theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Teenager (14) one of five children placed in spit-hoods by gardaí

At least 14 per cent of spit-hood deployments by gardaí since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic have involved people with obvious mental illnesses .
And a spit hood was used on at least one person with an obvious learning disability and on five children , including one who was 14 years old .
Spit hoods , or anti-spit guards as they are called by the Garda , are wire and fabric devices which are forcibly placed over the heads of suspects to stop them purposely spitting or coughing on gardaí .
Their use has been criticised by various human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said they should be discontinued as soon as possible .
According to data released to The Irish Times , the Policing Authority has received detailed reports concerning 99 incidents of spit-hood use .
This is out of the 104 recorded incidents of their use since March when they were introduced .
Shortly after their introduction , the Policing Authority started asking gardaí to record spit-hood use under a number of headings including if suspects had learning disabilities , were intoxicated or if they were mentally ill .
In 14 incidents “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obvious signs of a mental health issue ” , the Policing Authority said .
In reality , this figure is likely to be significantly higher as in 30 incidents the mental condition of the suspects was not specified by the reporting garda .
In 51 incidents the suspect did not have a discernible mental illness .
In one incident , gardaí used a spit hood on a suspect with “ obvious signs of a learning disability ” .
Again , this figure may be significantly higher as in 31 incidents gardaí did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of incidents ( 64 of the 99 ) , the garda perceived the suspect as displaying obvious signs of intoxication .
Some detainees displayed more than one of these conditions , the Policing Authority said .
It has previously been reported that spit hoods have been used on five people under the age of 18 .
In one of these incidents the suspect was 14 , a source told The Irish Times .
In the vast majority of cases , spit hoods were used for less than 20 minutes .
However , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suspect for five hours .
The Garda is reviewing the continued use of spit hoods with a report expected at the end of the month .
The Policing Authority has said it wants them to be discontinued .
It noted the Garda uses the same types of hoods as the PSNI which , according to Amnesty International , are “ not an effective means to prevent Covid-19 ” .
There have been 192 spitting or coughing attacks on gardaí since March .
The authority said there “ are many human rights concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the use of anti-spit hoods on vulnerable individuals is an ongoing source of concern , ” it said in its most recent report .
Executive director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties Liam Herrick said on Monday the new figures were “ extremely troubling ” .
“ In other parts of the world spit hoods have caused suffocation and deaths .
The risks are significantly heightened in circumstances where they are used against a person who is in crisis , or is intoxicated , or doesn ’ t fully comprehend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garda Representative Association ( GRA ) , which represents rank and file gardaí , has called for the hoods to be retained .
“ The incidents of gardaí being spat at is almost double the number of deployments of anti-spit guards , ” GRA president Jim Mulligan said .
“ Gardaí have rights as workers and are entitled to equipment that protects them in their work .
”

Spit hoods, or anti-spit guards as they are called by the Garda, are wire and fabric devices which are forcibly placed over the heads of suspects to stop them purposely spitting or coughing on gardaí. File photograph: PA
At least 14 per cent of spit-hood deployments by gardaí since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic have involved people with obvious mental illnesses.
And a spit hood was used on at least one person with an obvious learning disability and on five children, including one who was 14 years old.
Spit hoods, or anti-spit guards as they are called by the Garda, are wire and fabric devices which are forcibly placed over the heads of suspects to stop them purposely spitting or coughing on gardaí.
Their use has been criticised by various human rights bodies and the Policing Authority which has said they should be discontinued as soon as possible.
READ MORE
According to data released to The Irish Times, the Policing Authority has received detailed reports concerning 99 incidents of spit-hood use. This is out of the 104 recorded incidents of their use since March when they were introduced.
Shortly after their introduction, the Policing Authority started asking gardaí to record spit-hood use under a number of headings including if suspects had learning disabilities, were intoxicated or if they were mentally ill.
Mental health issue
In 14 incidents “the Garda member perceived the detainee to have obvious signs of a mental health issue”, the Policing Authority said. In reality, this figure is likely to be significantly higher as in 30 incidents the mental condition of the suspects was not specified by the reporting garda. In 51 incidents the suspect did not have a discernible mental illness.
In one incident, gardaí used a spit hood on a suspect with “obvious signs of a learning disability”. Again, this figure may be significantly higher as in 31 incidents gardaí did not provide enough detail.
In the majority of incidents (64 of the 99), the garda perceived the suspect as displaying obvious signs of intoxication.
Human rights bodies and the Policing Authority criticise the use of spit hoods. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Some detainees displayed more than one of these conditions, the Policing Authority said.
It has previously been reported that spit hoods have been used on five people under the age of 18. In one of these incidents the suspect was 14, a source told The Irish Times.
In the vast majority of cases, spit hoods were used for less than 20 minutes. However, in one case a hood was left on a suspect for five hours.
The Garda is reviewing the continued use of spit hoods with a report expected at the end of the month.
Ineffective
The Policing Authority has said it wants them to be discontinued. It noted the Garda uses the same types of hoods as the PSNI which, according to Amnesty International, are "not an effective means to prevent Covid-19".
There have been 192 spitting or coughing attacks on gardaí since March.
The authority said there “are many human rights concerns” about spit hoods. “Furthermore, the use of anti-spit hoods on vulnerable individuals is an ongoing source of concern,” it said in its most recent report.
Executive director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties Liam Herrick said on Monday the new figures were "extremely troubling".
“In other parts of the world spit hoods have caused suffocation and deaths. The risks are significantly heightened in circumstances where they are used against a person who is in crisis, or is intoxicated, or doesn’t fully comprehend the situation they find themselves in.”
The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents rank and file gardaí, has called for the hoods to be retained.
“The incidents of gardaí being spat at is almost double the number of deployments of anti-spit guards,” GRA president Jim Mulligan said.
“Gardaí have rights as workers and are entitled to equipment that protects them in their work.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Further restrictions expected for Dublin if Covid-19 infection rate does not stablilise

The number of people infected with Covid-19 is expected to continue to rise over the coming days with the question of further restrictions in Dublin and other counties to be considered at the end of this week and early next week .
Sources familiar with discussions between public health experts and political decision-makers say Government is in a “ waiting game ” to see if the number of infections in Dublin stabilises by the middle of next week .
If not , further restrictions are likely to be considered for the capital , they confirm .
The numbers will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , with Kildare a particular worry it is understood , as officials and Ministers consider the possibility of extending the Level 3 restrictions currently in place in Dublin .
Officials say they are particularly concerned about Louth , Waterford , Limerick , Kildare , Leitrim , Donegal , Offaly and Wicklow .
At a Covid-19 briefing at Government Buildings on Monday , assistant secretary general at the Department of Taoiseach Liz Canavan said there were now “ worrying trends in most areas ” .
Concerns are also rising over the admission rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low number of cases of Covid-19 disrupts normal procedures .
A further 188 confirmed cases of the virus were reported on Monday night by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) , 76 of them in Dublin .
This brings to 33,121 the total number of cases linked to the virus in the Republic .
No new deaths were reported , leaving the total number of deaths at 1,792 .
Of Monday ’ s cases , 25 are in Cork , 21 in Donegal , 16 in Kildare , 13 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Waterford , with the remaining 23 cases spread across 12 counties .
Men account for 96 cases and women for 90 – in two cases the data on gender was not included – while 71 per cent are aged under 45 years .
Nineteen cases were identified as community transmission and 36 per cent are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case .
The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital increased from 79 to 88 from Saturday to Sunday , when 10 new admissions occurred .
The number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 16 .
As the numbers of people infected grows , public fears about a second wave of coronavirus and support for more stringent restrictions have grown this month , according to public opinion research published by the Department of Health .
Research carried out last week and published on Monday night shows the numbers in favour of further restrictions surpassed those against such a move in recent weeks , rising to more than half ( 52 per cent ) of all respondents to the poll .
The numbers of those opposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 29 per cent ) – meaning that a significant majority of those who expressed a view favour further restrictions .
There has been a similar movement in recent weeks in the numbers of people who believe the measures introduced by the Government are “ insufficient ” – it rose from 30 per cent to 39 per cent during the period in question .
More than half of people ( 54 per cent ) say the response has been appropriate ; only 7 per cent say it has been too extreme .
Almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) say the worst is “ ahead of us ” .
Levels of worry in the population are similar to those seen at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in April , the research says .

