theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Chicago joins Mayo faithful in the hope of All-Ireland victory

The Mayo All-Ireland football team will walk on to the Croke Park pitch this Saturday with , it is probably fair to say , the support of 31 counties , hoping that the extraordinary dominance by Dublin can be stopped , for one year at least .
When fortune favours , the county ’ s football fans travel , and do so in numbers , often including many who have made the journey from the four corners of the Earth to get to Croke Park in the hope of seeing , finally , a triumph .
This year , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well of support in their hunt for an end to a 69-year drought – the official backing of Chicago ’ s trades unions , who have lit up one of the Windy City ’ s main buildings to declare “ Mayo for Sam ” .
“ In honour of the fine gentlemen from Co Mayo playing in the All-Ireland game this weekend , we offer this token of appreciation from Chicago ’ s unions and the Windy City , ” says Bob Reiter , president of the Chicago Federation of Labor as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Building .
In years past , more than a few Mayo-born Chicago emigrants would have travelled home for the All-Ireland , bar the existence of Covid-19 restrictions that mean the stadium will again be devoid of spectators .
Mayo supporter John Gunnigan , who runs the popular Mayo GAA blog , lives within a mile of Croke Park but says he may as well be on the far side of the moon this weekend given the curbs .
Even if he got a late ticket , he would not go , he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the matches are just ghostly silent .
This championship is really one to be seen on the sofa ; that is where the atmosphere is now.
” Oddly , perhaps , Covid-19 could a plus , since Gunnigan wonders if the supporters ’ unbridled enthusiasm could be holding players back .
Watching them compete in empty stadiums , he has observed a more “ carefree ” approach .
“ It is an awful thing to say but I do think they may be better without us there .
Sometimes I wonder when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them negatively , or fire them up ?
Do we love them a bit too much ?
” he asks .
John Regan , a part-time hairdresser and full-time Mayo superfan , has never watched a Mayo final from his home county , having followed the team to all of their big matches .
The 74-year-old Kiltimagh resident said he “ would be in tears ” watching supporters make their way into the stadium before a game .
Following the footballers to games is “ like a second religion ” in Co Mayo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will watch the match from his home , one already painted white , red and green , is disappointed to be missing out on “ the day ” – the bus trip , overnights in the Belvedere Hotel and the pre-match atmosphere .
I was thinking that they might just bend the rules to allow a few supporters go , but it is probably best that we aren ’ t .
It is better to be safe .
.
.
I know it is not the same watching it on the TV , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch.
” For Gunnigan , the atmosphere around Croke Park will be especially poignant .
“ It will be weird to be that close and not hear it .
.
.
you may as well be in America this year .
.
.
or on the moon.
” From Chicago , the Prudential Building and city ’ s unions declare their support .
“ Maybe some love from the Chicago skyline will help , ” notes the Chicago Sun-Times .

The Prudential Building in Chicago lit up with the slogan Mayo For Sam ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland Senior Football final between Mayo and Dublin. Photograph: Bob Reiter via twitter
The Mayo All-Ireland football team will walk on to the Croke Park pitch this Saturday with, it is probably fair to say, the support of 31 counties, hoping that the extraordinary dominance by Dublin can be stopped, for one year at least.
When fortune favours, the county’s football fans travel, and do so in numbers, often including many who have made the journey from the four corners of the Earth to get to Croke Park in the hope of seeing, finally, a triumph.
This year, however, they do so with a new well of support in their hunt for an end to a 69-year drought – the official backing of Chicago’s trades unions, who have lit up one of the Windy City’s main buildings to declare “Mayo for Sam”.
In honor of the fine gentlemen from the County Mayo playing in the All Ireland Game this weekend, we offer this token of appreciation from Chicago’s Unions and the Windy City. #MayoForSam @MayoGAA pic.twitter.com/w33ROZehBe — Bob Reiter (@BobReiterJr) December 15, 2020
"In honour of the fine gentlemen from Co Mayo playing in the All-Ireland game this weekend, we offer this token of appreciation from Chicago's unions and the Windy City, " says Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor as he tweets a striking image of the Prudential Building.
READ MORE
In years past, more than a few Mayo-born Chicago emigrants would have travelled home for the All-Ireland, bar the existence of Covid-19 restrictions that mean the stadium will again be devoid of spectators.
Mayo supporter John Gunnigan, who runs the popular Mayo GAA blog, lives within a mile of Croke Park but says he may as well be on the far side of the moon this weekend given the curbs.
Even if he got a late ticket, he would not go, he says. “From what I hear, the matches are just ghostly silent. This championship is really one to be seen on the sofa; that is where the atmosphere is now.”
Oddly, perhaps, Covid-19 could a plus, since Gunnigan wonders if the supporters’ unbridled enthusiasm could be holding players back. Watching them compete in empty stadiums, he has observed a more “carefree” approach.
“It is an awful thing to say but I do think they may be better without us there. Sometimes I wonder when the crowd is really roaring does it affect them negatively, or fire them up? Do we love them a bit too much?” he asks.
John Regan, a part-time hairdresser and full-time Mayo superfan, has never watched a Mayo final from his home county, having followed the team to all of their big matches.
The 74-year-old Kiltimagh resident said he "would be in tears" watching supporters make their way into the stadium before a game. Following the footballers to games is "like a second religion"in Co Mayo, he says.
Regan, who will watch the match from his home, one already painted white, red and green, is disappointed to be missing out on "the day" – the bus trip, overnights in the Belvedere Hotel and the pre-match atmosphere. I was thinking that they might just bend the rules to allow a few supporters go, but it is probably best that we aren't. It is better to be safe . . . I know it is not the same watching it on the TV, but at least we have sport to watch."
For Gunnigan, the atmosphere around Croke Park will be especially poignant. “It will be weird to be that close and not hear it . . . you may as well be in America this year . . . or on the moon.”
From Chicago, the Prudential Building and city’s unions declare their support. “Maybe some love from the Chicago skyline will help,” notes the Chicago Sun-Times.


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Covid-19 transmission pattern triggers warning for January

The continued provision of healthcare , education and other essential services could be threatened by January if current Covid-19 trends continue , public health officials have warned .
Should the present pattern of transmission of the virus continue , there is “ every reason ” there could be significant challenges even in early January that could threaten non-Covid healthcare and other services , according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
The virus is spreading throughout the country , in all age groups , Dr Holohan told a National Public Health Emergency Team briefing .
“ We are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings , including workplace settings , Christmas parties and funerals .
I can not stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now .
The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January , a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.
” The five-day moving average is now 387 cases per day , he said .
The reproduction number , a measure of how many other people a case infects , now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3 , according to Prof Philip Nolan , chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are particularly concerned about older people and vulnerable adults , who have protected themselves through the second wave , and are now at risk during the festive season.
” If this continues , there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January , “ if not sooner ” , he said .
Prof Nolan said there were “ very strong and concerning ” early-warning signs of a renewed increase in the level of transmission of the virus .
The number of patients in hospital was decreasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling .
Demand for testing is increasing as is the positivity rate , up to almost 4 per cent .
The trend in cases is “ worryingly similar ” to what occurred in September , he said , with a growth rate of 1.5-2 per cent .
The figures are a clear warning that what people were doing in the first week of December was “ too much , and we need to stop now ” .
“ We are now at high risk of a surge in January with older and vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not inevitable , ” he concluded .
Dr Holohan confirmed Nphet had made recommendations to the Government following its meeting on Thursday , which will be considered by the Cabinet next Tuesday .
He said Taoiseach Micheál Martin had rung him on Thursday and he had provided him with a “ general understanding ” of the recommendations made by Nphet .
He declined to say what the recommendations were , saying it was important to allow time and space for the deliberative process to take place .
A further three deaths of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This brings to 2,143 the total number of deaths in the pandemic .
Nphet also reported 484 confirmed cases of the disease , bringing to 77,678 the total number of cases in the Republic .
Of the new cases , 150 are in Dublin , 45 in Wexford , 40 in Cork , 32 in Donegal , 29 in Limerick , with the remaining 188 cases spread across 20 other counties .
On Thursday afternoon , there were 200 Covid-19 patients in hospital , including 31 in ICU .
There were 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The national 14-day incidence has risen to 94.2 cases per 100,000 people .
Donegal has the highest county incidence at 246.9 followed by Louth at 207.9 .
Clare has the lowest incidence at 25.2 .

