theirishtimes--2020-08-20--More junk food for children as Covid disrupts sleep patterns

The ongoing coronavirus crisis has disrupted the sleeping patterns of many Irish children and led to an increase in their consumption of so-called junk food , according to research published by the State ’ s leading food health authority on Thursday morning .
During the pandemic , the amount of time children are spending in front of screens has increased and their level of physical activity has decreased .
The changes could , the research warns , lead to an increase in the rates of childhood obesity here in the future unless they are checked .
The report , published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started spreading in Ireland , prompting school closures , 43 per cent of children are going to bed later while a similar amount are waking up later in the morning .
It also shows that , as a direct result of children experiencing changes in their sleep routine , 49 per cent are eating more unhealthy snacks or treats , 54 per cent are less active and 67 per cent are engaging in more screen-time , all of which can contribute to childhood obesity .
The research has prompted the food health watchdog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , to encourage parents to ensure children ’ s bedtime is “ back on track ” ahead of the start of the school year .
The report says that , following an extensive period of time at home due to Covid-19 , and with a gradual return to offices and school , “ now more than ever there is a need for families to start putting a healthier routine back into daily life ” .
It says 60 per cent of parents have expressed concern about getting their children back into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that not getting enough sleep impacts on children ’ s health in many ways including increased risk of excess body weight , ” said Dr Marian O ’ Reilly , chief nutrition specialist at Safefood .
“ Sleep influences appetite hormones and being up for longer means there are more opportunities to eat , which can impact on their weight .
Many parents have told us that they have found sleep , snacking , managing treat foods and other healthy behaviours difficult over recent months .
A good sleep routine is the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Brien of the HSE ’ s Healthy Eating and Active Living programme said that while getting children back into a regular bedtime routine after the summer holidays was always a challenge in a normal year , it would be a “ huge extra challenge ” this year as a result of the extended school closures due to the pandemic .
Head of Heathy Ireland Kate O ’ Flaherty pointed to extensive research which has found that “ establishing a bedtime routine is associated with better sleep for parents , a more active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which , she said , made it a “ win-win for the whole family ” .
“ A fundamental role of childhood is building regulation in all aspects of life with sleep being the cornerstone of this regulation process , ” said Dr Colman Noctor , child and adolescent psychoanalytical psychotherapist .
“ The key to this is regularity and consistency with consistent sleep patterns assisting your child to regulate all other aspects of their lives including appetite , energy , emotions and physical activity.
” Dr Noctor said in the days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen-time and the consumption of sugary foods and drinks in the hours leading up to bedtime , while encouraging physical activity and the eating of fruit and vegetables during the day .
He also said it was important to encourage relaxation skills and wind-down activities and “ value sleep time within the family culture ” .

The Safefood report shows that as a direct result of children experiencing changes in their sleep routine, 49 per cent are eating more unhealthy snacks or treats. Photograph: iStock
The ongoing coronavirus crisis has disrupted the sleeping patterns of many Irish children and led to an increase in their consumption of so-called junk food, according to research published by the State’s leading food health authority on Thursday morning.
During the pandemic, the amount of time children are spending in front of screens has increased and their level of physical activity has decreased.
The changes could, the research warns, lead to an increase in the rates of childhood obesity here in the future unless they are checked.
The report, published by Safefood, suggests that since Covid-19 started spreading in Ireland, prompting school closures, 43 per cent of children are going to bed later while a similar amount are waking up later in the morning.
READ MORE
It also shows that, as a direct result of children experiencing changes in their sleep routine, 49 per cent are eating more unhealthy snacks or treats, 54 per cent are less active and 67 per cent are engaging in more screen-time, all of which can contribute to childhood obesity.
The research has prompted the food health watchdog, along with the HSE and Healthy Ireland, to encourage parents to ensure children’s bedtime is “back on track” ahead of the start of the school year.
The report says that, following an extensive period of time at home due to Covid-19, and with a gradual return to offices and school, “now more than ever there is a need for families to start putting a healthier routine back into daily life”.
It says 60 per cent of parents have expressed concern about getting their children back into a routine for school.
“Research shows that not getting enough sleep impacts on children’s health in many ways including increased risk of excess body weight,” said Dr Marian O’Reilly, chief nutrition specialist at Safefood.
“Sleep influences appetite hormones and being up for longer means there are more opportunities to eat, which can impact on their weight. Many parents have told us that they have found sleep, snacking, managing treat foods and other healthy behaviours difficult over recent months. A good sleep routine is the key to unlocking these challenges.”
‘Extra challenge’
Sarah O’Brien of the HSE’s Healthy Eating and Active Living programme said that while getting children back into a regular bedtime routine after the summer holidays was always a challenge in a normal year, it would be a “huge extra challenge” this year as a result of the extended school closures due to the pandemic.
Head of Heathy Ireland Kate O’Flaherty pointed to extensive research which has found that “establishing a bedtime routine is associated with better sleep for parents, a more active and healthier lifestyle and reduced family stress” which, she said, made it a “win-win for the whole family”.
"A fundamental role of childhood is building regulation in all aspects of life with sleep being the cornerstone of this regulation process," said Dr Colman Noctor, child and adolescent psychoanalytical psychotherapist.
“The key to this is regularity and consistency with consistent sleep patterns assisting your child to regulate all other aspects of their lives including appetite, energy, emotions and physical activity.”
Dr Noctor said in the days ahead, parents should focus on reducing screen-time and the consumption of sugary foods and drinks in the hours leading up to bedtime, while encouraging physical activity and the eating of fruit and vegetables during the day. He also said it was important to encourage relaxation skills and wind-down activities and “value sleep time within the family culture”.


theirishtimes--2020-08-20--Thousands left without power as Storm Ellen makes landfall

High winds brought down trees and power lines late last night as Storm Ellen made landfall battering southern coastal counties .
Thousands of homes were left without power in Cork , Waterford and Tipperary while there were reports of flooding in Skibbereen .
Met Éireann issued a status red weather warning – its highest level of alert – for Co Cork where it predicted the worst effects of the storm would be felt over the three hours to midnight .
The storm was expected to bring “ very severe and destructive winds ” reaching gusts of 130km/h , it said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the southern and western coasts were advised to seek alternative shelter indoors .
The rest of Munster , and counties Galway and Mayo were subject to status orange weather warnings , with the remainder of the country put on a lower-status yellow alert .
Both of these warnings are to remain in place until this morning , with heavy rainfall due to follow the storm .
Local authorities in affected counties put up flood defences in preparation for the severe weather , and advised people to remain indoors overnight .
In particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violent storm force 11 winds , bringing large waves and a risk of flooding .
Council staff were preparing to respond to significant damage , such as local flooding , as well as fallen trees blocking roads .
In a statement , Cork County Council said “ due to the combination of storm surge , spring tides and onshore winds , there is a potential risk of coastal flooding , particularly in the west Cork area ” .
The local authority said heavy downpours could also lead to risks of inland and river @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services from 8pm until 1am .
The Irish Coast Guard urged people to keep away from coastal areas .
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management ’ s crisis team met to discuss the approaching storm .
In a statement afterwards , the group said ESB Networks were preparing for power outages with staff on standby to repair faults .
Minister for Housing and Local Government Darragh O ’ Brien warned those holidaying at camping sites along the coast to consider moving to safer ground .

People are hit by waves on the Front Strand in Youghal, Co Cork on Wednesday. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
High winds brought down trees and power lines late last night as Storm Ellen made landfall battering southern coastal counties.
Thousands of homes were left without power in Cork, Waterford and Tipperary while there were reports of flooding in Skibbereen.
Met Éireann issued a status red weather warning – its highest level of alert – for Co Cork where it predicted the worst effects of the storm would be felt over the three hours to midnight.
The storm was expected to bring “very severe and destructive winds” reaching gusts of 130km/h, it said. People camping or holidaying in caravans along the southern and western coasts were advised to seek alternative shelter indoors.
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The rest of Munster, and counties Galway and Mayo were subject to status orange weather warnings, with the remainder of the country put on a lower-status yellow alert. Both of these warnings are to remain in place until this morning, with heavy rainfall due to follow the storm.
Local authorities in affected counties put up flood defences in preparation for the severe weather, and advised people to remain indoors overnight. In particular, coastal areas were expected to see violent storm force 11 winds, bringing large waves and a risk of flooding.
Significant damage
Council staff were preparing to respond to significant damage, such as local flooding, as well as fallen trees blocking roads.
In a statement, Cork County Council said "due to the combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds, there is a potential risk of coastal flooding, particularly in the west Cork area". The local authority said heavy downpours could also lead to risks of inland and river flooding.
Blustery conditions at Tramore beach, Co Waterford. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
A man cycles past sandbags placed on the Clontarf Road in Dublin in preparation for storm Ellen. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
A man gets hit by a wave crashing on the Front Strand in Youghal, Co Cork. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Bus Éireann suspended all Cork services from 8pm until 1am. The Irish Coast Guard urged people to keep away from coastal areas.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management’s crisis team met to discuss the approaching storm.
In a statement afterwards, the group said ESB Networks were preparing for power outages with staff on standby to repair faults.
Minister for Housing and Local Government Darragh O’Brien warned those holidaying at camping sites along the coast to consider moving to safer ground.


