theirishtimes--2020-03-06--St John of God funding crisis forces takeover talks with HSE

The St John of God charity is in discussions about the Health Service Executive taking over the running of the majority of its community healthcare services , due to a financial crisis facing the organisation .
Saint John of God ( SJOG ) Community Services , part of the wider SJOG Hospitaller group , is funded by the HSE to provide services to 8,000 children and adults .
It was allocated €160 million this year , but has told the HSE it requires a further €27 million .
The charity employs 2,500 and is one of the biggest providers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It also runs mental health services .
On several occasions over the last year the charity did not have sufficient funds on hand to pay staff salaries the following month , and had to rely on cash advances from the HSE to cover the shortfalls , minutes of board meetings show .
Early in February , it submitted a request for €6.5 million from the HSE to pay salaries and creditors due at the end of this month , which has yet to be approved .
The charity has a financial deficit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Clare Dempsey , community services chief executive , has written to the HSE in recent days advising if there is not “ appropriate and timely engagement ” to resolve the funding shortfall by March 20th , its board “ may have no option ” but to have the HSE take over responsibility for its services .
A HSE spokeswoman said it was working with SJOG to ensure “ the sustainability of services and supports for vulnerable adults and children ” .

On several occasions over the last year, St John of God charity has not had funds to pay staff salaries. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh
The St John of God charity is in discussions about the Health Service Executive taking over the running of the majority of its community healthcare services, due to a financial crisis facing the organisation.
Saint John of God (SJOG) Community Services, part of the wider SJOG Hospitaller group, is funded by the HSE to provide services to 8,000 children and adults. It was allocated €160 million this year, but has told the HSE it requires a further €27 million.
The charity employs 2,500 and is one of the biggest providers of intellectual disability services in the country. It also runs mental health services.
On several occasions over the last year the charity did not have sufficient funds on hand to pay staff salaries the following month, and had to rely on cash advances from the HSE to cover the shortfalls, minutes of board meetings show.
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Deficit of €33m
Early in February, it submitted a request for €6.5 million from the HSE to pay salaries and creditors due at the end of this month, which has yet to be approved.
The charity has a financial deficit of more than €33 million from previous years.
Clare Dempsey, community services chief executive, has written to the HSE in recent days advising if there is not "appropriate and timely engagement" to resolve the funding shortfall by March 20th, its board "may have no option" but to have the HSE take over responsibility for its services.
A HSE spokeswoman said it was working with SJOG to ensure “the sustainability of services and supports for vulnerable adults and children” .


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Grave funding problems well flagged within Saint John of God service

Serious funding problems facing Saint John of God ( SJOG ) Community Services , a charity providing healthcare services to 8,000 children and adults , were apparent from its first board meeting of 2019 .
The charity had run a financial deficit of €5.5 million in 2018 , and at the end of that year had asked the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) for a cash advance of €11 million , and received €6 million .
In January 2019 , SJOG requested a further €3 million advance from the HSE , and would require several funding advances over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could pay staff and creditors , board meeting minutes show .
Paul Robinson , a board member and former health board chief executive , said it was “ worrying ” that a funding advance was “ required so early in 2019 , ” and the situation “ will remain very serious ” unless a plan was agreed with the HSE , he told the January board meeting .
Clare Dempsey , charity chief executive , told the board it was “ difficult ” to draw up a strategic plan for the next three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The charity is one arm of the wider SJOG Hospitaller Group , and runs intellectual disability services and mental health services for both children and adults , employing 2,500 staff .
Minutes of its board meetings last year were released to The Irish Times under the Freedom of Information Act .
By March 2019 , the charity was “ unable to pay salaries at the end of April ” unless a cash advance of €5 million from the HSE was approved , minutes from one meeting show .
During the meeting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible ” to approve a budget for the year due to the “ inadequate funding ” from the State .
However , a budget was signed off “ with reservations expressed ” and on the basis it would be reviewed at the end of June .
As early as April the board of the religious order ’ s wider group , “ did not see any alternative option ” to having the HSE take over the running of its intellectual disability services , in the absence of a substantial funding increase .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April the directors “ noted with concern ” an €800,000 overrun from the previous month .
Brother Donatus Forkan , the provincial of the SJOG religious order and chairman of the charity , read a reflection titled Embers after the Ashes at the start of the June board meeting , which later heard the 2019 deficit had reached €9.4 million .
There was concern expressed during a July meeting over “ the lack of back-up in key areas ” due to a “ significant number of vacant posts , ” which the charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show .
In October , the board held two “ extraordinary ” meetings to discuss legal issues around the HSE taking over the services .
One heard that SJOG would continue to run its hospital based in Stillorgan , south Dublin , and several schools for children with intellectual disabilities , which operate under separate companies .
The HSE calculated the funding shortfall facing the community services at €11.9 million , which the board described as “ insufficient for the provision of sustainable services , ” at a meeting last November .
SJOG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at over twice that at €27 million , a spokesman for the charity said .
The charity had also run up an accumulated deficit from previous years of €33.4 million at the end of 2019 , in part due to rising care costs .
The financial crisis has come to a head this week , with Ms Dempsey writing to the HSE to advise if the significant funding shortfall and deficit are not resolved , the charity may have to terminate its service agreement with the HSE and have the State take over @ @ @ @ @ @

Saint John of God Community Services had run a financial deficit of €5.5 million in 2018. Photograph: iStock
Serious funding problems facing Saint John of God (SJOG) Community Services, a charity providing healthcare services to 8,000 children and adults, were apparent from its first board meeting of 2019.
The charity had run a financial deficit of €5.5 million in 2018, and at the end of that year had asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a cash advance of €11 million, and received €6 million.
In January 2019, SJOG requested a further €3 million advance from the HSE, and would require several funding advances over the course of the year to ensure it could pay staff and creditors, board meeting minutes show.
Paul Robinson, a board member and former health board chief executive, said it was "worrying" that a funding advance was "required so early in 2019," and the situation "will remain very serious" unless a plan was agreed with the HSE, he told the January board meeting.
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Funding issues
Clare Dempsey, charity chief executive, told the board it was "difficult" to draw up a strategic plan for the next three to five years given the funding issues.
The charity is one arm of the wider SJOG Hospitaller Group, and runs intellectual disability services and mental health services for both children and adults, employing 2,500 staff.
Minutes of its board meetings last year were released to The Irish Times under the Freedom of Information Act.
By March 2019, the charity was “unable to pay salaries at the end of April” unless a cash advance of €5 million from the HSE was approved, minutes from one meeting show.
During the meeting, the board heard it was “virtually impossible” to approve a budget for the year due to the “inadequate funding” from the State. However, a budget was signed off “with reservations expressed” and on the basis it would be reviewed at the end of June.
As early as April the board of the religious order’s wider group, “did not see any alternative option” to having the HSE take over the running of its intellectual disability services, in the absence of a substantial funding increase.
The financial situation continued to deteriorate and in April the directors “noted with concern” an €800,000 overrun from the previous month.
Brother Donatus Forkan, the provincial of the SJOG religious order and chairman of the charity, read a reflection titled Embers after the Ashes at the start of the June board meeting, which later heard the 2019 deficit had reached €9.4 million.
There was concern expressed during a July meeting over “the lack of back-up in key areas” due to a “significant number of vacant posts,” which the charity could not afford to fill, minutes show.
Legal issues
In October, the board held two “extraordinary” meetings to discuss legal issues around the HSE taking over the services.
One heard that SJOG would continue to run its hospital based in Stillorgan, south Dublin, and several schools for children with intellectual disabilities, which operate under separate companies.
The HSE calculated the funding shortfall facing the community services at €11.9 million, which the board described as “insufficient for the provision of sustainable services,” at a meeting last November.
SJOG put the funding hole to be filled at over twice that at €27 million, a spokesman for the charity said.
The charity had also run up an accumulated deficit from previous years of €33.4 million at the end of 2019, in part due to rising care costs.
The financial crisis has come to a head this week, with Ms Dempsey writing to the HSE to advise if the significant funding shortfall and deficit are not resolved, the charity may have to terminate its service agreement with the HSE and have the State take over responsibility for its community services.


