theirishtimes--2020-12-02--Noise pollution affects animals’ communication with each other – research

Noise pollution changes the signals of animals , hampering their communication with each other which “ has an impact on their future survival ” , new research led by Queen ’ s University Belfast has found .
The study found animals exposed to man-made noise had to adjust their acoustic signals when competing for mate attraction , to repel rivals and in parent to offspring communication , “ all of which have a crucial role in their survival ” .
The study , which is the first to look at a variety of different species and their response to noise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Change Biology .
The researchers said man-made noise is largely from road traffic such as cars and lorries .
To conduct the study , they analysed data from 31 different animal species , such as frogs and birds and gathered information from 23 experimental studies that exposed animals to man-made noise .
They compared each animal ’ s response to a baseline level , which is often the natural background noise levels in an individual ’ s habitat .
The researchers studied different components of each species ’ acoustic signals , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They found that man-made noise changes the signals of animals , which hampers their communication , disrupting crucial communication cues with each other .
The World Health Organisation has said man-made noise is one of the most hazardous forms of pollution .
In many habitats , noise from natural sources that animals are accustomed to is an important evolutionary selective force .
However , man-made noise differs from naturally occurring noise because it is typically loud and low in pitch .
Dr Hansjoerg Kunc , lead author of the report and researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Queen ’ s said there are important implications to consider around noise pollution and the protection of wildlife .
“ This research proves man-made noise is clearly disrupting them from being able to hear and understand each other clearly , which has an impact on their future survival , ” he said .
Dr Kunc added that conservation is “ traditionally concerned ” with preserving biodiversity and the habitats that organisms are dependent upon .
“ Given the effects of noise on animals , pristine soundscapes free from man-made noise are crucial to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This research shows there is no doubt that tackling human-induced environmental changes , such as noise pollution , is a crucial societal and economic challenge that will ultimately determine the health of both ecosystems and organisms , including humans .
”

Flock of curlews with the Sugarloaf mountain in the background. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Noise pollution changes the signals of animals, hampering their communication with each other which “has an impact on their future survival”, new research led by Queen’s University Belfast has found.
The study found animals exposed to man-made noise had to adjust their acoustic signals when competing for mate attraction, to repel rivals and in parent to offspring communication, “all of which have a crucial role in their survival”.
The study, which is the first to look at a variety of different species and their response to noise, was published on Wednesday in Global Change Biology.
The researchers said man-made noise is largely from road traffic such as cars and lorries.
READ MORE
To conduct the study, they analysed data from 31 different animal species, such as frogs and birds and gathered information from 23 experimental studies that exposed animals to man-made noise. They compared each animal’s response to a baseline level, which is often the natural background noise levels in an individual’s habitat.
The researchers studied different components of each species’ acoustic signals, such as loudness, pitch, rate and complexity. They found that man-made noise changes the signals of animals, which hampers their communication, disrupting crucial communication cues with each other.
The World Health Organisation has said man-made noise is one of the most hazardous forms of pollution. In many habitats, noise from natural sources that animals are accustomed to is an important evolutionary selective force. However, man-made noise differs from naturally occurring noise because it is typically loud and low in pitch.
Dr Hansjoerg Kunc, lead author of the report and researcher at the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's said there are important implications to consider around noise pollution and the protection of wildlife.
“This research proves man-made noise is clearly disrupting them from being able to hear and understand each other clearly, which has an impact on their future survival,” he said.
Dr Kunc added that conservation is “traditionally concerned” with preserving biodiversity and the habitats that organisms are dependent upon.
“Given the effects of noise on animals, pristine soundscapes free from man-made noise are crucial to ensure effective conservation,” he said.
“This research shows there is no doubt that tackling human-induced environmental changes, such as noise pollution, is a crucial societal and economic challenge that will ultimately determine the health of both ecosystems and organisms, including humans.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-02--Vulnerable children ‘losing out’ on vital supports since schools reopened - poll

Vulnerable children are losing out on vital supports due to Covid-19 restrictions since schools reopened in September , according to a new survey .
The poll of also 400 parents and carers found that many young people attending special classes are being excluded from mainstream education as a result of social distancing requirements .
A large proportion of parents ( 41 per cent ) said their children need more special needs assistant ( SNA ) support , while many ( 33 per cent ) said they were not satisfied with their child ’ s present educational provision this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) stated that children would need in-school support to continue their learning in the event of any future school closures .
The survey was conducted over a two-week period in October among 382 community members from campaign groups including Inclusion Ireland , Down Syndrome Ireland and AsIAm .
A key finding in the survey is the severe impact of school closures had on young people with additional needs .
Most families said they hoped they never again lose the support and structure of school as they did earlier this year .
Adam Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said many vulnerable children lost key developmental skills and continue to experience high levels of stress and anxiety owing to the loss of routine .
“ It is vital that the support young people need to make this year a success , including access to additional teaching time and SNA support , are readily available , ” Mr Harris said .
He said his organisation was particularly concerned that a large number of families reporting having insufficient SNA access or have reported seeing a reduction or loss in SNA support .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same support to schools as last year , it was not taking into account the profile of individual students in schools or the impact of the pandemic , he said .
“ These learnings must be acknowledged before the Department moves any further towards a frontloading model of SNA support which it proposes to do this coming September , ” he said .
Despite the challenges , he said many young people are greatly benefiting from the return to school and parents want to make sure this continues in the context of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syndrome Ireland ’ s head of education , said findings bring into the public domain the challenges faced by parents of children with special educational needs as they returned to school in September .
She said reductions in the levels of SNA support and special education teaching support , together with the lack of access to therapies and the use of reduced timetables for our children , are issues that must be addressed immediately .
“ We need to ensure that , going forward , all children have access to appropriate and beneficial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at its best at every stage of their education journey , ” she aid .
Enda Egan , Inclusion Ireland ’ s chief executive , said there was broad satisfaction among parents with the return to education .
However , he said a number of critical issues are highlighted that would greatly enhance participation in learning for children with an intellectual disability .
The lack of access to sensory breaks and sensory supports , such as ear defenders or fidget toys , due to Covid-19 compliance stands out , he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieve their full potential in education and must be looked at , ” he said .
Another key issue is the report is children who are in a special education class and also in mainstream classes are not being facilitated to access their mainstream classes .
“ Provision must be made to ensure these children continue their inclusion journey , ” he said .
The report highlights a number of recommendations which are key to the success of children integrating fully back into the education system , including greater levels of integration from @ @ @ @ @ @

Vulnerable children are losing out on vital supports due to Covid-19 restrictions since schools reopened in September, according to a new survey. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP
Vulnerable children are losing out on vital supports due to Covid-19 restrictions since schools reopened in September, according to a new survey.
The poll of also 400 parents and carers found that many young people attending special classes are being excluded from mainstream education as a result of social distancing requirements.
A large proportion of parents (41 per cent) said their children need more special needs assistant (SNA) support, while many (33 per cent) said they were not satisfied with their child’s present educational provision this year.
A large majority (79 per cent) stated that children would need in-school support to continue their learning in the event of any future school closures.
READ MORE
The survey was conducted over a two-week period in October among 382 community members from campaign groups including Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and AsIAm.
A key finding in the survey is the severe impact of school closures had on young people with additional needs.
Most families said they hoped they never again lose the support and structure of school as they did earlier this year.
Adam Harris, chief executive of autism charity AsIAm, said many vulnerable children lost key developmental skills and continue to experience high levels of stress and anxiety owing to the loss of routine.
“ It is vital that the support young people need to make this year a success, including access to additional teaching time and SNA support, are readily available,” Mr Harris said.
He said his organisation was particularly concerned that a large number of families reporting having insufficient SNA access or have reported seeing a reduction or loss in SNA support.
While the Department of Education has provided the same support to schools as last year, it was not taking into account the profile of individual students in schools or the impact of the pandemic, he said.
“These learnings must be acknowledged before the Department moves any further towards a frontloading model of SNA support which it proposes to do this coming September,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he said many young people are greatly benefiting from the return to school and parents want to make sure this continues in the context of any post-Christmas restrictions.
Fidelma Brady, Down Syndrome Ireland's head of education, said findings bring into the public domain the challenges faced by parents of children with special educational needs as they returned to school in September.
She said reductions in the levels of SNA support and special education teaching support, together with the lack of access to therapies and the use of reduced timetables for our children, are issues that must be addressed immediately.
“We need to ensure that, going forward, all children have access to appropriate and beneficial education in schools, and experience inclusion at its best at every stage of their education journey,” she aid.
Enda Egan, Inclusion Ireland's chief executive, said there was broad satisfaction among parents with the return to education.
However, he said a number of critical issues are highlighted that would greatly enhance participation in learning for children with an intellectual disability.
The lack of access to sensory breaks and sensory supports, such as ear defenders or fidget toys, due to Covid-19 compliance stands out, he said.
“These are essential for many children to achieve their full potential in education and must be looked at,” he said.
Another key issue is the report is children who are in a special education class and also in mainstream classes are not being facilitated to access their mainstream classes.
“Provision must be made to ensure these children continue their inclusion journey,” he said.
The report highlights a number of recommendations which are key to the success of children integrating fully back into the education system, including greater levels of integration from special classes to mainstream classes.


