to see relatives and loved ones over Christmas.


theirishtimes--2020-12-19--‘My passport’s green’: why was Seamus Heaney used in Northern Ireland branding?

It is tempting to wonder what Seamus Heaney would have made of the controversy over the use of his portrait to promote the centenary of Northern Ireland .
“ Seamus is so loved and revered , everyone wants a bit of him , including unionists , ” says his friend and fellow poet Michael Longley .
“ I think he would probably have been embarrassed by his totemic status.
” This week , the most quoted of Heaney ’ s verses has spoken less of the rhyming of hope and history , and more of the gulf between identities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNA since its creation .
“ Be advised , my passport ’ s green/No glass of ours was ever raised /To toast the Queen ” was the clarification from Heaney following his inclusion in 1983 in an anthology of British poets .
The “ passport ’ s green ” quote was also used by the SDLP leader , Colum Eastwood , and others over the Northern Ireland Office ’ s decision to use Heaney ’ s image as part of the branding for the centenary .
The Northern Ireland Office , not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the body in charge of the commemorations and other events to come , all under the tagline “ Our Story in the Making : NI Beyond 100 ” .
“ It ’ s a simple thing , but I think the word ‘ our ’ is very exclusive , ” says Belfast-based marketing consultant Tim McKane .
“ Nationalists don ’ t see Northern Ireland as ours ... it ’ s so simple for people to say well , it ’ s not our story.
” And so they did .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to co-opt Seamus Heaney ’ s image and reduce his work to a branding tool to promote that narrative about partition ” .
The commentator Brian Feeney went further , describing it on the BBC as “ cultural appropriation ” and a “ crass error of judgement ” which was “ unnecessarily divisive ” .
The sense of indignation was increased over whether or not the Heaney family had been consulted about the photograph .
They had not been .
Permission was not sought from the family .
Instead , the Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen ’ s University , Belfast , which owns the portrait .
The failure to raise an alarm bell provoked incredulity in some quarters .
“ Did anyone know that Seamus Heaney wrote a poem saying he would never raise a glass to the Queen , and if not , why not ?
” one figure told The Irish Times this week .
This was countered by Gavin Robinson of the DUP , who said the response of some politicians had “ demonstrated a lack of generosity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrate positive leadership .
“ The branding for the centenary on this website is wholly inclusive and there rightly would have been much criticism had it been seen to only reflect those of us who strongly cherish and support being part of the United Kingdom .
” Within the centenary organisers , McKane does not doubt that there was “ a genuine will for this to be inclusive ” .
A Belfast-based firm had been used to create the branding , and the Northern Ireland Office had talked to people on both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the branding is “ trying to do far too much .
.
.The first thing I thought is that there was a committee involved in this , because it looks like it ’ s trying to fit a lot of boxes ” .
This is evident on the accompanying website , which explains that Our Story in the Making is “ a brand for Northern Ireland in 2021 ” , created “ in the spirit of inclusivity , mutual respect and optimism ” and “ respecting all perspectives ” .
To do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to life in stories ” , including “ the one versed by Seamus ” .
He and Mary Peters , who won a gold medal for Northern Ireland in the 1972 Olympics , sit alongside generic shots of the Giant ’ s Causeway , Derry ’ s peace bridge , and people representing the technology and farming sectors .
“ I think they [ the organisers ] just thought , let ’ s get a Protestant and a Catholic , as anodyne imagery as possible , ” says political commentator and Irish Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ making a big hoo-ha about it is a misinterpretation of what is actually going on ” ; the commitment made by the British government in the New Decade New Approach deal ( which restored the North ’ s Assembly in January ) was to “ mark ” it – “ not commemorate , not celebrate ” .
In this context , the campaign was “ clearly as absolutely neutral as they could make it ” , Emerson says , pointing out that the Northern Ireland Office is now the sort of place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from the walls of its Belfast headquarters , as happened last year .
The Democratic Unionist Party , he says , “ wanted a UK-wide celebration , a Festival of Britain thing , and this is what they ’ ve got instead ” .
The lesson of the decade of centenaries has been that “ the more cerebral you make it – boring , frankly – then the less flag waving and agitation it provokes ” .
For this reason , it is “ so disappointing that nationalists aren ’ t getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the body set up by the Northern Ireland Office to plan the anniversary commemorations , contains no nationalist political representation ; both Sinn Féin and the SDLP declined to take part .
