theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Will schools remain open during the six-week lockdown?

Not so long ago there were siren voices warning that schools could become vectors of coronavirus infection when they reopened .
But , two months on , latest official data paints an encouraging picture : schools are significantly safer places than the wider community .
So far there have been 73 outbreaks – that is , two or more cases – in schools out of about 4,000-plus primary and secondary schools , according to latest statistics .
A total of 10,513 students and teachers have been mass tested , typically following a positive case detected in a school setting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
This shows a positive Covid-19 detection rate in schools of 2 per cent , compared to more than 7 per cent in the wider community .
All of this indicates that schools are , in relative terms , bright spots as the pandemic ’ s grip strengthens elsewhere .
However , maintaining low levels of infection in schools will depend on how well the wider community does in holding off a broader spread in the population .
While the reopening of schools has been a success story , there is mounting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over long delays in testing and tracking and inconsistencies over what constitutes a “ close contact ” .
Some schools have begun to take matters into their own hands and have sent home students on a precautionary basis .
The principal of Tarbert Comprehensive School in Co Kerry , for example , decided to close after seven confirmed cases in recent days , along with 45 close contacts .
The school was ordered to reopen by the department on Tuesday on the basis that a full closure was not warranted by health authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Crosserlough , Co Cavan , for example , advised parents on Monday that due to rising cases in the community and delays responding to them , families had the option of keeping their children at home and work would be assigned to them .
Hartstown Community School in Dublin 15 , which recorded its third case earlier this week , said it had been informed that public health authorities were “ inundated ” with calls .
Instead of waiting for an update from the HSE for notifications on of any close contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school directly if they had been notified .
All signs are that the testing and tracing system is creaking under strain of the pandemic .
Teachers ’ unions want these delays to be tackled if schools are to operate on a sustainable basis .
The Association of Secondary Teachers ’ Ireland is also due to receive the results of a ballot for industrial action later this week over issues of concern including turnaround times for testing .
Clearly , issues around communication will need to tackled to ensure schools are notified swiftly of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which define close contacts and testing criteria may also be needed .
Otherwise , there is every risk that the support from unions – so crucial to keeping schools open – will evaporate and threaten the reopening of schools after the midterm break .

Maintaining low levels of infection in schools will depend on how well the wider community does in holding off a broader spread in the population. Photograph: iStock
Not so long ago there were siren voices warning that schools could become vectors of coronavirus infection when they reopened.
But, two months on, latest official data paints an encouraging picture: schools are significantly safer places than the wider community.
So far there have been 73 outbreaks – that is, two or more cases – in schools out of about 4,000-plus primary and secondary schools, according to latest statistics.
A total of 10,513 students and teachers have been mass tested, typically following a positive case detected in a school setting. These tests have yielded a further 246 cases.
READ MORE
This shows a positive Covid-19 detection rate in schools of 2 per cent, compared to more than 7 per cent in the wider community.
All of this indicates that schools are, in relative terms, bright spots as the pandemic’s grip strengthens elsewhere.
However, maintaining low levels of infection in schools will depend on how well the wider community does in holding off a broader spread in the population.
While the reopening of schools has been a success story, there is mounting frustration among many school leaders and staff over long delays in testing and tracking and inconsistencies over what constitutes a “close contact”.
Some schools have begun to take matters into their own hands and have sent home students on a precautionary basis.
The principal of Tarbert Comprehensive School in Co Kerry, for example, decided to close after seven confirmed cases in recent days, along with 45 close contacts. The school was ordered to reopen by the department on Tuesday on the basis that a full closure was not warranted by health authorities.
St Mary's National School in Crosserlough, Co Cavan, for example, advised parents on Monday that due to rising cases in the community and delays responding to them, families had the option of keeping their children at home and work would be assigned to them.
Hartstown Community School in Dublin 15, which recorded its third case earlier this week, said it had been informed that public health authorities were "inundated" with calls. Instead of waiting for an update from the HSE for notifications on of any close contacts, it asked parents to contact the school directly if they had been notified.
All signs are that the testing and tracing system is creaking under strain of the pandemic. Teachers' unions want these delays to be tackled if schools are to operate on a sustainable basis. The Association of Secondary Teachers' Ireland is also due to receive the results of a ballot for industrial action later this week over issues of concern including turnaround times for testing.
Clearly, issues around communication will need to tackled to ensure schools are notified swiftly of cases and close contacts; clearer protocols which define close contacts and testing criteria may also be needed.
Otherwise, there is every risk that the support from unions – so crucial to keeping schools open – will evaporate and threaten the reopening of schools after the midterm break.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Rescue operation under way to prevent freighter hitting rocks

A major rescue operation is under way off the southeast coast to prevent a freighter , with nine crew aboard , from drifting on to rocks after it lost power in rough seas on Tuesday .
The Lily B , a 3,000-tonne freighter , had sailed from Brunsbüttel at the mouth of the Elbe in northern Germany to Waterford when it lost power coming out of Waterford port at around 2.30pm on Tuesday .
The 100m ship , which is registered in Antigua and Barbuda , called for assistance as she was drifting towards Hook Head in Co Wexford in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up four- to five-metre swells .
A rescue operation was launched by the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Centre based in Dublin and the Waterford Rescue 117 helicopter has been dispatched to the scene .
Three RNLI lifeboats , from Rosslare and Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford and Dunmore East in Co Waterford , have arrived on scene and managed to get tows on board and are holding the ship from drifting towards the head .
However , the three lifeboats do not have sufficient power to tow the freighter back to port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waterford and is due to arrive on scene at around 5.30pm with the intention of bringing the freighter back to port for repairs .

Three RNLI lifeboat crews have successfully prevented a stricken 4,000-tonne cargo ship from hitting the rocks at Hook Head, Co Wexford. Video: RNLI
A major rescue operation is under way off the southeast coast to prevent a freighter, with nine crew aboard, from drifting on to rocks after it lost power in rough seas on Tuesday.
The Lily B, a 3,000-tonne freighter, had sailed from Brunsbüttel at the mouth of the Elbe in northern Germany to Waterford when it lost power coming out of Waterford port at around 2.30pm on Tuesday.
The 100m ship, which is registered in Antigua and Barbuda, called for assistance as she was drifting towards Hook Head in Co Wexford in Force 6 southwesterly winds that were throwing up four- to five-metre swells.
An operation is currently ongoing off Hook Head, Co. #Wexford. Rescue 117 and multiple lifeboats are involved. The vessel ((Lily B) is powerless and is being pounded by heavy southeasterly winds. @KMcAuleyPhoto pic.twitter.com/YMj2aWUElv — Causeway Coast Community (@causewaynews) October 20, 2020
A rescue operation was launched by the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Centre based in Dublin and the Waterford Rescue 117 helicopter has been dispatched to the scene.
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Three RNLI lifeboats, from Rosslare and Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford and Dunmore East in Co Waterford, have arrived on scene and managed to get tows on board and are holding the ship from drifting towards the head.
However, the three lifeboats do not have sufficient power to tow the freighter back to port. A tug has been dispatched from Waterford and is due to arrive on scene at around 5.30pm with the intention of bringing the freighter back to port for repairs.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Detention order for boy who ‘took advantage’ of intoxicated underage girl (15)

A Dublin teenager who “ took advantage ” of an intoxicated underage girl he had sex with has received a detention order of 18 months .
The teenager ( 17 ) , who can not be named for legal reasons , was aged 15 when he committed the offence and is 10 days younger than the victim .
He pleaded guilty before the Central Criminal Court to the offence of defilement of a child under the age of 17 at a location in Dublin on August 9th , 2018 .
He has no previous convictions .
Mr Justice Michael White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the victim ’ s “ confused and intoxicated state ” and had sexual intercourse with her .
He said the victim had considered the accused as being “ a trusted friend ” and that there was “ a huge breach of trust in this crime ” .
A local garda told Paul Greene SC , prosecuting , that he became involved in the case on August 10th , 2018 , when gardaí received a call from the accused complaining that the victim ’ s boyfriend was banging on his door “ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her boyfriend approached gardaí when they arrived at the scene and made an allegation of unwarranted sexual activity by the accused on the previous night .
The accused , the victim and her boyfriend were drinking with three others in a green area on the previous night .
The victim and the accused ended up separated from the others and sat on a bench together .
The victim was intoxicated and was in “ a confused state ” .
She became aware that the accused had his trousers down and she froze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her .
After the incident ended , the victim had the accused call her boyfriend and then walked at speed to where she thought she would find him .
Once she found her boyfriend , she told the accused to “ f**k off ” and he left .
When interviewed by gardaí following his arrest , the accused admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim .
He said the incident lasted two minutes and that he was intoxicated at the time .
In her victim impact statement , which was read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim said that she suffered “ pain and discomfort ” when using the toilet following the incident and that she also had to receive injections to inoculate against Hepatitis B .
The victim said she felt scared to leave her house and to go to school .
She said she missed 160 days of school over the following year when she had not missed any days the previous year .
She said she stopped eating and lost a stone in weight .
She said she finds it very hard to trust people as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she thought of him as a brother .
The victim said she has no emotion towards him and she is “ not going to let him take any more of my life going forward ” .
Mr Justice White said the mitigating factors in the case were the accused being a child at the time , his guilty plea and co-operation with the investigation , his previous good character , his genuine remorse and his low risk of re-offending .
He said the court gave serious consideration to the section of the Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand down a deferred sentence and then suspend it .
He said that due to the seriousness of the offence , he considered that going down that road would be “ unduly lenient ” .
Mr Justice White said the appropriate period of detention was one of 18 months .
He said the court did not consider that the accused is at any risk of re-offending and he therefore did not require post-release supervision .
The garda agreed with Michael Bowman SC , defending , that his client took up a job once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no suggestion that the accused isolated the victim from the group .
Mr Bowman said it was undoubtedly a factor that alcohol was in play in terms of the behaviour of all the young people on the night .
He said his client had indicated that it was the first time he had experimented with alcohol “ to this extent ” .
Counsel said there was no suggestion that the accused had plied the victim with alcohol with the purpose of taking advantage of her .
He said his client wished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the distress and harm he caused the victim .
Mr Bowman said his client had “ a poor understanding of sexual relations ” at the time of the incident .
He submitted that his client behaved in a manner “ which will cost him his reputation ” .

