theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Dublin’s mayor says he will lead effort to save Bewley’s cafe

The Lord Mayor of Dublin , Tom Brabazon , is to spearhead plans to try to again save Bewley ’ s cafe on Grafton Street , following the announcement it is to close permanently with the loss of 110 jobs .
The announcement of the closure “ rubs salt in the wounds ” of those already suffering as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic , Mr Brabazon said , particularly those who were to lose their livelihoods .
“ Bewley ’ s is one of the real icons of Dublin .
For the 110 workers it is a real , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many others , it is an institution of the city.
” He was speaking after staff were told on Wednesday of the decision by Bewley ’ s Ltd , which is owned by artist Paddy Campbell , to close permanently due to the impact of the pandemic and the €1.5 million annual rent .
The cafe , which opened in 1927 , also shut down in November 2004 , with owners Campbell Bewley Group citing the high cost of rent and insurance rates for losses .
Following a campaign involving councillors and heritage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following year , with restaurateurs Jay Bourke and Eoin Foyle opening a fish restaurant , Mackerel , on the first floor .
The restaurant struggled during the recession and eventually closed , though the cafe continued to trade .
Concerns for the future of Bewley ’ s emerged again in 2015 when , after a protracted rent dispute , the cafe closed again for a refurbishment that was due to take six months .
The cafe didn ’ t reopen until two years and nine months later , in November 2017 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself .
It ’ s not that long ago that Bewley ’ s came under threat of permanent closure , but came out the other side , ” Mr Brabazon said .
He said he recognised the restaurant sector was “ under considerable threat ” due to the pandemic , and many restaurants may have difficulty in surviving and reopening .
“ Bewley ’ s may be the first of many , ” he said .
However , he said he had already received a significant number of emails from “ concerned Dubliners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic cafe and the building , as well as the workers .
“ I am going to try to put a plan together to see if it can be rescued as a venue .
Whether or not people will be quite nervous about making a commitment from a long-term financial prospective , I ’ m not sure , but I will certainly see what can be done.
” Damien Cassidy , who founded the Save Bewley ’ s Cafe Campaign in 2004 , said “ Bewley ’ s is one of the treasures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to close down .
I fear for the city , I fear that we won ’ t know the city when all this is over.
” John O ’ Hara , city planner with Dublin City Council , said the cafe has the benefit of “ three layers of protection ” governing the preservation of the fabric of the building , including its prized six stained-glass windows commissioned from the artist Harry Clarke in 1931 , as well as the future use of the cafe .
“ Firstly , the building at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Bewley ’ s , is listed on the city ’ s Record of Protected Structures , which covers it both internally and externally.
” The cafe is then protected under a specific provision of the current Dublin City Development Plan .
“ Under the development plan , Bewley ’ s cafe on Grafton Street is deemed to be a use that contributes significantly to the unique character of Grafton Street and is considered an essential part of the street , ” he said .
This provision also states that the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intrinsic to the special character of the building .
Finally , Grafton Street is an area of “ special planning control ” which means the replacement of existing uses with certain types of business , such as phone shops , takeaways or bookmakers among others , is prohibited .
Mr O ’ Hara stresses that this does not mean the use of the building can never change , but that it would require a planning application which would be assessed in line with the three protections above .
“ It is a pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Tom Brabazon, is to spearhead plans to try to again save Bewley's cafe on Grafton Street, following the announcement it is to close permanently with the loss of 110 jobs.
The announcement of the closure “rubs salt in the wounds” of those already suffering as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Brabazon said, particularly those who were to lose their livelihoods.
“Bewley’s is one of the real icons of Dublin. For the 110 workers it is a real, real tragedy; for Dubliners, and many others, it is an institution of the city.”
He was speaking after staff were told on Wednesday of the decision by Bewley’s Ltd, which is owned by artist Paddy Campbell, to close permanently due to the impact of the pandemic and the €1.5 million annual rent.
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The cafe, which opened in 1927, also shut down in November 2004, with owners Campbell Bewley Group citing the high cost of rent and insurance rates for losses. Following a campaign involving councillors and heritage groups, Bewley's reopened the following year, with restaurateurs Jay Bourke and Eoin Foyle opening a fish restaurant, Mackerel, on the first floor.
The restaurant struggled during the recession and eventually closed, though the cafe continued to trade. Concerns for the future of Bewley’s emerged again in 2015 when, after a protracted rent dispute, the cafe closed again for a refurbishment that was due to take six months. The cafe didn’t reopen until two years and nine months later, in November 2017.
‘History repeating’
“We have a case of history repeating itself. It’s not that long ago that Bewley’s came under threat of permanent closure, but came out the other side,” Mr Brabazon said. He said he recognised the restaurant sector was “under considerable threat” due to the pandemic, and many restaurants may have difficulty in surviving and reopening. “Bewley’s may be the first of many,” he said.
However, he said he had already received a significant number of emails from “concerned Dubliners” worried about the future of its historic cafe and the building, as well as the workers.
“I am going to try to put a plan together to see if it can be rescued as a venue. Whether or not people will be quite nervous about making a commitment from a long-term financial prospective, I’m not sure, but I will certainly see what can be done.”
Damien Cassidy, who founded the Save Bewley's Cafe Campaign in 2004, said "Bewley's is one of the treasures of Dublin, it cannot be allowed to close down. I fear for the city, I fear that we won't know the city when all this is over."
Stained-glass windows
John O'Hara, city planner with Dublin City Council, said the cafe has the benefit of "three layers of protection" governing the preservation of the fabric of the building, including its prized six stained-glass windows commissioned from the artist Harry Clarke in 1931, as well as the future use of the cafe.
“Firstly, the building at 78 and 79 Grafton Street, which is Bewley’s, is listed on the city’s Record of Protected Structures, which covers it both internally and externally.”
The cafe is then protected under a specific provision of the current Dublin City Development Plan. “Under the development plan, Bewley’s cafe on Grafton Street is deemed to be a use that contributes significantly to the unique character of Grafton Street and is considered an essential part of the street,” he said. This provision also states that the use of the building specifically as a cafe is intrinsic to the special character of the building.
Finally, Grafton Street is an area of “special planning control” which means the replacement of existing uses with certain types of business, such as phone shops, takeaways or bookmakers among others, is prohibited.
Mr O’Hara stresses that this does not mean the use of the building can never change, but that it would require a planning application which would be assessed in line with the three protections above. “It is a pretty high bar to cross,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Man held knife to woman’s throat before barricading himself into house – court

A man held a knife to a woman ’ s throat before barricading himself into a stranger ’ s home where he drank the homeowner ’ s beer during a three-hour standoff with gardaí yesterday , a court heard today .
The man , who can not be named for legal reasons , was arrested on Wednesday night after gardaí initially responded to a report of a domestic violence incident , at a location in Co Limerick .
He is charged with breaching a safety order and putting the complainant in fear by holding a knife to her throat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Domestic Violence Act , 2018 ; and with two further counts in relation to committing a burglary during the course of a dispute where he produced a kitchen knife in a manner likely to intimidate another person .
The charges allegedly occurred around 7.30pm on May 6th in a rural housing estate .
During a bail application before Limerick District Court , a garda witness gave evidence of receiving a 999 call from a woman alleging the accused had threatened her and held a knife to her neck .
Another person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sustained an injury from a shovel , the garda said .
The accused ’ s solicitor Sarah Ryan , said , following her client ’ s arrest , the complainant telephoned her to say she would not be making a formal written statement against the accused .
The garda witness said the accused fled the scene on foot and was observed entering an occupied house about a mile away , where he “ barricaded ” himself inside the property along with the occupants .
The garda alleged the accused was observed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the house and that he armed himself with a second knife inside the property .
“ He informed the occupants he was not going to hurt them but he refused to leave , and a three-hour stand off occurred , ” the garda said .
“ He was .
.
.
intoxicated , aggressive , and a danger to himself and to others .
He threatened to injure himself , ” the garda said .
The garda said it was her belief that , if the accused was granted bail , he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The solicitor said her client ’ s instructions were that gardai were called after a minor dispute at a house , and the accused “ stupidly ” ran from the area before gardai arrived .
“ The gardai were chasing me , I entered the property with no knives .
I picked them up in the house , ” the accused told the court .
He claimed that , on the evening in question , he had a minor scuffle with a third party , not the complainant .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” from a fridge in the house he barricaded himself into .
The accused told the court he “ locked all the doors and put the knife to my own throat ” .
Judge Marian O ’ Leary , presiding , refused bail given the “ very frightening and very serious ” evidence before the court .
The man was remanded in custody to appear before Limerick District Court again for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on May 12th .

