theirishtimes--2020-12-22--Covid-19: What new restrictions are being introduced and when?

The Government has announced renewed Level 5 restrictions to place the country into a lockdown in the coming days until January 12th .
So what is happening , and when ?
No , new restrictions on household visits and inter-county travel will only come into effect after St Stephen ’ s Day .
So I can still have household visits ?
People will be able to host visitors from two different households until St Stephen ’ s Day , after that it will be limited to visits from one other household up to New Year ’ s Eve .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardens will again be banned , except for essential family reasons or people in support bubbles .
Restrictions on non-essential travel between counties had been relaxed to allow family members gather for the Christmas holidays .
The ban on inter-county travel will be reintroduced after St Stephen ’ s Day .
However , people staying with family in another county for Christmas will not be required to return home immediately after December 26th .
They will be allowed to travel between counties after this date if they are returning home .
We knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never going to happen this year .
The Government has moved to close restaurants , cafes , and pubs serving food from 3pm on Christmas Eve , restricting them to takeaway and delivery services only .
What else is changing ?
Hairdressers , salons , cinemas , galleries , and museums are to close from Christmas Eve , while gyms and swimming pools will remain open for individual training only .
Mass and religious services will move online after Christmas Day .
Non-essential retail will be allowed to remain open , but will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales events .
Hotels are to close for all non-essential bookings after St Stephen ’ s Day .
Travel restrictions from Britain are to be extended until December 31st .
Pretty much : restaurants and bars shuttered apart from takeaway services ; no non-essential travel out of your county ; no haircuts ; and no household visits from January 1st .
The main difference between this and the previous lockdown is gyms and non-essential retail shops can remain open this time .
How long will this one last ?
The Government has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12th .
However , Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the restrictions may have to remain in place until the end of February , when substantial numbers of people have received the vaccine .
What was the previous plan ?
Originally the plan was to allow people a near three-week window where travel between counties and home visits from other households were allowed .
The restrictions on inter-county travel and household visits were eased on December 18th , and initially not due to be reimposed until January 6th .
What has Nphet said ?
Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on Monday saying Level 5 restrictions would be needed at some point after Christmas .
In early December , modelling from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) estimated Ireland could see between 800 and 1,200 cases a day by mid-January , given increased socialising over Christmas .
Over the last week the situation began to rapidly deteriorate , with cases rising much more quickly than public health officials or politicians had expected in the run-up to Christmas .
Latest models graphing the potential spread suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1,800 daily cases by early January .
However , on Tuesday the Government said given current growth cases could perhaps exceed 2,000 a day as early as the start of the new year .
Well like cavalry on the horizon , the vaccine is on the way .
Several thousand doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are to arrive in Ireland this week , with the most vulnerable first in line to receive doses next week .

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced that the country will return to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, with some adjustments, from Christmas Eve until January 12th due to a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. Video: RTÉ
The Government has announced renewed Level 5 restrictions to place the country into a lockdown in the coming days until at least January 12th. So what is happening, and when?
Is Christmas cancelled?
No, new restrictions on household visits and inter-county travel will only come into effect from midnight on St Stephen’s Day.
So I can still have household visits?
People will be able to host visitors from two different households until St Stephen’s Day, after that it will be limited to visits from one other household up to New Year’s Eve. From January 1st visits to private homes or gardens will again be banned, except for essential family reasons or people in support bubbles.
Can I leave my county?
Restrictions on non-essential travel between counties had been relaxed to allow family members gather for the Christmas holidays.
READ MORE
The ban on inter-county travel will be reintroduced after St Stephen’s Day. However, people staying with family in another county for Christmas will not be required to return home immediately after December 26th. They will be allowed to travel between counties after this date if they are returning home.
And pubs and restaurants?
We knew the traditional Christmas Eve pub experience was never going to happen this year. The Government has moved to close restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving food from 3pm on Christmas Eve, restricting them to takeaway and delivery services only.
What else is changing?
Hairdressers, salons, cinemas, galleries, and museums are to close from Christmas Eve, while gyms and swimming pools will remain open for individual training only. Mass and religious services will move online after Christmas Day.
Non-essential retail will be allowed to remain open, but will be encouraged to avoid holding any large sales events.
Hotels are to close for all non-essential bookings after St Stephen’s Day. Travel restrictions from Britain are to be extended until December 31st.
Up to midnight on January 2nd, 25 guests can attend weddings, but this will be limited to six guests from January 3rd. Funerals are limited to 10 mourners.
Golf and outdoor tennis will still be permitted, while for team sports non-contact training can take place outdoors in pods of up to 15 people.
Professional and elite sports, as well as horse and greyhound racing, can continue behind closed doors.
So another lockdown?
Pretty much: restaurants and bars shuttered apart from takeaway services; no non-essential travel out of your county; no haircuts; and no household visits from January 1st. The main difference between this and the previous lockdown is gyms and non-essential retail shops can remain open this time.
How long will this one last?
The Government has said the measures will be reviewed on January 12th.
However, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the restrictions may have to remain in place until the end of February, when substantial numbers of people have received the vaccine.
What was the previous plan?
Originally the plan was to allow people a near three-week window where travel between counties and home visits from other households were allowed.
The restrictions on inter-county travel and household visits were eased on December 18th, and initially not due to be reimposed until January 6th.
What has Nphet said?
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan wrote to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on Monday saying Level 5 restrictions would be needed at some point after Christmas.
In early December, modelling from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) estimated Ireland could see between 800 and 1,200 cases a day by mid-January, given increased socialising over Christmas.
Over the last week the situation began to rapidly deteriorate, with cases rising much more quickly than public health officials or politicians had expected in the run-up to Christmas.
Latest models graphing the potential spread suggest the country could now see between 1,300 and 1,800 daily cases by early January.
However, on Tuesday the Government said given current growth cases could perhaps exceed 2,000 a day as early as the start of the new year.
Any good news?
Well like cavalry on the horizon, the vaccine is on the way. Several thousand doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are to arrive in Ireland this week, with the most vulnerable first in line to receive doses next week.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--Long delays on State helpline as Irish people stranded in UK try to get home

Irish people stranded in Britain have reported long delays trying to get through to the emergency repatriation helpline set up by the Department of Foreign Affairs .
The department has appealed for people to be patient , as the helpline answered more than 500 calls on Monday .
Two flights , scheduled to leave for Dublin from London this evening , have been arranged by the department to repatriate two categories of people stranded by the recently-implemented travel ban .
Only Irish citizens who are normally resident in Ireland and international Irish-bound passengers who are transiting through Great Britain are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The service does not provide for Irish people living in Britain who were planning short trips back for Christmas .
Cormac Devery spoke to the Irish Times while en route to Pembroke Port in Wales without any assurance he would be allowed to board the ferry to Rosslare in the afternoon .
“ I have been trying to ring the helpline .
.
.
They put you on hold for 40 minutes and then it disconnects , ” he said .
“ There can not be an awful lot of people coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could ring us to let us know the situation , ” he said .
A spokesman for Irish Ferries said the company is following Department of Transport advice and further information is available for passengers on the Irish Ferries website .
Irish Ferries services are continuing as normal for freight and freight drivers but the operator has been instructed not to accept any passengers travelling to Ireland .
People hoping to be repatriated must contact the Irish Embassy or the emergency helpline , the company instructs .
Mr Devery had travelled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to collect the last of his furniture from his London home , which has been put up for sale .
He said he had no option but to collect his belongings before Christmas .
“ We really had no choice but to come over .
.
.
Obviously now the whole family is upset , so we are really hoping to get back in time for Christmas , ” he said .
He said he is , perhaps , one of the lucky people that would at least have a roof over his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
However , with his home completely cleared out , Mr Devery and his teenage son would not have a mattress between them .
“ I just think the Government should make contact .
.
.
Our situation could get a lot worse if we are not allowed on this ferry this afternoon , ” he said .
One man , who travelled to London on Monday for an essential medical appointment , said he is awaiting confirmation from the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding a seat on one of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , who did not want to be named due to a personal medical condition , said he could not get through to the emergency helpline provided by the department .
He said he eventually managed to register through the Irish consulate .
“ I phoned the Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday morning .
.
.
I was ringing the emergency number even when the nurses were calling me into the theatre and I was ringing them again when I came back around .
All the time it was engaged , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ text message at 3am today explaining two flights are due to leave London for Dublin this evening .
He said he sent on his details and is awaiting confirmation of a place on board .
“ I am a little different in that I jumped into the fire despite it all .
I was willing to sacrifice Christmas with my family because I was overdue my treatment .
It was a decision I made , but it has been very very stressful , ” he said .
Another woman , named Trish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring her mother to medical appointments claimed she had called the emergency helpline close to 100 times before getting through to an operator who told her to send an email .
She said she is booked onto a ferry to return to Ireland on Wednesday but has yet to hear from the department if she will be allowed to board .
Billy Stamp , from Wexford , is anxiously waiting to hear if his wife Margaret has gotten a seat on one of the repatriation flights this evening .
Ironically , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8.45pm was her original ticket home before all flights were cancelled .
After multiple attempts to reach the department , she finally got a text early this morning providing details of the repatriation flights .
For now it is a “ waiting game ” to see if she can return home to their six-year-old daughter following an essential work trip .

