theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Testing failings mean we do not know exactly where the virus is circulating

The next two weeks will be make-or-break ones in Ireland ’ s struggle to stop the spread of coronavirus .
Over this time cases will soar and deaths will multiply – we know this already as the virus is transmitting in the community and has probably already infected many of its future victims .
The difference between success and failure will be measured by the health system ’ s ability to cope with the surge that is coming .
If this is kept within the capacity of our hospitals , and specifically the capacity of our intensive care units ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been given the best possible shot at surviving this virus .
If it far exceeds the capacity we have ramped up in recent weeks , scores of patients will die because they were unable to get the treatment they needed .
Meanwhile , non-Covid-19 patients who require urgent medical attention will have worse outcomes , including death , because the hospitals are clogged .
Among the casualties of such a system overload will be healthcare workers , forced to work in overcrowded conditions or who are unable to access protective equipment .
Given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprising the Government last week opted for a third set of restrictive measures , amounting to a lockdown in all but name .
Among the justifications for these measures were that ICU cases were increasing , that clusters had emerged in nursing homes , and the disease was circulating in the community .
These are all valid concerns but they go back to a common cause ; we simply don ’ t know with sufficient accuracy where this disease is circulating .
And the reason we don ’ t know is because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First we were too restrictive with testing , denying people tests simply because they had not been abroad .
Then we were too liberal , and the system was flooded by the “ worried well ” .
So we changed the criteria again , and thousands had their tests cancelled .
All along the process has been marred by delays in getting a test , having it processed and reported back .
These delays were understandable , but still reduce the likelihood of compliance , and are likely to lead to more false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us last Friday not to go more than 2km from our house , and not at all if we are over 70 , is because we can ’ t say with certainty where the disease is .
And if we can ’ t do that , the most effective way of stopping it spreading is to lock everyone in - virtually .
These are draconian measures .
They are most likely to be heeded by that part of the population already doing everything it can to maintain social distancing .
The public will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but for how long ?
And while the population is told to stay close to home , there was little mention of travel across international borders , particularly our border with the UK .
This is hard to understand .
We are still importing cases .
The UK was the country from which we imported the largest number of cases , with 23 confirmed last week .
These figures might seem small but they are huge underestimates because so little testing is being done .
However , on Monday Taoiseach Leo Varadkar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travellers from abroad .
Iceland , in contrast , started screening high-risk or sick people long before it had a positive test , and has now tested over 3 per cent of the population .
On the face of it Iceland has a high rate of cases , but only because it has tested so widely .
It knows better than most countries where the chains of transmission are , including asymptomatic cases .
There is no lockdown , and its schools remain open .
Our best hope now is that while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospitals , we use the next two weeks to get the testing and contact tracing systems properly up and running .

First we were too restrictive with testing, denying people tests if they had not been abroad. Then we were too liberal, and the system was flooded by the “worried well”. Photograph: Getty Images
The next two weeks will be make-or-break ones in Ireland’s struggle to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Over this time cases will soar and deaths will multiply – we know this already as the virus is transmitting in the community and has probably already infected many of its future victims.
The difference between success and failure will be measured by the health system’s ability to cope with the surge that is coming. If this is kept within the capacity of our hospitals, and specifically the capacity of our intensive care units (ICUs), then patients will have been given the best possible shot at surviving this virus.
If it far exceeds the capacity we have ramped up in recent weeks, scores of patients will die because they were unable to get the treatment they needed.
READ MORE
Meanwhile, non-Covid-19 patients who require urgent medical attention will have worse outcomes, including death, because the hospitals are clogged.
Among the casualties of such a system overload will be healthcare workers, forced to work in overcrowded conditions or who are unable to access protective equipment.
Given the enormous stakes it was not entirely surprising the Government last week opted for a third set of restrictive measures, amounting to a lockdown in all but name.
Among the justifications for these measures were that ICU cases were increasing, that clusters had emerged in nursing homes, and the disease was circulating in the community.
These are all valid concerns but they go back to a common cause; we simply don’t know with sufficient accuracy where this disease is circulating. And the reason we don’t know is because of the failures of our testing system.
Criteria
First we were too restrictive with testing, denying people tests simply because they had not been abroad.
Then we were too liberal, and the system was flooded by the “worried well”. So we changed the criteria again, and thousands had their tests cancelled.
All along the process has been marred by delays in getting a test, having it processed and reported back. These delays were understandable, but still reduce the likelihood of compliance, and are likely to lead to more false negatives.
So the reason Ministers told us last Friday not to go more than 2km from our house, and not at all if we are over 70, is because we can’t say with certainty where the disease is.
And if we can’t do that, the most effective way of stopping it spreading is to lock everyone in - virtually.
These are draconian measures. They are most likely to be heeded by that part of the population already doing everything it can to maintain social distancing. The public will buy into them for the most part, but for how long?
And while the population is told to stay close to home, there was little mention of travel across international borders, particularly our border with the UK.
This is hard to understand. We are still importing cases. The UK was the country from which we imported the largest number of cases, with 23 confirmed last week. These figures might seem small but they are huge underestimates because so little testing is being done. However, on Monday Taoiseach Leo Varadkar signalled additional restrictions could soon be applied to travellers from abroad.
Screening
Iceland, in contrast, started screening high-risk or sick people long before it had a positive test, and has now tested over 3 per cent of the population. On the face of it Iceland has a high rate of cases, but only because it has tested so widely. It knows better than most countries where the chains of transmission are, including asymptomatic cases. There is no lockdown, and its schools remain open.
Our best hope now is that while frontline staff are coping with the surge in hospitals, we use the next two weeks to get the testing and contact tracing systems properly up and running.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: ‘Everyone wants to help’ – Irish researchers respond to Covid-19 crisis

Researchers in Ireland are donating time , expertise and equipment to the frontline efforts in the Covid-19 pandemic .
“ Everyone wants to help ” is the common refrain in the research community , and one that is prompting creativity and innovative thinking from scientists who are donating time , materials and equipment to support those at frontline in responding to coronavirus .
At Dublin City University ( DCU ) , the response has been enormous , says Dr Mary Rose Sweeney , head of the School of Nursing , Psychotherapy and Community Health .
DCU has set up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where volunteer staff from the university make calls to people to let them know that they have tested positive for the new coronavirus , find out who may have been exposed to it and then follow up calls with those individuals .
“ It came about when we got a call from University College Dublin , who were developing the training materials for contact tracing and setting up their own call centre .
They initially asked if we had the capacity to help with training , ” Sweeney adds .
“ Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we could also set up a hub here in DCU – we had the facilities and the space so we could put distance between the volunteers as they were working.
” The call for volunteers has been answered from across the university , she points out .
“ As lecturers and researchers we are really busy keeping lectures going online and making sure the students and research teams are doing well in this new way of working .
So the people who are volunteering are doing this in addition to their day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national cause.
” Many lab-based researchers have also been looking at how they can help with practical supplies .
Prof Padraic Fallon loaded a trolley full of gloves , masks , aprons and protective suits from his now-closed lab in Trinity College Dublin and got them to St James ’ s Hospital , where they can help to protect clinical workers as they care for patients .
Prof Fallon , who is professor of translational immunology , researches lung inflammatory lung diseases .
He has now switched his focus to working from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues on addressing lung inflammation as it relates to Covid-19 .
“ From talking to medical colleagues at St James ’ s , I knew they needed personal protective equipment or PPE , ” he says .
“ I realised our lab had all these items that could be of use , and we would not need them for some time .
So rather than have it sitting on the shelves , I got it over to them.
” Physician Prof Derek O ’ Keeffe is now trying to make similar matches between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies and those who need them .
“ I have colleagues around the world who have been involved in the fight against Covid-19 , and I could see that unfortunately in times of a surge , healthcare systems get overwhelmed and there may not be enough protective clothing like gloves and aprons , ” adds Prof O ’ Keeffe , who is professor of medical device technology at NUI Galway and a consultant endocrinologist at Galway University Hospitals .
“ Then I also had people from industry ringing up saying they had boxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asking how they could help , ” he adds .
Prof O ’ Keeffe worked with Dr Kevin Johnson from the University of Limerick to create a website called covidmedsupply.org that can connect clinicians with local supplies as needed .
“ A lot of people working in different industries , like the pharmaceutical sector or hairdressers or catering or construction , will have protective clothing and equipment .
They can go onto the website and give details about where they are , in general the kinds of equipment they have and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explains Prof O ’ Keeffe .
“ Then when someone needs this equipment , they can go online and see what is available in their area .
Everyone wants to help , trying to find that match is the issue , and that is what we are looking to do.
” Dr James Reynolds has also gone online to help scientists find out how they can apply their skills to slow Covid-19 .
A neuroscientist who works at University College London , he had come home to Ireland when the university was closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping in touch about how they could apply their skills to help .
“ We started out with a WhatsApp group , and we could see that a lot of scientists wanted to help , but were not sure where to direct their efforts , ” he says .
“ So we made a website ( irishscientistsoncall.com ) where we can post information about the skills or materials that are needed , and people can join a mailing list to keep updated .
”