A man held a knife to a woman’s throat before barricading himself into a stranger’s home where he drank the homeowner’s beer during a three-hour standoff with gardaí yesterday, a court heard today.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on Wednesday night after gardaí initially responded to a report of a domestic violence incident, at a location in Co Limerick.
He is charged with breaching a safety order and putting the complainant in fear by holding a knife to her throat, contrary to Section 33 (1) of the Domestic Violence Act, 2018; and with two further counts in relation to committing a burglary during the course of a dispute where he produced a kitchen knife in a manner likely to intimidate another person.
The charges allegedly occurred around 7.30pm on May 6th in a rural housing estate.
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During a bail application before Limerick District Court, a garda witness gave evidence of receiving a 999 call from a woman alleging the accused had threatened her and held a knife to her neck.
Another person not named in court attempted to intervene and sustained an injury from a shovel, the garda said.
The accused’s solicitor Sarah Ryan, said, following her client’s arrest, the complainant telephoned her to say she would not be making a formal written statement against the accused.
The garda witness said the accused fled the scene on foot and was observed entering an occupied house about a mile away, where he “barricaded” himself inside the property along with the occupants.
The garda alleged the accused was observed in possession of a knife when he entered the house and that he armed himself with a second knife inside the property.
“He informed the occupants he was not going to hurt them but he refused to leave, and a three-hour stand off occurred,” the garda said.
“He was . . . intoxicated, aggressive, and a danger to himself and to others. He threatened to injure himself,” the garda said.
The garda said it was her belief that, if the accused was granted bail, he would interfere with witnesses and commit serious offences.
“The solicitor said her client’s instructions were that gardai were called after a minor dispute at a house, and the accused “stupidly” ran from the area before gardai arrived.
“The gardai were chasing me, I entered the property with no knives. I picked them up in the house,” the accused told the court.
He claimed that, on the evening in question, he had a minor scuffle with a third party, not the complainant.
He said he drank “two cans of beer” from a fridge in the house he barricaded himself into.
The accused told the court he “locked all the doors and put the knife to my own throat”.
Judge Marian O’Leary, presiding, refused bail given the “very frightening and very serious” evidence before the court.
The man was remanded in custody to appear before Limerick District Court again for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on May 12th.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Couple charged with separate offences over burglary of pensioner’s house

A couple have been remanded in custody after they were charged with separate offences arising out of an alleged burglary at the home of a 75-year-old man in Cork at the weekend .
Thomas Twohig ( 39 ) was charged with aggravated burglary when he appeared at Cork District Court on Thursday afternoon while his girlfriend , Angelique Arundel ( 34 ) was charged with burglary after appearing at the same court on Thursday morning .
The State alleges in the charge that Mr Twohig committed burglary at St John ’ s , Bull ’ s Lane , Blackrock Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that at the time , he had with him an offensive weapon , namely a metal spirit level .
Det Garda Sean Stack of Blackrock Garda Station gave evidence of arrest , charge and caution and told the court that Mr Twohig made no reply to the charge when it was put to him after caution Defence solicitor , Frank Buttimer said that his client was not seeking bail at this point but may do so on a future occasion .
Sgt Gearoid Davis said gardaí were seeking a week long remand in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Judge Olann Kelleher remanded Mr Twohig in custody to appear at Cork District Court by video link on May 14th .
Judge Kelleher also granted Mr Twohig , whose address was given as St Colmcille Road , Gurranebraher in Cork , free legal aid after hearing from Mr Buttimer that he was in receipt of social welfare .
Earlier , Angelique Arundel from Shannon Lawn , Mayfield was charged with a separate burglary offence , arising out of the same incident at Bull ’ s Lane on Blackrock Road .
Ms Arundel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St John ’ s , Bull ’ s Lane , Blackrock Road as trespasser and committing a number of thefts from the house on May 1st .
The State alleges in the burglary charge that Ms Arundel stole a Seiko watch , worth €200 , a Huawei mobile phone , worth €100 , two bank cards , a cash box , worth €10 , and €15 cash from the house .
Det Sgt Katrine Tansey of Anglesea Street Garda station gave evidence of arrest , charge and caution and told the court that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge when it was put to her after caution .
Defence solicitor , Shane Collins Daly said that his client was not seeking bail at this point and he applied for free legal aid , saying she was currently unemployed and in receipt of social welfare .
Sgt Davis applied for a week ’ s adjournment to seek the DPP ’ s directions and Judge Kelleher remanded Ms Arundel in custody to appear at Cork District Court again on May 14th by video link while he also granted her free legal aid .

A couple have been remanded in custody after they were charged with separate offences arising out of an alleged burglary at the home of a 75-year-old man in Cork at the weekend.
Thomas Twohig (39) was charged with aggravated burglary when he appeared at Cork District Court on Thursday afternoon while his girlfriend, Angelique Arundel (34) was charged with burglary after appearing at the same court on Thursday morning.
The State alleges in the charge that Mr Twohig committed burglary at St John's, Bull's Lane, Blackrock Road on May 1s,t 2020 and that at the time, he had with him an offensive weapon, namely a metal spirit level.
Det Garda Sean Stack of Blackrock Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Twohig made no reply to the charge when it was put to him after caution
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Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer said that his client was not seeking bail at this point but may do so on a future occasion.
Sgt Gearoid Davis said gardaí were seeking a week long remand in custody for the DPP's directions and Judge Olann Kelleher remanded Mr Twohig in custody to appear at Cork District Court by video link on May 14th.
Judge Kelleher also granted Mr Twohig, whose address was given as St Colmcille Road, Gurranebraher in Cork, free legal aid after hearing from Mr Buttimer that he was in receipt of social welfare.
Earlier, Angelique Arundel from Shannon Lawn, Mayfield was charged with a separate burglary offence, arising out of the same incident at Bull's Lane on Blackrock Road.
Ms Arundel was charged with entering the house at St John’s, Bull’s Lane, Blackrock Road as trespasser and committing a number of thefts from the house on May 1st.
The State alleges in the burglary charge that Ms Arundel stole a Seiko watch, worth €200, a Huawei mobile phone, worth €100, two bank cards, a cash box, worth €10, and €15 cash from the house.
Det Sgt Katrine Tansey of Anglesea Street Garda station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Ms Arundel made no reply to the charge when it was put to her after caution.
Defence solicitor, Shane Collins Daly said that his client was not seeking bail at this point and he applied for free legal aid, saying she was currently unemployed and in receipt of social welfare.
Sgt Davis applied for a week's adjournment to seek the DPP's directions and Judge Kelleher remanded Ms Arundel in custody to appear at Cork District Court again on May 14th by video link while he also granted her free legal aid.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Customer can sue Eir over alleged breach of data obligations, High Court rules

A High Court judge has refused an application by Eir to halt a legal action by one of its customers over alleged breach of its obligations under the Data Protection Acts .
Mr Justice Max Barrett however struck out a further claim by Michael Burke alleging he was defamed by Eir in an email sent to communications regulator ComReg on March 6th 2015 .
This part of his claim was “ hopelessly ” outside the applicable time limits for defamation proceedings , he said .
It was for Mr Burke to decide how he would proceed in relation to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that matter was not before the court for decision at this stage , the judge added .
He was giving judgment on Thursday on a pre-trial application by Eircom Ltd , trading as Eir , to strike out Mr Burke ’ s defamation claim as out of time , disclosing no reasonable cause of action and/or frivolous and vexatious .
Eir also sought the strike out of a breach of data obligations claim on grounds it had already been dealt with by the Data Protection Commissioner .
The struck out defamation claim concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself , he was defamed in an email sent by Eir to Comreg on March 6th , 2015 , by intimating Mr Burke had called in to make a payment when no such payment was due .
He claimed Eir continued to maintain notations on his file stating disconnection of services was due to non-payment .
Eir denied defamation but had admitted it disconnected Mr Burke ’ s services for a short period about March 5th 2015 and this should not have occurred .
It apologised , re-connected Mr Burke and applied a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that month , in response to a complaint by Mr Burke to ComReg over how he was treated by Eir , the company again apologised for what had occurred .
The judge said Mr Burke was apparently prepared to let matters rest but in January 2016 had a further “ run-in ” with Eir regarding a price increase and charges on his account .
As a result , he began to suspect there were adverse annotations on his customer account regarding the March 2015 disconnection and he asked Eir to amend the annotations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been amended to show the disconnection was due to an error by Eir and not to a delay in payment by him .
He submitted a data access request to Eir .
After he got no reply to three such requests between May and September 2016 , he made a complaint to the Data Protection Commissioner .
In December 2018 , the judge said the commissioner “ unsurprisingly ” held Eir had breached the 40-day statutory turnaround time for responding to his data access request .
However , Mr Burke realised the documentation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not tally with that which he already had .
He got a solicitor and said he then received “ copious additional documents ” in May 2019 .
This documentation appeared to explain another adverse experience with Eir he had already had in July 2017 , the judge said .
He had been told by two different shops he was not entitled to a phone upgrade because he was barred or because of a “ legacy account.
” The upgrade issue was later rectified by Eir .
Mr Burke sued over the alleged 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order striking that claim out on grounds it was out of time .
The judge said , by the time Mr Burke “ belatedly ” got the further documentation from Eir in 2019 , he had already brought proceedings over the 2015 issues and may not have appreciated at that stage he may have been defamed in 2017 ( during the “ upgrade ” matter ) .
It was a matter for him to decide what to do in relation to the 2017 matter , the judge said .
With regard to Eir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim alleging breach of data obligations , the judge said Mr Burke was not out of time on that issue .
He was entitled to litigate whether Eir has a liability over events post-dating the commissioner ’ s decision in his favour , the judge said .

