theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Prof Denis O’Sullivan: the Irishman who shone light on cosmic rays

If you are resorting to virtual table quizzes to break the Covid-19 lockdown boredom , try this question : who links these three things – moon rocks , high-energy physics and watercolour painting ?
This is a tricky one unless you knew that an Irish scientist was among the very first in the world to receive and begin analysing the moon rocks brought back by Neil Armstrong on board the Apollo 11 spacecraft .
The link in this case is Prof Denis O ’ Sullivan , a high-energy physicist based at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies ( DIAS ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institute back in 1966 and was still an emeritus professor at the institute right up to his death on February 27th last .
He built a career on the study of cosmic rays , ephemeral but powerful particles that travel at close to light speed and reach us from the sun and sources in deep space .
Astronomers speculate about where they come from , for example supernova explosions and other cataclysmic events out at the fringes of the universe .
While we don ’ t know the source , we do see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cosmic rays .
These are mostly protons but some are much heavier atomic nuclei and because of their speed they are extremely powerful – and potentially damaging .
Lucky for the residents of Earth , the planet ’ s magnetic field channels cosmic rays away towards the poles and almost all the rest are rendered near-harmless by our atmosphere .
That is fine for us down at the surface but the higher you go – for example up a mountain or in a commercial aircraft – the higher the radiation exposure .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth of radiation in a flight from Dublin to New York .
Now move higher still , up to where astronauts orbit .
Radiation levels climb with altitude and the flux of cosmic rays increases to the point that they pose a serious safety risk .
Beyond the atmosphere there is nothing to protect you in the event of a solar flare .
It was in this research area – measuring and studying cosmic rays and developing devices to capture data – that Denis O ’ Sullivan worked , and at such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( Nasa ) .
It was moving quickly towards a manned flight to the moon and it wanted to better understand radiation exposures in open space beyond the protections offered by Earth .
At this time O ’ Sullivan was studying ways to use specialised plastics to measure radiation exposure , working with institute colleague Alex Thompson .
O ’ Sullivan temporarily moved on sabbatical to the research lab of P Buford Price at University of California , Berkeley , where similar work was being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Price for the development of detectors and O ’ Sullivan was a central part of the team .
He was there from 1969 through early 1972 and the team developed a device that could measure cosmic radiation .
It needed refinement so could not fly on Apollo 11 but versions were carried to the moon fixed to the leg of the moon lander on Apollo 16 and 17 .
One of the devices brought back from the moon is now on display at the National Museum .
This work put O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and safety and established a research link with Nasa that carried throughout his long career .
And what of the watercolours ?
O ’ Sullivan took up painting in the 1950s and became an accomplished artist , exhibiting at the royal academies in Dublin , London and Belfast .
In the right place at the right time Denis O ’ Sullivan was on research sabbatical at University of California , Berkeley in 1969 ; a classic case of being at the right place at just the right time .
He was in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just agreed a research project with Nasa to develop detectors to measure radiation exposures to astronauts .
O ’ Sullivan had been involved in similar work in Dublin and the race was on to develop them .
It was an exciting time in the lab but also on the tumultuous Berkeley campus .
It had long been a hotbed of protest and dissent and O ’ Sullivan witnessed student marches , police charges and the arrival of the California National Guard .
He had taken up a research position and was there with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children Tanya and Gavin , who were little more than toddlers at that time .
The cosmic ray detectors were blocks of a specialised plastic that when struck by a cosmic ray particle would excavate a telltale track in the block .
The more particles colliding with the detectors , the more tracks and the more information .
It was not simply a counting operation ; the tracks provided a wealth of data that helped to identify the particle causing the track .
O ’ Sullivan had also studied whether cosmic ray tracks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this opened up the possibility of searching for tracks left behind in moon rocks .
The rocks brought back from the moon in question arrived early in 1970 and O ’ Sullivan was in the midst of it with Price and his team looking for cosmic rays from the sun , and O ’ Sullivan looking for cosmic rays from deep space .
He continued this analysis on his return to Dublin working with his long time collaborator Alex Thompson .
This work ensured that DIAS was in the international spotlight as a @ @ @ @

If you are resorting to virtual table quizzes to break the Covid-19 lockdown boredom, try this question: who links these three things – moon rocks, high-energy physics and watercolour painting?
This is a tricky one unless you knew that an Irish scientist was among the very first in the world to receive and begin analysing the moon rocks brought back by Neil Armstrong on board the Apollo 11 spacecraft.
The link in this case is Prof Denis O’Sullivan, a high-energy physicist based at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). He got his PhD at the institute back in 1966 and was still an emeritus professor at the institute right up to his death on February 27th last.
He built a career on the study of cosmic rays, ephemeral but powerful particles that travel at close to light speed and reach us from the sun and sources in deep space. Astronomers speculate about where they come from, for example supernova explosions and other cataclysmic events out at the fringes of the universe.
READ MORE
While we don’t know the source, we do see the results in the form of incoming cosmic rays. These are mostly protons but some are much heavier atomic nuclei and because of their speed they are extremely powerful – and potentially damaging.
Prof Denis O’Sullivan with former Irish Times science editor Dick Ahlstrom. Photograph: Eric Luke
Lucky for the residents of Earth, the planet’s magnetic field channels cosmic rays away towards the poles and almost all the rest are rendered near-harmless by our atmosphere.
That is fine for us down at the surface but the higher you go – for example up a mountain or in a commercial aircraft – the higher the radiation exposure. You absorb about one chest X-ray’s worth of radiation in a flight from Dublin to New York. Now move higher still, up to where astronauts orbit. Radiation levels climb with altitude and the flux of cosmic rays increases to the point that they pose a serious safety risk. Beyond the atmosphere there is nothing to protect you in the event of a solar flare.
Capture data
It was in this research area – measuring and studying cosmic rays and developing devices to capture data – that Denis O’Sullivan worked, and at such an advanced level that he became of interest to the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa). It was moving quickly towards a manned flight to the moon and it wanted to better understand radiation exposures in open space beyond the protections offered by Earth.
At this time O'Sullivan was studying ways to use specialised plastics to measure radiation exposure, working with institute colleague Alex Thompson. O'Sullivan temporarily moved on sabbatical to the research lab of P Buford Price at University of California, Berkeley, where similar work was being done. Nasa agreed to support research with Price for the development of detectors and O'Sullivan was a central part of the team.
O'Sullivan took up painting in the 1950s and became an accomplished artist
He was there from 1969 through early 1972 and the team developed a device that could measure cosmic radiation. It needed refinement so could not fly on Apollo 11 but versions were carried to the moon fixed to the leg of the moon lander on Apollo 16 and 17. One of the devices brought back from the moon is now on display at the National Museum.
This work put O’Sullivan at the forefront of radiation detection and safety and established a research link with Nasa that carried throughout his long career.
And what of the watercolours? O'Sullivan took up painting in the 1950s and became an accomplished artist, exhibiting at the royal academies in Dublin, London and Belfast.
Denis O’Sullivan (1938-2020). Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Prof Denis O’Sullivan with former president of Ireland Dr Paddy Hillery when he was serving as minister for foreign affairs
In the right place at the right time
Denis O’Sullivan was on research sabbatical at University of California, Berkeley in 1969; a classic case of being at the right place at just the right time. He was in the lab of P Buford Price who had just agreed a research project with Nasa to develop detectors to measure radiation exposures to astronauts. O’Sullivan had been involved in similar work in Dublin and the race was on to develop them.
It was an exciting time in the lab but also on the tumultuous Berkeley campus. It had long been a hotbed of protest and dissent and O’Sullivan witnessed student marches, police charges and the arrival of the California National Guard.
He had taken up a research position and was there with his wife, Carmel Madden, and children Tanya and Gavin, who were little more than toddlers at that time.
The cosmic ray detectors were blocks of a specialised plastic that when struck by a cosmic ray particle would excavate a telltale track in the block. The more particles colliding with the detectors, the more tracks and the more information. It was not simply a counting operation; the tracks provided a wealth of data that helped to identify the particle causing the track.
O’Sullivan had also studied whether cosmic ray tracks could be trapped by other materials and this opened up the possibility of searching for tracks left behind in moon rocks.
The rocks brought back from the moon in question arrived early in 1970 and O’Sullivan was in the midst of it with Price and his team looking for cosmic rays from the sun, and O’Sullivan looking for cosmic rays from deep space. He continued this analysis on his return to Dublin working with his long time collaborator Alex Thompson. This work ensured that DIAS was in the international spotlight as a leading research centre.


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Are societies really ageing?

Are societies really ageing?

