theirishtimes--2020-05-28--'Dangerous' student stalker sentenced to seven years in jail

A 21-year-old student , whom a judge described as “ a dangerous young man who continues to pose a risk of serious harm to the public ” , has been sentenced to seven years in prison with the final two years suspended for stalking a fellow student and attacking her friend with a hammer .
The conduct of Igor Lewandowski , from Monasterevin , Co Kildare , was described as “ sinister ” by the probation service and his expressions of remorse “ shallow ” by medical experts .
Lewandowski was a second year electronic engineering student at NUI Galway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McDowell , and began stalking and harassing her incessantly over a 17-day period last May .
He drastically changed his appearance – by shaving off his hair , eyebrows and beard – when her friends pointed out to him during one stalking episode that he was easily recognisable .
He was arrested shortly after breaking into her apartment and assaulting her flatmate with a hammer early one morning and has remained in custody since .
Lewandowski pleaded guilty last November at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to harassing Ms McDowall at her student accommodation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Galway , and also at various other locations around Galway city on dates between May 10 and May 27 , 2019 .
He also pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated burglary by breaking into her apartment at Dun na Coiribe on May 27 last year , while having a claw hammer with him which he used to assault her flatmate Alison Buicke , causing her harm .
The accused had moved from Poland to Monasterevin with his family ten years ago and secured 565 points in his Leaving Cert .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court last November , Ms McDowell said she feared for her life if Lewandowski was released from custody .
She said the court process had been very long but she encouraged others who may be victims of stalking to come forward and make a complaint to gardaí .
She expressed relief on Thursday that the process had come to an end and that the defendant had been sent to prison .
Passing sentence Judge Rory McCabe said the probation service had described Lewandowski ’ s conduct as sinister , and that it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social boundaries.
” “ They note clear indicators of a continued risk of serious harm to the public , ” he said .
The judge noted Lewandowski was not suffering from any serious mental disorder , having been assessed by two psychologists and a forensic psychiatrist .
They had concurred the accused displayed a lack of genuine empathy for his victims and that his expression of remorse was shallow and self-serving as he was anxious about the sentence he would receive .
“ His conduct and attitude has shown him to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

A 21-year-old student, whom a judge described as “a dangerous young man who continues to pose a risk of serious harm to the public”, has been sentenced to seven years in prison with the final two years suspended for stalking a fellow student and attacking her friend with a hammer.
The conduct of Igor Lewandowski, from Monasterevin, Co Kildare, was described as "sinister" by the probation service and his expressions of remorse "shallow" by medical experts.
Lewandowski was a second year electronic engineering student at NUI Galway when he became obsessed with 20-year-old Eve McDowell, and began stalking and harassing her incessantly over a 17-day period last May.
He drastically changed his appearance – by shaving off his hair, eyebrows and beard – when her friends pointed out to him during one stalking episode that he was easily recognisable.
READ MORE
He was arrested shortly after breaking into her apartment and assaulting her flatmate with a hammer early one morning and has remained in custody since.
Lewandowski pleaded guilty last November at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to harassing Ms McDowall at her student accommodation at Dun na Coiribe, Headford Road, Galway, and also at various other locations around Galway city on dates between May 10 and May 27, 2019. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated burglary by breaking into her apartment at Dun na Coiribe on May 27 last year, while having a claw hammer with him which he used to assault her flatmate Alison Buicke, causing her harm.
The accused had moved from Poland to Monasterevin with his family ten years ago and secured 565 points in his Leaving Cert.
In her victim impact statement read to the court last November, Ms McDowell said she feared for her life if Lewandowski was released from custody. She said the court process had been very long but she encouraged others who may be victims of stalking to come forward and make a complaint to gardaí.
She expressed relief on Thursday that the process had come to an end and that the defendant had been sent to prison.
Passing sentence Judge Rory McCabe said the probation service had described Lewandowski’s conduct as sinister, and that it had crossed “a number of moral and social boundaries.”
“They note clear indicators of a continued risk of serious harm to the public,” he said.
The judge noted Lewandowski was not suffering from any serious mental disorder, having been assessed by two psychologists and a forensic psychiatrist. They had concurred the accused displayed a lack of genuine empathy for his victims and that his expression of remorse was shallow and self-serving as he was anxious about the sentence he would receive.
“His conduct and attitude has shown him to be a dangerous young man,” Judge McCabe said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--Insurance should be ‘no barrier’ to reopening childcare, says Zappone

The main insurance underwriters and brokers covering the childcare sector have indicated there should be “ no barrier ” to reopening childcare services at the end of June , according to Minister for Children Katherine Zappone .
In a letter sent on Wednesday to providers , Ms Zappone wrote that Allianz “ has agreed that there will be no Covid-19 exclusion on insurance policies ” .
“ All covers will be in place as per their existing policies , provided they follow the guidelines and back-to-work protocols issued by the relevant authorities , ” Ms Zappone wrote .
She also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Arachas , the insurance broker which provides services to many operators in the sector .
Earlier this month , a letter from Arachas raising concerns about the extension of insurance to operators in the sector partaking in a dedicated scheme for healthcare workers was among the factors that led to that scheme being shut down .
“ [ Arachas ] have advised DCYA [ the Department of Children and Youth Affairs ] that , from the insurance point of view , there should be no barrier to the reopening of childcare services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told the providers .
The circular also outlines more detail about the proposed “ play-pod ” system , which would result in children being placed with the same teachers and the same group of children in the same physical location every day .
This is in an effort to minimise the risk of infection , and also to allow the containment of an infection and facilitate contact tracing if one occurs .
The providers were told that “ as far as possible , there should be no contact between two ‘ play-pods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should remain apart in shared space and during drop off and collection times.
” Large rooms , the document says , may contain more than one play-pod , provided there are partitions that prevent physical contact between them .
Toys should not be shared and staff from different pods will be asked to maintain social distancing .
The document states the maximum size of a play-pod – which will be key for many operators , who are trying to establish their capacity and how the space of their premises may be adapted – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days ” .
Ms Zappone is expected to bring a memo to cabinet on Friday on certain measures relating to reopening of childcare , including play-pod sizes .
Elsewhere , Siptu has published the results of a survey of 6,000 early years professionals on reopening .
It showed that for early years educators , the biggest issue was social distancing , raised by 81 per cent of respondents , followed by the quality of interactions with children ( 74 per cent ) .
Among managers and owners , financial sustainability was the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents ) , followed by the issue of reduced adult/child ratios , raised by 74 per cent .

The Minister is expected to bring a memo to cabinet on Friday on certain measures relating to reopening of childcare. File photograph: Edmond Terakopian/PA Wire
The main insurance underwriters and brokers covering the childcare sector have indicated there should be "no barrier" to reopening childcare services at the end of June, according to Minister for Children Katherine Zappone.
In a letter sent on Wednesday to providers, Ms Zappone wrote that Allianz "has agreed that there will be no Covid-19 exclusion on insurance policies".
“All covers will be in place as per their existing policies, provided they follow the guidelines and back-to-work protocols issued by the relevant authorities,” Ms Zappone wrote.
She also told providers that assurances had been given by Arachas, the insurance broker which provides services to many operators in the sector. Earlier this month, a letter from Arachas raising concerns about the extension of insurance to operators in the sector partaking in a dedicated scheme for healthcare workers was among the factors that led to that scheme being shut down.
READ MORE
“[Arachas] have advised DCYA [the Department of Children and Youth Affairs] that, from the insurance point of view, there should be no barrier to the reopening of childcare services on the 29th of June,” she told the providers.
The circular also outlines more detail about the proposed “play-pod” system, which would result in children being placed with the same teachers and the same group of children in the same physical location every day. This is in an effort to minimise the risk of infection, and also to allow the containment of an infection and facilitate contact tracing if one occurs.
The providers were told that “as far as possible, there should be no contact between two ‘play-pods’ . . . [they] should remain apart in shared space and during drop off and collection times.”
Large rooms, the document says, may contain more than one play-pod, provided there are partitions that prevent physical contact between them. Toys should not be shared and staff from different pods will be asked to maintain social distancing.
The document states the maximum size of a play-pod – which will be key for many operators, who are trying to establish their capacity and how the space of their premises may be adapted – will “be confirmed in the coming days”.
Ms Zappone is expected to bring a memo to cabinet on Friday on certain measures relating to reopening of childcare, including play-pod sizes.
Elsewhere, Siptu has published the results of a survey of 6,000 early years professionals on reopening. It showed that for early years educators, the biggest issue was social distancing, raised by 81 per cent of respondents, followed by the quality of interactions with children (74 per cent).
Among managers and owners, financial sustainability was the biggest issue cited (79 per cent of respondents), followed by the issue of reduced adult/child ratios, raised by 74 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--Exam weather: Large crowds gather at Dublin swimming spots

