theirishtimes--2020-04-26--Teachers’ union distances itself from branch seeking cancellation of Leaving Cert

The Teachers ’ Union of Ireland has distanced itself from one of its branches which has callled for the Leaving Cert exam to be cancelled due to health and safety concerns .
The TUI ’ s Dublin City branch says there are mounting concerns over issues such as the ventilation of exam halls , physical distancing and questions such as whether students will need to wear face masks .
As part of its motion calling for the exams to be cancelled , it states that “ there is a risk that if the exams were to go ahead it might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave outbreak , placing our members and students and the broader community at risk.
” The branch ’ s position conflicts with the official TUI position , endorsed by its executive committee , which has stated that the best option available is to proceed with the Leaving Certificate on 29th July , subject to the advice of the public health authorities at the time .
In a statement , a spokesman for the TUI distanced the union from the Dublin City branch ’ s position .
“ The matter of most paramount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and welfare of students and their families , school staff and the general public , ” the spokesman said .
“ The union is also mindful of the need to provide students with the best opportunity to progress to the next step of their chosen paths , be it employment or further study .
“ It is obvious that any arrangement in the current circumstances will not be ideal , but it is incumbent on all stakeholders to do what is best in the interests of our students .
“ In formulating its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the variety of views brought through the democratic structures of the union.
’ Some members of the TUI Dublin City branch are closely aligned with a more hardline faction within the union , which calls itself TUI Grassroots .
It has found itself in conflict with the head office on numerous occasions in the past by seeking a tougher stance on issues such as two-tier pay and working additional “ Croke Park ” hours .
In its statement , the TUI Dublin City branch said it acknowledges the efforts of teachers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says this is no substitute for class teaching .
Given that a final decision will not be made on holding the Leaving Cert until early June , the branch says it would be better to “ cancel the exams and instead issue Leaving Certificates to all students stating the subjects and the level the student has studied.
” The statement does not outline whether grades could be applied to students or whether this alternative is a workable solution for entry into further and higher education .
It states that the long gap between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the exams places an “ unnecessary mental health burden on all students.
” It also goes on to claim that health and safety rules will “ compel students to wear face masks during the exam with a protective screen around their desk which will add to the stress/discomfort.
” Authorities , however , have indicated that no decisions have yet been made on what kind of physical or social distancing measures will apply during the exams .

The TUI’s Dublin City branch says there are mounting health and safety concerns over pressing ahead with the Leaving Cert exams. Photograph: Frank Miller
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland has distanced itself from one of its branches which has callled for the Leaving Cert exam to be cancelled due to health and safety concerns.
The TUI’s Dublin City branch says there are mounting concerns over issues such as the ventilation of exam halls, physical distancing and questions such as whether students will need to wear face masks.
As part of its motion calling for the exams to be cancelled , it states that “there is a risk that if the exams were to go ahead it might reach more viral clusters and a possible second wave outbreak, placing our members and students and the broader community at risk.”
The branch's position conflicts with the official TUI position, endorsed by its executive committee, which has stated that the best option available is to proceed with the Leaving Certificate on 29th July, subject to the advice of the public health authorities at the time.
READ MORE
Safety
In a statement, a spokesman for the TUI distanced the union from the Dublin City branch’s position.
“The matter of most paramount importance is and will remain the safety and welfare of students and their families, school staff and the general public,” the spokesman said.
“ The union is also mindful of the need to provide students with the best opportunity to progress to the next step of their chosen paths, be it employment or further study.
“It is obvious that any arrangement in the current circumstances will not be ideal, but it is incumbent on all stakeholders to do what is best in the interests of our students.
“In formulating its policy, the TUI always takes account of the variety of views brought through the democratic structures of the union.’
Some members of the TUI Dublin City branch are closely aligned with a more hardline faction within the union, which calls itself TUI Grassroots.
It has found itself in conflict with the head office on numerous occasions in the past by seeking a tougher stance on issues such as two-tier pay and working additional “Croke Park” hours.
In its statement, the TUI Dublin City branch said it acknowledges the efforts of teachers in delivering distance learning to students, but says this is no substitute for class teaching.
Given that a final decision will not be made on holding the Leaving Cert until early June, the branch says it would be better to “cancel the exams and instead issue Leaving Certificates to all students stating the subjects and the level the student has studied.”
The statement does not outline whether grades could be applied to students or whether this alternative is a workable solution for entry into further and higher education.
Mental health
It states that the long gap between school closures and the planned commencement date for the exams places an “unnecessary mental health burden on all students.”
It also goes on to claim that health and safety rules will “compel students to wear face masks during the exam with a protective screen around their desk which will add to the stress/discomfort.”
Authorities, however, have indicated that no decisions have yet been made on what kind of physical or social distancing measures will apply during the exams.


theirishtimes--2020-04-26--Gardaí investigate suspected arson attack on mast in Cork city

Gardaí are investigating an arson attack on a communications mast in Cork they believe is linked to a conspiracy theory that 5G masts are connected to coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 .
A Garda source confirmed that investigators believe that the mast at Ardcullen in Hollyhill on the city ’ s northside was deliberately set on fire late on Wednesday night by people who thought it was a 5G mast .
Posters had appeared in the Hollyhill/Knocknaheeny in recent days denouncing 5G .
However , the source said that the mast is actually a transmission mast for 4G and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council told local Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald that the masts were put in place to boost 3G and 4G mobile phone coverage because the area was a mobile phone blackspot .
The blaze on Wednesday was extinguished by units from Cork City Fire Brigade and Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the scene to establish if any accelerants were used to start the fire .
Gardaí have carried out door to door inquiries in the area and also have appealed to anyone who may have seen unusual activity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak to anyone who may have been driving along Harbour View Road and may have dashcam footage to contact them at Gurranebraher Garda Station on 021-4946200 .
The Ardcullen arson attack follows two similar attacks on mobile phone masts in Co Donegal when masts at Circular Road and Long Lane in Letterkenny were set alight on April 12th The incidents prompted the Commission for Communications Regulation to issue a statement , saying that “ there is absolutely no truth in the rumours of a link between Covid-19 and 5G.
” In its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that the Department of Health had advised that Covid-19 was spread in sneeze or cough droplets and there was no evidence of a link to 5G .
The conspiracy theory that 5G masts are somehow linked to the spread of Covid 19 began to gain momentum online in early January after stories began to link the Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan with the installation of 5G masts .
The conspiracy alleges among other things , that Covid-19 has either been caused by the frequencies used for the new wireless technology , or that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There have been over 60 attacks on masts in the UK while masts have also been set alight in the Netherlands where the arsonists have been described as hooligans engaging in a “ European Championship of Mast Burnings ” .
According to Hanna Linderstal , Chief Executive of the Swedish data company Earhart Business Protection Agency , which tracks online disinformation , the first video directly linking Coronavirus to 5G appeared online in early January .
Ms Linderstal began tracking dozens of videos linking the deaths of birds and fish with 5G @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos that appeared in January had been viewed almost 13 million times within a few weeks .
In Britain , Vodafone UK issued a statement arguing that lives were being endangered by a “ dangerous lie ” around 5G , after a mast near Birmingham ’ s NHS Nightingale Coronavirus hospital was vandalised over the Easter weekend .
The World Health Organisation has denied any link between the spread of coronavirus and 5G , while the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection said that 5G signals posed no risk to human health .

The blaze on Wednesday was extinguished by units from Cork City Fire Brigade and Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the scene to establish if any accelerants were used to start the fire. Stock photograph: iStock
Gardaí are investigating an arson attack on a communications mast in Cork they believe is linked to a conspiracy theory that 5G masts are connected to coronavirus, also known as Covid-19.
A Garda source confirmed that investigators believe that the mast at Ardcullen in Hollyhill on the city's northside was deliberately set on fire late on Wednesday night by people who thought it was a 5G mast.
Posters had appeared in the Hollyhill/Knocknaheeny in recent days denouncing 5G.
However, the source said that the mast is actually a transmission mast for 4G and 3G.
READ MORE
Last December, Cork City Council told local Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald that the masts were put in place to boost 3G and 4G mobile phone coverage because the area was a mobile phone blackspot.
The blaze on Wednesday was extinguished by units from Cork City Fire Brigade and Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the scene to establish if any accelerants were used to start the fire.
Gardaí have carried out door to door inquiries in the area and also have appealed to anyone who may have seen unusual activity to contact them.
They are particularly anxious to speak to anyone who may have been driving along Harbour View Road and may have dashcam footage to contact them at Gurranebraher Garda Station on 021-4946200.
Other attacks
The Ardcullen arson attack follows two similar attacks on mobile phone masts in Co Donegal when masts at Circular Road and Long Lane in Letterkenny were set alight on April 12th
The incidents prompted the Commission for Communications Regulation to issue a statement, saying that "there is absolutely no truth in the rumours of a link between Covid-19 and 5G."
In its statement after the Donegal incidents, ComReg added that the Department of Health had advised that Covid-19 was spread in sneeze or cough droplets and there was no evidence of a link to 5G.
The conspiracy theory that 5G masts are somehow linked to the spread of Covid 19 began to gain momentum online in early January after stories began to link the Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan with the installation of 5G masts.
The conspiracy alleges among other things, that Covid-19 has either been caused by the frequencies used for the new wireless technology, or that those signals impair the human immune system.
There have been over 60 attacks on masts in the UK while masts have also been set alight in the Netherlands where the arsonists have been described as hooligans engaging in a "European Championship of Mast Burnings".
Disinformation
According to Hanna Linderstal, Chief Executive of the Swedish data company Earhart Business Protection Agency, which tracks online disinformation, the first video directly linking Coronavirus to 5G appeared online in early January.
Ms Linderstal began tracking dozens of videos linking the deaths of birds and fish with 5G and found that the 35 most popular videos that appeared in January had been viewed almost 13 million times within a few weeks.
In Britain, Vodafone UK issued a statement arguing that lives were being endangered by a "dangerous lie" around 5G, after a mast near Birmingham's NHS Nightingale Coronavirus hospital was vandalised over the Easter weekend.
The World Health Organisation has denied any link between the spread of coronavirus and 5G, while the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection said that 5G signals posed no risk to human health.


