theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Just 18 Leaving Cert results upgraded out of 33,000 rechecks this year

Just 18 Leaving Cert results have been upgraded out of about 33,000 rechecks , according to figures released by the Department of Education .
The low number reflects the fact that the appeals process for the calculated grades this year was limited to data-entry checks and did not involve re-evaluating teachers ’ professional judgements .
The design of the statistical model or algorithm and the standardisation process used to adjust grades was also outside of the scope of the appeals process .
The appeals process is separate to the discovery in recent weeks of about 15,000 errors in the Leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 8,000 grades were higher than they should have been , while almost 6,900 were lower then they should have been .
These lower results were upgraded earlier this month , while students with higher grades were allowed to retain their results .
Separately , the 18 students whose grades have been upgraded on Friday as a result of appeals are being contacted directly by the department .
Higher education institutions will be informed of any potential CAO offers on foot of these upgrades .
The department said any candidates eligible for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible ” .
A total of 33,301 grades were appealed this year by a total of 12,215 students .
On foot of these rechecks , a total of 18 increased grades were awarded to 18 individual students .
Eleven of these were upgrades following an appeal by the student .
A further seven grades were upgraded following “ quality assurance checks ” as part of the appeals process .
This involved checks on the documentation submitted by schools ; the entry of that data on to the schools ’ data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the data through the various IT systems used in the generation of calculated grades .
Students who are unhappy with the outcome of the appeals process can invoke a separate process to have their appeal reviewed by independent appeals scrutineers .
These scrutineers are independent of the department and will check to ensure the correct procedures were followed throughout the appeals process .
Meanwhile , Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed that an independent review of the calculated grades controversy will take place .
Ms Foley announced earlier this month that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review of the design and implementation of the calculated grades process take place when the process is complete ” .
She said the review will include international expertise and will consider key aspects of the calculated grades process including the initial decision to adopt the model , whether it met its objectives , its effectiveness and how the process worked in terms of design and implementation .
Ms Foley said the review would also include effectiveness of the governance and oversight procedures and the lessons that can be learned .
She has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cycle exams will go ahead in 2021 , subject to public health advice .
Arrangements for next year ’ s exams will take account of the disrupted learning experience of past year , with a greater emphasis on choice in the questions .
There will be no change to the length of the written exams , while project briefs for relevant subjects ar being issued earlier than usual and practical course work is due to be submitted two weeks earlier than normal , as a contingency measure .

The appeals process is separate to the discovery in recent weeks of about 15,000 errors in the Leaving Cert calculated grades process. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Just 18 Leaving Cert results have been upgraded out of about 33,000 rechecks, according to figures released by the Department of Education.
The low number reflects the fact that the appeals process for the calculated grades this year was limited to data-entry checks and did not involve re-evaluating teachers’ professional judgements.
The design of the statistical model or algorithm and the standardisation process used to adjust grades was also outside of the scope of the appeals process.
The appeals process is separate to the discovery in recent weeks of about 15,000 errors in the Leaving Cert calculated grades process.
READ MORE
In excess of 8,000 grades were higher than they should have been, while almost 6,900 were lower then they should have been.
These lower results were upgraded earlier this month, while students with higher grades were allowed to retain their results.
‘Quality assurance checks’
Separately, the 18 students whose grades have been upgraded on Friday as a result of appeals are being contacted directly by the department.
Higher education institutions will be informed of any potential CAO offers on foot of these upgrades.
The department said any candidates eligible for a new college place will be contacted “as soon as possible”.
A total of 33,301 grades were appealed this year by a total of 12,215 students.
On foot of these rechecks, a total of 18 increased grades were awarded to 18 individual students.
Eleven of these were upgrades following an appeal by the student. A further seven grades were upgraded following “quality assurance checks” as part of the appeals process.
This involved checks on the documentation submitted by schools; the entry of that data on to the schools’ data collection system; and the subsequent transmission of the data through the various IT systems used in the generation of calculated grades.
Students who are unhappy with the outcome of the appeals process can invoke a separate process to have their appeal reviewed by independent appeals scrutineers.
These scrutineers are independent of the department and will check to ensure the correct procedures were followed throughout the appeals process.
Independent review
Meanwhile, Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed that an independent review of the calculated grades controversy will take place.
Ms Foley announced earlier this month that she had asked for a “comprehensive independent review of the design and implementation of the calculated grades process take place when the process is complete”.
She said the review will include international expertise and will consider key aspects of the calculated grades process including the initial decision to adopt the model, whether it met its objectives, its effectiveness and how the process worked in terms of design and implementation.
Ms Foley said the review would also include effectiveness of the governance and oversight procedures and the lessons that can be learned.
She has also pledged that the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle exams will go ahead in 2021, subject to public health advice.
Arrangements for next year’s exams will take account of the disrupted learning experience of past year, with a greater emphasis on choice in the questions.
There will be no change to the length of the written exams, while project briefs for relevant subjects ar being issued earlier than usual and practical course work is due to be submitted two weeks earlier than normal, as a contingency measure.


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Life under Level 5: What it would look like for the country

The National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) has recommended that the country be moved to Level 5 restrictions of the Government ’ s Living with Covid-19 strategy for a period of six weeks .
Cavan , Monaghan and Donegal are currently under Level 4 restrictions amid ongoing concern over the rate of infection .
The rest of the country is under Level 3 , though household visits were also restricted to essential circumstances this week .
Earlier this month the Government rejected a recommendation from Nphet that the country be moved to Level 5 .
Here is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I travel outside my county ?
No .
Under Level 5 you will be asked to stay at home , with the exception that you can exercise within five kilometres of your home .
The advice states that you should work from home unless you work in health , social care or other essential services that can not be done from home .
Can I have any visitors to my home ?
No .
There are to be no visitors to your home or garden .
Could I meet up with family or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a park ?
No .
Social or family gatherings shouldn ’ t take place in other settings either .
Does this mean weddings are cancelled ?
Weddings can still go ahead , with up to six guests allowed to attend a wedding ceremony and reception .
Are organised indoor or outdoor gatherings allowed to take place such as conferences , events in theatres or other arts events ?
No organised indoor or outdoor events can take place under Level 5 .
Museums , galleries and other cultural attractions all remain closed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with protective measures in place .
The Government ’ s plan says recommendations for schools , crèches , higher and adult education under Level 5 will be based on the “ situation and evidence at time ” .
Individual training only can take place .
Under Level 5 there are no matches or events to happen while gyms , leisure centres and swimming pools close .
What happens to pubs and restaurants ?
Bars , cafes , restaurants and wet pubs can only offer takeaway or delivery .
Nightclubs , discos and casinos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only allowed to stay open and face coverings must continue to be worn .
All other retail and personal services close .
What about Mass and funerals ?
Religious services will be held online while places of worship remain open for private prayer .
Up to 10 mourners can attend a funeral .
They are open only for those with “ essential non-social and non-tourist purposes ” .
Do over-70s and medically vulnerable people have to cocoon ?
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others and in activities outside home .
Specific guidance is also due to be issued regarding these groups .
Visits to long-term residential care facilities continue to be suspended under Level 5 aside from “ critical and compassionate circumstances ” .
Face coverings must continue to be worn on public transport .
People should only use public transport if they are essential workers or for essential purposes only .
People are advised to walk or cycle where possible .
Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25 per cent .

Nearly everyone will be asked to stay at home under Level 5 restrictions.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) has recommended that the country be moved to Level 5 restrictions of the Government’s Living with Covid-19 strategy for a period of six weeks.
[ An updated account of Level 5 restrictions for Monday, October 19th can be read here ]
Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal are currently under Level 4 restrictions amid ongoing concern over the rate of infection. The rest of the country is under Level 3, though household visits were also restricted to essential circumstances this week.
Hospital Report
Earlier this month the Government rejected a recommendation from Nphet that the country be moved to Level 5.
Here is what Level 5 restrictions would entail:
READ MORE
Can I travel outside my county?
No. Under Level 5 you will be asked to stay at home, with the exception that you can exercise within five kilometres of your home.
The advice states that you should work from home unless you work in health, social care or other essential services that cannot be done from home.
Can I have any visitors to my home?
No. There are to be no visitors to your home or garden.
Could I meet up with family or a friend away from my home, in a park?
No. Social or family gatherings shouldn’t take place in other settings either.
Does this mean weddings are cancelled?
Weddings can still go ahead, with up to six guests allowed to attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Are organised indoor or outdoor gatherings allowed to take place such as conferences, events in theatres or other arts events?
No organised indoor or outdoor events can take place under Level 5. Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions all remain closed.
Parks and outdoor playgrounds can remain open with protective measures in place.
Will schools close?
The Government’s plan says recommendations for schools, crèches, higher and adult education under Level 5 will be based on the “situation and evidence at time”.
Is all sport cancelled?
Individual training only can take place. Under Level 5 there are no matches or events to happen while gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools close.
What happens to pubs and restaurants?
Bars, cafes, restaurants and wet pubs can only offer takeaway or delivery. Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Are retail outlets, hairdressers/barbers allowed to stay open?
Essential retail is only allowed to stay open and face coverings must continue to be worn. All other retail and personal services close.
What about Mass and funerals?
Religious services will be held online while places of worship remain open for private prayer. Up to 10 mourners can attend a funeral.
Can hotels and similar accommodation stay open?
They are open only for those with “essential non-social and non-tourist purposes”.
Do over-70s and medically vulnerable people have to cocoon?
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside home. Specific guidance is also due to be issued regarding these groups.
Can I visit a relative in a nursing home?
Visits to long-term residential care facilities continue to be suspended under Level 5 aside from “critical and compassionate circumstances”.
What about public transport?
Face coverings must continue to be worn on public transport. People should only use public transport if they are essential workers or for essential purposes only. People are advised to walk or cycle where possible. Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Conflicting responses from Vhi over hospital coverage