Apart from the blinking roadside sign telling everybody to exercise within 5km of their homes and keep 2 metres away from others , it could be any hot day at Sandycove Beach and the Forty Foot bathing spot in south Co Dublin on Thursday .
As the Irish Ferries Ulysses pulled out from Dublin Port and made its stately progress across the bay beneath a cloudless sky , it was almost possible to believe that all was well with the world .
But the Perspex glass at the hatch of the ice cream van and the yellow Covid-19 signs telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” were pointed reminders that all is not as it should be .
There was a school ’ s out vibe among the teenagers who queued to jump off the rocks at the Forty Foot into the bracing water below .
School ’ s been out since March for them , of course .
This was one of the hottest days of the year so far , with the temperatures hitting a high of 26 degrees in the afternoon .
One teenager , who declined to be named for obvious reasons , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join his friends at the Forty Foot .
He and his pals gathered together to take photographs and mess around .
There appeared to be little evidence of attempts to social distance .
The bike stands at the Forty Foot were full and so were the changing areas .
If everything was back to normal , friends Laura McHugh and Lara Hughes , who do live locally and are 15 , would be studying for their Junior Certificate in Mount Anville and cursing the “ exam weather ” .
But on this sunny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
A few gardaí patrolled the way .
At Howth , another beach mecca for Dublin ’ s teenagers , gardaí were turning people away from the Dart who did not live locally .
Regular John Hanaphy , who swims at the Forty Foot most days , said he was delighted to see so many people about , “ as long as they stay away from me ” .
The hot weather has tempted many to venture outside to nearby Seapoint and other popular swimming and sunbathing spots and so the Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice to people to apply sun screen .
The weather is promised very fair for the coming Bank Holiday weekend .
According to Met Éireann , warm and mostly dry conditions will continue through the weekend , and current indications are that it will remain mostly if not completely dry up to and including Thursday of next week .
IPU executive committee member Ann Marie Horan said “ unfortunately by Tuesday , pharmacists will see many people suffering from the after-effects of sunburn ” .

Apart from the blinking roadside sign telling everybody to exercise within 5km of their homes and keep 2 metres away from others, it could be any hot day at Sandycove Beach and the Forty Foot bathing spot in south Co Dublin on Thursday.
As the Irish Ferries Ulysses pulled out from Dublin Port and made its stately progress across the bay beneath a cloudless sky, it was almost possible to believe that all was well with the world.
But the Perspex glass at the hatch of the ice cream van and the yellow Covid-19 signs telling people bluntly to “swim and go” were pointed reminders that all is not as it should be.
There was a school’s out vibe among the teenagers who queued to jump off the rocks at the Forty Foot into the bracing water below. School’s been out since March for them, of course.
READ MORE
This was one of the hottest days of the year so far, with the temperatures hitting a high of 26 degrees in the afternoon.
A ‘swim and go sign’ at the entrance to the Forty Foot. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
One teenager, who declined to be named for obvious reasons, had come from Lucan on his bicycle to join his friends at the Forty Foot. He and his pals gathered together to take photographs and mess around.
There appeared to be little evidence of attempts to social distance. The bike stands at the Forty Foot were full and so were the changing areas.
If everything was back to normal, friends Laura McHugh and Lara Hughes, who do live locally and are 15, would be studying for their Junior Certificate in Mount Anville and cursing the "exam weather".
But on this sunny day they jumped into the Forty Foot together.
Forecast
A few gardaí patrolled the way. At Howth, another beach mecca for Dublin's teenagers, gardaí were turning people away from the Dart who did not live locally.
Regular John Hanaphy, who swims at the Forty Foot most days, said he was delighted to see so many people about, "as long as they stay away from me".
The hot weather has tempted many to venture outside to nearby Seapoint and other popular swimming and sunbathing spots and so the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has issued advice to people to apply sun screen.
The weather is promised very fair for the coming Bank Holiday weekend. According to Met Éireann, warm and mostly dry conditions will continue through the weekend, and current indications are that it will remain mostly if not completely dry up to and including Thursday of next week.
IPU executive committee member Ann Marie Horan said "unfortunately by Tuesday, pharmacists will see many people suffering from the after-effects of sunburn".
Forewarned is forearmed, she added.


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--Young Irish women the most depressed and lonely in Europe

Young Irish adults have become sharply more lonely since the Covid-19 pandemic , according to new data that examines mental health issues across the EU .
Asked if they had been lonely in the past fortnight , 23.6 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds polled said they had been lonely most or all of that fortnight because of the pandemic .
This compares with 20 per cent across the EU .
Of these 8.6 per cent said “ all of the time ” and 15 per cent said “ most of the time ” , the Living , Working and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only EU country with more lonely young adults was Hungary , with 24.4 per cent reporting problems , according to the survey .
Spain , with 16.4 per cent reporting loneliness , had the best record .
The situation is worse for young women : 27.5 per cent of those surveyed aged 18-34 said they had been lonely all or most of the last fortnight .
This compares with 18.4 per cent across the EU27 , and with 10.1 per cent in Spain .
In all other EU countries young men reported higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lonely than young women , though young Irish women are the most depressed and lonely in Europe .
The online Eurofound survey was conducted in April with 85,000 participants .
Of these 16,599 were aged 18-34 , and 1,200 of these were from young adults in Ireland .
In all 18- to 34-year-old EU citizens are now more likely to be depressed , lonely or anxious than older peers , with lower abilities to deal with problems and with significant decreases in life satisfaction compared to before the pandemic .
The findings echo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest incidence of moderate to severe depression among young women ( aged 15-24 ) in the EU .
According to 2014 Eurostat data , 17 per cent of young Irish women suffer from moderate or severe depression .
Some 9 per cent of young men are affected , compared with 7 per cent and 3 per cent respectively across the EU .
Mary McCaughey , spokeswoman for Eurofound , said Covid-19 had significantly hit people ’ s wellbeing .
“ It should be noted that Ireland has comparatively high quality of life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole .
“ However , the situation with regard to young women needs specific consideration .
Unfortunately these findings reinforce existing data with regards to the health and wellbeing of younger women in Ireland .
”

“Unfortunately these findings reinforce existing data with regards to the health and wellbeing of younger women in Ireland.” Photograph: Getty Images
Young Irish adults have become sharply more lonely since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new data that examines mental health issues across the EU.
Asked if they had been lonely in the past fortnight, 23.6 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds polled said they had been lonely most or all of that fortnight because of the pandemic. This compares with 20 per cent across the EU.
Of these 8.6 per cent said “all of the time” and 15 per cent said “most of the time”, the Living, Working and Covid-19 report from Eurofound reported.
The only EU country with more lonely young adults was Hungary, with 24.4 per cent reporting problems , according to the survey.
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Spain, with 16.4 per cent reporting loneliness, had the best record.
The situation is worse for young women: 27.5 per cent of those surveyed aged 18-34 said they had been lonely all or most of the last fortnight. This compares with 18.4 per cent across the EU27, and with 10.1 per cent in Spain.
In all other EU countries young men reported higher levels of being downhearted, depressed and lonely than young women, though young Irish women are the most depressed and lonely in Europe.
The online Eurofound survey was conducted in April with 85,000 participants. Of these 16,599 were aged 18-34, and 1,200 of these were from young adults in Ireland.
In all 18- to 34-year-old EU citizens are now more likely to be depressed, lonely or anxious than older peers, with lower abilities to deal with problems and with significant decreases in life satisfaction compared to before the pandemic.
Depression
The findings echo previous findings from Eurofound that Ireland had the highest incidence of moderate to severe depression among young women (aged 15-24) in the EU.
According to 2014 Eurostat data, 17 per cent of young Irish women suffer from moderate or severe depression. Some 9 per cent of young men are affected, compared with 7 per cent and 3 per cent respectively across the EU.
Mary McCaughey, spokeswoman for Eurofound, said Covid-19 had significantly hit people’s wellbeing.
“It should be noted that Ireland has comparatively high quality of life and wellbeing indicators for the population as a whole.
“However, the situation with regard to young women needs specific consideration. Unfortunately these findings reinforce existing data with regards to the health and wellbeing of younger women in Ireland.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--Judge’s comments a blow to Kinahan attempts to whitewash his reputation

The jailing of Kinahan foot soldier Mark Capper for seven and a half years yesterday will do little to damage the billion Euro criminal empire run by Daniel Kinahan and his brother Christy Jnr .
However the comments made by Mr Justice Tony Hunt during Capper ’ s sentencing are another blow , albeit minor , to Daniel Kinahan ’ s attempts to whitewash his reputation on the international boxing scene .
The judge said he accepted the evidence of the Garda that the Kinahan organised crime group , known colloquially as “ the cartel ” , was involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international scale and that it used “ execution style ” murders to protect its interest .
The court also accepted the gang is organised in a hierarchical structure ” with “ cells and sub-cells ” to “ segregate activities and limit knowledge ” among gang members .
It is not the first time a judge has stated the Kinahans are a major force in organised crime .
In an unpublished judgment two years ago , the cartel was named as being involved in the “ the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kinahan was named as one of its leaders , having taken control from his father , Christy , several years previously .
But Mr Justice Hunt ’ s remarks are significant insofar as they mark the the first time a judge has acknowledged in open court the scale and depravity of the Kinahan gang .
Taken together , both judges ’ remarks mean Daniel Kinahan ’ s involvement in the top levels of organised crime is no longer a matter of belief – it is accepted as fact by courts , despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The remarks are supported by the views of police forces across the world , including the FBI and the DEA , that the Kinahans are one of the largest and most sophisticated drugs gangs operating in Europe .
Last year , a Europol report detailed how the cartel ’ s drug smuggling activities extend as far afield as Australia and New Zealand .
Mr Justice Hunt ’ s remarks will have aggravated Kinahan but will do little to affect the sophisticated PR campaign he has launched to rehabilitate his reputation and establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world of boxing .
The campaign is not focused on Ireland , where Kinahan ’ s reputation is beyond redemption , but on boxing fans and decision-makers in the Middle East , the UK and the US .
Gardaí believe Kinahan is connected to a mysterious and factually inaccurate documentary about the infamous Regency Hotel shooting which paints the gang boss in a sympathetic light .
He has also hired a high-end law firm and brand management company to manage negative publicity .
The end goal is to place him in a position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fury and Anthony Joshua , a fight which is expected to be held in the Middle-East and will result in hundreds of millions of profits for those involved .
With such a payday on the horizon , thoughts of Mark Capper , a drug addict with special needs , sitting a jail cell 6,000 miles away are unlikely to trouble Daniel Kinahan .