Government spokesperson Liz Canavan has warned of "worrying" Covid-19 trends in eight counties outside of Dublin - Louth, Waterford, Limerick, Kildare, Leitrim, Donegal, Offaly and Wicklow. Video: RTÉ
The number of people infected with Covid-19 is expected to continue to rise over the coming days with the question of further restrictions in Dublin and other counties to be considered at the end of this week and early next week.
Sources familiar with discussions between public health experts and political decision-makers say Government is in a “waiting game” to see if the number of infections in Dublin stabilises by the middle of next week.
If not, further restrictions are likely to be considered for the capital, they confirm.
Hospital Report
The numbers will be monitored closely in several counties over coming days, with Kildare a particular worry it is understood, as officials and Ministers consider the possibility of extending the Level 3 restrictions currently in place in Dublin. Officials say they are particularly concerned about Louth, Waterford, Limerick, Kildare, Leitrim, Donegal, Offaly and Wicklow.
READ MORE
At a Covid-19 briefing at Government Buildings on Monday, assistant secretary general at the Department of Taoiseach Liz Canavan said there were now “worrying trends in most areas”.
Concerns are also rising over the admission rate to hospitals, as even a relatively low number of cases of Covid-19 disrupts normal procedures.
A further 188 confirmed cases of the virus were reported on Monday night by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), 76 of them in Dublin.
This brings to 33,121 the total number of cases linked to the virus in the Republic. No new deaths were reported, leaving the total number of deaths at 1,792.
Of Monday’s cases, 25 are in Cork, 21 in Donegal, 16 in Kildare, 13 in Galway, seven in Roscommon and seven in Waterford, with the remaining 23 cases spread across 12 counties.
Men account for 96 cases and women for 90 – in two cases the data on gender was not included – while 71 per cent are aged under 45 years.
Nineteen cases were identified as community transmission and 36 per cent are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.
The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital increased from 79 to 88 from Saturday to Sunday, when 10 new admissions occurred. The number of patients in intensive care remained static at 16.
Public support
As the numbers of people infected grows, public fears about a second wave of coronavirus and support for more stringent restrictions have grown this month, according to public opinion research published by the Department of Health.
Research carried out last week and published on Monday night shows the numbers in favour of further restrictions surpassed those against such a move in recent weeks, rising to more than half (52 per cent) of all respondents to the poll. The numbers of those opposed to more restrictions fell to under a third (29 per cent) – meaning that a significant majority of those who expressed a view favour further restrictions.
There has been a similar movement in recent weeks in the numbers of people who believe the measures introduced by the Government are “insufficient” – it rose from 30 per cent to 39 per cent during the period in question. More than half of people (54 per cent) say the response has been appropriate; only 7 per cent say it has been too extreme. Almost half of respondents (47 per cent) say the worst is “ahead of us”.
Levels of worry in the population are similar to those seen at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in April, the research says.


theirishtimes--2020-09-23--Let coronavirus spread through under-60 population, Dáil committee told

Coronavirus should be let spread amongst people below 60 in a controlled way , the Dáil ’ s Covid-19 committee will be told on Wednesday .
Sweden ’ s former chief epidemiologist Dr Johan Giesecke will recommend that the virus be let spread through the population alongside a programme that concentrates on the “ old and frail ” and that frequently tests staff and residents in care homes .
Mr Giesecke will also warn the Government not to build its Covid-19 strategy around the imminent advent of a vaccine , stating : “ We might have to wait for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in those who need it most.
” Furthermore , Ireland should also stop aiming for Covid-free status or even for levels as low as in July at the end of lockdown , the president of the Irish Society of Clinical Microbiology , Kirsten Schaffer , will tell the committee .
The “ economic and social impact would be devastating ” , she is expected to say .
A further 334 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported on Tuesday night to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) , 174 of them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total number of cases linked to the virus in the Republic .
No new deaths were reported , leaving the total number of deaths at 1,792 .
Of the new cases , 34 were located in Cork and on Tuesday , Government sources reported growing political concern about the rising cases in the county .
It has also emerged that only a quarter of incoming passengers into Ireland have been contacted by a new service , which is intended to check compliance with requirements to quarantine for 14 days .
Róisin Shortall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also expressed concern about the risk of coronavirus spread following disclosure that the vast majority of 370,000 passengers who arrived into Ireland since August came from non-Green list countries .
A mandatory electronic passenger locator form was introduced on August 26th around the same time as a new call centre was established to follow up on passengers .
In response to a parliamentary question , Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly told Ms Shortall that in its first week of operation of this service – when 59,605 people arrived in through airports – 70,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls were made to a “ sample ” of all incoming passengers .

Sweden’s former chief epidemiologist Dr Johan Giesecke has told the the Dáil’s Covid-19 committee that Covid-19 should be let spread amongst people below 60 in a controlled way. Video: Oireachtas TV
Coronavirus should be let spread amongst people below 60 in a controlled way, the Dáil's Covid-19 committee has been told.
Sweden’s former chief epidemiologist Dr Johan Giesecke recommends that the virus be let spread through the population alongside a programme that concentrates on the “old and frail” and that frequently tests staff and residents in care homes.
Mr Giesecke has also told the Government not to build its Covid-19 strategy around the imminent advent of a vaccine, stating: “We might have to wait for it and it may not be very effective in those who need it most.”
Hospital Report
Furthermore, Ireland should also stop aiming for Covid-free status or even for levels as low as in July at the end of lockdown, the president of the Irish Society of Clinical Microbiology, Kirsten Schaffer, is to tell the committee.
READ MORE
The “economic and social impact would be devastating”, she says in an opening statement.
Addressing the committee on Wednesday morning, Dr Johan Giesecke has said his country’s “soft lockdown” worked because the country trusted its people.
Dr Giesecke said “people are not stupid” and will respond if told how to protect themselves.
He said schools must remain open and he pointed out that there was no difference between infections among schoolchildren in Sweden, where schools were kept open, and in neighbouring Finland which closed its schools.
Dr Giesecke said Covid-19 constituted a threat to democracy in many countries with some politicians acquiring extra powers that they might not relinquish.
A further 334 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported on Tuesday night to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), 174 of them in Dublin.
This brings to 33,444 the total number of cases linked to the virus in the Republic.
No new deaths were reported, leaving the total number of deaths at 1,792.
Of the new cases, 34 were located in Cork and on Tuesday, Government sources reported growing political concern about the rising cases in the county.
Passengers
It has also emerged that only a quarter of incoming passengers into Ireland have been contacted by a new service, which is intended to check compliance with requirements to quarantine for 14 days.
Róisin Shortall, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has also expressed concern about the risk of coronavirus spread following disclosure that the vast majority of 370,000 passengers who arrived into Ireland since August came from non-Green list countries.
A mandatory electronic passenger locator form was introduced on August 26th around the same time as a new call centre was established to follow up on passengers. In response to a parliamentary question, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly told Ms Shortall that in its first week of operation of this service – when 59,605 people arrived in through airports – 70,000 SMS messages were sent out and 13,000 calls were made to a “sample” of all incoming passengers.


theirishtimes--2020-09-23--HSE drops cases against regulator over bed reductions at two Cork care homes

The HSE has dropped legal actions against the State ’ s health regulator over directions to restrict the number of residents at two of its long-term care facilities in Co Cork .
The health service took District Court proceedings against the Health and Information Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) over restrictions at Clonakilty and Midleton community hospitals earlier this year but the cases were dropped shortly after The Irish Times reported on them .
The HSE said it will temporarily reduce occupancy numbers at the two facilities as it moves to a situation where it will have no more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has repeatedly pushed the HSE to reduce the number of multi-occupancy rooms at the 122-bed Clonakilty facility and 50-bed Midleton home over recent years .
The HSE had sought the Midleton facility to be reduced by just three beds after raising concerns about the numbers of residents living in large multi-occupancy rooms .
There are about 70 residents in the Clonakilty hospital and 45 residents in Midleton .
Both facilities , built in the 19th century , were on a list of 19 publicly-run community and nursing home facilities listed as “ centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hiqa at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and deemed “ high risk ” due to multi-room occupancy .
The cases taken against the State watchdog at the HSE-run care facilities for older people were listed in the Bandon and Mallow District Courts respectively during the summer .
The legal action over the Clonakilty facility was initiated prior to the coronavirus pandemic that has resulted in the deaths of 10 people at the west Co Cork care home .
Hiqa twice raised concerns with the HSE during the early part of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus at the Clonakilty home sharing a multi-occupancy room with residents who had not yet tested positive for the disease .
The HSE told Hiqa that the patients in the unit had dementia and it had not been possible to accommodate them appropriately elsewhere while maintaining infection control .
A spokeswoman for the HSE ’ s community healthcare division in Cork and Kerry told The Irish Times the health service would temporarily reduce the occupancy levels at both community hospitals over the coming months .
The reduced occupancy would “ allow us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of Covid-19 ” , said the spokeswoman .
“ It will allow us to provide the best possible environment for our current residents as we move to a situation whereby no more than four residents share any room.
” The spokeswoman said all current residents at both community hospitals would remain in their homes while the changes were being made and their accommodation would be “ as comfortable as possible ” , even working within the constraints of older buildings .
“ Ambitious building projects are in train for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position to increase bed numbers again at both community hospitals once these are completed , ” said the HSE spokeswoman .
In 2016 , then minister for health Simon Harris signed a statutory instrument delaying Hiqa ’ s requirement until 2021 that 80 per cent of a care home ’ s rooms be single occupancy .
The Department of Health told the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee in June that it would be difficult for care homes to meet even this revised target given the impact of the virus .