Dr Tony Holohan: “I cannot stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now. The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January, a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.” Photograph: Colin Keegan
The continued provision of healthcare, education and other essential services could be threatened by January if current Covid-19 trends continue, public health officials have warned.
Should the present pattern of transmission of the virus continue, there is "every reason" there could be significant challenges even in early January that could threaten non-Covid healthcare and other services, according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
The virus is spreading throughout the country, in all age groups, Dr Holohan told a National Public Health Emergency Team briefing.
“We are now getting reports of substantial outbreaks in social settings, including workplace settings, Christmas parties and funerals. I cannot stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now. The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January, a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.”
READ MORE
The five-day moving average is now 387 cases per day, he said.
The reproduction number, a measure of how many other people a case infects, now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3, according to Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group.
Festive threats
“We are particularly concerned about older people and vulnerable adults, who have protected themselves through the second wave, and are now at risk during the festive season.”
If this continues, there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January, “if not sooner”, he said.
Prof Nolan said there were “very strong and concerning” early-warning signs of a renewed increase in the level of transmission of the virus.
The number of patients in hospital was decreasing only slowly while ICU numbers were not falling.
Demand for testing is increasing as is the positivity rate, up to almost 4 per cent.
The trend in cases is “worryingly similar” to what occurred in September, he said, with a growth rate of 1.5-2 per cent.
The figures are a clear warning that what people were doing in the first week of December was “too much, and we need to stop now”.
Danger of surge
“We are now at high risk of a surge in January with older and vulnerable people a key concern, but this is not inevitable,” he concluded.
Dr Holohan confirmed Nphet had made recommendations to the Government following its meeting on Thursday, which will be considered by the Cabinet next Tuesday.
He said Taoiseach Micheál Martin had rung him on Thursday and he had provided him with a “general understanding” of the recommendations made by Nphet.
He declined to say what the recommendations were, saying it was important to allow time and space for the deliberative process to take place.
A further three deaths of Covid-19 patients were reported by the team. This brings to 2,143 the total number of deaths in the pandemic.
Nphet also reported 484 confirmed cases of the disease, bringing to 77,678 the total number of cases in the Republic.
Of the new cases, 150 are in Dublin, 45 in Wexford, 40 in Cork, 32 in Donegal, 29 in Limerick, with the remaining 188 cases spread across 20 other counties.
On Thursday afternoon, there were 200 Covid-19 patients in hospital, including 31 in ICU. There were 30 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
The national 14-day incidence has risen to 94.2 cases per 100,000 people. Donegal has the highest county incidence at 246.9 followed by Louth at 207.9. Clare has the lowest incidence at 25.2.


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Holocaust denial may become an offence under new legislation

Forthcoming hate speech legislation could make the denial or minimalisation of genocides such as the Holocaust an offence in the Republic , The Irish Times understands .
Holocaust denial or trivialisation is a crime in many European countries , including France and Germany .
The introduction of similar legislation is to be examined by Department of Justice officials over the coming months as part of a new suite of hate crime and hate speech laws due to come before Cabinet sometime around Easter 2021 .
Yesterday , Minister for Justice Helen McEntee launched a series of recommendations for the enactment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing of hate speech online where there is an intent to incite violence .
The topic of genocide denial was not examined in detail by department officials prior during the consultation process and is not mentioned in the report .
The issue is not believed to be a major problem in Ireland .
However , officials believe there is a general international principle that modern hate speech laws should include laws against the minimalisation or denial of genocides , including the murder of 17 million people by the Nazi regime before and during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a belief among officials that Ireland will be expected under certain international obligations to include such a provision .
In 2008 , the Council of the European Union passed a non-binding framework decision calling for the criminalisation of the denial of genocide , crimes against humanity and war crimes when that conduct is likely to incite hate or violence .
Under the directive , genocide is defined by the International Criminal Court and the Charter of the International Military Tribunal , the tribunal set up to prosecute Nazi war criminals .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would criminalise the denial of all genocides , not just the Holocaust , in circumstances where such action could incite hate .
The introduction of laws against genocide denial in other countries have been upheld by the European Court of Human Rights which found they do not breach the right to freedom of expression .
Speaking yesterday at the launch of the department ’ s report , Ms McEntee said the proposed hate speech laws will not be about “ catching people out ” for misspeaking .
Instead , the legislation will target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incite hatred against individuals or groups .
The test for criminal hate speech will be the perpetrator ’ s intentions , not how the speech was perceived by the victim .
The Bill will list trans people and people with disabilities , alongside already protected groups such as other members of the LGBT community people , refugees , immigrants , Travellers and ethnic and religious groups .
Asked if it will be an offence to misgender a trans person or use their former name , Mr McEntee said : “ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is not something you can stumble into by accident .
This is not about somebody causing offence to somebody else or misspeaking .
“ What is very clear is we ’ re talking about a intention or recklessness to incite hatred against one individual or a group of people.
” The Minister said she was legislating for a “ very serious type of crime that has very serious consequences for individuals .
But this isn ’ t about somebody who might say something without intending to cause harm .
“ That would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it wouldn ’ t be implementable .
”

Students read out the names of Holocaust victims on National Holocaust Memorial Day, at Mansion House, Dublin, in 2018. Photograph: Tom Honan
Forthcoming hate speech legislation could make the denial or minimalisation of genocides such as the Holocaust an offence in the Republic, The Irish Times understands.
Holocaust denial or trivialisation is a crime in many European countries, including France and Germany.
The introduction of similar legislation is to be examined by Department of Justice officials over the coming months as part of a new suite of hate crime and hate speech laws due to come before Cabinet sometime around Easter 2021.
Yesterday, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee launched a series of recommendations for the enactment of the laws criminalising the publishing or sharing of hate speech online where there is an intent to incite violence.
READ MORE
The topic of genocide denial was not examined in detail by department officials prior during the consultation process and is not mentioned in the report. The issue is not believed to be a major problem in Ireland.
Obligations
However, officials believe there is a general international principle that modern hate speech laws should include laws against the minimalisation or denial of genocides, including the murder of 17 million people by the Nazi regime before and during the second World War.
There is also a belief among officials that Ireland will be expected under certain international obligations to include such a provision.
In 2008, the Council of the European Union passed a non-binding framework decision calling for the criminalisation of the denial of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes when that conduct is likely to incite hate or violence.
Under the directive, genocide is defined by the International Criminal Court and the Charter of the International Military Tribunal, the tribunal set up to prosecute Nazi war criminals.
It is understood any provision in Irish law would criminalise the denial of all genocides, not just the Holocaust, in circumstances where such action could incite hate.
The introduction of laws against genocide denial in other countries have been upheld by the European Court of Human Rights which found they do not breach the right to freedom of expression.
Speaking yesterday at the launch of the department’s report, Ms McEntee said the proposed hate speech laws will not be about “catching people out” for misspeaking.
Offence
Instead, the legislation will target people who “intentionally or recklessly” incite hatred against individuals or groups.
The test for criminal hate speech will be the perpetrator’s intentions, not how the speech was perceived by the victim.
The Bill will list trans people and people with disabilities, alongside already protected groups such as other members of the LGBT community people, refugees, immigrants, Travellers and ethnic and religious groups.
Asked if it will be an offence to misgender a trans person or use their former name, Mr McEntee said: “We’re not trying to catch people out, this is not something you can stumble into by accident. This is not about somebody causing offence to somebody else or misspeaking.
“What is very clear is we’re talking about a intention or recklessness to incite hatred against one individual or a group of people.”
The Minister said she was legislating for a “very serious type of crime that has very serious consequences for individuals. But this isn’t about somebody who might say something without intending to cause harm.
“That would obviously be a much wider scope and it wouldn’t be implementable.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-18--Coronavirus: Restrictions may return soon after Christmas

The Government is expected to look at reintroducing some restrictions as early as December 28th after warnings from public health experts that infections from Covid-19 have begun to rise sharply .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Thursday night the anticipated period of relaxed restrictions – which begins on Friday – would be shortened after warnings from the National Public Health Emergency Team and a meeting with the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
Officials said no decisions would be taken by the Government until next week , but there was a growing expectation that restaurants and pubs that serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of December , would be closed again in the days after Christmas .
The rules on home visits are also likely to be tightened , with visitors from just one other household permitted , instead of three households from Friday .
It is understood there is great concern among public health experts about possible infections on New Year ’ s Eve and that pubs and restaurants could be closed in the days before that , with December 28th mentioned as a possible date .
The move comes after Nphet announced 484 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a further three deaths .
The reproduction number , a measure of how many other people a case infects , now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3 , according to Prof Philip Nolan , chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group .
If this continues , there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January , he said .
The level of hospitalisations , however , remains relatively low .
On Thursday afternoon , there were 200 Covid-19 patients in hospital , including 31 in ICU .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours .
But Dr Holohan said the virus was spreading throughout the country , in all age groups .
“ We are now getting reports of substantial outbreaks in social settings , including workplace settings , Christmas parties and funerals .
I can not stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now .
The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January , a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.
” Those intending to visit older relatives next week need to reduce their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Health Service Executive ’ s national lead for infection control , warned .
“ If you ’ re taking risks this weekend , and you ’ re visiting older relatives next week , you are putting their lives at risk , ” he said .
“ Only meet people indoors who you trust with your life , ” he said .
“ When they arrive , welcome them with alcohol .
This time it will be hand gel.
” While a growth in cases was not unexpected after restrictions were lifted earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the warnings from the public health experts have been growing starker in recent days .
Ministers are also watching developments in Europe , where many countries are heading into another lockdown as infections soar .
On Thursday , the Northern Ireland executive also announced that another lockdown would commence next week .
Once shops , bars and restaurants close for Christmas they will not reopen until February , the executive said .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill described the situation as “ quite dire ” .
The situation in the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Paramedics from the Republic ’ s National Ambulance Service have been asked to help out their colleagues in Northern Ireland due to the escalating pressures on the service there .
A number of crews are expected to work in Belfast and other cities in the North as high numbers of virus cases put hospitals under increasing strain .
Northern Ireland recorded a further 12 Covid-related deaths and 656 positive cases on Thursday .
The Government will also consider a recommendation from Nphet that inter-county travel be restricted after Christmas and before New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people be asked to stay in their county again to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in light of the increase in new cases .
Under the existing plan to relax restrictions over the festive period , people were permitted to travel between counties again from Friday , allowing people to travel to see relatives and loved ones over Christmas .