A High Court judge has refused an application by Eir to halt a legal action by one of its customers over alleged breach of its obligations under the Data Protection Acts.
Mr Justice Max Barrett however struck out a further claim by Michael Burke alleging he was defamed by Eir in an email sent to communications regulator ComReg on March 6th 2015. This part of his claim was “hopelessly” outside the applicable time limits for defamation proceedings, he said. It was for Mr Burke to decide how he would proceed in relation to a further alleged defamation in July 2017 and that matter was not before the court for decision at this stage, the judge added.
He was giving judgment on Thursday on a pre-trial application by Eircom Ltd, trading as Eir, to strike out Mr Burke’s defamation claim as out of time, disclosing no reasonable cause of action and/or frivolous and vexatious. Eir also sought the strike out of a breach of data obligations claim on grounds it had already been dealt with by the Data Protection Commissioner. The struck out defamation claim concerned an allegation by Mr Burke, representing himself, he was defamed in an email sent by Eir to Comreg on March 6th, 2015, by intimating Mr Burke had called in to make a payment when no such payment was due.
He claimed Eir continued to maintain notations on his file stating disconnection of services was due to non-payment. Eir denied defamation but had admitted it disconnected Mr Burke’s services for a short period about March 5th 2015 and this should not have occurred. It apologised, re-connected Mr Burke and applied a goodwill credit to his account. Later that month, in response to a complaint by Mr Burke to ComReg over how he was treated by Eir, the company again apologised for what had occurred.
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The judge said Mr Burke was apparently prepared to let matters rest but in January 2016 had a further “run-in” with Eir regarding a price increase and charges on his account. As a result, he began to suspect there were adverse annotations on his customer account regarding the March 2015 disconnection and he asked Eir to amend the annotations. It informed him the notes had been amended to show the disconnection was due to an error by Eir and not to a delay in payment by him. He submitted a data access request to Eir.
After he got no reply to three such requests between May and September 2016, he made a complaint to the Data Protection Commissioner.
In December 2018, the judge said the commissioner “unsurprisingly” held Eir had breached the 40-day statutory turnaround time for responding to his data access request. However, Mr Burke realised the documentation Eir was now forced to provide did not tally with that which he already had. He got a solicitor and said he then received “copious additional documents” in May 2019. This documentation appeared to explain another adverse experience with Eir he had already had in July 2017, the judge said. He had been told by two different shops he was not entitled to a phone upgrade because he was barred or because of a “legacy account.” The upgrade issue was later rectified by Eir.
Mr Burke sued over the alleged 2015 defamation and the judge granted Eir an order striking that claim out on grounds it was out of time. The judge said, by the time Mr Burke “belatedly” got the further documentation from Eir in 2019, he had already brought proceedings over the 2015 issues and may not have appreciated at that stage he may have been defamed in 2017 (during the “upgrade” matter). It was a matter for him to decide what to do in relation to the 2017 matter, the judge said.
With regard to Eir’s application to strike out the claim alleging breach of data obligations, the judge said Mr Burke was not out of time on that issue. He was entitled to litigate whether Eir has a liability over events post-dating the commissioner’s decision in his favour, the judge said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Northern Irish man must wait to hear outcome of challenge to his extradition to UK

The warrant seeking the arrest and surrender of a Northern Ireland man , who is alleged to have delivered the trailer in which 39 migrants were found dead in Essex last year , was “ wholly unsatisfactory ” his legal team have told the Court of Appeal .
Eamon Ronald Harrison ( 23 ) of Mayobridge , Co Down , is wanted by Essex police to face 39 counts of manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration .
Ordering Mr Harrison ’ s extradition to the UK in January , Mr Justice Donald Binchy said the British-Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in transporting illegal migrants on two previous occasions , and that the trailer at the centre of the Essex discovery was used on one of those occasions .
However , Mr Harrison was granted leave by the High Court last February to challenge his pending extradition to the UK on the grounds that the case raised issues in law .
It is alleged that Mr Harrison delivered the trailer , in which the bodies of 39 Vietnamese nationals were found in an industrial park in Grays , Essex on October 23rd last , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journey to Britain .
The cargo was recorded as “ biscuits ” and the migrants died from a lack of oxygen between 8pm and 10pm after they had entered UK territorial waters .
The temperature inside the unit rose to 38.5 degrees before it “ steadily reduced ” , and police discovered “ bloody hand prints ” inside .
The eight women and 31 men had arrived in England last October on a ferry from Zeebrugge in Belgium .
The youngest victims were two boys aged 15 .
Thursday ’ s remote hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the criminal side of the Court of Appeal and the appellant joined by video-link .
Appealing the order for surrender , Mr Harrison ’ s barrister , Siobhan Stack SC , submitted that the principle issue related to whether additional information was admissible before the High Court given that it did not come from the issuing judicial authority ( a magistrate ) but from the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) .
The barrister argued that the additional information was inadmissible as it was not submitted by the Issuing Judicial Authority as required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to whether the European Arrest Warrant ( EAW ) and the additional information state with sufficient clarity or detail the “ circumstances in which the offence … is alleged to have been committed , including the time and place of its commission or alleged commission , and the degree of involvement or alleged degree of involvement of the person in the commission of the offence.
” Ms Stack maintained it was clear that the warrant had completely failed to give a “ precise description of the facts ” or even to set out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done .
She described the warrant in this case as “ brief in the extreme ” and said it was “ wholly unsatisfactory ” .
There was no meaningful description of time and place nor a description of the event which Mr Harrison was alleged to have engaged in , she continued .
Nothing more than the vaguest of circumstances and “ incredibly bald information ” concerning Mr Harrison allegedly dropping off the trailer had been provided , indicated Ms Stack , adding that there was also nothing about how the migrants had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She stated that this “ critical information ” should have been contained in the warrant .
Concluding the legal challenge to Mr Harrison ’ s pending extradition , Ms Stack said UK authorities should have gone back and issued the correct warrant but that was not done in this case .
Counsel for the Minister for Justice , Ronan Kennedy SC , said there was no question but that this EAW was issued by the Issuing Judicial Authority , namely district judge Michael Snow sitting at Westminster Magistrates Court .
He said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of proportionality .
At no time did the warrant seek to address that the CPS was acting as the Issuing Judicial Authority and it was no surprise that information had emanated from the CPS , he submitted .
“ This confidence underpins the whole system and is the basis for mutual recognition , ” he argued .
He further submitted that the High Court judge had engaged in a rigorous analysis of the additional information and whether he should have relied on it .
Furthermore , Mr Kennedy said it was inaccurate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way it had been presented to the court and UK authorities had provided a level of detail which far surpassed the level of detail normally provided .
The warrant contained most if not all of what was required and was not as “ marked ” as the appellant would have one believe , he added .
The lawyer explained that what was being alleged against Mr Harrison was quite clear , namely that he was part of a conspiracy and had driven the trailer to a port , where it was loaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was alleged : “ He had a part to play not only in the conspiracy but also in the manslaughter of people ” .
President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham , who sat with Mr Justice John Edwards and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly , said the court would reserve its judgment .
Mr Harrison was remanded in custody pending delivery of the court ’ s decision or until further order .
On April 24th , the Court of Appeal heard that UK authorities were no longer seeking to prosecute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to commit human trafficking under the UK ’ s Modern Slavery Act .