theirishtimes--2020-04-26--Bells ring out in Strabane for nurse who died with Covid-19 in England

First a single bell rang out .
Then , from the church a few hundred metres away , there was another .
They were joined by another , and then another , as Strabane remembered Pat McManus .
Originally from the Co Tyrone town , the 60-year-old had spent decades working as a nurse in Staffordshire in England .
When the coronavirus pandemic spread to the UK , he chose to return to front-line nursing despite underlying health conditions .
He contracted the virus , and died a week ago .
He is believed to be the first healthcare professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus contracted as a result of their work .
“ He knew what he was doing , ” said his niece , Aileen Mullen .
“ He said , ‘ that ’ s where I ’ m needed.
’ “ We ’ re a small family , we ’ re very close , and we ’ re just devastated .
He was the head of the family and now he ’ s gone - I don ’ t know how we ’ ll ever get over it .
“ He ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there for me .
He ’ s a hero .
I ’ m just so , so proud of him , and I ’ m proud to call him my uncle.
” Mullen was one of about 50 relatives , friends and well-wishers who gathered outside the church of the Immaculate Conception in the Co Tyrone town on Sunday afternoon as the bells were rung in her uncle ’ s memory .
Sixty years ago , Mr McManus had been baptised in this same church .
Now , parish priest Fr Declan Boland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for others .
“ In spite of his underlying health condition he strove to do his utmost , and he died in that cause , which is the utmost Christian sacrifice , ” said Fr Boland .
The bells , he said , would ring out now just in Mr McManus ’ memory , but in a message of support and solidarity with every healthcare worker .
“ It ’ s interdenominational , it ’ s all groupings , as a mark of affection and esteem for the amazing people who at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for others , particularly in the medical field but right across the board , ” said Fr Boland .
“ It gives us the opportunity to remember all those in all parts , those countless thousands and thousands of men and women on the front service line who are now risking their lives to help people.
” Among those other denominations taking part was Reverend John White , the Church of Ireland rector at Christ Church , Strabane .
“ As it has often been said , this disease makes no distinction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way we can identify with those in the front line , with those in the NHS , all of the staff in hospitals and those in nursing homes .
It isn ’ t much , but it is one way we can show that we are with them.
” Raymond Barr agreed .
An independent councillor in Strabane , he came up with the idea of ringing the bells in order to let local people pay their respects .
“ People in Strabane felt for him and felt for his family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
“ It ’ s also for everybody in the district who has lost someone over the last five weeks .
They haven ’ t been afforded the opportunity to give them the send-off that we traditionally would , and that must be a horrendous feeling for them , so hopefully this was a source of comfort.
” As the sound of the bells faded , those in the chapel grounds began to clap .
For Mullen , it was an emotional moment .
“ I ’ ve never known this to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been out of the town for years , the fact that the town all came together for this is really overwhelming.
” For Fr Boland , it was also an act of hope .
“ The bell rings for funerals , it rings to call people to church , it rings for weddings , so the bell as well as being a time of sadness it ’ s a time of hope , it ’ s the sound of optimism because all people can hear it and all people will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even though they might never have heard of Pat McManus they can be in solidarity with all of those who at this moment are fighting so hard for the lives of so many people and are doing us an amazing service , ” he said .

Family and friends pay tribute as bells rang out at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane, Co Tyrone, in memory of local nurse Pat McManus, who died with Covid-19.
First a single bell rang out. Then, from the church a few hundred metres away, there was another. They were joined by another, and then another, as Strabane remembered Pat McManus.
Originally from the Co Tyrone town, the 60-year-old had spent decades working as a nurse in Staffordshire in England. When the coronavirus pandemic spread to the UK, he chose to return to front-line nursing despite underlying health conditions. He contracted the virus, and died a week ago.
He is believed to be the first healthcare professional from Northern Ireland to have died of coronavirus contracted as a result of their work.
Pat McManus, a Strabane-born nurse who died in England, pictured with his niece Aileen Mullen.
"He knew what he was doing," said his niece, Aileen Mullen. "He said, 'that's where I'm needed.'
READ MORE
“We’re a small family, we’re very close, and we’re just devastated. He was the head of the family and now he’s gone - I don’t know how we’ll ever get over it.
“He’s just my uncle Pat, who was always there for me. He’s a hero. I’m just so, so proud of him, and I’m proud to call him my uncle.”
Mullen was one of about 50 relatives, friends and well-wishers who gathered outside the church of the Immaculate Conception in the Co Tyrone town on Sunday afternoon as the bells were rung in her uncle’s memory.
Pat McManus, a Strabane-born nurse who died in England, pictured with his niece Aileen Mullen.
Sixty years ago, Mr McManus had been baptised in this same church. Now, parish priest Fr Declan Boland said, he had given his life for others.
“In spite of his underlying health condition he strove to do his utmost, and he died in that cause, which is the utmost Christian sacrifice,” said Fr Boland.
The bells, he said, would ring out now just in Mr McManus’ memory, but in a message of support and solidarity with every healthcare worker.
“It’s interdenominational, it’s all groupings, as a mark of affection and esteem for the amazing people who at this moment in time are doing so much for others, particularly in the medical field but right across the board,” said Fr Boland.
“It gives us the opportunity to remember all those in all parts, those countless thousands and thousands of men and women on the front service line who are now risking their lives to help people.”
Among those other denominations taking part was Reverend John White, the Church of Ireland rector at Christ Church, Strabane. "As it has often been said, this disease makes no distinction," he said.
"This is a way we can identify with those in the front line, with those in the NHS, all of the staff in hospitals and those in nursing homes. It isn't much, but it is one way we can show that we are with them."
Raymond Barr agreed. An independent councillor in Strabane, he came up with the idea of ringing the bells in order to let local people pay their respects.
“People in Strabane felt for him and felt for his family and we needed some way to physically show that.
Source of comfort
“It’s also for everybody in the district who has lost someone over the last five weeks. They haven’t been afforded the opportunity to give them the send-off that we traditionally would, and that must be a horrendous feeling for them, so hopefully this was a source of comfort.”
As the sound of the bells faded, those in the chapel grounds began to clap. For Mullen, it was an emotional moment.
“I’ve never known this to happen before, and even though Pat’s been out of the town for years, the fact that the town all came together for this is really overwhelming.”
For Fr Boland, it was also an act of hope. “The bell rings for funerals, it rings to call people to church, it rings for weddings, so the bell as well as being a time of sadness it’s a time of hope, it’s the sound of optimism because all people can hear it and all people will be able to identify with it.
“Even though they might never have heard of Pat McManus they can be in solidarity with all of those who at this moment are fighting so hard for the lives of so many people and are doing us an amazing service,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-04-26--Covid-19: ‘Pressure cooker’ environment leading to family tensions

The effects of the Covid-19 restrictions on children , domestic finances and difficulties living in a confined space are among the main concerns of callers to Accord counselling support phone lines .
A “ pressure cooker ” environment is also leading to family tensions and callers also highlight mental health problems , inability to grieve properly when a loved one dies , and the pressure of work and study at home as major issues .
The problems were raised by more than 100 callers to the Catholic agency ’ s new confidential ‘ relationship support phone line ’ , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their marriage and relationships due to social restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic .
Callers highlighted pressure on students from changes in exam timetables , and the challenges of having a home turned into an office and school as well as the stress around lack of security of employment and clashes with family members because of poor communications .
The Accord phone line services ( 01 ) 531 3331 , ( 01 ) 905 9555 and in Northern Ireland ( 028 ) 9568 0151 are open from 9am to 8pm Monday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to grieve properly for a loved one who has died because of the severe restrictions on funerals , and callers spoke of the constant negative news reporting and the frustration of not being able to socialise outside .
Couples whose relationships had been under pressure prior to imposition of the Covid-19 restrictions are particularly at risk , the counselling service says .
Their confinement exacerbates existing unresolved relationship issues and being compelled to remain at home all the time together except for essential journeys magnifies existing tensions and problems .
People under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in a pressure cooker environment and this can “ induce a regression in their behaviour and human interaction suffers , ” Accord counsellors have noted .
“ They can overreact to situations which in turn can cause the domestic atmosphere to deteriorate .
This type of behaviour can present as either uncomfortable silences and/or very loud , explosive and noisy verbal exchanges.
” Young people and children exposed to aggressive behaviour , experience fear and distress which in turn affects their personal behaviour and relationships with physical isolation at home compounding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trained to identify and handle cases of domestic abuse and can support an individual to develop a safety plan and can advise them of specialist crisis support contact numbers .
Offering tips Accord advises couples to be conscious of how they raise issues with a partner .
“ Talk from your own feelings first and express what is difficult for you and what you feel you need rather than blaming and being critical of your partner .
Criticism usually begets defensive , stonewalling or disproportionate responses.
” Counsellors also suggest : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your behaviour in addition to your partner ’ s shortcomings .
‘ What is it like to be in relationship and to live with me ?
’ is a good question to ask ourselves.
” They also suggest that “ self-management ” is a skill to hone .
“ It might be better to raise an issue at another time so that your partner can hear the cause of concern in a calmer context and to avoid an experience of perceived criticism or attack .
”

