theirishtimes--2020-01-28--Detective Garda Adrian Donohue murder trial delayed after jurors drop out

The trial of a man accused of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohue seven years ago has been delayed after three jurors dropped out .
Det Gda Donohoe was a member of An Garda Síochána on active duty when he was killed on January 25th , 2013 at Lordship Credit Union , Bellurgan , Co Louth .
Aaron Brady replied “ not guilty ” when charged with the murder on Monday .
The 28-year-old from New Road , Crossmaglen , Co Armagh also replied “ not guilty ” to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and assorted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date and at the same location .
A specially enlarged jury of 15 people was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court on Monday due to the expected length of Mr Brady ’ s trial , which is set to last until May 28th .
On Tuesday morning three of those jurors informed the court they could not commit to the 16 weeks .
Two had employment issues and one had misremembered the date of a family event .
Mr Justice Michael White recalled Monday ’ s jury panel to allow for three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned the replacement jurors they had to be “ 100 per cent sure ” they could serve for the full length of the trial .
It took over an hour to find replacement jurors .
Several were excused as they had connections to Co Louth .
One woman was excused because she was the manager of a Credit Union .
The trial is expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon with an opening speech from the prosecution .
Mr Justice White warned the panel not to allow themselves to be sworn onto the jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as that would cause “ serious difficulties ” for the court .
The judge said the trial will break for two weeks at Easter and will not sit on the St Patrick ’ s Day public holiday .
He said there will also be breaks when he will deal with legal matters in the absence of the jury .
He added : “ That may suit self-employed people , who I would hope would consider sitting on the jury.
” He said he was conscious it would be a long trial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director of Public Prosecutions ] and defence and the Court are anxious to get a cross-section of jurors from all walks of life and I would ask you to consider serving for those reasons.
” Mr Justice White said jurors must be impartial and asked them to let him know if they are aware of publicity and media coverage that might affect their impartiality .
He further stated that anyone from the Carlingford area , including Louth , Newry and south Armagh , should not serve because witnesses in the trial are from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 people would be selected but only 12 would take part in the final deliberations .
The extra jurors are there in case someone is forced to drop out through illness or any other reason .
If more than 12 jurors remain at the end of the trial there will be an open ballot to decide the final make-up of the jury , Mr Justice White said .
Mr Justice White warned jurors not to look on social media or to research anything on the internet relating to the trial as they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in court .

Aaron Brady (28) from New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh had also denied a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and assorted cheques. File photograph: Collins
The trial of a man accused of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohue seven years ago has been delayed after three jurors dropped out.
Det Gda Donohoe was a member of An Garda Síochána on active duty when he was killed on January 25th, 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth.
Aaron Brady replied “not guilty” when charged with the murder on Monday.
The 28-year-old from New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh also replied “not guilty” to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and assorted cheques from Pat Bellew on the same date and at the same location.
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A specially enlarged jury of 15 people was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court on Monday due to the expected length of Mr Brady’s trial, which is set to last until May 28th.
On Tuesday morning three of those jurors informed the court they could not commit to the 16 weeks. Two had employment issues and one had misremembered the date of a family event.
Mr Justice Michael White recalled Monday’s jury panel to allow for three replacement jurors to be selected. He warned the replacement jurors they had to be “100 per cent sure” they could serve for the full length of the trial.
It took over an hour to find replacement jurors. Several were excused as they had connections to Co Louth. One woman was excused because she was the manager of a Credit Union.
The trial is expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon with an opening speech from the prosecution.
Mr Justice White warned the panel not to allow themselves to be sworn onto the jury if they had a difficulty in serving, as that would cause “serious difficulties” for the court.
The judge said the trial will break for two weeks at Easter and will not sit on the St Patrick’s Day public holiday.
He said there will also be breaks when he will deal with legal matters in the absence of the jury. He added: “That may suit self-employed people, who I would hope would consider sitting on the jury.”
He said he was conscious it would be a long trial, but added: “The director [Director of Public Prosecutions] and defence and the Court are anxious to get a cross-section of jurors from all walks of life and I would ask you to consider serving for those reasons.”
Mr Justice White said jurors must be impartial and asked them to let him know if they are aware of publicity and media coverage that might affect their impartiality. He further stated that anyone from the Carlingford area, including Louth, Newry and south Armagh, should not serve because witnesses in the trial are from those areas.
He further explained that 15 people would be selected but only 12 would take part in the final deliberations. The extra jurors are there in case someone is forced to drop out through illness or any other reason. If more than 12 jurors remain at the end of the trial there will be an open ballot to decide the final make-up of the jury, Mr Justice White said.
Mr Justice White warned jurors not to look on social media or to research anything on the internet relating to the trial as they are only to pay attention to the evidence in court.


theirishtimes--2020-01-28--Reviews ordered after North’s MOT tests suspended

Two reviews into how MOT tests for cars and light vehicles in Northern Ireland had to be suspended , have been commissioned by SDLP Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon The North ’ s Driver and Vehicle Agency ( DVA ) ordered the suspension of most vehicle roadworthy tests on Monday after faults were discovered in lift equipment at MOT test centres .
The DVA chief executive Paul Duffy said he had not received sufficient assurances about the faults being repaired .
Cracks in lift machinery were first detected in November but the problem got decidedly worse this month forcing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found at 48 of 55 lifts at test centres around Northern Ireland .
Heavy goods vehicles will continue to be tested as they don ’ t require the use of lifts while taxis and four-year-old cars are being prioritised for tests .
“ This had come out of the blue , ” Julie Thompson from the infrastructure department told the Northern Assembly infrastructure committee on Tuesday .
“ Yesterday came as a big shock , the fact that the supplier said they did not have sufficient assurance over the repairs that were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompson said that new equipment may have to be purchased and that the cracks were found on the scissor arms of the lifts which were installed in 2011 or 2012 .
Later on Tuesday the infrastructure minister Ms Mallon said she was commissioning two reviews into the problem .
“ The first is an investigation of the timeline and events that led up to the situation that arose last night , ” she said .
“ I need greater assurance than I have at present about the maintenance and testing regime in operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which initial concerns about the lifting equipment were followed up and addressed , ” she added .
Ms Mallon said the second review would be carried out by an external expert yet to be appointed who will provide her “ with independent advice on the steps that need to be taken to return our MOT centres urgently to a position where a full testing service can be provided ” .
She added , “ It is not acceptable to me that we are in a position where the DVA can not guarantee a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unacceptable to me to have a lengthy period where vehicles are not undergoing the tests needed to ensure they are roadworthy and to keep all of us safe on the roads .
”

Two reviews into how MOT tests for cars and light vehicles in Northern Ireland had to be suspended, have been commissioned by SDLP Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon
The North’s Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) ordered the suspension of most vehicle roadworthy tests on Monday after faults were discovered in lift equipment at MOT test centres.
The DVA chief executive Paul Duffy said he had not received sufficient assurances about the faults being repaired.
Cracks in lift machinery were first detected in November but the problem got decidedly worse this month forcing the suspension of the tests. Faults were found at 48 of 55 lifts at test centres around Northern Ireland.
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Heavy goods vehicles will continue to be tested as they don’t require the use of lifts while taxis and four-year-old cars are being prioritised for tests.
"This had come out of the blue," Julie Thompson from the infrastructure department told the Northern Assembly infrastructure committee on Tuesday.
“Yesterday came as a big shock, the fact that the supplier said they did not have sufficient assurance over the repairs that were in place,” she said.
Ms Thompson said that new equipment may have to be purchased and that the cracks were found on the scissor arms of the lifts which were installed in 2011 or 2012.
Later on Tuesday the infrastructure minister Ms Mallon said she was commissioning two reviews into the problem.
“The first is an investigation of the timeline and events that led up to the situation that arose last night,” she said.
“I need greater assurance than I have at present about the maintenance and testing regime in operation within DVA and about the way in which initial concerns about the lifting equipment were followed up and addressed,” she added.
Ms Mallon said the second review would be carried out by an external expert yet to be appointed who will provide her “with independent advice on the steps that need to be taken to return our MOT centres urgently to a position where a full testing service can be provided”.
She added, “It is not acceptable to me that we are in a position where the DVA cannot guarantee a safe operating environment. It is equally unacceptable to me to have a lengthy period where vehicles are not undergoing the tests needed to ensure they are roadworthy and to keep all of us safe on the roads.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Gardaí issue public warning after shot fired at patrol car in Co Wexford

A massive Garda manhunt is under way in Co Wexford after a gun was fired at a patrol car .
@ @ @ @ @ scene afterwards and are believed to pose a potential danger to the public .
The @ @ @ @ @ Gorey station responded to reports of a suspected burglary near Craanford in Wexford .
The @ @ @ @ @ the Garda car .
Gardaí gave chase and a shot was fired at the Garda @ @ @ @ @ injured .
The Garda has issued an urgent warning not to approach the men or @ @ @ @ @ 999 if they are spotted .
The men are believed to be travelling in a @ @ @ @ @ Fabia car ( or similar ) , ” a Garda spokesman said .
They were @ @ @ @ @ Wexford , Gorey Town and Clogh areas .