theirishtimes--2020-08-19--Domestic violence calls rose by almost half during lockdown

Calls from women experiencing domestic violence – including being strangled , raped and beaten – increased by almost half during the first three months of lockdown , compared with the same period last year , figures published on Thursday show .
The report from Women ’ s Aid details a 71 per cent increase in visits to its website between the end of March and end of June , from 67,187 to 114,576 , and a 43 per cent increase in calls to its helpline , from 4,563 to 6,561 , compared with the same period in 2019 .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decreased by 25 per cent to comply with social distancing requirements .
“ Women disclosed high levels of emotional , physical , sexual and financial abuse from their partners , in some cases as a direct result of the lockdown introduced to stop the spread of the virus , ” the report stated .
“ Women told us that they had been strangled , raped and beaten by abusive partners as well as feeling constantly monitored in their homes .
“ The mental health impacts of domestic abuse for women have also been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women reporting suicidal thoughts.
” Garda figures cited show a 25 per cent increase in calls for help between April and May 2020 compared with last year .
A total of 107 men were charged with domestic violence offences in the last two weeks of May .
The report , When Home is Not Safe , is published alongside the organisation ’ s 2019 annual report , which found a nine per cent increase in calls and visits to Women ’ s Aid ’ s service , to 20,763 – up from 19,089 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw a 16 per cent increase in disclosures of abuse against women and children – from 20,722 to 24,049 – compared with 2018 , and a 29 per cent increase in disclosures of child abuse , from 3,728 to 4,791 in 2019 .
Abuse could entail being beaten , having hair pulled , being burned , strangled or cut with knives .
Women also said they were raped – sometimes while pregnant or after childbirth – coerced into sexual activity , and had intimate videos and photos taken and shared without consent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stalked physically and online , humiliated , isolated from friends and family .
Women also said their children were abducted ; they had property stolen or broken , and passports stolen ; they were denied access to the family or their own income , and left with insufficient funds to feed children .
The dearth of refuge capacity , exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis , is noted in the annual report which says last year the Women ’ s Aid helpline called refuges on behalf of women and children 171 times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ According to the Council of Europe , Ireland only has one third of the recommended refuge space , ” the report states .
The report is highly critical of the family courts , which it says often exacerbate women ’ s and children ’ s suffering .
“ Custody and access arrangements ordered by the courts are often dangerous and/or detrimental to the safety and the well-being of children and their mothers and allows the abuse to continue .
“ Children may be directly abused or neglected by the perpetrator during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also emotionally abused when forced to witness the abuse of their mother during meetings to facilitate access and by the undermining of the relationship and bond with their mother , ” says the report .
“ In 2019 , we heard 508 disclosures from mothers that their ex-partners were using access visits to abuse them , often in front of their children .
It was disclosed on 102 occasions that children were being directly physically , emotionally and/or sexually abused during access visits with their fathers.
” Elke* has been in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago .
Since the lockdown she has been taking care of their one-year-old daughter and working full-time from home .
She is finding being confined to the house with her husband “ a living nightmare ” , she says .
“ He makes me feel like a servant , demanding I cook , clean and have sex with him when and as he pleases .
I ’ ve tried refusing , but he doesn ’ t listen and threatens to beat me so badly that no one would recognise me .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know the damage his fists have caused me in the past , so I feel like I ’ ve no other choice but to do whatever he asks .
I ’ m terrified of him but I don ’ t know what to do or where to turn .
None of my friends or family live in Ireland so I feel completely alone and isolated .
“ I ’ m desperate to leave the relationship with my daughter but I ’ m scared of what my husband might do to us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety or barring order against him but I ’ m scared I won ’ t be believed without solid proof.
” Women ’ s Aid are supporting her and helping her to apply for a safety order against her husband .
*The name has been changed .

The Women’s Aid report reveals a 43 per cent increase in calls to its helpline, compared with the same period in 2019. Photograph: iStock
Calls from women experiencing domestic violence – including being strangled, raped and beaten – increased by almost half during the first three months of lockdown, compared with the same period last year, figures published on Thursday show.
The report from Women’s Aid details a 71 per cent increase in visits to its website between the end of March and end of June, from 67,187 to 114,576, and a 43 per cent increase in calls to its helpline, from 4,563 to 6,561, compared with the same period in 2019.
At the same time, capacity in refuges decreased by 25 per cent to comply with social distancing requirements.
“Women disclosed high levels of emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse from their partners, in some cases as a direct result of the lockdown introduced to stop the spread of the virus,” the report stated.
READ MORE
“Women told us that they had been strangled, raped and beaten by abusive partners as well as feeling constantly monitored in their homes.
“The mental health impacts of domestic abuse for women have also been heightened due to restrictions, with some women reporting suicidal thoughts.”
Garda figures cited show a 25 per cent increase in calls for help between April and May 2020 compared with last year. A total of 107 men were charged with domestic violence offences in the last two weeks of May.
The report, When Home is Not Safe, is published alongside the organisation’s 2019 annual report, which found a nine per cent increase in calls and visits to Women’s Aid’s service, to 20,763 – up from 19,089 in 2018.
Women’s Aid saw a 16 per cent increase in disclosures of abuse against women and children – from 20,722 to 24,049 – compared with 2018, and a 29 per cent increase in disclosures of child abuse, from 3,728 to 4,791 in 2019.
Refuge capacity
Abuse could entail being beaten, having hair pulled, being burned, strangled or cut with knives. Women also said they were raped – sometimes while pregnant or after childbirth – coerced into sexual activity, and had intimate videos and photos taken and shared without consent.
Women also disclosed being threatened with violence, stalked physically and online, humiliated, isolated from friends and family. Women also said their children were abducted; they had property stolen or broken, and passports stolen; they were denied access to the family or their own income, and left with insufficient funds to feed children.
The dearth of refuge capacity, exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis, is noted in the annual report which says last year the Women’s Aid helpline called refuges on behalf of women and children 171 times. On 84 occasions the refuges were full.
"According to the Council of Europe, Ireland only has one third of the recommended refuge space," the report states.
Family courts criticised
The report is highly critical of the family courts, which it says often exacerbate women’s and children’s suffering.
“Custody and access arrangements ordered by the courts are often dangerous and/or detrimental to the safety and the well-being of children and their mothers and allows the abuse to continue.
“Children may be directly abused or neglected by the perpetrator during the time spent with them. Children are also emotionally abused when forced to witness the abuse of their mother during meetings to facilitate access and by the undermining of the relationship and bond with their mother,” says the report.
“In 2019, we heard 508 disclosures from mothers that their ex-partners were using access visits to abuse them, often in front of their children. It was disclosed on 102 occasions that children were being directly physically, emotionally and/or sexually abused during access visits with their fathers.”
Case study: ‘A living nightmare’
Elke* has been in an abusive relationship since marrying her husband four years ago. Since the lockdown she has been taking care of their one-year-old daughter and working full-time from home. She is finding being confined to the house with her husband “a living nightmare”, she says.
“He makes me feel like a servant, demanding I cook, clean and have sex with him when and as he pleases. I’ve tried refusing, but he doesn’t listen and threatens to beat me so badly that no one would recognise me.
“He’s twice my size and I know the damage his fists have caused me in the past, so I feel like I’ve no other choice but to do whatever he asks. I’m terrified of him but I don’t know what to do or where to turn. None of my friends or family live in Ireland so I feel completely alone and isolated.
“I’m desperate to leave the relationship with my daughter but I’m scared of what my husband might do to us. I’d like to secure a safety or barring order against him but I’m scared I won’t be believed without solid proof.”
Women’s Aid are supporting her and helping her to apply for a safety order against her husband.
*The name has been changed.
Women’s Aid national freephone helpline is available 24 hours a day: 1800 341 900
Garda/emergency services: 999/112


theirishtimes--2020-08-19--An expert guide to the contradictions in new Covid-19 advice

