theirishtimes--2020-04-02--How the stories driving economics spread like epidemics

Economics is driven by the stories we tell each other , and those which become very popular have the power to drive economic events like stock market crashes , recessions and recoveries .
This is the main thesis of a recent book , Narrative Economics , by Nobel Prize winner Robert Shiller .
Economics is driven by narratives in a way which closely resembles the spread of epidemics , according to Shiller , Sterling professor of economics at Yale University .
In Narrative Economics , Shiller shows how stories have always driven economic events .
Spread through the public by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go viral like contagions with the potential to move stock markets and cause economic change , potentially leading to mass unemployment and even war .
Using a range of historical examples , from the stories surrounding the 1929 Wall Street crash and the great depression , from housing booms and busts , to the recent rise of bitcoin euphoria , the author lays out the foundation for future work in systematically qualifying and assessing the notion of the narrative as a science .
The following is an interview by way of question and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of narratives driving economics go ?
“ The history of thought in economics goes all the way back to Adam Smith who wrote The Wealth of Nations in 1776 , for which he is considered the father of modern economics .
But he also wrote a book called The Theory of Moral Sentiments , about how people really think .
There ’ s quite a bit about narrative economics in that book .
So the idea does in fact go way back .
Traditional ideas in economics are around the notion that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s important because a lot of our decision-making is indeed rational .
But crucially , not all of it .
A lot of what happens economically actually depends on the stories we tell each other and a lot of what people do is not really optimal for them .
People are often trying to live out a story and they imagine that the world is paying attention to them more than it actually is .
What is the analogy with epidemics you write about in the new book ?
Understanding how stories can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment , say the economy , is like trying to understand a virus .
Viruses spread .
Influenza , for example , is a virus which has many different types of populations and different ones are appearing all the time .
But there is some core influenza idea , you might say .
So you have to understand how this idea is transformed and changed and how it can be stable enough through time to create an epidemic .
New varieties of influenza are evolving all the time but most of these wither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with narratives – they mutate and change , they come and go – but only some can reach a certain stability and become prevalent .
So are we completely lacking narratives in current economic models ?
There are mentions of narratives in current economic theory but economists tend not to talk about it as a real narrative science .
In fact economists often use the term narrative in a negative sense .
They might say that ‘ the narrative is this and that , but in reality it is like this !
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the narrative is actually real and can in fact drive change .
I think that traditionally the field of economics has looked at narratives in a kind of casual sense .
Part of the reason for that is economists haven ’ t really liked dealing with the notion of a narrative because they cant be precise about it .
Previously economists didn ’ t have the tools to search for the narratives , but now we do , and this idea of systematically observing narratives , which I am proposing , is definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been a theme which economists knew what to do with .
What is wrong with current economic models and what can we do to improve them ?
I think that our current methods for collecting data around economics are rather weak .
Take a public opinion poll , for example .
Researchers try to be as realistic as possible , to get a good , representative , sample .
For example , you don ’ t want to only include the people who are interested in taking the poll , since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense .
Also these polls are difficult to construct .
Generally they ask the same questions through time , year after year .
But the problem that this faces is that such polls can ’ t accommodate new narratives .
The question that you , as an economic researcher , wrote 20 or 30 years ago doesn ’ t sound the same anymore .
There ’ s a different narrative around today .
In economics there hasn ’ t been a systematic representative sample through time to get at peoples ’ thoughts about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative economics is about .
I ’ m thinking about how we can better collect data and try to be more systematic in a scientific way .
If you ’ re trying to understand history you can look at digitised newspapers and magazines , and sometimes collections of letters .
Google Ngram has recently proved extremely useful .
I hope that eventually we ’ ll combine traditional Keynesian economic modelling with the new ideas around narratives .
I don ’ t know the relative input though .
Just how much of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be this new thing , we just don ’ t know .
It ’ s very hard to think about models which haven ’ t been developed yet .
How effective do you think these forecasts can be ?
Just look at mathematical epidemiology which is around 100 years old .
I ’ m pretty sure we manage epidemics much better now than we did 100 years ago , and that ’ s helped by the existence of an underlying theory .
Similarly , I think that research on narrative economics will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clearer understanding of meaning in textual data and our tendency to rely on aggregates like GDP , interest rates , or unemployment rates will be replaced with something more sensible .
We ’ ll not only be able to make better predictions – which at its most beneficial could help prevent war – but we may have a better sense of human welfare .
In fact that ’ s what we ’ re doing here ; we ’ re trying to get towards improving human welfare .
GDP isn ’ t much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stark example , GDP can go up in wartime while our welfare goes down .
Using narrative economics we might also be able to understand why certain phenomena , such as unemployment , for example , are considered so bad .
Maybe it ’ s all about the narratives that are being told .
Unemployment rates were very high in the great depression but at the same time the social reaction to unemployment changed .
It wasn ’ t such a disgrace .
Given the dire economic situation people understood that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were unemployed .
So maybe it was good in some sense .
People who were trying to create an impossible story or narrative for their lives could calm down and be more realistic about themselves .
What are you working on now ?
I ’ m currently writing a paper entitled ‘ Narratives driving the longest economic expansion 2009-2020 ’ .
The US economy has expanded for 10 years without interruption , until now , and demands an explanation which I think can be helped by a discussion around the narratives involved .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is hard to be systematic about understanding them all together .
One of the narratives which is currently persistent is around the US president .
We have an incredible polarity now in the US between the pro- and anti-Trump groups and the narratives they tell tend to be opposite to each other .
There are also narratives today around global employment – people are leaving their countries , causing harmful brain drain .
There are other narratives , too , around automation and the apparent threat to jobs .
Putting all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the task at hand.
” Dr Conor Purcell – @ ConorPPurcell – writes about science and culture ; some of his other articles at cppurcell.tumblr.com

Economics is driven by the stories we tell each other, and those which become very popular have the power to drive economic events like stock market crashes, recessions and recoveries.
This is the main thesis of a recent book, Narrative Economics, by Nobel Prize winner Robert Shiller.
Economics is driven by narratives in a way which closely resembles the spread of epidemics, according to Shiller, Sterling professor of economics at Yale University.
In Narrative Economics, Shiller shows how stories have always driven economic events. Spread through the public by media and word of mouth, ideas go viral like contagions with the potential to move stock markets and cause economic change, potentially leading to mass unemployment and even war.
READ MORE
Using a range of historical examples, from the stories surrounding the 1929 Wall Street crash and the great depression, from housing booms and busts, to the recent rise of bitcoin euphoria, the author lays out the foundation for future work in systematically qualifying and assessing the notion of the narrative as a science.
The following is an interview by way of question and answer:
How far back does the idea of narratives driving economics go?
"The history of thought in economics goes all the way back to Adam Smith who wrote The Wealth of Nations in 1776, for which he is considered the father of modern economics.
But he also wrote a book called The Theory of Moral Sentiments, about how people really think. There’s quite a bit about narrative economics in that book. So the idea does in fact go way back.
Traditional ideas in economics are around the notion that people are rational, and that’s important because a lot of our decision-making is indeed rational. But crucially, not all of it.
A lot of what happens economically actually depends on the stories we tell each other and a lot of what people do is not really optimal for them. People are often trying to live out a story and they imagine that the world is paying attention to them more than it actually is.
What is the analogy with epidemics you write about in the new book?
Understanding how stories can mutate and change and impact on their environment, say the economy, is like trying to understand a virus. Viruses spread. Influenza, for example, is a virus which has many different types of populations and different ones are appearing all the time.
But there is some core influenza idea, you might say. So you have to understand how this idea is transformed and changed and how it can be stable enough through time to create an epidemic.
New varieties of influenza are evolving all the time but most of these wither away. It’s the same with narratives – they mutate and change, they come and go – but only some can reach a certain stability and become prevalent.
So are we completely lacking narratives in current economic models?
There are mentions of narratives in current economic theory but economists tend not to talk about it as a real narrative science. In fact economists often use the term narrative in a negative sense. They might say that ‘the narrative is this and that, but in reality it is like this!’ So they often miss the point that the narrative is actually real and can in fact drive change.
I think that traditionally the field of economics has looked at narratives in a kind of casual sense. Part of the reason for that is economists haven’t really liked dealing with the notion of a narrative because they cant be precise about it.
Previously economists didn’t have the tools to search for the narratives, but now we do, and this idea of systematically observing narratives, which I am proposing, is definitely a new one. Until now it has not been a theme which economists knew what to do with.
What is wrong with current economic models and what can we do to improve them?
I think that our current methods for collecting data around economics are rather weak. Take a public opinion poll, for example. Researchers try to be as realistic as possible, to get a good, representative, sample. For example, you don’t want to only include the people who are interested in taking the poll, since they would probably be unusual in some sense. Also these polls are difficult to construct.
Generally they ask the same questions through time, year after year. But the problem that this faces is that such polls can’t accommodate new narratives. The question that you, as an economic researcher, wrote 20 or 30 years ago doesn’t sound the same anymore. There’s a different narrative around today.
In economics there hasn't been a systematic representative sample through time to get at peoples' thoughts about the economy. That's what narrative economics is about. I'm thinking about how we can better collect data and try to be more systematic in a scientific way. If you're trying to understand history you can look at digitised newspapers and magazines, and sometimes collections of letters. Google Ngram has recently proved extremely useful.
I hope that eventually we’ll combine traditional Keynesian economic modelling with the new ideas around narratives. I don’t know the relative input though. Just how much of the new models will be Keynesian and how much will be this new thing, we just don’t know. It’s very hard to think about models which haven’t been developed yet.
How effective do you think these forecasts can be?
Just look at mathematical epidemiology which is around 100 years old. I’m pretty sure we manage epidemics much better now than we did 100 years ago, and that’s helped by the existence of an underlying theory.
Similarly, I think that research on narrative economics will evolve over decades. We will develop a clearer understanding of meaning in textual data and our tendency to rely on aggregates like GDP, interest rates, or unemployment rates will be replaced with something more sensible.
We’ll not only be able to make better predictions – which at its most beneficial could help prevent war – but we may have a better sense of human welfare. In fact that’s what we’re doing here; we’re trying to get towards improving human welfare. GDP isn’t much use at assessing this. To give a stark example, GDP can go up in wartime while our welfare goes down.
Using narrative economics we might also be able to understand why certain phenomena, such as unemployment, for example, are considered so bad. Maybe it’s all about the narratives that are being told. Unemployment rates were very high in the great depression but at the same time the social reaction to unemployment changed.
It wasn’t such a disgrace. Given the dire economic situation people understood that it might not be your fault if you were unemployed. So maybe it was good in some sense. People who were trying to create an impossible story or narrative for their lives could calm down and be more realistic about themselves.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing a paper entitled ‘Narratives driving the longest economic expansion 2009-2020’. The US economy has expanded for 10 years without interruption, until now, and demands an explanation which I think can be helped by a discussion around the narratives involved.
There are so many narratives around today that it is hard to be systematic about understanding them all together. One of the narratives which is currently persistent is around the US president. We have an incredible polarity now in the US between the pro- and anti-Trump groups and the narratives they tell tend to be opposite to each other.
There are also narratives today around global employment – people are leaving their countries, causing harmful brain drain. There are other narratives, too, around automation and the apparent threat to jobs. Putting all this together, and finding meaning, is the task at hand.”
Links: http://www.econ.yale.edu/~shiller/
Dr Conor Purcell – @ConorPPurcell – writes about science and culture; some of his other articles at cppurcell.tumblr.com