The judge said said the victim had considered the accused as being ‘a trusted friend’ and that there was ‘a huge breach of trust in this crime’. Photograph: Dave Meehan
A Dublin teenager who “took advantage” of an intoxicated underage girl he had sex with has received a detention order of 18 months.
The teenager (17), who cannot be named for legal reasons, was aged 15 when he committed the offence and is 10 days younger than the victim.
He pleaded guilty before the Central Criminal Court to the offence of defilement of a child under the age of 17 at a location in Dublin on August 9th, 2018. He has no previous convictions.
Mr Justice Michael White said the accused “took advantage” of the victim’s “confused and intoxicated state” and had sexual intercourse with her.
READ MORE
He said the victim had considered the accused as being “a trusted friend” and that there was “a huge breach of trust in this crime”.
A local garda told Paul Greene SC, prosecuting, that he became involved in the case on August 10th, 2018, when gardaí received a call from the accused complaining that the victim’s boyfriend was banging on his door “in an aggressive way”.
The victim and her boyfriend approached gardaí when they arrived at the scene and made an allegation of unwarranted sexual activity by the accused on the previous night.
The accused, the victim and her boyfriend were drinking with three others in a green area on the previous night. The victim and the accused ended up separated from the others and sat on a bench together.
The victim was intoxicated and was in “a confused state”. She became aware that the accused had his trousers down and she froze as he proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her.
After the incident ended, the victim had the accused call her boyfriend and then walked at speed to where she thought she would find him. Once she found her boyfriend, she told the accused to “f**k off” and he left.
When interviewed by gardaí following his arrest, the accused admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim. He said the incident lasted two minutes and that he was intoxicated at the time.
In her victim impact statement, which was read in court by the garda, the victim said that she suffered “pain and discomfort” when using the toilet following the incident and that she also had to receive injections to inoculate against Hepatitis B.
The victim said she felt scared to leave her house and to go to school. She said she missed 160 days of school over the following year when she had not missed any days the previous year.
She said she stopped eating and lost a stone in weight. She said she finds it very hard to trust people as the accused was a trusted friend and she thought of him as a brother.
The victim said she has no emotion towards him and she is “not going to let him take any more of my life going forward”.
Mr Justice White said the mitigating factors in the case were the accused being a child at the time, his guilty plea and co-operation with the investigation, his previous good character, his genuine remorse and his low risk of re-offending.
He said the court gave serious consideration to the section of the Children Act 2001 which would allow him to hand down a deferred sentence and then suspend it. He said that due to the seriousness of the offence, he considered that going down that road would be “unduly lenient”.
Mr Justice White said the appropriate period of detention was one of 18 months. He said the court did not consider that the accused is at any risk of re-offending and he therefore did not require post-release supervision.
The garda agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that his client took up a job once he finished school. He agreed that there was no suggestion that the accused isolated the victim from the group.
Mr Bowman said it was undoubtedly a factor that alcohol was in play in terms of the behaviour of all the young people on the night. He said his client had indicated that it was the first time he had experimented with alcohol “to this extent”.
Counsel said there was no suggestion that the accused had plied the victim with alcohol with the purpose of taking advantage of her. He said his client wished to reiterate his “sincere regret” for the distress and harm he caused the victim.
Mr Bowman said his client had “a poor understanding of sexual relations” at the time of the incident. He submitted that his client behaved in a manner “which will cost him his reputation”.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Schools should not reopen after midterm unless safety improves, say unions

Schools should not reopen after next week ’ s midterm break until health and safety measures improve , unions representing school staff have warned .
Unions raised concerns over the safety of staff and pupils as well as frustration over testing and tracing delays with Department of Education and National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) representatives on Tuesday .
Speaking after the meeting , the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation general secretary John Boyle said : “ The successful reopening of schools on November 2nd will depend on the preventative and protective measures that are put in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The union ’ s demands include details of all confirmed Covid-19 cases in schools , a clear explanation of the difference between a close and casual contact in school settings and an “ urgent review ” of the policy of wearing face coverings by pupils and school staff at primary level .
Fórsa , which represents more than 15,000 special needs assistants and non-teaching staff , said major improvements in health and safety needed to take place before schools could safely reopen .
Andy Pike , the union ’ s head of education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to “ do the bare minimum and downplay the extent of the risks to staff and students ” .
Mr Pike said current arrangements had not been sufficient to keep pace with the rise in cases and some schools had been left to fend for themselves without HSE intervention , resulting in decisions to send home year groups or close schools completely .
Minister for Education Norma Foley , however , said school communities “ can be absolutely assured ” that any necessary resources would be put in place to ensure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said public health resources for testing and tracing in schools would be “ broadened and strengthened ” with dedicated school teams put in place in each HSE area to assist schools where a positive Covid-19 case is identified .
These teams are being led by public health professionals and will be supported by the Department of Education .
Ms Foley said a significant factor in the decision to move to Level 5 of the Government ’ s Living with Covid-19 framework this week was that by doing so the Government can support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said Nphet had reviewed the national experience of school reopening to date , including the epidemiological data and information gathered through case and outbreak management .
Having considered this evidence , she said Nphet had recommended that schools remain open during Level 5 restrictions , even in the current trajectory of the disease .
Latest public health data as of October 19th shows that a total of 10,513 students and teachers have been involved in mass testing .
This has resulted in the detection of 246 additional cases .
This equates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent of additional detected cases , compared with over 7 per cent in the community .
“ In other words , where mass testing has been carried out of close contacts in the school setting of confirmed cases , this has only resulted in a small number of additional confirmed cases , not all of which are transmitted within the school setting , ” Ms Foley said .
In a statement , the HSE said a rise in cases overall in the community and in the positivity rate has challenged public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this has had an impact on response times in schools .
The HSE said it acknowledged at meeting with education partners that it needed to have a swifter reaction and was aiming to have processes strengthened by the time schools return after the midterm break .
“ Teams of support people are being put in place across the departments of public health , which will be a direct point of contact for schools and public health in the future , ” it said , in a statement .

Minister for Education Norma Foley has said school communities ‘can be absolutely assured’ that any necessary resources and measures will be put in place to ensure a safe return to school after mid-term. Photograph: Maxwells
Schools should not reopen after next week’s midterm break until health and safety measures improve, unions representing school staff have warned.
Unions raised concerns over the safety of staff and pupils as well as frustration over testing and tracing delays with Department of Education and National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) representatives on Tuesday.
Speaking after the meeting, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation general secretary John Boyle said: "The successful reopening of schools on November 2nd will depend on the preventative and protective measures that are put in place by the Government in the interim."
Andy Pike, Fórsa’s head of education, said current arrangements had not been sufficient to keep pace with the rise in cases and some schools had been left to fend for themselves without HSE intervention. Photograph: Alan Betson
The union’s demands include details of all confirmed Covid-19 cases in schools, a clear explanation of the difference between a close and casual contact in school settings and an “urgent review” of the policy of wearing face coverings by pupils and school staff at primary level.
READ MORE
Fórsa, which represents more than 15,000 special needs assistants and non-teaching staff, said major improvements in health and safety needed to take place before schools could safely reopen.
Andy Pike, the union’s head of education, said the Government’s approach was to “do the bare minimum and downplay the extent of the risks to staff and students”.
Mr Pike said current arrangements had not been sufficient to keep pace with the rise in cases and some schools had been left to fend for themselves without HSE intervention, resulting in decisions to send home year groups or close schools completely.
Minister for Education Norma Foley, however, said school communities "can be absolutely assured" that any necessary resources would be put in place to ensure a safe return to school after midterm.
She said public health resources for testing and tracing in schools would be “broadened and strengthened” with dedicated school teams put in place in each HSE area to assist schools where a positive Covid-19 case is identified.
These teams are being led by public health professionals and will be supported by the Department of Education.
Ms Foley said a significant factor in the decision to move to Level 5 of the Government’s Living with Covid-19 framework this week was that by doing so the Government can support our schools to continue to operate safely.
She said Nphet had reviewed the national experience of school reopening to date, including the epidemiological data and information gathered through case and outbreak management.
Having considered this evidence, she said Nphet had recommended that schools remain open during Level 5 restrictions, even in the current trajectory of the disease.
Latest public health data as of October 19th shows that a total of 10,513 students and teachers have been involved in mass testing. This has resulted in the detection of 246 additional cases.
This equates to a positive detection rate of 2 per cent of additional detected cases, compared with over 7 per cent in the community.
“In other words, where mass testing has been carried out of close contacts in the school setting of confirmed cases, this has only resulted in a small number of additional confirmed cases, not all of which are transmitted within the school setting,” Ms Foley said.
In a statement, the HSE said a rise in cases overall in the community and in the positivity rate has challenged public health teams considerably over the last weeks, and this has had an impact on response times in schools.
The HSE said it acknowledged at meeting with education partners that it needed to have a swifter reaction and was aiming to have processes strengthened by the time schools return after the midterm break.
“Teams of support people are being put in place across the departments of public health, which will be a direct point of contact for schools and public health in the future,” it said, in a statement.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Thirteen further deaths and 1,269 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in the Republic

