theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Tánaiste breaks budget embargo, TD claims

Rise TD Paul Murphy has hit out at Tánaiste Leo Varadkar who he claimed broke the embargo that no budget content was to be distributed before the two Ministers had finished their speeches .
He said the Tánaiste tweeted “ large parts ” of the speech of Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath before he spoke .
The Dublin South-West TD said former commissioner Phil Hogan had previously had to resign as a minister of state over budget leaks .
In 1995 he stood down when budget details were leaked to a journalist before it was announced in the Dáil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be any consequences for the Tánaiste , ” Mr Murphy asked .
He made the claim as he started his Dáil speech reacting to the budget .
He said to Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl that at the start of the debate “ you asked all the TDs not to distribute the content of the budget before the budget speeches were completed ” .
“ We weren ’ t permitted to take the documents out of the room but the Tánaiste did just that.
” He said that “ before Minister McGrath had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar had tweeted out large parts of the budget contained in a speech that was yet to be given ” .
“ I can understand that perhaps he couldn ’ t contain his enthusiasm for another Fine Gael Thatcherite budget , but I do understand that Phil Hogan previously was forced to resign over leaking details of the budget.
” He asked if the Tánaiste would face any consequences .
Before the budget debate began , the Ceann Comhairle reminded TDs that “ the documentation , including the Ministers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chamber strictly on the condition that the information contained therein remains confidential until the Ministers have referred to it in the House .
The documentation should not be removed or sent by any means from the chamber before the Ministers ’ speeches.
” Mr Ó Fearghaíl then quipped : “ I suppose that is in case Morning Ireland or the national media missed anything so far .
”

Rise TD Paul Murphy says former commissioner Phil Hogan had to resign as a minister of state over budget leaks. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Rise TD Paul Murphy has hit out at Tánaiste Leo Varadkar who he claimed broke the embargo that no budget content was to be distributed before the two Ministers had finished their speeches.
He said the Tánaiste tweeted “large parts” of the speech of Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath before he spoke.
The Dublin South-West TD said former commissioner Phil Hogan had previously had to resign as a minister of state over budget leaks.
In 1995 he stood down when budget details were leaked to a journalist before it was announced in the Dáil.
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“I wonder whether there will be any consequences for the Tánaiste,” Mr Murphy asked.
He made the claim as he started his Dáil speech reacting to the budget.
He said to Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl that at the start of the debate “you asked all the TDs not to distribute the content of the budget before the budget speeches were completed”.
“We weren’t permitted to take the documents out of the room but the Tánaiste did just that.”
He said that “before Minister McGrath had even stood up to deliver his speech the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar had tweeted out large parts of the budget contained in a speech that was yet to be given”.
“I can understand that perhaps he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm for another Fine Gael Thatcherite budget, but I do understand that Phil Hogan previously was forced to resign over leaking details of the budget.”
He asked if the Tánaiste would face any consequences.
Before the budget debate began, the Ceann Comhairle reminded TDs that “the documentation, including the Ministers’ speeches, is being circulated in the chamber strictly on the condition that the information contained therein remains confidential until the Ministers have referred to it in the House. The documentation should not be removed or sent by any means from the chamber before the Ministers’ speeches.”
Mr Ó Fearghaíl then quipped: “I suppose that is in case Morning Ireland or the national media missed anything so far.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Budget 2021: ‘I just feel we’re always struggling in the northwest’

The inside of Fiona Roper ’ s cafe is newly decorated , and empty .
She opened the Old Stone in Donegal town four days before Level-3 restrictions were introduced in the county ; as the budget was announced on Tuesday her customers were huddled over their lunch at a few tables set up on the pavement outside .
“ I never thought we ’ d be sitting out like this in Donegal , ” remarks one .
“ It ’ s as if we ’ re on the boulevards of Paris.
” The outside seating area , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain open .
“ We ’ re just trying to keep our heads above water , ” she explains .
“ You ’ re trying to survive on a few customers a day , because that ’ s all we can cater for outside.
” She is pinning her hopes on reopening fully in time to catch the pre-Christmas trade ; otherwise , she is unsure if her new business will make it into the new year .
“ I don ’ t see any positive news coming out of that budget for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the VAT reduction for the hospitality industry from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent from November 1st will help “ a little bit ” , it will not have a big impact .
“ What would be a help would be a total break on VAT .
“ There isn ’ t a safety net for anybody here .
I just feel we ’ re struggling , always struggling in the northwest , that we ’ re forgotten about.
” On this Tuesday afternoon in October , the town centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the owner of gentleman ’ s outfitters Peter ’ s Men ’ s Shop , explains that this is a “ hospitality town ” which did well with staycations over the summer .
“ Any reduction in the VAT rate for hospitality has to be a good thing , ” he says , “ especially for people from the North , they always give out about the price of food here ” .
“ Our northern visitors are very important , and we should be very conscious and careful of appealing to them.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If it ’ s not Covid , it ’ s Brexit.
” As to the Government ’ s approach to the pandemic , he feels it has “ done a decent job ” , with a budget which is “ trying to stimulate the economy .
.
.
the tone of the speeches is very positive , it ’ s about keeping hope.
” The extension to a form of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme ( giving employers adversely impacted by Covid-19 a subsidy per employee ) , he says , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the payroll rather than having to let them go , is super.
” At Donegal tweed company Magee 1866 , chief executive Rosy Temple agrees that the extension of the scheme is “ very reassuring ” , describing it as a “ virtual lifeline ” for small and medium-sized enterprises like theirs .
She is also positive about the extension of debt warehousing provisions ( allowing self-employed taxpayers to defer for a year without interest ) and the credit guarantee scheme , though she adds that the Government must ensure these schemes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also encouraging , says Temple , is the “ real emphasis from the Green Party in making changes on the vehicle [ emissions ] front and housing , and I look forward to seeing how that will work on the business front.
” In the main square , one local is less enthusiastic .
“ It already costs me €400 to tax that van there , and it ’ s going to go up , ” he says .
“ That ’ s the Green Party for you .
Mind you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those politicians.
” Back at the Old Stone , Jack Britton and Adrian O ’ Donnell are sitting down to lunch .
“ People really have no interest in the budget , they ’ re just so concerned about Covid-19 , ” Britton explains .
“ Sure look around Donegal town .
Every other building is closed .
“ The Government seems to be borrowing away to keep things going , and to try and return us to some sort of normality .
Get us out of Covid , and then we @ @ @ @ @

The inside of Fiona Roper's cafe is newly decorated, and empty. She opened the Old Stone in Donegal town four days before Level-3 restrictions were introduced in the county; as the budget was announced on Tuesday her customers were huddled over their lunch at a few tables set up on the pavement outside.
“I never thought we’d be sitting out like this in Donegal,” remarks one. “It’s as if we’re on the boulevards of Paris.”
The outside seating area, and a takeaway option, has allowed Roper to remain open. “We’re just trying to keep our heads above water,” she explains. “You’re trying to survive on a few customers a day, because that’s all we can cater for outside.”
She is pinning her hopes on reopening fully in time to catch the pre-Christmas trade; otherwise, she is unsure if her new business will make it into the new year. “I don’t see any positive news coming out of that budget for us at all,” she says.
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While the VAT reduction for the hospitality industry from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent from November 1st will help “a little bit”, it will not have a big impact. “What would be a help would be a total break on VAT.
“There isn’t a safety net for anybody here. I just feel we’re struggling, always struggling in the northwest, that we’re forgotten about.”
Staycation boost
On this Tuesday afternoon in October, the town centre is certainly quiet. Raymond Rooney, the owner of gentleman's outfitters Peter's Men's Shop, explains that this is a "hospitality town" which did well with staycations over the summer. "Any reduction in the VAT rate for hospitality has to be a good thing," he says, "especially for people from the North, they always give out about the price of food here".
Owner Raymond Rooney of Peter’s Men’s Shop: Government is “trying to stimulate the economy . . . the tone of the speeches is very positive, it’s about keeping hope.” Photograph: Joe Dunne
“Our northern visitors are very important, and we should be very conscious and careful of appealing to them.”
His greatest concern is uncertainty. “If it’s not Covid, it’s Brexit.” As to the Government’s approach to the pandemic, he feels it has “done a decent job”, with a budget which is “trying to stimulate the economy . . . the tone of the speeches is very positive, it’s about keeping hope.”
The extension to a form of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (giving employers adversely impacted by Covid-19 a subsidy per employee), he says, is welcome. “Anything that keeps employees on the payroll rather than having to let them go, is super.”
Self-employed
At Donegal tweed company Magee 1866, chief executive Rosy Temple agrees that the extension of the scheme is "very reassuring", describing it as a "virtual lifeline" for small and medium-sized enterprises like theirs.
She is also positive about the extension of debt warehousing provisions (allowing self-employed taxpayers to defer for a year without interest) and the credit guarantee scheme, though she adds that the Government must ensure these schemes are accessible to firms of all sizes.
Also encouraging, says Temple, is the “real emphasis from the Green Party in making changes on the vehicle [emissions] front and housing, and I look forward to seeing how that will work on the business front.”
Rosy Temple in Magee 1866 shop in Donegal town: Extension of the wage subsidy scheme is “very reassuring”. Photograph: Joe Dunne
In the main square, one local is less enthusiastic. “It already costs me €400 to tax that van there, and it’s going to go up,” he says. “That’s the Green Party for you. Mind you, I wouldn’t vote for any of those politicians.”
Back at the Old Stone, Jack Britton and Adrian O'Donnell are sitting down to lunch. "People really have no interest in the budget, they're just so concerned about Covid-19," Britton explains. "Sure look around Donegal town. Every other building is closed.
“The Government seems to be borrowing away to keep things going, and to try and return us to some sort of normality. Get us out of Covid, and then we’ll see.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Man cleared of manslaughter in pub car park

