theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Strength of Climate Action Bill defended at committee hearing

Claims that the Government ’ s Climate Action Bill is “ full of loose language ” and fails to incorporate demanding national targets to reduce carbon emissions were rejected when it came before the Oireachtas Climate Action Committee .
The committee is undertaking pre-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development ( Amendment ) Bill 2020 , which is enshrining Ireland ’ s climate ambitions in law .
It also is the mechanism to introduce binding five-year carbon budgets that will apply emission limits on major sectors of the economy .
Former minister for climate action Richard Bruton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time carbon budgets were being introduced with binding targets .
Critically , these would be incorporated into the first two carbon budgets running up to 2030 and tie in increased climate ambition .
There was a defect in approach for many years which allowed climate issues to be overlooked by policymakers , but this was no longer the case and the Bill was “ a vehicle to drive change ” .
Any issues around language could be addressed when the Bill reached committee stage , he believed .
Independent Senator Alice Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from concrete climate commitments by Ireland ” ; strong 2030 targets should set out in the Bill as well as UN sustainable development goals .
Green Party Senator Pauline O ’ Reilly said a comparison with Scottish climate law was revealing .
It stated ministers “ must ensure ” , whereas Irish legislation refers to “ shall pursue ” .
She was supported by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore who noted the 2015 Climate Act referred to “ pursue and achieve ” , while the Bill referred to “ having regard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full of loose language and needed to be strengthened by including interim targets , she added .
Department of Environment , Climate and Communications assistant secretary Brian Carroll rejected claims the language was vague and that the Bill was designed to create loopholes .
2030 targets and a requirement to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 were linked and clearly laid down , he said .
Once carbon budgets were in place next year for 2021 to 2025 , and 2026 to 2030 , it would “ lock in ambition that is in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent a year reduction in emissions averaged over the decade .
The only provision to change budgets was exceptional circumstances , notably a change dictated by the latest climate science or new international climate targets , which were likely to be even more ambitious .
If budgets were missed , the minister for climate action had to account for this and the Oireachtas had to introduce additional measures .
At EU level , it meant Ireland would have to “ purchase compliance ” , with obvious knock-on consequences for relevant sectors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a particular government ” .
That meant “ this Government and every other government ” , he underlined .
Where there was outperformance on “ carbon ceilings ” that this could be carried forward as a credit into a subsequent budget because “ it incentivises early action ” .
Where ceilings were exceeded there was a 1 per cent carryover limit , as allowed in other jurisdictions .
Work was ongoing on “ decarbonisation bands ” for individual sectors , and he agreed with Mr Bruton that if they were too broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were too narrow they risked being “ overly prescriptive ” .
He stressed EU climate law allowed technical solutions , yet to be determined , that would enable net-zero emissions to be achieved by 2050 but there would still be residual biogenic methane , mainly arising from agriculture , and NOx emissions to be addressed .
They “ must be balanced by use of carbon sinks , nature-based solutions and other ways of removing them from the atmosphere ” , Mr Carroll explained .
Speaking after the first session examining the Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was underwhelmed by its “ frequently very vague ” elements and added it “ hasn ’ t a hope in hell of cutting Ireland ’ s greenhouse gas emissions on the scale or at the pace needed ” .
She added : “ It is incredible that activists were sold the idea of the Greens entering this conservative Coalition on the basis that they would win concrete gains in legislation and just transition measures.
” It was clear from the budget and “ Minister [ Eamon ] Ryan ’ s set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles were being abandoned .

Former minister for climate action Richard Bruton (Fine Gael) said for the first time carbon budgets were being introduced with binding targets. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
Kevin O’Sullivan
Environment & Science Editor
Claims that the Government's Climate Action Bill is "full of loose language" and fails to incorporate demanding national targets to reduce carbon emissions were rejected when it came before the Oireachtas Climate Action Committee.
The committee is undertaking pre-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020, which is enshrining Ireland’s climate ambitions in law. It also is the mechanism to introduce binding five-year carbon budgets that will apply emission limits on major sectors of the economy.
READ MORE
Former minister for climate action Richard Bruton (Fine Gael) said for the first time carbon budgets were being introduced with binding targets. Critically, these would be incorporated into the first two carbon budgets running up to 2030 and tie in increased climate ambition.
There was a defect in approach for many years which allowed climate issues to be overlooked by policymakers, but this was no longer the case and the Bill was “a vehicle to drive change”. Any issues around language could be addressed when the Bill reached committee stage, he believed.
Independent Senator Alice Mary Higgins suggested the text was "walking back from concrete climate commitments by Ireland"; strong 2030 targets should set out in the Bill as well as UN sustainable development goals.
Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly said a comparison with Scottish climate law was revealing. It stated ministers “must ensure”, whereas Irish legislation refers to “shall pursue”.
She was supported by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore who noted the 2015 Climate Act referred to "pursue and achieve", while the Bill referred to "having regard to the Paris Agreement". It was full of loose language and needed to be strengthened by including interim targets, she added.
Department of Environment, Climate and Communications assistant secretary Brian Carroll rejected claims the language was vague and that the Bill was designed to create loopholes. 2030 targets and a requirement to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 were linked and clearly laid down, he said.
Once carbon budgets were in place next year for 2021 to 2025, and 2026 to 2030, it would “lock in ambition that is in the programme for government” – a 7 per cent a year reduction in emissions averaged over the decade.
The only provision to change budgets was exceptional circumstances, notably a change dictated by the latest climate science or new international climate targets, which were likely to be even more ambitious.
If budgets were missed, the minister for climate action had to account for this and the Oireachtas had to introduce additional measures. At EU level, it meant Ireland would have to "purchase compliance", with obvious knock-on consequences for relevant sectors.
The Bill “binds the State, not a particular government”. That meant “this Government and every other government”, he underlined.
Where there was outperformance on “carbon ceilings” that this could be carried forward as a credit into a subsequent budget because “it incentivises early action”. Where ceilings were exceeded there was a 1 per cent carryover limit, as allowed in other jurisdictions.
Work was ongoing on “decarbonisation bands” for individual sectors, and he agreed with Mr Bruton that if they were too broad it could reduce ambition, and if they were too narrow they risked being “overly prescriptive”.
He stressed EU climate law allowed technical solutions, yet to be determined, that would enable net-zero emissions to be achieved by 2050 but there would still be residual biogenic methane, mainly arising from agriculture, and NOx emissions to be addressed.
They “must be balanced by use of carbon sinks, nature-based solutions and other ways of removing them from the atmosphere”, Mr Carroll explained.
Speaking after the first session examining the Bill, People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith said she was underwhelmed by its “frequently very vague” elements and added it “hasn’t a hope in hell of cutting Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions on the scale or at the pace needed”.
She added: "It is incredible that activists were sold the idea of the Greens entering this conservative Coalition on the basis that they would win concrete gains in legislation and just transition measures."
It was clear from the budget and “Minister [Eamon] Ryan’s set piece Bill” that basic just transition principles were being abandoned.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--District Court sittings postponed after garda tests positive for coronavirus

District Court sittings in Kerry have been postponed and members of the legal and garda professions may be asked to restrict movements or self-isolate after a garda who was in court in Tralee found out he had tested positive for coronavirus .
The discovery shortly before lunch on Wednesday led to the immediate closure of the weekly district court in Tralee and the adjournment of a number of cases .
The garda got word during a brief interval shortly before lunch he had tested positive for the virus and immediately informed practitioners and left the building .
Judge David Waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting of Tralee District Court on Ashe Street , Tralee .
Solicitor Padraig O ’ Connell , who was one of the solicitors involved in the case in which the garda was also involved , said the whole situation was “ extremely disconcerting ” .
“ We don ’ t know when the court will be sitting again , ” the solicitor said .
There were fewer than 15 people – the maximum number allowed under the social distancing restrictions – in the courtroom at the time .
These included the court registrar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solicitors and gardaí .
A spokesperson for the Courts Service said protocols , including those such as contact tracing led by the HSE , were being implemented .
As well as that , the Courts Service itself had risk response teams for courts around the country .
An Garda Síochána said it would not be providing commentary on the individual status of any members of the force or individual Garda stations or sections .
There was currently no impact on services of the Garda , it added .
Earlier this week it emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic division were restricting their movements after attending a training course in which a member from another division was positive for the virus .
Courts in Kerry have been severely impacted already by the disease .
There are currently no trials in Kerry because of lack of facilities for juries and a considerable backlog of cases has built up .

