theirishtimes--2020-01-20--New code to cap salaries of special advisers to North’s Ministers

Salaries for special advisers to Northern Ireland ’ s Ministers are to be capped at £85,000 per year ( €99,600 ) under a revised code of conduct published on Monday .
The new policy , which has been agreed by the North ’ s Executive , also includes measures to improve transparency and accountability .
Sixteen special advisers are due to be appointed by Ministers this week following the restoration of the North ’ s power-sharing Assembly at Stormont .
Concerns had been raised over the influence and lack of accountability of special advisers during the inquiry into the Renewable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The inquiry ’ s report is due to be published soon .
The revised measures make clear that Ministers are responsible for the management , conduct and discipline of their special advisers .
They are required to “ keep good records and use official email accounts ” , as well as to publish details of their meetings with external organisations and gifts and hospitality received .
Special advisers are required to serve the Executive as a whole , not just their own Minister .
There will be an annual statement of the cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid , and the salaries of those in the two highest pay bands will be published .
The maximum salary cap of £85,000 is almost £7,000 less than the previous maximum salary of £91,809 .
Salaries will now be in three bands of up to £54,999 , £55,000 to £69,000 , and £70,000 to £85,000 .
They will also be required to declare any conflict of interests .
The North ’ s Minister for Finance , Conor Murphy , said special advisers were a “ critical part ” of the ministerial team , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and adhere to , the high standards expected of those in public life ” .
“ Given the public ’ s legitimate concerns in this regard I have moved quickly to produce and agree strengthened rules.If public confidence in these institutions is to be rebuilt it is essential that these rules and the values that underpin them are put into practice.
” Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister MLA said the code did not go far enough .
“ Much of the content of changes to the code of conduct I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point remains : for a code of conduct to be given bite it needs to be complemented by legislation underscoring its provisions and providing for enforcement .
”

The revised measures make clear that Ministers are responsible for the management, conduct and discipline of their special advisers. Photograph: Getty Images
Salaries for special advisers to Northern Ireland’s Ministers are to be capped at £85,000 per year (€99,600) under a revised code of conduct published on Monday. The new policy, which has been agreed by the North’s Executive, also includes measures to improve transparency and accountability.
Sixteen special advisers are due to be appointed by Ministers this week following the restoration of the North's power-sharing Assembly at Stormont.
Concerns had been raised over the influence and lack of accountability of special advisers during the inquiry into the Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) scheme. The inquiry’s report is due to be published soon.
The revised measures make clear that Ministers are responsible for the management, conduct and discipline of their special advisers. They are required to “keep good records and use official email accounts”, as well as to publish details of their meetings with external organisations and gifts and hospitality received.
READ MORE
Special advisers are required to serve the Executive as a whole, not just their own Minister. There will be an annual statement of the cost of special advisers, including any severance paid, and the salaries of those in the two highest pay bands will be published.
The maximum salary cap of £85,000 is almost £7,000 less than the previous maximum salary of £91,809. Salaries will now be in three bands of up to £54,999, £55,000 to £69,000, and £70,000 to £85,000.
They will also be required to declare any conflict of interests.
High standards
The North's Minister for Finance, Conor Murphy, said special advisers were a "critical part" of the ministerial team, and they "should be subject to, and adhere to, the high standards expected of those in public life".
“Given the public’s legitimate concerns in this regard I have moved quickly to produce and agree strengthened rules.If public confidence in these institutions is to be rebuilt it is essential that these rules and the values that underpin them are put into practice.”
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister MLA said the code did not go far enough.
“Much of the content of changes to the code of conduct I do not disagree with, but the fundamental point remains: for a code of conduct to be given bite it needs to be complemented by legislation underscoring its provisions and providing for enforcement.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Gardaí making ‘good progress’ on Cork attack where man was set on fire

Gardaí in Cork have said they have made good progress in their investigation into an incident where a 23-year-old man was attacked with a machete and an iron bar before being doused in petrol and set alight .
The attack happened at Dunard in Mayfield on the city ’ s northside just before 4am on Monday when three men burst into a house and began attacking a man named locally as Keith Greaney .
Mr Greaney was struck a number of times around the head by the gang who were armed with what gardaí believe was a machete and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with petrol and set him alight .
Mr Greaney ’ s terrified partner Nicole O ’ Leary tried to quench the flames after she contacted neighbours who raised the alarm and Mr Greaney was attended to at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to Cork University Hospital .
Mr Greaney was put in an induced coma by doctors at CUH and is likely to remain in a coma for two to three days as doctors treat him for severe burns to his head and chest which doctors have said are life-changing injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are aged seven , three and two , live with their mother at another address and did not witness the attack which has shocked neighbours in the quiet estate at the top of Mayfield .
Two units of Cork City Fire Service from Ballyvolane and Anglesea Street were called to deal with a fire at the house in Dunard and the situation was quickly brought under control before the units returned to base .
The attackers fled in a black Ford Mondeo and a Citroën Berlingo van and were met by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North Ring Road but lost them on icy roads near the Fox & Hounds pub in Ballyvolane .
However , gardaí have since recovered the vehicles at a location in the southside of Cork city and garda technical experts have begun a forensic examination of both vehicles for DNA and other evidence .
Gardaí have also sealed off the scene of the attack in Dunard and garda technical experts have begun an examination of the building while officers have also begun harvesting CCTV footage from the area .
Detectives have been speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack to see if they can identify the culprits , who don ’ t appeared to have been masked and may have been known to the injured party .
Gardaí have also begun harvesting CCTV footage from around Cork as they try to trace the movements of the vehicles back from the location where they were found on the southside .
Gardaí say they are keeping an open mind on a motive for the attack but said they are investigating whether it may be linked to a dispute of a personal nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have appealed to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Dunard or Boherboy Road area of Mayfield or Ballyvolane or has any information that might assist them to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021-4558510 .

The house in the Dunard estate, Mayfield, Cork where a man was doused with petrol and set on fire. Photograph: Provision
Gardaí in Cork have said they have made good progress in their investigation into an incident where a 23-year-old man was attacked with a machete and an iron bar before being doused in petrol and set alight.
The attack happened at Dunard in Mayfield on the city's northside just before 4am on Monday when three men burst into a house and began attacking a man named locally as Keith Greaney.
Mr Greaney was struck a number of times around the head by the gang who were armed with what gardaí believe was a machete and an iron bar before the gang doused him with petrol and set him alight.
Mr Greaney’s terrified partner Nicole O’Leary tried to quench the flames after she contacted neighbours who raised the alarm and Mr Greaney was attended to at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to Cork University Hospital.
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Mr Greaney was put in an induced coma by doctors at CUH and is likely to remain in a coma for two to three days as doctors treat him for severe burns to his head and chest which doctors have said are life-changing injuries.
Mr Greaney’s three children, who are aged seven, three and two, live with their mother at another address and did not witness the attack which has shocked neighbours in the quiet estate at the top of Mayfield.
Two units of Cork City Fire Service from Ballyvolane and Anglesea Street were called to deal with a fire at the house in Dunard and the situation was quickly brought under control before the units returned to base.
The attackers fled in a black Ford Mondeo and a Citroën Berlingo van and were met by gardaí from Mayfield who pursued them along the North Ring Road but lost them on icy roads near the Fox & Hounds pub in Ballyvolane.
However, gardaí have since recovered the vehicles at a location in the southside of Cork city and garda technical experts have begun a forensic examination of both vehicles for DNA and other evidence.
Gardaí have also sealed off the scene of the attack in Dunard and garda technical experts have begun an examination of the building while officers have also begun harvesting CCTV footage from the area.
Detectives have been speaking to a number of people who witnessed the attack to see if they can identify the culprits, who don’t appeared to have been masked and may have been known to the injured party.
Gardaí have also begun harvesting CCTV footage from around Cork as they try to trace the movements of the vehicles back from the location where they were found on the southside.
Gardaí say they are keeping an open mind on a motive for the attack but said they are investigating whether it may be linked to a dispute of a personal nature between two men in their 20s.
They have appealed to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Dunard or Boherboy Road area of Mayfield or Ballyvolane or has any information that might assist them to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021-4558510.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Colm Burke vows ‘not to be deterred’ after Cork office was vandalised

