theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Covid-19: Tax on unemployment payment could be collected by reducing credits

Tax due from those who are in receipt of the weekly €350 Covid-19 unemployment payment could be collected by reducing tax credits for those taxpayers in future years , the Revenue Commissioners have said .
The special payment , called the Pandemic Unemployment Payment ( PUP ) , was introduced by the Government to support those who have lost their job due to the coronavirus crisis .
The Dáil has recently heard claims that those in receipt of the payment may not be aware that they are liable for tax as a result and could face a surprise bill at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Revenue says that measures will be taken to allow the tax to be collected while minimising any “ hardship ” .
A Revenue statement said most income is liable to tax “ and the amount of tax an individual pays depends on the amount of the income they earn , on their personal circumstances and the tax credits they are entitled to ” .
Such income includes welfare payments from the State , unless they are specifically exempt from tax .
State payments which are liable for tax are subject to income tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The PUP is not exempt from tax and is a taxable source of income , ” Revenue said , adding that , in most instances , details of State payments made to individuals are reported directly to the Revenue from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection .
“ Depending on an individual ’ s overall income during a year , the PUP may affect their overall tax liability for the year.
” The PUP is not taxed at the time it is paid to the individual by the State , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be liable for tax at the end of the year , when the Revenue reviews their tax position .
“ When an end of the year review takes place for a PAYE taxpayer , it may be the case that they have unused tax credits that will cover any tax owing that may arise , ” Revenue said .
“ Where a PAYE taxpayer owes tax , it is normal Revenue practice to collect any tax owing in manageable amounts by reducing tax credits for a future year or years in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if an individual has any additional tax credits to claim , for example health expenses , this will also reduce any tax that may be owing.
” The PUP was initially due to expire on June 8th but it will now be extended .
Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar indicated that the future shape of the support could be a matter for the next government .
“ This Government or the new government will have to make a decision as to how long that will be extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some of the anomalies which people are aware of already.
” He said these anomalies included “ where there are a certain number of part-time workers who are now receiving more in the pandemic unemployment every week than they did in January or February before the pandemic happened .
“ However , none of those things are decisions that have to be made now .
The economy is only slowly opening up now .
It ’ s [ The payment is ] going to have to be extended .
”

Tax due from those who are in receipt of the weekly €350 Covid-19 unemployment payment could be collected by reducing tax credits in future years, the Revenue Commissioners have said. File photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Tax due from those who are in receipt of the weekly €350 Covid-19 unemployment payment could be collected by reducing tax credits for those taxpayers in future years, the Revenue Commissioners have said.
The special payment, called the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), was introduced by the Government to support those who have lost their job due to the coronavirus crisis.
The Dáil has recently heard claims that those in receipt of the payment may not be aware that they are liable for tax as a result and could face a surprise bill at the end of the year.
But Revenue says that measures will be taken to allow the tax to be collected while minimising any “hardship”.
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A Revenue statement said most income is liable to tax “and the amount of tax an individual pays depends on the amount of the income they earn, on their personal circumstances and the tax credits they are entitled to”.
Such income includes welfare payments from the State, unless they are specifically exempt from tax. State payments which are liable for tax are subject to income tax but not the USC or PRSI.
‘Not exempt’
“The PUP is not exempt from tax and is a taxable source of income,” Revenue said, adding that, in most instances, details of State payments made to individuals are reported directly to the Revenue from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
“Depending on an individual’s overall income during a year, the PUP may affect their overall tax liability for the year.”
The PUP is not taxed at the time it is paid to the individual by the State, but the person who receives the payment will be liable for tax at the end of the year, when the Revenue reviews their tax position.
“When an end of the year review takes place for a PAYE taxpayer, it may be the case that they have unused tax credits that will cover any tax owing that may arise,” Revenue said.
“Where a PAYE taxpayer owes tax, it is normal Revenue practice to collect any tax owing in manageable amounts by reducing tax credits for a future year or years in order to minimise any hardship.
“Additionally, if an individual has any additional tax credits to claim, for example health expenses, this will also reduce any tax that may be owing.”
Extension
The PUP was initially due to expire on June 8th but it will now be extended. Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar indicated that the future shape of the support could be a matter for the next government.
“This Government or the new government will have to make a decision as to how long that will be extended to and will also have to deal with some of the anomalies which people are aware of already.”
He said these anomalies included “where there are a certain number of part-time workers who are now receiving more in the pandemic unemployment every week than they did in January or February before the pandemic happened.
“However, none of those things are decisions that have to be made now. The economy is only slowly opening up now. It’s [The payment is] going to have to be extended.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--The human cost of Covid-19: new HSE figures reveal the toll on care homes

Confidential Health Service Executive figures obtained by The Irish Times show for the first time the precise impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on those living in care homes and residential facilities .
The unpublished HSE figures , which contain both confirmed and suspected cases of Covid-19 , show for the first time a breakdown of where more than 1,000 deaths have taken place in 167 settings around the country .
The HSE figures indicate the impact of clusters of the virus on vulnerable people when it becomes established in a residential setting .
Of the 1,030 deaths , almost 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounted for in 39 settings which saw 10 or more deaths .
The average number of deaths across the homes included in the HSE document , which was produced for internal circulation , is 6.16 .
The document contains final figures on Covid-19 deaths and confirmed cases produced by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre , and is slightly different to the figure published on Wednesday night by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
He put the official figure on deaths in residential care facilities at 1,025 , or almost 63 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State .
Within that , nursing homes accounted for 897 deaths or 55 per cent of the total .
According to the HSE figures , the three settings with the highest number of deaths associated with them are Ryevale Nursing Home in Leixlip , Co Kildare , with 35 deaths ; Tara Winthrop Private Clinic in Swords , Co Dublin , with 29 deaths ; and Marymount Care Centre in Lucan , Co Dublin , with 28 deaths .
A spokesman for the Tara Winthrop Private Clinic said it “ has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest standards in accordance with the regulations ” .
Marymount Care Centre said it was “ devastated at the loss of so many of our residents ” .
It said detailed infection control plans had been put in place .
Ryevale Nursing Home did not respond to a request for comment .
Of the 167 facilities which saw deaths recorded in the HSE figures , 125 are privately run institutions or operated by voluntary groups .
There are 571 nursing homes in the country , of which about one-fifth are run by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the 10 settings which saw the most nursing home deaths is St Mary ’ s Hospital in the Phoenix Park , with 25 deaths .
Dealgan House in Dundalk , which was one of the first large nursing home outbreaks , is recorded as having had 22 confirmed or suspected deaths from the virus .

St Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park: The only HSE-run facility among the 10 settings with the most nursing home deaths. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
Confidential Health Service Executive figures obtained by The Irish Times show for the first time the precise impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on those living in care homes and residential facilities.
The unpublished HSE figures, which contain both confirmed and suspected cases of Covid-19, show for the first time a breakdown of where more than 1,000 deaths have taken place in 167 settings around the country.
The HSE figures indicate the impact of clusters of the virus on vulnerable people when it becomes established in a residential setting. Of the 1,030 deaths, almost 60 per cent – 601 deaths – are accounted for in 39 settings which saw 10 or more deaths.
(If you are reading this on The Irish Times app, go here for a full breakdown of figures)
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Average fatalities
The average number of deaths across the homes included in the HSE document, which was produced for internal circulation, is 6.16.
The document contains final figures on Covid-19 deaths and confirmed cases produced by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, and is slightly different to the figure published on Wednesday night by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan. He put the official figure on deaths in residential care facilities at 1,025, or almost 63 per cent of the 1,631 deaths from Covid-19 in the State. Within that, nursing homes accounted for 897 deaths or 55 per cent of the total.
According to the HSE figures, the three settings with the highest number of deaths associated with them are Ryevale Nursing Home in Leixlip, Co Kildare, with 35 deaths; Tara Winthrop Private Clinic in Swords, Co Dublin, with 29 deaths; and Marymount Care Centre in Lucan, Co Dublin, with 28 deaths.
‘Devastated’ at loss
A spokesman for the Tara Winthrop Private Clinic said it “has always and continues to deliver its service to the highest standards in accordance with the regulations”.
Marymount Care Centre said it was “devastated at the loss of so many of our residents”. It said detailed infection control plans had been put in place.
Ryevale Nursing Home did not respond to a request for comment.*
Of the 167 facilities which saw deaths recorded in the HSE figures, 125 are privately run institutions or operated by voluntary groups. There are 571 nursing homes in the country, of which about one-fifth are run by the HSE.
The only HSE-run facility among the 10 settings which saw the most nursing home deaths is St Mary's Hospital in the Phoenix Park, with 25 deaths.
Dealgan House in Dundalk, which was one of the first large nursing home outbreaks, is recorded as having had 22 confirmed or suspected deaths from the virus.
*In a statement sent in following publication of this article, Ryevale Nursing Home said it extended “deepest condolences” to the families and loved ones of those who had died in the home. It said staff “have been devastated by the loss, which include those who have been with us for many years”. The home thanked its staff for their commitment, as well as residents’ families and the community. It said it has followed all national guidelines on infection control and Covid-19. This statement was added on June 5th 2020.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Older adults in nursing homes more likely to get Covid-19, report finds