A manhunt is underway in the southeast for two men after the driver of a car opened fire on unarmed gardaí pursuing him in a patrol car.
A manhunt is underway in the southeast for two men after the driver of a car opened fire on unarmed gardaí pursuing him in a patrol car in Co Wexford.
Gardaí appealed for the public’s help in tracing the men and cars involved in the incident, which happened near Gorey early on Wednesday, but warned that the suspects were dangerous and should not be approached.
The series of events began unfolding at around 8.30am when gardaí on patrol in a vehicle went to check out reports of a man with a scarf over his face acting suspiciously at Gorey Hill, a green area close to Gorey town.
When the gardaí arrived and approached the man he pointed a handgun at them and warned them to stay back. While threatening to shoot the officers, the man got into a blue BMW 318 car, registration 06W1012, and drove away from the scene at speed.
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He was followed by the two uniformed and unarmed gardaí in their car as they called for armed back-up. While being pursued on the R725 Gorey to Carnew road, the man twice slowed his car and discharged shots at the garda vehicle.
After being shot at, the pursuing gardaí aborted their chase of the gunman’s car, enabling his escape.
Burnt out
A car was that found burnt out in Banntown, Co Wexford is believed to be the BWW that the shots were discharged from.
The man who fired the shots remains at large and a search was also underway for a second man who gardaí suspect aided him in escaping in a second vehicle, believed to be a dark coloured Skoda Fabia.
The BMW was not stolen but was bought recently and registered under what investigating gardaí believe is a false name and address.
The driver was described as being 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing a long black jacket and had a scarf covering his face.
Gardaí believe the armed man was disturbed as he was about to carry out a crime; possibly a shooting, an armed robbery or the handover of a gun.
While there have been a number of gun incidents in the Wexford area related to the Kinahan-Hutch feud, it was unclear why the suspect was armed with a loaded handgun just outside Gorey.
‘Reckless’
Supt Gerard McGrath, of Gorey Garda station, said the gardaí who were fired at had escaped injury and were being supported after a traumatic experience.
“The illegal discharge of a firearm is a reckless act at any time but the discharge of a firearm at unarmed uniform members of An Garda Síochána responding to the public need is an outrageous act,” he said.
“I will ensure that this criminal act is investigated fully and I appeal to any member of the public with any information, no matter how small, to call An Garda Síochána with that information to bring these dangerous culprits to justice.”
Gardaí believe the men were in Gorey and Clough and the general north Wexford area just before and after gardaí were fired at. They appealed to the public to report any sightings of the men or their cars in recent days, particularly on late on Tuesday or early on Wednesday.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Northern and western regions being left behind in ‘two-speed economy’ – report

A new study has warned that Ireland ’ s northern and western regions are facing being left behind in a “ two-speed economy ” .
A report by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly found investment in the two regions across a range of sectors including , health , education , infrastructure and transport , was lagging behind other parts of the country .
It claimed there were startling levels of inequality between the different regions which has resulted in the development of a two-speed economy in Ireland .
The report , entitled A Region in Transition : The Way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ positive discrimination ” to drive growth and halt a decline in the north-west and border communities .
It has also recommended that Galway together with the designated regional growth centres and key towns should be developed to a sufficient scale .
The NWRA is one of three regional assemblies in the Republic which have a range of powers relating to spatial planning and economic development using EU structural funds .
It covers the counties of Donegal , Cavan , Monaghan , Leitrim , Sligo , Roscommon , Mayo and Galway , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing economically as well as the two other regions or relative to the EU norm , despite having sophisticated local economies specialising in areas including biotechnology , precision engineering and artificial intelligence .
The report noted that for the post 2020 period , the European Commission has downgraded the classification of the region from “ more developed ” to “ transition ” region which highlighted how it had not prospered economically compared to the other regions .
The report ’ s author , the NWRA ’ s chief economist , John Daly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional between 2008 and 2018 , found spending on health in the region was below the State average in eight out of 11 years .
The analysis also revealed that investment in third level education infrastructure in the Northern and Western regions was €141 per undergraduate compared to the national average of €197 .
In relation to transport , expenditure on national roads was €87,240km/h in the NWRA region in contrast to the national average of €116,054km/h .
Mr Daly said commercial activity within the region has significantly worsened in recent years with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent over the decade to 2017 .
However , the report said there was an enormous opportunity to enhance the region ’ s position as an alternative to overpriced Dublin with career opportunities , affordable housing and a cheaper cost of living .
It pointed out that the majority of counties in the region were considered to be affordable for first-time buyers .
Similarly rent as a proportion of disposable income was also considered affordable in all of the counties , while childcare and labour costs were also below the national average .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the region offers strong value for money , ” the report observed .
However , Mr Daly said positive discrimination towards the region would be insufficient unless additional resources were directed towards policies that were proven to revitalise regional economies .
NWRA chairperson , Declan McDonnell , an independent councillor on Galway City Council , said the report was timely given the impact of regional inequality that had been witnessed in the UK .
The assembly ’ s director , David Minton , said a failure to address the regional gaps in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline in the north and west .
“ This will ultimately continue to see shifts towards Dublin which is not sustainable .
Ireland needs its regions performing , ” Mr Minton said .
He said implementation of a 12-year strategy would see the region characterised by “ being more urban , networked , digitally smart and with vibrant rural communities ” .

A new study has warned that Ireland’s northern and western regions are facing being left behind in a “two-speed economy”. Photograph: David Sleator
A new study has warned that Ireland’s northern and western regions are facing being left behind in a “two-speed economy”.
A report by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly found investment in the two regions across a range of sectors including, health, education, infrastructure and transport, was lagging behind other parts of the country.
It claimed there were startling levels of inequality between the different regions which has resulted in the development of a two-speed economy in Ireland.
The report, entitled A Region in Transition: The Way Forward said the issue required a policy of “positive discrimination” to drive growth and halt a decline in the north-west and border communities.
READ MORE
It has also recommended that Galway together with the designated regional growth centres and key towns should be developed to a sufficient scale.
The NWRA is one of three regional assemblies in the Republic which have a range of powers relating to spatial planning and economic development using EU structural funds.
It covers the counties of Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo and Galway,
The NWRA said the region was not performing economically as well as the two other regions or relative to the EU norm, despite having sophisticated local economies specialising in areas including biotechnology, precision engineering and artificial intelligence.
Post 2020
The report noted that for the post 2020 period, the European Commission has downgraded the classification of the region from "more developed" to "transition" region which highlighted how it had not prospered economically compared to the other regions.
The report’s author, the NWRA’s chief economist, John Daly, who analysed data on investment across the regional between 2008 and 2018, found spending on health in the region was below the State average in eight out of 11 years.
The analysis also revealed that investment in third level education infrastructure in the Northern and Western regions was €141 per undergraduate compared to the national average of €197.
In relation to transport, expenditure on national roads was €87,240km/h in the NWRA region in contrast to the national average of €116,054km/h.
Mr Daly said commercial activity within the region has significantly worsened in recent years with disposable income per head down 7.2 per cent over the decade to 2017.
However, the report said there was an enormous opportunity to enhance the region’s position as an alternative to overpriced Dublin with career opportunities, affordable housing and a cheaper cost of living.
It pointed out that the majority of counties in the region were considered to be affordable for first-time buyers.
Rent
Similarly rent as a proportion of disposable income was also considered affordable in all of the counties, while childcare and labour costs were also below the national average.
“From a cost of living perspective, the region offers strong value for money,” the report observed.
However, Mr Daly said positive discrimination towards the region would be insufficient unless additional resources were directed towards policies that were proven to revitalise regional economies.
NWRA chairperson, Declan McDonnell, an independent councillor on Galway City Council, said the report was timely given the impact of regional inequality that had been witnessed in the UK.
The assembly’s director, David Minton, said a failure to address the regional gaps in GDP would inevitably lead to further economic decline in the north and west.
“This will ultimately continue to see shifts towards Dublin which is not sustainable. Ireland needs its regions performing,” Mr Minton said.
He said implementation of a 12-year strategy would see the region characterised by “being more urban, networked, digitally smart and with vibrant rural communities”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Man died from sepsis after hip replacement surgery, inquest finds