Mark Capper: was jailed for seven and a half years for participating in activities intended to facilitate the commission of the murder of Patsy Hutch in 2018.
The jailing of Kinahan foot soldier Mark Capper for seven and a half years yesterday will do little to damage the billion euro criminal empire run by Daniel Kinahan and his brother Christy Jnr.
However the comments made by Mr Justice Tony Hunt during Capper's sentencing are another blow, albeit minor, to Daniel Kinahan's attempts to whitewash his reputation on the international boxing scene.
The judge said he accepted the evidence of the Garda that the Kinahan organised crime group, known colloquially as “the cartel”, was involved in organised drugs and firearms dealing on an international scale and that it used “execution style” murders to protect its interest.
The court also accepted the gang is organised in a hierarchical structure” with “cells and sub-cells” to “segregate activities and limit knowledge” among gang members.
READ MORE
It is not the first time a judge has stated the Kinahans are a major force in organised crime. In an unpublished judgment two years ago, the cartel was named as being involved in the “the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and firearms within this jurisdiction” and Daniel Kinahan was named as one of its leaders, having taken control from his father, Christy, several years previously.
But Mr Justice Hunt's remarks are significant insofar as they mark the the first time a judge has acknowledged in open court the scale and depravity of the Kinahan gang.
Taken together, both judges’ remarks mean Daniel Kinahan’s involvement in the top levels of organised crime is no longer a matter of belief – it is accepted as fact by courts, despite the 42-year-old’s lack of previous convictions.
The remarks are supported by the views of police forces across the world, including the FBI and the DEA, that the Kinahans are one of the largest and most sophisticated drugs gangs operating in Europe.
Last year, a Europol report detailed how the cartel's drug smuggling activities extend as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.
Boxing fans
Mr Justice Hunt’s remarks will have aggravated Kinahan but will do little to affect the sophisticated PR campaign he has launched to rehabilitate his reputation and establish himself as a legitimate power broker in world of boxing.
The campaign is not focused on Ireland, where Kinahan's reputation is beyond redemption, but on boxing fans and decision-makers in the Middle East, the UK and the US.
Gardaí believe Kinahan is connected to a mysterious and factually inaccurate documentary about the infamous Regency Hotel shooting which paints the gang boss in a sympathetic light. He has also hired a high-end law firm and brand management company to manage negative publicity.
The end goal is to place him in a position to broker a bout between heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, a fight which is expected to be held in the Middle-East and will result in hundreds of millions of profits for those involved.
With such a payday on the horizon, thoughts of Mark Capper, a drug addict with special needs, sitting a jail cell 6,000 miles away are unlikely to trouble Daniel Kinahan.


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--Maria Bailey takes action against newspaper over ‘swing gate’ coverage

Former Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey has lodged High Court defamation proceedings against the publisher of the Irish Daily Mirror .
It is understood the proceedings against MGN Ltd alleged defamation arising out of coverage of the so-called swing gate controversy , the personal injuries case she took against the Dean Hotel , on Harcourt Street , Dublin , which she later withdrew .
Ms Bailey was de-selected by Fine Gael prior to the last general election and eventually announced she would not be standing as an independent candidate .
The former TD for the Dún Laoghaire constituency had spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four as TD , but was dragged into the controversy when she took a personal injuries case against the hotel arising from a fall from a swing type seat within the hotel .
A month after party members in her constituency asked headquarters to review its general election ticket , the party leader , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar , removed her from the ticket .
An interview she gave on the Sean O ’ Rourke show on RTÉ Radio 1 about the case was widely considered to have been a public relations disaster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Circuit Court , Ms Bailey claimed damages over injuries she alleged she suffered to her head , back and hip , after falling off a swing in the hotel premises on a night out in 2015 .
The hotel lodged a full defence of the claim and alleged Ms Bailey had items in both her hands when she sat on the swing .

Former Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey has lodged High Court defamation proceedings against the publisher of the Irish Daily Mirror .
It is understood the proceedings against MGN Ltd alleged defamation arising out of coverage of the so-called swing gate controversy, the personal injuries case she took against the Dean Hotel, on Harcourt Street, Dublin, which she later withdrew.
Ms Bailey was de-selected by Fine Gael prior to the last general election and eventually announced she would not be standing as an independent candidate.
The former TD for the Dún Laoghaire constituency had spent 12 years as a local councillor and four as TD, but was dragged into the controversy when she took a personal injuries case against the hotel arising from a fall from a swing type seat within the hotel.
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A month after party members in her constituency asked headquarters to review its general election ticket, the party leader, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, removed her from the ticket.
An interview she gave on the Sean O’Rourke show on RTÉ Radio 1 about the case was widely considered to have been a public relations disaster.
In the case, which was taken in the Circuit Court, Ms Bailey claimed damages over injuries she alleged she suffered to her head, back and hip, after falling off a swing in the hotel premises on a night out in 2015.
The hotel lodged a full defence of the claim and alleged Ms Bailey had items in both her hands when she sat on the swing.


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: Further nine deaths reported along with 46 new cases

An additional nine people have died from coronavirus in the Republic , it was confirmed by the Department of Health on Thursday evening .
This brings to 1,639 the total number of deaths in the State from Covid-19 .
A further 46 cases of the virus have also been reported , bringing to 24,841 the total number of cases in the Republic of Ireland .
At the department ’ s evening Covid-19 briefing , the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan urged the public to continue adhering to public health guidelines ahead of the bank holiday weekend .
Prof Philip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group , said according to the most recent indicators the “ overall story ” is that the disease is stable and declining .
He said the situation was “ astonishingly stable ” as he credited the “ responsible behaviour ” of the public .
The number of people in intensive care units remained at or around 50 with admissions to ICU remaining at around one or two a day , bar on Wednesday when there were five such admissions .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours was five .
He said it could be difficult to estimate the reproductive number when the numbers of cases are very low .
He said the reproduction number is currently estimated to be 0.5 .
Information around what impact the first easing of restrictions might have on the numbers will not be available for another week .
“ It is our hope that the r-number will remain below one and our progress is preserved , ” Prof Nolan said .
There have now been 468 clusters of infection notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of seven in 24 hours , but the number in nursing homes remains unchanged at 256 , Dr Holohan said .
In terms of cases associated with those clusters , there have been 6,568 cases notified as occurring among those in residential care settings , an increase of 76 , and 5,069 of these cases were reported among nursing home residents .
Dr Holohan said he did not anticipate changes being made to the various phases already set out for easing of restrictions .
“ We wouldn ’ t rule it out but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any specific major change in terms of things that are planned for a given phase being changed in terms of the phase for which they are identified , ” he said .
Meanwhile Dr Kathleen MacLellan , chair of NPHET ’ s vulnerable people subgroup , said it was “ very difficult to see ” how nursing homes could have been left isolated by the State as the Covid-19 pandemic began .
It was claimed at the Dáil ’ s Covid-19 committee earlier this week by Tadhg Daly , the head of of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations left nursing homes and their residents “ isolated ” during the pandemic ’ s early stages .
She insisted there had been “ significant ” engagement with the sector .
“ I think it is very difficult to see how Nursing Homes Ireland can see themselves isolated from the State .
There is clear and significant ongoing engagement with Nursing Homes Ireland in what I would say has been a very problem-solving way .
“ Every time an issue has come up we have worked with Nursing Homes Ireland to try and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we have seen the HSE response here , ” she said .
“ We now have 23 Covid response teams that are up-and-running providing multi-disciplinary support to the nursing home sector , significant numbers of staff have been provided to support the nursing home sector and also significant guidance has been provided and that will continue .
“ And actually we have seen for some nursing homes where the hospital groups themselves have taken over and provided support to nursing homes .
So it is very difficult to see how nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I wouldn ’ t take away from the challenges that we have had .
It has been a very difficult time.
” She said guidance was issued “ very early ” on hospital discharges and infection control .
The Dáil committee also heard there was no mention of nursing homes in NPHET ’ s first 11 meetings .
However , Dr MacLellan said “ it would be unfair to say that nursing homes have not been part of the considerations of NPHET ” .
Dr Holohan said long-term residential facilities were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A group will be established “ for the very purpose of trying to identify what learnings we can take to strengthen the response in respect of this whole sector ” .
Dr Holohan also said a mortality paper was prepared and discussed by NPHET at its meeting on Thursday and “ identifies that mortality in Ireland has been within the lower range in overall terms compared with other health systems across Europe .
“ Ireland will continue to report both confirmed and probable deaths from Covid-19 in all settings and direct public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortality.
” Dr Ronan Glynn , deputy chief medical officer , said NPHET also agreed in principle at its meeting to include in the case definition for Covid-19 the sudden loss of smell ( anosmia ) and loss of taste ( ageusia ) .
“ This is subject to updated guidance from the ECDC , which is expected to be published tomorrow.
” Figures released at the briefing show that of the 24,795 cases of coronavirus notified up to midnight on Tuesday , some 57 per cent of them were female and 43 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases was 48 years .
A total of 3,267 cases ( 13 per cent ) were hospitalised and of those hospitalised , 404 cases have been admitted to ICU .
Some 7,920 of the cases are associated with healthcare workers .
Overall Dublin has had the highest number of cases at 11,996 ( 48 per cent ) followed by Cork with 1,458 cases ( 6 per cent ) and then Kildare with 1,414 cases ( 6 per cent ) Of those for whom transmission status is known : community transmission accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounts for 58 per cent and travel abroad accounts for 2 per cent .