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--ECT ‘benefits majority’ despite Hollywood portrayals

Despite the “ Hollywood version ” of electroconvulsive therapy , the often controversial treatment has been found to benefit the vast majority of patients , the head of Ireland ’ s Mental Health Commission has said .
The 10th annual report detailing the use of the technique has found that over the past 10 years , while the number of people who have received the treatment has decreased , its overall use has gone up .
Electroconvulsive therapy , or ECT , passes an electric current through the brain via electrodes applied to the scalp to induce generalised seizure activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is a treatment for specific types of major mental illnesses such as depression , mania and schizophrenia and is conducted in mental health treatment centres .
A report by the commission published on Friday shows that between 2017 and 2018 , the number of recipients increased by 10 per cent to 283 , but had decreased from 396 in 2008 .
However , there were 2,936 individual treatments in 2018 , up from 2,725 in 2008 .
“ Studies have shown that the Hollywood version of ECT , as shown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has left the impression that the treatment is negative , cruel and brutal , with no therapeutic benefit , ” said commission chief executive John Farrelly , who argues such portrayals are in no way similar to modern practice .
“ The evidence in this report shows that ECT does work for the vast majority of people to whom it is administered , and it has helped many Irish people recover from mental illness.
” Mr Farrelly said in the vast majority of cases ECT is a last resort for those suffering mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2018 , the average age of patients was 59 , but some were as young as 20 and as old as 91 .
The majority are diagnosed with depression .
About two-thirds of patients reported suffering from depressive disorders ( 63 per cent ) and cited resistance to medication ( 67 per cent ) .
“ Significant improvement ” and “ complete recovery ” have consistently been the two most common outcomes since 2008 , according to the commission .
In 2018 , 81 per cent of people receiving the treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the therapy .
The report also notes that in 2018 , 516 individual treatments ( 18 per cent of the total ) were administered without consent , involving 53 patients .
Under the Mental Health ( Amendment ) Act 2015 , ECT can only be administered with the written consent of the patient or , if unable , the approval of two consultant psychiatrists .
Twice as many women as men received the therapy .
The higher number of women being administered ECT may be related to the relatively higher rate of diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , the report notes .

Mental Health Commission chairman John Saunders (left), chief executive John Farrelly (right) and Minister of State for Mental Health Jim Daly at the launch of the commission’s plan for 2019-2022. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
Despite the "Hollywood version" of electroconvulsive therapy, the often controversial treatment has been found to benefit the vast majority of patients, the head of Ireland's Mental Health Commission has said.
The 10th annual report detailing the use of the technique has found that over the past 10 years, while the number of people who have received the treatment has decreased, its overall use has gone up.
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, passes an electric current through the brain via electrodes applied to the scalp to induce generalised seizure activity. The patient is under general anaesthetic.
It is a treatment for specific types of major mental illnesses such as depression, mania and schizophrenia and is conducted in mental health treatment centres.
READ MORE
A report by the commission published on Friday shows that between 2017 and 2018, the number of recipients increased by 10 per cent to 283, but had decreased from 396 in 2008. However, there were 2,936 individual treatments in 2018, up from 2,725 in 2008.
"Studies have shown that the Hollywood version of ECT, as shown in many films since the late 1940s, has left the impression that the treatment is negative, cruel and brutal, with no therapeutic benefit," said commission chief executive John Farrelly, who argues such portrayals are in no way similar to modern practice.
“The evidence in this report shows that ECT does work for the vast majority of people to whom it is administered, and it has helped many Irish people recover from mental illness.”
Mr Farrelly said in the vast majority of cases ECT is a last resort for those suffering mental illness who have been unresponsive to medication.
Average age
In 2018, the average age of patients was 59, but some were as young as 20 and as old as 91. The majority are diagnosed with depression.
About two-thirds of patients reported suffering from depressive disorders (63 per cent) and cited resistance to medication (67 per cent).
“Significant improvement” and “complete recovery” have consistently been the two most common outcomes since 2008, according to the commission. In 2018, 81 per cent of people receiving the treatment indicated improvement as a reason for ending the therapy.
The report also notes that in 2018, 516 individual treatments (18 per cent of the total) were administered without consent, involving 53 patients. Under the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2015, ECT can only be administered with the written consent of the patient or, if unable, the approval of two consultant psychiatrists.
Twice as many women as men received the therapy. The higher number of women being administered ECT may be related to the relatively higher rate of diagnosed depressive disorders in women than men in Ireland, the report notes.


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Support for truth commission in North rising, according to survey

Support in Northern Ireland for a truth and reconciliation commission is growing , according to a survey published on Friday .
The University of Liverpool study found 45.7 per cent of people agreed or strongly agreed there should be a commission set up to deal with the past , an increase from 31.5 per cent in 2017 .
When removing those who did not express an opinion the share wishing for a truth and reconciliation commission rose to 73.6 per cent .
The study , conducted around the time of the December general election in Northern Ireland , examined a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in the centre-ground Alliance vote and opposition both to a North-South border and one in the Irish Sea .
It found that the “ undecideds ” were key to Northern Ireland ’ s constitutional future .
The survey of 2,003 people from the North ’ s 18 constituencies by Social Market Research found that 53.5 per cent favoured remaining in the UK while 28.3 per cent supported Irish unification .
The “ don ’ t knows ” were at 15.2 per cent .
In analysing the results , some of which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the university said “ those undecided on Northern Ireland ’ s constitutional future are key to that future ” .
Between 2010 and 2019 the share of Protestants who supported remaining in the union grew from 90.3 per cent to 94.5 per cent .
In the same period the share of Catholics who supported staying in the union declined from 17.8 per cent to 13.6 per cent .
More voters agreed ( 40.3 per cent ) than disagreed ( 30.9 per cent ) that Irish reunification will happen .
The survey reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed or agreed that “ eventually ” there will be a united Ireland .
The survey also addressed the “ Alliance surge ” of 2019 .
Between the general elections of 2017 and 2019 the Alliance vote increased from 8 per cent to 17 per cent , while in the 2019 election the DUP and Sinn Féin share of the vote dropped by 5.4 per cent and 6.7 per cent by respectively .
The study found that 16.4 per cent of the Alliance vote in December came from those who did not vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18.6 per cent of its vote from former DUP voters and 11.6 per cent from former Sinn Féin voters .
On the unity question , 58.8 per cent of Alliance supporters backed continuing in the United Kingdom , with 25.6 per cent favouring Irish unity .
Close to half of the generally pro-union Alliance supporters agreed Irish unity would happen .
In the 2016 Brexit vote Northern Ireland voted by 56 per cent to stay in the European Union .
Excluding don ’ t knows , those who refused to say and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that now 63 per cent would vote to stay in the EU compared with 37 per cent who would vote to leave .
Legislation to legalise abortion and same-sex marriage was introduced to Northern Ireland through votes at Westminster before the Northern Executive and Assembly were restored .
On abortion , 50 per cent said they would vote to allow abortion only where the mother ’ s life was in danger ; 28 per cent would permit abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy ; and 6.3 per cent up to 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those surveyed said it was right to legalise same-sex marriage , while 29 per cent disagreed .
On checks on goods travelling between Britain and Northern Ireland , and between the North and the Republic , 68.5 per cent of those who stated an opinion believed they would be unacceptable .
Just over a quarter agreed or strongly agreed that immigration was good for the economy and society in Northern Ireland .
Seven out of 10 Catholics , compared with 10.7 per cent of Protestants and 22.4 per cent of non-religious , @ @ @ @ @ @

Support in Northern Ireland for a truth and reconciliation commission is growing, according to a survey published on Friday.
The University of Liverpool study found 45.7 per cent of people agreed or strongly agreed there should be a commission set up to deal with the past, an increase from 31.5 per cent in 2017.
When removing those who did not express an opinion the share wishing for a truth and reconciliation commission rose to 73.6 per cent.
The study, conducted around the time of the December general election in Northern Ireland, examined a wide range of issues, including the rise in the centre-ground Alliance vote and opposition both to a North-South border and one in the Irish Sea. It found that the "undecideds" were key to Northern Ireland's constitutional future.
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The survey of 2,003 people from the North’s 18 constituencies by Social Market Research found that 53.5 per cent favoured remaining in the UK while 28.3 per cent supported Irish unification. The “don’t knows” were at 15.2 per cent.
In analysing the results, some of which were released to the media last month, the university said “those undecided on Northern Ireland’s constitutional future are key to that future”.
Between 2010 and 2019 the share of Protestants who supported remaining in the union grew from 90.3 per cent to 94.5 per cent. In the same period the share of Catholics who supported staying in the union declined from 17.8 per cent to 13.6 per cent.
More voters agreed (40.3 per cent) than disagreed (30.9 per cent) that Irish reunification will happen.
The survey reported that 21.2 per cent of DUP supporters strongly agreed or agreed that “eventually” there will be a united Ireland.
The survey also addressed the “Alliance surge” of 2019. Between the general elections of 2017 and 2019 the Alliance vote increased from 8 per cent to 17 per cent, while in the 2019 election the DUP and Sinn Féin share of the vote dropped by 5.4 per cent and 6.7 per cent by respectively.
The study found that 16.4 per cent of the Alliance vote in December came from those who did not vote in 2017, while the party gained 18.6 per cent of its vote from former DUP voters and 11.6 per cent from former Sinn Féin voters.
On the unity question, 58.8 per cent of Alliance supporters backed continuing in the United Kingdom, with 25.6 per cent favouring Irish unity. Close to half of the generally pro-union Alliance supporters agreed Irish unity would happen.
Brexit vote
In the 2016 Brexit vote Northern Ireland voted by 56 per cent to stay in the European Union. Excluding don't knows, those who refused to say and those who would not vote, the survey found that now 63 per cent would vote to stay in the EU compared with 37 per cent who would vote to leave.
Legislation to legalise abortion and same-sex marriage was introduced to Northern Ireland through votes at Westminster before the Northern Executive and Assembly were restored.
On abortion, 50 per cent said they would vote to allow abortion only where the mother’s life was in danger; 28 per cent would permit abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy; and 6.3 per cent up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
More than half of those surveyed said it was right to legalise same-sex marriage, while 29 per cent disagreed.
On checks on goods travelling between Britain and Northern Ireland, and between the North and the Republic, 68.5 per cent of those who stated an opinion believed they would be unacceptable.
Just over a quarter agreed or strongly agreed that immigration was good for the economy and society in Northern Ireland.
Seven out of 10 Catholics, compared with 10.7 per cent of Protestants and 22.4 per cent of non-religious, supported an Irish language Act.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Number of cases more than doubles in single day