Irish people stranded in Britain have reported long delays trying to get through to the emergency repatriation helpline set up by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The department has appealed for people to be patient, as the helpline answered more than 500 calls on Monday.
Two flights, scheduled to leave for Dublin from London this evening, have been arranged by the department to repatriate two categories of people stranded by the recently-implemented travel ban.
Hospital Report
Only Irish citizens who are normally resident in Ireland and international Irish-bound passengers who are transiting through Great Britain are eligible for the repatriation flights and ferries.
READ MORE
The service does not provide for Irish people living in Britain who were planning short trips back for Christmas.
Cormac Devery spoke to the Irish Times while en route to Pembroke Port in Wales without any assurance he would be allowed to board the ferry to Rosslare in the afternoon.
“I have been trying to ring the helpline . . . They put you on hold for 40 minutes and then it disconnects,” he said.
“There cannot be an awful lot of people coming over on the ferry, so surely they could ring us to let us know the situation,” he said.
A spokesman for Irish Ferries said the company is following Department of Transport advice and further information is available for passengers on the Irish Ferries website.
Irish Ferries services are continuing as normal for freight and freight drivers but the operator has been instructed not to accept any passengers travelling to Ireland. People hoping to be repatriated must contact the Irish Embassy or the emergency helpline, the company instructs.
‘No choice’
Mr Devery had travelled to Britain with his teenage son on Sunday to collect the last of his furniture from his London home, which has been put up for sale. He said he had no option but to collect his belongings before Christmas.
“We really had no choice but to come over . . . Obviously now the whole family is upset, so we are really hoping to get back in time for Christmas,” he said.
He said he is, perhaps, one of the lucky people that would at least have a roof over his head if he does not get home on Tuesday. However, with his home completely cleared out, Mr Devery and his teenage son would not have a mattress between them.
“I just think the Government should make contact . . . Our situation could get a lot worse if we are not allowed on this ferry this afternoon,” he said.
One man, who travelled to London on Monday for an essential medical appointment, said he is awaiting confirmation from the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding a seat on one of two flights to Dublin this evening.
The man, who did not want to be named due to a personal medical condition, said he could not get through to the emergency helpline provided by the department. He said he eventually managed to register through the Irish consulate.
“I phoned the Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday morning . . . I was ringing the emergency number even when the nurses were calling me into the theatre and I was ringing them again when I came back around. All the time it was engaged,” he said.
The man received a text message at 3am today explaining two flights are due to leave London for Dublin this evening. He said he sent on his details and is awaiting confirmation of a place on board.
“I am a little different in that I jumped into the fire despite it all. I was willing to sacrifice Christmas with my family because I was overdue my treatment. It was a decision I made, but it has been very very stressful,” he said.
Another woman, named Trish, who travelled to Britain on December 12th to bring her mother to medical appointments claimed she had called the emergency helpline close to 100 times before getting through to an operator who told her to send an email.
She said she is booked onto a ferry to return to Ireland on Wednesday but has yet to hear from the department if she will be allowed to board.
Billy Stamp, from Wexford, is anxiously waiting to hear if his wife Margaret has gotten a seat on one of the repatriation flights this evening.
Ironically, he said the emergency Aer Lingus flight at 8.45pm was her original ticket home before all flights were cancelled. After multiple attempts to reach the department, she finally got a text early this morning providing details of the repatriation flights.
For now it is a “waiting game” to see if she can return home to their six-year-old daughter following an essential work trip.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--Irish scientists discover mutations associated with early onset dementia

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin ( TCD ) have discovered mutations associated with early onset dementia that may lead to better understanding of how Alzheimer ’ s disease occurs .
Although the form of early onset dementia known as leukoencephalopathy is extremely rare , the team has identified the role genetic mutations play in generating dysfunctional white blood cells circulating around the body .
Investigating the role these may play in dementia could unlock potential treatments .
There is no cure for these neurodegenerative conditions , and Alzheimer ’ s is the seventh leading cause of death in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The full name of the condition investigated in TCD is adult onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia ( ALSP ) , and it is characterised by mutations in a gene called colony stimulating factor-1 receptor ( CSF1R ) .
It manifests itself initially with psychiatric and behavioural changes in patients followed by a rapid progression of dementia in the third or fourth decade of life .
While the disease is extremely rare , it can be a devastating diagnosis for for families .
As the condition involves degeneration of white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought immune cells within the brain called microglia were the primary culprits .
However , the Trinity team were able to show defective circulating white blood cells were the key driver of neurodegeneration , which went on to impact on brain function .
“ Our findings have shed light on a novel mechanism of neurodegeneration that may ultimately teach us more about common forms of dementia , ” said Dr Matthew Campbell of the TCD School of Genetics and Microbiology .
“ Importantly , the work identified a disruption in CSF1R function in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ induces damage to the so-called blood-brain barrier ( BBB ) .
This damage can subsequently change the integrity of capillaries in the brain , causing them to leak and spark the deterioration of the brain .
Intriguingly , dysfunctional white blood cells seem to be the main driver of this BBB breakdown.
” There are currently no approved therapies for conditions such as Alzheimer ’ s disease , which is in part due to the lack of a robust understanding of the early initiators of disease , he added .
“ If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Alzheimer ’ s are , we may be able to develop novel forms of therapy that target these newly discovered mechanistic pathways .
“ The most exciting aspect of our study is that we have now honed in on a novel pathway that to date has not been explored in great detail , ” said postdoctoral research fellow Dr Conor Delaney , first author of a study outlining the breakthrough published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine this week .
“ Additionally , our data suggest that modifying white blood cell function @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions , ” he pointed out .
A team of geneticists , immunologists , neurologists and neuropathologists from Trinity ; the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , University College Cork , Sligo General Hospital and the University of Ghent undertook the study .
TCD professor of epilepsy Colin Doherty said : “ It is absolutely critical that we focus our research endeavours on identifying the underlying cause of neurodegenerative conditions .
Studies like these will pave the way for better clinical management of our patients and hopefully new medicines to treat the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Irish Research Council , Science Foundation Ireland-Future Neuro Centre , St James ’ s Hospital foundation and the Ellen Mayston Bates bequest .

A brain tissue sample from a patient with a rare form of early onset dementia known as leukoencephalopathy. Credit: Trinity College Dublin
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) have discovered mutations associated with early onset dementia that may lead to better understanding of how Alzheimer's disease occurs.
Although the form of early onset dementia known as leukoencephalopathy is extremely rare, the team has identified the role genetic mutations play in generating dysfunctional white blood cells circulating around the body.
Investigating the role these may play in dementia could unlock potential treatments.
There is no cure for these neurodegenerative conditions, and Alzheimer's is the seventh leading cause of death in the world, according to the World Health Organisation.
READ MORE
The full name of the condition investigated in TCD is adult onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP), and it is characterised by mutations in a gene called colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R).
It manifests itself initially with psychiatric and behavioural changes in patients followed by a rapid progression of dementia in the third or fourth decade of life. While the disease is extremely rare, it can be a devastating diagnosis for families.
As the condition involves degeneration of white matter in the brain, scientists previously thought immune cells within the brain called microglia were the primary culprits.
However, the Trinity team was able to show defective circulating white blood cells were the key drivers of neurodegeneration, which went on to impact on brain function.
"Our findings have shed light on a novel mechanism of neurodegeneration that may ultimately teach us more about common forms of dementia," said Dr Matthew Campbell of the TCD school of genetics and microbiology.
“Importantly, the work identified a disruption in CSF1R function in patients . . . [that] induces damage to the so-called blood-brain barrier (BBB). This damage can subsequently change the integrity of capillaries in the brain, causing them to leak and spark the deterioration of the brain. Intriguingly, dysfunctional white blood cells seem to be the main driver of this BBB breakdown.”
There are currently no approved therapies for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, which is in part due to the lack of a robust understanding of the early initiators of disease, he added.
“If we can better understand what the early hallmarks of Alzheimer’s are, we may be able to develop novel forms of therapy that target these newly discovered mechanistic pathways.
"The most exciting aspect of our study is that we have now honed in on a novel pathway that to date has not been explored in great detail," said postdoctoral research fellow Dr Conor Delaney, first author of a study outlining the breakthrough published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine this week.
“Additionally, our data suggest that modifying white blood cell function may be therapeutically relevant for progressive neurodegenerative conditions,” he pointed out.
A team of geneticists, immunologists, neurologists and neuropathologists from Trinity, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University College Cork, Sligo General Hospital and the University of Ghent undertook the study.
TCD professor of epilepsy Colin Doherty said: "It is absolutely critical that we focus our research endeavours on identifying the underlying cause of neurodegenerative conditions. Studies like these will pave the way for better clinical management of our patients and hopefully new medicines to treat the condition."
The research was supported by the Irish Research Council, Science Foundation Ireland-Future Neuro Centre, St James's Hospital foundation and the Ellen Mayston Bates bequest.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--Man convicted of raping wife’s sons can be named after court order lifted