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says that a loss of smell and/or taste has been reported as a "clear feature" of Covid-19 and can present without any other symptoms. Video: RTÉ
An additional nine people have died from coronavirus in the Republic, it was confirmed by the Department of Health on Thursday evening.
This brings to 1,639 the total number of deaths in the State from Covid-19.
A further 46 cases of the virus have also been reported, bringing to 24,841 the total number of cases in the Republic of Ireland.
At the department's evening Covid-19 briefing, the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan urged the public to continue adhering to public health guidelines ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
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Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said according to the most recent indicators the "overall story" is that the disease is stable and declining.
He said the situation was “astonishingly stable” as he credited the “responsible behaviour” of the public.
The number of people in intensive care units remained at or around 50 with admissions to ICU remaining at around one or two a day, bar on Wednesday when there were five such admissions.
The number of new admissions to hospital with Covid-19 in the past 24 hours was five.
He said it could be difficult to estimate the reproductive number when the numbers of cases are very low. He said the reproduction number is currently estimated to be 0.5.
Information around what impact the first easing of restrictions might have on the numbers will not be available for another week.
“It is our hope that the r-number will remain below one and our progress is preserved,” Prof Nolan said.
There have now been 468 clusters of infection notified in residential care settings, an increase of seven in 24 hours, but the number in nursing homes remains unchanged at 256, Dr Holohan said.
In terms of cases associated with those clusters, there have been 6,568 cases notified as occurring among those in residential care settings, an increase of 76, and 5,069 of these cases were reported among nursing home residents.
Dr Holohan said he did not anticipate changes being made to the various phases already set out for easing of restrictions. “We wouldn’t rule it out but at the moment we are not anticipating any specific major change in terms of things that are planned for a given phase being changed in terms of the phase for which they are identified,” he said.
‘Very difficult to see’
Meanwhile Dr Kathleen MacLellan, chair of NPHET’s vulnerable people subgroup, said it was “very difficult to see” how nursing homes could have been left isolated by the State as the Covid-19 pandemic began.
It was claimed at the Dáil’s Covid-19 committee earlier this week by Tadhg Daly, the head of of Nursing Homes Ireland, that key State organisations left nursing homes and their residents “isolated” during the pandemic’s early stages.
She insisted there had been “significant” engagement with the sector.
“I think it is very difficult to see how Nursing Homes Ireland can see themselves isolated from the State. There is clear and significant ongoing engagement with Nursing Homes Ireland in what I would say has been a very problem-solving way.
“Every time an issue has come up we have worked with Nursing Homes Ireland to try and resolve that and it is very clear that we have seen the HSE response here,” she said.
“We now have 23 Covid response teams that are up-and-running providing multi-disciplinary support to the nursing home sector, significant numbers of staff have been provided to support the nursing home sector and also significant guidance has been provided and that will continue.
“And actually we have seen for some nursing homes where the hospital groups themselves have taken over and provided support to nursing homes. So it is very difficult to see how nursing homes could feel that they were isolated, but I wouldn’t take away from the challenges that we have had. It has been a very difficult time.”
She said guidance was issued “very early” on hospital discharges and infection control.
The Dáil committee also heard there was no mention of nursing homes in NPHET’s first 11 meetings. However, Dr MacLellan said “it would be unfair to say that nursing homes have not been part of the considerations of NPHET”.
Dr Holohan said long-term residential facilities were “very much part of the discussion”. A group will be established “for the very purpose of trying to identify what learnings we can take to strengthen the response in respect of this whole sector”.
Case definition
Dr Holohan also said a mortality paper was prepared and discussed by NPHET at its meeting on Thursday and "identifies that mortality in Ireland has been within the lower range in overall terms compared with other health systems across Europe.
“Ireland will continue to report both confirmed and probable deaths from Covid-19 in all settings and direct public health measures to limit the burden of mortality.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer, said NPHET also agreed in principle at its meeting to include in the case definition for Covid-19 the sudden loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia).
“This is subject to updated guidance from the ECDC, which is expected to be published tomorrow.”
Figures released at the briefing show that of the 24,795 cases of coronavirus notified up to midnight on Tuesday, some 57 per cent of them were female and 43 per cent male.
The median age of confirmed cases was 48 years.
A total of 3,267 cases (13 per cent) were hospitalised and of those hospitalised, 404 cases have been admitted to ICU.
Some 7,920 of the cases are associated with healthcare workers.
Overall Dublin has had the highest number of cases at 11,996 (48 per cent) followed by Cork with 1,458 cases (6 per cent) and then Kildare with 1,414 cases (6 per cent)
Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 40 per cent, close contact accounts for 58 per cent and travel abroad accounts for 2 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--Girl (5) flown to hospital after lilo drifted mile offshore

A five-year-old girl has been airlifted to hospital in Co Kerry after floating a mile offshore on an inflatable lilo @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday afternoon after the child was pulled out to sea off Littor beach on @ @ @ @ @ Shannon estuary in north Co Kerry .
A spokesman for Valentia Coast Guard said the @ @ @ @ @ called to the scene at 2.50pm on Thursday .
The Kilrush RNLI lifeboat also attended @ @ @ @ @ , who had floated a mile offshore , was airlifted to University Hospital Kerry in @ @ @ @ @ s condition is unknown .
Meanwhile , a six-year-old boy was rescued off White Strand @ @ @ @ @ Galway , after his surfboard was washed out to sea .
Emergency services were called @ @ @ @ @ 4pm on Thursday after a member of the public called 999 .
The boy was @ @ @ @ @ a local boat and assessed by paramedics who had landed in a helicopter near the @ @ @ @ @ not require further medical assistance .

The Shannon Rescue 115 helicopter responded to an incident on Thursday. File photograph: Irish Coast Guard/PA Wire
A five-year-old girl has been airlifted to hospital in Co Kerry after floating a mile offshore on an inflatable lilo.
The alarm was raised on Thursday afternoon after the child was pulled out to sea off Littor beach on the southern shore of the Shannon estuary in north Co Kerry.
A spokesman for Valentia Coast Guard said the Shannon Rescue 115 helicopter was called to the scene at 2.50pm on Thursday. The Kilrush RNLI lifeboat also attended the scene.
The five-year-old, who had floated a mile offshore, was airlifted to University Hospital Kerry in Tralee. The girl’s condition is unknown.
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Meanwhile, a six-year-old boy was rescued off White Strand beach in Renvyle, Co Galway, after his surfboard was washed out to sea.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 4pm on Thursday after a member of the public called 999.
The boy was recovered from the water by a local boat and assessed by paramedics who had landed in a helicopter near the beach. The child did not require further medical assistance.


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--Q&A: Could schools reopen before September in light of new health advice?