You can attend a wedding with strangers but not have seven friends over for a garden party .
You can send your children to school on a bus but are advised not to take a bus yourself .
You can watch a football match in a pub that serves food but not watch a game on the sidelines .
These are among the contradictions in the latest set of restrictions introduced by the Government to stem the spread of coronavirus after a surge in the number of Covid-19 infections here .
Experts on how viruses spread say that some restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are allowed , but are clearly based on political decisions and for social benefits .
People can attend an indoor arts venue while distancing but not spectate outside at a match Sporting matches and events have reverted to being held “ behind closed doors ” from a situation where 200 spectators were allowed , so that social gatherings before and after games will be strictly avoided .
Indoor venues such as cinemas , galleries and theatres can , however , continue to operate with distancing as they are deemed “ controlled environments ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving food can continue to operate , so it is possible for people to be able to watch a football match broadcast while having a meal out , but they can not watch a game from the stands .
“ It just doesn ’ t make sense to me .
Sport seems to have been singled out for very rough treatment in this , unnecessarily so , I think .
Outdoor activity is certainly not as risky as indoor , ” said Prof Kingston Mills , professor of experimental immunology at Trinity College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport but children can take buses to school The Government has reverted to discouraging people from taking public transport , yet schoolbuses will be permitted to operate under the plan to reopen primary and secondary education .
“ It doesn ’ t make sense : why can you send children to school on a bus but you can not sit on a bus yourself ?
There is no logic in it , ” said Dr Akke Vellinga , an epidemiologist at NUI Galway .
“ It is hard to understand .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not like we have great options to select from , ” said Prof Patricia Kearney , professor of epidemiology at UCC and a member of the “ Zero-Covid Island ” group that wants deeper restrictions to suppress the virus fully before reopening society .
“ If we ban schoolbuses and then children lose out on their education , then that has huge implications for their health and wellbeing .
Education is an essential service.
” People can only have six people from no more than three households visit their homes , but can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a larger group or attend a wedding with up to 49 others This measure limiting visitors is designed to prevent larger numbers at house parties , though the Government rejected the recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team that the restrictions on the numbers meeting ( a maximum of six in homes and 15 at outdoors gatherings away from home ) apply to weddings from August 24th .
Epidemiologists see some sense in these measures , given that restaurants have largely shown that they can comply with very strict regulations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of people tend to roam around in a private house party , increasing the risk of transmission .
People can go to church but are encouraged to work from home if possible In the eyes of epidemiologists , the risks can be equal in both settings .
Church services are unaffected by the new restrictions and can continue to allow up to 50 attendees .
“ If the person you are meeting , whether a colleague or a person in church or a family member , if they are moving in circles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really high , then they become a higher risk , ” said Dr Vellinga , who wants clearer evidence supporting new restrictions .
“ For me the whole thing does not make sense .
It is basing the rules of today on the rules of yesterday rather than science , ” she said .
Even though risks can be the same , contradictions in restrictions come down to difficult choices .
“ The contradictions seem to be about making political choices and balancing them with public health advice , like opening schools but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t need to be open fully right away , ” said Dr Tomás Ryan , an associate professor at the school of biochemistry and immunology at Trinity College Dublin .
“ Do they pose the same risk ?
Yes , in a sense , so it makes sense to treat them the same , but when you value one more than the other , you may make these choices that may seem contradictory because you are valuing a particular area of society .
”

In a video statement released by the Department of Health Dr Ronan Glynn acting Chief Medical Officer explains the rationale behind the recent NPHET recommendations and clarifies the key features. Video: Department of Health
You can attend a wedding with strangers but not have seven friends over for a garden party.
You can send your children to school on a bus but are advised not to take a bus yourself.
You can watch a football match in a pub that serves food but not watch a game on the sidelines.
These are among the contradictions in the latest set of restrictions introduced by the Government to stem the spread of coronavirus after a surge in the number of Covid-19 infections here.
READ MORE
Experts on how viruses spread say that some restrictions make little epidemiological sense when other things are allowed, but are clearly based on political decisions and for social benefits.
People can attend an indoor arts venue while distancing but not spectate outside at a match
Sporting matches and events have reverted to being held “behind closed doors” from a situation where 200 spectators were allowed, so that social gatherings before and after games will be strictly avoided.
Indoor venues such as cinemas, galleries and theatres can, however, continue to operate with distancing as they are deemed “controlled environments” by the Government.
Restaurants and pubs serving food can continue to operate, so it is possible for people to be able to watch a football match broadcast while having a meal out, but they cannot watch a game from the stands.
"It just doesn't make sense to me. Sport seems to have been singled out for very rough treatment in this, unnecessarily so, I think. Outdoor activity is certainly not as risky as indoor," said Prof Kingston Mills, professor of experimental immunology at Trinity College Dublin.
People are discouraged from using public transport but children can take buses to school
The Government has reverted to discouraging people from taking public transport, yet schoolbuses will be permitted to operate under the plan to reopen primary and secondary education.
"It doesn't make sense: why can you send children to school on a bus but you cannot sit on a bus yourself? There is no logic in it," said Dr Akke Vellinga, an epidemiologist at NUI Galway.
Others agree.
"It is hard to understand. The real challenge here is that it is not like we have great options to select from," said Prof Patricia Kearney, professor of epidemiology at UCC and a member of the "Zero-Covid Island" group that wants deeper restrictions to suppress the virus fully before reopening society.
“If we ban schoolbuses and then children lose out on their education, then that has huge implications for their health and wellbeing. Education is an essential service.”
People can only have six people from no more than three households visit their homes, but can eat out in a restaurant as part of a larger group or attend a wedding with up to 49 others
This measure limiting visitors is designed to prevent larger numbers at house parties, though the Government rejected the recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team that the restrictions on the numbers meeting (a maximum of six in homes and 15 at outdoors gatherings away from home) apply to weddings from August 24th.
Epidemiologists see some sense in these measures, given that restaurants have largely shown that they can comply with very strict regulations on social distancing and numbers, whereas large numbers of people tend to roam around in a private house party, increasing the risk of transmission.
People can go to church but are encouraged to work from home if possible
In the eyes of epidemiologists, the risks can be equal in both settings. Church services are unaffected by the new restrictions and can continue to allow up to 50 attendees.
“If the person you are meeting, whether a colleague or a person in church or a family member, if they are moving in circles where the prevalence of the virus is really high, then they become a higher risk,” said Dr Vellinga, who wants clearer evidence supporting new restrictions.
“For me the whole thing does not make sense. It is basing the rules of today on the rules of yesterday rather than science,” she said.
Even though risks can be the same, contradictions in restrictions come down to difficult choices.
“The contradictions seem to be about making political choices and balancing them with public health advice, like opening schools but not so much workplaces that don’t need to be open fully right away,” said Dr Tomás Ryan, an associate professor at the school of biochemistry and immunology at Trinity College Dublin.
“Do they pose the same risk? Yes, in a sense, so it makes sense to treat them the same, but when you value one more than the other, you may make these choices that may seem contradictory because you are valuing a particular area of society.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-19--Gemma O’Doherty tells judge she fears for her own safety

Political activist Gemma O ’ Doherty has told a judge she fears for her safety and has written a document naming names which will be published in the event of anything happening to her .
“ These are dangerous times for journalists like me , ” she told Mr Justice Richard Humphreys in the High Court on Wednesday , when she told him her document would be released by friends if anything untoward happens .
Ms O ’ Doherty said she had been abused on the street because of “ fake news ” published about her , but added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have been physically assaulted several times in recent months because of my love for this country even while the gardaí looked on .
Eggs have been thrown at me , ” she said .
She told Mr Justice Humphreys that during an application last week in her absence , on behalf of Fingal County Councillor Jimmy Guerin who is suing her for defamation of character , “ outrageous lies ” had been made about her and subsequently published in several on-line and printed media .
“ I am not going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I am a journalist whose reputation in impeccable , ” she stated in oral submissions to the court .
“ In this incredible , spurious and fictional action that has been taken against me I have been the subject of a tsunami of libellous headlines , ” she said .
Ms O ’ Doherty said she would be suing every single news medium that had carried articles and printed “ the most outrageous lies and scurrilous defamation of me ” .
She told the court that her appearance in court was her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said the alleged defamation on her Twitter and Facebook account and the substantive action by Mr Guerin , a brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin , was an attempt to silence her .
She has made allegations that gardaí colluded with criminals in Veronica Guerin ’ s murder and asked Mr Justice Humphreys to strike it out .
“ I am asking you to strike out this spurious action now .
It ’ s a waste of court time and taxpayers ’ money , ” she said .
Publicity and media headlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told last week that Ms O ’ Doherty had been “ actively trying to evade ” service of the defamation proceedings brought against her by Mr Guerin .
She denied the allegation in court and said Mr Guerin would be unable to prove it .
Details of the alleged defamation against Mr Guerin by Ms O ’ Doherty has not been detailed to the court .
Ms O ’ Doherty said gardaí had framed people in the past and when one was taking on the elements of the State , as she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop at nothing to silence her .
Barrister Ronan Lupton , who appeared for Mr Guerin with solicitors Flynn O ’ Driscoll , told the court he strongly objected to allegations Ms O ’ Doherty had made against Mr Guerin ’ s legal team .
Mr Justice Humphreys said he would not strike out orders that had already been made against Ms O ’ Doherty and awarded costs against her .
The court did not accept the allegations she had made against Mr Guerin ’ s legal team .

