theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Body recovered off coast of Kerry during search for missing man

A body has been recovered from the sea off the coast of west Kerry by a team searching for a missing man .
It is understood that the body was recovered shortly after 4pm by members of Mallow Search and Rescue , from an inlet known as Cuas an Reithe .
The body has since been removed to University Hospital Kerry .
A search led by the Irish Coast Guard has been under way since Monday , after a 52-year-old man went missing on Saturday from his west Kerry home .
The man , John Cunningham , who is originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reported missing by a neighbour .
He had been staying at his home in Dún Chaoin with an elderly relative .
Gardaí began a missing person ’ s investigation .
Mr Cunningham was known to keep lobster pots at Coumeenole ; it was feared he may have been swept off rocks and into the sea by a wave while attending to them .
The search involved gardaí , the Coast Guard and the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre on Valentia Island , which on Tuesday tasked Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in question .
A Coast Guard drone from Doolin was also dispatched to assist in the search earlier this week .

Mallow Search and Rescue boats used in the search operation. Photograph: Mallow Search and Rescue/Facebook
A body has been recovered from the sea off the coast of west Kerry by a team searching for a missing man.
It is understood that the body was recovered shortly after 4pm by members of Mallow Search and Rescue, from an inlet known as Cuas an Reithe.
The body has since been removed to University Hospital Kerry.
A search led by the Irish Coast Guard has been under way since Monday, after a 52-year-old man went missing on Saturday from his west Kerry home. The man, John Cunningham, who is originally from The Lough in Cork city, was reported missing by a neighbour. He had been staying at his home in Dún Chaoin with an elderly relative.
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Gardaí began a missing person’s investigation. Mr Cunningham was known to keep lobster pots at Coumeenole; it was feared he may have been swept off rocks and into the sea by a wave while attending to them.
The search involved gardaí, the Coast Guard and the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre on Valentia Island, which on Tuesday tasked Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 to carry out a search of the area in question.
A Coast Guard drone from Doolin was also dispatched to assist in the search earlier this week.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Vaping stiffens arteries, leading to variety of health problems, study finds

Vaping stiffens the arteries leading to a variety of health problems , according to a comprehensive study published in the European Heart Journal .
Vaping may also increase the risk of people being infected by Covid-19 , suffering worse symptoms and dying from it .
Researchers at the University of Mainz in Germany have made the world ’ s first comparison of the effects of the three forms of smoking and vaping on human health and the function of cells that line blood vessels ( the endothelium ) .
The researchers found there were multiple good studies showing that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than e-cigarettes .
They added that the long-term effects of water pipes and e-cigarettes need to be investigated more thoroughly .
Compared to non-smokers , tobacco cigarettes increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) by 704 per cent , waterpipes by 214 per cent and e-cigarettes by 194 per cent .
COPD , a lung disease , is the most common chronic disease in Ireland with almost 400,000 sufferers .
It is commonly associated with smoking and is particularly prevalent in the more vulnerable in society including people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cigarettes and waterpipes increased the risk of lung cancer by 1,210 per cent and 122 per cent respectively , while the level of evidence for e-cigarettes was not sufficient to draw reliable conclusions .
The researchers also looked at how much the three smoking techniques stiffened the arteries , an important prognostic indicator for the risk of heart problems and stroke .
Compared to non-smokers , tobacco cigarettes increased arterial stiffness by 10 per cent , waterpipes by 9 per cent and e-cigarettes by 7 per cent .
The first author of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our review focuses primarily on the adverse effects of these three smoking and vaping techniques on endothelial dysfunction and the relation to oxidative stress and , secondly , on clinical disease .
“ All three forms of smoking and vaping lead to increased production of oxygen-derived free radicals in blood vessel tissue , such as superoxide .
“ This breaks down nitric oxide , which is released by the endothelium , and is important for helping blood vessels to dilate and for protecting against inflammation and clogging of the arteries.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-cigarette vapour include formaldehyde and acrolein , as well as traces of chemicals called transition metals and volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) , all of which are known to damage cells .
Nicotine is present in all three tobacco products , is addictive and is responsible for harmful biological effects as well as , to a minor extent , some beneficial effects .
Prof Münzel said : “ These different as well as overlapping profiles of toxic compounds may be a key to understand the similarities and differences in the adverse health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be further investigated in detail by future studies.
” The researchers concluded : “ As outlined by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , tobacco cigarette and waterpipe smoking may contribute to increased burden of symptoms due to Covid-19 compared to non-smoking , including being admitted to intensive care , requiring mechanical ventilation , and suffering severe health consequences .
“ There is no doubt that smoking cessation is and will remain the most powerful approach to prevent smoking-induced cardiovascular and respiratory disease .
“ This may be even more important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of tobacco products likely increases the risk for Covid-19 associated cardiovascular and other severe complications in smokers and vapers .
“ The WHO also warns that although e-cigarettes appear to be less harmful than tobacco cigarettes , there is growing evidence that they also may cause side effects in the lungs , heart and blood vessels and that e-cigarette use may increase the risk of Covid-19 infection .
”

Researchers found there were multiple good studies showing that, overall, tobacco cigarettes were more harmful than e-cigarettes. Photograph: iStock
Vaping stiffens the arteries leading to a variety of health problems, according to a comprehensive study published in the European Heart Journal.
Vaping may also increase the risk of people being infected by Covid-19, suffering worse symptoms and dying from it.
Researchers at the University of Mainz in Germany have made the world's first comparison of the effects of the three forms of smoking and vaping on human health and the function of cells that line blood vessels (the endothelium).
The researchers found there were multiple good studies showing that, overall, tobacco cigarettes were more harmful than e-cigarettes.
READ MORE
They added that the long-term effects of water pipes and e-cigarettes need to be investigated more thoroughly.
Compared to non-smokers, tobacco cigarettes increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 704 per cent, waterpipes by 214 per cent and e-cigarettes by 194 per cent.
COPD, a lung disease, is the most common chronic disease in Ireland with almost 400,000 sufferers. It is commonly associated with smoking and is particularly prevalent in the more vulnerable in society including people from areas with high social deprivation.
Tobacco cigarettes and waterpipes increased the risk of lung cancer by 1,210 per cent and 122 per cent respectively, while the level of evidence for e-cigarettes was not sufficient to draw reliable conclusions.
The researchers also looked at how much the three smoking techniques stiffened the arteries, an important prognostic indicator for the risk of heart problems and stroke.
Compared to non-smokers, tobacco cigarettes increased arterial stiffness by 10 per cent, waterpipes by 9 per cent and e-cigarettes by 7 per cent.
The first author of the review, Prof Thomas Münzel said: “Our review focuses primarily on the adverse effects of these three smoking and vaping techniques on endothelial dysfunction and the relation to oxidative stress and, secondly, on clinical disease.
“All three forms of smoking and vaping lead to increased production of oxygen-derived free radicals in blood vessel tissue, such as superoxide.
“This breaks down nitric oxide, which is released by the endothelium, and is important for helping blood vessels to dilate and for protecting against inflammation and clogging of the arteries.”
The researchers say the main toxic chemicals in e-cigarette vapour include formaldehyde and acrolein, as well as traces of chemicals called transition metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all of which are known to damage cells.
Nicotine is present in all three tobacco products, is addictive and is responsible for harmful biological effects as well as, to a minor extent, some beneficial effects.
Prof Münzel said: “These different as well as overlapping profiles of toxic compounds may be a key to understand the similarities and differences in the adverse health effects of smoking and vaping, and should be further investigated in detail by future studies.”
The researchers concluded: "As outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco cigarette and waterpipe smoking may contribute to increased burden of symptoms due to Covid-19 compared to non-smoking, including being admitted to intensive care, requiring mechanical ventilation, and suffering severe health consequences.
“There is no doubt that smoking cessation is and will remain the most powerful approach to prevent smoking-induced cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
“This may be even more important in light of the Covid-19 pandemic as the use of tobacco products likely increases the risk for Covid-19 associated cardiovascular and other severe complications in smokers and vapers.
“The WHO also warns that although e-cigarettes appear to be less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, there is growing evidence that they also may cause side effects in the lungs, heart and blood vessels and that e-cigarette use may increase the risk of Covid-19 infection.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Parties urged to try to settle personal injury cases amid High Court backlog