Nursing home residents aged 70 and over are more likely to contract Covid-19 than the same age group in the general population and face a greater prospect of death , a new report has found .
A study of cases to May 6th highlights a fatality rate in the general population of 17 per cent , but this rises to 21 per cent for those in long term residential care settings ( LTRCs ) .
The analysis is contained in the Department of Health report Overview of the Health System Response to Date , examining a sector that has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way in which the virus has been handled .
Over half of all deaths in Ireland to date have been recorded in such facilities .
“ In summary , those in LTRCs are more likely to contract COVID-19 than those in the same age in the general population , but death rates are similar in both groups , ” it says .
In the general population , those in that age cohort have been urged to “ cocoon ” , or shut themselves away from any contact with the outside world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall incidence rate of 2.4 per 1,000 in the general population compared to 10.7 in those aged over 70 years .
By early May , 1 per cent of all people in that age category had been confirmed as having Covid-19 .
The incidence rate among residents of LTRC facilities generally was found to be approximately 45 times greater than the general population .
The document also lends some insight into the manner in which the virus spread aggressively through such settings .
Characteristics of LTRC facilities in Ireland that make them high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , include congregated settings often with shared rooms ; high levels of contact between people ; and a lesser ability to ascertain symptoms among people with neurological conditions such as dementia .
It also points out that in order to provide continuity of service with absent staff , agency or temporary workers are brought in and in turn can spread the virus into other care homes .
The report also examines early guidance on the transfer of people from acute hospitals to nursing homes , issued on March 10th .
In cases where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible close contact ” of a known Covid-19 positive case , it was recommended they be accommodated in a single en-suite room for 14 days after transfer .
Patients with possible symptoms were not to be transferred unless a Covid-19 test was negative and even then were to be accommodated in single room for 14 days .
Those who tested positive in an acute hospital were not to be transferred until they had completed 14 days of isolation and had tested negative for the virus .
This guidelines were widely circulated .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considered that if the protocols set out in the guidance were adhered to…the risk of transfer to and subsequent spread of COVID-19 to LTRC facilities would have been low , albeit not impossible given the emerging evidence with regard to asymptomatic and atypical presentations of COVID-19 in some older people , ” it said .

Over half of all Covid-19 deaths in Ireland to date have been recorded in long term residential care settings. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty
Nursing home residents aged 70 and over are more likely to contract Covid-19 than the same age group in the general population and face a greater prospect of death, a new report has found.
A study of cases to May 6th highlights a fatality rate in the general population of 17 per cent, but this rises to 21 per cent for those in long term residential care settings (LTRCs).
The analysis is contained in the Department of Health report Overview of the Health System Response to Date, examining a sector that has come under increasing scrutiny in recent days for the way in which the virus has been handled. Over half of all deaths in Ireland to date have been recorded in such facilities.
“In summary, those in LTRCs are more likely to contract COVID-19 than those in the same age in the general population, but death rates are similar in both groups,” it says.
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In the general population, those in that age cohort have been urged to “cocoon”, or shut themselves away from any contact with the outside world.
The snapshot of case data showed an overall incidence rate of 2.4 per 1,000 in the general population compared to 10.7 in those aged over 70 years.
By early May, 1 per cent of all people in that age category had been confirmed as having Covid-19. The incidence rate among residents of LTRC facilities generally was found to be approximately 45 times greater than the general population.
Spread in care settings
The document also lends some insight into the manner in which the virus spread aggressively through such settings.
Characteristics of LTRC facilities in Ireland that make them high risk for Covid-19 outbreak, it notes, include congregated settings often with shared rooms; high levels of contact between people; and a lesser ability to ascertain symptoms among people with neurological conditions such as dementia.
It also points out that in order to provide continuity of service with absent staff, agency or temporary workers are brought in and in turn can spread the virus into other care homes.
The report also examines early guidance on the transfer of people from acute hospitals to nursing homes, issued on March 10th.
In cases where a patient was identified as a “possible close contact” of a known Covid-19 positive case, it was recommended they be accommodated in a single en-suite room for 14 days after transfer.
Patients with possible symptoms were not to be transferred unless a Covid-19 test was negative and even then were to be accommodated in single room for 14 days.
Those who tested positive in an acute hospital were not to be transferred until they had completed 14 days of isolation and had tested negative for the virus. This guidelines were widely circulated.
“At this stage of the pandemic it is considered that if the protocols set out in the guidance were adhered to…the risk of transfer to and subsequent spread of COVID-19 to LTRC facilities would have been low, albeit not impossible given the emerging evidence with regard to asymptomatic and atypical presentations of COVID-19 in some older people,” it said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Cruise ship study shows prevalence of ‘silent’ Covid-19 higher than thought

A study carried out among passengers on board an isolated cruise ship in the Antarctic has found the prevalence of the “ silent symptomless ” coronavirus infection may be much higher than previously thought .
An article published today in the journal Thorax reveals more than eight out of 10 of the passengers and crew on board the cruise ship who tested positive for coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , showed no symptoms .
The WHO has previously said that only one per cent of Covid-19 patients are asymptomatic .
The study was carried out among 128 passengers ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 95 crew on board a ship which set sail from the city of Ushuaia in Argentina in mid-March for a planned 21-day cruise of the Antarctic after the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) had declared Covid-19 a global pandemic .
Those researching the prevalence of silent Covid-19 symptoms were also on board the vessel , which was set to follow a similar route to Ernest Shackleton 1915-1917 expedition .
The ship had no outside human contact for 28 days after its departure and thus was totally isolated , notes the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had passed through countries in the previous three weeks where Covid-19 infection rates were already high were not allowed to board .
Everyone else had their temperature taken before embarkation while hand-sanitising stations were “ plentiful ” aboard the ship , particularly in the dining room , according to the study .
On the eighth day of the cruise the first case of fever was reported and immediate infection control measures were adopted including confining passengers to their cabins and distributing surgical masks to everyone .
Daily room servicing was stopped and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a sick passenger had to wear personal protective equipment .
Meals continued to be delivered to cabins three times a day .
As Argentina had closed its borders , the ship docked in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo on day 13 of the cruise and eight passengers and crew were subsequently evacuated to hospital for respiratory failure .
Four of these were intubated and ventilated and one person died of the virus .
The remaining 217 passengers and crew were swab tested for Covid-19 on day 20 with nearly 60 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Some 81 per cent of those who tested positive ( 108 people ) showed no symptoms of the virus .
These results indicate the prevalence of Covid-19 on affected cruise ships has been “ significantly underestimated ” , conclude the authors who have called for all passengers on board other cruise ships to be monitored after disembarkation to avoid the further spread of the virus .
On 10 occasions , two passengers sharing the same cabin on the Antarctic cruise didn ’ t have the same test result .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in a “ substantial number ” of false negative results , according to authors Prof Alvin Ing from the Macquarie University Hospital in Australia and Dr Jeffrey Green from the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners .
Secondary Covid-19 testing among cruise ship passengers is needed given this potentially high rate of false negative results , they added .

Some 81 per cent of those who tested positive (108 people) on the cruise ship showed no symptoms of the virus. File photograph: EPA/Focke Strangmann
A study carried out among passengers on board an isolated cruise ship in the Antarctic has found the prevalence of the “silent symptomless” coronavirus infection may be much higher than previously thought.
An article published today in the journal Thorax reveals more than eight out of 10 of the passengers and crew on board the cruise ship who tested positive for coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, showed no symptoms.
The WHO has previously said that only one per cent of Covid-19 patients are asymptomatic.
The study was carried out among 128 passengers (mostly from Australia and New Zealand) and 95 crew on board a ship which set sail from the city of Ushuaia in Argentina in mid-March for a planned 21-day cruise of the Antarctic after the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared Covid-19 a global pandemic.
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Those researching the prevalence of silent Covid-19 symptoms were also on board the vessel, which was set to follow a similar route to Ernest Shackleton 1915-1917 expedition.
The ship had no outside human contact for 28 days after its departure and thus was totally isolated, notes the report.
Passengers booked on to the cruise who had passed through countries in the previous three weeks where Covid-19 infection rates were already high were not allowed to board. Everyone else had their temperature taken before embarkation while hand-sanitising stations were “plentiful” aboard the ship, particularly in the dining room, according to the study.
On the eighth day of the cruise the first case of fever was reported and immediate infection control measures were adopted including confining passengers to their cabins and distributing surgical masks to everyone. Daily room servicing was stopped and any crew member who came into contact with a sick passenger had to wear personal protective equipment. Meals continued to be delivered to cabins three times a day.
As Argentina had closed its borders, the ship docked in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo on day 13 of the cruise and eight passengers and crew were subsequently evacuated to hospital for respiratory failure. Four of these were intubated and ventilated and one person died of the virus.
False negatives
The remaining 217 passengers and crew were swab tested for Covid-19 on day 20 with nearly 60 per cent (128 people) testing positive for the virus.
Some 81 per cent of those who tested positive (108 people) showed no symptoms of the virus.
These results indicate the prevalence of Covid-19 on affected cruise ships has been “significantly underestimated”, conclude the authors who have called for all passengers on board other cruise ships to be monitored after disembarkation to avoid the further spread of the virus.
On 10 occasions, two passengers sharing the same cabin on the Antarctic cruise didn’t have the same test result. This may have been because current swab tests result in a “substantial number” of false negative results, according to authors Prof Alvin Ing from the Macquarie University Hospital in Australia and Dr Jeffrey Green from the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners.
Secondary Covid-19 testing among cruise ship passengers is needed given this potentially high rate of false negative results, they added.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--The 2-metre rule is to stay in place, Holohan says