The effects of the Covid-19 restrictions on children, domestic finances and difficulties living in a confined space are among the main concerns of callers to Accord counselling support phone lines.
A “pressure cooker” environment is also leading to family tensions and callers also highlight mental health problems, inability to grieve properly when a loved one dies, and the pressure of work and study at home as major issues.
The problems were raised by more than 100 callers to the Catholic agency’s new confidential ‘relationship support phone line’, a free counselling service for people experiencing pressure in their marriage and relationships due to social restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Callers highlighted pressure on students from changes in exam timetables, and the challenges of having a home turned into an office and school as well as the stress around lack of security of employment and clashes with family members because of poor communications.
READ MORE
The Accord phone line services (01) 531 3331, (01) 905 9555 and in Northern Ireland (028) 9568 0151 are open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
Counsellors noted regret at being unable to grieve properly for a loved one who has died because of the severe restrictions on funerals, and callers spoke of the constant negative news reporting and the frustration of not being able to socialise outside.
Couples whose relationships had been under pressure prior to imposition of the Covid-19 restrictions are particularly at risk, the counselling service says. Their confinement exacerbates existing unresolved relationship issues and being compelled to remain at home all the time together except for essential journeys magnifies existing tensions and problems.
People under stress at home can feel they are living in a pressure cooker environment and this can “induce a regression in their behaviour and human interaction suffers,” Accord counsellors have noted.
“They can overreact to situations which in turn can cause the domestic atmosphere to deteriorate. This type of behaviour can present as either uncomfortable silences and/or very loud, explosive and noisy verbal exchanges.”
Young people and children exposed to aggressive behaviour, experience fear and distress which in turn affects their personal behaviour and relationships with physical isolation at home compounding the trauma.
The agency says its counsellors are trained to identify and handle cases of domestic abuse and can support an individual to develop a safety plan and can advise them of specialist crisis support contact numbers.
Offering tips Accord advises couples to be conscious of how they raise issues with a partner.
“Talk from your own feelings first and express what is difficult for you and what you feel you need rather than blaming and being critical of your partner. Criticism usually begets defensive, stonewalling or disproportionate responses.”
Counsellors also suggest: “Be willing to look at yourself and your behaviour in addition to your partner’s shortcomings. ‘What is it like to be in relationship and to live with me?’ is a good question to ask ourselves.”
They also suggest that “self-management” is a skill to hone. “It might be better to raise an issue at another time so that your partner can hear the cause of concern in a calmer context and to avoid an experience of perceived criticism or attack.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-26--Dentists in dire need of support, says dental association chief

Many self-employed dentists fear not reopening after the coronavirus pandemic , their representative association has warned .
The profession is “ effectively collapsing ” under the strain of restrictions and Government support is needed urgently , according to chief executive of the Irish Dental Association Fintan Hourihan .
“ I can not overstate the sense of despair and panic in the dental profession at present .
Unfortunately , there is also considerable anger amongst dentists at what is seen as complete neglect of our reasonable concerns by the Government , ” he said .
In a letter to Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pascal Donohoe , the association said income from their practices is down on average by 90 per cent .
Routine care is prohibited and emergency care impossible in some cases due to difficulties obtaining personal protection equipment ( PPE ) .
The association represents more than 2,000 public and private dentists .
It is “ disappointing ” that dentists had not received the kind of supports to survive the crisis that doctors and pharmacists received , he added .
“ Medics and pharmacists have , quite rightly , been offered extensive support from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate in such challenging circumstances .
However , dentists have been left utterly isolated.
” One dentist , who did not want to give his name , said he operated a practice in the northeast employing 14 people .
But on March 20th he closed .
“ I was providing emergency telephone consultations and issuing prescriptions as I could not source the appropriate PPE to protect patients , staff and the wider public from further spread of Covid-19 .
At this point I had to lay off all my employees and my self-employed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I still have around €9,000 per month of outgoing practice payments to be met .
On top of this I have my own personal living costs like mortgage , utilities , health insurance , food for my family .
I do not have cash reserves .
I currently owe Revenue €8,000 for quarterly PAYE and PRSI .
“ I owe €12,000 to dental suppliers , laboratories , IT hardware installation , software fees for February and March .
That is a total of €20,000 unpaid bills for two months and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income .
What am I supposed to do ?
” Dentists need confidence they will be able to resume viable practices in the near future , ” said Mr Hourihan .
“ We urge the Government to consider a special kick-start package for dentistry.
” Among the measures sought are : • Financial support for dentists to source PPE and make structural changes that may be needed to their clinics ; • Direction to the Revenue Commissioners to introduce a moratorium on VAT payments ; halve the rate of employer PRSI ; • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all loan repayments for those whose earnings have stalled ; • And introduce tax relief on private health insurance for dental treatments .
“ Oral health is vitally important for overall health , ” said Mr Hourihan .
“ A significant proportion of the population can not access this care because so many dentists are unable to open their practice doors .
This is unacceptable.
” Neither the Health Service Executive nor the Department of Health was able to provide an answer on Sunday .

Hard times: ‘I have zero income. What am I supposed to do?’
Many self-employed dentists fear not reopening after the coronavirus pandemic, their representative association has warned.
The profession is "effectively collapsing" under the strain of restrictions and Government support is needed urgently, according to chief executive of the Irish Dental Association Fintan Hourihan.
“I cannot overstate the sense of despair and panic in the dental profession at present. Unfortunately, there is also considerable anger amongst dentists at what is seen as complete neglect of our reasonable concerns by the Government,” he said.
In a letter to Minister for Health Simon Harris and Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe, the association said income from their practices is down on average by 90 per cent. Routine care is prohibited and emergency care impossible in some cases due to difficulties obtaining personal protection equipment (PPE). The association represents more than 2,000 public and private dentists.
READ MORE
It is “disappointing” that dentists had not received the kind of supports to survive the crisis that doctors and pharmacists received, he added.
“Medics and pharmacists have, quite rightly, been offered extensive support from the Government in order to continue to operate in such challenging circumstances. However, dentists have been left utterly isolated.”
One dentist, who did not want to give his name, said he operated a practice in the northeast employing 14 people. But on March 20th he closed.
“I was providing emergency telephone consultations and issuing prescriptions as I could not source the appropriate PPE to protect patients, staff and the wider public from further spread of Covid-19. At this point I had to lay off all my employees and my self-employed associates had no work,” he said.
“I still have around €9,000 per month of outgoing practice payments to be met. On top of this I have my own personal living costs like mortgage, utilities, health insurance, food for my family. I do not have cash reserves. I currently owe Revenue €8,000 for quarterly PAYE and PRSI.
“ I owe €12,000 to dental suppliers, laboratories, IT hardware installation, software fees for February and March. That is a total of €20,000 unpaid bills for two months and €9,000 accruing monthly. I have zero income. What am I supposed to do?”
Dentists need confidence they will be able to resume viable practices in the near future,” said Mr Hourihan. “We urge the Government to consider a special kick-start package for dentistry.”
Among the measures sought are:
Financial support for dentists to source PPE and make structural changes that may be needed to their clinics;
Direction to the Revenue Commissioners to introduce a moratorium on VAT payments; halve the rate of employer PRSI;
Influence banks to introduce an interest-free freeze on all loan repayments for those whose earnings have stalled;
And introduce tax relief on private health insurance for dental treatments.
“Oral health is vitally important for overall health,” said Mr Hourihan. “A significant proportion of the population cannot access this care because so many dentists are unable to open their practice doors. This is unacceptable.”
Neither the Health Service Executive nor the Department of Health was able to provide an answer on Sunday.


theirishtimes--2020-04-26--Supermarket owner asks customers ‘please do not be abusive’