Fine Gael Senator Colm Burke has said he will not be deterred by the actions of people who threw a brick through the window of his constituency office in Cork North Central .
“ No candidate or their staff should have to face this , but my campaign and I won ’ t be intimidated or deterred , ” said Mr Burke , who confirmed that some 250 of his election posters have also been removed in the past five days .
Mr Burke , who is bidding to retain Fine Gael ’ s seat held by retiring Dara Murphy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his office in the centre of Blackpool on Sunday when a local business person contacted him to inform him that his office window had been smashed .
“ There were two panes of glass broken in my office which is in the old Post Office by the bridge – I ’ ve been there since August when I moved from my constituency office in Shandon Street because I needed more space .
“ The windows was blown in with a brick and there were also stones used so there were two panes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrown with force because it bounced off a wall and knocked a piece out of the wall as well.
” Mr Burke confirmed that he spoke to gardaí about the incident and a garda technical expert had photographed the damage .
Garda sources confirmed to The Irish Times that CCTV footage from the area indicated the damage may have been caused by two juveniles engaged in anti-social behaviour .
Meanwhile , Mr Burke has also reported to gardaí that up to a quarter of the posters that he has put up in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cork city .
“ The posters have disappeared from all over the northside of the city – it ’ s only in the city , I ’ m not aware of any being removed in the county part of the constituency which runs out to within two miles of Mallow , ” said Mr Burke .
“ They started disappearing within 12 hours of when we started putting them up last Wednesday – we were wondering why posters weren ’ t appearing but they were being put up but were just disappearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gael election candidate Thomas Walsh has had some of his posters torn down .
Mr Walsh , a Sligo county councillor in the Drumcliff electoral area , is standing in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency with running mate Senator Frank Feighan .
About 40 of his posters and billboards were sprayed with yellow paint between Taylor ’ s Cross and Ballyfarnon in the county .
The incident happened between 10pm and midnight on Saturday night .
It is being investigated by gardaí in Ballymote who are studying CCTV footage taken in the area .
Cllr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was responsible for defacing his posters , but he would continue to run a positive campaign .
“ There could be a variety of reasons for it , but I ’ ve been told that there was a number of candidates in the local area with another of posters torn down also .
“ This isn ’ t what democracy is about and postering is part of the democratic process , but it won ’ t deter my campaign .
“ In terms of the need for postering , it ’ s very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate and a first time candidate .
If you don ’ t poster , you don ’ t have the same profile as outgoing TDs .
”

Fine Gael Senator Colm Burke has said he will not be deterred by the actions of people who threw a brick through the window of his constituency office in Cork North Central. "No candidate or their staff should have to face this, but my campaign and I won't be intimidated or deterred," said Mr Burke, who confirmed that some 250 of his election posters have also been removed in the past five days.
Mr Burke, who is bidding to retain Fine Gael's seat held by retiring Dara Murphy, said he learned of the incident at his office in the centre of Blackpool on Sunday when a local business person contacted him to inform him that his office window had been smashed.
"There were two panes of glass broken in my office which is in the old Post Office by the bridge – I've been there since August when I moved from my constituency office in Shandon Street because I needed more space.
Bricks fired through the window in my office in Blackpool this evening. It has been a difficult few days with over 250 posters taken down and illegally removed.
No candidate or their staff should have to face this, but my campaign and I won’t be intimidated or deterred. pic.twitter.com/CfhEiZq6CB — Senator Colm Burke (@SenColmBurke) January 19, 2020
“The windows was blown in with a brick and there were also stones used so there were two panes of glass broken and the brick was thrown with force because it bounced off a wall and knocked a piece out of the wall as well.”
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Mr Burke confirmed that he spoke to gardaí about the incident and a garda technical expert had photographed the damage.
Garda sources confirmed to The Irish Times that CCTV footage from the area indicated the damage may have been caused by two juveniles engaged in anti-social behaviour.
Posters removed
Meanwhile, Mr Burke has also reported to gardaí that up to a quarter of the posters that he has put up in the election campaign have been removed from poles in Cork city.
“The posters have disappeared from all over the northside of the city – it’s only in the city, I’m not aware of any being removed in the county part of the constituency which runs out to within two miles of Mallow,” said Mr Burke.
“They started disappearing within 12 hours of when we started putting them up last Wednesday – we were wondering why posters weren’t appearing but they were being put up but were just disappearing again.”
In Co Sligo, Fine Gael election candidate Thomas Walsh has had some of his posters torn down.
Mr Walsh, a Sligo county councillor in the Drumcliff electoral area, is standing in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency with running mate Senator Frank Feighan.
About 40 of his posters and billboards were sprayed with yellow paint between Taylor’s Cross and Ballyfarnon in the county.
The incident happened between 10pm and midnight on Saturday night. It is being investigated by gardaí in Ballymote who are studying CCTV footage taken in the area.
Cllr Walsh said he did not know who was responsible for defacing his posters, but he would continue to run a positive campaign.
“There could be a variety of reasons for it, but I’ve been told that there was a number of candidates in the local area with another of posters torn down also.
“This isn’t what democracy is about and postering is part of the democratic process, but it won’t deter my campaign.
“In terms of the need for postering, it’s very much needed when you are a new candidate and a first time candidate. If you don’t poster, you don’t have the same profile as outgoing TDs.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Work-to-rule by school secretaries suspended to allow for new talks

An ongoing work-to-rule by school secretaries over pay has been suspended to allow for new talks at the Workplace Relations Commission ( WRC ) .
However , their trade union has warned that industrial action will re-commence unless significant progress was made .
About 1,000 school secretaries staged a one-day strike earlier this month and introduced an on-going work-to-rule which saw them withdraw from work on public service systems and databases in protest at a two-tier pay structure in place .
The trade union Fórsa said under the existing two-tier pay system most school secretaries earned just €12,500 a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced them to sign on during the summer holidays and other school breaks .
The union said that while a minority of school secretaries were directly employed by the Department of Education and had public service employment status , the majority had their pay and conditions determined by school management boards .
Fórsa said on Monday it had accepted an invitation to return to talks at the WRC .
It said the commission had requested that the work- to-rule be suspended to allow this process to progress .
Fórsa ’ s head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to yield real and significant progress to end the system under which school secretaries are employed .
“ A failure to make real and significant progress would lead to an immediate resumption of industrial action by school secretaries , because they have resolved to keep the pressure on until the issue is dealt with once and for all , ” he said .
“ The Minister and the department had previously made the mistake if underestimating that resolve , which led directly to the one day strike last Friday.
” Minister for Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on record since his appointment on the need for deep engagement on this issue .
However he said compromise was necessary “ or nothing would ever be resolved.
” “ Secretaries and other support staff play a hugely important role in ensuring the smooth day to day running of schools and I am deeply conscious of the issues that secretaries have raised with me personally .
“ The Department has previously engaged with Fórsa at the WRC and has remained open to returning to talks .
I am glad that is now @ @ @

An ongoing work-to-rule by school secretaries over pay has been suspended to allow for new talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
However, their trade union has warned that industrial action will re-commence unless significant progress was made.
About 1,000 school secretaries staged a one-day strike earlier this month and introduced an on-going work-to-rule which saw them withdraw from work on public service systems and databases in protest at a two-tier pay structure in place.
The trade union Fórsa said under the existing two-tier pay system most school secretaries earned just €12,500 a year, with irregular, short-term contracts that forced them to sign on during the summer holidays and other school breaks.
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The union said that while a minority of school secretaries were directly employed by the Department of Education and had public service employment status, the majority had their pay and conditions determined by school management boards.
Fórsa said on Monday it had accepted an invitation to return to talks at the WRC.
It said the commission had requested that the work- to-rule be suspended to allow this process to progress.
Fórsa's head of education Andy Pike said the talks needed to yield real and significant progress to end the system under which school secretaries are employed.
“A failure to make real and significant progress would lead to an immediate resumption of industrial action by school secretaries, because they have resolved to keep the pressure on until the issue is dealt with once and for all,” he said. “The Minister and the department had previously made the mistake if underestimating that resolve, which led directly to the one day strike last Friday.”
Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh said he had been on record since his appointment on the need for deep engagement on this issue. However he said compromise was necessary “or nothing would ever be resolved.”
“Secretaries and other support staff play a hugely important role in ensuring the smooth day to day running of schools and I am deeply conscious of the issues that secretaries have raised with me personally.
“The Department has previously engaged with Fórsa at the WRC and has remained open to returning to talks. I am glad that is now happening.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Large hole reappears on lands near mining network in Co Monaghan

A large hole has re-emerged on lands attached to an old mining company in Co Monaghan .
The latest subsidence is understood to be the same crown hole that occurred on the field in August 2019 .
Sinkholes occur naturally in limestone areas while crown holes , which look the same , are the result of subterranean human activity , including mining .
Gyproc mining company , which operates in the area , said the hole is the same crown hole that appeared previously and it has occurred because the material that was used to backfill the original hole has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is approximately 350 metres from the nearest building , was noticed during a routine inspection of the site on Saturday evening .
The company said the hole is located within Gyproc-owned lands , adding that it is not close to any private homes , public infrastructure or bordering roads .
“ Gyproc is confident it poses no risk to the public .
In keeping with best practice , we have notified all relevant governmental and county council authorities , ” a statement said .
“ We will continue to monitor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from surveys in the coming days to the relevant authorities and to keep people informed.
” The new hole is said to be cone-shaped , but slightly smaller in size than the one that appeared during the summer .
An official survey of the hole is due to take place on Tuesday .
This hole is one of three separate holes that have appeared on land in the area over the past year-and-a-half .
The location of the subsidence is two to three fields away from where a sinkhole appeared at Magheracloone Mitchells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In January last year , politicians , local authority officials and residents in the south Co Monaghan area agreed to hold regular meetings on the problem of recurring subsidence .
It is a continued source of concern for locals , some of whom were required to leave their homes following the incident in September 2018 .
An area between Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan and Kingscourt in Co Cavan has been mined for gypsum since the early 20th century .
Gyproc has repeatedly apologised for the disruption caused by the land collapse at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the closure of the L4900 linking the village to the main R179 Carrickmacross-Kingscourt road .

