theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Concerns raised over insolvency practice’s ‘business model’

An internal Insolvency Service of Ireland ( ISI ) report raised concerns about the business model of a company which provided advice to over 600 people in mortgage arrears under a State-funded scheme to assist distressed borrowers .
New Beginning was paid more than €330,000 under a scheme to assist distressed borrowers , but did not directly set up any personal insolvency arrangements to restructure debts , the report found .
The report , completed last November and seen by The Irish Times , raised concerns the firm ’ s business model was “ potentially problematic ” and had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , although it “ does not contravene the specific terms and conditions ” of the scheme .
In 2016 , the Abhaile scheme was introduced in response to the high number of households in serious mortgage arrears following the property crash .
The scheme provides borrowers with vouchers to obtain legal and financial advice paid for by the State .
Personal Insolvency Practitioners ( PIPs ) provide financial advice with the aim of finding a solution to borrowers ’ debts .
These can include a bankruptcy application , a referral to budgeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or a Personal Insolvency Arrangement ( PIA ) to restructure the debts .
In June 2017 , the ISI “ became concerned about activity at New Beginning ” , due to a “ lower level ” of recommendations for certificates to begin PIAs compared to other practitioners , the report said .
When New Beginning referred borrowers on to another company , the second PIP did not avail of a further Abhaile voucher , and “ the borrower was not asked to pay any fee ” , the report said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debtor advocate Ross Maguire , is no longer on the Abhaile panel of providers .
The firm had two staff registered as PIPs who would meet with borrowers availing of vouchers and then draw up a “ comprehensive letter of advices ” on their options .
However , “ New Beginning did not provide a service beyond this point and where the letter of advices deemed a PIA to be the most appropriate solution ” the firm would recommend the borrower “ appoint an alternative PIP ” to pursue the debt restructuring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 661 vouchers under the Abhaile scheme , and between October 2016 and March 2018 was paid in excess of €330,500 by the State .
The report found 30 files did not meet the scheme ’ s terms and the ISI was recouping payments in those cases .
Due to concerns within the insolvency service , payments to the firm were postponed for a period in October 2017 , it said .
The report found New Beginning had demonstrated “ a high level of technical compliance ” with the scheme terms , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 661 borrowers , a rate in line with the wider Abhaile scheme .
However , the report said “ ISI has reservations about the effectiveness of the business model employed by New Beginning .
Specifically the ISI is concerned at its potential impact on the level of formal solutions achieved for borrowers ” .
The policy of referring people to another provider to set up statutory debt arrangements “ requires already vulnerable debtors to engage with new PIPs ” , it said .
The report concluded while “ this model does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of the scheme , “ it has been actively discouraged by the ISI since mid-2018 ” .
In a statement , Mr Maguire said “ while I accept the ISI finding , I do not necessarily agree with it ” and the firm was “ satisfied that our model gave the very best outcome to clients ” .
New Beginning had an arrangement to refer all cases that required PIAs to Co Donegal firm McCambridge Duffy , who were “ better-placed than us ” to manage statutory insolvency arrangements , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have completed a very large proportion of all the successful arrangements in the State and many of the cases have been groundbreaking , ” he said .
Mr Maguire said the ISI had been notified of the agreement with McCambridge Duffy in 2014 .
New Beginning continues to offer debt management and insolvency services outside of the Abhaile scheme .

Barrister and debtor advocate Ross Maguire’s New Beginning firm is no longer on the Abhaile panel of providers. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
An internal Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) report raised concerns about the business model of a company which provided advice to over 600 people in mortgage arrears under a State-funded scheme to assist distressed borrowers.
New Beginning was paid more than €330,000 under a scheme to assist distressed borrowers, but did not directly set up any personal insolvency arrangements to restructure debts, the report found.
The report, completed last November and seen by The Irish Times, raised concerns the firm’s business model was “potentially problematic” and had been “actively discouraged” by the insolvency service, although it “does not contravene the specific terms and conditions” of the scheme.
In 2016, the Abhaile scheme was introduced in response to the high number of households in serious mortgage arrears following the property crash. The scheme provides borrowers with vouchers to obtain legal and financial advice paid for by the State.
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Personal Insolvency Practitioners (PIPs) provide financial advice with the aim of finding a solution to borrowers’ debts. These can include a bankruptcy application, a referral to budgeting service Mabs, an informal debt solution, or a Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA) to restructure the debts.
In June 2017, the ISI “became concerned about activity at New Beginning”, due to a “lower level” of recommendations for certificates to begin PIAs compared to other practitioners, the report said. When New Beginning referred borrowers on to another company, the second PIP did not avail of a further Abhaile voucher, and “the borrower was not asked to pay any fee”, the report said.
‘Alternative PIP’
The firm, led by barrister and high-profile debtor advocate Ross Maguire, is no longer on the Abhaile panel of providers.
The firm had two staff registered as PIPs who would meet with borrowers availing of vouchers and then draw up a “comprehensive letter of advices” on their options.
However, “New Beginning did not provide a service beyond this point and where the letter of advices deemed a PIA to be the most appropriate solution” the firm would recommend the borrower “appoint an alternative PIP” to pursue the debt restructuring, the report said.
The firm redeemed 661 vouchers under the Abhaile scheme, and between October 2016 and March 2018 was paid in excess of €330,500 by the State. The report found 30 files did not meet the scheme’s terms and the ISI was recouping payments in those cases.
Due to concerns within the insolvency service, payments to the firm were postponed for a period in October 2017, it said.
The report found New Beginning had demonstrated “a high level of technical compliance” with the scheme terms, and a solution was achieved for 33 per cent of the 661 borrowers, a rate in line with the wider Abhaile scheme.
Statutory debt arrangements
However, the report said “ISI has reservations about the effectiveness of the business model employed by New Beginning. Specifically the ISI is concerned at its potential impact on the level of formal solutions achieved for borrowers”.
The policy of referring people to another provider to set up statutory debt arrangements “requires already vulnerable debtors to engage with new PIPs”, it said.
The report concluded while “this model does not contravene the specific terms and conditions” of the scheme, “it has been actively discouraged by the ISI since mid-2018”.
In a statement, Mr Maguire said “while I accept the ISI finding, I do not necessarily agree with it” and the firm was “satisfied that our model gave the very best outcome to clients”.
New Beginning had an arrangement to refer all cases that required PIAs to Co Donegal firm McCambridge Duffy, who were "better-placed than us" to manage statutory insolvency arrangements, he said.
“Between McCambridge Duffy and ourselves we have completed a very large proportion of all the successful arrangements in the State and many of the cases have been groundbreaking,” he said.
Mr Maguire said the ISI had been notified of the agreement with McCambridge Duffy in 2014. New Beginning continues to offer debt management and insolvency services outside of the Abhaile scheme.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Housing plan in Dublin halted to facilitate Eastern Bypass

Plans to rezone land for housing in East Wall have been shelved amid concerns new homes could scupper the development of the Eastern Bypass under Sandymount strand .
A circular motorway around Dublin city was first proposed in the 1970s .
The western side of the circle was built in the form of the M50 , but the eastern side , which would have required a tunnel under , or bridge over , Dublin bay never went ahead .
However , plans for the road have remained part of national and local policy since .
Last year , in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council selected 20 plots totalling 55 hectares , which it plans to change from industrial zoning to residential or mixed-use zoning .
One of the larger plots was an 11-hectare site on East Wall Road , close to the port tunnel and the docklands , which could have accommodated hundreds of apartments .
However , the Office of the Planning Regulator and Transport Infrastructure Ireland raised concerns the rezoning could “ potentially prejudice the delivery ” of the motorway , particularly the first section which would connect the M50 to the south side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction of housing could compromise the ability to undertake future upgrade works to the existing tunnel .
The council has accepted these concerns and decided it would be “ premature ” to rezone the lands .
The planning regulator also warned the council against zoning a site in Kilmainham due to flood risks .
The Office of Public Works ( OPW ) also raised concerns that the site , to the north of Old Kilmainham Road close to the Carmac river , had flooded in the past and said it would be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lands for residential development knowing that an adequate standard of protection has not been provided ” .
The council agreed to postpone the zoning of this portion of land until a flood alleviation scheme was in place .
Councillors will on Monday night be asked to approve the rezoning of the remaining sites , which could accommodate more than 2,000 homes .
The sites are spread across the city , with a concentration in the southwest and northeast .
Lands include : the Mornington Business Park , a one-hectare site off the Malahide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all sides by residential development ; a vacant site , just 0.16 of a hectare , on Ballyfermot Road Lower , previously a coal yard ; and a site on Esmond Avenue , Fairview ( 0.2 of a hectare ) , which is used as a builder ’ s yard but could be suitable for housing .
More than 280 organisations , residents ’ associations and individuals made submissions to the council earlier this year on the proposed rezonings .
While many submissions were supportive of the rezonings , large numbers of residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their local areas .
Chief among their concerns was there was already “ too much ” housing in the locality and transport services and schools would be unable to cope with increased populations .
Other concerns included the uncertainty around the type of homes which would be built , including a fear of tall apartment blocks .