Parties involved in personal injury disputes should focus on trying to settle their cases , the president of the High Court has said .
Ms Justice Mary Irvine made her comments against a backdrop of there being 320 personal injury cases on the High Court lists that have been postponed since March 18th because of the Covid-19 pandemic .
She said she was not asking any party to settle a case that they did not wish to , but pointed out that only 11 per cent of the cases that reach the doors of the court proceed to a contested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims only settle on the day they are listed for hearing .
In practical terms this means that if cases can not be listed for hearing [ as is currently the case because of Covid-19 ] , they will neither be fought nor settled but will remain in limbo.
” She said that if , as the statistics normally worked out , 89 per cent of all claims were settled , it would “ speak volumes to the sense of justice of those stakeholders who might possibly stand to benefit from a prolonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Irvine , who recently became president of the court , issued her statement through the Courts Service and a video of her making the statement was posted on its website – an unusually open step for a senior sitting judge .
“ When I applied for the position of president of the High Court I promised that I would do everything in my power to minimise the effects of Covid-19 on those requiring access to justice , ” she said .
She addressed those whose business it was to indemnify individuals or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was they who , in most instances , decided which cases are fought or if they are settled and for how much , she said .
“ Because of social distancing and other safety issues , finding a way to safely and justly hear cases involving numbers of witnesses presents a challenge that is unlikely to be entirely overcome in the short term , ” she said .
The hardship facing those who are left waiting for their case to go ahead could be “ greatly reduced ” if cases that were likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were settled earlier .
A delay in litigation can cause great economic hardship or even unwarranted additional mental or physical suffering for plaintiffs , the judge said .
The judge said the adjourned personal injury claims are to be listed for calling over during July when directions will be given as to the hearing of those that have not been settled .
“ All such claims will of course remain under the control of Mr Justice Kevin Cross who will continue to oversee the personal injuries division of the High Court for the @ @ @ @

High Court president Ms Justice Mary Irvine said a delay in litigation can cause great economic hardship or even unwarranted additional mental or physical suffering for plaintiffs. Photograph: Tom Honan
Parties involved in personal injury disputes should focus on trying to settle their cases, the president of the High Court has said.
Ms Justice Mary Irvine made her comments against a backdrop of there being 320 personal injury cases on the High Court lists that have been postponed since March 18th because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said she was not asking any party to settle a case that they did not wish to, but pointed out that only 11 per cent of the cases that reach the doors of the court proceed to a contested hearing.
“A substantial number of claims only settle on the day they are listed for hearing. In practical terms this means that if cases cannot be listed for hearing [as is currently the case because of Covid-19], they will neither be fought nor settled but will remain in limbo.”
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She said that if, as the statistics normally worked out, 89 per cent of all claims were settled, it would “speak volumes to the sense of justice of those stakeholders who might possibly stand to benefit from a prolonged adjournment of such claims”.
Video
Ms Justice Irvine, who recently became president of the court, issued her statement through the Courts Service and a video of her making the statement was posted on its website – an unusually open step for a senior sitting judge.
“When I applied for the position of president of the High Court I promised that I would do everything in my power to minimise the effects of Covid-19 on those requiring access to justice,” she said.
She addressed those whose business it was to indemnify individuals or entities against claims for negligence. It was they who, in most instances, decided which cases are fought or if they are settled and for how much, she said.
“Because of social distancing and other safety issues, finding a way to safely and justly hear cases involving numbers of witnesses presents a challenge that is unlikely to be entirely overcome in the short term,” she said.
The hardship facing those who are left waiting for their case to go ahead could be “greatly reduced” if cases that were likely to settle when they came to court were settled earlier.
A delay in litigation can cause great economic hardship or even unwarranted additional mental or physical suffering for plaintiffs, the judge said.
The judge said the adjourned personal injury claims are to be listed for calling over during July when directions will be given as to the hearing of those that have not been settled.
“All such claims will of course remain under the control of Mr Justice Kevin Cross who will continue to oversee the personal injuries division of the High Court for the foreseeable future.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--School closures affected disadvantaged students much more severely, study shows

School closures have had a much more severe impact on students ’ learning and motivation in disadvantaged secondary schools , a new ESRI study indicates .
The research says school leaders fear a key outcome of the Covid-19 lockdown will be a widening of the gap between less well-off and more affluent students .
The study found almost half of school leaders surveyed last month had issues with access to broadband and devices , based on responses from one in three secondary schools , nationally .
These challenges were significantly higher for disadvantaged – or Deis – schools , students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in areas with poor broadband .
Overall , distance learning was regarded by school leaders as either similar to , or worse than , standard practice .
Live online videos and the use of virtual platforms were the distance learning tools of choice .
However , there was evidence of “ digital exclusion ” with schools in areas with lower average household incomes .
For example , while feedback for students was provided online across all schools , most disadvantaged schools ( 55 per cent ) relied on post or other physical means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes , while this was much less common in other schools ( 37 per cent ) .
There was also a much greater reliance on phone-based communication – such as WhatsApp – for some classes in disadvantaged schools ( 83 per cent ) compared with non-disadvantaged schools ( 52 per cent ) .
There was also evidence of a stark divide in whether students had a quiet place to study and a desk to sit at , with Deis students much less likely to have a suitable study place .
Interviews with school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying mobile credit for students , or giving school computers to students to help narrow the digital divide .
The negative impact of distance learning on student attendance and participation in lessons also appears to have been more pronounced among Deis schools .
Some 89 per cent of Deis schools rated participation as either “ worse ” or “ much worse ” , compared with 70 per cent of non-Deis schools .
Some issues were common across income groups , such as access to devices .
Even families which had suitable devices in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with devices often shared among parents working from home and children across primary , second-level and higher education .
As a result , many students who did engage with online learning did so using a smartphone , which school leaders recognised as inadequate for learning but “ better than nothing ” .
Overall , it found school closures particularly affected learning , wellbeing , motivation and engagement of Leaving Cert and Junior Cert students , with more severe impacts being reported among Deis schools .
In addition to better communication from the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will need a range of concrete supports in order to best prepare and provide for students in late August and September .
These will include resources for ICT , professional development and supports to maximise teaching time for students entering sixth year .
Meanwhile , the Dáil ’ s Covid-19 committee has been told the lack of access to schools and therapists for children with special needs during the pandemic has been “ catastrophic ” .
The chairwoman of advocacy agency Inclusion Ireland , Lorraine Dempsey , highlighted the emotional upset for parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sleep , destroying their houses or assaulting siblings and not through any fault of their child but arising out of the frustrations and lack of supports ” .
The charity also told the committee that parents had been left confused by the changing message the Department of Education was giving about the summer school programme for children with special needs .
Ms Dempsey told committee chairman Independent TD Michael McNamara “ the lack of access to school and therapists over the last three months has been catastrophic and I can not overstate @ @ @ @