Gemma O’Doherty: claimed said she had been abused on the street because of ‘fake news’. File Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Political activist Gemma O’Doherty has told a judge she fears for her safety and has written a document naming names which will be published in the event of anything happening to her.
“These are dangerous times for journalists like me,” she told Mr Justice Richard Humphreys in the High Court on Wednesday, when she told him her document would be released by friends if anything untoward happens.
Ms O’Doherty said she had been abused on the street because of “fake news” published about her, but added that some people shook her hand.
“I have been physically assaulted several times in recent months because of my love for this country even while the gardaí looked on. Eggs have been thrown at me,” she said.
READ MORE
She told Mr Justice Humphreys that during an application last week in her absence, on behalf of Fingal County Councillor Jimmy Guerin who is suing her for defamation of character, “outrageous lies” had been made about her and subsequently published in several on-line and printed media.
“I am not going to have my good name dragged through the mud. I am a journalist whose reputation in impeccable,” she stated in oral submissions to the court.
“In this incredible, spurious and fictional action that has been taken against me I have been the subject of a tsunami of libellous headlines,” she said.
Ms O’Doherty said she would be suing every single news medium that had carried articles and printed “the most outrageous lies and scurrilous defamation of me”. She told the court that her appearance in court was her opportunity to set the record straight.
She said the alleged defamation on her Twitter and Facebook account and the substantive action by Mr Guerin, a brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin, was an attempt to silence her. She has made allegations that gardaí colluded with criminals in Veronica Guerin’s murder and asked Mr Justice Humphreys to strike it out.
“I am asking you to strike out this spurious action now. It’s a waste of court time and taxpayers’ money,” she said.
Publicity and media headlines appeared after the High Court had been told last week that Ms O’Doherty had been “actively trying to evade” service of the defamation proceedings brought against her by Mr Guerin. She denied the allegation in court and said Mr Guerin would be unable to prove it.
Details of the alleged defamation against Mr Guerin by Ms O’Doherty has not been detailed to the court.
Ms O’Doherty said gardaí had framed people in the past and when one was taking on the elements of the State, as she was, about corruption, the State would stop at nothing to silence her.
Barrister Ronan Lupton, who appeared for Mr Guerin with solicitors Flynn O’Driscoll, told the court he strongly objected to allegations Ms O’Doherty had made against Mr Guerin’s legal team.
Mr Justice Humphreys said he would not strike out orders that had already been made against Ms O’Doherty and awarded costs against her.
The court did not accept the allegations she had made against Mr Guerin’s legal team.


theirishtimes--2020-08-19--Northern Ireland students to get revised results on Friday

A and AS-level students in Northern Ireland will receive their revised grades on Friday , the North ’ s exam board , the Council for the Curriculum , Examinations and Assessment , has announced .
The North ’ s Minister for Education Peter Weir , was forced to abandon the previous system for awarding grades after widespread controversy over a statistical “ anomaly ” that downgraded approximately 37 per cent of marks .
Students who received an exam mark lower than that predicted by their teachers will have that grade reinstated .
Mr Weir also pre-empted a similar controversy over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be released on Thursday , by announcing earlier this week that they will be based only on teachers ’ predicted grades .
Meanwhile universities have called for “ urgent clarity ” over the impact of the exam controversy on this year ’ s admissions process .
Queen ’ s University Belfast and Ulster University gave evidence to the Stormont economy committee on Wednesday on the impact of the revised grades on the North ’ s universities .
The registrar and chief operating officer at Queen ’ s , Joanne Clague , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places than in 2019 , and the revised grades could give as many as 1,000 more the marks necessary for entry .
“ We won ’ t be able to meet the demand for students that might be coming through from centre-assessed grades , and any uplifting grades as a result of that , without additional funded places , ” she said .
Without this , she said , “ due to capacity restrictions and funding restrictions , if more funded places are not made available , it may be subsequently necessary to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 2021 .
“ That would absolutely not be our preference but that may be the decision we find ourselves in.
” Paul Bartholomew , the vice-chancellor of Ulster University – which is based on four sites across Northern Ireland – said he envisaged “ a large degree of asymmetry between where students wish to go and perhaps where they even feel they have a right to go , and where the vacancies remain ” .
The economy minister , Diane Dodds , is to put forward proposals regarding additional funding and places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Executive on Thursday .
The number of places allocated to Northern Ireland and EU students at the North ’ s universities are capped because their fees are part-funded by the department .
A department spokesperson said that “ until the local universities have received access to the full range of revised grades for all applicant students , they will not be able to confirm places for students or otherwise .
“ As such , until this process has been completed , there is no way of assessing the number of any additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy minister has stated that she will be working with Executive colleagues to ensure that any additional places that may be required , and extra resources , are put in place to support universities , and will bring forward proposals to the Executive tomorrow .
”

North’s Minister for Education Peter Weir: abandoned the system after widespread controversy over a statistical “anomaly” that downgraded 37 per cent of marks. Photograph: Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
A and AS-level students in Northern Ireland will receive their revised grades on Friday, the North's exam board, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment , has announced.
The North's Minister for Education Peter Weir, was forced to abandon the previous system for awarding grades after widespread controversy over a statistical "anomaly" that downgraded approximately 37 per cent of marks.
Students who received an exam mark lower than that predicted by their teachers will have that grade reinstated.
Mr Weir also pre-empted a similar controversy over GCSE results, which are due to be released on Thursday, by announcing earlier this week that they will be based only on teachers’ predicted grades.
READ MORE
Meanwhile universities have called for “urgent clarity” over the impact of the exam controversy on this year’s admissions process.
Student places
Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University gave evidence to the Stormont economy committee on Wednesday on the impact of the revised grades on the North's universities.
The registrar and chief operating officer at Queen's, Joanne Clague, said the university had already confirmed 1,000 more student places than in 2019, and the revised grades could give as many as 1,000 more the marks necessary for entry.
“We won’t be able to meet the demand for students that might be coming through from centre-assessed grades, and any uplifting grades as a result of that, without additional funded places,” she said.
Without this, she said, “due to capacity restrictions and funding restrictions, if more funded places are not made available, it may be subsequently necessary to offer guaranteed deferred entry for some students for 2021.
“That would absolutely not be our preference but that may be the decision we find ourselves in.”
Paul Bartholomew, the vice-chancellor of Ulster University – which is based on four sites across Northern Ireland – said he envisaged "a large degree of asymmetry between where students wish to go and perhaps where they even feel they have a right to go, and where the vacancies remain".
Extra funding
The economy minister, Diane Dodds, is to put forward proposals regarding additional funding and places at a meeting of the North's Executive on Thursday.
The number of places allocated to Northern Ireland and EU students at the North’s universities are capped because their fees are part-funded by the department.
A department spokesperson said that “until the local universities have received access to the full range of revised grades for all applicant students, they will not be able to confirm places for students or otherwise.
“As such, until this process has been completed, there is no way of assessing the number of any additional places there may be.
“The economy minister has stated that she will be working with Executive colleagues to ensure that any additional places that may be required, and extra resources, are put in place to support universities, and will bring forward proposals to the Executive tomorrow.”
Additional reporting, PA


theirishtimes--2020-08-19--Two former Shelbourne Hotel statues on show in Dublin docklands cafe

Four Shelbourne Hotel statues have gone from public view , for now , but there are two more in Café Bar H at Grand Canal Quay , Dublin where they have been for almost 15 years .
The statues were removed from outside the Shelbourne Hotel , Dublin last month .
Hotel management said they took the decision to remove the statues , which have been in place for 153 years , in light of world events and the Black Lives Matter movement calling attention to the legacy of slavery .
However , the hotel is a protected structure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statues would require planning permission .
Café Bar H is run and owned by Rita Crosbie , the wife of businessman and developer Harry Crosbie who was gifted the statues by the previous owners of the Shelbourne , a consortium led by developer Bernard McNamara .
The consortium bought the hotel at the height of the Celtic Tiger in 2005 and decided on a complete renovation , which involved removing the statues – an Egyptian princess and a Nubian princess – from the Horseshoe Bar .
“ I heard the statues were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were an important part of Dublin history .
I said that if they weren ’ t going to look after them I would , and so they were gifted to me , ” Mr Crosbie said .
“ I was delighted to accept them because they are such an important part of Dublin ’ s heritage and history .
“ And I made the promise at the time to keep them and look after them and make sure people had easy access to see them and that ’ s what Rita has done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the four statues , art historian Kyle Leyden has said 19th century documentation proves conclusively they do not depict slaves .
Mr Leyden , a lecturer in the history of art and architecture at the University of London , says the original catalogue from which the statues were ordered clearly label them not as slaves , but as Egyptian and African women .
Enforcement action has been initiated by Dublin City Council against the Shelbourne Hotel for the removal of the four statues from the front of the building .
Hotel managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions or restore the statues to the outside facade .
Mr Crosbie said he was “ horrified ” at suggestions that two of the Shelbourne Hotel statues depicted slaves .
“ They have been a favourite of customers in Café Bar H for years .
I ’ m sure if you could ask them they ’ d be calling for the other four to be freed.
” Mr Crosbie said the statues in Café Bar H and the Shelbourne Hotel did not belong to individuals , but to the city and neither he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remove them .