People are now living longer worldwide while birth rates have declined well below replacement levels in the western world .
This is widely interpreted in a negative light , and I have done so myself , but an article by Andrew Scott published by the World Economic Forum points out that when chronological age statistics ( number of years one is alive ) are converted to biological age ( the health of your cells , or how old you really are ) little or no increase in average “ real age ” can be discerned in most developed economies since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Haas in The National Interest earlier this year claims ageing populations increase the likelihood of international peace .
So , increased longevity offers unexpected dividends and public policy should be framed to harvest these dividends .
The UN estimates the share of population aged 60 years and over will increase in every country up to 2050 .
Life expectancy is growing fastest in emerging markets where the number of people aged 60 years and over is double that in the developed world .
This ratio will increase to 4:1 by 2050 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the average population age , eg in Japan median age rose from 26 years in 1952 to 46 years today .
It is popularly argued that such ageing weakens economies because it increases the old-age dependency ratio ( OADR ) , thereby slowing economic growth and putting pressure on public budgets .
OADR is the proportion of the population over 64 years relative to the working age population ( 15 years to 64 years ) .
The OADR concept assumes that older people are unproductive consumers of the government benefits generated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrialise , birth rates decline , increasing the relative size of the elderly sector and one would expect average mortality to rise because mortality rates are higher for older people .
However , while the average age in advanced economies has been increasing since 1950 , average mortality rates have declined for all ages for several reasons – medical advances , falling smoking rates etc .
Chronological ageing is offset by a longevity effect .
The average citizen has become chronologically older but biologically younger .
The conventional demographic time-bomb picture described previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects and predicts a very negative picture of the future .
The picture is much brighter when the longevity effect is factored in and would become even brighter if birth rates were restored to replacement levels in the western world in the near term .
In advanced economies today 75-year-olds have the same mortality rates as 65-year-olds in 1950 .
Scott reports that when changed mortality rates are used to adjust for “ age inflation ” in order to determine “ real ” average age , little or no increase in real age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , Sweden , France , Germany and the US .
Japan is an exception with an increase of average real age from 31 years to 44 years .
This is attributed to the dramatic collapse of birth rates in Japan since the end of the second World War .
Of course , as Scott points out , while the average person now lives a longer healthier life this does not apply to everybody and significant differences can be discerned based on income , lifestyle , education , environment and genetics .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devised both to help those who still age in the traditional sense and to harness the dividends offered by the many older-but-productive citizens , facilitating them in full employment or offering more flexible working arrangements .
Huge monies are now expended on anti-ageing research and it may be possible to significantly extend the span of healthy living further by developing medicines that slow down ageing while boosting the body ’ s defences against diseases .
Some geneticists predict that people may live to 150 years by 2100 .
Increased likelihood of world peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ageing societies .
The big fear in this context is of war between the superpowers – US , Russia and China .
Each power has a rapidly ageing population , particularly Russia and China .
It is known that countries with a surplus of military-aged citizens ( 18-30 years ) as a percentage of total population are more likely to engage in international hostilities than countries with older populations .
William Reville is an emeritus professor of biochemistry at UCC

Life expectancy is growing fastest in emerging markets where the number of people aged 60 years and over is double that in the developed world. Photograph: PA Wire
People are now living longer worldwide while birth rates have declined well below replacement levels in the western world. This is widely interpreted in a negative light, and I have done so myself, but an article by Andrew Scott published by the World Economic Forum points out that when chronological age statistics (number of years one is alive) are converted to biological age (the health of your cells, or how old you really are) little or no increase in average "real age" can be discerned in most developed economies since the 1950s.
And another report by Mark Haas in The National Interest earlier this year claims ageing populations increase the likelihood of international peace. So, increased longevity offers unexpected dividends and public policy should be framed to harvest these dividends.
The UN estimates the share of population aged 60 years and over will increase in every country up to 2050. Life expectancy is growing fastest in emerging markets where the number of people aged 60 years and over is double that in the developed world. This ratio will increase to 4:1 by 2050.
Unproductive consumers
Increased life expectancy and declining birth rates increase the average population age, eg in Japan median age rose from 26 years in 1952 to 46 years today. It is popularly argued that such ageing weakens economies because it increases the old-age dependency ratio (OADR), thereby slowing economic growth and putting pressure on public budgets. OADR is the proportion of the population over 64 years relative to the working age population (15 years to 64 years). The OADR concept assumes that older people are unproductive consumers of the government benefits generated by 15- to 64 year-olds.
READ MORE
As countries industrialise, birth rates decline, increasing the relative size of the elderly sector and one would expect average mortality to rise because mortality rates are higher for older people. However, while the average age in advanced economies has been increasing since 1950, average mortality rates have declined for all ages for several reasons – medical advances, falling smoking rates etc. Chronological ageing is offset by a longevity effect. The average citizen has become chronologically older but biologically younger.
The conventional demographic time-bomb picture described previously makes no distinction between ageing and longevity effects and predicts a very negative picture of the future. The picture is much brighter when the longevity effect is factored in and would become even brighter if birth rates were restored to replacement levels in the western world in the near term.
In advanced economies today 75-year-olds have the same mortality rates as 65-year-olds in 1950. Scott reports that when changed mortality rates are used to adjust for "age inflation" in order to determine "real" average age, little or no increase in real age is seen in recent decades in the UK, Sweden, France, Germany and the US. Japan is an exception with an increase of average real age from 31 years to 44 years. This is attributed to the dramatic collapse of birth rates in Japan since the end of the second World War.
World peace
Of course, as Scott points out, while the average person now lives a longer healthier life this does not apply to everybody and significant differences can be discerned based on income, lifestyle, education, environment and genetics. And, so, public policies must be devised both to help those who still age in the traditional sense and to harness the dividends offered by the many older-but-productive citizens, facilitating them in full employment or offering more flexible working arrangements.
Huge monies are now expended on anti-ageing research and it may be possible to significantly extend the span of healthy living further by developing medicines that slow down ageing while boosting the body’s defences against diseases. Some geneticists predict that people may live to 150 years by 2100.
Increased likelihood of world peace is a further dividend offered by our ageing societies. The big fear in this context is of war between the superpowers – US, Russia and China. Each power has a rapidly ageing population, particularly Russia and China. It is known that countries with a surplus of military-aged citizens (18-30 years) as a percentage of total population are more likely to engage in international hostilities than countries with older populations.
William Reville is an emeritus professor of biochemistry at UCC


theirishtimes--2020-06-19--Castlerea investigation to focus on how suspect got hold of garda’s weapon

When Detective Garda Colm Horkan approached a man acting erratically just before midnight on Wednesday , he likely kept about two feet distance , as per his Garda training .
This is close enough to engage a suspect in a non-threatening manner but far enough away to give a garda time to react if the situation becomes violent .
Members usually begin such encounters with a friendly hello , and maybe a comment about the weather .
This isn ’ t just politeness .
Again , it is part of their training ; a few seconds of banter puts a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to assess the situation .
“ It ’ s all about playing it down , playing it down , ” a source said .
“ He would have got out of the car and said , ‘ Hi lad , how ’ s the craic ?
Cold evening.
’ Not ‘ Hey you , stop there right now.
’ “ We ’ ve all seen the Americans .
It ’ s not like that .
The guards aren ’ t trained like that.
” Garda Horkan ’ s approach was also likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew the man .
The detective had 24 years ’ frontline experience , much of it in the Castlerea area , and the man lived just outside the town .
The appropriate stance is another key part of Garda training .
If Garda Horkan believed the man posed a possible threat he would have assumed a boxer ’ s stance with his legs while keeping his hands on his belt buckle or around his midriff , allowing him to react quickly to danger while still appearing non-confrontational .
On the back of Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sauer P226 , a modern 15-round handgun which is issued to detectives for personal protection .
The weapon was relatively new to the detective garda .
He had only been assigned to plainclothes duty in the previous few weeks , after undergoing firearms training in Templemore .
This is a five-day course focusing on target practice and weapons maintenance .
Unlike specialist firearms units , detectives are not taught weapons tactics .
For example , they are not taught how to take cover or manoeuvre with a gun .
His handgun would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on top with a buttoned flap .
The holster allows easy access to the gun in emergencies .
We do not know , and may never know , exactly what happened next in Castlerea .
There was a struggle and one witness described hearing the words , “ What are you at ?
” The suspect got hold of the weapon and fired it rapidly .
Fifteen shots were fired , four of them hitting Garda Horkan and killing him .
The Sig handgun does not have a safety switch in the traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trigger which requires extra pressure to pull on the first shot .
“ It stops it going off accidentally when dropped but does little to stop the wrong person from using the weapon , ” a source said .
Two investigations have now been launched into the incident , one by the Garda and one by the Garda Ombudsman .
Inquiries will likely focus on how the suspect got the weapon from Garda Horkan , and if changes can be made to training or equipment to stop a repeat of such an incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked about why a detective had to conduct an anti-crime patrol on his own .