Prof Padraic Fallon loaded a trolley full of gloves, masks, aprons and protective suits from his now-closed lab in Trinity College Dublin and got them to St James’s Hospital
Researchers in Ireland are donating time, expertise and equipment to the frontline efforts in the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Everyone wants to help” is the common refrain in the research community, and one that is prompting creativity and innovative thinking from scientists who are donating time, materials and equipment to support those at frontline in responding to coronavirus.
Tracing contacts
At Dublin City University (DCU), the response has been enormous, says Dr Mary Rose Sweeney, head of the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health.
READ MORE
DCU has set up and established a call centre for contact tracing, where volunteer staff from the university make calls to people to let them know that they have tested positive for the new coronavirus, find out who may have been exposed to it and then follow up calls with those individuals.
“It came about when we got a call from University College Dublin, who were developing the training materials for contact tracing and setting up their own call centre. They initially asked if we had the capacity to help with training,” Sweeney adds.
“Then we realised that as well as training, we could also set up a hub here in DCU – we had the facilities and the space so we could put distance between the volunteers as they were working.”
The call for volunteers has been answered from across the university, she points out. “As lecturers and researchers we are really busy keeping lectures going online and making sure the students and research teams are doing well in this new way of working. So the people who are volunteering are doing this in addition to their day jobs, they are doing it for the national cause.”
Many lab-based researchers have also been looking at how they can help with practical supplies. Prof Padraic Fallon loaded a trolley full of gloves, masks, aprons and protective suits from his now-closed lab in Trinity College Dublin and got them to St James’s Hospital, where they can help to protect clinical workers as they care for patients.
Prof Fallon, who is professor of translational immunology, researches lung inflammatory lung diseases. He has now switched his focus to working from home, planning new research with international colleagues on addressing lung inflammation as it relates to Covid-19.
“From talking to medical colleagues at St James’s, I knew they needed personal protective equipment or PPE,” he says. “I realised our lab had all these items that could be of use, and we would not need them for some time. So rather than have it sitting on the shelves, I got it over to them.”
Matching resources
Physician Prof Derek O’Keeffe is now trying to make similar matches between people who have PPE and other important supplies and those who need them.
“I have colleagues around the world who have been involved in the fight against Covid-19, and I could see that unfortunately in times of a surge, healthcare systems get overwhelmed and there may not be enough protective clothing like gloves and aprons,” adds Prof O’Keeffe, who is professor of medical device technology at NUI Galway and a consultant endocrinologist at Galway University Hospitals.
“Then I also had people from industry ringing up saying they had boxes of gloves or other protective equipment, and asking how they could help,” he adds.
Prof O'Keeffe worked with Dr Kevin Johnson from the University of Limerick to create a website called covidmedsupply.org that can connect clinicians with local supplies as needed. "A lot of people working in different industries, like the pharmaceutical sector or hairdressers or catering or construction, will have protective clothing and equipment.
They can go onto the website and give details about where they are, in general the kinds of equipment they have and the details of a contact person,” explains Prof O’Keeffe. “Then when someone needs this equipment, they can go online and see what is available in their area. Everyone wants to help, trying to find that match is the issue, and that is what we are looking to do.”
Scientists on call
Dr James Reynolds has also gone online to help scientists find out how they can apply their skills to slow Covid-19. A neuroscientist who works at University College London, he had come home to Ireland when the university was closing, and he and fellow scientists were keeping in touch about how they could apply their skills to help.
"We started out with a WhatsApp group, and we could see that a lot of scientists wanted to help, but were not sure where to direct their efforts," he says. "So we made a website (irishscientistsoncall.com) where we can post information about the skills or materials that are needed, and people can join a mailing list to keep updated."


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Letters flow to self-isolating father whose children were found dead

Andrew McGinley , the father of three young children who were found dead at their home in Co Dublin earlier this year , has received more than 1,000 letters and postcards while in social isolation as part of the national effort to combat coronavirus .
The bodies of his three children , Conor ( 9 ) , Darragh ( 7 ) and Carla ( 3 ) McGinley , were discovered in their Newcastle house on January 24th .
The children ’ s mother , Deirdre Morley , has since been charged with their murder , but has been too unwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week appealed via his Twitter account @ conorsclips for people to write to him to keep him company while he self-isolates .
“ If you want something to do , or to give your kids something to do then I ’ d be delighted to get cards or letters about anything , ” he wrote .
“ I ’ m struggling with isolation like you all but really missing the company .
I was also enjoying most of the letters that I received so I have a request , ” he wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you feel like using one of your An Post postcards then great .
Letters welcome.
” In the days and weeks following the children ’ s deaths , there was an outpouring of public support for Mr McGinley , who received many letters and cards from people across the country .
Last Friday , he wrote : “ Maybe just let me know if you and your kids are enjoying Conor ’ s Clips ( or not , everyone ’ s a critic ! )
.
” During his funeral eulogy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had said : “ Conor announced at Christmas that he wanted to set up a You Tube channel .
Containing what he never quite committed to but I promised to help him and I will do that for him.
” In his latest update on his Twitter page on Tuesday , Mr McGinley posted a photograph of two An Post containers full of letters and postcards he had received .
He tweeted : “ I possibly should have thought this through .
Thank you all .
Andrew.
” He responded humorously to some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Maria - thank you for the scratch card , I won a tenner .
Sean - I ’ m not a doctor so stop scratching it , apply some [ Sudocrem ] and get yourself to A & E .
Karen - ring your mother .
“ Only another 950 to read .
Seriously enjoying this so thank you all so much .
”

Andrew McGinley posted this photograph of crates of letters and cards that had been delivered to him by well-wishers. Photograph: Twitter
Andrew McGinley, the father of three young children who were found dead at their home in Co Dublin earlier this year, has received more than 1,000 letters and postcards while in social isolation as part of the national effort to combat coronavirus.
The bodies of his three children, Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla (3) McGinley, were discovered in their Newcastle house on January 24th.
Conor (9), Carla (3) and Darragh McGinley (7) with their father Andrew McGinley. Photograph: An Garda Síochána
Conor (9), Carla (3) and Darragh McGinley (7) with their father Andrew McGinley. Photograph: An Garda Síochána
The children's mother, Deirdre Morley, has since been charged with their murder, but has been too unwell to attend court.
Mr McGinley last week appealed via his Twitter account @conorsclips for people to write to him to keep him company while he self-isolates.
READ MORE
“If you want something to do, or to give your kids something to do then I’d be delighted to get cards or letters about anything,” he wrote.
“I’m struggling with isolation like you all but really missing the company. I was also enjoying most of the letters that I received so I have a request,” he wrote.
"Can you write to me? If you feel like using one of your An Post postcards then great. Letters welcome."
In the days and weeks following the children’s deaths, there was an outpouring of public support for Mr McGinley, who received many letters and cards from people across the country.
Last Friday, he wrote: “Maybe just let me know if you and your kids are enjoying Conor’s Clips (or not, everyone’s a critic!).” During his funeral eulogy for his children in January, Mr McGinley had said: “Conor announced at Christmas that he wanted to set up a You Tube channel. Containing what he never quite committed to but I promised to help him and I will do that for him.”
In his latest update on his Twitter page on Tuesday, Mr McGinley posted a photograph of two An Post containers full of letters and postcards he had received. He tweeted: “I possibly should have thought this through. Thank you all. Andrew.”
He responded humorously to some of the letters via his Twitter account: “Maria - thank you for the scratch card, I won a tenner. Sean - I’m not a doctor so stop scratching it, apply some [Sudocrem] and get yourself to A&E. Karen - ring your mother.
“Only another 950 to read. Seriously enjoying this so thank you all so much.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Cycling group secures court decision over permission for Dublin apartments