Plans to rezone land for housing in East Wall have been shelved amid concerns new homes could scupper the development of the Eastern Bypass under Sandymount strand.
A circular motorway around Dublin city was first proposed in the 1970s. The western side of the circle was built in the form of the M50, but the eastern side, which would have required a tunnel under, or bridge over, Dublin bay never went ahead. However, plans for the road have remained part of national and local policy since.
Last year, in response to the housing crisis, Dublin City Council selected 20 plots totalling 55 hectares, which it plans to change from industrial zoning to residential or mixed-use zoning. One of the larger plots was an 11-hectare site on East Wall Road, close to the port tunnel and the docklands, which could have accommodated hundreds of apartments.
Upgrade works
However, the Office of the Planning Regulator and Transport Infrastructure Ireland raised concerns the rezoning could "potentially prejudice the delivery" of the motorway, particularly the first section which would connect the M50 to the south side of Dublin port, and that the construction of housing could compromise the ability to undertake future upgrade works to the existing tunnel.
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The council has accepted these concerns and decided it would be “premature” to rezone the lands.
The planning regulator also warned the council against zoning a site in Kilmainham due to flood risks. The Office of Public Works (OPW) also raised concerns that the site, to the north of Old Kilmainham Road close to the Carmac river, had flooded in the past and said it would be "contrary to the guidelines to rezone the lands for residential development knowing that an adequate standard of protection has not been provided".
The council agreed to postpone the zoning of this portion of land until a flood alleviation scheme was in place.
Citywide spread
Councillors will on Monday night be asked to approve the rezoning of the remaining sites, which could accommodate more than 2,000 homes.
The sites are spread across the city, with a concentration in the southwest and northeast. Lands include: the Mornington Business Park, a one-hectare site off the Malahide Road in Artane that is bounded on all sides by residential development; a vacant site, just 0.16 of a hectare, on Ballyfermot Road Lower, previously a coal yard; and a site on Esmond Avenue, Fairview (0.2 of a hectare), which is used as a builder's yard but could be suitable for housing.
More than 280 organisations, residents’ associations and individuals made submissions to the council earlier this year on the proposed rezonings. While many submissions were supportive of the rezonings, large numbers of residents and residents’ groups opposed the plans for their local areas. Chief among their concerns was there was already “too much” housing in the locality and transport services and schools would be unable to cope with increased populations. Other concerns included the uncertainty around the type of homes which would be built, including a fear of tall apartment blocks.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Residents of Limerick retirement village face rent increases

Elderly and disabled residents of a Limerick retirement village say new owners have removed services , increased rents and issued some with tenancy-termination notices .
They fear management at The Park village in Castletroy plans to change the complex , which opened in 2008 and has 140 households , into a housing estate .
Written requests , signed by more than 70 residents , to meet the new owners have not been responded to , they say .
Limerick-based Fordmount Developments was granted planning permission in 2006 for a “ 55-bedroom nursing home ; 90 assisted living apartments ; 49 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as medical centre , recreation rooms , day-care room and other facilities on the 10-acre site off Plassey Park Road .
The brochure for prospective tenants said rent would include an on-site caretaker , refuse disposal , an emergency medical call system and use of clubhouse and its facilities .
Rents were set at €850-€1,100 a month .
When Fordmount went into receivership in 2009 , its loans were taken over by Nama .
The agency sold the Fordmount loans associated with The Park to Cereberus ( Promontoria ) in 2017 .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the grounds and recreation rooms – were sold in August 2019 for €6.85 million , according to the Property Services Regulatory Authority .
The new owners are Limerick couple Edel and Séamus Madden .
Residents who spoke about their fears include Frances Blackburn ( 82 ) , there since 2014 , Rita Cichorrz ( 70 ) , there since 2016 , Liz Lynam ( 76 ) , there since 2010 , Mairín Hagarty ( 76 ) , who moved there in 2008 , Sr Briget Moloney , there since 2010 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2009 , and Kevin Ryan ( 70 ) who moved there in May 2018 .
Others did not want their names used .
All chose the village for its services and location , close to public transport and the Castletroy Park Hotel and leisure club .
Among the attractions were the daily activities in the clubhouse such as yoga , zumba and art classes , along with coffee and scones each morning .
A weekly refuse collection from the residents ’ front doors was included .
“ I came understanding I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excellent , ” says Ms Cichorrz .
Since October , however , things have changed , the residents say .
The coffee and scones are no more and activities have been withdrawn .
Tenants were told in December the “ practice of leaving refuse outside doors and in corridors needs to cease ” and residents must carry their rubbish to heavy-lidded dumpsters at the back of the complex .
Some frail residents find this very arduous , according to Sr Moloney .
Two residents , including Ms Lynam , have been issued with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The owners say they intend to “ substantially refurbish ” their houses .
“ I was in such shock .
I still am not right , ” Ms Lynam said .
Though she has been offered an apartment or a different house instead , she said her house of 10 years was her home .
“ I am devastated.
” She , the other resident issued with an NTQ , and five residents issued with rent increases of up to 10 per cent , have cases before the Residential Tenancies Board and await @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which had served as a reception , is now occupied by four young men employed by a local IT company .
No new elderly people have moved in since last summer , the residents say , while the original website for The Park , which had outlined its attractions for elderly and disabled people , has been taken down , with the promise of a “ new website coming soon ” .
Dr Ryan called a residents ’ meeting in the clubhouse last week to discuss concerns .
It was attended by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as three elderly priests are among the residents .
On Friday evening Dr Ryan received a letter , signed by Ms Madden , telling him he had held the meeting despite her instructions not to do so .
“ Should you ever do it again , legal action will follow .
In addition , you should be aware that we are currently reviewing the full implications of your actions and the consequences may indeed impact on your tenancy.
” Limerick City Council told The Irish Times its planning enforcement section was “ aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warning letter ” to the new owners .
“ We will meet with the residents to determine the full facts and to advise them as to what action if any can be taken by the council.
” Neither owners nor management of The Park retirement village returned phone messages , email or a message left in person , from The Irish Times .

Residents of The Park retirement village are, from left, Rita Cichorz, Liz Lynam, Frances Blackburn, Kevin Ryan and Mairín Hagerty. Photograph: Diarmuid Greene
Elderly and disabled residents of a Limerick retirement village say new owners have removed services, increased rents and issued some with tenancy-termination notices.
They fear management at The Park village in Castletroy plans to change the complex, which opened in 2008 and has 140 households, into a housing estate. Written requests, signed by more than 70 residents, to meet the new owners have not been responded to, they say.
Limerick-based Fordmount Developments was granted planning permission in 2006 for a “55-bedroom nursing home; 90 assisted living apartments; 49 two-bed retirement housing units” as well as medical centre, recreation rooms, day-care room and other facilities on the 10-acre site off Plassey Park Road.
The brochure for prospective tenants said rent would include an on-site caretaker, refuse disposal, an emergency medical call system and use of clubhouse and its facilities. Rents were set at €850-€1,100 a month.
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When Fordmount went into receivership in 2009, its loans were taken over by Nama. The agency sold the Fordmount loans associated with The Park to Cereberus (Promontoria) in 2017.
Of the 140 dwellings, 119 – as well as the grounds and recreation rooms – were sold in August 2019 for €6.85 million, according to the Property Services Regulatory Authority. The new owners are Limerick couple Edel and Séamus Madden.
Residents who spoke about their fears include Frances Blackburn (82), there since 2014, Rita Cichorrz (70), there since 2016, Liz Lynam (76), there since 2010, Mairín Hagarty (76), who moved there in 2008, Sr Briget Moloney, there since 2010, Angela Fane (90), there since 2009, and Kevin Ryan (70) who moved there in May 2018. Others did not want their names used.
All chose the village for its services and location, close to public transport and the Castletroy Park Hotel and leisure club.
Among the attractions were the daily activities in the clubhouse such as yoga, zumba and art classes, along with coffee and scones each morning. A weekly refuse collection from the residents’ front doors was included.
“I came understanding I could live independently and also the services were excellent,” says Ms Cichorrz.
Since October, however, things have changed, the residents say. The coffee and scones are no more and activities have been withdrawn. Tenants were told in December the “practice of leaving refuse outside doors and in corridors needs to cease” and residents must carry their rubbish to heavy-lidded dumpsters at the back of the complex. Some frail residents find this very arduous, according to Sr Moloney.
Notices to quit
Two residents, including Ms Lynam, have been issued with notices to quit (NTQ). The owners say they intend to “substantially refurbish” their houses.
“I was in such shock. I still am not right,” Ms Lynam said. Though she has been offered an apartment or a different house instead, she said her house of 10 years was her home. “I am devastated.”
She, the other resident issued with an NTQ, and five residents issued with rent increases of up to 10 per cent, have cases before the Residential Tenancies Board and await its recommendations.
One of the houses, which had served as a reception, is now occupied by four young men employed by a local IT company.
No new elderly people have moved in since last summer, the residents say, while the original website for The Park, which had outlined its attractions for elderly and disabled people, has been taken down, with the promise of a “new website coming soon”.
Dr Ryan called a residents’ meeting in the clubhouse last week to discuss concerns. It was attended by a representative of the Diocese of Limerick as three elderly priests are among the residents.
On Friday evening Dr Ryan received a letter, signed by Ms Madden, telling him he had held the meeting despite her instructions not to do so.
“Should you ever do it again, legal action will follow. In addition, you should be aware that we are currently reviewing the full implications of your actions and the consequences may indeed impact on your tenancy.”
Limerick City Council told The Irish Times its planning enforcement section was "aware of concerns" and had "issued a warning letter" to the new owners.
“We will meet with the residents to determine the full facts and to advise them as to what action if any can be taken by the council.”
Neither owners nor management of The Park retirement village returned phone messages, email or a message left in person, from The Irish Times.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Roller hockey at risk due to lack of insurance cover