The health service is coming under increasing strain after the number of coronavirus cases more than doubled in a single day .
Seven new cases were reported last night , including the first case in Cork involving transmission of the disease in the community , the origin of which remains a mystery .
Four new cases , in males from the east of the country , involved travel from Italy , while two females who tested positive were associated with one of the cases reported on Wednesday in Co Clare .
There are now 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with more expected by the day .
Amid growing concern in the health service over the depletion of staff because of the virus , health officials are due to meet on Friday to see how the gaps can be plugged .
The latest batch of cases have forced large number of healthcare staff to go into self-isolation after they were found to be contacts and therefore at risk of infection .
The man diagnosed in Cork had been in Cork University Hospital for up to a week and so may have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick patients , before he was tested .
Elsewhere , the healthcare professional diagnosed in Clare on Wednesday had worked in a hospital emergency department , a nursing home and in medical settings in the community before he was diagnosed nine days after returning from a skiing holiday in Italy .
Efforts to trace people who came into contact with the man , many of whom are vulnerable patients , are ongoing .
The rules in relation to healthcare workers returning from at-risk areas abroad were changed on Wednesday , it emerged last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from Italy did not have to self-isolate unless they had been in one of 11 quarantined Italian towns ; now , they must stay at home for 14 days if they have been anywhere in northern Italy .
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said 25 new intensive care beds are to be opened at a cost of €25 million to ease the pressure on the health service .
An information campaign aimed at raising public awareness of protecting against the virus is also set to begin shortly .
Despite the increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holohan said he was not alarmed .
“ This is what we would have anticipated .
It matches the pattern of most other countries ’ experience.
” The number of cases was “ still small ” and officials were confident they can prevent significant further transmission , he told the daily briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team .
Other than the case in Cork , he said , public health officials could explain how the patients involved were infected .
Despite the surge in cases related to travellers returning from Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to introduce a travel ban for any region .
A travel ban would be neither proportionate nor effective in preventing transmission , he said .
HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said Cork University Hospital had put in place “ robust , immediate actions that put patient safety first ” .
These include the cancellation of elective surgeries , visitor restrictions and the clearance of further space for isolating patients .
It is also understood the Dáil would move to St Patrick ’ s Hall in Dublin Castle if Leinster House could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Meanwhile journalist Seán McCárthaigh adds that it emerged on Thursday evening that one of the four new patients identified with coronavirus in Dublin is based in Trinity College Dublin .
The university notified all students and staff via email that a positive case of Covid-19 had been confirmed in the college .
“ We are now working closely with the authorities to ensure that this individual receives the best care possible , ” said Trinity .
It said the HSE would trace anyone who had been in contact with the infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical attention .
The university said it and the HSE would take all appropriate steps to contain any further spread of the virus and protect the welfare of Trinity ’ s students and staff .
Trinity confirmed that the university would remain “ open and operating as normal ” .
Provost Patrick Prendergast said the relevant part of the university – fourth floor of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute as well as lifts in the building – had been closed as a precautionary measure and would be cleaned in accordance with HSE guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fluid and advised people attending the university to check their emails for the latest official advice on a regular basis .

HSE chief executive Paul Reid said 25 new intensive care beds are to be opened at a cost of €25m. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The health service is coming under increasing strain after the number of coronavirus cases more than doubled in a single day.
Seven new cases were reported last night, including the first case in Cork involving transmission of the disease in the community, the origin of which remains a mystery.
One of the latest cases is connected to Trinity College Dublin, it emerged on Thursday night.
Four new cases, in males from the east of the country, involved travel from Italy, while two females who tested positive were associated with one of the cases reported on Wednesday in Co Clare.
READ MORE
There are now 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Republic and three in Northern Ireland, with more expected by the day.
MAIN POINTS
Cases in Republic rise to 13, with three in Northern Ireland
First case of transmission in community
Hundreds of cases expected within fortnight
HSE says 25 new intensive care beds to open
No plans to introduce travel ban
Change in self-isolation rules for healthcare workers
China's Hubei, excluding Wuhan, reports no new cases
Health officials to meet in bid to plug gaps in staffing
Amid growing concern in the health service over the depletion of staff because of the virus, health officials are due to meet on Friday to see how the gaps can be plugged.
The latest batch of cases have forced large number of healthcare staff to go into self-isolation after they were found to be contacts and therefore at risk of infection.
The man diagnosed in Cork had been in Cork University Hospital for up to a week and so may have had contact with large numbers of staff and sick patients, before he was tested.
Vulnerable patients
Elsewhere, the healthcare professional diagnosed in Clare on Wednesday had worked in a hospital emergency department, a nursing home and in medical settings in the community before he was diagnosed nine days after returning from a skiing holiday in Italy. Efforts to trace people who came into contact with the man, many of whom are vulnerable patients, are ongoing.
The rules in relation to healthcare workers returning from at-risk areas abroad were changed on Wednesday, it emerged last night. Before this, staff coming back from Italy did not have to self-isolate unless they had been in one of 11 quarantined Italian towns; now, they must stay at home for 14 days if they have been anywhere in northern Italy.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said 25 new intensive care beds are to be opened at a cost of €25 million to ease the pressure on the health service. An information campaign aimed at raising public awareness of protecting against the virus is also set to begin shortly.
Despite the increase in cases, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said he was not alarmed. "This is what we would have anticipated. It matches the pattern of most other countries' experience."
The number of cases was “still small” and officials were confident they can prevent significant further transmission, he told the daily briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team.
Other than the case in Cork, he said, public health officials could explain how the patients involved were infected.
Despite the surge in cases related to travellers returning from Italy, he said there were no plans to introduce a travel ban for any region. A travel ban would be neither proportionate nor effective in preventing transmission, he said.
'Immediate actions'
HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said Cork University Hospital had put in place "robust, immediate actions that put patient safety first". These include the cancellation of elective surgeries, visitor restrictions and the clearance of further space for isolating patients.
It is also understood the Dáil would move to St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle if Leinster House could not be used due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Meanwhile, it emerged on Thursday evening that one of the four new patients identified with coronavirus in Dublin is based in Trinity College Dublin.
The university notified all students and staff via email that a positive case of Covid-19 had been confirmed in the college.
“We are now working closely with the authorities to ensure that this individual receives the best care possible,” said Trinity.
It said the HSE would trace anyone who had been in contact with the infected individual to ensure they received any necessary medical attention.
The university said it and the HSE would take all appropriate steps to contain any further spread of the virus and protect the welfare of Trinity’s students and staff.
Trinity confirmed that the university would remain “open and operating as normal”. Provost Patrick Prendergast said the relevant part of the university – fourth floor of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute as well as lifts in the building – had been closed as a precautionary measure and would be cleaned in accordance with HSE guidelines.
Dr Prendergast said the situation remained fluid and advised people attending the university to check their emails for the latest official advice on a regular basis.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Talks continue in TDs’ action over Ceann Comhairle’s ‘money message’ ruling

An action by four TDs over a process under which the Ceann Comhairle decided a Bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions required a “ money message ” has been further adjourned to facilitate discussions .
The proceedings were due before the High Court next Monday but , on Thursday , John Rogers SC , for the TDs , mentioned them before High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly .
Counsel said there have been “ useful ” without prejudice discussions between the sides and all agreed , given those , the better course was to put the matter back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for the Ceann Comhairle , and Patrick MacCann SC , for the Government and State , indicated consent to the adjournment application , which Mr Justice Kelly granted .
When the proceedings were last before the judge in January , Mr Rogers said at that stage there were discussions “ without prejudice to any views the parties may have arising from the dissolution of the Dáil ” and he sought an adjournment to March 9th .
The judicial review proceedings are by Deputies Bríd Smith , Richard Boyd Barrett , Gino Kenny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solidarity-People Before Profit grouping in the Dáil , against the Ceann Comhairle , Seán Ó Fearghaíl , with the Attorney General as a notice party .
They previously secured leave to challenge the Ceann Comhairle ’ s November 2019 refusal to allow a debate on a motion which sought to prevent the blocking of Opposition Bills by withholding a “ money message ” necessary to allow them proceed through the legislative process .
The Bill at issue – the Petroleum Development Bill 2018 – is intended to make a significant contribution to achieving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets , Deputy Smith said .
The TDs have since sought leave to amend the case to also challenge an earlier May 2019 decision by the Ceann Comhairle that the Bill required a money message and to join the Minister for Communications , the Government of Ireland and Dáil Éireann as parties for the purpose of seeking additional orders .
They claim the process at issue is unconstitutional .
In an affidavit , Deputy Smith said the TDs have significant concerns as to how the Ceann Comhairle interpreted the requirement for a money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Order 179 and article 17.2 of the Constitution .
The Bills Office had said in 2018 the Petroleum Development Bill did not require a money message , she said .
The Office of the Parliamentary Legal Advisor later identified the number of licences which might be affected by the Bill and the Department of Communications opposed it .
When it became apparent the Bill could pass all stages in the Dáil , the Minister for Communications wrote to the Ceann Comhairle in May 2019 indicating the Minister ’ s view the Bill now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On May 22nd 2019 , without any prior consultation , the Ceann Comhairle informed her that the Bill required a money message , she said .