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has called on members of the public to plan ahead and limit their contact with others over the Christmas period as Covid-19 cases start to rise again. Video: RTÉ
The Government is expected to look at reintroducing some restrictions as early as December 28th after warnings from public health experts that infections from Covid-19 have begun to rise sharply.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Thursday night the anticipated period of relaxed restrictions – which begins on Friday – would be shortened after warnings from the National Public Health Emergency Team and a meeting with the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
Officials said no decisions would be taken by the Government until next week, but there was a growing expectation that restaurants and pubs that serve food, which have been open since the start of December, would be closed again in the days after Christmas.
Hospital Report
The rules on home visits are also likely to be tightened, with visitors from just one other household permitted, instead of three households from Friday. It is understood there is great concern among public health experts about possible infections on New Year’s Eve and that pubs and restaurants could be closed in the days before that, with December 28th mentioned as a possible date.
READ MORE
The move comes after Nphet announced 484 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday night and a further three deaths.
The reproduction number, a measure of how many other people a case infects, now stands at between 1.1 and 1.3, according to Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet epidemiological modelling advisory group.
January estimations
If this continues, there could be 700-1,200 cases a day by the second week in January, he said.
The level of hospitalisations, however, remains relatively low. On Thursday afternoon, there were 200 Covid-19 patients in hospital, including 31 in ICU. There were 30 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
But Dr Holohan said the virus was spreading throughout the country, in all age groups.
“We are now getting reports of substantial outbreaks in social settings, including workplace settings, Christmas parties and funerals. I cannot stress enough how important it is to limit your interactions now. The consequences of not doing so will be exponential growth in January, a substantial increase in hospitalisations and risk to life.”
Those intending to visit older relatives next week need to reduce their contacts now, Prof Martin Cormican, the Health Service Executive's national lead for infection control, warned.
“If you’re taking risks this weekend, and you’re visiting older relatives next week, you are putting their lives at risk,” he said.
Eye on Europe
“Only meet people indoors who you trust with your life,” he said. “When they arrive, welcome them with alcohol. This time it will be hand gel.”
While a growth in cases was not unexpected after restrictions were lifted earlier this month, it is understood that the warnings from the public health experts have been growing starker in recent days.
Ministers are also watching developments in Europe, where many countries are heading into another lockdown as infections soar. On Thursday, the Northern Ireland executive also announced that another lockdown would commence next week. Once shops, bars and restaurants close for Christmas they will not reopen until February, the executive said.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the situation as “quite dire”.
The situation in the North’s health service continued to deteriorate. Paramedics from the Republic’s National Ambulance Service have been asked to help out their colleagues in Northern Ireland due to the escalating pressures on the service there.
A number of crews are expected to work in Belfast and other cities in the North as high numbers of virus cases put hospitals under increasing strain.
Northern Ireland recorded a further 12 Covid-related deaths and 656 positive cases on Thursday.
The Government will also consider a recommendation from Nphet that inter-county travel be restricted after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve, and that people be asked to stay in their county again to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in light of the increase in new cases.
Under the existing plan to relax restrictions over the festive period, people were permitted to travel between counties again from Friday, allowing people to travel to see relatives and loved ones over Christmas.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--UAE ambassador takes part in ‘extraordinary’ Chanukah ceremony

History was made in Dublin on Thursday night when Ambassador Sultan Al Ali of the United Arab Emirates took part in this year ’ s final Chanukah ceremony at the Orthodox synagogue in Terenure .
Accompanied by Israel ’ s ambassador to Ireland Ophir Kariv , he lit the first candle at the prayer service marking the eighth night of Chanukah , also known as the Festival of Lights .
The event , conducted in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions , marked the first meeting of the ambassadors since the two countries signed an agreement in August to normalise relations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days between late November and late December annually and involves lighting of candles on a candelabrum with nine branches , called a menorah .
All eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival , with Sultan Al Ali lighting the first one on Thursday night .
“ It is the one which lights all the others , ” explained rabbi Zalman Lent , “ it shares light and it doesn ’ t diminish its own light in any way , just the reverse .
Let us hope the light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East , beginning from the United Arab Emirates , will continue in all directions until all of mankind can live together in harmony and in peace.
” Sultan Al Ali responded that it was “ a great honour for me to share this festival , wishing for all our people in Israel and the United Arab Emirates the best ” .
He thanked the rabbi for the warm welcome and for how he had spoken about the UAE .
He presented Mr Kariv with “ a very simple thing ” , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tolerance in 2019 “ and we hope that peace and tolerance , and respect between people in all the region , will be an example ” .
Thanking him , Mr Kariv noted that one of the messages of the festival they were celebrating was that of “ spreading the light of hope in our region , starting with the United Arab Emirates to Israel and everything that is between and around us .
This is part of the new wave of hope in the region ” .
Earlier , in welcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , president of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland , described it as “ an honour and a privilege ” for all to be present to “ witness this unique and historic menorah lighting ” .
It was “ an extraordinary and exciting occasion for the Irish-Jewish community , which would not have been inconceivable prior to the agreement of August 13th last between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalise their relationship ” .
The resulting Abraham Accords , he hoped , would “ spread its light across the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all conflicts in this troubled area ” .

History was made in Dublin on Thursday night when Ambassador Sultan Al Ali of the United Arab Emirates took part in this year's final Chanukah ceremony at the Orthodox synagogue in Terenure.
Accompanied by Israel's ambassador to Ireland Ophir Kariv, he lit the first candle at the prayer service marking the eighth night of Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights.
The event, conducted in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions, marked the first meeting of the ambassadors since the two countries signed an agreement in August to normalise relations.
Chanukah is observed for eight nights and days between late November and late December annually and involves lighting of candles on a candelabrum with nine branches, called a menorah.
READ MORE
All eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival, with Sultan Al Ali lighting the first one on Thursday night. “It is the one which lights all the others,” explained rabbi Zalman Lent, “it shares light and it doesn’t diminish its own light in any way, just the reverse. Let us hope the light and warmth which is spreading across the Middle East, beginning from the United Arab Emirates, will continue in all directions until all of mankind can live together in harmony and in peace.”
Great honour
Sultan Al Ali responded that it was "a great honour for me to share this festival, wishing for all our people in Israel and the United Arab Emirates the best". He thanked the rabbi for the warm welcome and for how he had spoken about the UAE.
He presented Mr Kariv with “a very simple thing”, the logo for the UAE year of peace and tolerance in 2019 “and we hope that peace and tolerance, and respect between people in all the region, will be an example”.
Thanking him, Mr Kariv noted that one of the messages of the festival they were celebrating was that of “spreading the light of hope in our region, starting with the United Arab Emirates to Israel and everything that is between and around us. This is part of the new wave of hope in the region”.
Earlier, in welcoming everybody to the synagogue, Leonard Abrahamson, president of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, described it as "an honour and a privilege" for all to be present to "witness this unique and historic menorah lighting".
It was “an extraordinary and exciting occasion for the Irish-Jewish community, which would have been inconceivable prior to the agreement of August 13th last between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalise their relationship”.
The resulting Abraham Accords, he hoped, would "spread its light across the Middle East and be the catalyst to a resolution of all conflicts in this troubled area".


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--New special school to be established next year in south Dublin

A new special school is to be established next September in south Dublin for dozens of children with conditions such as autism and learning disabilities .
The move is aimed at addressing an acute shortage of appropriate school places for children with special needs in the south Dublin area .
The school will be based on the campus of the former Scoil Colm in Crumlin , and will cater initially to at least 35 pupils .
Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State with responsibility for special education Josepha Madigan made the announcement on Thursday evening .
Archbishop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the patron of the new school , which will operate alongside another special school , Scoil Eoin .
There is a longer-term plan of establishing a single campus for special education in the coming years .
Ms Madigan said she was delighted to have secured agreement to open the new special school .
“ This is a much-needed development which will help to meet the demand for special school places in the area .
As Minister of State for special education , I am determined to support students and families in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know this can be a difficult process , and I want to make it as easy as possible.
” She said there has been a shortage of special school places in the south Dublin area , and many students who should have a special school place were unable to secure one .
“ This has impacted on their lives and the lives of their families .
This new school will increase the number of places available for students in the area , and allow students to receive a full education appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of years campaigners in the south Dublin area have been calling for additional special class places and a special school to help meet the needs of children with additional needs .
They say the shortage of places is forcing many children to avail of home tuition or to travel long distances across the city to access school places .
The Department of Education says an additional 78 primary special class placements and 12 early intervention special class placements have been established since September 2020 .
Since then five additional special classes have opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to open in January .
It said work was continuing through a new legal process – know as Section 37A – to oblige schools in the area to provide additional special class provision .
This can ultimately result in the Minister for Education issuing a binding direction to schools to establish additional classes for children with special needs .
In a statement , the department said it was monitoring the availability of places for students with special needs throughout the country as a priority issue , and would continue to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Council for Special Education which has responsibility for working with families and schools and for the provision and co-ordination of an adequate number of specialist educational places to meet local demand .