The owner of a Co Cork supermarket is appealing to customers not to be abusive , after a number of clashes over distancing requirements in supermarkets in the last week .
Supervalu Clonakilty owner Eugene Scally was moved to protect his staff , telling customers “ unfortunately , some of you feel that it is acceptable to verbally abuse ” staff when requested to observe the new guidelines .
Mr Scally said the new guidelines included allowing just one shopper per family into the store as well as rules on the numbers of shoppers in the store and the distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in queues .
But he said these appeared to spark tensions .
Posting on the supermarket ’ s Twitter account he said “ we have always welcomed our customers with open arms ” but he was now asking the customers to , “ to stand back , to be patient ” and to shop alone .
In a series of messages he said “ our team are doing their best to control numbers in store and maintain social distancing while trying to go about their own daily activities ” .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take frustrations out on people who are doing their utmost to give you their time and serve you .
“ While this request will only apply to a small minority of people , we would like to thank all our customers for shopping with us and look forward to better days.
” Mr Scally was not available on Sunday but store manager Pat Griffin said “ 95 percent of our customers appreciate the new rules .
Unfortunately some do have a problem and have no problem in telling you they do ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff on checkouts had felt intimidated .
“ It started about a week or a week and a half ago and it seems some people may have a little bit of cabin fever [ from staying at home too much ] and maybe think the rules should be relaxed a bit more ” .
The appeal to customers to show respect for staff comes as a survey of 7,000 retail workers in 300 separate businesses showed most retail workers were concerned about their personal protection during the coronavirus crisis .
The survey was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a ten day period between 10th and 20th April with 6,942 respondents .
- 46 percent said social distancing and crowd control measures were not being adhered to ; - 29 percent said they have insufficient Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) ; - 21 percent said they had insufficient hand sanitiser ; and - 18 percent said there were insufficient protective shields/screens .
Mandate general secretary John Douglas said staff were doing their best to “ flatten the curve ” and protect the most vulnerable .
But he said frontline workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stricter and the one person/one trolley measure needs to be tightened up .
“ So many customers are coming in with three people in the one family .
Also customers coming in telling us that they are in the store ‘ just to get out of the house ’ .
” Mr Douglas added : “ Many retail workers believe the hazard pay they are receiving , if any at all , is inadequate .
The average retail worker believes a 20percent premium should apply as compensation for the risks they and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re at work.
” Mandate is currently running a Respect Retail Workers Campaign campaign to protect retail workers .
The union said campaign came about as a result of an increase in complaints from workers regarding the amounts of both verbal and physical abuse from customers .
The union said there was a “ small number of people who tend to abuse retail workers ” and Mandate was intent on securing “ stronger health and safety protections in the workplace for vulnerable workers in Irish retail .
”

The owner of a Co Cork supermarket is appealing to customers not to be abusive. Photograph: Eric Luke
The owner of a Co Cork supermarket is appealing to customers not to be abusive, after a number of clashes over distancing requirements in supermarkets in the last week.
Supervalu Clonakilty owner Eugene Scally was moved to protect his staff, telling customers “unfortunately, some of you feel that it is acceptable to verbally abuse” staff when requested to observe the new guidelines.
Mr Scally said the new guidelines included allowing just one shopper per family into the store as well as rules on the numbers of shoppers in the store and the distance they should keep apart at tills and in queues.
But he said these appeared to spark tensions. Posting on the supermarket’s Twitter account he said “we have always welcomed our customers with open arms” but he was now asking the customers to, “to stand back, to be patient” and to shop alone.
READ MORE
In a series of messages he said “our team are doing their best to control numbers in store and maintain social distancing while trying to go about their own daily activities”.
He said: “It is unfair and unacceptable to take frustrations out on people who are doing their utmost to give you their time and serve you.
“While this request will only apply to a small minority of people, we would like to thank all our customers for shopping with us and look forward to better days.”
Mr Scally was not available on Sunday but store manager Pat Griffin said “95 percent of our customers appreciate the new rules. Unfortunately some do have a problem and have no problem in telling you they do”.
He said many of the frontline store staff on checkouts had felt intimidated.
“It started about a week or a week and a half ago and it seems some people may have a little bit of cabin fever [from staying at home too much] and maybe think the rules should be relaxed a bit more”.
The appeal to customers to show respect for staff comes as a survey of 7,000 retail workers in 300 separate businesses showed most retail workers were concerned about their personal protection during the coronavirus crisis.
The survey was conducted by retail trade union Mandate, over a ten day period between 10th and 20th April with 6,942 respondents.
Its key findings were:
- 46 percent said social distancing and crowd control measures were not being adhered to;
- 29 percent said they have insufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
- 23 percent said shopping trollies/baskets not regularly sanitised;
- 21 percent said they had insufficient hand sanitiser; and
- 18 percent said there were insufficient protective shields/screens.
Mandate general secretary John Douglas said staff were doing their best to “flatten the curve” and protect the most vulnerable. But he said frontline workers were saying social distancing “needs to be stricter and the one person/one trolley measure needs to be tightened up.
“So many customers are coming in with three people in the one family. Also customers coming in telling us that they are in the store ‘just to get out of the house’. ”
Mr Douglas added: “Many retail workers believe the hazard pay they are receiving, if any at all, is inadequate. The average retail worker believes a 20percent premium should apply as compensation for the risks they and their families are taking while they’re at work.”
Mandate is currently running a Respect Retail Workers Campaign campaign to protect retail workers. The union said campaign came about as a result of an increase in complaints from workers regarding the amounts of both verbal and physical abuse from customers.
The union said there was a “small number of people who tend to abuse retail workers” and Mandate was intent on securing “stronger health and safety protections in the workplace for vulnerable workers in Irish retail.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--Covid-19 cases in Cavan exceed Dublin as incidence in Border counties rises fast

Co Cavan has the highest incidence of Covid-19 in the Republic , and the number of cases in other Border counties is rising fast , a new report shows .
Cavan overtook Dublin as the county with the highest incidence of the disease in recent days , the daily epidemiological reports from the Health Service Executive reveals .
The latest , covering data up to last Friday , shows Cavan has an incidence of 753.5 per 100,000 of population compared to Dublin ’ s 684.6 .
The incidence of coronavirus in Co Monaghan is also rising fast , and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louth has an incidence of 463.2 .
The “ Border effect ” on case numbers is evident from an map from the HSE ’ s Health Protection Surveillance Centre showing seven of the eight counties with the highest incidence clustered in the north-east of the Republic .
The exception is Mayo , with an incidence of 333.3 , which does not share a border with Northern Ireland .
The North has had higher numbers of cases and deaths relative to population than the Republic and initially tested less widely .
There are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , isolation periods , school closures and other key mechanisms adopted to curb the spread of the virus , particularly in the early stages of the crisis .
The incidence of the virus in the Republic generally falls the further south one travels , with Co Wexford have the lowest figure , at 104.2 .
Numerically , Dublin accounts for half of all confirmed cases , at 9,224 , followed by Cork , where 6 per cent of cases have been reported .
The report also shows a second person diagnosed with Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was previously known that 23-year-old was the youngest person diagnosed with the disease to die .
More than 92 per cent of fatalities involve over 65-year-olds .
By Friday , 5,064 healthcare workers had been infected with the virus , with foreign travel a known factor in only 156 of these cases .
There were 208 clusters of the disease in nursing homes , and 114 in residential institutions , the HPSC reported , along with 83 in private houses and 80 in hospitals .
Of the 18,431 laboratory confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving a case fatality rate of 4.8 per cent .
Of the patients who were hospitalised , 14 per cent were admitted to ICU .
Meanwhile , there were 51 patients waiting in emergency departments for admission to hospital this morning , according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation ’ s TrolleyWatch count .

Earlier this week a HSE report showed that County Cavan overtook Dublin as the county with the highest incidence of Covid-19. Video: Enda O'Dowd
County Cavan has the highest incidence of Covid-19 in the Republic, and the number of cases in other Border counties is rising fast, a new report shows.
Cavan overtook Dublin as the county with the highest incidence of the disease in recent days, the daily epidemiological reports from the Health Service Executive reveals.
The latest, covering data up to last Friday, shows Cavan has an incidence of 753.5 per 100,000 of population compared to Dublin’s 684.6.
The incidence of coronavirus in Co Monaghan is also rising fast, and now stands at 570.2, while neighbouring Co Louth has an incidence of 463.2.
READ MORE
The “Border effect” on case numbers is evident from an map from the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre showing seven of the eight counties with the highest incidence clustered in the north-east of the Republic. The exception is Mayo, with an incidence of 333.3, which does not share a border with Northern Ireland.
The incidence of the virus in the Republic generally falls the further south one travels, with Co Wexford have the lowest figure, at 104.2.
Numerically, Dublin accounts for half of all confirmed cases, at 9,224, followed by Cork, where 6 per cent of cases have been reported.
The report also shows a second person diagnosed with Covid-19 in the 15-24 age range has died. It was previously known that 23-year-old was the youngest person diagnosed with the disease to die. More than 92 per cent of fatalities involve over 65-year-olds.
By Friday, 5,064 healthcare workers had been infected with the virus, with foreign travel a known factor in only 156 of these cases.
There were 208 clusters of the disease in nursing homes, and 114 in residential institutions, the HPSC reported, along with 83 in private houses and 80 in hospitals.
Of the 18,431 laboratory confirmed cases of Covid-19, 882 have died, giving a case fatality rate of 4.8 per cent. Of the patients who were hospitalised, 14 per cent were admitted to ICU.
Meanwhile, there were 51 patients waiting in emergency departments for admission to hospital this morning, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s TrolleyWatch count.
*This article was amended on Monday April 27th, 2020


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--Gardaí unable to link remains found in Rathmines to missing person

Gardaí are still attempting to identify partial skeletal remains found in Rathmines , Dublin two weeks ago .
A postmortem was completed on the remains last Tuesday by the Office of the State Pathologist and it is understood that this did not point towards it being a homicide .
However , as only parts of the skeleton have been located , it has not been possible to establish a definitive cause of death .
“ A full investigation will now be conducted by gardaí based in Rathmines with a view to identifying the deceased , ” a Garda spokeswoman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remains and cross-referenced with missing persons ’ profiles but this process is yet to turn up a match .
Sources warned that due to the scant information available , it is possible the remains might never be identified .
The partial human remains were found on a common area off the Lower Rathmines Road on April 9th whie work was being carried out on the site .
No clothing remained on the skeletal remains and there had been no apparent effort to bury them .
A forensic anthropologist visited the site to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Garda Technical Bureau .
The remains were brought to Dublin City mortuary where they will remain until identified .
The bones are believed to be those of someone aged between five and 20 years .
Gardaí are not clear if the person died and their body lay undiscovered at the location for a period or if the person died elsewhere and the bones were placed there .