A reader called Rosemarie got in touch in connection with Vhi .
“ I have been a member for 22 years and I changed my policy before my renewal due last August , ” she says .
“ I discussed this with a customer service rep from the Vhi in July 2019 and was happy to go onto this policy as it covered my closest private hospital the Bons Secours Tralee , the only private hospital in the county , ” she said .
Our reader subsequently used her cover when she was having her wisdom teeth removed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was renewed again on August 1st .
I stayed on same policy but I did not discuss this with the Vhi prior to renewal as I was happy with my level of cover.
” She says there was no issues “ until last week when I received a letter from Vhi ( following a claim submitted by the Bons Tralee on my behalf for day case procedures ) to say the Bons Secours Tralee was not covered on my plan .
I am now faced with a bill between €1,000 and €2,000 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out.
” She says she understands that the policyholder “ is advised to call Vhi prior to any procedure , which unfortunately I did not do on this occasion .
However , I am very unhappy with customer service from Vhi ” .
She says she contacted the company by phone after she got the letter and the company confirmed that she was no longer covered for Bons Tralee .
“ They advised me to write an email to head of customer service which I did .
I received a reply to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I was covered for the Bons Tralee .
I emailed again , due to the conflicting responses , and received an email yesterday to say I am not covered.
” She wants to know why Vhi had given her contradictory responses and how customers are notified if Vhi makes changes to hospitals covered on a policy as happened – or did not happen – in her case .
She also would like to know where on her policy documentation is there a list of hospitals covered by her policy .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am unable to find this list , ” she says .
She sent us the two pieces of correspondence from the company , one of which says her claim was not covered and another which said her claim was covered with an excess of €75 .
We got in touch with the Vhi and a spokeswoman confirmed that the plan our reader is on has no cover for Bons Hospital in Tralee .
She said that the company would “ like to move her to a plan that has cover for the Bons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a priority for her .
We did write to her prior to her renewal on August 1st and told her that her current plan no longer provided cover for the Bons Hospital Tralee and at that time we suggested an alternative plan for her and asked her to contact us .
We are anxious to resolve this for her and put her on a plan that will cover her for this hospital.
” The spokeswoman apologised “ that she was given incorrect information when she contacted us about her current claim .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once we can get the opportunity to speak with her ” .

A reader called Rosemarie got in touch in connection with Vhi.
“I have been a member for 22 years and I changed my policy before my renewal due last August,” she says. “I discussed this with a customer service rep from the Vhi in July 2019 and was happy to go onto this policy as it covered my closest private hospital the Bons Secours Tralee, the only private hospital in the county,” she said.
Our reader subsequently used her cover when she was having her wisdom teeth removed in the hospital last October. “My policy was renewed again on August 1st. I stayed on same policy but I did not discuss this with the Vhi prior to renewal as I was happy with my level of cover.”
She says there was no issues “until last week when I received a letter from Vhi (following a claim submitted by the Bons Tralee on my behalf for day case procedures) to say the Bons Secours Tralee was not covered on my plan. I am now faced with a bill between €1,000 and €2,000 for a couple of tests and procedures carried out.”
READ MORE
She says she understands that the policyholder “is advised to call Vhi prior to any procedure, which unfortunately I did not do on this occasion. However, I am very unhappy with customer service from Vhi”.
Miscommunication’
She says she contacted the company by phone after she got the letter and the company confirmed that she was no longer covered for Bons Tralee. “They advised me to write an email to head of customer service which I did. I received a reply to say there was a ‘
miscommunication’ and that I was covered for the Bons Tralee. I emailed again, due to the conflicting responses , and received an email yesterday to say I am not covered.”
She wants to know why Vhi had given her contradictory responses and how customers are notified if Vhi makes changes to hospitals covered on a policy as happened – or did not happen – in her case. She also would like to know where on her policy documentation is there a list of hospitals covered by her policy. “I have viewed my documents several times and am unable to find this list,” she says.
She sent us the two pieces of correspondence from the company, one of which says her claim was not covered and another which said her claim was covered with an excess of €75.
We got in touch with the Vhi and a spokeswoman confirmed that the plan our reader is on has no cover for Bons Hospital in Tralee. She said that the company would “like to move her to a plan that has cover for the Bons Hospital in Tralee as clearly this is a priority for her . We did write to her prior to her renewal on August 1st and told her that her current plan no longer provided cover for the Bons Hospital Tralee and at that time we suggested an alternative plan for her and asked her to contact us. We are anxious to resolve this for her and put her on a plan that will cover her for this hospital.”
The spokeswoman apologised “that she was given incorrect information when she contacted us about her current claim. We will put this right for the customer once we can get the opportunity to speak with her”.


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--HSE proposes taking over up to 40% of activity in private hospitals

The Health Service Executive ( HSE ) has proposed taking over up to 40 per cent of activity in private hospitals , potentially for two years , to deal with further surges in Covid-19 cases .
It is understood that under its proposals the HSE is seeking private hospital facilities to provide “ time-dependent ” complex medical and surgical treatment for public patients in a non-Covid environment .
However , in some cases patients with Covid-19 would be treated in private hospitals under the HSE proposals .
The HSE said on Friday it was “ engaging with private hospitals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels ” .
It did not answer questions on how many private hospitals had so far agreed to its proposals .
The HSE said the areas on which it was engaging with the private sector included : “ A safety net agreement for activation in the case of a further extreme Covid-19 surge in the near future .
It is designed to facilitate a rapid response to the challenges which this situation would present to patients , to private hospitals and to the HSE .
“ Secondly due to the ongoing impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hospitals ’ restricted capacity to deliver non-Covid care the HSE has tendered for private hospitals services to provide different services to support the public health system in delivering services and ensure continuity .
Examples of these services include – provision of inpatient treatment and care for time dependent and urgent care , inpatient scheduled care such as orthopaedics , outpatient services and access to diagnostic services.
” The HSE proposals have been criticised by doctors working in the private sector as being “ poorly thought out ” and not fully grasping that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity and are dealing with patients with conditions that are equally as complex as those in the public system .
Since the-then government terminated the State ’ s three-month takeover of private hospitals at the end of June , the HSE has been in negotiations with the independent hospital sector on a successor agreement to deal with any future surge in Covid-19 cases .
Under its latest proposals the HSE is not seeking to take over the full operational capacity of private hospitals .
Instead as part of talks with individual private hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would provide for guaranteed access on a pre-agreed basis to 40 per cent of the typical in-patient and day-case activity levels on a graduated basis .
It is understood the HSE is seeking an “ all inclusive ” package of care to be provided under any new agreement including the services of doctors in the private hospital .
This would be paid for in overall fee .
It would be up to the private hospital to make arrangements for such an overall package of care .
The HSE would not envisage having any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the HSE is understood to want provision in any new agreement to send some of its own clinical or other staff to private hospitals to deal with a particular service requirement and in such a scenario this would be reflected in the price that it paid for the package of care .
In such circumstances the HSE would deal with the indemnity cover for the doctors concerned .
If a private hospital wanted to offer additional capacity to the HSE over the maximum of 40 per cent set out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a separate agreement .
It is understood the proposals envisage that where a public patient was treated as a private patient under a new agreement , any income received from a health insurance company with respect of the particular case would be offset against the bill paid by the HSE .
Patients who are liable for statutory public hospital charges would be billed for these by the private hospital under the proposals and income received would be offset against costs charged to the HSE .
The HSE has proposed that any new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 months .
However , there would be a review after a year that would look at developments regarding the pandemic including treatments or the availability of a Covid-19 vaccine .
After the mid-point review , a private hospital or the HSE could end the arrangements on foot of one month ’ s notice .
The HSE proposed that among the measures that would lead to a triggering of its proposals for the private hospitals would be : There would be a five -day maximum period of notice from the time the provisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point where the HSE would have access to the private hospital capacity .
Members of the Medical and Dental Consultants ’ Association , a new organisation set up recently that represents medical specialists in the private sector , on Thursday night expressed unhappiness with the HSE proposals .
It said although it would be supportive of measures in the national interest , the HSE proposals were poorly thought out .
It said the HSE still did not fully grasp how private hospitals functioned .
It said private hospitals were operating at full capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with cases that were equally as complex as those in the public system .
Last weekend , Brian Fitzgerald , the deputy chief executive of the Beacon Hospital , told the annual conference of the Irsh Hospital Consultants Association his board at that point was “ not inclined ” to sign a new agreement with the Government and HSE .
However , he said if there was a major crisis , hospitals such as the Beacon would step up and do what it could .

