theirishtimes--2020-11-17--McEntee defends handling of Woulfe appointment

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has defended the appointment of Séamus Woulfe to the Supreme Court , saying she adhered to “ a very clear process ” before bringing his name to cabinet earlier this month .
In her first public comments on the matter , Ms McEntee told the Oireachtas Justice Committee on Tuesday that she did not want “ anybody to say that I ’ m refusing to answer questions ” or to outline the process that led to Mr Justice Woulfe ’ s appointment .
The Government has resisted repeated attempts by the opposition to force a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Dáil time on the matter .
Ms McEntee said that when she was appointed as Minister , she looked at the recommendation that had been made by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board ( JAAB ) which supported the former Attorney General ’ s application for the role , as well as other expressions of interest .
The Irish Times reported last Friday that at least three other judges expressed their interest in the role , but Green Party leader Eamon Ryan and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have said they were not told of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by JAAB , but applications from sitting judges are not routed through the advisory body , and are instead sent to the sitting Attorney General , who passes them onto the Minister for Justice .
Ms McEntee said that following these considerations , “ I spoke with the Taoiseach , the Tánaiste , Minister Ryan and the [ Attorney General ] ; on foot of that , a recommendation was made and a name was given to cabinet.
” She pointed out that the convention is that one name is only ever brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The opposition has argued that under the cabinet handbook , Ms McEntee had an obligation to inform party leaders , the Minister for Finance , the Attorney General and the Taoiseach and Tánaiste of interest in the role from other parties .
The cabinet handbook states that these parties “ should be informed in advance of proposals to make [ judicial appointments ] ” .
She told the committee that the name was approved by cabinet “ with a very clear process - as Minister for Justice I adhered to that process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came through an official process , chaired by an independent body ( JAAB ) , chaired by the Chief Justice himself.
” Barry Cowen , the Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly , said that he was “ more than satisfied ” by the explanation given by the Minister for Justice at the committee today .
“ She was more than adequate in the way in which she dealt with this , at committee and based on the other answers I heard from people in this process , ” he said .
Mr Cowen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear the Ceann Comhairle ’ s advice on the issue of asking questions of the Minister for Justice , but he said on Tuesday evening that he did not think she needed to come before the Dáil .
“ That ’ s not to stop parliamentary questions or oral questions , there are many means by which the opposition can seek clarification , ” he said , but added his view was “ there ’ s nothing there , this process is no different to any previous ones ” .
Opposition parties are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oireachtas , with sources indicating there will be another attempt to move the potential question and answer session back onto the Dáil order of business for next week when the business committee meets on Thursday .

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has defended the appointment of Séamus Woulfe to the Supreme Court, saying she adhered to "a very clear process" before bringing his name to cabinet earlier this month.
In her first public comments on the matter, Ms McEntee told the Oireachtas Justice Committee on Tuesday that she did not want "anybody to say that I'm refusing to answer questions" or to outline the process that led to Mr Justice Woulfe's appointment.
The Government has resisted repeated attempts by the opposition to force a question and answer session with the Minister on Dáil time on the matter.
Ms McEntee said that when she was appointed as Minister, she looked at the recommendation that had been made by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB) which supported the former Attorney General's application for the role, as well as other expressions of interest.
READ MORE
The Irish Times reported last Friday that at least three other judges expressed their interest in the role, but Green Party leader Eamon Ryan and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have said they were not told of this.
Mr Justice Woulfe was recommended by JAAB, but applications from sitting judges are not routed through the advisory body, and are instead sent to the sitting Attorney General, who passes them onto the Minister for Justice.
Ms McEntee said that following these considerations, “I spoke with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Minister Ryan and the [Attorney General]; on foot of that, a recommendation was made and a name was given to cabinet.”
She pointed out that the convention is that one name is only ever brought to cabinet for judicial or other appointments. The opposition has argued that under the cabinet handbook, Ms McEntee had an obligation to inform party leaders, the Minister for Finance, the Attorney General and the Taoiseach and Tánaiste of interest in the role from other parties.
The cabinet handbook states that these parties “should be informed in advance of proposals to make [judicial appointments]”.
She told the committee that the name was approved by cabinet “with a very clear process - as Minister for Justice I adhered to that process. And the person that was appointed came through an official process, chaired by an independent body (JAAB), chaired by the Chief Justice himself.”
Barry Cowen, the Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, said that he was "more than satisfied" by the explanation given by the Minister for Justice at the committee today. "She was more than adequate in the way in which she dealt with this, at committee and based on the other answers I heard from people in this process," he said.
Mr Cowen earlier on Tuesday indicated he wanted to hear the Ceann Comhairle's advice on the issue of asking questions of the Minister for Justice, but he said on Tuesday evening that he did not think she needed to come before the Dáil.
“That’s not to stop parliamentary questions or oral questions, there are many means by which the opposition can seek clarification,” he said, but added his view was “there’s nothing there, this process is no different to any previous ones”.
Opposition parties are likely to continue raising the issue in the Oireachtas, with sources indicating there will be another attempt to move the potential question and answer session back onto the Dáil order of business for next week when the business committee meets on Thursday.


theirishtimes--2020-11-17--Government reluctant to discuss pay claim by medical laboratory scientists

The Government has indicated that it will not engage in talks on pay at this stage with medical laboratory scientists , who include personnel involved in testing for Covid-19 .
Talks on a long-standing claim by medical laboratory scientists for pay parity with scientific personnel working in biochemistry laboratories took place at the Workplace Relations Commission on Tuesday .
However it is understood that while Government negotiators were prepared to discuss issues such as grading and career progression , they were not prepared to engage on pay issues at this point .
Medical Scientists voted at the annual conference of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial action if early progress was not made on a long-standing pay dispute .
Separately on Monday the Department of Public Expenditure said that pay issues involving public health specialists – who are currently balloting for strike action – “ would fall to be considered in the context ( of ) wider public service pay policy ” .
The Government is currently involved in background exploratory talks with the broader public service trade union movement on the potential for a new pay deal for about 340,000 State employees .
The current accord expires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest public service union , Forsa , will hold its biennial conference on Thursday where its general secretary Kevin Callinan – who also chairs the public service committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions – is expected to make a key speech on public service pay .
As part of preliminary discussions over recent months the Department of Public Expenditure is understood to have suggested that there would be an effective pay pause in 2021 as part of a new two-year agreement and that there could be sectoral processes established to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the public service .
The medical scientists ’ dispute dates back to 2002 and involves a claim for pay parity with scientific staff who work in biochemistry laboratories .
Medical scientists maintain that they carry out identical work , with the same responsibilities , but are paid about eight per cent less .
Public health specialists , who are represented by the Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) , have been campaigning for some time for the field to become a consultant-led service and for specialists to be awarded consultant contracts “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health specialists earn about €113,000 a year .
Hospital consultants with a type-A contract – which permits them to treat only public patients – have a pay scale that ranges from €141,026 to €195,653 .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said he is committed to establishing a consultant-led public health model .
The Department of Health and the HSE are currently drawing up a business case for consultant posts in public health , which is expected to be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure in the coming days .

Medical Scientists voted to take industrial action if early progress was not made on a long-standing pay dispute. Photograph: Alan Betson
The Government has indicated that it will not engage in talks on pay at this stage with medical laboratory scientists, who include personnel involved in testing for Covid-19.
Talks on a long-standing claim by medical laboratory scientists for pay parity with scientific personnel working in biochemistry laboratories took place at the Workplace Relations Commission on Tuesday. However it is understood that while Government negotiators were prepared to discuss issues such as grading and career progression, they were not prepared to engage on pay issues at this point.
Medical Scientists voted at the annual conference of their representative association in October to take industrial action if early progress was not made on a long-standing pay dispute.
Separately on Monday the Department of Public Expenditure said that pay issues involving public health specialists – who are currently balloting for strike action – “would fall to be considered in the context (of) wider public service pay policy”.
READ MORE
The Government is currently involved in background exploratory talks with the broader public service trade union movement on the potential for a new pay deal for about 340,000 State employees.
The current accord expires at the end of December.
Key speech
The largest public service union, Forsa, will hold its biennial conference on Thursday where its general secretary Kevin Callinan – who also chairs the public service committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions – is expected to make a key speech on public service pay.
As part of preliminary discussions over recent months the Department of Public Expenditure is understood to have suggested that there would be an effective pay pause in 2021 as part of a new two-year agreement and that there could be sectoral processes established to deal with claims and issues in particular areas of the public service.
The medical scientists’ dispute dates back to 2002 and involves a claim for pay parity with scientific staff who work in biochemistry laboratories. Medical scientists maintain that they carry out identical work, with the same responsibilities, but are paid about eight per cent less.
Public health specialists, who are represented by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), have been campaigning for some time for the field to become a consultant-led service and for specialists to be awarded consultant contracts "to reflect their expertise".
Public health specialists earn about €113,000 a year. Hospital consultants with a type-A contract – which permits them to treat only public patients – have a pay scale that ranges from €141,026 to €195,653.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said he is committed to establishing a consultant-led public health model.
The Department of Health and the HSE are currently drawing up a business case for consultant posts in public health, which is expected to be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure in the coming days.