A 76-year-old man died from sepsis due to pneumonia in the lungs , which developed after he had hip replacement surgery , an inquest has found .
John Brennan , of Rathleague , Portlaoise , Co Laois , suffered from advanced gross arthritis in his left hip that was becoming debilitating and creating pain throughout his leg and knee .
In early October 2017 , he was referred by his GP to Dr Paul Nicholson in the Beacon hospital for an elective hip replacement surgery which took place on November 23rd , 2017 .
Immediately after the surgery , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ builder up until the days before the procedure , was described by hospital staff as doing well and being in stable condition .
On November 25th , 2017 , Mr Brennan developed a high temperature of 38.2 degrees but there were no other signs of infection .
A septic screen was performed , and antibiotics were withheld at that time .
On the 26th of November , Mr Brennan was nauseated and vomited but his high temperature had settled .
Speaking at the Coroner ’ s Court in Dublin , Dr Nicholson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday November 26th and that when he saw him , Mr Brennan was doing well .
His clinical notes also add that there was no sign of clinical sepsis at that time .
There was an “ acute deterioration ” in Mr Brennan ’ s condition the evening of Monday the 27th of November .
Attending nurses described Mr Brennan as vomiting bile and belching .
At about 10:20pm that evening , he became breathless , had low oxygen , low blood pressure and a high temperature .
He went on to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest x-ray , intravenous resuscitation and antibiotics and he was transferred to the intensive care unit at approximately 1:30am .
Despite full , ongoing intensive care intervention , he died at approximately 8:19am on November 28th 2017 .
Dr Myra Cullinane , the Dublin Coroner , ruled that the cause of death was “ sepsis due to bilateral bronchopneumonia status day five post-elective surgery ” which was contributed to by ischemic heart disease due to a high BMI .
Speaking during the inquest , Dr Nicholson said he was “ extremely saddened by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brennan ’ s condition .
“ He was well when I saw him .
I was stunned when I got the phone call [ about his death ] .
There was no sign of that when I saw him.
” Dr Nicholson added that Mr Brennan was a “ lovely man ” , and expressed his “ sincere condolences to the family ” .
Legal representatives for the hospital also added that the matter was being taken “ very seriously ” by the hospital .
Speaking on behalf of Mr Brennan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their solicitor , said they were happy the inquest took place .
“ They are glad to finally have answers to explain what caused their father ’ s death after what we thought was a straightforward surgery , ” Mr Verbruggen said .
“ They were in shock in the immediate aftermath of his passing , but they still miss and love him everyday.
” Following her verdict , Dr Cullinane issued two recommendations , “ without judgement ” , to “ minimise future deaths ” .
Dr Cullinane recommended that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition from paper to electronic patient record system , and to implement active communication of investigation results between nursing and medical staff .

A 76-year-old man died from sepsis due to pneumonia in the lungs, which developed after he had hip replacement surgery, an inquest has found. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
A 76-year-old man died from sepsis due to pneumonia in the lungs, which developed after he had hip replacement surgery, an inquest has found.
John Brennan, of Rathleague, Portlaoise, Co Laois, suffered from advanced gross arthritis in his left hip that was becoming debilitating and creating pain throughout his leg and knee.
In early October 2017, he was referred by his GP to Dr Paul Nicholson in the Beacon hospital for an elective hip replacement surgery which took place on November 23rd, 2017.
Immediately after the surgery, Mr Brennan, who worked part-time as a builder up until the days before the procedure, was described by hospital staff as doing well and being in stable condition.
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On November 25th, 2017, Mr Brennan developed a high temperature of 38.2 degrees but there were no other signs of infection. A septic screen was performed, and antibiotics were withheld at that time.
On the 26th of November, Mr Brennan was nauseated and vomited but his high temperature had settled.
Speaking at the Coroner’s Court in Dublin, Dr Nicholson said he attended the patient around midday on Sunday November 26th and that when he saw him, Mr Brennan was doing well. His clinical notes also add that there was no sign of clinical sepsis at that time.
’Acute deterioration’
There was an “acute deterioration” in Mr Brennan’s condition the evening of Monday the 27th of November. Attending nurses described Mr Brennan as vomiting bile and belching.
At about 10:20pm that evening, he became breathless, had low oxygen, low blood pressure and a high temperature.
He went on to have a full septic screen, a portable chest x-ray, intravenous resuscitation and antibiotics and he was transferred to the intensive care unit at approximately 1:30am.
Despite full, ongoing intensive care intervention, he died at approximately 8:19am on November 28th 2017.
Dr Myra Cullinane, the Dublin Coroner, ruled that the cause of death was "sepsis due to bilateral bronchopneumonia status day five post-elective surgery" which was contributed to by ischemic heart disease due to a high BMI.
Speaking during the inquest, Dr Nicholson said he was “extremely saddened by the rare rapid deterioration” of Mr Brennan’s condition.
“He was well when I saw him. I was stunned when I got the phone call [about his death]. There was no sign of that when I saw him.”
Dr Nicholson added that Mr Brennan was a “lovely man”, and expressed his “sincere condolences to the family”.
‘Very seriously’
Legal representatives for the hospital also added that the matter was being taken “very seriously” by the hospital.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Brennan's family after the inquest, Johan Verbruggen, their solicitor, said they were happy the inquest took place.
“They are glad to finally have answers to explain what caused their father’s death after what we thought was a straightforward surgery,” Mr Verbruggen said. “They were in shock in the immediate aftermath of his passing, but they still miss and love him everyday.”
Following her verdict, Dr Cullinane issued two recommendations, “without judgement”, to “minimise future deaths”.
Dr Cullinane recommended that the hospital offered training in relation to the transition from paper to electronic patient record system, and to implement active communication of investigation results between nursing and medical staff.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--New device to detect cars being driven without insurance issued

An Garda Síochána has begun the roll-out of 2,000 devices that will allow for the detection of cars being driven without tax , insurance or a valid NCT cert .
The Motor Insurers ’ Bureau of Ireland ( MIBI ) is among those bodies that has been seeking the introduction of the technology , stating that uninsured drivers accounted for more than 90 per cent of claims received last year .
After a successful piloting of the new system in Limerick , the Naas Roads Policing Unit was last month one of the first to receive the new Mobile Data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The mobile solution provides a Traffic App containing Driver Lookup and Vehicle Lookup functionality which has been utilised on traffic stops and general policing inquiries by frontline members , ” the spokesman said .
“ This has improved operational efficiency and effectiveness generally , as it allows gardaí to provide real time updates and access information on the roadside without having to interact with other Garda personnel via radio.
” During the pilot operation , the app “ greatly assisted ” in the detection of disqualified drivers as well as vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance or the required NCT approval .
Two thousand gardaí are to receive the device as part of a general release programme , with 544 being allocated in the Dublin region , 484 in the Eastern region , 452 in the North West , and 520 in the South West , the spokesman said .
He was unable to say when it was envisaged that the roll-out would be completed .
Earlier this month MIBI said the high number of claims relating to uninsured drivers they received during 2019 underlined the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The MIBI is a not for profit organisation established to compensate victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles .
In 2019 the bureau received 2,540 insurance claims , down 12 from 2,552 in 2018 .
This represents a change of less than 0.01 per cent .
The number of uninsured claims also remained static with MIBI receiving 1,787 claims relating to uninsured vehicles in 2019 , compared to 1,788 in 2018 .
The bureau ’ s chief executive , David Fitzgerald , said the figures indicated that there continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles driving on Irish roads .
“ The MIBI hopes that the rollout of the new automatic number plate recognition system will make it easier and more simple for the gardaí to identify uninsured drivers .
“ The new app , he said , will make it very difficult for uninsured vehicles to be driven without being detected .