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Childcare workers laid off by employers who still had State subsidies

Concerns have been raised that some childcare workers were “ thrown under the bus ” and laid off last month by employers who still had State subsidies in their bank accounts .
A document released by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs this week states that the Department of Social Protection “ reported that very significant numbers of [ childcare ] staff presented to Intreo offices from March 12 indicating that DCYA funding was not being used to retain staff in all cases ” .
The department provides more than €600 million a year for early childcare schemes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of creches by way of schemes like the Early Childhood Care and Education ( ECCE ) .
In addition to that income , parental fees worth about €12 million a month are paid to creches , it is believed .
The suggestion that childcare services immediately laid off staff before their allocation of subsidies was exhausted has drawn criticism from the Opposition .
Fianna Fáil spokeswoman on Children and Youth Affairs Anne Rabbitte said she had been approached by childcare workers in distress who had been fired as soon as the closure order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The majority of services have acted honourably , of that I ’ m sure .
There is a minority of providers though that I ’ m concerned about as it seems the staff were thrown under the bus .
Even providers have told me this .
Nobody wants to see staff treated poorly.
” She said the statement by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs , which is included in a Q & A document on the Government ’ s emergency childcare scheme , “ clearly suggests that there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it wasn ’ t being passed on and this is disappointing to see ” .
Darragh O ’ Connor , head of organising with trade union Siptu , said that while the scale of the issue wasn ’ t known , “ there is evidence that certain providers put the interest of their business ahead of staff and parents .
This highlights once again the major problems with how childcare is funded.
” Frances Byrne , head of policy and advocacy with Early Childhood Ireland , an advocacy group for the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of providers on March 12th and 13th , and the week afterwards , whose number one priority was keeping staff and managing the next few weeks .
The vast majority did that.
” She said other childcare providers may have panicked , and laid off staff in the anticipation that they would be able to avail of social welfare payments in 10 days ’ time .
“ The majority of the sector have done the right thing , but certainly we heard from a couple of hundred who panicked and didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some people didn ’ t act honourably ; some panicked , some didn ’ t think , I totally accept that , ” she said .
The Government has approved a special rescue package for the childcare sector , which will see the State paying 100 per cent of most wages in the sector in exchange for a commitment from owners that parents will not be charged and children will be guaranteed their places once the Covid-19 crisis eases .
While most creche groups have welcomed the scheme , some have complained that @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs provides more than €600 million a year for early childcare schemes, much of which is paid to creches by way of schemes like the Early Childhood Care and Education.
Concerns have been raised that some childcare workers were “thrown under the bus” and laid off last month by employers who still had State subsidies in their bank accounts.
A document released by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs this week states that the Department of Social Protection "reported that very significant numbers of [childcare] staff presented to Intreo offices from March 12 indicating that DCYA funding was not being used to retain staff in all cases".
The department provides more than €600 million a year for early childcare schemes, much of which is paid to operators of creches by way of schemes like the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). In addition to that income, parental fees worth about €12 million a month are paid to creches, it is believed.
The suggestion that childcare services immediately laid off staff before their allocation of subsidies was exhausted has drawn criticism from the Opposition. Fianna Fáil spokeswoman on Children and Youth Affairs Anne Rabbitte said she had been approached by childcare workers in distress who had been fired as soon as the closure order on creches was served on March 12th.
READ MORE
“The majority of services have acted honourably, of that I’m sure. There is a minority of providers though that I’m concerned about as it seems the staff were thrown under the bus. Even providers have told me this. Nobody wants to see staff treated poorly.”
She said the statement by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, which is included in a Q&A document on the Government’s emergency childcare scheme, “clearly suggests that there was enough funding there for the two weeks but it wasn’t being passed on and this is disappointing to see”.
Darragh O'Connor, head of organising with trade union Siptu, said that while the scale of the issue wasn't known, "there is evidence that certain providers put the interest of their business ahead of staff and parents. This highlights once again the major problems with how childcare is funded."
Frances Byrne, head of policy and advocacy with Early Childhood Ireland, an advocacy group for the sector, said it had heard from "hundreds of providers on March 12th and 13th, and the week afterwards, whose number one priority was keeping staff and managing the next few weeks. The vast majority did that."
Panic
She said other childcare providers may have panicked, and laid off staff in the anticipation that they would be able to avail of social welfare payments in 10 days’ time. “The majority of the sector have done the right thing, but certainly we heard from a couple of hundred who panicked and didn’t think their decisions through.
“Some people didn’t act honourably; some panicked, some didn’t think, I totally accept that,” she said.
The Government has approved a special rescue package for the childcare sector, which will see the State paying 100 per cent of most wages in the sector in exchange for a commitment from owners that parents will not be charged and children will be guaranteed their places once the Covid-19 crisis eases.
While most creche groups have welcomed the scheme, some have complained that it will result in cashflow issues.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Cork secondary students make face shields for medics

Two students at Kinsale Community School ( KCS ) in west Cork have started making 3D printed face shields in order to help protect frontline staff as they go about their duties .
Fifth-year student Oisín Coyle and transition year pupil Shane Collins contacted their principal about the possibility of making personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for medics .
Principal Fergal McCarthy said he was “ blown away ” by the quality of the shields produced by just two pupils at their makeshift assembly line in the school .
The shields will be distributed to doctors , nurses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
“ What happened , as you know , is that we have a shortage of PPE in the country .
Two of our students stepped up to the plate with a design they obtained online .
It is approved from the medical perspective .
We had had doctors locally examine it here and they feel it is absolutely perfect .
It is to be used in conjunction with a face mask at frontline level .
But at administrative level or at pharmacist level , it can be used independently .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are hoping to have 100 by Thursday .
We want to distribute them as needed within the medical community , ” he said .
Mr McCarthy paid tribute to the two pupils involved for their initiative , and emphasised that social distancing was adhered to during the production of the shields .