theirishtimes--2020-11-17--Two men fined for breaches of health and safety regulations over farm death

Two men have been fined for breaches of health and safety legislation following the death of a farm worker who was killed when a trench collapsed on top of him while laying a drainage pipe on a farm in Co Cork over three years ago .
Farmer Pat Kelleher ( 50 ) of Roovesmore , Coachford , was fined €10,000 and contractor , John O ’ Mahony ( 78 ) , from O ’ Mahony ’ s Place , Clondrohid , was fined €1,000 for breaches of health and safety regulations arising out of the death of Denis Cullinane ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Safety Authority Inspector Frances Murphy told Cork Circuit Criminal Court that Kelleher was carrying out drainage work on his farm at Roovesmore , Coachford on September 28th , 2017 and had engaged O ’ Mahony to carry out the work using his digger .
O ’ Mahony had dug a trench for a drainage pipe and both Kelleher , and his employee , Mr Cullinane , were at opposite ends in the trench which was approximately one metre wide and 4.6 metres wide when the wall of the trench collapsed on top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the collapse .
“ There were no support systems in place ( for the trench ) , no safety provisions in place , ” said Ms Murphy , adding that a trench that deep should have been buttressed internally with supports or else had its sides stepped back so that it would not collapse .
Ms Murphy agreed with defence barrister for Kelleher , Donal O ’ Sullivan BL and defence counsel for O ’ Mahony , Siobhan Lankford SC that both men had co-operated fully with the HSA investigation into the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convictions for health and safety breaches .
Referring to his client , Kelleher , Mr O ’ Sullivan said : “ He was very shocked by this .
It is my understanding he was traumatised .
It was not a case of sending someone in to do something he would not do himself .
He was in the trench as well when this happened.
” He said that Kelleher had carried out trenching work on his farm before but never trenching to a depth of 4.6 metres and he fully accepted that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place to prevent the side of the trench collapsing as happened .
Referring to her client , O ’ Mahony , Ms Lankford said that he was 75 at the time of the incident and had one digger which he operated himself but since this incident he had no longer operated his digger and no longer did any excavation or plant work .
Both lawyers said their clients were deeply remorseful and apologetic over what happened and Mr O ’ Sullivan said his client , Kelleher knew the Cullinane family from Roovesbeg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had commiserated with them in the normal way on their loss .
In their Victim Impact Statement , the Cullinane family spoke of their huge loss since Mr Cullinane ’ s death in the accident , describing him as somebody who was a hard worker and was always willing to help people .
“ We as a family understand it was an accident but if one other family can be saved the trauma and hurt by this accident , we feel at least some else ’ s family might not have to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cullinane family in their victim impact statement .
Judge Ó Donnabháin said : “ It is appalling that two experienced men , one a Hi-Mac driver and the other an experienced farmer – should excavate a trench on loose ground without trenching the trench .
There is nothing new in this .
“ There is nothing that would require major experience .
A few planks of wood ( supported ) in the hole would have kept it open .
It does not take a lot to understand that – four-and-a-half metres deep of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to collapse .
The neglect here is very fundamental .
“ It could have been easily avoided with the slightest care .
And the unfortunate Denis Cullinane lost his life .
Their remorse is genuine .
All three men were from the same local community .
They were known to each other .
“ I take the point that Mr Kelleher was hands-on and he did not hand it over to someone else to do it but it is a very fundamental breach by him which caused a man to lose his life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and avoided.
” Acknowledging both men entering guilty pleas to the separate charges , thus sparing the state the expense of a trial , Judge O Donnabhain fined Kelleher €10,000 for the offence he pleaded guilty to while he fined O ’ Mahony for €1,000 for a separate offence that he admitted .

Frances Murphy told Cork Circuit Criminal Court that Kelleher was carrying out drainage work on his farm and had engaged O’Mahony to carry out the work using his digger. Photograph: Google Street View
Two men have been fined for breaches of health and safety legislation following the death of a farm worker who was killed when a trench collapsed on top of him while laying a drainage pipe on a farm in Co Cork over three years ago.
Farmer Pat Kelleher (50) of Roovesmore, Coachford, was fined €10,000 and contractor, John O'Mahony (78), from O'Mahony's Place, Clondrohid, was fined €1,000 for breaches of health and safety regulations arising out of the death of Denis Cullinane (33) from Roovesbeg Coachford.
Health and Safety Authority Inspector Frances Murphy told Cork Circuit Criminal Court that Kelleher was carrying out drainage work on his farm at Roovesmore, Coachford on September 28th, 2017 and had engaged O'Mahony to carry out the work using his digger.
O’Mahony had dug a trench for a drainage pipe and both Kelleher, and his employee, Mr Cullinane, were at opposite ends in the trench which was approximately one metre wide and 4.6 metres wide when the wall of the trench collapsed on top of Mr Cullinane who was trapped beneath the collapse.
READ MORE
“There were no support systems in place (for the trench), no safety provisions in place,” said Ms Murphy, adding that a trench that deep should have been buttressed internally with supports or else had its sides stepped back so that it would not collapse.
Ms Murphy agreed with defence barrister for Kelleher, Donal O’Sullivan BL and defence counsel for O’Mahony, Siobhan Lankford SC that both men had co-operated fully with the HSA investigation into the incident and that neither man had any previous convictions for health and safety breaches.
Referring to his client, Kelleher, Mr O’Sullivan said: “He was very shocked by this. It is my understanding he was traumatised. It was not a case of sending someone in to do something he would not do himself. He was in the trench as well when this happened.”
He said that Kelleher had carried out trenching work on his farm before but never trenching to a depth of 4.6 metres and he fully accepted that he should have ensured that there were supports in place to prevent the side of the trench collapsing as happened.
Referring to her client, O'Mahony, Ms Lankford said that he was 75 at the time of the incident and had one digger which he operated himself but since this incident he had no longer operated his digger and no longer did any excavation or plant work.
Both lawyers said their clients were deeply remorseful and apologetic over what happened and Mr O’Sullivan said his client, Kelleher knew the Cullinane family from Roovesbeg well as they were neighbours and he had commiserated with them in the normal way on their loss.
In their Victim Impact Statement, the Cullinane family spoke of their huge loss since Mr Cullinane’s death in the accident, describing him as somebody who was a hard worker and was always willing to help people.
“We as a family understand it was an accident but if one other family can be saved the trauma and hurt by this accident, we feel at least some else’s family might not have to go through this again,” said the Cullinane family in their victim impact statement.
Judge Ó Donnabháin said: “It is appalling that two experienced men, one a Hi-Mac driver and the other an experienced farmer – should excavate a trench on loose ground without trenching the trench. There is nothing new in this.
“There is nothing that would require major experience. A few planks of wood (supported) in the hole would have kept it open. It does not take a lot to understand that – four-and-a-half metres deep of loose soil. It was inevitably going to collapse. The neglect here is very fundamental.
“It could have been easily avoided with the slightest care. And the unfortunate Denis Cullinane lost his life. Their remorse is genuine. All three men were from the same local community. They were known to each other.
“I take the point that Mr Kelleher was hands-on and he did not hand it over to someone else to do it but it is a very fundamental breach by him which caused a man to lose his life. It could have been easily foreseen and avoided.”
Acknowledging both men entering guilty pleas to the separate charges, thus sparing the state the expense of a trial, Judge O Donnabhain fined Kelleher €10,000 for the offence he pleaded guilty to while he fined O’Mahony for €1,000 for a separate offence that he admitted.


theirishtimes--2020-11-17--Murder trial told son stabbed father as he tried to calm him down

The trial of a Dubliner charged with murdering his father has heard the deceased was stabbed to death while trying to calm down the accused .
Gerard ( Gerry ) Fortune was stabbed in the neck on August 19th 2018 , after watching the All-Ireland final in his living room .
His son David Fortune ( 33 ) of Rutland Grove in Crumlin has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court , charged with his murder at that address .
He has pleaded not guilty .
Seán Gillane SC opened the trial for the prosecution on Tuesday .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 63 when he died , and was living with his partner , Eileen Lambe , and a number of others in Rutland Grove .
The accused , who is his son from a previous relationship , also lived at that address .
Mr Gillane explained that it was a busy house , where the siblings ’ friends were welcome .
He said that there was a granny flat to the rear of the house , which was used by some family members and their friends ‘ to take a drink ’ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 19th of August was All-Ireland Sunday and Gerry Fortune watched the match at home .
However , the accused and a number of other people attended ‘ a day of drinking and drug taking ’ in the granny flat , said counsel .
He said that some of those present described the accused as behaving in a paranoid way that day , staring and grinding his teeth .
He could be heard saying : ‘ Cold f***ing sh*te bags ’ and ‘ I ’ ll stab you ’ .
A row ensued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Fortune and a number of others went into the house .
“ Gerry Fortune attempted to calm him down , ” said Mr Gillane about the accused .
David Fortune was heard to ask his father : “ Is that the way it is , Da ?
Is this how I ’ m going to die ?
” He was described as anxious , agitated and uptight .
Laura Lambe , who will give evidence , said that he went pale and had a knife .
Ms Lambe stood between her father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swing at his father with the knife , the court head .
Gerry Fortune fell , there was blood everywhere and an injury was evident to his neck .
Mr Gillane said that there was ‘ utter pandemonium ’ in the house , which the accused had left through a window .
The injured Mr Fortune was taken by ambulance to hospital but died a short time later as a result of haemorrhage and shock due to the stab wound to his neck .
The prosecutor said that , moments after the stabbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman on Rutland Grove .
The accused has already pleaded guilty to unlawful seizure of a vehicle there by using physical force to drag the driver , Geraldine Brady , from the driver ’ s seat .
Mr Gillane said that the car was driven by the accused to Blanchardstown Hospital , where it was captured on CCTV .
“ You ’ ll see him run into and around the hospital , and you ’ ll hear about his encounters with staff , ” said counsel .
“ He said his father had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was later arrested .
Mr Gillane informed the jury that intoxication may well be a legal feature of the case .
“ Intoxication can be relevant where the prosecution has to prove a specific intent , ” he explained .
“ It can operate to reduce criminal liability.
” The trial , which is due to last three weeks , will continue tomorrow before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of eight women and four men .