The scene in Castlerea, Co Roscommon where Detective Garda Colm Horkan was shot dead on Wednesday night. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins
When Detective Garda Colm Horkan approached a man acting erratically just before midnight on Wednesday, he likely kept about two feet distance, as per his Garda training.
This is close enough to engage a suspect in a non-threatening manner but far enough away to give a garda time to react if the situation becomes violent.
Members usually begin such encounters with a friendly hello, and maybe a comment about the weather. This isn’t just politeness. Again, it is part of their training; a few seconds of banter puts a suspect at ease and gives the garda time to assess the situation.
“It’s all about playing it down, playing it down,” a source said. “He would have got out of the car and said, ‘Hi lad, how’s the craic? Cold evening.’ Not ‘Hey you, stop there right now.’
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“We’ve all seen the Americans. It’s not like that. The guards aren’t trained like that.”
Garda Horkan's approach was also likely informed by the fact that he probably knew the man. The detective had 24 years' frontline experience, much of it in the Castlerea area, and the man lived just outside the town.
Possible threat
The appropriate stance is another key part of Garda training. If Garda Horkan believed the man posed a possible threat he would have assumed a boxer’s stance with his legs while keeping his hands on his belt buckle or around his midriff, allowing him to react quickly to danger while still appearing non-confrontational.
On the back of Garda Horkan’s hip was a Sig Sauer P226, a modern 15-round handgun which is issued to detectives for personal protection.
The weapon was relatively new to the detective garda. He had only been assigned to plainclothes duty in the previous few weeks, after undergoing firearms training in Templemore. This is a five-day course focusing on target practice and weapons maintenance. Unlike specialist firearms units, detectives are not taught weapons tactics. For example, they are not taught how to take cover or manoeuvre with a gun.
Leather holster
His handgun would have been in a leather holster, secured on top with a buttoned flap. The holster allows easy access to the gun in emergencies.
We do not know, and may never know, exactly what happened next in Castlerea. There was a struggle and one witness described hearing the words, “What are you at?”
The suspect got hold of the weapon and fired it rapidly. Fifteen shots were fired, four of them hitting Garda Horkan and killing him.
The Sig handgun does not have a safety switch in the traditional sense. Instead it has a double-action trigger which requires extra pressure to pull on the first shot. “It stops it going off accidentally when dropped but does little to stop the wrong person from using the weapon,” a source said.
Two investigations have now been launched into the incident, one by the Garda and one by the Garda Ombudsman. Inquiries will likely focus on how the suspect got the weapon from Garda Horkan, and if changes can be made to training or equipment to stop a repeat of such an incident.
Questions are also sure to be asked about why a detective had to conduct an anti-crime patrol on his own.


theirishtimes--2020-06-19--Coalition parties to appoint 20 junior ministers if accord ratified

Fianna Fáil , Fine Gael and the Greens will appoint 20 ministers of state , known as junior ministers , if the coalition deal is ratified by their parties .
This would be the joint highest number on record , alongside the Fianna Fáil-Green Party government of 2007 led by Bertie Ahern .
The three parties intend to spilt the 20 posts on the basis of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael getting eight ministers of state each , with the Green Party getting four .
The split is not detailed in the programme for government – as the Cabinet split @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fáil and Fine Gael and three for the Greens is – but has been agreed .
The programme for government states : “ Ministers of State shall be appointed by the Government within one week of the Government being formed and shall be allocated as agreed by the three party leaders.
” The number of ministers of state was increased from 10 to 15 in 1980 , from 15 to 17 in 2007 and to 20 in 2007 .
Mr Ahern appointed 20 junior ministers to his government in 2007 but the numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 20 to 15 as part of cost-cutting measures during the financial crisis in 2009 .
The Fine Gael-Labour government of 2011 to 2016 held the number at 15 but then taoiseach Enda Kenny brought the number up to 18 for the Fine Gael-Independent minority government , and Leo Varadkar has brought it up to 19 during his term as Taoiseach .
Appointing 20 junior ministers is the upper limit allowed under legislation passed by Mr Ahern in 2007 .
The 20 will be inclusive , however , of the government chief whip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ministers of state who sit at the Cabinet table .
Roderic O ’ Gorman , the Greens ’ justice spokesman , also on Thursday said his party would seek the position of attorney general or hold a veto on who was appointed .
Mr O ’ Gorman said the party would not allow someone who had views counter to Green principles take the post .
Among those from the Fine Gael backbenches tipped for junior positions are Peter Burke , Colm Brophy , Martin Heydon , Alan Farrell , Hildegarde Naughton ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contention for a full Cabinet portfolio or a “ super junior ” slot ) and Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill .
Mr Varadkar may also give junior portfolios to some who will lose their Cabinet position .
Competition in Fianna Fáil will also be fierce for junior ministerial positions , with TDs such as James Browne , Robert Troy , Mary Butler , Niamh Smyth , Charlie McConalogue , John Lahart and Stephen Donnelly tipped .
Among the Greens , Neasa Hourigan , Joe O ’ Brien , Ossian Smyth , Malcolm Noonan , Marc Ó @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contention .
Meanwhile , Fine Gael has launched an inquiry after a leaflet urging a vote against entering coalition with the Greens and Fianna Fáil was sent to those who have a vote in the party ’ s internal ratification process .
Internal Fine Gael ratification is through an electoral college .
TDs , Senators and MEPs make up 50 per cent of the voting strength , followed by 25 per cent for constituency delegates , 15 per cent for councillors and 10 per cent for the executive council .
Suspicions were aroused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which , among other things , argues for a second election – was posted to constituency delegates and others who have a vote , sparking fears that someone had access to internal Fine Gael records .
A party spokesman said : “ An inquiry is under way to establish if there was a breach of GDPR .
”

Leo Varadkar may give junior portfolios to some who will lose their Cabinet position. Photograph: Leon Farrell/Photocall
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens will appoint 20 ministers of state, known as junior ministers, if the coalition deal is ratified by their parties.
This would be the joint highest number on record, alongside the Fianna Fáil-Green Party government of 2007 led by Bertie Ahern.
The three parties intend to spilt the 20 posts on the basis of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael getting eight ministers of state each, with the Green Party getting four.
The split is not detailed in the programme for government – as the Cabinet split of six senior ministers each for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and three for the Greens is – but has been agreed.
READ MORE
The programme for government states: “Ministers of State shall be appointed by the Government within one week of the Government being formed and shall be allocated as agreed by the three party leaders.”
The number of ministers of state was increased from 10 to 15 in 1980, from 15 to 17 in 2007 and to 20 in 2007.
Mr Ahern appointed 20 junior ministers to his government in 2007 but the numbers were reduced by his successor Brian Cowen from 20 to 15 as part of cost-cutting measures during the financial crisis in 2009.
Upper limit
The Fine Gael-Labour government of 2011 to 2016 held the number at 15 but then taoiseach Enda Kenny brought the number up to 18 for the Fine Gael-Independent minority government, and Leo Varadkar has brought it up to 19 during his term as Taoiseach.
Appointing 20 junior ministers is the upper limit allowed under legislation passed by Mr Ahern in 2007.
The 20 will be inclusive, however, of the government chief whip and the two so-called “super junior” ministers of state who sit at the Cabinet table.
Roderic O’Gorman, the Greens’ justice spokesman, also on Thursday said his party would seek the position of attorney general or hold a veto on who was appointed. Mr O’Gorman said the party would not allow someone who had views counter to Green principles take the post.
Among those from the Fine Gael backbenches tipped for junior positions are Peter Burke, Colm Brophy, Martin Heydon, Alan Farrell, Hildegarde Naughton (who is also seen as being in contention for a full Cabinet portfolio or a "super junior" slot) and Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill.
Fierce competition
Mr Varadkar may also give junior portfolios to some who will lose their Cabinet position.
Competition in Fianna Fáil will also be fierce for junior ministerial positions, with TDs such as James Browne, Robert Troy, Mary Butler, Niamh Smyth, Charlie McConalogue, John Lahart and Stephen Donnelly tipped.
Among the Greens, Neasa Hourigan, Joe O'Brien, Ossian Smyth, Malcolm Noonan, Marc Ó Cathasaigh and Brian Leddin will be in contention.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael has launched an inquiry after a leaflet urging a vote against entering coalition with the Greens and Fianna Fáil was sent to those who have a vote in the party’s internal ratification process.
Internal Fine Gael ratification is through an electoral college. TDs, Senators and MEPs make up 50 per cent of the voting strength, followed by 25 per cent for constituency delegates, 15 per cent for councillors and 10 per cent for the executive council.
Suspicions were aroused in Fine Gael after the leaflet – which, among other things, argues for a second election – was posted to constituency delegates and others who have a vote, sparking fears that someone had access to internal Fine Gael records.
A party spokesman said: “An inquiry is under way to establish if there was a breach of GDPR.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-19--Full murder inquiry launched after garda shot dead in Castlerea

The man who killed Det Garda Colm Horkan fired 15 shots from the garda ’ s weapon , hitting the victim four times .
Garda scene-of-crime examiners spent much of Thursday extracting spent rounds from surrounding walls and buildings on Castlerea ’ s Main Street , following the shooting which occurred just before midnight on Wednesday in the Roscommon market town .
Sources said the man fired the handgun wildly after seizing it from the 49-year-old detective .
The suspect , a local man in his 40s , was tackled and arrested at the scene by two gardaí from Castlerea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a patrol car .
“ The only reason they weren ’ t hit too was because he had used all the ammunition by then , ” a Garda source said .
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the shooting served “ no purpose ” and was an “ aberration ” in Irish policing .
There was “ no sign of a bigger picture , either organised crime or subversives ” , he said .
The suspect , who remains in custody , has a history of mental health issues and drug and alcohol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Castlerea Garda station for a period the previous day due to his behaviour , it is understood .
Det Garda Horkan was on an anti-crime patrol in the town on his own on Wednesday night when he encountered the suspect operating a motorcycle and acting erratically , sources said .
It is understood the garda got out of his car and engaged the man in conversation before a struggle broke out .
It is believed the garda did not draw his weapon and that the man may have wrestled it from its holster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 rounds , all of which were fired in short succession .
Det Garda Horkan , who lived in Charlestown , Co Mayo , had been appointed to plain-clothes duty a few weeks previously , having spent most of his 24-year career in uniform .
He is the 89th garda to be killed in the line of duty since the foundation of An Garda Síochána almost 100 years ago .
He attended the Garda Training College in Templemore in 1994 at the same time as Det Garda Adrian Donohue , who in 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robbery .
Gardaí and emergency workers who attended the incident on Wednesday night tried to save Det Garda Horkan ’ s life but he died at the scene .
Castlerea parish priest Fr John McManus arrived and administered the Last Rites as emergency workers said a prayer .
A postmortem on the remains was carried out on Thursday evening by the State Pathologist .
The Garda has launched a full murder inquiry while the Garda Ombudsman has also opened an investigation , in line with standard procedure when a Garda firearm results in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspects of the Garda ’ s resources , tactics and policing methodology would be reviewed in light of the fatal shooting , there appeared to be unique characteristics to the crime that may not necessitate major changes in the Republic ’ s policing .
“ We ’ d have to think very carefully before we would change our policing tactics .
Our policing tactics are successful in that we enjoy the full support of this society , ” he said .
Det Garda Horkan is survived by his father and five siblings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ a shock to us all ” .
“ As President of Ireland I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the garda , and to all those who have been affected by this tragedy , ” Mr Higgins said .