The HSE dropped legal actions against the State’s health regulator shortly after The Irish Times reported on them. File photograph: John Stillwell/PA Wire
The HSE has dropped legal actions against the State’s health regulator over directions to restrict the number of residents at two of its long-term care facilities in Co Cork.
The health service took District Court proceedings against the Health and Information Quality Authority (Hiqa) over restrictions at Clonakilty and Midleton community hospitals earlier this year but the cases were dropped shortly after The Irish Times reported on them.
The HSE said it will temporarily reduce occupancy numbers at the two facilities as it moves to a situation where it will have no more than four residents share any room.
Hiqa has repeatedly pushed the HSE to reduce the number of multi-occupancy rooms at the 122-bed Clonakilty facility and 50-bed Midleton home over recent years.
READ MORE
The HSE had sought the Midleton facility to be reduced by just three beds after raising concerns about the numbers of residents living in large multi-occupancy rooms.
‘Centres of concern’
There are about 70 residents in the Clonakilty hospital and 45 residents in Midleton.
Both facilities, built in the 19th century, were on a list of 19 publicly-run community and nursing home facilities listed as “centres of concern” for infection control by Hiqa at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and deemed “high risk” due to multi-room occupancy.
The cases taken against the State watchdog at the HSE-run care facilities for older people were listed in the Bandon and Mallow District Courts respectively during the summer.
The legal action over the Clonakilty facility was initiated prior to the coronavirus pandemic that has resulted in the deaths of 10 people at the west Co Cork care home.
Hiqa twice raised concerns with the HSE during the early part of the pandemic about residents who had tested positive for the virus at the Clonakilty home sharing a multi-occupancy room with residents who had not yet tested positive for the disease.
The HSE told Hiqa that the patients in the unit had dementia and it had not been possible to accommodate them appropriately elsewhere while maintaining infection control.
A spokeswoman for the HSE’s community healthcare division in Cork and Kerry told The Irish Times the health service would temporarily reduce the occupancy levels at both community hospitals over the coming months.
The reduced occupancy would “allow us to continue the important measures needed to stop the spread of Covid-19”, said the spokeswoman.
Changes
“It will allow us to provide the best possible environment for our current residents as we move to a situation whereby no more than four residents share any room.”
The spokeswoman said all current residents at both community hospitals would remain in their homes while the changes were being made and their accommodation would be “as comfortable as possible”, even working within the constraints of older buildings.
“Ambitious building projects are in train for both facilities and we will be in a position to increase bed numbers again at both community hospitals once these are completed,” said the HSE spokeswoman.
In 2016, then minister for health Simon Harris signed a statutory instrument delaying Hiqa's requirement until 2021 that 80 per cent of a care home's rooms be single occupancy.
The Department of Health told the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee in June that it would be difficult for care homes to meet even this revised target given the impact of the virus.


theirishtimes--2020-09-23--Wealthiest homeowners to gain most from property tax cuts

While the coronavirus pandemic dealt a financial blow to all local authorities , it hit the coffers of Dublin City Council harder than most .
The city receives less direct Government funding than other local authorities , making it more dependent on raising its own money through rates and services such as planning and parking fees .
Though the Government is currently covering the rates bill , it has not made any commitment to compensate for other losses or for the additional costs associated with the pandemic such as homeless services , the ambulance service and PPE .
This has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operates with a surplus , facing a €39 million black hole .
Council chief executive Owen Keegan saw an opportunity to partially plug this hole using the Local Property Tax ( LPT ) .
Mr Keegan asked councillors to increase the 2021 LPT rate by 15 per cent given the parlous and unprecedented state of the council ’ s finances .
This , he said , would realise €24 million , while even leaving it at the basic rate would result in a gain of €12 million , but councillors voted for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By now , householders should reasonably expect to be paying more property tax than they were when LPT was introduced seven years ago .
The tax is based on 2013 property values , and was due to be reassessed in 2016 , but that process , already deferred several times , has been kicked down the road until November next year .
The result of the outdated valuation means that for LPT purposes the average property value for a Dublin home is in the €200,000-€250,000 band .
Property values in Dublin have increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2013 , so a house at the mid-point of the band worth €225,000 in 2013 would be worth €420,000 today .
This average Dubliner would , at the basic LPT rate , pay €405 a year – with the 15 per cent rates cut , that homeowner will pay €344.25 , just over €60 less a year .
Had the council approved the 15 per cent increase sought by Mr Keegan , that bill would have risen to €465.75 .
More than half of Dubliners live in houses with LPT values under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the reduction ranges from €13.50 a year for those with houses up to €100,000 , to €47.25 a year for those with houses valued in the €150,000-€200,000 band .
Those who gain the most from the cut are homeowners with the highest-value properties .
At the top of the tree , those with homes valued in 2013 at €1 million would be paying €1,755.00 or just over €2,000 if Mr Keegan had got his way , but instead will get a €264 reduction from the councillors .
Not all councillors voted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed a 5 per cent increase on the basic rate .
The Social Democrats also voted against the discount and said the basic rate should stand .
They were , however , defeated by Fianna Fáil , Fine Gael , Sinn Féin , People Before Profit and most Independents who went for the full cut , though not for the same reasons .
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael took the position that the tax is unfair on Dubliners , as 20 per cent of the money collected in Dublin is shared out among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinn Féin said it opposes a tax on homes , and the left says the LPT has been used to cut central Government funding and was a regressive tax .
Councillors appear to be relying on the Government stepping in and filling the funding gap , as it has so far done with commercial rates .
However , while it is unlikely it will allow the lights to go out , cuts to services are inevitable when the city ’ s budget is determined in November .
The council has not so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is reluctant to do so ahead of the national budget , for fear of creating hostages to fortune , but it is likely services which make the city more livable – street maintenance , park services and community programmes – will be first hit .

The Local Property Tax is based on 2013 property values, and was due to be reassessed in 2016, but that process has been kicked down the road. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
While the coronavirus pandemic dealt a financial blow to all local authorities, it hit the coffers of Dublin City Council harder than most.
The city receives less direct Government funding than other local authorities, making it more dependent on raising its own money through rates and services such as planning and parking fees.
Though the Government is currently covering the rates bill, it has not made any commitment to compensate for other losses or for the additional costs associated with the pandemic such as homeless services, the ambulance service and PPE.
This has left the city council, which usually operates with a surplus, facing a €39 million black hole.
READ MORE
Council chief executive Owen Keegan saw an opportunity to partially plug this hole using the Local Property Tax (LPT).
Mr Keegan asked councillors to increase the 2021 LPT rate by 15 per cent given the parlous and unprecedented state of the council’s finances. This, he said, would realise €24 million, while even leaving it at the basic rate would result in a gain of €12 million, but councillors voted for the maximum allowable 15 per cent cut.
By now, householders should reasonably expect to be paying more property tax than they were when LPT was introduced seven years ago. The tax is based on 2013 property values, and was due to be reassessed in 2016, but that process, already deferred several times, has been kicked down the road until November next year.
Outdated valuation
The result of the outdated valuation means that for LPT purposes the average property value for a Dublin home is in the €200,000-€250,000 band. Property values in Dublin have increased by an average of 87 per cent since 2013, so a house at the mid-point of the band worth €225,000 in 2013 would be worth €420,000 today.
This average Dubliner would, at the basic LPT rate, pay €405 a year – with the 15 per cent rates cut, that homeowner will pay €344.25, just over €60 less a year.
Had the council approved the 15 per cent increase sought by Mr Keegan, that bill would have risen to €465.75.
More than half of Dubliners live in houses with LPT values under €200,000, meaning the benefit they receive from the reduction ranges from €13.50 a year for those with houses up to €100,000, to €47.25 a year for those with houses valued in the €150,000-€200,000 band.
Those who gain the most from the cut are homeowners with the highest-value properties. At the top of the tree, those with homes valued in 2013 at €1 million would be paying €1,755.00 or just over €2,000 if Mr Keegan had got his way, but instead will get a €264 reduction from the councillors.
Not all councillors voted for the cut.
The Greens and Labour proposed a 5 per cent increase on the basic rate. The Social Democrats also voted against the discount and said the basic rate should stand.
Defeated
They were, however, defeated by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, People Before Profit and most Independents who went for the full cut, though not for the same reasons.
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael took the position that the tax is unfair on Dubliners, as 20 per cent of the money collected in Dublin is shared out among poorer, largely rural local authorities. Sinn Féin said it opposes a tax on homes, and the left says the LPT has been used to cut central Government funding and was a regressive tax.
Councillors appear to be relying on the Government stepping in and filling the funding gap, as it has so far done with commercial rates. However, while it is unlikely it will allow the lights to go out, cuts to services are inevitable when the city’s budget is determined in November.
The council has not so far been willing to identify these cuts, and is reluctant to do so ahead of the national budget, for fear of creating hostages to fortune, but it is likely services which make the city more livable – street maintenance, park services and community programmes – will be first hit.