The future of roller hockey in Ireland is at risk after clubs were denied cover due to insurance companies pulling out of the Irish market , organisers have said .
According to Trish Buckley , head coach and administrator of the Irish Roller Hockey Organisation , 40 kids and 10 adults will soon be unable to play the sport unless they can source alternative cover .
The organisation , which has two teams based in Dublin , secured insurance for €650 in 2016 , rising to €800 in 2019 and were denied cover in 2020 .
The group , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously covered by Axa XL , one of the main underwriters for the sector , which has pulled out of the Irish market .
“ We ’ ll have to close .
We ’ re devastated .
Myself and my husband are the main trainers and we literally train every single one of them .
We have invested so much in this , ” Ms Buckley said .
“ It ’ s just devastating .
We told the kids and they were crying .
They ’ re going ‘ please don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain that it ’ s not up to us.
” A relatively new sport to the island of Ireland , the game involves five players per team , playing hockey while wearing quad skates .
The senior team plays internationally and won the Zaandam Cup last September and is scheduled to compete in the same cup in Amsterdam this year .
“ It ’ s a massive sport internationally , there are players all over the world .
And our little club , as small as we are , is known all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If this stops , it leaves the country again.
” Roller hockey is the latest leisure activity to face issues with insurance .
Organisations running waterparks , adventure centres , bouncy castles and zip lining have all spoken out in the past about high premiums or being denied cover .
Peter Boland , director of the Alliance for Insurance Reform , said he was concerned about the increasing number of sectors being affected by insurance issues .
“ It seems like they ’ re starting with the more obscure or unusual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand to many other sports , ” Mr Boland said .
“ Not every child wants to play GAA , or rugby or soccer.
” The Department of Finance said it acknowledged the problems being faced by some businesses , voluntary and community groups with regard to the affordability or availability of insurance .
“ Unfortunately , there is no single policy or legislative ‘ silver bullet ’ to immediately stem or reverse premium price rises or to increase capacity in the market , ” a spokesman for the department said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential challenge ” that must be overcome to deal with this issue was to bring the levels of personal injury damages awarded in this country more in line with those awarded in other jurisdictions .
A report by the Department of Justice last year showed that payouts for minor ankle injuries could be up to €54,700 in the State , more than four times the UK maximum .
The Government hoped to achieve this reduction through the Judicial Council , it said .

Members of Lucan Roller Hockey Club and Southside Roller Hockey Club training in Lucan at the weekend. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
The future of roller hockey in Ireland is at risk after clubs were denied cover due to insurance companies pulling out of the Irish market, organisers have said.
According to Trish Buckley, head coach and administrator of the Irish Roller Hockey Organisation, 40 kids and 10 adults will soon be unable to play the sport unless they can source alternative cover.
The organisation, which has two teams based in Dublin, secured insurance for €650 in 2016, rising to €800 in 2019 and were denied cover in 2020.
The group, which has never had a claim, was previously covered by Axa XL, one of the main underwriters for the sector, which has pulled out of the Irish market.
READ MORE
“We’ll have to close. We’re devastated. Myself and my husband are the main trainers and we literally train every single one of them. We have invested so much in this,” Ms Buckley said.
“It’s just devastating. We told the kids and they were crying. They’re going ‘please don’t stop’. And I have to explain that it’s not up to us.”
A relatively new sport to the island of Ireland, the game involves five players per team, playing hockey while wearing quad skates.
The senior team plays internationally and won the Zaandam Cup last September and is scheduled to compete in the same cup in Amsterdam this year.
“It’s a massive sport internationally, there are players all over the world. And our little club, as small as we are, is known all over the world,” Ms Buckley said. “If this stops, it leaves the country again.”
Latest activity
Roller hockey is the latest leisure activity to face issues with insurance. Organisations running waterparks, adventure centres, bouncy castles and zip lining have all spoken out in the past about high premiums or being denied cover.
Peter Boland, director of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, said he was concerned about the increasing number of sectors being affected by insurance issues.
“It seems like they’re starting with the more obscure or unusual sports and then it’s going to expand to many other sports,” Mr Boland said. “Not every child wants to play GAA, or rugby or soccer.”
The Department of Finance said it acknowledged the problems being faced by some businesses, voluntary and community groups with regard to the affordability or availability of insurance.
“Unfortunately, there is no single policy or legislative ‘silver bullet’ to immediately stem or reverse premium price rises or to increase capacity in the market,” a spokesman for the department said.
The spokesman said the “single most essential challenge” that must be overcome to deal with this issue was to bring the levels of personal injury damages awarded in this country more in line with those awarded in other jurisdictions.
A report by the Department of Justice last year showed that payouts for minor ankle injuries could be up to €54,700 in the State, more than four times the UK maximum.
The Government hoped to achieve this reduction through the Judicial Council, it said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Surge in rodent infestations blamed on new poison rules

Rodent activity and infestations have increased substantially in indoor settings including food premises since new regulations curtailed the use of rat poison , pest-control companies have said .
The National Pest Technicians Association ( NPTA ) in Ireland , who are due to meet Department of Agriculture officials on the subject on Tuesday , have also said rodents are now more difficult to get rid of once they are detected .
A survey of 60 member companies found the amount of detections of rats and mice in kitchens and other indoor areas has risen by 40-60 per cent following new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as high as 90 per cent .
“ We are really , really concerned in the industry , ” said NPTA spokesman Chris Izart who runs Owl Pest Control Specialists in Dublin .
“ The entire industry is really struggling.
” Rodenticides , or rat poison , were re-authorised throughout the EU in 2018 but with new rules .
The Department of Agriculture explained they were designed to “ prevent primary and secondary poisoning of non-target wildlife and companion animals ” .
“ Their use continues to be permitted , subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
since there currently are no satisfactory alternative products available to control rodent pests.
” As with members of the public and professionals such as farmers and game keepers , licensed pest-controllers can no longer use the poison as a preventative measure but only after the presence of rodents has been detected .
However , Mr Izart said , by the time rodents were discovered , it was often too late .
“ They are so small and quiet , usually you don ’ t realise they are there immediately .
And by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , ” he said .
“ There is probably a nest and that is what causes us all the problems .
Then we can deploy the poison.
” According to the NPTA survey , even when finally used , poison takes much longer to eradicate the problem – between six and 16 days longer .
Vermin are often less inclined to take it , particularly if they have established a preferable food source in food premises or restaurants .
Mr Izart said the UK approach , where rat poison could still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wild , was preferable .
The recent increase in detections has also been noticed by the Irish Food Safety Company , a 20-year-old nationwide consultancy for restaurants and other businesses .
Managing director Mary Daly said the level of rodent-related enforcement orders had increased in the past year , accounting for at least half of the total .
The regulatory issue “ is quite a new development and I think that ’ s why we are seeing more and more cases of rat infestation around the country ” , she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( FSAI ) , which manages inspections in food premises , said it had not noticed any trend in detections , it said pest-control problems continued to be cited in many enforcement orders .
Last year it noted an increase in the number of related complaints from consumers .
“ Complaints regarding poor hygiene standards in food premises cited live mice and evidence of rodent activity throughout food handling and storage areas , ” it said .