A Longford man has been cleared of the manslaughter of another man in a pub car park last year .
Gerard Melia ( 32 ) of Derrygowna , Lanesboro , Co Longford , had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of 50-year-old Noel McGann at Leavy ’ s Public House car park , Foigha , Kenagh , Co Longford on August 1st , 2019 .
Mr McGann died three days later in hospital as a result of injuries sustained after falling to the ground and hitting his head .
The accused , a panel beater and former Newtowncashel GAA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been “ sneering and laughing ” at him earlier in the day over a former girlfriend of Mr Melia ’ s from four years previously .
In interviews with gardaí following his arrest , Mr Melia said Mr McGann had “ lunged ” at him after telling him he would “ kick him up and down ” the pub car park .
“ I asked him what was his problem , ” Mr Melia told gardaí in interview .
CCTV footage of the incident was shown to the court of the two men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Mr Melia had asked Mr McGann outside .
The accused , when asked why he had invited Mr McGann outside the pub , said that he had no reason to hate the 50-year-old but wanted to know why the deceased was talking about him .
He said he felt he had to hit Mr McGann as he thought he was ” coming ” for him .
The prosecution claimed Mr Melia ’ s reliance on a case of self defence did not apply as there was no evidence Mr McGann had provoked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prosecution also claimed the CCTV had no agenda and that the accused had nursed a grievance against Mr McGann and engaged in a ” deliberate , unprovoked act of violence ” .
However , defence counsel Brendan Grehan , claimed CCTV was the “ saviour ” of the accused and that it showed Mr Melia was backing away from Mr McGann outside the bar moments before the tragedy unfolded .
He said the 32-year-old did not want it to happen , and the “ one light hook ” that Mr Melia threw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After almost four-and-a-half hours of deliberations at Longford Circuit Criminal Court a jury of six men and four women found Mr Melia not guilty .
The accused hugged his partner in the witness box as the verdict was read out by Judge Keenan Johnston .
In excusing the panel of 10 jurors from service for a period of five years , Judge Johnston said the events of the three-day trial and past 14 months since Mr McGann died had been especially trying for his immediate family .
“ This was a difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the McGann family , ” he said , adding that despite the verdict , their sense of loss of Mr McGann was not lost on him or the court .

A Longford man has been cleared of the manslaughter of another man in a pub car park last year.
Gerard Melia (32) of Derrygowna, Lanesboro, Co Longford, had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of 50-year-old Noel McGann at Leavy’s Public House car park, Foigha, Kenagh, Co Longford on August 1st, 2019.
Mr McGann died three days later in hospital as a result of injuries sustained after falling to the ground and hitting his head.
The accused, a panel beater and former Newtowncashel GAA player, had claimed Mr McGann had been “sneering and laughing” at him earlier in the day over a former girlfriend of Mr Melia’s from four years previously. In interviews with gardaí following his arrest, Mr Melia said Mr McGann had “lunged” at him after telling him he would “kick him up and down” the pub car park. “I asked him what was his problem,” Mr Melia told gardaí in interview.
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CCTV footage of the incident was shown to the court of the two men “gesticulating” in the car park after Mr Melia had asked Mr McGann outside. The accused, when asked why he had invited Mr McGann outside the pub, said that he had no reason to hate the 50-year-old but wanted to know why the deceased was talking about him. He said he felt he had to hit Mr McGann as he thought he was” coming” for him.
The prosecution claimed Mr Melia’s reliance on a case of self defence did not apply as there was no evidence Mr McGann had provoked Mr Melia for a long time.
The prosecution also claimed the CCTV had no agenda and that the accused had nursed a grievance against Mr McGann and engaged in a ” deliberate, unprovoked act of violence”.
However, defence counsel Brendan Grehan, claimed CCTV was the “saviour” of the accused and that it showed Mr Melia was backing away from Mr McGann outside the bar moments before the tragedy unfolded. He said the 32-year-old did not want it to happen, and the“one light hook” that Mr Melia threw was a “weak looking punch”.
After almost four-and-a-half hours of deliberations at Longford Circuit Criminal Court a jury of six men and four women found Mr Melia not guilty.
The accused hugged his partner in the witness box as the verdict was read out by Judge Keenan Johnston. In excusing the panel of 10 jurors from service for a period of five years, Judge Johnston said the events of the three-day trial and past 14 months since Mr McGann died had been especially trying for his immediate family. “This was a difficult case for all parties involved but particularly for the McGann family,” he said, adding that despite the verdict, their sense of loss of Mr McGann was not lost on him or the court.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Supreme Court: unconstitutional law governs procedure under which citizenship can be revoked

The Supreme Court , in a significant judgment , has ruled that the law governing the procedure under which Irish citizenship can be revoked is unconstitutional .
The five-judge court ruled the procedure to revoke citizenship set out under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 , specifically section 19 of the Act , is unconstitutional on natural justice grounds .
Under section 19 , the Minister for Justice initiates the revocation procedure , ultimately makes the decision whether to revoke or not and is not bound by findings of a three-person committee of inquiry appointed by the Minister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not meet the high standards of natural justice applicable to a person facing such severe consequences as loss of citizenship and is therefore constitutionally invalid , it ruled .
The decision is of wide-ranging significance and affects some 40 other cases .
The court made the finding of unconstitutionality when granting an appeal by Ali Damache , a native of Algeria who became a naturalised Irish citizen in 2008 , over a notice of intention to revoke his Irish citizenship .
He is serving a sentence in the US after pleading guilty in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assist a terrorist group .
The October 2018 notice served by the Minister on Mr Damache outlined intent to revoke his Irish citizenship on the basis of having shown disloyalty to the State .
The appeal centred on the process around citizenship revocation , procedural safeguards and consequences of loss of citizenship on other rights .
Sunniva McDonagh SC , for Mr Damache , told the appeal her client had pleaded guilty to a conspiracy offence to avoid a 40-45 year prison term .
While he is serving a long term , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his Irish citizenship would mean he would be unable to visit his children in France on release , she said The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission was involved in the appeal as an amicus curiae , assistant to the court on legal issues .
It argued a high degree of procedural safeguards are required around the Ministerial decision-making to revoke Irish citizenship , which could be achieved either by judicial remedy or establishment of a sufficiently independent court or tribunal .
Giving the court ’ s judgment on Wednesday , Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prospect of revocation of citizenship must be entitled to a process which provides minimum procedural safeguards , including an independent and impartial decision maker .
She noted , before a certificate of naturalisation can be revoked , the Minister shall give notice to the affected person who can apply for an inquiry as to the reasons for revocation .
Any such application is then referred to a committee of inquiry appointed by the minister , consisting of a chairperson with judicial experience and other persons as the minister may think fit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ former member of the Dáil .
The judge said she was satisfied there was nothing to demonstrate the committee is anything but independent in the exercise of their functions and she would not find a breach of natural justice by reason of a lack of independence on its part .
However , the issue with section 19 comes from the fact the process provided for does not meet the high standards of natural justice applicable to a person facing such severe consequences as are at issue in this case , she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a certificate of naturalisation must be entitled to a process which provides minimum procedural safeguards , including an independent and impartial decision maker .
While the committee of inquiry is independent , its functions are limited , its findings are not binding on the Minister and there is no right of appeal from the Minister ’ s decision , she noted .
This resulted in a situation where the same person who initiated the revocation process , and whose representatives make the case for revocation before the committee , ultimately makes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she concluded Section 19 does not meet the high standards of natural justice required and is therefore invalid having regard to the provisions of the Constitution .
She disagreed with other arguments on behalf of Mr Damache , including that the process provided for in section 19 amounts to an unconstitutional administration of justice .
What was involved here was not the administration of justice but the exercise of an executive function , she held .