A hospital groundsman convicted five years ago of the repeated rape of his wife ’ s two sons can be named for the first time this week after the lifting of a court gagging order .
In 2015 Paul Gregory ( 56 ) of Lucky brook house , Cronroe , Ashford , Co Wicklow pleaded guilty to 205 counts of rape and sexual assault of his wife ’ s two sons at his Co Wicklow home .
The victims were under 10 years old when the abuse started in 1993 and the attacks continued for a decade .
Gregory had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Psychiatric Hospital and was suspended when the allegations first emerged .
One victim told his trial at the Central Criminal Court that he felt like he was abused “ millions of times ” .
In March 2016 Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed a prison term of 21 years , with the final five years suspended .
At that sentencing , the victims , who are now adults , told the court they wished to waive their statutory anonymity so their step-father could be named publicly .
However Mr Justice Hunt placed a stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to avoid publication of anything that might prejudice trials that were due to take place at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court .
Those cases had both completed by last June and the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) then made an application to the judge seeking to have this stay lifted so that Gregory could be identified .
A number of court appearances followed with Gregory changing his legal team at one point .
At one hearing Paul Murray SC , for the DPP , suggested Gregory was using delaying tactics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Hunt that he would be in danger if his identity is published .
He said he didn ’ t think “ it would be the best thing ” for him right now and said he is currently in therapy .
Mr Justice Hunt told him on that occasion that the anonymity and any waiving of it was there to benefit the victims .
In a subsequent hearing Patrick Gageby SC , defending , told the judge that the Court of Appeal decision in an application by RTÉ and others against a High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman who killed her child may have some relevance for his client .
He said that if the Court of Appeal holds that section 252 of the Children Act “ survives the death of the child ” it might lead to an interpretation of the law that also prevents the identification of victims of child abuse .
This would prevent Gregory being named because of the familial connection .
The subsequent Court of Appeal did indeed interpret section 252 at extending past the death or “ ageing out ” of child victims but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed the court to dispense with the reporting prohibition where the court “ is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so in the interests of the child ” .
Mr Murray SC , for the DPP , told the court that the two complainants had again confirmed that they are aware they would be identifiable if the convicted man is named and “ they are absolutely willing to undergo that ” .
“ They were kept in silence for so many years and they now wish the curtains to lift , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was satisfied that he should lift these prohibitions newly imposed by the interpretation of section 252 .
He said that “ the act of a victim in publicly speaking out about their experiences can assist the victim in recovery from the effects of the crime ” and can also encourage others in their position to come forward .
He accordingly made an order lifting all reporting restrictions in the case , saying he considers this was “ in the public interest ” .
But he placed a 28 day stay on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court of Appeal by the defendant .
No such appeal has been made and that deadline has passed , meaning that Gregory can now be identified .
In his November ruling Mr Justice Hunt said that , following the Court of Appeal judgement , there is now a question as to whether section 252 “ is fit for the presumed purpose .
.
.
in the case of deceased children ” .
“ Any such difficulty is undoubtedly capable of swift and straightforward resolution in the appropriate forum , ” he said .

A hospital groundsman convicted five years ago of the repeated rape of his wife’s two sons can be named for the first time this week after the lifting of a court gagging order.
In 2015 Paul Gregory (56) of Lucky brook house, Cronroe, Ashford, Co Wicklow pleaded guilty to 205 counts of rape and sexual assault of his wife's two sons at his Co Wicklow home. The victims were under 10 years old when the abuse started in 1993 and the attacks continued for a decade.
Gregory had previously worked as a groundsman at Newcastle Psychiatric Hospital and was suspended when the allegations first emerged.
One victim told his trial at the Central Criminal Court that he felt like he was abused “millions of times”.
READ MORE
In March 2016 Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed a prison term of 21 years, with the final five years suspended.
At that sentencing, the victims, who are now adults, told the court they wished to waive their statutory anonymity so their step-father could be named publicly. However Mr Justice Hunt placed a stay on the waiving of the anonymity in order to avoid publication of anything that might prejudice trials that were due to take place at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court.
Those cases had both completed by last June and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) then made an application to the judge seeking to have this stay lifted so that Gregory could be identified.
A number of court appearances followed with Gregory changing his legal team at one point. At one hearing Paul Murray SC, for the DPP, suggested Gregory was using delaying tactics.
At another hearing, Gregory told Mr Justice Hunt that he would be in danger if his identity is published. He said he didn’t think “it would be the best thing” for him right now and said he is currently in therapy.
Mr Justice Hunt told him on that occasion that the anonymity and any waiving of it was there to benefit the victims.
In a subsequent hearing Patrick Gageby SC, defending, told the judge that the Court of Appeal decision in an application by RTÉ and others against a High Court order preventing the identification of a woman who killed her child may have some relevance for his client.
He said that if the Court of Appeal holds that section 252 of the Children Act “survives the death of the child” it might lead to an interpretation of the law that also prevents the identification of victims of child abuse. This would prevent Gregory being named because of the familial connection.
The subsequent Court of Appeal did indeed interpret section 252 at extending past the death or “ageing out” of child victims but Mr Justice Hunt said the section still allowed the court to dispense with the reporting prohibition where the court “is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so in the interests of the child”.
Mr Murray SC, for the DPP, told the court that the two complainants had again confirmed that they are aware they would be identifiable if the convicted man is named and “they are absolutely willing to undergo that”.
“They were kept in silence for so many years and they now wish the curtains to lift,” he said.
Mr Justice Hunt said that he was satisfied that he should lift these prohibitions newly imposed by the interpretation of section 252.
He said that “the act of a victim in publicly speaking out about their experiences can assist the victim in recovery from the effects of the crime” and can also encourage others in their position to come forward.
He accordingly made an order lifting all reporting restrictions in the case, saying he considers this was “in the public interest”. But he placed a 28 day stay on his order pending an application to the Court of Appeal by the defendant.
No such appeal has been made and that deadline has passed, meaning that Gregory can now be identified.
In his November ruling Mr Justice Hunt said that, following the Court of Appeal judgement, there is now a question as to whether section 252 “is fit for the presumed purpose . . . in the case of deceased children”.
“Any such difficulty is undoubtedly capable of swift and straightforward resolution in the appropriate forum,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--Some €20m provided in initial funding to bridge gap in Leader fund

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced €20million in initial funding to bridge a gap in the Leader Programme , which was to have come to an end on December 31st .
Ms Humphreys said funding would be reviewed again in 2021 when there is certainty regarding EU funding for a transitional period which runs until the next leader Programme in 2023 .
Leader is an EU fund which helps small-scale , business start ups and community initiatives .
It was worth €250 million to Ireland in the period 2014 to 2020 .
A new call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which supports new and existing artisan , micro and small food producers , is to be be announced in 2021 .
Ms Humphreys also said there would be “ some flexibilities ” in relation to the finalisation of the current Leader programme .
The deadline for commitments under the current Leader programme is to be extended to the end of March 2021 to facilitate the full allocation of funds available under that programme .
She said the initial allocation of €20 million would be available to cover both new projects and the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver the programme .
Funding for the Transitional Programme would be reviewed in 2021 when there is certainty regarding EU funding for the transitional period to 2023 , she said .
She said project approvals under the transitional programme will commence from 1st April 2021 .
However , Local Action Groups can work on identifying and animating potential projects from 1st January 2021 .
Funding will continue to be provided in 2021 to the Local Action Groups for the on-going management and delivery of projects still running under the 2014-2020 Leader programme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader Programme had played an important role in the development and enhancement of rural areas , by providing critical funding to rural economies , and supporting rural communities to implement a local-led “ bottom-up ” approach to developing their own areas .
She said she would review the funding situation for the Transitional Programme when Regulations governing the transitional period are signed at EU level and when there is clarity regarding EU funding for the transitional period .
I expect that these issues will be finalised early next year .
“ However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local Action Groups and their Implementing Partners will be supported to continue to deliver the Transitional Programme in 2022 .
”