The State ’ s chief medical officer , Tony Holohan , has told the Government there will be no immediate change to the current two-metre rule for physical distancing .
Dr Holohan held a meeting with the Cabinet on Wednesday where the issue was raised by a number of Ministers .
One source said Dr Holohan indicated there would be no imminent change to the requirement as it was a risk assessment that was necessary in order to suppress the spread of Covid-19 .
Ministers were told that reducing the two metres to one metre could increase the risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be unable to reopen unless the social distancing guide of two metres is reduced to one metre .
Speaking in the Dáil , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar suggested that the Covid-19 committee could examine the two-metre issue and come up with a recommendation .
“ I am not sure if it is possible to get a political consensus on the one-metre or two-metre guidance or the two-hour close contact rule .
“ If there is a place to do that , it probably is the Covid committee which has been established .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is very representative of the Dáil .
I do not think it is something for the party leaders , to be honest .
“ The right place to do that is the Covid committee .
It can hear the evidence and then make a recommendation to the Government on the one-metre or two-metre rule and the two-hour contact tracing rule .
It might be the best form for political consensus to be found , if it can be found .
“ I am not sure , however , if it can .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advice of the public health emergency team .
“ It has to be seen in its overall context , however , namely , how prevalent the virus is in the community.
” Mr Varadkar added that “ we need to bear in mind that , while there is no such thing as zero risk from this virus , as the risk reduces , then rules can be relaxed .
That is what the plan is all about in many ways.
” Minister for Health Simon Harris also insisted “ we will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said there was 99 per cent protection from infection at two metres .
He acknowledged that “ it would be hard to get your hair cut from two metres but the general advice is to follow the two metres as much as possible ” .
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin warned that the restrictions would lose public support if they were no longer seen as actually being based on clear scientific evidence and the two-metre social distancing regulation was not required by the science .
“ If it is true that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolate is now in place , then we need to see this reflected in the loosening of policies put in place in part because we lacked this capacity.
” Mr Martin also criticised the 5km limit on how far people were allotted to travel for exercise and said there was no remaining “ serious justification ” for this .
“ The public health concern is how people behave around others – not how far they are from their home.
” He added that research showed it could be forcing people in urban areas @ @ @ @ @

Dr Tony Holohan indicated the two-metre rule was necessary in order to suppress the spread of Covid-19. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
The State's chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, has told the Government there will be no immediate change to the current two-metre rule for physical distancing.
Dr Holohan held a meeting with the Cabinet on Wednesday where the issue was raised by a number of Ministers.
One source said Dr Holohan indicated there would be no imminent change to the requirement as it was a risk assessment that was necessary in order to suppress the spread of Covid-19.
Ministers were told that reducing the two metres to one metre could increase the risk of infection.
READ MORE
Many businesses have said they would be unable to reopen unless the social distancing guide of two metres is reduced to one metre.
Speaking in the Dáil, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar suggested that the Covid-19 committee could examine the two-metre issue and come up with a recommendation.
“I am not sure if it is possible to get a political consensus on the one-metre or two-metre guidance or the two-hour close contact rule.
“If there is a place to do that, it probably is the Covid committee which has been established.
“The committee seems to be working well and is very representative of the Dáil. I do not think it is something for the party leaders, to be honest.
“The right place to do that is the Covid committee. It can hear the evidence and then make a recommendation to the Government on the one-metre or two-metre rule and the two-hour contact tracing rule. It might be the best form for political consensus to be found, if it can be found.
“I am not sure, however, if it can. In the meantime, we will follow the advice of the public health emergency team.
“It has to be seen in its overall context, however, namely, how prevalent the virus is in the community.”
Mr Varadkar added that “we need to bear in mind that, while there is no such thing as zero risk from this virus, as the risk reduces, then rules can be relaxed. That is what the plan is all about in many ways.”
Minister for Health Simon Harris also insisted "we will be guided by public health advice". He said there was 99 per cent protection from infection at two metres.
He acknowledged that “it would be hard to get your hair cut from two metres but the general advice is to follow the two metres as much as possible”.
Public support
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin warned that the restrictions would lose public support if they were no longer seen as actually being based on clear scientific evidence and the two-metre social distancing regulation was not required by the science.
“If it is true that our capacity to rapidly test, trace and isolate is now in place, then we need to see this reflected in the loosening of policies put in place in part because we lacked this capacity.”
Mr Martin also criticised the 5km limit on how far people were allotted to travel for exercise and said there was no remaining “serious justification” for this.
“The public health concern is how people behave around others – not how far they are from their home.” He added that research showed it could be forcing people in urban areas into more crowded situations.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Man denies contempt of court order to vacate repossessed house

A man who denies contempt of High Court orders requiring his repossessed house to be vacated is to be allowed back into the building to get his personal possessions .
The proceedings by Start Mortgages against Patrick Ryan relating to alleged contempt of court orders were adjourned on Wednesday to next month .
The court earlier this month ordered Mr Ryan be brought before it to answer allegations of contempt over alleged reoccupation of a house at Glendale Meadows , Leixlip , Co Kildare .
On Wednesday , Mr Justice Anthony Barr was told the house has been vacated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the locks .
Start previously got possession of the house through the county sheriff over default on payment by Mr Ryan of a mortgage on the property which stood at €654,000 .
In January , the court ordered the property be vacated .
Earlier this month Start was granted orders for Mr Ryan and two alleged occupants of the house to be brought before the court over alleged contempt of the January order to vacate .
That matter was adjourned to Wednesday when Rudi Neuman BL , for Start , told the judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get into the property again .
After asking Mr Ryan several times if he was going to comply with the court order and give an undertaking not to enter the property , Mr Ryan said Start had no claim on his property and he was not in contempt of court .
Mr Justice Barr said , as the matter stood , Mr Ryan was out of the property , the locks had been changed and the property was back in possession of Start .
In those circumstances , the judge said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan in jail as he “ was not de facto in contempt.
” The judge adjourned the case for a month after Mr Neuman said it wished to prepare the house for sale .
He also directed Start to write to Mr Ryan offering him a reasonable opportunity , and to agree a time , to get his personal possessions from the house .

A man who denies contempt of High Court orders requiring his repossessed house to be vacated is to be allowed back into the building to get his personal possessions.
The proceedings by Start Mortgages against Patrick Ryan relating to alleged contempt of court orders were adjourned on Wednesday to next month.
The court earlier this month ordered Mr Ryan be brought before it to answer allegations of contempt over alleged reoccupation of a house at Glendale Meadows, Leixlip, Co Kildare.
On Wednesday, Mr Justice Anthony Barr was told the house has been vacated and Start had secured the property by changing the locks. Start previously got possession of the house through the county sheriff over default on payment by Mr Ryan of a mortgage on the property which stood at €654,000.
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In January, the court ordered the property be vacated. Earlier this month Start was granted orders for Mr Ryan and two alleged occupants of the house to be brought before the court over alleged contempt of the January order to vacate.
That matter was adjourned to Wednesday when Rudi Neuman BL, for Start, told the judge Start is concerned Mr Ryan would try to get into the property again.
After asking Mr Ryan several times if he was going to comply with the court order and give an undertaking not to enter the property, Mr Ryan said Start had no claim on his property and he was not in contempt of court.
Mr Justice Barr said, as the matter stood, Mr Ryan was out of the property, the locks had been changed and the property was back in possession of Start. In those circumstances, the judge said he would not have jurisdiction to send Mr Ryan in jail as he “was not de facto in contempt.”
The judge adjourned the case for a month after Mr Neuman said it wished to prepare the house for sale. He also directed Start to write to Mr Ryan offering him a reasonable opportunity, and to agree a time, to get his personal possessions from the house.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Second-hand clothes firm used as front for drug distribution network, court told