The Dublin Cycling Campaign has secured leave for judicial review of a decision granting permission for 761 build-to-rent apartments at the rear of Dublin ’ s Connolly Station .
Oxley Holdings Ltd , registered in Singapore , was given the go-ahead last month for the development after An Bord Pleanála determined it was strategic housing development , so allowing local planning authorities to be bypassed .
At the High Court this week , Mr Justice Denis McDonald said Dublin Cycling Campaign ( DCC ) had made out appropriate grounds entitling it to bring the judicial review proceedings against the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as notice parties .
In light of the Covid-19 outbreak , the judge had excused John Kenny BL , instructed by solicitor Fred Logue , from attending court and they were notified electronically of the decision to grant leave and of directions aimed at progressing the case .
Dublin Cycling Campaign , of Tailor ’ s Hall , Back Lane , Dublin 8 , is a registered charity with the purpose of making Dublin a safer and better city for cyclists .
Its challenge concerns An Bord Pleanála ’ s permission for construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and associated site works on CIÉ lands to the rear of Connolly Station , Connolly Station car park , Sheriff Street Lower .
It claims the board lacked jurisdiction under the 2016 Development ( Housing ) and Residential Tenancies Act to grant permission because the development is not “ strategic housing development ” under section 3 of that Act .
The board erred in law in not taking into account works to construct a third-floor car-parking deck with 135 car parking spaces and access ramps , it is claimed .
Dublin Cycling Campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 390 car parking spaces , used by CIÉ staff and rail passengers .
It claims the developer ’ s application treats the issue of car parking spaces in a “ confused and contradictory way ” and that it seems the 390 spaces will be rationalised to 180 spaces .
Among various arguments on that issue , it is claimed the board was obliged , but failed , to give reasons why it had concluded it was entitled to grant permission for a car parking deck that did not form part of the original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board failed to properly consider concerns by a Dublin City Council senior executive parks superintendent about the conclusions of the developer ’ s appropriate assessment screening report in relation to the effect of increased sewage effluent loading in Dublin bay pending completion of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment plant .
A board inspector who considered the matter had recommended permission be granted subject to conditions , and the board granted permission with 29 conditions .
Dublin Cycling Campaign claims the board incorrectly concluded a stage two appropriate assessment was not required and had given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s evidence over the council ’ s .
The inspector was obliged to say why , when faced with a choice between “ brief and inaccurate ” information from the developer premised on a belief that pumping raw sewage into Dublin Bay “ is an environmental positive ” for Natura 2000 sites and “ contemporaneous and careful research demonstrating the exact opposite ” , she preferred the developer ’ s evidence , it is argued .
Further claims include that the planning application was invalid on a number of grounds .
The case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 30th .

The Dublin Cycling Campaign has secured leave for judicial review of a decision granting permission for 761 apartments at the rear of Dublin’s Connolly Station
The Dublin Cycling Campaign has secured leave for judicial review of a decision granting permission for 761 build-to-rent apartments at the rear of Dublin’s Connolly Station.
Oxley Holdings Ltd, registered in Singapore, was given the go-ahead last month for the development after An Bord Pleanála determined it was strategic housing development, so allowing local planning authorities to be bypassed.
At the High Court this week, Mr Justice Denis McDonald said Dublin Cycling Campaign (DCC) had made out appropriate grounds entitling it to bring the judicial review proceedings against the board, with Oxyley and Dublin City Council as notice parties.
In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, the judge had excused John Kenny BL, instructed by solicitor Fred Logue, from attending court and they were notified electronically of the decision to grant leave and of directions aimed at progressing the case.
READ MORE
Dublin Cycling Campaign, of Tailor’s Hall, Back Lane, Dublin 8, is a registered charity with the purpose of making Dublin a safer and better city for cyclists.
Its challenge concerns An Bord Pleanála’s permission for construction of 741 build-to-rent apartments, retail space and associated site works on CIÉ lands to the rear of Connolly Station, Connolly Station car park, Sheriff Street Lower.
It claims the board lacked jurisdiction under the 2016 Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act to grant permission because the development is not “strategic housing development” under section 3 of that Act.
The board erred in law in not taking into account works to construct a third-floor car-parking deck with 135 car parking spaces and access ramps, it is claimed.
Dublin Cycling Campaign says the the existing lands have some 390 car parking spaces, used by CIÉ staff and rail passengers. It claims the developer’s application treats the issue of car parking spaces in a “confused and contradictory way” and that it seems the 390 spaces will be rationalised to 180 spaces.
Among various arguments on that issue, it is claimed the board was obliged, but failed, to give reasons why it had concluded it was entitled to grant permission for a car parking deck that did not form part of the original planning application.
Other claims include the board failed to properly consider concerns by a Dublin City Council senior executive parks superintendent about the conclusions of the developer’s appropriate assessment screening report in relation to the effect of increased sewage effluent loading in Dublin bay pending completion of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment plant.
A board inspector who considered the matter had recommended permission be granted subject to conditions, and the board granted permission with 29 conditions.
Dublin Cycling Campaign claims the board incorrectly concluded a stage two appropriate assessment was not required and had given no reasons for preferring the developer’s evidence over the council’s.
The inspector was obliged to say why, when faced with a choice between “brief and inaccurate” information from the developer premised on a belief that pumping raw sewage into Dublin Bay “is an environmental positive” for Natura 2000 sites and “contemporaneous and careful research demonstrating the exact opposite”, she preferred the developer’s evidence, it is argued.
Further claims include that the planning application was invalid on a number of grounds.
The case is due back before the court on April 30th.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Cruise ship with Irish on board to dock in Florida

A Dutch cruise ship which has a coronavirus outbreak and several Irish citizens on board is expected to dock in Florida in the coming days , the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said .
Four people have died on the MS Zaandam , though it is understood that none of the deceased is Irish .
The ship has 1,243 guests and 586 crew on board .
Dozens of guests have been suffering from influenza-like symptoms , the vessel ’ s operator said last week when the ship was off the coast of Panama .
“ The Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation of the MS Zaandam , which has passed through the Panama canal and is expected to dock in Fort Lauderdale in the coming days , ” a spokeswoman said on Tuesday .
“ We are in regular contact with the Irish citizens on board and are providing all possible consular assistance.
” MS Zaandam had been on a South American cruise that departed Argentina on March 7th and had been scheduled to end in San Antonio , Chile on March 21st .
It has been unable to dock at a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Passangers seen as the ship navigates through the Panama Canal on March 29th (Photograph: Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty
A Dutch cruise ship which has a coronavirus outbreak and several Irish citizens on board is expected to dock in Florida in the coming days, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said.
Four people have died on the MS Zaandam, though it is understood that none of the deceased is Irish. The ship has 1,243 guests and 586 crew on board.
Dozens of guests have been suffering from influenza-like symptoms, the vessel's operator said last week when the ship was off the coast of Panama.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the situation of the MS Zaandam, which has passed through the Panama canal and is expected to dock in Fort Lauderdale in the coming days," a spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
READ MORE
“We are in regular contact with the Irish citizens on board and are providing all possible consular assistance.”
The Zaandam cruise ship sails towards the Panama Canal on March 29th. Photograph: Bienvenido Velasco/EPA
MS Zaandam had been on a South American cruise that departed Argentina on March 7th and had been scheduled to end in San Antonio, Chile on March 21st. It has been unable to dock at a number of ports since the Covid-19 outbreak.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Teacher who admitted having child porn struck off teaching register

An order removing a former deputy primary school principal from the teaching register after he was jailed for possessing and distributing child pornography has been confirmed by the High Court .
The Teaching Council was of the opinion “ no words ” could be used to explain the appalling nature of the offences committed by Brian Fitzgerald and fully agreed with Judge Sean O ’ Donnabhain ’ s remarks when sentencing Fitzgerald that he had committed a “ heinous ” and not a victimless crime , J.P. McDowell , solicitor for the Council , told Mr Justice Denis McDonald .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court last year to one count of possession of child pornography on 6th May , 2017 .
He also admitted four charges of distributing more than 50 images of child pornography on dates in February , March , and April 2017 .
He was found to have 555 images and 1,162 videos involving children under the age of 17 engaged in sexual activity with other children or adults .
He was also found to have 529 “ category two ” images and 1,018 videos involving children under the age of 18 with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fitzgerald expressed remorse for his actions .
Fitzgerald , with an address at Links Road , Youghal , Co Cork , was sentenced to three years in prison to be served in the Midlands Prison , with the final 18 months suspended .
The 50-year-old , a registered teacher for many years prior to his conviction , was then the subject of an investigation and disciplinary hearing conducted by the Teaching Council .
At the High Court , Mr Justice Denis McDonald granted an application by solicitor JP McDowell for the Teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the register .
The sanction was “ entirely appropriate ” given the circumstances , the judge said .
The judge also noted the Council had imposed a requirement that Fitzgerald could not seek to apply to be restored to the register for 15 years .
Seeking the confirmation , Mr McDowell said gardaí were given information in 2017 from New Zealand ’ s Police force about a particular website which allowed files and videos to be shared by groups of people .
It was alleged that Fitzgerald , using the username “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pornography .
That username was traced to a residential address and an IP address used by Fitzgerald .
Various devices , including computers belonging to Fitzgerald , were examined by gardaí .
A large number of files containing images and videos with child pornography , some involving very young boys and girls , including babies , were discovered .
Fitzgerald initially denied the allegations but later admitted the offences , Mr McDowell said .
Evidence from the Garda analysis showed that Fitzgerald had shared some of these files with other persons overseas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prosecution and conviction of Fitzgerald the Teaching Council commenced an investigation leading to a disciplinary committee finding he should be removed from the teaching register .
Mr McDowell said Fitzgerald had neither contested nor appealed the council ’ s finding against him , or the sanction imposed .