The warrant seeking the arrest and surrender of a Northern Ireland man, who is alleged to have delivered the trailer in which 39 migrants were found dead in Essex last year, was “wholly unsatisfactory” his legal team have told the Court of Appeal.
Eamon Ronald Harrison (23) of Mayobridge, Co Down, is wanted by Essex police to face 39 counts of manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.
Ordering Mr Harrison’s extradition to the UK in January, Mr Justice Donald Binchy said the British-Irish citizen was alleged to have been involved in transporting illegal migrants on two previous occasions, and that the trailer at the centre of the Essex discovery was used on one of those occasions.
However, Mr Harrison was granted leave by the High Court last February to challenge his pending extradition to the UK on the grounds that the case raised issues in law.
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It is alleged that Mr Harrison delivered the trailer, in which the bodies of 39 Vietnamese nationals were found in an industrial park in Grays, Essex on October 23rd last, to a Belgian port before its onward journey to Britain. The cargo was recorded as “biscuits” and the migrants died from a lack of oxygen between 8pm and 10pm after they had entered UK territorial waters. The temperature inside the unit rose to 38.5 degrees before it “steadily reduced”, and police discovered “bloody hand prints” inside.
The eight women and 31 men had arrived in England last October on a ferry from Zeebrugge in Belgium. The youngest victims were two boys aged 15.
Thursday’s remote hearing saw lawyers, the three judges of the criminal side of the Court of Appeal and the appellant joined by video-link.
Appealing the order for surrender, Mr Harrison’s barrister, Siobhan Stack SC, submitted that the principle issue related to whether additional information was admissible before the High Court given that it did not come from the issuing judicial authority (a magistrate) but from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The barrister argued that the additional information was inadmissible as it was not submitted by the Issuing Judicial Authority as required.
The second point of appeal related to whether the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) and the additional information state with sufficient clarity or detail the “circumstances in which the offence … is alleged to have been committed, including the time and place of its commission or alleged commission, and the degree of involvement or alleged degree of involvement of the person in the commission of the offence.”
Ms Stack maintained it was clear that the warrant had completely failed to give a “precise description of the facts” or even to set out what it was alleged Mr Harrison had done. She described the warrant in this case as “brief in the extreme” and said it was “wholly unsatisfactory”. There was no meaningful description of time and place nor a description of the event which Mr Harrison was alleged to have engaged in, she continued.
Nothing more than the vaguest of circumstances and “incredibly bald information” concerning Mr Harrison allegedly dropping off the trailer had been provided, indicated Ms Stack, adding that there was also nothing about how the migrants had come to be in the trailer. She stated that this “critical information” should have been contained in the warrant.
Concluding the legal challenge to Mr Harrison’s pending extradition, Ms Stack said UK authorities should have gone back and issued the correct warrant but that was not done in this case.
Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Ronan Kennedy SC, said there was no question but that this EAW was issued by the Issuing Judicial Authority, namely district judge Michael Snow sitting at Westminster Magistrates Court. He said it had received the appropriate scrutiny in terms of proportionality.
At no time did the warrant seek to address that the CPS was acting as the Issuing Judicial Authority and it was no surprise that information had emanated from the CPS, he submitted. “This confidence underpins the whole system and is the basis for mutual recognition,” he argued.
He further submitted that the High Court judge had engaged in a rigorous analysis of the additional information and whether he should have relied on it.
Furthermore, Mr Kennedy said it was inaccurate to suggest that the warrant was deficient in the way it had been presented to the court and UK authorities had provided a level of detail which far surpassed the level of detail normally provided. The warrant contained most if not all of what was required and was not as “marked” as the appellant would have one believe, he added.
The lawyer explained that what was being alleged against Mr Harrison was quite clear, namely that he was part of a conspiracy and had driven the trailer to a port, where it was loaded onto a ferry. Counsel said it was alleged: “He had a part to play not only in the conspiracy but also in the manslaughter of people”.
President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice John Edwards and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, said the court would reserve its judgment. Mr Harrison was remanded in custody pending delivery of the court’s decision or until further order.
On April 24th, the Court of Appeal heard that UK authorities were no longer seeking to prosecute Mr Harrison for an offence of conspiracy to commit human trafficking under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--One of Dublin’s ugliest buildings, Hawkins House, finally to be demolished

Hawkins House , considered one of Dublin ’ s ugliest buildings , is finally to be levelled , three years after its demolition and redevelopment was granted permission .
Contractors have until next week to bid to demolish the former Department of Health headquarters , built in 1962 on the site of the former Theatre Royal on the corner of Poolbeg Street and Hawkins Street .
Meanwhile , Dublin City Council has granted permission to developer Pat Crean to demolish the last remaining building other than Hawkins House on the prime city block bordered by Hawkins Street , Tara Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After several delays , mostly recently related to the coronavirus pandemic , the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) has set a deadline of May 14th for demolition contractors to submit their tenders to raze Hawkins House .
It is expected the demolition will take place in the coming months as outdoor workers return to construction sites , but the OPW said the future of the site post-demolition has yet to be determined .
“ The potential redevelopment of the site is under consideration , and subject to the availability of funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , permission does already exist for a new office complex on the site of Hawkins House as part of a larger redevelopment scheme for the area between Hawkins Street and Tara Street .
In June 2017 , Bord Pleanála granted permission to the OPW for the demolition of Hawkins House , and its replacement with an office complex up to 10 storeys tall .
At the same time the board also gave the go-ahead to Mazars , the receiver appointed by the National Assets Management Agency ( Nama ) to Cuprum Properties Ltd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , built in 1969 and the Long Stone pub , and their replacement with buildings from five to 12 storeys high .
Apollo House , and the Long Stone pub , were subsequently bought by Pat Crean and demolished .
Mr Crean now owns all the remaining buildings and sites on the block apart from Hawkins House .
He has since secured permission for the demolition and redevelopment of College House , a 1970s former An Post building on Townsend Street , and next door to it the old Screen cinema .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of demolition , will be replaced with a scheme up to 10 storeys , which will include a 500-seat entertainment venue .
Mr Crean wants to increase the height permitted on the now demolished Apollo House site , almost doubling the new building to 21 storeys – slightly shorter than the 22-storey tower for which developer Johnny Ronan has been granted permission where Tara Street meets the quays .
Dublin City Council last December granted permission for Mr Crean ’ s high- rise scheme , which would now include 54 build-to-rent apartments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pleanála by An Taisce .
An Taisce raised concerns about the impact of the new tower on the character and setting of Trinity College , College Green and the city centre ’ s historic core .
Bord Pleanála is due to determine the appeal this month .
Mr Crean is , however , likely to be unimpeded in his ambitions to demolish the last remaining building in his ownership on the block , the Brokerage apartments and Ruin Bar on the corner of Townsend Street and Tara Street .
Dublin City Council in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the four-storey block of 21 apartments and pub built in the late 1990s , accepting that the apartments were substandard in terms of minimum floor space and their demolition would allow for a “ more comprehensive regeneration ” of the block .
The deadline for appealing the council ’ s decision will run out in the coming days .
Mr Crean has yet to submit plans for the future development of the Brokerage site , but any new scheme would be designed to “ plug into ” the permitted and pending developments on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this corner site would likely be set back from the current building line of the Brokerage , which currently leaves a narrow footpath , but it is expected an application will be made for a development twice the height of the current apartments , with retail or cafe use on the ground floor and office space above .
With demolition crews still working on Mr Crean ’ s surrounding sites before Covid-19 restrictions were introduced , it is likely the Brokerage will be levelled before too long , but whether it or Hawkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the block remains to be seen .

Hawkins House is one of the last remaining buildings in the block bordered by Hawkins Street, Tara Street, Townsend Street and Poolbeg Street. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Hawkins House, considered one of Dublin’s ugliest buildings, is finally to be levelled, three years after its demolition and redevelopment was granted permission.
Contractors have until next week to bid to demolish the former Department of Health headquarters, built in 1962 on the site of the former Theatre Royal on the corner of Poolbeg Street and Hawkins Street.
Meanwhile, Dublin City Council has granted permission to developer Pat Crean to demolish the last remaining building other than Hawkins House on the prime city block bordered by Hawkins Street, Tara Street, Townsend Street and Poolbeg Street.
The entire block bordered by Hawkins Street, Tara Street, Townsend Street and Poolbeg Street is either demolished or due to be demolished. Paul Scott/Irish Times Graphics
After several delays, mostly recently related to the coronavirus pandemic, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has set a deadline of May 14th for demolition contractors to submit their tenders to raze Hawkins House.
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It is expected the demolition will take place in the coming months as outdoor workers return to construction sites, but the OPW said the future of the site post-demolition has yet to be determined. “The potential redevelopment of the site is under consideration, and subject to the availability of funds,” a spokesman said.
However, permission does already exist for a new office complex on the site of Hawkins House as part of a larger redevelopment scheme for the area between Hawkins Street and Tara Street.
In June 2017, Bord Pleanála granted permission to the OPW for the demolition of Hawkins House, and its replacement with an office complex up to 10 storeys tall. At the same time the board also gave the go-ahead to Mazars, the receiver appointed by the National Assets Management Agency (Nama) to Cuprum Properties Ltd, to demolish the neighbouring Apollo House, built in 1969 and the Long Stone pub, and their replacement with buildings from five to 12 storeys high.
Apollo House, and the Long Stone pub, were subsequently bought by Pat Crean and demolished. Mr Crean now owns all the remaining buildings and sites on the block apart from Hawkins House.
He has since secured permission for the demolition and redevelopment of College House, a 1970s former An Post building on Townsend Street, and next door to it the old Screen cinema. These buildings, which are in the process of demolition, will be replaced with a scheme up to 10 storeys, which will include a 500-seat entertainment venue.
Height permitted
Mr Crean wants to increase the height permitted on the now demolished Apollo House site, almost doubling the new building to 21 storeys – slightly shorter than the 22-storey tower for which developer Johnny Ronan has been granted permission where Tara Street meets the quays.
Dublin City Council last December granted permission for Mr Crean's high- rise scheme, which would now include 54 build-to-rent apartments, but it has been appealed to Bord Pleanála by An Taisce.
An Taisce raised concerns about the impact of the new tower on the character and setting of Trinity College, College Green and the city centre’s historic core. Bord Pleanála is due to determine the appeal this month.
Hawkins House and, in the foreground, the site of the former Apollo House. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Mr Crean is, however, likely to be unimpeded in his ambitions to demolish the last remaining building in his ownership on the block, the Brokerage apartments and Ruin Bar on the corner of Townsend Street and Tara Street.
Dublin City Council in March granted permission for the demolition of the four-storey block of 21 apartments and pub built in the late 1990s, accepting that the apartments were substandard in terms of minimum floor space and their demolition would allow for a “more comprehensive regeneration” of the block. The deadline for appealing the council’s decision will run out in the coming days.
Mr Crean has yet to submit plans for the future development of the Brokerage site, but any new scheme would be designed to “plug into” the permitted and pending developments on the surrounding sites.
Building line
New buildings on this corner site would likely be set back from the current building line of the Brokerage, which currently leaves a narrow footpath, but it is expected an application will be made for a development twice the height of the current apartments, with retail or cafe use on the ground floor and office space above.
With demolition crews still working on Mr Crean’s surrounding sites before Covid-19 restrictions were introduced, it is likely the Brokerage will be levelled before too long, but whether it or Hawkins House will be the last standing on the block remains to be seen.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Teenager placed in secure unit over ‘high-risk’ behaviour

