theirishtimes--2020-09-07--Leaving Cert: New process results in highest grades on record

There has been a dramatic increase in top grades awarded to thousands of Leaving Cert students under the calculated grades process .
A total of 60,000 Leaving Cert students will find out what grades they have been awarded online at 9am on Monday morning .
While these grades – the highest on record – will benefit the class of 2020 , grade inflation will devalue the results of 10,000-20,000 college applicants whose results were based on exams they sat in previous years .
Calculated grades combine teachers ’ estimated marks with a standardisation process overseen by the Department of Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into line with previous years ’ results .
A breakdown of the results today shows teachers overestimated their students ’ marks at all points in the achievement spectrum .
It was most pronounced at higher level , where top estimated grades were sometimes two , three or even four times higher than normal patterns .
While the standardisation process resulted in grades being adjusted downwards , it still resulted in average grades across all subjects and levels increasing by 4.4 percentage points on last year .
This scale of the increase is most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects in particular .
In art , for example , the proportion of students who secured a H1 climbed from 3 per cent last year to 8.5 per cent this year – a 166 per cent increase in the proportion who secured a top grade this year .
There were also big jumps in the proportion of students who secured H1s in applied maths this year over last year ( up 79 per cent ) , geography ( up 54 per cent ) , Irish ( up 49 per cent ) , English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biology ( up 32 per cent ) and maths ( up 31 per cent ) .
There was less prevalence of overestimation at ordinary level , where teachers ’ estimates were close to historical patterns .
Overall , a total of one in six ( 17 per cent ) of teachers ’ estimated grades ended up being pulled downwards to limit the scale of grade inflation .
It was not possible to generate some 2,500 grades – 0.6 per cent of the total – due to a lack of “ credible evidence ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education Norma Foley said the past few months had been a challenging time for students , their families and school communities .
“ However , I do believe what has been created is the fairest possible solution given the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves as we journey together through the Covid-19 pandemic , ” she said .
“ Today , with confidence , you can look back with pride on all that you have achieved and look forward with courage to the next exciting phase of your lives.
” The scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level is reflected by the fact a total of 60 per cent of grades at that level would need to have been lowered if the intention was to bring them into line with previous years .
Department of Education officials said adjustments to the calculated grades process were aimed at “ prioritising fairness for the class of 2020 over eliminating grade inflation ” .
If 60 per cent of estimated grades had been lowered , they said it could have threatened confidence in the system .
CAO sources said last night the extent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for deferred students given that points requirements are set to increase across many courses .
Although the CAO has estimated that up to 20,000 students will be affected , Government sources put the figure closer to 10,000 .
The Government says it has provided more than 1,250 additional higher education places – with many in “ high-demand ” courses – which will partly ease points pressure for these students .
Government sources indicated last night they would monitor how many places were allocated to students in the first round of the CAO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional measures would be needed .

There has been a dramatic increase in top grades awarded to thousands of Leaving Cert students under the calculated grades process.
A total of 60,000 Leaving Cert students will find out what grades they have been awarded online at 9am on Monday morning.
While these grades – the highest on record – will benefit the class of 2020, grade inflation will devalue the results of 10,000-20,000 college applicants whose results were based on exams they sat in previous years.
Calculated grades combine teachers’ estimated marks with a standardisation process overseen by the Department of Education to adjust grades and bring them more into line with previous years’ results.
READ MORE
A breakdown of the results today shows teachers overestimated their students’ marks at all points in the achievement spectrum.
It was most pronounced at higher level, where top estimated grades were sometimes two, three or even four times higher than normal patterns.
While the standardisation process resulted in grades being adjusted downwards, it still resulted in average grades across all subjects and levels increasing by 4.4 percentage points on last year.
Higher level
This scale of the increase is most visible in top grades in higher level subjects in particular.
In art, for example, the proportion of students who secured a H1 climbed from 3 per cent last year to 8.5 per cent this year – a 166 per cent increase in the proportion who secured a top grade this year.
There were also big jumps in the proportion of students who secured H1s in applied maths this year over last year (up 79 per cent), geography (up 54 per cent), Irish (up 49 per cent), English (up 43 per cent), biology (up 32 per cent) and maths (up 31 per cent).
There was less prevalence of overestimation at ordinary level, where teachers’ estimates were close to historical patterns.
Overall, a total of one in six (17 per cent) of teachers’ estimated grades ended up being pulled downwards to limit the scale of grade inflation.
It was not possible to generate some 2,500 grades – 0.6 per cent of the total – due to a lack of “credible evidence”.
In a statement, Minister for Education Norma Foley said the past few months had been a challenging time for students, their families and school communities.
“However, I do believe what has been created is the fairest possible solution given the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves as we journey together through the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
“Today, with confidence, you can look back with pride on all that you have achieved and look forward with courage to the next exciting phase of your lives.”
Confidence
The scale of teachers’ overestimated grades at higher level is reflected by the fact a total of 60 per cent of grades at that level would need to have been lowered if the intention was to bring them into line with previous years.
Department of Education officials said adjustments to the calculated grades process were aimed at “prioritising fairness for the class of 2020 over eliminating grade inflation”.
If 60 per cent of estimated grades had been lowered, they said it could have threatened confidence in the system.
CAO sources said last night the extent of grade inflation posed “huge problems” for deferred students given that points requirements are set to increase across many courses.
Although the CAO has estimated that up to 20,000 students will be affected, Government sources put the figure closer to 10,000.
The Government says it has provided more than 1,250 additional higher education places – with many in “high-demand” courses – which will partly ease points pressure for these students.
Government sources indicated last night they would monitor how many places were allocated to students in the first round of the CAO offers on Friday afternoon before deciding if additional measures would be needed.


theirishtimes--2020-09-07--State credit guarantee scheme for businesses opens for applications

The Government ’ s €2 billion Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme opens for applications today and will run until the end of the year .
The scheme , which provides a State guarantee for 80 per cent of borrowings advanced to firms under its auspices , is aimed at companies that have lost 15 per cent of actual or projected turnover .
Loans of €10,000-€1 million are available under the scheme , which initially will be made through Bank of Ireland , AIB and Ulster Bank .
Officials are working to bring lending to market through other providers .
Interest rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be well below those normally available to small and medium enterprises , due to the State guarantee .
While interests rates will vary depending on the detail of the loan , the Government has promised they will be lower than those available in the market .
The Central Bank has estimated that SMEs may need up to €5.7 billion in liquidity to deal with the impact of Covid-19 .
Tánaiste and Minister for Business Leo Varadkar said the scheme is an “ unprecedented measure [ to ] ensure businesses have access to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
The initial focus of the scheme is on term loans but the Government has indicated that support for other loan products may be added in the future , such as overdraft facilities and working capital lending .
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the scheme was a “ critical component ” of the measures introduced by the Government to assist firms hit by coronavirus .
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said he wanted to see the scheme also being extended to include non-bank lenders .
Loans are available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ ensure that the disruptions caused by the pandemic do not undermine the ongoing viability of food production ” , Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said .
The scheme is operating under exceptions to normally tight EU rules on state aid to companies , which have been loosened due to the pandemic .
However , this also means it will only be in operation until the end of the year .

The Government's €2 billion Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme opens for applications today and will run until the end of the year.
The scheme, which provides a State guarantee for 80 per cent of borrowings advanced to firms under its auspices, is aimed at companies that have lost 15 per cent of actual or projected turnover.
Loans of €10,000-€1 million are available under the scheme, which initially will be made through Bank of Ireland, AIB and Ulster Bank. Officials are working to bring lending to market through other providers.
Interest rates attached to the loans are expected to be well below those normally available to small and medium enterprises, due to the State guarantee. While interests rates will vary depending on the detail of the loan, the Government has promised they will be lower than those available in the market.
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The Central Bank has estimated that SMEs may need up to €5.7 billion in liquidity to deal with the impact of Covid-19. Tánaiste and Minister for Business Leo Varadkar said the scheme is an "unprecedented measure [to] ensure businesses have access to the finance they need at this unprecedented time".
Initial focus
The initial focus of the scheme is on term loans but the Government has indicated that support for other loan products may be added in the future, such as overdraft facilities and working capital lending.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the scheme was a "critical component" of the measures introduced by the Government to assist firms hit by coronavirus. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said he wanted to see the scheme also being extended to include non-bank lenders.
Loans are available to agricultural and fishing firms in order to “ensure that the disruptions caused by the pandemic do not undermine the ongoing viability of food production”, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said.
The scheme is operating under exceptions to normally tight EU rules on state aid to companies, which have been loosened due to the pandemic. However, this also means it will only be in operation until the end of the year.


theirishtimes--2020-09-07--Government’s Brexit plan to warn on imports and exports