When it became apparent the Bill could pass all stages in the Dáil, the Minister for Communications wrote to the Ceann Comhairle in May 2019 indicating the Minister’s view the Bill now required a money message, Brid Smith said. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
An action by four TDs over a process under which the Ceann Comhairle decided a Bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions required a “money message” has been further adjourned to facilitate discussions.
The proceedings were due before the High Court next Monday but, on Thursday, John Rogers SC, for the TDs, mentioned them before High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly.
Counsel said there have been “useful” without prejudice discussions between the sides and all agreed, given those, the better course was to put the matter back for four weeks.
Conleth Bradley SC, for the Ceann Comhairle, and Patrick MacCann SC, for the Government and State, indicated consent to the adjournment application, which Mr Justice Kelly granted.
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When the proceedings were last before the judge in January, Mr Rogers said at that stage there were discussions “without prejudice to any views the parties may have arising from the dissolution of the Dáil” and he sought an adjournment to March 9th.
The judicial review proceedings are by Deputies Bríd Smith, Richard Boyd Barrett, Gino Kenny and Paul Murphy, members of the Solidarity-People Before Profit grouping in the Dáil, against the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, with the Attorney General as a notice party. They previously secured leave to challenge the Ceann Comhairle’s November 2019 refusal to allow a debate on a motion which sought to prevent the blocking of Opposition Bills by withholding a “money message” necessary to allow them proceed through the legislative process.
The Bill at issue – the Petroleum Development Bill 2018 – is intended to make a significant contribution to achieving Ireland’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, Deputy Smith said.
The TDs have since sought leave to amend the case to also challenge an earlier May 2019 decision by the Ceann Comhairle that the Bill required a money message and to join the Minister for Communications, the Government of Ireland and Dáil Éireann as parties for the purpose of seeking additional orders. They claim the process at issue is unconstitutional.
In an affidavit, Deputy Smith said the TDs have significant concerns as to how the Ceann Comhairle interpreted the requirement for a money message for the purposes of Dáil Standing Order 179 and article 17.2 of the Constitution. The Bills Office had said in 2018 the Petroleum Development Bill did not require a money message, she said. The Office of the Parliamentary Legal Advisor later identified the number of licences which might be affected by the Bill and the Department of Communications opposed it.
When it became apparent the Bill could pass all stages in the Dáil, the Minister for Communications wrote to the Ceann Comhairle in May 2019 indicating the Minister’s view the Bill now required a money message, she said.
On May 22nd 2019, without any prior consultation, the Ceann Comhairle informed her that the Bill required a money message, she said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Woman told neighbours not to call ambulance after fatal stabbing, trial told

A woman who had fatally stabbed her partner during a drunken row told onlookers not to call an ambulance , a barrister has told the Central Criminal Court .
Paula Farrell ( 47 ) of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne ‘ Quilly ’ McQuillan ( 30 ) at Ms Farrell ’ s home on New Year ’ s Day 2014 .
Gerard Clarke SC for the prosecution opened the trial on Thursday , saying the deceased had worked as a painter and decorator and had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one year at the time of his death .
Mr McQuillan , who is from Marian Park in Drogheda , would frequently stay at Ms Farrell ’ s home and they “ spent a lot of time drinking alcohol and on New Year ’ s Eve , before he was killed , they had been drinking quite a lot , ” Mr Clarke said .
There was “ some sort of argument ” , he said , adding : “ The only account we will have is from Paula Farrell in the account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she described how she took a knife from a block of knives in her kitchen and stabbed Mr McQuillan four times .
Mr Clarke said a pathologist would say that three of the wounds were not fatal but one was struck at a 45 degree angle downwards to the left shoulder .
It sliced a vein and continued through the left lung , causing “ massive bleeding internally and externally ” .
Mr Clarke said that a “ peculiar feature ” of the case is that “ for reasons we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the deceased took off his blood stained shirt and the belt of his trousers .
He went outside where a crowd of teenagers was gathered and some of them , counsel said , saw him tripping over his trousers after they fell down .
Some of those teens will give evidence that Mr McQuillan shouted that he had been stabbed but they thought , from the colour of his bloodstained t-shirt , that he was covered in oil or was wearing a red Liverpool jersey .
One of those witnesses , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farrell appeared at the door and said : “ Don ’ t call an ambulance , leave him alone .
He ’ s alright.
” Mr Clarke told the jury that Mr McQuillan was bleeding to death and the hallway and kitchen of Ms Farrell ’ s home was “ covered in loads of blood ” .
It was a “ strange reaction to say the least ” , he said , for her to tell people not to call an ambulance .
He said there would also be evidence that she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands on a tea towel and that gardaí found the knife in the kitchen sink and saw there had been “ obvious attempts to wipe up blood ” .
Gardaí arrived and due to a delay in getting an ambulance they drove Mr McQuillan to hospital .
He suffered a cardiac arrest on the way .
He was resuscitated at the hospital but suffered a second cardiac arrest during a CT scan and died .
He was pronounced dead at 4.29am on New Year ’ s morning .
Ms Farrell was interviewed four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following day before being sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court , Mr Clarke said .
The trial continues in front of Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of eight men and four women .

A woman who had fatally stabbed her partner during a drunken row told onlookers not to call an ambulance, a barrister has told the Central Criminal Court.
Paula Farrell (47) of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne ‘Quilly’ McQuillan (30) at Ms Farrell’s home on New Year’s Day 2014.
Gerard Clarke SC for the prosecution opened the trial on Thursday, saying the deceased had worked as a painter and decorator and had been going out with Paula Farrell for about one year at the time of his death.
Mr McQuillan, who is from Marian Park in Drogheda, would frequently stay at Ms Farrell’s home and they “spent a lot of time drinking alcohol and on New Year’s Eve, before he was killed, they had been drinking quite a lot,” Mr Clarke said.
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There was “some sort of argument”, he said, adding: “The only account we will have is from Paula Farrell in the account she gave to the guards.”
Counsel said she described how she took a knife from a block of knives in her kitchen and stabbed Mr McQuillan four times. Mr Clarke said a pathologist would say that three of the wounds were not fatal but one was struck at a 45 degree angle downwards to the left shoulder. It sliced a vein and continued through the left lung, causing “massive bleeding internally and externally”.
Mr Clarke said that a “peculiar feature” of the case is that “for reasons we don’t know because Mr McQuillan is dead” the deceased took off his blood stained shirt and the belt of his trousers. He went outside where a crowd of teenagers was gathered and some of them, counsel said, saw him tripping over his trousers after they fell down.
Some of those teens will give evidence that Mr McQuillan shouted that he had been stabbed but they thought, from the colour of his bloodstained t-shirt, that he was covered in oil or was wearing a red Liverpool jersey.
One of those witnesses, Mr Clarke said, will say that Ms Farrell appeared at the door and said: “Don’t call an ambulance, leave him alone. He’s alright.”
Mr Clarke told the jury that Mr McQuillan was bleeding to death and the hallway and kitchen of Ms Farrell’s home was “covered in loads of blood”.
It was a “strange reaction to say the least”, he said, for her to tell people not to call an ambulance. He said there would also be evidence that she was, at that point, cleaning her hands on a tea towel and that gardaí found the knife in the kitchen sink and saw there had been “obvious attempts to wipe up blood”.
Gardaí arrived and due to a delay in getting an ambulance they drove Mr McQuillan to hospital. He suffered a cardiac arrest on the way. He was resuscitated at the hospital but suffered a second cardiac arrest during a CT scan and died. He was pronounced dead at 4.29am on New Year’s morning.
Ms Farrell was interviewed four times by gardaí and was arrested the following day before being sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Clarke said.
The trial continues in front of Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of eight men and four women.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Irish national one of four dead in suspected murder-suicide in US