The Minister for Justice initiates the revocation procedure and ultimately makes the decision whether to revoke or not. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni
The Supreme Court, in a significant judgment, has ruled that the law governing the procedure under which Irish citizenship can be revoked is unconstitutional.
The five-judge court ruled the procedure to revoke citizenship set out under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, specifically section 19 of the Act, is unconstitutional on natural justice grounds.
Under section 19, the Minister for Justice initiates the revocation procedure, ultimately makes the decision whether to revoke or not and is not bound by findings of a three-person committee of inquiry appointed by the Minister, the court noted.
This process did not meet the high standards of natural justice applicable to a person facing such severe consequences as loss of citizenship and is therefore constitutionally invalid, it ruled.
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The decision is of wide-ranging significance and affects some 40 other cases.
The court made the finding of unconstitutionality when granting an appeal by Ali Damache, a native of Algeria who became a naturalised Irish citizen in 2008, over a notice of intention to revoke his Irish citizenship. He is serving a sentence in the US after pleading guilty in October 2018 to having conspired to materially assist a terrorist group.
The October 2018 notice served by the Minister on Mr Damache outlined intent to revoke his Irish citizenship on the basis of having shown disloyalty to the State.
The appeal centred on the process around citizenship revocation, procedural safeguards and consequences of loss of citizenship on other rights.
Sunniva McDonagh SC, for Mr Damache, told the appeal her client had pleaded guilty to a conspiracy offence to avoid a 40-45 year prison term. While he is serving a long term, he has significant ties in Europe and revocation of his Irish citizenship would mean he would be unable to visit his children in France on release, she said
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission was involved in the appeal as an amicus curiae, assistant to the court on legal issues. It argued a high degree of procedural safeguards are required around the Ministerial decision-making to revoke Irish citizenship, which could be achieved either by judicial remedy or establishment of a sufficiently independent court or tribunal.
Giving the court’s judgment on Wednesday, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne said an individual facing the prospect of revocation of citizenship must be entitled to a process which provides minimum procedural safeguards, including an independent and impartial decision maker.
She noted, before a certificate of naturalisation can be revoked, the Minister shall give notice to the affected person who can apply for an inquiry as to the reasons for revocation. Any such application is then referred to a committee of inquiry appointed by the minister, consisting of a chairperson with judicial experience and other persons as the minister may think fit.
The committee comprises two lawyers and a former member of the Dáil.
The judge said she was satisfied there was nothing to demonstrate the committee is anything but independent in the exercise of their functions and she would not find a breach of natural justice by reason of a lack of independence on its part.
However, the issue with section 19 comes from the fact the process provided for does not meet the high standards of natural justice applicable to a person facing such severe consequences as are at issue in this case, she said.
An individual facing the prospect of revocation of a certificate of naturalisation must be entitled to a process which provides minimum procedural safeguards, including an independent and impartial decision maker.
While the committee of inquiry is independent, its functions are limited, its findings are not binding on the Minister and there is no right of appeal from the Minister’s decision, she noted.
This resulted in a situation where the same person who initiated the revocation process, and whose representatives make the case for revocation before the committee, ultimately makes the decision to revoke.
On that basis, she concluded Section 19 does not meet the high standards of natural justice required and is therefore invalid having regard to the provisions of the Constitution.
She disagreed with other arguments on behalf of Mr Damache, including that the process provided for in section 19 amounts to an unconstitutional administration of justice. What was involved here was not the administration of justice but the exercise of an executive function, she held.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Aaron Brady jailed for minimum of 40 years for ‘evil and pointless’ killing of Adrian Donohoe

Aaron Brady has been given a life sentence and will serve a minimum of 40 years in prison for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe .
Det Garda Donohoe , a 41-year-old married father of two , was shot dead during a robbery shortly after arriving at Lordship Credit Union , Bellurgan , Co Louth , on the night of Friday , January 25th , 2013 .
Married father of one Brady was found guilty of the capital murder of Det Garda Adrian Donohoe by an 11-to-one majority jury verdict on August 11th .
The 29-year-old with a last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co Armagh was also convicted of involvement in the robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgen , Co Louth on January 25th , 2013 .
He will serve a 14-year sentence for that offence concurrently .
Handing down a mandatory life sentence to Brady , Mr Justice Michael White said Brady had “ terrorised ” his victims .
Det Garda Donohoe ’ ss parents have said their son ’ s murder was “ a waste of a good man for such an evil and pointless act ” .
Speaking at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donohoe said their son deserved the chance to live to old age and not to be “ shot down in such a brutal way ” .
In a written statement read by their son Alan they said : “ We visit his grave every week , which is some comfort , but it ’ s no place for him .
He should be here with us living his life.
” Mary Donohoe said her brother had a “ strong sense of duty ” .
“ He stood up for what is right , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family had been left “ distraught ” since his murder .
She said all they had left now were photos .
“ I don ’ t think Aaron Brady will ever comprehend what he ’ s done to our family , ” she told the court .
Det Donohoe ’ s wife Caroline Donohoe , also gave a victim impact statement which was read out in the Central Criminal Court .
“ There are absolutely no words that can adequately express the impact of the events of January 25th , 2013 had on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children and extended family , colleagues and friends and all who loved Adrian , ” Ms Donohoe said .
“ I will never recover fully from what I had to see at Lordship ... My heart breaks every time I pass there and sometime I can ’ t get images out of my mind for hours.
” ‘ I am going to kill you ’ Det Garda Joe Ryan , who was with Det Garda Donohoe when he was shot dead , was also expected to tell the court about the impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan previously told the trial he was threatened on the night of the killing by a gunman who told him not to move or “ I ’ m going to kill you , I ’ m going to f**king shoot you ” .
Lorcan Staines SC , for the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) , applied to trial judge Mr Justice Michael White for an overflow court to be permitted for the sentence hearing .
It meant the proceedings were broadcast into the overflow court at the Courts of Criminal Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court hearing in Dundalk Garda station so Det Garda Donohoe ’ s colleagues could see it while arrangements were made for interested parties in the UK and Spain to also view the proceedings over video link .
Det Garda Donohoe and his colleague , Det Garda Ryan , were providing an armed escort for Credit Union staff taking money to a night safe .
Brady was part of a five-man gang laying in wait in the credit union car park to steal the cash .
Four of the gang members emerged from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Brady ran at Det Garda Donohoe , fatally shooting him .
After the murder , Brady fled to the US .
He was arrested in New York in May 2017 .
Brady was deported to Ireland days later and once back in Ireland was convicted of a series of offences committed in Dundalk , Co Louth , in October 2012 , including dangerous driving and criminal damage .
He was jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty .
By the time that sentence was served he had been charged with the murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison on remand awaiting his trial , which began in January .
Attempted intimidation of witnesses was a significant factor during the Brady trial .
The prosecution said it was aware of “ very serious ” but unsuccessful attempts to intimidate its key witness .