Det Gda Colm Horkan (43) has been killed in a shooting incident in Castlerea, Co Roscommon following a scuffle with a man in the town centre.
The man who killed Det Garda Colm Horkan fired 15 shots from the garda's weapon, hitting the victim four times.
Garda scene-of-crime examiners spent much of Thursday extracting spent rounds from surrounding walls and buildings on Castlerea’s Main Street, following the shooting which occurred just before midnight on Wednesday in the Roscommon market town.
Sources said the man fired the handgun wildly after seizing it from the 49-year-old detective.
Det Garda Colm Horkan: was on an anti-crime patrol in the town on his own on Wednesday night when he encountered the suspect operating a motorcycle and acting erratically.
The suspect, a local man in his 40s, was tackled and arrested at the scene by two gardaí from Castlerea station, who were passing the scene in a patrol car.
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“The only reason they weren’t hit too was because he had used all the ammunition by then,” a Garda source said.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the shooting served "no purpose" and was an "aberration" in Irish policing. There was "no sign of a bigger picture, either organised crime or subversives", he said.
Suspect’s behaviour
The suspect, who remains in custody, has a history of mental health issues and drug and alcohol abuse. He had been brought to Castlerea Garda station for a period the previous day due to his behaviour, it is understood.
Det Garda Horkan was on an anti-crime patrol in the town on his own on Wednesday night when he encountered the suspect operating a motorcycle and acting erratically, sources said.
It is understood the garda got out of his car and engaged the man in conversation before a struggle broke out. It is believed the garda did not draw his weapon and that the man may have wrestled it from its holster before firing it. The weapon holds 15 rounds, all of which were fired in short succession.
Det Garda Horkan, who lived in Charlestown, Co Mayo, had been appointed to plain-clothes duty a few weeks previously, having spent most of his 24-year career in uniform.
He is the 89th garda to be killed in the line of duty since the foundation of An Garda Síochána almost 100 years ago.
Gardaí at the scene in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, where Det Garda Colm Horkan died after being shot on Wednesday night. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA
He attended the Garda Training College in Templemore in 1994 at the same time as Det Garda Adrian Donohue, who in 2013 was shot dead during a credit union robbery.
Last Rites
Gardaí and emergency workers who attended the incident on Wednesday night tried to save Det Garda Horkan’s life but he died at the scene. Castlerea parish priest Fr John McManus arrived and administered the Last Rites as emergency workers said a prayer.
A postmortem on the remains was carried out on Thursday evening by the State Pathologist. The Garda has launched a full murder inquiry while the Garda Ombudsman has also opened an investigation, in line with standard procedure when a Garda firearm results in death.
Mr Harris said while all aspects of the Garda's resources, tactics and policing methodology would be reviewed in light of the fatal shooting, there appeared to be unique characteristics to the crime that may not necessitate major changes in the Republic's policing.
“We’d have to think very carefully before we would change our policing tactics. Our policing tactics are successful in that we enjoy the full support of this society,” he said.
Det Garda Horkan is survived by his father and five siblings. President Michael D Higgins said his death was "a shock to us all".
"As President of Ireland I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the garda, and to all those who have been affected by this tragedy," Mr Higgins said.


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Guidelines for restaurants reopening to be published on Friday

Guidelines detailing how restaurants can operate when they reopen at the end of the month are to be published by Fáilte Ireland on Friday morning .
Earlier this week the tourism body published guidelines for how pubs can reopen on June 29th , if they operate as restaurants .
Under that guidance , pubs and bars will be allowed to implement one-metre physical distancing in “ permitted controlled environments , ” rather than the current two-metre rule .
Pubs will be required to serve a “ substantial meal ” costing at least €9 , the guidelines state .
Physical distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained between people seated at tables .
Customers will also have to be seated at a table except when using the toilet , paying and departing .
Customers will have to leave the premises after 105 minutes , with an additional 15 minutes between bookings to allow for the area to be cleaned .
Pre-booking will be encouraged as much as possible and a text may be sent to remind the customer to stay away if unwell .
Fáilte Ireland had published early guidance for how restaurants could operate during the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observing the two-metre distancing rule .
Those guidelines included restaurateurs being asked to tell customers verbally what is on the menu , avoiding share plates , group tour sizes being reduced , and buffet-style services being avoided .
Adrian Cummins , chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland ( RAI ) , was critical of the delay in producing the final guidelines for the sector .
The industry group ’ s members had been left “ in the dark ” 11 days before the sector was due to reopen , he said @

Draft guidance was published earlier this month based on businesses observing the two-metre distancing rule. Photograph: iStock
Guidelines detailing how restaurants can operate when they reopen at the end of the month are to be published by Fáilte Ireland on Friday morning.
Earlier this week the tourism body published guidelines for how pubs can reopen on June 29th, if they operate as restaurants.
Under that guidance, pubs and bars will be allowed to implement one-metre physical distancing in “permitted controlled environments,” rather than the current two-metre rule.
Pubs will be required to serve a “substantial meal” costing at least €9, the guidelines state.
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Physical distancing of at least one metre should be maintained between people seated at tables. Customers will also have to be seated at a table except when using the toilet, paying and departing.
Customers will have to leave the premises after 105 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes between bookings to allow for the area to be cleaned.
Pre-booking will be encouraged as much as possible and a text may be sent to remind the customer to stay away if unwell.
Fáilte Ireland had published early guidance for how restaurants could operate during the coronavirus pandemic on June 9th, based on businesses observing the two-metre distancing rule.
Those guidelines included restaurateurs being asked to tell customers verbally what is on the menu, avoiding share plates, group tour sizes being reduced, and buffet-style services being avoided.
Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), was critical of the delay in producing the final guidelines for the sector.
The industry group’s members had been left “in the dark” 11 days before the sector was due to reopen, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Revenue seize €20,000 in vehicle boarding Holyhead ferry

Revenue officers seized almost € 20,000 in Dublin port in Wednesday during a routine operation of vehicles boarding ferries .
@ @ @ @ @ Smyth granted Revenue a three month cash detention order at Dublin District Court .
As @ @ @ @ @ , Revenue officers stopped a vehicle boarding a ferry to Holyhead on Wednesday and seized @ @ @ @ @ is suspected to be the proceeds of , or intended for use in , criminal @ @ @ @ @ by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation , a spokesman said .
A @ @ @ @ @ was questioned , but a spokesman for Revenue said investigations are ongoing and no further @ @ @ @ @ time .
This routine operation is part of Revenue ’ s ongoing work targeting smuggling @ @ @ @ @ If businesses , or members of the public have any information , they can contact @ @ @ @ @ Phone Number 1800 295 295 .

Cash seized by Revenue officers at Dublin Port on Wednesday. Photograph: Revenue
Revenue officers seized almost € 20,000 in Dublin port in Wednesday during a routine operation of vehicles boarding ferries.
On Thursday, Judge Bryan Smyth granted Revenue a three month cash detention order at Dublin District Court.
As a result of routine checks, Revenue officers stopped a vehicle boarding a ferry to Holyhead on Wednesday and seized some €19,700.
The cash is suspected to be the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and is being detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation, a spokesman said.
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A Polish man in his 30s was questioned, but a spokesman for Revenue said investigations are ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
This routine operation is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.
If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Suspended sentence for man who cultivated cannabis to treat pain

A business man who began cultivating cannabis herb at home to treat pain has been spared jail .
Noel Tobin told Judge Pauline Codd at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he wanted to use cannabis to treat his pain but wanted to avoid having to interact with drug dealers .
He said he was in an awful lot of pain after twice breaking his wrist but was concerned about becoming addicted to painkillers .
He said he bought the seeds and growing equipment , including heat lamps and silos , all legally from head shops when they were legally operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) of Tonlegee Road , Dublin 5 pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis at his home on December 14th 2016 .
He also admitted possession of cannabis for sale or supply .
Suspending a prison term of four years , Judge Codd said that she was not condoning his behaviour .
She said she accepted as genuine his reasons for deciding to use cannabis but said this was improper and criminal .
“ The court can not endorse that .
Half the country would be using it as painkillers if that was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an improper use , ” she said .
Tobin told gardaí that he produced cannabis herb from the plants he had .
He said this for his own use but said he did share it with some friends and that people knew he was growing it because “ word gets around ” .
Garda David Moran said when gardaí went to search the house they found nine plants with an estimated value of €7,200 .
They also found two jars of cannabis herb , valued at around €4,800 .
Tobin has a previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or supply and in 2007 he received a prison sentence .
Luigi Rea BL , defending , said this conviction came about as a result of Tobin ’ s becoming addicted to cocaine and running up a drugs debt .
Mr Rea said his client has a blind cleaning business which only reopened ten days ago after the Covid19 lockdown and was now very busy again .
The court heard evidence of Tobin ’ s involvement in supplying “ meals on wheels ” during the lockdown as well as ongoing charitable work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The married father of three told Judge Codd : “ I knew what I was doing .
I didn ’ t want people coming to the house selling me cannabis.
” Judge Codd noted that gardaí did not find any of the usual paraphernalia of drug dealing such as weighing scales or tick lists .
She said she was impressed by his references and charitable work .
The sentence was suspended on condition Tobin keep the peace .
Judge Codd told him “ I don ’ t want to see you again on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that he was arrested on his birthday and said he was unlucky on his birthday .
Judge Codd told him “ You make your own luck on your birthday ” .