Criminals were using a second-hand clothing collection company as a front for a major drug distribution network , gardaí alleged on Wednesday when objecting to bail for a man arrested after gardaí seized €190,000 worth of drugs in Co Cork .
Det Garda Eoin O ’ Toole of Cork City Divisional Drugs Unit said gardaí believe the second-hand clothes collection company operated by Lithuanian , Vytautas Balcytis was a front for a major drug distribution operation in Ireland .
Det Garda O ’ Toole made the comment when objecting to bail for Mr Balcytis ( 31 ) after he charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seizure of over €90,000 worth of drugs from among a total haul of €190,000 in Ringaskiddy .
On Sunday , Mr Balcytis was remanded in custody with consent to bail after he was charged with possession and possession for sale or supply of €17,000 worth of cocaine at Ring Port , Loughbeg , Ringaskiddy , Co Cork on May 21st .
On Wednesday at Cork District Court , Mr Balcytis was charged with possession and possession for sale or supply of €60,000 worth of heroin and possession and possession for sale or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same occasion .
Det Garda O ’ Toole gave evidence of arrest , charge and caution and told the court that Mr Balcytis of Ferndale , Navan , Co Meath made no reply to any of the four new charges when they were put to him after caution .
He said gardaí were objecting to bail because of the seriousness of the six charges now against Mr Balcytis , their belief he was a flight risk and would not stand trial and their belief he would commit further offences if granted bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear that Mr Balcytis would abscond on their belief they had a strong case against him given the evidence they had to link him to the charges and he gave an outline of the alleged facts in the case .
He said gardaí had mounted a surveillance operation on a warehouse in Ringaskiddy and they would allege that they saw Mr Balcytis in a motor van from which they later recovered a significant quantity of drugs .
Gardaí would allege that they also found the key to this motor van in a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in addition to the drugs with which he was charged , they also found €100,000 of fake Xanax in the motor van .
He said gardaí would allege Mr Balcytis was effectively caught red-handed at the scene and he also told the court that he believed further serious charges would also be brought against Mr Balcytis in relation to the seizure .
Defence solicitor , Eddie Burke said little had changed for his client from Sunday when he was remanded in custody with consent to bail on the two cocaine charges other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total six offences .
However , the four new charges all arose from the same incident as the earlier two charges when a different judge remanded Mr Balcytis in custody with consent to bail and he accused gardaí of now engaging in “ judge shopping ” .
Mr Burke submitted to Judge Olann Kelleher that gardaí were “ changing the goalposts ” in they had put all the facts before his colleague on Sunday and Mr Balcytis had obtained bail but now they had brought new charges .
Judge Kellehersaid that he accepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge but what happened in another court was not of concern to him and he had to consider the charges and submissions that were made before him .
Judge Kelleher said in all the circumstances he was refusing Mr Balcytis bail on the four new charges and he remanded him in custody to appear on June 3rd while he approved a surety and remanded him on bail on the earlier charges .

Criminals were using a second-hand clothing collection company as a front for a major drug distribution network, gardaí alleged on Wednesday when objecting to bail for a man arrested after gardaí seized €190,000 worth of drugs in Co Cork.
Det Garda Eoin O'Toole of Cork City Divisional Drugs Unit said gardaí believe the second-hand clothes collection company operated by Lithuanian, Vytautas Balcytis was a front for a major drug distribution operation in Ireland.
Det Garda O'Toole made the comment when objecting to bail for Mr Balcytis (31) after he charged him with four new offences relating to the seizure of over €90,000 worth of drugs from among a total haul of €190,000 in Ringaskiddy.
On Sunday, Mr Balcytis was remanded in custody with consent to bail after he was charged with possession and possession for sale or supply of €17,000 worth of cocaine at Ring Port, Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork on May 21st.
READ MORE
On Wednesday at Cork District Court, Mr Balcytis was charged with possession and possession for sale or supply of €60,000 worth of heroin and possession and possession for sale or supply of €14,000 worth of ecstasy on the same occasion.
Det Garda O'Toole gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Balcytis of Ferndale, Navan, Co Meath made no reply to any of the four new charges when they were put to him after caution.
He said gardaí were objecting to bail because of the seriousness of the six charges now against Mr Balcytis, their belief he was a flight risk and would not stand trial and their belief he would commit further offences if granted bail.
He said gardaí were basing their fear that Mr Balcytis would abscond on their belief they had a strong case against him given the evidence they had to link him to the charges and he gave an outline of the alleged facts in the case.
He said gardaí had mounted a surveillance operation on a warehouse in Ringaskiddy and they would allege that they saw Mr Balcytis in a motor van from which they later recovered a significant quantity of drugs.
Gardaí would allege that they also found the key to this motor van in a car being driven by Mr Balcytis and that in addition to the drugs with which he was charged, they also found €100,000 of fake Xanax in the motor van.
He said gardaí would allege Mr Balcytis was effectively caught red-handed at the scene and he also told the court that he believed further serious charges would also be brought against Mr Balcytis in relation to the seizure.
Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke said little had changed for his client from Sunday when he was remanded in custody with consent to bail on the two cocaine charges other than that he was now charged with a total six offences.
However, the four new charges all arose from the same incident as the earlier two charges when a different judge remanded Mr Balcytis in custody with consent to bail and he accused gardaí of now engaging in “judge shopping”.
Mr Burke submitted to Judge Olann Kelleher that gardaí were "changing the goalposts" in they had put all the facts before his colleague on Sunday and Mr Balcytis had obtained bail but now they had brought new charges.
Judge Kellehersaid that he accepted Mr Balcytis had got bail from another judge but what happened in another court was not of concern to him and he had to consider the charges and submissions that were made before him.
Judge Kelleher said in all the circumstances he was refusing Mr Balcytis bail on the four new charges and he remanded him in custody to appear on June 3rd while he approved a surety and remanded him on bail on the earlier charges.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Essex lorry deaths: 26 arrested in France and Belgium

French prosecutor Rémy Heitz announced on Wednesday the arrests of 26 people in France and Belgium in connection with the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants who were found in a refrigerated lorry in Britain last year .
Two men from Northern Ireland were arrested earlier this year in connection with the case .
Maurice Robinson ( 25 ) from Co Armagh pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 39 people and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property .
Ronan Hughes ( 40 ) from Co Monaghan is alleged to have recruited Mr Robinson to drive the trailer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was discovered on an industrial estate 32km east of London in October last year .
Mr Heitz said the 26 arrests took place simultaneously in different places in the Paris region and in Belgium , as the result of two distinct investigations .
The first investigation , into human trafficking in an organised gang , assisting illegal residence in an organised gang and association of criminals , was opened on October 14th , 2019 , eight days before the deaths occurred .
The second investigation added manslaughter to the charges and was opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 13 individuals arrested in France are suspected of participating in a criminal organisation that has lodged and transported several dozen migrants from southeast Asia , particularly Vietnam , on a daily basis for several months , ” said the statement from Mr Heitz ’ s office .
A spokesman said the vast majority of the 13 people detained in France are Vietnamese and French citizens .
The investigation was carried out by officials from the French central office for the repression of illegal immigration and the employment of unauthorised foreigners , known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was coordinated by Eurojust , with the support of Europol .
Investigators from Ireland , Belgium and the UK participated .
Exchanges between regional jurisdictions in Lyon and Lille enabled investigators “ to identify the immigration networks that received , lodged and transported the migrants in France before they proceeded to Great Britain , as early as November 2019 , ” the prosecutor ’ s statement said .

The lorry was found on an industrial estate 32km east of London in October last year. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty
French prosecutor Rémy Heitz announced on Wednesday the arrests of 26 people in France and Belgium in connection with the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants who were found in a refrigerated lorry in Britain last year.
The dead included two 15-year-old boys.
Two men from Northern Ireland were arrested earlier this year in connection with the case.
Maurice Robinson (25) from Co Armagh pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 39 people and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property.
READ MORE
Ronan Hughes (40) from Co Monaghan is alleged to have recruited Mr Robinson to drive the trailer in which the 39 migrants died, which was discovered on an industrial estate 32km east of London in October last year.
Mr Heitz said the 26 arrests took place simultaneously in different places in the Paris region and in Belgium, as the result of two distinct investigations.
The first investigation, into human trafficking in an organised gang, assisting illegal residence in an organised gang and association of criminals, was opened on October 14th, 2019, eight days before the deaths occurred.
The second investigation added manslaughter to the charges and was opened on March 2nd, 2020.
“The 13 individuals arrested in France are suspected of participating in a criminal organisation that has lodged and transported several dozen migrants from southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, on a daily basis for several months,” said the statement from Mr Heitz’s office.
A spokesman said the vast majority of the 13 people detained in France are Vietnamese and French citizens.
The investigation was carried out by officials from the French central office for the repression of illegal immigration and the employment of unauthorised foreigners, known by the acronym OCRIEST.
The investigation was coordinated by Eurojust, with the support of Europol. Investigators from Ireland, Belgium and the UK participated.
Exchanges between regional jurisdictions in Lyon and Lille enabled investigators “to identify the immigration networks that received, lodged and transported the migrants in France before they proceeded to Great Britain, as early as November 2019,” the prosecutor’s statement said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Bake-off: Matt Damon bids farewell to bakery as he prepares to leave Ireland

Hollywood actor Matt Damon and his family are reported to be heading home to the United States after spending the Covid-19 lockdown in the south Dublin suburb of Dalkey .
Dalkey ’ s Country Bake store , where Damon had become a regular customer , posted on Wednesday that the American actor and his family had stopped by for their final visit before leaving Ireland .
The Dublin bakery posted a photo of Damon on Facebook with the message “ Our last visit from Matt and his family for a while .
Safe travels !
Thanks for bringing some excitement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comments underneath the post wished Damon a safe trip home , with one Facebook user thanking him for putting “ Dalkey on the world map ” .
Damon was in Ireland shooting scenes for an upcoming movie´ , The Last Duel , directed by Ridley Scott , when the country went into lockdown in mid-March .
Instead of catching a flight back to the US , Damon chose to settle into the Dalkey community – where he and his family are reportedly renting the Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine ’ s former bachelor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Irish soil .
The actor ’ s stay in Dublin , and subsequent photo which showed Damon wearing a baseball hat and holding a SuperValu bag , prompted an article by the New Times about the local reaction to the A-lister ’ s presence in the affluent Dublin seaside suburb .
Much to the joy of Dublin station Spin 1038 , Damon appeared on the Fully Charged weekday show earlier this month and spoke about living in Ireland during the pandemic .
More recently he surprised local schoolgirls by sharing a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the secondary school , Loreto Abbey Dalkey .
“ You guys are awesome , ” he told the girls , adding that he was “ sorry ” they had to study and graduate “ from quarantine ” .
“ Congratulations – what an achievement .
Good for you guys .
I ’ m thinking about you .
”