Members of the gardaí at the scene where partial skeletal remains were found at Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin on April 9th. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins.
Gardaí are still attempting to identify partial skeletal remains found in Rathmines, Dublin two weeks ago.
A postmortem was completed on the remains last Tuesday by the Office of the State Pathologist and it is understood that this did not point towards it being a homicide.
However, as only parts of the skeleton have been located, it has not been possible to establish a definitive cause of death.
“A full investigation will now be conducted by gardaí based in Rathmines with a view to identifying the deceased,” a Garda spokeswoman said.
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DNA tests have been conducted on the remains and cross-referenced with missing persons’ profiles but this process is yet to turn up a match.
Sources warned that due to the scant information available, it is possible the remains might never be identified.
The partial human remains were found on a common area off the Lower Rathmines Road on April 9th whie work was being carried out on the site. No clothing remained on the skeletal remains and there had been no apparent effort to bury them.
A forensic anthropologist visited the site to carry out inquiries, as did members of the Garda Technical Bureau. The remains were brought to Dublin City mortuary where they will remain until identified.
The bones are believed to be those of someone aged between five and 20 years . Gardaí are not clear if the person died and their body lay undiscovered at the location for a period or if the person died elsewhere and the bones were placed there.


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Government admits growing frustration among public over restrictions

The public ’ s “ patience and resolve ” to comply with Covid-19 restrictions is “ waning ” , a senior government official has said , appealing for people to “ keep going as best we can ” .
Liz Canavan was speaking at the daily Covid-19 briefing at Government Buildings Monday morning , where she expressed concern at reports on social media “ that some people are getting very fed up of the social distancing measures ” .
“ They ’ re feeling confined , they ’ re stuck in the house or local area , and they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops .
We do know how frustrating it is , and we know people ’ s patience and resolve is waning , ” she said .
But she appealed to people to continue to observe the lockdown .
“ This is what is required of each and everyone of us at each step to delay the transmission of Covid-19 .
We know that call has not fallen on deaf ears so far .
.
.
For now we just need to keep going as best we can , ” Ms Canavan said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dampen expectations of the restrictions being relaxed next week , Ms Canavan said they were guided by the public health advice in the first instance and the Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan had previously issued the same message .
It is not yet clear what actions would be taken next week , she indicated .
However , she said that the Government was very conscious of “ anticipator behaviour ” , where “ people get ahead of where we need to be ” .
There is a danger that people will expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will begin to reduce their observation of social distancing over the coming weekend , she warned .
On May 5th , an update on the restrictions will be given to the public with a roadmap for lifting the measures due to be published before that date .
Ms Canavan also supplied updated figures on the people in receipt of State supports due to Covid-19 .
Almost 50,000 employers are now availing of the wage support scheme for almost 350,000 workers .
Total payments under the scheme have now reached In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €350 a week special Covid-19 welfare payment , which will be in their bank accounts on Tuesday , she said .
• Delays in testing raise doubts about timing of lifting Irish lockdown • Lack of transparency will ‘ damage uptake ’ of contact tracing app • 2km limit is restriction most want lifted , survey finds • Lifting Ireland ’ s lockdown : what are the plans ?
• Italy prepares for staged end to lockdown beginning next week Testing Meanwhile , the chair of the Covid-19 Expert Advisory Group has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing and restrictions which was why there had been a move to change the testing criteria .
Adjusted testing criteria , to be introduced early next week , will lead to increased referrals for testing from GPs .
Dr Cillian De Gascun warned that there will need to be “ triage ” testing because if every GP ( there are 3,500 ) were to broaden the case definition for testing and refer two more patients every day that would be manageable , but if they were to refer four more patients per day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant pressure ” on testing facilities .
He said he wanted to see more testing to determine the level of infection in the community .
Dr De Gascun , who is also director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory told Newstalk ’ s Pat Kenny show that the number of people dying from coronavirus is still a concern .
The current figures provided “ a mixed picture ” he said .
The numbers going into hospital and into intensive care are going down , which was positive , but the number of deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another 26 have people died from coronavirus , bringing the death toll to 1,087 in the Republic .
There were a further 701 new confirmed cases , bringing the total number of known cases to 19,262 .
Dr De Gascun said that in the context of the number of deaths , there was a lapse between when patients were diagnosed as having acquired the virus and when they died .
The patients who died this week could have been infected weeks ago , he said .
From an infection perspective all deaths from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Dr De Gascun also said those who exercise should be conscious of others and observe a wider distance because “ they are panting or breathing more heavily , exhaling more .
They should give others a wide berth.
” Dr De Gascun also said he was not “ anti-masks ” but that surgical masks should be prioritised for health workers and if the public wished they should wear cotton masks in retail settings .
Loosening of restrictions for over 70s Obstetrician and gynaecologist , Dr Carmen Regan has said that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is required with regard to testing and the lifting of restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 .
“ We are in the containment phase , testing will have to be ramped up , ” she told RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Séan O ’ Rourke show .
Dr Regan said she anticipates some loosening of the restrictions on the 0ver-70s who will be allowed go for short walks and to go shopping at specific times , if they are wearing masks .
Delays in testing Meanwhile , delays in reaching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third week in May raise doubts about the State ’ s capacity to lift lockdown restriction when they expire next week .
Health Service Executive chief executive Paul Reid said on Sunday the health service would not reach the weekly target until later in May – after the latest restrictions expire on May 5th – despite its concerns about the capacity to meet the target set by by the Department of Health ’ s health emergency team 10 days ago .
The 100,000 weekly tests is a critical step to help public-health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are relaxed in order to assess whether they are leading to new Covid-19 cases .
Mr Reid said the HSE had been operating on a “ war zone ” footing since the crisis began but a more sustainable model was needed to manage the virus “ well into 2020 , mostly likely into 2021 ” .
He acknowledged that there were “ constructive tensions ” between the HSE and the department after its emergency team announce plans to ramp up testing to 100,000 suspected cases a week .
Last night , Dr Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of General Practitioners , warned that – beyond testing – without a ramping up of “ critical ” contact tracing to identify others infected by a new case , there would be “ a further inevitable surge in infection rates ” that would place “ significant additional pressures ” on GPs and the wider healthcare services .