The Child and Family Agency has secured an order allowing it place a teenage boy , who displays high-risk behaviour including spitting at members of the public , in a secure care unit .
Mr Justice Max Barrett was told the 15-year-old boy has a history of starting fires and has engaged in spitting at people , including a garda .
He has gone missing from his hostel accommodation and not returned until the early hours despite Covid-19 restrictions .
The boy ’ s parents , the court heard , were strongly in favour of the order and had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some time .
Sarah McKechnie BL , instructed by Conor Fottrell of Mason Hayes and Curran solicitors , for the agency , said the boy has been living in out-of-hours hostels and several placements had permanently broken down in the past .
The reports on his behaviour made “ very disturbing ” reading .
He has a history of starting fires , had set multiple fires including lighting a trolley full of paper and there was a real concern he could start a fire where he was staying .
He had also choked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father with a stick .
The court heard there may be a public safety issue as the boy uses spitting as rebellious behaviour and spits at people .
He had spat at a garda and it had taken a number of gardaí to arrest him on that occasion , counsel said .
He had gone missing from his accommodation this week and had not returned to his hostel until 3.30am .
He was out in public despite the Covid-19 regulations and not knowing where he is during that time was “ extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated the boy has autism spectrum disorder and oppositional defiant disorder and presents with aggressive behaviour .
He was described as displaying high-risk behaviour and various care alternatives had been explored , the court heard .
He had gone missing from previous accommodations 31 times between December 2019 and March of this year .
He has conversations relating to drugs and criminality and uses words to invoke fear in others , the court was told .
Mr Justice Barrett said he was satisfied to make the special care order .

The Child and Family Agency has secured an order allowing it place a teenage boy, who displays high-risk behaviour including spitting at members of the public, in a secure care unit.
Mr Justice Max Barrett was told the 15-year-old boy has a history of starting fires and has engaged in spitting at people, including a garda.
He has gone missing from his hostel accommodation and not returned until the early hours despite Covid-19 restrictions. The boy’s parents, the court heard, were strongly in favour of the order and had been seeking special care for the teenager for some time.
Sarah McKechnie BL, instructed by Conor Fottrell of Mason Hayes and Curran solicitors, for the agency, said the boy has been living in out-of-hours hostels and several placements had permanently broken down in the past.
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The reports on his behaviour made “very disturbing” reading. He has a history of starting fires, had set multiple fires including lighting a trolley full of paper and there was a real concern he could start a fire where he was staying.
He had also choked and punched his younger brother and attacked his father with a stick.
The court heard there may be a public safety issue as the boy uses spitting as rebellious behaviour and spits at people. He had spat at a garda and it had taken a number of gardaí to arrest him on that occasion, counsel said.
He had gone missing from his accommodation this week and had not returned to his hostel until 3.30am. He was out in public despite the Covid-19 regulations and not knowing where he is during that time was “extremely concerning.”.
Reports before the court stated the boy has autism spectrum disorder and oppositional defiant disorder and presents with aggressive behaviour. He was described as displaying high-risk behaviour and various care alternatives had been explored, the court heard.
He had gone missing from previous accommodations 31 times between December 2019 and March of this year.
He has conversations relating to drugs and criminality and uses words to invoke fear in others, the court was told.
Mr Justice Barrett said he was satisfied to make the special care order.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Firm seeks identity of Twitter account holder sending ‘abusive’ tweets – court

Fastway Couriers is seeking High Court orders against Twitter in a bid to identify the operator of an allegedly abusive parody account for the purpose of suing them .
Twitter ’ s lawyer said it takes seriously both freedom of expression and the principles of law and will comply if the court makes orders .
Mr Justice Senan Allen , having heard submissions on Thursday , said there was “ an awful lot ” to consider and he would give judgment on a later date soon .
Donogh Hardiman BL , for Fastway , said it needs various orders to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parody account which first appeared in late 2019 .
It was recently renamed Fartway Deliveries Ireland and was deactivated by the unidentified controller ( s ) after Fastway initiated proceedings last week .
Fastway wants to sue those behind it over content already posted and there was “ no comfort ” it might not reappear , counsel said .
The account featured “ abusive ” tweets suggesting Fastway drivers were “ incompetent , with no regard for customers and their packages ” , that drivers had Covid-19 , and parts of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not deliver , counsel outlined .
One post said : “ We have decided to postpone our deliveries to non-essential areas .
Anyone living in Tuam , Athy , Swords and other dire pits of existence , blame yourselves.
” Another said : “ To help with the increased demand for our services , we have flown in 189 Bulgarian drivers so we can sit back and do f*** all.
” A further post said : “ We ’ d like to welcome our new driver , Jack .
Not only could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your stupid ASOS dresses but he ’ s also riddled with Covid-19 and will lick your f**king doors .
Welcome Jack , you utter turnip.
” When Mr Justice Allen wondered if “ any right-thinking person ” would think this was Fastway , counsel said a number of Twitter users may have believed it was Fastway while others noted it was a parody account .
He said one person had queried how long it would take their order from Sports Direct to be delivered to which the parody account responded : “ How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The parody account operator in one tweet referred to “ washing my hands ” of the account , saying apparently people “ can ’ t tell the difference ” , counsel added .
Fastway Couriers Ireland is one of the largest courier services in Ireland and Fastway Couriers is an international franchise , he said .
The parody account operated for a period as Fastway Couriers Ireland using his client ’ s registered trademark and logo and , while there was a “ slight change ” to the name used after April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fastway logo .
At issue was his client ’ s business , a personal service which involves customers putting respect and trust in the competence of the service and staff , counsel said .
The parody account ’ s suggestion of unsanitary practices and a danger in terms of Covid “ cut to the bone ” of Fastway ’ s reputation.The Fastway word and logo are subject of trademarks held by the master franchisor in New Zealand who consented to this application being brought to protect his client ’ s rights , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fastway did not know what line of trade the parody account operator might be involved in or the purpose of the account , he added .
Twitter , represented by David Holland SC , said the dispute was between Fastway and the account operator as the account had been de-activated by the user and Twitter was “ mute ” on Fastway ’ s application , neither consenting to nor opposing it .
Twitter was founded on the principles of free expression “ which we take seriously and defend ” , counsel said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligation to monitor the content of tweets and Twitter did not provide information about users except by virtue of court order .
Twitter was also founded on the principle of law and obedience of court orders and would comply if an order was made but any information Twitter was required to disclose should be specifically referrable only to the identity of the user .
Some Twitter users may give a name which is not their real name and Twitter may not have all the information sought , he added .

Fastway Couriers is seeking High Court orders against Twitter in a bid to identify the operator of an allegedly abusive parody account for the purpose of suing them.
Twitter’s lawyer said it takes seriously both freedom of expression and the principles of law and will comply if the court makes orders.
Mr Justice Senan Allen, having heard submissions on Thursday, said there was “an awful lot” to consider and he would give judgment on a later date soon. Donogh Hardiman BL, for Fastway, said it needs various orders to identify the person or persons behind the parody account which first appeared in late 2019. It was recently renamed Fartway Deliveries Ireland and was deactivated by the unidentified controller(s) after Fastway initiated proceedings last week. Fastway wants to sue those behind it over content already posted and there was “no comfort” it might not reappear, counsel said.
The account featured “abusive” tweets suggesting Fastway drivers were “incompetent, with no regard for customers and their packages”, that drivers had Covid-19, and parts of the country were “holes” to which Fastway would not deliver, counsel outlined. One post said: “We have decided to postpone our deliveries to non-essential areas. Anyone living in Tuam, Athy, Swords and other dire pits of existence, blame yourselves.”
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Another said: “To help with the increased demand for our services, we have flown in 189 Bulgarian drivers so we can sit back and do f*** all.” A further post said: “We’d like to welcome our new driver, Jack. Not only could be not give the slightest shit about your stupid ASOS dresses but he’s also riddled with Covid-19 and will lick your f**king doors. Welcome Jack, you utter turnip.”
When Mr Justice Allen wondered if “any right-thinking person” would think this was Fastway, counsel said a number of Twitter users may have believed it was Fastway while others noted it was a parody account. He said one person had queried how long it would take their order from Sports Direct to be delivered to which the parody account responded: “How long is a piece of tape?” The parody account operator in one tweet referred to “washing my hands” of the account, saying apparently people “can’t tell the difference”, counsel added.
Fastway Couriers Ireland is one of the largest courier services in Ireland and Fastway Couriers is an international franchise, he said. The parody account operated for a period as Fastway Couriers Ireland using his client’s registered trademark and logo and, while there was a “slight change” to the name used after April 14th, the account still used the Fastway logo.
At issue was his client’s business, a personal service which involves customers putting respect and trust in the competence of the service and staff, counsel said. The parody account’s suggestion of unsanitary practices and a danger in terms of Covid “cut to the bone” of Fastway’s reputation.The Fastway word and logo are subject of trademarks held by the master franchisor in New Zealand who consented to this application being brought to protect his client’s rights, including the exclusive rights to use the trademark. Fastway did not know what line of trade the parody account operator might be involved in or the purpose of the account, he added.
Twitter, represented by David Holland SC, said the dispute was between Fastway and the account operator as the account had been de-activated by the user and Twitter was “mute” on Fastway’s application, neither consenting to nor opposing it. Twitter was founded on the principles of free expression “which we take seriously and defend”, counsel said.
EU law absolves Twitter from an obligation to monitor the content of tweets and Twitter did not provide information about users except by virtue of court order. Twitter was also founded on the principle of law and obedience of court orders and would comply if an order was made but any information Twitter was required to disclose should be specifically referrable only to the identity of the user. Some Twitter users may give a name which is not their real name and Twitter may not have all the information sought, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Covid-19: Lockdown sees burglaries drop by 30% in March