“We had a loving, happy family, but in just 58 senseless seconds everything changed forever,” the wife of murdered Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe told the Central Criminal Court today.
Speaking at a sentence hearing for her husband’s murderer, Caroline Donohoe said no words can express the impact on her life, the lives of her children and their family, colleagues and friends who all loved Adrian.
Aaron Brady (29) of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh was convicted in August of capital murder for shooting Detective Garda Donohoe dead during a robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth on January 25th, 2013. For the capital murder offence Mr Justice Michael White on Wednesday sentenced Brady to life imprisonment. The Criminal Justice Act 1990 states that the minimum time that Brady will serve in prison for capital murder is 40 years.
Mr Justice White also sentenced Brady to 14 years for the robbery, a sentence that will run concurrently with the life sentence. The raiders stole just e7,000 during the robbery, which lasted 58 seconds.
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The judge said that anyone who saw the CCTV footage or heard the audio recording of what happened at Lordship would be “shocked to the core”. He said Brady had loaded and discharged a pump action shotgun at close range into Adrian Donohoe and then proceeded to terrorise his colleague Det Gda Joe Ryan who was still in the garda patrol car. The other raiders, the judge said, did the same to the credit union employees who suffered an “awful ordeal”.
He commended the meticulous Garda investigation and said he is not surprised at the life changing effect the crime had on former detective garda Joe Ryan, who despite having undergone “a minute of terror” immediately went to check on others to see how they were. “His behaviour was exemplary,” the judge said.
He described Adrian Donohoe as a dedicated officer, rooted in his community and held in high esteem. “I’m sure he was the type of officer who guided many young wayward men onto a different path.” He further described as “shocking” the young age of Brady who was 21 at the time of the crime. He said it is difficult to comprehend the “everyday” activities of Brady in the lead up to and aftermath of the shooting. He went for lunch at a diner, had dinner at a friend’s house and following the shooting went for a “nonchalant” visit to his girlfriend, the judge said.
Previous convictions
Brady’s previous convictions include criminal damage and dangerous driving from an incident when he drove a stolen car around Dundalk and crashed into a number of taxis and a garda patrol car. He was awaiting sentence on that charge when he murdered Det Gda Donohoe and the prosecution said a motive for the robbery was his need for money to pay compensation so he would avoid a prison term. He has further convictions at the District Court for public order offences.
Inside the quiet and sombre courtroom, the parents of Det Gda Donohoe sat closely together, each wearing face masks, as they listened intently to the recap of the evidence. The detective’s mother Peggy Donohoe hung her head for most of the hearing as she cast an odd glance out of the corner of her eye at her son’s killer. This was the first time Hugh and Peggy Donohoe have attended the trial together since it commenced last January and they seemed to be a source of comfort to one other. As their daughter Mary Donohoe read the victim impact statement on behalf of herself and her siblings, the elderly couple became visibly upset and their bodies began to shake. Peggy Donohoe wept silently as she used a tissue to wipe away her tears.
The wife of Det Gda Donohoe, Caroline Donohoe, sat to the right of the courtroom supported by a friend. As Mr Grehan read her victim impact statement on her behalf to the court, Ms Donohue just stared straight ahead into the distance. Det Gda Donohoe’s sister and his three brothers sat in the body of the court.
Brady, who was wearing a grey suit and red tie, sat in the dock staring straight ahead. His father and mother, Tony and Caroline Brady, were the only members of his family in the courtroom and they sat together directly behind him. The pair spent much of the hearing scrolling on their mobile phones.
Brady was instructed by Mr Justice White that he was not required to stand as the lengthy sentence was handed down. The killer showed no reaction when the sentence was passed and darted out into the cell area before prison officers had a chance to lead him from the court one final time, only briefly looking in the direction of his parents. Brady’s legal team then followed him into the holding area.
It was heard during the trial that Caroline Donohoe visited the scene of her husband’s murder less than an hour after the shooting and identified his body. In her statement today she said: “I will never recover fully from what I had to see. My heart breaks every time I pass there and sometimes I can’t get the images out of my mind for hours.” She added: “Nothing and nobody will ever replace Adrian in our home.”
Alan Donohoe read out an emotional statement on behalf of the late detective’s parents Hugh and Peggy. They said Adrian was the eldest of six and always looked out for the rest of the family. A talented footballer, he represented Cavan at minor and U21 levels and scored the winning goal in the final minutes of an U12 county championship game playing for Crosserlough. “He was always so well met,” they said. “And he was a great help on the farm from a young age, always ready to help out, even after moving away from home he was always willing to come home and help on the farm. He never forgot his mother’s birthday or mother’s day - always came with the best cards and flowers and the best presents.”
He was, they said, “as good a son as anyone could have asked for. We miss him so much every day. The regular phone call and chats telling us about the kids and everything going on in his life.”
Good man
They added: “It’s hard to accept that such a good man could come across such evil on that cold, wet night.” He loved being a garda and was proud when he graduated at Templemore where he met his wife Caroline, who is also a garda.
Hugh and Peggy said they will never forget the gardai coming to their door to deliver the news that no parent should ever receive. “It was such a waste of a good man by that evil, pointless act,” they said. They find life a struggle and some days feel it is not worth living, they said, adding: “We visit his grave every week, which is some comfort, but it’s no place for him, he should be here with us living his life.”
Det Gda Donohoe’s friend and colleague Joe Ryan was in the patrol car on the night of the shooting. Having shot Det Gda Donohoe dead, Brady and another raider holding a handgun pointed their weapons at the then Detective Garda Ryan and threatened to shoot him. In a written statement Mr Ryan said he had “no doubt they were going to shoot and kill me”.
He said: “That fear is something that haunts me every day. The images are so real and I fear it will always be that way.”
Mr Ryan continued to work as a garda for a time but was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and following the shooting dead of another colleague, Garda Tony Golden, he retired from the force having been deemed unfit for duty in 2018. He would have had ten years left as a garda. He added: “I always feel guilty that it was him and not me.”
Larger than life
Adrian’s sister Mary Donohoe read a statement on behalf of all five surviving siblings, Alan, Colm, Martin, Anne and Mary. They described their big brother as “larger than life, large in stature but more so, large in personality. He was rarely in bad form and his enthusiasm and zest for life were infectious.”
He looked after all his siblings and was idolized by them. “The void he has left in our family is immeasurable. Every family celebration is tinged with sadness and his absence is still so obvious and upsetting.”
They described their parents as strong and admirable but said they haven’t been the same since Adrian’s death. They said they are grateful that their parents keep going, but seeing their mother lighting a candle in front of a photo of Adrian every day is “sometimes too much to bear”. Finally, they turned their attention to their brother’s murderer, saying: “Aaron Brady will never comprehend what he has done to our family.”
Brady had denied capital murder and said he had no involvement in the robbery at Lordship Credit Union on January 25th, 2013. Brady has maintained his innocence despite the guilty verdict following a trial which lasted more than six months during which Brady's legal team tested the evidence at length both in the jury's presence and during legal argument in front of the judge. Supporters of a "Justice 4 Aaron Brady" campaign turned out in court today and held a protest outside the Courts ofCriminal Justice.
Circumstantial evidence
The prosecution used various strands of circumstantial evidence to prove Brady’s guilt. They showed that he was involved in stealing a Volkswagen Passat that was used to block the entrance to the credit union and was then used as the getaway car. Mobile phone evidence showed that Brady and other suspects for the robbery stopped using their phones for about one hour before and after the robbery. The raiders were known to have used walkie talkies.
The prosecution also pointed to lies Brady told to gardai when he was questioned one day after the shooting and ten days later when he visited Dundalk Garda Station to give a voluntary statement. In his closing speech to the jury Lorcan Staines SC described Brady as a “practised liar”. He said the prosecution case was a circumstantial one and that each piece of evidence on its own could be considered no more than coincidence. He added: “It’s your personal tolerance when coincidence is put on top of coincidence until there comes a point that it is an affront to common sense that all these little things are coincidence.”
To prove that Brady was the shooter the prosecution introduced the evidence of Molly Staunton and Daniel Cahill who said they heard Brady confess that he “shot a cop” or “murdered a garda” on multiple occasions after Brady moved to New York following the shooting.
Brady took the stand in his defence and told the jury that he was loading cubes of laundered diesel waste onto the back of a trailer when the robbery happened. The first time he made this claim was in October 2019, six years after he first spoke to gardai and months after his deadline to submit an alibi. He said he didn’t want to submit an alibi until he had seen all the prosecution evidence. He insisted he had nothing to do with the robbery and said that he lied to gardai to cover up his involvement in diesel laundering.
The jury did not accept his testimony and found that he was one of four raiders who jumped over the wall of the credit union just as the Passat blocked the car park entrance just as the credit union employees prepared to drive off followed by the garda escort. Det Gda Donohoe got out of the patrol car when he saw the raiders but Brady pointed an automatic or pump action shotgun at him and fired a single shot to the head from about six feet away, killing him instantly. Det Gda Donohoe’s gun remained in its holster on his hip. The jury’s verdict shows that they were satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that when Brady pulled the trigger he not only intended to kill or cause serious injury but he also knew he was shooting a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty.
Brady’s defence team argued that there was a campaign to induce witnesses in the US to give statements against Brady and insisted that gardai had not fully investigated Brady’s claim that he was at a diesel laundering yard on Concession Road in Armagh on the night of the robbery.
The jury rejected their claims.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Cabinet to meet to discuss tightening restrictions as North heads for fresh lockdown