theirishtimes--2020-09-23--Plan to build thousands of homes in Limerick

A major plan to construct thousands of homes on over 100 acres of State-owned land in Limerick city with Colbert rail station as a central transport hub will be published on Wednesday .
The plan , spearheaded by the Land Development Agency , would see thousands of jobs created in the construction of homes and amenities on lands owned by CIÉ , Limerick City and County Council , the Health Service Executive , the Department of Education and the Department of Justice .
The first phase of a three-phase plan , to construct 400 homes by 2023 on 16.5ha of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a €6 million grant from the Department of Housing , Local Government and Heritage ” , according to the plan , A Vision for Colbert Station Quarter , Limerick .
It aims to “ open up underutilised lands ” and create a “ new gateway ” to Limerick , focuses on developing cycling , pedestrianisation and “ reducing the dominance of the car ” .
This should be done via “ a network of connected parkland and greenway recreational areas ” with Colbert rail station as the focal point , it says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have contributed to the 35-page aspirational report .
Grafton Architects proposes a “ key focus ” on developing housing for in the region of 9,585 people in 3,195 residential units , with buildings ranging in height from three to nine storeys .
It also proposes commercial space and a significant amount of space for the community including parkland , sports fields and recreation grounds .
Sean O ’ Laoire of MOLA Architecture has proposed the selected lands would be 80 per cent residential , with 20 per cent for other uses and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in buildings of three to six storeys .
However , Anne Kiernan , chief architect with Transport Infrastructure Ireland , proposed “ a population of approximately 5,250 in 1,200 residential units with an additional 1,300 student beds ” .
Ms Kiernan added that considerable office and enterprise units could be developed “ with immediate access ” to railway lines .
Sustainable transport was prioritised in proposals from Piotr Mach of eml Architects .
And he estimated “ the extended Colbert Station Quarter could be home to up to 26,000 people in up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around a proposed central park ” .
Merritt Bucholz , professor of architecture at University of Limerick , suggested constructing new neighbourhoods with “ density similar to Georgian Limerick ” .
Building heights “ should be mostly four storeys in order that most units will serve as de-facto walk-ups , like most apartments in the EU ” .
The draft report also proposes an “ urban commonage ” in which a new gateway to the city would cross rail lines on a parkland bridge with entry points , paths , pedestrian and cycle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities .
Former secretary general at the Department of Finance , John Moran , who is chair of the Land Development Agency , said the proposed “ transformative ” development would cost “ billions ” .
He said it was “ a prime opportunity ” for Limerick to provide adequate housing , health and social investment to meet expected increases in population .
“ The willingness of the primary landowners , CIÉ and the HSE , to join the journey ” has given “ these lands the potential to once more be transformative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , Mr Moran said .
Pat Daly , chief executive of Limerick City and County Council , said the plan “ offers an exciting opportunity ” to facilitate Limerick “ becoming a major economic force in the Irish and European economy ” .
The report also proposes “ tackling vacancy and dereliction , and removing hotspots for anti-social behaviour/dumping ” in disadvantaged communities , through “ a cross-directorate plan with input from An Garda Síochána , with targeted CPOs [ compulsory purchase orders ] and council acquisitions ” .
A series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be published between now and 2021 .

An illustrations from the plans to redevelop Colbert Station Quarter in Limerick.
A major plan to construct thousands of homes on over 100 acres of State-owned land in Limerick city with Colbert rail station as a central transport hub will be published on Wednesday.
The plan, spearheaded by the Land Development Agency, would see thousands of jobs created in the construction of homes and amenities on lands owned by CIÉ, Limerick City and County Council, the Health Service Executive, the Department of Education and the Department of Justice.
An illustrations from the plans to redevelop Colbert Station Quarter in Limerick.
The first phase of a three-phase plan, to construct 400 homes by 2023 on 16.5ha of council-owned lands, “has already received a €6 million grant from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage”, according to the plan, A Vision for Colbert Station Quarter, Limerick.
It aims to “open up underutilised lands” and create a “new gateway” to Limerick, focuses on developing cycling, pedestrianisation and “reducing the dominance of the car”.
READ MORE
This should be done via “a network of connected parkland and greenway recreational areas” with Colbert rail station as the focal point, it says.
Five internationally recognised architects and urban designers have contributed to the 35-page aspirational report.
Grafton Architects proposes a "key focus" on developing housing for in the region of 9,585 people in 3,195 residential units, with buildings ranging in height from three to nine storeys.
Community space
It also proposes commercial space and a significant amount of space for the community including parkland, sports fields and recreation grounds.
An illustrations from the plans to redevelop Colbert Station Quarter in Limerick.
Sean O’Laoire of MOLA Architecture has proposed the selected lands would be 80 per cent residential, with 20 per cent for other uses and could host a population “of 6,000-10,000 people” in buildings of three to six storeys.
However, Anne Kiernan, chief architect with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, proposed “a population of approximately 5,250 in 1,200 residential units with an additional 1,300 student beds”. Ms Kiernan added that considerable office and enterprise units could be developed “with immediate access” to railway lines.
Sustainable transport was prioritised in proposals from Piotr Mach of eml Architects. And he estimated “the extended Colbert Station Quarter could be home to up to 26,000 people in up to 6,000 homes, including 3,000 apartments around a proposed central park”.
Merritt Bucholz, professor of architecture at University of Limerick, suggested constructing new neighbourhoods with “density similar to Georgian Limerick”.
Parkland bridge
Building heights “should be mostly four storeys in order that most units will serve as de-facto walk-ups, like most apartments in the EU”.
The draft report also proposes an “urban commonage” in which a new gateway to the city would cross rail lines on a parkland bridge with entry points, paths, pedestrian and cycle bridges, all connecting existing and new communities.
Former secretary general at the Department of Finance, John Moran, who is chair of the Land Development Agency, said the proposed “transformative” development would cost “billions”. He said it was “a prime opportunity” for Limerick to provide adequate housing, health and social investment to meet expected increases in population.
“The willingness of the primary landowners, CIÉ and the HSE, to join the journey” has given “these lands the potential to once more be transformative, with affordable homes at its core”, Mr Moran said.
Pat Daly, chief executive of Limerick City and County Council, said the plan “offers an exciting opportunity” to facilitate Limerick “becoming a major economic force in the Irish and European economy”.
The report also proposes “tackling vacancy and dereliction, and removing hotspots for anti-social behaviour/dumping” in disadvantaged communities, through “a cross-directorate plan with input from An Garda Síochána, with targeted CPOs [compulsory purchase orders] and council acquisitions”.
A series of public consultations and a draft framework report will be published between now and 2021.


theirishtimes--2020-09-23--Obesity linked to hospitalisation and ICUs for Covid-19 patients

Extremely obese people with Covid-19 are 17 times more likely to require admission to intensive care in Ireland than cases with no underlying condition , a new analysis shows .
While 1.4 per cent of patients who have contracted the virus in Ireland were categorised as extremely obese ( a body mass index – BMI – greater than or equal to 40 ) , almost half of them required hospitalisation , according to the analysis of official figures by scientists at UCD .
Those who were extremely obese were 3.5 times more likely to require hospitalisation .
Only people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a higher risk of needing to go to hospital .
Among those with high BMI , risk of severe outcomes from a Covid infection is not confined to the extremely obese .
A BMI greater than 25 ( overweight ) is “ bad news , with increased severity and death ” for those affected , according to Prof Francis Finucane , consultant endocrinologist at Galway University Hospital .
International evidence points to a linear relationship between BMI and the risk of severe Covid-19 illness , Prof Finucane says .
In response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and serious Covid-19 illness , the Health Service Executive is to widen its monitoring of this underlying condition .
Currently , surveillance of the disease looks at people with a BMI of 40 or over .
The categorisation , traditionally used in flu surveillance , was applied this year to the monitoring of Covid-19 .
The HSE told The Irish Times it now planned to collect data on the weight of all ICU patients with the virus – categorised into those with a BMI of under 30 , those with a BMI of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a postdoctoral researcher at UCD specialising in injury risk management , carried out the risk analysis of underlying conditions using figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre .
He said the information could help inform doctors ’ decisions in relation to the triage and treatment of patients .
“ It ’ s a small but important piece in the puzzle and , given Covid-19 is going to be around for some time , it shows the need for interventions to reduce people ’ s risk – even simple , cheap ones such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finucane said the link between Covid-19 severity and obesity “ transcends the weighing scales ” .
“ It ’ s really about metabolic rather than mechanical problems .
While obesity is associated with poor diet , this doesn ’ t in itself cause the problem of severe Covid .
“ Rather this is due to abnormal blood clotting , inflammation and blood vessel damage in the lungs .
This makes Covid a circulatory rather than a ventilatory problem for patients and their carers .
It has implications for how we might tackle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other underlying conditions that place them at higher risk of severe infection , including diabetes .
Non-white ethnicity is also linked to more severe outcomes .
“ Rather than looking at it as an excess-fat problem , we need to see it in terms of excess calories .
It ’ s not about how bulky someone is , it ’ s about their metabolism.
” Dr Roe ’ s analysis shows cases with chronic neurological disease have the highest Covid-related death risk of any underlying condition , more than eight times higher than @ @ @ @ @ @

