theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Flooding in Cork city: ‘It’s the same old story’

The difference between success and failure on the pitch can often come down to fine margins as five-time All-Ireland winning Cork hurler Gerald McCarthy well knows .
But McCarthy knows that success in business can also come down to fine margins particularly if your business is in Cork city centre where the risk of flooding is a perennial threat .
The only man to captain his county to senior and under-21 All-Ireland hurling success in the one year , McCarthy wears his 75 years lightly as he speaks about his lucky escape from Tuesday ’ s flood .
A fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sculptor Seamus Murphy , carving the lettering on headstones , McCarthy has run his sports trophy business on Lower Prince Street in Cork city centre since 1978 .
That was the year Cork completed a three in a row and behind the counter is a photo of legendary Cork hurler Christy Ring performing the honours and officially opening McCarthy ’ s shop just a month or two before he died .
A lot of water has flown under the bridge since then but it was flowing onto the streets on Tuesday and almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You see that step there – it was up to the lip of that yesterday morning , ” said McCarthy , nodding to the upper of two steps leading into his shop which saved him from the mopping up operation that he has faced many times in the past .
“ We weren ’ t so lucky back in 2014 , ” he says , as he points out a cupboard the water reached six years ago .
It ’ s been like this as long as he can remember , recalling coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Bandon Road , taking off his shoes and socks and rolling up his trouser legs to wade down a flooded Oliver Plunkett Street .
“ The last 20 years we ’ ve had some really bad ones – 2001 , 2009 and 2014 – I remember one of them , this guy went rowing outside my door in a canoe and Claire Nash from Nash 19 next door came out and gave him a brandy , ” he says .
He is reminded of what he said in 2014 to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flood comes and there ’ s this immediate impact but then after all the mopping up and cleaning up is done , it ’ s all forgotten about again very quickly .
.
.
But next year or the year after , it will happen again and nothing seems to be done and that ’ s very frustrating – for the commercial centre of the city to be decimated like this every year or every couple of years , it ’ s just not on .
“ That was six years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the same old story – I know there ’ ve been court cases and appeals but they need to grab the situation and do something.
” Conscious that he was lucky to escape Tuesday ’ s inundation , McCarthy points out that winter has yet to come and like other traders in the area he is worried about the future .
“ We got away by the skin of our teeth yesterday but you just don ’ t know when it ’ s going to happen – and it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rain that ’ s falling – so much depends on the direction of the wind .
“ If the wind is blowing up the river , no matter what kind of a tide you have , you could be in trouble because it ’ s pushing the water up into the city and blocking the water coming down and the next thing you know , you ’ re flooded again .
”

The difference between success and failure on the pitch can often come down to fine margins as five-time All-Ireland winning Cork hurler Gerald McCarthy well knows.
But McCarthy knows that success in business can also come down to fine margins particularly if your business is in Cork city centre where the risk of flooding is a perennial threat.
The only man to captain his county to senior and under-21 All-Ireland hurling success in the one year, McCarthy wears his 75 years lightly as he speaks about his lucky escape from Tuesday’s flood.
A fourth generation stone cutter who once worked for sculptor Seamus Murphy, carving the lettering on headstones, McCarthy has run his sports trophy business on Lower Prince Street in Cork city centre since 1978.
READ MORE
That was the year Cork completed a three in a row and behind the counter is a photo of legendary Cork hurler Christy Ring performing the honours and officially opening McCarthy's shop just a month or two before he died.
A lot of water has flown under the bridge since then but it was flowing onto the streets on Tuesday and almost into McCarthy’s shop.
“You see that step there – it was up to the lip of that yesterday morning,” said McCarthy, nodding to the upper of two steps leading into his shop which saved him from the mopping up operation that he has faced many times in the past.
“We weren’t so lucky back in 2014,” he says, as he points out a cupboard the water reached six years ago.
Former Cork hurler Gerald McCarthy making flood preparations in his shop on Princes Street, Cork. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
It’s been like this as long as he can remember, recalling coming into town as a 12-year-old with pals from the Bandon Road, taking off his shoes and socks and rolling up his trouser legs to wade down a flooded Oliver Plunkett Street.
"The last 20 years we've had some really bad ones – 2001, 2009 and 2014 – I remember one of them, this guy went rowing outside my door in a canoe and Claire Nash from Nash 19 next door came out and gave him a brandy," he says.
He is reminded of what he said in 2014 to The Irish Times: “You know, the flood comes and there’s this immediate impact but then after all the mopping up and cleaning up is done, it’s all forgotten about again very quickly . . . But next year or the year after, it will happen again and nothing seems to be done and that’s very frustrating – for the commercial centre of the city to be decimated like this every year or every couple of years, it’s just not on.
“That was six years ago but what has changed? It’s the same old story – I know there’ve been court cases and appeals but they need to grab the situation and do something.”
Conscious that he was lucky to escape Tuesday’s inundation, McCarthy points out that winter has yet to come and like other traders in the area he is worried about the future.
“We got away by the skin of our teeth yesterday but you just don’t know when it’s going to happen – and it’s not just the high tide and the amount of rain that’s falling – so much depends on the direction of the wind.
“If the wind is blowing up the river, no matter what kind of a tide you have, you could be in trouble because it’s pushing the water up into the city and blocking the water coming down and the next thing you know, you’re flooded again.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--A sparkle in the gloom: Jewellery orders trickle in even as restrictions tighten

Business boomed for Aidi Mac Dáibhí last year .
People from across the world were buying his hand-crafted Celtic jewellery as birthday and Christmas presents and for marriage proposals .
It was his best year yet , but now things are dead in the water .
After a decade in China and 15 years in the US working for designers including Harrods of London and Tiffany & Co , Mac Dáibhí returned to Ireland to open a shop , Aidi Mac Dáibhí , gold and silversmith , on Church Street in Listowel , Co Kerry five years ago .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other precious gems to create Celtic rings , necklaces and other jewellery .
In January , Mac Dáibhí decided to invest the previous year ’ s profits into the business , upgrading his equipment , oak jeweller ’ s bench and display cases .
“ That of course was my downfall , ” he says .
“ There is little to no cash flow now.
” When all non-essential businesses were ordered to close in March as the pandemic took hold , Mac Dáibhí was “ absolutely devastated ” .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s behind a big stone wall so nobody can hear me , and I just screamed .
I screamed to let out all the rage at the realisation that everything I ’ d built up was just falling down around me , ” he says .
St Patrick ’ s Day is usually when the tourist trade kicks off and his business begins to see most of its profits as tourists , from the US in particular , buy custom and Claddagh jewellery .
“ But that never happened – they never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to reopen , sales were still not coming in because we haven ’ t had any tourists , ” Mac Dáibhí says .
Now , with Level 5 restrictions due to be in place until December , Mac Dáibhí fears his business will be devastated .
“ The uniqueness of what I do is in the shop .
We get to interact for the custom aspect .
What I have is skills passed down generation by generation .
But it ’ s going to die out.
” The shop closing has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dáibhí outsources work to – from a master silversmith in Kilkenny to a master engraver in Cork , to a box maker in Belfast , to the apprentices .
“ It affects everyone , ” Mac Dáibhí says .
“ There are already very few who hand-make jewellery now.
” After posting on Twitter about how his shop is struggling , three orders came in the next day .
“ It was a great feeling , seeing those sales .
I haven ’ t seen them all year .
So , I went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little dance for her to tell her , ” he says , adding that online business , at celticjewelry.ie is “ a lot less personal ” .
With the latest restrictions due to lift in six weeks , Mac Dáibhí is hoping the run up to Christmas will bring in some much-needed business from people who opt to shop for gifts locally .
He and his wife , who deals with customers and accounts for the shop , have had to use €20,000 in savings to keep going .
“ I still have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay the bills , the mortgage , take care of my family .
I thought about quitting and telling the landlord it ’ s over .
But every month I ’ ve said ‘ I ’ ll hold on a bit longer ’ because all I know is making jewellery .
”