Two students at Kinsale Community School (KCS) in west Cork have started making 3D printed face shields in order to help protect frontline staff as they go about their duties.
Fifth-year student Oisín Coyle and transition year pupil Shane Collins contacted their principal about the possibility of making personal protective equipment (PPE) for medics.
Principal Fergal McCarthy said he was “blown away” by the quality of the shields produced by just two pupils at their makeshift assembly line in the school. The shields will be distributed to doctors, nurses, pharmacists and healthcare workers in the coming days.
The shields will be distributed to doctors, nurses, pharmacists and healthcare workers in the coming days.
“What happened, as you know, is that we have a shortage of PPE in the country. Two of our students stepped up to the plate with a design they obtained online. It is approved from the medical perspective. We had had doctors locally examine it here and they feel it is absolutely perfect. It is to be used in conjunction with a face mask at frontline level. But at administrative level or at pharmacist level, it can be used independently. We have about 63 or 64 produced. We are hoping to have 100 by Thursday. We want to distribute them as needed within the medical community,” he said.
READ MORE
Mr McCarthy paid tribute to the two pupils involved for their initiative, and emphasised that social distancing was adhered to during the production of the shields.


theirishtimes--2020-04-03--Families of special needs children struggling at home

Many families of children with special needs and autism are struggling to cope with a sharp increase in distress and meltdowns at home since schools shut down , a charity has said .
AsIAm , which offers supports to those with autism , said it was receiving regular appeals for help from vulnerable families finding it difficult to cope .
Speaking on World Autism Day , Adam Harris , the charity ’ s chief executive , said members of its community require “ routine , structure and predictability , all of which have now vanished ” .
“ Autistic people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become quite extreme for many at this time , ” he said .
A survey of its members found that some 70 per cent of family members say the coronavirus crisis has been either hard or very hard to manage , while 80 per cent said an autistic loved one is finding it harder to self-regulate due to being stuck at home .
Key concerns raised by families include dealing with an increase in distress and meltdowns , ability to abide by the social distancing restrictions and what would happen if an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Margaret Lowdnes is one of hundreds of parents struggling to cope since schools closed three weeks ago .
Her son Noah ( 6 ) has autism and had been making good progress at school but fears he will be robbed of his potential if the closures continue until summer .
“ I am really worried that he ’ s losing progress and that he ’ ll fall behind even further unless he is able to catch up in some way , ” she said .
Ms Lowdnes said Noah ’ s difficulty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can not leave the house has led to problems with self-regulation , which can involve him getting annoyed and shouting , breaking down into tears or withdrawing into himself .
“ It ’ s happening four or five times a week .
It ’ s horrible to watch , ” she said .
“ You try to intervene and help as quickly as you can , but it ’ s not always possible.
” Mr Harris said school closures and limited access to supports were a recipe for autistic people to lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and possibly lead to dangerous situations in family homes .
“ Covid-19 is making life difficult for everyone .
But for autistic people who already feel socially distant , isolated and anxious , these uncertain times can be even harder , ” he said .
Mr Harris said he hopes education authorities will consider an expanded form of schooling or “ July Provision ” for children with special needs once the crisis eases .
This , he said , would form a crucial support for vulnerable children who look set to lose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July Provision was set up in recognition that the summer break was too long for autistic students who require a daily structure , support in developing new skills and often require additional support in accessing the curriculum , ” he said .
“ It is vital that July Provision is made available this year , including providing an online option to parents if necessary .
We firmly believe the scheme should be extended to 80 hours over eight weeks to reflect the long .
.
.
unplanned break in tuition.
” In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AsIAm were working to support children with special needs through the crisis .
This has included a special online seminar on dealing with change and the creation of a series of social media stories to explain different aspects of the coronavirus response such as testing , self-isolation and the “ lockdown ” .
Mr Harris said the organisation has suffered a huge loss of revenue and needs donations to keep services going .
He said the public can assist the charity by texting ASIAM to 50300 at a cost of €4 .

Margaret Lowndes and her son Noah (6). “I am really worried that he’s losing progress and worry that he’ll fall behind even further unless he is able to catch-up in some way,” she says.
Many families of children with special needs and autism are struggling to cope with a sharp increase in distress and meltdowns at home since schools shut down, a charity has said.
AsIAm, which offers supports to those with autism, said it was receiving regular appeals for help from vulnerable families finding it difficult to cope.
Speaking on World Autism Day, Adam Harris, the charity's chief executive, said members of its community require "routine, structure and predictability, all of which have now vanished".
“Autistic people suffer anxiety easily, and so this has become quite extreme for many at this time,” he said.
READ MORE
A survey of its members found that some 70 per cent of family members say the coronavirus crisis has been either hard or very hard to manage, while 80 per cent said an autistic loved one is finding it harder to self-regulate due to being stuck at home.
Concerns
Key concerns raised by families include dealing with an increase in distress and meltdowns, ability to abide by the social distancing restrictions and what would happen if an autistic person or loved one became sick.
Margaret Lowdnes is one of hundreds of parents struggling to cope since schools closed three weeks ago. Her son Noah (6) has autism and had been making good progress at school but fears he will be robbed of his potential if the closures continue until summer.
“I am really worried that he’s losing progress and that he’ll fall behind even further unless he is able to catch up in some way,” she said.
Ms Lowdnes said Noah’s difficulty understanding why school is shut and why he cannot leave the house has led to problems with self-regulation, which can involve him getting annoyed and shouting, breaking down into tears or withdrawing into himself.
“It’s happening four or five times a week. It’s horrible to watch,” she said. “You try to intervene and help as quickly as you can, but it’s not always possible.”
Mr Harris said school closures and limited access to supports were a recipe for autistic people to lose key skills, experience adverse mental health and possibly lead to dangerous situations in family homes.
“Covid-19 is making life difficult for everyone. But for autistic people who already feel socially distant, isolated and anxious, these uncertain times can be even harder,” he said.
Mr Harris said he hopes education authorities will consider an expanded form of schooling or “July Provision” for children with special needs once the crisis eases. This, he said, would form a crucial support for vulnerable children who look set to lose a quarter of the school year.
“July Provision was set up in recognition that the summer break was too long for autistic students who require a daily structure, support in developing new skills and often require additional support in accessing the curriculum,” he said.
Crisis
“It is vital that July Provision is made available this year, including providing an online option to parents if necessary. We firmly believe the scheme should be extended to 80 hours over eight weeks to reflect the long . . . unplanned break in tuition.”
In the meantime, he said groups such as AsIAm were working to support children with special needs through the crisis. This has included a special online seminar on dealing with change and the creation of a series of social media stories to explain different aspects of the coronavirus response such as testing, self-isolation and the “lockdown”.
Mr Harris said the organisation has suffered a huge loss of revenue and needs donations to keep services going. He said the public can assist the charity by texting ASIAM to 50300 at a cost of €4.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Drogheda shop assailant arrested by gardaí at Covid-19 checkpoint

A man who held up a female shop assistant with what appeared to be a blood filled syringe was arrested @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 checkpoint .
The incident occurred in a convenience store on Dominic Street in Drogheda @ @ @ @ @ about 4pm on Thursday .
The man entered the premises where , gardaí say , @ @ @ @ @ woman with the needle demanding money .
When he failed in his attempt to get @ @ @ @ @ gold necklace from her and fled the scene on foot .
However , gardaí operating @ @ @ @ @ alerted to the incident and arrested a male suspect aged in his thirties moments later @ @ @ @ @ .
He was taken to Drogheda Garda station where he was detained under section 4 @ @ @ @ @ .
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to contact the incident room at @ @ @ @ @ or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666 111 .

After gardaí apprehended the man he was taken to Drogheda Garda station and detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
A man who held up a female shop assistant with what appeared to be a blood filled syringe was arrested nearby by gardaí operating a Covid-19 checkpoint.
The incident occurred in a convenience store on Dominic Street in Drogheda, Co Louth, at about 4pm on Thursday.
The man entered the premises where, gardaí say, he approached and threatened the woman with the needle demanding money. When he failed in his attempt to get cash, he snatched a gold necklace from her and fled the scene on foot.
However, gardaí operating a Covid-19 checkpoint nearby were alerted to the incident and arrested a male suspect aged in his thirties moments later following a chase on foot.
READ MORE
He was taken to Drogheda Garda station where he was detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to contact the incident room at Drogheda Garda station at 041-9874200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Ireland has strategy to ‘break the chains’ of coronavirus - WHO’s Mike Ryan

Ireland is doing a good job in setting out the kind of strategy required to “ break the chains ” of coronavirus , the head of the World Health Organisation ’ s ( WHO ) emergencies programme has said .
Dr Mike Ryan warned that while Europe may soon see a peak in the spread of the disease , it was on the march across the world .
“ We can reach control of this virus .
We may not get rid of it completely but we can reach a point where we can control the virus and with it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems back on track , ” he said .
“ In order for that to happen we have to use the time now that lockdowns are providing to put in place those comprehensive strategies and I think Ireland is doing a pretty good job at that right now.
” He was speaking on Thursday as global confirmed cases tipped the one million mark and deaths surpassed 50,000 .
“ For other countries it ’ s still very much beginning ... the potential for this disease in vulnerable populations , in Africa , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world [ is worrying ] , ” he told RTE News .
In terms of the behaviour of the virus , he said it was stable - not mutating or altering - and spreading systematically .
“ It ’ s spreading along those chains of transmission between people .
We have got to break the chain ; we know we can break these chains , ” he said .
“ The virus is very efficient at spreading and it may stay ahead of us but it is way too far ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even up the stakes here and we have got to break the chains of transmission.
” He said widespread public movement restriction was a desperate move in order to suppress infection and robust public health measures such as case detection , contact tracing , and isolation was required to control it , citing more successful efforts in Asian countries .
Dr Ryan also noted the disease can be very severe in younger age groups as well as older , more vulnerable people .
“ I really would like to commend the people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have really taken on board this , ” he said .
“ They are looking after themselves , they are looking after each other ; I ’ m proud to be an Irishman watching the way in which communities in Ireland have embraced , listened and acted to protect themselves and protect others .
”