Thirteen further deaths and 1,269 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the Republic , with the North reporting three deaths and 913 new cases .
All the deaths notified today occurred recently , according to the Department of Health .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said people should stay at home over the next six weeks of Level 5 restrictions unless they have an exceptional reason not to do so .
They need to remain at home “ as much as possible ” after the highest level of restrictions kick in from Thursday , unless they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting others for care , he said .
There have now been a total of 1,865 coronavirus related deaths , while the total number of cases now stands at 52,256 .
Of the cases notified today , 657 are men and 609 are women .
A total of 63 per cent are under 45 , while the median age is 34 .
Meath is the county with the highest number of new coronavirus cases on Tuesday at 221 , while Dublin had 203 .
There were 116 in Cork and 80 in Cavan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all other counties .
As of 2pm today , 312 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised and 34 of them were in ICU .
There have been 13 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours .
Assistant chief medical officer Dr Heather Burns said there has been a further significant deterioration in the profile of the disease , with a 14-day national incidence of 279 cases per 100,000 people , the highest on record .
Nineteen counties have an incidence of over 200 and seven are over 100 , she said .
So far this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr Burns said .
According to Dr Holohan , there has been a “ worrying rise ” in cases among people aged over 65 .
One-sixth of people in this age group who contracted the virus would be hospitalised , 20 per cent of these would need ICU and 20 per cent of these would die , he said .
Urging people to “ pull together ” for the six weeks of Level 5 restrictions , he said it would take a “ big societal effort ” to get the virus back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent Covid-19 threatening the provision of regular health services , and to protect the vulnerable and the continued provision of education services , he said .
Welcoming the introduction of fines for infringement of Covid-19 rules , Dr Holohan said they would have a “ marginal but helpful effect ” .
He stressed the need for people who have symptoms , or who are close contacts of cases , to self-isolate ; “ This means not just that you stay at home , but that you stay in your room , separate from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public health departments were reporting “ lot of cases ” involving people with symptoms going to work , he pointed out .
Only half of contacts of cases were turning up for their second test seven days after the first , HSE integrated care lead Dr Siobhán Ní Bhriain told the Nphet briefing .
Dr Burns said testing has taken place in 519 schools , involving 12,658 adults and children .
This results in an additional 352 cases being tested .
The positivity rate was 2.8 per cent , compared to a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases were investigated , it was often found that they originated in the home or another setting , for example when people attended work while symptomatic .
Schools were “ relatively controlled ” environments and the data indicated they are not key drivers for transmission of the virus , she said .
Following days of warnings from senior public health officials about the continuing spread of Covid-19 , the Government on Monday night reversed its previous stance and announced the introduction of Level 5 restrictions for the entire State for the next six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country from Government Buildings on Monday night , Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that while the restrictions of recent weeks have “ slowed the spread of the virus , this has not been enough , and further action is now required ” .
The decision was announced after a Cabinet meeting arranged at short notice on Monday gave its approval for the move , although not without some dissent from Ministers .
The measures come into place tomorrow night .

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said people should stay at home over the next six weeks of Level 5 restrictions. File photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Thirteen further deaths and 1,269 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the Republic, with the North reporting three deaths and 913 new cases.
All the deaths notified today occurred recently, according to the Department of Health.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said people should stay at home over the next six weeks of Level 5 restrictions unless they have an exceptional reason not to do so.
Hospital Report
They need to remain at home “as much as possible” after the highest level of restrictions kick in from Thursday, unless they are providing essential services, taking exercise or visiting others for care, he said.
READ MORE
There have now been a total of 1,865 coronavirus related deaths, while the total number of cases now stands at 52,256.
Of the cases notified today, 657 are men and 609 are women. A total of 63 per cent are under 45, while the median age is 34.
Meath is the county with the highest number of new coronavirus cases on Tuesday at 221, while Dublin had 203. There were 116 in Cork and 80 in Cavan, with the remaining 649 spread across all other counties.
As of 2pm today, 312 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised and 34 of them were in ICU. There have been 13 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
Assistant chief medical officer Dr Heather Burns said there has been a further significant deterioration in the profile of the disease, with a 14-day national incidence of 279 cases per 100,000 people, the highest on record.
Nineteen counties have an incidence of over 200 and seven are over 100, she said.
So far this month, there have been 54 deaths, Dr Burns said.
According to Dr Holohan, there has been a “worrying rise” in cases among people aged over 65. One-sixth of people in this age group who contracted the virus would be hospitalised, 20 per cent of these would need ICU and 20 per cent of these would die, he said.
Urging people to “pull together” for the six weeks of Level 5 restrictions, he said it would take a “big societal effort” to get the virus back under control.
The challenge was to prevent Covid-19 threatening the provision of regular health services, and to protect the vulnerable and the continued provision of education services, he said.
Welcoming the introduction of fines for infringement of Covid-19 rules, Dr Holohan said they would have a “marginal but helpful effect”.
He stressed the need for people who have symptoms, or who are close contacts of cases, to self-isolate; “This means not just that you stay at home, but that you stay in your room, separate from other people in the house”.
Public health departments were reporting “lot of cases” involving people with symptoms going to work, he pointed out.
Only half of contacts of cases were turning up for their second test seven days after the first, HSE integrated care lead Dr Siobhán Ní Bhriain told the Nphet briefing.
Dr Burns said testing has taken place in 519 schools, involving 12,658 adults and children. This results in an additional 352 cases being tested. The positivity rate was 2.8 per cent, compared to a national average of 7.2 per cent.
When cases were investigated, it was often found that they originated in the home or another setting, for example when people attended work while symptomatic.
Schools were “relatively controlled” environments and the data indicated they are not key drivers for transmission of the virus, she said.
Following days of warnings from senior public health officials about the continuing spread of Covid-19, the Government on Monday night reversed its previous stance and announced the introduction of Level 5 restrictions for the entire State for the next six weeks.
In a televised address to the country from Government Buildings on Monday night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that while the restrictions of recent weeks have “slowed the spread of the virus, this has not been enough, and further action is now required”.
The decision was announced after a Cabinet meeting arranged at short notice on Monday gave its approval for the move, although not without some dissent from Ministers. The measures come into place tomorrow night.


theirishtimes--2020-10-20--Garda brings High Court challenge in bid to prevent his dismissal

A Garda has launched a High Court challenge aimed at preventing his dismissal from the force .
The action has been brought by Garda Paul Mulcair , stationed at Kinsale Garda Station , Co Cork .
He was found following an internal Garda probe , to have breached Garda disciplinary regulations .
The allegations against Garda Mulcair , who denies any wrongdoing , were that on dates between 2014 and 2017 he asked 10 persons from the community where he lived and policed for a total €140,300 and received €9,700 .
Following an investigation into the allegations , a Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Síochána to determine if Garda Mulcair had committed a serious breach of discipline .
Garda Mulcair accepted he had approached persons seeking to borrow money , which he said was repaid .
One person who was asked by Garda Mulcair for a loan had allowed the garda to use the credit facility in his shop so he could buy food , the court heard .
The garda accepted he had written to one individual asking for money but denied asking that individual for €120,000 as alleged and said he had not requested a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its decision of January 27th last , the board held the garda was in breach of garda discipline .
Garda Mulcair rejected the finding that he has used his position as a police officer for his own personal advantage , or that he could not carry out his duties because he was beholden to other persons .
These findings were illogical and there was no evidence he had ever failed to properly carry out his duties , he said .
Arising out of its findings the board made a recommendation to the Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently suspended from duty , be dismissed .
Last August , the then acting Garda Commissioner John Twomey , having regard to the board ’ s recommendation , decided Garda Mulcair should be dismissed for two breaches and that he should resign in lieu of dismissal on five breaches .
The garda claims that the disciplinary process , which commenced in 2018 and concluded in January of this year , was flawed , that irrelevant considerations were taken into account and that he has not been treated fairly by the board .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-person board said that having considered all matters it was in a position to deliver its decision.This announcement was made by the board before his solicitor , who was taken aback by this , had made submissions that the evidence did not support the allegations against the garda .
The garda claims that this action by the board amounted to a predetermination by the board of the allegations against him and has tainted the entire inquiry .
He also claims that he was prejudiced because the board heard allegations of events that occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject of the investigation .
He further claims that no reasons were given by the Acting Commissioner for his decision .
He has brought judicial review proceedings against the Garda Commissioner where he seeks orders quashing the board ’ s findings , recommendations and the decision that he be dismissed or resign .
Permission to bring the challenge was granted , on an ex-parte basis , by Mr Justice Charles Meenan .
The judge adjourned the matter to a date in December .