Business boomed for Aidi Mac Dáibhí last year. People from across the world were buying his hand-crafted Celtic jewellery as birthday and Christmas presents and for marriage proposals. It was his best year yet, but now things are dead in the water.
After a decade in China and 15 years in the US working for designers including Harrods of London and Tiffany & Co, Mac Dáibhí returned to Ireland to open a shop, Aidi Mac Dáibhí, gold and silversmith, on Church Street in Listowel, Co Kerry five years ago.
His work combines gold, silver, diamonds and other precious gems to create Celtic rings, necklaces and other jewellery.
In January, Mac Dáibhí decided to invest the previous year’s profits into the business, upgrading his equipment, oak jeweller’s bench and display cases.
READ MORE
“That of course was my downfall,” he says. “There is little to no cash flow now.”
When all non-essential businesses were ordered to close in March as the pandemic took hold, Mac Dáibhí was “absolutely devastated”.
“I went into my workshop anyway, it’s behind a big stone wall so nobody can hear me, and I just screamed. I screamed to let out all the rage at the realisation that everything I’d built up was just falling down around me,” he says.
‘There are already very few who hand-make jewellery now.’
St Patrick’s Day is usually when the tourist trade kicks off and his business begins to see most of its profits as tourists, from the US in particular, buy custom and Claddagh jewellery.
“But that never happened – they never came. Even when my business was allowed to reopen, sales were still not coming in because we haven’t had any tourists,” Mac Dáibhí says.
Now, with Level 5 restrictions due to be in place until December, Mac Dáibhí fears his business will be devastated.
“The uniqueness of what I do is in the shop. We get to interact for the custom aspect. What I have is skills passed down generation by generation. But it’s going to die out.”
Aidi Mac Dáibhí returned to Ireland to open his own shop on Church Street in Listowel, Co Kerry five years ago.
The shop closing has a knock-on effect on the other craftsmen Mac Dáibhí outsources work to – from a master silversmith in Kilkenny to a master engraver in Cork, to a box maker in Belfast, to the apprentices.
“It affects everyone,” Mac Dáibhí says. “There are already very few who hand-make jewellery now.”
After posting on Twitter about how his shop is struggling, three orders came in the next day.
"It was a great feeling, seeing those sales. I haven't seen them all year. So, I went up to my wife and did a little dance for her to tell her," he says, adding that online business, at celticjewelry.ie is "a lot less personal".
With the latest restrictions due to lift in six weeks, Mac Dáibhí is hoping the run up to Christmas will bring in some much-needed business from people who opt to shop for gifts locally.
He and his wife, who deals with customers and accounts for the shop, have had to use €20,000 in savings to keep going.
“I still have to pay rent for the shop, pay the bills, the mortgage, take care of my family. I thought about quitting and telling the landlord it’s over. But every month I’ve said ‘I’ll hold on a bit longer’ because all I know is making jewellery.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Call for financial support for west Kerry if Fungie does not return

A public representative in Kerry is calling for financial supports and other measures for fishermen and businesses in west Kerry “ should Fungie not return ” .
The dolphin , missing for more than a week , was the prime means of livelihood for up to 13 families involved in Fungie boat tours in the harbour for more than 30 years .
But he was also one of the main attractions bringing people to Dingle and west Kerry in the first place , said Fianna Fáil councillor Breandán Fitzgerald , a representative for Corca Dhuibhne .
The supports for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of diversification , perhaps a look at marine craft licences that would encompass whale watching and other marine tourism which could extend beyond the harbour where the dolphin tour boats operate , the councillor said .
A whole industry has been built around the dolphin in the form of publicity , film and documentary , and gifts .
The “ awareness ” that Fungie also brought to everyone about marine life and the environment could be built upon in the form of an interpretation centre or museum , Mr Fitzgerald said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing together tourism bodies , the Department of the Marine , Dingle Harbour bodies and the local authority , he said .
“ We need over the winter to put the heads together and investigate what supports are out there and can be put in place .
I hope obviously Fungie comes back but even if he does not return , this isn ’ t the end of his story.
” Caroline Boland , from Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance , said : “ You couldn ’ t put a value on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he brought a magical experience to the bay.
” As the search for Fungie continues , marine biologist and director of Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium , Dr Kevin Flannery , said they were hopeful he was still alive .
“ He has been phenomenal for the economy of the place and he transformed the views of the millions of people who have visited here , ” he said .
“ He will be a huge loss economically – he was part of the family and any person who went out the harbour or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him over the past 37 years .
“ The families , teenagers and children who have visited down through the years came to realise that the sea is a place with beautiful and happy creatures , like him ; that it is not a place for dumping plastic and not a place for harvesting.
” – Additional reporting PA

A sculpture of Fungie in Dingle, Co Kerry. Fungie has been missing for more than a week now. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
A public representative in Kerry is calling for financial supports and other measures for fishermen and businesses in west Kerry “should Fungie not return”.
The dolphin, missing for more than a week, was the prime means of livelihood for up to 13 families involved in Fungie boat tours in the harbour for more than 30 years. But he was also one of the main attractions bringing people to Dingle and west Kerry in the first place, said Fianna Fáil councillor Breandán Fitzgerald, a representative for Corca Dhuibhne.
The supports for the tour operators could come in the form of diversification, perhaps a look at marine craft licences that would encompass whale watching and other marine tourism which could extend beyond the harbour where the dolphin tour boats operate, the councillor said.
A whole industry has been built around the dolphin in the form of publicity, film and documentary, and gifts.
READ MORE
The “awareness” that Fungie also brought to everyone about marine life and the environment could be built upon in the form of an interpretation centre or museum, Mr Fitzgerald said.
The first step would be a co-ordination group, bringing together tourism bodies, the Department of the Marine, Dingle Harbour bodies and the local authority, he said. “We need over the winter to put the heads together and investigate what supports are out there and can be put in place. I hope obviously Fungie comes back but even if he does not return, this isn’t the end of his story.”
Inspiration
Caroline Boland, from Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance, said: “You couldn’t put a value on how [Fungie] has inspired us all and he brought a magical experience to the bay.”
As the search for Fungie continues, marine biologist and director of Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Dr Kevin Flannery, said they were hopeful he was still alive. “He has been phenomenal for the economy of the place and he transformed the views of the millions of people who have visited here,” he said.
Dr Kevin Flannery, marine biologist and director of Dingle Oceanworld, is hopeful the dolphin is still alive. Photograph: Niall Carson/ PA Wire
“He will be a huge loss economically – he was part of the family and any person who went out the harbour or any person who went walking would see him over the past 37 years.
“The families, teenagers and children who have visited down through the years came to realise that the sea is a place with beautiful and happy creatures, like him; that it is not a place for dumping plastic and not a place for harvesting.” – Additional reporting PA


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Only essential workers should attend driving tests, RSA says

People should only attend driving tests over the next six weeks in the event they are an essential worker , @ @ @ @ @ said .
Government restrictions designed to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic moved to @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
The Government has classed the Driver Testing Service , the National Driver Licence @ @ @ @ @ Testing Service and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing Service as essential services .
However , @ @ @ @ @ people should only attend scheduled driving test appointments provided they are an essential worker involved @ @ @ @ @ services or essential retail outlets .
It said it would not be cancelling any existing @ @ @ @ @ pointed out that it is a matter for each individual with a driving test date @ @ @ @ @ are involved in delivering an essential service or essential retail outlet .
“ We would @ @ @ @ @ not someone involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets , that @ @ @ @ @ appointment , ” it added .