The Government ’ s new Brexit plan will explicitly warn businesses that anyone trading with or moving goods through the UK will face changes , no matter the outcome of EU negotiations with Britain .
The plan is scheduled to be launched this week , most likely on Wednesday , amid renewed fears at Government level over the risks to the economy from Brexit .
Firms are expected to face difficulty getting shipments through ports unless they have completed the correct customs procedures .
Trying to export or import without doing so will be “ like going to the airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Government is concerned about the prospect of a limited trade deal , or a crash-out Brexit , next January , as well as the prospect of firms being blindsided by the conclusion of the current transition period , at the end of this year .
The plan will also contain an update on registrations for an Economic Operators ’ Registration and Identification ( EORI ) number , which is needed for firms doing business outside the EU .
More than 67,000 firms have registered for their number , and these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent in terms of the value of export and 93 per cent of the value of imports .
Elsewhere , the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster has launched an inquiry into the impact of Brexit on cross-border criminal activity and co-operation on policing , security and criminal justice .
Britain will lose access to more than 40 EU measures on security and judicial co-operation at the end of the post-Brexit transition period on December 31st , unless new arrangements are agreed alongside a free trade agreement .
The committee ’ s chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must not be able to find refuge in intelligence and policing blackspots caused by jurisdictions no longer speaking to each other .
“ Cross-border co-operation on policing , security and criminal justice has heavily relied for years on agreements and arrangements made at the EU level .
The outcome of negotiations between the UK and the EU on these issues remains uncertain .
With such little time left , it is essential that we examine what will replace the European Arrest Warrant and the UK ’ s access to information-sharing services such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January , ” he said .
“ We will also consider how the different likely scenarios might affect cross-border criminal activity.
” Without a new agreement with the EU , Britain will lose access to EU databases including DNA profiles , fingerprints and vehicle registration data .
The inquiry will look at the barriers Brexit could place in the way of co-operation between authorities on both sides of the Border and what scope exists for the UK and Ireland to work together outside the EU structures .

Firms are expected to face difficulty getting shipments through ports unless they have completed the correct customs procedures. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins
The Government's new Brexit plan will explicitly warn businesses that anyone trading with or moving goods through the UK will face changes, no matter the outcome of EU negotiations with Britain.
The plan is scheduled to be launched this week, most likely on Wednesday, amid renewed fears at Government level over the risks to the economy from Brexit.
Firms are expected to face difficulty getting shipments through ports unless they have completed the correct customs procedures. Trying to export or import without doing so will be “like going to the airport without your passport”, a source said.
The Government is concerned about the prospect of a limited trade deal, or a crash-out Brexit, next January, as well as the prospect of firms being blindsided by the conclusion of the current transition period, at the end of this year.
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The plan will also contain an update on registrations for an Economic Operators' Registration and Identification (EORI) number, which is needed for firms doing business outside the EU. More than 67,000 firms have registered for their number, and these firms are responsible for some 96 per cent in terms of the value of export and 93 per cent of the value of imports.
Criminal activity
Elsewhere, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster has launched an inquiry into the impact of Brexit on cross-border criminal activity and co-operation on policing, security and criminal justice.
Britain will lose access to more than 40 EU measures on security and judicial co-operation at the end of the post-Brexit transition period on December 31st, unless new arrangements are agreed alongside a free trade agreement. The committee's chairman, Simon Hoare, said that criminals must not be able to find refuge in intelligence and policing blackspots caused by jurisdictions no longer speaking to each other.
“Cross-border co-operation on policing, security and criminal justice has heavily relied for years on agreements and arrangements made at the EU level. The outcome of negotiations between the UK and the EU on these issues remains uncertain. With such little time left, it is essential that we examine what will replace the European Arrest Warrant and the UK’s access to information-sharing services such as the European Criminal Records Information System from January,” he said.
“We will also consider how the different likely scenarios might affect cross-border criminal activity.”
Without a new agreement with the EU, Britain will lose access to EU databases including DNA profiles, fingerprints and vehicle registration data.
The inquiry will look at the barriers Brexit could place in the way of co-operation between authorities on both sides of the Border and what scope exists for the UK and Ireland to work together outside the EU structures.


theirishtimes--2020-09-07--More than 120 healthcare workers diagnosed with Covid-19 in past week

More than 120 healthcare workers were diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past week as transmission levels increase across the country , new figures show .
The increase of 121 healthcare cases reported by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) comes as Beaumont Hospital in Dublin was forced to close wards after a small number of patients and staff tested positive for the virus .
An additional 30 patients were hospitalised with Covid-19 over the past week , according to the HPSC data , while two more patients were admitted to ICU .
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection among healthcare workers could be even higher because asymptomatic cases are not being picked up .
“ When a positive case is identified in an acute hospital , all staff are not tested .
We do not believe testing suspected close contacts goes far enough considering the normal movements of staff throughout a hospital in any one day , ” said INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha .
She said derogated authority had been provided to health service managers to allow departure from the two-week 14-day isolation for healthcare workers returning from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We do not believe this is safe and providing temperature testing is not sufficient considering what we know about asymptomatic positives.
” The number of cases among older people is also increasing , with 21 more people aged over 65 diagnosed with the virus during the week .
There was an increase of seven cases in the 65-74 age range , giving a cumulative total of 594 .
There was also a jump of seven cases in both the 75-84 age group , to 753 , and among those over 85 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) on Sunday evening .
This brings the total number of cases in the Republic to 29,672 .
No new deaths were reported , leaving the total death toll at 1,777 .
Some 68 of the new cases reported were in Dublin , 13 were in Limerick , and nine apiece in Galway and Kildare .
There were also five cases in Wexford and Wicklow , while the remaining 24 cases were split between 14 other counties .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are men , and 79 are women .
Two-thirds are aged under 45 years .
Only 39 per cent are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case .
Twenty-three of the 138 cases involved community transmission , meaning the source of the infection is not clear .
The 14-day incidence of Covid-19 in Ireland has increased to 33.2 per 100,000 population , the 11th highest out of 31 countries monitored by the European Centre for Disease Control .
Spain has the highest 14-day incidence of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by France at 118.9 .

The rate of infection among healthcare workers could be higher than recorded because asymptomatic cases are not being picked up, say the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Photograph: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg
More than 120 healthcare workers were diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past week as transmission levels increase across the country, new figures show.
The increase of 121 healthcare cases reported by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) comes as Beaumont Hospital in Dublin was forced to close wards after a small number of patients and staff tested positive for the virus.
An additional 30 patients were hospitalised with Covid-19 over the past week, according to the HPSC data, while two more patients were admitted to ICU.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) claimed the rate of infection among healthcare workers could be even higher because asymptomatic cases are not being picked up.
READ MORE
“When a positive case is identified in an acute hospital, all staff are not tested. We do not believe testing suspected close contacts goes far enough considering the normal movements of staff throughout a hospital in any one day,” said INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha.
She said derogated authority had been provided to health service managers to allow departure from the two-week 14-day isolation for healthcare workers returning from countries listed as requiring 14 days self-isolation.
“We do not believe this is safe and providing temperature testing is not sufficient considering what we know about asymptomatic positives.”
The number of cases among older people is also increasing, with 21 more people aged over 65 diagnosed with the virus during the week. There was an increase of seven cases in the 65-74 age range, giving a cumulative total of 594. There was also a jump of seven cases in both the 75-84 age group, to 753, and among those over 85, to 476.
Dublin
A further 138 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on Sunday evening. This brings the total number of cases in the Republic to 29,672.
No new deaths were reported, leaving the total death toll at 1,777.
Some 68 of the new cases reported were in Dublin, 13 were in Limerick, and nine apiece in Galway and Kildare. There were also five cases in Wexford and Wicklow, while the remaining 24 cases were split between 14 other counties.
Of Sunday’s cases, 59 are men, and 79 are women. Two-thirds are aged under 45 years.
Only 39 per cent are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case. Twenty-three of the 138 cases involved community transmission, meaning the source of the infection is not clear.
The 14-day incidence of Covid-19 in Ireland has increased to 33.2 per 100,000 population, the 11th highest out of 31 countries monitored by the European Centre for Disease Control.
Spain has the highest 14-day incidence of the virus in Europe, at 240.6, followed by France at 118.9.


theirishtimes--2020-09-07--Influenza: 41  child deaths recorded over past decade

With 750,000 children across State eligible to receive a free flu vaccine for the first time next month , new figures show there were 41 deaths in the State from influenza recorded in children over the past decade .
Some 11,000 notified cases of flu in children , 4,750 confirmed hospitalisations and 183 critical care hospital admissions were reported throughout the timeframe .
During the 2018-2019 flu season alone , two children aged between five and 14 died from the virus , according to data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre .
In the same season , the highest age-specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including hospital admissions , were in children aged under five and adults aged 65 and older .
The Government decided to vaccinate children aged two to 12 against flu for the first time this year to protect the health service from any surge in coronavirus cases at the same time as flu .
In the coronavirus era , it is particularly important to vaccinate children against flu , according to Waterford-based GP Dr Austin Byrne .
“ This winter , every childhood cough , respiratory symptom or fever will have to be considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge implications for families and schools .
Vaccinating children against flu also offers really significant protection to older , more vulnerable people as children are one of the main drivers of flu during the winter season.
” He says while the flu is often considered a minor illness , many children can develop severe flu complications .
The flu vaccine , delivered nasally for children , has an effectiveness rate of 83 per cent and will be available for children aged 2-12 from late October .
Some 600,000 doses of live attenuated influenza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE for children – enough for an estimated uptake of 80 per cent .
According to a spokeswoman for the HSE , up to 10 per cent of children nationally attend their GP with flu in an average season .
“ Younger children are more at risk of serious complications .
Children can also transmit the infection to other children , their family and others at risk .
Vaccination of this group will reduce both their rates of influenza infection and flu-related complications and also lower transmission to others in the community.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Irish College of General Practitioners Covid-19 lead , said children transmit the flu to others for longer than adults do , which is why giving them the vaccine will help protect not only themselves , but others .
“ There are a lot of benefits to giving the vaccine to this cohort .
It will hopefully help to reduce the burden on healthcare services this winter and decrease presentations among children to emergency departments and GP surgeries , ” said Dr O ’ Connor .
While GPs fully support the extension of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned at how such large volumes will be vaccinated safely in general practice during a pandemic , Dr O ’ Connor said .

