theirishtimes--2020-12-29--‘A momentous day’: Annie Lynch (79) first person to get Covid-19 vaccine in State

Dublin grandmother Annie Lynch ( 79 ) became the first person in the Republic to receive the coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday afternoon .
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be administered in four locations on Tuesday : St James ’ s and Beaumont hospitals in Dublin , Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway .
Ms Lynch , who grew up in the Liberties , received the vaccine just before 1.30pm in St James ’ Hospital .
She has 10 grandchildren and lost her husband in October .
Deborah Cross , a nurse , administered the vaccine to Ms Lynch .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the beginning of a complex process , the beginning of the end of an awful period , ” Prof Brian MacCraith , head of the vaccine task force , told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland earlier today .
Among those who will be the first to receive the vaccine will be an ICU staff nurse , a Covid ward nurse , a junior doctor and an allied health professional , Prof MacCraith added .
Currently there are just under 10,000 doses of the two-step Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in the country .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two doses of the vaccine are required for every person , so 10,000 doses are required to vaccinate 5,000 people .
This will be followed by 40,000 doses a week throughout January and early February .
The plan is to vaccinate 20,000 people a week from early January , with this increasing to 40,000 over the month and into February .
Prof MacCraith explained the reason half the doses that arrived in the country on December 26th had been held back was to ensure health authorities have sufficient quantities to administer the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precaution and once supply chains , manufacturing schedules and delivery dates have been confirmed “ we will never hold back the vaccine , ” he said .
There had been some difficulties around the supply of the vaccine in other countries that explained the caution , he said .
“ We want to get to a situation where we can use the 40,000 doses as soon as possible , ” he said .
Prof MacCraith said when the AstraZeneca vaccine becomes available it will be “ a game changer ” because it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low temperatures .
He expects that by August anyone who wanted the vaccine would have it .
A recent poll had indicated more than 70 per cent of the population would be prepared to take the vaccine , with only one in ten saying they would not .
A communications campaign to provide reassurance and address concerns would play an important role in the coming months , he said .
The first phase of the rollout will focus on frontline healthcare workers and older people in long-term residential care settings , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 580 nursing homes will start on January 11th , but some vaccinations in care homes will take place the week beforehand .
It is expected to take until the end of February to administer two doses of the vaccine to the 70,000 residents and staff in the vulnerable sector .
Initially the vaccination of those in nursing homes will be undertaken by 180 community healthcare vaccinators .
The HSE has said a further 1,500 vaccinators are to become available in the acute hospital system as the rollout plan picks up pace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rollout will include doses being administered to cohorts of the general public , according to priority group , by general practitioners and pharmacists , and in mass-vaccination centres .
“ Today , a great beacon of light starts to shine , as we commence our vaccination programme , ” HSE chief executive Paul Reid wrote on Twitter .
“ Let ’ s all galvanise and unite behind this .
It will take time but stay positive , stay safe , stick with us and we will get there.
” The indications are that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also complex to administer , may be approved as early as January 6th .
There will be upwards of 300,000 doses delivered to the State before the end of February – more than enough to immunise the entire nursing home sector .
Next in line to be vaccinated after that are people aged 70 and above ; other healthcare workers ; people aged 65-69 ; key workers ; people at risk due to medical conditions ; and those living or working in crowded conditions .
This will be followed by people working in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other occupations important to the functioning of society ; people aged between 18 and 54 ; and , finally , pregnant women and those under 18 .

Dublin grandmother Annie Lynch (79) became the first person in the Republic to receive the coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday afternoon. Video: Marc O'Sullivan
Dublin grandmother Annie Lynch (79) became the first person in the Republic to receive the coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday afternoon.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be administered in four locations on Tuesday: St James's and Beaumont hospitals in Dublin, Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway from Tuesday.
Ms Lynch, who grew up in the Liberties, received the vaccine just before 1.30pm in St James’s Hospital, Dublin.
Hospital Report
Her husband John Lynch died in September, and she has three children and six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Ms Lynch lives in Drimnagh, and is a resident of the Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing in St James’s Hospital.
READ MORE
Speaking on Tuesday, Ms Lynch said she felt "very privileged to be the first person in Ireland to receive the vaccine."
“Like everyone else, I have been waiting for the vaccine and I really feel like there is a bit of hope there now. It’s brilliant that it’s here,” she said.
Before she received the jab Ms Lynch was given a HSE vaccine information leaflet, and a detailed leaflet from the drug manufacturer. “Everything was explained very clearly to me beforehand,” she said.
After she received the dose she was given a vaccine report card which listed the name and batch of the vaccine she had been given.
Speaking after receiving the vaccine she told nurse Deborah Cross she “didn’t feel a thing,” before giving those looking on a thumbs up to a round of applause.
Annie Lynch: ‘I really feel like there is a bit of hope there now. It’s brilliant that it’s here’. Photograph: Marc O’Sullivan
Bernie Waterhouse, a clinical nurse manager on a Covid-19 ward in St James’s Hospital became the first healthcare worker to receive the vaccine.
“I wanted to get the vaccine to protect myself, and the people I work with and care for every day, from Covid-19,” she said.
Commenting on the news, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said today was a “ray of light after what has been a trying year in our country.”
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said he was “very proud” to see the vaccination programme begin.
“As we know, the vaccines will be delivered in stages - we’re starting in acute hospitals initially, and will move into long-term care facilities from next week, but this is a great start to an historic process,” he said.
Dr Colm Henry, HSE chief clinical officer, said the vaccine would be a “source of great relief and hope,” particularly for older generations, who had to “endure the consequences of social restrictions more than other groups in society.”
Mary Day, St James’s Hospital chief executive, said it was very proud to be the first to offer the vaccine.
Earlier, Prof Brian MacCraith, head of the vaccine task force, told RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland that "this is a momentous day. It is the beginning of a complex process, the beginning of the end of an awful period,"
Currently there are just under 10,000 doses of the two-step Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in the country. Some 30,000 more are due to arrive today.
Two doses of the vaccine are required for every person, so 10,000 doses are required to vaccinate 5,000 people.
This will be followed by 40,000 doses a week throughout January and early February. The plan is to vaccinate 20,000 people a week from early January, with this increasing to 40,000 over the month and into February.
Prof MacCraith explained the reason half the doses that arrived in the country on December 26th had been held back was to ensure health authorities have sufficient quantities to administer the required second dose.
This was a precaution and once supply chains, manufacturing schedules and delivery dates have been confirmed “we will never hold back the vaccine,” he said.
There had been some difficulties around the supply of the vaccine in other countries that explained the caution, he said. “We want to get to a situation where we can use the 40,000 doses as soon as possible,” he said.
Prof MacCraith said when the AstraZeneca vaccine becomes available it will be “a game changer” because it does not have to be stored at super low temperatures.
He expects that by August anyone who wanted the vaccine would have it.
A recent poll had indicated more than 70 per cent of the population would be prepared to take the vaccine, with only one in ten saying they would not.
A communications campaign to provide reassurance and address concerns would play an important role in the coming months, he said.
The first phase of the rollout will focus on frontline healthcare workers and older people in long-term residential care settings, such as nursing homes.
The plan to vaccinate more than 580 nursing homes will start on January 11th, but some vaccinations in care homes will take place the week beforehand.
It is expected to take until the end of February to administer two doses of the vaccine to the 70,000 residents and staff in the vulnerable sector.
Initially the vaccination of those in nursing homes will be undertaken by 180 community healthcare vaccinators.
The HSE has said a further 1,500 vaccinators are to become available in the acute hospital system as the rollout plan picks up pace.
The second phase of the vaccine rollout will include doses being administered to cohorts of the general public, according to priority group, by general practitioners and pharmacists, and in mass-vaccination centres.
The indications are that Moderna’s vaccine, which is also complex to administer, may be approved as early as January 6th. There will be upwards of 300,000 doses delivered to the State before the end of February - more than enough to immunise the entire nursing home sector.
Next in line to be vaccinated after that are people aged 70 and above; other healthcare workers; people aged 65-69; key workers; people at risk due to medical conditions; and those living or working in crowded conditions.
This will be followed by people working in education; those aged 55-64; workers in other occupations important to the functioning of society; people aged between 18 and 54; and, finally, pregnant women and those under 18.


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Three residents of Kilkenny nursing home die after Covid-19 outbreak

A Co Kilkenny nursing home says three of its residents have died from Covid-19 following a large outbreak of the virus in the facility .
They are among six deaths that have occurred at Gowran Abbey nursing home over the past week .
Some 31 of the nursing home ’ s 42 residents , along with 19 staff , contracted the virus this month , according to the manager Maireád Parker Byrne .
The number of residents still recovering from the disease has since fallen to under 20 , she said .
The privately-run nursing home , in which all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was largely unaffected earlier in the pandemic until the outbreak hit it “ like a train ” in December , according to Ms Parker Byrne .
Aside from those infected after the virus entered from the community , large numbers of staff were unable to work as they were close contacts of cases .
After an appeal for help , the Health Service Executive stepped in to provide cover in the home before Christmas .
Local hotels donated sheets so laundry staff could be redeployed to other duties .
Under HSE contingency arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection control and gerontological advice to assist the nursing home during the outbreak .
Ms Parker Byrne paid tribute to the “ fantastic ” support provided by staff from the HSE , public health departments and the watchdog , the Health Information and Quality Authority .
“ The support was amazing .
A group of experienced nurses give up their holidays to work with us for two weeks , and then had to go into isolation before going back to their own jobs.
” “ Even on Christmas Day , the HSE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer help.
” She said staff and residents had suffered a “ devastating ” psychological impact as a result of the “ brutal ” outbreak “ and we will not be unscathed ” .
However , each of the patients who had died “ died with their hand held ” despite the requirements for personal protective equipment and the limitations on visits .
“ We have been walking on our knees over the past weeks and it is only today that we ’ re getting back up on our feet.
” The outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of large outbreaks in nursing homes in the county .
St Luke ’ s Hospital in Kilkenny city has suffered one of the large hospital outbreaks of Covid-19 in recent weeks .
At its height , the hospital had 33 virus patients but this has now reduced to 17 .