The HSE has said it is “engaging with private hospitals to provide services at a number of different levels”
The HSE is seeking to take over up to 40 per cent of activity in private hospitals, potentially for two years, to deal with further surges in Covid-19 cases.
Under its proposals the HSE is seeking private hospital facilities to provide “time-dependent” complex medical and surgical treatment for public patients in a non-Covid environment.
However, in some cases patients with Covid-19 would be treated in private hospitals.
The HSE said on Friday it was “engaging with private hospitals to provide services at a number of different levels”.
READ MORE
The HSE did not answer questions on how many private hospitals had so far agreed to its proposals. However within the private hospital sector it is believed by senior figures that few, if any, have signed up so far.
The HSE said it was in talks with the private sector on a “safety-net agreement for activation in the case of a further extreme Covid-19 surge in the near future”.
It also said it had tendered for private hospitals to provide different services such as provision of in-patient treatment and care for time-dependent and urgent care, inpatient scheduled care such as orthopaedics, outpatient services and access to diagnostic services.”
Members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association, a new organisation set up recently which represents specialists in the private sector, expressed unhappiness at the proposals. It maintained they were "poorly thought out" and did not fully grasp that private hospitals were currently operating at full capacity and were dealing with patients with conditions that were equally as complex as those in the public system.
Guaranteed access
The HSE is not seeking to take over fully private hospitals as it did in the spring. Instead it is looking for an accord which would provide for guaranteed access on a pre-agreed basis to 40 per cent of the typical in-patient and day-case activity levels on a graduated basis.
The HSE is seeking an “all inclusive” package of care to be provided, including the services of doctors in the private hospital . This would be paid for in an overall fee based on the average cost for similar procedures in the public system based on consumables and staff costs.
It would be up to the private hospital to make arrangements for such an overall package of care. The HSE would not have a direct contractual arrangement with consultants.
However, the HSE is understood to want provision to send some of its own clinical or other staff to private hospitals to deal with a particular service requirement.
It is understood the proposals envisage that where a public patient was treated as a private patient, any income received from a health insurer would be offset against the bill paid by the HSE.
Patients who are liable for statutory public hospital charges would be billed for these by the private hospital.
The HSE has proposed any new agreement would run for 24 months. However, there would be a review after a year which would look at developments, including treatments or the availability of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Infection rate
Among the measures that would lead to a triggering of the HSE proposals would be the national Covid-19 infection rate in the community, the level of hospitalisation and ICU occupancy.
Most private hospitals contacted on Friday declined to comment.
The Bon Secours Health System said:"Discussions have been ongoing intermittently for months on a second wave, and were escalated this week by the HSE. Any agreement would need the approval of our board and the commitment of our consultant colleagues."


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Two men arrested over fatal Ballyfermot shooting

Two men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting in July of a man ( 55 ) at a house in Ballyfermot , Dublin .
The victim was killed after opening the front door of a house at Croftwood Park at about 11am on July 27th .
He had been living in the UK and had arrived home to Ireland about a week previously .
He was staying in the home of his elderly mother when he was killed .
The victim was not known to gardaí and is not thought to have been involved in gangland crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , at least one person close to him is believed to be involved with a local criminal gang whose leader has been a target of the Criminal Assets Bureau in recent years .
Two men were arrested on Friday morning over the shooting .
The men , aged in their early 30s and mid-20s , are detained at Lucan and Clondalkin Garda stations .
Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone with information on the shooting to contact Ballyfermot Garda Station on 01 666 7200 , the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 @ @ @ @ @ @

Gardaí at the scene where a man was shot dead in Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan
Two men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting in July of a man (55) at a house in Ballyfermot, Dublin.
The victim was killed after opening the front door of a house at Croftwood Park at about 11am on July 27th.
He had been living in the UK and had arrived home to Ireland about a week previously. He was staying in the home of his elderly mother when he was killed.
The victim was not known to gardaí and is not thought to have been involved in gangland crime either here or in the UK. However, at least one person close to him is believed to be involved with a local criminal gang whose leader has been a target of the Criminal Assets Bureau in recent years.
READ MORE
Two men were arrested on Friday morning over the shooting. The men, aged in their early 30s and mid-20s, are detained at Lucan and Clondalkin Garda stations.
Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone with information on the shooting to contact Ballyfermot Garda Station on 01 666 7200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Anti-mask protesters a dangerous influence on the young, says Diarmuid Martin

The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin , Diarmuid Martin , has expressed concern that anti-mask protesters are a dangerous influence on young people when denying that there is a pandemic .
Public health was about responsibility , but there were people who protested out of a lack of responsibility and some protested because of ideology linked to other agendas , he said on Newstalk ’ s Pat Kenny show .
The archbishop spoke of his time as the Vatican ’ s diplomatic representative to UN organisation in Geneva , including the World Health Organization .
“ I was there when there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had spoken to at the time said countries should be ready for an outbreak , “ and most of us were not.
” There had been an attitude that if a disease arose , there would be a vaccine quickly , but that was not the case with Covid , Dr Martin said , adding when it came to public health , personal responsibility was important .
Dr Martin said that the “ very aggressive ” people who had attacked his car when he attended Eid celebrations in Croke Park clearly did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ archbishop said the people who organised and attended anti-mask rallies were very organised and he was worried that might have an influence on young people .
Elsewhere in Europe young people were being influenced by neo-Nazis , and he was concerned they were denying there was a pandemic , he said .
When he was attacked in his car outside Croke Park he said he could hear background music with “ hymns to Our Lady ” .
“ These are very strange people ” .
They were irrational and when they became violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding religious people should be concerned that some of the protesters were using religion as an excuse .
Dr Martin said people had become frustrated and there was a danger that if normal human interactions were blocked that could create mental health issues .
“ There has to be light at the end of the tunnel.
” “ We need to create a senses of solidarity , it is there , but people are frustrated .
We need ways of injecting hope , and that ’ s where religious groups come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on gatherings were required when there were spikes , Ireland was the only country with a blanket ban on public worship , Dr Martin said .
It was important for the well-being and spiritual health of people to know there was an exit strategy to allow a return to worship , he said .
According to Dr Martin , online services were a temporary measure but he said the church had to embrace people with different levels of religious adherence , adding it would be necessary to move away from institutionalised methods to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to develop those .
“ It will be a different church when we come out of Covid .
”

The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, has expressed concern that anti-mask protesters are a dangerous influence on young people when denying that there is a pandemic.
Public health was about responsibility, but there were people who protested out of a lack of responsibility and some protested because of ideology linked to other agendas, he said on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny show.
The archbishop spoke of his time as the Vatican’s diplomatic representative to UN organisation in Geneva, including the World Health Organization. “I was there when there was the Sars outbreak.” Experts he had spoken to at the time said countries should be ready for an outbreak, “and most of us were not.”
There had been an attitude that if a disease arose, there would be a vaccine quickly, but that was not the case with Covid, Dr Martin said, adding when it came to public health, personal responsibility was important.
READ MORE
Dr Martin said that the “very aggressive” people who had attacked his car when he attended Eid celebrations in Croke Park clearly did not understand what religious tolerance meant.
The archbishop said the people who organised and attended anti-mask rallies were very organised and he was worried that might have an influence on young people.
Elsewhere in Europe young people were being influenced by neo-Nazis, and he was concerned they were denying there was a pandemic, he said.
When he was attacked in his car outside Croke Park he said he could hear background music with “hymns to Our Lady”.
“These are very strange people”. They were irrational and when they became violent that was a problem, Dr Martin said, adding religious people should be concerned that some of the protesters were using religion as an excuse.
Dr Martin said people had become frustrated and there was a danger that if normal human interactions were blocked that could create mental health issues. “There has to be light at the end of the tunnel.”
“We need to create a senses of solidarity, it is there, but people are frustrated. We need ways of injecting hope, and that’s where religious groups come in.”
While he understood that restrictions on gatherings were required when there were spikes, Ireland was the only country with a blanket ban on public worship, Dr Martin said. It was important for the well-being and spiritual health of people to know there was an exit strategy to allow a return to worship, he said.
According to Dr Martin, online services were a temporary measure but he said the church had to embrace people with different levels of religious adherence, adding it would be necessary to move away from institutionalised methods to a personalised sense of religious values and to develop those.
“It will be a different church when we come out of Covid.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Coronavirus: Government considers advice to move to Level 5 as Taoiseach warns of ‘enormous economic

Coronavirus: Government considers advice to move to Level 5 as Taoiseach warns of ‘enormous economic consequences’