theirishtimes--2020-12-02--Further complaint over alleged historical child sex abuse in St John Ambulance

A further person has made a report to the Garda over alleged historical childhood sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of a former senior figure in St John Ambulance .
In August , The Irish Times revealed three men had been abused by a senior figure involved in St John Ambulance ’ s Old Kilmainham division in the 1990s .
The child abuse allegations made against the individual had been deemed founded in June 2020 following an investigation by Tusla , the child and family agency .
In recent weeks a fourth man has come forward and reported allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An Garda Síochána .
Mark Pender ( 38 ) joined the Tallaght division of the voluntary paramedic organisation when he was 15 in 1995 , helping to provide first-aid cover at sporting matches and other events .
Speaking to The Irish Times , he alleged he was repeatedly abused in incidents that took place while on duty with the organisation at Lansdowne Road stadium and elsewhere .
Mr Pender said he met his alleged abuser through St John Ambulance , and the man offered him a part-time job helping with delivery work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember we pulled into this loading bay one day , and he kind of put his hand down my trousers and started masturbating me .
.
.
Then he pressed his elbow onto my chest and held me back .
I couldn ’ t do anything , I just sat there and let it happen , ” he said .
In a statement to gardaí on November 17th , Mr Pender alleged he was abused on multiple occasions while on duty with St John Ambulance .
He alleged the abuse was “ relentless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-year period from 1995 to 1998 , with Mr Pender leaving the organisation around 2000 .
Now living in Co Kildare , Mr Pender claims he reported the alleged abuser at the time to other senior officers in the organisation .
One of the individuals Mr Pender said he reported the matter to , who is still involved in the organisation , did not respond to questions from The Irish Times .
The alleged abuser , now in his 80s , was a senior figure in the Old Kilmainham division , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until at least 2000 , leaving under pressure to resign .
A Garda spokesman confirmed it had opened an investigation into Mr Pender ’ s alleged sexual abuse .
Mr Pender said he felt the actions of the abuser were “ an open secret ” and the organisation had “ failed ” him .
“ The unit in Tallaght , we were like a family , everybody kind of looked out for each other .
My only regret was I didn ’ t tell my senior officers in Tallaght because I personally think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have dealt with it properly , ” he said .
In a statement , St John Ambulance said it had a “ rigorous ” volunteer recruitment process , and strictly adhered to “ robust ” child protection policies .
It had “ comprehensive ” reporting procedures in places , which “ instruct that anyone who has received a disclosure of child abuse or who has concerns of abuse should bring it to the attention of the organisation ’ s child protection officer immediately ” .
If you have been affected by any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can contact : One in Four ( oneinfour.ie ) , Rape Crisis Helpline ( 1800-778888 ) , the Samaritans ( 116123 or jo @ samaritans.org ) and HSE counselling services ( 1800-235234 )

Mark Pender: feels the actions of the abuser were “an open secret” and the organisation “failed” him. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
A further person has made a report to the Garda over alleged historical childhood sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of a former senior figure in St John Ambulance.
In August, The Irish Times revealed three men had been abused by a senior figure involved in St John Ambulance’s Old Kilmainham division in the 1990s.
The child abuse allegations made against the individual had been deemed founded in June 2020 following an investigation by Tusla, the child and family agency.
In recent weeks a fourth man has come forward and reported allegations of abuse against the same figure to An Garda Síochána.
READ MORE
Mark Pender (38) joined the Tallaght division of the voluntary paramedic organisation when he was 15 in 1995, helping to provide first-aid cover at sporting matches and other events.
Speaking to The Irish Times, he alleged he was repeatedly abused in incidents that took place while on duty with the organisation at Lansdowne Road stadium and elsewhere.
Delivery work
Mr Pender said he met his alleged abuser through St John Ambulance, and the man offered him a part-time job helping with delivery work.
“We were doing deliveries and I remember we pulled into this loading bay one day, and he kind of put his hand down my trousers and started masturbating me. . . Then he pressed his elbow onto my chest and held me back. I couldn’t do anything, I just sat there and let it happen,” he said.
In a statement to gardaí on November 17th, Mr Pender alleged he was abused on multiple occasions while on duty with St John Ambulance.
He alleged the abuse was “relentless” and took place over approximately a three-year period from 1995 to 1998, with Mr Pender leaving the organisation around 2000.
Now living in Co Kildare, Mr Pender claims he reported the alleged abuser at the time to other senior officers in the organisation.
One of the individuals Mr Pender said he reported the matter to, who is still involved in the organisation, did not respond to questions from The Irish Times.
‘Open secret’
The alleged abuser, now in his 80s, was a senior figure in the Old Kilmainham division, and a member of the organisation from the 1950s until at least 2000, leaving under pressure to resign.
A Garda spokesman confirmed it had opened an investigation into Mr Pender’s alleged sexual abuse.
Mr Pender said he felt the actions of the abuser were “an open secret” and the organisation had “failed” him. “The unit in Tallaght, we were like a family, everybody kind of looked out for each other. My only regret was I didn’t tell my senior officers in Tallaght because I personally think, hand on my heart, they would have dealt with it properly,” he said.
In a statement, St John Ambulance said it had a “rigorous” volunteer recruitment process, and strictly adhered to “robust” child protection policies.
It had “comprehensive” reporting procedures in places, which “instruct that anyone who has received a disclosure of child abuse or who has concerns of abuse should bring it to the attention of the organisation’s child protection officer immediately”.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact: One in Four (oneinfour.ie), Rape Crisis Helpline (1800-778888), the Samaritans (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) and HSE counselling services (1800-235234)


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Ryan says Dublin pollution highlights need to tackle particulates from fossil fuels

Minister for Climate Action Eamon Ryan has said that the alarmingly high levels of air pollution in Dublin last weekend highlighted the need to tackle the underlying issues of particulates from fossil fuels .
Responding to data from the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) showing figures 15 times higher than recommended EU levels , Mr Ryan said : “ We could all smell and almost taste the air pollution last weekend.
” The capital ’ s situation was worsened , said Prof Colin O ’ Dowd of NUIG centre for climate and air pollution studies , because of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation is probably being exacerbated by Level 5 restrictions , where more people are staying at home burning wood , coal and peat , ” he told The Irish Times .
He said the smoky coal ban must be extended nationwide to protect lives .
“ Owners of wood-burners , stoves and open fires in England will no longer be able to buy house coal or wet wood under a ban to be rolled out from next year.
” Mr Ryan said air pollution from these kinds of particulates was damaging to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned smoky coal in 13 more towns and was moving towards a nationwide ban .
The Government would also publish a clean-air strategy .
“ The consultation document will include mitigation measures to address pollution from briquettes , sod turf and wet wood , as well as the extension of the ban on smoky coal .
“ We are also addressing the issue of heating people ’ s homes in a healthier way through a major increase in spending on retrofitting , in particular for homes that are vulnerable to energy poverty.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Darren O ’ Rourke , said there was a need now for the coalition to make good on its clean-air strategy in the programme for government .
“ We need to find alternatives to fossil fuels , and that needs to be driven by the Government .
It ’ s a surprise , though , given that activity levels during Covid-19 should have been lower.
” Labour spokesman Duncan Smith said there was a sense that more people driving their cars during the pandemic as well as contraband smoky coal had contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not return to the pollution we had in the days of smoky coal .
The carbon tax may be a modifier of behaviour , but we need to see other measures to encourage ordinary households to be more efficient .
Still , this is a wake-up call.
” The chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action , Brain Leddin ( Greens ) , said recent weather conditions combined with people lighting fires in their homes contributed to particularly bad conditions .
“ Ultimately the solution is to switch to domestic heating systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this Government plans to undertake an ambitious retrofitting programme which will involve the installation of electrically-powered heat pumps in half a million homes over 10 years .
“ In addition , we need an unprecedented modal shift to public and active transport in our urban areas to reduce pollution from vehicles.
” The full health consequences of air pollution were not known , said Dr Clare Noone , who is currently working on a study in Galway that investigates links between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 air pollution .
Moving away from burning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for the climate and air pollution , but also Ireland ’ s balance sheet as 90 per cent of all fossil fuels used in the State were imported .