Ireland is doing a good job in setting out the kind of strategy required to “break the chains” of coronavirus, the head of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) emergencies programme has said.
Dr Mike Ryan warned that while Europe may soon see a peak in the spread of the disease, it was on the march across the world.
“We can reach control of this virus. We may not get rid of it completely but we can reach a point where we can control the virus and with it we can get our economies and social systems back on track,” he said.
“In order for that to happen we have to use the time now that lockdowns are providing to put in place those comprehensive strategies and I think Ireland is doing a pretty good job at that right now.”
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He was speaking on Thursday as global confirmed cases tipped the one million mark and deaths surpassed 50,000.
"For other countries it's still very much beginning...the potential for this disease in vulnerable populations, in Africa, in refugees, in other vulnerable people around the world [is worrying]," he told RTE News.
In terms of the behaviour of the virus, he said it was stable - not mutating or altering - and spreading systematically.
“It’s spreading along those chains of transmission between people. We have got to break the chain; we know we can break these chains,” he said.
“The virus is very efficient at spreading and it may stay ahead of us but it is way too far ahead of us now. We have got to even up the stakes here and we have got to break the chains of transmission.”
He said widespread public movement restriction was a desperate move in order to suppress infection and robust public health measures such as case detection, contact tracing, and isolation was required to control it, citing more successful efforts in Asian countries.
Dr Ryan also noted the disease can be very severe in younger age groups as well as older, more vulnerable people.
“I really would like to commend the people in Ireland, the communities in Ireland, who have really taken on board this,” he said.
“They are looking after themselves, they are looking after each other; I’m proud to be an Irishman watching the way in which communities in Ireland have embraced, listened and acted to protect themselves and protect others.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Defence Forces bring tents to Cork hospital to facilitate social distancing

Members of the Defence Forces have come to the aid of a Cork hospital in the fight to curb the spread of Covid-19 by erecting tents to facilitate people attending its emergency department .
Members from a number of 1 Brigade units from Collins Barracks in Cork and the Naval Service from Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork Harbour set up erecting a number of tented facilities to assist the Mercy University Hospital in the city .
These Multi-Purpose Tactical Soft Shelter ( MPTSS ) facilities were erected on Henry Street between the main Mercy University Hospital building and the MUH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Defence Forces spokesman said the tent facilities were erected by personnel from 1 Brigade Engineer Group , 1 Brigade Ordnance Group , 1 Brigade Military Police Company and Naval Service personnel .
“ These structures are normally utilised on overseas deployments , where no suitable structures are in place to provide short to medium term accommodation and first aid facilities to Defence Forces personnel .
“ They are being deployed as part of the HSE ’ s plans to maximise their site capability while also providing extra space to ensure necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said the Defence Forces spokesman .
A hospital spokesman said the move was designed to ensure that people attending the hospital ’ s Emergency Department can maintain proper social distancing in keeping with HSE guidelines to curb the spread of Covid-19 .
“ Mercy University Hospital is engaging with the Defence Forces for logistical support as part of its Covid-19 prepardness plan .
This is in line with HSE protocols and allows MUH to maximise site capability.
” “ The support includes the use of marquees in close proximity to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing space for staff and ED patient flow , ” said the MUH spokesman .

Members of the Defence Forces have come to the aid of a Cork hospital in the fight to curb the spread of Covid-19 by erecting tents to facilitate people attending its emergency department.
Members from a number of 1 Brigade units from Collins Barracks in Cork and the Naval Service from Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork Harbour set up erecting a number of tented facilities to assist the Mercy University Hospital in the city.
These Multi-Purpose Tactical Soft Shelter (MPTSS) facilities were erected on Henry Street between the main Mercy University Hospital building and the MUH's Emergency Department on Grenville Place.
A Defence Forces spokesman said the tent facilities were erected by personnel from 1 Brigade Engineer Group, 1 Brigade Ordnance Group, 1 Brigade Military Police Company and Naval Service personnel.
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“These structures are normally utilised on overseas deployments, where no suitable structures are in place to provide short to medium term accommodation and first aid facilities to Defence Forces personnel.
“They are being deployed as part of the HSE’s plans to maximise their site capability while also providing extra space to ensure necessary physical distancing for both staff and patients,” said the Defence Forces spokesman.
A hospital spokesman said the move was designed to ensure that people attending the hospital’s Emergency Department can maintain proper social distancing in keeping with HSE guidelines to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“Mercy University Hospital is engaging with the Defence Forces for logistical support as part of its Covid-19 prepardness plan. This is in line with HSE protocols and allows MUH to maximise site capability.”
“The support includes the use of marquees in close proximity to the hospital that will provide the necessary physical distancing space for staff and ED patient flow,” said the MUH spokesman.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Protective clothing should be worn while preparing Covid-19 victims’ remains – HSE

Anyone washing or preparing the remains of a person who had Covid-19 is advised to wear an apron or long sleeved gown , gloves , surgical face mask and eye protection , new guidelines have set out .
Similar protective clothing is recommended for anyone handling or placing the body into the inner lining of a coffin and “ consensus opinion ” holds that embalming should not be carried out .
Family members “ should be advised not to kiss the deceased ” and to clean their hands thoroughly should they touch the remains .
The details are set out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Directors on Managing Infection Risks when handling deceased individuals with confirmed Covid-19 .
The general principles contained in the HSE document are designed as a framework for guidance .
How best to pay respects to lost loved ones while also safeguarding against infection at funerals has been a topic of debate and concern in recent weeks .
The new document explains that bodies do not generally create a serious health hazard for Covid-19 infection and there is “ no evidence so far ” of transmission through the handling of remains .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new and emerging pathogen it is “ understandable that those who will be handling the remains will be concerned ” .
“ It is also possible that the act of moving a recently deceased individual might be sufficient to expel a very small amount of air and viral droplets from the lungs and thereby present a minor risk.
” In terms of funeral arrangements , the document refers to Government guidance on individuals avoiding public gatherings because of the associated public infection risks .
“ It is possible that close contacts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection through their interaction with the individual , ” it says .
“ Where possible interactions with family members should be limited.
” It recommends that specific funeral arrangements should not be advertised in papers or online .
A suggested notice includes the wording : “ A private funeral will take place due to government advice regarding public gatherings .
Those who would have liked to attend the funeral , but due to current restrictions can not , please leave a personal message [ at a designated website ] ” .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of condolence books and recommend people issue condolences through social media , online websites such as rip.ie , text or by letter .
The family should be advised that they may have a Memorial Service at a later date.
” While cremation is at the discretion of family , it is not required for the purposes of infection prevention and control .

How best to pay respects to lost loved ones while also safeguarding against infection at funerals has been a topic of debate and concern in recent weeks. Photograph: iStock
Anyone washing or preparing the remains of a person who had Covid-19 is advised to wear an apron or long sleeved gown, gloves, surgical face mask and eye protection, new guidelines have set out.
Similar protective clothing is recommended for anyone handling or placing the body into the inner lining of a coffin and “consensus opinion” holds that embalming should not be carried out.
Family members “should be advised not to kiss the deceased” and to clean their hands thoroughly should they touch the remains.
The details are set out in newly-published National Interim Guidelines for Funeral Directors on Managing Infection Risks when handling deceased individuals with confirmed Covid-19.
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The general principles contained in the HSE document are designed as a framework for guidance.
How best to pay respects to lost loved ones while also safeguarding against infection at funerals has been a topic of debate and concern in recent weeks.
The new document explains that bodies do not generally create a serious health hazard for Covid-19 infection and there is “no evidence so far” of transmission through the handling of remains.
Limited interactions
However, it notes that as this is a new and emerging pathogen it is “understandable that those who will be handling the remains will be concerned”.
“It is also possible that the act of moving a recently deceased individual might be sufficient to expel a very small amount of air and viral droplets from the lungs and thereby present a minor risk.”
In terms of funeral arrangements, the document refers to Government guidance on individuals avoiding public gatherings because of the associated public infection risks.
“It is possible that close contacts of the deceased may have been exposed to Covid-19 infection through their interaction with the individual,” it says. “Where possible interactions with family members should be limited.”
It recommends that specific funeral arrangements should not be advertised in papers or online.
A suggested notice includes the wording: “A private funeral will take place due to government advice regarding public gatherings. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave a personal message [at a designated website]”.
“It is a sensible measure to suspend the use of condolence books and recommend people issue condolences through social media, online websites such as rip.ie, text or by letter. The family should be advised that they may have a Memorial Service at a later date.”
While cremation is at the discretion of family, it is not required for the purposes of infection prevention and control.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: New initiative aims to answer needs of vulnerable

A major initiative that links local and national government with the community and voluntary sectors has been announced to help people during the Covid-19 crisis .
The purpose of Community Call is to co-ordinate community activity , direct community assistance to where it is needed , and marshal the volunteering energy of the country , with an initial focus on the elderly and the most vulnerable .
Special helplines , at national and county level , have been set up to link people who are in need of support with a range of services from volunteers and community groups .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strange to be home and to be keeping away from our family and community , ” Tánaiste Simon Coveney said at the launch of the initiative .
“ But those that are vulnerable or in need of a bit of help need to know that they are not alone .
The Government is tapping into the reach of our local authorities in every corner of Ireland , as well as the extraordinary dedication of a legion of voluntary groups and charities .
For those who need some help , it is there for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Minister of State for Community Affairs Michael Ring praised the outstanding contribution of the community and voluntary sector to the national effort to address the Covid-19 crisis .
In the coming weeks , the focus of the initiative will expand to the broader wellbeing of society and how communities can work together to help the country through the Covid-19 crisis .
Mr Ring said the Government was asking local , community and voluntary networks – formal and informal – to mobilise so that everyone in the community can look after each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are required to stay at home – check with them to see if they need supports .
And if you are in that category yourself , don ’ t hesitate to ask for help.
” More information about Community Call can be found at Gov.ie , or by calling 0818-222024 .