The trial of a Dubliner charged with murdering his father has heard the deceased was stabbed to death while trying to calm down the accused.
Gerard (Gerry) Fortune was stabbed in the neck on August 19th 2018, after watching the All-Ireland final in his living room.
His son David Fortune (33) of Rutland Grove in Crumlin has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with his murder at that address.
He has pleaded not guilty.
READ MORE
Seán Gillane SC opened the trial for the prosecution on Tuesday.
He told the jury that Gerry Fortune was almost 63 when he died, and was living with his partner, Eileen Lambe, and a number of others in Rutland Grove. The accused, who is his son from a previous relationship, also lived at that address.
Mr Gillane explained that it was a busy house, where the siblings' friends were welcome. He said that there was a granny flat to the rear of the house, which was used by some family members and their friends 'to take a drink' and to consume drugs, including cocaine.
The 19th of August was All-Ireland Sunday and Gerry Fortune watched the match at home. However, the accused and a number of other people attended ‘a day of drinking and drug taking’ in the granny flat, said counsel.
He said that some of those present described the accused as behaving in a paranoid way that day, staring and grinding his teeth. He could be heard saying: ‘Cold f***ing sh*te bags’ and ‘I’ll stab you’.
A row ensued between the accused and Gerard Lambe. David Fortune and a number of others went into the house.
“Gerry Fortune attempted to calm him down,” said Mr Gillane about the accused. David Fortune was heard to ask his father: “Is that the way it is, Da? Is this how I’m going to die?”
He was described as anxious, agitated and uptight. Laura Lambe, who will give evidence, said that he went pale and had a knife.
Ms Lambe stood between her father and the accused, who she saw swing at his father with the knife, the court head. Gerry Fortune fell, there was blood everywhere and an injury was evident to his neck.
Mr Gillane said that there was ‘utter pandemonium’ in the house, which the accused had left through a window.
The injured Mr Fortune was taken by ambulance to hospital but died a short time later as a result of haemorrhage and shock due to the stab wound to his neck.
The prosecutor said that, moments after the stabbing, a car was hijacked from a woman on Rutland Grove. The accused has already pleaded guilty to unlawful seizure of a vehicle there by using physical force to drag the driver, Geraldine Brady, from the driver's seat.
Mr Gillane said that the car was driven by the accused to Blanchardstown Hospital, where it was captured on CCTV.
“You’ll see him run into and around the hospital, and you’ll hear about his encounters with staff,” said counsel. “He said his father had tried to kill him.” David Fortune was later arrested.
Mr Gillane informed the jury that intoxication may well be a legal feature of the case.
“Intoxication can be relevant where the prosecution has to prove a specific intent,” he explained. “It can operate to reduce criminal liability.”
The trial, which is due to last three weeks, will continue tomorrow before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of eight women and four men.


theirishtimes--2020-11-17--Policing a ban on street drinking ‘a non-runner’, say gardaí

Gardaí were perplexed by the Government proposal , now abandoned , to introduce new controls on the consumption of takeaway pints from pubs , according to members of the force who have spoken to The Irish Times .
One senior officer said he was “ stunned ” at what he saw as “ such a knee-jerk reaction ” to a video of revellers on Dublin ’ s South William Street at the weekend .
“ It ’ s a sad day when the Government is deciding it should make a huge change to the policing strategy so far based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consulting with the depot , ” he said , the latter a reference to Garda Headquarters .
The video shared on Twitter depicted hundreds of people gathered on South William Street , and streets off it , drinking on Saturday evening .
After the video went viral , Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly drew up proposals for the curtail the circumstances in which people could gather to drink alcohol .
The proposals brought to Cabinet would have made it an offence , punishable by an €80 fine , for two or more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is drinking alcohol .
However , there was resistance from the Greens and Fine Gael at the Cabinet table , and it was decided there was not sufficient support for the measure to proceed .
“ It was the Government ’ s own decision to allow takeaway pints , ” one Garda source noted .
“ It seems pretty strange that because of a video of one incident that they ’ d decide to change the law .
There ’ s not one rule or law that ’ s complied with 100 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying : “ The Government should be trying to bring a bit of perspective rather than rushing in to change laws when something blow ups on Twitter .
They ’ ve only created hysteria.
” Under the law , which predates the pandemic , it is illegal to drink alcohol in public , though that law is rarely enforced .
Publicans are permitted by law to sell takeaway pints and other alcoholic drinks .
While those drinks must be consumed more than 100 metres from the premises where they are bought , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offence .
Failure to socially distance is also not a criminal offence .
“ Essentially the only law or Covid-19 regulation ( the revellers in the Twitter video ) were breaking was drinking alcohol in public , ” said one Garda member .
“ If we were going to move in and prosecute every person we see drinking in public we ’ d lose the general public pretty fast .
“ The type of resources you ’ d need to move in on a crowd of 100 or 200 to prosecute them would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of gardaí and dozens and dozens of vehicles .
It ’ s a non-runner and nobody wants that kind of policing in Ireland - rounding up people for drinking a few pints the law lets them buy.
” When asked if gardaí could take up a position on South William St , as crowds of revellers had gathered there frequently to drink during the pandemic , and move people on as they gathered , Garda sources said this would be seen as heavy-handed .
“ So far it has all been about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public health advice and encouraging them to comply , ” said one senior garda .
“ We have been told by everyone – Garda management , the Government , the Policing Authority , civil rights groups – that enforcement should only be used in extreme cases .
“ The fact here is that young people who gathered on a street , and moved on when they were asked to , is not an extreme case .
So it was surprising to see that kind of nuclear button thinking from the Government over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member agreed , saying it was inevitable the legislation allowing for takeaway drinks would be occasionally abused and that it should not cause panic .
“ We are going to have incidents like this from time to time for as long as this pandemic lasts .
The alternative is to ramp up the rules and ramp up the enforcement .
That would be a huge mistake and nobody wants that .
The Government and the Policing Authority are the very people who had told us again and again they don ’ t want @ @ @

Gardaí were perplexed by the Government proposal, now abandoned, to introduce new controls on the consumption of takeaway pints from pubs, according to members of the force who have spoken to The Irish Times.
One senior officer said he was “stunned” at what he saw as “such a knee-jerk reaction” to a video of revellers on Dublin’s South William Street at the weekend.
“It’s a sad day when the Government is deciding it should make a huge change to the policing strategy so far based on a video on Twitter rather than even consulting with the depot,” he said, the latter a reference to Garda Headquarters.
The video shared on Twitter depicted hundreds of people gathered on South William Street, and streets off it, drinking on Saturday evening.
READ MORE
After the video went viral, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly drew up proposals for the curtail the circumstances in which people could gather to drink alcohol.
The proposals brought to Cabinet would have made it an offence, punishable by an €80 fine, for two or more people to gather outdoors where one of them is drinking alcohol.
However, there was resistance from the Greens and Fine Gael at the Cabinet table, and it was decided there was not sufficient support for the measure to proceed.
“It was the Government’s own decision to allow takeaway pints,” one Garda source noted. “It seems pretty strange that because of a video of one incident that they’d decide to change the law. There’s not one rule or law that’s complied with 100 per cent of the time.”
Another agreed, saying: “The Government should be trying to bring a bit of perspective rather than rushing in to change laws when something blow ups on Twitter. They’ve only created hysteria.”
Existing law
Under the law, which predates the pandemic, it is illegal to drink alcohol in public, though that law is rarely enforced.
Publicans are permitted by law to sell takeaway pints and other alcoholic drinks. While those drinks must be consumed more than 100 metres from the premises where they are bought, breaching that provision is not a criminal offence. Failure to socially distance is also not a criminal offence.
“Essentially the only law or Covid-19 regulation (the revellers in the Twitter video) were breaking was drinking alcohol in public,” said one Garda member. “If we were going to move in and prosecute every person we see drinking in public we’d lose the general public pretty fast.
“The type of resources you’d need to move in on a crowd of 100 or 200 to prosecute them would be huge; you’d need hundreds of gardaí and dozens and dozens of vehicles. It’s a non-runner and nobody wants that kind of policing in Ireland - rounding up people for drinking a few pints the law lets them buy.”
When asked if gardaí could take up a position on South William St, as crowds of revellers had gathered there frequently to drink during the pandemic, and move people on as they gathered, Garda sources said this would be seen as heavy-handed.
“So far it has all been about engaging with people, explaining the rules and public health advice and encouraging them to comply,” said one senior garda. “We have been told by everyone – Garda management, the Government, the Policing Authority, civil rights groups – that enforcement should only be used in extreme cases.
“The fact here is that young people who gathered on a street, and moved on when they were asked to, is not an extreme case. So it was surprising to see that kind of nuclear button thinking from the Government over a video on Twitter.”
Another Garda member agreed, saying it was inevitable the legislation allowing for takeaway drinks would be occasionally abused and that it should not cause panic.
“We are going to have incidents like this from time to time for as long as this pandemic lasts. The alternative is to ramp up the rules and ramp up the enforcement. That would be a huge mistake and nobody wants that. The Government and the Policing Authority are the very people who had told us again and again they don’t want that.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--Covid-19: Government ‘will announce details next week’ for lifting of Level 5 restrictions

Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Businesses Damien English has said the Government will announce details towards the end of next week for the lifting of Level 5 restrictions and the reopening of the retail sector .
Mr English told RTÉ radio ’ s News at One that plans will be announced when it was appropriate after the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) and other experts have had time to analyse data from the first four weeks of Level 5 restrictions .
The Government had been engaging with the retail sector throughout the lockdown and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
It was intended the Cabinet would be in a position to make an announcement by the end of next week , the Minister said .
Longer opening hours would be considered to facilitate demand , but it would not be the same as other Christmases , he warned .
There was a lot of work involved in planning the easing of restrictions , and Mr English said the Government understood the difficulties faced by the businesses and the public .
“ Of course the plans is to open as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and analysed figures , it would meet next week with the Cabinet to discuss the details and the Government could then make “ the right decision ” about how to reopen the country safely , Mr English said .
Plans would be put in place , and the Minister said it was “ the full intention ” the retail sector would reopen on December 1st .
“ We have always said that whenever the figures allowed we would reopen.
” Mr English rejected the claim by Ibec that Nphet was “ flying a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognised the efforts made by the public and that the best way to manage the virus was by “ pushing it back.
” The virus spread in many settings , he said , and Level 5 restrictions had been necessary to stop social contacts and to stop the spread of the virus .

Damien English: Longer retail opening hours would be considered to facilitate demand, but it would not be the same as other Christmases
Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Businesses Damien English has said the Government will announce details towards the end of next week for the lifting of Level 5 restrictions and the reopening of the retail sector.
Mr English told RTÉ radio’s News at One that plans will be announced when it was appropriate after the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) and other experts have had time to analyse data from the first four weeks of Level 5 restrictions.
The Government had been engaging with the retail sector throughout the lockdown and recognised the difficulties being faced, he said. It was intended the Cabinet would be in a position to make an announcement by the end of next week, the Minister said.
Hospital Report
Longer opening hours would be considered to facilitate demand, but it would not be the same as other Christmases, he warned.
READ MORE
There was a lot of work involved in planning the easing of restrictions, and Mr English said the Government understood the difficulties faced by the businesses and the public. “Of course the plans is to open as soon as we can.”
Once Nphet had reviewed and analysed figures, it would meet next week with the Cabinet to discuss the details and the Government could then make “the right decision” about how to reopen the country safely, Mr English said.
Plans would be put in place, and the Minister said it was “the full intention” the retail sector would reopen on December 1st. “We have always said that whenever the figures allowed we would reopen.”
Mr English rejected the claim by Ibec that Nphet was “flying a kite”.
“The Government makes decisions, Nphet advises,” he said.
The Minister said he recognised the efforts made by the public and that the best way to manage the virus was by “pushing it back.”
The virus spread in many settings, he said, and Level 5 restrictions had been necessary to stop social contacts and to stop the spread of the virus.


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--The Big G can help buy our way out of this crisis

In the mid-1970s the Irish Goods Council rolled out a Buy Irish initiative with a view to encouraging people to shop locally .
The Big G started appearing on everything from cream to copy books .
While it was an enduring symbol in the late 1970s , by the middle of the next decade things had changed dramatically .
As a result of a 1984 ruling by the European Court of Justice which declared that individual countries were no longer able to promote their own products as being better than those produced elsewhere within the European Union – or what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scheme fell out of government control .
Guaranteed Irish did not die though .
Instead , it became a not-for-profit organisation but for many years its label was largely ignored by the buying public as an anachronistic throwback to times past .
But with the economic crash of a decade or so ago , the Big G saw something of a resurgence and it has continued to grow in relevance over recent years .
It has rarely been as important as it is today .
While some of the products that carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasions – can a tea really be Irish ?
– the rules are clear .
To carry the Guaranteed Irish symbol businesses must “ provide quality jobs including fair working conditions , professional development and long-term employment ” in Ireland .
They must have “ a positive impact on local communities and [ be ] part of the fabric of Irish society ” .
Companies must also have “ a physical presence in Ireland and add value to its product or service here ” .
Brid O ’ Connell is chief executive of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has rarely mattered as much to Irish consumers as it does now with people looking to use whatever money they have to support local businesses .
She says that as many as two-thirds of Irish consumers have chosen to shop with Irish small businesses to support them through the Covid-19 crisis and she points to research carried out early this year – in pre-Covid times – which found that 92 per cent of people associated buying locally with sustainability .
“ I think people are starting to realise more and more that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many birds with the one stone , ” she says .
“ You are supporting jobs and doing less damage to the environment and you are helping the local community and giving yourself a real feel-good factor too.
” Further research has also shown that 53 per cent of shoppers here reckon they have done more shopping with Irish companies than foreign retailers since pre-crisis times , according to O ’ Connell .
“ The crisis has focused the minds of people in Ireland and I think so many of them really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help struggling businesses and to support the local economy.
” That does not mean everything is perfect , particularly in the online space .
“ Irish retailers have definitely got better but there is long way to go , ” she says .
“ A lot of Irish businesses are really good at Instagram or Pinterest and have lovely images of their stock on social but we have to focus on the ecommerce piece and how businesses can market themselves .
“ They have leapfrogged several years in some cases for sure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online was the only revenue stream , but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
” To make shopping easier for people , the umbrella group has recently set up a website – GuaranteedIrishGifts.ie – to connect shoppers with shops , and Guaranteed Irish has also set consumers a Christmas challenge .
It seems pretty straightforward .
They want people to buy just one gift from GuaranteedIrishGifts.ie .
“ If we all bought one gift from here instead of Amazon , it will have the effect of saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy off Amazon again but we need to become a ‘ conscious consumer ’ and think how our money is being used.
” Over and over again O ’ Connell stresses the benefits of shopping locally and says that every €100 spent in Ireland can be worth as much as €500 to the local economy as the money is circulated widely closer to home rather than being sucked up in another jurisdiction .
She also stresses that – contrary to what many people think – prices for products on Irish sites are “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overseas businesses that can sometimes be unsustainable and unethical ” .
Irish websites are , she says , “ definitely more competitive than people think and can easily go toe to toe with big international players .
Having said that , if Alibaba is selling a dress or a complete outfit for a fiver , then a local business will not be able to compete with that , no one can compete with that but you have to look at where the products are sourced and what the quality is , you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff that is available.
” She adds that quality and “ price per wear ” must be borne in mind when deciding to buy locally made clothes over “ cheap disposable , fast fashion ” .
“ Every nation in the world acknowledges that Irish is a premium label ; it ’ s a shame we don ’ t value it ourselves.
” But it is not all about consumers and O ’ Connell says retailers must do more to support their local suppliers and producers .
“ Irish local shops are crying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t stocking Irish products themselves in many cases , not all , but many cases ; they need to play their role too .
They are not going far enough.
” She wants all Irish local retailers “ to stock at least one Irish line/Irish producer – candles , jewellery , crafts , scarves , textiles , pottery , accessories , books , scents , beauty creams .
If we can ’ t see it , we can ’ t buy it .
Also , if the local retailer is asking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , help the maker , and start to sell products from local creators/ designers/ producers alongside their international brands .
We can co-exist comfortably.
” O ’ Connell says buying Irish is not entirely an altruistic approach and from a purely selfish perspective , consumers will benefit too .
People have more rights than when they buy online from countries such as the US or China , for a start .
“ You can also buy brands with which you are familiar from stores that you know .
It will also be delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something , that can be done faster too .
And we have to remember that it is not all about Aran jumpers or the more traditional gifts any more , although they are great .
Irish businesses are also selling great tech , art , great food and amazing gifts .
”