A Garda has launched a High Court challenge aimed at preventing his dismissal from the force.
The action has been brought by Garda Paul Mulcair, stationed at Kinsale Garda Station, Co Cork.
He was found following an internal Garda probe, to have breached Garda disciplinary regulations. The allegations against Garda Mulcair, who denies any wrongdoing, were that on dates between 2014 and 2017 he asked 10 persons from the community where he lived and policed for a total €140,300 and received €9,700.
Following an investigation into the allegations, a Board of Inquiry was convened by An Garda Síochána to determine if Garda Mulcair had committed a serious breach of discipline. Garda Mulcair accepted he had approached persons seeking to borrow money, which he said was repaid. One person who was asked by Garda Mulcair for a loan had allowed the garda to use the credit facility in his shop so he could buy food, the court heard.
READ MORE
The garda accepted he had written to one individual asking for money but denied asking that individual for €120,000 as alleged and said he had not requested a specific amount in his letter. In its decision of January 27th last, the board held the garda was in breach of garda discipline.
Garda Mulcair rejected the finding that he has used his position as a police officer for his own personal advantage, or that he could not carry out his duties because he was beholden to other persons. These findings were illogical and there was no evidence he had ever failed to properly carry out his duties, he said.
Arising out of its findings the board made a recommendation to the Garda Commissioner that Garda Mulcair, who is currently suspended from duty, be dismissed. Last August, the then acting Garda Commissioner John Twomey, having regard to the board’s recommendation, decided Garda Mulcair should be dismissed for two breaches and that he should resign in lieu of dismissal on five breaches.
The garda claims that the disciplinary process, which commenced in 2018 and concluded in January of this year, was flawed, that irrelevant considerations were taken into account and that he has not been treated fairly by the board.
He claims that on November 22nd last the three-person board said that having considered all matters it was in a position to deliver its decision.This announcement was made by the board before his solicitor, who was taken aback by this, had made submissions that the evidence did not support the allegations against the garda.
The garda claims that this action by the board amounted to a predetermination by the board of the allegations against him and has tainted the entire inquiry.
He also claims that he was prejudiced because the board heard allegations of events that occurred in 2013, which were not the subject of the investigation.
He further claims that no reasons were given by the Acting Commissioner for his decision.
He has brought judicial review proceedings against the Garda Commissioner where he seeks orders quashing the board’s findings, recommendations and the decision that he be dismissed or resign.
Permission to bring the challenge was granted, on an ex-parte basis, by Mr Justice Charles Meenan.
The judge adjourned the matter to a date in December.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Covid-19 laws: What can gardaí enforce and what penalties can be given?

How will gardaí go about shutting down house parties and what are the penalties ?
Under new legislation agreed by the Cabinet on Tuesday night , gardaí will be empowered to arrive at a property and direct that any gathering in breach of public health guidelines be stopped .
Under the new law it will be presumed , unless it can be proven otherwise , that the owner or occupier of the property is the person who organised that event .
Those who are found to be organising parties or gatherings could face a fine of up to €1,000 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , or both .
Second offenders face a fine of up to €1,500 or three months imprisonment , or both .
Third or subsequent offenders face a fine of up to €2,500 or six months imprisonment , or both .
In setting the penalties , a court may also take into account any aggravating circumstances .
What could such aggravating circumstances be ?
In deciding on a penalty , the court could look at the number of persons attending that event , the degree of danger to public health that was caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty of the offence refused to comply with requests or directions from gardaí .
What about other people in or around the house party ?
If gardaí believe a person intends to go into a house party or gathering , they can direct that person to leave immediately .
Those who don ’ t comply with directions from gardai could face a fine of up to €1,000 or one month imprisonment , or both .
Do I have to give gardaí my details ?
Gardaí will be empowered to go to the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name of the owner .
Again , those who don ’ t comply with directions from gardaí could face a fine of up to €1,000 or one month imprisonment , or both .
What will the penalty be for breaking the 5km travel restriction ?
People who breach other aspects of the six-week lockdown , such as the 5km travel restriction , face on the spot fines .
The maximum fine will be €500 but it is likely that the starting fine could be much lower , potentially €60 , although this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not feature in the legislation .
Instead , those penalties will be set out in new and imminent regulations by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly in consultation with the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee .
What will the penalty be for not wearing a face covering ?
It is likely that the same on the spot fines will apply to those who do not wear a mask on public transport or in a retail settings .
A tiered system of fines will be set out shortly in new regulations .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
In a statement , the Government has said that it intends to enact the new law “ as soon as possible.
” At this moment in time , it appears that it will be the end of next week at the earliest before the meaures are signed into law .
But this does not mean there are no penalties for breaking restrictions .
Already there are sanctions of up to €2,500 and/or six months imprisonment under the 1947 Health Act for those who , for example , do not wear a mask @ @ @ @ @

Government has said that it intends to enact the new law ‘as soon as possible.’ Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins
How will gardaí go about shutting down house parties and what are the penalties?
Under new legislation agreed by the Cabinet on Tuesday night, gardaí will be empowered to arrive at a property and direct that any gathering in breach of public health guidelines be stopped.
Under the new law it will be presumed, unless it can be proven otherwise, that the owner or occupier of the property is the person who organised that event.
Hospital Report
Those who are found to be organising parties or gatherings could face a fine of up to €1,000 in the first instance or imprisonment for one month, or both. Second offenders face a fine of up to €1,500 or three months imprisonment, or both. Third or subsequent offenders face a fine of up to €2,500 or six months imprisonment, or both. In setting the penalties, a court may also take into account any aggravating circumstances.
READ MORE
What could such aggravating circumstances be?
In deciding on a penalty, the court could look at the number of persons attending that event, the degree of danger to public health that was caused and the extent to which the person guilty of the offence refused to comply with requests or directions from gardaí.
What about other people in or around the house party?
If gardaí believe a person intends to go into a house party or gathering, they can direct that person to leave immediately. Those who don’t comply with directions from gardai could face a fine of up to €1,000 or one month imprisonment, or both.
Do I have to give gardaí my details?
Gardaí will be empowered to go to the main entrance of the house and ask for the name of the owner. Again, those who don’t comply with directions from gardaí could face a fine of up to €1,000 or one month imprisonment, or both.
What will the penalty be for breaking the 5km travel restriction?
People who breach other aspects of the six-week lockdown, such as the 5km travel restriction, face on the spot fines. The maximum fine will be €500 but it is likely that the starting fine could be much lower, potentially €60, although this detail has yet to be agreed and does not feature in the legislation.
Instead, those penalties will be set out in new and imminent regulations by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly in consultation with the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
What will the penalty be for not wearing a face covering?
It is likely that the same on the spot fines will apply to those who do not wear a mask on public transport or in a retail settings. A tiered system of fines will be set out shortly in new regulations.
When will these laws actually come into force?
In a statement, the Government has said that it intends to enact the new law “as soon as possible.” At this moment in time, it appears that it will be the end of next week at the earliest before the meaures are signed into law. But this does not mean there are no penalties for breaking restrictions.
Already there are sanctions of up to €2,500 and/or six months imprisonment under the 1947 Health Act for those who, for example, do not wear a mask while on public transport.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Government fears Nphet will seek new lockdown after Christmas break