An Irish woman has died in a suspected murder-suicide incident in the US city of Reno in Nevada .
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to the Irish family of the woman who died along with three others .
The woman is being reported as being originally from Co Kerry .
Reno police discovered the bodies of the couple and their two teenage boys on Wednesday morning .
The police were alerted by neighbours who stated that they had not seen the family in days .
Officers say the weapon and cause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Identities of the people involved are being withheld pending confirmation by the local medical examiner ’ s office .
The City of Reno police said : “ On March 4th , 2020 at approximately 1104 hours , Reno Police Officers responded to the 10000 blk of Canyon Country Ct , on a report of a deceased subject .
“ Subsequent investigation revealed three other deceased subjects within the residence that are believed to be members of the same family who reside there .
This appears to be an isolated incident and there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two teenage boys were pupils at Damonte Ranch High School in Nevada .
School principal Darvel Bell said : “ Two of our students died following a domestic situation in their home .
Reno Police are investigating the case , and because this is an active investigation , I am not able to share any more details with you now .
“ Our counsellors , district level crisis team , and community partners will be on our campus tomorrow and will be providing any resources our students and staff members require .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as we need them .
Counselling and emotional support of staff and students will be our top priority .
”

An Irish woman has died in a suspected murder-suicide incident in Reno, Arizona, US. File photograph: iStock
An Irish woman who died in a suspected murder-suicide incident in the US city of Reno, Nevada, has been named as Joan Huber.
Police discovered the bodies of a couple and their two teenage boys on Wednesday morning after they were alerted by neighbours who said they had not seen the family in days.
All four died of gunshot wounds, according to a local media report.
Ms Huber (nee Kelly) was originally from Coolcuslaugh near Killarney, Co Kerry, and is the eldest of five children of the late John Kelly, a well-known figure in east Kerry.
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Mr Kelly was a former president of the East Kerry GAA and a psychiatric nurse, and he died in February 2018 at 83. He was at one time a general election candidate for the Progressive Democrats and the author of a number of local histories.
Mrs Huber’s mother, Sheila, (nee Doolan) and a number of her siblings live in Killarney.
Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae said he knew the family. “I know them to be a good, hardworking honest family and pillars in the community and the type of people you would like to be friends with,” he told Radio Kerry.
“It’s so tough and so hard. It’s very hard to understand why these things happen.”
The body of Ms Huber (53) was found alongside her husband, Adam P Huber (50), and teenage sons Adam J Huber (17) and Michael P Huber (16). The Washoe County medical examiner release the family's identities on Thursday.
It was reported Adam P Huber had worked as a master technician at the Reno Buick GMC car dealership since 2006 .
Reno director of marketing Doreen Hicks stated: "Adam Huber has worked for Reno Buick GMC since 2006. He has always been a valued member of our team. We mourn the loss of him and his family. At this point we are assisting the police with their investigation and we cannot comment further at this time."
Officers said the weapon and cause of death were initially unknown. The City of Reno police said on Wednesday that at about 11.04am officers responded to a report of a deceased person.
“Subsequent investigation revealed three other deceased subjects within the residence that are believed to be members of the same family who reside there. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.”
The two teenage boys were pupils at Damonte Ranch High School in Nevada.
School principal Darvel Bell said: "Two of our students died following a domestic situation in their home. Reno Police are investigating the case, and because this is an active investigation, I am not able to share any more details with you now.
“Our counsellors, district level crisis team, and community partners will be on our campus tomorrow and will be providing any resources our students and staff members require.
“They will stay with us for as long as we need them. Counselling and emotional support of staff and students will be our top priority.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to the Irish family of the woman who died along with three others.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Ireland’s Muslim leaders prepare for Friday prayers amid Covid-19 concerns

Stringent measures are being taken in Ireland ’ s mosques today to protect worshippers attending Friday prayers .
Dr Umar al Qadri , head Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland , said its mosque in Blanchardstown is attended on Fridays by over 400 people and the size of such a gathering had become a concern in the context of the coronavirus situation .
This “ very close interaction ” of such a large number was “ something of major concern in mosques ” , he said .
In Mecca it has meant “ they have closed the whole mosque @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ Nobody is allowed worship and they have disinfected the whole area , ” he said .
At the mosque in Blanchardstown “ all towels have been removed ” and when people wash before prayers “ they dry themselves with disposable towels and use soap dispensers or hand sanitizers ” .
If necessary , and should the Government decide to ban large gatherings in the context , then the obligation to attend Friday prayers would be removed where Muslims were concerned , he said .
Ali Selim , spokesman for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they expected upwards of 1,300 people to attend there for Friday prayers today , as usual , but that worshippers were being asked “ to apply all necessary precautions.
” He pointed to a notice issued by the Irish Council of Imams , representing 35 imams all over the island of Ireland , concerning precautions where the coronavirus is concerned .
It stated that “ hygiene is not only an act of worship but also an obligation .
A Muslim ’ s prayer is not accepted unless the place where one prays is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pure and her/his body is pure.
” Such “ body purity ” is made possible by washing the face and hands , a practice repeated five times a day by Muslims before prayer .
The Council urged Imams “ to save no efforts to prevent the spread of this epidemic , contribute to raising awareness and avoid spreading rumours .
Congregational prayers and Friday ’ s prayers may not be established and schools and universities may be closed , if needed , ” they said .
It further pointed out that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and attending congregational prayers is removed by illness and fear for one ’ s life or the life of a family member.
” Such attendance at Friday prayers , it emphasised , only “ become an obligation when one is healthy.
” Muslims pray five times a day a day , but the most important prayer of the week is “ jumah , ” or the day of gathering on Friday .
The Qur ’ an invokes the importance of Friday as a sacred day of worship in a chapter called “ Al-Jumah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Friday in Arabic .
Muslims believe Friday was chosen by God as a dedicated day of worship .
In addition to the prayer itself , which is shorter than the usual midday prayers , Friday services include a sermon .
Muslim men are required to attend Friday prayers as long as they not travelling , while women have the option to attend , given their traditional role when Islam was established .

Dr Umar al Qadri, head Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland, said its mosque in Blanchardstown is attended on Fridays by over 400 people. File photograph: Alan Betson
Stringent measures are being taken in Ireland’s mosques today to protect worshippers attending Friday prayers.
Dr Umar al Qadri, head Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland, said its mosque in Blanchardstown is attended on Fridays by over 400 people and the size of such a gathering had become a concern in the context of the coronavirus situation. This "very close interaction" of such a large number was "something of major concern in mosques", he said.
In Mecca it has meant “they have closed the whole mosque for the first time in 1,400 years”.
“ Nobody is allowed worship and they have disinfected the whole area,” he said.
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At the mosque in Blanchardstown “all towels have been removed” and when people wash before prayers “they dry themselves with disposable towels and use soap dispensers or hand sanitizers”.
If necessary, and should the Government decide to ban large gatherings in the context, then the obligation to attend Friday prayers would be removed where Muslims were concerned, he said.
Ali Selim, spokesman for the Clonskeagh mosque in south Dublin, said they expected upwards of 1,300 people to attend there for Friday prayers today , as usual, but that worshippers were being asked "to apply all necessary precautions."
He pointed to a notice issued by the Irish Council of Imams, representing 35 imams all over the island of Ireland, concerning precautions where the coronavirus is concerned.
It stated that “hygiene is not only an act of worship but also an obligation. A Muslim’s prayer is not accepted unless the place where one prays is pure, the dress wherein one prays is pure and her/his body is pure.”
Such “body purity” is made possible by washing the face and hands, a practice repeated five times a day by Muslims before prayer.
The Council urged Imams “to save no efforts to prevent the spread of this epidemic, contribute to raising awareness and avoid spreading rumours. Congregational prayers and Friday’s prayers may not be established and schools and universities may be closed, if needed,” they said.
It further pointed out that “the obligation of Friday’s prayers and attending congregational prayers is removed by illness and fear for one’s life or the life of a family member.” Such attendance at Friday prayers, it emphasised, only “become an obligation when one is healthy.”
Muslims pray five times a day a day, but the most important prayer of the week is “jumah,” or the day of gathering on Friday. The Qur’an invokes the importance of Friday as a sacred day of worship in a chapter called “Al-Jumah,” which is also the word for Friday in Arabic.
Muslims believe Friday was chosen by God as a dedicated day of worship. In addition to the prayer itself, which is shorter than the usual midday prayers, Friday services include a sermon.
Muslim men are required to attend Friday prayers as long as they not travelling, while women have the option to attend, given their traditional role when Islam was established.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Pioneering Irish women feature in An Post’s stamp set

A magazine editor , a Hollywood actress , an aviator , an Olympian and an artist are set to appear on a new set of colourful stamps which have been issued this week to mark International Women ’ s Day 2020 .
An Post ’ s five “ pioneering Irish women ” stamp collection celebrates a number of people who achieved international recognition during their lifetimes .
The first of the stamps recreates the cover of American magazine Harper ’ s Bazaar in honour of its editor-in-chief Carmel Snow – born Carmel White – from Dalkey , Dublin , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hollywood actress Maureen O ’ Hara appears on the second stamp in the series while Lilian Bland , the first woman in the world to design , build and fly an airplane , features on the third .
Bland , who was born in Kent but came from a long line of Irish descendants , worked as a sports journalist and press photographer in London in the early 1900s .
She first flew her flying machine , named Mayfly , on the slopes of Carnmoney Hill near Belfast .
The image of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to represent Ireland at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and the country ’ s first triple Olympian , also features in the collection , along with Sarah Purser , portraitist and stained glass artist who was the first female member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1924 .
Managing director of An Post retail Debbie Byrne said the company wanted to shine a light on the “ remarkable achievements ” of a group of Irish women , some of whom were practically unknown .
“ Their names are strangely absent from the history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the perfect stamps to post to the women we know who inspire , challenge and sustain us , and let them know we ’ re thinking of them.
” Created by Dublin-based graphic designer Oonagh Young , the stamps are available to buy at the General Post Office in Dublin , in selected post offices nationwide and online at anpost.com/shop .