Parents and children protesting outside Scoil Colm in Crumlin in 2019 over the lack of school places for special needs children in south Dublin. Photograph: Alan Betson
A new special school is to be established next September in south Dublin for dozens of children with conditions such as autism and learning disabilities .
The move is aimed at addressing an acute shortage of appropriate school places for children with special needs in the south Dublin area.
The school will be based on the campus of the former Scoil Colm in Crumlin, and will cater initially to at least 35 pupils.
Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State with responsibility for special education Josepha Madigan made the announcement on Thursday evening.
READ MORE
Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin has agreed to be the patron of the new school, which will operate alongside another special school, Scoil Eoin.
There is a longer-term plan of establishing a single campus for special education in the coming years.
Ms Madigan said she was delighted to have secured agreement to open the new special school.
“This is a much-needed development which will help to meet the demand for special school places in the area. As Minister of State for special education, I am determined to support students and families in securing school places where they are needed. I know this can be a difficult process, and I want to make it as easy as possible.”
She said there has been a shortage of special school places in the south Dublin area, and many students who should have a special school place were unable to secure one.
“This has impacted on their lives and the lives of their families. This new school will increase the number of places available for students in the area, and allow students to receive a full education appropriate to their needs.
Campaigners
For a number of years campaigners in the south Dublin area have been calling for additional special class places and a special school to help meet the needs of children with additional needs. They say the shortage of places is forcing many children to avail of home tuition or to travel long distances across the city to access school places.
Margaret Lowndes and Helen Holmes, lead organisers of the D12 campaign, it was "fantastic to have Ministers uphold the constitutional rights of our children."
" We are over the moon at the announcement. We have campaigned for tweo years tirelessly and relentlessly to ensure the educational needs of the many families in Dublin 12 and across south Dublin are met . Today we can say we have been heard," they said, in a statement.
"We look forward to children packing their school bags and crossing the doors of Scoil Colm finally."
The Department of Education said an additional 78 primary special class placements and 12 early intervention special class placements have been established since September 2020.
Five additional special classes have opened in the meantime, while a further special class is due to open in January.
It said work was continuing through a new legal process – know as Section 37A – to oblige schools in the area to provide additional special class provision.
This can ultimately result in the Minister for Education issuing a binding direction to schools to establish additional classes for children with special needs.
In a statement, the department said it was monitoring the availability of places for students with special needs throughout the country as a priority issue, and would continue to work with relevant stakeholders.
The department works with the National Council for Special Education which has responsibility for working with families and schools and for the provision and co-ordination of an adequate number of specialist educational places to meet local demand.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--UN ranks Ireland as second in the world in human development index

Ireland is second only to Norway on a United Nations annual ranking of 189 countries measured according to average longevity , education and income .
The measure puts Ireland ahead of countries including Germany ( 6 ) , Sweden ( 7 ) , Australia ( 8 ) , and the UK ( 13 ) , and is a stark improvement compared with when the country was assessed when the index was first drawn up in 1990 .
That year Ireland was outranked by Spain , Belgium , Italy , New Zealand , Germany , Finland , the UK , Denmark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada , the Netherlands , Switzerland , Sweden and Japan in the Human Development Report .
Now Ireland is in the “ very high ” camp , ranked joint second with Switzerland and behind only Norway in the ranking .
Overall Ireland ’ s Human Development score has increased 23.5 per cent since 1990 , a much faster rate of improvement than comparable countries , according to the measure .
Pedro Conceição , the lead author of the report , said Ireland ’ s improved ranking was due above all to advances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost doubled since 1990 , but the biggest driver was actually education .
That was the indicator that made relatively more progress since 1990 , ” Mr Conceição said .
Average life expectancy at birth was 74.8 in Ireland in 1990 and has risen to 82.3 , while average years of schooling were 9.7 and are now 12.7 .
When the index was introduced 30 years ago it was designed to capture a more well-rounded picture of development than simply measuring for economic growth , as was the norm at the time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ profile to countries such as Italy and Slovenia .
But a comparison of the countries ’ fates over the last three decades shows the countries have diverged , with Slovenia now at 22 and Italy 29 .
“ I think what explains faster improvement in the case of Ireland is the economy – certainly the Italian economy and Slovenian economy didn ’ t grow as quickly as the Irish economy – but improvements in education were much faster in the case of Ireland , ” Mr Conceição said .
When adjusted for inequality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places in the index to be overtaken by Iceland and Finland .
However , the level of inequality in Ireland is lower than the average among comparable countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ) .

“The Irish economy has almost doubled since 1990, but the biggest driver was actually education. That was the indicator that made relatively more progress since 1990.” Photograph: Gerry Images
Ireland is second only to Norway on a United Nations annual ranking of 189 countries measured according to average longevity, education and income.
The measure puts Ireland ahead of countries including Germany (6), Sweden (7), Australia (8), and the UK (13), and is a stark improvement compared with when the country was assessed when the index was first drawn up in 1990.
That year Ireland was outranked by Spain, Belgium, Italy, New Zealand, Germany, Finland, the UK, Denmark, France, Australia, Norway, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden and Japan in the Human Development Report.
Ireland has climbed to be ranked 2nd in the world out of 189 countries in a United Nations index measuring longevity education and wealth.
What's behind the country's rapid climb since the index was launched in 1990? I spoke to lead author @pedrotconceicao https://t.co/63OsrqwVwy — Naomi O'Leary (@NaomiOhReally) December 18, 2020
Now Ireland is in the “very high” camp, ranked joint second with Switzerland and behind only Norway in the ranking.
READ MORE
Overall Ireland’s Human Development score has increased 23.5 per cent since 1990, a much faster rate of improvement than comparable countries, according to the measure.
Pedro Conceição, the lead author of the report, said Ireland’s improved ranking was due above all to advances in education.
“The Irish economy has almost doubled since 1990, but the biggest driver was actually education. That was the indicator that made relatively more progress since 1990,” Mr Conceição said.
Average life expectancy at birth was 74.8 in Ireland in 1990 and has risen to 82.3, while average years of schooling were 9.7 and are now 12.7.
When the index was introduced 30 years ago it was designed to capture a more well-rounded picture of development than simply measuring for economic growth, as was the norm at the time.
Similar profile
In 1990, Ireland had a similar profile to countries such as Italy and Slovenia. But a comparison of the countries’ fates over the last three decades shows the countries have diverged, with Slovenia now at 22 and Italy 29.
“I think what explains faster improvement in the case of Ireland is the economy – certainly the Italian economy and Slovenian economy didn’t grow as quickly as the Irish economy – but improvements in education were much faster in the case of Ireland,” Mr Conceição said.
When adjusted for inequality within the country, Ireland drops three places in the index to be overtaken by Iceland and Finland. However, the level of inequality in Ireland is lower than the average among comparable countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) .


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--Analysis: Schools are safe. So why are so many parents taking children out of class?

Across classrooms today there will be an unusually high number of empty chairs : a sign that many parents are keeping their children at home to ensure Christmas family gatherings are as safe as possible .
“ Already this week the difference in classes in some schools is noticeable , ” says Pairic Clerkin of the Irish Primary Principals Network .
“ I totally understand why parents are doing this .
We ’ re in the middle of a pandemic .
We need to be flexible and understanding.
” But how risky are school environments ?
Would early closure do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And do official figures capture the real scale of the problem ?
At a private meeting with public health experts this week , school leaders were told that latest official data points to the fact that schools continue to be safe environments .
The key metric which public health officials point to is the positivity rate – the proportion of close contacts of confirmed cases that test positive for Covid-19 .
This is crucial as it reveals whether schools are sources for transmission of the virus .
This positivity rate in schools is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2.5 per cent the week previously ) .
By contrast , the positivity rate in the wider community is between 10 per cent and 12 per cent .
“ We were advised that schools are safer than the wider community , ” said one school leader at the meeting , who declined to be named .
“ Closing the schools wouldn ’ t make children any safer.
” In addition , the incubation period for Covid-19 can be up to 14 days , so taking children out a few days earlier is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many parents , however , are anxious .
At a time when they are due to meet older and more vulnerable family members , considerable numbers are not prepared to take any risks .
Following several high profile cases of schools where clusters of the virus were detected in recent days , some are especially nervous .
Again , the data shows that these outbreaks - scary as they are - are the exception rather than the rule .
A total of 19 clusters were detected last week , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these cases it has not necessarily been established that transmission took place within schools , but may have occurred in the community .
The question of whether schools should be allowed to close following significant outbreaks has also been a source of debate in recent days .
Some school principals have been ordered to re-open their schools after deciding to close without seeking permission from authorities .
It 's easy to see why some schools have done so when faced with anxious parents and the daunting prospect of growth in Covid-19 cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ says these decisions should only be taken by public health officials who have the knowledge and expertise to accurately determine the risk facing a school community .
Officials points out that the school leaders are , generally , happy with the arrangement .
The big concern among school leaders is not so much what is happening now , but what will happen in January .
If the virus spreads like wildfire in the community over Christmas they fear it will be impossible to keep it out of schools .
The option of closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas holidays has been floated and has some supporters .
Public health officials , however , have told school leaders that allowing young people to mix in uncontrolled environments for longer would likely create a bigger problem .
For now most school leaders feel that following public health advice has worked so far and will be the safest approach over the coming weeks and months .