The outbreak at Gowran Abbey (above) is one of a number of large outbreaks in nursing homes in the county.
A Co Kilkenny nursing home says three of its residents have died from Covid-19 following a large outbreak of the virus in the facility.
They are among six deaths of residents in the care of Gowran Abbey nursing home over the past week, according to listings on rip.ie.
Some 31 of the nursing home’s 42 residents, along with 19 staff, contracted the virus this month, according to the manager Maireád Parker Byrne.
Hospital Report
The number of residents still recovering from the disease has since fallen to under 20, she said.
READ MORE
The privately-run nursing home, in which all residents have single, ensuite rooms, was largely unaffected earlier in the pandemic until the outbreak hit it “like a train” in December, according to Ms Parker Byrne.
Aside from those infected after the virus entered from the community, large numbers of staff were unable to work as they were close contacts of cases.
After an appeal for help, the Health Service Executive stepped in to provide cover in the home before Christmas. Local hotels donated sheets so laundry staff could be redeployed to other duties.
Under HSE contingency arrangements, staff have also been providing specialist infection control and gerontological advice to assist the nursing home during the outbreak.
Ms Parker Byrne paid tribute to the “fantastic” support provided by staff from the HSE, public health departments and the watchdog, the Health Information and Quality Authority.
“The support was amazing. A group of experienced nurses give up their holidays to work with us for two weeks, and then had to go into isolation before going back to their own jobs.”
“Even on Christmas Day, the HSE, Hiqa and public health were ringing to offer help.”
She said staff and residents had suffered a “devastating” psychological impact as a result of the “brutal” outbreak “and we will not be unscathed”.
However, each of the patients who had died “died with their hand held” despite the requirements for personal protective equipment and the limitations on visits.
“We have been walking on our knees over the past weeks and it is only today that we’re getting back up on our feet.”
The outbreak at Gowran Abbey is one of a number of large outbreaks in nursing homes in the county.
St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny city has suffered one of the large hospital outbreaks of Covid-19 in recent weeks.
At its height, the hospital had 33 virus patients but this has now reduced to 17.


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Successor to Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin announced

The new Catholic Archbishop of Dublin is to be current Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell ( 66 ) .
A former president of St Patrick ’ s College Maynooth , he had been parish priest at Dunboyne , Co Meath , until appointment as Bishop of Ossory almost three years ago in January 2018 .
The eldest of seven children he was born in 1954 to Dermot and Carmel Farrell , of Garthy , Castletown-Geoghegan , Co Westmeath , in the Catholic diocese of the Meath .
After attending school at in Castletown-Geoghegan and Streamstown , he attended St Finian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in September 1972 began his studies for the priesthood at Maynooth .
He was ordained at St Michael ’ s Church , Castletown-Geoghegan in June 1980 and then served as a curate in Mullingar ’ s Cathedral parish .
In 1985 he went to Rome where he studied for , and in 1988 was awarded , a doctorate at the Gregorian University for a dissertation on The Dogmatic Foundations of Bernard Häring ’ s Thought on Christian Morality as a Sacramental Way of Life .
Fr Häring was a German Redemptorist priest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His final year in Rome also saw him serving as a Director of Formation in the Irish College in that city .
Returning to Ireland in 1989 he was appointed appointed curate in Offaly ’ s Tullamore parish and also began lecturing in moral theology at St Patrick ’ s College , Maynooth .
The following year he was appointed executive assistant to then president at Maynooth Msgr Micheál Ledwith , since laicised , and to the Faculty of Theology at St Patrick ’ s College there , as director of its one-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was appointed vice-president of St Patrick ’ s College , Maynooth , becoming president in 1996 , a position he held until retirement in 2007 .
That same year he took up an appointment as parish priest at Dunboyne and Kilbride In 2009 he was appointed vicar general of Meath diocese .
His appointment as Bishop of Ossory was announced in January 2018 , and he was ordained bishop there at St Mary ’ s Cathedral , Kilkenny , in March 2018 .
For now , and due to the pandemic , Bishop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue as Administrator of Ossory diocese while the retiring Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin will continue there as Administrator until the installation of Archbishop-elect Farrell at Dublin ’ s Pro Cathedral at a date yet to be decided .
Due to Covid-19 restrictions the announcement of Archbishop-elect Farrell ’ s appointment to Dublin was livestreamed this morning on webcam , from Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Seán McDermott St in the north city centre .
On his visit to Ireland in 2018 Pope Francis paused outside that Church in one of Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behest of Archbishop Martin .
It is also where the remains of the Venerable Matt Talbot are interred .

The new Catholic Archbishop of Dublin is to be current Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell (66)
The new Catholic Archbishop of Dublin is to be current Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell (66).
A former president of St Patrick's College Maynooth, he had been parish priest at Dunboyne, Co Meath, until appointment as Bishop of Ossory almost three years ago in January 2018.
The eldest of seven children he was born in 1954 to Dermot and Carmel Farrell, of Garthy, Castletown-Geoghegan, Co Westmeath, in the Catholic diocese of the Meath.
After attending school at in Castletown-Geoghegan and Streamstown, he attended St Finian's College in Mullingar, and in September 1972 began his studies for the priesthood at Maynooth.
READ MORE
He was ordained at St Michael’s Church, Castletown-Geoghegan in June 1980 and then served as a curate in Mullingar’s Cathedral parish.
In 1985 he went to Rome where he studied for, and in 1988 was awarded, a doctorate at the Gregorian University for a dissertation on The Dogmatic Foundations of Bernard Häring's Thought on Christian Morality as a Sacramental Way of Life. Fr Häring was a German Redemptorist priest and moral theologian who died in 1998.
His final year in Rome also saw him serving as a Director of Formation in the Irish College in that city.
Returning to Ireland in 1989 he was appointed appointed curate in Offaly's Tullamore parish and also began lecturing in moral theology at St Patrick's College, Maynooth.
In 1990 he was appointed executive assistant to then president at Maynooth Msgr Micheál Ledwith, since laicised, and to the Faculty of Theology at St Patrick’s College there, as director of its one-year Religious Studies Programme.
In 1993 he was appointed vice-president of St Patrick's College, Maynooth, becoming president in 1996, a position he held until retirement in 2007. That same year he took up an appointment as parish priest at Dunboyne and Kilbride In 2009 he was appointed vicar general of Meath diocese.
His appointment as Bishop of Ossory was announced in January 2018, and he was ordained bishop there at St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, in March 2018.
It is planned, pandemic allowing, that he will be formally installed as Archbishop of Dublin on February 2nd next.
For now, and due to the pandemic, Bishop Farrell becomes Archbishop-elect of Dublin but will continue as Administrator of Ossory diocese while the retiring Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin will continue there as Administrator until the installation of Archbishop-elect Farrell at Dublin's Pro Cathedral at a date yet to be decided.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions the announcement of Archbishop-elect Farrell's appointment to Dublin was livestreamed this morning on webcam, from Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Seán McDermott St in the north city centre.
On his visit to Ireland in 2018 Pope Francis paused outside that Church in one of Dublin's most deprived areas at the behest of Archbishop Martin. It is also where the remains of the Venerable Matt Talbot are interred.


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Garda concerned IRA weapons would go to criminals, declassified files show

Within a month of the IRA declaring its 1994 ceasefire , the Garda and the Irish government were growing increasingly concerned that IRA weaponry might find its way into the hands of organised criminals , files declassified in Belfast show .
A confidential note by the senior Northern Ireland Office ( NIO ) official Sir John Chilcot of a meeting with the then secretary general at the Department of Justice Timothy Dalton notes the Irish government ’ s “ fear of the arms stores and Provisional activity leaking out even more into ordinary crime in an uncontrollable way ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15th 1994 , Sir John said he discussed paramilitary disarmament with the senior Irish official .
Dalton suggested “ there was a move taking place in the Irish government ’ s attitude , as they came to realise , on advice from the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice , that the historical soft line in terms of previous violent republican campaigns could no longer hold , given the Libyan arms shipments and threat that the holdings of Semtex , heavy weapons etc presented to the Irish state , not least in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sir John responded by telling Dalton “ that this realism will be welcome to us , and that it was very much in our mutual interest to share as much information and intelligence as possible about stocks , and stores of weapons and material , and to take a realistic view of , for example , token offers of surrender , which had no material bearing on the real capabilities of the republican movement ” .
During their conversation the two officials discussed the possibility of “ a deal between INLA and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endow the latter with the weapons they were certainly seeking ” .
Sir John warned Dalton about the “ real risk of unguarded remarks from Dublin provoking the loyalists further and cited the Irish Times report of the Taoiseach [ Albert Reynolds ] , talking of the giving up of legislative authority to a north south institution ” .
Dalton told Sir John that Gerry Adams “ had requested the Irish government for special dispensation in respect of 11 prisoners ...
Though he emphasised , there was no expectation of immediate or very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand , then in exchange for this generosity , the Provisional IRA had given undertakings regarding full cooperation within prisons with the regime , an end to attempt to smuggle in arms and other objects , while on the government side , it was likely that minor regime improvements would take place , such as the provision of colour televisions in cells.
” Both senior civil servants agreed that the “ need for security cooperation across the border will continue to be very much in the interest of both governments , not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both hoped will be a permanent peace , but also thereafter , in terms of dealing with organised and potentially heavily armed criminal activity ” .
Dalton hinted there might soon be progress under the law and order pillar of the Maastricht treaty , but was not willing to be specific .
A British official wrote in hand beside this section of the note the words “ Hot Pursuit ?
” an apparent reference to long term British requests that northern security forces should be allowed to pursue fleeing suspects across the border @