The flu vaccine, delivered nasally for children, has an effectiveness rate of 83 per cent and will be available for children aged 2-12 from late October. Photograph: iStock
With 750,000 children across State eligible to receive a free flu vaccine for the first time next month, new figures show there were 41 deaths in the State from influenza recorded in children over the past decade.
Some 11,000 notified cases of flu in children, 4,750 confirmed hospitalisations and 183 critical care hospital admissions were reported throughout the timeframe.
During the 2018-2019 flu season alone, two children aged between five and 14 died from the virus, according to data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
In the same season, the highest age-specific notification rates for all flu cases, including hospital admissions, were in children aged under five and adults aged 65 and older.
READ MORE
The Government decided to vaccinate children aged two to 12 against flu for the first time this year to protect the health service from any surge in coronavirus cases at the same time as flu.
In the coronavirus era, it is particularly important to vaccinate children against flu, according to Waterford-based GP Dr Austin Byrne.
Huge implications
“This winter, every childhood cough, respiratory symptom or fever will have to be considered Covid until proven otherwise. This has huge implications for families and schools. Vaccinating children against flu also offers really significant protection to older, more vulnerable people as children are one of the main drivers of flu during the winter season.”
He says while the flu is often considered a minor illness, many children can develop severe flu complications.
The flu vaccine, delivered nasally for children, has an effectiveness rate of 83 per cent and will be available for children aged 2-12 from late October.
Some 600,000 doses of live attenuated influenza intranasal vaccine have been contracted by the HSE for children – enough for an estimated uptake of 80 per cent.
According to a spokeswoman for the HSE, up to 10 per cent of children nationally attend their GP with flu in an average season.
“Younger children are more at risk of serious complications. Children can also transmit the infection to other children, their family and others at risk. Vaccination of this group will reduce both their rates of influenza infection and flu-related complications and also lower transmission to others in the community.”
Cork-based GP Dr Nuala O’Connor, Irish College of General Practitioners Covid-19 lead, said children transmit the flu to others for longer than adults do, which is why giving them the vaccine will help protect not only themselves, but others.
“There are a lot of benefits to giving the vaccine to this cohort. It will hopefully help to reduce the burden on healthcare services this winter and decrease presentations among children to emergency departments and GP surgeries,” said Dr O’Connor.
While GPs fully support the extension of the vaccine to children, many are concerned at how such large volumes will be vaccinated safely in general practice during a pandemic, Dr O’Connor said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-07--Staff turnover at 40% in full-time childcare operators

Staff turnover in full-time childcare operators is running at more than 40 per cent , new figures show , with the Department of Children blaming pay and conditions for an “ unsustainably high ” level of personnel change in the sector .
The figures , released to Sinn Féin ’ s spokeswoman on children Kathleen Funchion , show the average turnover for full-time services , which provide childcare for more than five hours a day , is 40.17 per cent .
A spokesman for the Department of Children said the figure is “ not reflective ” of the overall situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as childminding or play groups – the level dropped to an average of 24.7 per cent .
However , the spokesman said staff turnover is “ unsustainably high ” , adding that “ it is believed that a key driver of turnover is the level of pay and working conditions in the sector , which have remained a serious concern and impact on the quality of provision to childcare through their effect on the recruitment and retention of qualified staff ” .
“ The lack of consistency of care caused by high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while low wages are a constraint on plans to upskill and professionalise the workforce , ” the spokesman added .
The most recent data on pay and conditions in the sector shows that average hourly pay in the middle of last year was €12.55 .
Unions have warned that the figures represent a risk to controlling the spread of Covid-19 in creches , with turnover levels undermining “ play pods ” , the core measure to stop the disease in childcare , which sees children segmented into small groups with an adult worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submission for the childcare sector , calling for a living wage scheme and sick pay for workers .
The union ’ s head of organising , Darragh O ’ Connor , said a lack of supports and high staff turnover are “ undermining Covid-19 control measures in creches ” .
“ The high turnover of staff undermines the play pod policy due to changes in key workers and increases the possibility of Covid-19 outbreaks , ” he said , adding that almost 80 per cent of staff do not get sick pay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and meat factories are being made again in childcare services.
” The 40.17 per cent figure is down from 46.4 per cent in 2017-2018 , but is an increase on the 2016-2017 level of 36.8 per cent .
Data released by the department indicates that the State pays 58 per cent of the bill for childcare services , across a variety of subsidies and grants , with the balance being covered by parents .
While State funding for the sector has increased by 141 per cent in the last five budgets , overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Departmental research shows that in order to match what Iceland spends on childcare , Ireland would need to spend €5.83 billion every year , compared to the current level of €640 million .
The cost of a State-run childcare service could be as much as €2 billion annually , with €1.6 billion needed for wages alone , recent research found .
It is estimated that parents spent about €450 million a year on fees for centre-based services .

The high turnover of staff in creches represents a risk to controlling the spread of Covid-19, say unions. Photograph: iStock
Staff turnover in full-time childcare operators is running at more than 40 per cent, new figures show, with the Department of Children blaming pay and conditions for an “unsustainably high” level of personnel change in the sector.
The figures, released to Sinn Féin's spokeswoman on children Kathleen Funchion, show the average turnover for full-time services, which provide childcare for more than five hours a day, is 40.17 per cent.
A spokesman for the Department of Children said the figure is “not reflective” of the overall situation as when all services are included – such as childminding or play groups – the level dropped to an average of 24.7 per cent.
However, the spokesman said staff turnover is “unsustainably high”, adding that “it is believed that a key driver of turnover is the level of pay and working conditions in the sector, which have remained a serious concern and impact on the quality of provision to childcare through their effect on the recruitment and retention of qualified staff”.
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“The lack of consistency of care caused by high staff turnover impacts directly on quality, while low wages are a constraint on plans to upskill and professionalise the workforce,” the spokesman added. The most recent data on pay and conditions in the sector shows that average hourly pay in the middle of last year was €12.55.
Unions have warned that the figures represent a risk to controlling the spread of Covid-19 in creches, with turnover levels undermining “play pods”, the core measure to stop the disease in childcare, which sees children segmented into small groups with an adult worker.
Siptu will today launch its pre-budget submission for the childcare sector, calling for a living wage scheme and sick pay for workers. The union's head of organising, Darragh O'Connor, said a lack of supports and high staff turnover are "undermining Covid-19 control measures in creches".
State funding
“The high turnover of staff undermines the play pod policy due to changes in key workers and increases the possibility of Covid-19 outbreaks,” he said, adding that almost 80 per cent of staff do not get sick pay. “The mistakes made in nursing homes and meat factories are being made again in childcare services.”
The 40.17 per cent figure is down from 46.4 per cent in 2017-2018, but is an increase on the 2016-2017 level of 36.8 per cent.
Data released by the department indicates that the State pays 58 per cent of the bill for childcare services, across a variety of subsidies and grants, with the balance being covered by parents.
While State funding for the sector has increased by 141 per cent in the last five budgets, overall levels compare unfavourably to other European countries. Departmental research shows that in order to match what Iceland spends on childcare, Ireland would need to spend €5.83 billion every year, compared to the current level of €640 million.
The cost of a State-run childcare service could be as much as €2 billion annually, with €1.6 billion needed for wages alone, recent research found. It is estimated that parents spent about €450 million a year on fees for centre-based services.


theirishtimes--2020-09-07--Self-isolation period for people with Covid-19 may be cut to 10 days