In the mid-1970s the Irish Goods Council rolled out a Buy Irish initiative with a view to encouraging people to shop locally. The Big G started appearing on everything from cream to copy books. While it was an enduring symbol in the late 1970s, by the middle of the next decade things had changed dramatically.
As a result of a 1984 ruling by the European Court of Justice which declared that individual countries were no longer able to promote their own products as being better than those produced elsewhere within the European Union – or what was then known as the EEC – the scheme fell out of government control.
Guaranteed Irish did not die though. Instead, it became a not-for-profit organisation but for many years its label was largely ignored by the buying public as an anachronistic throwback to times past. But with the economic crash of a decade or so ago, the Big G saw something of a resurgence and it has continued to grow in relevance over recent years.
It has rarely been as important as it is today.
READ MORE
While some of the products that carry the logo may raise an eyebrow on occasions – can a tea really be Irish? – the rules are clear. To carry the Guaranteed Irish symbol businesses must "provide quality jobs including fair working conditions, professional development and long-term employment" in Ireland. They must have "a positive impact on local communities and [be] part of the fabric of Irish society". Companies must also have "a physical presence in Ireland and add value to its product or service here".
Brid O’Connell is chief executive of Guaranteed Irish and she says buying Irish has rarely mattered as much to Irish consumers as it does now with people looking to use whatever money they have to support local businesses.
She says that as many as two-thirds of Irish consumers have chosen to shop with Irish small businesses to support them through the Covid-19 crisis and she points to research carried out early this year – in pre-Covid times – which found that 92 per cent of people associated buying locally with sustainability.
“I think people are starting to realise more and more that when you shop locally, you are killing so many birds with the one stone,” she says. “You are supporting jobs and doing less damage to the environment and you are helping the local community and giving yourself a real feel-good factor too.”
Further research has also shown that 53 per cent of shoppers here reckon they have done more shopping with Irish companies than foreign retailers since pre-crisis times, according to O’Connell. “The crisis has focused the minds of people in Ireland and I think so many of them really want to do what they can to help struggling businesses and to support the local economy.”
That does not mean everything is perfect, particularly in the online space.
“Irish retailers have definitely got better but there is long way to go,” she says. “A lot of Irish businesses are really good at Instagram or Pinterest and have lovely images of their stock on social but we have to focus on the ecommerce piece and how businesses can market themselves.
If we all bought one gift from here instead of Amazon, it will have the effect of saving jobs
“They have leapfrogged several years in some cases for sure, because they had to as during lockdown online was the only revenue stream, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.”
To make shopping easier for people, the umbrella group has recently set up a website – GuaranteedIrishGifts.ie – to connect shoppers with shops, and Guaranteed Irish has also set consumers a Christmas challenge. It seems pretty straightforward. They want people to buy just one gift from GuaranteedIrishGifts.ie. "If we all bought one gift from here instead of Amazon, it will have the effect of saving jobs. No one is saying never buy off Amazon again but we need to become a 'conscious consumer' and think how our money is being used."
Over and over again O’Connell stresses the benefits of shopping locally and says that every €100 spent in Ireland can be worth as much as €500 to the local economy as the money is circulated widely closer to home rather than being sucked up in another jurisdiction.
She also stresses that – contrary to what many people think – prices for products on Irish sites are “competitive with overseas products, save for overseas businesses that can sometimes be unsustainable and unethical”.
Every nation in the world acknowledges that Irish is a premium label; it's a shame we don't value it ourselves
Irish websites are, she says, “definitely more competitive than people think and can easily go toe to toe with big international players. Having said that, if Alibaba is selling a dress or a complete outfit for a fiver, then a local business will not be able to compete with that, no one can compete with that but you have to look at where the products are sourced and what the quality is, you have to ask questions about the very cheap stuff that is available.”
She adds that quality and “price per wear” must be borne in mind when deciding to buy locally made clothes over “cheap disposable, fast fashion”.
“Every nation in the world acknowledges that Irish is a premium label; it’s a shame we don’t value it ourselves.”
But it is not all about consumers and O’Connell says retailers must do more to support their local suppliers and producers. “Irish local shops are crying out for help, yet they aren’t stocking Irish products themselves in many cases, not all, but many cases; they need to play their role too. They are not going far enough.”
She wants all Irish local retailers “to stock at least one Irish line/Irish producer – candles, jewellery, crafts, scarves, textiles, pottery, accessories, books, scents, beauty creams. If we can’t see it, we can’t buy it. Also, if the local retailer is asking for help, perhaps they, in turn, help the maker, and start to sell products from local creators/ designers/ producers alongside their international brands. We can co-exist comfortably.”
O'Connell says buying Irish is not entirely an altruistic approach and from a purely selfish perspective, consumers will benefit too. People have more rights than when they buy online from countries such as the US or China, for a start.
“You can also buy brands with which you are familiar from stores that you know. It will also be delivered faster and if you have to return something, that can be done faster too. And we have to remember that it is not all about Aran jumpers or the more traditional gifts any more, although they are great. Irish businesses are also selling great tech, art, great food and amazing gifts.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--Government will propose new tax, expense arrangements for remote working

A Government strategy to be published next month will include proposals for new tax and expense arrangements to facilitate remote working , Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said .
He said the new remote-working strategy would seek to ensure costs of such arrangements were borne fairly and the benefits shared .
The strategy will also involve the establishment of a network of digital hubs around the country .
He said the strategy would also include a right to request to work remotely and to have this considered properly fairly .
Mr Varadkar said there would also be proposals on the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports for businesses “ to make the digital transition ” .
The Tánaiste said the existing legislation governing working time was also being examined to consider any deficiencies in relation to the right of workers to disconnect from their jobs .
He said he had asked the Workplace Relations Commission to examine a potential new code of practice or guidelines for employers and employees on existing requirements and entitlements inthis area .
He said “ any changes in this area need to strike a balance and be based on consultations between employers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Dail in response to questions from Louise O ’ Reilly of Sinn Féin that although there was nothing in legislation that prevented an employee requesting the right to work remotely , he believed “ legislation was needed ” .
“ I intend to initiate a discussion on the concept of a right to request remote working with the Labour Employer Economic Forum , ” he said .
Labour Party leader Alan Kelly told the Dáil on Wednesday that existing legislation relating to working from home was “ either outdated , unworkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour Party had put forward proposed new legislation – the Working from Home ( COVID-19 ) Bill 2020 – to protect the rights of workers who are working from home .
He said this would involve the introduction of a right to “ switch off ” from work and for employers to be obliged to provide appropriate equipment and to cover costs incurred by those working from home .
Mr Kelly said the number of people working from home trebled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic , making it the greatest shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Irish history .
“ At the start of this year , there were around 200,000 Irish workers working from home on a regular basis .
As a result of the pandemic , that number more than trebled to 700,000 .
The implications in the long run , even if a vaccine is rolled out and we defeat this virus , could be enormous for Irish society , for everything from transport and commuting , to regional development and industrial policy .
Mr Kelly said the right to switch off would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not being put under pressure to work all hours .
“ I think we can all acknowledge that the higher levels of connectivity made possible by advances in IT and mobile technology in recent years have been a double-edged sword for workers .
“ The second key protection which the Bill offers is to make sure workers have a workstation in their home which is suitable for their working needs , and to make sure that the cost of running the office is not being transferred from employers to workers , by requiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount to cover the costs of working from home , such as higher heating and electricity bills , ” Mr Kelly said .
“ The current law in this area is a complete dog ’ s dinner .
Under current law , employers are effectively required to inspect the homes of their employees to ensure that the home is suitable for working from home .
This is a ludicrous requirement , and one that can not be enforced .
“ We have proposed a pragmatic solution to this issue , which is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment that an employee needs but does not have , and pay a fixed amount to cover the costs to the worker of working from home .
This is particularly important for people working in low-paid employment , and those renting , ” the Labour leader said .

Alan Kelly: As a result of the pandemic, the number of people working from home more than trebled to 700,000. Stock image: PA
A Government strategy to be published next month will include proposals for new tax and expense arrangements to facilitate remote working, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said.
He said the new remote-working strategy would seek to ensure costs of such arrangements were borne fairly and the benefits shared.
The strategy will also involve the establishment of a network of digital hubs around the country.
He said the strategy would also include a right to request to work remotely and to have this considered properly fairly.
READ MORE
Mr Varadkar said there would also be proposals on the “right to disconnect” for workers and supports for businesses “to make the digital transition”.
The Tánaiste said the existing legislation governing working time was also being examined to consider any deficiencies in relation to the right of workers to disconnect from their jobs.
He said he had asked the Workplace Relations Commission to examine a potential new code of practice or guidelines for employers and employees on existing requirements and entitlements inthis area.
He said “any changes in this area need to strike a balance and be based on consultations between employers and employees”.
Last week Mr Varadkar told the Dail in response to questions from Louise O’Reilly of Sinn Féin that although there was nothing in legislation that prevented an employee requesting the right to work remotely, he believed “legislation was needed”.
"I intend to initiate a discussion on the concept of a right to request remote working with the Labour Employer Economic Forum," he said.
Labour Party leader Alan Kelly told the Dáil on Wednesday that existing legislation relating to working from home was "either outdated, unworkable or non-existent".
He said the Labour Party had put forward proposed new legislation – the Working from Home (COVID-19) Bill 2020 – to protect the rights of workers who are working from home.
He said this would involve the introduction of a right to “switch off” from work and for employers to be obliged to provide appropriate equipment and to cover costs incurred by those working from home.
Mr Kelly said the number of people working from home trebled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, making it the greatest shift in working arrangements in a single year in Irish history.
“At the start of this year, there were around 200,000 Irish workers working from home on a regular basis. As a result of the pandemic, that number more than trebled to 700,000. The implications in the long run, even if a vaccine is rolled out and we defeat this virus, could be enormous for Irish society, for everything from transport and commuting, to regional development and industrial policy.
Mr Kelly said the right to switch off would be a very important protection that ensured workers were not being put under pressure to work all hours.
“ I think we can all acknowledge that the higher levels of connectivity made possible by advances in IT and mobile technology in recent years have been a double-edged sword for workers.
“The second key protection which the Bill offers is to make sure workers have a workstation in their home which is suitable for their working needs, and to make sure that the cost of running the office is not being transferred from employers to workers, by requiring employers to pay a fixed tax free amount to cover the costs of working from home, such as higher heating and electricity bills,” Mr Kelly said.
“The current law in this area is a complete dog’s dinner. Under current law, employers are effectively required to inspect the homes of their employees to ensure that the home is suitable for working from home. This is a ludicrous requirement, and one that cannot be enforced.
“We have proposed a pragmatic solution to this issue, which is that an employer be required to provide the equipment that an employee needs but does not have, and pay a fixed amount to cover the costs to the worker of working from home. This is particularly important for people working in low-paid employment, and those renting,” the Labour leader said.