The discovery shortly before lunch on Tuesday led to the immediate closure of the weekly district court in Tralee and the adjournment of a number of cases. Photograph: Alan Betson
District Court sittings in Kerry have been postponed and members of the legal and garda professions may be asked to restrict movements or self-isolate after a garda who was in court in Tralee found out he had tested positive for coronavirus.
The discovery shortly before lunch on Wednesday led to the immediate closure of the weekly district court in Tralee and the adjournment of a number of cases.
The garda got word during a brief interval shortly before lunch he had tested positive for the virus and immediately informed practitioners and left the building.
Judge David Waters ordered the immediate adjournment of the weekly sitting of Tralee District Court on Ashe Street, Tralee.
READ MORE
Solicitor Padraig O’Connell, who was one of the solicitors involved in the case in which the garda was also involved, said the whole situation was “extremely disconcerting”.
“We don’t know when the court will be sitting again,” the solicitor said.
There were fewer than 15 people – the maximum number allowed under the social distancing restrictions – in the courtroom at the time. These included the court registrar, the judge and a number of solicitors and gardaí.
Protocols
A spokesperson for the Courts Service said protocols, including those such as contact tracing led by the HSE, were being implemented. As well as that, the Courts Service itself had risk response teams for courts around the country.
An Garda Síochána said it would not be providing commentary on the individual status of any members of the force or individual Garda stations or sections.
There was currently no impact on services of the Garda, it added.
Earlier this week it emerged that most of Kerry’s 28-member traffic division were restricting their movements after attending a training course in which a member from another division was positive for the virus.
Courts in Kerry have been severely impacted already by the disease. There are currently no trials in Kerry because of lack of facilities for juries and a considerable backlog of cases has built up.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Boy settles action over finger injury for €55,000

A schoolboy who hurt his finger after falling on a bike rack as he left school has settled his High Court action for €55,000 .
Zach Zheng later lost the tip of his left index finger after suffering a crush injury in the fall which happened when he was aged seven , his counsel Michael Byrne SC said .
The boy was leaving St Louis High School , Rathmines , Dublin , where he had attended Chinese classes , when the accident happened in 2015 .
Mr Byrne said the boy walked across the bike rack and fell and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurting his finger .
The boy suffered a very nasty injury and had surgery in hospital but they could not save the top of the finger , counsel said .
Now aged 12 , the child , of Bellarmine Hall , Stepaside , Dublin , had , through his mother Lisa Xiao , sued Aihua Chinese School Ltd with offices at Dún Laoghaire , Dublin and the board of management of St Louis High School , Charleville Road , Rathmines , as a result of the accident .
It was claimed there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and suitable for children and , either by way of examination or testing , to ensure the bicycle rack was secure and safe and fixed in place using concrete .
Counsel said the boy has adapted well and uses his middle finger for some tasks instead of his index finger .
The family were happy with the settlement , he added .
Approving the settlement Mr Justice Kevin Cross wished the child all the best for the future .

A schoolboy who hurt his finger after falling on a bike rack as he left school has settled his High Court action for €55,000.
Zach Zheng later lost the tip of his left index finger after suffering a crush injury in the fall which happened when he was aged seven, his counsel Michael Byrne SC said.
The boy was leaving St Louis High School, Rathmines, Dublin, where he had attended Chinese classes, when the accident happened in 2015.
Mr Byrne said the boy walked across the bike rack and fell and the bike rack came down on him, hurting his finger.
READ MORE
The boy suffered a very nasty injury and had surgery in hospital but they could not save the top of the finger, counsel said.
Now aged 12, the child, of Bellarmine Hall, Stepaside, Dublin, had, through his mother Lisa Xiao, sued Aihua Chinese School Ltd with offices at Dún Laoghaire, Dublin and the board of management of St Louis High School, Charleville Road, Rathmines, as a result of the accident.
It was claimed there was failure to ensure the premises was safe and suitable for children and, either by way of examination or testing, to ensure the bicycle rack was secure and safe and fixed in place using concrete.
The claims were denied.
Counsel said the boy has adapted well and uses his middle finger for some tasks instead of his index finger. The family were happy with the settlement, he added.
Approving the settlement Mr Justice Kevin Cross wished the child all the best for the future.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Level 3 restrictions see traffic fall by 17.5 per cent last week, gardaí say

The introduction of Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions last week has seen a drop of 17.5 per cent in traffic volumes across the State , according to the Garda .
Operation Fanacht began on Monday , October 7th with a high level Garda presence on roads which saw long tailbacks in and out of major towns .
An Garda Síochána was criticised for what was perceived as a heavy-handed approach to Level 3 restrictions which recommended that people do not leave their county of residence except for essential journeys .
There has been a notable drop in private cars on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions in Dublin on September 19th , and nationwide restrictions on October 7th .
The current data from Transport Infrastructure Ireland ( TII ) shows that private car volumes on national roads are now below 70 per cent of pre-Covid levels .
This compares with over 85 per cent prior to the introduction of Level 3 restrictions in Dublin .
Weekend traffic volumes were also significantly down between the weekends of October 3rd and 4th and the weekend of October 10th and 11th .
Traffic dropped by an average of 20 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , N7 , M8 and M9 roads which are some of the busiest in the country .
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey acknowledged that the checkpoints under Operation Fanacht had created disruption for motorists , but were necessary to ensure that Covid-19 does not spread further .
“ The public health advice is clear and its importance was reiterated again in recent days by the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan - people need to stay within their county and work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant focus on community support and helping to protect the most vulnerable .
“ Covid-19 remains a real threat to all of us and in particular to our most vulnerable citizens .
This is a critical time for the country and we all have a responsibility to comply with the public health guidelines and regulations for the good of society .
“ We would once again ask people not to travel outside of their county unless it is for essential purposes .
This is a public health regulation under Level 3 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ function to check compliance with this as part of Governmental and societal efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19 .
“ Fewer journeys means people having fewer interactions which reduces the chances for Covid-19 to spread .
That is the strong advice from the public health professionals.
” Under Operation Fanacht , An Garda Síochána established a network of 132 large-scale checkpoints on main arterial routes .
Gardaí carried out hundreds of additional mobile checkpoints in town and villages across the country over the last two days .
These checkpoints are in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relation to travel restrictions .

Members of An Garda at a checkpoint on the M4 in Co. Kildare. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The introduction of Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions last week has seen a drop of 17.5 per cent in traffic volumes across the State, according to the Garda.
Operation Fanacht began on Monday, October 7th with a high level Garda presence on roads which saw long tailbacks in and out of major towns.
An Garda Síochána was criticised for what was perceived as a heavy-handed approach to Level 3 restrictions which recommended that people do not leave their county of residence except for essential journeys.
There has been a notable drop in private cars on the roads since the introduction of Level 3 restrictions in Dublin on September 19th, and nationwide restrictions on October 7th.
READ MORE
The current data from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) shows that private car volumes on national roads are now below 70 per cent of pre-Covid levels. This compares with over 85 per cent prior to the introduction of Level 3 restrictions in Dublin.
Weekend traffic volumes were also significantly down between the weekends of October 3rd and 4th and the weekend of October 10th and 11th.
Traffic dropped by an average of 20 per cent last weekend on the M6, M7, N7, M8 and M9 roads which are some of the busiest in the country.
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey acknowledged that the checkpoints under Operation Fanacht had created disruption for motorists, but were necessary to ensure that Covid-19 does not spread further.
"The public health advice is clear and its importance was reiterated again in recent days by the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan - people need to stay within their county and work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person," he said.
“We also continue to have a significant focus on community support and helping to protect the most vulnerable.
“Covid-19 remains a real threat to all of us and in particular to our most vulnerable citizens. This is a critical time for the country and we all have a responsibility to comply with the public health guidelines and regulations for the good of society.
“We would once again ask people not to travel outside of their county unless it is for essential purposes. This is a public health regulation under Level 3 and it is An Garda Síochána’s function to check compliance with this as part of Governmental and societal efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
“Fewer journeys means people having fewer interactions which reduces the chances for Covid-19 to spread. That is the strong advice from the public health professionals.”
Under Operation Fanacht, An Garda Síochána established a network of 132 large-scale checkpoints on main arterial routes.
Gardaí carried out hundreds of additional mobile checkpoints in town and villages across the country over the last two days.
These checkpoints are in place to support the public health guidelines in relation to travel restrictions.


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Man arrested on suspicion of impersonating police officer

A man has been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer after he pulled over a real officer on the M1 in Northern Ireland .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) said it may not have been the first time the man had impersonated an officer , and he was “ simply unlucky ” to have pulled over a policeman .
The PSNI in Craigavon , Co Armagh said the 26-year-old man was detained early on Wednesday morning after an off-duty police officer reported being pulled over on the M1 by what he believed was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped his vehicle , the driver of what he thought was a police car – an unmarked grey Skoda Superb that had been fitted with blue flashing lights – presented an ID card and stated the off-duty officer had been driving too fast .
The officer recognised the card was not a genuine PSNI ID card and got out of his car and challenged the man , who “ immediately drove off at speed , ” police said .
He was subsequently found and arrested in the Bluestone Hall area of Craigavon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found inside his car .
Chief Inspector Barney O ’ Connor said police were “ concerned by this incident and we would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have encountered this man while he has been purporting to be a police officer .
“ We believe it is possible that this is not the first occasion he has done this and he was simply unlucky to have pulled over a police officer , ” he said .
He described the suspect as “ white , approximately 5 ’ 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair and blue eyes and spoke with a Polish accent .
“ If you believe you have had any contact with this individual or his vehicle , please get in touch with police by calling 101 , quoting reference 44 of 14th October 2020 .
”