An Garda Síochána has begun the roll-out of 2,000 devices that will allow for the detection of cars being driven without tax, insurance or a valid NCT cert. Photograph: iStock
An Garda Síochána has begun the roll-out of 2,000 devices that will allow for the detection of cars being driven without tax, insurance or a valid NCT cert.
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) is among those bodies that has been seeking the introduction of the technology, stating that uninsured drivers accounted for more than 90 per cent of claims received last year.
After a successful piloting of the new system in Limerick, the Naas Roads Policing Unit was last month one of the first to receive the new Mobile Data Stations, the Garda Press Office said.
“The mobile solution provides a Traffic App containing Driver Lookup and Vehicle Lookup functionality which has been utilised on traffic stops and general policing inquiries by frontline members,” the spokesman said.
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“This has improved operational efficiency and effectiveness generally, as it allows gardaí to provide real time updates and access information on the roadside without having to interact with other Garda personnel via radio.”
During the pilot operation, the app “greatly assisted” in the detection of disqualified drivers as well as vehicles that did not have valid tax, insurance or the required NCT approval.
General release
Two thousand gardaí are to receive the device as part of a general release programme, with 544 being allocated in the Dublin region, 484 in the Eastern region, 452 in the North West, and 520 in the South West, the spokesman said.
He was unable to say when it was envisaged that the roll-out would be completed.
Earlier this month MIBI said the high number of claims relating to uninsured drivers they received during 2019 underlined the importance of the automatic number plate recognition system.
The MIBI is a not for profit organisation established to compensate victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles.
In 2019 the bureau received 2,540 insurance claims, down 12 from 2,552 in 2018. This represents a change of less than 0.01 per cent.
The number of uninsured claims also remained static with MIBI receiving 1,787 claims relating to uninsured vehicles in 2019, compared to 1,788 in 2018.
The bureau's chief executive, David Fitzgerald, said the figures indicated that there continues to be a substantial number of uninsured vehicles driving on Irish roads.
“The MIBI hopes that the rollout of the new automatic number plate recognition system will make it easier and more simple for the gardaí to identify uninsured drivers. “
The new app, he said, will make it very difficult for uninsured vehicles to be driven without being detected.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Coronavirus: Chinese citizens in ‘self-isolation’ after returning to Ireland

The Chinese embassy in Ireland says “ a few ” of its citizens have placed themselves in “ self-isolation ” after returning from China , in accordance with the requirements for epidemic prevention .
Those affected are inspecting their own physical status , including body temperature , respiratory condition and other possible symptoms of the disease , an official said .
As the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in China reached 106 on Tuesday , the embassy in Dublin said it was willing to help and “ facilitate ” the Government to evacuate Irish citizens from the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it is preparing to evacuate Irish people trapped in Hubei province , at the epicentre of the outbreak , it had no update on its plans on Tuesday .
The United States , France and Germany are among the countries who have announced plans to evacuate their citizens , and British citizens are expected to leave as early as Thursday .
The Chinese embassy said it was working closely with the Department and the Health Service Executive “ in regard of issues related to the novel coronavirus ” .
“ The embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community in Ireland , urging them to raise the safety consciousness and co-operate with Irish health authorities ’ prevention and control measures , ” it added .
The presence of a tour group from Hubei in Ireland last weekend has caused concern among the local Chinese community , but the embassy pointed out that China has now suspended outbound group tours in order to cut off the spread of the virus .
The embassy said China has sufficient capability , resources and confidence to “ conquer ” the virus , and was taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible ” attitude toward global health and safety .

The Chinese embassy in Ireland says "a few" of its citizens have placed themselves in "self-isolation" after returning from China, in accordance with the requirements for epidemic prevention.
Those affected are inspecting their own physical status, including body temperature, respiratory condition and other possible symptoms of the disease, an official said.
As the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in China reached 106 on Tuesday, the embassy in Dublin said it was willing to help and “facilitate” the Government to evacuate Irish citizens from the country.
While the Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is preparing to evacuate Irish people trapped in Hubei province, at the epicentre of the outbreak, it had no update on its plans on Tuesday.
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The United States, France and Germany are among the countries who have announced plans to evacuate their citizens, and British citizens are expected to leave as early as Thursday.
Co-operation
The Chinese embassy said it was working closely with the Department and the Health Service Executive "in regard of issues related to the novel coronavirus".
“The embassy has published several notices to the Chinese community in Ireland, urging them to raise the safety consciousness and co-operate with Irish health authorities’ prevention and control measures,” it added.
The presence of a tour group from Hubei in Ireland last weekend has caused concern among the local Chinese community, but the embassy pointed out that China has now suspended outbound group tours in order to cut off the spread of the virus.
The embassy said China has sufficient capability, resources and confidence to “conquer” the virus, and was taking an “open, transparent and highly responsible” attitude toward global health and safety.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Dublin’s ‘Silicon Docks’ residents see average pay rise to €127,000

Average salaries among tenants in Dublin ’ s “ Silicon Docks ” rose to €127,618 in 2019 and high rents in the area reflected competition for housing among well-paid finance and technology professionals , a new survey has found .
The data was gathered by Owen Reilly estate agents , based on 231 lettings completed during the year in the docklands area .
It shows that in certain pockets of the docklands , such as Grand Canal Dock , near Facebook and Google ’ s headquarters , average salaries were €147,582 .
Some 55 per cent of tenants renting from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with average rent across the area coming in at €2,479 per month – 20 per cent higher than the Dublin average .
For a three-bedroom apartment , this rose to €2,939 .
Rents increased by 5.3 per cent on average year on year , while one bedroom units were up by almost 7 per cent .
Only 8 per cent of tenants in the docklands are Irish , the company said .
Europeans accounted for 52 per cent of tenants , with 32 per cent classed as “ international ” .
This compares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchasers – some 62 per cent .
However , this has decreased by 11 percentage points compared to 2018 , as buying up property in the area is becoming increasingly popular among overseas investors .
Asian investors now account for 14 per cent of 112 apartments the estate agent sold in 2019 , compared to 5 per cent in 2018 .
There was also a significant increase in European purchasers , who accounted for 16 per cent of sales compared to 7 per cent .
For properties worth less than €400,000 , first-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account for over 60 per cent of purchasers in that range , according to Mr Reilly .
“ They are motivated to buy as paying a mortgage is now much cheaper than paying the average rent in the docklands , ” he said .
The workforce in the docklands currently numbers 40,000 and this is expected to double in the next two years .
Owner occupiers accounted for 53 per cent of purchasers , increasing from 47 per cent in 2018 , while the proportion of cash buyers collapsed from 75 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
The rapidly growing rents and incomes in the docklands have given rise to concerns among experts about growing disparities within Dublin .
Philip Lawton , assistant professor in geography in Trinity College Dublin , said there are implications for wider population groups accessing housing in the docklands .
He said new developments are largely devoid of housing for community groups , “ which is a serious backwards step ” .
“ The docklands is headed towards being an exclusive space only catering for those on high incomes .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a worry.
” Orla Hegarty of the UCD school of architecture said there was a risk that established city communities could be displaced to the commuter belt while key workers who run the city and those on average wages couldn ’ t compete for high rental properties .
“ Restoring a property market and fixing a housing crisis are not the same thing ; while property is booming in the docklands , the housing crisis has gotten worse.
” Mel Reynolds , an architect and housing policy commentator said new supply was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buyers or locals , giving rise to the same gentrification effects seen in tech hubs such as San Francisco .

Data from Owen Reilly estate agents shows that in the Grand Canal Dock area of Dublin, the average salary is now €147,582. File photograph: Dave Meehan
Average salaries among tenants in Dublin’s “Silicon Docks” rose to €127,618 in 2019 and high rents in the area reflected competition for housing among well-paid finance and technology professionals, a new survey has found.
The data was gathered by Owen Reilly estate agents, based on 231 lettings completed during the year in the docklands area.
It shows that in certain pockets of the docklands, such as Grand Canal Dock, near Facebook and Google's headquarters, average salaries were €147,582.
Some 55 per cent of tenants renting from the company were working in tech, with average rent across the area coming in at €2,479 per month – 20 per cent higher than the Dublin average. For a three-bedroom apartment, this rose to €2,939.
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Rents increased by 5.3 per cent on average year on year, while one bedroom units were up by almost 7 per cent.
Only 8 per cent of tenants in the docklands are Irish, the company said. Europeans accounted for 52 per cent of tenants, with 32 per cent classed as “international”.
International investors
This compares to a much larger proportion of Irish purchasers – some 62 per cent. However, this has decreased by 11 percentage points compared to 2018, as buying up property in the area is becoming increasingly popular among overseas investors. Asian investors now account for 14 per cent of 112 apartments the estate agent sold in 2019, compared to 5 per cent in 2018. There was also a significant increase in European purchasers, who accounted for 16 per cent of sales compared to 7 per cent.
For properties worth less than €400,000, first-time buyers are now consistently outbidding investors and account for over 60 per cent of purchasers in that range, according to Mr Reilly.
“They are motivated to buy as paying a mortgage is now much cheaper than paying the average rent in the docklands,” he said.
The workforce in the docklands currently numbers 40,000 and this is expected to double in the next two years. Owner occupiers accounted for 53 per cent of purchasers, increasing from 47 per cent in 2018, while the proportion of cash buyers collapsed from 75 per cent to 55 per cent in the same period.
Growing disparity
The rapidly growing rents and incomes in the docklands have given rise to concerns among experts about growing disparities within Dublin.
Philip Lawton, assistant professor in geography in Trinity College Dublin, said there are implications for wider population groups accessing housing in the docklands. He said new developments are largely devoid of housing for community groups, “which is a serious backwards step”.
“The docklands is headed towards being an exclusive space only catering for those on high incomes. This is a step beyond boom time stuff, which is a worry.”
Orla Hegarty of the UCD school of architecture said there was a risk that established city communities could be displaced to the commuter belt while key workers who run the city and those on average wages couldn’t compete for high rental properties.
“Restoring a property market and fixing a housing crisis are not the same thing; while property is booming in the docklands, the housing crisis has gotten worse.”
Mel Reynolds, an architect and housing policy commentator said new supply was aimed at tech workers, not indigenous buyers or locals, giving rise to the same gentrification effects seen in tech hubs such as San Francisco.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Health benefits of gluten-free diet are misperceived, report finds