“ It ’ s no different to wanting unionists to attend the 1916 commemorations , ” says Emerson .
“ It doesn ’ t make it more contentious when both sides turn up for an argument , it makes it less contentious , and when we look at something like the creation of Northern Ireland , nobody ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triumphant.
” Historian Eamon Phoenix makes a similar point , emphasising that between July 1920 and September 1922 , some 450 civilians were killed in Belfast in brutal sectarian violence .
“ You have to tell the story , warts and all , ” he says .
He can still hum the jingle used for the 50th anniversary , “ Ulster ’ 71 ” , with its exhortation to “ Come and join in the fun ” .
“ You had this big forum in the Botanic Gardens [ in Belfast ] and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” says Phoenix , Longley draws the same parallel , saying Ulster 1971 was “ tone-deaf ” , with “ a tacky fairground on the Lagan embankment , [ the then-prime minister of Northern Ireland ] Brian Faulkner bumping around in a dodgem car pretending to enjoy himself ” .
“ We can ’ t pretend it was all hunky-dory , ” says Phoenix ; the desire to avoid controversy means “ we fall back on poets and sports stars , which has even turned out controversial in itself ” .
Indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s current preoccupations , says Phoenix , it reveals a concern for the union post-Brexit .
“ I suppose the idea is to remind people across the UK that this is a golden thread running through British affairs , the union of Britain , Northern Ireland and Scotland .
” This week ’ s controversy will not have helped make that case , while the centenary organiser ’ s unfortunate handling of it all points to Northern Ireland ’ s great ability to create misery where there might otherwise be harmony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his passport was green , Heaney did indeed raise a glass to the Queen in Dublin Castle in 2011 .
It was the right thing to do : “ There was a world change as far as I was concerned , ” he later said .
Today , Longley feels that Heaney would have searched for hope amid the history .
“ As his poems show , he retained tender feelings towards the Protestant neighbours of his childhood , but deplored the repressive , gerrymandered state that imploded in 1969 .
Generally speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the arts – break down borders ?
”

Poet and Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney’s portrait by Tai Shan Schierenberg that is being used by the Northern Ireland Office to commemorate Northern Ireland’s centenary.
It is tempting to wonder what Seamus Heaney would have made of the controversy over the use of his portrait to promote the centenary of Northern Ireland.
"Seamus is so loved and revered, everyone wants a bit of him, including unionists," says his friend and fellow poet Michael Longley. "I think he would probably have been embarrassed by his totemic status."
This week, the most quoted of Heaney’s verses has spoken less of the rhyming of hope and history, and more of the gulf between identities and outlooks built into Northern Ireland’s DNA since its creation.
“Be advised, my passport’s green/No glass of ours was ever raised /To toast the Queen” was the clarification from Heaney following his inclusion in 1983 in an anthology of British poets.
READ MORE
The "passport's green" quote was also used by the SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, and others over the Northern Ireland Office's decision to use Heaney's image as part of the branding for the centenary.
The Northern Ireland Office, not the Stormont Executive, or the Assembly is the body in charge of the commemorations and other events to come, all under the tagline "Our Story in the Making: NI Beyond 100".
“It’s a simple thing, but I think the word ‘our’ is very exclusive,” says Belfast-based marketing consultant Tim McKane. “Nationalists don’t see Northern Ireland as ours ... it’s so simple for people to say well, it’s not our story.”
And so they did. It was, said Eastwood, a “cynical attempt to co-opt Seamus Heaney’s image and reduce his work to a branding tool to promote that narrative about partition”.
The commentator Brian Feeney went further, describing it on the BBC as "cultural appropriation" and a "crass error of judgement" which was "unnecessarily divisive".
Permission
The sense of indignation was increased over whether or not the Heaney family had been consulted about the photograph. They had not been. Permission was not sought from the family.
Instead, the Northern Ireland Office said it had received approval from the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's University, Belfast, which owns the portrait. The failure to raise an alarm bell provoked incredulity in some quarters.
“Did anyone know that Seamus Heaney wrote a poem saying he would never raise a glass to the Queen, and if not, why not?” one figure told The Irish Times this week.