A man has been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer after he pulled over a real officer on the M1 in Northern Ireland.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it may not have been the first time the man had impersonated an officer, and he was "simply unlucky" to have pulled over a policeman.
The PSNI in Craigavon, Co Armagh said the 26-year-old man was detained early on Wednesday morning after an off-duty police officer reported being pulled over on the M1 by what he believed was a police car.
When the off-duty officer stopped his vehicle, the driver of what he thought was a police car – an unmarked grey Skoda Superb that had been fitted with blue flashing lights – presented an ID card and stated the off-duty officer had been driving too fast.
READ MORE
The officer recognised the card was not a genuine PSNI ID card and got out of his car and challenged the man, who “immediately drove off at speed,” police said.
He was subsequently found and arrested in the Bluestone Hall area of Craigavon. A homemade “PSNI identity card” was found inside his car.
Chief Inspector Barney O’Connor said police were “concerned by this incident and we would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have encountered this man while he has been purporting to be a police officer.
“We believe it is possible that this is not the first occasion he has done this and he was simply unlucky to have pulled over a police officer,” he said.
He described the suspect as “white, approximately 5’ 9” tall, medium build with brown hair and blue eyes and spoke with a Polish accent.
“If you believe you have had any contact with this individual or his vehicle, please get in touch with police by calling 101, quoting reference 44 of 14th October 2020.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-14--Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin receives 2020 Maths Week Ireland award

Prominent maths educator Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin has been honoured as this year ’ s recipient of the Maths Week Ireland Award for raising public awareness of maths .
It is presented annually during Maths Week Ireland – the all-island festival of maths and numeracy which this year runs until October 18th .
Dr Ní Shúilleabháin , who is assistant professor in the UCD school of mathematics and statistics , is one of the most recognisable faces of mathematics in Ireland , having presented RTÉ ’ s flagship science programmes The Science Squad and 10 Things To Know About .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rose of Tralee in 2005 , the year she graduated from UCD with a first-class honours degree in theoretical physics , speaking about her time at CERN ( one of the world ’ s most advanced research centres ) and shattering the stereotype of those who enjoys mathematics .
Her research in mathematics education has been widely published and she is a member of the STEM Education Policy Review Group of the Department of Education .
“ She has proven herself to be a powerful role model , encouraging young people and particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mathematics and science , ” according to the citation .
“ Aoibhinn never thought herself to be a ‘ genius ’ at mathematics and thinks it is important that everyone see mathematics , like any other subject , as something that can be practiced and improved.
” Dr Ní Shúilleabháin said she was “ incredibly honoured ” to receive the award .
“ I am passionate about making mathematics accessible to everyone and hope some of my work over the years has encouraged people to pursue their interests and education in mathematics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some amazing mathematicians in Ireland , such as William Rowan Hamilton , mathematics has not always been accessible to everyone in the country and having an exam ‘ for girls only ’ , with honours maths available to only an elite few , has allowed the subject to have some historical negative connotations , ” she added .
She said mathematics in educational and cultural settings should be celebrated and students should be assured “ mathematics , like any other subject , can be practiced and improved .
In these times where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mathematical literacy for all members of society plays a hugely important role and I hope to continue to work to improve the mathematics experiences of learners across the country ” .
Maths Week co-founder Dr Sheila Donegan said : “ Through her internationally recognised work and research , Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of maths to the public.
” Dr Ní Shúilleabháin has been a strong advocate for social inclusion and equality .
With colleague Dr Anthony Cronin , she developed the Maths Sparks programme , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower socio-economic backgrounds and led by UCD student volunteers .
Research has shown that students from lower socio-economic groups are less likely to study mathematics at higher level than their non-DEIS counterparts and the programme has shown to significantly affect students ’ learning .
As a former post-primary teacher , she has recognised practical challenges facing teachers and pupils , and strives to make the teaching and learning of mathematics an enjoyable experience for all .
On the importance of Maths Week , Dr Donegan said : “ We ’ re all aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ societal change for the better .
Its implementation in problem solving , which is critical in countless sectors in society , reinforces its importance in our every-day lives .
[ Its purpose ] is to also highlight the many exciting career opportunities for young people , North and South , in roles related to mathematics and mathematical thinking.
” Maths Week is run with support from the Department of Education and Skills ; Science Foundation Ireland , the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland , multinational technology firm Xilinx , ESB , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , schools , training colleges and employers – North and South .
More than 356,000 students on the island of Ireland registered for this year ’ s Maths Week events .
For details of remaining events see : https : //www.mathsweek.ie/2020/

Prominent mathematics education lecturer Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (assistant professor at UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics) has been honoured as the recipient of the 2020 Maths Week Ireland Award for her contribution to raising public awareness of maths, pictured with Dr Sheila Donegan, and Eoin Gill, co-founders of Maths Week. Photograph: John Ohle Photography
Prominent maths educator Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin has been honoured as this year's recipient of the Maths Week Ireland Award for raising public awareness of maths. It is presented annually during Maths Week Ireland – the all-island festival of maths and numeracy which this year runs until October 18th.
Dr Ní Shúilleabháin, who is assistant professor in the UCD school of mathematics and statistics, is one of the most recognisable faces of mathematics in Ireland, having presented RTÉ’s flagship science programmes The Science Squad and 10 Things To Know About.
She came to national prominence as the Rose of Tralee in 2005, the year she graduated from UCD with a first-class honours degree in theoretical physics, speaking about her time at CERN (one of the world’s most advanced research centres) and shattering the stereotype of those who enjoys mathematics.
Her research in mathematics education has been widely published and she is a member of the STEM Education Policy Review Group of the Department of Education.
READ MORE
“She has proven herself to be a powerful role model, encouraging young people and particularly young women to pursue their interests in mathematics and science,” according to the citation. “Aoibhinn never thought herself to be a ‘genius’ at mathematics and thinks it is important that everyone see mathematics, like any other subject, as something that can be practiced and improved.”
Dr Ní Shúilleabháin said she was “incredibly honoured” to receive the award. “I am passionate about making mathematics accessible to everyone and hope some of my work over the years has encouraged people to pursue their interests and education in mathematics.
"While we have a heritage of some amazing mathematicians in Ireland, such as William Rowan Hamilton, mathematics has not always been accessible to everyone in the country and having an exam 'for girls only', with honours maths available to only an elite few, has allowed the subject to have some historical negative connotations," she added.
She said mathematics in educational and cultural settings should be celebrated and students should be assured “mathematics, like any other subject, can be practiced and improved. In these times where we are bombarded with information and data, mathematical literacy for all members of society plays a hugely important role and I hope to continue to work to improve the mathematics experiences of learners across the country”.
Maths Week co-founder Dr Sheila Donegan said: "Through her internationally recognised work and research, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of maths to the public."
Dr Ní Shúilleabháin has been a strong advocate for social inclusion and equality. With colleague Dr Anthony Cronin, she developed the Maths Sparks programme, a series of problem-solving workshops for students of lower socio-economic backgrounds and led by UCD student volunteers. Research has shown that students from lower socio-economic groups are less likely to study mathematics at higher level than their non-DEIS counterparts and the programme has shown to significantly affect students' learning.
As a former post-primary teacher, she has recognised practical challenges facing teachers and pupils, and strives to make the teaching and learning of mathematics an enjoyable experience for all.
On the importance of Maths Week, Dr Donegan said: “We’re all aware how maths is vital in helping drive societal change for the better. Its implementation in problem solving, which is critical in countless sectors in society, reinforces its importance in our every-day lives. [Its purpose ]is to also highlight the many exciting career opportunities for young people, North and South, in roles related to mathematics and mathematical thinking.”
Maths Week is run with support from the Department of Education and Skills; Science Foundation Ireland, the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, multinational technology firm Xilinx, ESB, universities, institutes of technology, libraries, schools, training colleges and employers – North and South.
More than 356,000 students on the island of Ireland registered for this year's Maths Week events. For details of remaining events see: https://www.mathsweek.ie/2020/


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Policing Authority advises against strong Garda powers to enforce restrictions

The Republic should not follow the example of other European countries who have introduced strong powers for their police forces to enforce Covid-19 restrictions , the Policing Authority has said .
Its remarks have come as the Government was considering introducing fines for people breaching some Covid-19 measures and restrictions , including the need to wear face masks .
At present thousands of Garda checkpoints were being operated across the State even though gardaí have no power to take action against people they meet at the checkpoints who are leaving their home counties against public health advice .
The authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closest neighbours had decided more stringent enforcement powers were required as the pandemic has progressed , the Irish Government had resisted this and should continue in that vein .
“ Throughout this period , the Authority has held the view that emergency powers for the Garda Síochána should be at the minimum level possible , ” Policing Authority chairman Bob Collins has said in the authority ’ s latest report examining the Garda ’ s policing operation for Covid-19 .
“ There is a genuine and well-founded concern that extensive new powers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solver .
Neighbouring jurisdictions have given added , and progressively more stringent , powers to police services but there is little evidence that , in and of itself , such a policy eradicates any undesirable behaviours.
” In the authority ’ s report it has emerged that 62 enforcement actions have been taken by gardaí against people , mostly those involved in the pub trade , since the last report on September 11th .
Gardaí have been carrying out inspections at pubs and other licensed premises and have the power to begin a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flouting restrictions , including keeping customer records for possible contract tracing and adhering to reduced opening hours , among other measures .
The authority added while it has “ reservations ” about the Garda ’ s use of anti-spit hoods , there use had continued to decline and the authority welcomed this .
Spit hoods are mesh coverings that can be placed over a suspect ’ s head to prevent them spitting or coughing at gardaí .
While the authority has condemned spitting and coughing attacks directed at Garda members , it believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use stopped .
As well as having general human rights-based concerns , the authority is also concerned the hoods were being used on a small number of juveniles and people who appeared to have mental health issues .