Rodent activity and infestations have increased substantially in indoor settings including food premises since new regulations curtailed the use of rat poison, pest-control companies have said.
The National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) in Ireland, who are due to meet Department of Agriculture officials on the subject on Tuesday, have also said rodents are now more difficult to get rid of once they are detected.
A survey of 60 member companies found the amount of detections of rats and mice in kitchens and other indoor areas has risen by 40-60 per cent following new restrictions in rodenticide use. Some put it as high as 90 per cent.
"We are really, really concerned in the industry," said NPTA spokesman Chris Izart who runs Owl Pest Control Specialists in Dublin. "The entire industry is really struggling."
READ MORE
Rodenticides, or rat poison, were re-authorised throughout the EU in 2018 but with new rules.
The Department of Agriculture explained they were designed to “prevent primary and secondary poisoning of non-target wildlife and companion animals”.
“Their use continues to be permitted, subject to the mitigation of the risks . . . since there currently are no satisfactory alternative products available to control rodent pests.”
Preventative measure
As with members of the public and professionals such as farmers and game keepers, licensed pest-controllers can no longer use the poison as a preventative measure but only after the presence of rodents has been detected.
However, Mr Izart said, by the time rodents were discovered, it was often too late.
“They are so small and quiet, usually you don’t realise they are there immediately. And by that time there is far more than one,” he said. “There is probably a nest and that is what causes us all the problems. Then we can deploy the poison.”
According to the NPTA survey, even when finally used, poison takes much longer to eradicate the problem – between six and 16 days longer. Vermin are often less inclined to take it, particularly if they have established a preferable food source in food premises or restaurants. Mr Izart said the UK approach, where rat poison could still be used preemptively inside buildings but not in the wild, was preferable.
The recent increase in detections has also been noticed by the Irish Food Safety Company, a 20-year-old nationwide consultancy for restaurants and other businesses.
Managing director Mary Daly said the level of rodent-related enforcement orders had increased in the past year, accounting for at least half of the total.
The regulatory issue “is quite a new development and I think that’s why we are seeing more and more cases of rat infestation around the country”, she said.
Although the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which manages inspections in food premises, said it had not noticed any trend in detections, it said pest-control problems continued to be cited in many enforcement orders. Last year it noted an increase in the number of related complaints from consumers.
“Complaints regarding poor hygiene standards in food premises cited live mice and evidence of rodent activity throughout food handling and storage areas,” it said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Coronavirus: Irish officials to decide on event restrictions as Dublin school shut

The Republic ’ s first case of coronavirus has forced the closure of a Dublin secondary school on infection control grounds .
More than 400 students of the school are today beginning two weeks off after public health officials ordered it to shut to prevent the spread of the disease .
Meanwhile , public health officials are expected to decide on Monday on restrictions that will apply to mass gatherings in light of the worldwide coronavirus outbreak .
The restrictions to be decided by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) may affect the St Patrick ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming months .
NPHET made the decision to close the Dublin school after learning that the first person in the Republic to test positive for the virus had became ill after returning from Italy and going back to school .
He is currently in isolation in a hospital in the capital .
Public health officials have ordered the closure of the school in order to minimise the risk of person-to-person transmission of the disease .
The decision was announced by NPHET at a briefing on Sunday evening .
“ Contact tracing has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes pupils and teachers of a secondary school , ” said Dr Tony Holohan , chief medical officer with the Department of Health .
“ Public health doctors are in direct contact with pupils , their parents and the staff involved.
” Dr Holohan called for patient confidentiality in this case , and all others , to be respected .
The department would provide updated information as necessary , he said .
However , the school was quickly identified on social media following the NPHET briefing .
Dr Holohan said no other schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason ” for any other school to close .
He also expressed opposition to any further travel restrictions on Italy , over and above those already in place.With more than 1,100 cases , Italy has the highest concentration of coronavirus cases of any state in Europe .
Parents of children attending the school last night received a letter from the HSE saying a case of novel coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) had been identified and “ to prevent the possible spread of infection ” the school had been closed until Monday , March 16th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students and staff at the school are being treated as possible contacts of the case , ” the letter states .
“ Because your child may have had contact with someone who has Covid-19 , it is possible that they might have picked up the virus and could become unwell or pass the virus on to other people.
” Public health staff will monitor children over the next 14 days “ as a disease control measure ” , according to the letter .
Parents are asked to isolate children from others “ without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease over this time and to contact their GP .
The letter asks students to limit their social interactions “ in so far as possible ” during this period , adding : “ This includes not having visitors to the house.
” Students have been told to avoid social gatherings and crowded settings , not to attend school , work or sporting events and to avoid contact with the elderly , those with chronic health problems and pregnant women .
They should not travel outside Ireland and have been told to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials .
Other household members do not need to restrict their activities .
Scotland last night reported its first case of the virus , while in France the Louvre museum remained shut over the weekend after the government banned large gatherings in confined spaces .

Public health officials are expected to decide on Monday on restrictions that will apply to mass gatherings in light of the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. Photograph: Jallaa Marey/AFP
The Republic’s first case of coronavirus has forced the closure of a Dublin secondary school on infection control grounds.
More than 400 students of the school are today beginning two weeks off after public health officials ordered it to shut to prevent the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, public health officials are expected to decide on Monday on restrictions that will apply to mass gatherings in light of the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. The restrictions to be decided by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) may affect the St Patrick's Day Festival and other big events over the coming months.
Those in contact with the case are being identified and will be contacted by Public Health doctors in line with best international practice. — HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 1, 2020
NPHET made the decision to close the Dublin school after learning that the first person in the Republic to test positive for the virus had became ill after returning from Italy and going back to school. He is currently in isolation in a hospital in the capital.
READ MORE
Public health officials have ordered the closure of the school in order to minimise the risk of person-to-person transmission of the disease.
The decision was announced by NPHET at a briefing on Sunday evening.
"Contact tracing has assessed that close contacts of this patient includes pupils and teachers of a secondary school," said Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer with the Department of Health. "Public health doctors are in direct contact with pupils, their parents and the staff involved."
Dr Holohan called for patient confidentiality in this case, and all others, to be respected. The department would provide updated information as necessary, he said.
However, the school was quickly identified on social media following the NPHET briefing.
Dr Holohan said no other schools were affected and there was “no reason” for any other school to close.
Travel to Italy
He also expressed opposition to any further travel restrictions on Italy, over and above those already in place.With more than 1,100 cases, Italy has the highest concentration of coronavirus cases of any state in Europe.
Parents of children attending the school last night received a letter from the HSE saying a case of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) had been identified and “to prevent the possible spread of infection” the school had been closed until Monday, March 16th.
“As a precaution, all students and staff at the school are being treated as possible contacts of the case,” the letter states. “Because your child may have had contact with someone who has Covid-19, it is possible that they might have picked up the virus and could become unwell or pass the virus on to other people.”
Public health staff will monitor children over the next 14 days “as a disease control measure”, according to the letter. Parents are asked to isolate children from others “without delay” if they develop symptoms of the disease over this time and to contact their GP.
No visitors
The letter asks students to limit their social interactions “in so far as possible” during this period, adding: “This includes not having visitors to the house.”
Students have been told to avoid social gatherings and crowded settings, not to attend school, work or sporting events and to avoid contact with the elderly, those with chronic health problems and pregnant women.
They should not travel outside Ireland and have been told to discuss travel plans within Ireland with public health officials. Other household members do not need to restrict their activities.
Scotland last night reported its first case of the virus, while in France the Louvre museum remained shut over the weekend after the government banned large gatherings in confined spaces.


theirishtimes--2020-03-03--Two charities for blind and visually impaired to merge

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland ( NCBI ) has announced plans to merge with Vision Sports Ireland , which provides services to sight-impaired athletes .
The merger is to be formally announced in Dublin on Tuesday .
The two organisations will now offer a range of improved services to each others ’ clients , with those supported by the NCBI now availing of the range of sports and training facilities offered by Vision Sports .
This includes blind/vision impaired football , golf , tennis , tandem cycling and swimming .
Vision Sports is also affiliated with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The charity is primarily funded by Sports Ireland but relies on its own network of volunteers to assist run its key events such as May Fest and Inclusion Games .
Derry-based paralympian Jason Smyth who is a board member of Vision Sports said the organisation had continuously encouraged and supported him as an athlete .
Smyth who has won five gold medals including the 100 metre final at the 2016 paralymics , said the organisation gave people who were blind or visually impaired “ the confidence to try something new .
“ To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could benefit from their work through this merger is really heartening for me , ” he said .
Vision Sports clients will now be able to avail of emotional supports , assistive technology , library services and rehabilitation training offered by the NCBI .
The NCBI offers counselling for people struggling to come to terms with sight loss as well as rehabilitation training , including independence and mobility training .
In addition NCBI offers “ low vision solutions ” , such as magnifiers and other aids , to help people to read standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice and training to either magnify or read aloud what is on screen .
It runs a library with large-print and audio books , and gives employment advice .
As a charity , NCBI raises €3 million annually to keep operating at current levels .
Its ceo Chris White said the merger “ is a really progressive step for NCBI as it will mean greater participation by people who are blind or visually impaired in such activities across the country .
This in turn will create a positive health impact and social benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate future the merged organisations will continue to use their own names while being part of the larger entity .