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced €20million in initial funding to bridge a gap in the Leader Programme. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced €20million in initial funding to bridge a gap in the Leader Programme, which was to have come to an end on December 31st.
Ms Humphreys said funding would be reviewed again in 2021 when there is certainty regarding EU funding for a transitional period which runs until the next leader Programme in 2023.
Leader is an EU fund which helps small-scale, business start ups and community initiatives. It was worth €250 million to Ireland in the period 2014 to 2020.
A new call for proposals under the Leader Food Initiative, which supports new and existing artisan, micro and small food producers, is to be be announced in 2021.
READ MORE
Ms Humphreys also said there would be “some flexibilities” in relation to the finalisation of the current Leader programme.
The deadline for commitments under the current Leader programme is to be extended to the end of March 2021 to facilitate the full allocation of funds available under that programme.
She said the initial allocation of €20 million would be available to cover both new projects and the administration costs of the Local Action Groups who deliver the programme.
Funding for the Transitional Programme would be reviewed in 2021 when there is certainty regarding EU funding for the transitional period to 2023, she said.
She said project approvals under the transitional programme will commence from 1st April 2021. However, Local Action Groups can work on identifying and animating potential projects from 1st January 2021.
Funding will continue to be provided in 2021 to the Local Action Groups for the on-going management and delivery of projects still running under the 2014-2020 Leader programme.
Ms Humphreys said since 1991, the Leader Programme had played an important role in the development and enhancement of rural areas, by providing critical funding to rural economies, and supporting rural communities to implement a local-led “bottom-up” approach to developing their own areas.
She said she would review the funding situation for the Transitional Programme when Regulations governing the transitional period are signed at EU level and when there is clarity regarding EU funding for the transitional period. I expect that these issues will be finalised early next year.
“However, I am committed to ensuring that the Local Action Groups and their Implementing Partners will be supported to continue to deliver the Transitional Programme in 2022.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--Covid-19 cases on the rise due to behaviour change, GPs say

Ireland is in its current position of rising Covid-19 cases due to a change in people ’ s behaviour , according to Dr Mary Favier , adviser on Covid-19 to the Irish College of General Practitioners ( ICGP ) .
Sweeping recommendations on Covid-19 restrictions are being considered by Cabinet on Tuesday .
The moves follow a dramatic change of mood in Government in recent days and come in response to a surge in infections and warnings from public health experts that case numbers will rise further this week and that we are in the throes of a third wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , Dr Favier said she understood that people wanted to meet friends and family .
“ People are really struggling and feeling low , lonely and homesick , ” she said .
“ Unfortunately it has put us into trouble again , ” said Dr Favier .
She said restrictions will only work if we , as individuals , take responsibility for what we do .
“ Nphet [ the National Public Health Emergency Team ] can advise , the Government can make decisions , but what will make a difference is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How many people you meet today.
” Dr Favier warned that there would be an increased need for ICU beds in three weeks time , with the “ third wave ” hitting before the end of December .
Asked about post-Christmas sales , she said they would pose a serious problem , and “ maybe this is the year when you don ’ t need so many new things.
” Among the recommendations being considered by Government is the closure of pubs and restaurants on Christmas Eve .
The Restaurants Association of Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospitality taskforce , as well as “ targeted ” financial packages for the country ’ s restaurant businesses and workers if they are asked to close on Thursday .
A decision to close 20,000 restaurant businesses before Christmas would be “ disastrous , devastating , and a crushing blow ” to restaurant owners and their staff , according to the association ’ s chief executive , Adrian Cummins .
“ The short notice given will mean thousands of euros of stock per premises [ will be ] lost in wastage , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urging the Government to establish a hospitality taskforce with representatives from all the sector ’ s trade bodies , as well as the relevant Government departments .
The association is also calling for a financial aid package for the sector , which has been “ economically flattened ” over the past nine months .
This package must be “ targeted , impactful , and substantial ” to sustain the State ’ s 180,000 restaurant and hospitality workers and 20,000 businesses , said Mr Cummins .
Meanwhile , the owner of a gastro pub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scapegoated under Covid restrictions .
Dermot McDonnell , of the Cross Guns Gastro Pub in Navan , Co Meath told Morning Ireland that closing down his business again was “ a very hard pill to swallow ” and that it would have knock-on effects for local suppliers .
“ Tough calls ” would have to be made today to suppliers , he said , who he would have to ask to take back their produce .
Mr McDonnell said he was resigned to the fact that his business will close under new restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had already been an extremely tough year .
While he accepted that socialisation led to the spread of virus , hospitality businesses had gone out of their way to exercise social distancing , to train staff and to keep customers safe .
“ Gastro pubs have been scapegoated when really it is people ’ s behaviour in general that is the problem.
” His staff had been rostered , his fridges were full of fresh produce and he was now going to have to phone customers to cancel their bookings .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we don ’ t know when we will open again.
” Aside from hospitality , the advice from the Cabinet subcommittee will be that businesses , such as hairdressers , manicurists , cinemas and galleries , should also close before Christmas .
However non-essential retail is to remain open with strict guidelines on the numbers in store .
Sources said that no final decision had been made on household visits , while Cabinet will also discuss intercounty travel .
The Government is examining plans to allow people travel back to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but curtailing other travel elsewhere .
A Government source said what would be recommended would be closer to Level 5 than Level 3 .
Public health officials briefed the Cabinet subcommittee on Monday evening , alongside senior civil servants , Health Service Executive chief executive Paul Reid , and the CSO , sharing modelling that suggested cases could reach between 1,300 and 1,800 per day by early January .

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has warned that 2,000 people per day could be testing positive for Covid-19 by the end of December should current infection trajectories go unchecked. Video: RTÉ
Ireland is in its current position of rising Covid-19 cases due to a change in people’s behaviour, according to Dr Mary Favier, adviser on Covid-19 to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP).
Sweeping recommendations on Covid-19 restrictions are being considered by Cabinet on Tuesday.
The moves follow a dramatic change of mood in Government in recent days and come in response to a surge in infections and warnings from public health experts that case numbers will rise further this week and that we are in the throes of a third wave .
Hospital Report
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Dr Favier said she understood that people wanted to meet friends and family. “People are really struggling and feeling low, lonely and homesick,” she said.
READ MORE
“Unfortunately it has put us into trouble again,” said Dr Favier. She said restrictions will only work if we, as individuals, take responsibility for what we do.
“Nphet [the National Public Health Emergency Team] can advise, the Government can make decisions, but what will make a difference is how many people I meet today. How many people you meet today.”
Dr Favier warned that there would be an increased need for ICU beds in three weeks time, with the “third wave” hitting before the end of December.
Asked about post-Christmas sales, she said they would pose a serious problem, and “maybe this is the year when you don’t need so many new things.”
Pubs and restaurants
Among the recommendations being considered by Government is the closure of pubs and restaurants on Christmas Eve.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland is calling for the immediate establishment of a hospitality taskforce, as well as “targeted” financial packages for the country’s restaurant businesses and workers if they are asked to close on Thursday.
A decision to close 20,000 restaurant businesses before Christmas would be “disastrous, devastating, and a crushing blow” to restaurant owners and their staff, according to the association’s chief executive, Adrian Cummins.
“The short notice given will mean thousands of euros of stock per premises [will be] lost in wastage,” said Mr Cummins.
The association is urging the Government to establish a hospitality taskforce with representatives from all the sector’s trade bodies, as well as the relevant Government departments.
The association is also calling for a financial aid package for the sector, which has been “economically flattened” over the past nine months. This package must be “targeted, impactful, and substantial” to sustain the State’s 180,000 restaurant and hospitality workers and 20,000 businesses, said Mr Cummins.
Meanwhile, the owner of a gastro pub has said that his sector has been scapegoated under Covid restrictions.
Dermot McDonnell, of the Cross Guns Gastro Pub in Navan, Co Meath told Morning Ireland that closing down his business again was “a very hard pill to swallow” and that it would have knock-on effects for local suppliers.
“Tough calls” would have to be made today to suppliers, he said, who he would have to ask to take back their produce.
Mr McDonnell said he was resigned to the fact that his business will close under new restrictions set to be announced today, but it had already been an extremely tough year.
While he accepted that socialisation led to the spread of virus, hospitality businesses had gone out of their way to exercise social distancing, to train staff and to keep customers safe.
“Gastro pubs have been scapegoated when really it is people’s behaviour in general that is the problem.”
His staff had been rostered, his fridges were full of fresh produce and he was now going to have to phone customers to cancel their bookings.
“We know we will have to close, but we don’t know when we will open again.”
Businesses
Aside from hospitality, the advice from the Cabinet subcommittee will be that businesses, such as hairdressers, manicurists, cinemas and galleries, should also close before Christmas. However non-essential retail is to remain open with strict guidelines on the numbers in store.
Sources said that no final decision had been made on household visits, while Cabinet will also discuss intercounty travel. The Government is examining plans to allow people travel back to their county of residence after the 26th, but curtailing other travel elsewhere. A Government source said what would be recommended would be closer to Level 5 than Level 3.
Public health officials briefed the Cabinet subcommittee on Monday evening, alongside senior civil servants, Health Service Executive chief executive Paul Reid, and the CSO, sharing modelling that suggested cases could reach between 1,300 and 1,800 per day by early January.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--Businesses want ‘visible’ Garda enforcement against Covid rulebreakers – report