Within a month of the IRA declaring its 1994 ceasefire, the Garda and the Irish government were growing increasingly concerned that IRA weaponry might find its way into the hands of organised criminals, files declassified in Belfast show.
A confidential note by the senior Northern Ireland Office (NIO) official Sir John Chilcot of a meeting with the then secretary general at the Department of Justice Timothy Dalton notes the Irish government’s “fear of the arms stores and Provisional activity leaking out even more into ordinary crime in an uncontrollable way”.
During the meeting in London on September 15th 1994, Sir John said he discussed paramilitary disarmament with the senior Irish official.
Dalton suggested “there was a move taking place in the Irish government’s attitude, as they came to realise, on advice from the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, that the historical soft line in terms of previous violent republican campaigns could no longer hold, given the Libyan arms shipments and threat that the holdings of Semtex, heavy weapons etc presented to the Irish state, not least in their leakage into ordinary criminal use”.
READ MORE
Sir John responded by telling Dalton “that this realism will be welcome to us, and that it was very much in our mutual interest to share as much information and intelligence as possible about stocks, and stores of weapons and material, and to take a realistic view of, for example, token offers of surrender, which had no material bearing on the real capabilities of the republican movement”.
During their conversation the two officials discussed the possibility of “a deal between INLA and Republican Sinn Féin whereby the former would endow the latter with the weapons they were certainly seeking”.
Sir John warned Dalton about the “real risk of unguarded remarks from Dublin provoking the loyalists further and cited the Irish Times report of the Taoiseach [Albert Reynolds], talking of the giving up of legislative authority to a north south institution”.
Dalton told Sir John that Gerry Adams “had requested the Irish government for special dispensation in respect of 11 prisoners... Though he emphasised, there was no expectation of immediate or very early release. I was given to understand, then in exchange for this generosity, the Provisional IRA had given undertakings regarding full cooperation within prisons with the regime, an end to attempt to smuggle in arms and other objects, while on the government side, it was likely that minor regime improvements would take place, such as the provision of colour televisions in cells.”
Both senior civil servants agreed that the “need for security cooperation across the border will continue to be very much in the interest of both governments, not only during a transition phase towards what we both hoped will be a permanent peace, but also thereafter, in terms of dealing with organised and potentially heavily armed criminal activity”.
Dalton hinted there might soon be progress under the law and order pillar of the Maastricht treaty, but was not willing to be specific. A British official wrote in hand beside this section of the note the words “Hot Pursuit?” an apparent reference to long term British requests that northern security forces should be allowed to pursue fleeing suspects across the border.


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Incoming Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell faces daunting job

The announcement Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell is to be the new Archbishop of Dublin will come as no great surprise to many priests in the archdiocese .
His name has always been among the front runners since Archbishop Diarmuid Martin made clear his intention to retire on reaching 75 last April .
He has not done so before now due to the pandemic .
Odds , so to speak , on Bishop Farrell being ‘ the man most likely to ’ shortened greatly when he was the only bishop to accompany Ireland ’ s four Catholic Archbishops at their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28th last .
He attended the meeting in his role as finance secretary to the Irish Bishops ’ Conference , a position he was appointed to in March 2019 .
A very competent administrator , this is reflected in his lengthy period as president , vice-president , and executive assistant to the president at St Patrick ’ s College Maynooth between 1993 and 2007 , and in his service on various boards and committees .
These include the Board of Allianz , the Governing Body of the National University of Ireland , Maynooth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and as national director of the Permanent Diaconate .
He is currently also chairman of Veritas Communications .
Probably his most uncomfortable period was in 2002 when it emerged in this newspaper that former president at Maynooth Micheál Ledwith was then lecturing with a new-age cult on the US west coast and that in 1994 he had resigned suddenly from the presidency at Maynooth in circumstances then still unexplained by Catholic Church authorities in Ireland .
Bishop Farrell was then president at Maynooth and , in response to a series of questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick College ’ s Bishop Trustee issued a statement confirming that , prior to his departure from office , sexual abuse allegations had been made against Msgr Ledwith , which he denied .
It emerged later that Msgr Ledwith had agreed a confidential settlement with his accuser without admission of liability .
As a priest of Ferns diocese Msgr Ledwith was also investigated by the Ferns inquiry , which published its report in October 2005 .
Due to the confidentiality clause it was unable to make specific findings in the case it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Msgr Lediwth , since laicised by the Catholic Church .
In his new role as Archbishop of Dublin Arcbishop-elect Farrell faces a daunting job as half of the priests in its 197 parishes are over 70 with declining Mass attendences and dropping revenues .
It is also probably the most secularised Catholic diocese in Ireland .
Speaking at the announcement today , Arcbhishop-elect Farrell said : “ From a young age Dublin has always been part of my life .
My late mother worked here as young woman .
As a teenager , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and uncle who lived and worked in the Liberties .
They introduced me to the history and rich cultural life of the City .
“ Dublin has always been a place of welcome for people from all over Ireland .
Now it is a city of welcome for people from all over the world .
[ And ] the Archdiocese of Dublin is more than the city : its 198 parishes - rural and urban - stretch across Leinster , ” he said .
“ This presents distinctive challenges and opportunities .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural and social contexts in which we find ourselves and in which the gospel is proclaimed .
“

Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell: to be the new Archbishop of Dublin. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times
The announcement that Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell (66) is to be the new Archbishop of Dublin will come as no great surprise to many priests in the archdiocese, as his name has always been among the front runners since Archbishop Diarmuid Martin made clear his intention to retire on reaching 75 last April.
That he has not done so before now is due to the pandemic.
Odds, so to speak, on Bishop Farell being 'the man most likely to' shortened greatly when he was the only bishop to accompany Ireland's four Catholic Archbishops at their meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin on October 28th last.
He attended the meeting in his role as finance secretary to the Irish Bishops’ Conference, a position he was appointed to in March 2019.
READ MORE
A very competent administrator, this is reflected not alone in his lengthy period as president, vice-president, and executive assistant to the president, at St Patrick College Maynooth between 1990 and 2007, but also in his service on various boards and committees.
These include the Board of Allianz plc, the Governing Body of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, the Theological Department Irish Inter-Church Committee, and as National Director of the Permanent Diaconate. He is currently also chairman of Veritas Communications.
Probably his most uncomfortable period was in 2002 when it emerged in this newspaper on May 8th 2002 that his predecessor as president at Maynooth Msgr Micheál Ledwith was then lecturing with a new age cult on the US west coast following his sudden resignation as president at Maynooth in 1994 in circumstances unexplained up to then by Catholic Church authorities and despite persistent media queries.
Then on May 31st 2002, responding to a series of questions from this newspaper, Msgr Farrell as president at Maynooth and the seminary's 17 Bishop trustees issued a statement confirming that, prior to his resignation from office in 1994, child sexual abuse allegations had been made against Msgr Ledwith, which he denied.
It emerged later that Msgr Ledwith had agreed a confidential financial settlement with his accuser, without admission of liability.
As a priest of Ferns diocese, Msgr Ledwith was also investigated by the Ferns inquiry, which published its report in October 2005.
Due to the confidentiality clause it was unable to make specific findings in the alleged abuse case but it did repeat the various abuse allegations against the then still Msgr Lediwth, laicised by the Catholic Church in 2005.
In his new role as Archbishop-elect of Dublin Dermot Farrell faces a daunting job as half of the priests in its 197 parishes are over 70 with declining Mass attendances and dropping revenues. It is also, probably, the most secularised Catholic diocese in Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--‘Invaluable work’: President pays tribute to Samaritans volunteers

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to the 21 Irish branches of the Samaritans for their “ solidarity , care , compassion , kindness , sensitivity ” and “ invaluable ” support during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Speaking on Tuesday morning in a speech streamed on Youtube , the president underlined the positive impact Samaritans volunteers have on so many lives .
“ The service is a lifeline , providing a beacon of hope for the many who may be experiencing , or have ever experienced , deep emotional distress or suicidal ideation , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering an experience of a kinder , more compassionate society .
We all owe so much to the work of the Samaritans , a voluntary organisation that is so cherished within our society.
” Mr Higgins acknowledged how the “ sense of isolation ” can become more acute at Christmas , particularly this year when people are missing the “ social , economic and cultural links that add so much to the texture of our lives ” .
“ We should use this Christmastime to encourage each other , be there for each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of solidarity ” Hundreds of thousands of people have given their time generously to become volunteers with the Samaritans over the years , said the president , adding that it was a “ source of encouragement and security ” to so many people who know their members are ready to listen .
The President also paid special tribute to the Dublin branch of the Samaritans that was due to celebrate 50 years of public service in 2020 with its 250 volunteers .
The citizens who have volunteered at the Dublin branch for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hand of friendship and support to those whose lives have been “ darkened by difficulty and despair , during times when there seems to be no light , no hope , no way out ” , Mr Higgins said .
Their hours spent volunteering with the Samaritans have made a “ profound and positive impact on many lives , often making the difference between life and death ” , the President said .
He also commended those who had the courage to call the Samaritans seeking help .
By using this service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the transformative power of hope , demonstrating a will to reach out from the darkness of despair to grasp a brighter future ” .
He also underlined the Samaritans ’ outreach work , particularly among the Irish prison population , providing support to inmates suffering emotional distress .
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in “ tragic personal and social consequences ” including the Samaritans not being able to take callers to their doors at times during the crisis because of public health restrictions , said the President .
However , their ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days to come ” , said Mr Higgins .
“ As we approach the end of 2020 , a gruelling year for all , but acutely felt by many , we emerge into the beginning of longer , lighter days – days of hope .
It is my sincere hope that all the volunteers of Samaritans Ireland take time in the coming days and weeks to reflect and feel the satisfaction of knowing on how valuable their profound contribution to Irish society has been , that they have comfort from all those they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On behalf of all the citizens of Ireland who know of your generous , tireless work , allow me to tell you how much we are all so deeply grateful for it .
”