The Chief Medical Officer of the HSE Tony Holohan has said that further progress is required before lifting lockdown restictions. Video: RTE
Nursing home patients diagnosed with Covid-19 are less likely than others to be admitted to hospital for treatment, new figures show.
While 14 per cent of virus cases overall have been hospitalised, seven per cent of nursing home cases have been transferred for treatment to hospital, according to the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The deaths of another 18 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 were reported by NPHET at its briefing on Monday.
There have now been 1,102 Covid-19 related deaths in the Republic.
READ MORE
NPHET also reported 386 new confirmed cases. The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 19,648.
An analysis of cases up to last Saturday shows 57 per cent were female and 42 per cent were male, and the median age was 49 years.
A total of 2,625 cases (14 per cent) were hospitalised and of these, 353 were admitted to ICU.
The number of cases associated with healthcare workers now stands at 5,204.
Continued challenge
Asked about the possible lifting of restrictions after May 4th, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said he was “more firmly of the view” against recommending this than he had been last week.
He cited a number of factors, including “continued, small, persistent” increase in admission of patients to ICU, the number of cases overall and the continued challenge posed by outbreaks in care settings.
While he was hopeful of improvements as the week goes on, there was “still a way to go” and further progress was needed.
“While the numbers have improved, they’re still big numbers,” he said, pointing out that half of the standing ICU capacity was being used.
Dr Holohan said the most important things NPHET had to be satisfied with before recommending any change in current restrictions was the incidence rate of the virus, which needed to be as low as possible in terms its transmission in the community and within community and residential settings. “In addition, the impact of the disease on rates of mortality and hospitalisations including admissions to intensive care units also needs to be at a very low level.”
“It is down to the wire,” he said, in relation to the possible easing of restrictions adding that NPHET was prepared to change its mind depending on progress.
An analysis of 903 deaths up to the weekend shows 431 had been hospitalised and 56 had been admitted to ICU. A total of 778 patients had underlying conditions. The median age of patients who died was 83 years and the mean 81 years.
The gap between male and female fatalities is narrowing, with men now accounting for 53 per cent of deaths.
Expected rise in testing
Dr Holohan said there were now 355 clusters of the disease in residential settings, including 211 in nursing homes. A cluster is defined as two or more cases.
A total of 3,875 cases were associated with these clusters in residential settings, including 3,048 in nursing homes.
Some 8.1 per cent of cases in residential settings were admitted to hospital; and 7 per cent of cases in nursing homes.
In total, 58 per cent of deaths are associated with residential facilities, while nursing homes alone account for 49.5 per cent of deaths.
Of the total of 641 deaths in residential settings, 500 were laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19, while the rest were treated as probable or supected cases of the disease.
A total of 420 of 546 deaths in nursing homes were laboratory confirmed, with the balance accounted for by probable/suspected cases.
The number of people seeking testing is expected to rise again when the case definition for the disease is changed on Tuesday, he said.
Patience
Earlier on Monday, a senior Government official said the public’s “patience and resolve” to comply with Covid-19 restrictions is “waning” as she appealed to people to “keep going as best we can”.
Liz Canavan, assistant secretary general at the Department of Taoiseach, expressed concern at reports on social media “that some people are getting very fed up of the social distancing measures”.
“They’re feeling confined, they’re stuck in the house or local area, and they’re having to queue to get into shops. We do know how frustrating it is, and we know people’s patience and resolve is waning,” she told a briefing at Government Buildings Monday.
Ms Canavan urged people to continue to observe the restrictions on movement introduced in response to the coronavirus.
“This is what is required of each and everyone of us at each step to delay the transmission of Covid-19. We know that call has not fallen on deaf ears so far . . . For now we just need to keep going as best we can.”
Asked if the Government wished to dampen expectations of the restrictions, due to run until May 5th at least, being relaxed next week, Ms Canavan said any decisions on this would be guided by the public health advice. She indicated that it was not yet clear what actions would be taken.
However, she said that the Government was very conscious of “anticipator behaviour” which saw “people get ahead of where we need to be”.
She warned there was a danger that people would expect relaxation of the restrictions next week and will begin to reduce their observation of social distancing over the bank holiday weekend.
New figures from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection show that almost 600,000 people are receiving the special ¤350 Covid-19 weekly unemployment payment. In addition, almost 50,000 employers are now availing of a wage subsidy scheme for some 350,000 workers.
Main points
Delays in testing raise doubts about timing of lifting Irish lockdown
Lack of transparency will 'damage uptake' of contact tracing app
2km limit is restriction most want lifted, survey finds
Lifting Ireland's lockdown: what are the plans?
Italy prepares for staged end to lockdown beginning next week
[ World round-up: Global cases near 3m ]
Testing
Meanwhile, the chair of the Covid-19 Expert Advisory Group has said there is a delicate balancing act between testing and restrictions which was why there had been a move to change the testing criteria. Adjusted testing criteria, to be introduced early next week, will lead to increased referrals for testing from GPs.
Dr Cillian De Gascun warned that there will need to be “triage” testing because if each of the 3,500 GPs in the State was to broaden the case definition and refer four more patients per day that would “potentially” put “significant pressure” on testing facilities.
He said he wanted to see more testing to determine the level of infection in the community.
Dr De Gascun, who is also director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, told Newstalk’s Pat Kenny show that the number of people dying from coronavirus is still a concern.
The current figures provided “a mixed picture” he said. The numbers going into hospital and into intensive care are going down, which was positive, but the number of deaths were still a matter for concern.
A further 26 deaths from coronavirus were reported on Sunday, bringing the State total to 1,087. There were 701 new confirmed cases of the disease, bringing the total number to 19,262.
Dr De Gascun also said that those who exercise should be conscious of others and observe a wider distance because “they are panting or breathing more heavily, exhaling more”.
“They should give others a wide berth,” he said.
He said he was not “anti-masks” but that surgical masks should be prioritised for health workers and if the public wished to they should wear cotton masks in retail settings.
Loosening of restrictions for over 70s
Obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Carmen Regan has said that “a lot of joined up thinking” would be required on testing if restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 were to be lifted.
“We are in the containment phase, testing will have to be ramped up,”she told RTÉ radio’s Today with Séan O’Rourke show.
Dr Regan said she anticipates some loosening of the restrictions on the over-70s who will be allowed go for short walks and to go shopping at specific times, if they are wearing masks.
Delays in reaching the weekly target of 100,000 coronavirus tests until the third week in May have raised doubts about the State’s capacity to lift lockdown restriction when they expire next week.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said on Sunday that the health service would not reach the weekly target until later in May despite its concerns about the capacity to meet the target set by by the Department of Health's health emergency team 10 days ago.
Conducting 100,000 weekly tests is seen as a critical step to help public-health experts track an rise in infection rates if lockdown measures are relaxed.
Mr Reid said the HSE had been operating on a “war zone” footing since the crisis began but a more sustainable model was needed to manage the virus “well into 2020, mostly likely into 2021”.
He acknowledged that there were “constructive tensions” between the HSE and the Department of Health after its National Public Health Emergency Team announced plans to ramp up testing to 100,000 suspected cases a week.


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--‘Absolutely no way’ Dublin Communions and Confirmations go ahead in May or June

There is “ absolutely no way ” Confirmations or First Holy Communions will take place in Dublin in May and June , Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said .
“ We can only begin to speak of a time frame for these sacraments when schools have been fully reopened and when it is possible once again to hold large indoor gatherings of people , especially children .
This will not be the case for some months ahead , ” he said .
“ I realise that this is very difficult for the pupils and their families .
I will be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and schools at a later date when there is further clarity around the situation .
It might be a good idea for parishes to find ways of keeping direct contact with candidates for the sacraments.
” Archbishop Martin said he was “ pleased ” to see that the bereaved were being offered funeral services in churches within the confines of the current pandemic restrictions .
“ In many cases the funeral Mass is also being live streamed so that a wider range of relatives and friends can join , even in different parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Where possible people might line the streets , respecting social distancing , or stand at the doors of their houses as a local funeral passes by .
This can be a much appreciated tribute to the deceased and a comfort to the bereaved.
” Archbishop Martin and other bishops had recently been in touch with the Irish Association of Funeral Directors to remind its members that church services remain an option for the funerals of those who have died from Covid-19 .
The funeral directors were encouraged to ask families if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this with the local parish .
The Dublin Parish of the Travelling People has “ urgently ” encouraged members to follow HSE guidelines on large gatherings at hospitals and for funerals .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) has said funerals should be private and limited to a maximum of 10 people and that only members of the deceased person ’ s household and close family members should attend .
Mourners are also asked to observe social distancing guidelines at funerals with physical interactions such as shaking hands and hugging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this may cause feelings of guilt , pain , fear and disconnection arising from not being able to do things in our normal way especially when a loved one dies , ” a parish statement said of the guidelines .
“ Right now we are asked to honour and pay our respects to the person who has died , by reaching out to the family through social media and phone calls , in our private prayer and if possible watching the funeral through live streaming .
In the future when everyone can gather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friends can celebrate their loved one ’ s life .
”

A file image of Communion dress for sale at a Dublin market. The Archbishop of Dublin has said there is ‘absolutely no way’ Confirmation or First Holy Communion services will take place in Dublin during May and June. File photograph: Tom Honan/The Irish Times.
There is “absolutely no way” Confirmations or First Holy Communions will take place in Dublin in May and June, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said.
“We can only begin to speak of a time frame for these sacraments when schools have been fully reopened and when it is possible once again to hold large indoor gatherings of people, especially children. This will not be the case for some months ahead,” he said.
“I realise that this is very difficult for the pupils and their families. I will be in contact with the priests, parish teams and schools at a later date when there is further clarity around the situation. It might be a good idea for parishes to find ways of keeping direct contact with candidates for the sacraments.”
Archbishop Martin said he was "pleased" to see that the bereaved were being offered funeral services in churches within the confines of the current pandemic restrictions.
READ MORE
“In many cases the funeral Mass is also being live streamed so that a wider range of relatives and friends can join, even in different parts of the world,” he said.
“Where possible people might line the streets, respecting social distancing, or stand at the doors of their houses as a local funeral passes by. This can be a much appreciated tribute to the deceased and a comfort to the bereaved.”
Option
Archbishop Martin and other bishops had recently been in touch with the Irish Association of Funeral Directors to remind its members that church services remain an option for the funerals of those who have died from Covid-19. The funeral directors were encouraged to ask families if this was their preference and to check this with the local parish.
The Dublin Parish of the Travelling People has “urgently” encouraged members to follow HSE guidelines on large gatherings at hospitals and for funerals.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has said funerals should be private and limited to a maximum of 10 people and that only members of the deceased person’s household and close family members should attend.
Mourners are also asked to observe social distancing guidelines at funerals with physical interactions such as shaking hands and hugging to be avoided.
“We understand this may cause feelings of guilt, pain, fear and disconnection arising from not being able to do things in our normal way especially when a loved one dies,” a parish statement said of the guidelines.
“Right now we are asked to honour and pay our respects to the person who has died, by reaching out to the family through social media and phone calls, in our private prayer and if possible watching the funeral through live streaming. In the future when everyone can gather together safely, then all our family and friends can celebrate their loved one’s life.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--Cyclist (60s) dies after road collision near Killarney

Gardaí are investigating the death of a cyclist in a road traffic incident in Co Kerry on Monday morning .
The man , in his 60s , was fatally injured in an incident involving a car at Rockfield on the N22 Tralee to Killarney road at around 8.20am .
The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to University Hospital Kerry , where a postmortem was due to be carried out to establish a cause of death .
A section of the N22 was closed on Monday morning ahead of an examination of the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to use an alternative route and local traffic diversions have been put in place .
“ Gardaí in Killarney are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward and for any road users who may have camera footage ( including dash-cam ) who were travelling in the area at the time to make it available , ” a Garda spokesman said .
“ Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda station on 064 667 1160 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ died on the State ’ s roads so far this year , five more than in the same period last year , according to Garda statistics .