Brian Fitzgerald of Meadowlands, Youghal, Co Cork, was sentenced to three years in prison to be served in the Midlands Prison, with the final 18 months suspended. Photograph: iStock
An order removing a former deputy primary school principal from the teaching register after he was jailed for possessing and distributing child pornography has been confirmed by the High Court.
The Teaching Council was of the opinion “no words” could be used to explain the appalling nature of the offences committed by Brian Fitzgerald and fully agreed with Judge Sean O’Donnabhain’s remarks when sentencing Fitzgerald that he had committed a “heinous” and not a victimless crime, J.P. McDowell, solicitor for the Council, told Mr Justice Denis McDonald.
Fitzgerald pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court last year to one count of possession of child pornography on 6th May, 2017.
He also admitted four charges of distributing more than 50 images of child pornography on dates in February, March, and April 2017.
READ MORE
He was found to have 555 images and 1,162 videos involving children under the age of 17 engaged in sexual activity with other children or adults.
He was also found to have 529 “category two” images and 1,018 videos involving children under the age of 18 with their genitalia exposed.
After admitting the offences, Fitzgerald expressed remorse for his actions.
Fitzgerald, with an address at Links Road, Youghal, Co Cork, was sentenced to three years in prison to be served in the Midlands Prison, with the final 18 months suspended.
The 50-year-old, a registered teacher for many years prior to his conviction, was then the subject of an investigation and disciplinary hearing conducted by the Teaching Council.
At the High Court, Mr Justice Denis McDonald granted an application by solicitor JP McDowell for the Teaching Council to confirm its decision removing Fitzgerald from the register.
The sanction was “entirely appropriate” given the circumstances, the judge said.
The judge also noted the Council had imposed a requirement that Fitzgerald could not seek to apply to be restored to the register for 15 years.
Seeking the confirmation, Mr McDowell said gardaí were given information in 2017 from New Zealand’s Police force about a particular website which allowed files and videos to be shared by groups of people.
It was alleged that Fitzgerald, using the username “schoolteacher” uploaded a video containing child pornography.
That username was traced to a residential address and an IP address used by Fitzgerald.
Various devices, including computers belonging to Fitzgerald, were examined by gardaí.
A large number of files containing images and videos with child pornography, some involving very young boys and girls, including babies, were discovered.
Fitzgerald initially denied the allegations but later admitted the offences, Mr McDowell said.
Evidence from the Garda analysis showed that Fitzgerald had shared some of these files with other persons overseas, Mr McDowell said.
Arising out of the prosecution and conviction of Fitzgerald the Teaching Council commenced an investigation leading to a disciplinary committee finding he should be removed from the teaching register.
Mr McDowell said Fitzgerald had neither contested nor appealed the council’s finding against him, or the sanction imposed.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Extra bed spaces for direct provision residents

A significant number of additional bed spaces are to provided for asylum seekers in direct provision centres in the coming days , the Department of Justice has said .
A spokesman for the department said the extra beds were to support social distancing measures .
He said progress was being made in establishing an off-site self-isolation facility for asylum seekers who display symptoms of the virus or contract Covid-19 .
“ A senior department official wrote to all residents , managers and staff at centres over the weekend to reassure them that their welfare was of paramount importance , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also informed that steps were being taken to protect the most vulnerable .
The spokesman said the department was working to ensure centres housing asylum seekers were well prepared and able to respond to issues relating to Covid-19 .
“ There is more work to do , but this a rapidly evolving national emergency and we are following all advice from our HSE and NPHET colleagues .
“ We will be announcing a significant number of additional bed spaces to our accommodation portfolio in the coming days to better support social distancing measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do everything we can in line with the best public health advice available.
” Numerous calls have been made by refugee support groups and NGOs for the most vulnerable people living in direct provision to be moved to other locations such as empty hotels to try and curb the spread of the virus .
It ’ s understood around 20 per cent of asylum seekers have pre-existing health conditions .
The department said last week that an “ off-site self-isolation facility ” for asylum seekers suspected of contracting the coronavirus would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to try and curb the spread of the virus .
Nasc , the migrant and refugee rights centre , warned at the weekend that asylum seekers were living in unsafe and crowded conditions where social distancing and self-isolation were almost impossible .
“ We are not safe until we are all safe ” , said the group in a tweet with the hashtag # MoveTheVulnerableOut which is being used as a call to action for the Government to relocate vulnerable asylum seekers during the pandemic .
The Movement of Asylum Seekers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appalled by the discriminatory response to the Covid-19 pandemic in direct provision ” .
“ The HSE posters on social distancing are useless to an asylum seeker sharing a tiny bedroom with a stranger or as many as seven other strangers , having to use communal bathrooms and congregate in a canteens for meals three times a day , ” the group said .
The group called on the Department of Justice to follow the example of the Department of Housing which has said more than 560 extra beds have been secured for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate .
There are 5,686 people , including 1,739 children , residing in 39 direct-provision centres around the country .
There are an additional 1,585 people , including 285 children , staying in emergency accommodation .

A spokesman for the Department of Justice said the extra beds would support social distancing measures in direct provision centres. Photograph: The Irish Times
A significant number of additional bed spaces are to provided for asylum seekers in direct provision centres in the coming days, the Department of Justice has said.
A spokesman for the department said the extra beds were to support social distancing measures.
He said progress was being made in establishing an off-site self-isolation facility for asylum seekers who display symptoms of the virus or contract Covid-19.
“A senior department official wrote to all residents, managers and staff at centres over the weekend to reassure them that their welfare was of paramount importance,” said the spokesman. “They were also informed that steps were being taken to protect the most vulnerable.
READ MORE
The spokesman said the department was working to ensure centres housing asylum seekers were well prepared and able to respond to issues relating to Covid-19.
“ There is more work to do, but this a rapidly evolving national emergency and we are following all advice from our HSE and NPHET colleagues.
“We will be announcing a significant number of additional bed spaces to our accommodation portfolio in the coming days to better support social distancing measures in centres.
“We will continue to do everything we can in line with the best public health advice available.”
Numerous calls have been made by refugee support groups and NGOs for the most vulnerable people living in direct provision to be moved to other locations such as empty hotels to try and curb the spread of the virus.
It’s understood around 20 per cent of asylum seekers have pre-existing health conditions.
The department said last week that an “off-site self-isolation facility” for asylum seekers suspected of contracting the coronavirus would be piloted as part of a range of measures to try and curb the spread of the virus.
Nasc, the migrant and refugee rights centre, warned at the weekend that asylum seekers were living in unsafe and crowded conditions where social distancing and self-isolation were almost impossible.
“We are not safe until we are all safe”, said the group in a tweet with the hashtag #MoveTheVulnerableOut which is being used as a call to action for the Government to relocate vulnerable asylum seekers during the pandemic.
The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland said last week it was "appalled by the discriminatory response to the Covid-19 pandemic in direct provision".
“The HSE posters on social distancing are useless to an asylum seeker sharing a tiny bedroom with a stranger or as many as seven other strangers, having to use communal bathrooms and congregate in a canteens for meals three times a day,” the group said.
The group called on the Department of Justice to follow the example of the Department of Housing which has said more than 560 extra beds have been secured for homeless people in Dublin who need to self-isolate.
There are 5,686 people, including 1,739 children, residing in 39 direct-provision centres around the country. There are an additional 1,585 people, including 285 children, staying in emergency accommodation.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: 133 patients in intensive care as pressure on hospitals builds