There was much greater reliance on phone-based communication – such as WhatsApp – for some classes in disadvantaged schools. Photograph: iStock
School closures have had a much more severe impact on students’ learning and motivation in disadvantaged secondary schools, a new ESRI study indicates.
The research says school leaders fear a key outcome of the Covid-19 lockdown will be a widening of the gap between less well-off and more affluent students.
The study found almost half of school leaders surveyed last month had issues with access to broadband and devices, based on responses from one in three secondary schools, nationally.
These challenges were significantly higher for disadvantaged – or Deis – schools, students from lower income families, and schools in areas with poor broadband.
READ MORE
Overall, distance learning was regarded by school leaders as either similar to, or worse than, standard practice.
Live online videos and the use of virtual platforms were the distance learning tools of choice.
However, there was evidence of “digital exclusion” with schools in areas with lower average household incomes.
For example, while feedback for students was provided online across all schools, most disadvantaged schools (55 per cent) relied on post or other physical means to provide feedback to students for some classes, while this was much less common in other schools (37 per cent).
There was also a much greater reliance on phone-based communication – such as WhatsApp – for some classes in disadvantaged schools (83 per cent) compared with non-disadvantaged schools (52 per cent).
There was also evidence of a stark divide in whether students had a quiet place to study and a desk to sit at, with Deis students much less likely to have a suitable study place.
Interviews with school leaders show that some schools ended up buying mobile credit for students, or giving school computers to students to help narrow the digital divide.
Participation
The negative impact of distance learning on student attendance and participation in lessons also appears to have been more pronounced among Deis schools. Some 89 per cent of Deis schools rated participation as either “worse” or “much worse”, compared with 70 per cent of non-Deis schools.
Some issues were common across income groups, such as access to devices. Even families which had suitable devices in the home were put under pressure, with devices often shared among parents working from home and children across primary, second-level and higher education.
As a result, many students who did engage with online learning did so using a smartphone, which school leaders recognised as inadequate for learning but “better than nothing”.
Overall, it found school closures particularly affected learning, wellbeing, motivation and engagement of Leaving Cert and Junior Cert students, with more severe impacts being reported among Deis schools.
Range of supports
In addition to better communication from the Department of Education, schools indicated that they will need a range of concrete supports in order to best prepare and provide for students in late August and September.
These will include resources for ICT, professional development and supports to maximise teaching time for students entering sixth year.
Meanwhile, the Dáil’s Covid-19 committee has been told the lack of access to schools and therapists for children with special needs during the pandemic has been “catastrophic”.
The chairwoman of advocacy agency Inclusion Ireland, Lorraine Dempsey, highlighted the emotional upset for parents “of seeing children not being able to sleep, destroying their houses or assaulting siblings and not through any fault of their child but arising out of the frustrations and lack of supports”.
The charity also told the committee that parents had been left confused by the changing message the Department of Education was giving about the summer school programme for children with special needs.
Ms Dempsey told committee chairman Independent TD Michael McNamara “the lack of access to school and therapists over the last three months has been catastrophic and I cannot overstate that enough”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Partial human remains discovered along Co Donegal coast

An investigation is under way after the discovery of partial human remains in a coastal part of Co Donegal .
@ @ @ @ @ Garda spokesman said gardaí at Milford are investigating “ all of the circumstances surrounding the @ @ @ @ @ on the coast at Maghery , near Dungloe ” .
The discovery was made at @ @ @ @ @ “ The remains have since been removed to the mortuary at Letterkenny hospital for a @ @ @ @ @ of the State Pathologist has been notified , ” the Garda spokesman said .
Searches @ @ @ @ @ gardaí and the Coast Guard are ongoing , the Garda said .
Last February a @ @ @ @ @ be a leg or part of a leg , was washed up on a nearby @ @ @ @ @ discovered by a walker .
The February discovery was made approximately 25km from the section @ @ @ @ @ s incident occurred .

An investigation has been stood down in Co Donegal. File photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
A Garda investigation has been stood down after it emerged animal remains had been misidentified as human following their discovery in Donegal on Thursday.
Initially, the Garda had said it was investigating "all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of partial human remains on the coast at Maghery, near Dungloe".
However, in a statement on Friday,the force said: “Following further investigations carried out today, Friday 26th June 2020, these remains were discovered to be animal remains.”
Last February a body part, believed to be a leg or part of a leg, was washed up on a nearby beach in Gweedore, and discovered by a walker. The February discovery was made approximately 25km from the section of coast where Thursday's incident occurred.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Ireland criticised for ‘major failings’ in its treatment of human trafficking victims

Ireland has been criticised for “ major failings ” in its treatment of human trafficking victims after the State was downgraded in a major annual US government report on the illegal trade in people .
The annual Trafficking in Persons Report , published today by the US Department of State , placed Ireland on its “ tier two watch list ” .
Last year , the Republic was placed on the tier two list .
The report found that Ireland is making efforts , including increasing funding for NGOs and increasing prosecutions .
“ However , the government did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous reporting period ” .
The lack of convictions for trafficking offences was noted , while an amended working scheme for sea fishermen “ increased their vulnerability to trafficking ” , the report stated , also flagging that Vietnamese and Chinese individuals convicted for cannabis cultivation often report indicators of forced labour such as document retention , restriction of movement and non-payment of wages .
Meanwhile , domestic workers , particularly au pairs , are “ vulnerable to trafficking ” .
“ The government has reported the problem of forced labour in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe who are forced into marriage in Ireland are at risk for sex trafficking and forced labour.
” It is the second time in three years that Ireland has been downgraded , being rated in the top tier until 2018 .
In a statement , the Immigrant Council of Ireland said this means that “ while making efforts , the Irish government is deemed not to meet the minimum standards required in the fight against human trafficking and will continue to be examined closely ” .
Commenting on the report , Dr Nusha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the council said trafficking for sexual exploitation in Ireland “ remains pervasive , hidden and widely spread ” .
“ This trend mirrors the situation in the other European countries and sadly , migrant women and girls are the largest cohort of victims , ” she said .
According to the ICI , some 42 victims of trafficking were identified by the Irish Government so far this year , which the NGO says is a “ misleadingly low figure ” .
The identified victims are from Africa , Asia , Eastern Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland , said Ireland had received its lowest score to date in the report .
“ This puts us among the worst three performing countries in Europe when it comes to our approach to the crime of trafficking in human beings , ” he said .
“ The report identified ‘ systemic deficiencies in victim identification , referral and assistance ’ , and noted the ‘ lack of specialised accommodation and adequate services ’ for victims.
” Ruhama , which works with women affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ major gaps in Ireland ’ s identification procedures and the protection of victims.
” Chief executive , Barbara Condon , said many victims are too fearful of violent repercussions from their traffickers for them and their families to report them .
“ Traffickers also instil a deep fear of authorities in their victims to prevent them from coming forward.
” She continued : “ Suspected victims from the EEA , including Ireland , are not being counted in Ireland ’ s official numbers , and nor are those who are in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that the vast majority of trafficking victims remain undetected , means that we are underestimating the numbers of victims.
” “ We must be under no illusions-sex trafficking is happening in every city , town and village across the country , and it is overwhelmingly women and girls who are sacrificed to fill the demand for sexual gratification from so-called ‘ sex buyers ’ .
”

The annual Trafficking in Persons Report, published today by the US Department of State, placed Ireland on its ‘tier two watch list’. File photograph: iStock
Ireland has been criticised for “major failings” in its treatment of human trafficking victims after the State was downgraded in a major annual US government report on the illegal trade in people.
The annual Trafficking in Persons Report, published today by the US Department of State, placed Ireland on its “tier two watch list”. Last year, the Republic was placed on the tier two list.
The report found that Ireland is making efforts, including increasing funding for NGOs and increasing prosecutions. “However, the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period”.
The lack of convictions for trafficking offences was noted, while an amended working scheme for sea fishermen “increased their vulnerability to trafficking”, the report stated, also flagging that Vietnamese and Chinese individuals convicted for cannabis cultivation often report indicators of forced labour such as document retention, restriction of movement and non-payment of wages.
READ MORE
Meanwhile, domestic workers, particularly au pairs, are “vulnerable to trafficking”.
"The government has reported the problem of forced labour in the country is growing. Women from Eastern Europe who are forced into marriage in Ireland are at risk for sex trafficking and forced labour."
It is the second time in three years that Ireland has been downgraded, being rated in the top tier until 2018.
Sexual exploitation
In a statement, the Immigrant Council of Ireland said this means that “while making efforts, the Irish government is deemed not to meet the minimum standards required in the fight against human trafficking and will continue to be examined closely”.
Commenting on the report, Dr Nusha Yonkova, an anti-trafficking and gender expert with the council said trafficking for sexual exploitation in Ireland "remains pervasive, hidden and widely spread".
"This trend mirrors the situation in the other European countries and sadly, migrant women and girls are the largest cohort of victims," she said. According to the ICI, some 42 victims of trafficking were identified by the Irish Government so far this year, which the NGO says is a "misleadingly low figure".
The identified victims are from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America.
Brian Killoran, the chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said Ireland had received its lowest score to date in the report.
“This puts us among the worst three performing countries in Europe when it comes to our approach to the crime of trafficking in human beings,” he said.
“The report identified ‘systemic deficiencies in victim identification, referral and assistance’, and noted the ‘lack of specialised accommodation and adequate services’ for victims.”
Ruhama, which works with women affected by prostitution and sexual exploitation, also criticised "major gaps in Ireland's identification procedures and the protection of victims."
Chief executive, Barbara Condon, said many victims are too fearful of violent repercussions from their traffickers for them and their families to report them.
“Traffickers also instil a deep fear of authorities in their victims to prevent them from coming forward.”
She continued: “Suspected victims from the EEA, including Ireland, are not being counted in Ireland’s official numbers, and nor are those who are in the asylum process. This, coupled with the fact that the vast majority of trafficking victims remain undetected, means that we are underestimating the numbers of victims.”
“We must be under no illusions-sex trafficking is happening in every city, town and village across the country, and it is overwhelmingly women and girls who are sacrificed to fill the demand for sexual gratification from so-called ‘sex buyers’.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Child protection services were involved with the O’Reilly family – Tusla