“Unfortunately the situation is probably being exacerbated by Level 5 restrictions, where more people are staying at home burning wood, coal and peat.” Photograph: Getty Images
Minister for Climate Action Eamon Ryan has said that the alarmingly high levels of air pollution in Dublin last weekend highlighted the need to tackle the underlying issues of particulates from fossil fuels.
Responding to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showing figures 15 times higher than recommended EU levels, Mr Ryan said: "We could all smell and almost taste the air pollution last weekend."
The capital’s situation was worsened, said Prof Colin O’Dowd of NUIG centre for climate and air pollution studies, because of an increase in home fires.
“Unfortunately the situation is probably being exacerbated by Level 5 restrictions, where more people are staying at home burning wood, coal and peat,” he told The Irish Times.
READ MORE
He said the smoky coal ban must be extended nationwide to protect lives. “Owners of wood-burners, stoves and open fires in England will no longer be able to buy house coal or wet wood under a ban to be rolled out from next year.”
Mr Ryan said air pollution from these kinds of particulates was damaging to health, adding that the Government had banned smoky coal in 13 more towns and was moving towards a nationwide ban.
The Government would also publish a clean-air strategy. “The consultation document will include mitigation measures to address pollution from briquettes, sod turf and wet wood, as well as the extension of the ban on smoky coal.
“We are also addressing the issue of heating people’s homes in a healthier way through a major increase in spending on retrofitting, in particular for homes that are vulnerable to energy poverty.”
Activity levels
The Sinn Féin spokesman on the environment, Darren O’Rourke, said there was a need now for the coalition to make good on its clean-air strategy in the programme for government.
“We need to find alternatives to fossil fuels, and that needs to be driven by the Government. It’s a surprise, though, given that activity levels during Covid-19 should have been lower.”
Labour spokesman Duncan Smith said there was a sense that more people driving their cars during the pandemic as well as contraband smoky coal had contributed to the increase.
“We cannot return to the pollution we had in the days of smoky coal. The carbon tax may be a modifier of behaviour, but we need to see other measures to encourage ordinary households to be more efficient. Still, this is a wake-up call.”
The chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action, Brain Leddin (Greens), said recent weather conditions combined with people lighting fires in their homes contributed to particularly bad conditions.
“Ultimately the solution is to switch to domestic heating systems that are pollution-free at the house, and this Government plans to undertake an ambitious retrofitting programme which will involve the installation of electrically-powered heat pumps in half a million homes over 10 years.
“ In addition, we need an unprecedented modal shift to public and active transport in our urban areas to reduce pollution from vehicles.”
Balance sheet
The full health consequences of air pollution were not known, said Dr Clare Noone, who is currently working on a study in Galway that investigates links between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 air pollution.
Moving away from burning coal and peat was “a win-win” for the climate and air pollution, but also Ireland’s balance sheet as 90 per cent of all fossil fuels used in the State were imported.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Ombudsman, PSNI challenge decision not to order Finucane inquiry

Statements from the North ’ s Police Ombudsman and the PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne appear to challenge the British government ’ s explanation for why it has not ordered a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane .
The former police ombudsman , Baroness Nuala O ’ Loan , said she did not believe the British government had the appetite to call an investigation into the 1989 murder of the Belfast solicitor , even though one was merited .
In 2012 a review of the murder by British lawyer Sir Desmond de Silva QC found agents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that it should have been prevented .
Sir Desmond , however , said there had been “ no overarching state conspiracy ” in the killing .
This was rejected by the Finucane family who believe there was high-ranking political and security service involvement in the murder .
On Monday the Northern Secretary Brandon Lewis said he had decided “ not to establish a public inquiry at this time ” but that he was not “ taking the possibility of a public inquiry off the table at this stage ” .
Mr Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ombudsman Marie Anderson and by the PSNI in his House of Commons statement .
He said it was “ important ” to allow the PSNI and ombudsman “ processes to move forward , and that we avoid the risk of prejudicing any emerging conclusions from that work ” .
Statements from Ms Anderson and Mr Byrne , however , appear to question Mr Lewis ’ s view that the PSNI and ombudsman inquiries must first be completed before he could definitively rule on whether to hold a public inquiry .
The Chief Constable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PSNI ’ s view that there were “ currently no new lines of inquiry ” and the police “ now need to decide if a further review is merited given all the previous investigations into this case ” .
The ombudman , Ms Anderson , said her office had no current investigation taking place where the murder of Mr Finucane was the central issue .
“ At this stage , events connected to the murder of Pat Finucane are not central to any of our ongoing investigations , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ombudsman was investigating some police activity relevant to Mr Finucane , none of it was pertinent to his murder .
Former police ombudsman Baroness O ’ Loan made a similar point , noting how the ombudsman deals specifically with complaints against or possible misconduct by the police .
Its remit did not address the central complaint of the Finucane family that there was collusion in Mr Finucane ’ s murder that allegedly implicated the British security service and its handlers and agents .
The Finucane family also wants to know whether and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British government ’ s chain of command .
Baroness O ’ Loan queried why Mr Lewis would cite the ombudsman and the PSNI as reasons for not calling an inquiry .
“ I don ’ t understand why he is saying there are things which need to be done before the issue of whether there is an inquiry can be addressed ; I just don ’ t understand that , ” she told The Irish Times .
“ There is every justification for saying there should be an inquiry into the collusion which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pat Finucane ’ s murder , ” she added .
Baroness O ’ Loan , however , was pessimistic about an inquiry ever being called .
“ I don ’ t believe the British government has any appetite for an inquiry , ” she said .
Meanwhile , the Finucane family are to seek the support of US president elect Joe Biden in their continuing campaign for an inquiry .
Mr Finucane ’ s son , John , a solicitor and Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast , said Mr Biden had previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
“ We will be seeking his fresh support on this matter and I think that we can enjoy a degree of confidence that , given the bipartisan way in which we have received support from America , this is something that may well enjoy his future support , ” he told the BBC .
Sinn Féin , the SDLP , Alliance and the Greens have written to Mr Lewis also arguing that his reference to the PSNI and ombudsman as an explanation for not calling an investigation were “ neither a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The respective senior members of the four parties – Michelle O ’ Neill , Colum Eastwood , Stephen Farry and Claire Bailey – urged him to reconsider his decision and call an inquiry .

Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane: Four of Northern Ireland’s political parties have united to call for a public inquiry into the murder of the Belfast solicitor.Photograph: Pacemaker
Statements from the North's Police Ombudsman and the PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne appear to challenge the British government's explanation for why it has not ordered a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.
The former police ombudsman, Baroness Nuala O'Loan, said she did not believe the British government had the appetite to call an investigation into the 1989 murder of the Belfast solicitor, even though one was merited.
In 2012 a review of the murder by British lawyer Sir Desmond de Silva QC found agents of the British state were involved in the murder and that it should have been prevented. Sir Desmond, however, said there had been “no overarching state conspiracy” in the killing.
This was rejected by the Finucane family who believe there was high-ranking political and security service involvement in the murder.
READ MORE
On Monday the Northern Secretary Brandon Lewis said he had decided "not to establish a public inquiry at this time" but that he was not "taking the possibility of a public inquiry off the table at this stage".
Mr Lewis referred to investigations by the current Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson and by the PSNI in his House of Commons statement.
He said it was “important” to allow the PSNI and ombudsman “processes to move forward, and that we avoid the risk of prejudicing any emerging conclusions from that work”.
Statements from Ms Anderson and Mr Byrne, however, appear to question Mr Lewis's view that the PSNI and ombudsman inquiries must first be completed before he could definitively rule on whether to hold a public inquiry.
The Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, said it was the PSNI’s view that there were “currently no new lines of inquiry” and the police “now need to decide if a further review is merited given all the previous investigations into this case”.
The ombudman, Ms Anderson, said her office had no current investigation taking place where the murder of Mr Finucane was the central issue.
“At this stage, events connected to the murder of Pat Finucane are not central to any of our ongoing investigations,” she said.
A senior source explained that while the ombudsman was investigating some police activity relevant to Mr Finucane, none of it was pertinent to his murder.
Complaint of collusion
Former police ombudsman Baroness O’Loan made a similar point, noting how the ombudsman deals specifically with complaints against or possible misconduct by the police. Its remit did not address the central complaint of the Finucane family that there was collusion in Mr Finucane’s murder that allegedly implicated the British security service and its handlers and agents.
The Finucane family also wants to know whether and how high this alleged collusion went up the British government’s chain of command.
Baroness O’Loan queried why Mr Lewis would cite the ombudsman and the PSNI as reasons for not calling an inquiry.
“I don’t understand why he is saying there are things which need to be done before the issue of whether there is an inquiry can be addressed; I just don’t understand that,” she told The Irish Times.
“There is every justification for saying there should be an inquiry into the collusion which has been admitted in the context of Pat Finucane’s murder,” she added.
Baroness O’Loan, however, was pessimistic about an inquiry ever being called. “I don’t believe the British government has any appetite for an inquiry,” she said.
US support
Meanwhile, the Finucane family are to seek the support of US president elect Joe Biden in their continuing campaign for an inquiry.
Mr Finucane’s son, John, a solicitor and Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast, said Mr Biden had previously voiced support for his family’s campaign.
“We will be seeking his fresh support on this matter and I think that we can enjoy a degree of confidence that, given the bipartisan way in which we have received support from America, this is something that may well enjoy his future support,” he told the BBC.
Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Alliance and the Greens have written to Mr Lewis also arguing that his reference to the PSNI and ombudsman as an explanation for not calling an investigation were “neither a credible nor a tenable position”.
The respective senior members of the four parties – Michelle O’Neill, Colum Eastwood, Stephen Farry and Claire Bailey – urged him to reconsider his decision and call an inquiry.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Q&A: Why do we keep failing to address air pollution?