Cabinet is to meet later today to discuss the possibility of increasing Covid-19 restrictions around the Border .
Government sources have said it is “ possible ” some Border counties will shortly move to Level 4 of the State ’ s Living with Covid framework but have stressed there are issues arising with the status of the retail sector .
While no decisions have been taken , there has been discussion about the possibility of Donegal , Monaghan and Cavan going up to Level 4 as early as this evening .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said the Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to close them in the North .
“ The plan is for the normal break to happen , ” he said .
“ Obviously we are very cognisant of what is happening in Northern Ireland .
It was the right move by the executive in my opinion.
” “ The situation is of concern .
Their case numbers are several times ours when you adjust for population , ” Mr Donnelly said .
In relation to potential increased restrictions in Border counties , Mr Donnelly said there is an “ ongoing conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this topic but would not be drawn on whether there will be an announcement today .
When asked about people crossing the Border to access alcohol given the new 8pm restriction in the North , Mr Donnelly said he believed people would be “ hard pressed ” to convince authorities that a “ trip to the offie ” counted as an essential journey .
Earlier , Tánaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed Government is likely to consider increasing coronavirus restrictions in the Border counties when the North enters a four-week lockdown .
Retail remains open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Border counties under Level 4 .
Fears have been expressed about shoppers crossing the Border and the infection risk that presents .
The entire Republic is currently at Level 3 .
On Wednesday , Northern Ireland ’ s First Minister Arlene Foster said pubs and restaurants would close for four weeks , with the exception of takeaways and deliveries , while schools will shut for two weeks over the half-term Halloween break in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus .
Sources have previously confirmed there have been discussions in Dublin about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Border counties in a bid to limit cross-border infections , amid growing alarm about the rise in coronavirus cases in the North .
“ I haven ’ t heard yet what the announcement is from Stormont .
Once we find out for sure what the Northern Ireland Executive has decided , the Government will then respond to that and we will see whether we need to take similar measures or what actions we need to take in relation to the Border counties , ” Mr Varadkar told Newstalk on Wednesday morning before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We do our best to align and co-operate with Northern Ireland as best we can but , as you know , the Northern Ireland Executive has not favoured an all-island approach or a 32-county approach , but we do our best to coordinate and cooperate as much as we possibly can .
“ The incidence of the virus in Donegal , Cavan and Monaghan in particular is very , very high .
We will have to make a decision probably sometime today as to whether we need to respond with increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) is expected to make recommendations to Government on Thursday .
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said Government will do everything it can to keep schools open , even though there is a provision under Level 5 that they could close if advised to do so for public health reasons .
Also speaking to Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio One , Minister for Finance Paschal Dohonoe added : “ We are going to do all we can to support our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about pulling together to get through this.
” Earlier , Mr Varadkar told RTÉ ’ s Morning Ireland restrictions in Border counties could be tightened because of levels of Covid-19 in the North , but the Government would wait to see what is announced today by the Northern Ireland Executive and what recommendations were made by Nphet on Thursday .
Mr Varadkar said he would prefer to see Dublin Covid-19 rates fall further rather than just decrease .
He said Dublin ’ s cases appeared to have plateaued at present .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s plan for schools to remain open even if the country goes to Level 5 , he said .
Mr Varadkar said this decision was based on best international evidence .
Meanwhile , the Irish College of General Practitioners ’ clinical lead on Covid Dr Mary Favier has warned it is inevitable the Government will need to introduce further restrictions to tackle Covid-19 .
Dr Favier said coronavirus was doubling , which would cause a “ knock-on ” impact on health services .
There have been 811 new cases of Covid-19 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) on Tuesday evening .
The latest figures bring to 44,159 the number of confirmed cases in the State since the pandemic began , while the death toll now stands at 1,830 .
Of the latest cases , 190 are in Dublin , 141 in Cork , 62 in Wexford , 51 in Kerry , 50 in Clare and the remaining 317 cases are spread across all remaining counties .
The median age is 30 years and 70 per cent are under 45 years of age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital on Tuesday afternoon , including 32 in ICU .
Nphet said there have been 22 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours .
Dr Favier told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland on Wednesday more needed to be done to stop the virus rapidly and there was very little time to decide on further restrictions needed .
Tighter Covid rules for three to four weeks would have an impact on numbers , Dr Favier said .
She said people would accept this if they knew the end was in sight , schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people could see their family at Christmas if numbers were suppressed .
“ Now we need to put in the hard work , ” she said .
Dr Favier said GPs had been seeing a rise in numbers in the last few weeks and this was having an impact on services .
While there had been some levelling off in Dublin under Level 3 , it was not enough and there was growing pressure on GPs and on hospitals , she said .
“ The system is under pressure from the sheer numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
She said the solution was in the public ’ s hands , it was in everyone ’ s behaviour as there were too many people currently meeting .
Dr Favier said the public had responded with drama and put their shoulder to the wheel back in April , and they needed to do that again .
She said employers needed to allow staff work from home where possible , there should be no unnecessary travel and people should meet outdoors .
Dr Favier warned the Republic was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rates .
A further seven deaths with Covid-19 and another 863 cases were reported by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland on Tuesday .
Some 6,286 new positive cases of the virus have been detected in the last seven days , bringing the total number of cases in the region to 21,898 .
Northern Ireland is set for a period of intensified coronavirus restrictions after executive ministers agreed on Wednesday to closures of schools , pubs and restaurants .
The PA news agency understands pubs and restaurants will close for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeaways and deliveries , while schools will close for two , one of which will cover the half-term Halloween break .
The moves do not amount to a full scale lockdown similar to that imposed during the first wave of the virus , but the measures nevertheless mark a significant ramping up of the administration ’ s response to spiralling infection rates .
It is understood retail outlets will remain open , as will gyms for individual training .
Churches will also remain open .
It is understood a 25-person limit will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions were agreed after a stop-start meeting of the Stormont executive that extended past midnight and into Wednesday morning .
A formal announcement is expected to be made during a special sitting of the Assembly in Belfast later on Wednesday .
It is expected that most sporting activities will be limited to elite athletes for the four weeks .
It is understood off licences will be required to shut at 8pm The current restrictions on household mixing are expected to remain as they are .
That would means no mixing of households in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined in social bubbles , and gatherings in the gardens of private dwellings limited to six people from no more than two households .
It is anticipated that closures of hospitality outlets will come into force on Friday , October 16th .
The other measures would be rolled out from Monday , October 19th .
After the late night executive meeting concluded , deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill tweeted : “ The Exec has given painstaking consideration to next steps .
“ We know this is hard and that people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will do everything we possibly can to make sure there are protections in place for businesses , workers and families.
” Earlier , during a break from the at times strained discussions , First Minister Arlene Foster vowed to “ stand by ” any businesses and individuals impacted by any new measures .
The DUP leader , who will make the announcement in the Assembly , insisted it was not an option to “ close the country down ” .
“ For those who will be impacted by any restrictions that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we will help you and financially support you as best we can , ” she said .
Mrs Foster said it was “ critical ” that “ long term ” school closures were avoided .
Ireland reaching Christmas without the need for another .
– additional reporting with PA

Micheal Martin has announced a nationwide ban on visits to homes or gardens in almost all circumstances, except for providing care to children or elderly and vulnerable people; and that Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal will move to Level 4. Video: RTE
The Government has announced a nationwide ban on visits to homes or gardens in almost all circumstances, except for providing care to children or elderly and vulnerable people.
It has also announced that Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal will move to Level 4 of the Government’s Living with Covid plan from midnight on Thursday until November 10th.
Under Level 4, people should not have any visitors to their homes, the maximum number of attendees at a wedding is six, non-essential retail will close, and all non-essential workers are to work from home, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said as he announced the move. He said construction and manufacturing will remain under the right conditions.
Hospital Report
Under the new restrictions for the Level 3 counties, people will be allowed to meet in groups of up to six people from up to two households in outdoor settings away from home and garden while maintaining social distancing - including for exercise and dining. The existing exemption which allows for Club Championship games to be played behind closed doors has been removed and sports teams will be told they cannot train unless social distancing can be observed.
READ MORE
Mr Martin said the new Level 3 status has been in palace for a week and the Government is studying infection patterns as Level 3 can have a “significant impact” on the spread of the disease.
“There are concerns regarding the full application of Level 3,” he said, including people going into the workplace, slippage in retail and personal services, and people going to each others homes.
Mr Martin said “I know how difficult this is for everyone and I understand the deep frustration people feel”.
“We are on a journey with this virus and we have come to a difficult point in that journey,” Mr Martin said. He said the numbers of infections are “just too high”.
He said data from Northern Ireland is "hugely worrying" and that discussions with Stormont would continue in the coming days.
He said figures in the Republic were also “very worrying” with 190 cases per 100,000 nationally, in Monaghan 360 Donegal 353 and Cavan 571. The implications for local hospitals and public health “is obvious and very serious”.
“We are living in difficult times and things may indeed get worse before they get better,” he said
“It will pass. We will make it through this pandemic,” he said.
Private homes
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said “We know that a lot if not most Covid transmission is happening in private homes” .
“Sometimes people associate that with house parties, but it’s not just that,” he said, saying it was family gatherings, and friends coming over for a drink or cup of coffee.”
“All those things have to stop,” he said.
He said the new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme will be available and backdated to budget day, and applications will be prioritised from the three counties being put into Level 4, and it will apply to businesses such as hairdressers that have to
“There will be thousands” laid off in the coming days he said, with the pandemic unemployment payment available. “We will try and get you back to work as soon as possible”
"Coronavirus is on the march," he said, adding "that it is more likely more counties will move to Level 4 than the reverse".
Mr Martin said that the measures will have a significant economic impact, pointing out that 20,000 extra people came onto the pandemic unemployment payment after Level 3 restrictions were introduced. He said he didn’t regret the decision not to move to Level 5 when it was recommended by Nphet.
if people adapt and change their behaviour 'of course we can have a good Christmas and enjoyable Christmas'
Schools in the impacted counties will remain open, although working from home will be strongly encouraged for non-essential trades, he said. The Taoiseach said the mid-term break will remain at one week. Weddings planned for the coming weekend will be allowed to continue.
He said people within the three counties can travel for work and education and essential purposes, but will be asked to exercise their judgement and discretion in doing so. He said work is underway on additional penalties designed to enhance enforcement, and they would be ready next week.
He said Halloween was not cancelled but it would be “different” and that trick or treating would not be advisable and that no street parties of any kind for anything should take place.
Regarding Christmas, he said if people adapt and change their behaviour “of course we can have a good Christmas and enjoyable Christmas”, but that it would be a “different Christmas,” adding that “until we get a vaccine normal life will not resume”.
Nphet
Earlier on Wednesday, public health sources expressed concern not only about the high level of infection in the border counties, but around the entire country.
While there is evidence that the level of transmission in Dublin is being impacted by Level 3, it is not falling as quickly as public health officials would like. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, along with his deputy Dr Ronan Glynn, met the oversight group led by Martin Fraser on Wednesday before the Cabinet meeting was agreed.
With the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) set to meet tomorrow, it was expected that escalated measures would be recommended.
There were 1,095 new cases and five further deaths reported in the State by Nphet on Wednesday.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly was earlier asked about people crossing the Border to access alcohol given the new 8pm restriction in the North, Mr Donnelly said he believed people would be “hard pressed” to convince authorities that a “trip to the offie” counted as an essential journey.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is going into an intensive period of restrictions for four weeks, the North's First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed in the Stormont Assembly on Wednesday.
Under the new rules takeaways and deliveries will be allowed but pubs and restaurants must close for a four week period, said Ms Foster.
Off-licences and supermarkets will not be allowed to sell alcohol after 8 pm.
Churches can remain open but weddings and civil partnerships will be limited to 25 people. Receptions will not be allowed. This will apply from Monday.
Funerals will be limited to 25 people with no pre or post funeral gatherings.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Life under Level 4: What would increased restrictions mean for daily life?