The four statues removed from outside the Shelbourne earlier in the summer were originally part of set of six two of which are still on display in Cafe Bar H and owned by businessman Harry Crosbie. Video: Ronan McGreevy
Four Shelbourne Hotel statues have gone from public view, for now, but there are two more in Café Bar H at Grand Canal Quay, Dublin where they have been for almost 15 years.
The statues were removed from outside the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin last month. Hotel management said they took the decision to remove the statues, which have been in place for 153 years, in light of world events and the Black Lives Matter movement calling attention to the legacy of slavery.
However, the hotel is a protected structure, meaning changes such as the removal of the statues would require planning permission.
Café Bar H is run and owned by Rita Crosbie, the wife of businessman and developer Harry Crosbie who was gifted the statues by the previous owners of the Shelbourne, a consortium led by developer Bernard McNamara.
READ MORE
The consortium bought the hotel at the height of the Celtic Tiger in 2005 and decided on a complete renovation, which involved removing the statues – an Egyptian princess and a Nubian princess – from the Horseshoe Bar.
"I heard the statues were to be scrapped and complained that they were an important part of Dublin history. I said that if they weren't going to look after them I would, and so they were gifted to me," Mr Crosbie said.
“I was delighted to accept them because they are such an important part of Dublin’s heritage and history.
“And I made the promise at the time to keep them and look after them and make sure people had easy access to see them and that’s what Rita has done in the cafe.”
‘A favourite’
Since the removal of the four statues, art historian Kyle Leyden has said 19th century documentation proves conclusively they do not depict slaves. Mr Leyden, a lecturer in the history of art and architecture at the University of London, says the original catalogue from which the statues were ordered clearly label them not as slaves, but as Egyptian and African women.
Enforcement action has been initiated by Dublin City Council against the Shelbourne Hotel for the removal of the four statues from the front of the building. Hotel managers have until August 27th to defend their actions or restore the statues to the outside facade.
Mr Crosbie said he was “horrified” at suggestions that two of the Shelbourne Hotel statues depicted slaves.
“They have been a favourite of customers in Café Bar H for years. I’m sure if you could ask them they’d be calling for the other four to be freed.”
Mr Crosbie said the statues in Café Bar H and the Shelbourne Hotel did not belong to individuals, but to the city and neither he nor the hotel management had a right to remove them.


theirishtimes--2020-08-19--Cork residents advised to remain indoors ahead of Storm Ellen

Cork County Council has advised homeowners around the county but particularly in coastal areas to stay indoors on Wednesday evening and to secure their properties in advance of Storm Ellen .
The storm is predicted to see wind gusting to in excess of 130km/h as the county is set to take the brunt of the storm “ Property owners , residents and visitors are advised to prepare for this dangerous weather event , to protect property , to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay indoors during the warning periods , ” said Cork County Council in a statement .
Those camping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council to seek alternative accommodation indoors , as temporary structures are particularly at risk , prompting thousands of holiday makers in campsites and caravan parks in both east Cork and west Cork to pack up and head home for the night .
According to the council , members of the public are advised to stay high , stay dry and stay away from the coast , rivers and lakes as Storm Ellen hits the Cork coast at around 9pm tonight with the status red storm warning from Met Éireann for Cork remaining in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has issued a Status Red wind warning for Cork ( Storm Ellen ) from 21:00 to 23:59 on Wednesday 19th August .
Between 9pm and midnight Storm Ellen will produce a core of very severe and destructive winds .
Associated heavy rain will also bring a risk of flooding , ” said the council .
“ Due to the combination of storm surge , spring tides and onshore winds , there is a potential risk of coastal flooding , particularly in the West Cork area .
There is a risk also of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy , thundery downpours.
” Cork County Council also advised road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds and possible surface flooding possible and it appealed to motorists to report any fallen trees or road damage to an emergency number 021-4800048 .
The council also reminded boat owners in harbours and ports dotted around ast Cork , Cork harbour and west Cork to ensure their vessels are properly secured with the Storm Ellen threatening to produce gale to storm force winds southeast veering southwest .
“ Winds will reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on coasts .
Boat owners should exercise extreme caution on or near the water , ensure vessels are well secured on their berths or moorings and vessel bilge pumps are functioning or pumped out in advance , ” said the council .
Cork County Council said it had response crews on standby for the approaching Storm Ellen , in advance of unseasonably wet and stormy weather and was conscious that a Status Orange wind warning would remain in place until 6am tomorrow after the Status Red Storm Warning ends .
“ Cork County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have convened in response to this weather warning and reviewed preparations .
Council response crews have been put on notice and are on standby , ” said the council .
Sandbags will be available at Council depots for areas prone to risk and Council crews will deploy them as necessary , said the council adding it expecting the storm ’ s impact to include fallen trees and possible structural damage from high winds , flooding in coastal areas and inland and river flooding .
Cork County Council confirmed that Storm Ellen has led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Car in West Cork on Thursday while Spike Island Visitor Centre in Cork Harbour and Fota Wildlife Park in East Cork have also closed for the day .
Meanwhile , Cork City Council has similarly issued a storm warning to homeowners in the city and suburbs to make sure that all their properties are secured and they advised people to remove or anchor down wheelie bins , garden furniture , trampolines and other items in their gardens .
“ We are preparing to address any damage that might result from the severe winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are also asking that all construction sites are made secure in advance of high winds , including plant , materials and fencing , ” Cork City Council said in a statement .

Waves crash on the Front Strand in Youghal, Co Cork on Wednesday evening ahead of the arrival of Storm Ellen. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Cork County Council has advised homeowners around the county but particularly in coastal areas to stay indoors on Wednesday evening and to secure their properties in advance of Storm Ellen.
The storm is predicted to see wind gusting to in excess of 130km/h as the county is set to take the brunt of the storm
“Property owners, residents and visitors are advised to prepare for this dangerous weather event, to protect property, to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay indoors during the warning periods,” said Cork County Council in a statement.
Those camping or in caravans were urged by the council to seek alternative accommodation indoors, as temporary structures are particularly at risk, prompting thousands of holiday makers in campsites and caravan parks in both east Cork and west Cork to pack up and head home for the night.
READ MORE
Surface flooding
According to the council, members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes as Storm Ellen hits the Cork coast at around 9pm tonight with the status red storm warning from Met Éireann for Cork remaining in place until midnight.
“Met Éireann has issued a Status Red wind warning for Cork (Storm Ellen) from 21:00 to 23:59 on Wednesday 19th August. Between 9pm and midnight Storm Ellen will produce a core of very severe and destructive winds. Associated heavy rain will also bring a risk of flooding,” said the council.
“Due to the combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds, there is a potential risk of coastal flooding, particularly in the West Cork area. There is a risk also of some inland and river flooding with some potentially heavy, thundery downpours.”
Cork County Council also advised road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds and possible surface flooding possible and it appealed to motorists to report any fallen trees or road damage to an emergency number 021-4800048.
The council also reminded boat owners in harbours and ports dotted around ast Cork, Cork harbour and west Cork to ensure their vessels are properly secured with the Storm Ellen threatening to produce gale to storm force winds southeast veering southwest.
“Winds will reach violent storm force 11 for a time on coasts. Boat owners should exercise extreme caution on or near the water, ensure vessels are well secured on their berths or moorings and vessel bilge pumps are functioning or pumped out in advance,” said the council.
Crews on standby
Cork County Council said it had response crews on standby for the approaching Storm Ellen, in advance of unseasonably wet and stormy weather and was conscious that a Status Orange wind warning would remain in place until 6am tomorrow after the Status Red Storm Warning ends.
“Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team have convened in response to this weather warning and reviewed preparations. Council response crews have been put on notice and are on standby,” said the council.
Sandbags will be available at Council depots for areas prone to risk and Council crews will deploy them as necessary, said the council adding it expecting the storm’s impact to include fallen trees and possible structural damage from high winds, flooding in coastal areas and inland and river flooding.
Cork County Council confirmed that Storm Ellen has led to the cancellation of the Dursey Cable Car in West Cork on Thursday while Spike Island Visitor Centre in Cork Harbour and Fota Wildlife Park in East Cork have also closed for the day.
Meanwhile, Cork City Council has similarly issued a storm warning to homeowners in the city and suburbs to make sure that all their properties are secured and they advised people to remove or anchor down wheelie bins, garden furniture, trampolines and other items in their gardens.
“We are preparing to address any damage that might result from the severe winds. Our emergency crews are on standby. We are also asking that all construction sites are made secure in advance of high winds, including plant, materials and fencing,” Cork City Council said in a statement.