A magazine editor, a Hollywood actress, an aviator, an Olympian and an artist are set to appear on a new set of colourful stamps which have been issued this week to mark International Women's Day 2020.
An Post’s five “pioneering Irish women” stamp collection celebrates a number of people who achieved international recognition during their lifetimes.
The first of the stamps recreates the cover of American magazine Harper's Bazaar in honour of its editor-in-chief Carmel Snow – born Carmel White – from Dalkey, Dublin, who ran the publication from 1934 to 1958.
Hollywood actress Maureen O'Hara appears on the second stamp in the series while Lilian Bland, the first woman in the world to design, build and fly an airplane, features on the third. Bland, who was born in Kent but came from a long line of Irish descendants, worked as a sports journalist and press photographer in London in the early 1900s. She first flew her flying machine, named Mayfly, on the slopes of Carnmoney Hill near Belfast.
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Sarah Purser
The image of Olympian Maeve Kyle, the first woman to represent Ireland at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and the country's first triple Olympian, also features in the collection, along with Sarah Purser, portraitist and stained glass artist who was the first female member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1924.
Managing director of An Post retail Debbie Byrne said the company wanted to shine a light on the "remarkable achievements" of a group of Irish women, some of whom were practically unknown. "Their names are strangely absent from the history books and rolls of honour. These are the perfect stamps to post to the women we know who inspire, challenge and sustain us, and let them know we're thinking of them."
Created by Dublin-based graphic designer Oonagh Young, the stamps are available to buy at the General Post Office in Dublin, in selected post offices nationwide and online at anpost.com/shop.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Covid-19: Most returning healthcare staff not required to self-isolate

There is no requirement for most healthcare workers returning from northern Italy or other parts of the world where coronavirus is in active transmission to self-isolate for 14 days .
The exception relates to staff returning from areas of “ higher community transmission ” , who are required to stay at home for this period .
As of late February , these areas included Hubei province in China ( but not the rest of China ) , two cities in South Korea , Iran and , in the case of Italy , 11 specified towns , 10 of which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that time , however , the affected area in Italy was expanded from the 11 towns to cover the entirety of four northern provinces in the country .
This means Irish people returning from skiing trips in alpine Italy , including key healthcare workers , before this time were not required to self-isolate , despite the growing number of cases in the country ’ s northern provinces .
The rules that apply are contained in several HSE guidance documents , including the “ National Interim Guidelines for Public Health management of contacts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , dated March 2nd .
It warns that if Covid-19 is acquired by a healthcare worker , the potential impact on a vulnerable patient population could be “ extremely serious ” .
“ In addition , onward transmission of Covid-19 and subsequent outbreaks may be more likely in healthcare facilities ” and , as a result , the advice for healthcare workers returning from such areas is different than for other visitors , students and workers .
The rules say all healthcare workers coming back from affected areas should contact their local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
If they are well , and if their exposure was to an area of “ ongoing community transmission outside the areas of higher community transmission ” they can return to work but are subject to “ active monitoring ” by their local occupational health service or line manager for 14 days .
People in this category have no restrictions on their movement or travel but should remain contactable at all times .
There is no requirement for them to be tested .
If they were in the areas with “ higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 towns in Italy up to the end of February , and thereafter all four northern Italian provinces – they are required to stay at home , undergo “ passive follow-up ” and are asked to self-monitor .
The HSE referred further questions on the rules that should apply to the Department of Health .

There is no requirement for most healthcare workers returning from northern Italy or other parts of the world where coronavirus is in active transmission to self-isolate for 14 days.
The exception relates to staff returning from areas of “higher community transmission”, who are required to stay at home for this period.
As of late February, these areas included Hubei province in China (but not the rest of China), two cities in South Korea, Iran and, in the case of Italy, 11 specified towns, 10 of which are in the province of Lombardy.
Around that time, however, the affected area in Italy was expanded from the 11 towns to cover the entirety of four northern provinces in the country.
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This means Irish people returning from skiing trips in alpine Italy, including key healthcare workers, before this time were not required to self-isolate, despite the growing number of cases in the country’s northern provinces.
The rules that apply are contained in several HSE guidance documents, including the “National Interim Guidelines for Public Health management of contacts of cases of Covid-19, including healthcare workers”, dated March 2nd.
It warns that if Covid-19 is acquired by a healthcare worker, the potential impact on a vulnerable patient population could be “extremely serious”.
“In addition, onward transmission of Covid-19 and subsequent outbreaks may be more likely in healthcare facilities” and, as a result, the advice for healthcare workers returning from such areas is different than for other visitors, students and workers.
The rules say all healthcare workers coming back from affected areas should contact their local department of public health before returning to work.
If they are well, and if their exposure was to an area of “ongoing community transmission outside the areas of higher community transmission” they can return to work but are subject to “active monitoring” by their local occupational health service or line manager for 14 days.
People in this category have no restrictions on their movement or travel but should remain contactable at all times. There is no requirement for them to be tested.
If they were in the areas with “higher community transmission” – which included the 11 towns in Italy up to the end of February, and thereafter all four northern Italian provinces – they are required to stay at home, undergo “passive follow-up” and are asked to self-monitor.
The HSE referred further questions on the rules that should apply to the Department of Health.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Food supply focus of meeting with grocery sector

A high-level meeting involving Government officials and representatives of the grocery sector has taken place to discuss contingency plans for food supplies in the event that the coronavirus spreads widely .
The meeting involving retail representative bodies , large grocery retailers and retail distributors was chaired by Minister for Enterprise Heather Humphreys and took place after widespread panic buying of products such as face masks and hand sanitisers across Ireland .
Such items have been virtually impossible to source in pharmacies and medical supply shops since the middle of last month and prices have jumped by more than 500 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been reports of people in other countries where the coronavirus has taken hold stockpiling food , water and over-the-counter medications .
One large retailer in Australia was even said to be rationing toilet paper as people stocked up in case of future shortages .
Ms Humphreys and the retail sector moved quickly to assure the public here that such panic buying was unnecessary and would only serve to exacerbate supply issues .
Grocery retailers discussed how their businesses were preparing for Covid-19 to ensure the safety of employees and continuation of business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The meeting was part of the work of the Cabinet subcommittee set up to manage the unfolding situation .
“ I am greatly encouraged by the preparations that retailers and suppliers are making to ensure that consumers have access to the range of grocery goods that they need , ” Ms Humphreys said .
She added she was “ also assured that grocery supply chains are well-stocked and there is ample supply to meet demand ” .
She said retailers and suppliers were working on contingency plans “ and are following the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily basis , so that health is prioritised for employees and consumers , and food supply chains can continue to function with minimal disruption ” .
She stressed that the country remained in a containment phase , but said her focus and that of her department and relevant agencies was “ on maintaining continuity of business for whatever event may unfold .
In that light we need to ensure that we are all collectively preparing across the full range of potential scenarios ” .
Describing the engagement with the grocery retailers and suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and informative ” , she said the department would “ continue to engage over the coming days and weeks ” .
Musgrave , the parent company behind Supervalu , said it had been “ closely monitoring the developing situation ” and was “ in regular liaison with relevant stakeholders in line with our existing business continuity plans ” .
The spokesman said all its operational locations as well as all stores across its network of brands were “ adhering to the latest updated guidelines provided by the HSE ” and he stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuity plans , “ we have worked with suppliers to build up stock levels they maintain in recent years and increased our own stockholding .
“ As a result , we are advising consumers that there is no need to change their shopping habits , as there is sufficient stock within the supply chain.
” An Aldi spokesman told The Irish Times that the retailer was “ monitoring the status of any potentially affected products ” .
He said it had “ comprehensive plans in place to minimise any disruption for our customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some product lines .
To keep disruption to a minimum , we are working with suppliers to increase the volume of certain products such as canned and frozen goods .
”