The RSA said people should only attend scheduled driving test appointments provided they are an essential worker.
People should only attend driving tests over the next six weeks in the event they are an essential worker, the Road Safety Authority has said.
Government restrictions designed to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic moved to Level 5 at midnight on Thursday.
The Government has classed the Driver Testing Service, the National Driver Licence Service, the National Car Testing Service and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing Service as essential services.
However, the RSA said on Wednesday people should only attend scheduled driving test appointments provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets.
READ MORE
It said it would not be cancelling any existing scheduled driving tests, but pointed out that it is a matter for each individual with a driving test date to satisfy themselves that they are involved in delivering an essential service or essential retail outlet.
“We would ask that if you are not someone involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets, that you please cancel your test appointment,” it added.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Climate Bill criticised for lack of accountability and sanctions

The Government ’ s Climate Bill to boost the national effort to reduce carbon emissions has come under sustained criticism due to vague language , lack of accountability and no sanctions for missing carbon budgets .
Climate scientist Prof John Sweeney of Maynooth University and environment law expert Dr Andrew Jackson of UCD Sutherland School of Law told the Oireachtas Climate Action Committee the legislation could transform Ireland ’ s climate performance , but not as currently framed .
Separately , leading environmental groups – Stop Climate Chaos and the Environmental Pillar – released their detailed verdicts on “ loopholes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which they conclude could undermine efforts to enshrine climate ambitions in law .
The committee is undertaking pre-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development ( Amendment ) Bill 2020 .
Prof Sweeney said he reacted with dismay as weak aspects of the 2015 Climate Bill were incorporated into the Bill .
Language to pursue emission reductions , rather than defend against potential litigation , should be prioritised , while current wording should changed “ from aspiration to commitment ” , he added .
Interim targets were essential to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A “ glide path ” with annual figures indicating performance were essential to knowing if the country was on the right course .
No matter what way methane from agriculture was counted , it had to be reduced , he added .
“ Sustained reductions of agricultural methane is demonstrably essential ... for Ireland to achieve Paris [ agreement ] compliance and in furtherance of the State ’ s commitment to the UN sustainable development goals.
” On carbon budgets , there was a need for stronger commitment and accountability , Prof Sweeney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who or what body bears responsibility for exceeding a sectoral budget target .
“ Consequences , such as the relevant Government department being forced to buy quota on the open market from departmental funds , offers one possibility to incentivise sectoral compliance , ” he suggested .
Former minister for climate action Richard Bruton said the easy part was putting “ hit that number ” targets into legislation ; the hardest part was changing behaviours and ending addiction to fossil fuels .
He questioned if sanctions for not meeting sectoral targets would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was “ not interested in fining or jailing people , or putting the Minister in dock , but in ensuring the State fulfils it climate obligations ” .
The Bill as it stands “ is very weak when compared to leading climate laws adopted elsewhere ... That said , [ it ] could easily be strengthened , ” Dr Jackson said .
“ The Bill should include legal obligations requiring the taoiseach or minister to ensure carbon budgets ( and targets ) are met , and requiring the taoiseach or minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon budget ( or target ) is not met , ” he said .
Government should be required to report annually to the joint committee on whether the current net-zero target date , interim targets , the long-term strategy , the current plan and the carbon budget programme still represent Ireland ’ s “ highest possible ambition ” .
The Climate Change Advisory Council should be genuinely independent and include representatives from fields of law and just transition , and “ the perspectives of youth and future generations ” .
While the Citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent support , that an independent body be resourced with functions to include pursuing the State in legal proceedings relating to climate change , “ the present Bill appears to have been crafted with a view to avoiding legal accountability ” , he observed .
“ This is counter-productive : a weak governance framework will not see emissions fall , and falling emissions is the only thing likely to satisfy those who may otherwise turn to litigation .
Further , litigation based on fundamental rights can not be avoided by adopting a woolly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senator Alice-Mary Higgins ( Ind ) , he said the Bill as currently framed was “ not robust at all ” in the context of achieving 2030 targets , with much of problem being down to language .
“ To stand a chance of limiting heating to 1.5 degrees , our emissions need to fall very deeply , very rapidly , starting immediately .
We therefore have just one shot at getting this legislation right .
We know that robust framework climate laws enable effective action , and we know how such laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stop Climate Chaos coalition ( SCC ) policy co-ordinator Sadhbh O ’ Neill said the Bill substantially improves the 2015 Climate Law but their analysis had identified “ serious loopholes that could undermine the purpose of the law ” .
“ TDs and Senators have the opportunity now to recommend that these loopholes are closed and make the new climate law work as it was intended .
Much of the progress on climate policy in recent years has come from TDs and Senators forging a cross-party consensus in the Oireachtas and driving official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge them to do that again now , ” she added .
The State should be required to “ pursue and achieve ” the 2050 objective of carbon neutrality and that target should be “ at the latest ” .
The definition of a carbon budget must be tightened to make it explicit that it will cover all gases and all sectors in a single national emissions limit , ” SCC believed .
The Bill must oblige the council to propose carbon budgets in line with the 2050 climate objective , and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minister and the government to produce plans that are in line with the carbon budgets ” .
The Environmental Pillar , which represents 29 environmental and climate NGOs , noted “ the twin crises of climate and biodiversity are deeply interlinked and must be addressed simultaneously , so a voice for nature on the council will be critical ” .
The Minister for Climate Action and the Government “ are not obliged to rationalise or provide evidence for their decisions and their subsequent impacts .
Therefore , it could compromise transparency and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against a future minister who may not be as ambitious as is required , ” they warned .