Simon Coveney: ‘We are all finding it very strange to be home and to be keeping away from our family and community.’ Photograph: Leon Farrell/Photocall
A major initiative that links local and national government with the community and voluntary sectors has been announced to help people during the Covid-19 crisis.
The purpose of Community Call is to co-ordinate community activity, direct community assistance to where it is needed, and marshal the volunteering energy of the country, with an initial focus on the elderly and the most vulnerable.
Special helplines, at national and county level, have been set up to link people who are in need of support with a range of services from volunteers and community groups.
"We are all finding it very strange to be home and to be keeping away from our family and community," Tánaiste Simon Coveney said at the launch of the initiative.
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“But those that are vulnerable or in need of a bit of help need to know that they are not alone. The Government is tapping into the reach of our local authorities in every corner of Ireland, as well as the extraordinary dedication of a legion of voluntary groups and charities. For those who need some help, it is there for you.”
Contribution
Also speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Community Affairs Michael Ring praised the outstanding contribution of the community and voluntary sector to the national effort to address the Covid-19 crisis.
If your neighbours or relatives are required to stay at home – check with them to see if they need supports
In the coming weeks, the focus of the initiative will expand to the broader wellbeing of society and how communities can work together to help the country through the Covid-19 crisis.
Mr Ring said the Government was asking local, community and voluntary networks – formal and informal – to mobilise so that everyone in the community can look after each other.
“If your neighbours or relatives are required to stay at home – check with them to see if they need supports. And if you are in that category yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help.”
More information about Community Call can be found at Gov.ie, or by calling 0818-222024.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--PSNI launches murder inquiry following death of Venezuelan woman

A man and a woman were arrested by detectives from the PSNI ’ s major investigation team following the murder @ @ @ @ @ police said on Thursday .
Police launched the murder inquiry following the death of Natasha @ @ @ @ @ died in hospital on Wednesday night .
She had been assaulted at a property in @ @ @ @ @ 10 days earlier , on March 22nd .
“ Natasha Melendez , formerly from Venezuela @ @ @ @ @ serious assault last month and was being treated in hospital for her injuries , ” @ @ @ @ @ Shaw .
“ Sadly she has now died and my thoughts today are with her @ @ @ @ @ , ” she added .
The chief inspector said a 30-year-old man and a 23-year-old @ @ @ @ @ connection with the death had been released pending further investigation .
The officer appealed to @ @ @ @ @ murder to bring it forward to the police .

Police launched the murder inquiry following the death of Natasha Melendez (32) who died on Wednesday. Photograph: Paul McErlane/EPA
A man and a woman were arrested by detectives from the PSNI’s major investigation team following the murder of a Venezuelan woman, police said on Thursday.
Police launched the murder inquiry following the death of Natasha Melendez (32) who died in hospital on Wednesday night. She had been assaulted at a property in Lisburn, Co Antrim, 10 days earlier, on March 22nd.
"Natasha Melendez, formerly from Venezuela, was subject to a serious assault last month and was being treated in hospital for her injuries," said Det Chief Insp Michelle Shaw.
“Sadly she has now died and my thoughts today are with her parents and wider family circle,” she added.
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The chief inspector said a 30-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman who were arrested in connection with the death had been released pending further investigation.
The officer appealed to anyone with information about the murder to bring it forward to the police.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Government shelves controversial changes to SNA supports for schoolchildren

The Government has shelved controversial plans to change the way special needs assistants ( SNAs ) are allocated to support tens of thousands of vulnerable schoolchildren .
In a statement , the Department of Education said its plans to automatically “ frontload ” more than 10,000 SNAs to mainstream schools in September 2020 will be `` deferred '' for a year .
Many groups representing parents , principals , teachers and schools expressed fears in recent months that the new approach was a cover for cuts to supports .
Department officials confirmed on Thursday that the plan has been paused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education system linked to the coronavirus pandemic .
Under the revised plans , all schools will retain their existing levels of SNA support for the coming year .
In addition , schools will be able to apply for additional SNA support by email in cases where there are gaps in the new school year .
An additional 1,000 SNAs are due to be allocated to the education system in the coming academic year .
In a statement , Minister for Education Joe McHugh said : `` A diagnosis of a disability , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be necessary for this process .
Rather , other forms of evidence , information or documentation will be used to support such applications.
” Officials said a pause in the introduction of the new system was needed to ensure there is enough time to provide training for principals and other education partners over how the new system would work .
These professionals will play a key role in determining the levels of support needed to children under the new model .
In addition , the delay has been necessitated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a pilot project across more than 70 schools linked to the new allocation model .
Among the most vocal critics of the new allocation model was the autism charity As IAm , which argued the changes were a “ Trojan horse ” for cuts .
Adam Harris , the charity ’ s chief executive , welcomed the Government decision on Thursday to pause the implementation of the new model .
“ While the circumstances are clearly necessitated by Covid-19 , this is an important opportunity to re-engage with education stakeholders and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any changes to the model are equitable , ” he said .
“ Our teachers , SNAs and school staff have been doing important work to support students at this difficult time and it would be entirely inappropriate to force though an ill-thought out change.
” The Joint Managerial Body , the management body for the majority of secondary schools , also welcomed the move .
“ We haven ’ t had confirmation that the planned model has been deferred , but if it is the case we ’ re very pleased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the body ’ s director of research and development .
He said it will give school leaders a chance to be fully briefed and trained over the changes and to participate in a pilot of the new model as it was originally envisaged .
Many other groups have also expressed their opposition to the plans , including the Special Needs Parents Association , Down Syndrome Ireland , the Catholic Primary School Management Association and National Association of Principals and Deputies .
These groups argued that a full evaluation of the current pilot programmes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make improvements to what is proposed and ensure as smooth and effective roll-out as possible .
Concerns were also raised that it would put major pressure on principals and lead to a case of “ parents who shout loudest getting the resources ” , while some groups warned of serious risk that SNA supports for vulnerable children could end up being diluted .
The department , however , insisted that no school would lose out in the first year of the new scheme .
It also said children would benefit by having SNAs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new school year .

The Government is to shelve controversial plans to change the way special needs assistants (SNAs) are allocated to support tens of thousands of vulnerable schoolchildren. Photograph: iStock
The Government has shelved controversial plans to change the way special needs assistants (SNAs) are allocated to support tens of thousands of vulnerable schoolchildren.
In a statement, the Department of Education said its plans to automatically "frontload" more than 10,000 SNAs to mainstream schools in September 2020 will be "deferred" for a year.
Many groups representing parents, principals, teachers and schools expressed fears in recent months that the new approach was a cover for cuts to supports.
Department officials confirmed on Thursday that the plan has been paused as a result of disruption to the education system linked to the coronavirus pandemic .
Under the revised plans, all schools will retain their existing levels of SNA support for the coming year.
READ MORE
In addition, schools will be able to apply for additional SNA support by email in cases where there are gaps in the new school year.
An additional 1,000 SNAs are due to be allocated to the education system in the coming academic year.
In a statement, Minister for Education Joe McHugh said: "A diagnosis of a disability, or a psychological or other professional report, will not be necessary for this process. Rather, other forms of evidence, information or documentation will be used to support such applications."
Key role
Officials said a pause in the introduction of the new system was needed to ensure there is enough time to provide training for principals and other education partners over how the new system would work.
These professionals will play a key role in determining the levels of support needed to children under the new model.
In addition, the delay has been necessitated by the redeployment of therapists who had been working in a pilot project across more than 70 schools linked to the new allocation model.
Among the most vocal critics of the new allocation model was the autism charity As IAm, which argued the changes were a “Trojan horse” for cuts.
Adam Harris, the charity's chief executive, welcomed the Government decision on Thursday to pause the implementation of the new model.
“While the circumstances are clearly necessitated by Covid-19, this is an important opportunity to re-engage with education stakeholders and, critically, disability representative groups to ensure that any changes to the model are equitable,” he said.
“Our teachers, SNAs and school staff have been doing important work to support students at this difficult time and it would be entirely inappropriate to force though an ill-thought out change.”
The Joint Managerial Body, the management body for the majority of secondary schools, also welcomed the move.
“We haven’t had confirmation that the planned model has been deferred, but if it is the case we’re very pleased,” said Dr Michael Redmond, the body’s director of research and development.
He said it will give school leaders a chance to be fully briefed and trained over the changes and to participate in a pilot of the new model as it was originally envisaged.
Many other groups have also expressed their opposition to the plans, including the Special Needs Parents Association, Down Syndrome Ireland, the Catholic Primary School Management Association and National Association of Principals and Deputies.
These groups argued that a full evaluation of the current pilot programmes were needed to avoid unnecessary errors, make improvements to what is proposed and ensure as smooth and effective roll-out as possible.
Concerns were also raised that it would put major pressure on principals and lead to a case of “parents who shout loudest getting the resources”, while some groups warned of serious risk that SNA supports for vulnerable children could end up being diluted.
The department, however, insisted that no school would lose out in the first year of the new scheme.
It also said children would benefit by having SNAs available in schools from the start of the new school year.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Man accused of stealing car from woman delivering medication to elderly people