There ’ s lots of commentary about reopening schools .
How safe would it be to do this ?
Latest research by the HSE has concluded that schools are “ not a high-risk setting ” for the transmission of Covid-19 .
The report published in a European journal on infectious disease surveillance concludes that reopening of schools should be considered as an early rather than a late measure in the lifting of restrictions .
On what evidence has the HSE based its conclusion that schools are “ not a high-risk ” setting ?
Public health experts examined all known cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland prior to the shutdown of schools on March 12th .
There were six confirmed cases in all – three children and three adults .
An examination of more than 1,000 contacts of these cases in the school settings found there were no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the following two weeks .
These contacts were exposed in classrooms , sports lessons , music lessons and choir practice for a religious ceremony which involved a number of schools mixed in a church setting .
These findings echo similar research in Iceland , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are “ no zero risk approaches , but the school environment appears to be low risk.
” What is the Government ’ s stance on school reopening ?
The Government ’ s roadmap for reopening society still envisages schools reopening on a phased basis in September .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh has confirmed this and warned of “ massive ” logistical work in reopening them safely .
This week , he said that even if social distancing rules are relaxed from two to one metre , all children will still not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and online learning will continue .
He pledged a “ model ” for reopening schools in September will be ready within a fortnight .
In the UK , schools are due to partially reopen on June 1st for pupils in reception ( age four to five ) , year one ( age five to six ) and year six ( age 10-11 ) .
Across the rest of Europe , millions of children have been returning to classrooms in recent weeks .
Denmark was among the first to reopen over a month ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus has continued to fall .
What is the view of teachers , principals and parents over reopening schools in Ireland ?
Last month , teachers ’ and principals ’ representatives expressed a willingness to reopen schools in June , if it was deemed safe and in line with public health advice .
However , since the Government ruled this out , their focus has shifted to ensuring detailed guidance and supports are in place to ensure schools can resume safely .
The National Parents ’ Council Primary has called for public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for schools to be partially reopened in mid-June for some cohorts of students , if safe to do so .
So , is there any chance schools will reopen in advance of September ?
There is still a possibility – though for a limited number of children .
The Department of Education is working on a “ summer programme ” for children with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds .
This is likely to be a combination of online and in-school provision , according to Mr McHugh , if public health advice allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ July provision ” scheme , which benefits about 10,000 children each summer .
What will school look like when it reopens ?
It is likely that schools will reopen in September with students attending on a rotating basis for certain days of the week and learning online at other times .
School managers and teachers ’ representatives have indicated it will be impossible to accommodate all children in school due to social distancing rules .
The Irish Primary Principals Network says some principals estimate about one third of a class would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-metre distance is required between desks .
This could require pupils attending school on every third day , it notes .
It has ruled out the idea of having half-days for pupils , where some would attend school in the morning and the remainder in the afternoon , due to the added burden of cleaning classrooms and the staggering of drop-off and collection times .
Mr McHugh has also said even if two-metre social distancing rules are reduced to a single metre , school will not be able to accommodate all pupils .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to implement these rules , especially at primary level .
As a result , school managers have suggested students could stay in groups or “ pods ” .
For example , the same group of ten students would attend school together and play together at breaktime .
In addition , sharing of desks , books , devices and other materials would be minimised .
When will we get a clear idea if what , exactly , is planned for schools in Ireland ?
The Minister for Education has said officials are examining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have a “ model ” produced within the next fortnight .
There will likely be a large degree of flexibility in the plan given the diversity in the size of schools in Ireland .

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that it is the Government's intention to open all schools at the beginning of the school year in August. However, the Taoiseach warned that every student may not "return every day for the full day." Video: RTÉ
There’s lots of commentary about reopening schools. How safe would it be to do this?
Latest research by the HSE has concluded schools are “not a high-risk setting” for the transmission of Covid-19.
The report published in a European journal on infectious disease surveillance concludes reopening of schools should be considered as an early measure in the lifting of restrictions.
On what evidence has the HSE based its conclusion that schools are “not a high-risk” setting?
READ MORE
Public health experts examined all known cases of the virus in school settings in Ireland prior to the shutdown of schools on March 12th.
There were six confirmed cases – three children and three adults.
An examination of more than 1,000 contacts of these cases in the school settings found there were no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the following two weeks.
These findings echo similar research in Iceland, Italy and Australia.
The authors conclude there are "no zero risk approaches, but the school environment appears to be low risk."
What is the Government’s stance on reopening schools?
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Friday the Government still envisages schools reopening on a phased basis in late August.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh this week pledged that a roadmap for the reopening schools from late August will be ready within a fortnight.
What will school look like when it reopens?
McHugh has signalled that social distancing measures of two or even one metres could be very difficult to implement in schools.
At primary level, for instance, we have some of the most overcrowded classrooms in Europe.
One option which Department of Education officials are understood to be examining is creating “pods” of entire classes who remain together during the school day and do not mix with others.
This may allow schools to get around social distancing requirements and ensure most children attend school full-time.
If this does not prove possible, school managers and teachers’ representatives have indicated it will be impossible to accommodate all children in school at one time.
The Irish Primary Principals Network, for example, says some principals estimate about one third of a class would fit in a standard classroom if a two-metre distance is required between desks. This could require pupils attending school on every third day.
What’s happening elsewhere in Europe?
Ireland is in a minority of countries in Europe in keeping its schools closed, according to Unesco figures.
Out of 48 countries or jurisdictions, 25 are open are or are planning to open shortly; 12 have yet to decide; and 11 – including Ireland – will not reopen in the current academic year.
Denmark was among the first to reopen over a month ago and announced recently that transmission of the virus has continued to fall.
England is due to partially reopen schools from June 1st for pupils in reception (age four to five), year one (age five to six) and year six (age 10-11).
What is the view of teachers, principals and parents in Ireland?
The National Parents’ Council Primary has called for public health advice to be kept under regular review and for schools to be partially reopened in mid-June for some pupils – such as sixth class – if safe to do so.
Last month, teachers’ and principals’ representatives expressed a willingness to reopen schools in June, if it was deemed safe and in line with public health advice.
However, since the Government ruled this out, their focus shifted to ensuring detailed guidance and supports are in place to ensure schools can resume safely.
So, is there any chance schools will reopen in June?
It seems highly unlikely. However, there is a possibility some schools could reopen for a very limited number of children in July/August.
The department is working on a “summer programme” for children with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This is likely to be a combination of online and in-school provision, according to McHugh, if public health advice allows.
When will we get a clear idea if what, exactly, is planned for schools in Ireland?
The Minister for Education said officials are examining school reopening policies in other countries and will have a “model” produced within the next fortnight.


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--Charities find news ways of raising money during lockdown

Charities continue to come up with new ways of raising money in a locked-down world but few can have been as novel as the wheeze from the charitable skinny dippers of Ireland who will make a bid for Guinness World Record glory this weekend .
Over the last six years the Strip and Dip skinny dip has raised €780,000 for the fight against childhood cancers and has even bought a house for the charity www.aoibheannspinktie.ie.It has also broken an official Guinness World Records title in 2018 for the World ’ s Largest Skinny Dip with 2,505 women in attending .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held in the traditional fashion because of the Covid-19 crisis , so the organisers have gone all virtual and will bid for a second Guinness World Record title for the Largest Virtual Dip with the title “ Most photos of people in water uploaded to Facebook in one hour ” .
The challenge will see all the women taking a virtual dip to raise funds for Aoibheann ’ s Pink Tie - in the Bath , Shower , Paddling Pool , Beach , River – whatever suits .
Then they will upload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 2pm and 3pm tomorrow with the photos totted up Participants can register until 1pm on Saturday and upload their pictures between 2pm and 3pm .
People can register at www.virtualdip.ie with the fee of €27.95 going to the charity .
Meanwhile a “ virtual cycle 4 CF ” is taking place on Sunday from 9:30am .
The virtual event will happen on the online training platform , Zwift and has been organised by Cycling Ireland in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland .
Hundreds of people are expected to ride the virtual sportive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a stationary bike and turbo trainer , to raise funds for people living with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland .
The event will cater for all fitness levels .
Registration is free but people who donate €20 or more to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland will get a -shirt .
People can register at https : //eventmaster.ie/event/vpDFPoSb4 , or via cfireland.ie .

Charities continue to come up with new ways of raising money in a locked-down world but few can have been as novel as the wheeze from the charitable skinny dippers of Ireland who will make a bid for Guinness World Record glory this weekend.
Charities continue to come up with new ways of raising money in a locked-down world but few can have been as novel as the wheeze from the charitable skinny dippers of Ireland who will make a bid for Guinness World Record glory on Saturday week June 6th.
Over the last six years the Strip and Dip skinny dip has raised €780,000 for the fight against childhood cancers and has even bought a house for the charity www.aoibheannspinktie.ie.It has also broken an official Guinness World Records title in 2018 for the World's Largest Skinny Dip with 2,505 women in attending.
The seventh Strip and Dip event cannot be held in the traditional fashion because of the Covid-19 crisis, so the organisers have gone all virtual and will bid for a second Guinness World Record title for the Largest Virtual Dip with the title "Most photos of people in water uploaded to Facebook in one hour".
The challenge will see all the women taking a virtual dip to raise funds for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie – in the Bath, Shower, Paddling Pool, Beach, River – whatever suits.
READ MORE
Then they will upload their picture to the Facebook Event Page between 2pm and 3pm on the day of the virtual dip and the photos will be totted up.
Participants can register until 1pm on that date and upload their pictures between 2pm and 3pm. People can register at www.virtualdip.ie with the fee of €27.95 going to the charity.
Meanwhile a “virtual cycle 4 CF” is taking place on Sunday from 9.30am. The virtual event will happen on the online training platform, Zwift and has been organised by Cycling Ireland in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
Hundreds of people are expected to ride the virtual sportive from the safety of their own homes using a stationary bike and turbo trainer, to raise funds for people living with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland. The event will cater for all fitness levels.
Registration is free but people who donate €20 or more to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland will get a T-shirt.
People can register at https://eventmaster.ie/event/vpDFPoSb4, or via cfireland.ie.