More than 90 per cent of people who buy gluten-free foods do not have a gluten-related disorder or coeliac disease and mistakenly believe such a diet has health benefits and will help them lose weight , according to a new report from Ireland ’ s food safety watchdog .
The report from Safefood found that while 23 per cent of those surveyed buy gluten-free foods , 92 per cent of those who do so had no medical reason for choosing gluten free .
Among those polled , there was a misperception of the health benefits of gluten-free products .
Almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products were lower in fat and one in five said such foods were lower in sugar and a healthy way to lose weight .
The research also includes a snapshot survey which looks at the nutritional content of 67 gluten-free snack foods .
These snack foods included nut products and savoury snacks , cereal and baked products , and confectionery .
It found that of all the gluten-free snack products surveyed , 75 per cent were high in fat and 69 per cent were high in sugar , with calorie levels similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those people who have a diagnosis of coeliac disease or those with a gluten-related disorder , avoiding gluten in their daily diet is an absolute must , ” said Dr Catherine Conlon , director of human health and nutrition with Safefood .
“ However , we would have a concern that some of these snack foods have an unhealthy nutritional profile for everyone , whether or not they have a gluten-related disorder .
Snacking on foods such as fruit and vegetables , unsalted plain nuts and gluten-free rice cakes and cheese , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said 92 per cent of the people buying such products “ have no medical reason to avoid gluten in their diet ” and stressed that there was “ no consistent evidence that a gluten-free diet will improve your health if you aren ’ t sensitive to gluten ” .
According to industry estimates , the gluten-free food market in Ireland was worth €66 million in 2017 , an increase of 33 per cent on the previous year .
Many gluten-free food products are promoted by media personalities and sports stars as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including “ free-from ” food products .
“ Similar to recent trends we ’ ve seen with high-protein foods , gluten-free food is big business with an audience of people willing to purchase these products , ” added Dr Conlon .
“ In the case of gluten-free snacks , you could end up purchasing snack foods with lots of added fat and sugar , which are of no added benefit to your health .
”

Among those polled, one in five said gluten-free foods were lower in sugar and a healthy way to lose weight.
More than 90 per cent of people who buy gluten-free foods do not have a gluten-related disorder or coeliac disease and mistakenly believe such a diet has health benefits and will help them lose weight, according to a new report from Ireland’s food safety watchdog.
The report from Safefood found that while 23 per cent of those surveyed buy gluten-free foods, 92 per cent of those who do so had no medical reason for choosing gluten free.
Among those polled, there was a misperception of the health benefits of gluten-free products. Almost a quarter of those surveyed said gluten-free products were lower in fat and one in five said such foods were lower in sugar and a healthy way to lose weight.
The research also includes a snapshot survey which looks at the nutritional content of 67 gluten-free snack foods.
READ MORE
These snack foods included nut products and savoury snacks, cereal and baked products, and confectionery.
It found that of all the gluten-free snack products surveyed, 75 per cent were high in fat and 69 per cent were high in sugar, with calorie levels similar to a standard chocolate bar.
"For those people who have a diagnosis of coeliac disease or those with a gluten-related disorder, avoiding gluten in their daily diet is an absolute must," said Dr Catherine Conlon, director of human health and nutrition with Safefood.
‘Clean labels’
“However, we would have a concern that some of these snack foods have an unhealthy nutritional profile for everyone, whether or not they have a gluten-related disorder. Snacking on foods such as fruit and vegetables, unsalted plain nuts and gluten-free rice cakes and cheese, are healthier options for us all.”
She said 92 per cent of the people buying such products “have no medical reason to avoid gluten in their diet” and stressed that there was “no consistent evidence that a gluten-free diet will improve your health if you aren’t sensitive to gluten”.
According to industry estimates, the gluten-free food market in Ireland was worth €66 million in 2017, an increase of 33 per cent on the previous year.
Many gluten-free food products are promoted by media personalities and sports stars as part of a trend for “clean labels”, including “free-from” food products.
“Similar to recent trends we’ve seen with high-protein foods, gluten-free food is big business with an audience of people willing to purchase these products,” added Dr Conlon. “In the case of gluten-free snacks, you could end up purchasing snack foods with lots of added fat and sugar, which are of no added benefit to your health.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Gardaí extend period of detention of McGinley children’s mother

Gardaí have extended the period of detention of the mother of the three McGinley children found dead in Newcastle , Co Dublin , last week .
Deirdre Morley was arrested on Tuesday evening and taken to Clondalkin Garda station lon Tuesday night where she remained overnight .
Her period of detention , under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act , has been extended by a Garda superintendent after the initial allowed period of six hours expired .
She can held without charge for up to 24 hours .
However , detention of any suspect being held under Section 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended by a superintendent for six hours after the first hours expires and by a chief superintendent by 12 hours after the first 12 hours expires .
The bodies of Conor ( 9 ) , Darragh ( 7 ) and Carla ( 3 ) McGinley were discovered in their home at Parson ’ s Court in Newcastle just before 8pm on Friday .
Their mother was found by a taxi driver in a disorientated condition near her house shortly before the children ’ s bodies were discovered .
She has been receiving treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday night , gardaí said a woman in her 40s had been arrested on suspicion of murder .
“ The woman arrested was found at the scene and has been receiving medical attention at Tallaght University Hospital following the incident .
She is currently detained at Clondalkin Garda station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act , 1984 , ” the Garda statement said .
The children ’ s father , Andrew McGinley , earlier released a statement via the Garda saying the children had “ beautiful , bright futures ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths “ every breath is a struggle ” .
“ There are no words .
There is only devastation , grief and anguish .
Every breath is a struggle , ” he said .
“ Conor , Darragh and Carla are adored .
They all had beautiful , bright futures ahead of them with family , friends and a community who love them.
” Gardaí believe the children were killed in their home on Friday afternoon while they were in the care of their mother , a nurse at Our Lady ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dublin .
Ms Morley has been on stress-related leave from her job for a period and has suffered with depression for some time .
She was discovered by a taxi driver on the street in the general area of her home in a disorientated state .
She was brought home but collapsed outside the house and the driver called the emergency services .
She was taken by ambulance from her home to Tallaght Hospital last Friday around the same time the emergency services and her husband , Mr McGinley , found the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Vigil for Conor, Darragh and Carla McGinley on Wednesday night at their home in Parson’s Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan
The mother of the three McGinley children has been charged in connection with their deaths in Newcastle, South Dublin.
Deirdre Morley was arrested on Tuesday evening and taken to Clondalkin Garda station on Tuesday night where she remained overnight.
According to a garda spokesman she was charged “in connection with the death of three children” at their home last Friday.
She will appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin at 4.30pm when the court will hear details of the charge.
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The bodies of Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla (3) McGinley were discovered in their home at Parson's Court in Newcastle just before 8pm on Friday.
Their mother was found by a taxi driver in a disorientated condition near her house shortly before the children’s bodies were discovered. She was treated in hospital before being arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday night and taken to Clondalkin Garda Station for interview.
"The woman arrested was found at the scene and has been receiving medical attention at Tallaght University Hospital following the incident. She is currently detained at Clondalkin Garda station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984," the Garda statement said.
The children’s father, Andrew McGinley, earlier released a statement via the Garda saying the children had “beautiful, bright futures” ahead of them and that since their deaths “every breath is a struggle”.
“There are no words. There is only devastation, grief and anguish. Every breath is a struggle,” he said.
“Conor, Darragh and Carla are adored. They all had beautiful, bright futures ahead of them with family, friends and a community who love them.”
Gardaí believe the children were killed in their home on Friday afternoon while they were in the care of their mother, a nurse at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, in Dublin.
Ms Morley has been on stress-related leave from her job for a period and has suffered with depression for some time. She was discovered by a taxi driver on the street in the general area of her home in a disorientated state. She was brought home but collapsed outside the house and the driver called the emergency services.
She was taken by ambulance from her home to Tallaght Hospital last Friday around the same time the emergency services and her husband, Mr McGinley, found the children’s remains in the house.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Brexit threatens UK-Ireland supply chains and business friendships