theirishtimes--2020-08-19--Shop owners urged not to confront customers who are not wearing face coverings

Shop owners faced with customers who are not complying with mandatory face coverings have received clear advice from Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association chief executive Vincent Jennings , who says : “ Don ’ t engage , it is not worth it.
” Mr Jennings says he knows of a “ serious incident ” at a motorway service station which led to a 15-minute confrontation between staff at the premises and a man who declined to wear a mask .
Mr Jennings insisted there are “ no circumstances ” in which a shop owner should tell a customer to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of face coverings while in shops , which was brought in on Monday of last week amid the Covid-19 pandemic , does not require shop owners to issue such instructions .
Retailers are merely requested to tell customers about the legislation .
Mr Jennings advised that when people enter shops without wearing a mask , the best way to get the customer out quickly is simply to serve them promptly .
Some shop owners had expressed fear they may be sued for defamation , or under disabilities legislation , if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons not to wear a face covering , Mr Jennings added .
The legislation states that people are exempt from wearing a mask if they have “ any physical or mental illness , impairment or disability ” .
Another exempted category are those who can not wear a mask “ without severe distress ” .
Mr Jennings claimed the phrase “ without severe distress ” was “ cut and paste ” from the British legislation on this issue .
He has sought urgent clarification from the Department of Health as to what “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is supposed to determine what it means .
Mr Jennings stressed , however , that compliance with mask-wearing in shops is at more than 90 per cent .
Some young people , under 30 , were less likely to wear masks , in his experience .
Peter Gaughan , who owns the Spar in Ballina , Co Mayo , said many retailers are weary , having worked 20 weeks “ to keep the country open and people fed ” .
Any expectation that they would be tasked with confronting people who do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridge too far ” , he said .
Mr Gaughan said most people who enter his shop wear face coverings , but there are others who have no interest in complying .
He will not confront them : “ It ’ s not my job , pure and simple.
” John Paul Lonergan , who runs the Spar in Fairview , Dublin , said shop owners are fearful of “ trial by social media ” if they insist on people wearing masks and also if they do not insist .
He has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks , and also some who complain when they spot fellow customers not wearing them .
“ The blame game is sneaking into this a bit unfortunately .
That can ’ t be a good thing in the long run , ” he said .
Other retailers , though , say they are satisfied with compliance .
Derek Moran of Eurospar in Drogheda said compliance is in the “ high 90s ” , meaning less than 10 per cent of customers are not wearing masks .
“ It is pretty good .
Anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a perilous situation.
” He says he has , on occasion , asked young people to take off their masks so he could assess whether or not they were old enough to buy alcohol , cigarettes or lottery cards , and all of them complied with his request .
Sarah Kelly , who runs The Village Butcher in Ranelagh , Dublin , placed a sign on her premises early on in the coronavirus lockdown , saying : “ We will no longer serve rude or impatient customers.
” However , she stressed she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask compliance .
“ The uptake has been brilliant .
Some 99 per cent of people are wearing them .
On Saturday , the whole day when we were very busy , two people did not have them , and one apologised and we served the other.
” Tesco , Musgrave ( SuperValu and Centra ) , Lidl and Aldi all expressed satisfaction with levels of compliance , when asked by The Irish Times .

Shop owners have been told not to confront customers who are not complying with mandatory face coverings. File photograph: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
Shop owners faced with customers who are not complying with mandatory face coverings have received clear advice from Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association chief executive Vincent Jennings, who says: "Don't engage, it is not worth it."
Mr Jennings says he knows of a “serious incident” at a motorway service station which led to a 15-minute confrontation between staff at the premises and a man who declined to wear a mask.
Mr Jennings insisted there are “no circumstances” in which a shop owner should tell a customer to wear a face covering. The law mandating the use of face coverings while in shops, which was brought in on Monday of last week amid the Covid-19 pandemic, does not require shop owners to issue such instructions.
Retailers are merely requested to tell customers about the legislation. Mr Jennings advised that when people enter shops without wearing a mask, the best way to get the customer out quickly is simply to serve them promptly.
READ MORE
Some shop owners had expressed fear they may be sued for defamation, or under disabilities legislation, if they refuse service to people who have legitimate reasons not to wear a face covering, Mr Jennings added.
The legislation states that people are exempt from wearing a mask if they have “any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability”. Another exempted category are those who cannot wear a mask “without severe distress”.
Urgent clarification
Mr Jennings claimed the phrase "without severe distress" was "cut and paste" from the British legislation on this issue. He has sought urgent clarification from the Department of Health as to what "severe distress" is, and who is supposed to determine what it means.
Mr Jennings stressed, however, that compliance with mask-wearing in shops is at more than 90 per cent. Some young people, under 30, were less likely to wear masks, in his experience.
Peter Gaughan, who owns the Spar in Ballina, Co Mayo, said many retailers are weary, having worked 20 weeks "to keep the country open and people fed". Any expectation that they would be tasked with confronting people who do not wear face coverings would be "a bridge too far", he said.
Mr Gaughan said most people who enter his shop wear face coverings, but there are others who have no interest in complying. He will not confront them: “It’s not my job, pure and simple.”
John Paul Lonergan, who runs the Spar in Fairview, Dublin, said shop owners are fearful of "trial by social media" if they insist on people wearing masks and also if they do not insist.
He has had customers who complain about having to wear masks, and also some who complain when they spot fellow customers not wearing them.
“The blame game is sneaking into this a bit unfortunately. That can’t be a good thing in the long run,” he said.
High compliance
Other retailers, though, say they are satisfied with compliance. Derek Moran of Eurospar in Drogheda said compliance is in the "high 90s", meaning less than 10 per cent of customers are not wearing masks. "It is pretty good. Anybody with common sense knows we are in a perilous situation."
He says he has, on occasion, asked young people to take off their masks so he could assess whether or not they were old enough to buy alcohol, cigarettes or lottery cards, and all of them complied with his request.
Sarah Kelly, who runs The Village Butcher in Ranelagh, Dublin, placed a sign on her premises early on in the coronavirus lockdown, saying: "We will no longer serve rude or impatient customers."
However, she stressed she has no such complaints to make about mask compliance. “The uptake has been brilliant. Some 99 per cent of people are wearing them. On Saturday, the whole day when we were very busy, two people did not have them, and one apologised and we served the other.”
Tesco, Musgrave (SuperValu and Centra), Lidl and Aldi all expressed satisfaction with levels of compliance, when asked by The Irish Times.


theirishtimes--2020-08-20--‘Do not swim’ notices go up at three Co Wexford beaches

Three Wexford beaches have had “ do not swim ” notices erected after the local council reported high levels of bacteria in the bathing water .
Wexford County Council erected the notices at Ballymoney North , which has a blue flag and is an identified bathing beach ; Duncannon ; and Booley Bay Beach , which is a green coast beach .
Routine testing by the council ’ s bathing water sampling programme showed E.coli and Intestinal Enterococci in the bathing water breached the mandatory levels at the three beaches .
Following consultation with the Health Service Executive , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning notices at the affected beaches in the interest of public health and in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations .
Technical staff from Wexford County Council are investigating the matter , and the elevated levels of E Coli and Intestinal Enterococci may be due , in part , to recent spells of heavy rain , a spokesman for the council said .
Further water quality samples were taken on Thursday , and results are expected on Saturday August 22nd , at which stage the prohibition notices will be reviewed .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Duncannon beaches will fly a red flag indicating swimming is prohibited while signage will also be placed at Booley Bay Beach .
Members of the public are requested to abide by these restrictions until further notice .
The spokesman added that the council “ wishes to assure the public that water quality results for 15 other beaches sampled along the Wexford coastline have been excellent with no issues encountered ” .