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--Leo Varadkar: We are not ready for one metre social distancing

Ireland has not suppressed the spread of coronavirus enough to reduce social distancing guidelines from two metres to one metre , the Taoiseach has said .
Many businesses have said they would be unable to reopen unless the social distancing guide is brought down to one metre .
Leo Varadkar defended the existing guideline saying that two metres is safer than one metre if in the vicinity of a person with the virus .
“ Before we can relax that rule and maybe reduce it to one metre , which I know a lot of people would like , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down a bit more .
We ’ re not at that point yet , but I think there ’ s a good chance we get there , just not quite yet , ” he told Dublin radio station FM104 .
Mr Varadkar said that two metres was a guideline , not the law or a regulation , but it was a guideline to which he was asking people to adhere .
The State ’ s chief medical officer , Tony Holohan , on Wednesday told the Government there will be no immediate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
Mr Varadkar thanked the public for their response to the guidelines to date and said if they had not been introduced there could have been 30,000 deaths from Covid-19 .
The Taoiseach also said a proposal to resolve the issue of women on maternity leave being excluded from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme should be signed off by the Cabinet today .
He explained that there are 2,000 women affected by this anomaly because they were on maternity leave when the temporary scheme was introduced and were subsequently removed from payroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not eligible for the scheme .
When asked about advice for the public keen to enjoy the good weather this bank holiday weekend , Mr Varadkar said he understood how people wanted to get out and they could do so for exercise , and to meet family and friends outdoors in groups smaller than four .
They should also wear sunscreen , he added , but he would not be going outside the garden himself this weekend , he said .
“ I don ’ t want to give my press officer a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks , the Taoiseach said they should be viewed as “ an extra ” but they were not “ some magic shield ” .
He said he wears a plain cloth one himself .
“ People have stopped sending me socks and they ’ re sending me masks .
I now have a few nice ones .
But I don ’ t wear a surgical mask as I don ’ t want them to run out.
” Mr Varadkar said he wants to accelerate the Government ’ s roadmap for reopening the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not be made until next week when the figures are known “ and we can see if we ’ re moving in the right direction.
” Phases can be brought forward if the virus numbers are kept under control , he said .

Ireland has not suppressed the spread of coronavirus enough to reduce social distancing guidelines from two metres to one metre, the Taoiseach has said.
Many businesses have said they would be unable to reopen unless the social distancing guide is brought down to one metre.
Leo Varadkar defended the existing guideline saying that two metres is safer than one metre if in the vicinity of a person with the virus.
“Before we can relax that rule and maybe reduce it to one metre, which I know a lot of people would like, we just need to see the virus come down a bit more. We’re not at that point yet, but I think there’s a good chance we get there, just not quite yet,” he told Dublin radio station FM104.
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Mr Varadkar said that two metres was a guideline, not the law or a regulation, but it was a guideline to which he was asking people to adhere.
The State’s chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, on Wednesday told the Government there will be no immediate change to the current two-metre rule for physical distancing.
Mr Varadkar thanked the public for their response to the guidelines to date and said if they had not been introduced there could have been 30,000 deaths from Covid-19.
The Taoiseach also said a proposal to resolve the issue of women on maternity leave being excluded from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme should be signed off by the Cabinet today. He explained that there are 2,000 women affected by this anomaly because they were on maternity leave when the temporary scheme was introduced and were subsequently removed from payroll by their employers, meaning they were not eligible for the scheme.
When asked about advice for the public keen to enjoy the good weather this bank holiday weekend, Mr Varadkar said he understood how people wanted to get out and they could do so for exercise, and to meet family and friends outdoors in groups smaller than four. They should also wear sunscreen, he added, but he would not be going outside the garden himself this weekend, he said.
“I don’t want to give my press officer a heart attack.”
On the issue of face masks, the Taoiseach said they should be viewed as “an extra” but they were not “some magic shield”. He said he wears a plain cloth one himself. “People have stopped sending me socks and they’re sending me masks. I now have a few nice ones. But I don’t wear a surgical mask as I don’t want them to run out.”
Mr Varadkar said he wants to accelerate the Government’s roadmap for reopening the country, but that a judgement call cannot be made until next week when the figures are known “and we can see if we’re moving in the right direction.” Phases can be brought forward if the virus numbers are kept under control, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--Garda to scale down Covid enforcement operation ahead of hottest weekend this year

Gardaí are expected to operate a scaled-down operation this bank holiday weekend to enforce the coronavirus movement restrictions as the force switches focus from roads to parks , beaches and beauty spots .
The Easter and May bank holiday weekends saw large-scale Garda mobilisations , including extra checkpoints and foot patrols , to ensure people were only travelling for essential reasons .
While an enforcement operation will be in place this weekend , it is expected to be on a smaller scale and will focus on road safety rather than enforcing the movement restrictions .
This week Garda Commissioner Drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force ’ s coronavirus policing will focus on monitoring the movement restrictions through “ community engagement at key locations such as parks , beaches and natural beauty spots .
“ We also remind people , particularly coming up to the bank holiday weekend , about not travelling to holiday homes or making non-essential journeys.
” The current fine weather is set to continue over the bank holiday weekend , with temperatures to range from 20 to 25 degrees which has led to a notable rise in the number of people at beaches and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sunny throughout the day , with some cloud cover in the west of the country , and colder breezes along the southwest coast .
Temperatures on Saturday will range from highs of 20 to 25 degrees , with clear skies and strong sunshine in most places , according to Met Éireann ’ s forecast .
The west of the country will see cloudier weather , with temperatures along the southern and eastern coasts slightly lower than other parts due to coastal breezes .
Temperatures are forecast to reach 24 degrees on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have expressed concern about an increase in road deaths compared to 2019 , despite the massively reduced traffic on the roads as a result of the pandemic .
There has been a 17 per cent increase in fatal collisions compared to the same period in 2019 and pedestrian deaths have doubled to 18 .
Despite the closure of pubs and restaurants , gardaí have also stopped 1,153 people so far drink or drug driving , “ In light of the increase in road deaths this year , An Garda Síochána will launch a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank Holiday weekend , ” Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary of National Roads Policing Unit said .
“ The operation will concentrate on the four ‘ Lifesaver ’ offences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs , speeding , non-seatbelt wearing and using a mobile phone while driving .
“ Of concern is the number of people arrested so far this year for driving under the influence of an intoxicant ; either alcohol or drugs .
The policing response to the coronavirus has had a massive impact on the Garda budget and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an overtime ban .
This has already resulted in a less visible police presence around the country .
The use of the Garda helicopters in coronavirus policing has also been significantly reduced , sources said .
The number of enforcement actions taken by gardaí under the coronavirus restrictions has also dropped as the country begins its slow reopening .
Last week gardaí enforced the regulations 22 times , down from 49 times the week before and the second lowest rate of enforcement since the emergency powers were introduced .
Just under €35 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , 12 per cent over the expected spend .
Additional overtime was required to enforce the restrictions and to cover for members who were forced to self-isolate as a result of Covid-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .

Gardaí are expected to launch a scaled-down operation this bank holiday weekend to enforce the coronavirus movement restrictions as the force switches focus from roads to parks, beaches and beauty spots. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Gardaí are expected to operate a scaled-down operation this bank holiday weekend to enforce the coronavirus movement restrictions as the force switches focus from roads to parks, beaches and beauty spots.
The Easter and May bank holiday weekends saw large-scale Garda mobilisations, including extra checkpoints and foot patrols, to ensure people were only travelling for essential reasons.
While an enforcement operation will be in place this weekend, it is expected to be on a smaller scale and will focus on road safety rather than enforcing the movement restrictions.
This week Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said over the coming weeks the force's coronavirus policing will focus on monitoring the movement restrictions through "community engagement at key locations such as parks, beaches and natural beauty spots.
READ MORE
“We also remind people, particularly coming up to the bank holiday weekend, about not travelling to holiday homes or making non-essential journeys.”
Fine weather
The current fine weather is set to continue over the bank holiday weekend, with temperatures to range from 20 to 25 degrees which has led to a notable rise in the number of people at beaches and scenic areas.
Friday will remain dry and sunny throughout the day, with some cloud cover in the west of the country, and colder breezes along the southwest coast.
Temperatures on Saturday will range from highs of 20 to 25 degrees, with clear skies and strong sunshine in most places, according to Met Éireann’s forecast.
The west of the country will see cloudier weather, with temperatures along the southern and eastern coasts slightly lower than other parts due to coastal breezes. Temperatures are forecast to reach 24 degrees on Sunday
The Garda and the Road Safety Authority have expressed concern about an increase in road deaths compared to 2019, despite the massively reduced traffic on the roads as a result of the pandemic.
There has been a 17 per cent increase in fatal collisions compared to the same period in 2019 and pedestrian deaths have doubled to 18.
Despite the closure of pubs and restaurants, gardaí have also stopped 1,153 people so far drink or drug driving,
"In light of the increase in road deaths this year, An Garda Síochána will launch a Roads Policing enforcement operation this coming June Bank Holiday weekend," Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary of National Roads Policing Unit said.
“The operation will concentrate on the four ‘Lifesaver’ offences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, non-seatbelt wearing and using a mobile phone while driving.
“Of concern is the number of people arrested so far this year for driving under the influence of an intoxicant; either alcohol or drugs.
Massive impact
The policing response to the coronavirus has had a massive impact on the Garda budget and regional management has been ordered to institute an overtime ban. This has already resulted in a less visible police presence around the country.
The use of the Garda helicopters in coronavirus policing has also been significantly reduced, sources said.
The number of enforcement actions taken by gardaí under the coronavirus restrictions has also dropped as the country begins its slow reopening. Last week gardaí enforced the regulations 22 times, down from 49 times the week before and the second lowest rate of enforcement since the emergency powers were introduced.
Just under €35 million has been spent on Garda overtime this year, 12 per cent over the expected spend. Additional overtime was required to enforce the restrictions and to cover for members who were forced to self-isolate as a result of Covid-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--Have your say: Is ‘remote learning’ sustainable for your family?