A section of the N22 Killarney to Tralee road was closed on Monday morning following the death of a cyclist in a collision at Rockfield.
Gardaí are investigating the death of a cyclist in a road traffic incident in Co Kerry on Monday morning.
The man, in his 60s, was fatally injured in an incident involving a car at Rockfield on the N22 Tralee to Killarney road at around 8.20am.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to University Hospital Kerry, where a postmortem was due to be carried out to establish a cause of death.
A section of the N22 was closed on Monday morning ahead of an examination of the scene by forensic collision investigators. Motorists are asked to use an alternative route and local traffic diversions have been put in place.
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“Gardaí in Killarney are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward and for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time to make it available,” a Garda spokesman said.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.”
A total of 52 people have died on the State’s roads so far this year, five more than in the same period last year, according to Garda statistics.


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--Regular rain and colder conditions forecast for this week

Temperatures are expected to fall in the coming days with rain , grey skies and cold nights being forecast for @ @ @ @ @ .
The recent sunny spell is due to come to an end on Monday with @ @ @ @ @ from the north and temperatures dropping from about 15 degrees during the day to as @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday will be another cool day with temperatures reaching highs of 11 to 14 degrees @ @ @ @ @ temperatures again falling towards zero at night .
Wednesday is expected to be another grey @ @ @ @ @ northwards from the southwest .
Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Muster and Leinster @ @ @ @ @ again , with temperatures rising only to between nine and 12 degrees .
Thursday is @ @ @ @ @ rain and drizzle before conditions dry somewhat and turn cloudy .
High temperatures of 10 @ @ @ @ @ during the day .
Friday and the weekend may see a return to milder weather @ @ @ @ @ unsettled conditions , showers and longer spells of rain moving across the island .

Temperatures are expected to fall in the coming days with rain, grey skies and cold nights being forecast for this week by Met Éireann. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times.
Temperatures are expected to fall in the coming days with rain, grey skies and cold nights being forecast for this week by Met Éireann.
The recent sunny spell is due to come to an end on Monday with scattered showers forecast to spread from the north and temperatures dropping from about 15 degrees during the day to as low as zero overnight.
Tuesday will be another cool day with temperatures reaching highs of 11 to 14 degrees amid more scattered showers and temperatures again falling towards zero at night.
Wednesday is expected to be another grey day with rain slowly extending northwards from the southwest. Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Muster and Leinster and it will feel colder again, with temperatures rising only to between nine and 12 degrees.
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Thursday is forecast to start with patchy rain and drizzle before conditions dry somewhat and turn cloudy. High temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees are forecast during the day.
Friday and the weekend may see a return to milder weather but the forecast warns of unsettled conditions, showers and longer spells of rain moving across the island.


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Rose of Tralee postponed for first time in 61 years

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will not take place this year because of Covid-19 .
It is the first time in the 61 year history of the festival that it has been postponed .
The organisers had originally hoped to stage the festival in the autumn , but they have found it impossible to stage the Rose selections in the centres around the world .
Instead , the next Rose of Tralee festival will happen in August 2021 .
The Rose of Tralee has been a fixture of the Irish summer for decades especially since it started being televised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and loathed by viewers , but regularly attracts some of the biggest TV audiences of the year and generates huge commentary on social media .
The Government ’ s recommendation that no events with more than 5,000 people present should take place during the summer made it impossible to hold the five day festival as it attracts crowds well in excess of that on to the streets of Tralee .
In a statement , Rose of Tralee executive chairman Anthony O ’ Gara said the decisionn had taken into account Government guidelines about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over the past few weeks , our team have been considering how best we could safely deliver some , or all , of our 2020 festival events .
“ This is the first time in our 61 year history that the festival has been postponed , but it is the right decision as we all play our part right now in keeping each other safe and well .
“ The Rose of Tralee International Festival operates on a yearlong basis , in Irish communities worldwide ; and we will continue to harness the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting communities and charitable efforts over the next 12 months .
“ Similarly , we will each have a role to play in restoring our communities and local economies following this pandemic , and we look forward to coming together in celebration in August 2021.
” The current Rose of Tralee Dr Sinéad Flanagan is serving on the front line as a medical doctor .

The 2019 Rose of Tralee Sinéad Flanagan is serving on the front line as a medical doctor. Photograph: Domnick Walsh
The Rose of Tralee International Festival will not take place this year because of Covid-19.
It is the first time in the 61 year history of the festival that it has been postponed.
The organisers had originally hoped to stage the festival in the autumn, but they have found it impossible to stage the Rose selections in the centres around the world.
Instead, the next Rose of Tralee festival will happen in August 2021.
READ MORE
The Rose of Tralee has been a fixture of the Irish summer for decades especially since it started being televised in the 1970s.
It is loved and loathed by viewers, but regularly attracts some of the biggest TV audiences of the year and generates huge commentary on social media.
The Government’s recommendation that no events with more than 5,000 people present should take place during the summer made it impossible to hold the five day festival as it attracts crowds well in excess of that on to the streets of Tralee.
In a statement, Rose of Tralee executive chairman Anthony O’Gara said the decisionn had taken into account Government guidelines about large gatherings.
He added: “Over the past few weeks, our team have been considering how best we could safely deliver some, or all, of our 2020 festival events.
“This is the first time in our 61 year history that the festival has been postponed, but it is the right decision as we all play our part right now in keeping each other safe and well.
“The Rose of Tralee International Festival operates on a yearlong basis, in Irish communities worldwide; and we will continue to harness the goodwill of our extended Rose family in supporting communities and charitable efforts over the next 12 months.
“Similarly, we will each have a role to play in restoring our communities and local economies following this pandemic, and we look forward to coming together in celebration in August 2021.”
The current Rose of Tralee Dr Sinéad Flanagan is serving on the front line as a medical doctor.


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: 2km limit is restriction most want lifted, survey finds

Removal of the 2km limit on movement and the ban on small gatherings are the restrictions most people want to see ended according to a survey of 35,000 people .
It also found that 32 per cent of people postponed medical treatments or check-ups including GP appointments , operations , childhood vaccinations and pre and postnatal check-ups , while fertility treatments have also been stopped .
The findings are from phase two of the Corona Citizens ’ Science study a population-wide survey conducted by research teams at NUI Galway ( NUIG ) and Dublin City University ( DCU ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and the associated restrictive measures on daily life in Ireland .
The survey is being conducted online every two weeks , the last one on April 22nd and the next on May 6th .
Professor of Health Systems at DCU Anthony Staines is joint research lead on the survey with epidemiologist and senior lecturer at NUIG Dr Akke Vellinga .
Prof Staines said people are beginning to think quite seriously about what is going to happen next .
They have made huge sacrifices and understand that lifting restrictions will be done in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ suck it and see ” , he said .
But he warned that they want clarity about the situation and specifics such as “ is the Leaving Cert going to start on July 29th or not ?
People need to know.
” On social restrictions , respondents were asked to rank , in order of preference , which of the limits imposed to curb the spread of the virus , they would like to see removed .
The 2km limit ranked highest with 50 per cent of respondents putting it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the removal of the ban on small group gatherings ( 37 per cent ) .
Respondents ranked a return to work in third place with 33 per cent in favour and the re-opening of schools was fourth with 32 per cent support .
The opening of shops , pubs and restaurants was ranked in fifth place by 48 per cent of respondents .
Of the 35,000 surveyed - 10,830 people , representing 32 per cent of the survey - reported postponing medical treatment or check-ups of whom 55 per cent did so because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients .
Some 39 per cent said they did not want to create extra pressure in the health system and 26 per cent were concerned about the risk of contracting Covid-19 .
Postponed treatments included GP consultations ( 48 per cent ) , hospital medical examinations ( 14 per cent ) and operations ( 6 per cent ) .
Prof Staines said people clearly understood the need for the restrictions and while many mistakes have been made , the Government was very successful in communicating the requirement for the limits on activity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed , and there will need to be a clear path to fixing this before queues in our healthcare system become intolerable , ” he added .
The survey also showed an increased interest in DIY activities with 42 per cent engaged in this activity with 60 per cent involved in gardening but walking remains the most popular activity with 90 per cent involved in this .
Indoor exercise was carried out by 56 per cent of people and 35 per cent played board games .
The participation rate was 71 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mean age was 46 , median age of 45 .
Approximately 50 per cent were aged between 35 and 54 , 5 per cent were under the age of 25 and 11 per cent were 65 or older .
Of the total respondents , 37 per cent had taken part in the first survey .
Dublin accounted for most respondents at 41 per cent and Galway 14 per cent , Cork 7 per cent and all other counties were represented at less than 5 per cent .