Helena O ’ Sullivan likes the T-shirts she and her staff buy from Phil Cone ’ s Cork company Academy Crests .
For €22 , staff get a T-shirt with the creche ’ s logo and their name printed on it .
“ The parents want to put a name on the face , ” she says of the customers whose children are looked after at Glenfield ’ s Community Childcare in Ballyvolan , Cork .
The creche tried different uniforms and T-shirts but the ones supplied by Cone ’ s business were the most comfortable , she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Academy had come from Britain .
She is concerned about Brexit , which she describes as “ scary ” .
If prices rise due to tariffs or higher shipping costs from the UK , they would have to reconsider .
“ We would have to look elsewhere .
None of us are paid excellently but we want to be presentable and the management couldn ’ t afford to be spending so much on different uniforms .
We are a run by a voluntary group , in a community setting , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of a long and well-established supply chain from the UK to Ireland that has been seamlessly developed over tariff-free , invisible trading barriers for decades .
All that could change , unless the EU and UK can agree a trade deal between Brexit day on Friday , when the UK formally leaves the EU , and the end of the standstill transition period on December 31st , the deadline set by British prime minister Boris Johnson to agree a future EU-UK trade deal .
Britain is the main source of imports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of all products brought into the country in 2018 , according to Central Statistics Office ( CSO ) data .
In value terms , they are worth €19 billion , well ahead of the US ( €17 billion ) , France and Germany ( both €11 billion ) .
Ireland ’ s percentage of imports sourced from Britain rose in the first seven months of 2019 by 22 per cent to €11 billion , so – despite Brexit and all the uncertainty during 2018 around whether it was going to happen or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market for Irish firms sourcing materials .
Much focus in the Brexit debate has been on the UK as a significant export market for Irish businesses , but – in value terms – imports are more significant : CSO data shows Ireland imported €3 billion more in goods from Britain than it exported to the country in 2018 .
The UK ’ s decision to leave the EU means these valuable supply chains will undergo significant changes .
Behind the billions in traded goods every year are hundreds of thousands of customers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creche , who benefit from the free trade and the tariff-less movement of goods between Ireland and the UK .
These chains will change or possibly be severed by Brexit .
The EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , Michel Barnier , confirmed this on Monday when he said Brexit “ makes fictionless trade impossible .
It makes checks indispensable ” .
To prepare for Brexit , businesses must adapt or die .
Each link in the chain of supply between the UK and Ireland is taking different positions .
Following the journey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the challenges posed by Brexit .
One link up the supply chain from O ’ Sullivan , Phil Cone at Academy Crests has been making preparations to safeguard his own supply of garments in what is known as the “ overbranded ” or “ brandable clothing ” market .
He is still buying products from large garment distributors in Britain , but he now places his orders through a Dublin supplier : Caramba , in Finglas .
It has started importing clothing in much larger bulk volumes directly from UK suppliers .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had found some European suppliers in France and Spain and we put in some trial orders with them but since then the UK suppliers have done a deal with the Irish supplier [ Caramba ] , ” says Cone .
The concern on the Irish side of the supply chain that sources the Henbury-branded T-shirts for O ’ Sullivan ’ s creche staff and other customers is the 12 per cent import tariff rate that would apply on clothing should the UK leave the EU without a tariff-free trade agreement by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit deal will create the transition period for the next year where the EU and UK will continue trading , tariff-free .
However , as Barnier warned on his visit to Dublin on Monday , a potential “ cliff edge ” looms again on December 31st , 2020 , under Johnson ’ s plans to add a new clause to the Brexit Bill to rule out any extension to the transition period .
The Brexit effect on business means higher costs for companies and customers .
The rising cost of buying his products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those costs on to customers .
“ On all UK products coming in , there will be a 12 per cent increased charge .
For us , we go straight back to the customer .
It is not as if our customers are not aware of Brexit – they are anticipating that prices will go up , ” he says .
Cone says the alternative is that he switches and buys his T-shirts from a European supplier to avoid the tariff , but he is reluctant to do this because of the long-standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown , who owns Caramba .
Brexit is forcing him to reassess things .
“ Look , we do have other suppliers in Europe – it does mean we could get the product from someone else in Spain without the 12 per cent increase .
Vincent knows that , but I built up a long relationship with Vincent .
We don ’ t want to do it , ” he says .
In Dublin , Brown is taking his own risks to navigate the Brexit-related changes facing Irish and British businesses to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than incurring heavy customs costs on regular , small volumes of orders of T-shirts and other clothes purchased from UK distributors and imported into Ireland , Brown will now buy in much larger bulk , importing garments in bigger orders for his customers .
He concedes that UK-sourced products are likely to be subject to the 12 per cent tariff and costly delays at ports , so he is looking further afield to Europe and the Far East for alternative supplies .
Some customers , though , have been wearing British products for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They would be willing to pay a higher cost for a T-shirt because of Brexit , he believes .
“ Brexit does present an opportunity because it makes it more difficult for our competitors to sell here .
It allows us to take a greater market share ; but the elephant in the room is the potential for the country to go into recession and then you can have a bigger share of a market that is in decline , ” he says .
“ We are only just getting on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it hit us very hard .
The last thing we want is to get plunged into another .
If we commit chunks of money in large stock and sales dry up , that is a difficult scenario for us but a very real potential.
” One way or another , he says , their product will be 12 per cent dearer after Brexit if there is no zero-tariff trade deal covering clothing , so they will have to find a “ workaround ” .
“ Any products that we source from the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Where we have potential is to bring on or develop alternative products from elsewhere.
” CSO figures show that “ miscellaneous manufactured articles ” such as clothing accounted for €1 billion worth of imports from the UK in 2018 , about 5 per cent of overall imports from the country .
This makes Ireland a valuable market for British exporters .
One of Caramba ’ s main UK suppliers , who does not wish to be named , says Brexit will put companies like his at “ a 12 per cent disadvantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues managing a new trade border that will affect next-day deliveries .
“ It disadvantages UK suppliers because Irish companies will be able to buy the same garments but from EU-member trade companies , although with a slight delay because they have to be shipped , ” he says .
“ It is making it harder for UK companies who have a strong heritage of trading with Ireland and Northern Ireland as if it is the same market.
” The possibility of checks at English and Irish ports under Johnson ’ s new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flow of business and goods .
Overall , the fallout from Brexit has created “ a great deal of uncertainty ” , he says .
“ Me or Vincent in Caramba , none of us want barriers between us in doing this , ” he says .
“ It is frustrating in that we have built up relationships at a business and commercial level and spent many years building customers .
We have become friends over the years .
Naturally those relationships could be adversely affected.
” Ireland in Numbers is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the data .
The data used has been provided by the Central Statistics Office