Child protection services were involved with a Traveller family “ over a long period ” from the mid-1980s , while the father was raping , beating and starving a younger sister and seven of his daughters , Tusla has confirmed .
James O ’ Reilly of Killeens , Ballynonty , Thurles , was sentenced last week to 20 years ’ imprisonment , having been convicted last December after a five-week trial on 58 counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault .
His victims , now all adults , are seeking a public inquiry into why statutory agencies did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse , and whether their being Traveller children contributed to the alleged failings .
In a statement to The Irish Times , Tusla said the agency was “ currently retrieving records of the involvement of child protection services with the family ” going back decades .
“ We can confirm there is evidence of such over a long period starting in the mid-1980s in the then South Eastern Health Board [ SEHB ] area .
We will be examining that information very carefully .
“ Those files include those that would have transferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this case the SEHB and the HSE , ” it declared .
The eldest daughter , Helen O ’ Donoghue , has detailed to The Irish Times her father sexual abusing her from the age of four , rape from the age of eight and witnessing another sister being abused .
She describes relentless beatings , emotional abuse and starvation , as well as being deprived of an education .
She was unaware at the time that he was sexually abusing five of her other sisters too .
She names schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of religious who , she says , saw the neglect and failed to intervene .
And she questions why no public health nurse appeared to engage with the family despite all her siblings having been born in hospitals .
A named social worker visited the family “ maybe once a month ” from the early 1990s , she said .
“ She ’ d just sit at the fire with him having tea .
I would have been 18 or 19 ... She wasn ’ t there on our side .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say she had checked on us .
I am angry about that.
” She , her sisters and aunt believe they were “ let down ” by a number of agencies as they were Travellers .
“ If we had been from a settled family , people would have noticed the neglect more .
They would have cared more.
” A spokeswoman for Tusla said the agency could not comment further on the case other than to “ re-emphasise our sense of empathy for each of the victims in this distressing case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this very traumatic experience has had on their lives ” .
“ In the context of modern day approaches to service provision we are certainly conscious of the need for appropriate sensitivity to people who experience disadvantage or vulnerability including Traveller , Roma , people seeking International Protection , people with a disability and many others .
“ Work on this is ongoing , and includes working with organisations who work with minority groups , funding community worker positions within minority groups , providing education supports , and working with foster carers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children in care .
“ Disadvantage by its nature will always present challenges in this regard and so the need to avoid complacency .
Child protection is a complex area of work and , despite many modernisations , it remains a challenge in many jurisdictions .
However , it must continue to be protective of children regardless of their social context or cultural background .
”

James O’Reilly’s eldest daughter Helen O’Donoghue: She, her sisters and aunt believe they were ‘let down’ by a number of agencies as they were Travellers. Photograph: Alan Place
Child protection services were involved with a Traveller family “over a long period” from the mid-1980s, while the father was raping, beating and starving a younger sister and seven of his daughters, Tusla has confirmed.
James O'Reilly of Killeens, Ballynonty, Thurles, was sentenced last week to 20 years' imprisonment, having been convicted last December after a five-week trial on 58 counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault.
His victims, now all adults, are seeking a public inquiry into why statutory agencies did not intervene to save them from the abuse, and whether their being Traveller children contributed to the alleged failings.
In a statement to The Irish Times, Tusla said the agency was “currently retrieving records of the involvement of child protection services with the family” going back decades.
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“We can confirm there is evidence of such over a long period starting in the mid-1980s in the then South Eastern Health Board [SEHB] area. We will be examining that information very carefully.
“Those files include those that would have transferred to Tusla from its predecessor organisations, in this case the SEHB and the HSE,” it declared.
The eldest daughter, Helen O’Donoghue, has detailed to The Irish Times her father sexual abusing her from the age of four, rape from the age of eight and witnessing another sister being abused.
She describes relentless beatings, emotional abuse and starvation, as well as being deprived of an education. She was unaware at the time that he was sexually abusing five of her other sisters too.
She names schools, social workers, the SEHB and a number of religious who, she says, saw the neglect and failed to intervene. And she questions why no public health nurse appeared to engage with the family despite all her siblings having been born in hospitals.
A named social worker visited the family “maybe once a month” from the early 1990s, she said.
“She’d just sit at the fire with him having tea. I would have been 18 or 19...She wasn’t there on our side. I think she was ticking a box, to say she had checked on us. I am angry about that.”
She, her sisters and aunt believe they were “let down” by a number of agencies as they were Travellers.
“If we had been from a settled family, people would have noticed the neglect more. They would have cared more.”
Empathy
A spokeswoman for Tusla said the agency could not comment further on the case other than to “re-emphasise our sense of empathy for each of the victims in this distressing case of extensive abuse and the impact that this very traumatic experience has had on their lives”.
"In the context of modern day approaches to service provision we are certainly conscious of the need for appropriate sensitivity to people who experience disadvantage or vulnerability including Traveller, Roma, people seeking International Protection, people with a disability and many others.
“Work on this is ongoing, and includes working with organisations who work with minority groups, funding community worker positions within minority groups, providing education supports, and working with foster carers from minority groups to provide appropriate placements for children in care.
“Disadvantage by its nature will always present challenges in this regard and so the need to avoid complacency. Child protection is a complex area of work and, despite many modernisations, it remains a challenge in many jurisdictions. However, it must continue to be protective of children regardless of their social context or cultural background.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Wexford County Council withdraws controversial sale of National 1798 Rebellion Centre

Wexford County Council will no longer proceed with the sale of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy after conceding that it would probably not get the support of councillors .
In an email sent to councillors on Thursday evening , the council said a Section 183 notice , which would allow for the sale to a private company will not now proceed .
The sale of the centre was due to come before councillors at their monthly meeting on Monday .
The council email read : “ You are aware that we have been in discussions recently regarding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ From discussions with members it is evident that such a proposal would not enjoy the required member support to proceed .
It has therefore been decided to proceed no further with the discussions and a S183 notice will not be put before members in the matter.
” The centre was one of the flagship projects of the bi-centenary commemorations for the rebellion in 1998 and was financed with EU and local money .
It was intended to attract more than 100,000 visitors annually .
However , at the meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caroylne Godkin said the number of visitors to the centre ” didn ’ t cover the cost of the electric ” .
The members were told the prospective new owner plans to develop an exhibition centre based around the life of designer Eileen Grey at the site , in addition to a cafe .
It was planned for the 1798 exhibits to be rehoused in the castle .
A petition opposing the sale set up by local historian Colum O ’ Rourke , who maintains the 1798 rebellion casualty database , has attracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local Enniscorthy councillor Cathal Byrne said the original decision to sell the centre “ came as a bolt out of the blue ” and he welcomed the change of heart .
“ The proposal contained no plans for what would happen to the existing exhibits , many of whom had been donated by local Enniscorthy people in the belief that they were to be put on permanent display , ” he said .
“ The proposal was met with shock by the entire Enniscorthy community .
I have been inundated with constituents dismaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sale of the 1798 Rebellion Centre would have represented a hammer blow to the town at the worst possible time .
Each year , thousands of tourists visit Enniscorthy to see Vinegar Hill and go to the 1798 Centre .
The knock-on effect on jobs in the town of Enniscorthy of a closure of the 1798 Centre would have been huge.
” Cllr Byrne has now called on Wexford County Council to put together a comprehensive plan and investment package for the future of the 1798 Centre .