While 1.4 per cent of patients who have contracted the virus in Ireland were categorised as extremely obese, almost half of them required hospitalisation, according to scientists at UCD. Photograph: Guillaume Horcajuelo
Extremely obese people with Covid-19 are 17 times more likely to require admission to intensive care in Ireland than cases with no underlying condition, a new analysis shows.
While 1.4 per cent of patients who have contracted the virus in Ireland were categorised as extremely obese (a body mass index – BMI – greater than or equal to 40), almost half of them required hospitalisation, according to the analysis of official figures by scientists at UCD.
Those who were extremely obese were 3.5 times more likely to require hospitalisation. Only people with cancer, heart disease and kidney disease had a higher risk of needing to go to hospital.
Hospital Report
Among those with high BMI, risk of severe outcomes from a Covid infection is not confined to the extremely obese. A BMI greater than 25 (overweight) is "bad news, with increased severity and death" for those affected, according to Prof Francis Finucane, consultant endocrinologist at Galway University Hospital.
READ MORE
International evidence points to a linear relationship between BMI and the risk of severe Covid-19 illness, Prof Finucane says.
In response to rising evidence of the link between obesity and serious Covid-19 illness, the Health Service Executive is to widen its monitoring of this underlying condition.
Triage and treatment
Currently, surveillance of the disease looks at people with a BMI of 40 or over. The categorisation, traditionally used in flu surveillance, was applied this year to the monitoring of Covid-19.
The HSE told The Irish Times it now planned to collect data on the weight of all ICU patients with the virus – categorised into those with a BMI of under 30, those with a BMI of 30-40 and those above.
Mark Roe, a postdoctoral researcher at UCD specialising in injury risk management, carried out the risk analysis of underlying conditions using figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. He said the information could help inform doctors' decisions in relation to the triage and treatment of patients.
“It’s a small but important piece in the puzzle and, given Covid-19 is going to be around for some time, it shows the need for interventions to reduce people’s risk – even simple, cheap ones such as exercising and eating healthily.”
Prof Finucane said the link between Covid-19 severity and obesity “transcends the weighing scales”.
Metabolic vs mechanical
“It’s really about metabolic rather than mechanical problems. While obesity is associated with poor diet, this doesn’t in itself cause the problem of severe Covid.
“Rather this is due to abnormal blood clotting, inflammation and blood vessel damage in the lungs. This makes Covid a circulatory rather than a ventilatory problem for patients and their carers. It has implications for how we might tackle the problem.”
Obese cases tend to have other underlying conditions that place them at higher risk of severe infection, including diabetes. Non-white ethnicity is also linked to more severe outcomes.
“Rather than looking at it as an excess-fat problem, we need to see it in terms of excess calories. It’s not about how bulky someone is, it’s about their metabolism.”
Dr Roe’s analysis shows cases with chronic neurological disease have the highest Covid-related death risk of any underlying condition, more than eight times higher than cases with no underlying condition.


theirishtimes--2020-09-23--Sitka spruce plantations ‘affect your mental health’ – Leitrim farmer

Farmer Jim McCaffrey has fought three battles against forestry plantations near his land in Co Leitrim – and has lost each time .
“ I ’ m surrounded by plantations on three sides , and if there wasn ’ t a lake there , it would be on four sides , ” the 64-year-old says .
McCaffrey , a member of the Save Leitrim campaign group , lost a High Court action in 2017 opposing the most recent Sitka spruce plantation near his home .
“ If I had the money I would have appealed it to the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he says .
McCaffrey , a suckler farmer , is the fourth generation of his family to work the 23-acre holding at Adoon near Cloone village .
He says his opposition is in the interest of the next generations , with his son and grandchild also living on the land .
Save Leitrim and McCaffrey say people do not realise that Sitka spruce trees can grow to more than 60ft tall , which means properties surrounded by them are closed in .
“ The trees affect your light and your view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
“ I can no longer see rolling hills or my neighbour working on his fields ...
There was a time when I could see the road to Cloone from my patio door .
I could tell my children when the school bus was coming .
You can ’ t see that road any more.
” Things will be even worse in 10 years ’ time when the latest plantation matures , he says .
The group believes that those planting the trees do no live locally and do not feel the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the findings of a survey carried out for the Department of Agriculture that found 70 per cent of the county ’ s forest owners were resident in the county .
They argue that the survey did not include State or semi-State companies and say their own research in two heavily planted areas suggested that 16 per cent of forests in Cloone were locally owned , rising to 25 per cent in Aughavas .
Save Leitrim recently took a High Court challenge against a decision to allow what it claims is an “ alien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a 13.3-hectare site at Meenymore , Dromahair .
It argues that Sitka spruce plantations of this kind obliterate the landscape and leave large tracts of afforested lands that are “ dark , foreboding and eliminate all life on the forest floor ” .
“ And after they fell the trees , it is like Armageddon , ” says McCaffrey .
The planting is having a negative impact on farmers too , he says , as they can not compete with forestry companies on price when land goes up for sale .
McCaffrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have nothing to do with alleviating the impact of climate change .
It has been estimated that 20 per cent of Leitrim has been planted , and Save Leitrim says big farmers from other parts of the State are buying land in the county to plant trees in order to offset their carbon emissions so that they can increase their dairy herd sizes .
“ It ’ s all about money , money , money and it is taxpayers ’ money , which is supporting these investors , ” he said .
Edwina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leitrim , says forestry companies and concerned communities are being “ pitted against each other ” when they should be working together for the betterment of the community .
The Government has this week moved to speed up the process of granting forestry licences after a warning from semi-State firm Coillte that delays in the system could cause timber shortages and jeopardise thousands of jobs .
“ We understand that [ Minister of State for Land Use ] Pippa Hackett is under massive pressure and the last thing we want is for thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guckian says .
However , she says deciding on each individual forestry licence is like considering the parts of a jigsaw puzzle without seeing the whole picture .
“ We are pleading with Minister Hackett to come here and see the impact of the afforestation .
”

Adrian Kelly near Cloone in Co Leitrim, which is surrounded by forestry plantations. Photograph: Brian Farrell
Farmer Jim McCaffrey has fought three battles against forestry plantations near his land in Co Leitrim – and has lost each time.
“I’m surrounded by plantations on three sides, and if there wasn’t a lake there, it would be on four sides,” the 64-year-old says.
McCaffrey, a member of the Save Leitrim campaign group, lost a High Court action in 2017 opposing the most recent Sitka spruce plantation near his home.
“If I had the money I would have appealed it to the Supreme Court and to the European Court of Justice,” he says.
READ MORE
McCaffrey, a suckler farmer, is the fourth generation of his family to work the 23-acre holding at Adoon near Cloone village. He says his opposition is in the interest of the next generations, with his son and grandchild also living on the land.
Save Leitrim and McCaffrey say people do not realise that Sitka spruce trees can grow to more than 60ft tall, which means properties surrounded by them are closed in.
“The trees affect your light and your view and you lose connectivity,” he says. “I can no longer see rolling hills or my neighbour working on his fields ... There was a time when I could see the road to Cloone from my patio door. I could tell my children when the school bus was coming. You can’t see that road any more.”
Things will be even worse in 10 years’ time when the latest plantation matures, he says.
“It affects people’s mental health,” McCaffrey adds.
Disputed survey
The group believes that those planting the trees do no live locally and do not feel the impact of their presence. It disputes the findings of a survey carried out for the Department of Agriculture that found 70 per cent of the county’s forest owners were resident in the county.
They argue that the survey did not include State or semi-State companies and say their own research in two heavily planted areas suggested that 16 per cent of forests in Cloone were locally owned, rising to 25 per cent in Aughavas.
Save Leitrim recently took a High Court challenge against a decision to allow what it claims is an “alien species” of tree to be planted on a 13.3-hectare site at Meenymore, Dromahair.
It argues that Sitka spruce plantations of this kind obliterate the landscape and leave large tracts of afforested lands that are “dark, foreboding and eliminate all life on the forest floor”.
“And after they fell the trees, it is like Armageddon,” says McCaffrey.
The planting is having a negative impact on farmers too, he says, as they cannot compete with forestry companies on price when land goes up for sale.
McCaffrey maintains that large-scale plantations of Sitka spruce have nothing to do with alleviating the impact of climate change.
‘Money, money, money’
It has been estimated that 20 per cent of Leitrim has been planted, and Save Leitrim says big farmers from other parts of the State are buying land in the county to plant trees in order to offset their carbon emissions so that they can increase their dairy herd sizes.
“It’s all about money, money, money and it is taxpayers’ money, which is supporting these investors,” he said.
Edwina Guckian, a founding member of Save Leitrim, says forestry companies and concerned communities are being “pitted against each other” when they should be working together for the betterment of the community.
The Government has this week moved to speed up the process of granting forestry licences after a warning from semi-State firm Coillte that delays in the system could cause timber shortages and jeopardise thousands of jobs.
“We understand that [Minister of State for Land Use] Pippa Hackett is under massive pressure and the last thing we want is for thousands of jobs to be lost,” Guckian says.
However, she says deciding on each individual forestry licence is like considering the parts of a jigsaw puzzle without seeing the whole picture.
“We are pleading with Minister Hackett to come here and see the impact of the afforestation.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-23--Visitors from non-green list countries a Covid-19 risk, Shortall warns

An Opposition TD has expressed concern about the possible spread of Covid-19 after new figures showed the vast majority of the 370,000 passengers who have arrived in Ireland since August came from countries not on the Government ’ s travel green list .
Róisín Shortall , co-leader of the Social Democrats , said that only a quarter of incoming passengers were contacted by the service tasked with checking compliance with requirements for people to quarantine for 14 days after arrival from countries not on the list .
“ With the large number of people travelling from non-green list countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a high probability of imported cases , ” she said .
Responses to a series of parliamentary questions – by Ms Shortall to the Ministers for Health , Transport and Justice – show that 371,494 , people arrived into the State between August 1st and September 14th , most from countries not on the green list .
Until August 26th , incoming passengers had to fill out a passenger locator form on arrival , providing contact details and telling authorities where they would be staying during their quarantine period .
However , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and only half of that group answered the call .
A mandatory electronic passenger locator form was introduced on August 26th around the same time that a call centre was established to follow up with passengers .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly told Ms Shortall that in its first week of operation – when 59,605 people arrived in through airports – some 70,000 text messages were sent out and 13,000 calls were made to a “ sample ” of incoming passengers .
Those required to quarantine received three texts with public health messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no data available on the proportion of people who answered the calls .
Ms Shortall said the reliance on texts and the fact only a quarter of the incoming passengers were contacted did not give reassurance that there was wholesale compliance with quarantine requirements .
“ Following the tightening of restrictions on domestic travel for people in Dublin , it ’ s clear that huge numbers of people are entering Ireland from non-green list countries on an ongoing basis and that most of them come through Dublin Airport , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ incoming passengers are complying with guidance on isolation without actually checking on their location ?
“ It is unfair on people in Ireland who have sacrificed so much over the past few months , especially for those in Dublin now being asked to not leave their county , to forge ahead with a very lax system for monitoring international passengers when Covid-19 case numbers are sharply on the rise .
”