The Policing Authority has questioned An Garda Síochána ’ s “ reluctance ” to use its full enforcement powers when dealing with businesses who are failing to adhere to Covid-19 regulations .
The authority ’ s tenth evaluation report on how gardaí are responding during the pandemic notes businesses who are adhering to restrictions want more “ visible and consistent enforcement ” against industry members who break the rules .
The overall tone of the latest Policing Authority report is complimentary of Garda efforts during the pandemic , underlining that the Covid-19 crisis has been characterised by “ greater Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Policing Authority chairman Bob Collins said in some circumstances , such as house parties , Garda powers were limited .
“ On the one hand there was too high a level of expectation of the Garda Síochána , that they could be everywhere and .
.
.
do everything that everyone wanted , ” he said .
“ I think had there been the same degree of on-the-spot fines from the outset as was manifest in some other jurisdictions and within Great Britain from police service to police service , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adverse reaction In the commercial sector , however , Mr Collins said some people would like to see a “ stronger line ” being taken where there were examples of people “ departing from the norm ” and amid concerns this was anti-competitive .
“ I think they [ gardaí ] have got it right in terms of the use of the powers available to them , ” he said but added more data would be desirable on the issuing of directions to members of the public and their compliance .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit wearier then the sense of social cohesion may become a little more fragile , ” Mr Collins said .
Gardaí have reached into the “ nooks and crannies of the community to find those who needed assistance ” , while some groups described policing during the pandemic as a “ blueprint for community policing ” , reports the authority .
It also commends the Garda operation Faoiseamh , which was established in response to a rise in reports of domestic abuse , and had “ an almost catalytic impact in hastening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and culture ” around this type of crime and harm .
The operation created a “ more nuanced understanding of domestic abuse and coercive control ” and that there is “ no one type of victim or perpetrator ” , according to the report .
However , young people , irrespective of social class , ethnicity , sexuality or location in Ireland , perceived policing during the pandemic as “ an instrument of control rather than care ” , it warns .
Some gardaí , who afforded certain communities “ respect and parity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , have reverted to “ a previous tone which is belittling , aggressive and incompatible with any ability to have confidence that the police service is there for them ” , adds the report .
The number of Garda Covid-19 enforcement actions taken in November and December continued to rise with 157 incidents reported , bringing to 859 the total number of incidents where Covid-19 enforcement powers were required since April .
Since the end of June , Gardaí have reported nine incidents relating to face coverings , five incidents relating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other breaches such as organising events .
Incidents involving the public were “ considerably lower ” during Level 5 restrictions when compared with incidents during April and May , says the authority .
The northwest of the country remains the region with the most Covid-19 related incidents this year ( 33 per cent of all incidents since April ) , with Cavan and Monaghan accounting for the highest number .
Anti-spit hoods have been used by gardaí 120 times this year , including 30 incidents in April and 36 in May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ once in December , notes the report .
These hoods have been most frequently used in Dublin with 101 incidents relating to men and 19 incidents connected to women .
Anti-spit hoods have been used six times on children under 18 .
The report warns spit hoods used by gardaí may not be fully protecting their welfare and expressed concern their capacity to prevent airborne or respiratory droplets had not been tested .
The number of “ spitting assaults ” , where a garda was coughed or spat on , dropped to 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These assaults peaked in May when 48 incidents were recorded .
Some 2,914 crime incidents relating to roads , public order and drugs offences were also discovered between April and December 2020 as a result of Covid-19 policing activities , an increase of 308 on the last policing authority report , it notes .
Mr Collins said An Garda Síochána now faced the challenge of ensuring the “ new tone and new style of engagement ” adopted during the pandemic was permanently embedded into Irish policing .
“ This is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not functions of resources but are an expression of respect and empathy , ” said Mr Collins .
“ Numbers can increase visibility but approach and tone can deliver presence and , with that , meaningful engagement and enduring relationships.
” Mr Collins commended gardaí for giving vulnerable Irish people “ hope and a sense of greater security ” and for its “ sustained emphasis ” on supporting those affected by domestic violence .
Covid-19 has shown the State how the role of gardaí goes “ far beyond law enforcement and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence and of certainty ” , he said .
However , not everyone has experienced Irish policing “ with the same warmth of response ” and all gardaí must understand “ the importance of respect and empathy ” , he added .

The overall tone of the latest Policing Authority report is complimentary of Garda efforts during the pandemic. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The Policing Authority has questioned An Garda Síochána's "reluctance" to use its full enforcement powers when dealing with businesses who are failing to adhere to Covid-19 regulations.
The authority’s tenth evaluation report on how gardaí are responding during the pandemic notes businesses who are adhering to restrictions want more “visible and consistent enforcement” against industry members who break the rules.
The overall tone of the latest Policing Authority report is complimentary of Garda efforts during the pandemic, underlining that the Covid-19 crisis has been characterised by “greater Garda visibility, engagement and proactivity within communities”.
Policing Authority chairman Bob Collins said in some circumstances, such as house parties, Garda powers were limited.
READ MORE
"On the one hand there was too high a level of expectation of the Garda Síochána, that they could be everywhere and . . . do everything that everyone wanted," he said.
“I think had there been the same degree of on-the-spot fines from the outset as was manifest in some other jurisdictions and within Great Britain from police service to police service, I think there would have been a very adverse reaction In the commercial sector, however, Mr Collins said some people would like to see a “stronger line” being taken where there were examples of people “departing from the norm” and amid concerns this was anti-competitive.
“I think they [gardaí] have got it right in terms of the use of the powers available to them,” he said but added more data would be desirable on the issuing of directions to members of the public and their compliance.
“It may be that as people become a little bit wearier then the sense of social cohesion may become a little more fragile,” Mr Collins said.
Gardaí have reached into the “nooks and crannies of the community to find those who needed assistance”, while some groups described policing during the pandemic as a “blueprint for community policing”, reports the authority.
It also commends the Garda operation Faoiseamh, which was established in response to a rise in reports of domestic abuse, and had “an almost catalytic impact in hastening a shift in the appreciation, understanding and culture” around this type of crime and harm.
The operation created a “more nuanced understanding of domestic abuse and coercive control” and that there is “no one type of victim or perpetrator”, according to the report.
However, young people, irrespective of social class, ethnicity, sexuality or location in Ireland, perceived policing during the pandemic as "an instrument of control rather than care", it warns.
Some gardaí, who afforded certain communities “respect and parity of esteem” at the height of the pandemic, have reverted to “a previous tone which is belittling, aggressive and incompatible with any ability to have confidence that the police service is there for them”, adds the report.
The number of Garda Covid-19 enforcement actions taken in November and December continued to rise with 157 incidents reported, bringing to 859 the total number of incidents where Covid-19 enforcement powers were required since April.
Since the end of June, Gardaí have reported nine incidents relating to face coverings, five incidents relating to international travel and 74 incidents relating to other breaches such as organising events. Incidents involving the public were “considerably lower” during Level 5 restrictions when compared with incidents during April and May, says the authority.
Related incident
The northwest of the country remains the region with the most Covid-19 related incidents this year (33 per cent of all incidents since April), with Cavan and Monaghan accounting for the highest number.
Anti-spit hoods have been used by gardaí 120 times this year, including 30 incidents in April and 36 in May. The hood was only used by gardaí once in December, notes the report. These hoods have been most frequently used in Dublin with 101 incidents relating to men and 19 incidents connected to women. Anti-spit hoods have been used six times on children under 18.
The report warns spit hoods used by gardaí may not be fully protecting their welfare and expressed concern their capacity to prevent airborne or respiratory droplets had not been tested.
The number of “spitting assaults”, where a garda was coughed or spat on, dropped to 17 in November from 24 the previous month. These assaults peaked in May when 48 incidents were recorded.
Some 2,914 crime incidents relating to roads, public order and drugs offences were also discovered between April and December 2020 as a result of Covid-19 policing activities, an increase of 308 on the last policing authority report, it notes.
Mr Collins said An Garda Síochána now faced the challenge of ensuring the “new tone and new style of engagement” adopted during the pandemic was permanently embedded into Irish policing.
“This is not a challenge of resources because tone and style are not functions of resources but are an expression of respect and empathy,” said Mr Collins. “Numbers can increase visibility but approach and tone can deliver presence and, with that, meaningful engagement and enduring relationships.”
Mr Collins commended gardaí for giving vulnerable Irish people “hope and a sense of greater security” and for its “sustained emphasis” on supporting those affected by domestic violence.
Covid-19 has shown the State how the role of gardaí goes “far beyond law enforcement and can create a sense of security, of confidence and of certainty”, he said.
However, not everyone has experienced Irish policing “with the same warmth of response” and all gardaí must understand “the importance of respect and empathy”, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--Man (30s) and teenager arrested in connection with cash-in-transit robbery