An aerial view of the latest sinkhole on Gyproc property in Co Monaghan. Photograph: Pat Byrne.
A large hole has re-emerged on lands attached to an old mining company in Co Monaghan.
The latest subsidence is understood to be the same crown hole that occurred on the field in August 2019.
Sinkholes occur naturally in limestone areas while crown holes, which look the same, are the result of subterranean human activity, including mining.
Gyproc mining company, which operates in the area, said the hole is the same crown hole that appeared previously and it has occurred because the material that was used to backfill the original hole has now settled and subsided.
READ MORE
The subsidence, which is approximately 350 metres from the nearest building, was noticed during a routine inspection of the site on Saturday evening.
The company said the hole is located within Gyproc-owned lands, adding that it is not close to any private homes, public infrastructure or bordering roads.
“Gyproc is confident it poses no risk to the public. In keeping with best practice, we have notified all relevant governmental and county council authorities,” a statement said.
“ We will continue to monitor and survey the area and provide updated information from surveys in the coming days to the relevant authorities and to keep people informed.”
The new hole is said to be cone-shaped, but slightly smaller in size than the one that appeared during the summer. An official survey of the hole is due to take place on Tuesday.
This hole is one of three separate holes that have appeared on land in the area over the past year-and-a-half.
The location of the subsidence is two to three fields away from where a sinkhole appeared at Magheracloone Mitchells GAA club in September, 2018.
In January last year, politicians, local authority officials and residents in the south Co Monaghan area agreed to hold regular meetings on the problem of recurring subsidence.
It is a continued source of concern for locals, some of whom were required to leave their homes following the incident in September 2018.
An area between Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan and Kingscourt in Co Cavan has been mined for gypsum since the early 20th century.
Gyproc has repeatedly apologised for the disruption caused by the land collapse at the local community centre and GAA pitch, and the closure of the L4900 linking the village to the main R179 Carrickmacross-Kingscourt road.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Daughter told gardaí her partner was sorry for hurting her mother – court told

A woman accused of impeding the investigation into her mother ’ s alleged murder told gardaí that her partner told her he was sorry for hurting her mother and did not mean to do it but she had been “ lashing out ” at him with “ a hurl ” , a trial has heard .
The woman said father-of-three Kieran Greene , who is accused of murdering retired hospital worker Patricia O ’ Connor at her Rathfarnham home , also told her : “ I have to hand myself in , I can ’ t live with this.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement made by the daughter of the deceased , Louise O ’ Connor , to gardaí on June 12th , 2017 .
Mr Greene ( 34 ) has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Ms O ’ Connor ( 61 ) at her home in Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 on May 29th , 2017 .
The deceased ’ s daughter Louise O ’ Connor ( 41 ) and granddaughter Stephanie O ’ Connor ( 22 ) , both of Millmount Court , Dundrum Road , Dublin 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex-partner Keith Johnston ( 43 ) , of Avonbeg Gardens , Tallaght , Dublin 24 are all charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Greene , knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence , to wit the murder of Mrs O ’ Connor on May 29th , 2017 .
The court has heard that the body of Mrs O ’ Connor was dismembered into 15 separate parts that were found at nine different locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains .
Evidence has been given that the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered a “ violent death ” .
Garda Andrew Quinn told prosecution counsel Roisin Lacey SC that he was on duty in Rathfarnham Garda Station on June 1st , 2017 , when Augustine O ’ Connor and Richard O ’ Connor , the husband and son of Mrs O ’ Connor , made a missing person report concerning Patricia O ’ Connor .
Garda Quinn said he entered her details into the Pulse system .
Garda Quinn gave evidence that he contacted women ’ s refuges in Tallaght , Rathmines , Coolock , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsuccessful .
Garda Quinn testified that he had obtained Louise O ’ Connor ’ s telephone number at the time in order to find out when she had last seen her mother .
He continued to keep in contact with Louise O ’ Connor and obtained her mother ’ s bank account details for Permanent TSB .
Gda Quinn said he was satisfied no transactions had occurred on the deceased ’ s Permanent TSB account since May 29th , 2017 .
“ At one stage , we discussed the family providing a photograph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connor was missing public , ” he added .
Garda Quinn said he was also on duty at Rathfarnham Garda Station on June 12th , when he was made aware that Mr Greene was in the station claiming to have killed and dismembered the body of Mrs O ’ Connor .
The witness said he took a statement from Louise O ’ Connor that night at Millbrook Lawns in Tallaght .
In her statement , Louise O ’ Connor said she lived with her mother and father , her five children and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountainview Park in Rathfarnham .
Louise O ’ Connor told Garda Quinn that her mother left the home when she was five or six years of age as the relationship between her parents ended .
Her mother moved back into Mountainview 16 years ago and retired from her job in Beaumont Hospital the previous July , she continued .
“ Since her retirement , she has been extremely hard to live with , she is always irritated and constantly giving out , ” she explained .
Louise O ’ Connor said that on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mother left the house , her mother had been constantly screaming and arguing about “ stupid things ” .
Her mother would not give her pension receipts that she had asked for and there was an argument about car insurance , she said .
She explained that her mother had tried to hit her with a teapot and was roaring at Mr Greene .
“ There were also arguments about her smoking weed and her regular supplier had none left and she wanted me to get some and I wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
In her statement , Louise O ’ Connor said she brought her children and dad to the park in order “ to get away ” at 7pm that night .
Her mother and Mr Greene stayed in the house , she said , explaining that her partner told her he was going to have a quick shower and would follow them to the park .
When they returned to the house , Mr Greene opened the door and was “ shaking and distressed ” and told her that her mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like “ a raving lunatic ” , she said .
Mr Greene explained to her that he was having a shower , had not locked the door properly and Mrs O ’ Connor walked in .
There was a row and Mrs O ’ Connor told Mr Greene that she could not even go to the toilet in her own house and the men in the house “ were pathetic excuses for men ” , she said .
Louise O ’ Connor said her father Augustine came home from the park around 9.30pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Mam was storming around the house banging and making noise and a few minutes later I heard the door slam .
I could see her making her way up the road and she seemed to have a bag with her .
She was heading in the general direction of Nutgrove .
Prior to leaving the house she said : ‘ I ’ ll be back when that bastard pops his clogs to get what is mine ’ , ” said Louise O ’ Connor , adding that she told her father what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ wrecked ” at this stage , went to bed at 11pm and did not wake up once she fell asleep .
Mr Greene was lying on the couch , she said .
Louise O ’ Connor said she got up at 7am the following day .
When she came downstairs , Mr Greene was getting ready to paint the bathroom , she said , adding that her mother had been on to him to paint it .
“ He said he was going to get a few jobs done before mam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Greene dropped the children to school and her former partner Keith Johnston helped him paint the bathroom , she continued , adding that both men get on well .
Louise O ’ Connor said , “ Mam didn ’ t have a phone as she had given it to me , she wouldn ’ t replace the phone .
As the week went on we became worried about her , ” she said .
Louise O ’ Connor said Mr Greene was getting “ more stressed and irritated ” .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crying and hugging the kids and saying if you do something wrong you have to face up to it , ” she said .
She said Mr Greene told her that Mrs O ’ Connor had returned to the house on night of May 29th .
Louise O ’ Connor said Mr Greene told her : “ I ’ m sorry I hurt your mam , I didn ’ t mean to , she was lashing out at me with a hurl .
I took the hurl off her , the next thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know what happened , I panicked.
” Louise O ’ Connor said she did not know what to think and thought it was “ a sick joke ” .
Mr Greene told her he had “ to hand himself in ” as he could not live with this , she said .
“ I was stunned , I asked him where it happened and he said in the bathroom .
He rang his mam and dad and told them what happened and then went down to the Garda station , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garda Quinn agreed with Conor Devally SC , for Mr Greene , that Augustine O ’ Connor told him that his wife had left the home before , he had no relationship with her at the time and there were frequent arguments .
Louise O ’ Connor has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O ’ Connor disguising herself as Patricia O ’ Connor at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 on May 29th , 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements at Woodie ’ s , Mr Price , B & Q and Shoe Zone , Tallaght , Dublin 24 on June 9th , 2017 , which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O ’ Connor .
Mr Johnston also denies engaging in the refurbishment of a bathroom at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 between May 31st , 2017 and June 9th , 2017 , in order to destroy or conceal any evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Connor .
Stephanie O ’ Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O ’ Connor at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 at a point in time after her murder on May 29th , 2017 in order to conceal the fact that she was already dead .
The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of six men and six women .