Intensive care units are under significant pressure with more than 130 patients being treated at the moment , the president of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland said on Tuesday .
Dr Catherine Motherway said 107 patients with Covid-19 were on ventilators and another 26 suspected cases are also being treated in intensive care .
“ The number of cases are rising and there is no doubt that the hospitals in the east are being hit first , as we expected , and are under significant pressure.
” She said while cases were surging , hospitals were managing to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being taken by hospitals was to transfer patients to other hospitals in the group where there was capacity .
“ At the moment they are coping with the numbers but there is no doubt that we ’ re under significant pressure and we ’ re quite concerned that we will be able to control the surge .
Now we can ’ t control it , the people that are listening to you and me , can control it by staying at home , ” she told the Sean O ’ Rourke Show on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) is meeting on Tuesday to decide on measures to curb the spread of the virus in nursing homes .
A HSE analysis has showed there have been 22 outbreaks of coronavirus so far reported in nursing homes across the State .
In addition to those measures , extra checks on citizens returning to Ireland from abroad are under consideration by senior officials in the Department of Health to deal with the coronavirus crisis .
The Government has also advised that immediate family members can still attend burials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practices are adhered to , once there are no more than 10 people attending .
This applies to all funerals , including those of people who had contracted Covid 19 .
It also emerged on Tuesday that people over 70-years-old who have been instructed to ‘ cocoon ’ in their homes can nominate an agent to collect their pension , the Government has said .
This pension payment will remain valid in post offices and available for collection for 90 days by people who opt not to have someone collect it .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be filled out if the older person can not do this themselves .
The Government has also advised that no more than 10 people at a time should attend funerals .
The Government is also working with embassies abroad to repatriate Irish people abroad .
A number of new flights have been arranged from Australia to in addition to flight from Perth last week .
The Government are also exploring options for Irish citizens in New Zealand .
It has also been confirmed during a Government briefing this morning that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they are regularly used by hospital and other essential service operators .
Irish Water has postponed new tariffs for business during the crisis .
The department of An Taoiseach have confirmed a new coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , mobile app is being worked on by Department of Health and HSE as well as Government chief information office .
Domestic violence is being closely monitored on a daily basis , Government says .
Garda say that all victims will receive a personal call back within seven days or sooner .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group and a member of the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) , Professor Philip Nolan has said that the next seven days will be crucial as an indication if the virus is being contained .
Prof Nolan said that looking the rate of increase over the last five days , it had fallen to around 15 per cent and this is a testament to how carefully people have observed the restrictions that have been introduced .
But it will not be enough to successfully contain the disease .
Social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – but the impact of measures taken last Friday will not be known for another seven days .
Prof Nolan said the experts do not know when the virus will peak , the objective is to suppress the virus so that the peak is very late and very low .
We will be living with the virus for quite some period of time and will have to adapt to this , he said .
This is a long , slow battle against a new disease which was unknown prior to last December .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow its progress.
” On Newstalk Breakfast Prof Nolan said he had “ a good level of confidence ” in the matrix being used for testing .
He acknowledged that not everyone who has the virus has been tested , but the figures to date give a good indication .
The situation was that between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of cases could go undetected because the symptoms are so mild , that was why it was important for everyone to take steps to self isolate .
“ That is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The next seven days are crucial to show that we ’ re capable of containing the virus .
Then we will know where to go next in containing that suppression.
” Meanwhile , the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners has urged employers to be careful when filling out applications for the Government ’ s coronavirus wage subsidy scheme .
Niall Cody said there were 26,000 employers in the scheme already , but hundreds had entered incorrect bank details .
This means Revenue is “ sitting on money ” that it wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €8 million was paid to the scheme and €9million will be paid on Tuesday .

Intensive care units are under significant pressure with more than 130 patients being treated at the moment, the president of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland said on Tuesday.
Dr Catherine Motherway said 107 patients with Covid-19 were on ventilators and another 26 suspected cases are also being treated in intensive care.
“The number of cases are rising and there is no doubt that the hospitals in the east are being hit first, as we expected, and are under significant pressure.”
She said while cases were surging, hospitals were managing to deal with the case load. One measure being taken by hospitals was to transfer patients to other hospitals in the group where there was capacity.
READ MORE
Main points:
“At the moment they are coping with the numbers but there is no doubt that we’re under significant pressure and we’re quite concerned that we will be able to control the surge. Now we can’t control it, the people that are listening to you and me, can control it by staying at home,” she told the Seán O’Rourke Show on RTÉ Radio One.
The chief medical officers in the Republic and Northern Ireland are to sign a memorandum of understanding formalising co-ordination and co-operation between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive this week, according to Sinn Féin.
The Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, issued a statement following a meeting between Ministers on both sides of the Border to discuss the response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“The Covid-19 pandemic does not respect borders,” Ms O’Neill said. “Co-operation and common action across our island is vital at this time.”
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is meeting on Tuesday to decide on measures to curb the spread of the virus in nursing homes. A HSE analysis has showed there have been 22 outbreaks of coronavirus so far reported in nursing homes across the State.
In addition to those measures, extra checks on citizens returning to the Republic from abroad are under consideration by senior officials in the Department of Health to deal with the crisis.
Funerals
The Government has also advised that immediate family members can still attend burials and cremations as long as social isolation practices are adhered to, once there are no more than 10 people attending. This applies to all funerals, including those of people who had contracted coronavirus, also known as Covid- 19.
It also emerged on Tuesday that people over 70 years old who have been instructed to “cocoon” in their homes can nominate an agent to collect their pension, the Government has said.
This pension payment will remain valid in post offices and available for collection for 90 days by people who opt not to have someone collect it.
The nominated person can download a form and it can be filled out if the older person cannot do this themselves.
Banks will also facilitated nominated agents.
The Government has also advised that no more than 10 people at a time should attend funerals.
The Government is also working with embassies abroad to repatriate Irish people abroad. A number of new flights have been arranged from Australia in addition to a flight from Perth last week. The Government are also exploring options for Irish citizens in New Zealand.
It has also been confirmed during a Government briefing on Tuesday morning that a shared bike scheme will continue to operate as they are regularly used by hospital and other essential service operators.
Irish Water has postponed new tariffs for business during the crisis.
The department of An Taoiseach have confirmed a new coronavirus mobile app is being worked on by Department of Health and HSE as well as Government chief information office.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence is being closely monitored on a daily basis, Government says. Garda say that all victims will receive a personal call back within seven days or sooner.
The Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group and a member of the National Public Health Emergency Team, Prof Philip Nolan has said that the next seven days will be crucial as an indication if the virus is being contained.
Prof Nolan said that looking the rate of increase over the last five days, it had fallen to around 15 per cent and this is a testament to how carefully people have observed the restrictions that have been introduced.
But it will not be enough to successfully contain the disease. Social distancing measures have had a very big impact – but the impact of measures taken last Friday will not be known for another seven days.
Prof Nolan said the experts do not know when the virus will peak, the objective is to suppress the virus so that the peak is very late and very low.
We will be living with the virus for quite some period of time and will have to adapt to this, he said. This is a long, slow battle against a new disease which was unknown prior to last December. “We will have to adapt to slow its progress.”
‘Good level of confidence’
On Newstalk Breakfast Prof Nolan said he had “a good level of confidence” in the matrix being used for testing. He acknowledged that not everyone who has the virus has been tested, but the figures to date give a good indication.
The situation was that between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of cases could go undetected because the symptoms are so mild, that was why it was important for everyone to take steps to self isolate. “That is the safe and correct thing to do.”
“The next seven days are crucial to show that we’re capable of containing the virus. Then we will know where to go next in containing that suppression.”
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners has urged employers to be careful when filling out applications for the Government’s coronavirus wage subsidy scheme.
Niall Cody said there were 26,000 employers in the scheme already, but hundreds had entered incorrect bank details.
This means Revenue is “sitting on money” that it wants to pay, he said. On Monday €8 million was paid to the scheme and €9 million will be paid on Tuesday.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Some trading allowed at livestock marts under new measures

Some trading at livestock marts will be allowed to proceed under new measures announced by the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed on Tuesday .
Marts have been closed since last week due to fears about the spread of coronavirus .
But marts will now be able to provide a limited range of services under the measures , including facilitating calf sales and weighing livestock .
The Department of Agriculture said a farmer can deliver calves to the mart , by appointment , and the mart can facilitate the sale .
For older livestock , the mart can also allow a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in specific circumstances .
“ Other activities , including online and other uses of technology can of course also be considered , ” it said .
Mart operators who wish to engage in such activity will have to submit a detailed written standard operating procedure to their local regional veterinary office .
There will be no public auctions or crowds attending .
Minister Creed said the measures will allow the food chain to be maintained and protect animals ’ welfare and that normal mart activity “ can not resume until further notice ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus crisis on agricultural and other commodity prices “ are only beginning to be felt and are likely to be severe ” .
“ For many families , this impact will be compounded by the loss of off-farm employment .
I am asking the food industry to do whatever it can to support its thousands of farmer suppliers at this time , ” he said .
“ The Government has already introduced a range of supports for employers and the self-employed , and along with colleagues across the EU , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available under our shared Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policies , which should be deployed as soon as possible to mitigate the economic shocks.
” The Department has also announced that funding for a scheme to help farmers with calf welfare and rearing has had its funding increased from €1.5 million to €4 million .
The Irish Farmers ’ Association ( IFA ) said it welcomed the move to facilitate marts but that more needs to be done as the beef market “ is in turmoil ” and significant measures are required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers .
“ The Minister and Government now have a lot more flexibility as the EU Commission have increased state aid limits , ” said Tim Cullinan , president of the IFA .
“ While there a lot of other calls for funding , farmers can not be forgotten and they need help now .
”