The number of burglaries reported to the Garda in March plummeted by 30 per cent due to the Covid-19 restrictions put in place , even though the first lockdown measures were only introduced halfway through the month .
While gardaí are still receiving regular reports of sexual offences , the level of sex crimes recorded by the Garda in March also significantly declined .
It has also emerged that despite the significant demands placed on policing from mid-March , the Garda had surplus funds at the end of the month as it had spent €8.1 million less than its full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year .
In his monthly report submitted to the Policing Authority , Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said sexual crimes were down by seven per cent in the 12-month period to March .
The number of crimes report in March fell back to levels not seen since 2015 , from which point the rate of sexual crimes reported to the Garda began to rise and has continued to exceed new record levels each year since .
That long-term increase had begun to stabilise , though not declined , in the last months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period has witnessed a sudden fall in reports of sex crimes - to about 170 crimes reported in March from about 270 per month in previous months .
However , Garda sources said when crime figures for April , all of which involved a Covid-19 lockdown in the Republic , become available they will show reported crime trends “ collapsing ” , including burglary and sex offences .
Gardaí said because people were mostly confined to their homes and it was also harder for criminals to move around the drop in the burglary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They added while sexual offending would also show unprecedented decreases , because social interaction had been reduced , many victims , mostly women , were still being sexually attacked by people they knew , including their partners .
The Government and Garda have already said reports of domestic violence were up by more than 20 per cent , with Garda sources telling The Irish Times there were significantly higher spikes in some areas .
Mr Harris has told the Policing Authority that this was being dealt with by Operation Faoiseamh ; a dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic violence , to keep in touch with known victims and to monitor known offenders .
Garda National Protective Services Bureau was leading Operation Faoiseamh , which means ‘ relief , and was being supported by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau in all Garda divisions nationwide .
Garda inspectors all over the country had taken responsibility for Operation Faoiseamh in each area , with a focus on ensuring court orders – including barring , safety and protection orders — were enforced immediately .
Mr Harris has told the Policing Authority that net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of March was €8.1 million less than the spend planned for .
However , he said budgets were fully committed and the full cost of the Covid-19 policing operation would take time to emerge .
Spending on Garda overtime to the end of March was €1.8 million , or 8 per cent , higher than the budget for that period .
However , spending on salaries for the first three months of the year was €262.6 million , representing an under spend of €2.5 million .
Mr Harris said the new 12-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policing operation would put pressure on the salary budget for the year .
Furthermore , the Garda had had to invest in PPE equipment , new vehicles , new IT resources and other assets as part of its policing operation related to Covid-19 as well as put in place new cleaning services to help keep Garda members safe .
“ It is currently difficult to quantify the full potential financial impact , however preliminary calculations are being undertaken , ” he said .
“ It must also be noted that the total costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-pay element will be dependent on the duration of Covid-19 .
”

The number of burglaries reported to the Garda in March plummeted by 30 per cent due to the Covid-19 restrictions. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA
The number of burglaries reported to the Garda in March plummeted by 30 per cent due to the Covid-19 restrictions put in place, even though the first lockdown measures were only introduced halfway through the month.
While gardaí are still receiving regular reports of sexual offences, the level of sex crimes recorded by the Garda in March also significantly declined.
It has also emerged that despite the significant demands placed on policing from mid-March, the Garda had surplus funds at the end of the month as it had spent €8.1 million less than its full allocation for the first three months of the year.
In his monthly report submitted to the Policing Authority, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said sexual crimes were down by seven per cent in the 12-month period to March. The number of crimes report in March fell back to levels not seen since 2015, from which point the rate of sexual crimes reported to the Garda began to rise and has continued to exceed new record levels each year since.
READ MORE
That long-term increase had begun to stabilise, though not declined, in the last months of 2019. And now the Covid-19 crisis period has witnessed a sudden fall in reports of sex crimes - to about 170 crimes reported in March from about 270 per month in previous months.
However, Garda sources said when crime figures for April, all of which involved a Covid-19 lockdown in the Republic, become available they will show reported crime trends “collapsing”, including burglary and sex offences.
Gardaí said because people were mostly confined to their homes and it was also harder for criminals to move around the drop in the burglary rate would likely be most pronounced. They added while sexual offending would also show unprecedented decreases, because social interaction had been reduced, many victims, mostly women, were still being sexually attacked by people they knew, including their partners.
The Government and Garda have already said reports of domestic violence were up by more than 20 per cent, with Garda sources telling The Irish Times there were significantly higher spikes in some areas.
Mr Harris has told the Policing Authority that this was being dealt with by Operation Faoiseamh; a dedicated operation to respond urgently to alerts about domestic violence, to keep in touch with known victims and to monitor known offenders. Garda National Protective Services Bureau was leading Operation Faoiseamh, which means ‘relief, and was being supported by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau in all Garda divisions nationwide. Garda inspectors all over the country had taken responsibility for Operation Faoiseamh in each area, with a focus on ensuring court orders – including barring, safety and protection orders — were enforced immediately.
Mr Harris has told the Policing Authority that net Garda expenditure of €421.4 million to the end of March was €8.1 million less than the spend planned for. However, he said budgets were fully committed and the full cost of the Covid-19 policing operation would take time to emerge.
Spending on Garda overtime to the end of March was €1.8 million, or 8 per cent, higher than the budget for that period. However, spending on salaries for the first three months of the year was €262.6 million, representing an under spend of €2.5 million. Mr Harris said the new 12-hour roster put in place for the Covid-19 policing operation would put pressure on the salary budget for the year.
Furthermore, the Garda had had to invest in PPE equipment, new vehicles, new IT resources and other assets as part of its policing operation related to Covid-19 as well as put in place new cleaning services to help keep Garda members safe.
“It is currently difficult to quantify the full potential financial impact, however preliminary calculations are being undertaken,” he said. “It must also be noted that the total costs of the new roster arrangements and the non-pay element will be dependent on the duration of Covid-19.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-08--Cancelling the Leaving Cert: ‘I can finally breathe’