A woman accused of impeding the investigation into her mother’s alleged murder told gardaí that her partner told her he was sorry for hurting her mother and did not mean to do it but she had been “lashing out” at him with “a hurl”, a trial has heard.
The woman said father-of-three Kieran Greene, who is accused of murdering retired hospital worker Patricia O’Connor at her Rathfarnham home, also told her: “I have to hand myself in, I can’t live with this.”
The jury on Monday heard a voluntary statement made by the daughter of the deceased, Louise O’Connor, to gardaí on June 12th, 2017.
Mr Greene (34) has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Ms O’Connor (61) at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29th, 2017.
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The deceased’s daughter Louise O’Connor (41) and granddaughter Stephanie O’Connor (22), both of Millmount Court, Dundrum Road, Dublin 14, and Louise O’Connor’s ex-partner Keith Johnston (43), of Avonbeg Gardens, Tallaght, Dublin 24 are all charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Greene, knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence, to wit the murder of Mrs O’Connor on May 29th, 2017.
The court has heard that the body of Mrs O’Connor was dismembered into 15 separate parts that were found at nine different locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains.
Evidence has been given that the results of a post-mortem examination confirmed that she suffered a “violent death”.
Garda Andrew Quinn told prosecution counsel Roisin Lacey SC that he was on duty in Rathfarnham Garda Station on June 1st, 2017, when Augustine O’Connor and Richard O’Connor, the husband and son of Mrs O’Connor, made a missing person report concerning Patricia O’Connor. Garda Quinn said he entered her details into the Pulse system.
Garda Quinn gave evidence that he contacted women’s refuges in Tallaght, Rathmines, Coolock, Bray and Kilkenny but these inquiries proved unsuccessful.
Garda Quinn testified that he had obtained Louise O’Connor’s telephone number at the time in order to find out when she had last seen her mother. He continued to keep in contact with Louise O’Connor and obtained her mother’s bank account details for Permanent TSB. Gda Quinn said he was satisfied no transactions had occurred on the deceased’s Permanent TSB account since May 29th, 2017. “At one stage, we discussed the family providing a photograph and make the fact Patricia O’Connor was missing public,” he added.
Garda Quinn said he was also on duty at Rathfarnham Garda Station on June 12th, when he was made aware that Mr Greene was in the station claiming to have killed and dismembered the body of Mrs O’Connor. The witness said he took a statement from Louise O’Connor that night at Millbrook Lawns in Tallaght.
In her statement, Louise O’Connor said she lived with her mother and father, her five children and her partner of 10 years Kieran Greene in Mountainview Park in Rathfarnham.
Louise O’Connor told Garda Quinn that her mother left the home when she was five or six years of age as the relationship between her parents ended. Her mother moved back into Mountainview 16 years ago and retired from her job in Beaumont Hospital the previous July, she continued. “Since her retirement, she has been extremely hard to live with, she is always irritated and constantly giving out,” she explained.
Louise O’Connor said that on May 29th, the day she said her mother left the house, her mother had been constantly screaming and arguing about “stupid things”. Her mother would not give her pension receipts that she had asked for and there was an argument about car insurance, she said. She explained that her mother had tried to hit her with a teapot and was roaring at Mr Greene. “There were also arguments about her smoking weed and her regular supplier had none left and she wanted me to get some and I wouldn’t. This annoyed her too,” she said.
In her statement, Louise O’Connor said she brought her children and dad to the park in order “to get away” at 7pm that night. Her mother and Mr Greene stayed in the house, she said, explaining that her partner told her he was going to have a quick shower and would follow them to the park.
When they returned to the house, Mr Greene opened the door and was “shaking and distressed” and told her that her mother was “worse now” and acting like “a raving lunatic”, she said. Mr Greene explained to her that he was having a shower, had not locked the door properly and Mrs O’Connor walked in. There was a row and Mrs O’Connor told Mr Greene that she could not even go to the toilet in her own house and the men in the house “were pathetic excuses for men”, she said.
Louise O’Connor said her father Augustine came home from the park around 9.30pm and the kids went to bed. “Mam was storming around the house banging and making noise and a few minutes later I heard the door slam. I could see her making her way up the road and she seemed to have a bag with her. She was heading in the general direction of Nutgrove. Prior to leaving the house she said: ‘I’ll be back when that bastard pops his clogs to get what is mine’,” said Louise O’Connor, adding that she told her father what had happened.
The mother-of-five said she was “wrecked” at this stage, went to bed at 11pm and did not wake up once she fell asleep. Mr Greene was lying on the couch, she said.
Louise O’Connor said she got up at 7am the following day. When she came downstairs, Mr Greene was getting ready to paint the bathroom, she said, adding that her mother had been on to him to paint it. “He said he was going to get a few jobs done before mam came back,” she said. Mr Greene dropped the children to school and her former partner Keith Johnston helped him paint the bathroom, she continued, adding that both men get on well.
Louise O’Connor said, “Mam didn’t have a phone as she had given it to me, she wouldn’t replace the phone. As the week went on we became worried about her,” she said.
Louise O’Connor said Mr Greene was getting “more stressed and irritated”. “This evening Kieran lost it, he was crying and hugging the kids and saying if you do something wrong you have to face up to it,” she said.
She said Mr Greene told her that Mrs O’Connor had returned to the house on night of May 29th.
Louise O’Connor said Mr Greene told her: “I’m sorry I hurt your mam, I didn’t mean to, she was lashing out at me with a hurl. I took the hurl off her, the next thing we were on the floor. I don’t know what happened, I panicked.”
Louise O’Connor said she did not know what to think and thought it was “a sick joke”. Mr Greene told her he had “to hand himself in” as he could not live with this, she said. “I was stunned, I asked him where it happened and he said in the bathroom. He rang his mam and dad and told them what happened and then went down to the Garda station,” she concluded.
In cross-examination, Garda Quinn agreed with Conor Devally SC, for Mr Greene, that Augustine O’Connor told him that his wife had left the home before, he had no relationship with her at the time and there were frequent arguments.
Louise O’Connor has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O’Connor disguising herself as Patricia O’Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29th, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O’Connor was dead.
Mr Johnston has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements at Woodie’s, Mr Price, B&Q and Shoe Zone, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on June 9th, 2017, which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O’Connor.
Mr Johnston also denies engaging in the refurbishment of a bathroom at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 between May 31st, 2017 and June 9th, 2017, in order to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the murder of Mrs O’Connor.
Stephanie O’Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O’Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 at a point in time after her murder on May 29th, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that she was already dead.
The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of six men and six women.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Death takes place of actor and writer Joe Steve Ó Neachtain

The death has taken place of the renowned writer , actor and activist Joe Steve Ó Neachtain .
Born in in Cré Dhubh , An Spidéal , in 1942 , Mr Ó Neachtain was well known for the part he played as Peadar Ó Conghaile in TG4 soap Ros na Rún .
He was an accomplished writer and playwright whose work includes novels , short stories , poetry and plays .
As an active participant in the Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement , Mr Ó Neachtain helped lay the groundwork for the establishment of Údarás na Gaeltachta and Radió na Gaeltachta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literary awards including the Jacob ’ s Award 1992 for the radio drama Baile an Droichid , Duais Sheán Uí Éigeartaigh and Gradam Chló Iar-Chonnachta in 1998 .
President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Mr Ó Neachtain .
In a statement issued in Irish , the President described him as an versatile writer who was immersed in the life of his community in the Connemara Gaeltacht .
President Higgins added : “ As a writer , the high standard of his work was recognised through the many awards presented to him for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shortstories and poetry.
” He said Mr Ó Neachtain became a member of Aosdána due to the “ mastery ” he displayed in his work .
President Higgins said he recalled the times he spent in Joe Steve ’ s company over the years and added that he would always be thankful to him “ for his good advice , support and for his friendship.
” Joe Steve Ó Neachtain is survived by his wife Máirín , his daughters Luisne and Aisling and his son Páid .
Mr Ó Neachtain ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday at Séipéal Naomh Ainnín , An Cnoc , Indreabhán .

The death has taken place of the renowned writer, actor and activist Joe Steve Ó Neachtain.
Born in in Cré Dhubh, An Spidéal, in 1942, Mr Ó Neachtain was well known for the part he played as Peadar Ó Conghaile in TG4 soap Ros na Rún. He was an accomplished writer and playwright whose work includes novels, short stories, poetry and plays.
As an active participant in the Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement, Mr Ó Neachtain helped lay the groundwork for the establishment of Údarás na Gaeltachta and Radió na Gaeltachta.
He was the recipient of numerous literary awards including the Jacob’s Award 1992 for the radio drama Baile an Droichid, Duais Sheán Uí Éigeartaigh and Gradam Chló Iar-Chonnachta in 1998.
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President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Mr Ó Neachtain. In a statement issued in Irish, the President described him as an versatile writer who was immersed in the life of his community in the Connemara Gaeltacht.
President Higgins added: “As a writer, the high standard of his work was recognised through the many awards presented to him for the beauty of his plays, novels, shortstories and poetry.”
He said Mr Ó Neachtain became a member of Aosdána due to the “mastery” he displayed in his work.
President Higgins said he recalled the times he spent in Joe Steve’s company over the years and added that he would always be thankful to him “for his good advice, support and for his friendship.”
Joe Steve Ó Neachtain is survived by his wife Máirín, his daughters Luisne and Aisling and his son Páid. Mr Ó Neachtain’s funeral will take place at midday on Wednesday at Séipéal Naomh Ainnín, An Cnoc, Indreabhán.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Fine Gael says it will roll out free GP care to everyone under age of 18 by 2025