Noel Tobin (46) of Tonlegee Road, Dublin 5 pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis at his home on December 14th 2016. Photograph: Collins Courts
A business man who began cultivating cannabis herb at home to treat pain has been spared jail.
Noel Tobin told Judge Pauline Codd at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he wanted to use cannabis to treat his pain but wanted to avoid having to interact with drug dealers.
He said he was in an awful lot of pain after twice breaking his wrist but was concerned about becoming addicted to painkillers.
He said he bought the seeds and growing equipment, including heat lamps and silos, all legally from head shops when they were legally operating in the capital.
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Tobin (46) of Tonlegee Road, Dublin 5 pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis at his home on December 14th 2016. He also admitted possession of cannabis for sale or supply.
Suspending a prison term of four years, Judge Codd said that she was not condoning his behaviour.
She said she accepted as genuine his reasons for deciding to use cannabis but said this was improper and criminal.
“The court cannot endorse that. Half the country would be using it as painkillers if that was a proper use for it. It is an improper use,” she said.
Tobin told gardaí that he produced cannabis herb from the plants he had. He said this for his own use but said he did share it with some friends and that people knew he was growing it because “word gets around”.
Garda David Moran said when gardaí went to search the house they found nine plants with an estimated value of €7,200. They also found two jars of cannabis herb, valued at around €4,800.
Tobin has a previous conviction for possession of drugs for sale or supply and in 2007 he received a prison sentence. Luigi Rea BL, defending, said this conviction came about as a result of Tobin’s becoming addicted to cocaine and running up a drugs debt.
Mr Rea said his client has a blind cleaning business which only reopened ten days ago after the Covid19 lockdown and was now very busy again.
The court heard evidence of Tobin’s involvement in supplying “meals on wheels” during the lockdown as well as ongoing charitable work with local scouts and a boxing club.
The married father of three told Judge Codd: “I knew what I was doing. I didn’t want people coming to the house selling me cannabis.”
Judge Codd noted that gardaí did not find any of the usual paraphernalia of drug dealing such as weighing scales or tick lists. She said she was impressed by his references and charitable work.
The sentence was suspended on condition Tobin keep the peace. Judge Codd told him “I don’t want to see you again on any drugs charges”.
Tobin earlier noted that he was arrested on his birthday and said he was unlucky on his birthday. Judge Codd told him “You make your own luck on your birthday”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Former cemetery manager tried to ‘extort’ employer to boost exit package, court told

The former manager of Kilternan Cemetery Park tried “ to extort extra money ” from his employer in a bid to boost an exit package from his €100,000-a-year job , a court has heard .
Tim Crowley , a director and joint owner of Kilternan Cemetery Park Limited , told Judge John O ’ Connor in the Circuit Civil Court that general manager Paul Cullen had threatened to make a protected disclosure about purported planning breaches within the graveyard .
He made the allegation in legal proceedings in which Mr Cullen unsuccessfully sought an extension of time and an order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payroll while he appealed what he described as his unfair dismissal because of his having made a protected disclosure .
Mr Cullen , of St Kevin ’ s Park , Stillorgan , Blackrock , Co Dublin , denied Mr Crowley ’ s contention and claimed the company had attempted to cloak his dismissal in the guise of the necessary redundancy of the position of general manager due to falling sales of places of rest .
Mr Crowley , of Cuana Bui , Brennanstown Vale , Dublin , told the court that during negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cullen following an extended sick leave , the general manager had threatened to “ blow the whistle ” about purported planning irregularities .
According to Mr Crowley he had demanded “ multiples ” of the package on offer .
“ I was not happy with being threatened and informed [ him ] that if he had a matter he wanted to raise he should do so and it would be looked into , ” Mr Crowley stated in a sworn affidavit .
Mr Cullen had later made an alleged protected disclosure in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cemetery known as the Island Garden area where the ashes of deceased were interred .
Judge O ’ Connor heard the cemetery was opened in March 2016 and in 2019 it had become clear the company was not making as much profit as had been anticipated and sales of resting places and grave plots had been declining on a monthly basis .
Mr Cullen had employed his own consultants to consider planning issues relating to the Island Garden area where hundreds of ash burial graves had been occupied or sold for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of flooding .
His consultants stated the ash burial garden did not have the benefit of planning permission and he had subsequently made a protected disclosure in relation to “ this planning irregularity ” .
Judge O ’ Connor also heard that Mr Crowley had commissioned an expert report which had disagreed with Mr Cullen ’ s expert ’ s findings .
Mr Cullen had told the court he had been dismissed with immediate effect on February 3rd last on the purported “ bogus ” grounds of redundancy and claimed Mr Crowley had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his fellow directors in a bid to silence him on the issue .
Mr Crowley allegedly had done so on the grounds his fellow directors would have decided to “ tell Cullen to f**k off.
” Mr Cullen told the court that sales of burial plots in the cemetery had been boosted in 2018 by the publicity surrounding the interment in the cemetery of the remains of the former European Commissioner Peter Sutherland .
Mr Crowley said that while there had been “ a short term boost , ” sales in relation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tiny fraction of overall sales .
Judge O ’ Connor said Mr Cullen had sought an extension of time because he had not brought within 21 days of dismissal on the basis he was awaiting the outcome of an application elsewhere for new employment and also the outcome of an internal company appeals process .
He said he was satisfied Mr Cullen had adequate legal advice regarding his position and his delay in legal proceedings had been considerable .
The reasons he had put forward for not issuing his court case had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms MP Guinness , who appeared with Hayes Solicitors for Kilternan Cemetery Park Ltd , he was satisfied there were no substantial grounds for contending the dismissal had resulted wholly or mainly from the protected disclosure .
Judge O ’ Connor said Mr Cullen had used the protected disclosure in part as a means to enhance his negotiations for an exit package and he was entitled to do so .
Following the judgment Kilternan Cemetery Park issued a statement in which it said it was extremely proud of the world class facility it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so well received by many bereaved families ” .

The former manager of Kilternan Cemetery Park tried “to extort extra money” from his employer in a bid to boost an exit package from his €100,000-a-year job, a court has heard.
Tim Crowley, a director and joint owner of Kilternan Cemetery Park Limited, told Judge John O’Connor in the Circuit Civil Court that general manager Paul Cullen had threatened to make a protected disclosure about purported planning breaches within the graveyard.
He made the allegation in legal proceedings in which Mr Cullen unsuccessfully sought an extension of time and an order allowing him to remain on the company payroll while he appealed what he described as his unfair dismissal because of his having made a protected disclosure.
Tim Crowley, director and joint shareholder of Kilternan Cemetery Park Ltd leaving the High Court in Dublin. Photograph: Collins Courts
Mr Cullen, of St Kevin’s Park, Stillorgan, Blackrock, Co Dublin, denied Mr Crowley’s contention and claimed the company had attempted to cloak his dismissal in the guise of the necessary redundancy of the position of general manager due to falling sales of places of rest.
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Mr Crowley, of Cuana Bui, Brennanstown Vale, Dublin, told the court that during negotiations relating to an exit package requested by Mr Cullen following an extended sick leave, the general manager had threatened to “blow the whistle” about purported planning irregularities. According to Mr Crowley he had demanded “multiples” of the package on offer.
“I was not happy with being threatened and informed [him] that if he had a matter he wanted to raise he should do so and it would be looked into,” Mr Crowley stated in a sworn affidavit.
Mr Cullen had made a protected disclosure in relation to planning in a small area of the cemetery known as the Island Garden area where the ashes of deceased were interred.
Judge O’Connor heard the cemetery was opened in March 2016 and in 2019 it had become clear the company was not making as much profit as had been anticipated and sales of resting places and grave plots had been declining on a monthly basis.
Mr Cullen had employed his own consultants to consider planning issues relating to the Island Garden area where hundreds of ash burial graves had been occupied or sold for future use and might be in danger of flooding. His consultants stated the ash burial garden did not have the benefit of planning permission and he had subsequently made a protected disclosure in relation to “this planning irregularity”.
Expert report
Judge O’Connor also heard that Mr Crowley had commissioned an expert report which had disagreed with Mr Cullen’s expert’s findings. Mr Cullen had told the court he had been dismissed with immediate effect on February 3rd last on the purported “bogus” grounds of redundancy and claimed Mr Crowley had earlier attempted to conceal the planning matter from his fellow directors in a bid to silence him on the issue. Mr Crowley allegedly had done so on the grounds his fellow directors would have decided to “tell Cullen to f**k off.”
Mr Cullen told the court that sales of burial plots in the cemetery had been boosted in 2018 by the publicity surrounding the interment in the cemetery of the remains of the former European Commissioner Peter Sutherland.
Mr Crowley said that while there had been “a short term boost,” sales in relation to that burial had accounted for a tiny fraction of overall sales.
Judge O’Connor said Mr Cullen had sought an extension of time because he had not brought within 21 days of dismissal on the basis he was awaiting the outcome of an application elsewhere for new employment and also the outcome of an internal company appeals process.
He said he was satisfied Mr Cullen had adequate legal advice regarding his position and his delay in legal proceedings had been considerable. The reasons he had put forward for not issuing his court case had not been sufficient.
The judge told barrister Ms MP Guinness, who appeared with Hayes Solicitors for Kilternan Cemetery Park Ltd, he was satisfied there were no substantial grounds for contending the dismissal had resulted wholly or mainly from the protected disclosure.
Judge O’Connor said Mr Cullen had used the protected disclosure in part as a means to enhance his negotiations for an exit package and he was entitled to do so.
Following the judgment Kilternan Cemetery Park issued a statement in which it said it was extremely proud of the world class facility it had developed and which had been “so well received by many bereaved families”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--New High Court president and two colleagues to hear action over Seanad