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to the 21 Irish branches of the Samaritans for their "solidarity, care, compassion, kindness, sensitivity" and "invaluable" support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking on Tuesday morning in a speech streamed on Youtube, the president underlined the positive impact Samaritans volunteers have on so many lives.
“The service is a lifeline, providing a beacon of hope for the many who may be experiencing, or have ever experienced, deep emotional distress or suicidal ideation,” he said.
“By providing this crucial service you are offering an experience of a kinder, more compassionate society. We all owe so much to the work of the Samaritans, a voluntary organisation that is so cherished within our society.”
READ MORE
Mr Higgins acknowledged how the “sense of isolation” can become more acute at Christmas, particularly this year when people are missing the “social, economic and cultural links that add so much to the texture of our lives”.
“We should use this Christmastime to encourage each other, be there for each other, and draw strength from that sense of solidarity”
Hundreds of thousands of people have given their time generously to become volunteers with the Samaritans over the years, said the president, adding that it was a “source of encouragement and security” to so many people who know their members are ready to listen.
The President also paid special tribute to the Dublin branch of the Samaritans that was due to celebrate 50 years of public service in 2020 with its 250 volunteers.
The citizens who have volunteered at the Dublin branch for over half a century have reached out a hand of friendship and support to those whose lives have been “darkened by difficulty and despair, during times when there seems to be no light, no hope, no way out”, Mr Higgins said.
Their hours spent volunteering with the Samaritans have made a “profound and positive impact on many lives, often making the difference between life and death”, the President said.
He also commended those who had the courage to call the Samaritans seeking help. By using this service, “you are demonstrating your belief in the transformative power of hope, demonstrating a will to reach out from the darkness of despair to grasp a brighter future”.
He also underlined the Samaritans’ outreach work, particularly among the Irish prison population, providing support to inmates suffering emotional distress.
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in “tragic personal and social consequences” including the Samaritans not being able to take callers to their doors at times during the crisis because of public health restrictions, said the President.
However, their ongoing work is “a beacon of better days to come”, said Mr Higgins.
"As we approach the end of 2020, a gruelling year for all, but acutely felt by many, we emerge into the beginning of longer, lighter days – days of hope. It is my sincere hope that all the volunteers of Samaritans Ireland take time in the coming days and weeks to reflect and feel the satisfaction of knowing on how valuable their profound contribution to Irish society has been, that they have comfort from all those they have helped in dire circumstances.
"On behalf of all the citizens of Ireland who know of your generous, tireless work, allow me to tell you how much we are all so deeply grateful for it."


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Big rise in Covid-19 cases expected due to pre-Christmas socialising

A big rise in Covid-19 cases is expected in the coming days as the impact of pre-Christmas socialising comes to bear on Ireland ’ s coronavirus incidence .
The Covid lead for the Irish College of General Practitioners ( ICGP ) , Dr Nuala O ’ Connor has called on the public to limit their contacts in the coming days and New Year ’ s Eve as it is people ’ s behaviour that is going to have a significant impact on the third wave of the virus and how long it lasts .
“ This is an opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland .
“ I would appeal to people to limit their contacts .
Personal behaviour is going to be critical.
” Dr O ’ Connor said she was expecting a big rise in the number of Covid cases in the coming days as GPs had noticed a 65 per cent increase in referrals for Covid tests in the past week .
During the first week of December they had made 25,000 referrals , for the fourth week of December that had risen to 70,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to see the impact of socialising pre Christmas and over the Christmas period .
That ’ s going to affect the numbers in the next week to 10 days.
” It was alarming that the number of contacts for some was 15 people , she added .
A further 765 confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Monday , as well as one further coronavirus related-death .
However , the number of people being hospitalised with coronavirus has “ increased sharply ” in the last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Tony Holohan .
There were 359 Covid-19 patients in hospital on Monday , of which 41 had been admitted in the previous 24 hours .
Some 30 patients were in intensive care , with five admitted in the previous 24 hours .
Dr Holohan said public health officials were also concerned by a “ steep rise in the positivity rates ” from community testing , a metric indicating how prevalent the virus was among the general population .
The current seven-day average rate of positive tests had risen to 9.2 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 18th .
The Government may be forced to implement full Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions because of these concerns , with one senior Government source saying “ you couldn ’ t rule out the Government taking further action in the coming days if the situation continues to deteriorate ” .
“ While we ’ re seeing much lower numbers today and yesterday Government is being told that is very much artificially low ” because of the time of year , and “ there is an expectation that we ’ ll see very , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the source said .
Dr O ’ Connor said another cause for concern was the number of people who were self declaring as they had become aware of a contact who had tested positive .
Anyone who had been a close contact should stay at home and restrict their movements for 14 days .
“ We have people ringing up looking to be tested .
Timing is important , we can ’ t do it too soon , we try to schedule it around Day 5 .
“ We want people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracers to call them , ” she said .
In Ireland there was “ a bit of an obsession with tests ” , but it was people ’ s behaviour that was important rather than the test itself , said Dr O ’ Connor .
Paul Reid , Health Service Executive ( HSE ) chief executive , said there was an “ increasing and concerning ” number of people not answering contact tracers calls over the Christmas period .
The tracing teams were a “ valuable resource ” against the spread of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE spokeswoman said if people did not answer the phone to contact tracers they would leave a voicemail .
The tracing teams would attempt to contact people up to five times over two days , she said .
The first Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines will be administered in Ireland today , at St James ’ s and Beaumont hospitals in Dublin , Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway .
Among those who will be the first to receive the vaccine will be an ICU staff nurse , a Covid ward nurse , a junior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently there are just less than 10,000 doses of the two-step Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in the country .
Some 30,000 more are due to arrive today .
This will be followed by 40,000 a week throughout January and early February .
The plan is to vaccinate 20,000 people a week from early January , with this increasing to 40,000 over the course of the month and into February .

A further nine deaths of Covid-19 patients have been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet). This brings to 2,213 the total number of deaths in the pandemic.
Nphet also reported 1,546 confirmed cases of the disease, bringing to 88,439 the total number of cases in the Republic.
This is the highest daily number of cases yet recorded in the pandemic, though the figure is likely to have been inflated by delayed reporting over the Christmas period.
Hospital Report
Of the new cases, 444 were in Dublin, 203 in Cork, 111 in Louth, 87 in Limerick and 85 in Donegal with the remaining 616 cases spread across all other counties.
READ MORE
The median age is 34 years and 66 per cent are under 45 years of age.
On Tuesday afternoon, 411 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, of which 34 were in ICU. There were 47 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan urged people to remain vigilant, given the increasing spread of the disease, but also highlighted the prospect of better times ahead with the first vaccinations administered today.
"We have reached a significant milestone in our collective response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland, with the launch of our national vaccination programme.
“To see the first recipients of the vaccine gives us hope for better times ahead, particularly for those of us who are the most vulnerable to the virus, including those over 70 and with underlying medical conditions.
“As the vaccination programme rolls out, particularly given the increasing spread of the disease and the concerning rise in the number of hospitalisations – up to 411 today – we each need to remember to remain vigilant to the ongoing risk of the spread of Covid-19 and follow the public health advice in our everyday lives.”
Chief nursing officer Rachel Kenna pointed out that many nurses and midwives will be among the first to receive the vaccine so they can continue to provide care to patients. “It is vital however to support them and all our frontline staff by continuing to adhere to the public health measures advised as the vaccine programme rolls out.”
Cabinet meeting
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that an “unscheduled” Cabinet meeting will take place on Wednesday because of concerns about the rapid and “exponential growth” in the number of Covid-19 cases in recent days.
Last week 234 people had been hospitalised with Covid-19, that figure had risen to 409 on Tuesday which was further cause for concern, he said.
Ireland did not want to be in the same position as the UK where the NHS was overwhelmed with Covid-19 cases.
The Cabinet will be looking at the advice of Nphet, which remained that there should be a return to “full” Level 5 restrictions which would mean the closure of non-essential retail along with gyms and leisure centres.
However, the Minister said that regardless of what level of restrictions the country was at, the advice remained to limit the number of contacts. Some people diagnosed as positive in recent days had “up to 30 close contacts”. Social events were happening with too many people attending, he said.
The Cabinet’s position remained that schools should open next week as school was a safer place for children than the community.
Cases to GPs
The Covid lead for the Irish College of General Practitioners , Dr Nuala O’Connor said she was expecting a big rise in the number of Covid cases in the coming days as GPs had noticed a 65 per cent increase in referrals for Covid tests in the past week.
By the afternoon on Tuesday, Dr O’Connor said 14,000 referrals had been made by GPs across the State for patients to receive Covid-19 tests.
During the first week of December GPs made 25,000 referrals for the whole week, by the fourth week of December that had risen to 70,000, she said.
The number of people being hospitalised with coronavirus has “increased sharply” in the last two days, according to Dr Holohan.
The current seven-day average rate of positive tests had risen to 9.2 per cent, up from 5.2 per cent on December 18th.