The Government fears public health officials will seek another another lockdown in January after restrictions are eased for a few weeks over Christmas , according to sources with knowledge of the discussions .
National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) members suggested infections would rise during December once restrictions were eased , making a return to Level 5 necessary in the new year .
This was one scenario discussed at Saturday ’ s meeting between the Taoiseach , Tánaiste , ministers and Nphet officials .
The suggestions is at odds with the exit strategy agreed within Government , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the reproduction number of Covid-19 drops below 1 and cases are falling “ consistently ” .
Ministers hope it may be possible to move down to Level 4 restrictions earlier than planned in the six-week lockdown due to begin at midnight on Wednesday .
A regional or local approach may also be taken , so that individual counties may be able to escape lockdown if their figures improve , one Government source said .
The reproduction number ( or “ R0 ” ) is a measure of how widely a virus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than one means the disease is spreading more ; one less than one means the epidemic is dying out .
National Public Health Emergency Team official Prof Philip Nolan said on Monday the reproduction number would have to be reduced to 0.5 , and kept there for six weeks , for the lockdown to be a success .
Even with this approach , officials expected 200 cases a day by the end of December .
Speaking on RTÉ radio on Wednesday , Prof Nolan said a further lockdown in the New Year could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot depends on how people are behaving ; I don ’ t like using the word ‘ behaving ’ but it ’ s the only way to express it .
People realise there ’ s a problem now.
” He said Taoiseach Micheál Martin was right when he spoke about the matter in the Dáil on Tuesday .
“ It ’ s important to be honest with people .
If , following December and January , we find levels of cases rising and in particular rising quickly we may need to intervene again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervention can be shorter but the amount of time that we buy ourselves and how long that might happen really depends on our individual behaviours and how strong our public health departments are.
” Answering questions in the Dáil , Mr Martin confirmed the issue of a return to restrictions in January had been discussed with public health officials .
“ Nphet informed us on Saturday that if we work with this for six weeks , we can get to a position , hopefully by the beginning of December , where we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , we might have to consider more restrictions again to keep control of the virus until we get hold of a vaccine , ” he said .
Mr Martin also told TDs : “ I foresee periods of high-level restrictions followed by low-level restrictions and , if necessary , followed by high-level restrictions again if the virus spreads during the reopening phase.
” A return to Level 5 restrictions would depend on how events unfold and how people behave in the coming weeks and months , especially over Christmas , when increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cases follows the relaxation of lockdown , it is thought likely that Nphet would recommend measures in early January , based on the premise that acting earlier would mean a shorter period of lockdown .
A further 13 deaths of people with Covid-19 were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team yesterday , the highest daily number since late May .
Nphet also reported a further 1,269 confirmed cases of the disease .
The 14-day incidence is now at a record 279 cases per 100,000 people ; Cavan has the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should stay at home over the next six weeks of Level 5 restrictions “ as much as possible ” , unless they have an exceptional reason not to do so , chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said .
He described a recent increase in cases among over 65-year-olds as “ worrying ” .
It was “ really important ” to drive cases “ as low as possible ” during the Level 5 restriction period , though achieving “ zero Covid ” was not realistic , Dr Holohan told the briefing .
Reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a “ more controlled experience ” with lower levels of infection .
However , “ if we ’ re not on track , we ’ ll have to consider what that means ” .
“ Yes people are tired , yes people are frustrated , yes buy-in is a challenge yes , some of the measures are different from the first time around , but none of that is a reason to believe we can ’ t achieve this if we all pull together , ” he said .

A further three deaths and 1,167 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in the Republic, while the North recorded five deaths and 1,039 new cases.
There has now been a total of 1,868 Covid-19-related deaths in Ireland and the number of confirmed cases now stands at 53,422.
Of the cases notified today 538 are men and 627 are women, while 64 per cent are under 45 years of age. The median age is 33.
Hospital Report
The highest number of new cases was in Dublin, with 263. Meath recorded 142 cases, while there were 137 in Cork and 86 in Cavan. The remaining 539 cases are spread across all remaining counties.
READ MORE
A total of 314 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 34 are in ICU. In the past 24 hours, there were 27 additional hospitalisations.
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, said on Wednesday evening: “The behaviour of every individual is the most effective defence we have against the spread of Covid-19.
“Everyone needs to stay at home, other than for essential reasons. Follow the public health advice and treat everyone that you come into contact with as though they are a close contact of someone with Covid-19 - keep your distance, avoid meeting others.
“We are facing a big challenge, but we have faced this challenge before, and that means we know how to suppress this virus, by following the public health advice in everything we do.”
Earlier, it emerged that the Government fears public health officials will seek another another lockdown in January after restrictions are eased for a few weeks over Christmas, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions.
National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) members suggested infections would rise during December once restrictions were eased, making a return to Level 5 necessary in the new year. This was one scenario discussed at Saturday’s meeting between the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, ministers and Nphet officials.
The suggestions is at odds with the exit strategy agreed within Government, which envisages the lifting of Level 5 measures if the reproduction number of Covid-19 drops below 1 and cases are falling “consistently”.
Ministers hope it may be possible to move down to Level 4 restrictions earlier than planned in the six-week lockdown due to begin at midnight on Wednesday.
A regional or local approach may also be taken, so that individual counties may be able to escape lockdown if their figures improve, one Government source said.
The reproduction number (or “R0”) is a measure of how widely a virus is being transmitted. An R0 of greater than one means the disease is spreading more; one less than one means the epidemic is dying out.
National Public Health Emergency Team official Prof Philip Nolan said on Monday the reproduction number would have to be reduced to 0.5, and kept there for six weeks, for the lockdown to be a success. Even with this approach, officials expected 200 cases a day by the end of December.
Early intervention
Speaking on RTÉ radio on Wednesday, Prof Nolan said a further lockdown in the New Year could not be ruled out.
“A lot depends on how people are behaving; I don’t like using the word ‘behaving’ but it’s the only way to express it. People realise there’s a problem now.”
He said Taoiseach Micheál Martin was right when he spoke about the matter in the Dáil on Tuesday.
“It’s important to be honest with people. If, following December and January, we find levels of cases rising and in particular rising quickly we may need to intervene again.
“If we intervene early that intervention can be shorter but the amount of time that we buy ourselves and how long that might happen really depends on our individual behaviours and how strong our public health departments are.”
Answering questions in the Dáil, Mr Martin confirmed the issue of a return to restrictions in January had been discussed with public health officials.
“Nphet informed us on Saturday that if we work with this for six weeks, we can get to a position, hopefully by the beginning of December, where we can reopen but that, in the new year, we might have to consider more restrictions again to keep control of the virus until we get hold of a vaccine,” he said.
Mr Martin also told TDs: “I foresee periods of high-level restrictions followed by low-level restrictions and, if necessary, followed by high-level restrictions again if the virus spreads during the reopening phase.”
A return to Level 5 restrictions would depend on how events unfold and how people behave in the coming weeks and months, especially over Christmas, when increased socialising is likely. If a rise in cases follows the relaxation of lockdown, it is thought likely that Nphet would recommend measures in early January, based on the premise that acting earlier would mean a shorter period of lockdown.
A further 13 deaths of people with Covid-19 were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team yesterday, the highest daily number since late May. Nphet also reported a further 1,269 confirmed cases of the disease.
The 14-day incidence is now at a record 279 cases per 100,000 people; Cavan has the highest county incidence, at 909.7.
People should stay at home over the next six weeks of Level 5 restrictions “as much as possible”, unless they have an exceptional reason not to do so, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said. He described a recent increase in cases among over 65-year-olds as “worrying”.
It was “really important” to drive cases “as low as possible” during the Level 5 restriction period, though achieving “zero Covid” was not realistic, Dr Holohan told the briefing.
Reducing the R0 to about 0.5 would allow for a “more controlled experience” with lower levels of infection. However, “if we’re not on track, we’ll have to consider what that means”.
“Yes people are tired, yes people are frustrated, yes buy-in is a challenge yes, some of the measures are different from the first time around, but none of that is a reason to believe we can’t achieve this if we all pull together,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Coronavirus: GPs voice concern over contact tracing ‘confusion’