An Opposition TD has expressed concern about the possible spread of Covid-19 after new figures showed the vast majority of the 370,000 passengers who have arrived in Ireland since August came from countries not on the Government’s travel green list.
Róisín Shortall, co-leader of the Social Democrats, said that only a quarter of incoming passengers were contacted by the service tasked with checking compliance with requirements for people to quarantine for 14 days after arrival from countries not on the list.
“With the large number of people travelling from non-green list countries, and without controls, there must be a high probability of imported cases,” she said.
Hospital Report
Responses to a series of parliamentary questions – by Ms Shortall to the Ministers for Health, Transport and Justice – show that 371,494, people arrived into the State between August 1st and September 14th, most from countries not on the green list.
READ MORE
Passenger locator form
Until August 26th, incoming passengers had to fill out a passenger locator form on arrival, providing contact details and telling authorities where they would be staying during their quarantine period. However, just 7 per cent of these were phoned and only half of that group answered the call.
A mandatory electronic passenger locator form was introduced on August 26th around the same time that a call centre was established to follow up with passengers.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly told Ms Shortall that in its first week of operation – when 59,605 people arrived in through airports – some 70,000 text messages were sent out and 13,000 calls were made to a “sample” of incoming passengers.
Those required to quarantine received three texts with public health messages during their isolation periods. There was no data available on the proportion of people who answered the calls.
Text reliance
Ms Shortall said the reliance on texts and the fact only a quarter of the incoming passengers were contacted did not give reassurance that there was wholesale compliance with quarantine requirements.
“Following the tightening of restrictions on domestic travel for people in Dublin, it’s clear that huge numbers of people are entering Ireland from non-green list countries on an ongoing basis and that most of them come through Dublin Airport,” she said.
“How can we be sure that incoming passengers are complying with guidance on isolation without actually checking on their location?
“It is unfair on people in Ireland who have sacrificed so much over the past few months, especially for those in Dublin now being asked to not leave their county, to forge ahead with a very lax system for monitoring international passengers when Covid-19 case numbers are sharply on the rise.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-23--‘Stepping into the working world was a notable jump’

What did you study and when did you graduate ?
I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would recommend it to any prospective UCC student .
It sparked a real interest for me in food and drink innovation , entrepreneurship and marketing which ultimately led me to the Jameson Graduate Programme .
What attracted you to your current role ?
I remember attending the UCC Careers Fair where I visited the Jameson Graduate Programme stand and had a great chat with a graduate on the programme , Kevin O ’ Neill , who is current brand ambassador for Sweden and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great knowledge and passion about the brand and the opportunities the programme provided .
A few weeks later , I was invited to attend the annual Jameson Insights Day in Irish Distillers Head Office , Dublin .
I spent the day with fellow students meeting the graduate team and brand ambassadors on the programme .
The day gave a great insight into the company culture at Irish Distillers and the opportunities the Jameson International Graduate Programme offers to kickstart your career in marketing .
That day was a very enjoyable experience and cemented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work for Irish Distillers and the Jameson brand .
I started my application on the train back to Cork that very day !
What challenges were presented by the transition to the working world ?
Personally , the main challenge I faced during the transition from college to the corporate world was getting used to the fast-paced nature of the working world and the fundamentals of my role as a brand ambassador .
While my final year in college was a very busy one balancing both study and sporting commitments , stepping into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A big part of this was the level of autonomy I was given in my role as the Jameson brand ambassador .
In my first year on the programme my role was predominantly field-based working with the trade across Cork , Limerick , Galway and later Dublin .
Initially I found it challenging understanding how to best manage my time and how to balance different projects and work priorities .
Thankfully , there was the right level of support provided from my team in Irish Distillers when I needed it .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valuable .
The graduate programme empowers us to learn on the job through its “ Distill Your Own Success ” development programme which I am very grateful for .
There are a range of hard and soft skills I cultivated during my first year on the programme when based in Ireland and that I continue to build upon now in my second placement where I ’ m based in Australia .
Do you have any mentors ?
If so , what is their value to you ?
My parents most definitely .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and supportive parents who are always there for me .
My father is someone I look up to for many reasons but particularly his work ethic .
He has always given me great guidance in both career and general life when called upon .
My mother is an amazing person and a constant support who will usually tell me I ’ ve done great even if that ’ s not the case !
The support and encouragement is always welcome .
In addition , I have had the opportunity to play rugby surrounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years .
Together they have helped instil values such as discipline , honesty and teamwork which I carry with me in both my personal and professional life .
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the workforce ?
The most valuable thing I have learned in recent years is the importance of continuous self-development .
As a student starting off in college or a young professional joining the working world , it can be easy to think that your career path or potential are fixed , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , coming to the realisation that there is constant room for improvement has been massively exciting .
The Jameson International Graduate Programme places an emphasis on continuous self-development .
I truly believe if you can develop a mindset to approach each day as an opportunity to grow and learn something new , the possibilities are endless .
What is one piece of advice you would offer new graduates ?
As a new graduate you will not be short of advice coming from friends , family , lecturers and prospective employers .
The best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has stuck with me is to take the time in your role ( and beyond ) to actively listen and learn .
Get comfortable with asking questions and never lose your inquisitive nature .
Through constant listening and learning this will greatly aid your ability to perform well .
Once you begin to perform this will naturally gain the trust of your team-mates and you can begin to influence decisions .
At this point you are earning real credibility and can continue to grow within your team .
How has Covid-19 affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective , the global pandemic has had a drastic influence on my role .
As a brand ambassador I am used to living life “ on the go ” , spending time in trade , building new relationships and seeking various opportunities for the brand .
I am currently based in Sydney , Australia , and during the period of lockdown with bars and restaurants shut , I had to think outside the box when it came to trade engagement .
Luckily , I work as part of an incredibly supportive and high-performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pacific region .
There was no shortage of exciting projects to put my hand up for and in all honesty this period has been very beneficial for me .
I have had the opportunity to learn new skills , work cross-functionally , network within the wider business and improve my experience relevant to the next step I want to take in my career .
From a personal standpoint , while I have not underestimated the severity of the situation , I have enjoyed taking the time to sit back , slow down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Having the opportunity to read a few more books , cook something new and set some goals for the “ new normal ” has been refreshing .

Liam O’Connell: The most valuable thing I have learned in recent years is the importance of continuous self-development.
What did you study and when did you graduate?
I studied BSc Food Marketing & Entrepreneurship in University College Cork, graduating in 2018.
I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would recommend it to any prospective UCC student. It sparked a real interest for me in food and drink innovation, entrepreneurship and marketing which ultimately led me to the Jameson Graduate Programme.
What attracted you to your current role?
READ MORE
I remember attending the UCC Careers Fair where I visited the Jameson Graduate Programme stand and had a great chat with a graduate on the programme, Kevin O'Neill, who is current brand ambassador for Sweden and now a good friend. He spoke with great knowledge and passion about the brand and the opportunities the programme provided.
A few weeks later, I was invited to attend the annual Jameson Insights Day in Irish Distillers Head Office, Dublin. I spent the day with fellow students meeting the graduate team and brand ambassadors on the programme. The day gave a great insight into the company culture at Irish Distillers and the opportunities the Jameson International Graduate Programme offers to kickstart your career in marketing.
That day was a very enjoyable experience and cemented in my mind that I wanted to work for Irish Distillers and the Jameson brand. I started my application on the train back to Cork that very day!
What challenges were presented by the transition to the working world?
Personally, the main challenge I faced during the transition from college to the corporate world was getting used to the fast-paced nature of the working world and the fundamentals of my role as a brand ambassador.
While my final year in college was a very busy one balancing both study and sporting commitments, stepping into the working world was a notable jump. A big part of this was the level of autonomy I was given in my role as the Jameson brand ambassador. In my first year on the programme my role was predominantly field-based working with the trade across Cork, Limerick, Galway and later Dublin.
Initially I found it challenging understanding how to best manage my time and how to balance different projects and work priorities. Thankfully, there was the right level of support provided from my team in Irish Distillers when I needed it.
While challenging at first, this experience was valuable. The graduate programme empowers us to learn on the job through its "Distill Your Own Success" development programme which I am very grateful for. There are a range of hard and soft skills I cultivated during my first year on the programme when based in Ireland and that I continue to build upon now in my second placement where I'm based in Australia.
Do you have any mentors? If so, what is their value to you?
My parents most definitely. I am very lucky to have two caring and supportive parents who are always there for me. My father is someone I look up to for many reasons but particularly his work ethic. He has always given me great guidance in both career and general life when called upon. My mother is an amazing person and a constant support who will usually tell me I’ve done great even if that’s not the case! The support and encouragement is always welcome.
In addition, I have had the opportunity to play rugby surrounded by some great coaches and team-mates in recent years. Together they have helped instil values such as discipline, honesty and teamwork which I carry with me in both my personal and professional life.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the workforce?
The most valuable thing I have learned in recent years is the importance of continuous self-development. As a student starting off in college or a young professional joining the working world, it can be easy to think that your career path or potential are fixed, which is certainly not the case.
Personally, coming to the realisation that there is constant room for improvement has been massively exciting. The Jameson International Graduate Programme places an emphasis on continuous self-development. I truly believe if you can develop a mindset to approach each day as an opportunity to grow and learn something new, the possibilities are endless.
What is one piece of advice you would offer new graduates?
As a new graduate you will not be short of advice coming from friends, family, lecturers and prospective employers. The best piece of advice I have been given that has stuck with me is to take the time in your role (and beyond) to actively listen and learn. Get comfortable with asking questions and never lose your inquisitive nature.
Through constant listening and learning this will greatly aid your ability to perform well. Once you begin to perform this will naturally gain the trust of your team-mates and you can begin to influence decisions. At this point you are earning real credibility and can continue to grow within your team.
How has Covid-19 affected your working life?
From a work perspective, the global pandemic has had a drastic influence on my role. As a brand ambassador I am used to living life “on the go”, spending time in trade, building new relationships and seeking various opportunities for the brand.
I am currently based in Sydney, Australia, and during the period of lockdown with bars and restaurants shut, I had to think outside the box when it came to trade engagement. Luckily, I work as part of an incredibly supportive and high-performing Jameson brand team who are responsible for the Pacific region.
There was no shortage of exciting projects to put my hand up for and in all honesty this period has been very beneficial for me. I have had the opportunity to learn new skills, work cross-functionally, network within the wider business and improve my experience relevant to the next step I want to take in my career.
From a personal standpoint, while I have not underestimated the severity of the situation, I have enjoyed taking the time to sit back, slow down and reflect over the Covid period. Having the opportunity to read a few more books, cook something new and set some goals for the “new normal” has been refreshing.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Ireland’s top earners ‘do not see themselves as rich’, study finds