Each year, thousands of tourists visit Enniscorthy, Co Wexford to see Vinegar Hill and go to the 1798 Centre.
Wexford County Council will no longer proceed with the sale of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy after conceding that it would probably not get the support of councillors.
In an email sent to councillors on Thursday evening, the council said a Section 183 notice, which would allow for the sale to a private company will not now proceed.
The sale of the centre was due to come before councillors at their monthly meeting on Monday.
The council email read: “You are aware that we have been in discussions recently regarding the potential sale of the 1798 Centre.
READ MORE
“From discussions with members it is evident that such a proposal would not enjoy the required member support to proceed. It has therefore been decided to proceed no further with the discussions and a S183 notice will not be put before members in the matter.”
The centre was one of the flagship projects of the bi-centenary commemorations for the rebellion in 1998 and was financed with EU and local money.
It was intended to attract more than 100,000 visitors annually. However, at the meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council last week, council official Caroylne Godkin said the number of visitors to the centre"didn't cover the cost of the electric".
The members were told the prospective new owner plans to develop an exhibition centre based around the life of designer Eileen Grey at the site, in addition to a cafe.
It was planned for the 1798 exhibits to be rehoused in the castle.
A petition opposing the sale set up by local historian Colum O’Rourke, who maintains the 1798 rebellion casualty database, has attracted almost 6,000 signatures in a week.
Local Enniscorthy councillor Cathal Byrne said the original decision to sell the centre "came as a bolt out of the blue" and he welcomed the change of heart.
“The proposal contained no plans for what would happen to the existing exhibits, many of whom had been donated by local Enniscorthy people in the belief that they were to be put on permanent display,” he said.
“The proposal was met with shock by the entire Enniscorthy community. I have been inundated with constituents dismaying their shock at the proposal.
“The sale of the 1798 Rebellion Centre would have represented a hammer blow to the town at the worst possible time. Each year, thousands of tourists visit Enniscorthy to see Vinegar Hill and go to the 1798 Centre. The knock-on effect on jobs in the town of Enniscorthy of a closure of the 1798 Centre would have been huge.”
Cllr Byrne has now called on Wexford County Council to put together a comprehensive plan and investment package for the future of the 1798 Centre.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Man charged with assault and robbery following Cork knife attack

Gardaí have charged a 38-year-old man in relation to an attack in Cork city which resulted in a man having to be taken to hospital after he was stabbed .
The victim was taken to the Mercy University Hospital and treated for a knife wound to the leg after he was attacked in Bishop Lucey Park on the Grand Parade .
Today detectives charged Jason O ’ Callaghan of no fixed abode following the incident in the park shortly after 2pm on June 23rd Det Garda Brian Barron told Cork District Court on Thursday that he arrested and charged Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robbery and assault .
Mr O ’ Callaghan was charged that he assaulted Laurynas Sadzeyiciuis , who is in his 30s , causing him harm at Bishop Lucey Park in Cork on June 23rd .
And Mr O ’ Callaghan was also charged that he robbed Mr Sadzeyiciuis of a bottle of vodka , worth €13 at Bishop Lucey Park on the same occasion .
He also was charged with stealing a steak knife from Delia ’ s Kitchen , Carey ’ s Lane , and with criminal damage at Scoozi ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Det Garda Barron told the court that Mr O ’ Callaghan replied , “ I ’ m very sorry for what happened ” to the first two charges when he was charged after caution Defence solicitor Charlie O ’ Connor said that Mr O ’ Callaghan , a native of Mallow , was not making any application to the court for bail at this stage .
Sgt John Kelleher applied for a remand in custody for a week and Judge Olann Kelleher remanded the accused in custody to appear again on July 2nd @ @ @

The court heard from the arresting officer that the accused replied, ‘I’m very sorry for what happened’ to the first two charges. File photograph: The Irish Times
Gardaí have charged a 38-year-old man in relation to an attack in Cork city which resulted in a man having to be taken to hospital after he was stabbed.
The victim was taken to the Mercy University Hospital and treated for a knife wound to the leg after he was attacked in Bishop Lucey Park on the Grand Parade.
Today detectives charged Jason O’Callaghan of no fixed abode following the incident in the park shortly after 2pm on June 23rd
Det Garda Brian Barron told Cork District Court on Thursday that he arrested and charged Mr O'Callaghan with four offences including robbery and assault.
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Mr O'Callaghan was charged that he assaulted Laurynas Sadzeyiciuis, who is in his 30s, causing him harm at Bishop Lucey Park in Cork on June 23rd.
And Mr O'Callaghan was also charged that he robbed Mr Sadzeyiciuis of a bottle of vodka, worth €13 at Bishop Lucey Park on the same occasion.
He also was charged with stealing a steak knife from Delia's Kitchen, Carey's Lane, and with criminal damage at Scoozi's, Winthrop Lane, on June 23rd
Det Garda Barron told the court that Mr O’Callaghan replied, “I’m very sorry for what happened” to the first two charges when he was charged after caution
Defence solicitor Charlie O’Connor said that Mr O’Callaghan, a native of Mallow, was not making any application to the court for bail at this stage.
Sgt John Kelleher applied for a remand in custody for a week and Judge Olann Kelleher remanded the accused in custody to appear again on July 2nd, 2020.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Gardaí recommend charges be pursued in ‘Grace’ case

Gardaí have sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) recommending that criminal charges be pursued in the case of ‘ Grace ’ , an intellectually disabled woman who was left in a foster home for two decades despite concerns about physical and sexual abuse .
Her case has been the subject of a number of the Garda investigations for more than a decade as well as other inquiries and reviews , most recently by barrister Marjorie Farrelly , whose inquiry is nearing completion .
After gardaí investigated the alleged role played by some individuals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others in foster care in the southeast , a major inquiry commenced into a wider range of issues relating to ‘ Grace ’ s ’ case .
These included warning signs that were missed or not acted on and how ‘ Grace ’ was abused and neglected for years despite a decision to move her and serious concerns for her welfare .
This inquiry has now resulted in a file on the case being set to the DPP , whose office decides whether there are grounds for criminal prosecution .
It was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be made but gardaí have recommended they be brought .
When asked about the matter , Garda headquarters said it did “ not comment on correspondence between An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions ” .
The Inquiry into Protected Disclosures , SU1 report , completed in 2012 but published in 2017 , investigated allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving ‘ Grace ’ in a foster home in the southeast .
‘ Grace ’ was born to who the report describes as a “ single mother ” who intended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were complications at birth and she was diagnosed with severe intellectual disability and microcephaly .
As a result , the adoption did not proceed .
She was placed on a number of short-term placements in different parts of Ireland before being placed full time with a foster family in the south-east in 1989 , when she was 10 .
She was to remain with this family — the father died in 2001 — for 20 years until July 2009 , when she was removed from the foster home by the HSE .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ charted various concerns that were flagged about her condition over these years and the discussions among social care staff about her case .
In 1995 , for example , her hips and arms were found to be bruised .
While in day services , “ she completely stripped herself for no apparent reason ” .
Her behaviour was described as “ chaotic ” and she took to “ head butting ” other trainees .
There was no evidence the bruising was investigated .
By 1996 , an allegation of sexual abuse involving another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ’ behaviour had become more agitated .
A case conference decided to move her but this decision was overturned following an appeal by the foster parents .
The HSE now says this was a “ missed opportunity ” for action but the report published in 2017 said it was unable to establish a rationale for the decision taken at this time .