Despite a 30-year smoky coal ban , Dublin once again earned its “ dirty old town ” reputation during a weekend with pollution levels in Rathmines and Ringsend 15 times higher than EU and World Health Organisation rules .
But the problem was not just in Dublin – pollution limits were broken elsewhere , too , over the past week including Ennis , Tralee , Cork , Macroom and Enniscorthy .
PM2.5 particulate pollution comes from solid fuels , while PM10 comes from traffic .
WHO guidelines order that PM2.5 should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic metre , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , last week these limits were exceeded frequently .
Records of PM2.5 in Ringsend hit almost 400 in Ringsend , and more than 300 in Rathmines .
In Ennis , they reached 329 on Sunday night .
In all probability , nowhere escaped .
Smoky coal is banned in most major cities , but not elsewhere .
In the meantime , seven Irish people die because of air pollution every two days .
The most recent EPA Air Quality Report noted WHO guideline values were exceeded at 33 EPA monitoring stations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine particles in our air ” .
To what extent does weather have an impact on air quality ?
The lack of wind , cold temperatures , combined with local geographical features can cause smoke from fossil fuels to stay hanging in place .
In Dublin , for example , winds last weekend were light and smoke remained in place , especially at evening time when people lit home fires , stoves and wood burners .
Bad pollution days are not unexpected for this time of year and are connected to high-pressure meteorological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperatures , explains Prof Colin O ’ Dowd of NUIG .
“ Weather issues aside , there is increasing evidence indicating coal , peat and wet wood should have no place in the energy system any more , because of health effects that , for too long , were underestimated .
What air pollutants are to blame ?
The EPA consistently points the finger at fine particulate matter ( PM ) – a suspended dust that , when inhaled , causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , bronchial asthma , strokes , heart disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ban smoky coal everywhere , and enforce the ban .
Other smoky fuels , including peat and wet wood , should go after that .
Air pollution does not recognise town or city boundaries .
Are these measures not too drastic given current fuel-use patterns ?
Many poor people depend heavily on fossil fuels , so supports will be needed to help them .
Green taxes for everyone else would help to make “ dirty ” fuels more expensive .
Meanwhile , the sale of wet wood – which emits more PM2.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with new emission standards for new stoves .
What other steps are needed ?
Heat pumps are part of the solution , but they will require a major State-backed retrofitting programme .
The Air Pollution Act 1987 should go , too , replaced by tougher legislation .
Because pollution does not recognise borders , action has to be taken together with Stormont – the smuggling of prohibited fuels , and it happens , must be stopped .

Smog caused by burning smoky coal and peat fires pollutes the air over a housing estate in Dublin, in 1988. File photograph: Tom Stoddart/ Getty
Despite a 30-year smoky coal ban, Dublin once again earned its "dirty old town" reputation during a weekend with pollution levels in Rathmines and Ringsend 15 times higher than EU and World Health Organisation rules.
But the problem was not just in Dublin – pollution limits were broken elsewhere, too, over the past week including Ennis, Tralee, Cork, Macroom and Enniscorthy.
PM2.5 particulate pollution comes from solid fuels, while PM10 comes from traffic. WHO guidelines order that PM2.5 should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic metre, or 25 micrograms on a 24-hour average.
However, last week these limits were exceeded frequently. Records of PM2.5 in Ringsend hit almost 400 in Ringsend, and more than 300 in Rathmines. In Ennis, they reached 329 on Sunday night.
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In all probability, nowhere escaped. Smoky coal is banned in most major cities, but not elsewhere. In the meantime, seven Irish people die because of air pollution every two days.
The most recent EPA Air Quality Report noted WHO guideline values were exceeded at 33 EPA monitoring stations, “mostly due to the levels of fine particles in our air”.
To what extent does weather have an impact on air quality?
The lack of wind, cold temperatures, combined with local geographical features can cause smoke from fossil fuels to stay hanging in place.
In Dublin, for example, winds last weekend were light and smoke remained in place, especially at evening time when people lit home fires, stoves and wood burners.
Bad pollution days are not unexpected for this time of year and are connected to high-pressure meteorological systems that cause slack winds and low temperatures, explains Prof Colin O’Dowd of NUIG Centre for Climate & Air Pollution Studies .
Weather issues aside, there is increasing evidence indicating coal, peat and wet wood should have no place in the energy system any more, because of health effects that, for too long, were underestimated.
What air pollutants are to blame?
The EPA consistently points the finger at fine particulate matter (PM) – a suspended dust that, when inhaled, causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, strokes, heart disease and some cancers. And it kills.
What’s the solution?
Ban smoky coal everywhere, and enforce the ban. Other smoky fuels, including peat and wet wood, should go after that. Air pollution does not recognise town or city boundaries.
It is imperative that the smoky coal ban is extended nationwide if we are to protect lives, O'Dowd insists. "Across the water, owners of wood burners, stoves and open fires in England will no longer be able to buy house coal or wet wood, under a ban to be rolled out from next year."
Are these measures not too drastic given current fuel-use patterns?
Many poor people depend heavily on fossil fuels, so supports will be needed to help them. Green taxes for everyone else would help to make “dirty” fuels more expensive.
Meanwhile, the sale of wet wood – which emits more PM2.5 when burned – should stop, along with new emission standards for new stoves.
What other steps are needed?
Heat pumps are part of the solution, but they will require a major State-backed retrofitting programme. The Air Pollution Act 1987 should go, too, replaced by tougher legislation encapsulated in the long overdue national clean air strategy.
Because pollution does not recognise borders, action has to be taken together with Stormont – the smuggling of prohibited fuels, and it happens, must be stopped.
Do we know the full health consequences of air pollution?
The short answer is no. More research needs to be done on the health effects of both indoor and outdoor pollution, says Dr Clare Noone who is also based in CCAPS. "We are currently working on a pilot study in Galway, that will look at the interaction between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 air pollution."
From a climate perspective, she adds, Ireland imports 90 per cent of its energy as fossil fuels, which negatively impacts our environment, our air quality, and our health... transitioning away from burning coal and peat is a win-win for climate and air pollution."
Is there any action we can take to ease pollution before national clear air strategy emerges?
There are actions that can reduce the impact of extreme air pollution incidents as occurred recently, says Dr Jurgita Ovadnevaite, a senior lecturer at NUIG school of physics. One of the short-term solutions, in addition to long-term actions to be defined in the national clean air strategy, could be a partial coverage of the cost of “clean” electricity and even natural gas for heating by the Government for the periods of forecasted pollution episodes.
“This subsidising of the electricity for short unfavourable weather has already been deployed in some European countries and would encourage the use of clean energy and reduce the extent of pollution events.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Disabled children ‘being left behind again’ by Covid-19 measures

Disabled children “ are being left behind again ” because welfare staff who should be helping them have been redeployed by the Health Service Executive to work on the Covid-19 pandemic , an Oireachtas committee has heard..
The HSE “ at this stage ” should have enough Covid-19 testers and contact tracers without requiring staff experienced at assessing children ’ s needs , the Ombudsman for Children , Dr Niall Muldoon declared .
He was responding to Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward , who said parents of disabled children in his constituency in Clondalkin had told him about the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clondalkin is mirrored elsewhere , Dr Muldoon told the Joint Committee on Children , Disability , Equality and Integration , adding that the State has been guilty of “ decades of dereliction of duty ” for the disabled .
More than 6,000 children with disabilities are in the queue for needs assessments with less than 10 per cent of those being carried out in the time allowed by law .
The State should be forced to repay parents who pay for their own assessments , he said .
“ It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that way , ” he told Labour ’ s Séan Sherlock .
Poor planning sees children reaching school age without locally available places for them , “ even though it would have been known since the children were born that there would be a need ” .
The situation was “ a real indictment of the service that is provided ” , he told Fine Gael ’ s Alan Dillon , who said children in his Mayo constituency must travel to Galway for special-needs schooling .
The lack of progress is “ heartbreaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents , Dr Muldoon said , adding that parent have “ to scream loud , to scream consistently ” to get help for their children .
He had urged the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) to reform 13-year-old flawed national assessments standards for disabled children .
However , Hiqa is not to do so over the next two years .
Meanwhile , vulnerable children are losing out on vital supports due to Covid-19 restrictions since schools reopened in September , according to a new survey .
The poll of also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people attending special classes are being excluded from mainstream education because of social distancing regulations .
Forty one per cent say their children need more special needs assistant ( SNA ) support , while 33 per cent said they were not satisfied with the schooling offered to their child this year .
Seventy nine per cent said children would need more in-school support to continue education if schools close in the future because of Covid-19 , according to the survey conducted in October .
The Covid-19 closures have hurt such children badly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Inclusion Ireland , Down Syndrome Ireland and AsIAm said .
Many vulnerable children lost key developmental skills and continue to experience high levels of stress and anxiety owing to the loss of routine , said Adam Harris , chief executive of autism charity AsIAm .
The Department of Education has provided the same support to schools as last year , but it has not taken into account the needs of individual students in schools , or the impact of the pandemic , he said .
Despite the challenges , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the return to school and parents want to make sure this continues even if there are restrictions after Christmas .
Calling for extra SNA and other teaching supports , Fidelma Brady , Down Syndrome Ireland ’ s head of education , said the findings illustrate the challenges faced by parents of children .
“ We need to ensure that all children have access to appropriate and beneficial education in schools , and experience inclusion at its best at every stage of their education journey , ” she aid .
Parents are broadly pleased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Enda Egan , Inclusion Ireland ’ s chief executive , though the loss of “ essential ” ear defenders or fidget toys because of Covid-19 safety rules stands out .

Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon: The State has been guilty of “decades of dereliction of duty” for the disabled. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Disabled children “are being left behind again” because welfare staff who should be helping them have been redeployed by the Health Service Executive to work on the Covid-19 pandemic, an Oireachtas committee has heard..
The HSE "at this stage" should have enough Covid-19 testers and contact tracers without requiring staff experienced at assessing children's needs, the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon declared.
He was responding to Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward, who said parents of disabled children in his constituency in Clondalkin had told him about the impact of staff redeployments .
The situation in Clondalkin is mirrored elsewhere, Dr Muldoon told the Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, adding that the State has been guilty of “decades of dereliction of duty” for the disabled.
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More than 6,000 children with disabilities are in the queue for needs assessments with less than 10 per cent of those being carried out in the time allowed by law.
The State should be forced to repay parents who pay for their own assessments, he said. “It’s a shame that we even have to think that way,” he told Labour’s Séan Sherlock.
Poor planning sees children reaching school age without locally available places for them, “even though it would have been known since the children were born that there would be a need”.
Special-needs schooling
The situation was "a real indictment of the service that is provided", he told Fine Gael's Alan Dillon, who said children in his Mayo constituency must travel to Galway for special-needs schooling.
The lack of progress is “heartbreaking” and puts extra pressure on already-stretched parents, Dr Muldoon said, adding that parent have “to scream loud, to scream consistently” to get help for their children.
He had urged the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) to reform 13-year-old flawed national assessments standards for disabled children. However, Hiqa is not to do so over the next two years.
Meanwhile, vulnerable children are losing out on vital supports due to Covid-19 restrictions since schools reopened in September, according to a new survey.
The poll of also 400 parents and carers found that many young people attending special classes are being excluded from mainstream education because of social distancing regulations.
Forty one per cent say their children need more special needs assistant (SNA) support, while 33 per cent said they were not satisfied with the schooling offered to their child this year.
Stress and anxiety
Seventy nine per cent said children would need more in-school support to continue education if schools close in the future because of Covid-19, according to the survey conducted in October.
The Covid-19 closures have hurt such children badly, the 382 parents from campaign groups such as Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and AsIAm said.
Many vulnerable children lost key developmental skills and continue to experience high levels of stress and anxiety owing to the loss of routine, said Adam Harris, chief executive of autism charity AsIAm.
The Department of Education has provided the same support to schools as last year, but it has not taken into account the needs of individual students in schools, or the impact of the pandemic, he said.
Despite the challenges, he said many young people are greatly benefiting from the return to school and parents want to make sure this continues even if there are restrictions after Christmas.
Calling for extra SNA and other teaching supports, Fidelma Brady, Down Syndrome Ireland’s head of education, said the findings illustrate the challenges faced by parents of children.
“We need to ensure that all children have access to appropriate and beneficial education in schools, and experience inclusion at its best at every stage of their education journey,” she aid.
Parents are broadly pleased to have their children back in school, said Enda Egan, Inclusion Ireland’s chief executive, though the loss of “essential” ear defenders or fidget toys because of Covid-19 safety rules stands out.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Garda internship scheme will aim to drive recruitment of minorities

The Garda is to introduce an internship programme to encourage minorities to experience life in the force before committing to a career .
The initiative , which will be launched towards the end of 2021 , forms part of the Garda ’ s “ Equality Diversity and Inclusion ” strategy which was launched on Tuesday .
Other promised initiatives include reviewing the purchasing of equipment such as stab vests and firearms to ensure they suit all genders and the development of a gender identity policy laying out commitments to “ diverse gender identities and gender expressions.
” “ An Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest resource .
If we are to compete for talent in the labour market , we must do more to be perceived as an employer of choice by people from diverse backgrounds , ” the action plan states .
“ However , recruitment is just the start .
We must also ensure that all Garda members , Garda Reserve members and Garda staff have equal opportunities to thrive and excel in an organisation that values them.
” It commits to examining the future purchasing of equipment including “ PPE , firearms and vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past female gardaí have complained of ill-fitting stab vests .
Concerns have also previously being raised about the standard-issue Sig Sauer handgun being too large for the hands of some female detectives for safe use .
The action plan also commits to the publication of an amended uniform policy to “ avoid inadvertent gender discrimination ” .
This follows on from an updating of the uniform policy last year to allow Sikh and Muslim members to wear religious head coverings as part of the uniform .
The internship programme will allow school-leavers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , to spend time working within the organisation , before deciding whether to pursue a career as a garda .
The identification of “ key challenges ” to the recruitment of minorities will also take place .
The document lays out a series of broad initiatives to make the Garda a more welcoming and diverse place to work .
Guidelines will be drawn up regarding the use of “ professional and non-discriminatory ” language in the workplace .
Furthermore , a network of Equality Diversity and Inclusion “ champions ” will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awareness and respect ” in the organisation .
This network will be guided by an internal Equality Diversity and Inclusion ( EDI ) leadership council which will “ own and take collective responsibility for the implementation of the EDI commitments of An Garda Síochána.
” “ Fostering and increasing diversity and inclusion in our organisation is not only the right thing to do , but also improves service delivery by benefiting from the talents and life experience of people of all backgrounds , ” said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris .
“ To be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an organisation we must seek out and learn from multiple perspectives .
”

“Fostering and increasing diversity and inclusion in our organisation is not only the right thing to do, but also improves service delivery by benefiting from the talents and life experience of people of all backgrounds,” said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
The Garda is to introduce an internship programme to encourage minorities to experience life in the force before committing to a career.
The initiative, which will be launched towards the end of 2021, forms part of the Garda’s “Equality Diversity and Inclusion” strategy which was launched on Tuesday.
Other promised initiatives include reviewing the purchasing of equipment such as stab vests and firearms to ensure they suit all genders and the development of a gender identity policy laying out commitments to “diverse gender identities and gender expressions.”
"An Garda Síochána recognises that our people are our greatest resource. If we are to compete for talent in the labour market, we must do more to be perceived as an employer of choice by people from diverse backgrounds," the action plan states.
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“However, recruitment is just the start. We must also ensure that all Garda members, Garda Reserve members and Garda staff have equal opportunities to thrive and excel in an organisation that values them.”
It commits to examining the future purchasing of equipment including “PPE, firearms and vehicles to avoid inadvertent gender discrimination.”
In the past female gardaí have complained of ill-fitting stab vests. Concerns have also previously being raised about the standard-issue Sig Sauer handgun being too large for the hands of some female detectives for safe use.
The action plan also commits to the publication of an amended uniform policy to “avoid inadvertent gender discrimination”. This follows on from an updating of the uniform policy last year to allow Sikh and Muslim members to wear religious head coverings as part of the uniform.
The internship programme will allow school-leavers and graduates, particularly those from minority communities, to spend time working within the organisation, before deciding whether to pursue a career as a garda.
The identification of “key challenges” to the recruitment of minorities will also take place.
The document lays out a series of broad initiatives to make the Garda a more welcoming and diverse place to work.
Guidelines will be drawn up regarding the use of “professional and non-discriminatory” language in the workplace. Furthermore, a network of Equality Diversity and Inclusion “champions” will be established to embed a culture of “awareness and respect” in the organisation.
This network will be guided by an internal Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) leadership council which will “own and take collective responsibility for the implementation of the EDI commitments of An Garda Síochána.”
"Fostering and increasing diversity and inclusion in our organisation is not only the right thing to do, but also improves service delivery by benefiting from the talents and life experience of people of all backgrounds," said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
“To be responsive and innovative as individuals and as an organisation we must seek out and learn from multiple perspectives.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Retail groups optimistic festive sales will come close to last year