Senior Government figures are to hold a crunch meeting on Saturday to consider the recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team that the country be moved to Level 5 restrictions for a period of six weeks .
Public health officials in Nphet wrote to the Government following their meeting on Thursday to make the recommendation , after a significant increase in infection levels .
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said case numbers had nearly doubled and the number of hospitalised patients was growing faster than the exponential growth models predicted .
Dr Holohan warned that Covid-19 was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trajectory of the disease was rapidly deteriorating .
Under Level 5 , people are told not to visit other people or have social or family gatherings , weddings can have a maximum of six guests and 10 mourners are allowed at funerals .
Bars cafés and restaurants can provide takeaway service only , while only essential retail can open .
Schools will operate under “ recommendations based on situation and evidence at time ” , according to the guidelines , while people will be required to stay at home and only exercise within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s news comes after the Government put three border counties - Cavan , Monaghan and Donegal - into Level 4 amid ongoing concern over the rate of infection .
Household visits were also restricted to essential circumstances across the rest of the Republic , which is in Level 3 of the five-level coronavirus alert system .
Speaking in Brussels Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the three party leaders in Government would meet on Saturday with the ministers for finance and public expenditure .
“ Obviously this is very serious advice .
It has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be given clarity around it , ” he told reporters .
“ There have been meetings this morning .
I agree with Nphet in terms of the priorities we all share in protecting the vulnerable and elderly and making sure children continue to go to school .
“ There are enormous economic consequences .
We have just had a budget that identifies a significant deficit this year and next year .
We moved to Level 3 already and also said to people no visitors to your home .
We take advice from Nphet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration .
I don ’ t want to put a timeline on it .
We want to have situation well documented.
” Some ministers said privately on Friday they believed would be less resistance to a move to Level 5 due to several factors , including the progress of the disease since the last recommendation , and the lack of a shock factor associated with the latest urgings from Nphet .
The fact that the country is moving up through the levels of restrictions will also be a factor , a Minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential categories of workers , which may help economic activity continue moreso than during the period of lockdown this spring .
Earlier this month the Government rejected a recommendation from Nphet that the country be moved to Level 5 with Tánaiste remarking that the advice “ had not been thought through ” .
On Friday Mr Varadkar said a second lockdown would be a lot more difficult than the first .
He said the public would “ want to know what the exit exit strategy was what the target was and at what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ( lower level again ) ” .
Mr Varadkar said he has yet to receive the letter from Nphet with the recommendation and would like to consider the advice , the recommendations the implications and then make a decision .
He said it was unlikely that the Cabinet would meet today although there would be a meeting of the oversight committee , which is the conduit between Nphet and the Government.. Mr Varadkar confirmed preliminary work has been done on what will be entailed with a lockdown including working out an exit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets would be needed in order to lower levels .
He was speaking alongside Minister of State Peter Burke at an announcement of 700 jobs by distribution company , DPD Ireland , due to a 73 per cent increase of business this year .
Mr Varadkar said that numbers were going up and it looked like the situation where Dublin seemed to be stabilised no longer seemed to be the case .
“ A second lockdown will be difficult for people and some businesses might not survive .
“ A lot of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was difficult might find it harder with darker days and the weather.
” The news of the recommendation sparked concern on Friday among Government TDs over the impact of such extreme measures .
Dublin Bay South TD Jim O ’ Callaghan of Fianna Fáil said that going to Level 5 is not “ living with Covid ” and urged that Government “ wake up ” to the impact of the measures .
“ It is , in effect , a lockdown , ” he said .
“ In deciding what level to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of moving to Level 5 .
It will have a very negative impact on the lives of young people and mental health.
” At some stage we have to wake up to the damage that we are inflicting on the lives of young people .
Their education , employment , pastimes , entertainment and relationships have all been stopped or severely damaged by the restrictions , and they will be damaged even more by moving to level 5.
” Mr O ’ Callaghan said he was seeing a “ pandemic of mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that all these factors “ must be weighed up before we lockdown the country because of Covid ” .
The number of cases reported by Nphet on Thursday night was , for the second day in a row , the highest daily total recorded throughout the pandemic .
An additional 1,205 cases – including 288 in Dublin – brought the total number of cases to 46,429 .
The previous high of 1515 on April 10th included a large backlog from Germany laboratories .
Three additional deaths were also reported .
The scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capacity of any level of resourced contact tracing process , Dr Holohan admitted at the Nphet briefing .
With widespread community transmission it was no longer possible to “ make the links ” for a large portion of cases .
With the disease no longer under control , Nphet was recommending measures focused on the whole population .
If existing trends continue , there will be up to 2,500 cases a day by the end of this month , along with 400 people in hospital and up to 110 in ICU , @ @ @ @

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan warned last night that Covid-19 was “not in control” and that the trajectory of the disease was rapidly deteriorating. Video: RTE
Senior Government figures are to hold a crunch meeting on Saturday to consider the recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) that the country be moved to Level 5 restrictions for a period of six weeks.
Public health officials in Nphet wrote to the Government following their meeting on Thursday to make the recommendation, after a significant increase in infection levels.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said case numbers had nearly doubled and the number of hospitalised patients was growing faster than the exponential growth models predicted. Dr Holohan warned that Covid-19 was "not in control" and that the trajectory of the disease was rapidly deteriorating.
Hospital Report
Under Level 5, people are told not to visit other people or have social or family gatherings, weddings can have a maximum of six guests and 10 mourners are allowed at funerals. Bars cafés and restaurants can provide takeaway service only, while only essential retail can open. Schools will operate under “recommendations based on situation and evidence at time”, according to the guidelines, while people will be required to stay at home and only exercise within five kilometres of home.
READ MORE
Friday's news comes after the Government put three border counties – Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal – into Level 4 amid ongoing concern over the rate of infection. Household visits were also restricted to essential circumstances across the rest of the Republic, which is in Level 3 of the five-level coronavirus alert system.
‘Significant impact’
Speaking in Brussels Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the three party leaders in Government would meet on Saturday with the ministers for finance and public expenditure.
“Obviously this is very serious advice. It has to be considered properly and people have to be given clarity around it,” he told reporters.
“There have been meetings this morning. I agree with Nphet in terms of the priorities we all share in protecting the vulnerable and elderly and making sure children continue to go to school.
“There are enormous economic consequences. We have just had a budget that identifies a significant deficit this year and next year. We moved to Level 3 already and also said to people no visitors to your home. We take advice from Nphet very seriously. This will get good consideration. I don’t want to put a timeline on it. We want to have situation well documented.”
Discussion with other EU countries revealed “grave situation facing Europe now in terms of a rise in case numbers”.
“Some countries seem to be moving faster on antigen testing . . . That’s significant and that’s something we have to accelerate”
“Suffice to say that [the virus] is destined to have a significant impact on the health social and economic dimensions of Europe for quite some times to come.”
On Northern Ireland, Mr Martin said: "They are two different jurisdictions with two different health systems, that has to be acknowledged and sometimes people speak very simplistically about it as though it's a matter of switching on a lightswitch and we have one system. And because of the politics involved it is sensitive, and there is no point in pretending that it's not sensitive"
“The UK position which Northern Ireland has been more focused towards, has not always gone along with the kind of more severe restrictions that we’ve adopted here.”
“I’d say to the people we must all reflect on our all individual behaviours, collectively reduce congregation, reduce your social contacts, behave as if you have the virus and that’s the best way to reduce the spread of this virus.”
Less resistance
Some ministers said privately on Friday they believed would be less resistance to a move to Level 5 due to several factors, including the progress of the disease since the last recommendation, and the lack of a shock factor associated with the latest urgings from Nphet.
The fact that the country is moving up through the levels of restrictions will also be a factor, a Minister said, as will the expansion of the essential categories of workers, which may help economic activity continue moreso than during the period of lockdown this spring.
Earlier this month the Government rejected a recommendation from Nphet that the country be moved to Level 5 with Tánaiste remarking that the advice “had not been thought through”.
On Friday Mr Varadkar said a second lockdown would be a lot more difficult than the first. He said the public would “want to know what the exit exit strategy was what the target was and at what point we would be able to achieve the [lower level again]”.
Preliminary work
Mr Varadkar said he has yet to receive the letter from Nphet with the recommendation and would like to consider the advice, the recommendations the implications and then make a decision. He said it was unlikely that the Cabinet would meet today although there would be a meeting of the oversight committee, which is the conduit between Nphet and the Government.
Mr Varadkar confirmed preliminary work has been done on what will be entailed with a lockdown including working out an exit strategy, to allow people know what targets would be needed in order to lower levels.
He was speaking alongside Minister of State Peter Burke at an announcement of 700 jobs by distribution company, DPD Ireland, due to a 73 per cent increase of business this year.
Mr Varadkar said that numbers were going up and it looked like the situation where Dublin seemed to be stabilised no longer seemed to be the case. “A second lockdown will be difficult for people and some businesses might not survive.
“A lot of people who felt the social isolation in Spring was difficult might find it harder with darker days and the weather.”
‘Wake up’
The news of the recommendation sparked concern on Friday among Government TDs over the impact of such extreme measures. Dublin Bay South TD Jim O’Callaghan of Fianna Fáil said that going to Level 5 is not “living with Covid” and urged that Government “wake up” to the impact of the measures.
“It is, in effect, a lockdown,” he said. “In deciding what level to move to we need to consider the repercussions of moving to Level 5. It will have a very negative impact on the lives of young people and mental health.”
At some stage we have to wake up to the damage that we are inflicting on the lives of young people. Their education, employment, pastimes, entertainment and relationships have all been stopped or severely damaged by the restrictions, and they will be damaged even more by moving to level 5.”
Mr O’Callaghan said he was seeing a “pandemic of mental health issues” in the community, and said that all these factors “must be weighed up before we lockdown the country because of Covid”.
The number of cases reported by Nphet on Thursday night was, for the second day in a row, the highest daily total recorded throughout the pandemic. An additional 1,205 cases – including 288 in Dublin – brought the total number of cases to 46,429. The previous high of 1515 on April 10th included a large backlog from Germany laboratories.
Three additional deaths were also reported.
The scale of infection at present is now beyond the capacity of any level of resourced contact tracing process, Dr Holohan admitted at the Nphet briefing.
With widespread community transmission it was no longer possible to “make the links” for a large portion of cases.
With the disease no longer under control, Nphet was recommending measures focused on the whole population.
If existing trends continue, there will be up to 2,500 cases a day by the end of this month, along with 400 people in hospital and up to 110 in ICU, officials are forecasting.