Fine Gael says it will abolish hospital charges for children in the next budget and will roll out free GP care to everyone under the age of 18 by 2025 if it is returned to government .
Minister for Health and outgoing Wicklow TD Simon Harris said the party also wanted to introduce free dental care for those under the age of 16 , as well as a baby box for every newborn child .
Such boxes contain essential items needed by parents of newborns , and the box itself is designed to double up as the baby ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby boxes for decades , while Scotland introduced them in 2017 .
Mr Harris made the announcement at a press conference with Minister for Communications Richard Bruton and Vicki Casserly , who is standing for Fine Gael in Dublin Mid-West .
He outlined the cost of the plans announced on Monday , which would be included in the Fine Gael manifesto , and said the move on free GP care for all under the age of 18 was part of the “ next steps towards universal healthcare ” .
His plan for extending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Irish Dental Association , which said it would for the first time be using the general election campaign to highlight the “ dental crisis ” .
The chief executive of the association , Fintan Hourihan , said : “ We have seen that the number of children under 16 who are eligible to be treated in the public service has increased by 20 per cent in recent years , while at the same time the number of dentists employed by the State has dropped by 30 per cent.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unacceptable ” , and was announced without any consultation with the association .
Mr Harris said it was still his intention to bring in free GP care for all as part of the Sláintecare reforms , but said the Fine Gael manifesto was outlining commitments for the next five years .
“ We will also continue to look at increasing the thresholds for medical cards to ensure that particularly people whose wages increase don ’ t lose access to a medical card.
” Free GP care for the under-6s is already in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to under-7s and under-8s this year , although fees have yet to be negotiated with GP representative groups .
Mr Harris said there were 650,000 children aged between 12 and 18 , indicating that the cost of the proposals in the Fine Gael manifesto would be in the region of €80 million over five years , although fees would also have to be negotiated with representative groups .
Free dental care for those under 16 would cost €26 million per year , baby boxes would cost €10 million over five years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost €15 million in a full year .
Both Mr Harris and Mr Bruton attacked the health proposals from Fianna Fáil , with Mr Harris saying the election was “ very competitive ” and insisted Fine Gael would challenge plans from its main rival since it was competing to form the next government .
He claimed that Fianna Fáil ’ s plan to increase spending on health by €2 billion over five years was not clear , saying the Government had increased health funding by €800 million to €1 billion per year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain as Minister for Health if Fine Gael is returned to power after the election .
“ 100 per cent , I love being Health Minister .
”

Minister for Health Simon Harris at the launch of Fine Gael’s new health measures in Dublin. Photograph :Gareth Chaney/Collins
Fine Gael says it will abolish hospital charges for children in the next budget and will roll out free GP care to everyone under the age of 18 by 2025 if it is returned to government.
Minister for Health and outgoing Wicklow TD Simon Harris said the party also wanted to introduce free dental care for those under the age of 16, as well as a baby box for every newborn child.
Such boxes contain essential items needed by parents of newborns, and the box itself is designed to double up as the baby’s first crib. Finland has been providing baby boxes for decades, while Scotland introduced them in 2017.
Mr Harris made the announcement at a press conference with Minister for Communications Richard Bruton and Vicki Casserly, who is standing for Fine Gael in Dublin Mid-West.
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He outlined the cost of the plans announced on Monday, which would be included in the Fine Gael manifesto, and said the move on free GP care for all under the age of 18 was part of the “next steps towards universal healthcare”.
His plan for extending free dental care has already drawn criticism from the Irish Dental Association, which said it would for the first time be using the general election campaign to highlight the “dental crisis”.
The chief executive of the association, Fintan Hourihan, said: “We have seen that the number of children under 16 who are eligible to be treated in the public service has increased by 20 per cent in recent years, while at the same time the number of dentists employed by the State has dropped by 30 per cent.”
He said the new plan was “unrealistic and unacceptable”, and was announced without any consultation with the association.
Five years
Mr Harris said it was still his intention to bring in free GP care for all as part of the Sláintecare reforms, but said the Fine Gael manifesto was outlining commitments for the next five years.
“We will also continue to look at increasing the thresholds for medical cards to ensure that particularly people whose wages increase don’t lose access to a medical card.”
Free GP care for the under-6s is already in place, and is expected to be rolled out to under-7s and under-8s this year, although fees have yet to be negotiated with GP representative groups.
Mr Harris said there were 650,000 children aged between 12 and 18, indicating that the cost of the proposals in the Fine Gael manifesto would be in the region of €80 million over five years, although fees would also have to be negotiated with representative groups.
Free dental care for those under 16 would cost €26 million per year, baby boxes would cost €10 million over five years, and the abolition of hospital charges would cost €15 million in a full year.
Both Mr Harris and Mr Bruton attacked the health proposals from Fianna Fáil, with Mr Harris saying the election was "very competitive" and insisted Fine Gael would challenge plans from its main rival since it was competing to form the next government.
He claimed that Fianna Fáil’s plan to increase spending on health by €2 billion over five years was not clear, saying the Government had increased health funding by €800 million to €1 billion per year.
The Wicklow TD also insisted he wanted to remain as Minister for Health if Fine Gael is returned to power after the election. “100 per cent, I love being Health Minister.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Schoolboy gets four-year suspended sentence for attack on delivery man

A schoolboy who violently attacked and robbed an elderly delivery man has been given a four-year suspended sentence .
Defence barrister Cathal McGreal BL described Jabari Crichlow ’ s crime as “ a disgraceful act ” and said the teenager ( 19 ) does not deny that fact .
“ It is not lost on him that what he did was an appalling act of violence on a defenceless man who was trying to earn a bit of money after his retirement , ” Mr McGreal defending told Judge Melanie Greally .
The victim , a retired 66-year-old man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estate when he was attacked by Crichlow and his then 16-year-old accomplice .
A victim impact statement was read out stating that the man had been out of work for over a month , which cost him over €1,000 in lost income .
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the man had suffered a broken nose , concussion and chipped teeth and that although his physical injuries had since cleared , he still gets headaches from stress brought about by the attack .
The man said he could not continue to work as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that he still gets nervous passing groups of people and can not stay out after dark .
Crichlow , of Rivervale Park , Dunleer , Co Louth pleaded guilty to robbery at Deerhaven Avenue , Clonee , Dublin , on November 2nd , 2017 .
Judge Greally had adjourned the case after hearing evidence in November 2018 and placed Crichlow on a 12-month probation bond .
She ordered a report from the Probation Service and said he must engage with the service and not commit further crimes .
The judge said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date if there was a favourable probation report .
Judge Greally said it was a very violent offence and added that had Crichlow been an adult at the time , he would “ undoubtedly get a prison sentence ” .
The judge adjourned the case a second time last November after she said she would give the youth another opportunity having considered an unfavourable probation report .
On Monday Judge Greally noted from the latest probation report that Crichlow had not come “ to any significant attention ” and was now engaged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had re-established a good relationship with his supportive mother .
She suspended a four-year sentence for four years on strict conditions including that Crichlow “ cease all association with negative peers ” and carry out 240 hours community service within 12 months .

Jabari Crichlow (19), of Rivervale Park, Dunleer, Co Louth, leaving court on Monday after the case. Photograph: Collins Courts
A schoolboy who violently attacked and robbed an elderly delivery man has been given a four-year suspended sentence.
Defence barrister Cathal McGreal BL described Jabari Crichlow’s crime as “a disgraceful act” and said the teenager (19) does not deny that fact.
“It is not lost on him that what he did was an appalling act of violence on a defenceless man who was trying to earn a bit of money after his retirement,” Mr McGreal defending told Judge Melanie Greally.
The victim, a retired 66-year-old man, was delivering food to a Dublin housing estate when he was attacked by Crichlow and his then 16-year-old accomplice.
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A victim impact statement was read out stating that the man had been out of work for over a month, which cost him over €1,000 in lost income.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the man had suffered a broken nose, concussion and chipped teeth and that although his physical injuries had since cleared, he still gets headaches from stress brought about by the attack.
The man said he could not continue to work as he was afraid of a similar attack, and that he still gets nervous passing groups of people and cannot stay out after dark.
Crichlow, of Rivervale Park, Dunleer, Co Louth pleaded guilty to robbery at Deerhaven Avenue, Clonee, Dublin, on November 2nd, 2017.
Judge Greally had adjourned the case after hearing evidence in November 2018 and placed Crichlow on a 12-month probation bond.
She ordered a report from the Probation Service and said he must engage with the service and not commit further crimes. The judge said she would suspend a sentence on the next date if there was a favourable probation report.
Judge Greally said it was a very violent offence and added that had Crichlow been an adult at the time, he would “undoubtedly get a prison sentence”.
The judge adjourned the case a second time last November after she said she would give the youth another opportunity having considered an unfavourable probation report.
On Monday Judge Greally noted from the latest probation report that Crichlow had not come “to any significant attention” and was now engaged with the Probation Service.
She noted that he had re-established a good relationship with his supportive mother. She suspended a four-year sentence for four years on strict conditions including that Crichlow “cease all association with negative peers” and carry out 240 hours community service within 12 months.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Limerick FC High Court dispute with FAI settled