A male in his late teens and a man in his 30s were arrested on Tuesday morning following investigations by gardaí into a cash-in-transit robbery in Dublin ’ s city centre last week .
A cash-in-transit worker was threatened by a lone male with a hammer when returning to his security van with a cash box from a retail unit on Thomas Street , Dublin 8 , last Tuesday afternoon .
The man took possession of the box and fled the scene on a bicycle at about 12.45pm .
Later the cash box was discovered empty and on fire at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a six-minute cycle from the scene of the robbery .
A search operation carried out at three properties in the Dublin 8 area and a further property in the Clondalkin area of Dublin 22 took place on Tuesday morning .
Gardaí from the DMR South Central Serious Crime Unit were assisted by local gardaí from Kevin Street and Kilmainham stations .
The arrested pair are currently being detained at Kevin Street Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 .
Investigations are continuing and gardaí are renewing their appeal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly motorists with dashboard cameras who were in the area between 12.30pm and 2.30pm on December 15th .
Gardaí would like to thank those who have already come forward with information , a Garda spokesman said .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda Station 01 666 9400 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 .

A male in his late teens and a man in his 30s were arrested on Tuesday morning following investigations by gardaí into a cash-in-transit robbery in Dublin’s city centre last week.
A cash-in-transit worker was threatened by a lone male with a hammer when returning to his security van with a cash box from a retail unit on Thomas Street, Dublin 8, last Tuesday afternoon.
The man took possession of the box and fled the scene on a bicycle at about 12.45pm. Later the cash box was discovered empty and on fire at St Kevin’s Avenue, approximately a six-minute cycle from the scene of the robbery.
A search operation carried out at three properties in the Dublin 8 area and a further property in the Clondalkin area of Dublin 22 took place on Tuesday morning. Gardaí from the DMR South Central Serious Crime Unit were assisted by local gardaí from Kevin Street and Kilmainham stations.
READ MORE
The arrested pair are currently being detained at Kevin Street Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Investigations are continuing and gardaí are renewing their appeal for anyone with information to make contact, particularly motorists with dashboard cameras who were in the area between 12.30pm and 2.30pm on December 15th. Gardaí would like to thank those who have already come forward with information, a Garda spokesman said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda Station 01 666 9400 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--NI Executive advises against travel to Republic and Great Britain

The North ’ s Executive has rejected an immediate ban on travel from Great Britain amid concerns over a new , more virulent strain of Covid-19 in England .
Instead ministers voted to issue immediate guidance advising against all but essential travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland , and between the North and the Republic .
Anyone who arrives into Northern Ireland will also be advised to self-isolate for 10 days .
The decision was made following an emergency meeting of the Executive on Monday night .
Minister for Health Robin Swann said on social media following the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the option of [ A ] legal travel ban , both legally and logistically - vital supplies to NI and essential travel need to be protected.
” It is understood a proposal by Sinn Féin for a temporary ban on travel from Great Britain was defeated during the meeting .
It was supported by the SDLP but opposed by the DUP , Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance .
After that was rejected , ministers then agreed to the proposals put forward in a paper from Mr Swann - which were drawn up following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General - without the need for a formal vote .
Ahead of the executive convening , Sinn Féin finance minister Conor Murphy wrote to Mr Swann expressing “ dismay and astonishment ” that he was not moving immediately to instigate a ban on travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain .

A sign at George Best Belfast City Airport advising that only those travelling are permitted to enter the terminal. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
The North’s Executive has rejected an immediate ban on travel from Great Britain amid concerns over a new, more virulent strain of Covid-19 in England.
Instead ministers voted to issue immediate guidance advising against all but essential travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and between the North and the Republic.
Anyone who arrives into Northern Ireland will also be advised to self-isolate for 10 days.
The decision was made following an emergency meeting of the Executive on Monday night.
READ MORE
Minister for Health Robin Swann said on social media following the meeting that "more work was needed on the option of [A]legal travel ban, both legally and logistically - vital supplies to NI and essential travel need to be protected."
It is understood a proposal by Sinn Féin for a temporary ban on travel from Great Britain was defeated during the meeting. It was supported by the SDLP but opposed by the DUP, Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance.
After that was rejected, ministers then agreed to the proposals put forward in a paper from Mr Swann - which were drawn up following advice from the North’s Attorney General - without the need for a formal vote.
Ahead of the executive convening, Sinn Féin finance minister Conor Murphy wrote to Mr Swann expressing "dismay and astonishment" that he was not moving immediately to instigate a ban on travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--PSNI handling of Black Lives Matter protests criticised by ombudsman

Claims that police handling of Black Lives Matter protests in Belfast and Derry was unfair and discriminatory were justified , the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Marie Anderson has found .
However Mrs Anderson said it was her view that this unfairness was not intentional , and was not based on the race or ethnicity of those who attended the protests .
“ Rather [ the ] PSNI [ Police Service of Northern Ireland ] failed to balance human rights with the public considerations and requirements of the [ coronavirus ] regulations.
” This “ severely damaged ” confidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian and minority ethnic communities in Northern Ireland , she said , and made establishing meaningful engagement with these communities more challenging .
The Chief Constable , Simon Byrne , apologised , saying it was clear “ that some members of the black and minority ethnic community have been frustrated , angry and upset by our policing response and our relationship with them has suffered.
” He said : “ For that I am sorry , and I am determined in that regard to put things right.
” The PSNI , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons learned and carefully consider [ the ombudsman ’ s ] specific recommendations about policy , practice and procedural fairness.
” The ombudsman ’ s conclusions are among the findings of a report , published on Tuesday morning , following an investigation by Mrs Anderson ’ s office into the policing of a number of large public protests in May and June .
The ombudsman investigated five Black Lives Matter protests in Belfast and Derry and one Protect our Monuments protest in Belfast .
The protests were held between May 29th and June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place limiting public gatherings in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
She found there were a number of differences in how police handled the two types of protest , saying that police had encouraged demonstrators to gather in a Covid-19 compliant manner for the Protect our Monuments demonstration but had attempted to persuade organisers of the previous Black Lives Matter protests to cancel their events .
Her investigation established that enforcement action – though the issuing of fixed-penalty notices and follow-up investigations – was taken against Black Lives Matter organisers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there was no such action in respect of the Protect our Monuments protest on June 13th .
She recommended that the PSNI “ review the enforcement notices issued on June 6th 2020 , acknowledge errors and commit to redress those individuals affected.
” However she also said “ police officers at all three events were respectful , professional and courteous and had not engaged in harassment , as some people had claimed.
” The ombudsman also made a number of other recommendations , including that the police consider adopting a human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was her view , she said , that “ historic PSNI passivity in establishing strategic relationships with black , Asian and minority ethnic groups in Northern Ireland manifested itself in an inability to engage effectively with sections of those communities at a time of crisis immediately before and after the Black Lives Matter protests on June 6th , 2020 .
“ However , I commend the commitment of the Chief Constable to addressing this issue , ” she said .
The ombudsman also noted that the task of enforcing the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ unfairly in my view ” , adding that the regulations “ make reference to the role of other ‘ designated ’ officials such as public health officials and local authority officials.
” Mr Byrne said the ombudsman ’ s report provided an “ important commentary ” about pressures arising from a policing operation during “ unique and novel circumstances , using policing powers derived from emergency public health regulations.
” He said : “ From the outset , both personally and as an organisation , we were alive to the widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of George Floyd in the USA .
“ We tried our best to respect the public health requirements of the Northern Ireland Executive to save lives and at the same time deal with public outcry triggered by this awful death .
“ We operated within the legal framework available to us at the time , but the ombudsman is clear that whilst unintentional , we got that balance procedurally wrong.
” He said the PSNI would review the report , and would announce its next steps in January .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce a new community relations taskforce and more details would be provided early next year .