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Woman (18) to be made an adult ward of court against her wishes

A vulnerable young woman who witnessed her mother ’ s attempted suicide as a child and whose dangerous behaviour is escalating is to be made an adult ward of court against her wishes .
The Child and Family Agency applied for the 18-year-old woman to be made an adult ward due to its concerns about the risk she poses to herself and others .
The president of the High Court , Ms Justice Mary Irvine , said the woman has become increasingly violent and aggressive to those currently involved in her care , continually goes missing and is becoming ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal activities .
On the evidence , the judge was satisfied the woman has an intellectual disability , is presently of unsound mind , does not have power over the choices she makes and should be brought into wardship .
The CFA is expected to apply later for orders concerning an appropriate placement .
Earlier , the judge noted , when the woman was a toddler , concerns were raised about her mother being neglectful of her care .
Some years later , when still a young child , she witnessed her mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ little surprise ” she was not left unscarred by her early years during which she lived some of the time with her father , extended family and foster parents before ending up in a residential facility where her concerning behaviours included self-harm and taking overdoses of over the counter medication , physically assaulting care staff and absconding .
When a teenager , she was placed in secure care and remained there some four years .
While she had difficulties there , she responded moderately well to that secure environment and built up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon after her discharge some months ago , was hospitalised due to an overdose .
It was a “ gross overstatement ” to say attempts to move her to stepdown placements in the community have been unsuccessful , the judge said .
She had engaged in ever more risk taking behaviours in four different placements .
Her life appears to be “ spiralling out of control ” .
If given the opportunity she would head into an urban environment , get drunk , take drugs , steal , get into fights , potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm , and end up in a Garda station or in hospital .
It was unclear sometimes whether she had actually taken substances or was engaged in “ care-eliciting behaviour ” .
The assaults she engaged in are “ not trivial ” and included incidents where one staff member had their nose broken .
She recently stole a car and wrote it off in a crash in an area where children could have been killed or injured , the judge noted .
She accepted a “ wealth of evidence ” from the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have supported her during her teenage years , she is a likeable but troubled and vulnerable person who is impelled to engage in “ alarming ” behaviour principally because of her difficulties with working and verbal memory , comprehension and language .
A consultant psychiatrist with extensive experience of troubled adolescents had agreed .
The judge believed two other psychologists who assessed the woman as having capacity may have reached other conclusions had they known her longer .
The judge considered the woman has a significant intellectual disability as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information in a manner which currently allows her to make informed decisions and weigh up the risks attached .
In deciding on wardship , she could not take into account arguments by the woman ’ s solicitor , Catherine Ghent , any lack of capacity was because she had not come onto the State ’ s radar as a child potentially at risk who did not get the intervention required .
Whatever the reason , it is clear the woman is presently of unsound mind and incapable of managing her person or property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be “ particularly reckless ” to defer wardship given evidence that her risk taking behaviour is escalating to the point she is putting her life , and that of others , in danger .
While the woman continually states she does not wish to be brought into wardship , much of her behaviour over years suggests she “ actually craves containment ” and responds best to a lot of minding and care .
The woman can apply to be discharged from wardship any time she feels she can establish capacity to manage her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A vulnerable young woman who witnessed her mother’s attempted suicide as a child and whose dangerous behaviour is escalating is to be made an adult ward of court against her wishes.
The Child and Family Agency applied for the 18-year-old woman to be made an adult ward due to its concerns about the risk she poses to herself and others.
The president of the High Court, Ms Justice Mary Irvine, said the woman has become increasingly violent and aggressive to those currently involved in her care, continually goes missing and is becoming ever more involved with alcohol, drugs and criminal activities.
On the evidence, the judge was satisfied the woman has an intellectual disability, is presently of unsound mind, does not have power over the choices she makes and should be brought into wardship. The CFA is expected to apply later for orders concerning an appropriate placement.
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Earlier, the judge noted, when the woman was a toddler, concerns were raised about her mother being neglectful of her care. Some years later, when still a young child, she witnessed her mother’s attempted suicide.
It was “little surprise” she was not left unscarred by her early years during which she lived some of the time with her father, extended family and foster parents before ending up in a residential facility where her concerning behaviours included self-harm and taking overdoses of over the counter medication, physically assaulting care staff and absconding.
When a teenager, she was placed in secure care and remained there some four years. While she had difficulties there, she responded moderately well to that secure environment and built up reasonable relationships with some carers but, soon after her discharge some months ago, was hospitalised due to an overdose.
It was a “gross overstatement” to say attempts to move her to stepdown placements in the community have been unsuccessful, the judge said. She had engaged in ever more risk taking behaviours in four different placements.
Her life appears to be “spiralling out of control”. If given the opportunity she would head into an urban environment, get drunk, take drugs, steal, get into fights, potentially take overdoses, get injured or self harm, and end up in a Garda station or in hospital. It was unclear sometimes whether she had actually taken substances or was engaged in “care-eliciting behaviour”.
The assaults she engaged in are “not trivial” and included incidents where one staff member had their nose broken. She recently stole a car and wrote it off in a crash in an area where children could have been killed or injured, the judge noted.
Unsound mind
She accepted a “wealth of evidence” from the woman’s guardian and a psychologist, who have supported her during her teenage years, she is a likeable but troubled and vulnerable person who is impelled to engage in “alarming” behaviour principally because of her difficulties with working and verbal memory, comprehension and language. A consultant psychiatrist with extensive experience of troubled adolescents had agreed.
The judge believed two other psychologists who assessed the woman as having capacity may have reached other conclusions had they known her longer.
The judge considered the woman has a significant intellectual disability as a result of which she cannot absorb or manage information in a manner which currently allows her to make informed decisions and weigh up the risks attached.
In deciding on wardship, she could not take into account arguments by the woman’s solicitor, Catherine Ghent, any lack of capacity was because she had not come onto the State’s radar as a child potentially at risk who did not get the intervention required.
Whatever the reason, it is clear the woman is presently of unsound mind and incapable of managing her person or property, the judge said. It would be “particularly reckless” to defer wardship given evidence that her risk taking behaviour is escalating to the point she is putting her life, and that of others, in danger.
While the woman continually states she does not wish to be brought into wardship, much of her behaviour over years suggests she “actually craves containment” and responds best to a lot of minding and care.
The woman can apply to be discharged from wardship any time she feels she can establish capacity to manage her person and property, the judge stressed.


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--‘Missing’ Fungie ‘living the high life’ in Dingle Bay

A fisherman who spotted ‘ missing ’ Fungie after concerns had emerged in Dingle about his welfare has said that the beloved cetacean is safe and well and that he sees him “ as regularly as you would see the same person at a pedestrian crossing ” .
Fisherman Paul Hand told the Irish Times that Fungie , unlike the rest of Ireland , is able to hang out with his friends and doesn ’ t have to social distance .
“ I saw him yesterday morning .
There is a lot of feed around Dingle Bay at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of bottlenose dolphins inside in Dingle Bay .
Pods of them come from time to time , and he mixes with them , and he goes out to the bay during the summer and comes back .
“ Before the weather breaks at this time of year you have whales and dolphins and every type of thing inside in Dingle Bay after the feed .
When the weather breaks that feed is gone , ” Mr Hand said .
“ Every dolphin on the planet knows that better than ourselves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pod of dolphins .
“ Isn ’ t it easier to hunt with a pod of dolphins than hunt on your own ?
Fungie is fishing with those dolphins .
I saw him yesterday morning and other people saw him yesterday evening , ” he said .
Mr Hand joked Fungie clearly “ doesn ’ t believe in social distancing ” and is living the high life for the autumn cavorting with his pals in Dingle Bay .
Mr Hand said he came in from fishing yesterday evening to his nephew telling him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media that Fungie was missing .
“ I said ‘ what are you on about ?
’ I saw him Monday morning and evening , Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening .
I saw him Wednesday morning .
And Thursday morning but not the evening .
“ I said ‘ there is dolphins in the harbour he is probably out with them.
’ He is 100 per cent alive .
I mean if your dog goes missing you don ’ t say they are dead , ” Mr Hand said .
“ I pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like you going to a pedestrian crossing and seeing the same person every day .
I see Fungie as regularly as the you would see the same person at a pedestrian crossing.
” Concerns had developed in Dingle after the dolphin had not been seen since Wednesday .
In a post last night the Facebook Page “ Fungie Forever Photos of the Dingle Dolphin ” page said Fungie had not been seen for the best part of two days .
“ For the past two days Rudi and I have been searching for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign of him .
Today I raised the alarm and I have to thank Mary and Mick O ’ Neill from Dingle Boat Tours who were so kind to take us on a very long search along the coastline and search in places we could not reach with our own small boat because of the waves .
Meanwhile two other boats started a long search as well .
“ We are very upset because it looks like we have lost our best friend .
Fungie was a part of a lot of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is and will always be loved all over the world.
” The two people behind the page , Jeannine Masset and Rudi Schamart , regularly post pictures of Fungie and track his movements .
The couple , who are from the Netherlands but living in Dingle , take their little rubber Dinghy out daily to search for Fungie .
They have been tracking the friendly dolphin for more than 25 years .
Their YouTube and Facebook pages attract thousands of hits annually .
The dolphin has been seen in the area since 1983 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from wildlife experts identified Fungie as the longest living solitary cetacean in European waters .
In the global list he is second only to Jojo , another bottlenose dolphin of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the West Indies who has been dated back 40 years .
Fungie ’ s presence in Kerry has created an industry of boat operators who have taken thousands out to see him .
News of his possible passing flooded social media .
One person tweeted “ Fungie is missing .
That ’ s it 2020 .
I @ @ @ @ @