Asking GPs to help deal with a backlog of close contacts of Covid-19 cases will cause “ more confusion ” and add to an already “ overloaded ” primary care sector , doctors said on Wednesday .
The Irish Times disclosed on Tuesday night that thousands of close contacts of positive Covid-19 cases from over a three day period will not be contacted by the HSE because the contact tracing system was overwhelmed by cases last weekend .
The HSE has said that it will send a text message today to between 2,000 and 2,500 people , who have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , asking them to tell their own close contacts to contact their GPs immediately to seek a Covid-19 test .
Normally contact tracers call newly-infected people to ask for their close contacts and then call those close contacts to arrange for them to be tested to stem transmission of the disease .
However , the HSE ’ s contact tracers faced an unprecedented number of confirmed cases last weekend , resulting in a backlog of cases over three days , from Friday to Sunday .
The issue was raised in the Dáil on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would hold a special meeting next week on problems affecting the Covid-19 contact tracing system .
Monaghan GP Dr Illona Duffy said doctors had been predicting for some time that the contact tracing system was being overwhelmed .
It was disappointing to learn the issue was now being “ foisted ” on already “ overloaded ” GPs .
Arranging tests for close contacts would add further to their workload , while also meaning delays for other patients attempting to contact their GP , she told RTÉ Radio ’ s Today with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective the move would be .
Patients would feel unnecessary guilt that they had contracted the virus , and would be reluctant to report this to their contacts or unable to do so if they did not have details for everyone with whom they had been in contact , she said .
Dublin GP Maitiu O Tuathail pointed out that contact tracers were professionally trained and to expect patients to alert their contacts themselves undermined the system .
“ GPs have been saying for days that the contact tracing system had collapsed.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , that large numbers of close contacts will not be informed .
“ If we didn ’ t have a reason to lockdown two days ago , we do now.
” If someone was ill with Covid , the last thing they wanted to do was to start contacting people , he added .
“ This is going to lead to more confusion and more problems.
” Dr O Tuathail explained that the term “ close contact ” meant anyone living in the same house ; anyone with whom one has spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom one has been in the same room for more than two hours and anyone who sat closer than two seats on public transport .
“ There are so many nuances.
” Defending the HSE ’ s decision , its national lead for contact tracing Niamh O ’ Beirne said it would allow the system to “ hit a reset button ” to get ahead of the disease again .
“ Over the week we simply couldn ’ t get to everyone .
Whilst not ideal , we are sending a text today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage to get to .
We ’ re asking them to forward that text to their close contacts.
” Ms O ’ Beirne confirmed on RTÉ Radio ’ s Morning Ireland that not everybody tested on Friday , Saturday and Sunday would receive the text .
Certain groups have been “ pulled out ” , she said .
These include children aged 4-19 and older people who may need further support .
“ It ’ s not ideal , but it ’ s really important with the speed of the disease at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent cases , that we try to get ahead.
” She said 70 additional staff were being employed each week to build the State ’ s contact tracing capacity .
Interviews were continuing to fill posts and the aim was to try to get ahead of demand and to have the capacity to deal with 1,500 cases per day if needed .
Highlighting what she saw as an anomaly , however , Dr Duffy cited the case of a GP who had volunteered to work at contact tracing centre but they had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been asked for details of their Leaving Cert .
This person would have been ideal for the work of contact tracing , she said .
“ Why did they not prepare in advance ?
...
This shouldn ’ t be a surprise , we knew it was coming.
” The HSE was in competition with the NHS for personnel to work on the Covid-19 pandemic , the Oireachtas health committee head on Wednesday .
Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) chief executive Susan Clyne said public health specialists who played key roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold dust ” and were being recruited by authorities , particularly in Wales and Scotland .
She added they were being told they could work for the NHS while still living in Ireland .
Professor Philip Nolan , chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group , said the move was disappointing but it was the right thing to do .
The HSE had tried to enhance the contact tracing system and it needed to continue to do that so the system would be better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A huge amount of this was done during the summer , ” he said .
A professional body representing GPs asked members to cooperate with the HSE ’ s move , while acknowledging the additional workload .
In a letter to GP members of the IMO on Tuesday evening , Dr Denis McCauley , IMO GP chairman , told colleagues that GPs had so far only referred patients with symptoms for tests .
“ However , given the very significant and rapid increase in numbers there is extreme pressure on our public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing systems .
“ This has impacted on their ability to respond quickly to close contacts and our public health specialists are prioritising workplace , educational and residential facilities outbreaks , ” said Dr McCauley .
Whether patients were symptomatic or not , they would be referred for a test and advised to self-isolate for 14 days .
If a patient ’ s test was negative they would be advised to continue restricting their movement for 14 days .
If positive a patient would be advised to continue self-isolation for 10 days or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any fever , whichever is the later ” , Dr McCauley said .
“ This is a short term issue that will be resolved within the next week to 10 days .
For this short time period GPs are being asked to assist in the testing referral process for a particular category of patients who are self-identifying as close contacts and who present to your practice .
“ This is a significant ask of GPs who are already under pressure however we believe it is necessary at this time given the surges across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health colleagues for a defined period of time while additional staff are being recruited/trained and IT enhancements are put in place .
“ Under no circumstances are GPs being asked to undertake any contact tracing or to identify patients who fall into this category .
It is absolutely recognised that public health are experts in contact tracing and there is no role for GPs in that process .
”

GPs have complained that the contact tracing problem was being ‘foisted’ on already overloaded doctors. File image: PA
Asking GPs to help deal with a backlog of close contacts of Covid-19 cases will cause “more confusion” and add to an already “overloaded” primary care sector, doctors said on Wednesday.
The Irish Times disclosed on Tuesday night that thousands of close contacts of positive Covid-19 cases from over a three day period will not be contacted by the HSE because the contact tracing system was overwhelmed by cases last weekend.
The HSE has said that it will send a text message today to between 2,000 and 2,500 people, who have already been informed by text of their infection, asking them to tell their own close contacts to contact their GPs immediately to seek a Covid-19 test.
Hospital Report
Normally contact tracers call newly-infected people to ask for their close contacts and then call those close contacts to arrange for them to be tested to stem transmission of the disease.
READ MORE
However, the HSE’s contact tracers faced an unprecedented number of confirmed cases last weekend, resulting in a backlog of cases over three days, from Friday to Sunday.
The issue was raised in the Dáil on Wednesday morning as the Oireachtas health committee said it would hold a special meeting next week on problems affecting the Covid-19 contact tracing system.
Monaghan GP Dr Illona Duffy said doctors had been predicting for some time that the contact tracing system was being overwhelmed. It was disappointing to learn the issue was now being “foisted” on already “overloaded” GPs.
Arranging tests for close contacts would add further to their workload, while also meaning delays for other patients attempting to contact their GP, she told RTÉ Radio’s Today with Claire Byrne.
She also questioned how effective the move would be. Patients would feel unnecessary guilt that they had contracted the virus, and would be reluctant to report this to their contacts or unable to do so if they did not have details for everyone with whom they had been in contact, she said.
Dublin GP Maitiu O Tuathail pointed out that contact tracers were professionally trained and to expect patients to alert their contacts themselves undermined the system.
“GPs have been saying for days that the contact tracing system had collapsed.”
There was a huge risk, he said, that large numbers of close contacts will not be informed. “If we didn’t have a reason to lockdown two days ago, we do now.”
If someone was ill with Covid, the last thing they wanted to do was to start contacting people, he added.
“This is going to lead to more confusion and more problems.”
Dr O Tuathail explained that the term “close contact” meant anyone living in the same house; anyone with whom one has spent more than 15 minutes; anyone with whom one has been in the same room for more than two hours and anyone who sat closer than two seats on public transport.
“There are so many nuances.”
‘Reset button’
Defending the HSE’s decision, its national lead for contact tracing Niamh O’Beirne said it would allow the system to “hit a reset button” to get ahead of the disease again.
“Over the week we simply couldn’t get to everyone. Whilst not ideal, we are sending a text today to everyone that we didn’t manage to get to. We’re asking them to forward that text to their close contacts.”
Ms O’Beirne confirmed on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland that not everybody tested on Friday, Saturday and Sunday would receive the text. Certain groups have been “pulled out”, she said. These include children aged 4-19 and older people who may need further support.
“It’s not ideal, but it’s really important with the speed of the disease at the moment that we deal with the most recent cases, that we try to get ahead.”
She said 70 additional staff were being employed each week to build the State’s contact tracing capacity. Interviews were continuing to fill posts and the aim was to try to get ahead of demand and to have the capacity to deal with 1,500 cases per day if needed.
Highlighting what she saw as an anomaly, however, Dr Duffy cited the case of a GP who had volunteered to work at contact tracing centre but they had to fill out a lot of paperwork and had been asked for details of their Leaving Cert. This person would have been ideal for the work of contact tracing, she said.
“Why did they not prepare in advance?... This shouldn’t be a surprise, we knew it was coming.”
The HSE was in competition with the NHS for personnel to work on the Covid-19 pandemic, the Oireachtas health committee head on Wednesday.
Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) chief executive Susan Clyne said public health specialists who played key roles in contact tracing were now “like gold dust” and were being recruited by authorities, particularly in Wales and Scotland. She added they were being told they could work for the NHS while still living in Ireland.
Professor Philip Nolan, chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said the move was disappointing but it was the right thing to do.
The HSE had tried to enhance the contact tracing system and it needed to continue to do that so the system would be better prepared, he told Newstalk Breakfast.
“A huge amount of this was done during the summer,” he said.
GPs’ workload
A professional body representing GPs asked members to cooperate with the HSE’s move, while acknowledging the additional workload.
In a letter to GP members of the IMO on Tuesday evening, Dr Denis McCauley, IMO GP chairman, told colleagues that GPs had so far only referred patients with symptoms for tests.
“However, given the very significant and rapid increase in numbers there is extreme pressure on our public health medical colleagues and on the contact tracing systems.
“This has impacted on their ability to respond quickly to close contacts and our public health specialists are prioritising workplace, educational and residential facilities outbreaks,” said Dr McCauley.
Whether patients were symptomatic or not, they would be referred for a test and advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
If a patient’s test was negative they would be advised to continue restricting their movement for 14 days.
If positive a patient would be advised to continue self-isolation for 10 days or five days following “clearing up of any fever, whichever is the later”, Dr McCauley said.
“This is a short term issue that will be resolved within the next week to 10 days. For this short time period GPs are being asked to assist in the testing referral process for a particular category of patients who are self-identifying as close contacts and who present to your practice.
“This is a significant ask of GPs who are already under pressure however we believe it is necessary at this time given the surges across all communities and in support of our public health colleagues for a defined period of time while additional staff are being recruited/trained and IT enhancements are put in place.
“Under no circumstances are GPs being asked to undertake any contact tracing or to identify patients who fall into this category. It is absolutely recognised that public health are experts in contact tracing and there is no role for GPs in that process.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Travellers call on comedian Des Bishop to apologise for ‘absolutely appalling’ comments