Ireland’s Jason Smyth (centre) pictured at the 2016 Rio Paralympics with Johannes Nambala of Namibia and Chad Perris of Australia. Photograph: Sergio Moraes/Reuters
The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) has announced plans to merge with Vision Sports Ireland, which provides services to sight-impaired athletes.
The merger is to be formally announced in Dublin on Tuesday .
The two organisations will now offer a range of improved services to each others’ clients, with those supported by the NCBI now availing of the range of sports and training facilities offered by Vision Sports.
This includes blind/vision impaired football, golf, tennis, tandem cycling and swimming. Vision Sports is also affiliated with the various governing bodies in these sports.
READ MORE
The charity is primarily funded by Sports Ireland but relies on its own network of volunteers to assist run its key events such as May Fest and Inclusion Games.
Derry-based paralympian Jason Smyth who is a board member of Vision Sports said the organisation had continuously encouraged and supported him as an athlete.
Smyth who has won five gold medals including the 100 metre final at the 2016 paralymics, said the organisation gave people who were blind or visually impaired “the confidence to try something new.
“To know more blind or visually impaired people could benefit from their work through this merger is really heartening for me,” he said.
Vision Sports clients will now be able to avail of emotional supports, assistive technology, library services and rehabilitation training offered by the NCBI.
The NCBI offers counselling for people struggling to come to terms with sight loss as well as rehabilitation training, including independence and mobility training.
In addition NCBI offers “low vision solutions”, such as magnifiers and other aids, to help people to read standard print. It also offers assistive technology advice and training to either magnify or read aloud what is on screen.
It runs a library with large-print and audio books, and gives employment advice.
As a charity, NCBI raises €3 million annually to keep operating at current levels. Its ceo Chris White said the merger “is a really progressive step for NCBI as it will mean greater participation by people who are blind or visually impaired in such activities across the country. This in turn will create a positive health impact and social benefits for the participants”.
For the immediate future the merged organisations will continue to use their own names while being part of the larger entity.


theirishtimes--2020-03-03--Girls and autism: Why are so many going undiagnosed?

Fourteen-year-old Lily Stevens may be from Cork – but she belongs to Gryffindor House .
Like many other teenagers , Lily loves Harry Potter .
She has read all the books , seen all the films and , of course , has the T-shirt .
When she was younger , she loved One Direction , but now it ’ s Queen that take centre stage .
And Lily also has autism – though you might not know it to meet her .
In fact , unlike her brother Seán who also has autism and was diagnosed aged four , Lily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and diagnosed .
“ Her teachers brought it to our attention , ” says Jon Stevens , Lily ’ s father .
They raised concerns around Lily ’ s social skills and her closeness to just one friend .
Jon and his wife Karen were shocked when the teacher suggested having Lily assessed .
“ She was so different to Seán that , when she was diagnosed with autism , it was just so hard , ” says Jon .
“ His is in your face while she keeps hers inside.
” A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after her diagnosis , he says .
When Lily first started school , she would cry a lot and hide in the classroom toilet .
“ When I think about it , she was obviously overstimulated , but we thought it was just common for kids to cry when they start school , ” he says .
The crying gradually stopped .
“ She found a friend , that ’ s what got her through.
” For people with Autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) early diagnosis and intervention is key , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not unusual for girls .
Research suggests that four times as many boys than girls have autism , with that ratio dropping to twice as many when an intellectual disability is taken into account , but some now also believe that not all girls with autism are being diagnosed .
“ I do believe they are being under-diagnosed and that is doing them a huge disservice , ” says Davida Hartman , director and senior psychologist at The Children ’ s Clinic .
While every individual with autism is different , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and females .
“ Younger autistic boys in my experience can often be more active , more deregulated and find it difficult to sit in class , ” says Hartman .
“ Whereas the girls in general are more compliant , and so are not disrupting the class.
” She says many girls and women mask their autism in order to fit in .
“ They are essentially living in a world , and school system , that has been designed for neurotypical people , and the strains of conforming to this world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , ” adds Hartman .
Kirsten Hurley , lecturer in autism studies in UCC , was 22 when she was diagnosed with autism and agrees that masking can be exhausting .
“ The research would indicate that it has a huge impact on someone ’ s wellbeing – some people have described it as a social hangover .
They are exhausted from it and need to recover , ” says Hurley .
Before she received her diagnosis , Hurley struggled in school and college and felt there was something wrong with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but her behaviour served to frustrate her teachers as opposed to flag her autism .
“ They thought I was just being badly behaved .
I was constantly being told ‘ you ’ re so clever if you just tried harder you could do this or do that ’ , ” she says .
“ I remember writing an A4 page of all the things that were wrong with me before going in to see a counsellor.
” She says her life would be very different now if her autism had gone undiagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to think about it , ” says Hurley .
“ There is no way I would have finished university without a diagnosis because I had to get support from the Disability Support Service.
” While some girls may receive a late diagnosis , others are misdiagnosed .
“ There is a growing body of research linking eating disorders with autism and calling for all girls with eating disorders to at least be screened for autism , ” says Hartman .
“ Many teenage girls who come to us for an eventual autism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or anxiety or other mood disorders.
” The lower number of girls diagnosed with autism limits the impact they have on how autism is understood .
“ If you have a group of people for a study and most of them are male and you derive your understanding of autism from that group of people , then you have criteria completely skewed towards the male aspects of autism , ” says Hurley .
Other studies indicate the existence of gender bias .
The research shows that girls were less likely to receive a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe as boys .
“ I think there is a lot of resistance to the idea that girls can have autism , ” says Hurley .
“ People still say to me : ‘ autism is really rare in girls , isn ’ t it ?
’ ” Gender is one of the criteria taken into consideration when allocating special education teachers to mainstream schools in Ireland .
If the number of girls with autism is higher than those with a diagnosis , are the all girls ’ schools at a disadvantage when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Further research the US and the UK also indicates the existence of a gender imbalance in referrals to an educational psychology service .
Myths around autism may also be contributing to the late , misdiagnosis or non-diagnosis of girls with autism .
“ There is a myth or misconception that autistic people lack empathy .
But this is just that , a myth , ” says Hartman .
“ The autistic girls , and boys , that I know are generally extremely sensitive , in fact experiencing an over-empathy , which is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to day.
” People with autism can display impairments in areas of social interaction , communication and in restricted interests and repetitive behaviour .
Girls ’ ability to mirror play can mask social and communication impairments .
And , while they may have restricted interests , the nature of that interest may not raise a flag .
“ They ’ ll often tend to like similar things to the other girls in their class and that might be another factor in preventing them being picked up by people , ” says Hartman .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , her intense interest was One Direction .
“ It looked normal to me , you ’ d expect them to be into ‘ boy bands ’ , ” says her father .
Girls may succeed in camouflaging their autism in the early years , but it becomes increasingly difficult as they get older and social interactions become more complex .
“ Autistic girls , as teenagers , I think are very vulnerable , ” says Hurley , “ We don ’ t have a safety curriculum , we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is kind of information that ’ s passed between people ’ s peers and if you don ’ t have that peer group then you miss that information.
” This is something that weighs heavy on Lily ’ s father ’ s mind .
“ I ’ m most worried about Lily on social media , she doesn ’ t see the danger in it , ” he says .
“ [ Girls are ] expected to know things growing up as a teenager but she wouldn ’ t know those signs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most.
” The reasons for the late or under-diagnosis of females with autism can be debated , but the lack of access to services and therapies is indisputable .
Lily , who was diagnosed aged 12 , has yet to access any services .
“ We haven ’ t even had a phone call , ” says Jon .
“ There has to be more support , it has to be quicker .
I have no idea when I am going to get a letter in the door to tell me she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of Irish students in school population with autism 4:1 – estimated proportion of boys versus girls diagnosed with autism in US 1 in 65 – estimated proportion of Irish students in school population with autism 63 % – proportion of all students with autism who are in mainstream classes in schools in Ireland 23 % – proportion of all students with autism who are in special classes at mainstream schools 14 % – proportion of all students with autism who attend special schools .
Sources : National Council for Special Education ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults : ‘ Many are socially isolated , not able to work and not able to access a diagnosis ’ Fiona Ferris , deputy chief executive of the autism charity AsIAm , says that when adults finally receive a diagnosis , it can be a difficult and bitter-sweet discovery .
“ There is an awakening because they think ‘ finally know who I am ’ but then a grieving because they imagine what it would have been like if they had known all these years , and then the lack of support that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it is felt they made it this far without support , ” says Ferris .
She says there is no diagnostic public process for adults on the spectrum .
“ You could go to a GP and be referred to a public psychiatrist .
But I know a lot of autistic adults , many of whom have been diagnosed in recent years , and each one of them has had to go privately , and even at that there is just a handful of psychiatrists or psychologists in Ireland who focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosis really is not an option for an adult , ” she says .
Ferris says research indicates that between 80-85 per cent of autistic adults are long-term unemployed or underemployed .
“ This means that if you are an adult seeking an autism diagnosis there is an 80-85 per cent chance that you are unemployed which means you ’ re not in a financial position to afford this assessment , ” she says .
“ Everyone should have the access to support themselves and understand themselves better without having to pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money involved in private assessments .
Everyone should have access to a public assessment for autism whether you ’ re a two-year- old or an 82-year-old .
“ How many adults are still socially isolated , not able to work and not able to access a diagnosis because they don ’ t have the money for it ?
”