A fisherman who spotted ‘missing’ Fungie after concerns had emerged in Dingle about his welfare has said that the beloved cetacean is safe and well and that he sees him “as regularly as you would see the same person at a pedestrian crossing”.
Fisherman Paul Hand told the Irish Times that Fungie, unlike the rest of Ireland, is able to hang out with his friends and doesn’t have to social distance.
“I saw him yesterday morning. There is a lot of feed around Dingle Bay at the moment. It is not common to see a lot of bottlenose dolphins inside in Dingle Bay. Pods of them come from time to time, and he mixes with them, and he goes out to the bay during the summer and comes back.
“Before the weather breaks at this time of year you have whales and dolphins and every type of thing inside in Dingle Bay after the feed. When the weather breaks that feed is gone,” Mr Hand said.
READ MORE
“Every dolphin on the planet knows that better than ourselves. So Fungie has gone out with the pod of dolphins.
“Isn’t it easier to hunt with a pod of dolphins than hunt on your own? Fungie is fishing with those dolphins. I saw him yesterday morning and other people saw him yesterday evening,” he said.
Mr Hand joked Fungie clearly “doesn’t believe in social distancing” and is living the high life for the autumn cavorting with his pals in Dingle Bay.
Mr Hand said he came in from fishing yesterday evening to his nephew telling him that reports had gone up on social media that Fungie was missing.
“I said ‘what are you on about?’ I saw him Monday morning and evening, Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening. I saw him Wednesday morning. And Thursday morning but not the evening.
“I said ‘there is dolphins in the harbour he is probably out with them.’ He is 100 per cent alive. I mean if your dog goes missing you don’t say they are dead,” Mr Hand said.
“I pass that dolphin every day. It is like you going to a pedestrian crossing and seeing the same person every day. I see Fungie as regularly as the you would see the same person at a pedestrian crossing.”
Concerns had developed in Dingle after the dolphin had not been seen since Wednesday. In a post last night the Facebook Page “Fungie Forever Photos of the Dingle Dolphin” page said Fungie had not been seen for the best part of two days.
“For the past two days Rudi and I have been searching for Fungie everywhere. There is absolutely no sign of him. Today I raised the alarm and I have to thank Mary and Mick O’Neill from Dingle Boat Tours who were so kind to take us on a very long search along the coastline and search in places we could not reach with our own small boat because of the waves. Meanwhile two other boats started a long search as well.
“We are very upset because it looks like we have lost our best friend. Fungie was a part of a lot of people’s lives. He was and is and will always be loved all over the world.”
The two people behind the page, Jeannine Masset and Rudi Schamart, regularly post pictures of Fungie and track his movements.
The couple, who are from the Netherlands but living in Dingle, take their little rubber Dinghy out daily to search for Fungie. They have been tracking the friendly dolphin for more than 25 years.
Their YouTube and Facebook pages attract thousands of hits annually. The dolphin has been seen in the area since 1983.
Last year a Lone Rangers report from wildlife experts identified Fungie as the longest living solitary cetacean in European waters. In the global list he is second only to Jojo, another bottlenose dolphin of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the West Indies who has been dated back 40 years.
Fungie’s presence in Kerry has created an industry of boat operators who have taken thousands out to see him.
News of his possible passing flooded social media. One person tweeted “Fungie is missing. That’s it 2020. I have had enough.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Extra Garda checkpoints to be rolled out over weekend

Additional Garda checkpoints and patrols are being rolled out nationwide this weekend to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the community .
A “ high visibility ” policing plan which is focused on support for the vulnerable and crime prevention takes effect from 7am on Friday until midnight on Sunday and is in addition to the work being done under Operation Fanacht and Operation Navigation .
Under Operation Fanacht , large-scale checkpoints on national roads are taking place in a bid to reduce unnecessary journeys while under Operation Navigation members of the force conduct spot checks at licensed premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed .
This weekend ’ s policing plan is focused on ensuring engagement by An Garda Síochána with the public through three key strands .
Crime prevention patrols will be increased across the country , particularly at public amenities , parks , and natural beauty spots .
Checkpoints with an enhanced focus on crime prevention and detection will also take place .
Community gardaí will also continue to work with individuals , community groups , statutory agencies , charities and local businesses to provide a range of services to assist and protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to ensure compliance with public health guidelines and regulations through the “ four Es ” approach of engage , educate , encourage , and only where provided for and as a last resort , enforcement .
Deputy Garda commissioner of policing and security John Twomey said if people need assistance they should contact their local Garda station .
“ Since the start of the pandemic , Garda members throughout the country have being helping the vulnerable and those who feel isolated , ” he said .
“ This involved simple , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , delivering their pension , or even socially distanced contact .
If people need such assistance or know someone who does , please contact your local Garda station .
We are here to help .
”

Gardaí stopped a number of supected drug drivers, speeding motorists and a van with too many dogs as part of “high visibility” policing on Friday.
Additional Garda checkpoints and patrols are being rolled out nationwide this weekend to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the community.
A “high visibility” policing plan which is focused on support for the vulnerable and crime prevention took effect from 7am on Friday and runs until midnight on Sunday.
Dundalk Roads Policing Unit were conducting a checkpoint as part of #OperationFanacht when they found this vehicle travelling at 160kph. They were stopped and the driver was tested positive for cocaine and cannabis. They were arrested. Proceedings to follow#StaySafe #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/gwCQcrP1g4 — An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) October 16, 2020
Naas RPU were performing a checkpoint as part of #OperationFanacht in Naas when they stopped this van. It was found to be uninsured, no tax, had no road worthiness cert & no wing mirrors. The driver also tested positive for cannabis. The driver was arrested. The van was seized. pic.twitter.com/UT3jyTK7b4 — An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) October 16, 2020
The measure is in addition to the work being done under Operation Fanacht and Operation Navigation.
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Under Operation Fanacht, large-scale checkpoints on national roads are taking place in a bid to reduce unnecessary journeys while under Operation Navigation, members of the force conduct spot checks at licensed premises to see if Covid-19 guidelines are being followed.
The unusually high levels of Garda activity was well publicised but did not prevent Dundalk Roads Policing Unit from detecting a motorist travelling at 160km/h when they were conducting a checkpoint. The driver was stopped and a roadside check proved positive for cannabis and cocaine. The Garda said proceedings would follow.
Wicklow Roads Policing Unit also observed a number of motorists speeding near checkpoints in the Newtownmountkennedy area on Friday. Gardaí said all vehicles were detected driving in excess of the speed limit and drivers were issued Fixed Charge Penalty Notices.
The Dublin West Roads Policing Unit stopped a car on the N4 at Liffey Valley after the driver was observed using a mobile phone while driving. Gardaí also found the car was uninsured. The motorist was issued with a fine and the car was seized.
No tax, no wing mirrors
In Co Kildare, gardaí from Naas were performing a checkpoint as part of Operation Fanacht when they stopped a van.
It was found to be uninsured, had no tax, no road worthiness certificate and no wing mirrors. The driver also tested positive for cannabis. The driver was arrested and the van was seized.
Waterford gardaí were conducting a checkpoint as part of Operation Fanacht when they stopped a car in which nine dogs were found in cramped conditions. The car and dogs were seized and the driver was arrested. The dogs are now in the care of the WSPCA.
This weekend’s policing plan will also see gardaí continue to work with individuals, community groups, statutory agencies, charities and local businesses to provide services to assist and protect the most vulnerable.
Members are engaging with people to ensure compliance with public health guidelines and regulations through the “four Es” approach of engage, educate, encourage, and only where provided for and as a last resort, enforce.
Deputy Garda Commissioner of Policing and Security John Twomey said if people need assistance they should contact their local Garda station.
“Since the start of the pandemic, Garda members throughout the country have being helping the vulnerable and those who feel isolated,” he said.
“This involved simple, but important tasks such as collecting their prescription, delivering their pension, or even socially distanced contact. If people need such assistance or know someone who does, please contact your local Garda station. We are here to help.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--‘ It’s a guilt to have survived’, says Garda who was with Adrian Donohoe when he was murdered