The relaxation of quarantine rules for those diagnosed with Covid-19 will be examined by public health officials this week , The Irish Times has learned .
Currently , people diagnosed with the disease must self-isolate until they have had no fever for five days and 14 days have elapsed since symptoms first developed .
However , the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) will this week discuss changing the 14-day rule to 10 days , based on international evidence compiled for it in a paper from the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) .
NPHET first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , and decided to return to the matter again this week .
The move would permit those without symptoms , or whose symptoms have abated , to return to wider society sooner , and is based on international evidence around how contagious someone is likely to be following infection .
These rules are distinct from the 14-day quarantine period for those travelling into the country , and would apply only to those who received a positive Covid-19 result and are in the wider community , rather than in hospital or a setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health spokeswoman confirmed “ this issue is under consideration by NPHET and evidence is currently being reviewed .
NPHET will discuss this matter again at its meeting next Thursday.
” It comes as infection rates among healthcare workers climb , with a threefold rise recorded during August .
Nurses ’ groups expressed concern about the scope of testing arrangements in hospitals and derogations to allow staff – deemed essential – who travel from abroad to return to work without restricting their movements for 14 days .
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted the disease since the beginning of July .
A further 138 cases of Covid-19 , and no further deaths , were reported by NPHET on Sunday night .
Of the new cases , 68 were in Dublin , with health sources indicating the progression of the disease will be closely monitored in the coming days after a total of 201 cases were reported in the county over the weekend .
The Department of Health will also this week consider NPHET ’ s recommendations for a plan to manage the pandemic in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be launched this month .
Sources said NPHET ’ s recommendations included moving to a five-stage system of alerts , with three different levels of “ orange ” alert delineating local lockdowns .
Depending on the severity of an outbreak , these could vary from measures to reduce congregations to significant restrictions on movement and economic activity .
A numbered system may ultimately be preferred to a colour-coded approach , sources said .

A pop-up Covid test centre at the Croke Park handball alley, one of two new centres (the other at Castleknock) which will increase testing by between 180 and 200 tests per day. Photograph: Alan Betson
The relaxation of quarantine rules for those diagnosed with Covid-19 will be examined by public health officials this week, The Irish Times has learned.
Currently, people diagnosed with the disease must self-isolate until they have had no fever for five days and 14 days have elapsed since symptoms first developed.
However, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will this week discuss changing the 14-day rule to 10 days, based on international evidence compiled for it in a paper from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).
NPHET first discussed the issue last week, sources said, and decided to return to the matter again this week. The move would permit those without symptoms, or whose symptoms have abated, to return to wider society sooner, and is based on international evidence around how contagious someone is likely to be following infection.
READ MORE
Distinct
These rules are distinct from the 14-day quarantine period for those travelling into the country, and would apply only to those who received a positive Covid-19 result and are in the wider community, rather than in hospital or a setting with vulnerable people.
A Department of Health spokeswoman confirmed “this issue is under consideration by NPHET and evidence is currently being reviewed. NPHET will discuss this matter again at its meeting next Thursday.”
It comes as infection rates among healthcare workers climb, with a threefold rise recorded during August. Nurses’ groups expressed concern about the scope of testing arrangements in hospitals and derogations to allow staff – deemed essential – who travel from abroad to return to work without restricting their movements for 14 days.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said 340 healthcare workers had contracted the disease since the beginning of July.
Monitored
A further 138 cases of Covid-19, and no further deaths, were reported by NPHET on Sunday night. Of the new cases, 68 were in Dublin, with health sources indicating the progression of the disease will be closely monitored in the coming days after a total of 201 cases were reported in the county over the weekend.
The Department of Health will also this week consider NPHET’s recommendations for a plan to manage the pandemic in the medium term, which is set to be launched this month. Sources said NPHET’s recommendations included moving to a five-stage system of alerts, with three different levels of “orange” alert delineating local lockdowns. Depending on the severity of an outbreak, these could vary from measures to reduce congregations to significant restrictions on movement and economic activity. A numbered system may ultimately be preferred to a colour-coded approach, sources said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-07--Lockdown picnickers blamed for litter surge in Phoenix Park

Picnickers enjoying sunny weather during the lockdown are being blamed for a more than 50 per cent spike in the amount of rubbish dumped in Dublin ’ s Phoenix Park .
Officials have warned the increased waste could be deadly for the park ’ s 620-strong herd of wild fallow deer if they ingest plastic-wrapped food overflowing from bins .
Latest Office of Public Works ( OPW ) figures show 65 tonnes of litter was collected in the park between April 1st and July 31st this year .
The amount was up 51 per cent on the 43 tonnes gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period in 2019 .
Paul McDonnell , the park ’ s superintendent , said he was expecting some increase , given the numbers flocking to the 1,752-acre grounds during the strict coronavirus restrictions in early summer , but he was taken aback by the scale .
“ Phoenix Park was probably busier than it has ever been , so we were expecting a rise in the amount of litter we were collecting , but it caught me a bit by surprise that the increase was that much , ” he said .
Bottles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up the bulk of the litter .
“ No different from normal litter and rubbish that would be discarded in our bins , but it was just the volume of it , ” Mr McDonnell said .
Disposable face masks also featured .
Extra staff were drafted in , particularly at weekends , to help park officials cope with the increased cleaning workload .
A number of extra temporary bins were also placed around the open space .
Mr McDonnell said a particular worry about the overflow of waste was its potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deer are inquisitive , and they will eat an empty packet of Tayto , or sandwich wrapping or something like that , and it can get stuck in their stomach.
” Such rubbish could kill a deer , he added .
“ It has been known to happen .
It is absolutely a huge threat to them .
“ It gets stuck in their stomach and causes a blockage .
Deer are grazers , they are ruminants , so they can only digest grass and green-based plants.
” Staff have captured some images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is a brilliant thing that people are using parks , it is good for their health and wellbeing , but if you come across bins that are full , bring home your waste with you , don ’ t leave it there.
” The OPW has contracted a waste provider to remove collected waste from around the Phoenix Park .
About 89 per cent is recycled with the remaining 11 per cent going to landfill .
An OPW spokeswoman said there had been a large increase in numbers visiting its historic properties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfortunately has coincided with an increase in the incidences of littering ” .
“ In order for all visitors to enjoy their visits , we would ask the public and citizens to work with us , to respect our landscapes , habitats and biodiversity and to use bins only where provided but otherwise to leave no trace and bring their rubbish home with them , ” she said .

Deer eating rubbish from an overflowing bin in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photograph: Office of Public Works
Picnickers enjoying sunny weather during the lockdown are being blamed for a more than 50 per cent spike in the amount of rubbish dumped in Dublin's Phoenix Park.
Officials have warned the increased waste could be deadly for the park’s 620-strong herd of wild fallow deer if they ingest plastic-wrapped food overflowing from bins.
Latest Office of Public Works (OPW) figures show 65 tonnes of litter was collected in the park between April 1st and July 31st this year.
The amount was up 51 per cent on the 43 tonnes gathered by park litter teams during the same period in 2019.
READ MORE
Paul McDonnell, the park’s superintendent, said he was expecting some increase, given the numbers flocking to the 1,752-acre grounds during the strict coronavirus restrictions in early summer, but he was taken aback by the scale.
“Phoenix Park was probably busier than it has ever been, so we were expecting a rise in the amount of litter we were collecting, but it caught me a bit by surprise that the increase was that much,” he said.
Bottles, sandwiches, coffee cups and cans made up the bulk of the litter. “No different from normal litter and rubbish that would be discarded in our bins, but it was just the volume of it,” Mr McDonnell said. Disposable face masks also featured.
Particular worry
Extra staff were drafted in, particularly at weekends, to help park officials cope with the increased cleaning workload. A number of extra temporary bins were also placed around the open space.
Mr McDonnell said a particular worry about the overflow of waste was its potentially lethal impact on deer.
“The deer are inquisitive, and they will eat an empty packet of Tayto, or sandwich wrapping or something like that, and it can get stuck in their stomach.” Such rubbish could kill a deer, he added.
“It has been known to happen. It is absolutely a huge threat to them.
“It gets stuck in their stomach and causes a blockage. Deer are grazers, they are ruminants, so they can only digest grass and green-based plants.”
Staff have captured some images of deer nosing through waste.
“It is a brilliant thing that people are using parks, it is good for their health and wellbeing, but if you come across bins that are full, bring home your waste with you, don’t leave it there.”
The OPW has contracted a waste provider to remove collected waste from around the Phoenix Park. About 89 per cent is recycled with the remaining 11 per cent going to landfill.
An OPW spokeswoman said there had been a large increase in numbers visiting its historic properties and landscapes over recent months “which unfortunately has coincided with an increase in the incidences of littering”.
“In order for all visitors to enjoy their visits, we would ask the public and citizens to work with us, to respect our landscapes, habitats and biodiversity and to use bins only where provided but otherwise to leave no trace and bring their rubbish home with them,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-07--Rape Crisis Centre records 10% increase in calls