Limerick FC ’ s High Court action against the Football Association of Ireland over what the soccer club claimed would have been its exclusion from participating in the League of Ireland has been settled .
The case was formally struck out by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds on Monday after the judge was informed by Frank Callinan SC , with Jack Nicholas Bl , for the club , that the parties had resolved their dispute and the proceedings could be struck out .
The settlement came after the FAI issued a statement last Friday that Limerick FC can apply for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League First Division and the underage leagues for the 2020 season .
The club brought proceedings against the FAI over the association ’ s alleged failure to invite Limerick FC to submit an application for a licence to allow it to play in the League of Ireland First Division during the 2020 season .
Limerick FC , which late last year was the subject of a failed examinership process , claimed the FAI is bound under its own rules to invite the club to submit an application .
Limerick FC claimed the FAI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SC and Michael Binchy Bl , refused to do so , which had the effect of excluding it from playing this season ’ s First Division .
The court heard that the FAI , in correspondence with the club , never said that it was unwilling to allow Limerick FC to apply for a licence .
The case was brought by Munster Football Club Limited , trading as Limerick Football Club .
The club sought orders including requiring the FAI to take all necessary steps to permit Limerick FC to submit an application @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2020 League of Ireland First Division .
The case was adjourned to allow talks between the parties aimed at resolving the dispute .
Those discussions came to a successful conclusion last Friday .
On Monday Ms Justice Reynolds welcomed news of the settlement , which the court heard is confidential .
Outside court , Limerick FC chairman Mr Pat O ’ Sullivan said in a statement : “ I am pleased to have won our case in the High Court , allowing us now to apply for our First Division Licence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been extremely difficult for me and I am glad to be back in a position to concentrate on Limerick FC away from the courts.
” After thanking his legal team , he said he had “ many concerns regarding how our club has been treated since mid-2018 .
I do feel there has been a co-ordinated effort to destabilise our club , for reasons unknown to me .
I am taking advice as to what options are available to the club.
” Finally , with regard to the Limerick FC academy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves Limerick United .
He said that Limerick FC made an offer of co-operation to them .
“ I sincerely hope for a positive response to our offer of co-operation .
There is a significant investment available around a senior soccer team in Limerick with an underage structure.
” “ To me there is no sense in any other long-term sustainable football project in Limerick other than the two parties combining their resources for the benefit of players ’ development , especially , our sport and our communities.
” “ If necessary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honorary role .
It is difficult to see why Limerick United will not join with Limerick FC for the future of Limerick soccer .
As previously discussed I am willing to allow the Limerick United coaching staff to remain in situ subject to FAI requirements , ” Mr O ’ Sullivan concluded .

Limerick FC's High Court action against the Football Association of Ireland over what the soccer club claimed would have been its exclusion from participating in the League of Ireland has been settled.
The case was formally struck out by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds on Monday after the judge was informed by Frank Callinan SC, with Jack Nicholas Bl, for the club, that the parties had resolved their dispute and the proceedings could be struck out.
The settlement came after the FAI issued a statement last Friday that Limerick FC can apply for a licence to compete in the SSE Airtricity League First Division and the underage leagues for the 2020 season.
The club brought proceedings against the FAI over the association’s alleged failure to invite Limerick FC to submit an application for a licence to allow it to play in the League of Ireland First Division during the 2020 season.
READ MORE
Limerick FC, which late last year was the subject of a failed examinership process, claimed the FAI is bound under its own rules to invite the club to submit an application.
Limerick FC claimed the FAI, represented in court by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC and Michael Binchy Bl, refused to do so, which had the effect of excluding it from playing this season's First Division.
The court heard that the FAI, in correspondence with the club, never said that it was unwilling to allow Limerick FC to apply for a licence.
The case was brought by Munster Football Club Limited, trading as Limerick Football Club.
Successful conclusion
The club sought orders including requiring the FAI to take all necessary steps to permit Limerick FC to submit an application for a licence allowing it to play in the 2020 League of Ireland First Division.
The case was adjourned to allow talks between the parties aimed at resolving the dispute. Those discussions came to a successful conclusion last Friday.
On Monday Ms Justice Reynolds welcomed news of the settlement, which the court heard is confidential.
Outside court, Limerick FC chairman Mr Pat O’Sullivan said in a statement: “I am pleased to have won our case in the High Court, allowing us now to apply for our First Division Licence. The last few weeks and months have been extremely difficult for me and I am glad to be back in a position to concentrate on Limerick FC away from the courts.”
After thanking his legal team, he said he had “many concerns regarding how our club has been treated since mid-2018. I do feel there has been a co-ordinated effort to destabilise our club, for reasons unknown to me. I am taking advice as to what options are available to the club.”
Finally, with regard to the Limerick FC academy, a new group has been created calling themselves Limerick United.
He said that Limerick FC made an offer of co-operation to them.
“I sincerely hope for a positive response to our offer of co-operation. There is a significant investment available around a senior soccer team in Limerick with an underage structure.”
“To me there is no sense in any other long-term sustainable football project in Limerick other than the two parties combining their resources for the benefit of players’ development, especially, our sport and our communities.”
“If necessary, I am willing to take on an honorary role. It is difficult to see why Limerick United will not join with Limerick FC for the future of Limerick soccer. As previously discussed I am willing to allow the Limerick United coaching staff to remain in situ subject to FAI requirements,” Mr O’Sullivan concluded.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--M50 tolls payment case against Keane Mulready-Woods withdrawn

Twenty-eight motorists have been hit with fines totalling €266,000 after failing to turn up to court to face charges for repeatedly dodging M50 tolls .
One of the prosecutions due to be heard on Monday at Dublin District Court , against murdered Drogheda teenager Keane Mulready-Woods , was withdrawn .
Last week it was confirmed that remains found in Priorswood , Coolock and in a burned out vehicle at Trinity Terrace , Dublin 3 , were those of the 17-year-old boy .
He had faced five sample counts alleging that as the registered owner of 2011-reg car , he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motorway on five days last June .
Summonses had been sent to his address in Drogheda .
Judge Anthony Halpin agreed to strike out the case after noting from prosecution counsel that the named defendant had died .
Meanwhile , another defendant , Des Long , of Rathsallagh Park , Shankill , Dublin , who is facing an ongoing case featuring allegations of 1,139 unpaid trips in his van , had his case adjourned until May .
He has been warned he could face fines of up to totalling €25,000 after the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the motorway charges .
Like all defendants in the list , he was prosecuted on five sample counts .
Mr Long has insisted he had been trying to deal with eFlow which operates barrier free tolling on the M50 for Transport Infrastructure Ireland ( TII ) .
Some 51 motorists had been summonsed to appear in court on Monday .
Prosecutions against 28 of them went ahead in their absence resulting in large fines .
They had records of between 115 and 392 unpaid trips , Judge Halpin was told .
Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them were sent to the motorists but the vast majority did not reply , the court heard .
The private car owner with the highest amount of unpaid charges had been sent 1,176 warning letters , and was fined €15,000 .

Keane Mulready-Woods from Drogheda, whose remains were found in Dublin. Photograph: Garda/PA Wire
Twenty-eight motorists have been hit with fines totalling €266,000 after failing to turn up to court to face charges for repeatedly dodging M50 tolls.
One of the prosecutions due to be heard on Monday at Dublin District Court, against murdered Drogheda teenager Keane Mulready-Woods, was withdrawn.
Last week it was confirmed that remains found in Priorswood, Coolock and in a burned out vehicle at Trinity Terrace, Dublin 3, were those of the 17-year-old boy.
He had faced five sample counts alleging that as the registered owner of 2011-reg car, he had not paid tolls for journeys on the motorway on five days last June.
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Summonses had been sent to his address in Drogheda.
Judge Anthony Halpin agreed to strike out the case after noting from prosecution counsel that the named defendant had died.
Allegations
Meanwhile, another defendant, Des Long, of Rathsallagh Park, Shankill, Dublin, who is facing an ongoing case featuring allegations of 1,139 unpaid trips in his van, had his case adjourned until May.
He has been warned he could face fines of up to totalling €25,000 after the court heard he was sent 4,417 reminder letters over the motorway charges.
Like all defendants in the list, he was prosecuted on five sample counts.
Mr Long has insisted he had been trying to deal with eFlow which operates barrier free tolling on the M50 for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Some 51 motorists had been summonsed to appear in court on Monday.
Prosecutions against 28 of them went ahead in their absence resulting in large fines. They had records of between 115 and 392 unpaid trips, Judge Halpin was told.
Each one generated three warning letters and thousands of them were sent to the motorists but the vast majority did not reply, the court heard.
The private car owner with the highest amount of unpaid charges had been sent 1,176 warning letters, and was fined €15,000.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Shopkeeper and father of five jailed after allowing bank account to be used in fraud