Border counties could be moved to Level 4 restrictions following the confirmation that Northern Ireland will be going into a new lockdown for four weeks .
The North ’ s First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed in the Stormont Assembly on Wednesday morning that the hospitality sector will shut down for four weeks from Friday while schools will close for two weeks beginning Monday .
It is understood the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) has been in contact with the Government in recent days regarding the possibility of a rapid move to Level 4 for the Border counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nphet meets on Thursday to discuss the pandemic and latest wave of infection in the Republic .
Here is what Level 4 would entail if it were introduced : Can I travel outside my county ?
You can not leave your county apart from work , education and other essential purposes .
Under Level 4 , the advice is that only essential or other designated workers should go to work .
Can I have any visitors to my home ?
No .
You are not allowed to have visitors to your home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social or family gatherings should take place in other settings also .
Are organised indoor or outdoor gatherings allowed to take place such as conferences , events in theatres or other arts events ?
No organised indoor gatherings should take place .
Outdoor gatherings of up to 15 people can take place .
Museums , galleries and other cultural attractions all remain closed under Level 4 .
Up to six guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception .
Can Mass still take place ?
Religious services will be held online , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayer .
Does this mean funerals can ’ t take place ?
Funerals can still take place with a maximum of 25 mourners .
What about sport or matches ?
Outdoor non-contact training can take place but only in pods of up to 15 .
In terms of indoors , there is to be individual training only .
No exercise or dance classes can take place .
No matches or events can take place either .
There is an exemption for professional and elite sport/inter-county/horse-racing , with matches and events allowed to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gyms , leisure centres and swimming pools all close under Level 4 .
What about pubs and restaurants ?
Bars , cafes and restaurants , including those in hotels , can offer takeaway food or delivery .
There is to be no indoor dining with outdoor dining limited to a maximum of 15 people .
In terms of wet pubs , it is limited to a maximum of 15 people outdoors .
What happens to hotels and similar accommodation ?
These can remain open only to existing guests and those with “ essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail and businesses that are primarily outdoors only can remain open and face coverings must continue to be worn .
All other retail and personal services close .
Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures .
Further , higher and adult education moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on site .
Do over-70s and medically vulnerable people have to cocoon ?
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also due to be issued regarding these groups .
Visits to long-term residential care facilities are suspended under Level 4 aside from “ critical and compassionate circumstances ” .
Face coverings must continue to be worn on public transport .
People should only use public transport if they are essential workers or for essential purposes only .
People are advised to walk or cycle where possible .
Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25 per cent .

Level 4 have been introduced for Border counties in a bid to limit cross-Border infections
The border counties of Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan are moving to Level 4 restrictions under the Government's Plan for Living with Covid-19 from midnight on Thursday until November 10th, the Government has announced. This follows the confirmation that Northern Ireland will be going into a new lockdown for four weeks.
The North’s First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed in the Stormont Assembly on Wednesday morning that the hospitality sector will shut down for four weeks from Friday while schools will close for two weeks beginning Monday.
Here is what Level 4 looks like:
Can I travel outside my county?
You cannot leave your county apart from work, education and other essential purposes. Under Level 4, the advice is that only essential or other designated workers should go to work.
READ MORE
Can I have any visitors to my home?
No. You are not allowed to have visitors to your home or garden under Level 4. No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings also.
Are organised indoor or outdoor gatherings allowed to take place such as conferences, events in theatres or other arts events?
No organised indoor gatherings should take place. Outdoor gatherings of up to 15 people can take place.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions all remain closed under Level 4.
What about weddings?
Up to six guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Can Mass still take place?
Religious services will be held online, while places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Does this mean funerals can’t take place?
Funerals can still take place with a maximum of 25 mourners.
What about sport or matches?
Outdoor non-contact training can take place but only in pods of up to 15. In terms of indoors, there is to be individual training only. No exercise or dance classes can take place.
No matches or events can take place either. There is an exemption for professional and elite sport/inter-county/horse-racing, with matches and events allowed to take place behind closed doors.
Can gyms stay open?
No. Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools all close under Level 4.
What about pubs and restaurants?
Bars, cafes and restaurants, including those in hotels, can offer takeaway food or delivery. There is to be no indoor dining with outdoor dining limited to a maximum of 15 people.
In terms of wet pubs, it is limited to a maximum of 15 people outdoors.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
What happens to hotels and similar accommodation?
These can remain open only to existing guests and those with “essential non-social and non-tourist purposes”.
Are retail outlets and hairdressers/barbers staying open?
Essential retail and businesses that are primarily outdoors only can remain open and face coverings must continue to be worn. All other retail and personal services close.
Will schools and creches remain open?
Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures. Further, higher and adult education moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on site.
Do over-70s and medically vulnerable people have to cocoon?
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside home. Specific guidance is also due to be issued regarding these groups.
Can I visit a relative in a nursing home?
Visits to long-term residential care facilities are suspended under Level 4 aside from “critical and compassionate circumstances”.
What about public transport?
Face coverings must continue to be worn on public transport. People should only use public transport if they are essential workers or for essential purposes only. People are advised to walk or cycle where possible. Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Major €20 million expansion of cancer services to be unveiled

The Government is to announce a major investment to expand cancer services including the recruitment of an additional 370 doctors @ @ @ @ @ .
The €20 million initiative , to be unveiled by the Minister for Health Stephen @ @ @ @ @ expected to include improved access to diagnostics , expanded treatment services and the development of @ @ @ @ @ It is understood there will also be further centralisation of cancer surgery .
The move @ @ @ @ @ €147million initiative in the budget to implement various health strategies , including in cancer , @ @ @ @ @ which have been drawn up over recent years .
The Government is also expected to @ @ @ @ @ to maternity services to increase capacity and further develop community-based midwifery services , including enhancing @ @ @ @ @ home services .
A dedicated €5 million “ women ’ s health fund ” will @ @ @ @

The expansion will include the recruitment of an additional 370 doctors, nurses and other staff
The Government is to announce a major investment to expand cancer services including the recruitment of an additional 370 doctors, nurses and other staff .
The €20 million initiative, to be unveiled by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on Wednesday, is expected to include improved access to diagnostics, expanded treatment services and the development of a cancer genetics service.
It is understood there will also be further centralisation of cancer surgery.
The move forms part of an overall €147million initiative in the budget to implement various health strategies, including in cancer, maternity and trauma care, which have been drawn up over recent years.
READ MORE
The Government is also expected to announce a €12 million boost to maternity services to increase capacity and further develop community-based midwifery services, including enhancing postnatal care and early transfer home services.
A dedicated €5 million “women’s health fund” will also be announced.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Some Covid-19 infections could be missed by inefficient swabbing