A 47-year-old man has been accused of stealing a car from a woman in Dublin as she delivered vitally needed medication to elderly people cocooning in their homes to avoid Covid-19 .
Patrick Dignam from Kimmage Road Lower , Kimmage , in Dublin was charged with motor theft at St Martin ’ s Park , also in Kimmage , and theft of the car owner ’ s keys and her handbag on Wednesday evening .
He was refused bail when he appeared before Judge Dermot Dempsey at Dublin District Court on Thursday .
Garda Jason Hurley said the accused made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objected to bail due to the seriousness of the offence .
He alleged the car owner had been helping senior citizens in the locality who have been restricted to their homes .
“ The injured party was delivering vitally needed medication to elderly people unable to leave their homes due the Covid-19 epidemic , ” the garda said .
It was alleged the woman parked outside a house at St Martin ’ s Park to deliver medicine and left her keys in her car .
She then noticed it being driven away at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road Lower .
The keys and handbag were recovered nearby and the accused allegedly fled on foot .
Gardaí also seized the accused ’ s jacket .
There was also CCTV evidence , the court heard .
The judge heard he made admissions to taking the handbag and keys from the car .
There were Garda fears the accused would interfere with witnesses because he lived about 100 yards from house where the car was taken .
Defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe said his client was a diagnosed schizophrenic who lived in the locality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The offence can result in maximum sentences of 10 years for theft and five for the motor theft .
Refusing bail , Judge Dempsey remanded Mr Dignam in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court next Thursday .

A 47-year-old man has been accused of stealing a car from a woman in Dublin as she delivered vitally needed medication to elderly people cocooning in their homes to avoid Covid-19.
Patrick Dignam from Kimmage Road Lower, Kimmage, in Dublin was charged with motor theft at St Martin’s Park, also in Kimmage, and theft of the car owner’s keys and her handbag on Wednesday evening.
He was refused bail when he appeared before Judge Dermot Dempsey at Dublin District Court on Thursday.
Garda Jason Hurley said the accused made no reply when charged.
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The garda objected to bail due to the seriousness of the offence.
He alleged the car owner had been helping senior citizens in the locality who have been restricted to their homes.
“The injured party was delivering vitally needed medication to elderly people unable to leave their homes due the Covid-19 epidemic,” the garda said.
It was alleged the woman parked outside a house at St Martin’s Park to deliver medicine and left her keys in her car.
She then noticed it being driven away at about 6pm in the direction of Kimmage Road Lower.
The keys and handbag were recovered nearby and the accused allegedly fled on foot.
Gardaí also seized the accused’s jacket. There was also CCTV evidence, the court heard.
The judge heard he made admissions to taking the handbag and keys from the car.
There were Garda fears the accused would interfere with witnesses because he lived about 100 yards from house where the car was taken.
Defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe said his client was a diagnosed schizophrenic who lived in the locality, and he was co-operative with gardai.
The offence can result in maximum sentences of 10 years for theft and five for the motor theft.
Refusing bail, Judge Dempsey remanded Mr Dignam in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court next Thursday.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Irish church leaders invite all to home-based prayer on Sunday

The leaders of Ireland ’ s main churches have invited people to take part in prayers throughout the island on Palm Sunday , 3pm-4pm .
They have also paid tribute to everyone in the health and social care services and those on the front line , for their courage in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic .
Together with other denominations and Christian organisations , president of the Irish Council of Churches Rev Brian Anderson ; Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland , Rev William Henry ; Church of Ireland Archbishop-elect of Armagh , Rt Rev John McDowell ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the Methodist Church in Ireland Rev Sam McGuffin made their call to prayer following a video conference .
“ To all who are suffering , have lost loved ones and are anxious in these unprecedented days , we pray that you may find strength and comfort in the loving presence of Christ , who promised to be with his people always , ” they said .
“ As church leaders , we join together in calling all our people to pray .
As we begin the journey through Holy Week towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Christians from across the whole church to join in prayer on Palm Sunday , remembering that we should only gather to pray within our own households , in line with government advice , ” they said .
All are welcome Their invitation was extended to all “ even if they have never prayed before ” , they said .
Meanwhile , Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin , Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam , Bishop of Ferns Denis Brennan , Bishop of Galway Brendan Kelly and Bishop of Killala John Fleming will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Easter ceremonies in their respective dioceses as each is over 70 and abiding by Government recommendations to stay at home .
There will no public celebration of holy week and Easter liturgies in churches next week due to Government regulations .
Private celebrations of liturgies will be available via parish/diocesan video feeds as well as on RTÉ .
Ceremonies at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin can be seen via webcam .
The only people present at services there over the coming week to Easter will be Archbishop Michael Jackson , Dean Rev Dermot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abigail Sines and Archdeacon of Dublin David Pierpoint .
St Patrick ’ s Cathedral in Dublin has opened a digital book of condolences to assist people bereaved as a result of Covid-19 .
It is available to all at stpatrickscathedral.ie/book-of-condolences and is available to all .

The leaders of Ireland's main churches have invited people to take part in prayers throughout the island on Palm Sunday, 3pm-4pm. They have also paid tribute to everyone in the health and social care services and those on the front line, for their courage in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
Together with other denominations and Christian organisations, president of the Irish Council of Churches Rev Brian Anderson; Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev William Henry; Church of Ireland Archbishop-elect of Armagh, Rt Rev John McDowell; Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin; and president of the Methodist Church in Ireland Rev Sam McGuffin made their call to prayer following a video conference.
“To all who are suffering, have lost loved ones and are anxious in these unprecedented days, we pray that you may find strength and comfort in the loving presence of Christ, who promised to be with his people always,” they said.
“As church leaders, we join together in calling all our people to pray. As we begin the journey through Holy Week towards Good Friday and Easter, we invite all Christians from across the whole church to join in prayer on Palm Sunday, remembering that we should only gather to pray within our own households, in line with government advice,” they said.
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All are welcome
Their invitation was extended to all “even if they have never prayed before”, they said.
Meanwhile, Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, Bishop of Ferns Denis Brennan, Bishop of Galway Brendan Kelly and Bishop of Killala John Fleming will all be absent from Holy Week and Easter ceremonies in their respective dioceses as each is over 70 and abiding by Government recommendations to stay at home.
There will no public celebration of holy week and Easter liturgies in churches next week due to Government regulations. Private celebrations of liturgies will be available via parish/diocesan video feeds as well as on RTÉ.
Ceremonies at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin can be seen via webcam. The only people present at services there over the coming week to Easter will be Archbishop Michael Jackson, Dean Rev Dermot Dunne, Dean's Vicar Rev Abigail Sines and Archdeacon of Dublin David Pierpoint.
St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin has opened a digital book of condolences to assist people bereaved as a result of Covid-19. It is available to all at stpatrickscathedral.ie/book-of-condolences and is available to all.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Number of deaths almost reaches 100 mark

The number of people who have died from Covid-19 in Ireland has almost reached the 100 mark .
At a briefing by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Thursday evening , the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) said 13 new fatalities now bring the total to 98 .
A further 402 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland as of lunchtime on Thursday bring the total figure to 3,849 .
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said we are not yet on course to avoid a potential situation in which the number of people requiring intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep growing at the rate we are growing we won ’ t avoid that scenario so we need to keep improving , ” he said .
“ There are two ways in which we do that ; one is to keep improving and trying to suppress and drive down the rate of growth of this epidemic , hopefully we get it down to zero because that ’ s the point at which we hit the peak and it starts to drop .
We are not at zero , we are at about 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He said a second strategy is to be able to expand ICU capacity .
“ But our strategy isn ’ t to admit people to intensive care , our strategy is to prevent people from needing admission.
” As regards the surge , Dr Holohan said the initial daily increase in cases was at a rate of 33 per cent but that restrictions , and public adherence to them , had reduced this by at least half .
“ We think it might be as low as 10 per cent in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvement in terms of that ... which is giving us clear evidence that we have flattened the curve but we need to flatten it further and over the next week or so in particular we will see the full impact of the measures.
” Of the most recent deaths , nine were located in the east of the country , one in the south and three in the west .
There were nine men and four women with a median age of 82 - 10 had underlying conditions .
Dr Holohan , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness , said that of 148 cases admitted to Intensive Care Units ( ICU ) , 25 have been discharged .
“ Sadly there have been 14 deaths from ICU and 109 remain in ICU .
The median age of ICU admission is 62 , ” he said .
“ I would also like to highlight a worrying scene I witnessed during my visit to hospital on Tuesday evening ; empty waiting rooms and empty beds .
“ While protecting yourself from Covid-19 is a priority , no one should ignore signs that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ailments such as lumps , chest pain or other concerns .
Please do not ignore any symptom outside of Covid-19 .
The hospitals are there for all ailments , not just Covid-19.
” To date,932 cases ( 28 per cent of the total ) have been hospitalised .
Of the 98 deaths , 68 were men , 30 were women and 85 per cent were over the age of 70 .
Underlying health conditions were present in 80 per cent of those fatal cases .