Dalkey’s Country Bake store posted a photo of Matt Damon on Facebook with the message “Our last visit from Matt and his family for a while. Safe travels! Thanks for bringing some excitement to Dalkey during this pandemic!” Above, Damon shopping at his local SuperValu supermarket while living in Dalkey, Co Dublin. Photograph: Padraig O’Reilly
Hollywood actor Matt Damon and his family are reported to be heading home to the United States after spending the Covid-19 lockdown in the south Dublin suburb of Dalkey.
Dalkey's Country Bake store, where Damon had become a regular customer, posted on Wednesday that the American actor and his family had stopped by for their final visit before leaving Ireland.
The Dublin bakery posted a photo of Damon on Facebook with the message "Our last visit from Matt and his family for a while. Safe travels! Thanks for bringing some excitement to Dalkey during this pandemic!"
Our last visit from Matt and his family for a while. Safe travels! Thanks for bringing some excitement to Dalkey during this pandemic! @matt_damon_official Posted by The Country Bake on Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Comments underneath the post wished Damon a safe trip home, with one Facebook user thanking him for putting “Dalkey on the world map”.
READ MORE
Damon was in Ireland shooting scenes for an upcoming movie, The Last Duel, directed by Ridley Scott, when the country went into lockdown in mid-March. Instead of catching a flight back to the US, Damon chose to settle into the Dalkey community – where he and his family are reportedly renting the retired Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine's former bachelor pad – and wait out the pandemic on Irish soil.
The actor’s stay in Dublin, and subsequent photo which showed Damon wearing a baseball hat and holding a SuperValu bag, prompted an article by the New York Times about the local reaction to the A-lister’s presence in the affluent Dublin seaside suburb.
Much to the joy of Dublin station Spin 1038, Damon appeared on the Fully Charged weekday show earlier this month and spoke about living in Ireland during the pandemic.
More recently he surprised local schoolgirls by sharing a video of himself congratulating the graduation class of the secondary school, Loreto Abbey Dalkey.
“You guys are awesome,” he told the girls, adding that he was “sorry” they had to study and graduate “from quarantine”. “Congratulations – what an achievement. Good for you guys. I’m thinking about you.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--McDonald’s announces all Irish drive-throughs to reopen on June 4th

McDonald ’ s has announced that all of its drive-through restaurants will be open by Thursday , June 4th but because of the high levels of anticipated demand it will only release each location on the morning they are set to resume business .
The fast food chain also plans to expand its home delivery service , McDelivery .
“ Between Tuesday and Thursday next week , an additional 51 of our restaurants will reopen for Drive Thru , ” it confirmed in a statement on Wednesday , adding to the six Dublin restaurants which already resumed collection services last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new safety measures being adopted by businesses resuming trading , some changes have been made across the restaurants .
“ With fewer employees working in our kitchens and service areas , our teams will still need your patience and support as they continue to adjust to the new ways of working , ” it said .
“ Face coverings , gloves , perspex screens and new safety and hygiene processes mean it will look different , it will take a little longer and as we ’ ve seen in the pilot restaurants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the last week , it said , drive through lanes have been closed on occasion when it was considered that the level of demand posed a risk to staff and customers .

McDonald’s has announced that all of its drive-through restaurants will be open by Thursday, June 4th but because of the high levels of anticipated demand it will only release each location on the morning they are set to resume business.
The fast food chain also plans to expand its home delivery service, McDelivery.
“Between Tuesday and Thursday next week, an additional 51 of our restaurants will reopen for Drive Thru,” it confirmed in a statement on Wednesday, adding to the six Dublin restaurants which already resumed collection services last week.
We are reopening 39 Drive Thru lanes across the UK and ROI. These Drive Thru pilot restaurants were all chosen as they are close to one of our distribution centres as we continue to prepare our supply chain for reopening. pic.twitter.com/HqvctFo63k — McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) May 20, 2020
However, in line with new safety measures being adopted by businesses resuming trading, some changes have been made across the restaurants.
READ MORE
“With fewer employees working in our kitchens and service areas, our teams will still need your patience and support as they continue to adjust to the new ways of working,” it said.
“Face coverings, gloves, perspex screens and new safety and hygiene processes mean it will look different, it will take a little longer and as we’ve seen in the pilot restaurants, we expect demand will be high.”
In the last week, it said, drive through lanes have been closed on occasion when it was considered that the level of demand posed a risk to staff and customers.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Hot, sunny weather forecast in lead-up to bank holiday weekend

Most places can expect sunshine and temperatures of up to 26 degrees over the coming days up to and including the bank holiday weekend .
A high of 25 degrees was recorded in Co Tipperary on Wednesday and it is expected to get even hotter on Thursday with the highest temperatures likely to be recorded in parts of Connaught and the Midlands .
Thursday will see the hottest weather but it will still be warm and sunny into the weekend with the exception of Atlantic coasts where rain and scattered showers are expected on Friday night into Saturday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few showers are forecast , though the east and midlands should be fine .
The period coinciding with the lockdown has seen generally favourable temperatures , but there has been a conspicuous lack of rain in recent weeks .
Met Éireann forecaster Liz Walsh said some wet weather in the west on Friday and Saturday was the only “ fly in the ointment ” over the coming days , but rain will be welcomed by many , especially farmers .
“ Rain is wanted at this stage .
Some gardens are looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
Since the Covid-19 lockdown , seven weather stations have experienced an “ absolute drought ” which is 15 consecutive days without rain .
They are Claremorris , Belmullet , Phoenix Park , Dublin Airport , Newport , Dunsany , Finner Camp and Casement Aerodrome .
Drought-like conditions have been most apparent in Dublin where the Phoenix Park had 42 days from March 18th to April 28th in which just 5.8mm of rain fell .
Very little rain has fallen in this month so far either .
Just 9.5mm of rain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for May in Dublin is 59.5mm .
There may be the possibility of rain in the east next week with a more unsettled forecast in prospect , but it is too soon to say for certain .
Gardaí intend to launch a roads policing strategy this weekend to coincide with the bank holiday .
There has been an increase in road deaths this year despite the country being in lockdown for the past 10 weeks .
To date 60 people have died on Irish roads in comparison with 55 for the same period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have died has doubled from nine to 18 .
The Minister for Transport , Tourism and Sport Shane Ross said he was “ greatly alarmed ” by the figures .
He added : “ I am appealing to all road users to please take a closer look at how you behave on the road and to take greater responsibility and practise good road safety habits .
“ This means drivers being alert to danger and slowing down and pedestrians walking on the right-hand side of the road towards oncoming traffic if there @ @ @ @ @

Swimmers playing in the Weir at Lucan during blazing sunshine. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Most places can expect sunshine and temperatures of up to 26 degrees over the coming days up to and including the bank holiday weekend.
A high of 25 degrees was recorded in Co Tipperary on Wednesday and it is expected to get even hotter on Thursday with the highest temperatures likely to be recorded in parts of Connaught and the Midlands.
Thursday will see the hottest weather but it will still be warm and sunny into the weekend with the exception of Atlantic coasts where rain and scattered showers are expected on Friday night into Saturday morning.
On bank holiday Monday in western parts a few showers are forecast, though the east and midlands should be fine.
READ MORE
The period coinciding with the lockdown has seen generally favourable temperatures, but there has been a conspicuous lack of rain in recent weeks.
Met Éireann forecaster Liz Walsh said some wet weather in the west on Friday and Saturday was the only "fly in the ointment" over the coming days, but rain will be welcomed by many, especially farmers.
“Rain is wanted at this stage. Some gardens are looking very parched at the moment,” she said.
Since the Covid-19 lockdown, seven weather stations have experienced an "absolute drought" which is 15 consecutive days without rain. They are Claremorris, Belmullet, Phoenix Park, Dublin Airport, Newport, Dunsany, Finner Camp and Casement Aerodrome.
Drought-like conditions have been most apparent in Dublin where the Phoenix Park had 42 days from March 18th to April 28th in which just 5.8mm of rain fell.
Very little rain has fallen in this month so far either. Just 9.5mm of rain has fallen to date; the average for May in Dublin is 59.5mm.
There may be the possibility of rain in the east next week with a more unsettled forecast in prospect, but it is too soon to say for certain.
Gardaí intend to launch a roads policing strategy this weekend to coincide with the bank holiday.
There has been an increase in road deaths this year despite the country being in lockdown for the past 10 weeks.
To date 60 people have died on Irish roads in comparison with 55 for the same period last year.
The number of pedestrians who have died has doubled from nine to 18.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross said he was "greatly alarmed" by the figures.
He added: “I am appealing to all road users to please take a closer look at how you behave on the road and to take greater responsibility and practise good road safety habits.
“This means drivers being alert to danger and slowing down and pedestrians walking on the right-hand side of the road towards oncoming traffic if there are no footpaths.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Some 10,000 Leaving Cert students yet to register for calculated grades