A 10 per cent increase in calls for help to the State ’ s largest rape crisis centre last year , compared with two years previously , meant demand for its services “ outpaced ” its ability to respond , the centre has warned .
The annual report from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre , published on Monday , details a 42 per cent increase in clients supported at the Rotunda Hospital ’ s sexual assault treatment unit last year compared with 2018 , and a 15.4 per cent rise in the number of appointments delivered .
While welcoming increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tusla last year , the report stated : “ This increase was still far below what is needed to meet actual demand for our services and we continued to maintain an unacceptably long waiting list of those seeking therapeutic support.
” The report is highly critical of the courts system ’ s response to sexual violence : “ We are constantly struck by the multiple barriers and indignities [ people ] must encounter within the trial system .
“ Family law and childcare cases are being heard in archaic conditions in courts around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , damaging situations of domestic violence including sexual abuse or relationship breakdown .
“ For survivors of sexual violence , the lack of privacy as well as the other physical and case management difficulties can only add heavily to the stress and trauma they already experience.
” In her foreword , chief executive Noeline Blackwell writes that the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre echoes “ fervent calls for reform of [ the criminal justice ] system which has been acknowledged by the Minister for Justice as unfit to deal with sexual offences ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ received 14,159 calls last year , up 6 per cent on the 13,367 in 2018 , and 10 per cent on the 12,855 calls in 2017 .
Just under half the calls ( 47 per cent ) related to rape , followed by child sex abuse ( 29 per cent ) and adult sexual assault ( 9 per cent ) .
Sexual harassment was cited in 1.2 per cent of calls .
More than half ( 7,704 ) were from first-time callers , and the majority ( 78 per cent ) were women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and less than 1 per cent identified as neither .
The largest age group of callers were those aged 30-39 years , accounting for 20 per cent .
The busiest months were September and May .
“ This is an increase of 42 per cent over 2018 , but figures for that year were lower due to a temporary situation with services at the [ sexual assault treatment unit ] .
“ We accompanied 45 victim/survivors to court or Garda stations over 161 days in 2019 .
This is more than 118 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A 10 per cent increase in calls for help to the State’s largest rape crisis centre last year, compared with two years previously, meant demand for its services “outpaced” its ability to respond, the centre has warned.
The annual report from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, published on Monday, details a 42 per cent increase in clients supported at the Rotunda Hospital's sexual assault treatment unit last year compared with 2018, and a 15.4 per cent rise in the number of appointments delivered.
While welcoming increased funding from the child and family agency Tusla last year, the report stated: “This increase was still far below what is needed to meet actual demand for our services and we continued to maintain an unacceptably long waiting list of those seeking therapeutic support.”
The report is highly critical of the courts system’s response to sexual violence: “We are constantly struck by the multiple barriers and indignities [people] must encounter within the trial system.
READ MORE
"Family law and childcare cases are being heard in archaic conditions in courts around Ireland, involving people in already stressful, damaging situations of domestic violence including sexual abuse or relationship breakdown.
“For survivors of sexual violence, the lack of privacy as well as the other physical and case management difficulties can only add heavily to the stress and trauma they already experience.”
‘Unfit’ system
In her foreword, chief executive Noeline Blackwell writes that the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre echoes "fervent calls for reform of [the criminal justice] system which has been acknowledged by the Minister for Justice as unfit to deal with sexual offences".
The organisation’s 24-hour support line received 14,159 calls last year, up 6 per cent on the 13,367 in 2018, and 10 per cent on the 12,855 calls in 2017.
Just under half the calls (47 per cent) related to rape, followed by child sex abuse (29 per cent) and adult sexual assault (9 per cent). Sexual harassment was cited in 1.2 per cent of calls.
More than half (7,704) were from first-time callers, and the majority (78 per cent) were women, while 21 per cent were men and less than 1 per cent identified as neither.
The largest age group of callers were those aged 30-39 years, accounting for 20 per cent. The busiest months were September and May.
Trained volunteers accompanied 300 people at the Rotunda unit.
“This is an increase of 42 per cent over 2018, but figures for that year were lower due to a temporary situation with services at the [sexual assault treatment unit].
“We accompanied 45 victim/survivors to court or Garda stations over 161 days in 2019. This is more than 118 per cent higher than in 2018.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-06--‘Time management and self-motivation is important’

Many courses are being redesigned to cope with the new Covid-19 environment .
The process started months ago for many courses but others were already being delivered remotely or with the use of virtual or online tools .
Many will wonder what their course will look like this year .
We spoke to students already studying blended courses in order to hear their perspective .
Eamie Murphy is a final year student of Early Childhood Studies and Practice at NUI Galway .
Can you describe how the course is delivered ?
The course is delivered through a combination of distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small number of on-campus workshops during the year , with most of the learning material delivered through Blackboard , an online learning platform .
Through Blackboard , students have access to course information , announcements , course materials and assignment information .
This coming semester NUI Galway will be moving to a fully online teaching model for my course so all lectures will be delivered online .
What do you think of the virtual environment – does it work for you ?
I think it is fantastic .
I work as a manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The way the course is delivered allows me the flexibility to continue working full time and also pursue further education .
I have been able to create my own schedule and manage my studies in a way that suits me .
How do you submit assessments/sit exams ?
We upload all assignments and projects on to Blackboard .
Up until this year , exams have taken place on campus but I know some international students who have sat exams online so this may be an option for the future .
How do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my course come from all around the country .
In order to keep in contact , we mainly rely on online communication .
We are friends on social media platforms , and we have a dedicated WhatsApp group that we make full use of – it ’ s a really active group and we support each other through college and life in general .
We have become close friends and I ’ m sure our WhatsApp group will continue long after we graduate .
Is it easy to interact with tutors/lecturers ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workshops to introduce themselves .
They upload all of the module materials and assessment information for us to review in advance .
We meet in person at the workshops , but we can email them directly at any time .
The tutors and co-ordinators on my course have been brilliant .
They give really detailed feedback and are so generous with their knowledge and expertise .
Any tips for incoming first year students ?
When you are studying from home , time management and self-motivation is important .
This can be challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set realistic goals and celebrate their achievements along the way .
Use technology to your advantage , there are lots of online planners and apps that can help you to manage your time .
Most importantly , don ’ t be too hard on yourself and enjoy the experience of college .

‘Use technology to your advantage, there are lots of online planners and apps that can help you to manage your time,’ says Eamie Murphy
Many courses are being redesigned to cope with the new Covid-19 environment. The process started months ago for many courses but others were already being delivered remotely or with the use of virtual or online tools.
Many will wonder what their course will look like this year. We spoke to students already studying blended courses in order to hear their perspective.
Eamie Murphy is a final year student of Early Childhood Studies and Practice at NUI Galway.
Can you describe how the course is delivered?
READ MORE
The course is delivered through a combination of distance and blended learning. Students attend a small number of on-campus workshops during the year, with most of the learning material delivered through Blackboard, an online learning platform. Through Blackboard, students have access to course information, announcements, course materials and assignment information. This coming semester NUI Galway will be moving to a fully online teaching model for my course so all lectures will be delivered online.
What do you think of the virtual environment – does it work for you?
I think it is fantastic. I work as a manager in a creche in Co Galway. The way the course is delivered allows me the flexibility to continue working full time and also pursue further education. I have been able to create my own schedule and manage my studies in a way that suits me.
How do you submit assessments/sit exams?
We upload all assignments and projects on to Blackboard. Up until this year, exams have taken place on campus but I know some international students who have sat exams online so this may be an option for the future.
How do you interact with fellow students?
Students on my course come from all around the country. In order to keep in contact, we mainly rely on online communication. We are friends on social media platforms, and we have a dedicated WhatsApp group that we make full use of – it’s a really active group and we support each other through college and life in general. We have become close friends and I’m sure our WhatsApp group will continue long after we graduate.
Is it easy to interact with tutors/lecturers?
The tutors all reach out on Blackboard before the workshops to introduce themselves. They upload all of the module materials and assessment information for us to review in advance. We meet in person at the workshops, but we can email them directly at any time. The tutors and co-ordinators on my course have been brilliant. They give really detailed feedback and are so generous with their knowledge and expertise.
Any tips for incoming first year students?
When you are studying from home, time management and self-motivation is important. This can be challenging so I would advise incoming students to set realistic goals and celebrate their achievements along the way. Use technology to your advantage, there are lots of online planners and apps that can help you to manage your time. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself and enjoy the experience of college.


theirishtimes--2020-09-06--Alternative career routes boost options for school-leavers