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Coronavirus: Government may impose full Level 5 restrictions

The Government may be forced to implement full Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions because of serious concerns about the number of people being hospitalised with coronavirus and the high positivity rate of those being tested for the disease .
The number of people being hospitalised with coronavirus has “ increased sharply ” in the last two days , as the first effects of the third wave of the virus begin to hit the healthcare system .
Dr Tony Holohan , the State ’ s chief medical officer , said the “ concerning trend ” of increasing hospital admissions reflected the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 seen in the last 10 days .
“ We have now exceeded the cumulative number of people hospitalised in this third wave than in the second .
Hospitalisations have increased sharply in the last two days , ” he said .
A senior Government source said tighter restrictions were not discussed at Monday ’ s Cabinet meeting but that “ you couldn ’ t rule out the Government taking further action in the coming days if the situation continues to deteriorate ” .
“ We ’ re at Level 5 with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not 5km , ” travel limits , the source said .
“ While we ’ re seeing much lower numbers today and yesterday Government is being told that is very much artificially low ” because of the time of year , and there is an expectation that we ’ ll see very , very high figures later this week , ” the source said .
It is understood Dr Holohan reiterated his view to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly prior to the Cabinet meeting that full Level 5 restrictions may be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of the third wave than at the peak of the second wave of the virus .
There were 359 Covid-19 patients in hospital on Monday , of which 41 had been admitted in the previous 24 hours .
Some 30 patients were in intensive care , with five admitted in the previous 24 hours .
Dr Holohan said public health officials were also concerned by a “ steep rise in the positivity rates ” from community testing , a metric indicating how prevalent the virus was among the general population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive tests had risen to 9.2 per cent , up from 5.2 per cent on December 18th .
“ This is just one more reason why we are strongly advising everyone to stay safely at home to avoid transmitting or catching this virus , as it continues to circulate widely , ” he said .
A further 765 confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Monday , as well as one further coronavirus related-death .
Dr Holohan said the drop in new cases compared to last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred and turning up for testing in the days around Christmas .
Infectious diseases expert Prof Sam McConkey said he was concerned this would result in “ significantly high ” numbers of cases being reported from the middle of this week onwards .
Prof McConkey said the increase in hospitalisations was “ almost completely inevitable ” given the country was beginning to see over 1,000 new cases a day .
The first Covid-19 vaccinations are expected to be administered at one of four acute hospitals today in Dublin , Cork and Galway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination plan and stressed to colleagues the importance of effective communications on the vaccine .
The Minister had earlier on Monday met the high-level taskforce on the vaccination programme and told it the only constraint members should face is supply , and that whatever resources they need will be in place .
But concerns were expressed that the vaccination programme was happening with a backdrop of very concerning virus figures and worry about the new strain of the virus .
A number of Cabinet members sought assurance that as supply “ ramps up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match that with sufficient personnel in place to administer injections , and that there would not be a significant time lag between the vaccines arriving and people being vaccinated .
Mr Donnelly assured colleagues that inoculation would be a full seven-day operation and not a five-day system as has been suggested .
He reiterated the only constraint would be supply and all resources would be in place .
The Minister also assured Cabinet that they were engaging with GPs and pharmacies after a number of Ministers expressed concern that different GPs were out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the importance of engaging with them .
It is also expected a decision may be taken on Tuesday over whether to extend or drop the ban on flights and ferries from Britain into Ireland , one Government source said .
The travel ban had been put in place over fears of a new Covid-19 variant identified in southeast England , and last week the ban was extended until December 31st .
The new Covid variant , which is believed to be significantly more transmissible , has since been detected in the Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) health emergencies executive director , said Britain should not be “ unnecessarily punished ” for alerting the world to the new strain of the virus it identified .
Speaking at a WHO press briefing on Monday , Dr Ryan said “ shutting down countries with absolute measures ” was not feasible , or necessarily the best public health response .
“ It ’ s really important that transparent and open countries , like South Africa and the UK , who pursue science on behalf of us all , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ openness , ” he said .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Monday said he was really concerned about the new variant of Covid-19 and its possible impact on Ireland .
Speaking before a special Cabinet meeting he said rapidly rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the run-up to Christmas were also of concern .
Mr Martin also defended the new measures the Government has introduced in the face of rising Covid-19 levels .
“ We have introduced very severe level 5 measures , ” he said .
“ The only areas not covered are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been shown to be not huge , and [ the decision not to reintroduce ] the five-kilometre from home restrictions.
” The Taoiseach said a lot depended on behaviour , individual and collective .
“ That is the key , ” he said , adding reducing social contacts , wearing masks , and observing other public health protocols were the best way of keeping numbers down .

The Government may look to reintroduce the 5km travel limit. File photograph: The Irish Times
The Government may be forced to implement full Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions because of serious concerns about the number of people being hospitalised with coronavirus and the high positivity rate of those being tested for the disease.
The number of people being hospitalised with coronavirus has “increased sharply” in the last two days, as the first effects of the third wave of the virus begin to hit the healthcare system.
Dr Tony Holohan, the State's chief medical officer, said the "concerning trend" of increasing hospital admissions reflected the "sharp increase" in the rates of Covid-19 seen in the last 10 days. "We have now exceeded the cumulative number of people hospitalised in this third wave than in the second. Hospitalisations have increased sharply in the last two days," he said.
Hospital Report
A senior Government source said tighter restrictions were not discussed at Monday’s Cabinet meeting but that “you couldn’t rule out the Government taking further action in the coming days if the situation continues to deteriorate”.
READ MORE
“We’re at Level 5 with a few tweaks and it’s county and not 5km,” travel limits, the source said. “While we’re seeing much lower numbers today and yesterday Government is being told that is very much artificially low” because of the time of year, and there is an expectation that we’ll see very, very high figures later this week,” the source said.
It is understood Dr Holohan reiterated his view to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly prior to the Cabinet meeting that full Level 5 restrictions may be required, with more people in hospital now at the start of the third wave than at the peak of the second wave of the virus.
Intensive care
There were 359 Covid-19 patients in hospital on Monday, of which 41 had been admitted in the previous 24 hours. Some 30 patients were in intensive care, with five admitted in the previous 24 hours.
Dr Holohan said public health officials were also concerned by a “steep rise in the positivity rates” from community testing, a metric indicating how prevalent the virus was among the general population.
The current seven-day average rate of positive tests had risen to 9.2 per cent, up from 5.2 per cent on December 18th. “This is just one more reason why we are strongly advising everyone to stay safely at home to avoid transmitting or catching this virus, as it continues to circulate widely,” he said.
A further 765 confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Monday, as well as one further coronavirus related-death.
Dr Holohan said the drop in new cases compared to last week was likely due to fewer people being referred and turning up for testing in the days around Christmas.
Infectious diseases expert Prof Sam McConkey said he was concerned this would result in “significantly high” numbers of cases being reported from the middle of this week onwards. Prof McConkey said the increase in hospitalisations was “almost completely inevitable” given the country was beginning to see over 1,000 new cases a day.
Vaccinations
The first Covid-19 vaccinations are expected to be administered at one of four acute hospitals today in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Mr Donnelly updated the Cabinet on the vaccination plan and stressed to colleagues the importance of effective communications on the vaccine.
The Minister had earlier on Monday met the high-level taskforce on the vaccination programme and told it the only constraint members should face is supply, and that whatever resources they need will be in place.
But concerns were expressed that the vaccination programme was happening with a backdrop of very concerning virus figures and worry about the new strain of the virus.
A number of Cabinet members sought assurance that as supply “ramps up” health authorities will be able to match that with sufficient personnel in place to administer injections, and that there would not be a significant time lag between the vaccines arriving and people being vaccinated.
Mr Donnelly assured colleagues that inoculation would be a full seven-day operation and not a five-day system as has been suggested. He reiterated the only constraint would be supply and all resources would be in place.
The Minister also assured Cabinet that they were engaging with GPs and pharmacies after a number of Ministers expressed concern that different GPs were out raising questions about the pace of vaccines and the importance of engaging with them.
It is also expected a decision may be taken on Tuesday over whether to extend or drop the ban on flights and ferries from Britain into Ireland, one Government source said.
The travel ban had been put in place over fears of a new Covid-19 variant identified in southeast England, and last week the ban was extended until December 31st.
The new Covid variant, which is believed to be significantly more transmissible, has since been detected in the Republic.
Dr Mike Ryan, World Health Organization (WHO) health emergencies executive director, said Britain should not be "unnecessarily punished" for alerting the world to the new strain of the virus it identified.
Speaking at a WHO press briefing on Monday, Dr Ryan said "shutting down countries with absolute measures" was not feasible, or necessarily the best public health response. "It's really important that transparent and open countries, like South Africa and the UK, who pursue science on behalf of us all, are not unduly and unnecessarily punished for their openness," he said.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Monday said he was really concerned about the new variant of Covid-19 and its possible impact on Ireland. Speaking before a special Cabinet meeting he said rapidly rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the run-up to Christmas were also of concern.
Mr Martin also defended the new measures the Government has introduced in the face of rising Covid-19 levels. “We have introduced very severe level 5 measures,” he said.
“The only areas not covered are non-essential retail, the impact of which has been shown to be not huge, and [the decision not to reintroduce] the five-kilometre from home restrictions.”
The Taoiseach said a lot depended on behaviour, individual and collective. “That is the key,” he said, adding reducing social contacts, wearing masks, and observing other public health protocols were the best way of keeping numbers down.