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--Gardaí investigate alleged abuse of Luas passengers by group not wearing masks

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a group of people were captured travelling on the Red Luas line not wearing @ @ @ @ @ “ unruly and offensive behaviour towards other passengers ” .
The incident took place between @ @ @ @ @ Jervis Street stop on Monday , November 2nd .
“ The incident occurred at approximately @ @ @ @ @ social media when a group of individuals travelled on the Luas Red line , wearing @ @ @ @ @ in unruly and offensive behaviour towards other passengers , ” a statement from An Garda @ @ @ @ @ Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or any persons who travelled on the Red Luas @ @ @ @ @ question between Heuston Station stop and Jervis Street stop to contact Kevin Street Garda station @ @ @ @ @ the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station .

Gardaí are seeking witnesses to an incident on the Luas Red Line on Monday, November 2nd.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a group of people were captured travelling on the Red Luas line not wearing face coverings and engaging in “unruly and offensive behaviour towards other passengers”.
The incident took place between the Heuston Station stop and Jervis Street stop on Monday, November 2nd.
"The incident occurred at approximately 4.30pm and was shared on social media when a group of individuals travelled on the Luas Red line, wearing no face coverings and engaged in unruly and offensive behaviour towards other passengers," a statement from An Garda Síochána on Wednesday said.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or any persons who travelled on the Red Luas line on the date in question between Heuston Station stop and Jervis Street stop to contact Kevin Street Garda station on 01 666 9400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--Hiqa warns indoor spaces create higher risk of Covid-19 spread

Indoor , high-occupancy and poorly ventilated spaces present an increased risk of Covid-19 transmission , the State ’ s health watchdog has warned .
This is particularly the case where “ shouting and singing ” and prolonged contact occurs , or where face-coverings are insufficiently used , the Health Information and Quality Authority says .
To reduce risk , targeted public health measures are needed in settings where “ super-spreading ” events are likely to occur , it advises .
Hiqa also found most virus clusters occur in household settings , and so household members are at a high risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is present .
“ The international evidence highlights that the main factors that contribute to spread of Covid-19 are indoor settings , crowds , and prolonged contact with others , ” according to Dr Máirín Ryan , director of health technology assessment and deputy chief executive .
“ Much can be done to mitigate risk in these settings , such as ensuring good ventilation and people following public health advice to use face coverings , keep physical distance and wash their hands frequently.
” In its advice to the National Public Health Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ consistent evidence ” that clusters most commonly occur in household settings , and that there is a higher rate of onward transmission in households , compared with other settings .
Other settings where large numbers of clusters have been consistently observed include nursing homes , hospitals , meat and food processing plants , large shared accommodation , sporting activities , bars , nightclubs and restaurants , gyms , offices , shopping centres , cruise ships , weddings , shopping malls , prisons , mines and religious settings .
It says many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superspreading events ” , where infection is transmitted to large numbers of people .
Activities involving “ dining , drinking , exercising , singing or shouting , and prolonged face-to-face conversation , especially in indoor crowded environments ” were associated with an increased risk of transmission in studies .
And while risks are substantially lower outdoors , clusters in outdoor environments have been observed , particularly when there are large gatherings , limited social distancing , dense congregation , and mixing among groups .
Other factors increasing the risk in workplaces include working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from lower socio-economic groups , ethnic minorities and migrant groups ; lack of personal protective equipment or handwashing facilities ; and exposure to tools .
The reports says that although schools may potentially be regarded as high-risk settings , this was not reflected in the Irish data , with relatively few clusters ( 2 per cent of the total ) .
As time progresses , a different picture of where clusters occur may emerge , Hiqa says , particularly given the measures taken to provide protection in high-risk settings .

A protester wears women’s briefs as a face mask during a demonstration against German coronavirus restrictions in Berlin, Germany. Photgraph: EPA
Indoor, high-occupancy and poorly ventilated spaces present an increased risk of Covid-19 transmission, the State’s health watchdog has warned.
This is particularly the case where “shouting and singing” and prolonged contact occurs, or where face-coverings are insufficiently used, the Health Information and Quality Authority says.
To reduce risk, targeted public health measures are needed in settings where “super-spreading” events are likely to occur, it advises.
Hiqa also found most virus clusters occur in household settings, and so household members are at a high risk of becoming infected if a Covid-19 case is present.
READ MORE
“The international evidence highlights that the main factors that contribute to spread of Covid-19 are indoor settings, crowds, and prolonged contact with others,” according to Dr Máirín Ryan, director of health technology assessment and deputy chief executive. “Much can be done to mitigate risk in these settings, such as ensuring good ventilation and people following public health advice to use face coverings, keep physical distance and wash their hands frequently.”
In its advice to the National Public Health Emergency Team, the watchdog says there is “consistent evidence” that clusters most commonly occur in household settings, and that there is a higher rate of onward transmission in households, compared with other settings.
Other settings where large numbers of clusters have been consistently observed include nursing homes, hospitals, meat and food processing plants, large shared accommodation, sporting activities, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, gyms, offices, shopping centres, cruise ships, weddings, shopping malls, prisons, mines and religious settings.
Superspreading
It says many of these settings have been associated with “superspreading events”, where infection is transmitted to large numbers of people.
Activities involving “dining, drinking, exercising, singing or shouting, and prolonged face-to-face conversation, especially in indoor crowded environments” were associated with an increased risk of transmission in studies.
And while risks are substantially lower outdoors, clusters in outdoor environments have been observed, particularly when there are large gatherings, limited social distancing, dense congregation, and mixing among groups.
Other factors increasing the risk in workplaces include working despite symptoms; higher proportions of people from lower socio-economic groups, ethnic minorities and migrant groups; lack of personal protective equipment or handwashing facilities; and exposure to tools.
The reports says that although schools may potentially be regarded as high-risk settings, this was not reflected in the Irish data, with relatively few clusters (2 per cent of the total).
As time progresses, a different picture of where clusters occur may emerge, Hiqa says, particularly given the measures taken to provide protection in high-risk settings.


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--Finances at Knock shrine hit hard since March by Covid-19 pandemic

Income at Knock shrine in Co Mayo has been “ massively ” down due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was now “ just keeping going thanks to the generosity of people , ” parish priest Fr Richard Gibbons has said .
Following major development work there in recent years , leading up to the visit of Pope Francis in August 2018 , significant debt had been accumulated “ but we had hoped to clear everything this year , ” he said .
It was not to be .
“ Thankfully , the wage subsidy scheme helped , ” for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 170 in the summertime , he said .
During the summer people on staycation meant that “ huge numbers of families ” in particular attended the shrine , with as many as 200 people , in pods of 50 , able to attend Masses in the Basilica .
It has a capacity for over 3,700 .
Social distancing was not a problem on Knock ’ s 100 acre site .
This year the novena did not take place and for the first time the shrine itself was closed on August 15th .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do as upwards of 20,000 people can attend on that day , ” said Fr Gibbons .
Online Masses from Knock during both lockdowns have been attracting worldwide audiences “ from as far apart as Ho Chi Minh City to Anchorage ” in Alaska , he said .
They were fortunate at the shrine , when the first lockdown took place last March , that “ we had Nasa-type technology in place ” since 2016 and helped by the papal visit .
It means that , as well as Masses , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and podcasts as well .
Currently , they are organising a Mass for all Ireland ’ s Covid-19 dead , which is to take place at noon on Sunday November 22nd next .
Streamed live , it will be celebrated by Archbishop ( of Tuam ) Michael Neary and will remember the 1,995 people in the Republic and 878 in Northern Ireland who have lost their lives to the virus to date .
A candle for each of those people will be lit in the Basilica on the day .
Petitions may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these will be downloaded and placed on the altar and prayed for during the Mass .
The shrine has also organised a campaign for people throughout the island to “ nominate your parish hero ” .
The intention is to honour people who , in the Covid-19 context , were responsible for “ those ‘ little , nameless , unremembered acts of kindness and of love , ’ as Wordsworth put it , ” said Fr Gibbons .
Details on how such heroes can be nominated are available on the Knock website with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Candelight service in the Basilica on December 19th .