The ‘Grace’ case has been the subject of a number of the Garda investigations for more than a decade. Photograph: Stock image.
Gardaí have sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommending that criminal charges be pursued in the case of ‘Grace’, an intellectually disabled woman who was left in a foster home for two decades despite concerns about physical and sexual abuse.
Her case has been the subject of a number of the Garda investigations for more than a decade as well as other inquiries and reviews, most recently by barrister Marjorie Farrelly, whose inquiry is nearing completion.
After gardaí investigated the alleged role played by some individuals in the abuse of ‘Grace’ and others in foster care in the southeast, a major inquiry commenced into a wider range of issues relating to ‘Grace’s’ case.
These included warning signs that were missed or not acted on and how ‘Grace’ was abused and neglected for years despite a decision to move her and serious concerns for her welfare.
READ MORE
This inquiry has now resulted in a file on the case being set to the DPP, whose office decides whether there are grounds for criminal prosecution. It was not clear when a decision on charges would be made but gardaí have recommended they be brought.
When asked about the matter, Garda headquarters said it did “not comment on correspondence between An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions”.
The Inquiry into Protected Disclosures, SU1 report, completed in 2012 but published in 2017, investigated allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving ‘Grace’ in a foster home in the southeast.
‘Grace’ was born to who the report describes as a “single mother” who intended to place her for adoption. However, there were complications at birth and she was diagnosed with severe intellectual disability and microcephaly. As a result, the adoption did not proceed.
She was placed on a number of short-term placements in different parts of Ireland before being placed full time with a foster family in the south-east in 1989, when she was 10.
She was to remain with this family — the father died in 2001 — for 20 years until July 2009, when she was removed from the foster home by the HSE.
The report, published in 2017, charted various concerns that were flagged about her condition over these years and the discussions among social care staff about her case.
In 1995, for example, her hips and arms were found to be bruised. While in day services, “she completely stripped herself for no apparent reason”. Her behaviour was described as “chaotic” and she took to “head butting” other trainees. There was no evidence the bruising was investigated.
By 1996, an allegation of sexual abuse involving another resident had been received and ‘Grace’s’ behaviour had become more agitated. A case conference decided to move her but this decision was overturned following an appeal by the foster parents.
The HSE now says this was a “missed opportunity” for action but the report published in 2017 said it was unable to establish a rationale for the decision taken at this time.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Delay to ‘urgent’ repairs for schools at centre of safety concerns

Plans to carry out urgent repair works to dozens of schools at the centre of structural safety concerns will not be completed until the end of next year .
Last year the Department of Education indicated that the bulk of this work would be completed in 2020 .
However , in a statement released on Thursday evening , it said it will now be the end of 2021 before all 40 schools built by Western Building Systems ( WBS ) will have had permanent fire safety improvements .
A spokesman confirmed the details as it published an independent review into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of construction favoured by the department for these schools .
Design and build is a fast-tracked construction model that involves the prefabrication of some materials off-site .
Critics , however , say there is a systemic flaw in this approach which can lead to sub-standard buildings .
The independent review found that there is a largely consistent approach to the adoption of design and build internationally , based on the experience of Australia , the UK , Norway and California .
“ It is clear in this report that design and build is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver schools projects in the vast majority of regions investigated in this study , ” it states .
The report was carried out by an academic team led by Prof Lloyd Scott and supported by Dr Alan Hore of Technological University Dublin .
This “ desktop ” review is the precursor to a wider independent review of the department ’ s design-and-build programme in the State .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh said it had taken this approach to ensure it did not prejudice legal action initiated by the department against WBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is suing the company in the High Court on foot of structural safety concerns in relation to dozens of them .
The firm , however , has insisted that the department had the final sign-off on the school buildings and is contesting the legal actions .
Remediation works have been required in 40 schools built by WBS in order to make them safe , according to department figures .
A department spokesman siad that by the end of the year , 22 schools will have been permanently remediated .
From the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining 18 schools , he said .

Ardgillan College in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, is one of dozens of schools which has been at the centre of structural-safety concerns. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin.
Plans to carry out urgent repair works to dozens of schools at the centre of structural safety concerns will not be completed until the end of next year.
Last year the Department of Education indicated that the bulk of this work would be completed in 2020.
However, in a statement released on Thursday evening, it said it will now be the end of 2021 before all 40 schools built by Western Building Systems (WBS) will have had permanent fire safety improvements.
A spokesman confirmed the details as it published an independent review into the “design and build” model of construction favoured by the department for these schools.
READ MORE
Design and build is a fast-tracked construction model that involves the prefabrication of some materials off-site.
Critics, however, say there is a systemic flaw in this approach which can lead to sub-standard buildings.
The independent review found that there is a largely consistent approach to the adoption of design and build internationally, based on the experience of Australia, the UK, Norway and California.
“It is clear in this report that design and build is increasingly seen as the default procurement method to deliver schools projects in the vast majority of regions investigated in this study,” it states.
The report was carried out by an academic team led by Prof Lloyd Scott and supported by Dr Alan Hore of Technological University Dublin.
This “desktop” review is the precursor to a wider independent review of the department’s design-and-build programme in the State.
Legal action
Minister for Education Joe McHugh said it had taken this approach to ensure it did not prejudice legal action initiated by the department against WBS and other construction firms.
The department is suing the company in the High Court on foot of structural safety concerns in relation to dozens of them. The firm, however, has insisted that the department had the final sign-off on the school buildings and is contesting the legal actions.
Remediation works have been required in 40 schools built by WBS in order to make them safe, according to department figures.
A department spokesman siad that by the end of the year, 22 schools will have been permanently remediated.
From the start of next year work will commence repairing the remaining 18 schools, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Child airlifted to hospital after road-traffic collision in Co Carlow

A 10-year-old boy has been airlifted to Temple Street children ’ s hospital in Dublin following a road traffic collision @ @ @ @ @ jeep in the Ballymartin area of Borris , Co Carlow .
Gardaí are investigating the @ @ @ @ @ 1.30pm on Thursday afternoon .
The boy ’ s condition is described as critical and @ @ @ @ @ for forensic examination by collision investigators .
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information , @ @ @ @ @ may have dash-cam footage , to contact them at Carlow Garda station on 059-9136620 or @ @ @ @ @ 1800-666111 .

Gardaí are investigating the incident which occurred at about 1.30pm. File photograph: The Irish Times
A 10-year-old boy has been airlifted to Temple Street children’s hospital in Dublin following a road traffic collision involving a cyclist and a jeep in the Ballymartin area of Borris, Co Carlow.
Gardaí are investigating the incident which occurred at about 1.30pm on Thursday afternoon. The boy’s condition is described as critical and the scene has been preserved for forensic examination by collision investigators.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any road users who may have dash-cam footage, to contact them at Carlow Garda station on 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Social distancing in North to be reduced to one metre

Social distancing in Northern Ireland is to be reduced from two metres to one metre as further easing of the coronavirus regulations was announced on Thursday .
First Minister Arlene Foster said a “ minimum one-metre distance between individuals can be considered acceptable in circumstances where appropriate mitigations are made ” .
She said this would have particular relevance to the hospitality industry , and that the Executive “ will need to work closely with that sector to make sure we can work out the appropriate mitigations for that industry ” .
Industry body Hospitality Ulster welcomed the announcement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant development for our industry ” .
Its chief executive , Colin Neill , said it had “ the potential to save lots of jobs and some hospitality businesses that thought they didn ’ t stand a chance at two metres ” .
The chair of the British Medical Association ’ s Northern Ireland Council , Dr Tom Black , said relaxing social distancing to one metre would expose people to greater risks of catching Covid-19 , and should be accompanied by “ a clear and strong recommendation ” to wear face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s own homes , and in all spaces where there was the potential for contact at less than two metres .
No new coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Thursday , according to the North ’ s department of health .
The total number of fatalities recorded by the department since the beginning of the outbreak remains at 547 .
However the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus jumped by 850 due to changes in how data is recorded .
Information on tests carried out in regional testing centres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kits from April 29th was added to the department ’ s Covid-19 dashboard for the first time on Thursday , bringing the total number of coronavirus cases to 5,724 .
The seven-day rolling average of new cases was two .
The department also published its current estimate of the R ( reproduction ) number of the virus , which it said had “ remained steady ” since last week at 0.6-0.9 .
At an Executive meeting on Thursday , ministers agreed provisional dates for the reopening of a number of other sectors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor training facilities from June 29th ; betting shops can reopen from July 3rd , and close contact services such as tattoo parlours , and reflexology and complementary therapies on July 6th .
Indoor gyms and outdoor playgrounds will be permitted to open from July 10th , and libraries on July 16th .
Competitive sport will begin again on July 17th with a limited number of outdoor spectators permitted until July 31st , when their numbers will be increased .
Seated venues such as bingo halls and cinemas , as well as arcades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while leisure centres , skating rinks and soft play areas can open their doors again on August 7th .
A broader indicative timetable for the further relaxation of restrictions is to be published shortly but the provisional dates – which will be subject to ratification closer to the time – are intended to allow people to plan ahead .
“ Let me be very clear , ” said Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill .
“ Our ability to confirm these dates will be dependent on our control over the transmission levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We need to be open about the fact that we may need to amend these dates in light of the emergent situation , and the Executive is also prepared to step back , if the need arises.
” Ms O ’ Neill and Ms Foster also announced that funding for the free school meal scheme for disadvantaged children would be extended over the summer , and an announcement would be made to this effect on Tuesday .
No decision was made on whether to make face coverings mandatory on public transport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a meeting of the Executive on Monday .
On Thursday the Executive also gave the go-ahead to a number of measures which had previously been announced subject to the R rate of Covid-19 remaining below one .
These include the reopening of places of worship from June 29th ; hotels , pubs and restaurants from July 3rd , and nail parlours and beauty salons on July 6th .