The top earners in Ireland do not see themselves as rich and feel more insecure about their financial stability than their counterparts in other European countries , a new study suggests .
The study , carried out by Tasc , the Think-tank for Action on Social Change , published on Wednesday , examined the financial position and attitudes towards inequality among the top 10 per cent of income earners in four European countries : Ireland , the UK , Sweden and Spain .
The researchers found that despite the higher salaries of the top 10 per cent in Ireland compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earners in the State are more likely to feel insecure about their financial stability .
The study found that 24 per cent of Ireland ’ s high earners said they had “ some difficulty ” making ends meet , 3 per cent had “ difficulty ” and 1 per cent had “ great difficulty ” , resulting in a total of 28 per cent .
This compared with 15 per cent of the highest earners in Spain , 11 per cent in the UK and 3 per cent of high earners in Sweden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in meeting financial commitments .
Younger high earners in Ireland are more concerned about their ability to buy a house , plan a family and settle down , when compared with their European counterparts , Tasc said .
The report states that most younger people who receive higher incomes feel while they may have more disposable income , they do not have the same wealth and quality of life as previous generations , often linked to property ownership , particularly in Dublin .
Despite this , Tasc states that the highest earners in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax on their earnings .
The report states that higher earners “ overwhelmingly ” want to see tax revenue being used by the Government to ensure universal access to high quality public services , especially in education and health .
Dr Shana Cohen , director of Tasc , said policy makers across all parties need to make the case for greater distribution and progressive public services .
“ Even before the arrival of the pandemic and new uncertainties about the length and severity of the inevitable recession , many of those who , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure were already struggling financially or expressing uncertainty about their own and their children ’ s future , ” she said .
“ It is clear that if the current unequal system isn ’ t working for them , it isn ’ t working for anyone else either , bar perhaps the super-wealthy top 1 per cent.
” In Ireland , the threshold for the top 10 per cent for those within the workforce starts at a gross personal earning rate of just under €70,000 , while the threshold for the top 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under €190,000 .
The mean or average gross personal earning rate in Ireland is just over €36,000 , Tasc added .
Dr Cohen added that public investment in public services would “ address the anxiety that this segment of the population , as well as the overwhelming majority of Irish citizens , feel now ” .
The overall study concentrated “ more accurately ” on the top 10 per cent , excluding the extremely wealthy in the top 1 per cent .
It shows that the vast majority of those in the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , but across all four countries within the study , do not see themselves as being “ rich ” .
It also suggests that since the 2008 crash , the top 1 per cent of earners is moving further away from the rest of the population , including the remaining 10 per cent .
The vast majority in the top 10 per cent decile are now closer to the median earner ( at 50 per cent ) than they are to the 1 per cent , the researchers state .

Researchers found that despite the higher salaries of the top 10 per cent in Ireland compared to the other three countries, high earners in the State are more likely to feel insecure about their financial stability. File photograph: iStock
The top earners in Ireland do not see themselves as rich and feel more insecure about their financial stability than their counterparts in other European countries, a new study suggests.
The study, carried out by Tasc, the Think-tank for Action on Social Change, published on Wednesday, examined the financial position and attitudes towards inequality among the top 10 per cent of income earners in four European countries: Ireland, the UK, Sweden and Spain.
The researchers found that despite the higher salaries of the top 10 per cent in Ireland compared to the other three countries, high earners in the State are more likely to feel insecure about their financial stability.
The study found that 24 per cent of Ireland’s high earners said they had “some difficulty” making ends meet, 3 per cent had “difficulty” and 1 per cent had “great difficulty”, resulting in a total of 28 per cent.
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Financial commitments
This compared with 15 per cent of the highest earners in Spain, 11 per cent in the UK and 3 per cent of high earners in Sweden, who reported difficulty of some degree in meeting financial commitments.
Younger high earners in Ireland are more concerned about their ability to buy a house, plan a family and settle down, when compared with their European counterparts, Tasc said.
The report states that most younger people who receive higher incomes feel while they may have more disposable income, they do not have the same wealth and quality of life as previous generations, often linked to property ownership, particularly in Dublin.
Despite this, Tasc states that the highest earners in Ireland do not want to pay less tax on their earnings.
The report states that higher earners “overwhelmingly” want to see tax revenue being used by the Government to ensure universal access to high quality public services, especially in education and health.
Dr Shana Cohen, director of Tasc, said policy makers across all parties need to make the case for greater distribution and progressive public services.
“Even before the arrival of the pandemic and new uncertainties about the length and severity of the inevitable recession, many of those who, in principle, should have felt most secure were already struggling financially or expressing uncertainty about their own and their children’s future,” she said.
Super-wealthy
“It is clear that if the current unequal system isn’t working for them, it isn’t working for anyone else either, bar perhaps the super-wealthy top 1 per cent.”
In Ireland, the threshold for the top 10 per cent for those within the workforce starts at a gross personal earning rate of just under €70,000, while the threshold for the top 1 per cent within the workforce is just under €190,000.
The mean or average gross personal earning rate in Ireland is just over €36,000, Tasc added.
Dr Cohen added that public investment in public services would “address the anxiety that this segment of the population, as well as the overwhelming majority of Irish citizens, feel now”.
The overall study concentrated “more accurately” on the top 10 per cent, excluding the extremely wealthy in the top 1 per cent.
It shows that the vast majority of those in the top 10 per cent, not just in Ireland, but across all four countries within the study, do not see themselves as being “rich”.
It also suggests that since the 2008 crash, the top 1 per cent of earners is moving further away from the rest of the population, including the remaining 10 per cent. The vast majority in the top 10 per cent decile are now closer to the median earner (at 50 per cent) than they are to the 1 per cent, the researchers state.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Traveller poverty, work and discrimination focus of EU report

Irish Travellers have the highest rates of acute poverty , the lowest employment rates and face some of the worst discrimination of six Traveller and Roma communities across Europe , according to a new report .
The findings from the EU ’ s Fundamental Rights Agency ( FRA ) show that while Irish Traveller children experience significant levels of bullying and harassment in school , they have one of the higher participation rates across the six communities .
However , this does not translate into participation in wider society for most .
The Roma and Traveller in Six Countries report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,659 people aged 16 and older self-identifying as Roma , Travellers or Sinti in Belgium , France , Ireland , the Netherlands , Sweden and the United Kingdom ( which has since left the EU ) .
It finds 31 per cent of Irish Traveller households , including 28 per cent of those with children , are in acute poverty .
Irish rates are the highest across the six nationalities , followed by 28 per cent of Belgian Roma and Swedish Roma .
Lowest rates are among the Dutch Sinti , at 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Travellers are in households where at least one person went to bed hungry in the past year , including 7 per cent of homes with children , while 40 per cent had “ great difficulties in making ends meet ” .
Irish Travellers had the lowest employment rates in the survey .
Among 20-64 year olds , 17 per cent of Irish Traveller women have some paid employment , compared with 68 per cent of Irish women generally , while 13 per cent of Irish Traveller men have , compared with 82 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 per cent among Sinti men in the Netherlands , 75 per cent among UK gypsy and Traveller men and 64 per cent among male gens du voyage in France .
Irish Travellers were the least likely to have a bank account , with 63 per cent not having one .
Belgian Roma have the next highest rates at 29 per cent .
Nearly a third of Traveller parents ( 27 per cent ) say their children have been harassed or bullied in school due to being Travellers .
However , Irish Traveller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education at younger ages , with 75 per cent of eligible Traveller children in early childhood education and 96 per cent in formal education up to age 16 .
While early school-leaving is far higher among Irish Traveller adolescents ( 70 per cent ) than the general population ( 5 per cent ) , it is lower than among European counterparts in the UK ( 91 per cent ) and the Netherlands ( 88 per cent ) FRA director Michael O ’ Flaherty said : “ This report lays bare the shocking hardship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Europe of today.
” The agency is urging member states to prioritise tackling anti-Traveller and Roma discrimination and to “ ensure ” it is “ mainstreamed in all policy areas ” .