With the arrival this morning of the calculated grades , many former Leaving Cert students will be on tenterhooks as they await the next round of CAO offers which are due to be issued at 2pm on Friday .
What is often overlooked is that there are thousands of students who were due to sit this year ’ s Leaving Cert , as well as many others of all ages , who will not seek a CAO place , but instead will opt to secure places on further education ( FE ) programmes , apprenticeships , traineeships , or in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixed on those who secured the most H1s , you could be forgiven for thinking that those who opt for alternate progression routes are perceived as having secured a less prestigious place .
Nothing could be further from the truth , of course .
Many courses offer successful applicants career progression opportunities perfectly in tune with their specific interests , aptitudes and abilities .
It just happens that these routes are outside of the more traditional CAO route .
Looked at from the perspective of any aspiring student , for a programme of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good fit for their particular strengths and aptitudes .
For those who apply for courses through the CAO , they will spend a number of years sitting in lecture theatres or , in our Covid-19 world , sitting at home viewing lectures online , attending tutorials , writing essays , studying for long hours in college libraries , and taking written exams at regular intervals .
For many aspiring learners , CAO-type courses offered in our universities and institutes of technologies are completely unsuitable learning environments .
They may enhance their skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hands-on practice – often combined with ongoing practical evaluations to assess the levels of competency being achieved .
In many of our fellow EU partner countries , such practical hands-on courses are seen as having equal status to those offered by third-level colleges .
In Ireland , parental pressures can drive thousands of young people down the academic route , where they often flounder and eventually drop out at huge expense to their sense of self-esteem , their parents ’ bank balance and the tax-paying public .
Thankfully , attitudes are beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on offer through FE , apprenticeships , traineeships , and employment are gaining more and more recognition from society at large .
Thanks to rapidly changing perceptions both within Government and among employers , the range of apprenticeship opportunities has really diversified in recent years .
Solas is the national body responsible for co-ordinating the development of a wide range of new apprenticeship programmes in a wide range of areas within our economy .
To begin an apprenticeship , an applicant must be employed by an approved employer .
To be eligible , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent .
However , higher educational qualifications and other requirements may be sought by employers .
Apprentices pay a pro-rata registration fee if their off-the-job training takes place within a higher-education institute .
The registration fee will generally equate to the amount of time the apprentice spends in the institute .
The payment of the pro-rata registration fee is made by the apprentice directly to the higher education institute .
For apprenticeships developed before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motor sectors , the employer pays the apprentice while s/he is being trained on the job .
A training allowance is paid by the local Education and Training Board while the apprentice is attending the off-the-job training .
For apprenticeships developed in 2016 and after , the employer pays the apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship .
In all cases , the rate of pay is agreed between the employer and the apprentice .
This is creating problems in attracting apprentices into some of the new industry sectors , where employers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprentices when in off-the-job training or education .
Growing numbers of apprenticeship programmes are available , spanning the engineering , construction , motor , electrical , finance , hospitality and food , biopharma , logistics , property services and ICT industry sectors .
The new apprenticeship programmes developed in the past number of years include insurance practice , offered online through IT Sligo , where students work four days a week within a firm , for which they are paid .
They receive a level 8 degree following the completion of their programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available in further-education colleges throughout the country .
They are validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland at both level 5 and 6 .
Many students take PLC programmes with a view to applying to a CAO course which reserves a specific number of places for FE students .
Others are looking to develop a set of skills in a vocational sphere so that they can proceed directly to employment following graduation .
A student from a prestigious fee-paying school contacted me in August 2019 having failed to secure a place through the CAO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree programmes which he had listed .
I recommended that he register for a one-year business FE level 5 programme in a local Education Training Board college .
On the basis of his 2020 FE award he was offered a place on his 1st choice business degree programme in Trinity College through the CAO round of offers on August 8th last .
His positive experience of FE was shared be more than 4,000 other students who received offers of places reserved by CAO colleges for such applicants each year .
The CAO points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous year become irrelevant when they secure a good FE award .
For students who are aspiring for places in CAO colleges through the above route , I can write with some authority about the opportunities offered though both Blackrock and Stillorgan FE colleges , as chairperson of their respective boards of management .
Stillorgan ’ s College of Further Education animation course prepares students with little or no experience for a third-level course in animation production .
With a dual focus on drawing and computer skills , the course covers all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submission .
The college also excels in courses in Photography and Digital Imaging , Digital media , Journalism & Digital Communications , and Multimedia Games & UX Design .
Blackrock Further Education Institute courses focus on securing CAO places for their students in courses relating to : business , law , psychology , product and graphic design and computer science .
For the upcoming year , this college is seeing a significant increase in demand for all their emergency and health courses .
Indeed , the highly regarded Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interest is high in all related courses such as Nutrition , Health and Wellbeing , Psychology , Special Needs Assisting and the new Pre-Garda Studies .
There is a waiting list of local pharmacies seeking to engage future graduates of the “ Over the Counter Pharmacy Assistant ” .
The importance of technology skills in the “ new normal ” is represented by courses in Networking , Security , Games Development and Web Design .
Mature adults who may have been out of the labour market for many years , due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , take further-education programmes to bring their skills up to date .
In the coming year post-Covid-19 , with so many adults having lost jobs which will never return , the Government is focused on providing significant additional upskilling opportunities via the FE option in our ETB colleges throughout the country .
Each college will have its own unique set of offerings , tailored to employment opportunities which can be generated in the locality , tailored to the needs of their own community .
Although , current Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines mean all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities for the academic year ahead .
The entire sector nationwide is working hard to ensure all its new students will experience the best possible education in a safe , clean , and friendly environment .
Whatever combination of face-to-face , online or blended teaching and learning that circumstances may require , all FE staff and students throughout the country will be prepared and equipped for success .
To discover what your local FE college is offering for the coming academic year , go to qualifax.ie and search courses under the PLC tab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you will find a comprehensive list of all its offerings .
Traineeship is a programme of structured training which combines learning in an education and training setting and in the workplace , aiming to improve recruitment and employment outcomes for participants and increase retention and productivity within industry .
Traineeship gives participants the opportunity to develop cutting-edge skills and knowledge on the job , making them more skilled , more employable and enhancing their career options , and enables employers to access a pipeline of talent and learners .
They can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-6 , or equivalent , and are between six and 20 months in duration .
They are open to all potential participants , of all ages and backgrounds , and are free of charge .
Trainees may include school-leavers , older learners , those in employment and those who are unemployed .
There are more than 30 traineeship programmes available around the country .
This number will increase with the development of more traineeships across a range of industries and sectors .
Existing traineeships include engineering ; software developer ; animation studio assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service ; business administration ; medical administration ; legal administration ; sports , recreation and exercise ; beauty therapist ; and accounts executive .
More information can be found at traineeship.ie .
In the current environment finding employment is difficult .
But there are always exceptions to any rule .
There has been a huge expansion in some sectors of the retail economy , particularly in food retailing and home delivery services .
Increased staffing ratios in care homes may offer opportunities for those interested in working with our older generation .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an entrepreneurial spirit , seeing a gap in the market in this new world order we are all getting used to , then give it a go .
Yours may be the next big idea .
If on the other hand you want to convince an employer to give you a start directly from school , in the present labour market the quality of your CV , tailored for each individual employer , is absolutely crucial .
Even CAO colleges themselves have come to realise that successful students come through all routes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ race as a huge barrier to career progression in many areas of occupational aspirations .
Society ’ s perceptions are changing as new models of progression are developed .
As a society we are beginning to broaden our horizons to look favourably on the options open to potential learners , which will meet the needs of all types of learning styles .
There are dynamic challenging career progression opportunities available to suit every person , when you consider all the opportunities outlined above .