Phil Cone of Academy Crests in Cork. One way or another, he says, their product will be 12 per cent dearer after Brexit if there is no zero-tariff trade deal covering clothing. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
Helena O'Sullivan likes the T-shirts she and her staff buy from Phil Cone's Cork company Academy Crests. For €22, staff get a T-shirt with the creche's logo and their name printed on it.
“The parents want to put a name on the face,” she says of the customers whose children are looked after at Glenfield’s Community Childcare in Ballyvolan, Cork.
The creche tried different uniforms and T-shirts but the ones supplied by Cone’s business were the most comfortable, she says. She did not know the T-shirts bought from Academy had come from Britain.
She is concerned about Brexit, which she describes as "scary".
READ MORE
If prices rise due to tariffs or higher shipping costs from the UK, they would have to reconsider. “We would have to look elsewhere. None of us are paid excellently but we want to be presentable and the management couldn’t afford to be spending so much on different uniforms. We are a run by a voluntary group, in a community setting,” she says.
The Cork creche is at the end of a long and well-established supply chain from the UK to Ireland that has been seamlessly developed over tariff-free, invisible trading barriers for decades.
Brexit Phil Cone of Academy Crests, Cork supplier of the Henbury HB400 polo shirt.Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
All that could change, unless the EU and UK can agree a trade deal between Brexit day on Friday, when the UK formally leaves the EU, and the end of the standstill transition period on December 31st, the deadline set by British prime minister Boris Johnson to agree a future EU-UK trade deal.
Britain is the main source of imports for Ireland, accounting for 20.1 per cent of all products brought into the country in 2018, according to Central Statistics Office (CSO) data. In value terms, they are worth €19 billion, well ahead of the US (€17 billion), France and Germany (both €11 billion).
Source: CSO
Uncertainty
Ireland’s percentage of imports sourced from Britain rose in the first seven months of 2019 by 22 per cent to €11 billion, so – despite Brexit and all the uncertainty during 2018 around whether it was going to happen or not – Britain is still an important market for Irish firms sourcing materials.
Much focus in the Brexit debate has been on the UK as a significant export market for Irish businesses, but – in value terms – imports are more significant: CSO data shows Ireland imported €3 billion more in goods from Britain than it exported to the country in 2018.
Source: CSO
Source: CSO
The UK’s decision to leave the EU means these valuable supply chains will undergo significant changes.
Behind the billions in traded goods every year are hundreds of thousands of customers, such as O’Sullivan and her creche, who benefit from the free trade and the tariff-less movement of goods between Ireland and the UK.
These chains will change or possibly be severed by Brexit.
The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, confirmed this on Monday when he said Brexit “makes fictionless trade impossible. It makes checks indispensable”.
Brexit Phil Cone of Academy Crests, Cork supplier of the Henbury HB400 polo shirt.Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
Adapt or die
To prepare for Brexit, businesses must adapt or die. Each link in the chain of supply between the UK and Ireland is taking different positions. Following the journey of the T-shirts through the chain shows the challenges posed by Brexit.
One link up the supply chain from O'Sullivan, Phil Cone at Academy Crests has been making preparations to safeguard his own supply of garments in what is known as the "overbranded" or "brandable clothing" market.
He is still buying products from large garment distributors in Britain, but he now places his orders through a Dublin supplier: Caramba, in Finglas. It has started importing clothing in much larger bulk volumes directly from UK suppliers.
"We were looking to change and we had found some European suppliers in France and Spain and we put in some trial orders with them but since then the UK suppliers have done a deal with the Irish supplier [Caramba]," says Cone.
The concern on the Irish side of the supply chain that sources the Henbury-branded T-shirts for O’Sullivan’s creche staff and other customers is the 12 per cent import tariff rate that would apply on clothing should the UK leave the EU without a tariff-free trade agreement by the end of this year.
Johnson’s Brexit deal will create the transition period for the next year where the EU and UK will continue trading, tariff-free.
Cliff edge
However, as Barnier warned on his visit to Dublin on Monday, a potential “cliff edge” looms again on December 31st, 2020, under Johnson’s plans to add a new clause to the Brexit Bill to rule out any extension to the transition period.
The Brexit effect on business means higher costs for companies and customers. The rising cost of buying his products means that Cone will have to pass those costs on to customers.
Vincent Brown of clothing distribution business Caramba in Finglas. ‘We could get the product from someone else in Spain without the 12 per cent increase,’ says Phil Cone. ‘Vincent knows that, but I built up a long relationship with Vincent. We don’t want to do it.’ Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
“On all UK products coming in, there will be a 12 per cent increased charge. For us, we go straight back to the customer. It is not as if our customers are not aware of Brexit – they are anticipating that prices will go up,” he says.
Cone says the alternative is that he switches and buys his T-shirts from a European supplier to avoid the tariff, but he is reluctant to do this because of the long-standing relationship he has built up with Vincent Brown, who owns Caramba. Brexit is forcing him to reassess things.
"Look, we do have other suppliers in Europe – it does mean we could get the product from someone else in Spain without the 12 per cent increase. Vincent knows that, but I built up a long relationship with Vincent. We don't want to do it," he says.
Customs costs
In Dublin, Brown is taking his own risks to navigate the Brexit-related changes facing Irish and British businesses to ensure he can keep selling T-shirts.
Rather than incurring heavy customs costs on regular, small volumes of orders of T-shirts and other clothes purchased from UK distributors and imported into Ireland, Brown will now buy in much larger bulk, importing garments in bigger orders for his customers.
He concedes that UK-sourced products are likely to be subject to the 12 per cent tariff and costly delays at ports, so he is looking further afield to Europe and the Far East for alternative supplies. Some customers, though, have been wearing British products for years and will be reluctant to change. They would be willing to pay a higher cost for a T-shirt because of Brexit, he believes.
“Brexit does present an opportunity because it makes it more difficult for our competitors to sell here. It allows us to take a greater market share; but the elephant in the room is the potential for the country to go into recession and then you can have a bigger share of a market that is in decline,” he says.
“We are only just getting on our feet since the last recession, because it hit us very hard. The last thing we want is to get plunged into another. If we commit chunks of money in large stock and sales dry up, that is a difficult scenario for us but a very real potential.”
Workaround
One way or another, he says, their product will be 12 per cent dearer after Brexit if there is no zero-tariff trade deal covering clothing, so they will have to find a “workaround”.
“Any products that we source from the UK market will be 12 per cent dearer. Where we have potential is to bring on or develop alternative products from elsewhere.”
CSO figures show that “miscellaneous manufactured articles” such as clothing accounted for €1 billion worth of imports from the UK in 2018, about 5 per cent of overall imports from the country. This makes Ireland a valuable market for British exporters.
One of Caramba’s main UK suppliers, who does not wish to be named, says Brexit will put companies like his at “a 12 per cent disadvantage” and there will be additional logistical issues managing a new trade border that will affect next-day deliveries.
“It disadvantages UK suppliers because Irish companies will be able to buy the same garments but from EU-member trade companies, although with a slight delay because they have to be shipped,” he says.
"It is making it harder for UK companies who have a strong heritage of trading with Ireland and Northern Ireland as if it is the same market."
Source: CSO
Source: CSO
Port checks
The possibility of checks at English and Irish ports under Johnson’s new post-Brexit Irish Sea trade border will slow the flow of business and goods.
Overall, the fallout from Brexit has created “a great deal of uncertainty”, he says. “Me or Vincent in Caramba, none of us want barriers between us in doing this,” he says.
“It is frustrating in that we have built up relationships at a business and commercial level and spent many years building customers. We have become friends over the years. Naturally those relationships could be adversely affected.”
[ Central Statistics Office ]


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Woman who gave birth on Dublin street remains in hospital

A vulnerable woman who gave birth on a Dublin street in the early hours of Monday morning , remained in hospital last night .
The woman , who is of no fixed address but is believed to be a Dubliner , went into labour just after 1am around the junction of Linenhall Street and North King Street in what were below-zero temperatures at the time .
She delivered the baby by the roadside in the north inner city as a number of passersby and local people went to her aid on hearing her screams .
After giving birth the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was eventually found with her baby by the emergency services at the Four Courts on Inns Quay .
People who were at the scene when she gave birth were said to be shocked when the woman then decided to walk on .
They followed her and guided the emergency services so they could find her , about 1km from where she had given birth .
Gardaí sealed off a number of scenes for examination , including the location where the woman gave birth and where she was found outside the Four Courts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those scenes were sealed off so they could be examined , it was a precautionary measure and there is no criminal component to the case .
“ Gardaí and emergency services attended the incident on North King Street at approximately 1.30am , Monday , January 27th , ” the Garda said in reply to queries .
“ Due to the sensitive nature of this incident we will not be providing any further information.
” Despite the circumstances of the delivery and the fact the woman was described as very vulnerable , mother and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rotunda Hospital in the north inner city last night .
Garda sources described her as having no fixed address , although it remained unclear if she was a rough sleeper .
A number of sources in outreach services said the woman was not known to them and they believed she would be had she been sleeping on the streets .