A three judge High Court will sit in the Supreme Court next Wednesday to hear a significant constitutional action over whether or not there is a validly constituted Seanad .
The case will be heard by the newly appointed president of the High Court , Ms Justice Mary Irvine , Mr Justice Denis McDonald and Ms Justice Niamh Hyland .
Due to Covid-19 restrictions , the hearing , expected to last two days , is being held in the Supreme Court because it has a longer judicial bench capable of maintaining a two metre distance between each of the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bacik , Victory Boyhan , Gerard Craughwell , Annie Hoey , Sharon Keogan , Michael McDowell , Rebecca Moynihan , Ronan Mullen , Marie Sherlock and Mark Wall — have brought the proceedings against An Taoiseach , Ireland and the Attorney General .
The case centres on interpretation of Article 18 of the Constitution concerning the composition of the Seanad and election of Senators .
It arises from a dispute between Senators and the Taoiseach over whether the Seanad , currently comprising 49 elected members , is validly constituted and entitled to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since the election of 49 Senators by April 3rd last , there has been no constitutional inhibition on the Taoiseach advising the President to fix a day for the first meeting of the Seanad .
They dispute the Taoiseach ’ s claim the nomination of 11 Senators by a Taoiseach is a constitutional prerequisite to the sitting , meeting or functioning of the Seanad or to the passing of legislation by both Houses of the Oireachtas .
The Taoiseach has said , until the 11 nominees of a Taoiseach nominated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House , the Seanad is not properly composed and can not pass legislation .
In seeking an urgent hearing of the case , John Rogers SC , for the plaintiffs , said , if the Seanad is invalidly constituted as of now with 49 out of 60 members , and that is not corrected quickly , then significant criminal legislation , including a law permitting the continuation of the non-jury Special Criminal Court , will lapse on June 29th .
His clients had been hoping for a political solution to the “ conundrum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been forthcoming and they want a legal solution .
Political events would either crystallise with the appointment of a new Taoiseach on June 27th “ or they won ’ t ” , counsel said .
Conleth Bradley SC , for the defendants , agreed the matter was urgent .
When the matter came before outgoing High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly on Tuesday , he agreed it was urgent and said it would be heard by a divisional High Court due to the importance of the issues raised .

President Michael D Higgins after he signed the Warrant of appointment of Ms Justice Mary Irvine as President of the High Court with Attorney General Seamus Woulfe (elft) and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (right). Photograph: Maxwells
A three judge High Court will sit in the Supreme Court next Wednesday to hear a significant constitutional action over whether or not there is a validly constituted Seanad.
The case will be heard by the newly appointed president of the High Court, Ms Justice Mary Irvine, Mr Justice Denis McDonald and Ms Justice Niamh Hyland.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the hearing, expected to last two days, is being held in the Supreme Court because it has a longer judicial bench capable of maintaining a two metre distance between each of the three judges.
Ten elected Senators — Ivana Bacik, Victory Boyhan, Gerard Craughwell, Annie Hoey, Sharon Keogan, Michael McDowell, Rebecca Moynihan, Ronan Mullen, Marie Sherlock and Mark Wall — have brought the proceedings against An Taoiseach, Ireland and the Attorney General.
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The case centres on interpretation of Article 18 of the Constitution concerning the composition of the Seanad and election of Senators. It arises from a dispute between Senators and the Taoiseach over whether the Seanad, currently comprising 49 elected members, is validly constituted and entitled to sit and pass legislation.
Not properly composed
The ten argue, since the election of 49 Senators by April 3rd last, there has been no constitutional inhibition on the Taoiseach advising the President to fix a day for the first meeting of the Seanad. They dispute the Taoiseach’s claim the nomination of 11 Senators by a Taoiseach is a constitutional prerequisite to the sitting, meeting or functioning of the Seanad or to the passing of legislation by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Taoiseach has said, until the 11 nominees of a Taoiseach nominated by the 33rd Dáil are appointed to the Upper House, the Seanad is not properly composed and cannot pass legislation.
In seeking an urgent hearing of the case, John Rogers SC, for the plaintiffs, said, if the Seanad is invalidly constituted as of now with 49 out of 60 members, and that is not corrected quickly, then significant criminal legislation, including a law permitting the continuation of the non-jury Special Criminal Court, will lapse on June 29th.
His clients had been hoping for a political solution to the “conundrum” but that has so far not been forthcoming and they want a legal solution. Political events would either crystallise with the appointment of a new Taoiseach on June 27th “or they won’t”, counsel said.
Conleth Bradley SC, for the defendants, agreed the matter was urgent. When the matter came before outgoing High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly on Tuesday, he agreed it was urgent and said it would be heard by a divisional High Court due to the importance of the issues raised.


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Older people urged to go outdoors and exercise to preserve bone health

Older people who were cocooning should begin to get out and exercise again in order to preserve their bone health , a leading general practitioner has said .
During the peak of the pandemic , older people and those who were particularly vulnerable to the virus were urged to cocoon in their homes .
However , now that society is beginning to reopen , Dr Martin Coyne , a Donegal GP with expert knowledge on bone health , said it is important that older people begin to resume activity levels to keep chronic illnesses at bay .
“ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you need to exercise , you need to be doing weight-bearing exercise on a daily basis , you need a bit of vitamin D , ” Dr Coyne said .
“ The biggest risk for osteoporosis is age .
The older you get , the more likely you are to get it.
” The Donegal GP said he understands that some older people may be apprehensive about returning to normality due to the virus , but his advice is to “ get out , get active and pound the streets ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much good for you in terms of bone health .
Your bones respond to the stresses of walking so if you are walking – weight-bearing exercise – your bones are responding to the stresses of walking.
” Dr Coyne added that bone health is “ incredibly important ” as you grow older .
“ The stats are that if you break your hip , you ’ ve one chance in four of being dead in 12 months , that ’ s worse than many cancers , ” he said .
“ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances out of four of having lost one element of daily living , be that being able to climb the stairs , being able to get in or out of the bath , being able to dress yourself .
You may lose independence because you ’ ve broken your health.
” Dr Coyne also advised those who were already diagnosed with the condition to continue with their medication , and to attend a GP for any injections they may require .
Asked if the lockdown could cause a surge in cases of osteoporosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease that develops over decades as opposed to months .
However , he acknowledged that there had been a lack of diagnoses in recent months as the scan used to diagnose individuals with the disease was not in operation due to social distancing requirements .

Dr Martin Coyne said he understands that some older people may be wary about returning to normality due to Covid-19, but his advice is to ‘get out and get active’
Older people who were cocooning should begin to get out and exercise again in order to preserve their bone health, a leading general practitioner has said.
During the peak of the pandemic, older people and those who were particularly vulnerable to the virus were urged to cocoon in their homes.
However, now that society is beginning to reopen, Dr Martin Coyne, a Donegal GP with expert knowledge on bone health, said it is important that older people begin to resume activity levels to keep chronic illnesses at bay.
“If you’re going to maintain healthy bone, you need to exercise, you need to be doing weight-bearing exercise on a daily basis, you need a bit of vitamin D,” Dr Coyne said. “The biggest risk for osteoporosis is age. The older you get, the more likely you are to get it.”
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The Donegal GP said he understands that some older people may be apprehensive about returning to normality due to the virus, but his advice is to “get out, get active and pound the streets”.
“An exercise bicycle isn’t much good for you in terms of bone health. Your bones respond to the stresses of walking so if you are walking – weight-bearing exercise – your bones are responding to the stresses of walking.”
Broken hips
Dr Coyne added that bone health is “incredibly important” as you grow older.
“The stats are that if you break your hip, you’ve one chance in four of being dead in 12 months, that’s worse than many cancers,” he said.
“If you break your hip, you have two chances out of four of having lost one element of daily living, be that being able to climb the stairs, being able to get in or out of the bath, being able to dress yourself. You may lose independence because you’ve broken your health.”
Dr Coyne also advised those who were already diagnosed with the condition to continue with their medication, and to attend a GP for any injections they may require.
Asked if the lockdown could cause a surge in cases of osteoporosis, Dr Coyne said it is a disease that develops over decades as opposed to months.
However, he acknowledged that there had been a lack of diagnoses in recent months as the scan used to diagnose individuals with the disease was not in operation due to social distancing requirements.