For a programme of study to be successful it must be a good fit for their particular strengths and aptitudes.
With the arrival this week of the calculated grades, many former Leaving Cert students will be on tenterhooks as they await the next round of CAO offers which are due to be issued at 2pm on Friday.
What is often overlooked is that there are thousands of students who were due to sit this year’s Leaving Cert, as well as many others of all ages, who will not seek a CAO place, but instead will opt to secure places on further education (FE) programmes, apprenticeships, traineeships, or in employment.
With the media focus firmly fixed on those who secured the most H1s, you could be forgiven for thinking that those who opt for alternate progression routes are perceived as having secured a less prestigious place.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 To begin an apprenticeship, an applicant must be employed by an approved employer.
Nothing could be further from the truth, of course. Many courses offer successful applicants career progression opportunities perfectly in tune with their specific interests. It just happens that these routes are outside of the more traditional CAO route.
READ MORE
Strengths and aptitudes
Looked at from the perspective of any aspiring student, for a programme of study to be successful it must be a good fit for their particular strengths and aptitudes.
For those who apply for courses through the CAO, they will spend a number of years sitting in lecture theatres or, in our Covid-19 world, sitting at home viewing lectures online, attending tutorials, writing essays, studying for long hours in college libraries, and taking written exams at regular intervals.
For many aspiring learners, CAO-type courses offered in our universities and institutes of technologies are completely unsuitable learning environments.
They may enhance their skills more effectively through a combination of observation and hands-on practice – often combined with ongoing practical evaluations to assess the levels of competency being achieved.
In many of our fellow EU partner countries, such practical hands-on courses are seen as having equal status to those offered by third-level colleges.
In Ireland, parental pressures can drive thousands of young people down the academic route, where they often flounder and eventually drop out at huge expense to their sense of self-esteem, their parents' bank balance and the tax-paying public.
Thankfully, attitudes are beginning to change, and the wonderful opportunities on offer through FE, apprenticeships, traineeships, and employment are gaining more and more recognition from society at large.
For many aspiring learners, CAO-type courses offered in our universities and institutes of technologies are completely unsuitable learning environments.
Apprenticeships
Thanks to rapidly changing perceptions both within Government and among employers, the range of apprenticeship opportunities has really diversified in recent years.
Solas is the national body responsible for co-ordinating the development of a wide range of new apprenticeship programmes in a wide range of areas within our economy.
To begin an apprenticeship, an applicant must be employed by an approved employer. To be eligible, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent.
However, higher educational qualifications and other requirements may be sought by employers.
Apprentices pay a pro-rata registration fee if their off-the-job training takes place within a higher-education institute. The registration fee will generally equate to the amount of time the apprentice spends in the institute. The payment of the pro-rata registration fee is made by the apprentice directly to the higher education institute.
For apprenticeships developed before 2016, mainly in the construction and motor sectors, the employer pays the apprentice while s/he is being trained on the job. A training allowance is paid by the local Education and Training Board while the apprentice is attending the off-the-job training.
For apprenticeships developed in 2016 and after, the employer pays the apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship. In all cases, the rate of pay is agreed between the employer and the apprentice.
This is creating problems in attracting apprentices into some of the new industry sectors, where employers are either unwilling or unable to pay the apprentices when in off-the-job training or education.
Growing numbers of apprenticeship programmes are available, spanning the engineering, construction, motor, electrical, finance, hospitality and food, biopharma, logistics, property services and ICT industry sectors.
The new apprenticeship programmes developed in the past number of years include insurance practice, offered online through IT Sligo, where students work four days a week within a firm, for which they are paid. They receive a level 8 degree following the completion of their programme.
Many students take PLC programmes with a view to applying to a CAO course.
Further Education
There are up to 30,000 places available in further-education colleges throughout the country. They are validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland at both level 5 and 6.
Many students take PLC programmes with a view to applying to a CAO course which reserves a specific number of places for FE students. Others are looking to develop a set of skills in a vocational sphere so that they can proceed directly to employment following graduation.
A student from a prestigious fee-paying school contacted me in August 2019 having failed to secure a place through the CAO in any of the high points business degree programmes which he had listed.
I recommended that he register for a one-year business FE level 5 programme in a local Education Training Board college. On the basis of his 2020 FE award he was offered a place on his 1st choice business degree programme in Trinity College through the CAO round of offers on August 8th last.
His positive experience of FE was shared be more than 4,000 other students who received offers of places reserved by CAO colleges for such applicants each year. The CAO points scores of those students , in a previous year become irrelevant when they secure a good FE award.
For students who are aspiring for places in CAO colleges through the above route, I can write with some authority about the opportunities offered though both Blackrock and Stillorgan FE colleges, as chairperson of their respective boards of management.
Stillorgan’s College of Further Education animation course prepares students with little or no experience for a third-level course in animation production. With a dual focus on drawing and computer skills, the course covers all the fundamental areas required for a successful portfolio submission.
The college also excels in courses in Photography and Digital Imaging, Digital media, Journalism & Digital Communications, and Multimedia Games & UX Design.
Blackrock Further Education Institute courses focus on securing CAO places for their students in courses relating to: business, law, psychology, product and graphic design and computer science.
For the upcoming year, this college is seeing a significant increase in demand for all their emergency and health courses. Indeed, the highly regarded Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance course is now closed to new applications.
Interest is high in all related courses such as Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing, Psychology, Special Needs Assisting and the new Pre-Garda Studies. There is a waiting list of local pharmacies seeking to engage future graduates of the “Over the Counter Pharmacy Assistant”.
The importance of technology skills in the “new normal” is represented by courses in Networking, Security, Games Development and Web Design.
Currently, there are more than 30 traineeship programmes available around the country.
Reskilling in mid life?
Mature adults who may have been out of the labour market for many years, due to a variety of reasons including rearing a family, take further-education programmes to bring their skills up to date.
In the coming year post-Covid-19, with so many adults having lost jobs which will never return, the Government is focused on providing significant additional upskilling opportunities via the FE option in our ETB colleges throughout the country.
Each college will have its own unique set of offerings, tailored to employment opportunities which can be generated in the locality, tailored to the needs of their own community. Although, current Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines mean all FE colleges will face new challenges and opportunities for the academic year ahead.
The entire sector nationwide is working hard to ensure all its new students will experience the best possible education in a safe, clean, and friendly environment. Whatever combination of face-to-face, online or blended teaching and learning that circumstances may require, all FE staff and students throughout the country will be prepared and equipped for success.
To discover what your local FE college is offering for the coming academic year, go to qualifax.ie and search courses under the PLC tab, identifying your county or specific college, and you will find a comprehensive list of all its offerings.
To begin an apprenticeship, an applicant must be employed by an approved employer.
Traineeships
Traineeship is a programme of structured training which combines learning in an education and training setting and in the workplace, aiming to improve recruitment and employment outcomes for participants and increase retention and productivity within industry.
Traineeship gives participants the opportunity to develop cutting-edge skills and knowledge on the job, making them more skilled, more employable and enhancing their career options, and enables employers to access a pipeline of talent and learners.
They can lead to an award at NFQ levels 4-6, or equivalent, and are between six and 20 months in duration. They are open to all potential participants, of all ages and backgrounds, and are free of charge. Trainees may include school-leavers, older learners, those in employment and those who are unemployed.
There are more than 30 traineeship programmes available around the country. This number will increase with the development of more traineeships across a range of industries and sectors.
Existing traineeships include engineering; software developer; animation studio assistant; healthcare assistant; food and beverage service; business administration; medical administration; legal administration; sports, recreation and exercise; beauty therapist; and accounts executive. More information can be found at traineeship.ie.
Employment
In the current environment finding employment is difficult. But there are always exceptions to any rule. There has been a huge expansion in some sectors of the retail economy, particularly in food retailing and home delivery services. Increased staffing ratios in care homes may offer opportunities for those interested in working with our older generation.
If you are young and talented and have an entrepreneurial spirit, seeing a gap in the market in this new world order we are all getting used to, then give it a go. Yours may be the next big idea.
If on the other hand you want to convince an employer to give you a start directly from school, in the present labour market the quality of your CV, tailored for each individual employer, is absolutely crucial.
Career progression opportunities to suit every occupation interest
Even CAO colleges themselves have come to realise that successful students come through all routes.
Some see the CAO and the points race as a huge barrier to career progression in many areas of occupational aspirations. Society’s perceptions are changing as new models of progression are developed.
As a society we are beginning to broaden our horizons to look favourably on the options open to potential learners, which will meet the needs of all types of learning styles.
There are dynamic challenging career progression opportunities available to suit every person, when you consider all the opportunities outlined above.


theirishtimes--2020-09-08--Cancer screenings down 60% on same period in 2019

The number of people screened for cancer was down 60 per cent in the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period last year , new figures reveal .
The State ’ s three cancer screening programmes – BreastCheck , BowelScreen and CervicalCheck – were all shut down due to the impact of Covid-19 , with BreastCheck still yet to restart , and the other two operating at reduced capacity .
Figures released to The Irish Times show that across the three programmes , some 248,223 people were screened between January and June 2019 ; this compares to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of this year .
The largest drop off was in CervicalCheck , which had a 62.8 per cent fall in the number of people screened , while BowelScreen had a 61.8 per cent drop and BreastCheck 55.5 per cent .
The decline in figures has raised fears that cancers will go undiagnosed , and has led to Opposition calls for emergency funding to restore services , as well as diagnostic pathways for people whose results require further investigation .
Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane said €10 million was needed to enable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Extra capacity is going to be needed if we are to have any chance of catching up , in terms of staffing and physical infrastructure.
” If [ screening ] isn ’ t happening you ’ ll have more missed cancer diagnoses .
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we need all facets of cancer care up and running in this Covid environment , ” he said .
Labour leader and health spokesman Alan Kelly said the figures “ speak for themselves ” .
“ It ’ s incredibly important that we have a comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that we do not let standards slip or change the intervals for which we bring people to screening , ” he said .
The Health Service Executive said the pause in screening was put in place in March to “ protect participants and staff by complying with social-distancing guidelines ” .
Some staff from the screening programmes were also redeployed to other areas of the Covid-19 response .
CervicalCheck recommenced screening in July and BowelScreen in August , with BreastCheck likely to resume either this month or in October .
Patients are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the urgency of their appointment .
However , screening will take place under different conditions , said the HSE .
“ The [ National Screening Service ] must comply with all HSE and public health social-distancing guidelines , and reduced contact , to protect patients and staff where feasible during screening , ” said a spokeswoman .
“ Implementing the new policies and procedures required to achieve this are having an impact on capacity and activity within screening .
At all stages , the screening pathways , schedules and rounds are affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to catch the early signs of cancer in people who are presumed to be healthy and do not have symptoms .
It is not a diagnostic tool and no screening test is totally accurate .