The junction of Linenhall Street and North King Street in central Dublin, where a woman gave birth in the early hours of Monday. Photograph: Collins
A vulnerable woman who gave birth on a Dublin street in the early hours of Monday morning, remained in hospital last night.
The woman, who is of no fixed address but is believed to be a Dubliner, went into labour just after 1am around the junction of Linenhall Street and North King Street in what were below-zero temperatures at the time.
She delivered the baby by the roadside in the north inner city as a number of passersby and local people went to her aid on hearing her screams.
After giving birth the woman then walked southwards towards the quays and was eventually found with her baby by the emergency services at the Four Courts on Inns Quay.
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People who were at the scene when she gave birth were said to be shocked when the woman then decided to walk on. They followed her and guided the emergency services so they could find her, about 1km from where she had given birth.
Scenes sealed off
Gardaí sealed off a number of scenes for examination, including the location where the woman gave birth and where she was found outside the Four Courts.
However, it is understood that while those scenes were sealed off so they could be examined, it was a precautionary measure and there is no criminal component to the case.
“Gardaí and emergency services attended the incident on North King Street at approximately 1.30am, Monday, January 27th,” the Garda said in reply to queries.
“Due to the sensitive nature of this incident we will not be providing any further information.”
Despite the circumstances of the delivery and the fact the woman was described as very vulnerable, mother and baby were in a stable condition in the Rotunda Hospital in the north inner city last night.
Garda sources described her as having no fixed address, although it remained unclear if she was a rough sleeper.
A number of sources in outreach services said the woman was not known to them and they believed she would be had she been sleeping on the streets.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Legal measures to protect elderly and vulnerable listed in report

Legislation allowing authorities to enter properties where they believe an elderly or vulnerable person is being abused is among the measures canvassed in a major report on “ adult safeguarding ” by the Law Reform Commission .
Financial abuse is one of the most prevalent forms of mistreatment of elderly and vulnerable people , according to the report .
The commission is seeking submissions on whether a new national adult safeguarding authority should be established , or whether existing bodies should be asked to take over the role .
There is widespread agreement on the need for a clear statutory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from physical , sexual , psychological and financial abuse , the commission says in a paper on a Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding .
The Law Reform Commission is a State body that runs a rolling programme of reviewing the law and making proposals for its modernisation and clarification .
Legislation to allow the authorities to order people to stay away from vulnerable people is among the topics canvassed in the paper .
While there is a lack of comprehensive statistics , available research indicates “ a high level of abuse suffered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the commission report .
A 2018 survey by the National Centre for the Protection of Older People found that two out of three bank staff had suspected a customer had been the victim of financial abuse , while a survey last year by the Banking and Payment Federation of Ireland found that 20 per cent of adults had experienced financial abuse .
In 2017 , 10,000 safeguarding concerns were notified to the Health Service Executive , which illustrates the scale of health-related abuse , the commission noted .
The private member ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Seanad by Senator Colette Kelleher , included a proposal for a new dedicated authority .
An Oireachtas committee agreed the matter required further research , leading to the commission including the topic in its Fifth Programme of Law Reform .
Ms Kelleher is a former social worker and former chief executive of the Alzheimer ’ s Society of Ireland .
Abuse and neglect in relation to adult safeguarding can include acts of omission such as ignoring medical or physical needs , or depriving people of food , warmth , health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse , which HSE statistics indicate is a significant problem , can include “ being ignored or being made to feel discounted ” .
The commission notes that while at-risk adults are protected from discrimination in some circumstances , “ the discriminatory abuse of at-risk people generally is not classed as a hate crime in Ireland ” .
In relation to financial abuse , the report notes studies and statistics that show the abuser is often a member of the victim ’ s family .
People whose sole income is the State pension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows .
Increased training for banking staff , and new protections for bank employees who flag what they believe are causes for concern , are canvassed in the report , which notes that branch closures and the move to online banking has placed older people at increased risk .
The report canvasses the arguments for and against new powers to allow the authorities enter property because of concerns about adult abuse .
A study of the topic in England found that this was “ a very sensitive and complex issue that divided opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no conclusive proof that such a measure would do more good than harm , with concerns being expressed about a disproportionate interference with the rights of vulnerable people , albeit that such a measure might be beneficial in a few individual cases .
The measure was not proceeded with in England .
The paper has been published on the commission ’ s website and responses are being sought prior to April 30th next .

The commission notes that “the discriminatory abuse of at-risk people generally is not classed as a hate crime in Ireland”. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA
Legislation allowing authorities to enter properties where they believe an elderly or vulnerable person is being abused is among the measures canvassed in a major report on "adult safeguarding" by the Law Reform Commission.
Financial abuse is one of the most prevalent forms of mistreatment of elderly and vulnerable people, according to the report.
The commission is seeking submissions on whether a new national adult safeguarding authority should be established, or whether existing bodies should be asked to take over the role.
There is widespread agreement on the need for a clear statutory framework for the protection of vulnerable adults from physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse, the commission says in a paper on a Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding.
READ MORE
The Law Reform Commission is a State body that runs a rolling programme of reviewing the law and making proposals for its modernisation and clarification.
Legislation to allow the authorities to order people to stay away from vulnerable people is among the topics canvassed in the paper.
While there is a lack of comprehensive statistics, available research indicates “a high level of abuse suffered by older people in particular”, according to the commission report.
Health-related abuse
A 2018 survey by the National Centre for the Protection of Older People found that two out of three bank staff had suspected a customer had been the victim of financial abuse, while a survey last year by the Banking and Payment Federation of Ireland found that 20 per cent of adults had experienced financial abuse.
In 2017, 10,000 safeguarding concerns were notified to the Health Service Executive, which illustrates the scale of health-related abuse, the commission noted.
The private member's Adult Safeguarding Bill 2017, introduced in the Seanad by Senator Colette Kelleher, included a proposal for a new dedicated authority.
An Oireachtas committee agreed the matter required further research, leading to the commission including the topic in its Fifth Programme of Law Reform.
Ms Kelleher is a former social worker and former chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.
Abuse and neglect in relation to adult safeguarding can include acts of omission such as ignoring medical or physical needs, or depriving people of food, warmth, health, and social and education needs.
Psychological abuse, which HSE statistics indicate is a significant problem, can include “being ignored or being made to feel discounted”.
The commission notes that while at-risk adults are protected from discrimination in some circumstances, “the discriminatory abuse of at-risk people generally is not classed as a hate crime in Ireland”.
Victim’s family
In relation to financial abuse, the report notes studies and statistics that show the abuser is often a member of the victim’s family.
People whose sole income is the State pension are particularly prone to mistreatment, research shows.
Increased training for banking staff, and new protections for bank employees who flag what they believe are causes for concern, are canvassed in the report, which notes that branch closures and the move to online banking has placed older people at increased risk.
The report canvasses the arguments for and against new powers to allow the authorities enter property because of concerns about adult abuse.
A study of the topic in England found that this was “a very sensitive and complex issue that divided opinion”.
The study found there was no conclusive proof that such a measure would do more good than harm, with concerns being expressed about a disproportionate interference with the rights of vulnerable people, albeit that such a measure might be beneficial in a few individual cases.
The measure was not proceeded with in England.
The paper has been published on the commission's website and responses are being sought prior to April 30th next.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Call for large class sizes in schools to be addressed by next government

High pupil to teacher ratios and large class sizes in schools must be addressed by the next government , Social Justice Ireland ( SJI ) has said .
In an election briefing paper on education policy , the independent think tank said the next government must make improving education for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds a “ priority ” .
Social Justice Ireland released the paper ahead of the general election on February 8th .
Education has not come to the fore to date in the campaign , which has been dominated by issues such as housing , health and crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a clear plan to provide sustainable funding to the higher education sector over a period of five years .
Its also said access for students from disadvantaged socio-economic areas to higher education must be improved .
Social Justice Ireland called for more “ diverse access routes ” into college courses for traditionally underrepresented groups at third-level .
The next government also needed to increase funding into early childhood care and education , and to improve working conditions for staff in the childcare sector .
Currently 13 per cent of adults are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as part-time further education courses while in the workforce .
The think tank called for efforts to increase this rate up to 15 per cent by next year , and 20 per cent by 2026 .
The policy paper said the next government needed to set “ ambitious targets for levels of literacy , numeracy and digital skills among adults ” .

High pupil to teacher ratios and large class sizes in schools must be addressed by the next government, Social Justice Ireland (SJI) has said.
High pupil to teacher ratios and large class sizes in schools must be addressed by the next government, Social Justice Ireland (SJI) has said.
In an election briefing paper on education policy, the independent think tank said the next government must make improving education for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds a “priority”.
Social Justice Ireland released the paper ahead of the general election on February 8th. Education has not come to the fore to date in the campaign, which has been dominated by issues such as housing, health and crime.
The think tank said there needed to be a clear plan to provide sustainable funding to the higher education sector over a period of five years. Its also said access for students from disadvantaged socio-economic areas to higher education must be improved.
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Social Justice Ireland called for more “diverse access routes” into college courses for traditionally underrepresented groups at third-level. The next government also needed to increase funding into early childhood care and education, and to improve working conditions for staff in the childcare sector.
Currently 13 per cent of adults are involved in “lifelong learning,” such as part-time further education courses while in the workforce. The think tank called for efforts to increase this rate up to 15 per cent by next year, and 20 per cent by 2026.
The policy paper said the next government needed to set “ambitious targets for levels of literacy, numeracy and digital skills among adults”.