“ Blended learning ” - a mix of being in class and learning remotely - will be a reality in schools in Ireland when they reopen in September , the Minister for Education Joe McHugh has said .
The Irish Times would like to hear from teachers and parents of children of all ages .
What do you think about schools remaining closed until September ?
What has been your family ’ s experience of homeschooling over the past two months ?
How well did your school engage with “ remote learning ” ?
How has it affected your children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you struggled to balance homeschooling with your own work ?
Do you think “ remote learning ” is sustainable into the next academic year ?
How may it affect your family ?
What other concerns would you have about the plan ?
You can share your experiences and views using this form .
Ideally we would like to use your full name , but if you would prefer to remain anonymous , please indicate this with your submission .
An optional photograph of your family may be attached to the form .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Irish Times .
If you are reading this in the app , click here to access the form .

What has been your family’s experience of homeschooling over the past two months? Photograph: iStock
"Blended learning" - a mix of being in class and learning remotely - will be a reality in schools in Ireland when they reopen in September, the Minister for Education Joe McHugh has said.
The Irish Times would like to hear from teachers and parents of children of all ages. What do you think about schools remaining closed until September? What has been your family’s experience of homeschooling over the past two months? How well did your school engage with “remote learning”? How has it affected your children socially, mentally and academically? Have you struggled to balance homeschooling with your own work? Do you think “remote learning” is sustainable into the next academic year? How may it affect your family? What other concerns would you have about the plan?
You can share your experiences and views using this form. Ideally we would like to use your full name, but if you would prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this with your submission. An optional photograph of your family may be attached to the form.
A selection of responses may be published in The Irish Times.
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If you are reading this in the app, click here to access the form.
Thank you.


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--This spring has been driest on record in Leinster

This spring has been the driest on record in Leinster since digital records began around 70 years ago , the national forecaster Met Éireann has said .
Since early March seven weather stations have experienced an “ absolute drought , ” which is 15 consecutive days without rain .
Drought-like conditions have been most apparent in Dublin where the Phoenix Park weather station had 42 days from March 18th to April 28th , in which just 5.8mm of rain fell .
Very little rain has fallen in this month so far either .
Just 9.5mm of rain has fallen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dublin is 59.5mm .
The fine weather is set to continue over the bank holiday weekend , with temperatures to range from 20 to 25 degrees .
The weather on Friday is to be dry and sunny throughout the day , with some cloud cover in the west of the country , and colder breezes along the southwest coast .
Temperatures on Saturday will range from highs of 20 to 25 degrees , with clear skies and strong sunshine in most places , according to Met Éireann ’ s forecast .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather , with temperatures along the southern and eastern coasts slightly lower than other parts due to coastal breezes .
Saturday night will remain dry and warm in most parts , with temperatures only dropping to 10 degrees overnight .
The sunny weather will continue into the weekend and likely through to early next week , the national forecaster has said .
Top temperatures on Sunday will reach 24 degrees , during another dry and sunny day .
Sea breezes will mean it is slightly cooler along the southern and eastern coasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country to be cloudier .
Sunday night will remain dry , with some spells of mist and fog patches in parts , and temperatures of nine to 12 degrees overnight .
The current outlook for the bank holiday Monday is temperatures of between 22 and 25 degrees , and more dry and sunny weather for the most part .
Met Éireann has said there is a risk of light rain showers in the afternoon , and moderate easterly breezes .
Temperatures are to begin to drop from Tuesday , and continue to fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the forecaster has said .
Gerry Murphy , Met Éireann meteorologist , said the country was set for an “ amazing weekend ” of “ very pleasant weather.
” There was a chance of a “ drop ” of rain on the edge of the west coast , but even that might hold off , he said .
“ Overall it ’ s a dry , bright weekend , ” he said .
There was the “ possibility of some showers ” on Tuesday , and from mid-week onwards the weather is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , that cold air mass bringing an end to the fine weather was still “ uncertain , ” he said .

The fine weather is set to continue over the bank holiday weekend, with temperatures to range from 20 to 25 degrees. Photograph Brenda Fitzsimmons
This spring has been the driest on record in Leinster since digital records began around 70 years ago, the national forecaster Met Éireann has said.
Since early March seven weather stations have experienced an “absolute drought,” which is 15 consecutive days without rain.
Drought-like conditions have been most apparent in Dublin where the Phoenix Park weather station had 42 days from March 18th to April 28th, in which just 5.8mm of rain fell.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 3 Crowds enjoying the sun on Burrow Beach, Sutton. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
Very little rain has fallen in this month so far either. Just 9.5mm of rain has fallen to date, and the average for May in Dublin is 59.5mm.
READ MORE
The fine weather is set to continue over the bank holiday weekend, with temperatures to range from 20 to 25 degrees.
The weather on Friday is to be dry and sunny throughout the day, with some cloud cover in the west of the country, and colder breezes along the southwest coast.
Temperatures on Saturday will range from highs of 20 to 25 degrees, with clear skies and strong sunshine in most places, according to Met Éireann’s forecast. The west of the country will see cloudier weather, with temperatures along the southern and eastern coasts slightly lower than other parts due to coastal breezes.
Saturday night will remain dry and warm in most parts, with temperatures only dropping to 10 degrees overnight.
The sunny weather will continue into the weekend and likely through to early next week, the national forecaster has said.
Top temperatures on Sunday will reach 24 degrees, during another dry and sunny day. Sea breezes will mean it is slightly cooler along the southern and eastern coasts, with the north and west of the country to be cloudier.
Sunday night will remain dry, with some spells of mist and fog patches in parts, and temperatures of nine to 12 degrees overnight.
The current outlook for the bank holiday Monday is temperatures of between 22 and 25 degrees, and more dry and sunny weather for the most part. Met Éireann has said there is a risk of light rain showers in the afternoon, and moderate easterly breezes.
Temperatures are to begin to drop from Tuesday, and continue to fall into the week down to the mid-teens, the forecaster has said.
Gerry Murphy, Met Éireann meteorologist, said the country was set for an "amazing weekend" of "very pleasant weather."
There was a chance of a “drop” of rain on the edge of the west coast, but even that might hold off, he said. “Overall it’s a dry, bright weekend,” he said.
There was the “possibility of some showers” on Tuesday, and from mid-week onwards the weather is to get cooler, he said. However, that cold air mass bringing an end to the fine weather was still “uncertain,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--Girl (5) rescued after lilo drifted to sea in ‘good health’

A five-year-old girl who was airlifted to hospital in Co Kerry after floating offshore on an inflatable lilo is believed @ @ @ @ @ a stable condition .
The alarm was raised on Thursday afternoon after the child was @ @ @ @ @ Littor beach on the southern shore of the Shannon estuary in north Co Kerry .
@ @ @ @ @ was called to the scene at 2.50pm on Thursday , and the Kilrush RNLI lifeboat @ @ @ @ @ The five-year-old was airlifted to University Hospital Kerry in Tralee .
On Friday morning a @ @ @ @ @ said they understood the girl had remained in hospital overnight “ but was in good @ @ @ @ @ .

An Irish coast guard helicopter pilot has described the five-year-old rescued from the Shannon estuary yesterday as “a very lucky little girl”.
Cpt Sean Murphy said coastguard helicopter Rescue 115 had been on a training mission off the Kerry coast when they got a call from Valentia coast guard radio telling them of a child in difficulty drifting out to sea on an inflatable toy.
The coast guard also alerted the Kilrush RNLI boat to respond to the call, he said.
“As we were pretty close, it took us 10 minutes to arrive at the scene which was at Ballpoint just around the corner from Ballybunion. We quickly located a little girl drifting out to sea into choppier waters, she was drifting off the shoreline, she seemed to be sitting on an inflatable toy, the lads described it as a blow up jet ski. She was wearing a swimming togs,” he told RTÉ’s News at One.
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“We had to do a quick assessment of the situation and decided the best thing to do was to get our winchman down to her. As we were approaching to put the winchman down to her, she came off the actual toy, fell into the water.
“At that stage we were about 10-20 yards away, Jim O’Neill our winchman made an instant decision to come off the cable and swim to her, when he did he secured her, at that stage we waited for the RNLI lifeboat coming from Kilrush, which was about 5-10 minutes away, to pick them up rather than the riskier recovery to the aircraft.
“We remained on scene until the lifeboat had them both safely on board, we landed on the shore, we waited for them to come to us and then we took the child and her mother to Kerry university hospital to be checked over, on landing in Kerry she was smiling and chatting and she was thanking Jim for saving her. All went well.
“I think the stars really aligned for her, she was a fortunate little girl - being there in 10 minutes was a pretty quick response,” he added.
Strong currents
Cpt Murphy said that while conditions were very good yesterday there was a fairly strong current pushing her offshore and out the estuary. “There was about 20-30 knots of wind as well, she was sitting up on this little inflatable toy, so she was moving quite quickly away from the shoreline.
“It wouldn’t have taken her too long to get out to the mouth of the Shannon estuary. We were all very lucky on this one. We think it was as a result of the choppier waters that she was going into that caused her to come off of the actual toy itself. She was very, very lucky.”
Cpt Murphy warned that sea temperatures at this time of year are still very cold and that winds can change quickly. He warned that inflatables are particularly difficult and can be “whipped off shore” very quickly.
In this case it had been fortunate that the alarm was raised very quickly and Rescue 115 happened to be in the area.
On Friday morning, a spokesman for Valentia Coast Guard said they understood the girl had remained in hospital overnight "but was in good health" after the rescue.