Emma Blake with her mural of The Police in south Dublin. This is the latest in the artist’s ‘Stay At Home’ series encouraging people to stick to social distancing. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Removal of the 2km limit on movement and the ban on small gatherings are the restrictions most people want to see ended according to a survey of 35,000 people.
It also found that 32 per cent of people postponed medical treatments or check-ups including GP appointments, operations, childhood vaccinations and pre and postnatal check-ups, while fertility treatments have also been stopped.
The findings are from phase two of the Corona Citizens’ Science study a population-wide survey conducted by research teams at NUI Galway (NUIG) and Dublin City University (DCU) and looking at the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated restrictive measures on daily life in Ireland.
The survey is being conducted online every two weeks, the last one on April 22nd and the next on May 6th.
READ MORE
Professor of Health Systems at DCU Anthony Staines is joint research lead on the survey with epidemiologist and senior lecturer at NUIG Dr Akke Vellinga.
Prof Staines said people are beginning to think quite seriously about what is going to happen next. They have made huge sacrifices and understand that lifting restrictions will be done in stages and that it is a case of “suck it and see”, he said.
But he warned that they want clarity about the situation and specifics such as “is the Leaving Cert going to start on July 29th or not? People need to know.”
On social restrictions, respondents were asked to rank, in order of preference, which of the limits imposed to curb the spread of the virus, they would like to see removed.
The 2km limit ranked highest with 50 per cent of respondents putting it as their first preference for change followed by the removal of the ban on small group gatherings (37 per cent).
Respondents ranked a return to work in third place with 33 per cent in favour and the re-opening of schools was fourth with 32 per cent support. The opening of shops, pubs and restaurants was ranked in fifth place by 48 per cent of respondents.
Of the 35,000 surveyed - 10,830 people, representing 32 per cent of the survey - reported postponing medical treatment or check-ups of whom 55 per cent did so because the healthcare professional was not seeing any patients. Some 39 per cent said they did not want to create extra pressure in the health system and 26 per cent were concerned about the risk of contracting Covid-19.
Postponed treatments included GP consultations (48 per cent), hospital medical examinations (14 per cent) and operations (6 per cent).
Prof Staines said people clearly understood the need for the restrictions and while many mistakes have been made, the Government was very successful in communicating the requirement for the limits on activity and movement.
“Important treatment is being delayed, and there will need to be a clear path to fixing this before queues in our healthcare system become intolerable,” he added.
The survey also showed an increased interest in DIY activities with 42 per cent engaged in this activity with 60 per cent involved in gardening but walking remains the most popular activity with 90 per cent involved in this.
Indoor exercise was carried out by 56 per cent of people and 35 per cent played board games.
The participation rate was 71 per cent female and 29 per cent male with a mean age was 46, median age of 45. Approximately 50 per cent were aged between 35 and 54, 5 per cent were under the age of 25 and 11 per cent were 65 or older. Of the total respondents, 37 per cent had taken part in the first survey.
Dublin accounted for most respondents at 41 per cent and Galway 14 per cent, Cork 7 per cent and all other counties were represented at less than 5 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-04-27--Developer to defy Covid-19 restrictions and resume building work

The developer behind the only “ affordable housing ” project built in the State for more than a decade is to restart work on-site this week in defiance of Covid-19 restrictions .
Housing co-op Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance , which is building its second estate in Ballymun , said buyers , some of whom are currently living in overcrowded conditions , will lose mortgage approval if the homes are not completed within weeks .
However , the scheme was not included in the list of 35 housing developments where work has been permitted to restart , and Ó Cualann would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to site .
Last week the State ’ s Housing Agency announced work could resume on 35 “ essential ” social housing projects , across 14 counties , where completion could be achieved within six weeks .
The selection of projects was based on lists provided by local authorities .
Dublin City Council submitted 11 projects , including Ó Cualann ’ s Cranogue estate of 37 homes in Ballymun , seven of which were undergoing final finishing works that Ó Cualann chief executive Hugh Brennan said could be completed within four weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were selected by the agency , and do not include the Ó Cualann scheme .
Last Thursday Mr Brennan wrote to the agency and the council saying he intended to return to work on Tuesday .
“ Some of our members are in dire need of their new homes , having given notice to landlords to quit and are very concerned that they may have to vacate their rented accommodation before their new homes are ready ; others are living in over-crowded conditions .
This is now a critical issue .
All members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that their approvals will lapse.
” Workers would be adhering to the Construction Industry Federation ( CIF ) Covid-19 operating procedures on travel to and from work , “ gaining access to site , work practices , hygiene and physical distancing regulations , meals , sanitation issues , clothing and PPE ” , Mr Brennan said .
Ó Cualann had also prepared a site-specific induction presentation in line with CIF and HSE advice , he said .
“ Our site is currently being prepared with Covid-19 related infrastructure including signage , physical distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-site , modified canteen , hygiene , sanitising and other welfare facilities.
” Ó Cualann was in a position to restart work safely and could demonstrate its revised work practices “ will ensure that no worker or delivery person or consultant can infect any other person with Covid-19 as a result of returning to work on our site ” , he said .
“ We are concerned that a prolonged interruption to our construction will have long-term consequences both for our purchasers whose mortgage approvals may lapse , and for our workers.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not received a response to his letter .
When contacted by The Irish Times the Housing Agency said queries in relation to specific projects were a matter for the relevant local authority .
The council ’ s head of housing Brendan Kenny said while Ó Cualann was on its list submitted to the agency , it was not one of the three selected projects and therefore work was not allowed to restart .
Ó Cualann , which began selling its first estate in Ballymun in 2017 with prices starting from €140,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Changing Ireland : My Big Idea programme .

The developer behind the only “affordable housing” project built in the State for more than a decade is to restart work on-site this week in defiance of Covid-19 restrictions.
Housing co-op Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance, which is building its second estate in Ballymun, said buyers, some of whom are currently living in overcrowded conditions, will lose mortgage approval if the homes are not completed within weeks.
However, the scheme was not included in the list of 35 housing developments where work has been permitted to restart, and Ó Cualann would be breaching Covid-19 restrictions if workers return to site.
Last week the State's Housing Agency announced work could resume on 35 "essential" social housing projects, across 14 counties, where completion could be achieved within six weeks.
READ MORE
The selection of projects was based on lists provided by local authorities. Dublin City Council submitted 11 projects, including Ó Cualann's Cranogue estate of 37 homes in Ballymun, seven of which were undergoing final finishing works that Ó Cualann chief executive Hugh Brennan said could be completed within four weeks.
However, just three Dublin city projects were selected by the agency, and do not include the Ó Cualann scheme.
All members are approved for mortgages and are worried that their approvals will lapse
Last Thursday Mr Brennan wrote to the agency and the council saying he intended to return to work on Tuesday.
“Some of our members are in dire need of their new homes, having given notice to landlords to quit and are very concerned that they may have to vacate their rented accommodation before their new homes are ready; others are living in over-crowded conditions. This is now a critical issue. All members are approved for mortgages and are worried that their approvals will lapse.”
Procedures
Workers would be adhering to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Covid-19 operating procedures on travel to and from work, "gaining access to site, work practices, hygiene and physical distancing regulations, meals, sanitation issues, clothing and PPE", Mr Brennan said.
Ó Cualann had also prepared a site-specific induction presentation in line with CIF and HSE advice, he said.
“Our site is currently being prepared with Covid-19 related infrastructure including signage, physical distancing markers both at the site entrance and on-site, modified canteen, hygiene, sanitising and other welfare facilities.”
Ó Cualann was in a position to restart work safely and could demonstrate its revised work practices “will ensure that no worker or delivery person or consultant can infect any other person with Covid-19 as a result of returning to work on our site”, he said.
“We are concerned that a prolonged interruption to our construction will have long-term consequences both for our purchasers whose mortgage approvals may lapse, and for our workers.”
As of Friday Mr Brennan said he had not received a response to his letter. When contacted by The Irish Times the Housing Agency said queries in relation to specific projects were a matter for the relevant local authority.
The council's head of housing Brendan Kenny said while Ó Cualann was on its list submitted to the agency, it was not one of the three selected projects and therefore work was not allowed to restart.
Ó Cualann, which began selling its first estate in Ballymun in 2017 with prices starting from €140,000, last week featured on RTÉ’s Changing Ireland: My Big Idea programme.