The mass testing positivity rate in schools is currently at 3.5%. By contrast, the positivity rate in the wider community is between 10% and 12%. Photograph: iStock
Across classrooms today there will be an unusually high number of empty chairs: a sign that many parents are keeping their children at home to ensure Christmas family gatherings are as safe as possible.
“Already this week the difference in classes in some schools is noticeable,” says Pairic Clerkin of the Irish Primary Principals Network. “I totally understand why parents are doing this. We’re in the middle of a pandemic. We need to be flexible and understanding.”
But how risky are school environments? Would early closure do anything to suppress transmission of Covid-19? And do official figures capture the real scale of the problem?
At a private meeting with public health experts this week, school leaders were told that latest official data points to the fact that schools continue to be safe environments.
READ MORE
The key metric which public health officials point to is the positivity rate – the proportion of close contacts of confirmed cases that test positive for Covid-19. This is crucial as it reveals whether schools are sources for transmission of the virus.
This positivity rate in schools is currently at 3.5 per cent (up from 2.5 per cent the week previously). By contrast, the positivity rate in the wider community is between 10 per cent and 12 per cent.
“We were advised that schools are safer than the wider community,” said one school leader at the meeting, who declined to be named. “Closing the schools wouldn’t make children any safer.”
In addition, the incubation period for Covid-19 can be up to 14 days, so taking children out a few days earlier is not a guarantee against spreading the virus.
Many parents, however, are anxious. At a time when they are due to meet older and more vulnerable family members, considerable numbers are not prepared to take any risks. Following several high profile cases of schools where clusters of the virus were detected in recent days, some are especially nervous.
Again, the data shows that these outbreaks - scary as they are - are the exception rather than the rule. A total of 19 clusters were detected last week, for example, out of 4,000-plus schools. Even among these cases it has not necessarily been established that transmission took place within schools, but may have occurred in the community.
The question of whether schools should be allowed to close following significant outbreaks has also been a source of debate in recent days.
Some school principals have been ordered to re-open their schools after deciding to close without seeking permission from authorities. It's easy to see why some schools have done so when faced with anxious parents and the daunting prospect of growth in Covid-19 cases.
The Department of Education, however, says these decisions should only be taken by public health officials who have the knowledge and expertise to accurately determine the risk facing a school community. Officials points out that the school leaders are, generally, happy with the arrangement.
Big concern
The big concern among school leaders is not so much what is happening now, but what will happen in January.
If the virus spreads like wildfire in the community over Christmas they fear it will be impossible to keep it out of schools.
The option of closing the schools for a week after the Christmas holidays has been floated and has some supporters.
Public health officials, however, have told school leaders that allowing young people to mix in uncontrolled environments for longer would likely create a bigger problem.
For now most school leaders feel that following public health advice has worked so far and will be the safest approach over the coming weeks and months.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--Kerry babies scandal: Joanne Hayes’s decades-long wait for an apology

Now aged in her sixties , Joanne Hayes has waited almost four decades for Ireland to say sorry for her treatment in a scandal that both gripped and horrified the country .
As well as a compensation payout reported to run into millions of euro , a State apology is to be read out in the High Court over her being wrongfully charged with the murder of a baby found on a beach in Co Kerry in 1984 .
Despite the charges being dropped , as well as those against the Hayes family for concealment , a subsequent State tribunal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show trial which remains a dark milestone of Irish attitudes to women at the time .
On April 14th , 1984 , a baby boy – now referred to as baby John – was found dead on White Strand , outside Cahersiveen .
The newborn was likely just a few days old and had been stabbed 28 times and his neck was broken .
A team of gardaí were sent from Dublin to investigate .
On arriving , they learned that Ms Hayes – who lived 80km away in Abbeydorney – had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there was no sign of a baby .
She and her family were summoned to Tralee Garda station .
Graphic confessions of Ms Hayes having murdered baby John were written up by gardaí , including how she killed him with a kitchen knife and bashed his head with a bath brush .
“ I had to kill him because of the shame it was going to bring on my family , ” gardaí claimed she said .
“ When the body of the baby was found at Cahersiveen I knew deep down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were all later withdrawn when Ms Hayes told gardaí she had , in fact , given birth to a baby boy – she named Shane – that was buried on the family farm around the same time as the discovery at Cahersiveen .
Dr John Harbison , then State pathologist , was unable to determine if this baby was still-born or died shortly after his birth .
Although gardaí could not initially find the baby ’ s remains , when they did so , they then claimed Ms Hayes had had twins .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ different blood types .
In a bizarre further twist to the scandal , investigators then came up with a theory of “ superfecundation ” – that the “ twins ” were conceived by two different men , explaining the two different blood groups .
After withdrawing their statements , the Hayes family made a series of allegations against gardaí , including intimidation and inappropriate conduct .
Charges against them were withdrawn at the district court .
Subsequently , a Tribunal of Inquiry was established under the late Mr Justice Kevin Lynch , known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to investigate how Ms Hayes was charged with murder and her family with concealment .
In what was likened to a medieval witch-hunt , Ms Hayes was publicly cross-examined over five days on the stand , where she was asked thousands of questions , many of them about her sex life .
Then aged 25 , she was an unmarried mother of another child – her daughter Yvonne – and had been in a relationship with a married man .
Outside the hearings , demonstrators protested over the treatment of Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a de-facto trial and a damning expose of official Ireland ’ s attitude towards women .
The inquiry mostly exonerated gardaí and found Ms Hayes was not the mother of the baby on the beach but was the mother of the baby on the farm and that she had assaulted her new born with a bath brush and choked him to death .
In the High Court , Ms Hayes said the finding that she had killed her own son was completely unsubstantiated and was made despite the fact an autopsy was unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seeking a declaration that the tribunal ’ s findings of wrongdoing against her and her family are unfounded and incorrect , she said it allowed for gardaí to imply she was “ promiscuous ” , “ a woman of loose morals ” , and for unfounded statements about her relationship with former partner Jeremiah Locke as well as her sexual history .
The tribunal report contained numerous findings against them that were untrue , unfounded , not supported by any evidence , and purely speculative , the family said .
Neither the parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever been identified .
Two years ago , the Garda began a full murder inquiry with house to house inquiries on Valentia Island , after issuing a letter of apology to Ms Hayes .

Now aged in her sixties, Joanne Hayes has waited almost four decades for Ireland to say sorry for her treatment in a scandal that both gripped and horrified the country.
As well as a compensation payout reported to run into millions of euro, a State apology is to be read out in the High Court over her being wrongfully charged with the murder of a baby found on a beach in Co Kerry in 1984.
Despite the charges being dropped, as well as those against the Hayes family for concealment, a subsequent State tribunal into the affair morphed into a harrowing show trial which remains a dark milestone of Irish attitudes to women at the time.
On April 14th, 1984, a baby boy – now referred to as baby John – was found dead on White Strand, outside Cahersiveen. The newborn was likely just a few days old and had been stabbed 28 times and his neck was broken.
READ MORE
A team of gardaí were sent from Dublin to investigate. On arriving, they learned that Ms Hayes – who lived 80km away in Abbeydorney – had been in hospital apparently after a lengthy pregnancy but there was no sign of a baby.
She and her family were summoned to Tralee Garda station. Graphic confessions of Ms Hayes having murdered baby John were written up by gardaí, including how she killed him with a kitchen knife and bashed his head with a bath brush.
“There was blood everywhere,” Ms Hayes allegedly confessed.
“I had to kill him because of the shame it was going to bring on my family,” gardaí claimed she said. “When the body of the baby was found at Cahersiveen I knew deep down it was my baby.”
Supporters of Joanne Hayes at the Kerry Babies Tribunal, Tralee, Co. KerryPic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
‘Superfecundation’ theory
The confessions were all later withdrawn when Ms Hayes told gardaí she had, in fact, given birth to a baby boy – she named Shane – that was buried on the family farm around the same time as the discovery at Cahersiveen.
Dr John Harbison, then State pathologist, was unable to determine if this baby was still-born or died shortly after his birth.
Although gardaí could not initially find the baby’s remains, when they did so, they then claimed Ms Hayes had had twins. But tests showed the two babies had different blood types.
In a bizarre further twist to the scandal, investigators then came up with a theory of “superfecundation” – that the “twins” were conceived by two different men, explaining the two different blood groups.
After withdrawing their statements, the Hayes family made a series of allegations against gardaí, including intimidation and inappropriate conduct. Charges against them were withdrawn at the district court.
Subsequently, a Tribunal of Inquiry was established under the late Mr Justice Kevin Lynch, known as the Kerry Babies Tribunal, which was supposed to investigate how Ms Hayes was charged with murder and her family with concealment.
In what was likened to a medieval witch-hunt, Ms Hayes was publicly cross-examined over five days on the stand, where she was asked thousands of questions, many of them about her sex life.
Then aged 25, she was an unmarried mother of another child – her daughter Yvonne – and had been in a relationship with a married man.
Unfounded statements
Outside the hearings, demonstrators protested over the treatment of Ms Hayes, in what was seen as a de-facto trial and a damning expose of official Ireland’s attitude towards women.
The inquiry mostly exonerated gardaí and found Ms Hayes was not the mother of the baby on the beach but was the mother of the baby on the farm and that she had assaulted her new born with a bath brush and choked him to death.
In the High Court, Ms Hayes said the finding that she had killed her own son was completely unsubstantiated and was made despite the fact an autopsy was unable to determine the cause of death.
Seeking a declaration that the tribunal’s findings of wrongdoing against her and her family are unfounded and incorrect, she said it allowed for gardaí to imply she was “promiscuous”, “a woman of loose morals”, and for unfounded statements about her relationship with former partner Jeremiah Locke as well as her sexual history.
The tribunal report contained numerous findings against them that were untrue, unfounded, not supported by any evidence, and purely speculative, the family said.
Neither the parents nor the killer of baby John have ever been identified.
Two years ago, the Garda began a full murder inquiry with house to house inquiries on Valentia Island, after issuing a letter of apology to Ms Hayes.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--Man fined €600 for publishing teenager’s name on social media

A 35-year-old man has been convicted for contravening the Children Act in naming a teenage convicted murderer on social media .
Glen Dunphy told gardaí he sought out and published the name of a teenager convicted of the murder of a girl , because he had daughters himself , a court was told .
Dunphy of Lartigue Village , Listowel , was summoned before Listowel District Court , in November , on a single allegation that he had published the name of the teenager – whose identity is protected by the Children Act 2001 – who was in proceedings before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter account .
Sgt Kieran O ’ Connell told Judge David Waters the matter was “ indictable ” but the Director for Public Prosecutions had said it could be dealt with in the District Court .
Garda Adrian Gildea in evidence told how following the conviction of two teenage boys last year for the murder of a teenage girl , Dunphy did an online search in an effort to uncover the name .
He then posted the name on a Twitter thread , which was speculating on the boys ’ identities .
Solicitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his client only sought out the boy ’ s name because he was angry over the killing and because he had daughters of his own .
The garda agreed .
Judge David Waters said the charge was serious .
The judge said there was no doubt Dunphy knew he was doing something he should not be doing .
Dunphy pleaded guilty in Listowel on Thursday to the single charge .
He was convicted and fined €600 .