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Travellers returning from Britain put Rathkeale at risk – Pavee Point

The traditional Christmas return from Britain of members of the Travelling community to Rathkeale , Co Limerick threatens a significant increase in Covid-19 cases in the town , leading Travellers ’ group , Pavee Point , has warned .
Every December the town ’ s 1,700 population effectively doubles to 3,000 with members of the Travelling community arriving to visit relatives ; but , often , to hold weddings and other gatherings .
“ Everybody is absolutely [ right ] to be concerned about Rathkeale , ” said Pavee Point co-director Martin Collins , who said those gathering in large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , potentially there could be deaths ” .
From last March , he said he had warned against the traditional early December return by Travellers to Rathkeale because “ of the risk of contracting and spreading the virus , not just in the Traveller community but also in the settled community ” .
Members of his own family living in London , made the “ devastating ” decision not to travel : “ Under the circumstances , it ’ s the right thing to do , it ’ s the most responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Irish Times .
Calling for a ban on the sale or renting of marquees , he said : “ During the pandemic I ’ ve seen many Travellers hiring marquees , and having parties in their own back yards , birthday parties , anniversaries , and so forth , and that ’ s just not on , it ’ s not acceptable.
” Meanwhile , a number of files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions following incidents dealt with by gardaí in Rathkeale across the Christmas period “ involving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on public thoroughfares in the town ” .
Videos taken at a number of house parties in the town , with large crowds , no social distancing and no masks , have been shared widely locally in the past few days , prompting calls for extra gardaí to be deployed .
“ The videos circulating are very alarming .
The local community is very concerned and upset and they feel forgotten about and left behind , ” said Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins , who sought details of the Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town , but was refused .
The latest Covid-19 figures available from the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) broken down by local electoral area put the 14-day incidence rate in the Adare-Rathkeale district at above the national average .
The data , collected between December 8th and the 21st , put the number of Covid-19 cases in the district – which includes 27,000 people and extends far beyond Rathkeale ’ s own boundaries – at 353.7 per 100,000 .
The numbers per 100,000 for other parts of Limerick then were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 260.3 ; City North : 109.5 ; City West : 106 ; and Cappamore-Kilmallock , with 74.7 cases per 100,000 people .
In September , two local councillors , Fine Gael ’ s Adam Teskey and Independent Emmett O ’ Brien , raised concerns about the Christmas risks , though both were then criticised for doing so .
The numbers , Cllr O ’ Brien told The Irish Times , had caused “ a predictable soar ” in cases .
Agreeing with Pavee Point ’ s advice that people should not travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this stage we are probably gone past that point .
What I would ask is for people to adhere to proper etiquette and public health guidelines .
“ People are fearful , and say to me that when some people are challenged who aren ’ t wearing face masks , that they get abused .
I don ’ t know if they are members of the Travelling community or not , but they can certainly be categorised as people who have returned to Rathkeale for the Christmas period , ” the TD added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations officer of the Rathkeale Community Council , said Rathkeale was being unfairly singled out .
Visitor numbers were up , but there was little evidence that masking or social distancing rules were being broken , he said .
Businesses “ are sticking very closely to the guidelines , and you can ’ t walk into a shop ... without a mask – that ’ s what I ’ m genuinely seeing , genuinely ” , Mr Lamont said .
“ Lots of positive things have happened in the last quarter of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premises , to say to customers that Rathkeale is safe , we appreciate your business and we don ’ t take it for granted , ” he said .
The HSE held a Covid-19 “ pop-up ” test clinic in Rathkeale on December 21st and tested 121 people : “ There are no plans for any further pop-up testing facilities before the new year , ” said a HSE spokesman .
The HSE , as it did last year , has set up a triage clinic in the town that will operate until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Year ’ s Day .
Last year , it treated 422 people over 19 days .

Martin Collins warned against the traditional early December return by Travellers to Rathkeale because ‘of the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, not just in the Traveller community but also in the settled community’.
The traditional Christmas return from Britain of members of the Travelling community to Rathkeale, Co Limerick threatens a significant increase in Covid-19 cases in the town, leading Travellers' group, Pavee Point, has warned.
Every December the town’s 1,700 population effectively doubles to 3,000 with members of the Travelling community arriving to visit relatives; but, often, to hold weddings and other gatherings.
"Everybody is absolutely [right] to be concerned about Rathkeale," said Pavee Point co-director Martin Collins, who said those gathering in large numbers were "playing Russian roulette, and, potentially there could be deaths".
Rathkeale, Co Limerick: David Lamont, public relations officer of the Rathkeale Community Council, says the town is being unfairly singled out. Photograph: Liam Burke/ Press 22
From last March, he said he had warned against the traditional early December return by Travellers to Rathkeale because “of the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, not just in the Traveller community but also in the settled community”.
READ MORE
Members of his own family living in London, made the “devastating” decision not to travel: “Under the circumstances, it’s the right thing to do, it’s the most responsible thing to do,” he told The Irish Times.
Calling for a ban on the sale or renting of marquees, he said: “During the pandemic I’ve seen many Travellers hiring marquees, and having parties in their own back yards, birthday parties, anniversaries, and so forth, and that’s just not on, it’s not acceptable.”
Meanwhile, a number of files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions following incidents dealt with by gardaí in Rathkeale across the Christmas period “involving gatherings by large groups at private establishments and on public thoroughfares in the town”.
Videos taken at a number of house parties in the town, with large crowds, no social distancing and no masks, have been shared widely locally in the past few days, prompting calls for extra gardaí to be deployed.
"The videos circulating are very alarming. The local community is very concerned and upset and they feel forgotten about and left behind," said Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins, who sought details of the Garda's Christmas policing plan for the town, but was refused.
Covid-19 figures
The latest Covid-19 figures available from the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC) broken down by local electoral area put the 14-day incidence rate in the Adare-Rathkeale district at above the national average.
The data, collected between December 8th and the 21st, put the number of Covid-19 cases in the district – which includes 27,000 people and extends far beyond Rathkeale’s own boundaries – at 353.7 per 100,000.
The numbers per 100,000 for other parts of Limerick then were Newcastle West: 266.3; City East: 260.3; City North: 109.5; City West: 106; and Cappamore-Kilmallock, with 74.7 cases per 100,000 people.
In September, two local councillors, Fine Gael's Adam Teskey and Independent Emmett O'Brien, raised concerns about the Christmas risks, though both were then criticised for doing so. The numbers, Cllr O'Brien told The Irish Times, had caused "a predictable soar" in cases.
Agreeing with Pavee Point’s advice that people should not travel, Mr Collins said: “At this stage we are probably gone past that point. What I would ask is for people to adhere to proper etiquette and public health guidelines.
“People are fearful, and say to me that when some people are challenged who aren’t wearing face masks, that they get abused. I don’t know if they are members of the Travelling community or not, but they can certainly be categorised as people who have returned to Rathkeale for the Christmas period,” the TD added.
However, David Lamont, public relations officer of the Rathkeale Community Council, said Rathkeale was being unfairly singled out. Visitor numbers were up, but there was little evidence that masking or social distancing rules were being broken, he said.
Businesses “are sticking very closely to the guidelines, and you can’t walk into a shop...without a mask – that’s what I’m genuinely seeing, genuinely”, Mr Lamont said.
“Lots of positive things have happened in the last quarter of this year, with businesses refurbishing and painting premises, to say to customers that Rathkeale is safe, we appreciate your business and we don’t take it for granted,” he said.
The HSE held a Covid-19 “pop-up” test clinic in Rathkeale on December 21st and tested 121 people: “There are no plans for any further pop-up testing facilities before the new year,” said a HSE spokesman.
The HSE, as it did last year, has set up a triage clinic in the town that will operate until January 8th, bar Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Last year, it treated 422 people over 19 days.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Covid-19: Cabinet set to impose full Level 5 curbs after record new cases