Fourteen-year-old Lily Stevens may be from Cork – but she belongs to Gryffindor House. Like many other teenagers, Lily loves Harry Potter. She has read all the books, seen all the films and, of course, has the T-shirt. When she was younger, she loved One Direction, but now it's Queen that take centre stage. And Lily also has autism – though you might not know it to meet her.
In fact, unlike her brother Seán who also has autism and was diagnosed aged four, Lily was 12 before she was eventually assessed and diagnosed.
"Her teachers brought it to our attention," says Jon Stevens, Lily's father. They raised concerns around Lily's social skills and her closeness to just one friend. Jon and his wife Karen were shocked when the teacher suggested having Lily assessed.
“She was so different to Seán that, when she was diagnosed with autism, it was just so hard,” says Jon. “His is in your face while she keeps hers inside.”
READ MORE
A lot of things began to make sense after her diagnosis, he says. When Lily first started school, she would cry a lot and hide in the classroom toilet.
“When I think about it, she was obviously overstimulated, but we thought it was just common for kids to cry when they start school,” he says. The crying gradually stopped. “She found a friend, that’s what got her through.”
Delay
For people with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) early diagnosis and intervention is key, but the delay in Lily’s diagnosis is not unusual for girls.
Research suggests that four times as many boys than girls have autism, with that ratio dropping to twice as many when an intellectual disability is taken into account, but some now also believe that not all girls with autism are being diagnosed.
"I do believe they are being under-diagnosed and that is doing them a huge disservice," says Davida Hartman, director and senior psychologist at The Children's Clinic.
While every individual with autism is different, the presentation of autism can differ in males and females.
“Younger autistic boys in my experience can often be more active, more deregulated and find it difficult to sit in class,” says Hartman. “Whereas the girls in general are more compliant, and so are not disrupting the class.”
She says many girls and women mask their autism in order to fit in. “They are essentially living in a world, and school system, that has been designed for neurotypical people, and the strains of conforming to this world can be very damaging and stressful for them,” adds Hartman.
There is a myth or misconception that autistic people lack empathy. But this is just that, a myth
Kirsten Hurley, lecturer in autism studies in UCC, was 22 when she was diagnosed with autism and agrees that masking can be exhausting.
“The research would indicate that it has a huge impact on someone’s wellbeing – some people have described it as a social hangover. They are exhausted from it and need to recover,” says Hurley.
Before she received her diagnosis, Hurley struggled in school and college and felt there was something wrong with her.
She was a bright student, but her behaviour served to frustrate her teachers as opposed to flag her autism.
“They thought I was just being badly behaved. I was constantly being told ‘you’re so clever if you just tried harder you could do this or do that’,” she says. “I remember writing an A4 page of all the things that were wrong with me before going in to see a counsellor.”
Undiagnosed
She says her life would be very different now if her autism had gone undiagnosed.
“I don’t even want to think about it,” says Hurley. “There is no way I would have finished university without a diagnosis because I had to get support from the Disability Support Service.”
While some girls may receive a late diagnosis, others are misdiagnosed. “There is a growing body of research linking eating disorders with autism and calling for all girls with eating disorders to at least be screened for autism,” says Hartman.
“Many teenage girls who come to us for an eventual autism diagnosis have previous diagnosis of ADD, or anxiety or other mood disorders.”
The lower number of girls diagnosed with autism limits the impact they have on how autism is understood.
“If you have a group of people for a study and most of them are male and you derive your understanding of autism from that group of people, then you have criteria completely skewed towards the male aspects of autism,” says Hurley.
Other studies indicate the existence of gender bias. The research shows that girls were less likely to receive a diagnosis even if their symptoms were as severe as boys.
“I think there is a lot of resistance to the idea that girls can have autism,” says Hurley. “People still say to me: ‘autism is really rare in girls, isn’t it?’”
Gender is one of the criteria taken into consideration when allocating special education teachers to mainstream schools in Ireland.
If the number of girls with autism is higher than those with a diagnosis, are the all girls’ schools at a disadvantage when it comes to supporting their students?
Further research the US and the UK also indicates the existence of a gender imbalance in referrals to an educational psychology service.
Myths
Myths around autism may also be contributing to the late, misdiagnosis or non-diagnosis of girls with autism.
“There is a myth or misconception that autistic people lack empathy. But this is just that, a myth,” says Hartman. “The autistic girls, and boys, that I know are generally extremely sensitive, in fact experiencing an over-empathy, which is very difficult for them to cope with day to day.”
People with autism can display impairments in areas of social interaction, communication and in restricted interests and repetitive behaviour.
Girls’ ability to mirror play can mask social and communication impairments. And, while they may have restricted interests, the nature of that interest may not raise a flag.
“They’ll often tend to like similar things to the other girls in their class and that might be another factor in preventing them being picked up by people,” says Hartman.
Lily Stevens from Ballyvolane, Cork, is 14 and has autism but like many girls with the condition, she was diagnosed quite late. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
When Lily was growing up, for example, her intense interest was One Direction. “It looked normal to me, you’d expect them to be into ‘boy bands’,” says her father.
Girls may succeed in camouflaging their autism in the early years, but it becomes increasingly difficult as they get older and social interactions become more complex.
“Autistic girls, as teenagers, I think are very vulnerable,” says Hurley, “We don’t have a safety curriculum, we don’t talk about safety in relationships, that is kind of information that’s passed between people’s peers and if you don’t have that peer group then you miss that information.”
This is something that weighs heavy on Lily’s father’s mind.
“I’m most worried about Lily on social media, she doesn’t see the danger in it,” he says. “[Girls are] expected to know things growing up as a teenager but she wouldn’t know those signs. They are the things that worry me the most.”
The reasons for the late or under-diagnosis of females with autism can be debated, but the lack of access to services and therapies is indisputable.
Lily, who was diagnosed aged 12, has yet to access any services.
“We haven’t even had a phone call,” says Jon. “There has to be more support, it has to be quicker. I have no idea when I am going to get a letter in the door to tell me she has an appointment.”
Autism and education: in numbers
14,000 – estimated number of Irish students in school population with autism
4:1 – estimated proportion of boys versus girls diagnosed with autism in US
1 in 65 – estimated proportion of Irish students in school population with autism
63% – proportion of all students with autism who are in mainstream classes in schools in Ireland
23% – proportion of all students with autism who are in special classes at mainstream schools
14% – proportion of all students with autism who attend special schools.
Sources: National Council for Special Education; and US CDC.
Undiagnosed autism among adults: ‘Many are socially isolated, not able to work and not able to access a diagnosis’
Fiona Ferris, deputy chief executive of the autism charity AsIAm, says that when adults finally receive a diagnosis, it can be a difficult and bitter-sweet discovery.
“There is an awakening because they think ‘finally know who I am’ but then a grieving because they imagine what it would have been like if they had known all these years, and then the lack of support that follows. They are not a priority because it is felt they made it this far without support,” says Ferris.
She says there is no diagnostic public process for adults on the spectrum.
“You could go to a GP and be referred to a public psychiatrist. But I know a lot of autistic adults, many of whom have been diagnosed in recent years, and each one of them has had to go privately, and even at that there is just a handful of psychiatrists or psychologists in Ireland who focus on adult diagnosis. Public route to a diagnosis really is not an option for an adult,” she says.
Ferris says research indicates that between 80-85 per cent of autistic adults are long-term unemployed or underemployed.
“This means that if you are an adult seeking an autism diagnosis there is an 80-85 per cent chance that you are unemployed which means you’re not in a financial position to afford this assessment,” she says.
“Everyone should have the access to support themselves and understand themselves better without having to pay for it. There is a lot of money involved in private assessments. Everyone should have access to a public assessment for autism whether you’re a two-year- old or an 82-year-old.
“How many adults are still socially isolated, not able to work and not able to access a diagnosis because they don’t have the money for it?”


theirishtimes--2020-03-03--Why should students living at home subsidise those living in campus accommodation?