Some Covid-19 infections could be missed through poor technique when patients are being swabbed for a test , new Irish research suggests* .
With Covid-19 putting health systems under huge pressure , and public health measures to control the virus heavily reliant on testing , a team of researchers at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin decided to test the quality of swabbing , which is used to collect samples for analysis in the laboratory .
This is the first time the quality of nasopharyngeal swabbing technique has been tested in this way , they believe .
The study comes as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) announced three additional deaths from Covid-19 , bringing the total to 1,830 .
There were also 811 confirmed cases of the virus announced on Tuesday evening .
More than 1.3 million people in Ireland have so far been tested for Covid-19 , starting with a sample taken by a swab inserted inside the back of the throat and nose .
The sample is then placed in a fluid and transported to a laboratory for processing using a technique known as PCR ( Polymerase Chain Reaction ) , which looks for DNA fragments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the “ gold standard ” of Covid-19 testing but is reliant on swabbing being carried out efficiently to pick up sputum from inside the patient ’ s nose and throat .
In the Beaumont study , the technique of 229 staff members was assessed using a swab navigated in a three-dimensional model head in the hospital over two days .
The model is normally used by ear , nose and throat ( ENT ) surgeons in the hospital to plan procedures , according to study co-author Dr Eoghan de Barra .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” swabbers could be viewed and measured on a computer screen .
According to the study , technique was poor , with a success rate of swabbing the nasopharynx at 38.6 per cent .
The angle and length of insertion of the swab varied significantly between those with successful and unsuccessful technique .
Doctors were significantly more accurate at swabbing than nurses and non-healthcare professionals , the study found .
In a properly executed test , the swab is inserted deep into the nasal passages and then rotated 360 degrees .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouldn ’ t hurt , but you ’ ll know when it ’ s done ” .
The authors say inaccurate specimen collection from poor swab technique could contribute to a high false negative rate of testing for Covid-19 .
They suggest the provision of training in the anatomy of the nose and throat and in swab technique to improve accuracy levels .
Dr de Barra said it wasn ’ t yet known whether bad technique ultimately impacted on the positivity of tests , adding that researchers in other countries had found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide acceptable samples .
The study was presented by physician associate Kellie Nwaokorie last weekend at the academic meeting of the Irish Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Society , where it won the prize for best oral presentation .
*Clarification : Dr de Barra added on Wednesday that the study was carried out in April at the height of pandemic .
Since then , further training has been provided to testers which will have improved the quality of samples collected .

The GAA Handball alley at Croke Park is being used as a HSE Covid test centre for the public. Photograph: Alan Betson
Some Covid-19 infections could be missed through poor technique when patients are being swabbed for a test, new Irish research suggests*.
With Covid-19 putting health systems under huge pressure, and public health measures to control the virus heavily reliant on testing, a team of researchers at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin decided to test the quality of swabbing, which is used to collect samples for analysis in the laboratory.
This is the first time the quality of nasopharyngeal swabbing technique has been tested in this way, they believe.
Hospital Report
The study comes as the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) announced three additional deaths from Covid-19, bringing the total to 1,830. There were also 811 confirmed cases of the virus announced on Tuesday evening.
READ MORE
More than 1.3 million people in Ireland have so far been tested for Covid-19, starting with a sample taken by a swab inserted inside the back of the throat and nose. The sample is then placed in a fluid and transported to a laboratory for processing using a technique known as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which looks for DNA fragments of the virus.
PCR is regarded as the “gold standard” of Covid-19 testing but is reliant on swabbing being carried out efficiently to pick up sputum from inside the patient’s nose and throat.
In the Beaumont study, the technique of 229 staff members was assessed using a swab navigated in a three-dimensional model head in the hospital over two days.
The model is normally used by ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons in the hospital to plan procedures, according to study co-author Dr Eoghan de Barra. The progress made by the "guinea pig" swabbers could be viewed and measured on a computer screen.
Swab angle and length
According to the study, technique was poor, with a success rate of swabbing the nasopharynx at 38.6 per cent. The angle and length of insertion of the swab varied significantly between those with successful and unsuccessful technique.
Doctors were significantly more accurate at swabbing than nurses and non-healthcare professionals, the study found.
In a properly executed test, the swab is inserted deep into the nasal passages and then rotated 360 degrees. According to Dr de Barra, the swabbing “shouldn’t hurt, but you’ll know when it’s done”.
The authors say inaccurate specimen collection from poor swab technique could contribute to a high false negative rate of testing for Covid-19. They suggest the provision of training in the anatomy of the nose and throat and in swab technique to improve accuracy levels.
Dr de Barra said it wasn’t yet known whether bad technique ultimately impacted on the positivity of tests, adding that researchers in other countries had found that swabbing the front of the throat could provide acceptable samples.
The study was presented by physician associate Kellie Nwaokorie last weekend at the academic meeting of the Irish Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Society, where it won the prize for best oral presentation.
*Clarification: Dr de Barra added on Wednesday that the study was carried out in April at the height of pandemic. Since then, further training has been provided to testers which will have improved the quality of samples collected.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Northern Ireland lockdown: schools, pubs and restaurants to close in bid to curb Covid-19 spiral

Northern Ireland is going into lockdown for four weeks , the North ’ s First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed in the Stormont Assembly on Wednesday .
With the incidence of Covid-19 continuing to spiral upwards and with pressure on hospital beds , Ms Foster told Assembly members that the hospitality sector will shutdown for four weeks from Friday while schools will close for two weeks beginning Monday .
Takeaways and deliveries will be allowed but pubs and restaurants must close for a four-week period , said Ms Foster .
Off-licences and supermarkets will not be allowed to sell alcohol after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance at weddings and civil partnerships will be limited to 25 people , and receptions will not be allowed .
This will apply from Monday .
Funerals will be limited to 25 people with no gatherings before or after a service .
People will be advised not to undertake any “ unnecessary travel ” .
No indoor sport of any kind or organised contact sports will be permitted other than at elite level .
Gyms may remain open for individual training only , while universities will be advised to provide “ distance learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Foster said the restrictions were designed to have two impacts .
“ Firstly , on the Covid transmission rates which must be turned down now , or we will be in a very difficult place very soon indeed , ” she said .
“ And secondly , we believe it marks a point where everyone , each and every one of us , can take stock and go back to the social distancing messaging .
That is vitally important.
” Earlier , Tánaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed the Government was likely to consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the North entered a four-week lockdown .
Northern Ireland saw seven more deaths and 863 cases of the virus reported on Tuesday .
The Northern Executive met late on Tuesday night to discuss the lockdownproposals .
The Executive met briefly at about 9.30pm but then adjourned until about 11pm after the SDLP Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon complained that she and Alliance leader and Minister for Justice Naomi Long were only shown the new lockdown proposals minutes before the meeting began .
The latest figures bring the total number of coronavirus deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic to 598 and the total number of positive cases to 21,898 .
In the past seven days , 6,286 people were tested positive for coronavirus – almost 900 per day .
There are now 150 people in Northern Ireland hospitals being treated for Covid-19 , with 23 in intensive care units and 15 on ventilators .
By far the highest incidence of the disease is in the Derry and Strabane council area , which over the past week saw 970 cases per 100,000 of the population .
This is more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , Belfast , which is experiencing 462 cases per 100,000 , followed by Mid-Ulster , with 401 cases per 100,000 .
The lowest number of cases is in the Mid and East Antrim council area – 95 cases per 100,000 , and Ards and North Down – 135 cases per 100,000 .
Sources said that the North ’ s chief medical and science officers , Dr Michael McBride and Prof Ian Young , had recommended an imminent four- to six-week lockdown period , with a further similar lockdown in the new year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of people to whom each infected person transmits the virus – between 1.3 and 1.8 , Dr McBride and Prof Young urged action to bring the number below one .
They argued , according to Stormont sources , that to achieve this figure the hospitality sector should be severely restricted and/or schools closed for a period of up to six weeks .
They said the R number could not be brought below one if both sectors remained fully open , the sources added .
Sources said Sinn Féin was pushing for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted schools to remain open , and also had concerns about how stricter regulations would affect the economy .
- Additional reporting PA