Paddlers and swimmers at Seapoint in Co Dublin earlier this year. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Three Wexford beaches have had "do not swim" notices erected after the local council reported high levels of bacteria in the bathing water.
Wexford County Council erected the notices at Ballymoney North, which has a blue flag and is an identified bathing beach; Duncannon; and Booley Bay Beach, which is a green coast beach.
Routine testing by the council’s bathing water sampling programme showed E.coli and Intestinal Enterococci in the bathing water breached the mandatory levels at the three beaches.
Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, the council issued "do not swim" warning notices at the affected beaches in the interest of public health and in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations.
READ MORE
Technical staff from Wexford County Council are investigating the matter, and the elevated levels of E Coli and Intestinal Enterococci may be due, in part, to recent spells of heavy rain, a spokesman for the council said.
Further water quality samples were taken on Thursday, and results are expected on Saturday August 22nd, at which stage the prohibition notices will be reviewed.
For now, beach lifeguards at Ballymoney North and Duncannon beaches will fly a red flag indicating swimming is prohibited, while signage will also be placed at Booley Bay Beach.
Members of the public are requested to abide by these restrictions until further notice.
The spokesman added that the council “wishes to assure the public that water quality results for 15 other beaches sampled along the Wexford coastline have been excellent with no issues encountered”.
Seapoint notice
Meanwhile, a temporary bathing prohibition notice has been issued for Seapoint beach in south Co Dublin.
In a statement on Thursday, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said that the notice was being issued after test results revealed poor water quality at the beach.
The council said that the results “indicate an increase in the levels of bacteria found in the bathing water, as a result of overflows from the Irish Water wastewater network”.
The notice is in place until August 25th, with further testing set to take place.


theirishtimes--2020-08-20--Up to 3,000 calculated LC grades may not be awarded

Up to 3,000 grades may not be awarded to Leaving Cert students this year on the basis that “ satisfactory ” evidence was not available on which to base an estimated percentage mark .
Department of Education legal documents submitted to the High Court show that it estimates it has been unable to award up to 1,500 grades to out-of-school students .
These are students who are either home-schooled or who have been studying outside formal school settings .
In addition , legal records show the department has been unable to award 1,250 grades for students who are attached to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects outside school .
Many of these include students from non-Irish family backgrounds who are studying their family ’ s first language .
In many cases , the student ’ s only tutor in the language is a close family relative .
Department records indicate that a “ significant proportion ” of students studying minority languages at home and being taught by a close relative have been refused grades .
Overall , a total of almost 450,000 grades are due to be awarded to 60,000 Leaving Cert candidates on September 7th .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awarded in 99.3 per cent of the cases where a student applied to sit an exam but could not do so this summer because of their postponement .
The information is contained in legal documents which were submitted in a High Court challenge by Co Mayo student Elijah Burke , who successfully challenged the Minister for Education ’ s decision to exclude him from the calculated grades process .
He claimed the exclusion of students that were tutored by a parent or close relative at home from the calculated grades process breached his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was being punished for being home schooled .
In a judgement delivered on Wednesday , Mr Justice Charles Meenan found that the policy of excluding home schooled students on the grounds that a teacher had a conflict of interest was “ irrational , unreasonable and unlawful.
” The judge held that Mr Burke ’ s work - including assessments , projects and mock exams - should be independently assessed .
His ruling is likely to affect other students who have been unable to get a calculated grade on the basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or parent .
Mr Justice Meenan said his decision was applicable to all students who find themselves in the same situation as Mr Burke .
The Department of Education told the court during the case that about 10 other home-schooled students were in exactly the same situation as Mr Burke and have been refused grades .
In addition , the department told the court in an earlier sitting that there were a total of 138 out-of-school students who have been refused a grade on the grounds of not having a tutor .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected , according to Mr Burke ’ s solicitor , Eileen McCabe .
The department declined to comment on how many students were likely to be affected by the ruling .
It said the Minister for Education and the department will “ consider the judgment carefully and provide further comment in the coming days ” .
Ms McCabe said the High Court ruling means any home-schooled student or candidate taking a subject out-of-school who has been refused a grade on the basis that their teacher is a relative should now be entitled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these students will need to show that they have a body of work to demonstrate their achievements .
“ Our argument was that out-of-school learners should be treated in the same way as in-school learners when it comes to conflicts of interest , ” she said .
“ The department admitted in court that the process was designed for in-school students , but it is guaranteed in the Constitution that you are allowed to be educated at home .
”

Up to 3,000 grades may not be awarded to Leaving Cert students this year on the basis that ‘satisfactory’ evidence was not available on which to base an estimated per centage mark. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Up to 3,000 grades may not be awarded to Leaving Cert students this year on the basis that “satisfactory” evidence was not available on which to base an estimated percentage mark.
Department of Education legal documents submitted to the High Court show that it estimates it has been unable to award up to 1,500 grades to out-of-school students. These are students who are either home-schooled or who have been studying outside formal school settings.
In addition, legal records show the department has been unable to award 1,250 grades for students who are attached to a school but taking one or more subjects outside school.
Many of these include students from non-Irish family backgrounds who are studying their family’s first language. In many cases, the student’s only tutor in the language is a close family relative.
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Department records indicate that a “significant proportion” of students studying minority languages at home and being taught by a close relative have been refused grades.
Overall, a total of almost 450,000 grades are due to be awarded to 60,000 Leaving Cert candidates on September 7th.
This means that a calculated grade will be awarded in 99.3 per cent of the cases where a student applied to sit an exam but could not do so this summer because of their postponement.
The information is contained in legal documents which were submitted in a High Court challenge by Co Mayo student Elijah Burke, who successfully challenged the Minister for Education's decision to exclude him from the calculated grades process.
He claimed the exclusion of students that were tutored by a parent or close relative at home from the calculated grades process breached his rights and was unfair and discriminatory and that he was being punished for being home schooled.
In a judgement delivered on Wednesday, Mr Justice Charles Meenan found that the policy of excluding home schooled students on the grounds that a teacher had a conflict of interest was "irrational, unreasonable and unlawful."
The judge held that Mr Burke’s work - including assessments, projects and mock exams - should be independently assessed.
His ruling is likely to affect other students who have been unable to get a calculated grade on the basis of having a tutor who is a relative or parent.
Mr Justice Meenan said his decision was applicable to all students who find themselves in the same situation as Mr Burke.
The Department of Education told the court during the case that about 10 other home-schooled students were in exactly the same situation as Mr Burke and have been refused grades. In addition, the department told the court in an earlier sitting that there were a total of 138 out-of-school students who have been refused a grade on the grounds of not having a tutor.
Some of this group are likely to be affected, according to Mr Burke’s solicitor, Eileen McCabe.
The department declined to comment on how many students were likely to be affected by the ruling. It said the Minister for Education and the department will “consider the judgment carefully and provide further comment in the coming days”.
Ms McCabe said the High Court ruling means any home-schooled student or candidate taking a subject out-of-school who has been refused a grade on the basis that their teacher is a relative should now be entitled to have their work independently assessed. However, these students will need to show that they have a body of work to demonstrate their achievements.
“Our argument was that out-of-school learners should be treated in the same way as in-school learners when it comes to conflicts of interest,” she said.
“The department admitted in court that the process was designed for in-school students, but it is guaranteed in the Constitution that you are allowed to be educated at home.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-20--Northern Ireland GCSE grades rise as students benefit from teachers’ predictions

GCSE grades have risen significantly in Northern Ireland after students were awarded marks based on their teachers ’ predictions .
Just under 90 per cent of entries were awarded grades A*-C , an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to 2019 .
The number of top A* and A grades awarded increased by 5.7 per cent to 37 per cent of all marks awarded .
More than 29,000 students received their results for 141,000 exams on Thursday .
However , students who were due to receive vocational BTEC qualifications on Thursday did not receive their marks .
Awarding body Pearson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring them into line with schools ’ and colleges ’ predictions , and told centres on Wednesday evening not to release the marks they had provided .
This year ’ s exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The North ’ s education minister , Peter Weir , earlier this week abandoned plans to use standardisation when determining GCSE results following widespread controversy over the downgrading of A and AS level results .
The principal of St Ronan ’ s College in Lurgan , Fiona O ’ Kane , told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ complete rollercoaster ” for teachers , parents and pupils and the decision to revert to teachers ’ predictions at GCSE level had created “ a much better air of calm ” this morning in school .
“ Nobody knows these young people better than their subject teachers who have worked closely with them and know all about their progress , their ability and their potential , ” she said .
A and AS level students are to receive revised grades based solely on their teachers ’ predictions on Friday .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s exam body , CCEA had completed the work necessary to revise the grades , and had sent the information to the university admissions body UCAS .
“ The revised grades will be released to centres this afternoon with results available to students at 9am tomorrow , Friday August 21st .
“ CCEA is also updating the appeals process in light of the developments this week and this information will be published on the CCEA website shortly , ” he said .
According to the CCEA girls continued to outperform boys , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entries awarded grades A*-C compared to 87.1 per cent of entries by boys .
The gap between the two sets of results had narrowed to 4.4 per cent , compared to 7.6 per cent in 2019 .
However , the number of girls receiving the top A* grade rose by 5.5 per cent , compared to 2.9 per cent of boys .
The proportion of entries from grammar schools achieving A*-C grades was 97.6 per cent compared with 80.1 per cent of entries from non-grammar schools .
While this represented a slight increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s results in grammar schools , in non-grammar schools the figure rose by 12.4 per cent this year compared to last , when 67.7 per cent of marks were graded between A*-C .