Ireland ’ s reopening following a six-weekend lockdown created a “ fresh buzz ” around towns and city centres on Tuesday morning with retail groups hailing “ a spree ” in earnest .
Early morning queuing gave way to a steady stream of shoppers over the course of the day with retail groups suggesting the indications were that retail sales for December 2020 would come close to matching the figures for the same period last year .
Retail Ireland said it anticipated total sales across the sector would be about €4.8 billion this year which is about €1.2 billion higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t think the level of trade this Christmas will be radically different from last year and that would be very positive given the scale of the crisis and the level of concern among consumers , ” head of Retail Ireland Arnold Dillon said .
He suggested that based on the evidence of the first day of Level 3 restrictions , consumers were “ showing really strong support for public health advice ” with almost universal compliance with rules on the wearing of masks both in shops and outdoors when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had noted one “ striking change ” in consumer behaviour .
“ Shopping has become very focused and people know what they want and they are going in and getting it .
They are not browsing as they would have done in previous years and that should allow retailers do the same level of business without the same level of crowds , ” Mr Dillon said .
According to Retail Excellence , there were no indications from its members that crowds were an issue and it was apparent there was broad compliance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the retail umbrella group , Duncan Graham , said there was “ a buzz around the place and a real feel-good factor seems to be back ” .
He said footfall was as he had anticipated , and town and city centres were busy while he described trading in shopping centres such as Dundrum Town Centre as “ brisk ” .
Mr Graham echoed the comments made by Mr Dillon and said consumers were by now accustomed to restrictions and the need for social distancing and the wisdom of avoiding crowds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the multi-channel shopping experience and they know that if they want to avoid physical shops , they can either click and collect or shop online.
” He suggested that extended opening hours across many retailers in the run-up to Christmas would make consumers feel more secure as they shopped at a time of their choosing .
He also pointed out that while broad swathes of the retail sector were reopening , the country had moved to only Level 3 which meant that travel between counties for non-essential reasons was not permitted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ give regional shopping a real bounce in the next couple of weeks , and towns around the country will be busy , ” Mr Graham said .
He suggested that might come at a cost for the traditional retailing magnets of Dublin city centre and large shopping centres on the outskirts of the capital which would normally be hugely popular for people in neighbouring counties .
“ I think on December 18th when the levels change again and travel between counties is allowed , we will see places like Grafton St and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Meanwhile , traffic along main commuter routes and in cities was “ significantly busier ” on Tuesday morning as the State ’ s second lockdown ended and non-essential retail outlets , churches , gyms , hairdressers and other businesses reopened , AA Roadwatch said .
Traffic in Dublin and Cork cities was “ noticeably busier ” with “ substantial levels of traffic ” on the roads by 9.30am , said spokesman Barry Aldworth .
He said he expected traffic volumes to pick up “ gradually ” over the coming days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get busier .

People shop on Grafton St in Dublin city centre, as shops reopen after six weeks of closure. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Ireland’s reopening following a six-weekend lockdown created a “fresh buzz” around towns and city centres on Tuesday morning with retail groups hailing “a spree” in earnest.
Early morning queuing gave way to a steady stream of shoppers over the course of the day with retail groups suggesting the indications were that retail sales for December 2020 would come close to matching the figures for the same period last year.
Retail Ireland said it anticipated total sales across the sector would be about €4.8 billion this year which is about €1.2 billion higher than other months of the year.
"I don't think the level of trade this Christmas will be radically different from last year and that would be very positive given the scale of the crisis and the level of concern among consumers," head of Retail Ireland Arnold Dillon said.
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He suggested that based on the evidence of the first day of Level 3 restrictions, consumers were “showing really strong support for public health advice” with almost universal compliance with rules on the wearing of masks both in shops and outdoors when on busy streets.
He said retailers had noted one “striking change” in consumer behaviour.
“Shopping has become very focused and people know what they want and they are going in and getting it. They are not browsing as they would have done in previous years and that should allow retailers do the same level of business without the same level of crowds,” Mr Dillon said.
According to Retail Excellence, there were no indications from its members that crowds were an issue and it was apparent there was broad compliance with regulations governing face masks.
The head of the retail umbrella group, Duncan Graham, said there was "a buzz around the place and a real feel-good factor seems to be back".
He said footfall was as he had anticipated, and town and city centres were busy while he described trading in shopping centres such as Dundrum Town Centre as "brisk".
Mr Graham echoed the comments made by Mr Dillon and said consumers were by now accustomed to restrictions and the need for social distancing and the wisdom of avoiding crowds. "I think people are now accustomed to the multi-channel shopping experience and they know that if they want to avoid physical shops, they can either click and collect or shop online."
He suggested that extended opening hours across many retailers in the run-up to Christmas would make consumers feel more secure as they shopped at a time of their choosing.
Travel restrictions
He also pointed out that while broad swathes of the retail sector were reopening, the country had moved to only Level 3 which meant that travel between counties for non-essential reasons was not permitted.
“I think that is going to give regional shopping a real bounce in the next couple of weeks, and towns around the country will be busy,” Mr Graham said.
He suggested that might come at a cost for the traditional retailing magnets of Dublin city centre and large shopping centres on the outskirts of the capital which would normally be hugely popular for people in neighbouring counties.
"I think on December 18th when the levels change again and travel between counties is allowed, we will see places like Grafton St and the Dundrum Town Centre get busier," he said.
Meanwhile, traffic along main commuter routes and in cities was “significantly busier” on Tuesday morning as the State’s second lockdown ended and non-essential retail outlets, churches, gyms, hairdressers and other businesses reopened, AA Roadwatch said.
Traffic in Dublin and Cork cities was “noticeably busier” with “substantial levels of traffic” on the roads by 9.30am, said spokesman Barry Aldworth.
He said he expected traffic volumes to pick up “gradually” over the coming days and, from December 18th, roads would get busier.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Teenager accused of raping and sexually assaulting girl in Dublin park

A 17-year-old boy has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of raping and sexually assaulting a girl in a south Dublin park .
The teenager , who can not be named for legal reasons , pleaded not guilty to one count of raping the girl and not guilty to one count of sexually assaulting her at a park in south Dublin on April 13th , 2019 .
The complainant in the case is also now 17 years old , the jury was told .
Opening the case before the jury of nine women and three men on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the court would hear evidence that on the evening in question , the girl went to a friend ’ s house where she drank some spirits .
He said the two girls went to a shopping centre where they met a number of young people .
“ Sometime after 6pm on this evening , ( the girl ) met this boy ( the accused ) who was about the same age as herself , ” Mr Orange said .
“ They didn ’ t know each other.
” The court heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group moved on in a different direction , while the boy and girl went to a wooded park area near the shopping centre .
The prosecution case is that the girl wanted to follow her friends , but the boy said this was the way to go and he brought her down to this wooded area , Mr Orange said .
They started kissing in the park .
“ It ’ s anticipated that you will hear evidence that something happened between ( them ) about that time which went beyond kissing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the boy and girl were in the wooded area for no more than a couple of minutes and the incident was “ something that happened very quickly ” .
“ It ’ s the prosecution case that within that particular area , ( the girl ) was raped in the sense that ( the boy ) put his penis in her vagina and she did not consent , ” Mr Orange said .
“ The other touching that took place amounts to a sexual assault.
” The court heard that the boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were spotted shortly afterwards by the girl ’ s aunt , who happened to be driving through the area .
The boy was carrying her shoes , the court heard .
The aunt alerted the girl ’ s mother who went looking for her daughter to bring her home .
When she found her daughter , “ There was an almighty row between the two of them , which culminated in ( the girl ) being forced into the car and driven home ” , Mr Orange said .
“ You will hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family home in which certain allegations were made.
” During this time , someone phoned gardaí to tell them a child had been forced into a car .
They arrived at the family home and were told of the allegations against the boy and an investigation started .
When questioned by gardaí , the boy denied meeting the girl and denied anything happened between them that night , the court heard .
When it emerged that forensic samples taken from the girl linked the boy ’ s DNA to her , the boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous account ” , Mr Orange said .
“ He said some sexual contact had taken place but it was her idea and she instigated it .
”

A 17-year-old boy has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of raping and sexually assaulting a girl in a south Dublin park.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to one count of raping the girl and not guilty to one count of sexually assaulting her at a park in south Dublin on April 13th, 2019.
The complainant in the case is also now 17 years old, the jury was told.
Opening the case before the jury of nine women and three men on Tuesday, Garnet Orange SC, prosecuting, said the court would hear evidence that on the evening in question, the girl went to a friend’s house where she drank some spirits.
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He said the two girls went to a shopping centre where they met a number of young people.
“Sometime after 6pm on this evening, (the girl) met this boy (the accused) who was about the same age as herself,” Mr Orange said. “They didn’t know each other.”
The court heard the teenagers consumed some more alcohol and the group moved on in a different direction, while the boy and girl went to a wooded park area near the shopping centre.
The prosecution case is that the girl wanted to follow her friends, but the boy said this was the way to go and he brought her down to this wooded area, Mr Orange said. They started kissing in the park.
“It’s anticipated that you will hear evidence that something happened between (them) about that time which went beyond kissing,” Mr Orange said.
He said the boy and girl were in the wooded area for no more than a couple of minutes and the incident was “something that happened very quickly”.
“It’s the prosecution case that within that particular area, (the girl) was raped in the sense that (the boy) put his penis in her vagina and she did not consent,” Mr Orange said. “The other touching that took place amounts to a sexual assault.”
The court heard that the boy and girl then left the area and were spotted shortly afterwards by the girl’s aunt, who happened to be driving through the area.
The boy was carrying her shoes, the court heard. The aunt alerted the girl’s mother who went looking for her daughter to bring her home.
When she found her daughter, “There was an almighty row between the two of them, which culminated in (the girl) being forced into the car and driven home”, Mr Orange said. “You will hear evidence of a further disturbance in the family home in which certain allegations were made.”
During this time, someone phoned gardaí to tell them a child had been forced into a car.
They arrived at the family home and were told of the allegations against the boy and an investigation started.
When questioned by gardaí, the boy denied meeting the girl and denied anything happened between them that night, the court heard.
When it emerged that forensic samples taken from the girl linked the boy’s DNA to her, the boy “agreed he had lied about his previous account”, Mr Orange said.
“He said some sexual contact had taken place but it was her idea and she instigated it.”
The trial continues before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Coronavirus in Ireland: 269 new cases and 18 further deaths reported by Nphet