Prof John Sweeney said he reacted with dismay as weak aspects of the 2015 Climate Bill were incorporated into the Bill. Photograph: Frank Miller / THE IRISH TIMES
The Government’s Climate Bill to boost the national effort to reduce carbon emissions has come under sustained criticism due to vague language, lack of accountability and no sanctions for missing carbon budgets.
Climate scientist Prof John Sweeney of Maynooth University and environment law expert Dr Andrew Jackson of UCD Sutherland School of Law told the Oireachtas Climate Action Committee the legislation could transform Ireland's climate performance, but not as currently framed.
Separately, leading environmental groups – Stop Climate Chaos and the Environmental Pillar – released their detailed verdicts on “loopholes” and weaknesses in the proposed legislation, which they conclude could undermine efforts to enshrine climate ambitions in law.
The committee is undertaking pre-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020.
READ MORE
Prof Sweeney said he reacted with dismay as weak aspects of the 2015 Climate Bill were incorporated into the Bill. Language to pursue emission reductions, rather than defend against potential litigation, should be prioritised, while current wording should changed “from aspiration to commitment”, he added.
Interim targets were essential to ensure the roadmap intended was being followed. A “glide path” with annual figures indicating performance were essential to knowing if the country was on the right course.
No matter what way methane from agriculture was counted, it had to be reduced, he added. "Sustained reductions of agricultural methane is demonstrably essential...for Ireland to achieve Paris [agreement] compliance and in furtherance of the State's commitment to the UN sustainable development goals."
On carbon budgets, there was a need for stronger commitment and accountability, Prof Sweeney underlined, as it was not clear who or what body bears responsibility for exceeding a sectoral budget target.
“Consequences, such as the relevant Government department being forced to buy quota on the open market from departmental funds, offers one possibility to incentivise sectoral compliance,” he suggested.
Former minister for climate action Richard Bruton said the easy part was putting "hit that number" targets into legislation; the hardest part was changing behaviours and ending addiction to fossil fuels. He questioned if sanctions for not meeting sectoral targets would be effective in that context.
Prof Sweeney said he was “not interested in fining or jailing people, or putting the Minister in dock, but in ensuring the State fulfils it climate obligations”.
The Bill as it stands “is very weak when compared to leading climate laws adopted elsewhere...That said,[it] could easily be strengthened,” Dr Jackson said.
“The Bill should include legal obligations requiring the taoiseach or minister to ensure carbon budgets (and targets) are met, and requiring the taoiseach or minister to correct course and compensate if a carbon budget (or target) is not met,” he said.
Government should be required to report annually to the joint committee on whether the current net-zero target date, interim targets, the long-term strategy, the current plan and the carbon budget programme still represent Ireland’s “highest possible ambition”.
The Climate Change Advisory Council should be genuinely independent and include representatives from fields of law and just transition, and "the perspectives of youth and future generations".
While the Citizens’ Assembly recommended, with 97 per cent support, that an independent body be resourced with functions to include pursuing the State in legal proceedings relating to climate change, “the present Bill appears to have been crafted with a view to avoiding legal accountability”, he observed.
“This is counter-productive: a weak governance framework will not see emissions fall, and falling emissions is the only thing likely to satisfy those who may otherwise turn to litigation. Further, litigation based on fundamental rights cannot be avoided by adopting a woolly climate law framework.”
In response to Senator Alice-Mary Higgins (Ind), he said the Bill as currently framed was “not robust at all” in the context of achieving 2030 targets, with much of problem being down to language.
“To stand a chance of limiting heating to 1.5 degrees, our emissions need to fall very deeply, very rapidly, starting immediately. We therefore have just one shot at getting this legislation right. We know that robust framework climate laws enable effective action, and we know how such laws are designed,” he added.
Stop Climate Chaos coalition (SCC) policy co-ordinator Sadhbh O’Neill said the Bill substantially improves the 2015 Climate Law but their analysis had identified “serious loopholes that could undermine the purpose of the law”.
“TDs and Senators have the opportunity now to recommend that these loopholes are closed and make the new climate law work as it was intended. Much of the progress on climate policy in recent years has come from TDs and Senators forging a cross-party consensus in the Oireachtas and driving official policy in the right direction. We urge them to do that again now,” she added.
The State should be required to “pursue and achieve” the 2050 objective of carbon neutrality and that target should be “at the latest”.
The definition of a carbon budget must be tightened to make it explicit that it will cover all gases and all sectors in a single national emissions limit,” SCC believed.
The Bill must oblige the council to propose carbon budgets in line with the 2050 climate objective, and “there must be a clear duty on the minister and the government to produce plans that are in line with the carbon budgets”.
The Environmental Pillar, which represents 29 environmental and climate NGOs, noted “the twin crises of climate and biodiversity are deeply interlinked and must be addressed simultaneously, so a voice for nature on the council will be critical”.
The Minister for Climate Action and the Government “are not obliged to rationalise or provide evidence for their decisions and their subsequent impacts. Therefore, it could compromise transparency and accountability....It also does not protect against a future minister who may not be as ambitious as is required,” they warned.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Woman granted court protection order via video link

A woman who was self-isolating due to Covid-19 restrictions has secured a domestic violence protection order from a district court judge via video link from the kitchen of her own home .
At Ennis District Court , Judge Patrick Durcan granted the protection order via a secure video link to the woman who is unable to leave her home as she is self-isolating .
The woman appearing on the TV screens in court from her home told the judge she was fearful of her ex-partner after sustaining a severe bite injury to her upper cheek when he assaulted her earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local Court Service staff told him this was the first time that a protection order had been granted remotely in this way in any district court through the technology available .
The move was welcomed by Women ’ s Aid , the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and solicitor , Ann Gillane .
Local Courts Service staff arranged the video link court sitting due to the risk faced by the woman , as she would otherwise have had to wait 14 days for her self-isolation period to expire before being able to come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In her statement giving evidence of the alleged assault read out by Judge Durcan , the woman stated her ex-partner “ bit my face , hit me and pulled my hair ” .
The woman stated the gardaí arrived and took the man away .
Judge Durcan held her statement close to the court camera and , after confirming the woman ’ s signature on her statement , he said : “ I am now placing you under the protection of the court.
” Chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We truly welcome this development in court practice .
It means that someone in need of protection can continue to get access to the courts and to justice even if they are physically restricted , as this woman was.
” A spokesman for the Courts Service said : “ Our courts and offices remain open physically for those who need to avail of court protections .
We have also initiated the use of remote video links and remote virtual courts via various online platforms .
This has enabled us to organise for cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was used in family law cases , and may prove a very good tool in accommodating such cases as we enter into a new period of Level 5 .
“ The Courts Service emphasises that we are ‘ still here ’ for those who seek protections from domestic violence – as we have been all through this challenging period , ” he said .

Court Service staff say this is the first time a protection order has been granted remotely in this way. Photograph: Alan Betson
A woman who was self-isolating due to Covid-19 restrictions has secured a domestic violence protection order from a district court judge via video link from the kitchen of her own home.
At Ennis District Court, Judge Patrick Durcan granted the protection order via a secure video link to the woman who is unable to leave her home as she is self-isolating.
The woman appearing on the TV screens in court from her home told the judge she was fearful of her ex-partner after sustaining a severe bite injury to her upper cheek when he assaulted her earlier this month.
Judge Durcan said the local Court Service staff told him this was the first time that a protection order had been granted remotely in this way in any district court through the technology available.
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The move was welcomed by Women’s Aid, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and solicitor, Ann Gillane.
Local Courts Service staff arranged the video link court sitting due to the risk faced by the woman, as she would otherwise have had to wait 14 days for her self-isolation period to expire before being able to come to court to give evidence for the application.
In her statement giving evidence of the alleged assault read out by Judge Durcan, the woman stated her ex-partner “bit my face, hit me and pulled my hair”.
The woman stated the gardaí arrived and took the man away.
Judge Durcan held her statement close to the court camera and, after confirming the woman’s signature on her statement, he said: “I am now placing you under the protection of the court.”
Access to courts
Chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Noeline Blackwell, said: “We truly welcome this development in court practice. It means that someone in need of protection can continue to get access to the courts and to justice even if they are physically restricted, as this woman was.”
A spokesman for the Courts Service said: “Our courts and offices remain open physically for those who need to avail of court protections. We have also initiated the use of remote video links and remote virtual courts via various online platforms. This has enabled us to organise for cases to proceed in many areas. Recently it was used in family law cases, and may prove a very good tool in accommodating such cases as we enter into a new period of Level 5.
“The Courts Service emphasises that we are ‘still here’ for those who seek protections from domestic violence – as we have been all through this challenging period,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Warning of 180,000 jobs at risk due to international travel restrictions