Grocery retailers have discussed how their businesses are preparing for Covid-19 to ensure staff safety and continuation of business and food supply chains. Photograph: David Ryder/Getty
A high-level meeting involving Government officials and representatives of the grocery sector has taken place to discuss contingency plans for food supplies in the event that the coronavirus spreads widely.
The meeting involving retail representative bodies, large grocery retailers and retail distributors was chaired by Minister for Enterprise Heather Humphreys and took place after widespread panic buying of products such as face masks and hand sanitisers across Ireland.
Such items have been virtually impossible to source in pharmacies and medical supply shops since the middle of last month and prices have jumped by more than 500 per cent in some instances.
There have also been reports of people in other countries where the coronavirus has taken hold stockpiling food, water and over-the-counter medications. One large retailer in Australia was even said to be rationing toilet paper as people stocked up in case of future shortages.
READ MORE
Ms Humphreys and the retail sector moved quickly to assure the public here that such panic buying was unnecessary and would only serve to exacerbate supply issues.
Grocery retailers discussed how their businesses were preparing for Covid-19 to ensure the safety of employees and continuation of business and food supply chains for customers.
The meeting was part of the work of the Cabinet subcommittee set up to manage the unfolding situation.
Retail preparations
“I am greatly encouraged by the preparations that retailers and suppliers are making to ensure that consumers have access to the range of grocery goods that they need,” Ms Humphreys said.
She added she was “also assured that grocery supply chains are well-stocked and there is ample supply to meet demand”.
She said retailers and suppliers were working on contingency plans “and are following the public health advice provided by Government on a daily basis, so that health is prioritised for employees and consumers, and food supply chains can continue to function with minimal disruption”.
She stressed that the country remained in a containment phase, but said her focus and that of her department and relevant agencies was “on maintaining continuity of business for whatever event may unfold. In that light we need to ensure that we are all collectively preparing across the full range of potential scenarios”.
Describing the engagement with the grocery retailers and suppliers and retail representative bodies as “constructive and informative”, she said the department would “continue to engage over the coming days and weeks”.
Stock levels
Musgrave, the parent company behind Supervalu, said it had been "closely monitoring the developing situation" and was "in regular liaison with relevant stakeholders in line with our existing business continuity plans".
The spokesman said all its operational locations as well as all stores across its network of brands were “adhering to the latest updated guidelines provided by the HSE” and he stressed that, as part of its existing business continuity plans, “we have worked with suppliers to build up stock levels they maintain in recent years and increased our own stockholding.
“As a result, we are advising consumers that there is no need to change their shopping habits, as there is sufficient stock within the supply chain.”
An Aldi spokesman told The Irish Times that the retailer was "monitoring the status of any potentially affected products".
He said it had “comprehensive plans in place to minimise any disruption for our customers. There has been strong customer demand for some product lines. To keep disruption to a minimum, we are working with suppliers to increase the volume of certain products such as canned and frozen goods.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--‘No evidence’ fee-paying schools do better at boosting academic performance

There is no evidence fee-paying schools do better than others in maximising the academic performance of students , according to new research .
The finding is contained in an academic paper , Good Schools or Good Students ?
The Importance of Selectivity for School Rankings , by a team of researchers at Maynooth University .
It notes that while private schools dominate newspaper league tables based on student progression rates to third level , these outcomes are partly influenced by a range of factors such as prior ability , family income and parental education , as well as the contribution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact of students ’ characteristics and the effectiveness of the school , researchers used a “ value-added ” approach to measure school performance .
This approach identifies which schools do best by measuring where students start from in terms of ability and background and where they end up academically .
Speaking at an ESRI seminar on Thursday evening , Dr Aedin Doris , one of the research paper ’ s authors , said that while some fee-paying schools ranked highly on measures of “ value added ” , as a group they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntary secondary schools or vocational/community schools .
In fact , she said , the research team ’ s analysis indicates that if parents choose their children ’ s schools on the basis of value added , their children ’ s academic performance would improve “ substantially ” .
Another finding was that schools which perform well on this value-added basis are significantly associated with having a female principal .
Dr Doris said one possible explanation for this result was that female principals had more effective leadership styles .
She said a major study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight countries found that gender was the only characteristic of the principal that was significantly associated with better management scores .
Dr Doris noted there was an absence of official data provided by the Department of Education around school performance , apart from inspection reports which provide only limited information .
“ For example , while the Irish Government publishes inspection reports on individual schools , these are qualitative and there is no information on school rankings , either in terms of raw examination results or value added , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards providing information on schools to parents .
In the absence of other information , she said newspapers produced “ ad hoc league tables ” based on progression to university .
Despite their acknowledged shortcomings , she said these league tables were believed to affect parents ’ choices .
Dr Doris said parents tended to base their school choices for their children based on raw scores – such as league table results – rather than the “ value-added ” performance .
However , she said re-allocating students to schools based on value added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When we simulate the effect of all children attending their best available school , we find that the impact is comparable to the impact of having a parent with a university degree , ” she said .
“ Providing information on the value added of schools to parents when making their school choices has the potential to boost academic achievement without incurring substantial costs.
” The research was calculated using a combination of data such as Junior Cert scores and longitudinal data relating to children using the Growing Up in Ireland study , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their families .
It is based on the performance of thousands of children across more than 300 secondary schools .
While school names are not identified in the report , it does distinguish between school types , such as fee-paying , vocational/community schools and voluntary secondary schools .

Dr Aedin Doris outside the ESRI where she was the guest speaker at its seminar Good schools or good students? The importance of selectivity for school rankings. Photograph: Laura Hutton
There is no evidence fee-paying schools do better than others in maximising the academic performance of students, according to new research.
The finding is contained in an academic paper, Good Schools or Good Students? The Importance of Selectivity for School Rankings, by a team of researchers at Maynooth University.
It notes that while private schools dominate newspaper league tables based on student progression rates to third level, these outcomes are partly influenced by a range of factors such as prior ability, family income and parental education, as well as the contribution of a given school.
To disentangle the impact of students’ characteristics and the effectiveness of the school, researchers used a “value-added” approach to measure school performance.
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This approach identifies which schools do best by measuring where students start from in terms of ability and background and where they end up academically.
Speaking at an ESRI seminar on Thursday evening, Dr Aedin Doris, one of the research paper's authors, said that while some fee-paying schools ranked highly on measures of "value added", as a group they performed no better on average than either voluntary secondary schools or vocational/community schools.
In fact, she said, the research team’s analysis indicates that if parents choose their children’s schools on the basis of value added, their children’s academic performance would improve “substantially”.
Another finding was that schools which perform well on this value-added basis are significantly associated with having a female principal.
Dr Doris said one possible explanation for this result was that female principals had more effective leadership styles.
She said a major study of management practices across 1,800 schools in eight countries found that gender was the only characteristic of the principal that was significantly associated with better management scores.
Dr Doris noted there was an absence of official data provided by the Department of Education around school performance, apart from inspection reports which provide only limited information.
"For example, while the Irish Government publishes inspection reports on individual schools, these are qualitative and there is no information on school rankings, either in terms of raw examination results or value added," she said.
By contrast, some governments have moved towards providing information on schools to parents.
In the absence of other information, she said newspapers produced “ad hoc league tables” based on progression to university.
Despite their acknowledged shortcomings, she said these league tables were believed to affect parents’ choices.
School choices
Dr Doris said parents tended to base their school choices for their children based on raw scores – such as league table results – rather than the “value-added” performance.
However, she said re-allocating students to schools based on value added could substantially boost student outcomes.
“When we simulate the effect of all children attending their best available school, we find that the impact is comparable to the impact of having a parent with a university degree,” she said.
“Providing information on the value added of schools to parents when making their school choices has the potential to boost academic achievement without incurring substantial costs.”
The research was calculated using a combination of data such as Junior Cert scores and longitudinal data relating to children using the Growing Up in Ireland study, which contains detailed background information on children and their families.
It is based on the performance of thousands of children across more than 300 secondary schools.
While school names are not identified in the report, it does distinguish between school types, such as fee-paying, vocational/community schools and voluntary secondary schools.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Big Issue magazine the ‘perfect vehicle for fraud’, judge says

A District Court judge has described street magazine the Big Issue as “ the perfect vehicle for fraud ” after three people appeared in court for bogus charity collections .
Judge Kevin Kilrane had demanded the attendance of an official from the Big Issue ’ s Dublin office to Sligo District Court in order to ascertain what measures were in place in relation to the vetting of sellers of the publication .
The demand was made after three men appeared in court for holding illegal charity collections and were found to be in possession of legitimate badges to sell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Bernard Sweeney ( 49 ) of Gilmartin Road , Tuam , Co Galway , and Owen Maughan ( 39 ) of Abbeyvale , Ballyhaunis , Co Mayo , were observed with pots hanging from their necks and engaging with the public .
The sign on each pot read : “ Please support , thank you.
” Sweeney had €32.82 in his bucket and had four Big Issue magazines nearby .
The court was previously told Sweeney had 95 previous convictions , four of which were for acting as a collector and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maughan , who had €2 on his person on the day , had three Big Issue magazines , which were not on display .
Patrick McDonagh ( 29 ) of Cuba Avenue , Banagher , Co Offaly , was also before the court after he was detected acting as a collector without authorisation in Sligo town on July 25th last .
Sean Kavanagh , editor of the Big Issue , told the court bogus collections under the guise of the Big Issue was a “ new phenomenon ” the organisation was trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was issued with a code of conduct , which outlined no tables were to be used while selling , and each seller was put on a month ’ s trial before they were reissued with copies of the publication .
“ You need to tighten up the show , ” Judge Kilrane told Mr Kavanagh .
Sweeney was convicted of holding a collection without a permit and fined €500 , while Maughan and McDonagh were convicted and fined €300 each .