The garda who was with Adrian Donohoe the night of his death in 2013 has said he still thinks of his former colleague every day and carries a “ sense of guilt ” that he survived theCo Louth shooting .
Former Garda detective Joe Ryan retired two years after Donohoe ’ s death following the death of another colleague , Garda Tony Golden , who was shot dead in 2015 .
Mr Ryan , who is originally from Cork but spent most of his career stationed in Co Louth , suffered post traumatic stress disorder after the 2013 killing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first interview since his colleagues ’ deaths , Mr Ryan told RTÉ ’ S Prime Time programme he felt “ guilty ” he was sitting in the driver ’ s seat the night in Lordship .
“ Adrian was a family man , I don ’ t have any kids .
It ’ s a guilt to have survived.
” He recalled the final night of Mr Donohoe ’ s life when the two Garda detectives were on cash escort duties on the Cooley Peninsula , transporting money from four credit unions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were outside the credit union at Lordship when four men appeared – two were armed and ran towards the Garda car .
“ The first thing I heard was banging off to my right-hand side and shouting , and then two people running towards the Garda car , and then the shotgun being discharged over the roof of the car which hit Adrian and killed him outright , ” said Mr Ryan .
“ It felt like ten minutes , but as we know from recordings , it was 58 seconds , 59 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like ten minutes .
When you ’ re aware of a firearm that has been discharged is pointing at your head and your general torso it is a frightening experience .
What was going through my mind at the time was that I hope I get shot by the nine mil because if it was the shotgun , it would have been fatal .
You ’ ve some chance to survive a nine mil.
” He recognised the accents of men shouting as coming from the local Border area .
Mr Ryan discovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fled the scene in a stolen volkswagen Passat that had been blocking the exit .
He attempted to give Donohoe first aid , but it was too late .
On Wednesday , Aaron Brady ( 29 ) was sentenced to life imprisonment following a conviction in August of capital murder for shooting Mr Donohoe dead on January 25th 2013 .
The Criminal Justice Act 1990 states the minimum time that Brady will serve in prison for capital murder is 40 years .
Mr Justice Michael White also sentenced Brady to 14 years for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run concurrently with the life sentence .
The raiders stole just €7,000 during the robbery , which lasted 58 seconds .
Mr Daly , who retired from the force ten years early , made a victim impact statement that was read out at Wednesday ’ s sentencing .
“ It ’ s the pointlessness of it all is what I think , ” he said on RTÉ .
“ Amy and Niall were robbed of a loving father , Caroline was robbed of a loving husband , Dundalk Station of a valued colleague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one stupid cowardly act.
” Speaking at the sentence hearing for her husband ’ s murderer this week , Caroline Donohoe ’ s said that in 58 seconds her family ’ s life had changed forever .
“ We had a happy family , everything was perfect , ” she said.
” Nothing or no one will ever replace Adrian in our home .
”

The garda who was with Adrian Donohoe the night of his death in 2013 has said he still thinks of his former colleague every day and carries a "sense of guilt" that he survived theCo Louth shooting.
Former Garda detective Joe Ryan retired two years after Donohoe’s death following the death of another colleague, Garda Tony Golden, who was shot dead in 2015.
Mr Ryan, who is originally from Cork but spent most of his career stationed in Co Louth, suffered post traumatic stress disorder after the 2013 killing and now lives in Spain.
In his first interview since his colleagues’ deaths, Mr Ryan told RTÉ’S Prime Time programme he felt “guilty” he was sitting in the driver’s seat the night in Lordship.
READ MORE
“Adrian was a family man, I don’t have any kids. It’s a guilt to have survived.”
He recalled the final night of Mr Donohoe's life when the two Garda detectives were on cash escort duties on the Cooley Peninsula, transporting money from four credit unions to a nightsafe in Dundalk.
The gardaí were outside the credit union at Lordship when four men appeared – two were armed and ran towards the Garda car.
“The first thing I heard was banging off to my right-hand side and shouting, and then two people running towards the Garda car, and then the shotgun being discharged over the roof of the car which hit Adrian and killed him outright,” said Mr Ryan.
“It felt like ten minutes, but as we know from recordings, it was 58 seconds, 59 seconds, but to me it felt like ten minutes. When you’re aware of a firearm that has been discharged is pointing at your head and your general torso it is a frightening experience. What was going through my mind at the time was that I hope I get shot by the nine mil because if it was the shotgun, it would have been fatal. You’ve some chance to survive a nine mil.”
He recognised the accents of men shouting as coming from the local Border area. Mr Ryan discovered his colleague was dead after the men fled the scene in a stolen volkswagen Passat that had been blocking the exit. He attempted to give Donohoe first aid, but it was too late.
On Wednesday, Aaron Brady (29) was sentenced to life imprisonment following a conviction in August of capital murder for shooting Mr Donohoe dead on January 25th 2013. The Criminal Justice Act 1990 states the minimum time that Brady will serve in prison for capital murder is 40 years.
Mr Justice Michael White also sentenced Brady to 14 years for the robbery, a sentence that will run concurrently with the life sentence. The raiders stole just €7,000 during the robbery, which lasted 58 seconds.
Mr Daly, who retired from the force ten years early, made a victim impact statement that was read out at Wednesday’s sentencing.
"It's the pointlessness of it all is what I think," he said on RTÉ. "Amy and Niall were robbed of a loving father, Caroline was robbed of a loving husband, Dundalk Station of a valued colleague and all because of one stupid act, one stupid cowardly act."
Speaking at the sentence hearing for her husband’s murderer this week, Caroline Donohoe’s said that in 58 seconds her family’s life had changed forever. “We had a happy family, everything was perfect,” she said.”Nothing or no one will ever replace Adrian in our home.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Revenue seizures of illicit drugs surge in first half of year

The value of illicit drugs seized in the first half of the year by Revenue ’ s Customs officers has surged , driven by the cocaine and cannabis markets .
Senior Garda officers believe the increase in smuggling into the Republic , usually in freight via ports , is further evidence of the rebounding drugs trade and the fact new criminal gangs were now coming to the fore as the Kinahan cartel had been under intense pressure .
Data obtained by The Irish Times shows illicit drugs valued at €20 million – including cannabis herb and resin , cocaine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seized in the first half of this year compared to €23.6 million in all of last year .
News of the significant increase in the value of drugs seized this year by customs officers comes after the latest crime figures from the Garda showed drug dealing has significantly increased during the lockdown .
The number of cases of “ possession of drugs for sale or supply ” recorded by the Garda increased by 25 per cent during the second quarter of the year .
Garda sources say the increase in the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact streets in towns and cities were deserted during the strict lockdown , which meant street drug dealing was more obvious and easier to detect .
They point out tens of thousands of Garda checkpoints were also erected as part of the pandemic response , saying drugs were found in many stopped vehicles .
However , the same sources believe the surge in smuggling detections likely reflected the fact that the rebounding of the drugs trade witnessed in recent years as the economy recovered had continued and even accelerated despite Covid-19 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland for years , but now they are under pressure and a lot of them are in prison , and that means other gangs are growing stronger and younger people are now getting themselves established , ” said one Garda source working in the investigation of gangland crime .
Another source said the fact the Criminal Assets Bureau was now frequently carrying out raids in regional towns and villages , and often finding evidence of significant wealth was proof that drugs gangs were now very established across the Republic .
The value of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this year , at €11.9 million , is already higher than last year ’ s €10 million in seizures .
The number of times cannabis was seized has also surged this year : 2,104 cases in the six months to the end of June compared to 2,284 seizures in all of last year .
Some €5.9 million worth of cocaine was found by customs officers in the first half of this year compared to €4.56 million in all of last year .
The new drug-smuggling trends emerged after Garda crime data showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republic increased in the first half of the year despite most other crime types plummeting due to the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown .
Aside from the drugs trade , other forms of smuggling , including that relating to cigarettes , tobacco and alcohol , also appear to be booming as criminals try to avoid duties and taxes payable when such goods are imported .
Last year the combined value of cigarettes , tobacco and alcohol seized was €13.9 million , though that surged to €29.5 million in the first six months @ @ @ @

The value of illicit drugs seized in the first half of the year by Revenue’s Customs officers has surged, driven by the cocaine and cannabis markets.
Senior Garda officers believe the increase in smuggling into the Republic, usually in freight via ports, is further evidence of the rebounding drugs trade and the fact new criminal gangs were now coming to the fore as the Kinahan cartel had been under intense pressure.
Data obtained by The Irish Times shows illicit drugs valued at €20 million – including cannabis herb and resin, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and ecstasy – were seized in the first half of this year compared to €23.6 million in all of last year.
News of the significant increase in the value of drugs seized this year by customs officers comes after the latest crime figures from the Garda showed drug dealing has significantly increased during the lockdown.
READ MORE
The number of cases of “possession of drugs for sale or supply” recorded by the Garda increased by 25 per cent during the second quarter of the year. Garda sources say the increase in the number of drug crimes recorded was driven by the fact streets in towns and cities were deserted during the strict lockdown, which meant street drug dealing was more obvious and easier to detect.
They point out tens of thousands of Garda checkpoints were also erected as part of the pandemic response, saying drugs were found in many stopped vehicles.
However, the same sources believe the surge in smuggling detections likely reflected the fact that the rebounding of the drugs trade witnessed in recent years as the economy recovered had continued and even accelerated despite Covid-19.
“The Kinahan cartel was so big in Ireland for years, but now they are under pressure and a lot of them are in prison, and that means other gangs are growing stronger and younger people are now getting themselves established,” said one Garda source working in the investigation of gangland crime.
Another source said the fact the Criminal Assets Bureau was now frequently carrying out raids in regional towns and villages, and often finding evidence of significant wealth was proof that drugs gangs were now very established across the Republic.
The value of cannabis seized in the first six months of this year, at €11.9 million, is already higher than last year’s €10 million in seizures. The number of times cannabis was seized has also surged this year: 2,104 cases in the six months to the end of June compared to 2,284 seizures in all of last year.
Some €5.9 million worth of cocaine was found by customs officers in the first half of this year compared to €4.56 million in all of last year.
The new drug-smuggling trends emerged after Garda crime data showed the number of drugs offences recorded in the Republic increased in the first half of the year despite most other crime types plummeting due to the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Aside from the drugs trade, other forms of smuggling, including that relating to cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol, also appear to be booming as criminals try to avoid duties and taxes payable when such goods are imported. Last year the combined value of cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol seized was €13.9 million, though that surged to €29.5 million in the first six months of this year.