The housing crisis , as well as long commutes , were clearly major issues with many young people who voted for Sinn Féin in last month ’ s general election .
For many students too , many of whom travel long distances to get to university on a daily basis or pay high rents , accommodation was the defining issue .
As well as impacting on their academic studies , a tough travel regime and the need to do part-time work to pay the rent can limit students ’ participation in university life and limit the benefits of higher education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college in my final year in Trinity in the 1980s .
It enriched my time academically , culturally and socially and gave me many opportunities to participate in social activities with my peers .
I didn ’ t have to work to pay the rent , nor commute from my parents ’ house in Wexford to the college – and some students do that commute now .
In an ideal world , university students should have the option of reasonably priced accommodation on campus .
In an ideal world , there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there isn ’ t .
To build the extra provision of recent years on Irish campuses universities had to take out loans from the European Investment Bank or make business arrangements with private investors .
Loans , of course , have to be paid back .
On-campus housing in Irish universities is generally maintained to a high standard .
While the recent rent increases announced by some institutions have sparked off protests from students , the reality is that on-campus accommodation has to pay for itself .
It can not be cross-subsidised by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Why should students living in flats or at home subsidise those living in university accommodation ?
On-campus accommodation is , in addition , essential if we are to increase the numbers of international students coming to study in this country .
Being new to Ireland , they most of all need guaranteed accommodation for their first year of studies .
The universities are also able to rent out rooms when term ends to visiting academics , students , tourists and others .
This provides much-needed revenue that subsidises academic activities – in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partly paid from these commercial sources .
It ’ s one way we can offset the massive drop in public funding of higher education .
The income earned is ploughed back into essential academic activity .
Campus accommodation for students is now a feature of universities in Ireland .
It ’ s common in the UK and the US but not so common on the European mainland and there used to be very little of it in Ireland until the universities took action .
Universities recognise the benefits of such accommodation .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2015 report quoted US studies showing that students living on-campus are more likely to complete their studies , and in a separate study in the UK it was found that students in on-campus accommodation have a lower dropout rate of 4 per cent compared to a rate of 10 per cent for others .
This may well be because of the closer proximity to facilities such as libraries , study venues , restaurants etc , and the advantages of peer networks in sport clubs and societies .
Some Irish universities are already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for next autumn and the remainder will do so over the next couple of months .
Demand always outstrips supply ; in Trinity we have almost three applicants for each space .
Inevitably many will be disappointed .
When the first round of CAO offers is issued to first years in August , the mad scramble for off-campus apartments or digs begins in earnest , prompting the predictable media reports about a student housing “ crisis ” .
This race for a place to live in is complicated by the tight timeline between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers , which leaves a very short timeframe to identify and access accommodation .
That ’ s why universities try to house as many first-year students as possible .
The HEA report led to the National Student Accommodation Strategy which has resulted in a significant increase in purpose-built student accommodation ( PBSA ) .
At the end of June last year , a further 6,691 PBSA bed spaces had been completed ; 5,986 were under construction ; 8,577 had planning permission and 203 were at the application stage .
Much of this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Progress , yes , but we still have a way to go to meet the growing demand .
This summer Trinity will open Printing House Square on Pearse Street with 250 student beds , and we hope to construct more in Trinity Hall , Dartry .
The only way to solve the general accommodation crisis – including the student accommodation problem – is by increasing supply .
All political parties are agreed on that priority , which is a good starting point .
Who has the policies to make it happen remains to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trinity College Dublin and an engineer .
He is also chairperson of the Irish Universities Association .

In an ideal world there would be government funding for student housing, but there is not. Photograph: iStock
The housing crisis, as well as long commutes, were clearly major issues with many young people who voted for Sinn Féin in last month’s general election.
For many students too, many of whom travel long distances to get to university on a daily basis or pay high rents, accommodation was the defining issue.
As well as impacting on their academic studies, a tough travel regime and the need to do part-time work to pay the rent can limit students’ participation in university life and limit the benefits of higher education.
I was fortunate to live in college in my final year in Trinity in the 1980s. It enriched my time academically, culturally and socially and gave me many opportunities to participate in social activities with my peers. I didn't have to work to pay the rent, nor commute from my parents' house in Wexford to the college – and some students do that commute now.
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In an ideal world, university students should have the option of reasonably priced accommodation on campus. In an ideal world, there would be government funding for student housing, but there isn’t. To build the extra provision of recent years on Irish campuses universities had to take out loans from the European Investment Bank or make business arrangements with private investors. Loans, of course, have to be paid back.
On-campus housing in Irish universities is generally maintained to a high standard. While the recent rent increases announced by some institutions have sparked off protests from students, the reality is that on-campus accommodation has to pay for itself. It cannot be cross-subsidised by revenues from student fees or research grants. Why should students living in flats or at home subsidise those living in university accommodation?
On-campus accommodation is, in addition, essential if we are to increase the numbers of international students coming to study in this country. Being new to Ireland, they most of all need guaranteed accommodation for their first year of studies.
Rent out rooms
The universities are also able to rent out rooms when term ends to visiting academics, students, tourists and others. This provides much-needed revenue that subsidises academic activities – in Trinity, 80 Ussher lecturer salaries are partly paid from these commercial sources. It’s one way we can offset the massive drop in public funding of higher education. The income earned is ploughed back into essential academic activity.
Campus accommodation for students is now a feature of universities in Ireland. It’s common in the UK and the US but not so common on the European mainland and there used to be very little of it in Ireland until the universities took action.
When the first round of CAO offers is issued to first years in August, the mad scramble for off-campus apartments or digs begins in earnest
Universities recognise the benefits of such accommodation. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) in a 2015 report quoted US studies showing that students living on-campus are more likely to complete their studies, and in a separate study in the UK it was found that students in on-campus accommodation have a lower dropout rate of 4 per cent compared to a rate of 10 per cent for others. This may well be because of the closer proximity to facilities such as libraries, study venues, restaurants etc, and the advantages of peer networks in sport clubs and societies.
Some Irish universities are already accepting applications for accommodation for first-year students for next autumn and the remainder will do so over the next couple of months. Demand always outstrips supply; in Trinity we have almost three applicants for each space.
Inevitably many will be disappointed. When the first round of CAO offers is issued to first years in August, the mad scramble for off-campus apartments or digs begins in earnest, prompting the predictable media reports about a student housing “crisis”. This race for a place to live in is complicated by the tight timeline between the Leaving Certificate results and the CAO offers, which leaves a very short timeframe to identify and access accommodation. That’s why universities try to house as many first-year students as possible.
Completed
The HEA report led to the National Student Accommodation Strategy which has resulted in a significant increase in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). At the end of June last year, a further 6,691 PBSA bed spaces had been completed; 5,986 were under construction; 8,577 had planning permission and 203 were at the application stage. Much of this is in close proximity to college campuses.
Progress, yes, but we still have a way to go to meet the growing demand. This summer Trinity will open Printing House Square on Pearse Street with 250 student beds, and we hope to construct more in Trinity Hall, Dartry. The only way to solve the general accommodation crisis – including the student accommodation problem – is by increasing supply. All political parties are agreed on that priority, which is a good starting point. Who has the policies to make it happen remains to be seen.
Patrick Prendergast is provost of Trinity College Dublin and an engineer. He is also chairperson of the Irish Universities Association.


theirishtimes--2020-03-03--Will I lose my saved data on course choices under changes to Qualifax?

I ’ ve been using the Qualifax service online to research and store my course choices following my Leaving Cert in June 2020 .
I recently received an email telling me that all Qualifax accounts will be deleted in the coming weeks .
Can I do anything to protect my research ?
During my time as president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors , I played a key role in developing the website , which has proved to be a great source of information for both students , parents and educators .
Almost half a million people use the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and use its comprehensive career guidance tools .
So , I was very concerned to hear the Qualifax accounts facility is being deactivated in a few weeks ’ time .
Quality and Qualifications Ireland ( QQI ) is the national agency responsible for managing the website on behalf of the Department of Education .
I have sought and received its reassurance that this decision will not in any way diminish the quality of the existing service to you and the hundreds of thousands of other users .
Up until now , you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the option to create user accounts in order to save course searches , interest assessment results and points information .
QQI has advised me that to ensure continuing compliance with data retention regulations under GDPR regulations , it will discontinue the facility to create personal user accounts .
In addition , all existing accounts will be deactivated , and the associated personal data will be deleted from Qualifax systems on Friday , March 13th , 2020 .
As an existing account holder , you should have received an email from Qualifax about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deactivate the user account facility won ’ t affect your ability to use the website ; Qualifax already provides an alternative option to save searches without having to share your personal data or create a user account .
Nevertheless , I recommend that you print or download your saved information before March 13th by following the instructions linked from the Qualifax homepage on “ protecting your data ” .
I have been assured that despite these changes to user accounts , Qualifax will continue to provide its full range of services including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calendar , points calculator and interest assessment .
The search facility is especially useful and gives users access to full details on every third level CAO , further education , postgraduate course , and other training options in Ireland and beyond .
The “ interest assessment ” feature can help users refine their search to those subjects that genuinely interest them or identify all courses which require a specific Leaving Cert subject , as a minimum entry requirement .
Should you have questions about downloading and saving your personal information , contact the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Personal users’ accounts will be deleted soon from Qualifax, but it is possible to protect your data. Photograph: iStock
I’ve been using the Qualifax service online to research and store my course choices following my Leaving Cert in June 2020. I recently received an email telling me that all Qualifax accounts will be deleted in the coming weeks. Can I do anything to protect my research?
During my time as president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, I played a key role in developing the website, which has proved to be a great source of information for both students, parents and educators.
Almost half a million people use the service daily to research study and training opportunities and use its comprehensive career guidance tools.
So, I was very concerned to hear the Qualifax accounts facility is being deactivated in a few weeks’ time.
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Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the national agency responsible for managing the website on behalf of the Department of Education.
I have sought and received its reassurance that this decision will not in any way diminish the quality of the existing service to you and the hundreds of thousands of other users.
Up until now, you and other users of the Qualifax website have had the option to create user accounts in order to save course searches, interest assessment results and points information.
QQI has advised me that to ensure continuing compliance with data retention regulations under GDPR regulations, it will discontinue the facility to create personal user accounts.
In addition, all existing accounts will be deactivated, and the associated personal data will be deleted from Qualifax systems on Friday, March 13th, 2020.
As an existing account holder, you should have received an email from Qualifax about these changes.
Alternative option
QQI says its decision to deactivate the user account facility won’t affect your ability to use the website; Qualifax already provides an alternative option to save searches without having to share your personal data or create a user account.
Nevertheless, I recommend that you print or download your saved information before March 13th by following the instructions linked from the Qualifax homepage on “protecting your data”.
I have been assured that despite these changes to user accounts, Qualifax will continue to provide its full range of services including course search, tagging courses, events calendar, points calculator and interest assessment.
The search facility is especially useful and gives users access to full details on every third level CAO, further education, postgraduate course, and other training options in Ireland and beyond.
The “interest assessment” feature can help users refine their search to those subjects that genuinely interest them or identify all courses which require a specific Leaving Cert subject, as a minimum entry requirement.
Should you have questions about downloading and saving your personal information, contact the Qualifax team at qualifaxcomms@qqi.ie.
[ askbrian@irishtimes.com ]