There will be no public auctions or crowds attending at marts during the coronavirus crisis. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Some trading at livestock marts will be allowed to proceed under new measures announced by the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed on Tuesday.
Marts have been closed since last week due to fears about the spread of coronavirus. But marts will now be able to provide a limited range of services under the measures, including facilitating calf sales and weighing livestock.
The Department of Agriculture said a farmer can deliver calves to the mart, by appointment, and the mart can facilitate the sale.
For older livestock, the mart can also allow a deal between a buyer and seller, in specific circumstances.
READ MORE
“Other activities, including online and other uses of technology can of course also be considered,” it said.
Mart operators who wish to engage in such activity will have to submit a detailed written standard operating procedure to their local regional veterinary office. There will be no public auctions or crowds attending.
Minister Creed said the measures will allow the food chain to be maintained and protect animals’ welfare and that normal mart activity “cannot resume until further notice”.
Mr Creed said the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis on agricultural and other commodity prices “are only beginning to be felt and are likely to be severe”.
“For many families, this impact will be compounded by the loss of off-farm employment. I am asking the food industry to do whatever it can to support its thousands of farmer suppliers at this time,” he said.
“The Government has already introduced a range of supports for employers and the self-employed, and along with colleagues across the EU, I will vigorously pursue the market support options available under our shared Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policies, which should be deployed as soon as possible to mitigate the economic shocks.”
The Department has also announced that funding for a scheme to help farmers with calf welfare and rearing has had its funding increased from €1.5 million to €4 million.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) said it welcomed the move to facilitate marts but that more needs to be done as the beef market “is in turmoil” and significant measures are required at EU and national level to support farmers.
"The Minister and Government now have a lot more flexibility as the EU Commission have increased state aid limits," said Tim Cullinan, president of the IFA. "While there a lot of other calls for funding, farmers cannot be forgotten and they need help now."


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Three men arrested after shooting at house in Athy Co Kildare

Three men have been arrested after a gun attack at a house in Athy , Co Kildare , on Monday night .
A man in his 40s was at home at a house in White Castle Lawns in the town when shots were fired at the property at about 10.15pm .
The sole occupant of the house went to check outside when he heard loud bangs and saw damage to the house ’ s front door from a number of gunshots .
“ Gardaí attended the scene and discovered bullet casings , ” Garda Headquarters , Phoenix Park , Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A technical examination of the scene has been carried out .
No injuries were sustained as a result of this incident.
” After the shooting three suspects were arrested and they were still being question on Tuesday .
The three men in custody , two in their 20s and one in his late teens , were taken to Garda stations in Co Kildare for questioning .
They were being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act , allowing for their detention without charge for up to 72 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them at Kildare town garda station on 045 527730 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 .

Three men have been arrested after a gun attack at a house in Athy, Co Kildare, on Monday night. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty
Three men have been arrested after a gun attack at a house in Athy, Co Kildare, on Monday night.
A man in his 40s was at home at a house in White Castle Lawns in the town when shots were fired at the property at about 10.15pm.
The sole occupant of the house went to check outside when he heard loud bangs and saw damage to the house’s front door from a number of gunshots.
“Gardaí attended the scene and discovered bullet casings,” Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin, said in a statement.
READ MORE
“A technical examination of the scene has been carried out. No injuries were sustained as a result of this incident.”
After the shooting three suspects were arrested and they were still being question on Tuesday.
The three men in custody, two in their 20s and one in his late teens, were taken to Garda stations in Co Kildare for questioning.
They were being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, allowing for their detention without charge for up to 72 hours.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information or who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them at Kildare town garda station on 045 527730 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
More to follow


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Stroke victims ‘too late’ coming to hospital because of coronavirus fears, says medic

Emergency medicine consultant Fergal Hickey has expressed concern that people suffering a heart attack or a stroke are waiting too long to see medical help because of fears about coronavirus .
Dr Hickey , who is based at Sligo University Hospital , pointed out to RTÉ Radio One ’ s Morning Ireland that the median age of those who have died due to Covid-19 was 86 .
Some people may have taken the advice on cocooning too far , he said .
This measure was introduced to protect elderly people , but some are not seeking medical help when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it too far and they feel they are precluded from seeking help .
That ’ s not the case.
” Dr Hickey said doctors are seeing people who have had strokes going to hospital too late for effective treatment .
“ They are showing up the following day.
” Time is an important factor in treating heart attacks and strokes , he said .
Emergency departments continue to remain open 24 hours and day seven days week .
“ We ’ re still here to serve the public.
” All emergency departments are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate people who may have Covid-19 from those who do not .
“ If you are having a heart attack or a stroke , that is not a thing that can be left untreated .
Dial 999 or 112.
” Dr Hickey advised those who are feeling well to continue following the cocooning rules and if they have mild symptoms to stay at home .
He understood that people wanted to see relatives in hospital , but stressed keeping distance was important .
It would be bad enough if they died , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others that would be dreadful .
The no visiting rules are there to protect people , he said .
The peak was likely to be in a few weeks so it was vitally important to follow the restrictions .

Dr Fergal Hickey advised those who are feeling well to continue following the cocooning rules and if they have mild symptoms to stay at home. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA Wire.
Emergency medicine consultant Fergal Hickey has expressed concern that people suffering a heart attack or a stroke are waiting too long to see medical help because of fears about coronavirus.
Dr Hickey, who is based at Sligo University Hospital, pointed out to RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland that the median age of those who have died due to Covid-19 was 86.
Some people may have taken the advice on cocooning too far, he said. This measure was introduced to protect elderly people, but some are not seeking medical help when they need it.
“Some are taking it too far and they feel they are precluded from seeking help. That’s not the case.”
READ MORE
Dr Hickey said doctors are seeing people who have had strokes going to hospital too late for effective treatment. “They are showing up the following day.” Time is an important factor in treating heart attacks and strokes, he said.
Emergency departments continue to remain open 24 hours and day seven days week. “We’re still here to serve the public.”
All emergency departments are operating a streaming system to try to separate people who may have Covid-19 from those who do not.
“If you are having a heart attack or a stroke, that is not a thing that can be left untreated. Dial 999 or 112.”
Dr Hickey advised those who are feeling well to continue following the cocooning rules and if they have mild symptoms to stay at home. He understood that people wanted to see relatives in hospital, but stressed keeping distance was important. It would be bad enough if they died, but if they were a vector that killed others that would be dreadful. The no visiting rules are there to protect people, he said.
The peak was likely to be in a few weeks so it was vitally important to follow the restrictions.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Restrictions resulting in ‘huge’ fall in rate of infection growth

Restrictive Government measures are having an “ enormous effect ” in reducing the number of new cases of coronavirus , according to the academic tasked with predicting the further growth of the epidemic .
The measures have resulted in a “ huge ” fall in the growth rate of the outbreak but it will take from seven to 14 days before the full impact of the measures will be known , said Prof Philip Nolan , president of NUI Maynooth .
He was speaking after the deaths of eight more patients diagnosed with Covid-19 were announced by the National Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday evening .
Six of the eight deaths were in the east , one was in the south and one was in the west .
The patients , who had a median age of 86 , included five women and three men .
Six of the patients had underlying conditions .
The number of newly confirmed cases was 295 , the second-highest daily number so far .
There are now 2,910 cases of coronavirus in the Republic , and there have been a total of 54 deaths .
On Monday , Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North ’ s death toll to 22 .
A further 123 infections were also identified , bringing the number of confirmed cases to 533 .
Prof Nolan , chair of the NPHET Irish epidemiological modelling advisory group , warned there was “ no room for complacency ” and the growth rate of the disease would have to be reduced to “ close to zero ” in order for it to be suppressed .
The daily growth rate of new cases has more than halved in recent weeks , from 33 per cent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
As a result , Ireland is not on track for the “ unmitigated epidemic ” scenario that saw predictions earlier in March of 15,000 cases by the end of the month .
Prof Nolan declined to make any specific forecast for the future progress of the disease , saying the model used by the team of epidemiologists he leads was “ too sensitive ” to assumptions .
“ People need to redouble the efforts they ’ re making to prevent the spread of infection from one person to another .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do expect the growth rate to fall over next week.
” Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan also warned against complacency as the number of cases and intensive care unit ( ICU ) admissions increases but acknowledged “ we are beginning to see encouraging signs in our efforts to flatten the curve ” .
The Government on Monday reached an agreement with private hospitals for their temporary use during the Covid-19 crisis .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the move did not represent the nationalisation of private hospitals but rather a partnership between public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the move would free up 2,000 beds across 19 hospitals , including nine labs , 47 ICU beds and 194 ventilators .
Under the agreement , the HSE has secured 100 per cent of the capacity in those private hospitals .
All patients will be treated as public patients .
The hospitals will be reimbursed for their operating costs .
Mr Varadkar said it was not possible at this time to indicate a precise cost for the move but said independent accountants would examine the issue .
The agreement is in place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that afterwards .
Following a meeting with Simon Harris , Nursing Homes Ireland said the Minister for Health committed to immediately address personal protective equipment and staffing issues and to bring forward a package of financial supports for nursing homes before the end of the week .
The NPHET is due to consider measures for nursing homes at its meeting on Tuesday .
Earlier , a HSE analysis showed there have been 22 outbreaks of coronavirus so far reported in nursing homes across the State .
NPHET officials meanwhile declined to specify delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure of the centre at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork at the weekend over equipment shortages .
HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said there had been “ huge challenges ” sourcing equipment internationally and it was hoped to reopen centres once stocks had been replenished .
The President , Michael D Higgins , in a statement urged people to “ keep the faith , stay patient and vigilant ” .
“ The days ahead will be difficult , for all of us , but what a memory it will be when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we gave of our best .
Let us not forget ever that we are not travelling through the darkness alone , but that we are on this journey together.
” In Italy – which is the world ’ s hardest-hit country in terms of number of deaths , accounting for more than one-third of all global fatalities – the total death toll rose by 812 on Monday , reversing two days of declines , although the number of new cases rose by just 4,050 , the lowest increase since March 17th .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the total number of confirmed cases stands at 101,739 .
However , the decline in the rise of new infections may be partly explained by a reduction in the number of tests .
The number of patients being treated for the coronavirus in British hospitals has jumped by 50 per cent since last Friday to 9,000 , with 1,000 admitted every day .