theirishtimes--2020-10-16--Health officials say coronavirus ‘out of control’ and warn of 2,500 cases a day by end of month

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said if Ireland moves to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions people will demand an exit strategy like they have in Germany .
Mr Varadkar told party colleagues yesterday that in order for the State to go to Level 4 or 5 , he would need to be convinced it is the right thing to do .
He said he did not want to be rushed into making a decision on a Covid-19 lockdown until it was completely necessary to do so .
In Germany , the public receive detailed information on the specific measures that need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to a lower level .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan warned last night that Covid-19 was “ not in control ” and that the trajectory of the disease was rapidly deteriorating .
Public health officials have written to the Government to make further recommendations following a significant increase in infection levels .
Dr Holohan said case numbers had nearly doubled and the number of hospitalised patients was growing faster than the exponential growth models predicted .
The scale of infection at present is now beyond the capacity of any level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted at the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) briefing .
With widespread community transmission it was no longer possible to “ make the links ” for a large portion of cases .
With the disease no longer under control , Nphet was recommending measures focused on the whole population .
If existing trends continue , there will be up to 2,500 cases a day by the end of this month , along with 400 people in hospital and up to 110 in ICU , officials are forecasting .
A Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night as “ pessimistic ” and said a decisive approach was needed as new decisions every few days may confuse the issue .
“ People want to do the right thing but they need decisive action and very clear communication , ” the source said .
Border counties moved into Level 4 overnight until November 10th meaning non-essential retailers must close and non-essential workers must work from home .
The rest of the country on Level 3 saw increased restrictions announced on Wednesday with a ban on visitors to homes .
Nphet official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation was “ really dangerous ” with about 10,000 infected individuals currently capable of spreading the disease .
“ If we stand back collectively and stop spreading the disease over two weeks , most of them will recover .
If we start to shrink this we can get on top of it quicker than we think , ” he said .
The number of cases reported by Nphet last night was , for the second day in a row , the highest daily total of new cases recorded throughout the pandemic .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin – brought the total number of cases to 46,429 .
Three additional deaths were also reported .
The highest number of cases reported by Nphet in a single bulletin was on April 10th , when 1,515 were confirmed , but this included a large backlog from German laboratories .
Meanwhile , the level of enforcement actions taken by the Garda against people for breaching Covid-19 restrictions has plummeted in the last 3½ months , with just 26 cases since June 28th , according to a policing authority report .
Gardaí have only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not wearing face masks where they were mandatory .

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan warned last night that Covid-19 was “not in control” and that the trajectory of the disease was rapidly deteriorating. Video: RTE
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said if Ireland moves to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions people will demand an exit strategy like they have in Germany.
Mr Varadkar told party colleagues yesterday that in order for the State to go to Level 4 or 5, he would need to be convinced it is the right thing to do. He said he did not want to be rushed into making a decision on a Covid-19 lockdown until it was completely necessary to do so.
In Germany, the public receive detailed information on the specific measures that need to be taken to allow the region to go to a lower level.
Hospital Report
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan warned last night that Covid-19 was “not in control” and that the trajectory of the disease was rapidly deteriorating.
READ MORE
Public health officials have written to the Government to make further recommendations following a significant increase in infection levels.
Dr Holohan said case numbers had nearly doubled and the number of hospitalised patients was growing faster than the exponential growth models predicted.
The scale of infection at present is now beyond the capacity of any level of resourced contact tracing process, Dr Holohan admitted at the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) briefing.
With widespread community transmission it was no longer possible to “make the links” for a large portion of cases.
With the disease no longer under control, Nphet was recommending measures focused on the whole population.
If existing trends continue, there will be up to 2,500 cases a day by the end of this month, along with 400 people in hospital and up to 110 in ICU, officials are forecasting.
A Government source described the tone from Nphet last night as “pessimistic” and said a decisive approach was needed as new decisions every few days may confuse the issue.
“People want to do the right thing but they need decisive action and very clear communication,” the source said.
Border counties moved into Level 4 overnight until November 10th meaning non-essential retailers must close and non-essential workers must work from home. The rest of the country on Level 3 saw increased restrictions announced on Wednesday with a ban on visitors to homes.
Nphet official Prof Philip Nolan last night said the situation was “really dangerous” with about 10,000 infected individuals currently capable of spreading the disease.
“If we stand back collectively and stop spreading the disease over two weeks, most of them will recover. If we start to shrink this we can get on top of it quicker than we think,” he said.
The number of cases reported by Nphet last night was, for the second day in a row, the highest daily total of new cases recorded throughout the pandemic. An additional 1,205 cases – including 288 in Dublin – brought the total number of cases to 46,429. Three additional deaths were also reported.
The highest number of cases reported by Nphet in a single bulletin was on April 10th, when 1,515 were confirmed, but this included a large backlog from German laboratories.
Meanwhile, the level of enforcement actions taken by the Garda against people for breaching Covid-19 restrictions has plummeted in the last 3½ months, with just 26 cases since June 28th, according to a policing authority report. Gardaí have only taken action six times against people for not wearing face masks where they were mandatory.


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Bribes allegation investigated at one of Ireland's largest retailers

A senior member of staff at one of Ireland ’ s large retailers has been arrested after allegations by the company that he received corrupt payments .
The middle-aged man was arrested on Thursday at his home after being placed under investigation .
An audit was conducted by the retailer and it took its suspicions to the Garda and reported them for investigation .
The company was concerned over the speed at which one of its trading partners , which was supplying services to it , had significantly increased the volume and monetary value of work it did for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and taking its findings to the Garda the retailer made a formal statement of complaint alleging that the service provider had paid money to one of its employees in return for securing more work .
Gardaí are investigating if tens of thousands of euro was paid to the retailer ’ s staff member by the service provider in return for more contracts , as the retailer suspects .
The Irish Times understands while it is alleged around €50,000 was paid , the value of the contracts the service provider managed to secure was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested on Thursday has been under investigation for a number of months and a property linked to him was previously searched by members of the Anti-Corruption Unit within the Garda ’ s National Economic Crime Bureau , or fraud squad .
Garda Headquarters , Phoenix Park , Dublin confirmed the arrest of a suspect on Thursday morning , saying the man had been detained as part of an “ operation in relation to an ongoing investigation into bribery in international business transactions ” .
He is being detained “ under Section 4 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation of offences contrary to the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906 , as amended ” , the statement said .
“ It is alleged that the arrested man , in his role as a procurement manager for a large retail business , received bribes from a supplier .
“ The retailer in question reported this matter to An Garda Síochána in March 2020 and are cooperating fully with the investigation .
”

A property linked to the arrested man had been searched by members of the Anti-Corruption Unit. File photograph: Collins
A senior member of staff at one of Ireland’s large retailers has been arrested after allegations by the company that he received corrupt payments.
The middle-aged man was arrested on Thursday at his home after being placed under investigation. An audit was conducted by the retailer and it took its suspicions to the Garda and reported them for investigation.
The company was concerned over the speed at which one of its trading partners, which was supplying services to it, had significantly increased the volume and monetary value of work it did for the retailer.
After carrying out an audit and taking its findings to the Garda the retailer made a formal statement of complaint alleging that the service provider had paid money to one of its employees in return for securing more work.
READ MORE
Gardaí are investigating if tens of thousands of euro was paid to the retailer’s staff member by the service provider in return for more contracts, as the retailer suspects.
The Irish Times understands while it is alleged around €50,000 was paid, the value of the contracts the service provider managed to secure was worth millions of euro.
The man arrested on Thursday has been under investigation for a number of months and a property linked to him was previously searched by members of the Anti-Corruption Unit within the Garda’s National Economic Crime Bureau, or fraud squad.
Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin confirmed the arrest of a suspect on Thursday morning, saying the man had been detained as part of an “operation in relation to an ongoing investigation into bribery in international business transactions”.
He is being detained “under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 for the investigation of offences contrary to the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906, as amended”, the statement said.
“It is alleged that the arrested man, in his role as a procurement manager for a large retail business, received bribes from a supplier.
“The retailer in question reported this matter to An Garda Síochána in March 2020 and are cooperating fully with the investigation.”