Glen Dunphy of Lartigue Village, Listowel, posted the name on a Twitter thread. Judge David Waters said Dunphy knew he was doing something he should not be doing.
A 35-year-old man has been convicted for contravening the Children Act in naming a teenage convicted murderer on social media.
Glen Dunphy told gardaí he sought out and published the name of a teenager convicted of the murder of a girl, because he had daughters himself, a court was told.
Dunphy of Lartigue Village, Listowel, was summoned before Listowel District Court, in November, on a single allegation that he had published the name of the teenager – whose identity is protected by the Children Act 2001 – who was in proceedings before the Central Criminal Court, on his Twitter account .
Online search
Sgt Kieran O'Connell told Judge David Waters the matter was "indictable" but the Director for Public Prosecutions had said it could be dealt with in the District Court.
READ MORE
Garda Adrian Gildea in evidence told how following the conviction of two teenage boys last year for the murder of a teenage girl, Dunphy did an online search in an effort to uncover the name.
He then posted the name on a Twitter thread, which was speculating on the boys’ identities.
Angry at killing
Solicitor Patrick Mann put it to the garda that his client only sought out the boy's name because he was angry over the killing and because he had daughters of his own. The garda agreed.
Judge David Waters said the charge was serious. The judge said there was no doubt Dunphy knew he was doing something he should not be doing.
Dunphy pleaded guilty in Listowel on Thursday to the single charge. He was convicted and fined €600.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--State will compensate and apologise to Joanne Hayes over Kerry babies case

The State will on Friday officially apologise and award substantial compensation to Joanne Hayes , who was wrongly accused of murdering a baby found on a beach more than 35 years ago , in what is known as the Kerry babies scandal .
It is believed Ms Hayes will share in a €2.5 million damages pay out , along with her siblings Edmund , Kathleen and Michael Hayes , as well as her daughter Yvonne McGuckin .
The family launched legal proceedings against the State last year , asking the High Court to declare all findings of wrongdoing made against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorrect .
The State apology will be read out in the High Court in Dublin .
The Hayes family will not be there because of Covid-19 restrictions , and a desire for privacy .
Intensely private and protected by her neighbours , Ms Hayes has rarely spoken publicly about her decades-long ordeal .
Along with other members of her family , she was questioned in May 1984 by gardaí following the discovery of a new born boy – called baby John – with multiple stab wounds on White Strand , near Cahersiveen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1984 .
Ms Hayes , who was single , was accused of being baby John ’ s mother and of murdering him .
Her family were accused of concealing the birth of a child .
The charges were dropped in October 1984 .
Neither the parents nor the killer of the baby have ever been identified .
Around the same time baby John was discovered , Ms Hayes , from Abbeydorney – almost 80 km away from Cahirsiveen – had given birth to a baby , Shane , who was either still-born or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the family farm .
Despite the two babies having different blood groups , gardaí alleged they were twins .
Tests carried out in 2018 using DNA technology concluded the baby found in Cahersiveen could not have been Ms Hayes ’ s .
Then taoiseach Leo Varadkar and An Garda Síochána have since issued official apologies to Ms Hayes and her family .
Last year , the family started legal proceedings for damages in the High Court against the Garda Commissioner , the Director of Public Prosecutions , the Minister for Justice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Months of mediation over a settlement has been finalised , with the Kerry Eye newspaper reporting Ms Hayes will receive €1.5 million , while her three siblings will each get €300,000 .
Ms Hayes ’ daughter , Ms McGuckin , who was a toddler at the time of the scandal , is to get a reported €100,000 .
The Hayes family are also asking the High Court to declare all findings of wrongdoing made against them by a Tribunal of Inquiry during the 1980s – known as the Kerry babies Tribunal – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents nor the killer of baby John have ever been identified .
Two years ago , the Garda began a full murder inquiry with house to house inquiries on Valentia Island , after issuing a letter of apology to Ms Hayes .

The State will on Friday officially apologise and award substantial compensation to Joanne Hayes, who was wrongly accused of murdering a baby found on a beach more than 35 years ago, in what is known as the Kerry babies scandal.
It is believed Ms Hayes will share in a €2.5 million damages pay out, along with her siblings Edmund, Kathleen and Michael Hayes, as well as her daughter Yvonne McGuckin.
The family launched legal proceedings against the State last year, asking the High Court to declare all findings of wrongdoing made against them by a tribunal as unfounded and incorrect.
The State apology will be read out in the High Court in Dublin. The Hayes family will not be there because of Covid-19 restrictions, and a desire for privacy.
READ MORE
Intensely private and protected by her neighbours, Ms Hayes has rarely spoken publicly about her decades-long ordeal.
Along with other members of her family, she was questioned in May 1984 by gardaí following the discovery of a new born boy – called baby John – with multiple stab wounds on White Strand, near Cahersiveen, Co Kerry, on April 14th, 1984.
Ms Hayes, who was single, was accused of being baby John’s mother and of murdering him. Her family were accused of concealing the birth of a child.
The charges were dropped in October 1984.
Neither the parents nor the killer of the baby have ever been identified.
Around the same time baby John was discovered, Ms Hayes, from Abbeydorney – almost 80 km away from Cahirsiveen – had given birth to a baby, Shane, who was either still-born or died soon after birth and was buried on the family farm.
Despite the two babies having different blood groups, gardaí alleged they were twins.
Tests carried out in 2018 using DNA technology concluded the baby found in Cahersiveen could not have been Ms Hayes’s.
Then taoiseach Leo Varadkar and An Garda Síochána have since issued official apologies to Ms Hayes and her family.
Legal proceedings
Last year, the family started legal proceedings for damages in the High Court against the Garda Commissioner, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Minister for Justice, the Attorney General, and the State.
Months of mediation over a settlement has been finalised, with the Kerry Eye newspaper reporting Ms Hayes will receive €1.5 million, while her three siblings will each get €300,000.
Ms Hayes’ daughter, Ms McGuckin, who was a toddler at the time of the scandal, is to get a reported €100,000.
The Hayes family are also asking the High Court to declare all findings of wrongdoing made against them by a Tribunal of Inquiry during the 1980s – known as the Kerry babies Tribunal – as unfounded and incorrect.
Neither the parents nor the killer of baby John have ever been identified.
Two years ago, the Garda began a full murder inquiry with house to house inquiries on Valentia Island, after issuing a letter of apology to Ms Hayes.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--Covid-19: Carndonagh in Donegal and Claremorris in Mayo have highest rates

The electoral area of Carndonagh in Co Donegal has the highest 14-day incidence rate of coronavirus in the State , coming in at more than nine times the national average , new figures show .
The 14-day rate per 100,000 population is a measure of how the virus is spreading , and the Government tracks it across the country ’ s 166 local electoral areas .
The figures , from the first two weeks of December , show that the prevalence of the virus is increasing .
The 14-day rate across the Republic is 84.7 per 100,000 population , up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
In Carndonagh the rate stands at 795.8 per 100,000 population , up from 518.7 per 100,000 last week , according to updated figures from the Government ’ s data hub .
The second worst hit area for transmission , according to the figures , is Claremorris in Co Mayo , which has an incidence rate of 409 per 100,000 , up from 257.9 last week .
This is followed by Muinebeag in Co Carlow , which recorded a figure of 326.3 per 100,000 .
Castlecomer in Co Kilkenny came in at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Co Louth recorded a rate of 303.7 per 100,000 .
Milford in Co Donegal ( 275.9 ) , Buncrana in Co Donegal ( 272.7 ) , Kilkenny ( 259.1 ) , Longford ( 236.8 ) and Adare/Rathkeale in Co Limerick ( 231 ) make up the rest of the top 10 local electoral areas with the highest rates of Covid-19 per population .
In Dublin , Balbriggan recorded the highest incidence rate at 216 , followed by Ongar with 173 and Clondalkin at 152.6 .
The lowest incidence rate in Dublin was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , followed by Rush/Lusk ( 46.1 ) and Clontarf ( 48 ) .
Twenty-six local electoral areas recorded a 14-day incidence rate of 0 , which occurs when fewer than five cases are recorded , including Roscrea/Templemore in Co Tipperary , Kinnegad in Co Westmeath , Nenagh in Co Tipperary , Kanturk in Co Cork and Belmullet in Co Mayo .