Travellers ’ groups are calling on comedian Des Bishop to apologise for comments in which he described the community as inbred and violent .
During an interview with US radio station Sirius XM , Bishop said Travellers “ drink a lot ” , “ get violent when they drink ” , “ are sort of feudal ” and “ are all on social welfare ” .
He gave a wide-ranging interview on the Jim and Sam Show , a weekday morning show on the Manhattan-based Sirius XM , in March 2018 .
The satellite channel has 34 million subscribers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been shared widely in recent weeks by the community .
Early in the 40 minute interview Bishop is asked by hosts Jim Norton and Sam Roberts about the “ those bare-knuckle fighters ” .
Responding , Bishop says they are “ Travellers ” and says : “ The Travellers are like , they are very discriminated against ” .
He tells how he “ lived with them for a month ” in Tuam , Co Galway , for a documentary on stand-up comedy “ in bad areas ” .
“ They were great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , like all marginalised , disadvantaged groups they have some social problems.
” Asked : “ Did they drink ?
” he said : “ They drink a lot .
They get violent when they drink .
They ’ re sort of feudal , so they have a lot of feuds .
They are kind of tribal I should say , so they have a lot of feuds so when families turn against each other , it can be quite bloody and violent .
But not so much with guns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on.
” Describing the community as “ rough ” and “ paranoid ” , he said “ there is a lot of inbreeding ” .
“ Like the first Holy Communion for the Travellers is like unbelievable .
Horse-drawn carriages , kids are all dolled up .
They spend , and it ’ s funny because they are all on social welfare , people say they are all on social welfare , but they spend so much money on their communion dresses.
” Asked if they are poor , he responds : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re poor ’ , yeah.
” At another point Bishop says he “ always sticks up for ” Travellers , adding they are “ hated ” by the Irish , calling this “ irrational ” and “ classic racism ” .
The interview re-emerged after being posted by Traveller comedian Martin Beanz Ward , with the comment : “ I ’ m asking him to apologise to my community publicly .
No cancelling or blacklisting , just an opportunity to learn and grow.
” Bernard Joyce , director of the Irish Traveller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ shocking , degrading and racist ” adding they caused hurt both then and now “ in the community which is unacceptable .
An unreserved apology to Travellers who experience widespread racism would go some way towards doing the right thing.
” Martin Collins , co-director of Pavee Point , said the comments were “ absolutely appalling ” .
He said : “ Of course they are racist and of course he should apologise .
There are some Travellers though , working in the arts , who inadvertently cause hurt also when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Bishop , despite repeated requests for a response through his agent for over a week , did not provide a comment .
Sirius XM did not respond to The Irish Times .

Comedian Des Bishop has apologised to the Traveller community for comments he made in 2018 when he described the community as inbred and violent.
Earlier, Travellers' groups called for an apology over an interview with US radio station Sirius XM, on which Bishop said Travellers "drink a lot", "get violent when they drink", "are sort of feudal" and "are all on social welfare".
On Wednesday afternoon, Bishop posted an apology on Twitter.
“I am writing this to apologise to the Traveller community for comments I made on a radio show in the US a couple of years ago.
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"I especially apologise to the community in Tuam who were so welcoming to me 15 years ago when we were filming Joy in the Hood. The experience was so positive for me which I am sure makes it even more hurtful for them to hear such negative comments about their community uttered by someone who they treated so well.
“It is of no consolation that I am so disappointed in myself because I don’t believe in these stereotypes that I spoke so freely about on the show.
“I have always wanted to be someone who helped to end prejudice against travellers in Ireland but I clearly have had a blind spot to my own prejudice.”
Bishop gave a wide-ranging interview on the Jim and Sam Show, a weekday morning show on the Manhattan-based Sirius XM, in March 2018. The satellite channel has 34 million subscribers. A YouTube video of the interview has been shared widely in recent weeks by the community.
Early in the 40-minute interview Bishop is asked by hosts Jim Norton and Sam Roberts about the "those bare-knuckle fighters".
Responding, Bishop says they are “Travellers” and says: “The Travellers are like, they are very discriminated against”.
He tells how he “lived with them for a month” in Tuam, Co Galway, for a documentary on stand-up comedy “in bad areas”.
“They were great. They were great fun. but you know, like all marginalised, disadvantaged groups they have some social problems.”
Asked: “Did they drink?” he said: “They drink a lot. They get violent when they drink. They’re sort of feudal, so they have a lot of feuds. They are kind of tribal I should say, so they have a lot of feuds so when families turn against each other, it can be quite bloody and violent. But not so much with guns, but with axes and machetes and so on.”
Describing the community as “rough” and “paranoid”, he said “there is a lot of inbreeding”.
“Like the first Holy Communion for the Travellers is like unbelievable. Horse-drawn carriages, kids are all dolled up. They spend, and it’s funny because they are all on social welfare, people say they are all on social welfare, but they spend so much money on their communion dresses.” Asked if they are poor, he responds: “Well, quote unquote, ‘they’re poor’, yeah.”
At another point Bishop says he “always sticks up for” Travellers, adding they are “hated” by the Irish, calling this “irrational” and “classic racism”.
The interview re-emerged after being posted by Traveller comedian Martin Beanz Warde, with the comment: “I’m asking him to apologise to my community publicly. No cancelling or blacklisting, just an opportunity to learn and grow.”
After Bishop posted his apology, Mr Warde said he accepted it.
Before the apology, Bernard Joyce, director of the Irish Traveller Movement, described Bishop's comments as "shocking, degrading and racist" adding they caused hurt both then and now "in the community which is unacceptable. An unreserved apology to Travellers who experience widespread racism would go some way towards doing the right thing."
Martin Collins, co-director of Pavee Point, said the comments were "absolutely appalling".
He said: “Of course they are racist and of course he should apologise. There are some Travellers though, working in the arts, who inadvertently cause hurt also when they use stereotypes of their own community.”
Sirius XM did not respond to The Irish Times.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Teenager dies in hit-and-run collision outside Dundalk

A man in his late teens has died following a hit-and-run incident outside Dundalk , Co Louth , on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ after two cars collided at around 9pm on Tuesday , October 20th , in the @ @ @ @ @ Louth .
The body of the man who died remains at the scene .
The @ @ @ @ @ was in fled the scene on foot .
The driver later presented himself to gardaí @ @ @ @ @ of the second car , a man in his 40s , was taken to Our @ @ @ @ @ Drogheda with minor injuries .
Garda investigators will examine the scene , and the road @ @ @ @ @ with local diversions in place .
Gardaí in Dundalk are appealing for anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ asked for anyone with camera footage of the Ballymascanlon area between 8pm and 9pm on @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with information is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042 9388400 , the @ @ @ @ @ 666 111 or any Garda station .

A man has died after two cars collided outside Dundalk, Co Louth. File photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
A man in his late teens has died following a hit-and-run incident outside Dundalk, Co Louth, on Tuesday night.
The man died after two cars collided at around 9pm on Tuesday, October 20th, in the townland of Ballymascanlon in Co Louth.
The body of the man who died remains at the scene. The driver of the car he was in fled the scene on foot. The driver later presented himself to gardaí in Dundalk.
The driver of the second car, a man in his 40s, was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda with minor injuries.
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Garda investigators will examine the scene, and the road was closed on Wednesday morning with local diversions in place.
Gardaí in Dundalk are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and have asked for anyone with camera footage of the Ballymascanlon area between 8pm and 9pm on Tuesdays to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Covid-19: Rapid tests have ‘reduced diagnostic accuracy’

The use of cheaper , rapid tests for Covid-19 as an alternative to the current system has been rejected by the State ’ s health watchdog .
However , antigen and other alternatives could be used to enhance the current system of PCR testing , according to the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) .
PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) testing is regarded as the gold-standard of testing for the virus , but is expensive and time-consuming .
Other countries have introduced cheaper testing methods with quicker turnaround and on-the-spot results , but which have lower levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapid testing is seen as an essential prerequisite before widespread international travel can be allowed to resume .
Opposition politicians such as Labour leader Alan Kelly have recently called for the introduction of a rapid testing regime .
In a health technology assessment on alternative tests , Hiqa says it is not possible to provide an “ across-the-board ” endorsement of specific technologies due to variation in the performance of individual tests .
“ The evidence shows that effective testing strategies rely on a portfolio of tests , using different technologies that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is no single test that is suited to all contexts , ” according to Dr Máirín Ryan , Hiqa ’ s director of health technology assessment .
“ While testing people at or near the point of care , including with the use of rapid antigen detection tests , has the potential to expand test capacity , reduce test turnaround times and improve access , such tests typically show reduced diagnostic accuracy compared with the current test.
” As a result , Dr Ryan said , results from a rapid antigen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the current PCR test , ” depending on circumstances ” .
However , clinical validation studies are needed to determine the “ real-world ” performance of tests .
“ Before any new test is implemented , it is crucial that these studies are undertaken in Ireland in the settings for which use of the test is planned , ” Dr Ryan said .
Hiqa is advising the introduction of “ validated ” rapid testing in Ireland should now be considered to “ enhance ” Covid-19 prevention and control .
Efficient process with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timely clinical management of cases and public health measures , it says .
“ A cohesive national strategy is needed to ensure the right tests are undertaken in the right people at the right time for the right purpose .
Planning now to support delivery of the strategy will facilitate rapid deployment of tests that meet the requisite standards once validated for use.
” The assessment findings were submitted to the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) on October 7th , 13 days ago , and were published on Wednesday .