The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday afternoon to consider returning the State to a full Level 5 lockdown after the confirmation of 1,546 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic , the highest daily number recorded during the nine months of the pandemic .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) on Tuesday night confirmed the figure , which surpasses the previous record of 1,296 recorded on St Stephen ’ s Day , along with a further nine deaths of coronavirus patients .
Wednesday ’ s meeting of Ministers was hastily arranged at mid-morning on Tuesday following what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in the number of cases , the highest number of hospitalisations since May and a massive rise in referrals of suspected cases in the past week .
Minsters said they expected numbers to continue to grow sharply over the coming days reflecting increased social contacts at Christmas .
“ This is perhaps the most dangerous moment for the country since Covid-19 began , ” said one Minister , speaking on the basis of anonymity .
The Cabinet is expected to reintroduce all Level 5 restrictions including the closure of non-essential retail as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restricted to within 5km of their homes .
It will also end two days early the concession that allowed two families socialise in one home until December 31st .
This is being done to reduce the opportunities for New Year ’ s Eve celebrations .
Government wants schools to remain open , although primary teachers ’ union the INTO has called for a delay in reopening primary and special schools .
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said Ireland found itself in a “ dark and worrying place ” in relation to Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across a number of indicators in recent days , he said he “ would not be surprised ” if there were more than 2,000 cases a day by New Year ’ s Day .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly also pointed to the near doubling of hospitalisations in the past week as a significant concern , and said he did not want to see the health service overwhelmed .
Ireland is set to receive an additional one million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine after the EU responded to surging case numbers by ramping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has so far authorised .
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday the bloc had decided to take an additional 100 million doses of the vaccine , on top of the 200 million already ordered .
The extra supplies may compensate for delays in the approval of other vaccines Ireland was slated to receive .
It emerged on Tuesday that the roll-out of the Oxford University-Astra Zeneca vaccine is unlikely to go ahead as hoped in January after a senior official in the European Medicines Agency said regulators did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland has ordered 3.3 million doses of this vaccine .
It has also ordered 3.3 million doses of the Sanofi/GSK vaccine , but this is delayed until late 2021 .
Meanwhile , seven cases of the new , more transmissible variant of Covid-19 first identified in the UK have been sequenced in the Republic , along with one in Northern Ireland , according to a new risk assessment from the European Centre for Disease Control .
It says that although there is no information that infections with the new strain are more severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of the virus is assessed as high in terms of hospitalisations and deaths .
Annie Lynch , a 79-year-old Dublin grandmother , on Tuesday became the first person in the Republic to be vaccinated against Covid-19 .
She was among 2,000 people , mostly frontline health workers , who received the first supply of the vaccine in four hospitals in Dublin , Galway and Cork .
Despite supply difficulties with the vaccine arising in some other EU states , the HSE said there was no delay in the delivery of vaccine doses @ @ @ @ @

Clinical nurse manager Deborah Cross gives Annie Lynch the Covid-19 vaccination at St James’s Hospital in Dublin 8. The 79-year-old Dublin grandmother was the first person in the Republic to receive the vaccine. Photograph: Marc O’Sullivan
The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday afternoon to consider returning the State to a full Level 5 lockdown after the confirmation of 1,546 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic, the highest daily number recorded during the nine months of the pandemic.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) on Tuesday night confirmed the figure, which surpasses the previous record of 1,296 recorded on St Stephen’s Day, along with a further nine deaths of coronavirus patients.
Wednesday’s meeting of Ministers was hastily arranged at mid-morning on Tuesday following what was described as an “exponential” increase in the number of cases, the highest number of hospitalisations since May and a massive rise in referrals of suspected cases in the past week.
Hospital Report
Minsters said they expected numbers to continue to grow sharply over the coming days reflecting increased social contacts at Christmas. “This is perhaps the most dangerous moment for the country since Covid-19 began,” said one Minister, speaking on the basis of anonymity.
READ MORE
The Cabinet is expected to reintroduce all Level 5 restrictions including the closure of non-essential retail as well as the reimposition of people being restricted to within 5km of their homes. It will also end two days early the concession that allowed two families socialise in one home until December 31st. This is being done to reduce the opportunities for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Government wants schools to remain open, although primary teachers’ union the INTO has called for a delay in reopening primary and special schools.
‘Dark and worrying place’
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said Ireland found itself in a “dark and worrying place” in relation to Covid-19.
Given the evidence of exponential growth across a number of indicators in recent days, he said he “would not be surprised” if there were more than 2,000 cases a day by New Year’s Day.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly also pointed to the near doubling of hospitalisations in the past week as a significant concern, and said he did not want to see the health service overwhelmed.
Ireland is set to receive an additional one million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine after the EU responded to surging case numbers by ramping up orders for the one treatment it has so far authorised.
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday the bloc had decided to take an additional 100 million doses of the vaccine, on top of the 200 million already ordered.
The extra supplies may compensate for delays in the approval of other vaccines Ireland was slated to receive.
It emerged on Tuesday that the roll-out of the Oxford University-Astra Zeneca vaccine is unlikely to go ahead as hoped in January after a senior official in the European Medicines Agency said regulators did not have enough information about the vaccine.
Ireland has ordered 3.3 million doses of this vaccine. It has also ordered 3.3 million doses of the Sanofi/GSK vaccine, but this is delayed until late 2021.
New variant
Meanwhile, seven cases of the new, more transmissible variant of Covid-19 first identified in the UK have been sequenced in the Republic, along with one in Northern Ireland, according to a new risk assessment from the European Centre for Disease Control.
It says that although there is no information that infections with the new strain are more severe, because of increased transmissibility, the impact of the virus is assessed as high in terms of hospitalisations and deaths.
Annie Lynch, a 79-year-old Dublin grandmother, on Tuesday became the first person in the Republic to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
She was among 2,000 people, mostly frontline health workers, who received the first supply of the vaccine in four hospitals in Dublin, Galway and Cork.
Despite supply difficulties with the vaccine arising in some other EU states, the HSE said there was no delay in the delivery of vaccine doses to Ireland at present.


theirishtimes--2020-12-30--Mother and Baby Homes report to highlight ‘massive societal failure’

Details of a “ massive societal failure ” and misogyny that “ permeated ” Irish life for decades will be revealed when the Mother and Baby Homes Commission ’ s report is published next month , Minister for Children Roderic O ’ Gorman has said .
The 3,000-page report will be brought to Cabinet on the week of January 11th and given to survivors of the homes before being formally released .
In an interview with the Irish Times , Mr O ’ Gorman said the report reveals a “ misogyny that went all the way from government to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permeated all of society ” .
The homes were generally institutions run by nuns where women who became pregnant outside marriage gave birth .
In the main these babies were adopted , frequently by Catholic families in the US , in return for donations .
The commission , established in 2015 , investigated the treatment and abuse of women and children in 18 such homes and four county homes between the 1920s and 1990s .
A section of the report will outline testimonies given by survivors to a confidential committee .
“ Time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really vulnerable young women , many of whom didn ’ t know what sex was , [ some ] who said they had sex with their boyfriend but didn ’ t know what happened and became pregnant , ” Mr O ’ Gorman said .
“ Or indeed vulnerable young women who were taken advantage of by a family member or raped .
And then rather than being supported , were shamed and sent away to institutions that were deeply cold and massively unsuitable in terms of sanitary conditions .
They subsequently had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ How could fathers and mothers send their daughters away like this ?
How could so many Irish men and women decide ‘ I don ’ t want that grandchild , we need to get that grandchild out and secret and away from us ’ .
It ’ s really hard to comprehend.
” Asked if a State apology would be forthcoming in the New Year , he said Government “ will not be found wanting ” in its response to the report .
“ I don ’ t want to prejudge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take and agree at Cabinet level but I think the report demonstrates a massive societal failure .
And I believe the Government will respond appropriately.
” Mr O ’ Gorman will also bring legislation to allow a phased forensic excavation at the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam , Co Galway .
The commission was set up following revelations in 2014 by local historian Catherine Corless about the deaths of almost 800 children there .
There was controversy earlier this year over the level of access available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Gorman said work was underway on drafting information and tracing legislation to allow adopted people to have their birth information .

Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman will also bring legislation to allow a phased forensic excavation at the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co Galway. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Details of a “massive societal failure” and misogyny that “permeated” Irish life for decades will be revealed when the Mother and Baby Homes Commission’s report is published next month, Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman has said.
The 3,000-page report will be brought to Cabinet on the week of January 11th and given to survivors of the homes before being formally released.
In an interview with the Irish Times, Mr O’Gorman said the report reveals a “misogyny that went all the way from government to the State to the church, but also permeated all of society”.
The homes were generally institutions run by nuns where women who became pregnant outside marriage gave birth. In the main these babies were adopted, frequently by Catholic families in the US, in return for donations.
READ MORE
The commission, established in 2015, investigated the treatment and abuse of women and children in 18 such homes and four county homes between the 1920s and 1990s.
‘Hard to comprehend’
A section of the report will outline testimonies given by survivors to a confidential committee.
“Time and time again there are examples of really vulnerable young women, many of whom didn’t know what sex was, [some] who said they had sex with their boyfriend but didn’t know what happened and became pregnant,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“Or indeed vulnerable young women who were taken advantage of by a family member or raped. And then rather than being supported, were shamed and sent away to institutions that were deeply cold and massively unsuitable in terms of sanitary conditions. They subsequently had to bear this secret on their own.”
“How could fathers and mothers send their daughters away like this? How could so many Irish men and women decide ‘I don’t want that grandchild, we need to get that grandchild out and secret and away from us’. It’s really hard to comprehend.”
Asked if a State apology would be forthcoming in the New Year, he said Government “will not be found wanting” in its response to the report.
“I don’t want to prejudge the measures that the Government are going to take and agree at Cabinet level but I think the report demonstrates a massive societal failure. And I believe the Government will respond appropriately.”
Mr O’Gorman will also bring legislation to allow a phased forensic excavation at the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co Galway. The commission was set up following revelations in 2014 by local historian Catherine Corless about the deaths of almost 800 children there.
There was controversy earlier this year over the level of access available to the commission’s records. Mr O’Gorman said work was underway on drafting information and tracing legislation to allow adopted people to have their birth information.