In Dublin, Balbriggan recorded the highest incidence rate at 216. The lowest incidence rate was found in the Ballyfermot/Drimnagh area at 43.4
The electoral area of Carndonagh in Co Donegal has the highest 14-day incidence rate of coronavirus in the State, coming in at more than nine times the national average, new figures show.
The 14-day rate per 100,000 population is a measure of how the virus is spreading, and the Government tracks it across the country’s 166 local electoral areas.
The figures, from the first two weeks of December, show that the prevalence of the virus is increasing. The 14-day rate across the Republic is 84.7 per 100,000 population, up from the 80.2 per 100,000 the previous week. Search the table in this story to see the rate in your local area. If you are reading this in The Irish Times app, go here.
In Carndonagh the rate stands at 795.8 per 100,000 population, up from 518.7 per 100,000 last week, according to updated figures from the Government’s data hub.
READ MORE
The second worst hit area for transmission, according to the figures, is Claremorris in Co Mayo, which has an incidence rate of 409 per 100,000, up from 257.9 last week.
This is followed by Muinebeag in Co Carlow, which recorded a figure of 326.3 per 100,000.
Castlecomer in Co Kilkenny came in at 305.3 per 100,000, while Drogheda Urban in Co Louth recorded a rate of 303.7 per 100,000.
Milford in Co Donegal (275.9), Buncrana in Co Donegal (272.7), Kilkenny (259.1), Longford (236.8) and Adare/Rathkeale in Co Limerick (231) make up the rest of the top 10 local electoral areas with the highest rates of Covid-19 per population.
In Dublin, Balbriggan recorded the highest incidence rate at 216, followed by Ongar with 173 and Clondalkin at 152.6.
The lowest incidence rate in Dublin was found in the Ballyfermot/Drimnagh area (43.4), followed by Rush/Lusk (46.1) and Clontarf (48).
Twenty-six local electoral areas recorded a 14-day incidence rate of 0, which occurs when fewer than five cases are recorded, including Roscrea/Templemore in Co Tipperary, Kinnegad in Co Westmeath, Nenagh in Co Tipperary, Kanturk in Co Cork and Belmullet in Co Mayo.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--Insulation installer to appeal ruling on chemical exposure

An appeal is to be lodged over findings a couple were negligently exposed to chemicals after spray insulation was installed in their home and that they are entitled to €2 million damages .
The High Court ’ s Mr Justice Kevin Cross granted a stay on Thursday on the full award payout and costs , in the event of an appeal against his judgment in the case , on condition €600,000 is paid out now to Patrick and Anita Duffy .
The insulation installer , who was found negligent , indicated an appeal is to be lodged against the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre on the question of liability and the amount of the award .
In his main judgment , Mr Justice Cross said he had come to the conclusion beyond any doubt whatsoever that the couple sustained their life-altering serious injuries “ as a result of exposure to chemicals ” .
The probable cause was the foam that had been injected into the roof , he held .
The injuries were caused beyond a reasonable doubt by the exposure to the product as sprayed by the insulation installers , he said .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the injuries were due to exposure to Isocyanate .
He found the insulation foam product itself was “ essentially safe ” if properly applied with the proper safeguards .
However , he found the installer was negligent in failing to advise the Duffys they were required to be out of the house during the spraying , and for at least two hours afterwards , and in failing to communicate with them the potential risks and hazards involved in the product if the safeguards were not adhered to .
In their action , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and toxic chemicals and , with their young daughter , had to leave the dream home they had built near the sea in Donegal because they did not feel safe there .
The family now live in a mobile home .
They paid €4,000 to have the insulation installed in their home four years ago .
The couple , of Meenderryowern , Annagry , Co Donegal , had sued Brendan McGee trading as McGee Insulation Services , Largenreach , Downings , Letterkenny , Co Donegal , who was responsible for the installation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family home on February 18th , 2016 .
They had also sued GMS Insulations Ltd , Legga , Moyne , Co Longford , which imports and supplies spray foam insulation material .
Mr Justice Cross previously granted an application to dismiss the case against GMS Insulations Ltd on the basis there was no evidence against GMS .
On Thursday , Mr Justice Cross granted the stay provided €300,000 each is paid to the Duffys within six weeks .
He said the Court of Appeal is overburdened with work and it could take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decided .
The couple needed to get on with their lives and he had to balance matters in relation to both sides , he said .

Mr Justice Kevin Cross found the installer was negligent in failing to advise the Duffy family they were required to be out of their house during the spraying and for at least two hours afterwards.
An appeal is to be lodged over findings a couple were negligently exposed to chemicals after spray insulation was installed in their home and that they are entitled to €2 million damages.
The High Court's Mr Justice Kevin Cross granted a stay on Thursday on the full award payout and costs, in the event of an appeal against his judgment in the case, on condition €600,000 is paid out now to Patrick and Anita Duffy.
The insulation installer, who was found negligent, indicated an appeal is to be lodged against the court’s decision. The appeal will centre on the question of liability and the amount of the award.
In his main judgment, Mr Justice Cross said he had come to the conclusion beyond any doubt whatsoever that the couple sustained their life-altering serious injuries “as a result of exposure to chemicals”.
READ MORE
The probable cause was the foam that had been injected into the roof, he held.
Proper safeguards
The injuries were caused beyond a reasonable doubt by the exposure to the product as sprayed by the insulation installers, he said.
On the balance of probabilities, the judge found the injuries were due to exposure to Isocyanate.
He found the insulation foam product itself was “essentially safe” if properly applied with the proper safeguards.
However, he found the installer was negligent in failing to advise the Duffys they were required to be out of the house during the spraying, and for at least two hours afterwards, and in failing to communicate with them the potential risks and hazards involved in the product if the safeguards were not adhered to.
In their action, the couple claimed they were exposed to fumes and toxic chemicals and, with their young daughter, had to leave the dream home they had built near the sea in Donegal because they did not feel safe there. The family now live in a mobile home.
Insulation material
They paid €4,000 to have the insulation installed in their home four years ago.
The couple, of Meenderryowern, Annagry, Co Donegal, had sued Brendan McGee trading as McGee Insulation Services , Largenreach, Downings, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, who was responsible for the installation and application of spray foam insulation at the family home on February 18th, 2016.
They had also sued GMS Insulations Ltd, Legga, Moyne, Co Longford, which imports and supplies spray foam insulation material.
Mr Justice Cross previously granted an application to dismiss the case against GMS Insulations Ltd on the basis there was no evidence against GMS.
On Thursday, Mr Justice Cross granted the stay provided €300,000 each is paid to the Duffys within six weeks. He said the Court of Appeal is overburdened with work and it could take a year for the appeal to be heard and decided. The couple needed to get on with their lives and he had to balance matters in relation to both sides, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--Two months in jail for man wearing mask on head ‘like a hat’

A Bus Éireann passenger who wore a mask on his head “ like a hat ” and refused to wear it properly for “ health reasons ” was sentenced to two months in prison by a district court judge on Thursday .
After hearing the evidence at Castlebar court in a case against Andrew Heasman ( 41 ) , Carrowmore , Knock , Co Mayo , Judge Fiona Lydon said she was satisfied that all of the ingredients required to secure a conviction had been satisfied by the State .
The judge sentenced the defendant to the prison term for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face mask on public transport at Main Street , Ballyhaunis , on July 14th last .
She took a charge of a breach of public order on the same date into account .
The defendant was accompanied in court – as a McKenzie friend – by the columnist , author and civil rights activist John Waters .
The court was told by Garda Thomas Bowens that the defendant refused to wear a mask properly when asked to by the bus driver and that a number of passengers had gotten off the bus as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw about 18 passengers outside the bus which was travelling from Dublin to Knock .
The garda witness said that when he entered the bus he outlined the legislation to the defendant , telling him he was committing an offence under the Health Act 1947 .
“ He was wearing a mask on the top of his head like a hat , ” Garda Bowens testified .
“ I told him there was a requirement in place that the mask should cover the face , mouth and nose.
” Garda Bowens said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garda ) on his mobile phone and encouraged other passengers to film also .
He accused the garda of harassment , stating “ I want to be left alone ” .
He added that when the defendant got off the bus he said to the driver : “ There , I am off your f***ing bus ” .
After being handcuffed the defendant began to shout loudly as he was being led to a patrol car : “ They are arresting me for not wearing a mask.
” In evidence , the defendant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exempt from wearing a mask for health reasons .
He said the garda had asked him for medical evidence but he replied that under data protection he was not required to provide that information .
The defendant said his uncle was being laid to rest on the day and he was travelling from Dublin for the funeral .
He described the charges against him as “ trumped up ” .
The judge said that in light of the public health emergency his behaviour had been “ totally inappropriate ” .
He has 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic matters .