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--New direct provision centre at Rosslare to cater for up to 100

A new direct provision centre will be opened in Rosslare for asylum-seekers who had been accommodated in emergency facilities near the port , the Department of Justice has confirmed .
The centre , which will provide independent living facilities for up to 100 people , will be located at the site of the former Rosslare Port Lodge Hotel .
The hotel was put up for sale with vacant possession in October of last year , with a price of €800,000 sought .
The Department of Justice said the premises was offered to it following a nationwide call for suitable properties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asylum-seekers who had been accommodated in a hotel , the Hotel Rosslare , will be moved to the new facility , which will provide dedicated independent living facilities for up to 100 people , in the coming weeks .
A consultation process will be run with locals in the interim .
“ The Department is endeavouring to provide the local community with as much information as possible .
A meeting has been arranged between Department officials and local representatives from the Rosslare municipal district tomorrow [ Tuesday ] to discuss what supports will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation centre and its residents , ” a spokesman said .
“ In line with successful models around the country , a ‘ friends of the centre ’ group will be established.
” The facility is to be managed by a company called Codelix Ltd .
The shareholders of the company are two individuals based overseas .
The premises will have a dining area , recreational spaces and an onsite laundry .
Applicants who are resident there will be able to access a range of State services and supports , including healthcare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as other service users , the Department said .
In the last year , the opening of new direct provision centres has proved controversial among community organisations , while the use of hotels for the purpose has also attracted criticism over the accommodation provided .
The Department of Justice was forced to turn to private hotel operators to provide emergency accommodation because the number of people arriving to seek international protection in the State increased significantly year-on-year , with a 40 per cent increase last year .
As a result , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels and guesthouses on an emergency basis .
The Department has been running procurement competitions to find new premises across eight regions throughout Ireland .
It is hoped that as new centres come on stream , the requirement for emergency accommodation will be reduced .
However , plans to open several new centres had to be abandoned last year amid campaigns of resistance .
In some instances , often disowned by those protesting , violent tactics were deployed , such as arson at a hotel in Rooskey , Co Leitrim , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Féin TD Martin Kenny , who had supported a proposal to accommodate asylum-seekers in Ballinamore , Co Leitrim .

The direct provision centre, which will provide independent living facilities for up to 100 people, will be located at the site of the former Rosslare Port Lodge Hotel (above). File photograph: Google Street View
A new direct provision centre will be opened in Rosslare for asylum-seekers who had been accommodated in emergency facilities near the port, the Department of Justice has confirmed.
The centre, which will provide independent living facilities for up to 100 people, will be located at the site of the former Rosslare Port Lodge Hotel.
The hotel was put up for sale with vacant possession in October of last year, with a price of €800,000 sought. The Department of Justice said the premises was offered to it following a nationwide call for suitable properties.
A spokesman for the Department said asylum-seekers who had been accommodated in a hotel, the Hotel Rosslare, will be moved to the new facility, which will provide dedicated independent living facilities for up to 100 people, in the coming weeks.
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A consultation process will be run with locals in the interim. “The Department is endeavouring to provide the local community with as much information as possible. A meeting has been arranged between Department officials and local representatives from the Rosslare municipal district tomorrow [Tuesday] to discuss what supports will be in place to facilitate the new accommodation centre and its residents,” a spokesman said.
Trailers and freight lined up at Rosslare Europort for import and export. File photograph: Alan Betson
“In line with successful models around the country, a ‘friends of the centre’ group will be established.”
The facility is to be managed by a company called Codelix Ltd. The shareholders of the company are two individuals based overseas. The premises will have a dining area, recreational spaces and an onsite laundry. Applicants who are resident there will be able to access a range of State services and supports, including healthcare, education and childcare on the same basis as other service users, the Department said.
Proved controversial
In the last year, the opening of new direct provision centres has proved controversial among community organisations, while the use of hotels for the purpose has also attracted criticism over the accommodation provided.
The Department of Justice was forced to turn to private hotel operators to provide emergency accommodation because the number of people arriving to seek international protection in the State increased significantly year-on-year, with a 40 per cent increase last year.
A new direct provision centre will be opened in Rosslare for asylum-seekers who had been accommodated in emergency facilities near the port. File photograph: Alan Betson
As a result, there are currently more than 1,600 people accommodated in hotels and guesthouses on an emergency basis. The Department has been running procurement competitions to find new premises across eight regions throughout Ireland. It is hoped that as new centres come on stream, the requirement for emergency accommodation will be reduced.
However, plans to open several new centres had to be abandoned last year amid campaigns of resistance. In some instances, often disowned by those protesting, violent tactics were deployed, such as arson at a hotel in Rooskey, Co Leitrim, and the burning of a car belonging to Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny, who had supported a proposal to accommodate asylum-seekers in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Universities do not exist ‘to produce students who are useful’, President says

President Michael D. Higgins has warned that the capacity of universities to provide a “ moral space ” for discussion is being eroded at a time of growing political populism .
Mr Higgins , who was opening a celebration of Trinity College Dublin ’ s College Historical Debating Society , said “ universities are not there merely to produce students who are useful ” .
“ They are there to produce citizens who are respectful of the rights of others to participate and also to be able to participate fully , drawing on a wide range of scholarship , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President said there is a growing cohort of people who are alienated and “ who feel they have lost their attachment to society and decision making ” .
He explicitly targeted US president Donald Trump ’ s political sloganeering , saying these alienated voters “ can become available for others who come and say to them ‘ I want to be your voice ’ .
” “ This is the background to ‘ Make America Great Again ’ , that nonsense - that ’ s all it is .
[ It is ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is exploitative of an alienated group.
” Mr Higgins said universities are relied upon “ to create that moral space where people will be able to evaluate different suggestions ” .
Asked by his interviewer , the broadcaster and historian John Bowman , if he feared that capacity was being eroded , the President said “ I do , straight up ” .
“ We have a fractured society and the university is the place to where you would go for putting things back together in relation to discursive options , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Examinations Hall .
He said universities and academics had become overly focused on the market , because of a sense that there was “ magic happening in the marketplace… when in fact actually what you had was a whole series of vulgar chancers ” .
The College Historical Society , or “ the Hist ” , claims to be the world ’ s oldest undergraduate society and is running a week-long series of events to mark its 250th anniversary .
Recalling his debating days in university , the President said debating is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have done it will remember the very first time they debated and the sensation it caused ” .

President Michael D. Higgins speaks to interview John Bowman during an event to makr 250 years of the College Historical Society of Trinity College Dublin, more commonly known as The Hist. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times.
President Michael D. Higgins has warned that the capacity of universities to provide a “moral space” for discussion is being eroded at a time of growing political populism.
Mr Higgins, who was opening a celebration of Trinity College Dublin's College Historical Debating Society, said "universities are not there merely to produce students who are useful".
“They are there to produce citizens who are respectful of the rights of others to participate and also to be able to participate fully, drawing on a wide range of scholarship,” he said on Monday night.
The President said there is a growing cohort of people who are alienated and “who feel they have lost their attachment to society and decision making”.
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He explicitly targeted US president Donald Trump’s political sloganeering, saying these alienated voters “can become available for others who come and say to them ‘I want to be your voice’.”
“This is the background to ‘Make America Great Again’, that nonsense - that’s all it is. [It is] just a wild shout. But it is exploitative of an alienated group.”
Mr Higgins said universities are relied upon “to create that moral space where people will be able to evaluate different suggestions”.
Asked by his interviewer, the broadcaster and historian John Bowman, if he feared that capacity was being eroded, the President said "I do, straight up".
“We have a fractured society and the university is the place to where you would go for putting things back together in relation to discursive options,” he told a crowd assembled in Trinity’s Examinations Hall.
He said universities and academics had become overly focused on the market, because of a sense that there was “magic happening in the marketplace… when in fact actually what you had was a whole series of vulgar chancers”.
The College Historical Society, or "the Hist", claims to be the world's oldest undergraduate society and is running a week-long series of events to mark its 250th anniversary.
Recalling his debating days in university, the President said debating is “a life-changing experience, most people who have done it will remember the very first time they debated and the sensation it caused”.