A father of five who allowed his bank account to be used in a fraud because he was under financial pressure has been jailed .
Mohammed Nasser Mohiuddin ( 48 ) a Dublin shop keeper , told gardaí  he was promised €10,000 if he allowed over €200,000 to be transferred into his bank account .
The money was transferred in five separate transactions between February and March 2017 but Mohiuddin never received the €10,000 .
Garda Stephen Daly told Garrett McCormack BL , prosecuting , that money was effectively stolen from a company called Enercon GMBH , a wind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ invoice redirect fraud ” .
The company received an email from a supplier in February 2017 advising them that they had switched bank accounts and requesting that all future payments be directed to a different account number .
The fraud came to light when the supplier contacted Enercon and stated that they had not received any of the five payments .
The total transferred was just over €202,000 .
Mohiuddin of Upper Clanbrassil Street , Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five charges of handling cash knowing or believing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February and March 2017 .
He has no previous convictions .
Judge Melanie Greally said Mohiuddin conducted a legitimate business and was a family man .
She said it was a “ significant error of judgment ” and out of character but said he carried out the offences for financial reward .
“ He must have been either aware or had a strong suspicion that the money had been gained in a fraudulent way , ” Judge Greally said .
She sentenced Mohiuddin to three and half years in prison and suspended the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict conditions .
Gda Daly told Mr McCormack a Garda investigation was launched and Mohiuddin was arrested after it was discovered that the money had been transferred to an account registered in his name .
His bank account , which had a balance of just under €52,000 , was frozen by the State .
The garda said “ nothing of evidential value ” came out of Mohiuddin ’ s initial interview with gardaí but he later came to the station in October 2017 where he made a statement claiming that he had met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him €10,000 for the use of his bank account .
He said he could not give gardaí the name of this other man as he was in fear of him .
Gda Daly agreed with James Dwyer SC , defending , that the crime “ was not very sophisticated ” from his client ’ s point of view as it was easy to trace the account back to him .
He accepted that Mohiuddin ’ s plea of guilty saved a number of witnesses having to come from other jurisdictions to give evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mohiuddin was “ not the mastermind at the top of the tree ” and that he did not have a lavish lifestyle .
He has a shop and a taxi plate and is the father of five children .
Gda Daly further accepted that Mohiuddin ’ s business was struggling at the time and that was why he agreed to get involved .
Mr Dwyer said his client “ made a considerable error of judgment when he was in a particularly vulnerable financial position as a family man ” .
He asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ otherwise a man of excellent character ” and did not benefit in any way financially from his role .
Counsel accepted that Mohiuddin “ played an integral role ” but suggested he was on “ the bottom rung of the ladder ” .

Judge Melanie Greally said Mohiuddin conducted a legitimate business and was a family man. She said it was a “significant error of judgment” and out of character but said he carried out the offences for financial reward. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh
A father of five who allowed his bank account to be used in a fraud because he was under financial pressure has been jailed.
Mohammed Nasser Mohiuddin (48) a Dublin shop keeper, told gardaí  he was promised €10,000 if he allowed over €200,000 to be transferred into his bank account.
The money was transferred in five separate transactions between February and March 2017 but Mohiuddin never received the €10,000.
Garda Stephen Daly told Garrett McCormack BL, prosecuting, that money was effectively stolen from a company called Enercon GMBH, a wind turbine manufacturer and distributor, through an “invoice redirect fraud”.
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The company received an email from a supplier in February 2017 advising them that they had switched bank accounts and requesting that all future payments be directed to a different account number.
The fraud came to light when the supplier contacted Enercon and stated that they had not received any of the five payments. The total transferred was just over €202,000.
Mohiuddin of Upper Clanbrassil Street, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five charges of handling cash knowing or believing it to be stolen on dates in February and March 2017. He has no previous convictions.
Judge Melanie Greally said Mohiuddin conducted a legitimate business and was a family man.
She said it was a “significant error of judgment” and out of character but said he carried out the offences for financial reward.
“He must have been either aware or had a strong suspicion that the money had been gained in a fraudulent way,” Judge Greally said. She sentenced Mohiuddin to three and half years in prison and suspended the final 18 months of the term on strict conditions.
Gda Daly told Mr McCormack a Garda investigation was launched and Mohiuddin was arrested after it was discovered that the money had been transferred to an account registered in his name.
His bank account, which had a balance of just under €52,000, was frozen by the State.
The garda said “nothing of evidential value” came out of Mohiuddin’s initial interview with gardaí but he later came to the station in October 2017 where he made a statement claiming that he had met a man through a friend who offered him €10,000 for the use of his bank account.
He said he could not give gardaí the name of this other man as he was in fear of him.
Gda Daly agreed with James Dwyer SC, defending, that the crime “was not very sophisticated” from his client’s point of view as it was easy to trace the account back to him.
He accepted that Mohiuddin’s plea of guilty saved a number of witnesses having to come from other jurisdictions to give evidence at a trial.
Gda Daly accepted that Mohiuddin was “not the mastermind at the top of the tree” and that he did not have a lavish lifestyle. He has a shop and a taxi plate and is the father of five children.
Gda Daly further accepted that Mohiuddin’s business was struggling at the time and that was why he agreed to get involved.
Mr Dwyer said his client “made a considerable error of judgment when he was in a particularly vulnerable financial position as a family man”.
He asked Judge Greally to accept that his client was “otherwise a man of excellent character” and did not benefit in any way financially from his role.
Counsel accepted that Mohiuddin “played an integral role” but suggested he was on “the bottom rung of the ladder”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Dáil urged to reconsider refusal to mediate Angela Kerins claim

The president of the High Court has urged the Dáil to reconsider its refusal to enter a non-binding mediation of a claim for damages by former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins over her treatment by the Dáil Public Accounts Committee at hearings in 2014 .
Mr Justice Peter Kelly made the comments on Monday when he re-entered Ms Kerins ’ s action against the Dáil and State with a view to her pursuing the second part of it , a claim for damages .
He was told by John Rogers SC , for Ms Kerins , that a parliamentary legal adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Kerins ’ s lawyers last year to engage in a non-binding mediation , had indicated the issue whether she had any entitlement to damages raised important issues of principle which would have to be decided by a court .
Brian Kennedy SC , for the Dáil , said he would bring the judge ’ s urging that a “ second look ” be taken at the mediation request to the attention of his client .
Ms Kerins , the judge noted , has said she is willing to engage in mediation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said has had a very adverse effect on her .
She had said , apart from the distress and injury she has suffered , she has also experienced very substantial financial loss .
Her lawyers had sought non-binding mediation to resolve the issues in the context of the role of the Dáil in regulating its own behaviour and a public statement by the Ceann Comhairle acknowledging the wrong done to her , he said .
He considered there should be a “ second look ” at the mediation offer .
Mediation was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long and protracted ” hearing and possible appeal and is a process much approved by the courts as a method of bringing about a resolution by consent between parties involved in litigation , he said .
If mediation is not embarked upon , the matter will go to trial .
Having been told of discussions on discovery applications by both sides and there may be agreement on discovery , he adjourned the proceedings to early March to facilitate that and for further case management .
As part of Ms Kerins discovery applications , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and/or between individual members , whether in public or in private session , when it decided to commence its examination into payment of monies by the Rehab group .
The first module concerned whether the courts had jurisdiction to interfere with hearings before Oireachtas Committees .
In its judgment on that module in January 2017 , a three-judge High Court was strongly critical of the PAC ’ s treatment of Ms Kerins but concluded , because of the constitutional separation of powers , the courts could not intervene .
Ms Kerins appealed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landmark judgment , found the PAC acted unlawfully in its treatment of Ms Kerins in acting outside its terms of reference and of its invitation to Ms Kerins to appear before it .
It grated a declaration to that effect against the Dáil and said any further dispute between the sides , including about damages , should be decided in the first instance by the High Court .
It could not be assumed there was an entitlement to damages and any such claim raised “ novel ” issues of law , it said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case involves claims for misfeasance in public office , breach of constitutional rights and damages .
She wants substantial damages over her treatment before the PAC when she was questioned by some members about matters including her €240,000 annual salary and the salaries of other Rehab officials .
She has described her treatment as a “ witch-hunt ” and says it lead to an attempt by her to take her own life and significant financial loss , including of her annual salary , bonuses and company car with Rehab from the time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The president of the High Court has urged the Dáil to reconsider its refusal to enter a non-binding mediation of a claim for damages by former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins over her treatment by the Dáil Public Accounts Committee at hearings in 2014.
Mr Justice Peter Kelly made the comments on Monday when he re-entered Ms Kerins’s action against the Dáil and State with a view to her pursuing the second part of it, a claim for damages.
He was told by John Rogers SC, for Ms Kerins, that a parliamentary legal adviser, in response to a request from Ms Kerins’s lawyers last year to engage in a non-binding mediation, had indicated the issue whether she had any entitlement to damages raised important issues of principle which would have to be decided by a court.
Brian Kennedy SC, for the Dáil, said he would bring the judge’s urging that a “second look” be taken at the mediation request to the attention of his client.
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Ms Kerins, the judge noted, has said she is willing to engage in mediation in the hope to end the litigation which she said has had a very adverse effect on her. She had said, apart from the distress and injury she has suffered, she has also experienced very substantial financial loss.
Her lawyers had sought non-binding mediation to resolve the issues in the context of the role of the Dáil in regulating its own behaviour and a public statement by the Ceann Comhairle acknowledging the wrong done to her, he said.
He considered there should be a “second look” at the mediation offer.
Mediation was a possible way of avoiding another “long and protracted” hearing and possible appeal and is a process much approved by the courts as a method of bringing about a resolution by consent between parties involved in litigation, he said.
If mediation is not embarked upon, the matter will go to trial.
Having been told of discussions on discovery applications by both sides and there may be agreement on discovery, he adjourned the proceedings to early March to facilitate that and for further case management.
Discovery applications
As part of Ms Kerins discovery applications, she wants all minutes of the PAC and/or between individual members, whether in public or in private session, when it decided to commence its examination into payment of monies by the Rehab group.
Ms Kerins’s High Court action was initiated in 2014.
The first module concerned whether the courts had jurisdiction to interfere with hearings before Oireachtas Committees.
In its judgment on that module in January 2017, a three-judge High Court was strongly critical of the PAC’s treatment of Ms Kerins but concluded, because of the constitutional separation of powers, the courts could not intervene.
Ms Kerins appealed to the Supreme Court which, in a landmark judgment, found the PAC acted unlawfully in its treatment of Ms Kerins in acting outside its terms of reference and of its invitation to Ms Kerins to appear before it.
It grated a declaration to that effect against the Dáil and said any further dispute between the sides, including about damages, should be decided in the first instance by the High Court.
It could not be assumed there was an entitlement to damages and any such claim raised “novel” issues of law, it said.
The second leg of Ms Kerins case involves claims for misfeasance in public office, breach of constitutional rights and damages. She wants substantial damages over her treatment before the PAC when she was questioned by some members about matters including her €240,000 annual salary and the salaries of other Rehab officials.
She has described her treatment as a “witch-hunt” and says it lead to an attempt by her to take her own life and significant financial loss, including of her annual salary, bonuses and company car with Rehab from the time of her resignation in 2014 to retirement age.