The decline in numbers of patients seen has raised fears that cancers will go undiagnosed. File photograph: Getty
The number of people screened for cancer was down 60 per cent in the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period last year, new figures reveal.
The State’s three cancer screening programmes – BreastCheck, BowelScreen and CervicalCheck – were all shut down due to the impact of Covid-19, with BreastCheck still yet to restart, and the other two operating at reduced capacity.
Figures released to The Irish Times show that across the three programmes, some 248,223 people were screened between January and June 2019; this compares to 99,286 people seen in the first six months of this year.
The largest drop off was in CervicalCheck, which had a 62.8 per cent fall in the number of people screened, while BowelScreen had a 61.8 per cent drop and BreastCheck 55.5 per cent.
READ MORE
The decline in figures has raised fears that cancers will go undiagnosed, and has led to Opposition calls for emergency funding to restore services, as well as diagnostic pathways for people whose results require further investigation.
Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane said €10 million was needed to enable effective screening programmes in a Covid environment. "Extra capacity is going to be needed if we are to have any chance of catching up, in terms of staffing and physical infrastructure."
If [screening] isn’t happening you’ll have more missed cancer diagnoses . . . we need all facets of cancer care up and running in this Covid environment,” he said.
Labour leader and health spokesman Alan Kelly said the figures "speak for themselves".
“It’s incredibly important that we have a comprehensive catch-up programme to deal with the backlog and that we do not let standards slip or change the intervals for which we bring people to screening,” he said.
Staff redeployed
The Health Service Executive said the pause in screening was put in place in March to “protect participants and staff by complying with social-distancing guidelines”. Some staff from the screening programmes were also redeployed to other areas of the Covid-19 response.
CervicalCheck recommenced screening in July and BowelScreen in August, with BreastCheck likely to resume either this month or in October. Patients are being called at different stages, depending on the urgency of their appointment.
However, screening will take place under different conditions, said the HSE. “The [National Screening Service] must comply with all HSE and public health social-distancing guidelines, and reduced contact, to protect patients and staff where feasible during screening,” said a spokeswoman.
“Implementing the new policies and procedures required to achieve this are having an impact on capacity and activity within screening. At all stages, the screening pathways, schedules and rounds are affected,” she said.
Screening is designed to catch the early signs of cancer in people who are presumed to be healthy and do not have symptoms. It is not a diagnostic tool and no screening test is totally accurate.


theirishtimes--2020-09-08--Public bodies locking Ireland into fossil fuel use, Friends of Earth claims

The ESB , Gas Networks Ireland and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities risk locking Ireland into fossil fuels use for decades , according to a Friends of the Earth report .
The report says the mandates of the ESB and Gas Networks Ireland allow for continued – and potentially increasing – investment in fossil fuels , which is contrary to Government commitments on tackling climate change .
“ An examination of their current investment plans reveals they plan to expand fossil fuel infrastructure and continue to subsidise fossil gas investment and usage , ” the environmental group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at odds with decarbonisation objectives , are likely to ‘ lock-in ’ carbon-intensive high emissions and , furthermore , undermine investment in energy conservation and renewable generation , and the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
” The ESB , Gas Networks Ireland and energy regulator CRU address decarbonisation in their strategies or mission statements by way of “ low-carbon ” commitments .
However , the Friends of the Earth report states “ their respective statutory authorisations – ie mandates – do not specify compliance with national and international climate law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations and do not properly address principles of climate justice or sustainable development .
“ Their plans are likely to lock in carbon-intensive high emissions and undermine investment in energy conservation and renewable generation , ” it says .
Friends of the Earth spokeswoman Meaghan Carmody said : “ Ploughing money into these investments is not only fuelling the climate crisis , it ’ s also exposing public bodies to the risk of stranded assets at ultimate cost to taxpayers.
” Ireland ’ s energy demand is likely to grow by up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that Eirgrid analysis showed data centres and large energy users could account for 27 per cent of electricity demand in Ireland by 2028 .
“ The ESB plans to build more fossil gas power stations to meet this demand , in conflict with climate obligations , ” she added .
Friends of the Earth , along with a number of other climate groups , has called on the Government to revise the mandates of Ireland ’ s public bodies to ensure reliable , secure and climate-safe energy generation and distribution .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy system are offering no promises to reduce carbon emissions .
Reducing carbon emissions from the energy sector can only happen by cutting out fossil fuels , ” they said .
The 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act must be amended under the Government commitment to a new climate amendment Bill within its first 100 days , and public bodies should be required not merely to have regard to 2050 and interim targets , but to perform their functions in a manner consistent with such targets and associated carbon budgets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chaos said a climate action mandate for public bodies was overdue .
“ It is ludicrous that public bodies in 2020 are still able to undermine the country ’ s climate action efforts.
” They should be mandated to produce climate stress tests , set out human rights and environmental due diligence procedures , and report on environmental and social impacts , she argued .
A spokesman for CRU said climate action and the transition to a low-carbon future were at the heart of its strategy and policy-decision process .
“ The CRU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate to deliver on this ambition and operates within the evolving European and national frameworks regarding climate action and the energy transition , ” he added .
The CRU is open to clarity and rationalisation to the current legislative framework and would continue to work with all stakeholders as the role of regulation continues to evolve , the spokesman said .
“ Transition to a sustainable energy future will require fundamental change in the way we source , transport and use energy , ” he acknowledged .
“ The CRU will work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure a sustainable and secure transition , with transparent , reasonable and competitive prices for all consumers of energy , and customer protection throughout .
”

Friends of the Earth, along with a number of other climate groups, has called on the Government to revise the mandates of Ireland’s public bodies to ensure reliable, secure and climate-safe energy generation and distribution.
The ESB, Gas Networks Ireland and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities risk locking Ireland into fossil fuels use for decades, according to a Friends of the Earth report.
The report says the mandates of the ESB and Gas Networks Ireland allow for continued – and potentially increasing – investment in fossil fuels, which is contrary to Government commitments on tackling climate change.
“An examination of their current investment plans reveals they plan to expand fossil fuel infrastructure and continue to subsidise fossil gas investment and usage,” the environmental group ’s report warned.
“These plans are at odds with decarbonisation objectives, are likely to ‘lock-in’ carbon-intensive high emissions and, furthermore, undermine investment in energy conservation and renewable generation, and the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”
READ MORE
The ESB, Gas Networks Ireland and energy regulator CRU address decarbonisation in their strategies or mission statements by way of “low-carbon” commitments. However, the Friends of the Earth report states “their respective statutory authorisations – ie mandates – do not specify compliance with national and international climate law, are not fully aligned with Paris Agreement obligations and do not properly address principles of climate justice or sustainable development.
“Their plans are likely to lock in carbon-intensive high emissions and undermine investment in energy conservation and renewable generation,” it says.
Data centres
Friends of the Earth spokeswoman Meaghan Carmody said: "Ploughing money into these investments is not only fuelling the climate crisis, it's also exposing public bodies to the risk of stranded assets at ultimate cost to taxpayers."
Ireland's energy demand is likely to grow by up to 50 per cent, she added, noting that Eirgrid analysis showed data centres and large energy users could account for 27 per cent of electricity demand in Ireland by 2028. "The ESB plans to build more fossil gas power stations to meet this demand, in conflict with climate obligations," she added.
Friends of the Earth, along with a number of other climate groups, has called on the Government to revise the mandates of Ireland’s public bodies to ensure reliable, secure and climate-safe energy generation and distribution. “Public bodies currently tasked with managing our energy system are offering no promises to reduce carbon emissions. Reducing carbon emissions from the energy sector can only happen by cutting out fossil fuels,” they said.
The 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act must be amended under the Government commitment to a new climate amendment Bill within its first 100 days, and public bodies should be required not merely to have regard to 2050 and interim targets, but to perform their functions in a manner consistent with such targets and associated carbon budgets.
Climate action mandate
Sadhbh O’Neill of Stop Climate Chaos said a climate action mandate for public bodies was overdue. “It is ludicrous that public bodies in 2020 are still able to undermine the country’s climate action efforts.”
They should be mandated to produce climate stress tests, set out human rights and environmental due diligence procedures, and report on environmental and social impacts, she argued.
A spokesman for CRU said climate action and the transition to a low-carbon future were at the heart of its strategy and policy-decision process. “The CRU does not perceive barriers within its current mandate to deliver on this ambition and operates within the evolving European and national frameworks regarding climate action and the energy transition,” he added.
The CRU is open to clarity and rationalisation to the current legislative framework and would continue to work with all stakeholders as the role of regulation continues to evolve, the spokesman said.
“Transition to a sustainable energy future will require fundamental change in the way we source, transport and use energy,” he acknowledged. “The CRU will work to protect the public interest, as we ensure a sustainable and secure transition, with transparent, reasonable and competitive prices for all consumers of energy, and customer protection throughout.”