After months of uncertainty it has emerged that the 2020 Leaving Certificate examinations are set to be cancelled .
Students will be awarded predictive grades based on their classwork instead and those students who are unhappy with their graded results may be able to sit the exams at a later stage .
We asked readers for their views .
The following is a selection of the responses we received .
Caoimhe Culleton , County Dublin My eldest daughter who is 19 was to sit her Leaving Cert this June .
She has a love of the Irish language and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years so the first blow was the cancellation of the orals .
The second blow comes today she has not stopped studying despite lockdown- up every morning hitting the books with a drive I respect and admire .
Her school exams and mocks produced average results - the exams were an opportunity to move the grades up a notch - that is now lost .
Her chance to go to Trinity does not seem achievable - I think the students most affected are the middle group who may have been borderline with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desired course .
In addition , will the likes of the grind schools give all of their students H1 ’ s to ensure success on the school league table ?
Where will be the fairness ?
But today we want closure- we are exhausted with the bickering of the politicians trying to score points with populist views - I am sad today with this outcome and the lost opportunity for so many students .
Aimee Cosgrove , County Dublin I am extremely pleased with the cancellation of the Leaving Cert .
Throughout my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety due to having autism and generalised anxiety disorder .
This anxiety has always spiked around exams and I have never performed to my full capacity .
As you can imagine , my anxiety has been sky-high through the lockdown and there hasn ’ t been a time where I have taken a full deep breath and relaxed .
The constant upset stomach has worn me down and I have recently barely managed to do one piece of work a day .
I was reaching my breaking point and I could not continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cancellation has lifted a weight off of my shoulders .
I can finally breathe and enjoy family time without the guilt of not studying .
Now I feel as if all my hard work over the past two years will be accounted for and I will get the grades I deserve .
I think they are choosing the fairest option that will help improve the mental health of students all over the country .
Mary Brennan I ’ m a repeat student .
I ’ ve only been in my school a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst outcome for me .
I can ’ t repeat again and they ’ re saying you won ’ t be able to sit exams until 2021 .
Marta Solli , Cork I personally think that using predictive grades is a much fairer choice .
I worked hard for two years and I think that all my effort and hard work should be considered .
Cancelling the Leaving Cert will definitely ease the stress all students are experiencing at the moment .
We need to keep in mind that many sixth-year students might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the exams .
For example , I am an exchange student who spent the last two years in Ireland staying with a host family .
My family lives in Italy , a country devastated by the coronavirus .
I am , of course stressed out because of the whole situation beyond just the Leaving Cert .
I live in a foreign country without my parents at the age of 17 and knowing that my relatives are in danger breaks my heart .
I haven ’ t seen my parents in months and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go home and spend time with them .
Students who are not happy with their predicted grades will be free to sit the exams .
Being able to choose means everyone will do what they think it ’ s best for them .
Matthew Gardner , County Clare Somewhat disappointing that the Leaving Cert has been taken out of my hands .
However , it seemed to me that this is the option that the majority of students I know had hoped for .
The prospect of further delays and the air of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of stress for students .
Although I am not completely happy with the decision made , I understand that this was the best option and not everyone was going to be happy no matter what is decided .
Despite its flaws I do believe this is the correct decision considering the circumstances of Covid-19 .
Kyle Murphy , Cork I believe that any decision made today will be a step in the right direction for this year ’ s exam .
Being a sixth year student I am acutely aware of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has only increased with the global pandemic .
I think that a predicted grades system would be the best way for the Leaving Cert this year as it minimises the risk of infection for 60 thousand students along with countless superintendents and staff .
It also takes into account the mental health of the students after months of uncertainty .
Damien Sloan , County Waterford My son is really upset .
He studied hard all along and wanted his Leaving Cert mark based on exams as that ’ s what they had almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not-so-conscientious ones want predicted grades as they haven ’ t done the work .
All his friends want to sit the exams too .
Daniel Reade , Dublin My name is Daniel and I ’ m a current Leaving Cert student .
I haven ’ t had the most stereotypical journey through secondary level education , missing 1st and 2nd year due to a physical illness , and homeschooled for all of 3rd year .
I have been attending school for 5th and 6th year but my attendance has varied from weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to an ongoing physical illness and on top of that the stress and anxiety caused by the uncertainty of the current crisis , it is hindering my ability to focus at home .
Thankfully my physical health is improving and I am able to put a lot more work into my studies than previous months .
I think the Government has made the right decision in the best interest of the country ’ s physical health with the proposed cancellation of the exams .
But it does leave me wondering what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally am anxious as I haven ’ t been fully present for a lot of my time in secondary school , missing class tests and some exams .
So my question to the Government is how are teachers going to fairly predict the grades of students like myself who haven ’ t been able to prove their capabilities throughout the last few years ?
Although this is a serious worry for me , all I want at the moment is clarity and certainty on the situation and for something to be sent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the position of the Government in this present time but students have been waiting too long for decisions to be made that could affect their whole lives .
Hopefully a plan of action will be decided upon in the coming days .
Harry Willis I think that everyone should be given their first CAO preference .
I know that would mean a lot of people who should not get their course will but at the end of the day if you ’ re not able for your course then you can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still get fees , everyone is happy that they got their course and there will be no lengthy lawsuits taken against the government that the predicted grade received was wrong .
It will only be a once off thing for a once off crisis .
Sylvia Hart , County Dublin I don ’ t agree with predicted grades because how am I going to redeem myself without sitting the exam ?
I have been studying during quarantine and have improved so much .
So when the results come out I wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not comfortable with the fact that my future is in the hands of a teacher .
It is only the brightest students that want predicted grades because they know they would do well .
I would say give students the option of sitting the exam or opting for predictive grades in July .
Éabha Hughes , County Dublin The cancellation of exams was necessary , that much is clear .
The majority of people wanted them replaced with predicted grades .
However , there is still a minority that wanted the exams to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the opportunity to do so .
Sitting the exams if they don ’ t want their predicted grades should be an option .
This can be done by following social distancing measures in August , especially seeing as there will over 75 per cent fewer students taking the exams , and with enough time to correct so everyone can start third level together .
Pushing the re-sits out to as late as early 2021 is almost like punishing the students .
I don ’ t understand why the Government can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - yes we want predicted grades , but we don ’ t want to see those unhappy left in the dust either .
I don ’ t know if people have forgotten , but this is the biggest year of many of our lives so far , and with the emphasis put on the Leaving Cert throughout our young lives there is no doubt that some people are distraught and inconsolable over this decision .
Barry Quinn , County Dublin I ’ m doing my Leaving Cert this summer and I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision leave me because I am not assessed on anything ?
I am not attending college , just sitting the exam on the day .
Stephanie Murray While I believe that a system of predicted grades will be suitable in the vast majority of cases , there are a significant number of students who would be assessed on less than a years ’ work- those repeating the leaving cert , those who missed fifth year due to illness , and those who transferred to grind schools for sixth year .
For these students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , and preferably as soon as possible .
Since the numbers of students opting to receive a predicted grade will significantly lower the number choosing to take an exam , it should not be impossible to hold socially distanced exams , in August , for example .
This would enable those students who can not rely on predicted grades to begin college this year .
For those repeating the Leaving Cert , waiting until 2021 to begin their courses is demoralising and unfair .
Leslie Hammond , County Dublin Am despairing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Leaving Cert .
It makes no sense to have an option to sit at a much later date .
Predicted results should easily be out by middle/end June with those that aren ’ t happy sitting on 29th July .
This is not rocket science !
If a restaurant can open using socially distancing measures , exams can be held .
The playing field needs to be level and fair , which won ’ t happen if some students aren ’ t happy with predicted grades and are expected to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Leaving Cert .
Never mind the fact that it will just be adding more pressure on places next year as they will be competing with the current 5th years .
Am despairing at who is running the show vis-à-vis the Leaving Cert .
Ann Marie O ’ Dwyer At long last the students ’ voice has been heard .
Since 12th March when schools closed the Leaving Cert was compromised .
The list of problems were endless , my daughter has been working hard since 5th year towards the exams in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t happen .
She only had one teacher who came on at class time to do her class .
Teachers sent videos , most sent homework .
She had four subjects not completed on 12th March including honours Maths , Physics , Geography and English .
Teachers didn ’ t contact their students , didn ’ t correct homework .
It became very disheartening but she continued on .
Mr Varadkar ’ s “ by hook or by crook ” statement really upset her and she hoped that the Department of Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse .
At that stage she believed the only option was cancellation of the exam and predicted grades so she and her class could continue with their lives .
Danielle Clarke , County Dublin This is highly irresponsible in the absence of the actual detail of the plan Eilisha Downes I am a Leaving Cert student and I think that the idea is brilliant and should have been done ages ago .
All of this going back and forth , will it/won ’ t it , is unhelpful for students , teachers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved .
While I do agree with the cancellation , I am worried about my education next year as I am hoping to start a PLC in Galway this September but because of Covid-19 I never got the chance to interview which should have been held mid-May .
I am grateful to my teachers and the hard working men and women across the board who have helped to make my Leaving Cert year as close to normal as possible .
They have all put in a huge amount of work and I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my teachers ) Ryan Kelly , County Cork I am a Leaving Cert student and I believe that , although it ’ s not ideal , cancelling the Leaving Cert was the best option .
We find ourselves in a situation that has never been seen before and in these extraordinary circumstances exceptions to the normal Leaving Cert should be expected .
The pandemic has caused hardship and challenges for millions around the world .
I don ’ t think it would have been possible , or at least feasible , to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were too many possible problems that could not be accounted for and risking the health of our most vulnerable was not worth it when there were other options available .
Furthermore I have great faith in our hardworking teachers across the country that they will provide fair results for their students .
I feel an immense pressure lifted from me now that I can rest assured the work I ’ ve put in over the last two years will be accounted for and I do not have to carry the pressure until late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stress this alternative will lift from students nationwide is simply phenomenal .
I wouldn ’ t feel remotely comfortable participating in contact classes for two weeks prior to written exams seeing as both of my parents have underlying conditions .
Overall , provided a reasonable alternative can be out in place , canceling the written Leaving Certificate exams in July is undoubtedly the right decision .