The garda witness said that when he entered the bus he outlined the legislation to the defendant, telling him he was committing an offence under the Health Act 1947. File photograph: The Irish Times
A Bus Éireann passenger who wore a mask on his head “like a hat” and refused to wear it properly for “health reasons” was sentenced to two months in prison by a district court judge on Thursday.
After hearing the evidence at Castlebar court in a case against Andrew Heasman (41), Carrowmore, Knock, Co Mayo, Judge Fiona Lydon said she was satisfied that all of the ingredients required to secure a conviction had been satisfied by the State.
The judge sentenced the defendant to the prison term for an offence of failing to wear a face mask on public transport at Main Street, Ballyhaunis, on July 14th last.
She took a charge of a breach of public order on the same date into account.
READ MORE
The defendant was accompanied in court – as a McKenzie friend – by the columnist, author and civil rights activist John Waters.
The court was told by Garda Thomas Bowens that the defendant refused to wear a mask properly when asked to by the bus driver and that a number of passengers had gotten off the bus as a consequence.
Garda Bowens said he saw about 18 passengers outside the bus which was travelling from Dublin to Knock.
The garda witness said that when he entered the bus he outlined the legislation to the defendant, telling him he was committing an offence under the Health Act 1947.
“He was wearing a mask on the top of his head like a hat,” Garda Bowens testified. “I told him there was a requirement in place that the mask should cover the face, mouth and nose.”
Garda Bowens said the defendant recorded his interaction with him (garda) on his mobile phone and encouraged other passengers to film also. He accused the garda of harassment, stating “I want to be left alone”.
‘Arresting me’
He added that when the defendant got off the bus he said to the driver: “There, I am off your f***ing bus”.
After being handcuffed the defendant began to shout loudly as he was being led to a patrol car: “They are arresting me for not wearing a mask.”
In evidence, the defendant said he told the gardaí he was exempt from wearing a mask for health reasons. He said the garda had asked him for medical evidence but he replied that under data protection he was not required to provide that information.
The defendant said his uncle was being laid to rest on the day and he was travelling from Dublin for the funeral. He described the charges against him as “trumped up”.
The judge said that in light of the public health emergency his behaviour had been “totally inappropriate”.
He has 24 previous convictions, mostly related to road traffic matters.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--File on Bobby Storey funeral inquiry to be sent to public prosecutor

A file on the police investigation into whether Covid-19 regulations were breached at the funeral of leading republican Bobby Storey in June this year is to be submitted to the North ’ s Public Prosecution Service on Friday , police have confirmed .
Deputy chief constable Mark Webster of Cumbria Constabulary , who was appointed to oversee and direct the PSNI inquiry into the funeral , said on Thursday that he has now completed his inquiry .
Some thousands of people lined the road of the funeral cortege in west Belfast for Mr Storey ’ s funeral on June 30th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ republican plot at Milltown Cemetery to hear tributes to the senior IRA figure from the likes of Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald and former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams .
Several other Sinn Féin figures attended the funeral including Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill and Minister of Finance Conor Murphy .
Well-placed sources said that Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill and finance Minister Conor Murphy did give evidence to the investigation team over allegations that they breached the Health Protection ( Coronavirus , Restrictions ) Regulations ( Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such claims .
When asked did Ms McDonald and Mr Adams give evidence a Sinn Fein spokesperson replied , “ Sinn Féin made it clear that our representatives would co-operate with the PSNI investigation and a number of Sinn Féin representatives were interviewed .
We have no further comment to make.
” “ We have now interviewed 24 individuals suspected of having breached the regulations and a file will be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service on Friday 18th December , 2020 , ” said Mr Webster on Thursday .
“ I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as not to prejudice any future decision made by the PPS , ” he added .
It could be several weeks or longer before the PPS decides whether prosecutions should follow .
The large attendance at the funeral caused great controversy , particularly among unionists .
There were also allegations that the PSNI failed to meet its responsibilities by handing over the effective policing of the funeral to Sinn Féin .
Last week the PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said there would have been “ widespread violence and disorder ” if police had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attending the funeral .
“ I don ’ t think so , ” he told the BBC when asked did the PSNI abdicate its responsibilities to Sinn Féin .
He said , “ I think obviously there ’ s a public image and people will draw conclusions about how we went about policing that event , and again we ’ re always here to learn lessons , reflect and see where we can do things differently , but we ’ re in nobody ’ s pocket , we don ’ t collude with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discretion – which is at the heart of our policing style – to make judgments about how we can safely enable all sorts of events to take place.
” Mr Byrne would not be drawn on the extent of any advance planning between the PSNI and Sinn Féin as to how the funeral should be managed .

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill at the funeral of former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey in west Belfast on June 30th. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
A file on the police investigation into whether Covid-19 regulations were breached at the funeral of leading republican Bobby Storey in June this year is to be submitted to the North's Public Prosecution Service on Friday, police have confirmed.
Deputy chief constable Mark Webster of Cumbria Constabulary, who was appointed to oversee and direct the PSNI inquiry into the funeral, said on Thursday that he has now completed his inquiry.
Some thousands of people lined the road of the funeral cortege in west Belfast for Mr Storey's funeral on June 30th, while several hundred gathered at the republican plot at Milltown Cemetery to hear tributes to the senior IRA figure from the likes of Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald and former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.
Several other Sinn Féin figures attended the funeral including Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Minister of Finance Conor Murphy.
READ MORE
Well-placed sources said that Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill and finance Minister Conor Murphy did give evidence to the investigation team over allegations that they breached the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.
They have denied such claims.
When asked did Ms McDonald and Mr Adams give evidence a Sinn Fein spokesperson replied, "Sinn Féin made it clear that our representatives would co-operate with the PSNI investigation and a number of Sinn Féin representatives were interviewed. We have no further comment to make."
“We have now interviewed 24 individuals suspected of having breached the regulations and a file will be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service on Friday 18th December, 2020,” said Mr Webster on Thursday.
“I will not be making any further comment so as not to prejudice any future decision made by the PPS,” he added.
It could be several weeks or longer before the PPS decides whether prosecutions should follow.
Attendance
The large attendance at the funeral caused great controversy, particularly among unionists. There were also allegations that the PSNI failed to meet its responsibilities by handing over the effective policing of the funeral to Sinn Féin.
Last week the PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said there would have been "widespread violence and disorder" if police had tried to stop or disperse the crowds attending the funeral.
“I don’t think so,” he told the BBC when asked did the PSNI abdicate its responsibilities to Sinn Féin.
He said, “I think obviously there’s a public image and people will draw conclusions about how we went about policing that event, and again we’re always here to learn lessons, reflect and see where we can do things differently, but we’re in nobody’s pocket, we don’t collude with anybody, we just have to use discretion – which is at the heart of our policing style – to make judgments about how we can safely enable all sorts of events to take place.”
Mr Byrne would not be drawn on the extent of any advance planning between the PSNI and Sinn Féin as to how the funeral should be managed.


theirishtimes--2020-12-17--Northern Ireland introduces new measures to combat avian influenza

Owners of pet birds or commercial flocks in Northern Ireland will be legally required to keep their birds indoors from December 23rd as part of measures to prevent any possible spread of avian influenza .
The decision announced by the North ’ s Minister for Agriculture Edwin Poots was taken following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza ( HPAI H5N8 ) in seven wild birds across Northern Ireland in recent weeks .
Under the new housing measures all bird keepers in the North will be legally required to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial flocks in addition to backyard or hobby flocks .
Such housing orders were introduced in England , Scotland and Wales on Monday ( December 14th ) following the discovery of 170 cases of avian flu in wild birds and 10 cases confirmed in poultry or other captive birds .
In the Republic the HPAI H5N8 avian flu has been confirmed in 10 wild birds .
Officials in the Department of Agriculture , Food and the Marine also confirmed a case of the flu in a small turkey flock in Co Wicklow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the infected holding .
Mr Poots said he took the decision in order to limit the spread of avian influenza .
“ It is now a legal requirement for all poultry and captive bird keepers to keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds .
This decision was reached after extensive consultation with industry , ” he said .
“ This is another necessary precautionary step that builds on the strengthened biosecurity measures that were announced when the avian influenza prevention zone was introduced on December 1st , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veterinary officer Dr Robert Huey urged all flock keepers to take action now to improve biosecurity so as to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds .
“ I would like to remind bird keepers that an outbreak of avian influenza in a small backyard flock will impose the same restrictions on movements of birds as if it was found on a commercial farm , ” he said .
Poultry and captive bird keepers also were advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns .

The decision was taken following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in seven wild birds across Northern Ireland in recent weeks. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Owners of pet birds or commercial flocks in Northern Ireland will be legally required to keep their birds indoors from December 23rd as part of measures to prevent any possible spread of avian influenza.
The decision announced by the North's Minister for Agriculture Edwin Poots was taken following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N8) in seven wild birds across Northern Ireland in recent weeks.
Under the new housing measures all bird keepers in the North will be legally required to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies to owners of pet birds, commercial flocks in addition to backyard or hobby flocks.
Such housing orders were introduced in England, Scotland and Wales on Monday (December 14th) following the discovery of 170 cases of avian flu in wild birds and 10 cases confirmed in poultry or other captive birds.
READ MORE
Disease control zones
In the Republic the HPAI H5N8 avian flu has been confirmed in 10 wild birds. Officials in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also confirmed a case of the flu in a small turkey flock in Co Wicklow. Disease control zones were put in place around the infected holding.
Mr Poots said he took the decision in order to limit the spread of avian influenza. “It is now a legal requirement for all poultry and captive bird keepers to keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds. This decision was reached after extensive consultation with industry,” he said.
“This is another necessary precautionary step that builds on the strengthened biosecurity measures that were announced when the avian influenza prevention zone was introduced on December 1st,” he added.
The North's chief veterinary officer Dr Robert Huey urged all flock keepers to take action now to improve biosecurity so as to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds.
“I would like to remind bird keepers that an outbreak of avian influenza in a small backyard flock will impose the same restrictions on movements of birds as if it was found on a commercial farm,” he said.
Poultry and captive bird keepers also were advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.