Eight more patients diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, the National Public Health Emergency Team reported. Video: RTÉ
Restrictive Government measures are having an “enormous effect” in reducing the number of new cases of coronavirus, according to the academic tasked with predicting the further growth of the epidemic.
The measures have resulted in a "huge" fall in the growth rate of the outbreak but it will take from seven to 14 days before the full impact of the measures will be known, said Prof Philip Nolan, president of NUI Maynooth.
He was speaking after the deaths of eight more patients diagnosed with Covid-19 were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on Monday evening.
Six of the eight deaths were in the east, one was in the south and one was in the west.
READ MORE
The patients, who had a median age of 86, included five women and three men. Six of the patients had underlying conditions.
The number of newly confirmed cases was 295, the second-highest daily number so far. There are now 2,910 cases of coronavirus in the Republic, and there have been a total of 54 deaths.
On Monday, Northern Ireland recorded another coronavirus fatality, bringing the North's death toll to 22. A further 123 infections were also identified, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 533.
Prof Nolan, chair of the NPHET Irish epidemiological modelling advisory group, warned there was “no room for complacency” and the growth rate of the disease would have to be reduced to “close to zero” in order for it to be suppressed.
The daily growth rate of new cases has more than halved in recent weeks, from 33 per cent to about 15 per cent, he pointed out. As a result, Ireland is not on track for the “unmitigated epidemic” scenario that saw predictions earlier in March of 15,000 cases by the end of the month.
‘Redouble’ efforts
Prof Nolan declined to make any specific forecast for the future progress of the disease, saying the model used by the team of epidemiologists he leads was “too sensitive” to assumptions.
“People need to redouble the efforts they’re making to prevent the spread of infection from one person to another. If they continue to do that, I do expect the growth rate to fall over next week.”
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan also warned against complacency as the number of cases and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions increases but acknowledged "we are beginning to see encouraging signs in our efforts to flatten the curve".
The Government on Monday reached an agreement with private hospitals for their temporary use during the Covid-19 crisis.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the move did not represent the nationalisation of private hospitals but rather a partnership between public and private hospitals.
He said that the move would free up 2,000 beds across 19 hospitals, including nine labs, 47 ICU beds and 194 ventilators.
Under the agreement, the HSE has secured 100 per cent of the capacity in those private hospitals. All patients will be treated as public patients. The hospitals will be reimbursed for their operating costs.
Mr Varadkar said it was not possible at this time to indicate a precise cost for the move but said independent accountants would examine the issue. The agreement is in place for three months with an option to extend that afterwards.
Following a meeting with Simon Harris, Nursing Homes Ireland said the Minister for Health committed to immediately address personal protective equipment and staffing issues and to bring forward a package of financial supports for nursing homes before the end of the week.
Nursing home outbreaks
The NPHET is due to consider measures for nursing homes at its meeting on Tuesday.
Earlier, a HSE analysis showed there have been 22 outbreaks of coronavirus so far reported in nursing homes across the State.
NPHET officials meanwhile declined to specify delays in the testing programme, following the closure of the centre at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork at the weekend over equipment shortages.
HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said there had been “huge challenges” sourcing equipment internationally and it was hoped to reopen centres once stocks had been replenished.
The President, Michael D Higgins, in a statement urged people to "keep the faith, stay patient and vigilant".
“The days ahead will be difficult, for all of us, but what a memory it will be when the virus has passed, to know that we gave of our best. Let us not forget ever that we are not travelling through the darkness alone, but that we are on this journey together.”
In Italy – which is the world’s hardest-hit country in terms of number of deaths, accounting for more than one-third of all global fatalities – the total death toll rose by 812 on Monday, reversing two days of declines, although the number of new cases rose by just 4,050, the lowest increase since March 17th. Total deaths there are now 11,591, while the total number of confirmed cases stands at 101,739. However, the decline in the rise of new infections may be partly explained by a reduction in the number of tests.
The number of patients being treated for the coronavirus in British hospitals has jumped by 50 per cent since last Friday to 9,000, with 1,000 admitted every day.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Ireland ‘squanders’ geographical advantage with different Covid-19 stances North and South - Scally

Extra checks on citizens returning to Ireland from abroad are under consideration by senior officials in the Department of Health to deal with the coronavirus crisis .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that while Ireland would not be closing its borders , the National Public Health Emergency Team was considering further restrictions on inward-bound travellers .
A senior source said that the new restrictions could involve increased oversight and communication with individuals who have returned from overseas .
“ It might just be checking in on people to make sure they self-quarantine , ” they said .
However , it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and would need the assistance of staff who are still currently working at airport terminals , sources said .
Speaking on Monday , Mr Varadkar said the matter was under consideration .
“ We ’ re not going to close our borders .
We need to enable our citizens to come home .
They might be family or friends .
They might also be healthcare workers who volunteered to come back and work in the health service , ” Mr Varadkar said .
“ We need to import things like PPE from China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ export medicines to other parts of the world .
“ But the National Public Health Emergency Team last week and this week will examine whether there are additional restrictions or controls that we could apply to people coming into the country that would reduce the risk of imported cases of coronavirus , resulting in community transmission here .
“ That is being examined at the moment , and we should be able to do something in the next couple of days.
” Restrictive Government measures are having an “ enormous effect ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , according to the academic tasked with predicting the further growth of the epidemic .
The measures such as closing schools , colleges and most workplaces have resulted in a “ huge ” fall in the growth rate of the outbreak but it will take from seven to 14 days before the full impact of the measures will be known , Prof Philip Nolan , president of NUI Maynooth , said on Monday evening .
Meanwhile , Northern Ireland public health specialist Dr Gabriel Scally , who was the author of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has warned that Ireland ’ s geographical advantage is being “ squandered ” by differing approaches to the public health crisis North and South .
“ Historically islands have advantages when dealing with epidemics .
For example , avoiding importation of new cases by controlling movement to and from the island is comparatively simple .
“ However , in this coronavirus pandemic Ireland ’ s geographical advantage is being squandered by the adoption of very different approaches to dealing with the disease .
“ The advice to someone in Lifford [ Co Donegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days – a stone ’ s throw away in Strabane [ Co Tyrone ] the advice is isolation for seven days .
”

A woman wearing a mask at a bus stop in Dublin which displays a message “Thank you to all of Ireland’s retail workers.” Photograph: Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne
Extra checks on citizens returning to Ireland from abroad are under consideration by senior officials in the Department of Health to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that while Ireland would not be closing its borders, the National Public Health Emergency Team was considering further restrictions on inward-bound travellers.
A senior source said that the new restrictions could involve increased oversight and communication with individuals who have returned from overseas. “It might just be checking in on people to make sure they self-quarantine,” they said.
However, it could also involve additional checks at airports, and would need the assistance of staff who are still currently working at airport terminals, sources said.
READ MORE
Speaking on Monday, Mr Varadkar said the matter was under consideration.
“We’re not going to close our borders. We need to enable our citizens to come home. They might be family or friends. They might also be healthcare workers who volunteered to come back and work in the health service,” Mr Varadkar said.
"We need to import things like PPE from China. We need to be able to export medicines to other parts of the world.
“But the National Public Health Emergency Team last week and this week will examine whether there are additional restrictions or controls that we could apply to people coming into the country that would reduce the risk of imported cases of coronavirus, resulting in community transmission here.
“That is being examined at the moment, and we should be able to do something in the next couple of days.”
Restrictive Government measures are having an “enormous effect” in reducing the number of new cases of coronavirus, according to the academic tasked with predicting the further growth of the epidemic.
The measures such as closing schools, colleges and most workplaces have resulted in a "huge" fall in the growth rate of the outbreak but it will take from seven to 14 days before the full impact of the measures will be known, Prof Philip Nolan, president of NUI Maynooth, said on Monday evening.
Epidemics
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland public health specialist Dr Gabriel Scally, who was the author of a report on the CervicalCheck screening controversy, has warned that Ireland's geographical advantage is being "squandered" by differing approaches to the public health crisis North and South.
“Historically islands have advantages when dealing with epidemics. For example, avoiding importation of new cases by controlling movement to and from the island is comparatively simple.
“However, in this coronavirus pandemic Ireland’s geographical advantage is being squandered by the adoption of very different approaches to dealing with the disease.
"The advice to someone in Lifford [Co Donegal] with symptoms of the disease is to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days – a stone's throw away in Strabane [Co Tyrone] the advice is isolation for seven days."