In the authority’s report it has emerged that 62 enforcement actions have been taken by gardai against people. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The Republic should not follow the example of other European countries who have introduced strong powers for their police forces to enforce Covid-19 restrictions, the Policing Authority has said.
Its remarks have come as the Government was considering introducing fines for people breaching some Covid-19 measures and restrictions, including the need to wear face masks.
At present thousands of Garda checkpoints were being operated across the State even though gardaí have no power to take action against people they meet at the checkpoints who are leaving their home counties against public health advice.
The authority explained while some of Ireland's closest neighbours had decided more stringent enforcement powers were required as the pandemic has progressed, the Irish Government had resisted this and should continue in that vein.
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"Throughout this period, the Authority has held the view that emergency powers for the Garda Síochána should be at the minimum level possible," Policing Authority chairman Bob Collins has said in the authority's latest report examining the Garda's policing operation for Covid-19.
‘Little evidence’
“There is a genuine and well-founded concern that extensive new powers for gardaí might not be a universal problem solver. Neighbouring jurisdictions have given added, and progressively more stringent, powers to police services but there is little evidence that, in and of itself, such a policy eradicates any undesirable behaviours.”
In the authority’s report it has emerged that 62 enforcement actions have been taken by gardaí against people, mostly those involved in the pub trade, since the last report on September 11th.
Gardaí have been carrying out inspections at pubs and other licensed premises and have the power to begin a criminal prosecution against them if they are flouting restrictions, including keeping customer records for possible contract tracing and adhering to reduced opening hours, among other measures.
The authority added while it has “reservations” about the Garda’s use of anti-spit hoods, there use had continued to decline and the authority welcomed this. Spit hoods are mesh coverings that can be placed over a suspect’s head to prevent them spitting or coughing at gardaí.
While the authority has condemned spitting and coughing attacks directed at Garda members, it believes spit hoods and inhumane and wants their use stopped. As well as having general human rights-based concerns, the authority is also concerned the hoods were being used on a small number of juveniles and people who appeared to have mental health issues.
The hoods were used on suspects only five times from September 1st to 26th. This compared with a peak of 30 times in April and 36 in May.
New vigour
In its latest report, the authority said when many crime types plummeted during the strict lock-down period, some communities had been able to reclaim spaces from people who usually dealt drugs there. More recently, however, that street-level drug dealing had re-emerged with “a new vigour”.
The authority has continued to report very positively about the Garda’s approach to sexual violence and domestic violence during the pandemic. However, the Garda still needed to make it clear that of domestic or sexual violence incidents took place at social gatherings or events that should not have been taking place due to Covid-19, victims should come forward without any reluctance.
In the period between September 11th and Friday October 9th, when the latest Policing report published on Thursday was sent to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD (FG) spit hoods were used by the Garda on eight occasions, or twice per week.
Some 6,400 Garda checkpoints were conducted under Operation Fanacht, the Garda’s Covid-19 policing operation, and over 7,800 inspections of licensed premises were carried out.
Pub inspections
Garda members began inspecting pubs for Covid-19 compliance, under a special operation called Operation Navigation, on July 3rd and since then proceedings, for alleged non-compliance, have been commenced 231 times. More than 38,000 visits were made to pubs for inspections, with 57 per cent of the licensed premises found to be closed.
The authority noted that the number of inspections had fallen, from almost 8,000 on the first weekend of the operation in July to “under 2,000” during the last weekend of September.
Excluding Operation Navigation, which relates to licensed premises, there have been 368 incidents since the pandemic began in spring to June 28th that saw gardaí open enforcement proceedings against people.


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Boy who faced brain injury at birth settles case for €20.75m as hospital apologises

A hospital has apologised to the family of a 10-year old boy for the failings which caused his devastating brain injury at birth .
The apology from University Hospital Waterford was read in the High Court today as Kevin Dunphy English settled for €20.75m his action against the HSE over the care he received at his birth in the hospital .
In a letter to the family , the hospital said , on behalf of its staff and management , it wished “ to express sincere apologies for the failings on the part of the hospital that caused the devastating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his birth.
” Kevin “ suffered permanent profound disabilities which affect him in every facet of his life ” .
It added : “ The hospital understands that neither this apology nor any financial compensation recovered in court proceedings will assuage the continuing heartache that the family must feel every day .
The hospital acknowledges that Kevin ’ s disabilities are and will continue to be a cause of major hardship for Kevin and his family.
” Dr John O ’ Mahony SC , with Cian O ’ Mahony BL , for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of red lights were flashing but went unheeded before the boy ’ s delivery .
It was their case that had Kevin had been born an hour earlier at the hospital , he would have been saved injury .
The baby was in intensive care for the first 24 days of his life .
He has cerebral palsy and global developmental delays and requires round the clock care , counsel said .
He has to use a wheelchair for long distances and has an extremely limited vocabulary of about eight or nine words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dunphy and Seamus English from Co Kilkenny , had dedicated their lives to their son ’ s care , counsel added .
The court approved a final lump sum settlement in Kevin ’ s case of €18 million which , with interim settlement payouts totalling over €2m in the last five years , brings the total to €20.75m .
Ms Dunphy told the court the family are delighted and relieved to have come to the “ end of a long road ” in the legal process .
“ It has been a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is happy .
Every day he is a challenge .
We are going to care for Kevin and do the best way we can for him , ” she told Mr Justice Cross .
Kevin Dunphy English of Carrick Road , Mooncoin , Co Kilkenny had , through his mother , sued the HSE as a result of injuries allegedly sustained at the time of his birth .
It was claimed he suffered significant brain damage during his delivery at on July 9th , 2010 .
His mother was admitted to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2010 , and labour progressed slowly .
After 2.30am on July 9th , decelerations on the CTG trace changed , it was alleged .
A foetal blood sample had been taken at 1.40am but that was not repeated despite the deterioration in the CTG trace , it was alleged .
Had the foetal blood sample been repeated , the result would have prompted a decision to intervene earlier in terms of delivery , it was alleged .
Dr O ’ Mahony previously told the court liability was conceded in the case and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of damages only .
In 2013 , the HSE had accepted it was in breach of duty to Kevin in the management of his birth by failing to effect a timely delivery , counsel outlined .
Approving the final settlement on Thursday , Mr Justice Kevin Cross congratulated Kevin ’ s parents for their work and the love they have given Kevin up until now .
The judge also said he was sure the apology will give some comfort to Kevin ’ s parents .

A hospital has apologised to the family of a 10-year old boy for the failings which caused his devastating brain injury at birth.
The apology from University Hospital Waterford was read in the High Court today as Kevin Dunphy English settled for €20.75m his action against the HSE over the care he received at his birth in the hospital.
In a letter to the family, the hospital said, on behalf of its staff and management, it wished “to express sincere apologies for the failings on the part of the hospital that caused the devastating brain injury to your son Kevin at his birth.”
Kevin “suffered permanent profound disabilities which affect him in every facet of his life”.
READ MORE
It added: “The hospital understands that neither this apology nor any financial compensation recovered in court proceedings will assuage the continuing heartache that the family must feel every day. The hospital acknowledges that Kevin’s disabilities are and will continue to be a cause of major hardship for Kevin and his family.”
Dr John O’Mahony SC, with Cian O’Mahony BL, for the boy, told the court a lot of red lights were flashing but went unheeded before the boy’s delivery. It was their case that had Kevin had been born an hour earlier at the hospital, he would have been saved injury.
The baby was in intensive care for the first 24 days of his life.
He has cerebral palsy and global developmental delays and requires round the clock care, counsel said. He has to use a wheelchair for long distances and has an extremely limited vocabulary of about eight or nine words.
Kevin’s parents, Jane Dunphy and Seamus English from Co Kilkenny, had dedicated their lives to their son’s care, counsel added.
The court approved a final lump sum settlement in Kevin’s case of €18 million which, with interim settlement payouts totalling over €2m in the last five years, brings the total to €20.75m.
Ms Dunphy told the court the family are delighted and relieved to have come to the “end of a long road” in the legal process.
“It has been a very long road. Kevin is good and he is happy. Every day he is a challenge. We are going to care for Kevin and do the best way we can for him,” she told Mr Justice Cross.
Kevin Dunphy English of Carrick Road, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny had, through his mother, sued the HSE as a result of injuries allegedly sustained at the time of his birth. It was claimed he suffered significant brain damage during his delivery at on July 9th, 2010.
His mother was admitted to the hospital on the evening of July 8th, 2010, and labour progressed slowly. After 2.30am on July 9th, decelerations on the CTG trace changed, it was alleged.
A foetal blood sample had been taken at 1.40am but that was not repeated despite the deterioration in the CTG trace, it was alleged. Had the foetal blood sample been repeated, the result would have prompted a decision to intervene earlier in terms of delivery, it was alleged.
Dr O’Mahony previously told the court liability was conceded in the case and it was before the court for assessment of damages only.
In 2013, the HSE had accepted it was in breach of duty to Kevin in the management of his birth by failing to effect a timely delivery, counsel outlined.
Approving the final settlement on Thursday, Mr Justice Kevin Cross congratulated Kevin’s parents for their work and the love they have given Kevin up until now. The judge also said he was sure the apology will give some comfort to Kevin’s parents.