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Covid-19: Teachers’ union requests delay to reopening of schools

The organisation representing primary schools has written to Government requesting it consider a delay in their reopening when Cabinet meets on Wednesday to discuss its response to rising Covid cases .
John Boyle , general secretary of the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation told Minister for Education Norma Foley that Monday , January 11th should be the earliest date for children to begin the new term .
He said this should be considered “ on public health grounds in the interest of securing safer schools for pupils , staff and their families ” .
“ The INTO remains strongly committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workplaces , as they endeavour to teach and support the wellbeing of their pupils at school where children undoubtedly benefit greatly , ” Mr Boyle wrote in a letter released on Tuesday night .
“ However , it is now becoming very clear that the ability of schools to operate normally is likely to be seriously impaired due to the higher numbers of staff and students who will need to self-isolate and/or restrict movement in the weeks following Christmas.
” Increasing discomfort among teachers comes as the rates of new Covid infections rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Cabinet meeting in which tougher public restrictions are expected to be adopted .
The INTO has asked Government to take into account the increase in the number of positive cases from mass-testing in schools during December .
The letter said the number of staff testing positive in primary and special schools has also increased .
“ The number of confirmed cases has grown at an alarming rate in the last fortnight with nearly 700 children of primary-school age testing positive in the 14 days prior to schools closing for the Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more contagious spread of the virus , the rise in hospitalisation rates and the recent surge in GP referrals for testing .
There is also an “ acute shortage of substitute teachers in certain parts of the country ” .
Mr Boyle told the Minister that a delay in reopening schools would give boards of management more time to put measures in place and source substitute teachers .
“ Our measured proposal to delay the commencement of the Spring term by a minimum of three school days…would also provide Government with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign on the importance of safe schools , which was promised to this union at recent stakeholder consultation meetings , ” he wrote .
“ In our view your Government would also be better placed late next week to take account of emerging scientific evidence regarding the new variants of Covid-19 than you possibly could be within the next seven days .
”

The INTO said the reopening of schools should be delayed by a minimum of three school days. Photograph: iStock
The organisation representing primary schools has written to Government requesting it consider a delay in their reopening when Cabinet meets on Wednesday to discuss its response to rising Covid cases.
John Boyle, general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation told Minister for Education Norma Foley that Monday, January 11th should be the earliest date for children to begin the new term.
He said this should be considered “on public health grounds in the interest of securing safer schools for pupils, staff and their families”.
Hospital Report
“The INTO remains strongly committed to supporting our 42,000 members in safe workplaces, as they endeavour to teach and support the wellbeing of their pupils at school where children undoubtedly benefit greatly,” Mr Boyle wrote in a letter released on Tuesday night.
READ MORE
“However, it is now becoming very clear that the ability of schools to operate normally is likely to be seriously impaired due to the higher numbers of staff and students who will need to self-isolate and/or restrict movement in the weeks following Christmas.”
Increasing discomfort among teachers comes as the rates of new Covid infections rose above 1,500, and ahead of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in which tougher public restrictions are expected to be adopted.
The INTO has asked Government to take into account the increase in the number of positive cases from mass-testing in schools during December. The letter said the number of staff testing positive in primary and special schools has also increased.
“The number of confirmed cases has grown at an alarming rate in the last fortnight with nearly 700 children of primary-school age testing positive in the 14 days prior to schools closing for the Christmas holidays.”
It also cites the new, more contagious spread of the virus, the rise in hospitalisation rates and the recent surge in GP referrals for testing.
There is also an “acute shortage of substitute teachers in certain parts of the country”.
Mr Boyle told the Minister that a delay in reopening schools would give boards of management more time to put measures in place and source substitute teachers.
“Our measured proposal to delay the commencement of the Spring term by a minimum of three school days…would also provide Government with the opportunity to launch an intensive public awareness campaign on the importance of safe schools, which was promised to this union at recent stakeholder consultation meetings,” he wrote.
“In our view your Government would also be better placed late next week to take account of emerging scientific evidence regarding the new variants of Covid-19 than you possibly could be within the next seven days.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--Six new fire stations to be built across State in five years

Six new fire stations are set to be built across the country over the next five years , under a Government scheme announced on Tuesday .
The new fire stations will be located in counties Kilkenny , Kildare , Galway and Monaghan with two planned for Co Wicklow .
The €61 million Fire Service Capital Programme will also see 9 fire stations refurbished , continuing support for the construction of a further 12 stations already planned and 35 new fire engines allocated .
Each county will see at least one new fire engine delivered , while Cork will receive three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tunnel training facilities will be constructed at the O ’ Brien Institute in Marino in Dublin and accommodation works for turn-table ladders will be carried out in Finglas and Rathfarnham .
Minister for Housing , Local Authority and Heritage Darragh O ’ Brien said his department carried out a “ comprehensive analysis ” of proposals put forward by local authorities for fire station works .
He said investment was “ badly needed ” with growing populations in various areas .
“ In order to maintain a reliable fleet in optimal condition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allocated for fire appliances which will be delivered in two tranches , ” he said .
“ In the first tranche , 35 new appliances will be provided at an approximate cost of almost €16 million .
Separately , in Dublin , where requirements are in some ways unique , the Department will , as a matter of priority , critically and comprehensively evaluate funding needs over the next few years .
”

Six new fire stations are set to be built across the country over the next five years, under a Government scheme announced on Tuesday.
The new fire stations will be located in counties Kilkenny, Kildare, Galway and Monaghan with two planned for Co Wicklow.
The €61 million Fire Service Capital Programme will also see 9 fire stations refurbished, continuing support for the construction of a further 12 stations already planned and 35 new fire engines allocated.
Each county will see at least one new fire engine delivered, while Cork will receive three and Dublin will receive four.
READ MORE
High-rise and tunnel training facilities will be constructed at the O'Brien Institute in Marino in Dublin and accommodation works for turn-table ladders will be carried out in Finglas and Rathfarnham.
Minister for Housing, Local Authority and Heritage Darragh O'Brien said his department carried out a "comprehensive analysis" of proposals put forward by local authorities for fire station works.
He said investment was “badly needed” with growing populations in various areas.
“In order to maintain a reliable fleet in optimal condition, a total of €27.7 million has been allocated for fire appliances which will be delivered in two tranches,” he said.
“In the first tranche, 35 new appliances will be provided at an approximate cost of almost €16 million. Separately, in Dublin, where requirements are in some ways unique, the Department will, as a matter of priority, critically and comprehensively evaluate funding needs over the next few years.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-29--GRA president raises concerns over association’s ‘militancy’

The outgoing president of the Garda Representative Association ( GRA ) has condemned the “ militancy ” of the association and has raised his concerns with the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner .
In a strongly worded speech at the GRA ’ s annual delegate conference , Jim Mulligan said this militancy included “ calls for industrial action at the height of a pandemic ” and unauthorised lobbying of politicians .
Condemning a “ militant rump ” which has formed a “ shadow [ on ] GRA ” , Mr Mulligan said he could not stand over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his concerns to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and he met Commissioner Drew Harris on the matter .
“ I ’ m unaware of what further action may be taken but I think this association needs to be looked into before it spins out of control.
” The GRA , which represents some 12,000 rank and file gardaí , held its annual conference online for the first time .
Mr Mulligan ’ s speech reflects months of in-fighting within the GRA executive .
Opponents of Mr Mulligan and the former GRA general secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forceful enough on behalf of its members in its dealings with Garda management .
Mr Ennis was effectively deposed as general secretary last February when the GRA executive declined to renew his contract .
Deputy general secretary Philip McAnenly is the acting general secretary .
Mr Mulligan said the calling of the conference was a “ sham ” .
He said its main purpose was to remove Mr Ennis from his position because he was insisting on governance and financial oversight reforms .
He described Mr Ennis as the “ Ronaldo ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re now taking him off the pitch .
This ill serves our members.
” The morning session saw the unopposed election of Frank Thornton as the new GRA president and Brendan O ’ Connor as vice-president .
Mr O ’ Connor said he was “ not a militant or radical by any means ” but that the current polices of “ appeasement and compliance ” had failed members .

Outgoing GRA president Jim Mulligan says militancy in the organisation includes ‘calls for industrial action at the height of a pandemic’. Photograph: Conor Ó Mearáin
The outgoing president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has condemned the "militancy" of the association and has raised his concerns with the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
In a strongly worded speech at the GRA's annual delegate conference, Jim Mulligan said this militancy included "calls for industrial action at the height of a pandemic" and unauthorised lobbying of politicians.
Condemning a “militant rump” which has formed a “shadow [on] GRA”, Mr Mulligan said he could not stand over the behaviour.
He said he recently reported his concerns to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and he met Commissioner Drew Harris on the matter.
READ MORE
“I’m unaware of what further action may be taken but I think this association needs to be looked into before it spins out of control.”
The GRA, which represents some 12,000 rank and file gardaí, held its annual conference online for the first time.
In-fighting
Mr Mulligan's speech reflects months of in-fighting within the GRA executive. Opponents of Mr Mulligan and the former GRA general secretary Pat Ennis believe the association is not forceful enough on behalf of its members in its dealings with Garda management.
Mr Ennis was effectively deposed as general secretary last February when the GRA executive declined to renew his contract. Deputy general secretary Philip McAnenly is the acting general secretary.
Mr Mulligan said the calling of the conference was a “sham”. He said its main purpose was to remove Mr Ennis from his position because he was insisting on governance and financial oversight reforms.
He described Mr Ennis as the “Ronaldo” of Garda industrial relations. “But we’re now taking him off the pitch. This ill serves our members.”
The morning session saw the unopposed election of Frank Thornton as the new GRA president and Brendan O’Connor as vice-president.
Mr O’Connor said he was “not a militant or radical by any means” but that the current polices of “appeasement and compliance” had failed members.