Online Masses from Knock during both lockdowns have been attracting worldwide audiences from as far apart as Ho Chi Minh City to Anchorage in Alaska. File photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
Income at Knock shrine in Co Mayo has been "massively" down due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was now "just keeping going thanks to the generosity of people," parish priest Fr Richard Gibbons has said.
Following major development work there in recent years, leading up to the visit of Pope Francis in August 2018, significant debt had been accumulated "but we had hoped to clear everything this year," he said. It was not to be.
“Thankfully, the wage subsidy scheme helped,” for the 110 fulltime staff, which increases to 170 in the summertime, he said. During the summer people on staycation meant that “huge numbers of families” in particular attended the shrine, with as many as 200 people, in pods of 50, able to attend Masses in the Basilica. It has a capacity for over 3,700.
Social distancing was not a problem on Knock’s 100 acre site. This year the novena did not take place and for the first time the shrine itself was closed on August 15th. “We felt that was the responsible thing to do as upwards of 20,000 people can attend on that day,” said Fr Gibbons.
READ MORE
Online Masses from Knock during both lockdowns have been attracting worldwide audiences "from as far apart as Ho Chi Minh City to Anchorage" in Alaska, he said. They were fortunate at the shrine, when the first lockdown took place last March, that "we had Nasa-type technology in place" since 2016 and helped by the papal visit.
It means that, as well as Masses, they have been able to provide online retreats and podcasts as well. Currently, they are organising a Mass for all Ireland’s Covid-19 dead, which is to take place at noon on Sunday November 22nd next.
Streamed live, it will be celebrated by Archbishop (of Tuam) Michael Neary and will remember the 1,995 people in the Republic and 878 in Northern Ireland who have lost their lives to the virus to date. A candle for each of those people will be lit in the Basilica on the day. Petitions may be placed online prior to the Mass and these will be downloaded and placed on the altar and prayed for during the Mass.
The shrine has also organised a campaign for people throughout the island to “nominate your parish hero”. The intention is to honour people who, in the Covid-19 context, were responsible for “those ‘little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love,’ as Wordsworth put it,” said Fr Gibbons.
Details on how such heroes can be nominated are available on the Knock website with the winning hero announced at a Carols by Candelight service in the Basilica on December 19th.


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--Marine body warns boaters over mobile phone and alcohol use

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board ( MCBI ) has warned boaters of the danger of depending on mobile phones as the primary means of communication while at sea .
In its annual review of its activities in 2019 the MCBI also warned boaters against drinking alcohol while being a crew member on commercial or recreational craft .
Writing in the annual review for last year , board chairwoman Claire Callanan did not name incidents where mobile phones or alcohol may have led to incidents or fatalities .
But Ms Callanan did refer in particular to recreational boating , referring to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which states mobile phones should not be relied on as the primary means of contacting the emergency services .
Ms Callanan said Marine VHF radio is the most appropriate means of communication .
She said mobile phones should not be considered as a suitable substitute for VHF , “ nor should they be relied on as the sole means of communication while on water ” .
Ms Callanan said the board welcomed the issuing of a marine notice by the Department of Transport , Tourism & Sport , urging users of recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board as the primary means of distress and safety communication .
In addition , she said carrying an emergency position indicating radio beacon ( EPIRB ) and/or personal locator beacon ( PLB ) was “ strongly advised ” .
Turning to drinking while boating Ms Callanan said “ regrettably , as in previous years ” she was compelled to refer to incidents where toxicology results supplied by the coroner ’ s office reflected evidence of alcohol .
“ While it is not always possible to definitively determine the exact cause of an incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where alcohol could have impaired the judgement and reaction times of the casualties .
“ Such impairment has a detrimental effect on most people ’ s ability to deal with the unexpected ” she said .
Ms Callanan said no member of a crew should consume alcohol or other intoxicants either prior to or during any trip on water .
She said the unexpected event could develop into a serious situation very quickly , and the ability to think quickly and calmly could be the difference between life and death .
During 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marine casualties .
Six people died in the marine casualties under investigation , while one person involved in a rowing incident at Thomondgate , Co Limerick , was left with life-changing injuries .
Ms Callanan extended the board ’ s sympathies to all concerned .
The MCIB also did two preliminary investigations in 2019 .
The first incident at Dublin Port involved an explosion while a cargo ship was unloading molasses .
No injuries were sustained by the crew .
However , the second incident on board a Ro-Ro Ferry at Rosslare resulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Commission lodged an application to the Court of Justice of the European Union against Ireland in connection with the implementation of EU regulations relating to the independence of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board .
The State lodged a defence in the infringement proceedings in 2019 , and a decision of the court is awaited , the annual report noted .

Six people died in the marine casualties under investigation by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. File photograph: PA
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCBI) has warned boaters of the danger of depending on mobile phones as the primary means of communication while at sea.
In its annual review of its activities in 2019 the MCBI also warned boaters against drinking alcohol while being a crew member on commercial or recreational craft.
Writing in the annual review for last year, board chairwoman Claire Callanan did not name incidents where mobile phones or alcohol may have led to incidents or fatalities.
But Ms Callanan did refer in particular to recreational boating, referring to the code of practice for recreational craft, which states mobile phones should not be relied on as the primary means of contacting the emergency services.
READ MORE
Ms Callanan said Marine VHF radio is the most appropriate means of communication. She said mobile phones should not be considered as a suitable substitute for VHF, “nor should they be relied on as the sole means of communication while on water”.
Ms Callanan said the board welcomed the issuing of a marine notice by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, urging users of recreational craft to carry marine VHF equipment on board as the primary means of distress and safety communication.
In addition, she said carrying an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and/or personal locator beacon (PLB) was “strongly advised”.
Turning to drinking while boating Ms Callanan said “regrettably, as in previous years” she was compelled to refer to incidents where toxicology results supplied by the coroner’s office reflected evidence of alcohol.
“While it is not always possible to definitively determine the exact cause of an incident the Board published two reports in 2019 where alcohol could have impaired the judgement and reaction times of the casualties.
“Such impairment has a detrimental effect on most people’s ability to deal with the unexpected” she said.
Ms Callanan said no member of a crew should consume alcohol or other intoxicants either prior to or during any trip on water. She said the unexpected event could develop into a serious situation very quickly, and the ability to think quickly and calmly could be the difference between life and death.
During 2019 the MCIB initiated full investigations into ten marine casualties. Six people died in the marine casualties under investigation, while one person involved in a rowing incident at Thomondgate, Co Limerick, was left with life-changing injuries. Ms Callanan extended the board’s sympathies to all concerned.
The MCIB also did two preliminary investigations in 2019. The first incident at Dublin Port involved an explosion while a cargo ship was unloading molasses. No injuries were sustained by the crew.
However, the second incident on board a Ro-Ro Ferry at Rosslare resulted in one death.
In March 2019 the European Commission lodged an application to the Court of Justice of the European Union against Ireland in connection with the implementation of EU regulations relating to the independence of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board.
The State lodged a defence in the infringement proceedings in 2019, and a decision of the court is awaited, the annual report noted.


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--Stardust  campaigner honoured with the Spirit of Mother Jones Award

A woman who lost her two teenage sisters in the Stardust fire and has spent the past four decades campaigning to find out the cause of the blaze has been honoured with this year ’ s Spirit of Mother Jones Award .
The fire at the Stardust Nightclub in Artane on Dublin ’ s Northside broke out in the early hours of St Valentine ’ s Day 1981 when 800 young people were in attendance .
The fire killed 48 people and another 214 people were injured .
It remains the worst fire disaster in the history of the State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 19 ) and Martina ( 16 ) were among those killed in the fire , and she was seriously injured .
Ms Keegan and her mother , Christine , were originally due to speak in Cork at this year ’ s Spirit of Mother Jones Summer School but it was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions .
James Nolan of the Cork Mother Jones Committee said : “ Sadly , Christine passed away in July after a lifetime of fighting for justice for her two daughters and the other victims of the Stardust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Antoinette has agreed to accept this year ’ s Spirit of Mother Jones Award .
“ Antoinette Keegan is a remarkable woman who , along with her family and the Stardust Victims Committee , has campaigned for almost four decades to get to the truth of the reasons for the fire , which cost the lives of their family members.
” Mr Nolan said the recent announcement of a new inquest into the deaths of the victims of the Stardust Fire is testament to the determination of Ms Keegan and her family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pursue the truth of what happened on that night in 1981 .
“ As the families now await the new inquest , which has committed to examine the causes of what happened at the Stardust on February 14th , 1981 , we feel it is appropriate to acknowledge the huge efforts made by Antoinette Keegan , who kept on fighting for justice , ” he said .
Mr Nolan said Ms Keegan received the award for her determination , resilience and longstanding efforts for justice for the victims and their families .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the loss of her sisters , and the failure of the authorities to provide answers , Antoinette has continued to actively campaign to uncover the full truth of the events of that night .
She is an inspiration to so many , ” he said .
“ We will arrange to present the award representing The Children of Lir to Antoinette as soon as it becomes safe to do so in view of the current Covid-19 situation .
It is hoped she will be able to come to Cork to speak at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2021.
” The Spirit of Mother Jones Award has been presented each year since 2013 by the Cork Mother Jones Committee to the person they feel most represents the fighting spirit of Cork born , American trade unionist and children ’ s rights campaigner , Mary Harris , who was known as Mother Jones .
Mother Jones was born in Cork in 1837 but emigrated to the United States where she became involved in labour unions .
Her activism , reflected in her call to workers to – “ Pray for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living ” – earned her the sobriquet , “ the most dangerous woman in America ”