Overseas tourism revenues are likely to collapse by two-thirds this year as a result of Covid-19 , an Oireachtas committee has been told .
In 2019 the overseas market brought in €9 billion in revenue ; this year it will be closer to €3 billion .
Foreign visitors account for 75 per cent of all tourism revenue earned in the State , members were told .
Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Media , Tourism , Arts , Culture , Sport and the Gaeltacht , Ruth Andrews , the chair of the Government ’ s Tourism Recovery Taskforce , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in danger of being lost for good if a way is not found to resume international tourism .
She said the tourism sector was vital to the recovery of the economy after the economic crash of 2010 and will be so again if international tourism can be resumed .
“ We must do so in a safe manner , of course , and the recent adoption of the traffic light system in the EU is an important first step in this regard .
It is vital now that we fully explore the appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current period of quarantine may be removed , ” she said .
She is also chief executive of the Inbound Tour Association Ireland which annually brings in 700,000 visitors to Ireland .
She pointed out that these businesses bring in tourists who spend an average of eight nights in the country and bring in large amounts of money .
These businesses have lost 95 per cent of their revenues this year .
“ Without international access , they have not been able to operate .
They vitally need support , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the managing director of the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Kennedy Homestead in New Ross , said all tourism businesses are only in “ survival mode ” .
He anticipated that the tourist industry will still be largely dependent on the domestic market next year .
Buswells Hotel general manager Paul Gallagher said hotel occupancy for November is only at 4 per cent .
There will be 57,600 empty bedrooms across the State every night during November as a consequence of the lockdown , the committee was told .
“ Business owners are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they are going to sustain their businesses , ” he said .
He anticipated that insolvency rules will become an “ enormous issue ” when companies have to complete their audited accounts for 2020 .
“ As companies have to complete their audited accounts in the New Year , the undertaking they will have to find in order to continue to trade will be extraordinarily difficult , ” he said .
Many tourism businesses have burned through their cash reserves , he added , and will be unable to take on new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ No business premise is going to talk about becoming insolvent in public , but your bank of recourse will become nervous about your prospects , ” he said .
He suggested that the State should bring in low interest loans for businesses that are in trouble .
December is a key month for the hospitality industry , he stated , and there are worries that even a return to Level 3 will not be sufficient to save many businesses .
“ You would have to wonder what is the survival rate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .

Overseas tourism revenues are likely to collapse by two-thirds this year as a result of Covid-19, an Oireachtas committee has been told.
In 2019 the overseas market brought in €9 billion in revenue; this year it will be closer to €3 billion. Foreign visitors account for 75 per cent of all tourism revenue earned in the State, members were told.
Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Ruth Andrews, the chair of the Government's Tourism Recovery Taskforce, said 180,000 jobs in the sector are in danger of being lost for good if a way is not found to resume international tourism.
She said the tourism sector was vital to the recovery of the economy after the economic crash of 2010 and will be so again if international tourism can be resumed.
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“ We must do so in a safe manner, of course, and the recent adoption of the traffic light system in the EU is an important first step in this regard. It is vital now that we fully explore the appropriate testing regime for implementation so that the current period of quarantine may be removed,” she said.
She is also chief executive of the Inbound Tour Association Ireland which annually brings in 700,000 visitors to Ireland.
She pointed out that these businesses bring in tourists who spend an average of eight nights in the country and bring in large amounts of money. These businesses have lost 95 per cent of their revenues this year.
“Without international access, they have not been able to operate. They vitally need support,” she said.
Former Fianna Fáil TD Sean Connick, the managing director of the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Kennedy Homestead in New Ross, said all tourism businesses are only in "survival mode".
He anticipated that the tourist industry will still be largely dependent on the domestic market next year.
Buswells Hotel general manager Paul Gallagher said hotel occupancy for November is only at 4 per cent.
There will be 57,600 empty bedrooms across the State every night during November as a consequence of the lockdown, the committee was told.
“Business owners are at their wits’ end as to how they are going to sustain their businesses,” he said.
He anticipated that insolvency rules will become an “enormous issue” when companies have to complete their audited accounts for 2020.
“As companies have to complete their audited accounts in the New Year, the undertaking they will have to find in order to continue to trade will be extraordinarily difficult,” he said.
Many tourism businesses have burned through their cash reserves, he added, and will be unable to take on new debt because of their trading performance.
“No business premise is going to talk about becoming insolvent in public, but your bank of recourse will become nervous about your prospects,” he said.
He suggested that the State should bring in low interest loans for businesses that are in trouble.
December is a key month for the hospitality industry, he stated, and there are worries that even a return to Level 3 will not be sufficient to save many businesses.
“You would have to wonder what is the survival rate in the SME sectors around the tourism industry,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Ban on evictions for duration of Level 5 restrictions agreed at Cabinet

The Minister for Housing Darragh O ’ Brien received Cabinet approval on Wednesday to publish a Bill to ban evictions for the period of the Level 5 restrictions .
Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin described the Bill as “ welcome but weak ” and said his party would on Thursday table amendments in an attempt to also ban evictions when there are any kind of restrictions on the number of visitors allowed into a home or when there are county by county lockdowns in future .
Another three deaths from Covid-19 were recorded on Wednesday , along with 1,167 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country prepares to enter the first day of Level 5 restrictions .
From Thursday all non-essential businesses will close and people will be forbidden from travelling more than 5km from their homes for non-essential reasons .
Unlike the first lockdown , however , schools will remain open .
The latest figures from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) show cases are continuing to rise sharply across the country as are hospitalisations .
Some 27 new Covid-19 patients were hospitalised over the 24-hour period up to 2pm , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are 34 patients in intensive care .
The 14-day incidence rate for the virus stands at 291 per 100,000 people .
Cavan has by far the highest incidence rate at 1,013 , followed by Meath at 652 .
Dublin ’ s incidence rate continues to fall and now stands at 242 , with 263 new cases recorded in the county .
The latest figures bring the number of Covid-19 deaths in Ireland to 1,868 and confirmed cases to 53,422 .
“ We are facing a big challenge , but we have faced this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know how to suppress this virus , by following the public health advice in everything we do , ” chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said .
“ Everyone needs to stay at home , other than for essential reasons .
Follow the public health advice and treat everyone who you come into contact with as though they are a close contact of someone with Covid-19 – keep your distance , avoid meeting others.
” There has been another sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 clusters in primary and secondary schools .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared with 25 the previous week and 12 the week before .
There have now been a total of 118 clusters in schools .
A cluster is defined as two or more linked cases of the virus in a location .
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre , which compiled the figures , said they included both children and staff , and they did not necessarily mean that transmission of the virus occurred within the schools .
The HSE said the transmission rate in schools was 2.3 per cent , significantly lower than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at more than 7 per cent .
The spread of Covid-19 in the community is translating into increased case numbers in schools , but the number of cases is not being amplified within the schools themselves .
Perhaps responding to complaints from teachers this week , the HSE aims to have strengthened virus control measures in place by the time the schools return from next week ’ s midterm break .
The Government published a Bill which would allow gardaí to issue escalating fines to those found breaching Covid-19 regulations .
The fines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling to a house party and up to €500 for failing to wear a face mask in certain places or travelling beyond 5km .
The new regulations come into effect today but the penalties for breaching them are unlikely to become law until early next week as the Bill has to be debated and passed by the Oireachtas .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed frustration at the news that the HSE was asking thousands of people infected with Covid-19 to inform their close contacts themselves due to the contact tracing system becoming overwhelmed last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue only when he was texted an Irish Times story about it on Tuesday .