The number of people who have died from Covid-19 in Ireland has almost reached the 100 mark.
At a briefing by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Thursday evening, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said 13 new fatalities now bring the total to 98.
A further 402 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland as of lunchtime on Thursday bring the total figure to 3,849.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said we are not yet on course to avoid a potential situation in which the number of people requiring intensive care outstrips available beds.
READ MORE
“If we keep growing at the rate we are growing we won’t avoid that scenario so we need to keep improving,” he said.
“There are two ways in which we do that; one is to keep improving and trying to suppress and drive down the rate of growth of this epidemic, hopefully we get it down to zero because that’s the point at which we hit the peak and it starts to drop. We are not at zero, we are at about 10 per cent at this point in time.”
He said a second strategy is to be able to expand ICU capacity. “But our strategy isn’t to admit people to intensive care, our strategy is to prevent people from needing admission.”
As regards the surge, Dr Holohan said the initial daily increase in cases was at a rate of 33 per cent but that restrictions, and public adherence to them, had reduced this by at least half.
“We think it might be as low as 10 per cent in terms of growth so we are seeing continued improvement in terms of that...which is giving us clear evidence that we have flattened the curve but we need to flatten it further and over the next week or so in particular we will see the full impact of the measures.”
Of the most recent deaths, nine were located in the east of the country, one in the south and three in the west. There were nine men and four women with a median age of 82 - 10 had underlying conditions.
Dr Holohan, who has returned to duty following a brief illness, said that of 148 cases admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU), 25 have been discharged.
“Sadly there have been 14 deaths from ICU and 109 remain in ICU. The median age of ICU admission is 62,” he said.
“I would also like to highlight a worrying scene I witnessed during my visit to hospital on Tuesday evening; empty waiting rooms and empty beds.
“While protecting yourself from Covid-19 is a priority, no one should ignore signs that they may need medical attention for other ailments such as lumps, chest pain or other concerns. Please do not ignore any symptom outside of Covid-19. The hospitals are there for all ailments, not just Covid-19.”
To date,932 cases (28 per cent of the total) have been hospitalised. Of the 98 deaths, 68 were men, 30 were women and 85 per cent were over the age of 70. Underlying health conditions were present in 80 per cent of those fatal cases.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--DUP politician did not intend to ‘cause hurt’ when linking coronavirus to abortion law

The DUP has distanced itself from one its councillors who said the Covid-19 crisis was God ’ s judgment on an “ immoral ” British government liberalising abortion in Northern Ireland .
DUP councillor John Carson , who represents Ballymena on Mid and East Antrim council , has since apologised for the Facebook post , which followed abortion legislation , passed in Westminster last October while the North ’ s lengthy powersharing hiatus was still ongoing , coming into effect on Tuesday .
The law allows for abortion in any circumstances up to 12 weeks and up to 24 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical or mental health of the pregnant woman .
There is no time limit in cases of severe foetal impairment or fatal foetal abnormality , or if there is a risk of death or grave permanent injury to the pregnant woman .
Mr Carson on Wednesday linked the coronavirus pandemic to abortion and same-sex marriage being introduced in Northern Ireland .
“ I said when abortion was legalised that our nation would be judged by God because of its departure from his word and the legalisation of the murder of the unborn child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said in a Facebook post .
“ I was laughed at and mocked by some but as I said at the time , they laughed at Noah until the rain started .
You reap what you sow and our nation is now reaping the judgment of God because of an immoral and corrupt government ...
It is time to repent and turn again to the God of our fathers.
” In the face of criticism over what he had said , Mr Carson put up another post on Thursday which alleged his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and totally misinterpreted ” .
“ Anyone who knows me will know I would not intentially set out to cause hurt of offence to anyone and if I did then for that I humbly apologise , ” he said .
“ However , I will never apologise for my Christian faith and will not besilenced by those that are opposed to the truth of God ’ s word.
” DUP Minister for the Economy Diana Dodds told a press briefing on the coronavirus on Thursday that Mr Carson ’ s view were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ certainly not the views of the DUP and do not reflect the views of the vast majority of people ” .
She said the comments were a “ bit of a distraction ” from the very serious challenge of combatting Covid-19 .
Ms Dodds said she wanted to place on record her thanks for all the churches had done during the crisis in reaching out to the lonely , the isolated and the needy .
“ I believe that we have a God of love mercy and I think that is where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that all faith communities have been working incredibly hard in challenging and very difficult circumstances.
” Ms Dodds said it would be for DUP party officers to decide whether any action should be taken against Mr Carson .

A drive-thru coronavirus testing facility being built in the car park of the SSE Arena in Belfast. A DUP councillor has apologised after being criticised for linking the virus to abortion and same-sex marriage being made legal in the North. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire.
The DUP has distanced itself from one its councillors who said the Covid-19 crisis was God's judgment on an "immoral" British government liberalising abortion in Northern Ireland.
DUP councillor John Carson, who represents Ballymena on Mid and East Antrim council, has since apologised for the Facebook post, which followed abortion legislation, passed in Westminster last October while the North's lengthy powersharing hiatus was still ongoing, coming into effect on Tuesday.
The law allows for abortion in any circumstances up to 12 weeks and up to 24 weeks where there was a risk to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman. There is no time limit in cases of severe foetal impairment or fatal foetal abnormality, or if there is a risk of death or grave permanent injury to the pregnant woman.
Mr Carson on Wednesday linked the coronavirus pandemic to abortion and same-sex marriage being introduced in Northern Ireland.
READ MORE
“I said when abortion was legalised that our nation would be judged by God because of its departure from his word and the legalisation of the murder of the unborn child as well as same-sex marriage,” he said in a Facebook post.
Mocked
“I was laughed at and mocked by some but as I said at the time, they laughed at Noah until the rain started. You reap what you sow and our nation is now reaping the judgment of God because of an immoral and corrupt government...It is time to repent and turn again to the God of our fathers.”
In the face of criticism over what he had said, Mr Carson put up another post on Thursday which alleged his original remarks were “taken by some and totally misinterpreted”.
“Anyone who knows me will know I would not intentially set out to cause hurt of offence to anyone and if I did then for that I humbly apologise,” he said.
“However, I will never apologise for my Christian faith and will not besilenced by those that are opposed to the truth of God’s word.”
Personal views
DUP Minister for the Economy Diana Dodds told a press briefing on the coronavirus on Thursday that Mr Carson's view were "entirely personal" and said they were "certainly not the views of the DUP and do not reflect the views of the vast majority of people".
She said the comments were a “bit of a distraction” from the very serious challenge of combatting Covid-19.
Ms Dodds said she wanted to place on record her thanks for all the churches had done during the crisis in reaching out to the lonely, the isolated and the needy.
“I believe that we have a God of love mercy and I think that is where most people take comfort. And I think that all faith communities have been working incredibly hard in challenging and very difficult circumstances.”
Ms Dodds said it would be for DUP party officers to decide whether any action should be taken against Mr Carson.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--National children’s hospital takes legal action against building contractor

The State body responsible for the building of the national children ’ s hospital has begun High Court proceedings against the construction company contracted to build the hugely expensive facility .
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board ( NPHDB ) has already been involved in a series of disputes with construction group BAM , but this is the first time the rows have moved to the High Court .
The cost of the Dublin hospital has been an ongoing controversy for many years , with some fearing the project could end up costing as much as €2 billion .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the project is the subject of gross maximum price agreements between the two sides but that has not stopped a series of rows over money , all of which have gone through a dispute management process .
The instruction for the phase B construction works was issued to BAM by the NPHDB on January 8th , 2019 , and the phase B works commenced at that time , a spokeswoman for NPHDB said .
However BAM made a claim disputing the validity of the instruction , leading to the dispute that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The agreed dispute management process has been exhausted with respect to this specific claim , without agreement from the contractor , ” she said .
Given the importance of the works , the cost , and the date for completion of this critically needed new children ’ s hospital , it is essential that this fundamental contractual issue is definitively resolved , the spokeswoman said .
“ In order to rigorously defend the public purse , the NPHDB has been left with no option but to bring the matter to the High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement issued in response to the taking of proceedings , said it had been instructed to begin phase B of the project even though a fully completed design had not been produced , and has still not been produced .
“ The NPHDB issued the instruction to commence Phase B despite the fact that the design was not provided as required by the contract .
At today ’ s date , the design is still not complete.
” BAM said it welcomed the fact that the issue would now be subject to careful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the courts .
“ BAM agrees that it is important that these issues be resolved so that all parties can concentrate on the delivery of this vital project to the highest standard in the shortest possible period.
” The company closed down work on the site this week , due to coronavirus crisis , a decision that was welcomed by the NPHDB .
Once the restrictions are lifted , the work on the site can resume , and should not be affected by the court proceedings .