About 10,000 Leaving Cert students have yet to apply to receive calculated grades ahead of the deadline which expires at 10pm on Thursday night .
Students are required to register in order to receive their grades and to confirm the level at which they are taking a subject .
About 50,000 of the 61,000 exam candidates had registered with the Department of Education ’ s online portal by lunchtime on Wednesday .
Some school principals have expressed concern that a small but significant cohort of students who have ‘ disconnected ’ from school may not register in time for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal year , several hundred students do not turn up for Leaving Cert exams even though they are registered to sit them .
Last year , for example , about 800 registered students did not sit the exams .
The Department of Education is understood to be examining a number of options if this proves to be the case but a spokesman declined to comment .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh has appealed to students not to leave the registration process on the gov.ie/leavingcertificate portal to the last minute .
Schools have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helpline support system is available for anyone experiencing trouble getting access online Those registering must have their examination number , Personal Public Service ( PPS ) number ( which they will use to create a four-digit Personal Identification Number ) , an email address and a mobile phone number .
Once the Department of Education has received all the necessary data , students will then be asked to opt-in through the portal to indicate if they wish to receive calculated grades .
Calculated grades have been designed as a solution to problems with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to safety guidelines related to Covid-19 .
Meanwhile , students are being advised to be careful when signing up to new lease arrangements for accommodation for the 2020-2021 academic year due to the lack of clarity on how third-level institutions will operate .
The Union of Students in Ireland ( USI ) and national housing charity , Threshold said students should not be left out of pocket and fighting for the return of deposits and rent if their circumstances change due to the pandemic .
While most colleges and universities have agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most privately-operated student accommodation companies have not provided refunds to students .
USI president , Lorna Fitzpatrick said the union has been contacted by students from every college and university across the country who have been affected by this situation .
“ Now we are getting reports of some accommodation providers offering students two months ’ free accommodation , if they pay up-front for the next academic year.
” she said .
“ It is very disturbing to see students being put under this kind of pressure .
We don ’ t even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look like in 2020-2021 - will students even need this accommodation ?
” As well as advising students to be careful , USI is calling on the Government and individual institutions to provide some clarity on how they expect college to look next year .

About 50,000 of the 61,000 exam candidates had registered with the Department of Education’s online portal by lunchtime on Wednesday. Photograph: Eric Luke
About 10,000 Leaving Cert students have yet to apply to receive calculated grades ahead of the deadline which expires at 10pm on Thursday night.
Students are required to register in order to receive their grades and to confirm the level at which they are taking a subject.
About 50,000 of the 61,000 exam candidates had registered with the Department of Education’s online portal by lunchtime on Wednesday.
Some school principals have expressed concern that a small but significant cohort of students who have ‘disconnected’ from school may not register in time for the deadline.
READ MORE
For example, even in normal year, several hundred students do not turn up for Leaving Cert exams even though they are registered to sit them. Last year, for example, about 800 registered students did not sit the exams.
The Department of Education is understood to be examining a number of options if this proves to be the case but a spokesman declined to comment.
Appeal
Minister for Education Joe McHugh has appealed to students not to leave the registration process on the gov.ie/leavingcertificate portal to the last minute.
Schools have been asked to assist their students and a helpline support system is available for anyone experiencing trouble getting access online
Those registering must have their examination number, Personal Public Service (PPS) number (which they will use to create a four-digit Personal Identification Number), an email address and a mobile phone number.
Once the Department of Education has received all the necessary data, students will then be asked to opt-in through the portal to indicate if they wish to receive calculated grades.
Calculated grades have been designed as a solution to problems with sitting the Leaving Cert exams while adhering to safety guidelines related to Covid-19.
Lack of accommodation clarity
Meanwhile, students are being advised to be careful when signing up to new lease arrangements for accommodation for the 2020-2021 academic year due to the lack of clarity on how third-level institutions will operate.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and national housing charity, Threshold said students should not be left out of pocket and fighting for the return of deposits and rent if their circumstances change due to the pandemic.
While most colleges and universities have agreed to provide refunds for vacated on-campus accommodation, most privately-operated student accommodation companies have not provided refunds to students.
USI president, Lorna Fitzpatrick said the union has been contacted by students from every college and university across the country who have been affected by this situation.
“Now we are getting reports of some accommodation providers offering students two months’ free accommodation, if they pay up-front for the next academic year.” she said.
“It is very disturbing to see students being put under this kind of pressure. We don’t even know yet what college is going to look like in 2020-2021 - will students even need this accommodation?”
As well as advising students to be careful, USI is calling on the Government and individual institutions to provide some clarity on how they expect college to look next year.


theirishtimes--2020-05-27--Two coronavirus-related deaths reported in North

Two further coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Wednesday , bringing the total number of fatalities in the North to 516 .
An additional 845 people were tested for coronavirus in the last 24-hour period , resulting in 26 new positive cases .
In total , 4,663 individuals in the North have tested positive for coronavirus to date .
On Tuesday the North ’ s Department of Health reported no new deaths from coronavirus for the first time since March .
Health minister Robin Swann said it was “ a clear sign of the progress that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fines handed out by police for breaches of social distancing guidelines dropped by more than 90 per cent during May , according to figures from the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) .
Thirty people were fined for breaking the guidance between May 1st and May 26th , compared to 374 fines issued until April 24th .
The number of community resolution notices handed out also dropped significantly , falling from 615 to 92 .
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said the legislation had not been “ as clear as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and as time went on “ police have become more comfortable with the legislation , with politicians slightly changing the legislation to make it more sensible , [ and ] the situation has changed.
” He said he did not believe the fall was due to greater compliance .
“ If I look at our streets , our roads , our shops , there are more people out there , less social distancing , a lot of people flouting that legislation .
“ But it ’ s the devil they do , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for police .
They were criticised when giving out fines , they would be criticised if they stopped.
” Data from the North ’ s Department of Infrastructure ( DoI ) has shown a steady increase in traffic volume since lockdown began .
From a low of minus 74 per cent on the weekend of April 11th-12th compared to baseline traffic flows , levels have crept up .
Last weekend , May 23rd-24th , traffic levels were recorded as minus 46 per cent of the baseline .
Weekly crime figures in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their highest level since the lockdown .
The PSNI recorded 1,629 crimes in the week ending May 17th , according to data released on Wednesday by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency , 18 more than the previous week .
Overall , the number of crimes recorded by police since the beginning of the lockdown is 27 per cent lower than during the same period last year .
However the volume of domestic abuse calls received by police continues to be higher than the weekly average .
According to th Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) 636 calls were made to police between 20th-26th May , 66 more than the weekly average of 570 ( based on the 12 months to February 2020 ) .
Meanwhile the haulage industry in Northern Ireland has warned that some firms are “ on their knees ” and “ will fail ” this year due to the continuing impact of the coronavirus lockdown .
Seamus Leheny , policy manager with the Freight Transport Association , told the Northern Executive ’ s economy committee that some logistics companies had seen 90 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were paying £500 per week in finance costs for vehicles which were parked up in yards .
Some hauliers , he said , were returning to Northern Ireland from Great Britain with empty lorries because the closure of most shops means there is little demand for many goods .
However he also said some freight companies had been relatively unaffected and others had seen an increase in trade .
“ It comes down to the lottery of who your client base is.
” He called for greater flexibility in the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to work part-time , as well as the reform of insolvency rules to make it quicker and easier for those bankrupted as a result of the lockdown to start again .
Mr Leheny also criticised ferry companies - which received a £17m support package from Stormont and the UK government - for not passing on savings in the cost of fuel on Irish Sea crossings .
“ There is a lot of empty running , a lot of trailers coming back to Northern Ireland empty but they are still paying the fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
- Additional reporting PA .