Government published a Bill which would allow gardaí to issue escalating fines to those found breaching Covid-19 regulations.
The Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien received Cabinet approval on Wednesday to publish a Bill to ban evictions for the period of the Level 5 restrictions.
Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin described the Bill as “welcome but weak” and said his party would on Thursday table amendments in an attempt to also ban evictions when there are any kind of restrictions on the number of visitors allowed into a home or when there are county by county lockdowns in future.
Another three deaths from Covid-19 were recorded on Wednesday, along with 1,167 new cases of the virus as the country prepares to enter the first day of Level 5 restrictions.
Hospital Report
From Thursday all non-essential businesses will close and people will be forbidden from travelling more than 5km from their homes for non-essential reasons. Unlike the first lockdown, however, schools will remain open.
READ MORE
The latest figures from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) show cases are continuing to rise sharply across the country as are hospitalisations.
Some 27 new Covid-19 patients were hospitalised over the 24-hour period up to 2pm, bringing the total number in hospital to 314. There are 34 patients in intensive care.
The 14-day incidence rate for the virus stands at 291 per 100,000 people. Cavan has by far the highest incidence rate at 1,013, followed by Meath at 652.
Dublin’s incidence rate continues to fall and now stands at 242, with 263 new cases recorded in the county.
The latest figures bring the number of Covid-19 deaths in Ireland to 1,868 and confirmed cases to 53,422.
"We are facing a big challenge, but we have faced this challenge before, and that means we know how to suppress this virus, by following the public health advice in everything we do," chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said.
“Everyone needs to stay at home, other than for essential reasons. Follow the public health advice and treat everyone who you come into contact with as though they are a close contact of someone with Covid-19 – keep your distance, avoid meeting others.”
School clusters
There has been another sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 clusters in primary and secondary schools. Last week there were 46 new outbreaks compared with 25 the previous week and 12 the week before.
There have now been a total of 118 clusters in schools. A cluster is defined as two or more linked cases of the virus in a location.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre, which compiled the figures, said they included both children and staff, and they did not necessarily mean that transmission of the virus occurred within the schools.
The HSE said the transmission rate in schools was 2.3 per cent, significantly lower than the rate in the general community which stands at more than 7 per cent.
The spread of Covid-19 in the community is translating into increased case numbers in schools, but the number of cases is not being amplified within the schools themselves.
Perhaps responding to complaints from teachers this week, the HSE aims to have strengthened virus control measures in place by the time the schools return from next week’s midterm break.
Fines
The Government published a Bill which would allow gardaí to issue escalating fines to those found breaching Covid-19 regulations. The fines will range from €1,000 for hosting or travelling to a house party and up to €500 for failing to wear a face mask in certain places or travelling beyond 5km.
The new regulations come into effect today but the penalties for breaching them are unlikely to become law until early next week as the Bill has to be debated and passed by the Oireachtas.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed frustration at the news that the HSE was asking thousands of people infected with Covid-19 to inform their close contacts themselves due to the contact tracing system becoming overwhelmed last week.
Mr Martin became aware of the issue only when he was texted an Irish Times story about it on Tuesday.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Asylum seekers’ wait time before working cut to six months

Independent monitoring of centres , a reduction in the time an asylum seeker must wait before entering the labour force and vulnerability assessments , are to be introduced as part of a series of changes to the State ’ s asylum system .
The Department of Equality and Integration and Department of Justice confirmed on Wednesday that asylum seekers must wait six months before applying to work , down from the nine-month wait introduced two years ago .
Work permits will remain valid for 12 months rather than six , asylum seekers will be able to work in public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who received a first instance decision on their asylum claim before 2018 will be entitled to apply for a work permit , said Minister for Justice Helen McEntee .
Minister for Equality Roderic O ’ Gorman , who has responsibility for direct provision , said a “ formal system of vulnerability assessments ” would be introduced from December along with independent monitoring of direct provision centres by the Health Information and Quality Authority and the “ phasing out ” of emergency accommodation centres .
He did not , as was anticipated , make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licences but said legislation addressing the issue would be included in legislation from Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan before the end of the year .
Ms McEntee said her department was engaging with the Banking and Payments Federation to deal with access to bank accounts for asylum seekers .
The announcements came in conjunction with the publication of a report by a Government-appointed expert group into ending direct provision and changes to the international protection process .
The recommendations include the introduction of State-owned temporary reception centres where applicants would spend their first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by local authorities .
Their findings will inform the Government White Paper which is scheduled for publication in December .
A “ dedicated group of senior officials ” , including secretaries general from a number of Government departments , has been appointed to examine the group ’ s recommendations and will meet on a weekly or fortnightly basis until Christmas .
The expert group , led by former secretary general of the European Commission Dr Catherine Day , called for the new system to be fully implemented by mid-2023 and for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
The proposed model would cost €35.9 million less than what direct provision cost in 2019 .
After three months in State-run accommodation , applicants should be transferred to own-door accommodation overseen by local authorities , says the report .
First instance decisions on applications should be made within six months and if refused , a decision on appeal should be made within a further six months .
If an application is refused after all avenues of appeal have been exhausted , the applicant should be given up to six months to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing and welfare support , the group recommends .
The new system should be able to process an average 3,500 protection applications per year , while any person who had been in direct provision for more than two years by the end of 2020 should receive leave to remain for five years to help alleviate backlog , says the report .
Unaccompanied minors who turn 18 should remain the responsibility of Tusla while their social worker should be “ legally obliged ” to seek advice on filing an asylum applications .
The International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources to handle a greater share of cases in-house ” while the Legal Aid Board should be “ sufficiently staffed and resourced ” in supporting applicants .
Dr Day said the Covid-19 pandemic had “ starkly underlined ” the unsuitability of direct provision and a “ more humane ” process that complied with Ireland ’ s international obligations was needed .
A whole-of-government approach , continued political oversight and a clear implementation plan with “ fixed-time limits ” is important , she said .
A “ legally binding mandate ” should also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come on board , she added .
The group was “ acutely aware of housing challenges ” in Ireland and decided an allowance modelled on the homeless HAP scheme was the most workable option , said Dr Day .
She underlined the group was “ not asking for any privilege for asylum seekers ” and “ no jumping of the housing list ” .
Recommendations were influenced by the Government ’ s International Refugee Protection Programme which has resettled thousands of Syrians in Ireland , said Dr Day , adding that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have different kinds of refugees in Ireland , and some get much better support and treatment than others ” .
The UN Refugee Agency called on the Government to “ urgently implement ” the recommendations and advised officials to start working to reduce waiting times on applications rather than waiting for the outcome of the White Paper .
Fiona Finn , director of Nasc , the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre , who was a member of the expert group , said the implementation of legally binding deadlines for all new applications from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taskforce to clear the existing backlog of cases by 2022 was “ essential to the success ” of the proposed system .
“ Many of these recommendations will require institutional change and the overhaul of outdated and inefficient systems and this will require political will and commitment to these changes , ” she said .