There were 269 new cases and 18 further Covid-19 deaths reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) on Tuesday .
Of these deaths , one was in October , 15 were in November and two are under investigation .
This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 2,069 and total number of confirmed cases to 72,798 .
Of the cases notified today half are men and half are women with 65 per cent aged under 45 .
There were 73 new cases in Dublin , 20 in Kilkenny , 20 in Limerick , 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remaining 118 cases are spread across 20 other counties .
There have been 14 additional Covid-19 hospitalisations in the past 24 hours .
As of 2pm today , 224 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised , of which 31 are in ICU .
.
Tony Holohan said the “ hard work and sacrifices that have been made by people over the last 6 weeks to suppress Covid-19 means that we are now in a position to reopen non-essential retail and to travel within our counties ” .
“ It is up to every person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of this disease , to assess the risk that is involved in any social activity .
We need to keep the public health advice at the centre of our minds and do not have visitors to our homes , outside of any necessary visitors in a support bubble , until the 18th of December .
“ Each one of us has a role in shaping the national picture on COVID-19 in the coming weeks .
It is vital that you keep hand washing , wear face coverings and keep a 2m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health , to protect vital public services and to give us the best chance to continue to minimise the spread of the disease.
” The State ’ s second lockdown came to an end today as non-essential retail outlets , churches , gyms , hairdressers , libraries , cinemas and other businesses opened their doors for the first time in six weeks .
There a “ fresh buzz ” around many town and city centres across the State with “ manageable ” queues of shoppers forming outside some retailers .
Restaurants can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household visits and intercounty travel will not be permitted until December 18th for the Christmas period .
The Taoiseach has said he does not anticipate new Covid-19 restrictions before Christmas and has described the 400 daily cases figure that Nphet has set as a threshold for action as “ very arbitrary.
” Nphet said in a letter to the Government last week that it would be possible to suppress the spread of the virus with a three-week intervention only if it begins as cases approach 400 a day .
The five-day average of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Micheál Martin said the Government was not just watching the figures on new cases but also the level of hospitalisations , ICU admissions and deaths in deciding on imposing any restrictions .
He said the State was the best performing in Europe on the seven-day average of new cases .
“ We want to stay in that position , so we won ’ t be slow to react , but we don ’ t anticipate having to do it before Christmas , ” the Taoiseach told the Irish Times in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expectation was that cases would continue to fall this week due to the lag from remaining restrictions .
He said an increase in cases after the Government permitted household visits for Christmas would depend on people ’ s behaviour .
“ It ’ s now for all of us individually and collectively in our behaviour to manage this virus and to get the virus down and that ’ s particularly true from the 18th onwards , ” he said .
The Government was “ more comfortable ” about reopening museums , libraries or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus and this would improve quality of life over Christmas , he said .
“ There are limits to which a government can lock people up for a prolonged period of time , to be crude about it , and we have to get the balance right .
This is about balance , ” he said .
Separately the number of coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland has passed the 1,000 mark , according to the latest figures from the North ’ s Department of Health .

There were 269 new cases and 18 further Covid-19 deaths reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) on Tuesday. Of these deaths, one was in October, 15 were in November and two are under investigation.
This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 2,069 and total number of confirmed cases to 72,798.
Of the cases notified today half are men and half are women with 65 per cent aged under 45. There were 73 new cases in Dublin, 20 in Kilkenny, 20 in Limerick, 19 in Louth, 19 in Tipperary and the remaining 118 cases are spread across 20 other counties.
There have been 14 additional Covid-19 hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. As of 2pm today, 224 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 31 are in ICU. .
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Chief medical officer Dr.
Tony Holohan said the “ hard work and sacrifices that have been made by people over the last 6 weeks to suppress Covid-19 means that we are now in a position to reopen non-essential retail and to travel within our counties”.
“It is up to every person, individually, to remain vigilant to the spread of this disease, to assess the risk that is involved in any social activity. We need to keep the public health advice at the centre of our minds and do not have visitors to our homes, outside of any necessary visitors in a support bubble, until the 18th of December.
“Each one of us has a role in shaping the national picture on COVID-19 in the coming weeks. It is vital that you keep hand washing, wear face coverings and keep a 2m distance from each other, to protect public health, to protect vital public services and to give us the best chance to continue to minimise the spread of the disease.”
Reopening
The State’s second lockdown came to an end today as non-essential retail outlets, churches, gyms, hairdressers, libraries, cinemas and other businesses opened their doors for the first time in six weeks.
There a “fresh buzz” around many town and city centres across the State with “manageable” queues of shoppers forming outside some retailers.
Restaurants can reopen for indoor dining on Friday while household visits and intercounty travel will not be permitted until December 18th for the Christmas period.
The Taoiseach has said he does not anticipate new Covid-19 restrictions before Christmas and has described the 400 daily cases figure that Nphet has set as a threshold for action as “very arbitrary.”
Nphet said in a letter to the Government last week that it would be possible to suppress the spread of the virus with a three-week intervention only if it begins as cases approach 400 a day. The five-day average of new cases stood at 277 on Monday.
Micheál Martin said the Government was not just watching the figures on new cases but also the level of hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths in deciding on imposing any restrictions. He said the State was the best performing in Europe on the seven-day average of new cases.
“We want to stay in that position, so we won’t be slow to react, but we don’t anticipate having to do it before Christmas,” the Taoiseach told the Irish Times in an interview on Monday.
Mr Martin said the expectation was that cases would continue to fall this week due to the lag from remaining restrictions.
He said an increase in cases after the Government permitted household visits for Christmas would depend on people’s behaviour.
“It’s now for all of us individually and collectively in our behaviour to manage this virus and to get the virus down and that’s particularly true from the 18th onwards,” he said.
The Government was “more comfortable” about reopening museums, libraries or galleries without this leading to a spread of the virus and this would improve quality of life over Christmas, he said.
“There are limits to which a government can lock people up for a prolonged period of time, to be crude about it, and we have to get the balance right. This is about balance,” he said.
Separately the number of coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland has passed the 1,000 mark, according to the latest figures from the North’s Department of Health.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Victim of assault left home over fear former partner would attack again

A victim of domestic violence was forced to leave her home and friends behind out of fear her former partner would attack her again , a court has heard .
Stefan Sorici held the woman captive in her home , kicked her , choked her and told her he “ would do time ” for her life .
The 10-hour ordeal only ended when the woman jumped from the first floor window of her flat and ran barefoot to a nearby pub where a customer rang gardaí .
Sorici ( 40 ) of Dorset Street , Dublin pleaded guilty at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm to the woman in her home in the city centre on July 14th , 2016 .
Garda Damien Noonan told the court that the woman was walking her young son to school when she saw Sorici hiding behind a wall .
She thought he was in prison but learned later he had been released that morning , the court heard .
Sorici told her to go back inside and he took her phone and found text messages from the woman ’ s new partner .
He began choking her neck and kicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ do extra time for my life ” , the court heard .
He told her “ he was giving her 24 hours to leave the country ” and accused her of destroying his life by securing barring orders against him .
The court heard he has multiple convictions for breaching domestic violence barring orders .
Judge Pauline Codd noted Sorici also humiliated the woman when he used her phone to call her parents in Moldova and telling them she deserved to be punished for seeing another man .
The woman told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Women ’ s Aid and was later relocated out of the capital because of the “ extreme danger ” to her .
Sorici went into hiding but gardaí arrested him in November 2019 and he has been in custody since .
The victim said she was worried about what would happen when Sorici gets out of prison again .
The court heard the attack left her with bruising to her face , neck and wrists .
Judge Codd said that the attack took away the woman ’ s remaining sense of security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She suspended the final year of a three-and-a-half year prison sentence on condition that Sorici keep the peace and put himself forward for assessment for a domestic violence programme .
She ordered that he have no contact with the victim .