Claims that police handling of Black Lives Matter protests in Belfast and Derry was unfair and discriminatory were justified, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Marie Anderson has found.
However Mrs Anderson said it was her view that this unfairness was not intentional, and was not based on the race or ethnicity of those who attended the protests.
“Rather [the] PSNI [Police Service of Northern Ireland] failed to balance human rights with the public considerations and requirements of the [coronavirus] regulations.”
This “severely damaged” confidence in policing among some within the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in Northern Ireland, she said, and made establishing meaningful engagement with these communities more challenging.
READ MORE
The Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, apologised, saying it was clear "that some members of the black and minority ethnic community have been frustrated, angry and upset by our policing response and our relationship with them has suffered."
He said: “For that I am sorry, and I am determined in that regard to put things right.”
The PSNI, he said, would “seek to embrace the lessons learned and carefully consider [the ombudsman’s] specific recommendations about policy, practice and procedural fairness.”
The ombudsman’s conclusions are among the findings of a report, published on Tuesday morning, following an investigation by Mrs Anderson’s office into the policing of a number of large public protests in May and June.
The ombudsman investigated five Black Lives Matter protests in Belfast and Derry and one Protect our Monuments protest in Belfast. The protests were held between May 29th and June 13th, when there were restrictions in place limiting public gatherings in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
She found there were a number of differences in how police handled the two types of protest, saying that police had encouraged demonstrators to gather in a Covid-19 compliant manner for the Protect our Monuments demonstration but had attempted to persuade organisers of the previous Black Lives Matter protests to cancel their events.
Her investigation established that enforcement action – though the issuing of fixed-penalty notices and follow-up investigations – was taken against Black Lives Matter organisers and protestors at two protests on June 6th, but there was no such action in respect of the Protect our Monuments protest on June 13th.
‘Acknowledge errors’
She recommended that the PSNI “review the enforcement notices issued on June 6th 2020, acknowledge errors and commit to redress those individuals affected.”
However she also said “police officers at all three events were respectful, professional and courteous and had not engaged in harassment, as some people had claimed.”
The ombudsman also made a number of other recommendations, including that the police consider adopting a human rights-based approach to the policing of protests.
It was her view, she said, that “historic PSNI passivity in establishing strategic relationships with black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in Northern Ireland manifested itself in an inability to engage effectively with sections of those communities at a time of crisis immediately before and after the Black Lives Matter protests on June 6th, 2020.
“However, I commend the commitment of the Chief Constable to addressing this issue,” she said.
The ombudsman also noted that the task of enforcing the coronavirus regulations had largely fallen to the PSNI, “unfairly in my view”, adding that the regulations “make reference to the role of other ‘designated’ officials such as public health officials and local authority officials.”
Mr Byrne said the ombudsman’s report provided an “important commentary” about pressures arising from a policing operation during “unique and novel circumstances, using policing powers derived from emergency public health regulations.”
He said: "From the outset, both personally and as an organisation, we were alive to the widespread revulsion at the events that led to the death of George Floyd in the USA.
“We tried our best to respect the public health requirements of the Northern Ireland Executive to save lives and at the same time deal with public outcry triggered by this awful death.
“We operated within the legal framework available to us at the time, but the ombudsman is clear that whilst unintentional, we got that balance procedurally wrong.”
He said the PSNI would review the report, and would announce its next steps in January. The first, he said, had been to announce a new community relations taskforce and more details would be provided early next year.


theirishtimes--2020-12-22--O’Callaghan hotel group seeks to acquire Dublin City Council flats

A proposal to hand over a block of council flats in Dublin city centre to the owners of the Davenport and Alex hotels , in exchange for apartments due to be built by the hotel group , will be put to city councillors this week .
The O ’ Callaghan Hotel Group wants to acquire St Andrew ’ s Court , a block of 14 dilapidated flats for senior citizens at the corner of Fenian Street and Sandwith Street , close to two of its city-centre hotels .
In exchange , the company will transfer to the council ownership of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it plans to start building in the new year .
The company earlier this year secured planning permission for the apartment block at the corner of Sandwith Street and Boyne Street , less than 50m from St Andrew ’ s Court .
It expects the development to be completed by August 2022 .
The council said the completed scheme would be worth “ more than double the market value of the St Andrew ’ s Court site , ie €12 million as against €5 million ” .
It would “ deliver the completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be far in advance of any new development by DCC on the St Andrew ’ s Court site at no cost to the State ” .
The council has had several redevelopment plans for St Andrew ’ s Court in recent years .
The site was most recently designated for a “ rapid build ” project of 42 apartments funded by the Department of Housing .
These plans were at an advanced stage , with a design team due to be appointed by the end of this year , before the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table .
“ St Andrew ’ s Court has been in a deplorable condition , and it has been like that for years .
The council has had various plans for it but nothing has been done.
” Other small sites in the city could benefit from similar schemes , he said .
“ I think this is a good template .
It is value for money .
It absolutely makes sense here and could work in other areas.
” However , Sinn Féin is opposed to the deal .
The party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillor Daniel Céitinn jointly said public land should be kept for public housing , and not be used for “ unaffordable housing or hotels ” .
The council should continue with the plans it already had , they said .
“ The council undertook to build approximately 40 apartments on this site .
This is at an advanced stage – a design team has been selected and [ the council ] is just waiting on approval from the Minister.
” They said residents who had moved out of St Andrew ’ s Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that they could move back in once it was redeveloped .
They added St Andrew ’ s Court was substantially larger than the site owned by the hoteliers .
The hotel group has not responded to queries .

The O’Callaghan Hotel Group wants to acquire St Andrew’s Court, a block of 14 dilapidated flats for senior citizens at the corner of Fenian Street and Sandwith Street in Dublin 2. Image: Google Maps
A proposal to hand over a block of council flats in Dublin city centre to the owners of the Davenport and Alex hotels, in exchange for apartments due to be built by the hotel group, will be put to city councillors this week.
The O’Callaghan Hotel Group wants to acquire St Andrew’s Court, a block of 14 dilapidated flats for senior citizens at the corner of Fenian Street and Sandwith Street, close to two of its city-centre hotels.
In exchange, the company will transfer to the council ownership of 28 apartments and a ground-floor retail premises it plans to start building in the new year.
The company earlier this year secured planning permission for the apartment block at the corner of Sandwith Street and Boyne Street, less than 50m from St Andrew’s Court. It expects the development to be completed by August 2022.
READ MORE
The council said the completed scheme would be worth “more than double the market value of the St Andrew’s Court site, ie €12 million as against €5 million”.
It would “deliver the completed social housing development by August 2022 which would be far in advance of any new development by DCC on the St Andrew’s Court site at no cost to the State”.
The council has had several redevelopment plans for St Andrew’s Court in recent years. The site was most recently designated for a “rapid build” project of 42 apartments funded by the Department of Housing. These plans were at an advanced stage, with a design team due to be appointed by the end of this year, before the deal with the hotel group was put on the table.
‘Good template’
Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said the O'Callaghan deal made sense.
“St Andrew’s Court has been in a deplorable condition, and it has been like that for years. The council has had various plans for it but nothing has been done.”
Other small sites in the city could benefit from similar schemes, he said. “I think this is a good template. It is value for money. It absolutely makes sense here and could work in other areas.”
However, Sinn Féin is opposed to the deal. The party's local TD Chris Andrews and councillor Daniel Céitinn jointly said public land should be kept for public housing, and not be used for "unaffordable housing or hotels".
The council should continue with the plans it already had, they said.
“The council undertook to build approximately 40 apartments on this site. This is at an advanced stage – a design team has been selected and [the council] is just waiting on approval from the Minister.”
They said residents who had moved out of St Andrew’s Court had been given “letters of comfort” that they could move back in once it was redeveloped.
They added St Andrew’s Court was substantially larger than the site owned by the hoteliers.
The hotel group has not responded to queries.