Social distancing in Northern Ireland is to be reduced from two metres to one metre as further easing of the coronavirus regulations was announced on Thursday.
First Minister Arlene Foster said a "minimum one-metre distance between individuals can be considered acceptable in circumstances where appropriate mitigations are made".
She said this would have particular relevance to the hospitality industry, and that the Executive “will need to work closely with that sector to make sure we can work out the appropriate mitigations for that industry”.
Industry body Hospitality Ulster welcomed the announcement, and said it was a “hugely significant development for our industry”. Its chief executive, Colin Neill, said it had “the potential to save lots of jobs and some hospitality businesses that thought they didn’t stand a chance at two metres”.
READ MORE
The chair of the British Medical Association's Northern Ireland Council, Dr Tom Black, said relaxing social distancing to one metre would expose people to greater risks of catching Covid-19, and should be accompanied by "a clear and strong recommendation" to wear face coverings in all indoor spaces outside of people's own homes, and in all spaces where there was the potential for contact at less than two metres.
No new coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Thursday, according to the North’s department of health.
The total number of fatalities recorded by the department since the beginning of the outbreak remains at 547.
However the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus jumped by 850 due to changes in how data is recorded.
Information on tests carried out in regional testing centres, mobile testing units and using home testing kits from April 29th was added to the department’s Covid-19 dashboard for the first time on Thursday, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases to 5,724. The seven-day rolling average of new cases was two.
The department also published its current estimate of the R (reproduction) number of the virus, which it said had “remained steady” since last week at 0.6-0.9.
At an Executive meeting on Thursday, ministers agreed provisional dates for the reopening of a number of other sectors.
Tattoo parlours
Elite athletes will be able to use indoor training facilities from June 29th; betting shops can reopen from July 3rd, and close contact services such as tattoo parlours, and reflexology and complementary therapies on July 6th.
Indoor gyms and outdoor playgrounds will be permitted to open from July 10th, and libraries on July 16th.
Competitive sport will begin again on July 17th with a limited number of outdoor spectators permitted until July 31st, when their numbers will be increased.
Seated venues such as bingo halls and cinemas, as well as arcades, can reopen on July 29th, while leisure centres, skating rinks and soft play areas can open their doors again on August 7th.
A broader indicative timetable for the further relaxation of restrictions is to be published shortly but the provisional dates – which will be subject to ratification closer to the time – are intended to allow people to plan ahead.
“Let me be very clear,” said Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill. “Our ability to confirm these dates will be dependent on our control over the transmission levels of the virus nearer the time.
“We need to be open about the fact that we may need to amend these dates in light of the emergent situation, and the Executive is also prepared to step back, if the need arises.”
Ms O’Neill and Ms Foster also announced that funding for the free school meal scheme for disadvantaged children would be extended over the summer, and an announcement would be made to this effect on Tuesday.
No decision was made on whether to make face coverings mandatory on public transport, but this is to be discussed again at a meeting of the Executive on Monday.
On Thursday the Executive also gave the go-ahead to a number of measures which had previously been announced subject to the R rate of Covid-19 remaining below one.
These include the reopening of places of worship from June 29th; hotels, pubs and restaurants from July 3rd, and nail parlours and beauty salons on July 6th.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Almost 500 fewer people homeless, latest figures show

The Government has been told it must not return to pre-Covid homelessness strategies , as latest figures indicated another drop in the level of people being forced to rely on emergency accommodation .
The Department of Housing on Thursday released data showing the number of people using emergency accommodation dropped by almost 500 during May .
The figures show that there were 459 fewer people in emergency accommodation during May than April .
The total number of homeless individuals , including dependents , is 8,876 .
According to the department , there were 173 fewer adults , 286 fewer dependants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May .
However , while Dublin Simon Community chief executive Sam McGuinness welcomed the decline , he urged the next government to tackled “ underlying issues driving the homelessness crisis ” .
He said there can be “ no going back ” to the use of emergency accommodation , hotels to shelter families , “ indiscriminate evictions ” , shortages of one-bedroom accommodation and “ transitional housing and short-term leases ” .
“ We need to see a creative and proactive approach from the next Government that will turn the housing crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the norm .
Otherwise the coming economic storm will deliver a crisis of unimaginable proportions on our streets and create a generation of interrupted lives , ” Mr McGuinness said .
“ Significantly , there are fewer families in emergency accommodation today than at any point in the last three years .
The number of families and children in emergency accommodation fell in 2019 , the first annual fall in a number of years.
” Mr Murphy praised the work of homeless services during the Covid-19 crisis .
“ The work of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of months as we work hard to keep some of our most vulnerable citizens safe during the Covid-19 crisis has been exemplary and I again want to thank everyone for their efforts.
” Sinn Féin ’ s housing spokesman Eoin O Broin said he was not surprised at the fall in numbers using emergency accommodation , which he attributed to a decrease in the number of people presenting with a need for the service .
He said other figures , such as those being provided with an alternative and those exiting emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is evidence that the ban on evictions works , ” he said , adding the measure had “ single-handedly turned the tide of family homelessness ” .
Mr O Broin called for the current ban on evictions to be further extended .
Daragh O ’ Brien , the Fianna Fáil housing spokesman who is tipped to become the next housing minister if the programme for government is approved this weekend , said he was “ pleased ” by the reduction , but the overall levels of homelessness showed the “ scale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indeed the urgent need for such a government to be formed ” .
Pat Doyle , chief executive of the Peter McVerry Trust , also welcomed the reduction .
“ It is clear that the moratorium on rent increases and evictions has played a key role in this reduction as the level of people presenting as homeless over the past few months is down on previous years .
This clearly demonstrates to an incoming Government the need to invest and prioritise prevention measures , ” he said .

The Government has been told it must not return to pre-Covid homelessness strategies, as latest figures indicated another drop in the level of people being forced to rely on emergency accommodation.
The Department of Housing on Thursday released data showing the number of people using emergency accommodation dropped by almost 500 during May. The figures show that there were 459 fewer people in emergency accommodation during May than April. The total number of homeless individuals, including dependents, is 8,876.
According to the department, there were 173 fewer adults, 286 fewer dependants and 122 fewer families in emergency accommodation in May.
However, while Dublin Simon Community chief executive Sam McGuinness welcomed the decline, he urged the next government to tackled "underlying issues driving the homelessness crisis".
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He said there can be “no going back” to the use of emergency accommodation, hotels to shelter families, “indiscriminate evictions”, shortages of one-bedroom accommodation and “transitional housing and short-term leases”.
“We need to see a creative and proactive approach from the next Government that will turn the housing crisis around and make homelessness an exception rather than the norm. Otherwise the coming economic storm will deliver a crisis of unimaginable proportions on our streets and create a generation of interrupted lives,” Mr McGuinness said.
Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy called the figures "encouraging".
“Significantly, there are fewer families in emergency accommodation today than at any point in the last three years. The number of families and children in emergency accommodation fell in 2019, the first annual fall in a number of years.”
Local authorities
Mr Murphy praised the work of homeless services during the Covid-19 crisis. “The work of local authorities and NGOs over the last number of months as we work hard to keep some of our most vulnerable citizens safe during the Covid-19 crisis has been exemplary and I again want to thank everyone for their efforts.”
Sinn Féin's housing spokesman Eoin O Broin said he was not surprised at the fall in numbers using emergency accommodation, which he attributed to a decrease in the number of people presenting with a need for the service. He said other figures, such as those being provided with an alternative and those exiting emergency accommodation, were broadly steady.
“This is evidence that the ban on evictions works,” he said, adding the measure had “single-handedly turned the tide of family homelessness”.
Mr O Broin called for the current ban on evictions to be further extended.
Daragh O’Brien, the Fianna Fáil housing spokesman who is tipped to become the next housing minister if the programme for government is approved this weekend, said he was “pleased” by the reduction, but the overall levels of homelessness showed the “scale of the task of a new government and indeed the urgent need for such a government to be formed”.
Pat Doyle, chief executive of the Peter McVerry Trust, also welcomed the reduction.
“It is clear that the moratorium on rent increases and evictions has played a key role in this reduction as the level of people presenting as homeless over the past few months is down on previous years. This clearly demonstrates to an incoming Government the need to invest and prioritise prevention measures,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Magdalene survivors insist State not fulfilling terms of compensation scheme