Halting site in north Dublin: An EU report finds Irish Travellers have the highest acute poverty, lowest employment and face some of the worst discrimination of six Traveller and Roma communities in Europe. Photograph: Tom Honan
Irish Travellers have the highest rates of acute poverty, the lowest employment rates and face some of the worst discrimination of six Traveller and Roma communities across Europe, according to a new report.
The findings from the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) show that while Irish Traveller children experience significant levels of bullying and harassment in school, they have one of the higher participation rates across the six communities. However, this does not translate into participation in wider society for most.
The Roma and Traveller in Six Countries report draws on published data and interviews with 4,659 people aged 16 and older self-identifying as Roma, Travellers or Sinti in Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom (which has since left the EU).
Hunger and poverty
It finds 31 per cent of Irish Traveller households, including 28 per cent of those with children, are in acute poverty. Irish rates are the highest across the six nationalities, followed by 28 per cent of Belgian Roma and Swedish Roma. Lowest rates are among the Dutch Sinti, at 4 per cent.
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One tenth of Irish Travellers are in households where at least one person went to bed hungry in the past year, including 7 per cent of homes with children, while 40 per cent had “great difficulties in making ends meet”.
Irish Travellers had the lowest employment rates in the survey. Among 20-64 year olds, 17 per cent of Irish Traveller women have some paid employment, compared with 68 per cent of Irish women generally, while 13 per cent of Irish Traveller men have, compared with 82 per cent generally.
These rates compare with 80 per cent among Sinti men in the Netherlands, 75 per cent among UK gypsy and Traveller men and 64 per cent among male gens du voyage in France.
Bank accounts
Irish Travellers were the least likely to have a bank account, with 63 per cent not having one. Belgian Roma have the next highest rates at 29 per cent.
Nearly a third of Traveller parents (27 per cent) say their children have been harassed or bullied in school due to being Travellers.
However, Irish Traveller children have comparatively high participation rates in education at younger ages, with 75 per cent of eligible Traveller children in early childhood education and 96 per cent in formal education up to age 16.
While early school-leaving is far higher among Irish Traveller adolescents (70 per cent) than the general population (5 per cent), it is lower than among European counterparts in the UK (91 per cent) and the Netherlands (88 per cent)
FRA director Michael O’Flaherty said: “This report lays bare the shocking hardship too many Roma and Travellers endure in the Europe of today.”
The agency is urging member states to prioritise tackling anti-Traveller and Roma discrimination and to “ensure” it is “mainstreamed in all policy areas”.


theirishtimes--2020-09-22--Man admits sending dozens of letters falsely accusing relative of child abuse

A man has admitted sending a series of anonymous letters , sympathy cards and floral bouquets to members of the community in which he falsely accused a relative of sexually abusing his own children .
Gary O ’ Donovan ( 41 ) , with an address at Willow Park , Clonmel , Co Tipperary pleaded guilty at Skibbereen District Court to harassing the relative living in West Cork between March 10th and March 20th , 2015 , contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act .
Sgt Paul Kelly told the court that O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sympathy cards and two bouquets of flowers to the man , his family , a post office , a Garda station , Tusla and a number of local businesses , falsely alleging the man was abusing his children on the instructions of his wife .
The man and his wife were both called paedophiles in the letters , one of which carried an image of the Palestinian flag while a Palestinian flag was also attached to one of the bouquets of flowers .
The couple were threatened that they would “ wiped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sgt Kelly .
O ’ Donovan ’ s intention was to “ name and shame ” his relative , said Sgt Kelly .
Gardaí were notified and O ’ Donovan was arrested .
He admitted his involvement but he later emigrated to Australia , the court heard .
Judge James McNulty was told the victim had declined to come to court but he had submitted a victim impact statement .
The judge he commended the man for devoting so little of the statement to his own plight but instead to expressing concern for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware Gary has serious mental health problems … all I wish for in this case is for Gary to say he is sorry for all the hurt to my family for all the hurt he has caused and I hope he can sort out his mental health problems , ” the man said in the statement , which was read out by the judge .
Judge McNulty noted that O ’ Donovan had gone for counselling but what concerned him in both his therapist ’ s report and a report from the Probation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in empathy and insight into the hurt he had caused his victim .
Defence solicitor Colette McCarthy said O ’ Donovan had a troubled childhood .
She said he was at a loss to explain why he targeted his relative with the false allegations as he had little contact with him over the years and no reason to bear any grudge or ill will towards him .
O ’ Donovan got an idea and became fixated on it even though it had no basis in fact , said Ms McCarthy , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by gardaí .
She suggested adjourning the matter to allow him undergo further psychological assessment .
Judge McNulty said that expressions of remorse at this stage were “ much too little and far too late ” and he had heard nothing by way of public apology , offer of amends or even indication of empathy , even though O ’ Donovan had several years in which to do all this .
O ’ Donovan had engaged in a campaign of harassment where his relative had been “ pilloried and humiliated within his community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ delusional actions ” .
Judge McNulty said that O ’ Donovan had allowed “ this dark allegation ” against his relative to circulate for five years .
O ’ Donovan told the court he had apologised to the gardaí who interviewed him in 2015 and had asked them to pass on his apologies to his relatives .
He said he had promised never to make contact with his relative and would never return to Cork once the court case was finalised .
Judge McNulty said he would like to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and offer of amends “ to this innocent man who was defamed in a most scurrilous way in the victim ’ s own community ” .
He sentenced O ’ Donovan , whom the court heard had no previous convictions , to six months in jail but suspended it on condition that he write a comprehensive letter of apology to the victim to be delivered to him by gardaí .
He was also ordered to keep the peace for two years .

Gary O’Donovan sent 26 letters, four sympathy cards and two bouquets of flowers to the man, his family, a post office, a Garda station, Tusla and a number of local businesses.
A man has admitted sending a series of anonymous letters, sympathy cards and floral bouquets to members of the community in which he falsely accused a relative of sexually abusing his own children.
Gary O'Donovan (41), with an address at Willow Park, Clonmel, Co Tipperary pleaded guilty at Skibbereen District Court to harassing the relative living in West Cork between March 10th and March 20th, 2015, contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Sgt Paul Kelly told the court that O'Donovan sent some 26 letters, four sympathy cards and two bouquets of flowers to the man, his family, a post office, a Garda station, Tusla and a number of local businesses, falsely alleging the man was abusing his children on the instructions of his wife.
The man and his wife were both called paedophiles in the letters, one of which carried an image of the Palestinian flag while a Palestinian flag was also attached to one of the bouquets of flowers. The couple were threatened that they would “wiped out by the Palestinian movement,” said Sgt Kelly.
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O’Donovan’s intention was to “name and shame” his relative, said Sgt Kelly.
Gardaí were notified and O'Donovan was arrested. He admitted his involvement but he later emigrated to Australia, the court heard.
Judge James McNulty was told the victim had declined to come to court but he had submitted a victim impact statement. The judge he commended the man for devoting so little of the statement to his own plight but instead to expressing concern for O’Donovan.
“I am aware Gary has serious mental health problems … all I wish for in this case is for Gary to say he is sorry for all the hurt to my family for all the hurt he has caused and I hope he can sort out his mental health problems,” the man said in the statement, which was read out by the judge.
Judge McNulty noted that O’Donovan had gone for counselling but what concerned him in both his therapist’s report and a report from the Probation Service was that he seemed completely lacking in empathy and insight into the hurt he had caused his victim.
Defence solicitor Colette McCarthy said O’Donovan had a troubled childhood. She said he was at a loss to explain why he targeted his relative with the false allegations as he had little contact with him over the years and no reason to bear any grudge or ill will towards him.
O’Donovan got an idea and became fixated on it even though it had no basis in fact, said Ms McCarthy, adding that her client had expressed remorse when interviewed by gardaí.
She suggested adjourning the matter to allow him undergo further psychological assessment.
Judge McNulty said that expressions of remorse at this stage were “much too little and far too late” and he had heard nothing by way of public apology, offer of amends or even indication of empathy, even though O’Donovan had several years in which to do all this.
O’Donovan had engaged in a campaign of harassment where his relative had been “pilloried and humiliated within his community” as a result of the accused’s “delusional actions”.
Judge McNulty said that O’Donovan had allowed “this dark allegation” against his relative to circulate for five years.
O’Donovan told the court he had apologised to the gardaí who interviewed him in 2015 and had asked them to pass on his apologies to his relatives.
He said he had promised never to make contact with his relative and would never return to Cork once the court case was finalised.
Judge McNulty said he would like to hear more in terms of apology, vindication and offer of amends “to this innocent man who was defamed in a most scurrilous way in the victim’s own community”.
He sentenced O’Donovan, whom the court heard had no previous convictions, to six months in jail but suspended it on condition that he write a comprehensive letter of apology to the victim to be delivered to him by gardaí. He was also ordered to keep the peace for two years.