Antoinette Keegan speaking at a press conference last year as relatives of Stardust fire victims gathered at the announcement of a new inquest into the deaths. File photograph: Dara Mac Donaill / The Irish Times
A woman who lost her two teenage sisters in the Stardust fire and has spent the past four decades campaigning to find out the cause of the blaze has been honoured with this year's Spirit of Mother Jones Award.
The fire at the Stardust Nightclub in Artane on Dublin's Northside broke out in the early hours of St Valentine's Day 1981 when 800 young people were in attendance. The fire killed 48 people and another 214 people were injured. It remains the worst fire disaster in the history of the State.
Antoinette Keegan’s sisters Mary (19) and Martina (16) were among those killed in the fire, and she was seriously injured.
Ms Keegan and her mother, Christine, were originally due to speak in Cork at this year's Spirit of Mother Jones Summer School but it was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
READ MORE
James Nolan of the Cork Mother Jones Committee said: "Sadly, Christine passed away in July after a lifetime of fighting for justice for her two daughters and the other victims of the Stardust Fire, but we're honoured that Antoinette has agreed to accept this year's Spirit of Mother Jones Award.
"Antoinette Keegan is a remarkable woman who, along with her family and the Stardust Victims Committee, has campaigned for almost four decades to get to the truth of the reasons for the fire, which cost the lives of their family members."
Mr Nolan said the recent announcement of a new inquest into the deaths of the victims of the Stardust Fire is testament to the determination of Ms Keegan and her family, and the Stardust Victims Committee, to pursue the truth of what happened on that night in 1981.
“As the families now await the new inquest, which has committed to examine the causes of what happened at the Stardust on February 14th, 1981, we feel it is appropriate to acknowledge the huge efforts made by Antoinette Keegan, who kept on fighting for justice,” he said.
Mr Nolan said Ms Keegan received the award for her determination, resilience and longstanding efforts for justice for the victims and their families.
“In spite of her own injuries, the loss of her sisters, and the failure of the authorities to provide answers, Antoinette has continued to actively campaign to uncover the full truth of the events of that night. She is an inspiration to so many,” he said.
“We will arrange to present the award representing The Children of Lir to Antoinette as soon as it becomes safe to do so in view of the current Covid-19 situation. It is hoped she will be able to come to Cork to speak at the Spirit of Mother Jones summer school in 2021.”
Antoinette Keegan (right) who survived the Stardust fire, and her mother Christine (left). Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
The Spirit of Mother Jones Award has been presented each year since 2013 by the Cork Mother Jones Committee to the person they feel most represents the fighting spirit of Cork born, American trade unionist and children's rights campaigner, Mary Harris, who was known as Mother Jones.
Mother Jones was born in Cork in 1837 but emigrated to the United States where she became involved in labour unions.
Her activism, reflected in her call to workers to – “Pray for the dead, fight like hell for the living” – earned her the sobriquet, “the most dangerous woman in America”
Previous winners include homeless campaigner Fr Peter McVerry, campaigning solicitor Gareth Pierce, Hillsborough justice campaigners Margaret Aspinall and Sue Roberts, Dunnes Stores anti-apartheid activist Mary Manning and children rights campaigner Louise O'Keeffe.


theirishtimes--2020-11-18--Warning that Northern Ireland civil service at a ‘critical crossroads’

The Northern Ireland Civil Service ( NICS ) , which has been without a head since August , is now at a “ crossroads ” and struggling to provide “ business as usual services ” , the North ’ s audit office has reported .
The critical report by the audit office found that the civil service must transform how it plans , recruits , manages and develops its workforce if it is to successfully address current and future challenges and deliver value for money .
“ To function effectively , NICS departments require the right people , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Kieran Donnelly , the North ’ s comptroller and auditor general in a report published on Wednesday .
“ My report has found that at a NICS-wide level there has not been a strategic focus on ensuring this is the case , ” he said .
The service , which has a staff or more than 22,000 , has come in for criticism in recent years particularly over the mishandling of the “ cash for ash ” or renewable heat incentive ( RHI ) scheme .
Its former head David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August after announcing his intention to retire last December .
In September , three candidates made it through a competition for the top post but First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill did not appoint any of those candidates .
Their plan now is to appoint an interim head , possibly for a year , although that appointment has yet to be made .
Mr Donnelly in his report referred to how the NICS had faced “ unprecedented challenges in recent years ” with current and further challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also referred to “ significant staff attrition ” that had seen close to 4,000 staff quit the service between 2015 and 2019 under an early retirement scheme , leading “ to an ever increasing reliance on temporary staffing solutions ” .
Recruiting staff through agencies increased in cost by 155 per cent in 2018-19 compared with 2016-17 .
“ Overall vacancy levels subsequently rose to 6.9 per cent at March 2019 , with the 1,420 total staffing vacancies exceeding the combined workforces of the three smallest NICS departments , ” said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promotions had increased in the four-year period to March 2019 , from 631 to 1,844 , meaning 8.2 per cent of the overall workforce was temporarily promoted at that time .
He also judged that “ recruitment processes are cumbersome , slow , and do not provide sufficient assurance that the right people are placed in the right posts ” .
Mr Donnelly further queried how , when the service had a staff of 22,300 last year , “ that only 19 staff within the overall workforce received an ‘ unsatisfactory ’ performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the quality and value of this exercise ” .
“ Shortfalls in workforce capacity and capability have been a recurring theme in reports published by my office , and were also reflected in the recommendations stemming from the RHI inquiry , ” said Mr Donnelly .
“ The NICS is now at a critical crossroads , struggling to deal with providing ‘ business as usual services ’ , ” he added .
Mr Donnelly said a “ real opportunity ” existed for the next head of the civil service and for departmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s findings and recommendations “ to substantially transform the service and its culture and improve outcomes for citizens ” .

The North’s comptroller and auditor general Kieran Donnelly: said the civil service must transform how it plans, recruits, manages and develops its workforce
The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS), which has been without a head since August, is now at a "crossroads" and struggling to provide "business as usual services", the North's audit office has reported.
The critical report by the audit office found that the civil service must transform how it plans, recruits, manages and develops its workforce if it is to successfully address current and future challenges and deliver value for money.
"To function effectively, NICS departments require the right people, in the right place, at the right time," said Kieran Donnelly, the North's comptroller and auditor general in a report published on Wednesday.
“My report has found that at a NICS-wide level there has not been a strategic focus on ensuring this is the case,” he said.
READ MORE
The service, which has a staff or more than 22,000, has come in for criticism in recent years particularly over the mishandling of the “cash for ash” or renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme.
Unprecedented challenges
Its former head David Sterling stood down at the end of August after announcing his intention to retire last December.
In September, three candidates made it through a competition for the top post but First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill did not appoint any of those candidates.
Their plan now is to appoint an interim head, possibly for a year, although that appointment has yet to be made.
Mr Donnelly in his report referred to how the NICS had faced “unprecedented challenges in recent years” with current and further challenges ahead such as Covid-19 and Brexit.
He also referred to “significant staff attrition” that had seen close to 4,000 staff quit the service between 2015 and 2019 under an early retirement scheme, leading “to an ever increasing reliance on temporary staffing solutions”.
Recruiting staff through agencies increased in cost by 155 per cent in 2018-19 compared with 2016-17.
“Overall vacancy levels subsequently rose to 6.9 per cent at March 2019, with the 1,420 total staffing vacancies exceeding the combined workforces of the three smallest NICS departments,” said the report.
Mr Donnelly reported how temporary promotions had increased in the four-year period to March 2019, from 631 to 1,844, meaning 8.2 per cent of the overall workforce was temporarily promoted at that time.
He also judged that “recruitment processes are cumbersome, slow, and do not provide sufficient assurance that the right people are placed in the right posts”.
Mr Donnelly further queried how, when the service had a staff of 22,300 last year, “that only 19 staff within the overall workforce received an ‘unsatisfactory’ performance management rating for 2017-18, raising questions about the quality and value of this exercise”.
“Shortfalls in workforce capacity and capability have been a recurring theme in reports published by my office, and were also reflected in the recommendations stemming from the RHI inquiry,” said Mr Donnelly.
“The NICS is now at a critical crossroads, struggling to deal with providing ‘business as usual services’,” he added.
Mr Donnelly said a “real opportunity” existed for the next head of the civil service and for departmental permanent secretaries to use his report’s findings and recommendations “to substantially transform the service and its culture and improve outcomes for citizens”.