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Life under Level 3 (and a bit) - What do the latest restrictions mean?

As some Border counties move to Level 4 of the Government ’ s Living with Covid strategy with added restrictions in place for the rest of the country , we take a look at what the new changes entail .
Is the country now at Level 4 restrictions ?
No .
Donegal , Cavan and Monaghan move to Level 4 at midnight ( read my Q & A on Level 4 here ) on Thursday October 15th until November 10th .
The rest of the country remains at Level 3 though the Government announced added restrictions on Wednesday night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 and a bit .
What are these added restrictions for the rest of the country ?
There is now a nationwide ban on visitors to homes or gardens with the exception of visits for essential purposes , such as providing care to children , elderly or vulnerable people .
So I can ’ t meet with anyone outside my household ?
You can .
In outdoor settings away from your home/garden , up to six people from no more than two households can meet while maintaining strict social distancing , including for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still allowed to happen in larger groups ?
Outdoor non-contact training in pods of up to 15 is still allowed , with an exemption for professional/elite/inter-county/senior club championship sports .
In terms of indoors , individual training only is allowed with no exercise or dance classes to take place .
No matches or other sporting events should take place , with the exception again for professional , elite and inter-county championship and horse-racing which should all take place behind closed doors .
Is there anything else new to the current Level 3 restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Club Championship games to be played behind closed doors has been removed and so the competition will not go ahead .
Has the Government said anything about public adherence to the current guidelines ?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin pointed out on Wednesday night that the nationwide Level 3 status has been in place for a week and the Government is studying infection patterns as Level 3 can have a “ significant impact ” on the spread of the disease .
“ There are concerns regarding the full application of Level 3 , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workplace , slippage in retail and personal services , and people going to each other ’ s homes .
Will there be fines for people who don ’ t adhere to the restrictions ?
The Taoiseach said work is under way on additional penalties designed to enhance enforcement , and they would be ready next week .
The Government is expected to introduce a system of graduated fines before the end of the month for breaches of Covid-19 guidelines , including failure to wear face marks when required and undertaking non-essential journeys .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendation made by National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) for an on-the-spot fine system for breaches of rules .
No figures were given but the fines are expected to be similar to those in the UK , which are €70 ( £60 ) for a first offence and higher for subsequent offences .
Is it likely the rest of the country will go to Level 4 ?
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday that coronavirus was “ on the march ” and that it is more likely “ more counties will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Separately , the Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said on Thursday morning it was “ likely but not inevitable ” that the State will have to go to Level 4 .
He said he hoped the “ enhanced Level 3 ” measures would have an impact on the rising levels of transmissions .
Can tradespeople still come to my home ?
If you have a tradesperson such as a plumber , electrician or washing machine repair specialist coming to your home , that ’ s okay , they are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and workers must , however , take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 such as washing their hands , using a face covering and making sure the house is well ventilated .
Are schools definitely not closing for an extra week at mid-term ?
The closure of schools in the Republic is not under consideration at present and there are no plans to extend the mid-term break , according to the Minister for Education Norma Foley .
The announcement yesterday that schools in Northern Ireland will shut for two weeks over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that schools could close south of the Border .
However , Ms Foley said she was committed to keeping schools open and no such plans were under consideration .
The Taoiseach said on Wednesday Halloween is not cancelled but would be “ different ” and that trick-or-treating would not be advisable and that no street parties of any kind should take place .
Has anything been said about Christmas ?
Regarding Christmas , Mr Martin said if people adapt and change their behaviour “ of course we can have a good Christmas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be a “ different Christmas ” adding that “ until we get a vaccine normal life will not resume ” .

Under enhanced retrictions across the country up to six people from no more than two households can meet while maintaining strict social distancing, including for outdoor exercise and dining. Photograph: iStock.
As some Border counties move to Level 4 of the Government’s Living with Covid strategy with added restrictions in place for the rest of the country, we take a look at what the new changes entail.
Is the country now at Level 4 restrictions?
No. Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan were moved to Level 4 on Thursday, October 15th until November 10th (read my Q&A on Level 4 here). The rest of the country remains at Level 3 though the Government announced added restrictions on Wednesday night, so it's sort of Level 3 and a bit.
What are these added restrictions for the rest of the country?
There is now a nationwide ban on visitors to homes or gardens with the exception of visits for essential purposes, such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people.
So I can’t meet with anyone outside my household?
You can. In outdoor settings away from your home/garden, up to six people from no more than two households can meet while maintaining strict social distancing, including for outdoor exercise and dining.
READ MORE
Is sport still allowed to happen in larger groups?
Outdoor non-contact training in pods of up to 15 is still allowed, with an exemption for professional/elite/inter-county/senior club championship sports. In terms of indoors, individual training only is allowed with no exercise or dance classes to take place.
No matches or other sporting events should take place, with the exception again for professional, elite and inter-county championship and horse-racing which should all take place behind closed doors.
Is there anything else new to the current Level 3 restrictions?
An exemption which had allowed GAA Club Championship games to be played behind closed doors has been removed and so the competition will not go ahead.
Has the Government said anything about public adherence to the current guidelines?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin pointed out on Wednesday night that the nationwide Level 3 status has been in place for a week and the Government is studying infection patterns as Level 3 can have a “significant impact” on the spread of the disease.
“There are concerns regarding the full application of Level 3,” he said, including people going into the workplace, slippage in retail and personal services, and people going to each other’s homes.
Will there be fines for people who don’t adhere to the restrictions?
The Taoiseach said work is under way on additional penalties designed to enhance enforcement, and they would be ready next week.
The Government is expected to introduce a system of graduated fines before the end of the month for breaches of Covid-19 guidelines, including failure to wear face marks when required and undertaking non-essential journeys.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Covid-19 endorsed the recommendation made by National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) for an on-the-spot fine system for breaches of rules.
No figures were given but the fines are expected to be similar to those in the UK, which are €70 (£60) for a first offence and higher for subsequent offences.
Is it likely the rest of the country will go to Level 4?
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday that coronavirus was "on the march" and that it is more likely "more counties will move to Level 4 than the reverse".
Separately, the Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said on Thursday morning it was "likely but not inevitable" that the State will have to go to Level 4. He said he hoped the "enhanced Level 3" measures would have an impact on the rising levels of transmissions.
Can tradespeople still come to my home?
If you have a tradesperson such as a plumber, electrician or washing machine repair specialist coming to your home, that’s okay, they are still allowed to come in. Home owners and workers must, however, take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 such as washing their hands, using a face covering and making sure the house is well ventilated.
Are schools definitely not closing for an extra week at mid-term?
The closure of schools in the Republic is not under consideration at present and there are no plans to extend the mid-term break, according to the Minister for Education Norma Foley.
The announcement that schools in Northern Ireland will shut for two weeks over the half-term Halloween break prompted fresh speculation that schools could close south of the Border.
However, Ms Foley said she was committed to keeping schools open and no such plans were under consideration.
Has Halloween been cancelled?
The Taoiseach said on Wednesday Halloween is not cancelled but would be “different” and that trick-or-treating would not be advisable and that no street parties of any kind should take place.
Has anything been said about Christmas?
Regarding Christmas, Mr Martin said if people adapt and change their behaviour "of course we can have a good Christmas and enjoyable Christmas", but that it would be a "different Christmas" adding that "until we get a vaccine normal life will not resume".


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Woulfe meeting with Chief Justice scheduled for today

Mr Justice Séamus Woulfe of the Supreme Court is scheduled to meet this afternoon with the Chief Justice , Frank Clarke , to discuss the fallout from the former ’ s attendance at the “ Golfgate ” dinner in Co Galway last August .
On Tuesday the Chief Justice said that if today ’ s meeting to discuss the informal resolution of the controversy did not go ahead , “ he will make alternative arrangements to convey his final views on the process to Mr Justice Woulfe.
” The Supreme Court is believed to be using elements of the Judicial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be put in place , as a template for how to deal with the crisis caused by Mr Justice Woulfe ’ s attendance at the dinner .
The Act provides for the informal resolution of a complaint against a judge if the judge is agreeable , and a Judicial Conduct Committee that is envisaged by the act , agrees to the matter being resolved in this way .
The head of the court concerned can appoint no more than three of his or her colleagues to resolve the matter informally .
Where a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a report to this effect is submitted to the envisaged Judicial Conduct Committee .
If a complaint has failed to be resolved by informal means , then a report to this effect is submitted to the committee , setting out the reasons why .
Under the provisions of the act that have not yet been put in place , a formal inquiry into a complaint can be referred to a panel of enquiry , which may hold a hearing that , in certain circumstances , could be held in public .
If a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sent to the committee to that effect , and a judge may be issued with advice , recommended to attend a course or seek particular training , or be admonished .
As none of these provisions are as yet in place , they are not available for dealing with the current crisis .
Mr Justice Woulfe was appointed a Supreme Court judge in July , having previously held the position of Attorney General .
He has yet to take part in a sitting of the court .
Confidence in the judge has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Clifden dinner in the midst of a pandemic , but also by his comments as recorded in the transcript of his interview with former chief justice Susan Denham , who was asked to report to the Supreme Court as to whether Mr Justice Woulfe should have attended the so-called Golfgate dinner .
Her answer was no .
But she also said it would be unjust and disproportionate to ask the judge to resign , and recommended an informal resolution of the matter .
She attached a transcript of her interview with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .
When the appendix was published by the board of the Judicial Council on October 2nd , it dealt a further blow to confidence in Mr Justice Woulfe .