Students at Hazelwood College in Belfast celebrate receiving their GCSE results on Thursday. Photograph: Dean Kernoghan/Hazelwood College/PA Wire.
GCSE grades have risen significantly in Northern Ireland after students were awarded marks based on their teachers' predictions.
Just under 90 per cent of entries were awarded grades A*-C, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to 2019.
The number of top A* and A grades awarded increased by 5.7 per cent to 37 per cent of all marks awarded.
More than 29,000 students received their results for 141,000 exams on Thursday.
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However, students who were due to receive vocational BTEC qualifications on Thursday did not receive their marks. Awarding body Pearson is to regrade all its awards to bring them into line with schools' and colleges' predictions, and told centres on Wednesday evening not to release the marks they had provided.
This year's exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The North's education minister, Peter Weir, earlier this week abandoned plans to use standardisation when determining GCSE results following widespread controversy over the downgrading of A and AS level results.
‘Rollercoaster’
The principal of St Ronan's College in Lurgan, Fiona O'Kane, told the BBC the last 10 days had been a "complete rollercoaster" for teachers, parents and pupils and the decision to revert to teachers' predictions at GCSE level had created "a much better air of calm" this morning in school.
“Nobody knows these young people better than their subject teachers who have worked closely with them and know all about their progress, their ability and their potential,” she said.
A and AS level students are to receive revised grades based solely on their teachers’ predictions on Friday.
Mr Weir said on Thursday that the North’s exam body, CCEA had completed the work necessary to revise the grades, and had sent the information to the university admissions body UCAS.
“The revised grades will be released to centres this afternoon with results available to students at 9am tomorrow, Friday August 21st.
“CCEA is also updating the appeals process in light of the developments this week and this information will be published on the CCEA website shortly,” he said.
Girls outperform boys
According to the CCEA girls continued to outperform boys, with 91.5 per cent of girls’ entries awarded grades A*-C compared to 87.1 per cent of entries by boys.
The gap between the two sets of results had narrowed to 4.4 per cent, compared to 7.6 per cent in 2019. However, the number of girls receiving the top A* grade rose by 5.5 per cent, compared to 2.9 per cent of boys.
The proportion of entries from grammar schools achieving A*-C grades was 97.6 per cent compared with 80.1 per cent of entries from non-grammar schools.
While this represented a slight increase of 3.5 per cent compared to last year’s results in grammar schools, in non-grammar schools the figure rose by 12.4 per cent this year compared to last, when 67.7 per cent of marks were graded between A*-C.


theirishtimes--2020-08-20--HSE chief rejects claim that testing and tracing system ‘falling apart’

HSE chief executive Paul Reid has rejected claims that the Covid-19 testing and contact tracing system was “ falling apart ” , saying that such comments are “ alarmist ” and “ hugely unhelpful ” .
Speaking at a briefing at UCD , Mr Reid said the HSE had tested 55,000 people over the last seven days , the second highest weekly total since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic .
He said the highest number of swab tests in one day took place in the past week when 11,000 people were tested .
There had been a 210 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , he said .
The HSE ’ s median turnaround time between referring a person for a Covid-19 test to the completion of contact tracing has reduced to 2.3 days from 2.8 days .
The health service has had to deal with “ complex demands ” tracing more people involving an extended number of contacts as well as dealing with language issues and translators given the number of foreign nationals who have tested positive at meat plants and food production facilities , he said .
Comments by Green Party leader and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tracing system had been “ caught off guard ” “ does not reflect what happened last week ” , he said .
Mr Reid acknowledged there were “ outliers ” where some people were waiting longer for tests but he said that the HSE ’ s escalation plan to increase testing and contact tracing “ had worked.
” The HSE “ wouldn ’ t be thanked ” for keeping swabbing centres open for up to seven days a week when there were just a handful of Covid-19 cases nationally , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tomás Ryan , assistant professor at the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin , on RTE radio earlier this week that the HSE ’ s testing and tracing system was “ falling apart.
” “ We want people to come forward for testing and have demonstrated that the system is meeting demand , which it did last week , ” he said .
He insisted the HSE had the capacity to increase to 100,000 tests a week if required .
Mr Reid said the health service was working with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how teachers and students would be tested if Covid-19 cases are detected after schools reopen in the coming weeks .
The department was taking the lead on coming with guidance for how students would use school buses safely and would be working the HSE on this , he said .
The HSE chief said that the number of coronavirus cases in the State had reached 25.4 per 100,000 , the third highest level in Europe for new cases .
The number of cases had increased from 50 per week to more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He defended the latest restrictions to curb the spread of the virus introduced on Tuesday against criticism that the measures are contradictory .
“ Some commentators can make it far too simple , that we don ’ t need to make any trade-offs , ” he told the briefing at UCD , a location of the HSE ’ s contact tracing centres .
Mr Reid said that it was “ impossible to be simple ” in dealing with this virus .
“ Unfortunately , there is no black and white , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for quite some time so there will be contrasts that people will struggle with but they are guided by the best public health advice , ” he said .
The HSE corrected figures published earlier , saying there had been double-counting with one Covid-19 death in the past 24 hours , not two , and six cases in intensive care units , rather than 12 .
Anne O ’ Connor , the HSE ’ s chief operations officer , said there was an error in the data last night .
Mr Reid said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing across higher risk settings : direct provision centres with about 8,000 people at 80 sites , 30,000 staff across nursing homes and starting to test 50,000 workers at meat and food plants with workforces of more than 50 staff .
There were plans to test 15,000 nursing home staff every week , 8,000 direct provision residents a week and “ substantially more ” than the 2,000 to 5,000 meat plant works being tested this week , the HSE ’ s head of testing and contract tracing Niamh O ’ Beirne told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there were 107 people staying at the HSE ’ s self-isolation facility at Citywest in west Dublin and that this figure had increased over the past number of months .

Paul Reid said on Thursday that comments by Eamon Ryan that the testing and tracing system had been ‘caught off guard’ last week do not reflect what happened. Photograph: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
HSE chief executive Paul Reid has rejected claims that the Covid-19 testing and contact tracing system was "falling apart", saying that such comments are "alarmist" and "hugely unhelpful".
Speaking at a briefing at UCD, Mr Reid said the HSE had tested 55,000 people over the last seven days, the second highest weekly total since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the highest number of swab tests in one day took place in the past week when 11,000 people were tested.
There had been a 210 per cent increase in demand for testing in recent weeks, he said.
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The HSE’s median turnaround time between referring a person for a Covid-19 test to the completion of contact tracing has reduced to 2.3 days from 2.8 days.
The health service has had to deal with “complex demands” tracing more people involving an extended number of contacts as well as dealing with language issues and translators given the number of foreign nationals who have tested positive at meat plants and food production facilities, he said.
Comments by Green Party leader and Government Minister Eamon Ryan that the testing and tracing system had been "caught off guard" "does not reflect what happened last week", he said.
Mr Reid acknowledged there were “outliers” where some people were waiting longer for tests but he said that the HSE’s escalation plan to increase testing and contact tracing “had worked.”
The HSE “wouldn’t be thanked” for keeping swabbing centres open for up to seven days a week when there were just a handful of Covid-19 cases nationally, he said.
He rejected the view expressed by Tomás Ryan, assistant professor at the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, on RTE radio earlier this week that the HSE's testing and tracing system was "falling apart."
“We want people to come forward for testing and have demonstrated that the system is meeting demand, which it did last week,” he said.
He insisted the HSE had the capacity to increase to 100,000 tests a week if required.
Mr Reid said the health service was working with the Department of Education on guidance for schools on how teachers and students would be tested if Covid-19 cases are detected after schools reopen in the coming weeks.
The department was taking the lead on coming with guidance for how students would use school buses safely and would be working the HSE on this, he said.
The HSE chief said that the number of coronavirus cases in the State had reached 25.4 per 100,000, the third highest level in Europe for new cases.
The number of cases had increased from 50 per week to more than 600 per week, he said.
He defended the latest restrictions to curb the spread of the virus introduced on Tuesday against criticism that the measures are contradictory.
“Some commentators can make it far too simple, that we don’t need to make any trade-offs,” he told the briefing at UCD, a location of the HSE’s contact tracing centres.
Mr Reid said that it was “impossible to be simple” in dealing with this virus.
“Unfortunately, there is no black and white, we are going to live in a grey space for quite some time so there will be contrasts that people will struggle with but they are guided by the best public health advice,” he said.
The HSE corrected figures published earlier, saying there had been double-counting with one Covid-19 death in the past 24 hours, not two, and six cases in intensive care units, rather than 12.
Anne O’Connor, the HSE’s chief operations officer, said there was an error in the data last night.
Mr Reid said health officials would be carrying out serial testing across higher risk settings: direct provision centres with about 8,000 people at 80 sites, 30,000 staff across nursing homes and starting to test 50,000 workers at meat and food plants with workforces of more than 50 staff.
There were plans to test 15,000 nursing home staff every week, 8,000 direct provision residents a week and “substantially more” than the 2,000 to 5,000 meat plant works being tested this week, the HSE’s head of testing and contract tracing Niamh O’Beirne told the briefing.
Ms O'Connor said that there were 107 people staying at the HSE's self-isolation facility at Citywest in west Dublin and that this figure had increased over the past number of months.