A report by a Government-appointed expert group into ending direct provision and changes to the international protection process has made a series of recommendations to improve the system for asylum seekers. File photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Independent monitoring of centres, a reduction in the time an asylum seeker must wait before entering the labour force and vulnerability assessments, are to be introduced as part of a series of changes to the State’s asylum system.
The Department of Equality and Integration and Department of Justice confirmed on Wednesday that asylum seekers must wait six months before applying to work, down from the nine-month wait introduced two years ago.
Work permits will remain valid for 12 months rather than six, asylum seekers will be able to work in public health jobs subject to qualifications, and applicants who received a first instance decision on their asylum claim before 2018 will be entitled to apply for a work permit, said Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
Minister for Equality Roderic O’Gorman, who has responsibility for direct provision, said a “formal system of vulnerability assessments” would be introduced from December along with independent monitoring of direct provision centres by the Health Information and Quality Authority and the “phasing out” of emergency accommodation centres.
READ MORE
He did not, as was anticipated, make any formal commitment around access to driving licences but said legislation addressing the issue would be included in legislation from Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan before the end of the year. Ms McEntee said her department was engaging with the Banking and Payments Federation to deal with access to bank accounts for asylum seekers.
The announcements came in conjunction with the publication of a report by a Government-appointed expert group into ending direct provision and changes to the international protection process.
The recommendations include the introduction of State-owned temporary reception centres where applicants would spend their first three months and a new housing model led by local authorities.
Their findings will inform the Government White Paper which is scheduled for publication in December. A “dedicated group of senior officials”, including secretaries general from a number of Government departments, has been appointed to examine the group’s recommendations and will meet on a weekly or fortnightly basis until Christmas.
The expert group, led by former secretary general of the European Commission Dr Catherine Day, called for the new system to be fully implemented by mid-2023 and for the transition period to begin as soon as possible. The proposed model would cost €35.9 million less than what direct provision cost in 2019.
After three months in State-run accommodation, applicants should be transferred to own-door accommodation overseen by local authorities, says the report.
First instance decisions on applications should be made within six months and if refused, a decision on appeal should be made within a further six months. If an application is refused after all avenues of appeal have been exhausted, the applicant should be given up to six months to organise their departure while continuing to receive housing and welfare support, the group recommends.
The new system should be able to process an average 3,500 protection applications per year, while any person who had been in direct provision for more than two years by the end of 2020 should receive leave to remain for five years to help alleviate backlog, says the report.
Unaccompanied minors who turn 18 should remain the responsibility of Tusla while their social worker should be “legally obliged” to seek advice on filing an asylum applications.
The International Protection Office should be "given sufficient resources to handle a greater share of cases in-house" while the Legal Aid Board should be "sufficiently staffed and resourced" in supporting applicants.
Dr Day said the Covid-19 pandemic had “starkly underlined” the unsuitability of direct provision and a “more humane” process that complied with Ireland’s international obligations was needed. A whole-of-government approach, continued political oversight and a clear implementation plan with “fixed-time limits” is important, she said. A “legally binding mandate” should also be introduced to ensure all local authorities agree to come on board, she added.
The group was "acutely aware of housing challenges" in Ireland and decided an allowance modelled on the homeless HAP scheme was the most workable option, said Dr Day.
She underlined the group was “not asking for any privilege for asylum seekers” and “no jumping of the housing list”.
Recommendations were influenced by the Government’s International Refugee Protection Programme which has resettled thousands of Syrians in Ireland, said Dr Day, adding that she was “very surprised to discover we have different kinds of refugees in Ireland, and some get much better support and treatment than others”.
The UN Refugee Agency called on the Government to "urgently implement" the recommendations and advised officials to start working to reduce waiting times on applications rather than waiting for the outcome of the White Paper.
Fiona Finn, director of Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre, who was a member of the expert group, said the implementation of legally binding deadlines for all new applications from 2023 and the introduction of a dedicated taskforce to clear the existing backlog of cases by 2022 was “essential to the success” of the proposed system.
“Many of these recommendations will require institutional change and the overhaul of outdated and inefficient systems and this will require political will and commitment to these changes,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Kerry secondary school reopens after department order

Tarbert Comprehensive School , which was closed by its school principal on Tuesday over fears about rising Covid-19 cases , reopened on Wednesday , following an order from the Department of Education .
However , a number of students at the 520-strong mixed school did not attend , it is understood , though the school is being cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis in line with HSE guidelines .
“ We are in consultation with the HSE and are following HSE protocols and the public health guidelines that have been provided to us .
All necessary precautions have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff or students , ” principal Richard Prendiville said .
“ The HSE is responsible for testing and contact tracing and we are co-operating with them to ensure all information is provided and they can evaluate any further steps that may need to be taken .
“ Our primary focus , at this time , is to support the work of the HSE and to support the recovery of those affected while continuing to prioritise the safety , health and wellbeing of students , staff and teachers , ” he said .
Drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shannon Estuary area , the school has seen seven students test positive for Covid-19 in the last seven days and a further 45 have been told they are close contacts .
Parent Brian Finucane from Ballylongford , whose son is in fifth year at the school , supported the first decision by the principal to close the school , even though that was subsequently overturned by the Department of Education .
“ Who else would know what is going on , on the ground in the local community of north Kerry and west @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that the board of management had supported the principal ’ s decision .

Tarbert Comprehensive School, which was closed by its school principal on Tuesday over fears about rising Covid-19 cases, reopened on Wednesday, following an order from the Department of Education.
However, a number of students at the 520-strong mixed school did not attend, it is understood, though the school is being cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis in line with HSE guidelines.
"We are in consultation with the HSE and are following HSE protocols and the public health guidelines that have been provided to us. All necessary precautions have been taken to prevent any further exposure to staff or students," principal Richard Prendiville said.
“The HSE is responsible for testing and contact tracing and we are co-operating with them to ensure all information is provided and they can evaluate any further steps that may need to be taken.
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“Our primary focus, at this time, is to support the work of the HSE and to support the recovery of those affected while continuing to prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of students, staff and teachers,” he said.
Drawing its pupils from west Limerick and the Shannon Estuary area, the school has seen seven students test positive for Covid-19 in the last seven days and a further 45 have been told they are close contacts.
Parent Brian Finucane from Ballylongford, whose son is in fifth year at the school, supported the first decision by the principal to close the school, even though that was subsequently overturned by the Department of Education.
“Who else would know what is going on, on the ground in the local community of north Kerry and west Limerick?” Mr Finucane asked, adding that the board of management had supported the principal’s decision.