Supreme Court judge Seamus Woulfe has deferred a meeting with the Chief Justice on three occasions. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
A scheduled meeting between Mr Justice Séamus Woulfe of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice, Frank Clarke, was cancelled on Thursday after the Chief Justice was shown a "cogent medical report".
It is the fourth time a proposed meeting between the two men to discuss the fallout from Mr Justice Woulfe’s attendance at the “Golfgate” dinner in Co Galway last August, has been postponed.
In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Mr Justice Clarke said he had received correspondence earlier that enclosed a “cogent medical report to the effect that he [Mr Justice Woulfe] is not in a position to take part in the resolution process at this time”.
The Supreme Court has been engaged in an informal process to try and resolve the controversy caused by Mr Justice Woulfe’s attendance at the Clifden dinner.
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After a planned meeting on Tuesday last was deferred at the request of Mr Justice Woulfe, the Chief Justice said that if the meeting did not go ahead on Thursday, “he will make alternative arrangements to convey his final views on the process to Mr Justice Woulfe.”
However on Thursday he received correspondence in relation to the planned meeeting, and a statement was later issued.
“While it is important for the Chief Justice to respect the confidentiality and privacy of Mr Justice Woulfe,” the statement said, “the correspondence did enclose a cogent medical report to the effect that he [Mr Justice Woulfe] is not in a position to take part in the resolution process at this time.
“Accordingly, it was necessary to cancel the meeting. The Chief Justice is committed to bringing the process to a conclusion as early as it is possible and appropriate to do so.”
The former Chief Justice, Susan Denham, produced a commissioned report for the Supreme Court on the matter in which she said that while Mr Justice Woulfe should not have attended the dinner, given the pandemic, it would be disproporationate and unjust that he should be asked to resign.
She recommended to the court that the matter be resolved informally, and the court issued a short statement on October 1st stating that it intended to do so.
On the following day, a Friday, a transcript of Mr Justice Woulfe’s interview by Ms Justice Denham was published by the board of the Judicial Council, and caused fresh controversy.
That same day three judges from the Supreme Court met with Mr Justice Woulfe, and it was agreed that he would meet with the Chief Justice on the Monday.
It has been widely-reported that Mr Justice Woulfe, who has not as yet commented publicly on the Denham report, was surprised by the views that were expressed during his meeting with his three judicial colleagues.
The planned meeting on Monday did not go ahead at his request. A meeting the following Friday was cancelled, again at Mr Justice Woulfe’s request, for medical reasons.
Mr Justice Woulfe was an Attorney General in the last government and was appointed to the Supreme Court in July. He has yet to sit to hear a case.


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Reports of person being forced into car on motorway investigated

Gardaí are investigating reports that a person was seen being bundled into a car on a motorway in the southeast on Wednesday .
Reports have been received by the gardaí suggesting the incident was seen early on Wednesday evening , involving a person being bundled in the back of a car against their will .
Gardaí want driver of the car that was stopped on the Co Wexford motorway to contact them .
In an unusual investigation , gardaí have no reports of any missing person or unaccounted for at-risk person that could possibly be linked to the incident that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near Gorey , Co Wexford , believes they saw .
Garda Headquarters issued an appeal for information and other witnesses to come forward , though it has been tight-lipped on the nature of the incident .
However , The Irish Times understands the inquiry is into reports of a person being forced into a car on the M11 southbound and that the source of the information is regarded as highly credible .
Gardaí are keen to exhaust the investigation for fear somebody was being forced in the car against their will and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to light yet .
The official Garda appeal said the incident under investigation is reported to have taken place on the lay-by of the M11 , north of Junction 22 for Gorey north , on the southbound carriageway .
“ A car with a male driver was observed parked in the lay-by at approximately 5.30pm .
Gardaí are anxious to identify this vehicle and speak to the male present , ” the appeal said of the incident on Wednesday .
The car that was stopped was described as a white saloon , possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for anyone driving close to Junction 22 on the M11 between 4.45pm and 6.00pm to contact them .
The investigating team at Gorey Garda station is also seeking any dashcam footage that was recorded on the M11 southbound between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday .
And they are keen that anyone driving in the area who believes they may have seen the car , or any similar scene in the same area , to come forward .
Anyone with information could contact Gorey Garda station on 053 9430 690 or the Garda Confidential @ @ @ @ @ @

Gardaí have no reports of any missing person or unaccounted for at-risk person linked to the incident that at least one person believes they saw. Photograph: PA
Gardaí are investigating reports that a person was seen being bundled into a car on a motorway in the southeast on Wednesday.
Reports have been received by the gardaí suggesting the incident was seen early on Wednesday evening, involving a person being bundled in the back of a car against their will.
Gardaí want driver of the car that was stopped on the Co Wexford motorway to contact them.
In an unusual investigation, gardaí have no reports of any missing person or unaccounted for at-risk person that could possibly be linked to the incident that at least one person passing the scene near Gorey, Co Wexford, believes they saw.
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Garda Headquarters issued an appeal for information and other witnesses to come forward, though it has been tight-lipped on the nature of the incident.
However, The Irish Times understands the inquiry is into reports of a person being forced into a car on the M11 southbound and that the source of the information is regarded as highly credible.
Gardaí are keen to exhaust the investigation for fear somebody was being forced in the car against their will and the fact they are missing has not come to light yet.
The official Garda appeal said the incident under investigation is reported to have taken place on the lay-by of the M11, north of Junction 22 for Gorey north, on the southbound carriageway.
“A car with a male driver was observed parked in the lay-by at approximately 5.30pm. Gardaí are anxious to identify this vehicle and speak to the male present,” the appeal said of the incident on Wednesday.
The car that was stopped was described as a white saloon, possibly a Mercedes and now gardaí are appealing for anyone driving close to Junction 22 on the M11 between 4.45pm and 6.00pm to contact them.
The investigating team at Gorey Garda station is also seeking any dashcam footage that was recorded on the M11 southbound between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday. And they are keen that anyone driving in the area who believes they may have seen the car, or any similar scene in the same area, to come forward.
Anyone with information could contact Gorey Garda station on 053 9430 690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Coronavirus: ‘Likely but not inevitable’ that State will move to Level 4 restrictions

It is “ likely ” but it is “ not inevitable ” the State will have to go heightened Level 4 restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus , a senior Government minister has said .
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said he hoped that the “ enhanced Level 3 ” measures would have an impact on the rising levels of transmissions .
The Government announced on Wednesday night a nationwide ban on visits to homes or gardens in almost all circumstances , except for providing care to children or elderly and vulnerable people .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donegal will move to Level 4 of the Government ’ s Living with Covid plan from midnight on Thursday until November 10th .
Under Level 4 , people should not have any visitors to their homes , the maximum number of attendees at a wedding is six , non-essential retail will close , and all non-essential workers are to work from home , Taoiseach Micheál Martin said as he announced the move .
He said construction and manufacturing will remain under the right conditions .
Under the new restrictions for the 23 Level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet in groups of up to six people from up to two households in outdoor settings away from home and garden while maintaining social distancing - including for exercise and dining .
The existing exemption which allows for Club Championship games to be played behind closed doors has been removed and sports teams will be told they can not train unless social distancing can be observed .
Cavan , Monaghan and Donegal will move to Level 4 of the Government ’ s Living with Covid plan from midnight on Thursday until November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and five further deaths reported in the State by the National Public Health Emergency ( Nphet ) team on Wednesday .
This is the highest number of new confirmed cases in a day , as the previous high of 1,515 on April 10th included a large backlog from German laboratories .
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday Mr Harris said he was very worried about the rising number of Covid-19 cases , but he was not “ buying into ” the idea that it was inevitable the country would have to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over this.
” If three specific measures were followed by everybody then Level 3 could work , Mr Harris said .
The measures were for people to work from home ; to curtail home visits and to wear face coverings .
Mr Harris said that if it was necessary the Government would take further measures , but he hoped that following the enhanced Level 3 measures would work .
The director general of the HSE Paul Reid has said that the health service can carry out the target of 100,000 Covid tests per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past week with 99,000 lab results completed in the same time period .
“ We will always meet demand ( for testing ) , ” he told RTÉ radio ’ s News at One .
More than 15,000 tests per day were being carried out , with the figure closer to 18,000 at present , he said .
But the best lines of defence were what the public could do , he added .
Their actions could put a drain on that capacity , he warned .
Funding was not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospitalisation numbers which were beginning to have an impact on non-Covid care .
This in turn will mean the demand for intensive care beds will build .
There is a real concern about winter services in hospitals .
All healthcare workers were very concerned , he said .
They don ’ t want to be the last line of defence .
There was now a call to arms to the public to protect heathcare workers .
In the event of a surge the system had capacity for 350 to 360 intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operative beds could expand that .
However , some hospitals were already using their surge capacity , he said .
The growing numbers in nursing homes were also a cause for concern , but it would be impossible to “ put a ring of steel ” around nursing homes .
Again it was up to the public to modify their behaviour .
Dr Colm Henry , the chief clinical officer of the HSE , said on Newstalk Breakfast there was a surge plan in place , if necessary hospitals would curtail other activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 350 critical care beds , beyond that “ there would not be the same quality of service ” .
He said Border was not being used as a measure , focus was on communities and some communities were “ right across the Border ” and transmission in the community had to be broken .
Announcing the new restrictions on Wednesday , the Taoiseach said there were “ concerns regarding the full application of Level 3 ” including people going into the workplace , slippage in retail and personal services , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Martin said “ I know how difficult this is for everyone and I understand the deep frustration people feel ” .
“ We are on a journey with this virus and we have come to a difficult point in that journey , ” Mr Martin said .
He said the numbers of infections are “ just too high ” .
He said data from Northern Ireland is “ hugely worrying ” and that discussions with Stormont would continue in the coming days .
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said “ We know that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening in private homes ” .
“ Sometimes people associate that with house parties , but it ’ s not just that , ” he said , saying it was family gatherings , and friends coming over for a drink or cup of coffee.
” “ All those things have to stop , ” he said .