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Colm Horkan ‘was an absolute rock of integrity and sense’

Det Garda Colm Horkan and his elderly father Marty spent Wednesday afternoon watching racing on the television before the younger man went to work never to come home again .
Never again will they start a summer with the hope-filled Mayo championship campaign stretched out before them , or ever have that first post-lockdown pint together .
All that is gone now , having been taken away in a few seconds of mindless violence .
Yesterday morning the Republic woke up to news that Det Garda Horkan had been gunned down in the line of duty late on Wednesday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he was based as a detective garda .
The tragedy is especially bewildering coming as it does after the coronavirus lockdown , when the relationship between gardaí and other citizens seemed closer than ever .
While the Horkan family home in Charlestown , Co Mayo , was a hive of activity yesterday as people came throughout the day to pay their respects and share their grief , Castlerea came to a complete standstill .
The whole town was sealed off and all of the businesses closed as the Garda Technical Bureau examined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shell casings over a wide area ; evidence of a shooting spree that is without explanation .
For now , some things about Det Garda Horkan ’ s murder are certain while other details must be investigated by his colleagues in An Garda Síochána .
In his 25th year of Garda service , Det Garda Horkan was on an anti-crime patrol on Wednesday night , working alone .
He stopped a local man on a motorbike on Main Street just before midnight , apparently to quiz him about his movements .
But what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conversation ” as Garda Commissioner Drew Harris put it – escalated into a scuffle between the two men and Det Garda Horkan pressed a button on his radio looking for emergency back-up .
Before help could arrive , the suspect somehow grabbed hold of the detective ’ s firearm and began shooting .
Some 15 shots rang out , a number hitting Det Garda Horkan and taking his life .
While two Garda colleagues arrived and arrested the suspect as paramedics worked on the injured man , it was too late .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fr John McManus was summoned from his home on St Patrick ’ s Street just yards away and gave Det Garda Horkan the last rites on the road .
By now his colleagues had rushed to the scene ; gathering around their friend ’ s body and praying over it , led by Fr McManus , scarcely able to comprehend the scene before them .
“ Everyone was very stunned , shocked and saddened , ” said Fr McManus of the scene in the early hours .
Phone calls were then placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horkan family in Charlestown ; Det Garda Horkan was dead , losing his life a decade and a half after his twin sister Collette had succumbed to cancer .
Gardaí are not looking for anyone else in relation to the murder ; the shooting dead of the 89th Garda member killed on duty since the foundation of the force almost a century ago .
The murder investigation is centred solely on the suspect arrested at the scene .
People in Castlerea said that man , in his 40s and known to gardaí , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse .
The same community described Colm Horkan as “ a gentleman ” and “ beloved ” ; a man who won many accolades with Charlestown Sarsfields , including a Connacht Senior Club Football Championship in 2001 , and had lined out for the Mayo U21s .
After leaving Charlestown for the Garda Training College , Templemore , Co Tipperary , in his mid-20s in 1995 , the first 3½ years of his career were spent in Finglas , north Dublin .
After that he transferred to the west of Ireland , arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served there for more than a decade , followed by a stint in his native Charlestown and then Ballaghaderreen , before returning to Castlerea recently for a second term on promotion to detective .
He is survived by his father Marty , sister Deirdre and four brothers – Aidan , Brendan , Pádraig and Dermot .
John Hynes , a retired Garda sergeant who was close to Det Garda Horkan in both their personal and professional lives , spoke about him on Thursday .
He said his murdered colleague and friend stood out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gentleman ” committed to serving the public .
“ From the get-go , Colm was the most reliable guy you could get , he was an absolute rock of integrity and sense .
He was really and truly the true professional in the job , with attention to detail in every aspect of the job that was absolutely exemplary .
“ I say this from the bottom of my heart , he really and truly was my right-hand man when I was there at work and he was one of the best friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Síochána and since I retired out of the job .
He was the epitome of what it meant to be a guard in modern society .
”

Det Garda Colm Horkan and his elderly father Marty spent Wednesday afternoon watching racing on the television before the younger man went to work never to come home again.
Never again will they start a summer with the hope-filled Mayo championship campaign stretched out before them, or ever have that first post-lockdown pint together. All that is gone now, having been taken away in a few seconds of mindless violence.
Yesterday morning the Republic woke up to news that Det Garda Horkan had been gunned down in the line of duty late on Wednesday in the Co Roscommon town of Castlerea, where he was based as a detective garda.
The tragedy is especially bewildering coming as it does after the coronavirus lockdown, when the relationship between gardaí and other citizens seemed closer than ever.
READ MORE
While the Horkan family home in Charlestown, Co Mayo, was a hive of activity yesterday as people came throughout the day to pay their respects and share their grief, Castlerea came to a complete standstill.
Shooting spree
The whole town was sealed off and all of the businesses closed as the Garda Technical Bureau examined the crime scene and discovered bullets and shell casings over a wide area; evidence of a shooting spree that is without explanation.
For now, some things about Det Garda Horkan’s murder are certain while other details must be investigated by his colleagues in An Garda Síochána.
In his 25th year of Garda service, Det Garda Horkan was on an anti-crime patrol on Wednesday night, working alone.
He stopped a local man on a motorbike on Main Street just before midnight, apparently to quiz him about his movements.
But what began as a routine stop – “a conversation” as Garda Commissioner Drew Harris put it – escalated into a scuffle between the two men and Det Garda Horkan pressed a button on his radio looking for emergency back-up.
Before help could arrive, the suspect somehow grabbed hold of the detective’s firearm and began shooting. Some 15 shots rang out, a number hitting Det Garda Horkan and taking his life.
While two Garda colleagues arrived and arrested the suspect as paramedics worked on the injured man, it was too late. Det Garda Horkan died at the scene.
Fr John McManus was summoned from his home on St Patrick’s Street just yards away and gave Det Garda Horkan the last rites on the road. By now his colleagues had rushed to the scene; gathering around their friend’s body and praying over it, led by Fr McManus, scarcely able to comprehend the scene before them.
“Everyone was very stunned, shocked and saddened,” said Fr McManus of the scene in the early hours.
Phone calls were then placed to relay the terrible news to the Horkan family in Charlestown; Det Garda Horkan was dead, losing his life a decade and a half after his twin sister Collette had succumbed to cancer.
Gardaí are not looking for anyone else in relation to the murder; the shooting dead of the 89th Garda member killed on duty since the foundation of the force almost a century ago. The murder investigation is centred solely on the suspect arrested at the scene.
People in Castlerea said that man, in his 40s and known to gardaí, had mental health issues compounded by substance abuse.
The same community described Colm Horkan as “a gentleman” and “beloved”; a man who won many accolades with Charlestown Sarsfields, including a Connacht Senior Club Football Championship in 2001, and had lined out for the Mayo U21s.
‘A gentleman’
After leaving Charlestown for the Garda Training College, Templemore, Co Tipperary, in his mid-20s in 1995, the first 3½ years of his career were spent in Finglas, north Dublin. After that he transferred to the west of Ireland, arriving in Castlerea in January 1999.
He served there for more than a decade, followed by a stint in his native Charlestown and then Ballaghaderreen, before returning to Castlerea recently for a second term on promotion to detective.
He is survived by his father Marty, sister Deirdre and four brothers – Aidan, Brendan, Pádraig and Dermot.
John Hynes, a retired Garda sergeant who was close to Det Garda Horkan in both their personal and professional lives, spoke about him on Thursday. He said his murdered colleague and friend stood out in the Garda force as “a gentleman” committed to serving the public.
“From the get-go, Colm was the most reliable guy you could get, he was an absolute rock of integrity and sense. He was really and truly the true professional in the job, with attention to detail in every aspect of the job that was absolutely exemplary.
“I say this from the bottom of my heart, he really and truly was my right-hand man when I was there at work and he was one of the best friends I ever had both in An Garda Síochána and since I retired out of the job. He was the epitome of what it meant to be a guard in modern society.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Government extends Covid-19 travel rules for all arriving passengers

Regulations requiring people entering the Republic from abroad to provide the address where they will be self-isolating for the required 14-day period have been extended for a further three weeks .
Upon arrival in the State at airports or ports , individuals are required to fill in a passenger locator form .
The coronavirus measures are in place to allow authorities to check if individuals are self-isolating for 14 days as advised , and for contact tracing purposes .
Those who do not fill out the passenger locator form or who provide false details can face a fine of €2,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The regulations were introduced on May 28th to last until June 18th , at which point they would be reviewed .
A Department of Health spokeswoman confirmed on Thursday the regulations had been extended until July 9th , “ at which stage they will be reviewed.
” “ This means anyone arriving in Ireland will have to fill out a form and inform us of their whereabouts .
This ensures we have an adequate contact tracing system in place , ” she said .
The spokeswoman said public health advice instructing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the State from abroad remains in place .
However , she added this advice was “ strongly recommended , ” but not mandatory .
“ We would ask that all persons arriving into the State follow this advice as closely as they can , ” she said .
In recent weeks the Cabinet has discussed the potential easing of overseas travel restrictions , with the option of permitted travel between other countries where coronavirus has been controlled under consideration .
One source said Cabinet colleagues had begun to receive queries from constituents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holidays again .
Currently the Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA ) advises “ against all non-essential travel overseas until further notice , ” including Britain , but not Northern Ireland .
Several insurance companies have warned if holidaymakers decide to disregard the existing advice on overseas travel they will not be covered .
Zurich has advised customers that if individuals travel abroad against the DFA advice any insurance claim arising from the coronavirus pandemic could be denied .
Similarly Laya states if policyholders booked trips after the advice on non-essential travel was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement , Insurance Ireland , which represents the industry , said while the wording of policies differ , “ in general if a policy holder decides to travel at a time when the Government advises against non-essential travel , they would be in danger of invalidating their travel insurance.
” The group said its “ strong advice ” is that policyholders “ follow the Irish Government ’ s advice at all times .
”