Two of the men were observed with pots hanging from their necks and engaging with the public. Photograph: iStock
A District Court judge has described street magazine the Big Issue as “the perfect vehicle for fraud” after three people appeared in court for bogus charity collections.
Judge Kevin Kilrane had demanded the attendance of an official from the Big Issue’s Dublin office to Sligo District Court in order to ascertain what measures were in place in relation to the vetting of sellers of the publication.
The demand was made after three men appeared in court for holding illegal charity collections and were found to be in possession of legitimate badges to sell the street paper.
On March 9th, 2019, Bernard Sweeney (49) of Gilmartin Road, Tuam, Co Galway, and Owen Maughan (39) of Abbeyvale, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, were observed with pots hanging from their necks and engaging with the public. The sign on each pot read: “Please support, thank you.”
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Sweeney had €32.82 in his bucket and had four Big Issue magazines nearby. The court was previously told Sweeney had 95 previous convictions, four of which were for acting as a collector and holding a collection without a permit.
Maughan, who had €2 on his person on the day, had three Big Issue magazines, which were not on display.
Patrick McDonagh (29) of Cuba Avenue, Banagher, Co Offaly, was also before the court after he was detected acting as a collector without authorisation in Sligo town on July 25th last.
Sean Kavanagh, editor of the Big Issue, told the court bogus collections under the guise of the Big Issue was a “new phenomenon” the organisation was trying to deal with.
He said each seller was issued with a code of conduct, which outlined no tables were to be used while selling, and each seller was put on a month’s trial before they were reissued with copies of the publication.
“You need to tighten up the show,” Judge Kilrane told Mr Kavanagh.
Sweeney was convicted of holding a collection without a permit and fined €500, while Maughan and McDonagh were convicted and fined €300 each.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Dr Muiris Houston: Doctors travelling from high Covid-19 areas should self-isolate

While exact details remain to be confirmed , it seems one of the four cases diagnosed with novel coronavirus illness ( Covid-19 ) in the west of Ireland is a healthcare professional .
The individual is one of a family of four who became unwell after returning from a skiing holiday in northern Italy .
Reports suggest the professional worked one shift in an emergency department following his return and before he developed any symptoms .
While doctors and nurses are subject to the same public health advice as the general population , the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health professionals .
That advice was strengthened on Thursday .
For healthcare workers returning from an area with presumed ongoing community transmission the probability of infection is considered moderate to high , the HPSC says .
“ If Covid-19 is acquired by a health care worker the potential impact on a vulnerable patient population could be extremely serious .
In addition , onward transmission of Covid-19 and subsequent outbreaks may be more likely in health care facilities , ” the advisory states .
A healthcare professional returning from areas with presumed ongoing community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days is asked to contact their local Department of Public Health prior to returning to work .
“ If the health care worker is well ( and ) their only exposure is travel to an area of ongoing community transmission outside the areas of higher community transmission they are informed and advised about symptoms , and can return to work , ” the guideline states .
They will be monitored by their local occupational health service or line manager for 14 days after their last exposure and “ can continue to practice or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asymptomatic ” .
However , if they have been in areas with higher community transmission , they must remain off work for 14 days after their last exposure .
The professional is asked to self-monitor ; if they develop symptoms during this period they should self-isolate and contact their local public health department for further advice .
Meanwhile , those who were a close contact of an infected person while abroad will be actively monitored for the 14-day period before return to work .
In a highly fluid situation , this advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move closer to a mitigation phase in this outbreak , we can expect the tone of public health messages to alter significantly .

As we move closer to a mitigation phase in this outbreak, we can expect the tone of public health messages to alter significantly.
While exact details remain to be confirmed, it seems one of the four cases diagnosed with novel coronavirus illness (Covid-19) in the west of Ireland is a healthcare professional. The individual is one of a family of four who became unwell after returning from a skiing holiday in northern Italy. Reports suggest the professional worked one shift in an emergency department following his return and before he developed any symptoms.
While doctors and nurses are subject to the same public health advice as the general population, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has issued some specific advice for health professionals. That advice was strengthened on Thursday.
For healthcare workers returning from an area with presumed ongoing community transmission the probability of infection is considered moderate to high, the HPSC says.
“If Covid-19 is acquired by a health care worker the potential impact on a vulnerable patient population could be extremely serious. In addition, onward transmission of Covid-19 and subsequent outbreaks may be more likely in health care facilities,” the advisory states.
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A healthcare professional returning from areas with presumed ongoing community transmission of Covid-19 in the preceding 14 days is asked to contact their local Department of Public Health prior to returning to work.
“If the health care worker is well (and) their only exposure is travel to an area of ongoing community transmission outside the areas of higher community transmission they are informed and advised about symptoms, and can return to work,” the guideline states.
They will be monitored by their local occupational health service or line manager for 14 days after their last exposure and “can continue to practice or work as normal as long as they are asymptomatic”.
However, if they have been in areas with higher community transmission, they must remain off work for 14 days after their last exposure. The professional is asked to self-monitor; if they develop symptoms during this period they should self-isolate and contact their local public health department for further advice.
Meanwhile, those who were a close contact of an infected person while abroad will be actively monitored for the 14-day period before return to work.
In a highly fluid situation, this advice will likely change. And as we move closer to a mitigation phase in this outbreak, we can expect the tone of public health messages to alter significantly.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Hundreds of Irish cases expected within fortnight

Senior officials expect there will be hundreds of cases of the coronavirus in Ireland by the time the Dáil returns in a fortnight ’ s time , according to sources briefed on the Government ’ s planning for the spread of the virus .
Ministers have also been briefed about the possible widespread closure of schools , postponement of sporting events and other mass gatherings and businesses in order to contain the spread of the virus , but they have also been told there is no indication yet that this will be necessary .
Senior health officials are optimistic that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , though sources stressed they expect the numbers to rise quickly over the coming days .
Ministers were told at Wednesday ’ s Cabinet meeting that a broad range of “ non-medical ” interventions by the Government – including closures of public buildings , cancelling of some public transport services and travel restrictions – would be considered if transmission of the virus became widespread in the community .
However , Ministers were told that it was not envisaged that borders would be closed in any circumstances .
They were also told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assess how the Irish economy would be affected , the areas of agri-food , tourism , retail and manufacturing would be hit worst .
Sources said that it was stressed that although contingency plans for all scenarios were in place , there was no indication that the worst-case scenario was likely here .
Senior officials and doctors believe that because Ireland is “ about two weeks behind ” Italy in terms of its infection rates , it stands a better chance of containing the outbreak .
A group of high-ranking officials has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , which is chaired by the Taoiseach and is due to meet next Monday .

The World Health Organisation has warned governments that "this is not a drill" as coronavirus infections near 100,000 worldwide.
Senior officials expect there will be hundreds of cases of the coronavirus in Ireland by the time the Dáil returns in a fortnight's time, according to sources briefed on the Government's planning for the spread of the virus.
Ministers have also been briefed about the possible widespread closure of schools, postponement of sporting events and other mass gatherings and businesses in order to contain the spread of the virus, but they have also been told there is no indication yet that this will be necessary.
Senior health officials are optimistic that they can avoid widespread community transmission of the virus, though sources stressed they expect the numbers to rise quickly over the coming days.
Ministers were told at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting that a broad range of “non-medical” interventions by the Government – including closures of public buildings, cancelling of some public transport services and travel restrictions – would be considered if transmission of the virus became widespread in the community.
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However, Ministers were told that it was not envisaged that borders would be closed in any circumstances.
Economic hit
They were also told that while it was too early to assess how the Irish economy would be affected, the areas of agri-food, tourism, retail and manufacturing would be hit worst.
Sources said that it was stressed that although contingency plans for all scenarios were in place, there was no indication that the worst-case scenario was likely here.
Senior officials and doctors believe that because Ireland is "about two weeks behind" Italy in terms of its infection rates, it stands a better chance of containing the outbreak.
A group of high-ranking officials has been formed to advise the Cabinet committee on the virus, which is chaired by the Taoiseach and is due to meet next Monday.