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--NI Assembly votes to reject Brexit withdrawal deal

The North ’ s Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to reject the British government ’ s Brexit withdrawal deal .
MLAs had been asked by the UK ’ s Brexit Secretary to give legislative consent to the European Union ( Withdrawal Agreement ) Bill , which lays out the terms of the UK ’ s departure from the EU on January 31st .
In a vote on Monday , a clear majority of members voted in favour of the motion affirming that the Assembly “ does not agree to give its consent ” to the Bill .
There were no audible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s MLAs will not affect the UK ’ s departure from the EU at the end of the month .
“ This Assembly has not given its consent to the British government to legislate on our behalf , ” said the deputy first minister , Sinn Féin ’ s Michelle O ’ Neill .
The parties , she said , “ must work together in common cause to overcome the challenges that have been opposed upon us by Brexit .
“ It ’ s significant that this Assembly sends a very firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we follow after Scotland has rejected Brexit , and I believe Wales will vote tomorrow to maybe also reject Brexit , ” she said .
In Edinburgh earlier this month , the Scottish parliament voted to reject the Bill by 92 votes to 29 .
The Welsh first minister has urged assembly members in Wales to vote against it .
The Brexit Secretary , Steve Barclay , has written to Scottish and Welsh ministers expressing his “ disappointment ” that the devolved governments have not given their support to the Bill .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should “ not normally ” press ahead with such legislation without the consent of the devolved administrations , the circumstances of the UK ’ s departure from the EU are “ specific , singular and exceptional ” .
While in this case the British government would proceed without their consent , Mr Barclay said , it would “ continue to work to address your concerns ” .
During the three-hour debate which preceded the vote , each of the North ’ s five main political parties spoke in support of the motion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU by 56 per cent to 44 .
Four of the five parties were pro-Remain .
The DUP , which was pro-Leave , opposes the Withdrawal Agreement Bill over fears it will create a border down the Irish Sea .
Northern Ireland ’ s first minister Arlene Foster called on the British prime minister Boris Johnson to “ deliver on his promise ” of unfettered access to markets in Great Britain .
The withdrawal deal , the DUP leader said , posed “ significant challenges for Northern Ireland ” and MLAs should “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Assembly is “ back in business ” .
Her party colleague , Gary Middleton MLA , said “ the checks as proposed would lead to greater burdens for trade between GB and Northern Ireland and consequently would trade subject to the rules of the EU customs union , notwithstanding [ Northern Ireland ] would remain part of the UK customs territory .
“ So the prime minister has described his withdrawal agreement as oven ready , ” he said , “ but it ’ s “ very clear from this chamber and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no appetite for the current withdrawal agreement.
” The SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon said that the debate was an opportunity to “ give the people of Northern Ireland a voice .
Today we must send a united message to Boris Johnson in the UK government , to Dublin and to Brussels that collectively we reject the EU withdrawal agreement , ” she said .
Ms Mallon called on the British government to “ immediately rule out any future threat of a no deal Brexit.
” It was not Mr Johnson or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of this dangerous cliff edge ” she said .
“ It will be communities , farmers and businesses right across Northern Ireland .
“ People at home are rightly concerned , ” she said .
“ They know , given the catalogue of experiences to date , that the words of the prime minister Boris Johnson can not be trusted.
” Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong , said that while her party opposed to Brexit , it accepted it was now “ inevitable ” and the focus should be “ on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal - standing up and protecting Northern Ireland.
” “ Rather than what could have been a foot in both camps for Northern Ireland , unless protections are put in place , we may well end up being marginal in both the UK and EU arrangements , ” she said .
The Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken called for a number of “ practical measures ” , including the “ rapid creation of the Brexit subcommittee ” , to mitigate the potential impact of Brexit .
“ There ’ s little appetite in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin to deliver what is best for us here in Northern Ireland , ” he said .
“ The only way we can make these changes , the only way we can influence this is if we all join together and make this happen.
” – Additional reporting PA

A Stormont official watches proceedings in the Northern Ireland Assembly Chamber on a television in the Great Hall at Stormont Buildings. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
The North's Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to reject the British government's Brexit withdrawal deal.
MLAs had been asked by the UK's Brexit Secretary to give legislative consent to the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which lays out the terms of the UK's departure from the EU on January 31st.
In a vote on Monday, a clear majority of members voted in favour of the motion affirming that the Assembly “does not agree to give its consent” to the Bill. There were no audible dissenters.
The decision by Northern Ireland’s MLAs will not affect the UK’s departure from the EU at the end of the month.
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“This Assembly has not given its consent to the British government to legislate on our behalf,” said the deputy first minister, Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill.
The parties, she said, “must work together in common cause to overcome the challenges that have been opposed upon us by Brexit.
"It's significant that this Assembly sends a very firm message again that we reject Brexit, that we follow after Scotland has rejected Brexit, and I believe Wales will vote tomorrow to maybe also reject Brexit," she said.
In Edinburgh earlier this month, the Scottish parliament voted to reject the Bill by 92 votes to 29. The Welsh first minister has urged assembly members in Wales to vote against it.
‘Disappointment’
The Brexit Secretary, Steve Barclay, has written to Scottish and Welsh ministers expressing his "disappointment" that the devolved governments have not given their support to the Bill.
He said that while the British government should “not normally” press ahead with such legislation without the consent of the devolved administrations, the circumstances of the UK’s departure from the EU are “specific, singular and exceptional”.
While in this case the British government would proceed without their consent, Mr Barclay said, it would “continue to work to address your concerns”.
During the three-hour debate which preceded the vote, each of the North’s five main political parties spoke in support of the motion.
Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU by 56 per cent to 44. Four of the five parties were pro-Remain. The DUP, which was pro-Leave, opposes the Withdrawal Agreement Bill over fears it will create a border down the Irish Sea.
Northern Ireland's first minister Arlene Foster called on the British prime minister Boris Johnson to "deliver on his promise" of unfettered access to markets in Great Britain.
The withdrawal deal, the DUP leader said, posed “significant challenges for Northern Ireland” and MLAs should “take a stand” to show that the Assembly is “back in business”.
Her party colleague, Gary Middleton MLA, said "the checks as proposed would lead to greater burdens for trade between GB and Northern Ireland and consequently would trade subject to the rules of the EU customs union, notwithstanding [Northern Ireland] would remain part of the UK customs territory.
‘No appetite’
“So the prime minister has described his withdrawal agreement as oven ready,” he said, “but it’s “very clear from this chamber and from business and stakeholders that there’s no appetite for the current withdrawal agreement.”
The SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon said that the debate was an opportunity to "give the people of Northern Ireland a voice. Today we must send a united message to Boris Johnson in the UK government, to Dublin and to Brussels that collectively we reject the EU withdrawal agreement," she said.
Ms Mallon called on the British government to “immediately rule out any future threat of a no deal Brexit.” It was not Mr Johnson or his Cabinet colleagues who would “suffer as a result of this dangerous cliff edge” she said. “It will be communities, farmers and businesses right across Northern Ireland.
“People at home are rightly concerned,” she said. “They know, given the catalogue of experiences to date, that the words of the prime minister Boris Johnson cannot be trusted.”
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong, said that while her party opposed to Brexit, it accepted it was now "inevitable" and the focus should be "on taking the rough edges off the Brexit deal - standing up and protecting Northern Ireland."
“Rather than what could have been a foot in both camps for Northern Ireland, unless protections are put in place, we may well end up being marginal in both the UK and EU arrangements,” she said.
The Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken called for a number of "practical measures", including the "rapid creation of the Brexit subcommittee", to mitigate the potential impact of Brexit.
“There’s little appetite in the EU, in London, in Dublin to deliver what is best for us here in Northern Ireland,” he said. “The only way we can make these changes, the only way we can influence this is if we all join together and make this happen.” – Additional reporting PA