Some rapid tests under development promise to give results at a similar speed of a pregnancy test. Photograph: Money Sharma/AFP via Getty Images
The use of cheaper, rapid tests for Covid-19 as an alternative to the current system has been rejected by the State’s health watchdog.
However, antigen and other alternatives could be used to enhance the current system of PCR testing, according to the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing is regarded as the gold-standard of testing for the virus, but is expensive and time-consuming. Other countries have introduced cheaper testing methods with quicker turnaround and on-the-spot results, but which have lower levels of accuracy.
Hospital Report
The provision of widespread rapid testing is seen as an essential prerequisite before widespread international travel can be allowed to resume.
READ MORE
Opposition politicians such as Labour leader Alan Kelly have recently called for the introduction of a rapid testing regime.
In a health technology assessment on alternative tests, Hiqa says it is not possible to provide an “across-the-board” endorsement of specific technologies due to variation in the performance of individual tests.
“The evidence shows that effective testing strategies rely on a portfolio of tests, using different technologies that can be applied in different settings and situations. There is no single test that is suited to all contexts,” according to Dr Máirín Ryan, Hiqa’s director of health technology assessment.
“While testing people at or near the point of care, including with the use of rapid antigen detection tests, has the potential to expand test capacity, reduce test turnaround times and improve access, such tests typically show reduced diagnostic accuracy compared with the current test.”
As a result, Dr Ryan said, results from a rapid antigen detection test may need to be confirmed with the current PCR test, ”depending on circumstances”.
However, clinical validation studies are needed to determine the “real-world” performance of tests. “Before any new test is implemented, it is crucial that these studies are undertaken in Ireland in the settings for which use of the test is planned,” Dr Ryan said.
Hiqa is advising the introduction of “validated” rapid testing in Ireland should now be considered to “enhance” Covid-19 prevention and control. Efficient process with accurate and reliable rapid tests would facilitate timely clinical management of cases and public health measures, it says.
“A cohesive national strategy is needed to ensure the right tests are undertaken in the right people at the right time for the right purpose. Planning now to support delivery of the strategy will facilitate rapid deployment of tests that meet the requisite standards once validated for use.”
The assessment findings were submitted to the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) on October 7th, 13 days ago, and were published on Wednesday.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Venezuelans ask for extended Irish visas with expired passports

Venezuelans in the State say the Government should let them renew their permission to live here using expired passports given that immigration services in their home country have “ stopped completely ” and extension stamps have “ become almost impossible to obtain ” .
Juan Pablo Ayala , who has co-founded a campaign to raise awareness of Venezuelans caught in this state of limbo , says barriers to visa renewals for Venezuelans have reached “ critical levels ” with waiting times for a new passport taking up to two years .
“ We are scared , we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on these documents , ” Mr Ayala told The Irish Times .
“ We could lose everything we ’ ve done .
Plenty of these people have lived here for so long.
” Non-EEA nationals living and working in Ireland must present a valid , in-date passport to renew their Irish Residence Permit ( IRP ) .
However , with Venezuela still deeply entrenched in economic and political crisis , securing a new passport has become almost impossible for nationals living abroad .
In November 2017 , the Venezuelan immigration and passport authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of materials to produce the booklets and announced a new system of two year passport extensions .
However , with no consular representation in the State , this extension is practically useless for Venezuelans in the Republic as they must travel to an overseas embassy to make the application – a journey they can not make if their passport has expired .
Venezuelans living in the State , including those married to Irish and European nationals , now risk becoming illegal in this country because of their out-of-date documentation .
Mr Ayala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their expired passport to the Government for consideration as they fear being deported for overstaying their visa .
Many also fear losing their permission to work in Ireland , he says .
In an email sent to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee in July , Mr Ayala ’ s group , which represents nearly 180 Venezuelans , called for a “ general policy of granting Venezuelan citizens living in Ireland the possibility of renewing their IRP card ” even after their passport has expired and “ offering a sufficient extended permission period for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due diligence in order to obtain our new passports or extensions ” .
A number of European countries have started accepting expired Venezuelan passports for visa renewals given the country ’ s “ ongoing difficulties ” , notes the group .
In late August , the UK immigration office announced that Venezuelan passports issue or expired on or before May 2019 “ may be considered valid by UK for 5 years beyond their expiry date ” .
Mr Ayala , who has lived in Ireland for seven years and whose passport expires in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government make similar allowances for Venezuelans in Ireland .
Kira Aguilar , who has worked in Ireland ’ s aeronautical engineering industry since 2017 on a critical skills work permit and is engaged to an Irish man , says she is “ basically locked ” into Ireland as she does not have enough blank pages in her passport to secure the two-year extension from her home country .
Ms Aguilar ’ s passport does not expire till June 2021 but she is not entitled to apply for the extension until six months before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new passport is impossible right now so the only option is to apply for the extension in January .
But that can take between nine months and a year to arrive .
“ With my job I need to travel at least every month for conferences .
And because I ’ m not European they stamp my passport everywhere I go .
I used to renew my passport almost every two years because all the stamps in one booklet is a nightmare.
” Asked to comment on the situation , a Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keen to do what we can to facilitate Venezuelans who want to stay here ” .
A six month immigration permission can be issued pending the receipt of a new passport and Irish immigration services will register this permission while a person is awaiting their passport , said the spokesman .
The department looks at cases of undocumented or illegal persons in the State on a “ case by case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their position , ” @ @ @

Juan Ayala, with his Venezuelan passport which is due to expire soon, pictured in Drumcondra, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Venezuelans in the State say the Government should let them renew their permission to live here using expired passports given that immigration services in their home country have “stopped completely” and extension stamps have “become almost impossible to obtain”.
Juan Pablo Ayala, who has co-founded a campaign to raise awareness of Venezuelans caught in this state of limbo, says barriers to visa renewals for Venezuelans have reached “critical levels” with waiting times for a new passport taking up to two years.
“We are scared, we don’t know what to do and we depend on these documents,” Mr Ayala told The Irish Times. “We could lose everything we’ve done. Plenty of these people have lived here for so long.”
Non-EEA nationals living and working in Ireland must present a valid, in-date passport to renew their Irish Residence Permit (IRP). However, with Venezuela still deeply entrenched in economic and political crisis, securing a new passport has become almost impossible for nationals living abroad.
READ MORE
In November 2017, the Venezuelan immigration and passport authority suspended passport appointments indefinitely due to a lack of materials to produce the booklets and announced a new system of two year passport extensions. However, with no consular representation in the State, this extension is practically useless for Venezuelans in the Republic as they must travel to an overseas embassy to make the application – a journey they cannot make if their passport has expired.
Venezuelans living in the State, including those married to Irish and European nationals, now risk becoming illegal in this country because of their out-of-date documentation.
Mr Ayala says some Venezuelans are reluctant to submit their expired passport to the Government for consideration as they fear being deported for overstaying their visa. Many also fear losing their permission to work in Ireland, he says.
In an email sent to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee in July, Mr Ayala’s group, which represents nearly 180 Venezuelans, called for a “general policy of granting Venezuelan citizens living in Ireland the possibility of renewing their IRP card” even after their passport has expired and “offering a sufficient extended permission period for us to be able to do our due diligence in order to obtain our new passports or extensions”.
A number of European countries have started accepting expired Venezuelan passports for visa renewals given the country’s “ongoing difficulties”, notes the group. In late August, the UK immigration office announced that Venezuelan passports issue or expired on or before May 2019 “may be considered valid by UK for 5 years beyond their expiry date”.
Mr Ayala, who has lived in Ireland for seven years and whose passport expires in November, would like to see the Government make similar allowances for Venezuelans in Ireland.
Kira Aguilar, who has worked in Ireland’s aeronautical engineering industry since 2017 on a critical skills work permit and is engaged to an Irish man, says she is “basically locked” into Ireland as she does not have enough blank pages in her passport to secure the two-year extension from her home country.
Ms Aguilar’s passport does not expire till June 2021 but she is not entitled to apply for the extension until six months before the expiration date.
“Getting a new passport is impossible right now so the only option is to apply for the extension in January. But that can take between nine months and a year to arrive.
“With my job I need to travel at least every month for conferences. And because I’m not European they stamp my passport everywhere I go. I used to renew my passport almost every two years because all the stamps in one booklet is a nightmare.”
Asked to comment on the situation, a Department of Justice spokesman said the Government was “keen to do what we can to facilitate Venezuelans who want to stay here”.
A six month immigration permission can be issued pending the receipt of a new passport and Irish immigration services will register this permission while a person is awaiting their passport, said the spokesman.
The department looks at cases of undocumented or illegal persons in the State on a “case by case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their position,” he said.