A victim of domestic violence was forced to leave her home and friends behind out of fear her former partner would attack her again, a court has heard.
Stefan Sorici held the woman captive in her home, kicked her, choked her and told her he “would do time” for her life.
The 10-hour ordeal only ended when the woman jumped from the first floor window of her flat and ran barefoot to a nearby pub where a customer rang gardaí.
Sorici (40) of Dorset Street, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to the woman in her home in the city centre on July 14th, 2016.
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Garda Damien Noonan told the court that the woman was walking her young son to school when she saw Sorici hiding behind a wall. She thought he was in prison but learned later he had been released that morning, the court heard.
Sorici told her to go back inside and he took her phone and found text messages from the woman’s new partner. He began choking her neck and kicking her and said he was prepared to “do extra time for my life”, the court heard.
He told her “he was giving her 24 hours to leave the country” and accused her of destroying his life by securing barring orders against him. The court heard he has multiple convictions for breaching domestic violence barring orders.
Judge Pauline Codd noted Sorici also humiliated the woman when he used her phone to call her parents in Moldova and telling them she deserved to be punished for seeing another man.
The woman told the court she was placed into a refuge by Women’s Aid and was later relocated out of the capital because of the “extreme danger” to her. Sorici went into hiding but gardaí arrested him in November 2019 and he has been in custody since.
The victim said she was worried about what would happen when Sorici gets out of prison again. The court heard the attack left her with bruising to her face, neck and wrists.
Judge Codd said that the attack took away the woman’s remaining sense of security and left her living in constant fear.
She suspended the final year of a three-and-a-half year prison sentence on condition that Sorici keep the peace and put himself forward for assessment for a domestic violence programme.
She ordered that he have no contact with the victim.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Woman awarded €83,000 damages after slipping and falling in Dunnes Stores

The High Court has awarded €83,000 damages to a woman who slipped , fell and injured her knees in a Dublin branch of Dunnes Stores .
The award was made to Doris Whelan who sued Dunnes Stores for injuries after she fell at the retail chain ’ s outlet at Ashleaf Shopping Centre , Walkinstown , Dublin , on June 27th , 2013 .
In his judgment on Tuesday , Mr Justice Michael Hanna said he was satisfied Ms Whelan had fallen due to a small amount of an oil-like substance being on the floor of the supermarket and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing , Ms Whelan ( 58 ) , Newtown Lane , Newtown , the Commons , Nurney , Co Kildare , represented by Finbarr Fox SC and Colm Condon SC , claimed Dunnes was negligent in allowing the floor to be slippy , and in a hazardous condition , resulting in her trip and fall .
Arising out of her fall , the former sales assistant said she suffered significant soft tissue injuries to her knees which over a period of time severely affected her ability to walk and stand and she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied liability and pleaded she had contributed to her injuries by failing to look where she was going .
In his judgment , Mr Justice Hanna said , from the evidence before the court , including CCTV pictures , he had no doubt Ms Whelan had slipped and fallen on her knees while she was wearing flat shoes .
He accepted evidence she had slipped on a small amount of an oil-like substance , which came from a stock trolley used to stock shelves in the supermarket .
The defence had not produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
He was also surprised that a person employed to clean the store , and who was present at the time of the accident , did not give evidence in the case .
That person was scheduled to give evidence regarding the scene of the accident but did not do because the defendant could not locate the individual , he said .
He also found Ms Whelan had not overstated nor embellished her injuries nor details of her fall to the court .
Before the accident , Ms Whelan had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had undergone knee replacement surgery many years before she would ordinarily require it , he said .
Based on his findings , he awarded total damages of €83,250 but placed a stay on the award , provided an interim payment of €40,000 is made to Mrs Whelan , in the event of an appeal .

The High Court has awarded €83,000 damages to a woman who slipped, fell and injured her knees in a Dublin branch of Dunnes Stores.
The award was made to Doris Whelan who sued Dunnes Stores for injuries after she fell at the retail chain’s outlet at Ashleaf Shopping Centre, Walkinstown, Dublin, on June 27th, 2013.
In his judgment on Tuesday, Mr Justice Michael Hanna said he was satisfied Ms Whelan had fallen due to a small amount of an oil-like substance being on the floor of the supermarket and was entitled to damages.
During a four-day hearing, Ms Whelan (58), Newtown Lane, Newtown, the Commons, Nurney, Co Kildare, represented by Finbarr Fox SC and Colm Condon SC, claimed Dunnes was negligent in allowing the floor to be slippy, and in a hazardous condition, resulting in her trip and fall.
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Arising out of her fall, the former sales assistant said she suffered significant soft tissue injuries to her knees which over a period of time severely affected her ability to walk and stand and she had to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Dunnes denied liability and pleaded she had contributed to her injuries by failing to look where she was going.
In his judgment, Mr Justice Hanna said, from the evidence before the court, including CCTV pictures, he had no doubt Ms Whelan had slipped and fallen on her knees while she was wearing flat shoes. He accepted evidence she had slipped on a small amount of an oil-like substance, which came from a stock trolley used to stock shelves in the supermarket. The defence had not produced any evidence to counter that claim, he said.
He was also surprised that a person employed to clean the store, and who was present at the time of the accident, did not give evidence in the case. That person was scheduled to give evidence regarding the scene of the accident but did not do because the defendant could not locate the individual, he said.
He also found Ms Whelan had not overstated nor embellished her injuries nor details of her fall to the court. Before the accident, Ms Whelan had no prior history of knee problems and she had undergone knee replacement surgery many years before she would ordinarily require it, he said.
Based on his findings, he awarded total damages of €83,250 but placed a stay on the award, provided an interim payment of €40,000 is made to Mrs Whelan, in the event of an appeal.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Almost a third of early years childcare workers intend to leave sector within year

Labour turnover remains a problem in the early years workforce and specific policy goals are needed which “ target and address ” the issues of pay and conditions , a report has found .
Almost a third of early years childcare workers intend to leave the sector within the next 12 months , it says .
The report , Pathways to Better Prospects : Delivering Proper Terms and Conditions for the Early Years Workforce in Ireland , was produced by the Department of Work and Employment Studies at the University of Limerick .
The research received funding from the Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report says that national policy documents have recognised that pay and working conditions are important factors influencing the recruitment and retention of early years professionals .
“ The reality though is that the workforce remains in a policy limbo , ” it says .
“ On the one hand , early years employers have the legal authority but not the financial capacity to improve pay and conditions , and on the other hand , the State has the potential financial capacity but not the legal authority of an employer .
This has led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no winners.
” The report says the unsustainability is evidenced by a 2019 survey which found that 65 per cent of 3,200 early years professionals do not expect to be working in the sector in five years ’ time “ if things stay the same ” .
A more recent survey during the Covid-19 pandemic of more than 1,000 workers found that 32 per cent intend to leave the sector within the next 12 months .
It also notes that between 2011 and 2016 the number of people in the pre-primary education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honours degree more than doubled with significant increases also in the numbers with advanced certificates , ordinary degrees and postgraduate qualifications .
The experience of the early years workforce in Ireland shows the labour market is not responding to the “ rules ” of supply and demand so that increasing demand for workers has not led to significant rises in pay given the limitations on the sector , the report concludes .
Teresa Heeney , chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland , said the backdrop of the important work of early years workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay and the absence of a clearly defined career path ” .
“ Over the past decade , the Government has given significant attention to professionalising the early years workforce .
For the most part , they have been concerned with increasing the qualifications profile of early years workers – and this has been successful , in that there has been substantial upskilling of the workforce .
“ However , this upskilling has not been met with the increased investment needed to ensure highly qualified professionals receive appropriate pay and secure working conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that the State must “ reimagine funding for the sector as an investment in the wealth and development of the country ” .
“ We have seen how past investment in secondary education , in higher education and research , and in nursing – for example – has led to societal and economic dividends .
We can not expect to solve sustainability issues affecting the early years sector until the workforce is recognised and valued on a par with their peers in other education and care sectors .
”

Labour turnover remains a problem in the early years workforce and specific policy goals are needed which "target and address" the issues of pay and conditions, a report has found.
Almost a third of early years childcare workers intend to leave the sector within the next 12 months, it says.
The report, Pathways to Better Prospects: Delivering Proper Terms and Conditions for the Early Years Workforce in Ireland, was produced by the Department of Work and Employment Studies at the University of Limerick. The research received funding from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
The report says that national policy documents have recognised that pay and working conditions are important factors influencing the recruitment and retention of early years professionals.
READ MORE
“The reality though is that the workforce remains in a policy limbo,” it says.
“On the one hand, early years employers have the legal authority but not the financial capacity to improve pay and conditions, and on the other hand, the State has the potential financial capacity but not the legal authority of an employer. This has led to an unsustainable policy ‘merry-go-round’ with no winners.”
The report says the unsustainability is evidenced by a 2019 survey which found that 65 per cent of 3,200 early years professionals do not expect to be working in the sector in five years’ time “if things stay the same”.
A more recent survey during the Covid-19 pandemic of more than 1,000 workers found that 32 per cent intend to leave the sector within the next 12 months.
It also notes that between 2011 and 2016 the number of people in the pre-primary education labour force with a higher certificate or honours degree more than doubled with significant increases also in the numbers with advanced certificates, ordinary degrees and postgraduate qualifications.
The experience of the early years workforce in Ireland shows the labour market is not responding to the “rules” of supply and demand so that increasing demand for workers has not led to significant rises in pay given the limitations on the sector, the report concludes.
Teresa Heeney, chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland, said the backdrop of the important work of early years workers is one of "low rates of pay and the absence of a clearly defined career path".
“Over the past decade, the Government has given significant attention to professionalising the early years workforce. For the most part, they have been concerned with increasing the qualifications profile of early years workers – and this has been successful, in that there has been substantial upskilling of the workforce.
“However, this upskilling has not been met with the increased investment needed to ensure highly qualified professionals receive appropriate pay and secure working conditions,” she said.
Ms Heeney added that the State must “reimagine funding for the sector as an investment in the wealth and development of the country”.
“We have seen how past investment in secondary education, in higher education and research, and in nursing – for example – has led to societal and economic dividends. We cannot expect to solve sustainability issues affecting the early years sector until the workforce is recognised and valued on a par with their peers in other education and care sectors.”