Medical staff in the respiratory emergency department at Craigavon Area Hospital in Co Armagh. File photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Two further coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, bringing the total number of fatalities in the North to 516.
An additional 845 people were tested for coronavirus in the last 24-hour period, resulting in 26 new positive cases. In total, 4,663 individuals in the North have tested positive for coronavirus to date.
On Tuesday the North's Department of Health reported no new deaths from coronavirus for the first time since March. Health minister Robin Swann said it was "a clear sign of the progress that has been made."
Meanwhile, the number of fines handed out by police for breaches of social distancing guidelines dropped by more than 90 per cent during May, according to figures from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
READ MORE
Thirty people were fined for breaking the guidance between May 1st and May 26th, compared to 374 fines issued until April 24th.
The number of community resolution notices handed out also dropped significantly, falling from 615 to 92.
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said the legislation had not been "as clear as it should have been" for police officers, and as time went on "police have become more comfortable with the legislation, with politicians slightly changing the legislation to make it more sensible, [and] the situation has changed."
He said he did not believe the fall was due to greater compliance. “If I look at our streets, our roads, our shops, there are more people out there, less social distancing, a lot of people flouting that legislation.
“But it’s the devil they do, the devil they don’t, for police. They were criticised when giving out fines, they would be criticised if they stopped.”
Data from the North’s Department of Infrastructure (DoI) has shown a steady increase in traffic volume since lockdown began.
From a low of minus 74 per cent on the weekend of April 11th-12th compared to baseline traffic flows, levels have crept up. Last weekend, May 23rd-24th, traffic levels were recorded as minus 46 per cent of the baseline.
Weekly crime figures in Northern Ireland rose again for the fourth successive week to their highest level since the lockdown.
The PSNI recorded 1,629 crimes in the week ending May 17th, according to data released on Wednesday by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, 18 more than the previous week.
Overall, the number of crimes recorded by police since the beginning of the lockdown is 27 per cent lower than during the same period last year.
However the volume of domestic abuse calls received by police continues to be higher than the weekly average.
According to th Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) 636 calls were made to police between 20th-26th May, 66 more than the weekly average of 570 (based on the 12 months to February 2020).
Meanwhile the haulage industry in Northern Ireland has warned that some firms are “on their knees” and “will fail” this year due to the continuing impact of the coronavirus lockdown.
Seamus Leheny, policy manager with the Freight Transport Association, told the Northern Executive's economy committee that some logistics companies had seen 90 per cent of their trade vanish, and others were paying £500 per week in finance costs for vehicles which were parked up in yards.
Some hauliers, he said, were returning to Northern Ireland from Great Britain with empty lorries because the closure of most shops means there is little demand for many goods.
However he also said some freight companies had been relatively unaffected and others had seen an increase in trade. “It comes down to the lottery of who your client base is.”
He called for greater flexibility in the government’s furlough scheme to allow employees to come back to work part-time, as well as the reform of insolvency rules to make it quicker and easier for those bankrupted as a result of the lockdown to start again.
Mr Leheny also criticised ferry companies - which received a £17m support package from Stormont and the UK government - for not passing on savings in the cost of fuel on Irish Sea crossings.
“There is a lot of empty running, a lot of trailers coming back to Northern Ireland empty but they are still paying the fees they have always paid,” he said. - Additional reporting PA.


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--Kinahan cartel ‘foot soldier’ jailed over failed plot to murder Patsy Hutch

The Kinahan crime organisation carries out execution-style murders and trafficks drugs and firearms on an international scale , the Special Criminal Court has ruled .
Mr Justice Tony Hunt on Thursday said the non-jury court accepted garda evidence on the organisation and structure of the cartel as he jailed a “ foot soldier ” for 7½ years for helping to plan the murder of Patrick ‘ Patsy ’ Hutch .
Mr Justice Hunt said Mark Capper “ knew well ” what was being contemplated by his associates and he had a “ shrewd appreciation ” of the detail and methodology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The judge said the 31-year-old ’ s conduct was intentional as opposed to reckless and he was initially prepared to serve on the frontline and offered up ideas for the plan to murder Mr Hutch .
There was no doubt that Capper was aware of the nature and structure of the Kinahan organisation , the judge added .
Mr Justice Hunt said the court accepted the evidence that the Kinahan gang was an organised crime group involved in execution style murders in the context of feuds as well as the trafficking of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said the court also accepted that the crime gang operated a hierarchical structure with sub-cells engaged on the direction of superiors .
Capper was sentenced to eight years and three months imprisonment with the final nine months suspended .
This was backdated to December , which was when he went into custody .
Capper admitted helping the organised crime group plan to kill Mr Hutch , the older brother of Gerry ‘ the Monk ’ Hutch , but he pulled out three days before the attempted murder .
Capper , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pleaded guilty in March to having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation and participating in activities intended to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation , or any of its members , to wit the murder of Mr Hutch between February 1at and March 10th , 2018 .
During a sentence hearing earlier this month , the court heard Capper was hired by the Kinahan organised crime group and the arrival of Storm Emma scuppered a first plot to murder Mr Hutch .
The court heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has experienced drug addiction , had an IQ of 63 when he was 13-years-old and attended a school for pupils with learning disabilities .
In July 2019 , a three-man “ hit for hire team ” received sentences totalling 36½ years at the Special Criminal Court for planning to kill Mr Hutch .
They were intercepted by gardaí just 250 metres from his home in Dublin ’ s north inner city .
Gary Thompson ( 35 ) and his brother Glen Thompson ( 25 ) were each jailed for 12½ years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 11½ years .
They admitted to unlawful possession of four firearms with intent to endanger life at Belmont Hall Apartments , Gardiner Street , Dublin 1 on March 10th , 2018 .

The judge said the 31-year-old was initially prepared to serve on the frontline and offered up ideas for the murder plan
The Kinahan crime organisation carries out “execution-type murders” and trafficks drugs and firearms “on an international scale”, the Special Criminal Court has found.
Mr Justice Tony Hunt on Thursday said the non-jury court accepted garda evidence on the organisation and structure of the cartel as he jailed a “foot soldier” for 7½ years for helping to plan the murder of Patrick ‘Patsy’ Hutch.
Mr Justice Hunt said Mark Capper “knew well” what was being contemplated by his associates and he had a “shrewd appreciation” of the detail and methodology to be used in the proposed murder.
The judge said the 31-year-old’s conduct was intentional as opposed to reckless and he was initially prepared to serve on the frontline and offered up ideas for the plan to murder Mr Hutch. There was no doubt that Capper was aware of the nature and structure of the Kinahan organisation, the judge added.
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Capper was most likely “dropped” from the plot as he was not sufficiently on board due to his reservations and state of mind, pointed out the judge.
Referring to the Kinahan criminal organisation, Mr Justice Hunt said the court accepted garda evidence that it is an organised crime gang involved in “execution-type murders” in the context of feuds “to protect its core activities”, which include “organised drugs and firearms” offences on “an international scale”.
Sub-cells
He said the court also accepted that the crime gang operated “an organised hierarchical structure” with “cells and sub-cells” to “segregate activities and limit knowledge” among gang members. The gang also operated on directions from superiors within this hierarchy.
Capper admitted helping the organised crime group plan to kill Mr Hutch, the older brother of Gerry ‘the Monk’ Hutch, but he pulled out three days before the attempted murder.
Capper, of Cappagh Green, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty in March to having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation and participating in activities intended to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation, or any of its members, to wit the murder of Mr Hutch between February 1st and March 10th, 2018.
During a sentence hearing earlier this month, the court heard Capper was hired by the Kinahan organised crime group and the arrival of Storm Emma scuppered a first plot to murder Mr Hutch.
Passing sentence on Thursday, Mr Justice Hunt, presiding at the three-judge court, said that Detective Inspector David Gallagher gave evidence on May 11th last, where he specifically identified the criminal organisation as the Kinahan organised crime group. He said the court found that this was “uncontroverted evidence” establishing the identity of the organisation, whose activities involved execution-type murders as well as the trafficking of drugs and firearms on an international scale.
The court further accepted the crime group was organised in a hierarchical structure with sub-cells engaged to advance these core activities. These sub-cells operated on the directions of superiors within the hierarchy and had limited knowledge of those further down the organisation, he said. The evidence established that there was a determination to murder Mr Hutch and a sub-cell was devoted to that purpose, which involved advanced planning, he said.
Mr Justice Hunt said an intelligence operation was led from the outset and surveillance had identified ten persons directly involved in this enterprise. The target of the operation was not known to gardaí at the early stage but it became apparent towards the end of February 2018 that the organisation was trying to murder Mr Hutch and it was based on three central elements.
Staging post
The first was to set up a “staging post” at Belmont apartments which was midway between two locations associated with the target Patrick Hutch. The second was a “ruse” to commit criminal damage “to lure” Mr Hutch from his home to the murder scene while a “looker” would give the “hit team” the signal when he was on his way. The third element was to have a “getaway location” at Stoney Road in East Wall in Dublin 3 where the gunmen would go through a pedestrian tunnel and a car would be waiting on the other side to take them away.
Capper did not appear as a participant within the sub-cell until February 24th, 2018 and there were recordings of specific conversations between Capper and Michael Burns - who has also pleaded guilty to the same offence - concerning Mr Hutch’s movements. These recordings included references to drawing Mr Hutch out of his home, gardaí presence in certain areas, the underground car park at Belmont Hall Apartments on Gardiner Street and the burning of a getaway vehicle, said the judge.
Capper had expressed concern about getting arrested, was reluctant about carrying out the plan, had concerns regarding the weather and referred to needing more weapons, pointed out Mr Justice Hunt.
Audio surveillance of a vehicle recorded Capper asking Michael Burns for a loan of €50, which he was refused. Mr Justice Hunt said this shed light on Capper’s financial motivation for his involvement in the incident as he was obviously struggling with money at the time.
He said the defendant “knew well” what was contemplated by his associates and he had a “shrewd appreciation” of the detail and methodology to be used in the proposed murder. Capper was also capable of expressing doubt as to the details of the proposed plan and participants had considerable reservations and scepticism about his participation in the incident, he said.
Mr Justice Hunt said the prosecution had established a link between Capper’s conduct and the serious offence contemplated by the criminal organisation. The evidence established that he had assisted in the preparation for the very grave crime of murder and his conduct was intentional as opposed to reckless, he said, adding that he was initially prepared to serve on the frontline and had offered ideas on the plan.
“Capper’s intentional assistance was provided to a criminal organisation of a very serious type and there was no doubt he was aware of the nature and structure of the Kinahan organisation,” said the judge. Undoubtedly, Capper was of considerable assistance to the Kinahan organisation and it must be accepted his acts of facilitation and assistance terminated three days before the proposed murder, said the judge. However, Capper had not assisted to the full extent that was originally contemplated by him and no serious crime actually occurred, he continued.
It was not known if Capper actively withdrew or if his retainer was withdrawn but given the reservations expressed, it was most likely the defendant was dropped from the plot as he was not sufficiently on board due to his state of mind, said the judge.
Capper had caused inconvenience to the Kinahan organisation when he dropped out on March 7th, he said. He also noted that the fact serious harm or death did not ensue was due to the fine work of gardaí and no thanks to Capper or his cohorts.
The judge set the headline sentence at 11 years in prison. The weightiest mitigation factor was his early guilty plea and he was entitled to a 25 percent discount from the headline sentence resulting in a sentence of eight years and three months, he said.
Drug addiction
The court heard Capper, who has 65 previous convictions and has experienced drug addiction, had an IQ of 63 when he was 13-years-old and attended a school for pupils with learning disabilities.
The judge said Capper’s involvement in the event arose from his financial circumstances and his drug addiction and further suspended the last nine months of the sentence
Mr Justice Hunt, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Dermot Dempsey, sentenced Capper to eight years and three months imprisonment with the final nine months suspended, backdated to December 5th 2019, when he went into custody.
In July 2019, a three-man “hit for hire team” received sentences totalling 36½ years at the Special Criminal Court for planning to kill Mr Hutch. They were intercepted by gardaí just 250 metres from his home in Dublin’s north inner city.
Gary Thompson (35) and his brother Glen Thompson (25) were each jailed for 12½ years. Robert Browne (36) was sentenced to 11½ years.
They admitted to unlawful possession of four firearms with intent to endanger life at Belmont Hall Apartments, Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 on March 10th, 2018.
The four firearms included a 9mm Rak sub-machine gun, a .38 Special Calibre Rossi Make Revolver, a 9mm Beretta 92 semi-automatic pistol and a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol.