A notice for arriving passengers about the Covid-19 passenger locator form at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA
Regulations requiring people entering the Republic from abroad to provide the address where they will be self-isolating for the required 14-day period have been extended for a further three weeks.
Upon arrival in the State at airports or ports, individuals are required to fill in a passenger locator form. The coronavirus measures are in place to allow authorities to check if individuals are self-isolating for 14 days as advised, and for contact tracing purposes.
Those who do not fill out the passenger locator form or who provide false details can face a fine of €2,500 or a prison term of six months.
The regulations were introduced on May 28th to last until June 18th, at which point they would be reviewed. A Department of Health spokeswoman confirmed on Thursday the regulations had been extended until July 9th, “at which stage they will be reviewed.”
READ MORE
“This means anyone arriving in Ireland will have to fill out a form and inform us of their whereabouts. This ensures we have an adequate contact tracing system in place,” she said.
The spokeswoman said public health advice instructing people to self-isolate for 14 days upon arriving into the State from abroad remains in place. However, she added this advice was “strongly recommended,” but not mandatory.
“We would ask that all persons arriving into the State follow this advice as closely as they can,” she said.
In recent weeks the Cabinet has discussed the potential easing of overseas travel restrictions, with the option of permitted travel between other countries where coronavirus has been controlled under consideration.
One source said Cabinet colleagues had begun to receive queries from constituents on when they could travel abroad on holidays again.
Insurance claims
Currently the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advises “against all non-essential travel overseas until further notice,” including Britain, but not Northern Ireland.
Several insurance companies have warned if holidaymakers decide to disregard the existing advice on overseas travel they will not be covered.
Zurich has advised customers that if individuals travel abroad against the DFA advice any insurance claim arising from the coronavirus pandemic could be denied.
Similarly Laya states if policyholders booked trips after the advice on non-essential travel was introduced they will not be covered.
In a statement, Insurance Ireland, which represents the industry, said while the wording of policies differ, “in general if a policy holder decides to travel at a time when the Government advises against non-essential travel, they would be in danger of invalidating their travel insurance.” The group said its “strong advice” is that policyholders “follow the Irish Government’s advice at all times.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-18--Plan for schools, places of worship, nail bars to reopen in North unveiled

Places of worship in Northern Ireland are to reopen from June 29th and hairdressers , barbers and nail bars from July 6th as part of further significant easing of the coronavirus restrictions announced by the Northern Executive on Thursday .
The North ’ s First Minister , Arlene Foster , said these were “ indicative ” dates which were dependent on the virus “ remaining under control ” and would be confirmed nearer the time as long as the reproductive rate of the virus – referring to how many other people a confirmed case went on to infect – remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details of the Executive ’ s plan for pupils to return to school which she described as a “ major step forward towards normality in our schools ” .
Pupils in the final year of primary school and in school years 12 and 14 , as well as vulnerable children in all year groups , will start school a week early , from August 24th , with the remainder returning the following week .
If physical distancing was still required , Ms Foster said , the Executive had agreed on the basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan on the basis of 1m distancing between pupils ” .
Individual classes up until year 10 will also be regarded as a protective bubble .
Teachers will return to work from August 17th , and are to maintain a 2m distance between themselves and pupils .
Ms Foster said the Education Minister had indicated that this would “ allow the school attendance pattern to return close to normality ” .
Guidance is to be issued to schools on Friday .
The Executive ’ s objective , she said , was to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all pupils as soon as possible when safe to do so ” .
Childcare will also reopen to all families , not just the children of key workers , from July 1st , and there will no limit to capacity with the exception of registered childminders .
From July 29th they will be able to provide childcare to four families , and this will rise to five families in August .
Plans were also announced for summer schemes for children with special educational needs and summer programmes for the children of key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be established for up to 10,000 young people , and a business case has been put forward to allow the Executive to extend free school meal provision over the holidays .
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland announced on Thursday that , as of June 16th , the R rate or reproductive rate of the virus was between 0.6 and 0.9 .
The seven-day rolling average of new cases was eight .
No further coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in the North on Thursday for the seventh time in the last 12 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the department stands at 543 .
One person tested positive for the virus in the last 24-hour period , and 1,027 tests were carried out .
In total , there have been 4,863 confirmed cases of the virus in Northern Ireland .
Individuals in Northern Ireland who have been instructed to shield will no longer need to do so from July 31st , as long as the rate of community transmission remains low .
Letters will be issued to the 95,000 people in receipt of shielding advice to inform them of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Deputy First Minister , Michelle O ’ Neill , said the evidence presented to the Executive on Thursday had been that “ community transmission is low ” , and this gave “ some headroom to enable us to signal our intention to make further easements , conditional easements , as per our plan ” .
“ This is a positive development for the economy as well as the wider wellbeing of the population , ” she said .
Archbishop Eamon Martin , the Catholic Primate of All Ireland , welcomed the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said it was “ particularly helpful ” that this would take place at the same time as in the Republic .
“ Parishes in cross-Border communities will be able to plan together for a safe return to Mass at the same time , ” he said .
“ I have been heartened by the amount of preparation which is already ongoing in our parishes to ensure that our sacred spaces will be as safe as possible when we begin to gather again together in prayer .
“ I expect that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first , and there will be a need for ongoing patience and careful monitoring of the situation .
”

Teachers will return to work from August 17th, and are to maintain a 2 metre distance between themselves and pupils. Photograph: iStock
Places of worship in Northern Ireland are to reopen from June 29th and hairdressers, barbers and nail bars from July 6th as part of further significant easing of the coronavirus restrictions announced by the Northern Executive on Thursday.
The North's First Minister, Arlene Foster, said these were "indicative" dates which were dependent on the virus "remaining under control" and would be confirmed nearer the time as long as the reproductive rate of the virus – referring to how many other people a confirmed case went on to infect – remained under one.
Ms Foster also announced details of the Executive’s plan for pupils to return to school which she described as a “major step forward towards normality in our schools”.
Pupils in the final year of primary school and in school years 12 and 14, as well as vulnerable children in all year groups, will start school a week early, from August 24th, with the remainder returning the following week.
READ MORE
If physical distancing was still required, Ms Foster said, the Executive had agreed on the basis of scientific and medical advice that “schools plan on the basis of 1m distancing between pupils”. Individual classes up until year 10 will also be regarded as a protective bubble.
Teachers will return to work from August 17th, and are to maintain a 2m distance between themselves and pupils.
Ms Foster said the Education Minister had indicated that this would “allow the school attendance pattern to return close to normality”. Guidance is to be issued to schools on Friday.
The Executive’s objective, she said, was to “see a full-time return to classroom learning for all pupils as soon as possible when safe to do so”.
Childcare
Childcare will also reopen to all families, not just the children of key workers, from July 1st, and there will no limit to capacity with the exception of registered childminders. From July 29th they will be able to provide childcare to four families, and this will rise to five families in August.
Plans were also announced for summer schemes for children with special educational needs and summer programmes for the children of key workers.
A summer food scheme will be established for up to 10,000 young people, and a business case has been put forward to allow the Executive to extend free school meal provision over the holidays.
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland announced on Thursday that, as of June 16th, the R rate or reproductive rate of the virus was between 0.6 and 0.9. The seven-day rolling average of new cases was eight.
No further coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in the North on Thursday for the seventh time in the last 12 days. The total number of fatalities reported by the department stands at 543.
One person tested positive for the virus in the last 24-hour period, and 1,027 tests were carried out. In total, there have been 4,863 confirmed cases of the virus in Northern Ireland.
Shielding
Individuals in Northern Ireland who have been instructed to shield will no longer need to do so from July 31st, as long as the rate of community transmission remains low.
Letters will be issued to the 95,000 people in receipt of shielding advice to inform them of the planned change, the department said.
The Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, said the evidence presented to the Executive on Thursday had been that “community transmission is low”, and this gave “some headroom to enable us to signal our intention to make further easements, conditional easements, as per our plan”.
“This is a positive development for the economy as well as the wider wellbeing of the population,” she said.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Catholic Primate of All Ireland, welcomed the decision to reopen churches in Northern Ireland, and said it was "particularly helpful" that this would take place at the same time as in the Republic. "Parishes in cross-Border communities will be able to plan together for a safe return to Mass at the same time," he said.
“I have been heartened by the amount of preparation which is already ongoing in our parishes to ensure that our sacred spaces will be as safe as possible when we begin to gather again together in prayer.
“I expect that we will be beginning in a cautious way at first, and there will be a need for ongoing patience and careful monitoring of the situation.”