A woman walks past a cafe on Main street, Co Cavan, as counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan prepare to move to Level 4 from midnight tonight. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
A record number of new Covid-19 cases has been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) for the second day in a row.
A total of 1,205 cases were reported on Thursday following the reporting of 1,084 cases on Wednesday. A further three deaths of people with Covid-19 were also reported by Nphet on Thursday. This brings to 1,838 the total number of deaths related to the disease in the Republic.
Of Thursday’s cases 288 are in Dublin, 173 in Cork, 123 in Meath, 97 in Galway, 63 in Cavan and the remaining 461 cases are spread across all remaining counties.
Hospital Report
As of 2pm, 241 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 29 are in intensive care units (ICU). There has been 24 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
READ MORE
The median age of cases is 34 years and 71 per cent are under 45 years of age.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said there had been a significant further deterioration in the situation since last week. The national incidence of the disease is now 206.7 per 100,000 population.
“Cases notified over the past week have increased by 82 per cent compared with the previous seven days, from 3,514 to 6,382 cases.
“The positivity rate over the past 7 days is now 6.2 per cent and is continuing to increase.”
“The 14-day incidence in those aged 65 years and older has increased from 92.9 per 100,000 population on 7th October to 125 per 100,000 population on the 14th of October.
“The number of hospitalisations are increasing faster than the exponential growth modelling predicted. This indicates a rapidly deteriorating disease trajectory nationally,” he said.
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group, said the reproduction number appeared to have increased and was now at 1.4 nationally. If current trends continue, by October 31st, the number of cases notified daily would be in the range of 1,800 - 2,500 cases with over 400 people in hospital, he forecast.
Eleven counties have a 14-day incidence over 300 per 100,000 population, and another 11 have an incidence over 200, Dr Holohan said.
Prof Nolan said there was little evidence of any improvement in the situation, and potentially an acceleration in cases, over the past week to 10 days.
He said the issue was “universal”. “In no one county is there an acceptable incidence of disease and in very few has it stabilised.”
While Dublin had stabilised last week, the number of cases there is growing again, he said.
The incidence of cases among 19- to 24-year olds is three times that among those aged between 25 and 34, according to Prof Nolan.
He also expressed “grave concern” about two- to three-fold increase in the disease among older people aged over 65.
Dr Holohan said the situation was worsening “beyond even what we proejcted a few weeks ago” and this was a matter of “grave concern”.
Nphet, which met to consider the situation on Thursday, has provided advice to Government, which officials declined to disclose in advance of consideration by Ministers.
Guidance is being drawn up on how bubbles might operate for households living with the current restrictions, officials said.
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris. Photograph: Julien Behal
Level 4 ‘likely but not inevitable’
The latest figures come as Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said it is "likely" but "not inevitable" the State will have to go to heightened Level 4 restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Mr Harris said he hoped that the “enhanced Level 3” measures would have an impact on the rising levels of transmissions.
The Government announced on Wednesday night a nationwide ban on visits to homes or gardens in almost all circumstances, except for providing care to children or elderly and vulnerable people.
It has also announced that Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal will move to Level 4 of the Government's Living with Covid plan from midnight on Thursday until November 10th.
Under Level 4, people should not have any visitors to their homes, the maximum number of attendees at a wedding is six, non-essential retail will close, and all non-essential workers are to work from home, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said as he announced the move on. He said construction and manufacturing will remain under the right conditions.
Under the new restrictions for the 23 Level 3 counties, people will be allowed to meet in groups of up to six people from up to two households in outdoor settings away from home and garden while maintaining social distancing - including for exercise and dining. The existing exemption which allows for Club Championship games to be played behind closed doors has been removed and sports teams will be told they cannot train unless social distancing can be observed.
Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal will move to Level 4 of the Government’s Living with Covid plan from midnight on Thursday until November 10th.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday Mr Harris said he was very worried about the rising number of Covid-19 cases, but he was not “buying into” the idea that it was inevitable the country would have to go to Level 4. “We can get over this.”
If three specific measures were followed by everybody then Level 3 could work, Mr Harris said. The measures were for people to work from home; to curtail home visits and to wear face coverings.
Mr Harris said that if it was necessary the Government would take further measures, but he hoped that following the enhanced Level 3 measures would work.
ICU capacity
Some hospitals are already using their intensive care surge capacity to cope with the recent spikes in cases in Covid-19, the HSE chief executive Paul Reid has said.
Cork University Hospital, Letterkenny and Cavan hospitals exceeded their normal ICU capacity in recent days.
Covid-19 hospital admissions increased by 62 per cent from October 6th when there was 142 patients in hospital last week to 230 this week.
On testing, Mr Reid has said that the health service can carry out the target of 100,000 Covid tests per week and had carried out 103,000 tests in the past week with 99,000 lab results completed in the same time period.
“We will always meet demand (for testing),” he told RTÉ radio’s News at One. More than 15,000 tests per day were being carried out, with the figure closer to 18,000 at present, he said.
Mr Reid said the growing numbers in nursing homes were also a cause for concern, but it would be impossible to “put a ring of steel” around nursing homes. It is up to the public to modify their behaviour, he said.
The Border
Dr Colm Henry, the chief clinical officer of the HSE, said on Newstalk Breakfast there was a surge plan in place, if necessary hospitals would curtail other activities, which can protect a surge of up to 350 critical care beds, beyond that “there would not be the same quality of service”.
He said the Border was not being used as a measure, focus was on communities and some communities were “right across the Border” and transmission in the community had to be broken.
Announcing the new restrictions on Wednesday, the Taoiseach said there were “concerns regarding the full application of Level 3” including people going into the workplace, slippage in retail and personal services, and people going to each others homes.
Mr Martin said “I know how difficult this is for everyone and I understand the deep frustration people feel”.
“We are on a journey with this virus and we have come to a difficult point in that journey,” Mr Martin said. He said the numbers of infections are “just too high”.
He said data from Northern Ireland is “hugely worrying” and that discussions with Stormont would continue in the coming days.


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--Lucy was assessed as requiring vital therapy at age six. She’s now 11 and still waiting

The Ombudsman for Children has published a highly critical report into the impact of delays of up to several years in assessing the needs of vulnerable young people .
There is a legal requirement on health authorities to assess the needs of children within six month of receiving an application .
However , latest figures show just under 10 per cent of assessments are being carried out within this time-frame .
A total of 5,533 children are currently overdue an assessment , with some waiting years for a response .
These assessments are crucial to helping vulnerable children to talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education .
These are some of the stories documented in the Ombudsman ’ s report : Lucy is non-verbal and has a diagnosis of autism combined with mild learning difficulties .
She goes to a school in an autism class and communicates using a limited amount of sign language .
Her mother said that while Lucy has a communication device , neither she nor her family know how to use it effectively .
She said Lucy has poor balance and requires close supervision when going up and down stairs , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when Lucy was six years old , she had a needs assessment .
The services statement identified a need for speech and language therapy , as well as physiotherapy , to help her build muscle tone .
It recommended that Lucy be seen by a multi-disciplinary team for intervention , as soon as possible and she was placed on a waiting list for clinical services .
In 2018 , Lucy ’ s mother was informed by the HSE that Lucy would need to wait a further two years for clinical services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not operate a referrals prioritisation system .
Lucy was also referred by her school to the HSE early intervention team , but that referral was declined because she was already waitlisted for another service .
Lucy ’ s mother said she believes that the absence of clinical services is having a critical , adverse impact on Lucy ’ s development , especially her speech .
Lucy , who is now 11 years of age , is still not receiving any of the clinical services assessed to meet her needs as a six-year-old .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , when he was 18 months old , his mother applied for a needs assessment on his behalf .
The following August he was seen by an assessment officer who identified a need for occupational therapy , speech & language therapy , as well as a psychological assessment .
The HSE informed Andrew ’ s mother that her son would need to wait approximately one year to access a psychological assessment .
She made a complaint to the HSE over the delay and was told that her complaint would not be heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result , she made a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children regarding her son ’ s delayed access to a psychological assessment , and the HSE ’ s delay in addressing her complaint .
A psychological report is a requirement for entry to an autism-specific pre-school .
Andrew ’ s mother informed the Ombudsman ’ s office that a failure to complete a psychological assessment in advance of his third birthday would impede his chances of being enrolled in the pre-school that was appropriate to his needs , which could in turn have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education .
Michael is non-verbal and has suspected autism.When he was two years old , his mother wrote to their local community health office requesting a needs assessment .
Michael was referred to the HSE ’ s early intervention team who referred him on to one of their voluntary providers for an autism assessment .
His mother was informed that there would be a significant delay in accessing this , but that she could make a complaint to the complaints officer about this .
After 10 months , Michael ’ s mother was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The complaint ’ s officer recommended that the HSE provide Michael with his assessment report within 10 weeks and his service statement four weeks later .
When this did not happen , Michael ’ s mother was informed by the complaints officer that she could go to the Circuit Court to force the HSE to implement their recommendations .
By the time she contacted the Ombudsman , Michael had been waiting 19 months for his needs assessment .
Michael ’ s mother is worried that without this , he will regress developmentally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special school .