theirishtimes--2020-05-28--‘Stick to the guidelines’ - People warned not to gather in crowds as sunny weekend approaches

Ahead of the June bank holiday weekend and expected warm and sunny weather , the Government has urged the public to avoid spending prolonged periods at crowded amenities .
At the Government ’ s morning Covid-19 briefing , assistant secretary general at the Department of Taoiseach Liz Canavan also said the 5km travel limit applies to beaches and other amenities .
“ It ’ s vital as we move into the bank holiday weekend that we continue the good work .
With the fine weather , now more than ever , we want to go back to our traditional bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remember that we ’ re still in the very early days of reopening .
We ’ re asking you to keep the public health advice in mind , whatever your plans .
We still need to be cautious and we need to prioritise our health and the health of our loved ones .
We need to protect our communities from the spread Covid-19.
” She added : “ As we approach the long weekend we know that everyone will want to get outside , keep active and enjoy the beautiful weather .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s important that we remember we must stick to the public health guidelines , observe the two metre social distancing and keep within in our five kilometre limit .
And that includes visits to beaches , lakes and other such amenities.
” When asked what advice the Government has for those considering a picnic in the Phoenix Park , Ms Canavan said people should avoid crowded places .
It comes after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was pictured meeting friends in the park last weekend .
A video of Mr Varadkar was posted by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialising with his partner Matthew Barrett and two friends..
The group of four were enjoying the warm weather and a picnic .
His spokesman said Mr Varadkar was fully complying with the guidelines on coronavirus .
However , Ms Canavan had previously urged people not to have picnics in parks or at beaches that were being reopened in the first wave of relaxations .
On Thursday , she added : “ What we ’ re saying to people is to try to avoid spending too long in crowded places where social distancing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reason we ’ ve been saying that is that particularly on the way in to lockdown , we had certain facilities and amenities that had to be closed off completely because there was just too many people there .
So really what we ’ re saying is if it is a really popular amenity and it is going to get crowded , no matter what you ’ re doing there , try to be mindful of that .
If it is crowded and popular , you shouldn ’ t spend too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leaving Certificate students that the online portal to register for predicted grades closes tonight .
“ The Leaving Certificate 2020 calculated grades student portal will close at 10pm tonight .
All Leaving Certificate students wishing to be evaluated through the calculation grades need to complete the registration forms on this portal before that time .
And we ’ re advising you not to leave registration to the last minute , and to register as soon as possible.
” Meanwhile , Fianna Fáil ’ s justice spokesman Jim O ’ Callaghan has called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk ” and to start easing some of the Covid-19 restrictions .
Mr O ’ Callaghan told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland that he wasn ’ t criticising the advice being given by the chief medical officer Tony Holohan .
It was Dr Holohan ’ s job to advise the Government , but the Government must take other factors into account when making decisions .
“ No matter what we do , there will be risks , ” he said , pointing out that Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte had said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ we have to take a calculated risk .
We have to take other factors into account ” .
On Wednesday it was announced that 17 more people have died from Covid-19 in Ireland bringing the total number of deaths to 1,631 while 73 new cases brought the total number of confirmed cases to 24,803 .
The State ’ s chief medical officer Tony Holohan has rejected pressure from some Government Ministers to accelerate the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions .
Mr Holohan told a Cabinet meeting there will be no immediate change to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for physical distancing .
Despite calls from some Ministers to reduce the recommended distance to one metre , Mr Holohan said it could lead to an increased risk of infection .
Under the current roadmap , people will be permitted to extend their orbit of travel to 20km from June 8th when the second phase of the plan to reopen Ireland is scheduled to kick in .

Ahead of the June bank holiday weekend and expected warm and sunny weather, the Government has urged the public to avoid spending prolonged periods at crowded amenities .
At the Government's morning Covid-19 briefing, assistant secretary general at the Department of Taoiseach Liz Canavan also said the 5km travel limit applies to beaches and other amenities.
“It’s vital as we move into the bank holiday weekend that we continue the good work. With the fine weather, now more than ever, we want to go back to our traditional bank holiday activities.
“But we need to remember that we’re still in the very early days of reopening. We’re asking you to keep the public health advice in mind, whatever your plans. We still need to be cautious and we need to prioritise our health and the health of our loved ones. We need to protect our communities from the spread Covid-19.”
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She added: “As we approach the long weekend we know that everyone will want to get outside, keep active and enjoy the beautiful weather.
“But as I said it’s important that we remember we must stick to the public health guidelines, observe the two metre social distancing and keep within in our five kilometre limit. And that includes visits to beaches, lakes and other such amenities.”
When asked what advice the Government has for those considering a picnic in the Phoenix Park, Ms Canavan said people should avoid crowded places.
It comes after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was pictured meeting friends in the park last weekend.
A video of Mr Varadkar was posted by a member of the public on social media socialising with his partner Matthew Barrett and two friends.. The group of four were enjoying the warm weather and a picnic. His spokesman said Mr Varadkar was fully complying with the guidelines on coronavirus.
However, Ms Canavan had previously urged people not to have picnics in parks or at beaches that were being reopened in the first wave of relaxations.
A still from a video uploaded to social media at the weekend of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his partner Matt Barrett meeting two friends in the Phoenix Park in Dublin
On Thursday, she added: “What we’re saying to people is to try to avoid spending too long in crowded places where social distancing is likely to become an issue.
“The reason we’ve been saying that is that particularly on the way in to lockdown, we had certain facilities and amenities that had to be closed off completely because there was just too many people there. So really what we’re saying is if it is a really popular amenity and it is going to get crowded, no matter what you’re doing there, try to be mindful of that. If it is crowded and popular, you shouldn’t spend too much time there.”
Ms Canavan also reminded Leaving Certificate students that the online portal to register for predicted grades closes tonight.
“The Leaving Certificate 2020 calculated grades student portal will close at 10pm tonight. All Leaving Certificate students wishing to be evaluated through the calculation grades need to complete the registration forms on this portal before that time. And we’re advising you not to leave registration to the last minute, and to register as soon as possible.”
Calculated risk
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil’s justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan has called on the Government to take “a calculated risk” and to start easing some of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Mr O'Callaghan told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland that he wasn't criticising the advice being given by the chief medical officer Tony Holohan. It was Dr Holohan's job to advise the Government, but the Government must take other factors into account when making decisions.
"No matter what we do, there will be risks," he said, pointing out that Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte had said that calculated risks have to be made, "we have to take a calculated risk. We have to take other factors into account".
On Wednesday it was announced that 17 more people have died from Covid-19 in Ireland bringing the total number of deaths to 1,631 while 73 new cases brought the total number of confirmed cases to 24,803.
The State’s chief medical officer Tony Holohan has rejected pressure from some Government Ministers to accelerate the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions. Mr Holohan told a Cabinet meeting there will be no immediate change to his advice on the current two-metre rule for physical distancing.
Despite calls from some Ministers to reduce the recommended distance to one metre, Mr Holohan said it could lead to an increased risk of infection.
Under the current roadmap, people will be permitted to extend their orbit of travel to 20km from June 8th when the second phase of the plan to reopen Ireland is scheduled to kick in.