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--Two-metre rule makes reopening schools in September difficult, minister says

The Minister of Education Joe McHugh has said it is difficult to see all students being able to return to school in September if the two-metre social distancing rule remains in place .
Schools are due to reopen on a phased basis in early September , according to the Government ’ s road map for lifting Covid-19 restrictions .
Mr McHugh told RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Sarah McInerney that the Department of Education will publish a road map for the reopening of schools in two weeks .
He said : “ With the two-metre rule still in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students being back in September.
” Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan , who has resisted calls to support a reduction in the two-metre rule , rejected the suggestion that Mr McHugh ’ s comments added extra pressure on his deliberations .
He told the National Public Health Emergency Team media briefing on Thursday : “ We have a clear job to do to assess and provide the best advice we can based on the available evidence and guidance that might exist around any of the public health measures that we have recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance had been part of an inter-linked set of measures that had helped Ireland suppress the virus .
“ This is the set of measures that ’ s worked , ” he said .
“ We think that now is not the time to change any individual one or indeed to overly focus on the importance of one to the exclusion of others .
“ It ’ s the interaction between all of these different measures , including the personal behaviours that we have recommended , that have achieved the suppression of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve in this country .
“ And as we move through the various different phases we ’ ll keep all those measures under review .
If we think that either the evidence available to us or the experience that we ’ re seeing in other countries suggests that we should make a change in relation to one of those then we will do exactly that.
” Meanwhile , the majority of students have signed up to the Leaving Certificate calculated grades system .
Mr McHugh said efforts will be made to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up ahead of Thursday night ’ s 10pm deadline .
As of 9am on Thursday , 56,000 students had signed up .
He said : “ I would encourage the remaining students to get going and if they are having problems they can contact the online helpline.
” – PA

Minister of Education Joe McHugh has said it is difficult to see all students being able to return to school in September if the two-metre social distancing rule remains in place. Photograph: Dave Thompson/PA
The Minister of Education Joe McHugh has said it is difficult to see all students being able to return to school in September if the two-metre social distancing rule remains in place.
Schools are due to reopen on a phased basis in early September, according to the Government’s road map for lifting Covid-19 restrictions.
Mr McHugh told RTÉ radio’s Today with Sarah McInerney that the Department of Education will publish a road map for the reopening of schools in two weeks.
He said: “With the two-metre rule still in place it’s hard to see all students being back in September.”
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Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan, who has resisted calls to support a reduction in the two-metre rule, rejected the suggestion that Mr McHugh's comments added extra pressure on his deliberations.
He told the National Public Health Emergency Team media briefing on Thursday: “We have a clear job to do to assess and provide the best advice we can based on the available evidence and guidance that might exist around any of the public health measures that we have recommended.
Set of measures
Dr Holohan said the two metre guidance had been part of an inter-linked set of measures that had helped Ireland suppress the virus.
“This is the set of measures that’s worked,” he said.
“We think that now is not the time to change any individual one or indeed to overly focus on the importance of one to the exclusion of others.
“It’s the interaction between all of these different measures, including the personal behaviours that we have recommended, that have achieved the suppression of the infection that we’ve been able to achieve in this country.
“And as we move through the various different phases we’ll keep all those measures under review. If we think that either the evidence available to us or the experience that we’re seeing in other countries suggests that we should make a change in relation to one of those then we will do exactly that.”
Meanwhile, the majority of students have signed up to the Leaving Certificate calculated grades system.
Mr McHugh said efforts will be made to reach out to students who have not signed up ahead of Thursday night’s 10pm deadline.
As of 9am on Thursday, 56,000 students had signed up.
He said: “I would encourage the remaining students to get going and if they are having problems they can contact the online helpline.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-05-29--Covid-19 contact-tracing calls fell more than half during May

The number of contact-tracing calls made to track down possible Covid-19 infections each week by the Health Service Executive more than halved during May , according to new official figures .
Eight thousand calls were made to close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 positive cases in the week ending May 2nd .
This dropped to about 6,800 per week in the following two weeks .
However , the number of calls fell dramatically to 3,800 contacts for the week ending May 23rd , as the incidence of the virus reduced in the community , according to a spokeswoman for the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials employed in the tracing centres has fallen , too .
In the week ending May 2nd , 70 were employed .
This rose to 81 in the week ending May 9th .
It fell to 62 in the following week .
In April , the average time taken to complete contract tracing was 72 hours .
However , the vast majority , both complex and routine , are now completed within 24 hours of being uploaded on to the “ Covid care tracker ” system .
“ If all the data is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Covid care tracker at 11am , the process will be completed by 6pm that evening , ” the HSE spokeswoman said .
Contact tracing can be delayed by the lack of telephone numbers for people who need to be contacted .
“ This has undoubtedly caused delays , and while it has improved greatly in recent weeks , it still creates challenges , ” the spokeswoman said .
The number of people not responding to calls varies from 1 or 2 per cent to more than 10 per cent .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of close contacts who the HSE are unable to contact , ” the spokeswoman said .
Contact tracing can be more difficult to complete if people have been in congregated settings before they tested positive for Covid-19 .
“ It can involve multiple calls to the person in charge , and more complicated calls , ” the spokeswoman said .
“ There can be difficulties in making contact with the confirmed case , or with their contacts , so while every effort is made to contact trace all confirmed cases , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE ’ s IT systems have undergone “ very significant improvements ” since mid-March despite ongoing challenges .
“ The system was designed as the pandemic arrived , and there have been challenges at every stage .
“ Improving data quality ; creating automatic upload of laboratory data ; and enhancing the functionality of the Covid care tracker means that the process for contact tracing now operates very efficiently , ” the spokeswoman said .
Tramore-based GP Dr Austin Byrne said contact tracing was now taking 48 hours from receipt of sample , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in advance of a second wave of the virus .
“ Contact tracing appears to be coping well with current numbers but needs to be upscaled in advance of any second wave , ” he said .
“ We are told it ’ s taking 48 hours from receipt of sample .
But there are very few tests now .
.
.
which means very few for tracing .
”

The vast majority of contract tracing is now completed within 24 hours of being uploaded on to the “Covid care tracker” system. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The number of contact-tracing calls made to track down possible Covid-19 infections each week by the Health Service Executive more than halved during May, according to new official figures.
Eight thousand calls were made to close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 positive cases in the week ending May 2nd. This dropped to about 6,800 per week in the following two weeks.
However, the number of calls fell dramatically to 3,800 contacts for the week ending May 23rd, as the incidence of the virus reduced in the community, according to a spokeswoman for the HSE.
Meanwhile, the number of State officials employed in the tracing centres has fallen, too. In the week ending May 2nd, 70 were employed. This rose to 81 in the week ending May 9th. It fell to 62 in the following week.
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In April, the average time taken to complete contract tracing was 72 hours. However, the vast majority, both complex and routine, are now completed within 24 hours of being uploaded on to the “Covid care tracker” system.
“If all the data is available and a record is loaded on to the Covid care tracker at 11am, the process will be completed by 6pm that evening,” the HSE spokeswoman said.
Telephone numbers
Contact tracing can be delayed by the lack of telephone numbers for people who need to be contacted. “This has undoubtedly caused delays, and while it has improved greatly in recent weeks, it still creates challenges,” the spokeswoman said.
The number of people not responding to calls varies from 1 or 2 per cent to more than 10 per cent. “It is not possible to confirm the number of close contacts who the HSE are unable to contact,” the spokeswoman said.
Contact tracing can be more difficult to complete if people have been in congregated settings before they tested positive for Covid-19. “It can involve multiple calls to the person in charge, and more complicated calls,” the spokeswoman said.
“There can be difficulties in making contact with the confirmed case, or with their contacts, so while every effort is made to contact trace all confirmed cases, some will not have been completed.”
The HSE’s IT systems have undergone “very significant improvements” since mid-March despite ongoing challenges. “The system was designed as the pandemic arrived, and there have been challenges at every stage.
“Improving data quality; creating automatic upload of laboratory data; and enhancing the functionality of the Covid care tracker means that the process for contact tracing now operates very efficiently,” the spokeswoman said.
Tramore-based GP Dr Austin Byrne said contact tracing was now taking 48 hours from receipt of sample, but warned the system required further improvement in advance of a second wave of the virus.
“Contact tracing appears to be coping well with current numbers but needs to be upscaled in advance of any second wave,” he said.
“We are told it’s taking 48 hours from receipt of sample. But there are very few tests now . . . which means very few for tracing.”