The site of the national children’s hospital in Dublin. The project’s board has issues legal proceedings against the main building contractor on the project. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
The State body responsible for the building of the national children’s hospital has begun High Court proceedings against the construction company contracted to build the hugely expensive facility.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has already been involved in a series of disputes with construction group BAM, but this is the first time the rows have moved to the High Court.
The cost of the Dublin hospital has been an ongoing controversy for many years, with some fearing the project could end up costing as much as €2 billion.
The overground, or phase B, part of the project is the subject of gross maximum price agreements between the two sides but that has not stopped a series of rows over money, all of which have gone through a dispute management process.
READ MORE
Dispute
The instruction for the phase B construction works was issued to BAM by the NPHDB on January 8th, 2019, and the phase B works commenced at that time, a spokeswoman for NPHDB said.
However BAM made a claim disputing the validity of the instruction, leading to the dispute that has now ended up in the courts.
“The agreed dispute management process has been exhausted with respect to this specific claim, without agreement from the contractor,” she said.
Given the importance of the works, the cost, and the date for completion of this critically needed new children’s hospital, it is essential that this fundamental contractual issue is definitively resolved, the spokeswoman said.
“In order to rigorously defend the public purse, the NPHDB has been left with no option but to bring the matter to the High Court.”
However BAM, in a statement issued in response to the taking of proceedings, said it had been instructed to begin phase B of the project even though a fully completed design had not been produced, and has still not been produced.
“The NPHDB issued the instruction to commence Phase B despite the fact that the design was not provided as required by the contract. At today’s date, the design is still not complete.”
BAM said it welcomed the fact that the issue would now be subject to careful analysis, and ultimate resolution, by the courts.
“BAM agrees that it is important that these issues be resolved so that all parties can concentrate on the delivery of this vital project to the highest standard in the shortest possible period.”
The company closed down work on the site this week, due to coronavirus crisis, a decision that was welcomed by the NPHDB.
Once the restrictions are lifted, the work on the site can resume, and should not be affected by the court proceedings.


theirishtimes--2020-04-02--Influencer raises thousands as Pieta House stretched at both ends

Influencer Louise Cooney has used the power of social media to raise €40,000 and counting for suicide prevention charity Pieta House , as it struggles to meet demand amid the coronavirus lockdown .
Across its 15 centres in Ireland , Pieta House offers free counselling to those suffering from suicidal ideation and to people who are engaging in self-harm .
However , with 86 per cent of their yearly revenue coming from fundraising , social distancing restrictions have both increased the demand on their services and proved a financial sucker punch .
Through the postponed Darkness Into Light event alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €6 million .
Since the Government introduced gradual lockdown measures last month , it has also experienced a spike in the number of emergency calls it has received .
The charity ’ s funding and advocacy regional manager , Tom McEvoy , told The Irish Times it ’ s calling on the public to get behind its new fundraising initiatives : “ We are feeling it immediately , all donations that would normally come through fundraising events have been postponed .
The normal coffee mornings and race nights , that people could constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold .
We are asking people to visit our website where you can jump on the different virtual fundraising events that are going on , to keep our heads above water at the moment .
“ There ’ s a massive gap that we have to fill .
And the likes of Louise Cooney ’ s initiative is raising huge funds .
People are putting their shoulder to the wheel to try and help us .
Who have perhaps been impacted by us in the past and feel it is necessary to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this lockdown and unable to go about our normal work .
“ We have a reserve which we are dipping into currently and we have a number of months still , to be able to stay in operation .
We are working closely with the government in terms of their assistance and how they can perhaps provide some additional income and that work is ongoing .
“ So we are really appealing to the community at large .
Our services are needed and we feel the community know that .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can get through the next number of months with some funding and donations that ’ ll help keep our doors open metaphorically speaking until we can actually open them again.
” Ms Cooney , who lost a cousin to suicide last year , had raised €35,000 on her GoFund Me page within 24 hours on Thursday , with her army of almost 200,000 social media followers rallying behind the campaign .
Kicking things off with a €1,000 donation of her own , she surpassed her €5,000 goal well within an hour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised almost €300,000 for both Temple Street Children ’ s Hospital and Crumlin Children ’ s Hospital via a giveaway on her Instagram page .
To date , Pieta House has been able to maintain its therapy services for every one of their existing clients - with all sessions taking place by phone or video call .
As for their new clients - there has been a rise in calls from rural areas especially .
But the message across the board for anyone suffering from “ raised anxiety ” , or with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We are there for them .
Normally we would see a third of our clients are 18 and under and that figure hasn ’ t changed even in the current circumstances .
And we are constantly supporting that age profile .
But at the moment we are particularly conscious of rural isolation and people who are not easily able to connect with somebody else .
So we are appealing for people in the community to lift the phone to somebody that they might be concerned about or haven ’ t heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family are one of those to have answered the charity ’ s call , with Louise ’ s aunt Patrice releasing a heartfelt appeal on her niece ’ s Instagram page : “ Our story is a devastating one - our lovely son Nicky died by suicide on August 3rd last year and it has left a devastating hole in our family - so please keep communicating and please keep reaching out and keep trying to find the answer to your problem .
While there ’ s life there ’ s hope.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be found on her Instagram page by following the link in her bio : “ I know this is a really difficult time and a lot of people have lost their jobs but it is a very important cause , ” she told her followers on Wednesday night .
“ I understand first hand the devastation something like this can cause .
And with everything at the moment we really need to support services like this that are free , accessible to everybody and take care of the vulnerable.
” You can talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , day or night on 1800 247 247 , or text HELP to 51444 .
Donations can be made to the charity on its website www.pieta.ie/support-our-work/donate/ .

Influencer Louise Cooney has used the power of social media to raise €50,000 and counting for suicide prevention charity Pieta House, as it struggles to meet demand amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Across its 15 centres in Ireland, Pieta House offers free counselling to those suffering from suicidal ideation and to people who are engaging in self-harm.
However, with 86 per cent of their yearly revenue coming from fundraising, social distancing restrictions have both increased the demand on their services and proved a financial sucker punch. Through the postponed Darkness Into Light event alone, Pieta House was expecting to raise €6 million.
Since the Government introduced gradual lockdown measures last month, it has also experienced a spike in the number of emergency calls it has received. The charity's funding and advocacy regional manager, Tom McEvoy, told The Irish Times it's calling on the public to get behind its new fundraising initiatives:
READ MORE
“We are feeling it immediately, all donations that would normally come through fundraising events have been postponed. The normal coffee mornings and race nights, that people could constantly do for us have been put on hold. We are asking people to visit our website where you can jump on the different virtual fundraising events that are going on, to keep our heads above water at the moment.
“There’s a massive gap that we have to fill. And the likes of Louise Cooney’s initiative is raising huge funds. People are putting their shoulder to the wheel to try and help us. Who have perhaps been impacted by us in the past and feel it is necessary to keep it available to others while we are in this lockdown and unable to go about our normal work.
“We have a reserve which we are dipping into currently and we have a number of months still, to be able to stay in operation. We are working closely with the government in terms of their assistance and how they can perhaps provide some additional income and that work is ongoing.
“So we are really appealing to the community at large. Our services are needed and we feel the community know that. We are in a very delicate situation but if we can get through the next number of months with some funding and donations that’ll help keep our doors open metaphorically speaking until we can actually open them again.”
Ms Cooney, who lost a cousin to suicide last year, had raised €35,000 on her GoFund Me page within 24 hours on Thursday, with her army of almost 200,000 social media followers rallying behind the campaign. Kicking things off with a €1,000 donation of her own, she surpassed her €5,000 goal well within an hour. Back in December fellow influencer Rosie Connolly raised almost €300,000 for both Temple Street Children's Hospital and Crumlin Children's Hospital via a giveaway on her Instagram page.
To date, Pieta House has been able to maintain its therapy services for every one of their existing clients - with all sessions taking place by phone or video call. As for their new clients - there has been a rise in calls from rural areas especially. But the message across the board for anyone suffering from “raised anxiety”, or with any mental health concerns, remains the same:
“We are there for them. Normally we would see a third of our clients are 18 and under and that figure hasn’t changed even in the current circumstances. And we are constantly supporting that age profile. But at the moment we are particularly conscious of rural isolation and people who are not easily able to connect with somebody else. So we are appealing for people in the community to lift the phone to somebody that they might be concerned about or haven’t heard from in a while.”
The Cooney family are one of those to have answered the charity’s call, with Louise’s aunt Patrice releasing a heartfelt appeal on her niece’s Instagram page:
“Our story is a devastating one - our lovely son Nicky died by suicide on August 3rd last year and it has left a devastating hole in our family - so please keep communicating and please keep reaching out and keep trying to find the answer to your problem. While there’s life there’s hope.”
Ms Cooney’s fundraising effort can be found on her Instagram page by following the link in her bio: “I know this is a really difficult time and a lot of people have lost their jobs but it is a very important cause,” she told her followers on Wednesday night. “I understand first hand the devastation something like this can cause. And with everything at the moment we really need to support services like this that are free, accessible to everybody and take care of the vulnerable.”
You can talk to a Pieta House therapist any time, day or night on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444. Donations can be made to the charity on its website www.pieta.ie/support-our-work/donate/.