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has warned that the region will be in a "very difficult place" if Covid-19 rates do not fall as she announced a four-week lockdown.
There have been 1,217 new Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland in the last 24-hour reporting period, the Department of Health there has announced.
It is the largest daily rise in cases in the North since an extended testing regime was introduced.
There were also a further four deaths reported on Wednesday, taking the toll recorded by the Department of Health to 602.
Hospital Report
Earlier on Wednesday the North's First Minister Arlene Foster said Northern Ireland is going into lockdown for four weeks, confirmed in the Stormont Assembly.
READ MORE
With the incidence of Covid-19 continuing to spiral upwards and with pressure on hospital beds, Ms Foster told Assembly members that the hospitality sector will shutdown for four weeks from Friday while schools will close for two weeks beginning Monday.
Takeaways and deliveries will be allowed but pubs and restaurants must close for a four-week period, said Ms Foster.
Off-licences and supermarkets will not be allowed to sell alcohol after 8pm.
Churches can remain open but attendance at weddings and civil partnerships will be limited to 25 people, and receptions will not be allowed. This will apply from Monday.
Funerals will be limited to 25 people with no gatherings before or after a service.
People will be advised not to undertake any “unnecessary travel”. No indoor sport of any kind or organised contact sports will be permitted other than at elite level.
Gyms may remain open for individual training only, while universities will be advised to provide “distance learning to the maximum extent possible”.
Ms Foster said the restrictions were designed to have two impacts. “Firstly, on the Covid transmission rates which must be turned down now, or we will be in a very difficult place very soon indeed,” she said.
“And secondly, we believe it marks a point where everyone, each and every one of us, can take stock and go back to the social distancing messaging. That is vitally important.”
Earlier, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed the Government was likely to consider increasing Covid-19 restrictions in the Border counties if the North entered a four-week lockdown.
Northern Ireland saw seven more deaths and 863 cases of the virus reported on Tuesday.
The Northern Executive met late on Tuesday night to discuss the lockdownproposals. The Executive met briefly at about 9.30pm but then adjourned until about 11pm after the SDLP Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon complained that she and Alliance leader and Minister for Justice Naomi Long were only shown the new lockdown proposals minutes before the meeting began.
The latest figures bring the total number of coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic to 598 and the total number of positive cases to 21,898. In the past seven days, 6,286 people were tested positive for coronavirus – almost 900 per day.
Intensive care
There are now 150 people in Northern Ireland hospitals being treated for Covid-19, with 23 in intensive care units and 15 on ventilators. By far the highest incidence of the disease is in the Derry and Strabane council area, which over the past week saw 970 cases per 100,000 of the population.
This is more than double the incidence of the next highest area, Belfast, which is experiencing 462 cases per 100,000, followed by Mid-Ulster, with 401 cases per 100,000. The lowest number of cases is in the Mid and East Antrim council area – 95 cases per 100,000, and Ards and North Down – 135 cases per 100,000.
Sources said that the North's chief medical and science officers, Dr Michael McBride and Prof Ian Young, had recommended an imminent four- to six-week lockdown period, with a further similar lockdown in the new year. With the R number – the number of people to whom each infected person transmits the virus – between 1.3 and 1.8, Dr McBride and Prof Young urged action to bring the number below one.
‘Severely restricted’
They argued, according to Stormont sources, that to achieve this figure the hospitality sector should be severely restricted and/or schools closed for a period of up to six weeks. They said the R number could not be brought below one if both sectors remained fully open, the sources added.
Sources said Sinn Féin was pushing for a more stringent lockdown, while the DUP wanted schools to remain open, and also had concerns about how stricter regulations would affect the economy. - Additional reporting PA


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Pub in Enniskillen calls time again after three weeks back in business

Pat Blake has September 23rd marked on a wall chart in his office in Enniskillen , Co Fermanagh .
It was the date his pubs reopened after months of closure during lockdown ; only three weeks on , he is preparing to close them again .
“ We ourselves and many , many pubs across Northern Ireland were simply treading water , we were looking to survive , we were looking to , at best , break even and retain our best staff , ” he says .
“ Unless there ’ s something very substantial put in place ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licensed trade in Northern Ireland.
” Ministers in the North announced on Wednesday that the hospitality sector is to close – with the exception of food deliveries and takeaways – in an attempt to halt the spiralling number of coronavirus cases .
It is among a range of new restrictions to come into effect from 6pm on Friday , and which will last for an initial period of four weeks , though this could be extended .
Industry body Hospitality Ulster has called for immediate financial support , warning that there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ We don ’ t want to see a financial gesture , ” said its chief executive Colin Neill “ but a significant payment made to all those in the sector that have had their means of making a living stripped away from them for the greater good.
” Pat Blake ’ s family has been in the pub trade for generations .
Blake ’ s of the Hollow in Enniskillen opened in 1887 .
He also owns Blake ’ s in nearby Derrylin as well as two off-licences and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , he says , “ I can ’ t quantify it , and I probably would wish to push that as far as possible into the back of my mind at the moment ” .
His greatest concern is his staff : “ How are we going to be able to retain them and provide continuity in regards to their employment ?
That is the biggest single fear.
” Already , Blake says , there has been “ a trickle of our staff leaving , looking for alternative secure employment ... so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to holding onto our best staff , and that is only going to get worse.
” What is needed , he says , is an indication from the North ’ s Executive “ as to what might be brought forward in regard to assisting the licensed trade ” , particularly in regard to paying staff wages once the existing job retention “ furlough ” scheme runs out at the end of October .
The Executive Office has said it will “ urgently engage with sectors and work on support for those affected as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as yet there are no details as to what this support might look like .
A financial support scheme for businesses in the Derry and Strabane area , which has been under additional restrictions since October 5th , was introduced on Wednesday , with a maximum payment of between £800-£1,600 for every fortnight a firm is closed .
Blake has sympathy with Ministers , describing the Assembly as “ between a rock and a hard place ” , though he does “ seriously query ” the requirement to close off licences at 8pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought is to stem house parties , I don ’ t see in any respect how closing off-licences two hours earlier is going to contribute towards that .
People will just simply buy their alcohol those couple of hours earlier.
” He also emphasises the uncertainty faced by the trade .
“ While the indication is four weeks , nobody can guarantee that .
Christmas trading at this stage doesn ’ t bear thinking about , ” he adds , though he says he hopes the virus will have been sufficiently suppressed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The hospitality industry is “ unfairly ” bearing the brunt of the restrictions , he claims , noting the majority of businesses were scrupulous in implementing all the safety measures necessary to reopen .
“ We are fortunate in that we have a wide and varied business and to have been established for so long , but we are aware of many pubs in Fermanagh in particular who are in serious difficulties and will struggle to survive .
”

Pat Blake of Blakes of the Hollow, Enniskillen is preparing to close his pub once again. Picture: Ronan McGrade
Pat Blake has September 23rd marked on a wall chart in his office in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. It was the date his pubs reopened after months of closure during lockdown; only three weeks on, he is preparing to close them again.
"We ourselves and many, many pubs across Northern Ireland were simply treading water, we were looking to survive, we were looking to, at best, break even and retain our best staff," he says.
“Unless there’s something very substantial put in place... I see large scale redundancies across the licensed trade in Northern Ireland.”
Ministers in the North announced on Wednesday that the hospitality sector is to close – with the exception of food deliveries and takeaways – in an attempt to halt the spiralling number of coronavirus cases.
READ MORE
It is among a range of new restrictions to come into effect from 6pm on Friday, and which will last for an initial period of four weeks, though this could be extended.
Industry body Hospitality Ulster has called for immediate financial support, warning that there will be “thousands upon thousands of job losses”.
"We don't want to see a financial gesture," said its chief executive Colin Neill "but a significant payment made to all those in the sector that have had their means of making a living stripped away from them for the greater good."
Pat Blake's family has been in the pub trade for generations. Blake's of the Hollow in Enniskillen opened in 1887. He also owns Blake's in nearby Derrylin as well as two off-licences and an undertakers.
Of the trade lost during lockdown, he says, “I can’t quantify it, and I probably would wish to push that as far as possible into the back of my mind at the moment”.
His greatest concern is his staff: “How are we going to be able to retain them and provide continuity in regards to their employment? That is the biggest single fear.”
Already, Blake says, there has been “a trickle of our staff leaving, looking for alternative secure employment... so we are already in difficulty in regards to holding onto our best staff, and that is only going to get worse.”
What is needed, he says, is an indication from the North’s Executive “as to what might be brought forward in regard to assisting the licensed trade”, particularly in regard to paying staff wages once the existing job retention “furlough” scheme runs out at the end of October.
House parties
The Executive Office has said it will “urgently engage with sectors and work on support for those affected as a matter of priority”, but as yet there are no details as to what this support might look like.
A financial support scheme for businesses in the Derry and Strabane area, which has been under additional restrictions since October 5th, was introduced on Wednesday, with a maximum payment of between £800-£1,600 for every fortnight a firm is closed.
Blake has sympathy with Ministers, describing the Assembly as “between a rock and a hard place”, though he does “seriously query” the requirement to close off licences at 8pm rather than 10pm.
“If the thought is to stem house parties, I don’t see in any respect how closing off-licences two hours earlier is going to contribute towards that. People will just simply buy their alcohol those couple of hours earlier.”
He also emphasises the uncertainty faced by the trade.
“While the indication is four weeks, nobody can guarantee that. Christmas trading at this stage doesn’t bear thinking about,” he adds, though he says he hopes the virus will have been sufficiently suppressed by then to allow them to reopen.
The hospitality industry is “unfairly” bearing the brunt of the restrictions, he claims, noting the majority of businesses were scrupulous in implementing all the safety measures necessary to reopen.
“We are fortunate in that we have a wide and varied business and to have been established for so long, but we are aware of many pubs in Fermanagh in particular who are in serious difficulties and will struggle to survive.”