theirishtimes--2020-12-23--Number of homeless single adults increases as overall figures fall

The number of homeless single adults continues to increase even as overall homelessness figures fall , the latest figures show .
In Dublin destitution among adults ( without children ) has been increasing steadily for six months .
The data , published on Wednesday by the Department of Housing , show that during the week of November 23rd to 29th there were 8,484 people in emergency accommodation .
These included 2,452 children in 1,034 families , and 4,536 single adults .
These compare with October figures showing total of 8,737 people in emergency accommodation , including 2,642 children in 1,117 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin , where the number of homeless single adults surpassed 3,000 for the first time last month , figures have increased again from 3,051 in October to 3,093 in November .
These figures do not include people sleeping rough and come as the number of deaths among homeless people in Dublin approaches 60 this year .
Overall homelessness has been falling since March , as family numbers declined due to successes exiting homelessness as more rental properties became available .
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive has been particularly successful in moving families with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of children in emergency accommodation has fallen from 2,678 in January to 1,914 last month .
Local authorities ’ major difficulty appears to be securing one-bedroom housing for single adults , for whom numbers in the capital have increased from 2,865 in January to 3,093 last month .
Wayne Stanley , spokesman for the Simon Communities , said this Christmas looked likely to be “ the most challenging for our clients and frontline services in the 50 years we have existed ” .
He welcomed the continued decrease in family homelessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of single people in homelessness has risen again .
“ Christmas is always a time of heightened emotion and isolation for people experiencing homelessness and this year even more so as Covid numbers increase and we ’ re all asked to limit our contacts .
.
.
Many vulnerable people in homelessness have underlying health issues and we have to do everything we can to keep them safe .
“ The Covid crisis is again showing how critical a home is and 2021 should be the year of home and the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a referendum on a right to housing .
”

In Dublin, the number of homeless single adults surpassed 3,000 for the first time last month. Photograph: Alan Betson/ The Irish Times/ File
The number of homeless single adults continues to increase even as overall homelessness figures fall, the latest figures show.
In Dublin destitution among adults (without children) has been increasing steadily for six months.
The data, published on Wednesday by the Department of Housing, show that during the week of November 23rd to 29th there were 8,484 people in emergency accommodation. These included 2,452 children in 1,034 families, and 4,536 single adults .
These compare with October figures showing total of 8,737 people in emergency accommodation, including 2,642 children in 1,117 families and 4,495 single adults.
READ MORE
In Dublin, where the number of homeless single adults surpassed 3,000 for the first time last month, figures have increased again from 3,051 in October to 3,093 in November.
These figures do not include people sleeping rough and come as the number of deaths among homeless people in Dublin approaches 60 this year.
Overall homelessness has been falling since March, as family numbers declined due to successes exiting homelessness as more rental properties became available.
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive has been particularly successful in moving families with children out of homelessness. Here, the number of children in emergency accommodation has fallen from 2,678 in January to 1,914 last month.
Local authorities’ major difficulty appears to be securing one-bedroom housing for single adults, for whom numbers in the capital have increased from 2,865 in January to 3,093 last month.
Wayne Stanley, spokesman for the Simon Communities, said this Christmas looked likely to be "the most challenging for our clients and frontline services in the 50 years we have existed".
He welcomed the continued decrease in family homelessness, adding however: “Worryingly the number of single people in homelessness has risen again.
“Christmas is always a time of heightened emotion and isolation for people experiencing homelessness and this year even more so as Covid numbers increase and we’re all asked to limit our contacts . . . Many vulnerable people in homelessness have underlying health issues and we have to do everything we can to keep them safe.
“The Covid crisis is again showing how critical a home is and 2021 should be the year of home and the Government must deliver on its commitment to hold a referendum on a right to housing.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-23--Revised advice means Christmas dinner alone for many back from Britain

People who have arrived in Ireland from Britain from December 11th will have to eat their Christmas dinner alone in their room , a senior HSE figure has confirmed .
The Government announced yesterday it had updated its advice for people who have travelled from England , Scotland or Wales to Ireland since December 8th .
The new advice calls on people to self-isolate in their room , rather than simply restrict their movements , for 14 days from the date of their arrival in Ireland .
Dr Colm Henry , the HSE ’ s Chief Clinical Officer , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if that meant people who had arrived since December 11th had to eat Christmas dinner in their room .
“ Sadly it does mean isolation in your room , ” he said .
“ I appreciate…not just how inconvenient this is but how painful this is for people who ’ ve waited so long to come home.
” Explaining the concept of self-isolation , he said that meant staying in your room in so far as possible , except for essential purposes .
Those who had returned should stay in their room to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing on this much more transmissible version of the virus , he added .
He said positive cases in people who had arrived from Britain had been identified .
It was estimated more than 30,000 people had arrived from Britain .
Asked how many had tested positive , Dr Henry said the figures were not available to date but “ enhanced surveillance ” was underway .
Referring to the new Covid-19 strain found in the south of England recently , he said perhaps it was inevitable that it was in Ireland and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
Dr Henry said that self isolating was no longer novel “ in our collective national experience ” , as many people in Ireland had self-isolated in recent times .
“ It is difficult , it is painful , but we have learned to our cost…that delay in taking action to prevent spread , transmission of the virus , we will pay for it if we do so.
” The requirement to self-isolate includes people who have had a negative test , the HSE said , as these people could still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to others .
A test should be arranged through a GP within five days of a person ’ s arrival in Ireland from Britain and those who have already had a test privately must complete 14 days of self-isolation , regardless of the private test results , said a statement from the HSE .
Any person who receives the result “ virus not detected ” must continue to self-isolate for a full 14 days as they could still be developing symptoms and pose a potential risk to others , said the HSE .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling from Britain , they must phone their GP immediately .
The HSE also advised travellers from Britain not to visit a nursing home or long-term residential facility until they had completed their 14 days of self-isolation .

Dr Colm Henry, the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer, said it was estimated more than 30,000 people had arrived from Britain. File photograph: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
People who have arrived in Ireland from Britain from December 11th will have to eat their Christmas dinner alone in their room, a senior HSE figure has confirmed.
The Government announced yesterday it had updated its advice for people who have travelled from England, Scotland or Wales to Ireland since December 8th.
The new advice calls on people to self-isolate in their room, rather than simply restrict their movements, for 14 days from the date of their arrival in Ireland.
Dr Colm Henry, the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer, was asked on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland if that meant people who had arrived since December 11th had to eat Christmas dinner in their room.
READ MORE
“Sadly it does mean isolation in your room,” he said.
“I appreciate…not just how inconvenient this is but how painful this is for people who’ve waited so long to come home.”
Explaining the concept of self-isolation, he said that meant staying in your room in so far as possible, except for essential purposes. Those who had returned should stay in their room to ensure they were not the means of passing on this much more transmissible version of the virus, he added.
He said positive cases in people who had arrived from Britain had been identified.
It was estimated more than 30,000 people had arrived from Britain. Asked how many had tested positive, Dr Henry said the figures were not available to date but “enhanced surveillance” was underway.
Referring to the new Covid-19 strain found in the south of England recently, he said perhaps it was inevitable that it was in Ireland and people must act as if it is already here.
Dr Henry said that self isolating was no longer novel “in our collective national experience”, as many people in Ireland had self-isolated in recent times.
“It is difficult, it is painful, but we have learned to our cost…that delay in taking action to prevent spread, transmission of the virus, we will pay for it if we do so.”
The requirement to self-isolate includes people who have had a negative test, the HSE said, as these people could still be developing symptoms and pose a potential risk to others.
A test should be arranged through a GP within five days of a person’s arrival in Ireland from Britain and those who have already had a test privately must complete 14 days of self-isolation, regardless of the private test results, said a statement from the HSE.
Any person who receives the result “virus not detected” must continue to self-isolate for a full 14 days as they could still be developing symptoms and pose a potential risk to others, said the HSE.
If a person does develop symptoms after travelling from Britain, they must phone their GP immediately.
The HSE also advised travellers from Britain not to visit a nursing home or long-term residential facility until they had completed their 14 days of self-isolation.