This was countered by Gavin Robinson of the DUP, who said the response of some politicians had “demonstrated a lack of generosity” and an “unwillingness” to demonstrate positive leadership.
"The branding for the centenary on this website is wholly inclusive and there rightly would have been much criticism had it been seen to only reflect those of us who strongly cherish and support being part of the United Kingdom. "
Within the centenary organisers, McKane does not doubt that there was “a genuine will for this to be inclusive”. A Belfast-based firm had been used to create the branding, and the Northern Ireland Office had talked to people on both sides.
Yet his professional assessment is that the branding is “trying to do far too much. . .The first thing I thought is that there was a committee involved in this, because it looks like it’s trying to fit a lot of boxes”.
This is evident on the accompanying website, which explains that Our Story in the Making is “a brand for Northern Ireland in 2021”, created “in the spirit of inclusivity, mutual respect and optimism” and “respecting all perspectives”.
To do so, the brand will be "brought to life in stories", including "the one versed by Seamus". He and Mary Peters, who won a gold medal for Northern Ireland in the 1972 Olympics, sit alongside generic shots of the Giant's Causeway, Derry's peace bridge, and people representing the technology and farming sectors.
"I think they [the organisers] just thought, let's get a Protestant and a Catholic, as anodyne imagery as possible," says political commentator and Irish Times columnist Newton Emerson.
He argues that “making a big hoo-ha about it is a misinterpretation of what is actually going on”; the commitment made by the British government in the New Decade New Approach deal (which restored the North’s Assembly in January) was to “mark” it – “not commemorate, not celebrate”.
In this context, the campaign was "clearly as absolutely neutral as they could make it", Emerson says, pointing out that the Northern Ireland Office is now the sort of place where a portrait of the Queen is removed from the walls of its Belfast headquarters, as happened last year.
The Democratic Unionist Party, he says, "wanted a UK-wide celebration, a Festival of Britain thing, and this is what they've got instead". The lesson of the decade of centenaries has been that "the more cerebral you make it – boring, frankly – then the less flag waving and agitation it provokes". For this reason, it is "so disappointing that nationalists aren't getting involved".
The Centenary Forum, the body set up by the Northern Ireland Office to plan the anniversary commemorations, contains no nationalist political representation; both Sinn Féin and the SDLP declined to take part.
“It’s no different to wanting unionists to attend the 1916 commemorations,” says Emerson. “It doesn’t make it more contentious when both sides turn up for an argument, it makes it less contentious, and when we look at something like the creation of Northern Ireland, nobody’s going to come away from that conversation feeling particularly triumphant.”
Historian Eamon Phoenix makes a similar point, emphasising that between July 1920 and September 1922, some 450 civilians were killed in Belfast in brutal sectarian violence. "You have to tell the story, warts and all," he says.
He can still hum the jingle used for the 50th anniversary, “Ulster ’71”, with its exhortation to “Come and join in the fun”.
"You had this big forum in the Botanic Gardens [in Belfast] and the Ballymurphy massacre in the same week," says Phoenix,
Longley draws the same parallel, saying Ulster 1971 was "tone-deaf", with "a tacky fairground on the Lagan embankment, [the then-prime minister of Northern Ireland] Brian Faulkner bumping around in a dodgem car pretending to enjoy himself".
“We can’t pretend it was all hunky-dory,” says Phoenix; the desire to avoid controversy means “we fall back on poets and sports stars, which has even turned out controversial in itself”.
Indeed, as a commentary on the UK government's current preoccupations, says Phoenix, it reveals a concern for the union post-Brexit. "I suppose the idea is to remind people across the UK that this is a golden thread running through British affairs, the union of Britain, Northern Ireland and Scotland. "
This week’s controversy will not have helped make that case, while the centenary organiser’s unfortunate handling of it all points to Northern Ireland’s great ability to create misery where there might otherwise be harmony.
Decades after he pointed out that his passport was green, Heaney did indeed raise a glass to the Queen in Dublin Castle in 2011. It was the right thing to do: “There was a world change as far as I was concerned,” he later said.
Today, Longley feels that Heaney would have searched for hope amid the history. “As his poems show, he retained tender feelings towards the Protestant neighbours of his childhood, but deplored the repressive, gerrymandered state that imploded in 1969. Generally speaking, doesn’t poetry – like all the arts – break down borders?”