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: ‘It’s a terrible situation now that I can’t meet people’

The local pub in Castleplunkett , Co Roscommon has been a lifeline for Tony Brophy since his wife died six months ago .
The 63-year-old usually calls into Dec ’ s Bar in the village three or four nights a week , often just for a cup of tea or coffee .
Though supportive of closing pubs as a virus containment measure , announced on March 15th , Brophy has been cut off from the familiar faces he meets in Dec ’ s .
He is home alone and self-isolating to avoid contracting Covid-19 .
“ I was bad enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife six months ago and I ’ m living on my own .
It ’ s a terrible situation now that I can ’ t meet people , ” said Brophy .
“ There ’ s an awful lot of people in that situation and it ’ s going to have an awful effect on them psychologically.
” Padraig Morris , who lives outside Castlerea , Co Roscommon , is also feeling the impact .
The 45-year-old farmer usually visits one of Ballinlough ’ s pubs two or three nights a week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues offer a feeling of community , he says , that will be sorely missed during this crisis .
“ There would be a feeling of isolation .
It ’ s going to be hard on a lot of people , especially older people .
For them , it ’ s their social outlet - they have nowhere else to go , ” he says .
While a very small minority of pubs have operated clandestinely despite the closure order , some that are following the rules have been keeping an eye out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who runs McGourty ’ s in Castlerea , said one of her staff has been checking in with some of the pub ’ s older patrons by phone during the crisis as the customers are “ like family ” .
“ Some of them would be single elderly men who will be sitting at home now , and they ’ re just not used to it , ” said said .
“ We will try to reassure them that we ’ re here if they need anything .
We have an obligation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garvey , whose parents Tom and Bonnie run Garvey ’ s in Ballintubber , Co Roscommon , said many of their customers would be “ well into retirement ” .
“ It ’ s going to be hard on them for the next couple of weeks , but all we can do is keep an eye on them , ” he said .
“ I ’ m a plumber down here as well so I ’ ll be around the town and the village a bit with calls and that and will keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s all you can do.
” Roscommon councillor Nigel Dineen said rural communities are pulling together to make sure people missing their visit to the pub are not left entirely without community engagement .
“ People have set up WhatsApp groups and different groups to make sure that nobody is not being spoken to , rang , texted , ” he said .
“ Isolation is a tough thing if you ’ re on your own ... especially if you ’ re used to going out to a pub to meet people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from you , it needs to be substituted with a call or a text.
” While customers are losing out on interaction , the publicans themselves have seen their trade completely halted .
Industry lobby groups have long pointed out that some 1,500 pubs have closed in the State since 2006 , with around 7,000 bars in operation in 2018 .
Some publicans fear the current closures could see the number drop further , in rural areas particularly , with many possibly not reopening if the measures remain in place for a prolonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole culture in Ireland of people socialising , ” said McGourty .
“ It ’ s hard to see how the small rural publican might survive .
”

The local pub in Castleplunkett, Co Roscommon has been a lifeline for Tony Brophy since his wife died six months ago.
The 63-year-old usually calls into Dec’s Bar in the village three or four nights a week, often just for a cup of tea or coffee.
Though supportive of closing pubs as a virus containment measure, announced on March 15th, Brophy has been cut off from the familiar faces he meets in Dec’s. He is home alone and self-isolating to avoid contracting Covid-19.
“I was bad enough up to this. I lost my wife six months ago and I’m living on my own. It’s a terrible situation now that I can’t meet people,” said Brophy.
READ MORE
“There’s an awful lot of people in that situation and it’s going to have an awful effect on them psychologically.”
Padraig Morris, who lives outside Castlerea, Co Roscommon, is also feeling the impact. The 45-year-old farmer usually visits one of Ballinlough’s pubs two or three nights a week, often to play card games. The venues offer a feeling of community, he says, that will be sorely missed during this crisis.
“There would be a feeling of isolation. It’s going to be hard on a lot of people, especially older people. For them, it’s their social outlet - they have nowhere else to go,” he says.
An eye out
While a very small minority of pubs have operated clandestinely despite the closure order, some that are following the rules have been keeping an eye out for their regulars.
Lorna McGourty, who runs McGourty’s in Castlerea, said one of her staff has been checking in with some of the pub’s older patrons by phone during the crisis as the customers are “like family”.
“Some of them would be single elderly men who will be sitting at home now, and they’re just not used to it,” said said.
“We will try to reassure them that we’re here if they need anything. We have an obligation to them and we do care.”
Damien Garvey, whose parents Tom and Bonnie run Garvey’s in Ballintubber, Co Roscommon, said many of their customers would be “well into retirement”.
“It’s going to be hard on them for the next couple of weeks, but all we can do is keep an eye on them,” he said. “I’m a plumber down here as well so I’ll be around the town and the village a bit with calls and that and will keep an eye out for them. That’s all you can do.”
Roscommon councillor Nigel Dineen said rural communities are pulling together to make sure people missing their visit to the pub are not left entirely without community engagement.
“People have set up WhatsApp groups and different groups to make sure that nobody is not being spoken to, rang, texted,” he said.
“Isolation is a tough thing if you’re on your own...especially if you’re used to going out to a pub to meet people. When that’s taken away from you, it needs to be substituted with a call or a text.”
Halted
While customers are losing out on interaction, the publicans themselves have seen their trade completely halted. Industry lobby groups have long pointed out that some 1,500 pubs have closed in the State since 2006, with around 7,000 bars in operation in 2018.
Some publicans fear the current closures could see the number drop further, in rural areas particularly, with many possibly not reopening if the measures remain in place for a prolonged period.
“It might actually change the whole culture in Ireland of people socialising,” said McGourty. “It’s hard to see how the small rural publican might survive.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Nursing home resident’s family very concerned

A family whose father is in a HSE-run nursing home in Dublin and has contracted Covid-19 , say they have found it difficult to get information .
Rhona Clancy said she last saw her father , Joseph ( 84 ) , on March 7th and now fears she might never see him again .
Her family are forming the impression their father ’ s nursing home is feeling the pressure .
On occasion when they have called the home , the phone has rung out , she said .
However , on Monday the family was contacted and an arrangement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their father ’ s condition .
“ On Thursday we were given the devastating news that dad had caught Covid-19 .
By Saturday , five patients had it.
” Ms Clancy said her father , who has been in the home for three years , has received fantastic care there .
However they feel the home is finding it difficult to cope with the challenges created by the virus .
On Monday , a member of the family spoke on the phone with a nurse who reassured them they would be given regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition , that the home was not short-staffed , and that it had a lot of new staff , Ms Clancy said .
Ms Clancy said the family decided to speak to the media about their father in the hope that the nursing homes might get more support .
“ The nursing homes here are already in trouble , ” she said .

“The nursing homes here are already in trouble,” says Rhona Clancy, whose father has caught Covid-19. File photograph: Jonathan Brady
A family whose father is in a HSE-run nursing home in Dublin and has contracted Covid-19, say they have found it difficult to get information.
Rhona Clancy said she last saw her father, Joseph (84), on March 7th and now fears she might never see him again.
Her family are forming the impression their father’s nursing home is feeling the pressure. On occasion when they have called the home, the phone has rung out, she said.
However, on Monday the family was contacted and an arrangement put in place for regular updates on their father’s condition.
READ MORE
‘Devastating news’
“On Thursday we were given the devastating news that dad had caught Covid-19. By Saturday, five patients had it.”
Ms Clancy said her father, who has been in the home for three years, has received fantastic care there. However they feel the home is finding it difficult to cope with the challenges created by the virus.
On Monday, a member of the family spoke on the phone with a nurse who reassured them they would be given regular updates as to their father’s condition, that the home was not short-staffed, and that it had a lot of new staff, Ms Clancy said.
Ms Clancy said the family decided to speak to the media about their father in the hope that the nursing homes might get more support. “The nursing homes here are already in trouble,” she said.