A healthcare package offered under a government compensation scheme to women who spent time in Magdalene laundries was “ essentially nothing more than ” the routine service provided to medical-card holders , a new report states .
It says that most of the women would have been entitled to such health services anyway “ due to their low income or advanced age ” .
Disappointment with the healthcare offer was among the findings of the report , compiled by Dr Katherine O ’ Donnell and Claire McGettrick of the Justice for Magdalenes Research .
It is based on a listening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 230 laundry survivors who took part in the Dublin Honours Magdalenes events two years ago .
More than 11,000 women and girls were held in 10 laundries operated by four female religious congregations from the foundation of the State in 1922 until the closure of the last one in 1996 .
Some of the women and girls were unmarried mothers , others came to the laundries from reformatories , industrial schools and mother and baby homes while others were placed there by their families .
The report says that the survivors wanted it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse , including young girls , were confined in the laundries while the perpetrators went free ” .
“ They feel keenly the injustice done to them because they were young women and girls , ” it says .
The report notes that many of the women “ were upset about being stereotypically misrepresented as ‘ fallen women ’ , unmarried mothers , and/or prostitutes ” .
It says some women felt conflicted between relief “ at an increasingly sympathetic public attitude to their histories ” and “ ongoing frustration at the assumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that led them to be incarcerated are all similar and fit pejorative stereotypes ” .
The report says some of the women who spent time in the laundries but now live outside Ireland expressed “ frustration at the State ’ s failure to deliver healthcare benefits to women in the diaspora ” and that some of these women “ did not know they were entitled to such a benefit in the first place ” .
It also says a “ vast majority ” of the women who participated supported “ the creation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a commemorative day ” as a tribute to all who had been in the laundries .
The report was launched by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan who said it gave “ some further recognition to the women ” who had been in the laundries and that copies would be sent to all who received compensation from the State ’ s Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme .
The Dublin Honours Magdalenes event , held over two days in June 2018 , fulfilled two key recommendations of the scheme – that women seeking to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be facilitated , and that a listening exercise take place with the women to gather their views on how the laundries should be remembered .
The report says women who took part in the listening exercise insisted that a health card , recommended in Mr Justice John Quirke ’ s Magdalen Commission Report in 2013 “ and agreed to ‘ in full ’ by the government ” , was not delivered to them under the 2015 Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia scheme .
The judge recommened that the State provide health services to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1990s to people who contracted Hepatitis C from contaminated blood products .
The new report notes how “ Magdalene survivors accepted the terms and conditions of the Restorative Justice Scheme and signed away their right to sue the State on the promise of an enhanced health service ” .
It adds that “ ultimately the benefits offered to them are essentially nothing more than the routine healthcare service offered to State medical-card holders ” .
In November 2017 the Ombudsman found that the manner in which the Restorative Justice Scheme was administered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meaning of the Ombudsman Act .
The report notes that some of the women wished for it to be known that not all nuns in the laundries behaved badly towards them “ but that the nuns had choices about how they lived their lives while the girls and the women of the Magdalene institutions had no choice but to submit to enforced labour and incarceration ” .
It was also “ important to acknowledge the complicity of the wider society ” in their incarceration and that “ the collusion of politicians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judiciary and police in upholding the system should be taken seriously , ” they said .
The report says that above all the women wanted to be listened to and for people to hear what happened to them .
They spoke of “ the fact that for decades they remained silent ( sometimes not sharing their past with husbands , children , and family members ) for fear of the stigma and shame attached to having spent time in a Magdalene laundry ” , it says .

A Virgin and child carving over the door of the former Magdalene laundry on Gloucester Street in Dublin. File photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times.
A healthcare package offered under a government compensation scheme to women who spent time in Magdalene laundries was “essentially nothing more than” the routine service provided to medical-card holders, a new report states.
It says that most of the women would have been entitled to such health services anyway “due to their low income or advanced age”.
Disappointment with the healthcare offer was among the findings of the report, compiled by Dr Katherine O'Donnell and Claire McGettrick of the Justice for Magdalenes Research. It is based on a listening exercise with 147 of the more than 230 laundry survivors who took part in the Dublin Honours Magdalenes events two years ago.
More than 11,000 women and girls were held in 10 laundries operated by four female religious congregations from the foundation of the State in 1922 until the closure of the last one in 1996. Some of the women and girls were unmarried mothers, others came to the laundries from reformatories, industrial schools and mother and baby homes while others were placed there by their families.
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The report says that the survivors wanted it known “that many victims of rape/sexual abuse, including young girls, were confined in the laundries while the perpetrators went free”.
“They feel keenly the injustice done to them because they were young women and girls,” it says.
The report notes that many of the women “were upset about being stereotypically misrepresented as ‘fallen women’, unmarried mothers, and/or prostitutes”. It says some women felt conflicted between relief “at an increasingly sympathetic public attitude to their histories” and “ongoing frustration at the assumption that their life stories and the circumstances that led them to be incarcerated are all similar and fit pejorative stereotypes”.
Failure
The report says some of the women who spent time in the laundries but now live outside Ireland expressed "frustration at the State's failure to deliver healthcare benefits to women in the diaspora" and that some of these women "did not know they were entitled to such a benefit in the first place".
It also says a “vast majority” of the women who participated supported “the creation of a prominent commemorative monument or space, or a commemorative day” as a tribute to all who had been in the laundries.
The report was launched by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan who said it gave "some further recognition to the women" who had been in the laundries and that copies would be sent to all who received compensation from the State's Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme.
The Dublin Honours Magdalenes event, held over two days in June 2018 , fulfilled two key recommendations of the scheme – that women seeking to meet others who had been in the laundries be facilitated, and that a listening exercise take place with the women to gather their views on how the laundries should be remembered.
The report says women who took part in the listening exercise insisted that a health card, recommended in Mr Justice John Quirke's Magdalen Commission Report in 2013 "and agreed to 'in full' by the government", was not delivered to them under the 2015 Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia scheme.
The judge recommened that the State provide health services to the women equivalent to those provided in the 1990s to people who contracted Hepatitis C from contaminated blood products.
The new report notes how “Magdalene survivors accepted the terms and conditions of the Restorative Justice Scheme and signed away their right to sue the State on the promise of an enhanced health service”.
It adds that “ultimately the benefits offered to them are essentially nothing more than the routine healthcare service offered to State medical-card holders”.
In November 2017 the Ombudsman found that the manner in which the Restorative Justice Scheme was administered by the Department of Justice constituted maladministration within the meaning of the Ombudsman Act.
The report notes that some of the women wished for it to be known that not all nuns in the laundries behaved badly towards them “but that the nuns had choices about how they lived their lives while the girls and the women of the Magdalene institutions had no choice but to submit to enforced labour and incarceration”.
It was also “important to acknowledge the complicity of the wider society” in their incarceration and that “the collusion of politicians, social workers, medical workers, the judiciary and police in upholding the system should be taken seriously,” they said.
The report says that above all the women wanted to be listened to and for people to hear what happened to them. They spoke of “the fact that for decades they remained silent (sometimes not sharing their past with husbands, children, and family members) for fear of the stigma and shame attached to having spent time in a Magdalene laundry”, it says.