The Leaving Certificate Exam has been postponed and pupils will be offered the option of receiving calculated grades, Minister for Education Joe McHugh has announced. Video: RTE News Now
After months of uncertainty it has emerged that the 2020 Leaving Certificate examinations are set to be cancelled. Students will be awarded predictive grades based on their classwork instead and those students who are unhappy with their graded results may be able to sit the exams at a later stage. We asked readers for their views. The following is a selection of the responses we received.
Caoimhe Culleton, County Dublin
My eldest daughter who is 19 was to sit her Leaving Cert this June. She has a love of the Irish language and had visited the Gaeltacht for the past 6 years so the first blow was the cancellation of the orals. The second blow comes today she has not stopped studying despite lockdown- up every morning hitting the books with a drive I respect and admire. Her school exams and mocks produced average results - the exams were an opportunity to move the grades up a notch - that is now lost. Her chance to go to Trinity does not seem achievable - I think the students most affected are the middle group who may have been borderline with their grades but needed higher points for their desired course. In addition, will the likes of the grind schools give all of their students H1's to ensure success on the school league table? Where will be the fairness? But today we want closure- we are exhausted with the bickering of the politicians trying to score points with populist views - I am sad today with this outcome and the lost opportunity for so many students.
Aimee Cosgrove, County Dublin
I am extremely pleased with the cancellation of the Leaving Cert. Throughout my school career I have suffered with high anxiety due to having autism and generalised anxiety disorder. This anxiety has always spiked around exams and I have never performed to my full capacity. As you can imagine, my anxiety has been sky-high through the lockdown and there hasn't been a time where I have taken a full deep breath and relaxed. The constant upset stomach has worn me down and I have recently barely managed to do one piece of work a day. I was reaching my breaking point and I could not continue for two more months. News of the cancellation has lifted a weight off of my shoulders. I can finally breathe and enjoy family time without the guilt of not studying. Now I feel as if all my hard work over the past two years will be accounted for and I will get the grades I deserve. I think they are choosing the fairest option that will help improve the mental health of students all over the country.
Mary Brennan
I'm a repeat student. I've only been in my school a few months. Predicted grades are the worst outcome for me. I can't repeat again and they're saying you won't be able to sit exams until 2021.
READ MORE
Marta Solli, Cork
I personally think that using predictive grades is a much fairer choice. I worked hard for two years and I think that all my effort and hard work should be considered. Cancelling the Leaving Cert will definitely ease the stress all students are experiencing at the moment. We need to keep in mind that many sixth-year students might be stressed out for many reasons other than the exams. For example, I am an exchange student who spent the last two years in Ireland staying with a host family. My family lives in Italy, a country devastated by the coronavirus. I am, of course stressed out because of the whole situation beyond just the Leaving Cert. I live in a foreign country without my parents at the age of 17 and knowing that my relatives are in danger breaks my heart. I haven't seen my parents in months and the only thing I want is to go home and spend time with them. Students who are not happy with their predicted grades will be free to sit the exams. Being able to choose means everyone will do what they think it's best for them.
Matthew Gardner, County Clare
Somewhat disappointing that the Leaving Cert has been taken out of my hands. However, it seemed to me that this is the option that the majority of students I know had hoped for. The prospect of further delays and the air of uncertainty around the exams was causing a lot of stress for students. Although I am not completely happy with the decision made, I understand that this was the best option and not everyone was going to be happy no matter what is decided. Despite its flaws I do believe this is the correct decision considering the circumstances of Covid-19.
Kyle Murphy: “I believe that any decision made today will be a step in the right direction for this year's exam.”
Kyle Murphy, Cork
I believe that any decision made today will be a step in the right direction for this year's exam. Being a sixth year student I am acutely aware of the stress and pressure that we experienced which has only increased with the global pandemic. I think that a predicted grades system would be the best way for the Leaving Cert this year as it minimises the risk of infection for 60 thousand students along with countless superintendents and staff. It also takes into account the mental health of the students after months of uncertainty.
Damien Sloan, County Waterford
My son is really upset. He studied hard all along and wanted his Leaving Cert mark based on exams as that's what they had almost two years to prepare for it The not-so-conscientious ones want predicted grades as they haven't done the work. All his friends want to sit the exams too.
Daniel Reade, Dublin
My name is Daniel and I'm a current Leaving Cert student. I haven't had the most stereotypical journey through secondary level education, missing 1st and 2nd year due to a physical illness, and homeschooled for all of 3rd year. I have been attending school for 5th and 6th year but my attendance has varied from weeks of absence to half days. Again this is due to an ongoing physical illness and on top of that the stress and anxiety caused by the uncertainty of the current crisis, it is hindering my ability to focus at home. Thankfully my physical health is improving and I am able to put a lot more work into my studies than previous months. I think the Government has made the right decision in the best interest of the country's physical health with the proposed cancellation of the exams. But it does leave me wondering what a fair alternative would be. I personally am anxious as I haven't been fully present for a lot of my time in secondary school, missing class tests and some exams. So my question to the Government is how are teachers going to fairly predict the grades of students like myself who haven't been able to prove their capabilities throughout the last few years? Although this is a serious worry for me, all I want at the moment is clarity and certainty on the situation and for something to be sent in stone. I don't envy the position of the Government in this present time but students have been waiting too long for decisions to be made that could affect their whole lives. Hopefully a plan of action will be decided upon in the coming days.
Harry Willis
I think that everyone should be given their first CAO preference. I know that would mean a lot of people who should not get their course will but at the end of the day if you're not able for your course then you can't blame the government. This way colleges still get fees, everyone is happy that they got their course and there will be no lengthy lawsuits taken against the government that the predicted grade received was wrong. It will only be a once off thing for a once off crisis.
Sylvia Hart, County Dublin
I don't agree with predicted grades because how am I going to redeem myself without sitting the exam? I have been studying during quarantine and have improved so much. So when the results come out I wouldn't be happy. And I'm not comfortable with the fact that my future is in the hands of a teacher. It is only the brightest students that want predicted grades because they know they would do well. I would say give students the option of sitting the exam or opting for predictive grades in July.
Éabha Hughes, County Dublin
The cancellation of exams was necessary, that much is clear. The majority of people wanted them replaced with predicted grades. However, there is still a minority that wanted the exams to go ahead - and they should be given the opportunity to do so. Sitting the exams if they don't want their predicted grades should be an option. This can be done by following social distancing measures in August, especially seeing as there will over 75 per cent fewer students taking the exams, and with enough time to correct so everyone can start third level together. Pushing the re-sits out to as late as early 2021 is almost like punishing the students. I don't understand why the Government can't listen to what the students actually want - yes we want predicted grades, but we don't want to see those unhappy left in the dust either. I don't know if people have forgotten, but this is the biggest year of many of our lives so far, and with the emphasis put on the Leaving Cert throughout our young lives there is no doubt that some people are distraught and inconsolable over this decision.
Barry Quinn, County Dublin
I'm doing my Leaving Cert this summer and I'm an external candidate. Where does the decision leave me because I am not assessed on anything? I am not attending college, just sitting the exam on the day.
Stephanie Murray
While I believe that a system of predicted grades will be suitable in the vast majority of cases, there are a significant number of students who would be assessed on less than a years' work- those repeating the leaving cert, those who missed fifth year due to illness, and those who transferred to grind schools for sixth year. For these students, it is imperative that exams take place, and preferably as soon as possible. Since the numbers of students opting to receive a predicted grade will significantly lower the number choosing to take an exam, it should not be impossible to hold socially distanced exams, in August, for example. This would enable those students who cannot rely on predicted grades to begin college this year. For those repeating the Leaving Cert, waiting until 2021 to begin their courses is demoralising and unfair.
Leslie Hammond, County Dublin
Am despairing at who is making the decisions with regard to the Leaving Cert. It makes no sense to have an option to sit at a much later date. Predicted results should easily be out by middle/end June with those that aren't happy sitting on 29th July. This is not rocket science! If a restaurant can open using socially distancing measures, exams can be held. The playing field needs to be level and fair, which won't happen if some students aren't happy with predicted grades and are expected to sit around for another 6/9 months before doing the Leaving Cert. Never mind the fact that it will just be adding more pressure on places next year as they will be competing with the current 5th years. Am despairing at who is running the show vis-à-vis the Leaving Cert.
Ann Marie O'Dwyer
At long last the students' voice has been heard. Since 12th March when schools closed the Leaving Cert was compromised. The list of problems were endless, my daughter has been working hard since 5th year towards the exams in June, then suddenly online classes which didn't happen. She only had one teacher who came on at class time to do her class. Teachers sent videos, most sent homework. She had four subjects not completed on 12th March including honours Maths, Physics, Geography and English. Teachers didn't contact their students, didn't correct homework. It became very disheartening but she continued on. Mr Varadkar's "by hook or by crook" statement really upset her and she hoped that the Department of Education would clarify matters but things only got worse. At that stage she believed the only option was cancellation of the exam and predicted grades so she and her class could continue with their lives.
Danielle Clarke, County Dublin
This is highly irresponsible in the absence of the actual detail of the plan
Eilisha Downes
I am a Leaving Cert student and I think that the idea is brilliant and should have been done ages ago. All of this going back and forth, will it/won't it, is unhelpful for students, teachers, parents and anyone else who might be involved. While I do agree with the cancellation, I am worried about my education next year as I am hoping to start a PLC in Galway this September but because of Covid-19 I never got the chance to interview which should have been held mid-May. I am grateful to my teachers and the hard working men and women across the board who have helped to make my Leaving Cert year as close to normal as possible. They have all put in a huge amount of work and I am thankful (just don't tell my teachers)
Ryan Kelly, County Cork
I am a Leaving Cert student and I believe that, although it's not ideal, cancelling the Leaving Cert was the best option. We find ourselves in a situation that has never been seen before and in these extraordinary circumstances exceptions to the normal Leaving Cert should be expected. The pandemic has caused hardship and challenges for millions around the world. I don't think it would have been possible, or at least feasible, to hold exams while the pandemic continued. There were too many possible problems that could not be accounted for and risking the health of our most vulnerable was not worth it when there were other options available. Furthermore I have great faith in our hardworking teachers across the country that they will provide fair results for their students. I feel an immense pressure lifted from me now that I can rest assured the work I've put in over the last two years will be accounted for and I do not have to carry the pressure until late July.
Megan Ní Laighin
The amount of stress this alternative will lift from students nationwide is simply phenomenal. I wouldn't feel remotely comfortable participating in contact classes for two weeks prior to written exams seeing as both of my parents have underlying conditions. Overall, provided a reasonable alternative can be out in place, canceling the written Leaving Certificate exams in July is undoubtedly the right decision.