The Ombudsman for Children has published a highly critical report into the impact of delays of up to several years in assessing the needs of vulnerable young people.
There is a legal requirement on health authorities to assess the needs of children within six month of receiving an application.
However, latest figures show just under 10 per cent of assessments are being carried out within this time-frame.
A total of 5,533 children are currently overdue an assessment, with some waiting years for a response.
READ MORE
These assessments are crucial to helping vulnerable children to talk, move, learn and participate in education. These are some of the stories documented in the Ombudsman’s report:
Lucy’s story:
Lucy is non-verbal and has a diagnosis of autism combined with mild learning difficulties.
She goes to a school in an autism class and communicates using a limited amount of sign language.
Her mother said that while Lucy has a communication device, neither she nor her family know how to use it effectively.
She said Lucy has poor balance and requires close supervision when going up and down stairs, as well as assistance with her self-care.
In 2015, when Lucy was six years old, she had a needs assessment.
The services statement identified a need for speech and language therapy, as well as physiotherapy, to help her build muscle tone.
It recommended that Lucy be seen by a multi-disciplinary team for intervention, as soon as possible and she was placed on a waiting list for clinical services.
In 2018, Lucy’s mother was informed by the HSE that Lucy would need to wait a further two years for clinical services.
She was told that her area did not operate a referrals prioritisation system. Lucy was also referred by her school to the HSE early intervention team, but that referral was declined because she was already waitlisted for another service.
Lucy’s mother said she believes that the absence of clinical services is having a critical, adverse impact on Lucy’s development, especially her speech.
Lucy, who is now 11 years of age, is still not receiving any of the clinical services assessed to meet her needs as a six-year-old.
Andrew's story
Andrew has suspected autism. In March 2018, when he was 18 months old, his mother applied for a needs assessment on his behalf. The following August he was seen by an assessment officer who identified a need for occupational therapy, speech & language therapy, as well as a psychological assessment.
The HSE informed Andrew’s mother that her son would need to wait approximately one year to access a psychological assessment.
She made a complaint to the HSE over the delay and was told that her complaint would not be heard for approximately seven months.
As a result, she made a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children regarding her son’s delayed access to a psychological assessment, and the HSE’s delay in addressing her complaint.
A psychological report is a requirement for entry to an autism-specific pre-school.
Andrew’s mother informed the Ombudsman’s office that a failure to complete a psychological assessment in advance of his third birthday would impede his chances of being enrolled in the pre-school that was appropriate to his needs, which could in turn have an overall adverse effect on his long-term education.
Michael’s story
Michael is non-verbal and has suspected autism.When he was two years old, his mother wrote to their local community health office requesting a needs assessment.
Michael was referred to the HSE’s early intervention team who referred him on to one of their voluntary providers for an autism assessment.
His mother was informed that there would be a significant delay in accessing this, but that she could make a complaint to the complaints officer about this.
After 10 months, Michael’s mother was informed that her complaint was upheld.
The complaint’s officer recommended that the HSE provide Michael with his assessment report within 10 weeks and his service statement four weeks later.
When this did not happen, Michael’s mother was informed by the complaints officer that she could go to the Circuit Court to force the HSE to implement their recommendations.
By the time she contacted the Ombudsman, Michael had been waiting 19 months for his needs assessment.
Michael’s mother is worried that without this, he will regress developmentally, and will not be able to access a special school.


theirishtimes--2020-10-15--A quarter of undocumented migrants earn below minimum wage – study

More than a quarter of undocumented migrants working in Ireland earn below the minimum wage while nearly half are working more than 40 hours a week , according to new research from the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland ( MRCI ) .
The study , led by the Justice for the Undocumented group , found 93 per cent of undocumented people are working to support themselves and their families while more than three-quarters have been living in Ireland for more than five years .
The survey of more than a thousand undocumented people living in Ireland , published on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents work as carers for elderly people and one-fifth work in restaurants or catering .
Some 17 per cent said they worked in cleaning and maintenance , 10 per cent worked in childcare , 5 per cent worked in construction and 4 per cent worked in retail .
More than eight out of 10 said they had worked in the same sector for three or more years .
There are an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 undocumented people living in Ireland , including between 2,000-3,000 children , according to data from the MRCI .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland are from the Philippines with 14 per cent coming from Mongolia , 11 per cent from China , 7 per cent from Bangladesh , 6 per cent from Brazil and 5 per cent from Malawi .
Undocumented workers “ stepped up ” during the pandemic and “ continue to work providing essential services throughout Covid-19 ” , said JFU chair Tjanasi Jack .
She described as “ unacceptable ” the study ’ s finding that over a quarter of those surveyed were not receiving the minimum wage and thus faced “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been calling for years on the Government to introduce a pathway to residency for undocumented people working in Ireland , particularly children who have spent most of their lives in this country .
A 2019 MRCI report found seven out of 10 undocumented children had been born in Ireland and warned that many young people were finding it difficult to move onto third-level education , primarily for financial reasons but also because they do not want to declare their status .
In June , the Government committed to creating “ new pathways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to regularise their status .
Regularisation will “ transform people ’ s lives , allowing them to live safely and securely and to thrive in the country we call home , ” says the report , adding that the regularisation scheme should be “ broad and inclusive for workers , children and families ” .
Ms Jack said the research further underlines the role the undocumented play in Irish society .
“ We are your friends , your neighbours and your co-workers , ” she said .
“ We need a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neil Bruton added that pathways to papers for the undocumented had become commonplace across the EU and reiterated the call for a “ broad and inclusive ” scheme “ so that people can live safely and securely and thrive in their home ” .

File photograph of an undocumented migrant in front of the mural at the Migrant Rights Centre. Photograph: Sara Freund / The Irish Times
More than a quarter of undocumented migrants working in Ireland earn below the minimum wage while nearly half are working more than 40 hours a week, according to new research from the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI).
The study, led by the Justice for the Undocumented group, found 93 per cent of undocumented people are working to support themselves and their families while more than three-quarters have been living in Ireland for more than five years.
The survey of more than a thousand undocumented people living in Ireland, published on Thursday, also found more than a quarter of respondents work as carers for elderly people and one-fifth work in restaurants or catering.
Some 17 per cent said they worked in cleaning and maintenance, 10 per cent worked in childcare, 5 per cent worked in construction and 4 per cent worked in retail. More than eight out of 10 said they had worked in the same sector for three or more years.
READ MORE
There are an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 undocumented people living in Ireland, including between 2,000-3,000 children, according to data from the MRCI.
Nearly 40 per cent of undocumented people in Ireland are from the Philippines with 14 per cent coming from Mongolia, 11 per cent from China, 7 per cent from Bangladesh, 6 per cent from Brazil and 5 per cent from Malawi.
Undocumented workers “stepped up” during the pandemic and “continue to work providing essential services throughout Covid-19”, said JFU chair Tjanasi Jack. She described as “unacceptable” the study’s finding that over a quarter of those surveyed were not receiving the minimum wage and thus faced “high levels of exploitation”.
MRCI has been calling for years on the Government to introduce a pathway to residency for undocumented people working in Ireland, particularly children who have spent most of their lives in this country. A 2019 MRCI report found seven out of 10 undocumented children had been born in Ireland and warned that many young people were finding it difficult to move onto third-level education, primarily for financial reasons but also because they do not want to declare their status.
In June, the Government committed to creating “new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents” to regularise their status.
Regularisation will “transform people’s lives, allowing them to live safely and securely and to thrive in the country we call home,” says the report, adding that the regularisation scheme should be “broad and inclusive for workers, children and families”.
Ms Jack said the research further underlines the role the undocumented play in Irish society. "We are your friends, your neighbours and your co-workers," she said. "We need a clear and fair solution."
MRCI campaign worker Neil Bruton added that pathways to papers for the undocumented had become commonplace across the EU and reiterated the call for a "broad and inclusive" scheme "so that people can live safely and securely and thrive in their home".