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Gym owner plans to defy restrictions and open

A gym in west Dublin is due to open on Thursday morning as normal despite Level 5 restrictions requiring it to close .
Simon Murphy , owner of Westside gym in Blanchardstown , said the gym will open to existing members only and that the response from membership has been “ overwhelmingly positive ” .
Under the Government ’ s Level 5 restrictions , due to come into effect for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday , gyms , leisure centres and swimming pools are required to close .
Mr Murphy said he decided to keep the gym open after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday night and after positive feedback to the suggestion on social media of remaining open in recent weeks .
The gym currently has between 1,200 and 1,300 members , with 50 people allowed in at any one time .
“ The statistics are there to show how small the transmission has been throughout gyms , ” Mr Murphy told The Irish Times .
“ I believe that I can provide as safe as possible an environment for people to train in and I believe that this is an essential part of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who I ’ m here to cater to .
Mr Murphy said there has been one confirmed case of Covid-19 among his members and that a training partner was contacted as a possible close contact , who subsequently tested negative for the virus .
“ This is for existing members only , we ’ re not accepting new members .
It ’ s not a money-making exercise .
It ’ s about being sustainable for people ’ s mental health and also sustaining our business , ” he added .
Mr Murphy said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the restrictions .
“ I outlined that anyone who wasn ’ t comfortable with the stance I was going to take , their job would still be there waiting for them when we are allowed to reopen and hopefully get back to stage 3 or whatever the situation may be , ” he said .
“ But not one of them had any objection or had any concerns about going forward and taking the stance we have and have been totally supportive .
”

Simon Murphy, owner of the Westside Gym in Blanchardstown, who has vowed to open his business in defiance of the Level 5 restrictions. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
A gym in west Dublin is due to open on Thursday morning as normal despite Level 5 restrictions requiring it to close.
Simon Murphy, owner of Westside gym in Blanchardstown, said the gym will open to existing members only and that the response from membership has been "overwhelmingly positive".
Under the Government’s Level 5 restrictions, due to come into effect for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are required to close.
Mr Murphy said he decided to keep the gym open after hearing Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s speech on Monday night and after positive feedback to the suggestion on social media of remaining open in recent weeks.
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The gym currently has between 1,200 and 1,300 members, with 50 people allowed in at any one time.
“The statistics are there to show how small the transmission has been throughout gyms,” Mr Murphy told The Irish Times.
“I believe that I can provide as safe as possible an environment for people to train in and I believe that this is an essential part of my members’ lives and that’s who I’m here to cater to.
One confirmed case
Mr Murphy said there has been one confirmed case of Covid-19 among his members and that a training partner was contacted as a possible close contact, who subsequently tested negative for the virus.
“This is for existing members only, we’re not accepting new members. It’s not a money-making exercise. It’s about being sustainable for people’s mental health and also sustaining our business,” he added.
Mr Murphy said staff were also happy to remain working despite the restrictions.
“I outlined that anyone who wasn’t comfortable with the stance I was going to take, their job would still be there waiting for them when we are allowed to reopen and hopefully get back to stage 3 or whatever the situation may be,” he said.
“But not one of them had any objection or had any concerns about going forward and taking the stance we have and have been totally supportive.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-21--Loyalist accused of plotting to subvert a Stormont inquiry to call nine witnesses

A loyalist activist accused of plotting to subvert a Stormont inquiry into a billion pound property deal intends to call nine witnesses at his legal bid to have the case thrown out , he told a court on Wednesday .
Jamie Bryson wants DUP MLA Jim Wells and the independent Irish MEP Mick Wallace to give evidence in his defence at the attempt to halt criminal proceedings .
Police officers are also expected to testify during a hearing to test the strength of the prosecution case before trial .
A judge at Belfast Magistrates ’ Court confirmed a date for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Mr Bryson ( 30 ) , of Rosepark in Donaghadee , Co Down denies a charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office on dates between September 1st and 24th , 2015 .
Former Sinn Féin MLA Daithi McKay ( 38 ) , and party member Thomas O ’ Hara ( 36 ) , are accused of the same offence .
The case relates to a Stormont probe into the £1.2bn sale of the National Asset Managment Agency ( Nama ) ’ s Northern Ireland property portfolio to US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also indicated a potential objection to expert witnesses giving evidence remotely due to the ongoing pandemic .

A loyalist activist accused of plotting to subvert a Stormont inquiry into a billion pound property deal intends to call nine witnesses at his legal bid to have the case thrown out, he told a court on Wednesday.
Jamie Bryson wants DUP MLA Jim Wells and the independent Irish MEP Mick Wallace to give evidence in his defence at the attempt to halt criminal proceedings. Police officers are also expected to testify during a hearing to test the strength of the prosecution case before trial.
A judge at Belfast Magistrates’ Court confirmed a date for the Preliminary Inquiry will be fixed next week. Mr Bryson (30), of Rosepark in Donaghadee, Co Down denies a charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office on dates between September 1st and 24th, 2015. Former Sinn Féin MLA Daithi McKay (38), and party member Thomas O’Hara (36), are accused of the same offence. The case relates to a Stormont probe into the £1.2bn sale of the National Asset Managment Agency (Nama)’s Northern Ireland property portfolio to US investment giant Cerberus.
Mr Bryson has also indicated a potential objection to expert witnesses giving evidence remotely due to the ongoing pandemic.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Government to consider inquiry into historical child abuse in St John Ambulance

The Government is to give “ consideration ” to setting up a scoping inquiry to examine historical child sexual abuse in St John Ambulance , with a review of records held by a number of State bodies to take place .
In August , The Irish Times published an article detailing the experiences of three survivors who were sexually abused by a former senior figure in the voluntary paramedic organisation in the 1990s .
Minister for Children Roderic O ’ Gorman on Wednesday said he had asked Tusla , the child and family agency , to conduct a national review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse in the organisation had been reported to the agency .
Both the Department of Health and the Department of Justice had also been asked to review their files for any records related to past abuse in the voluntary organisation , he said .
Mr O ’ Gorman was speaking in the Seanad in response to a call from Independent Senator Lynn Ruane to set up a scoping inquiry into historical child abuse in St John Ambulance .
Following the review of records held by Tusla and the departments , the Government would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a scoping inquiry into the matter , Mr O ’ Gorman said .
The Minister praised the “ bravery and fortitude ” of the three men who had spoken publicly about their abuse at the hands of the former senior figure .
Child sexual abuse allegations made against the men have been deemed to be founded , following a previous investigation by Tusla .
The perpetrator , who can not be named for legal reasons , was a member of the voluntary organisation from the 1950s until at least 2000 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuser , who is still alive , operated in the Old Kilmainham division in Dublin .
One of the survivors , Mick Finnegan , reported the abuse to the organisation in the late 1990s .
The three survivors are now taking civil cases against both the abuser and St John Ambulance .
Gardaí investigated the matter based on the three complainants , but the Director of Public Prosecutions decided against pursuing a criminal case .
St John Ambulance has defended its current child protection standards , while stating it can not comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal case .
Speaking in the Seanad , Ms Ruane said it appeared the abuse had been an “ open secret ” in the organisation , where “ everybody knew , but nobody knew.
” “ It would seem that abuse within St John Ambulance was tolerated at some level , at the highest levels of that organisation … So even though a particular individual is not there anymore , we do need to look at the structures that supported and facilitated that individual for such a long period of time , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ very concerned ” that if abuse had occurred over decades there were likely other survivors .
The number of people who had come forward to date was potentially just “ scratching the surface , ” she told the Seanad .
“ Even with the current risk being mitigated with a particular individual being gone , we need to look at why it was allowed persist for so many generations , and how many other people have been impacted , ” she said .
Ms Ruane called for a “ transparent ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report conducted by Dr Gabriel Scally into the CervicalCheck controversy .
Mr O ’ Gorman said Tusla had previously reviewed the organisation ’ s current child safeguarding policy , and found it to be compliant with standards .

Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman said he had asked Tusla to conduct a national review to determine whether other instances of alleged abuse in the organisation had been reported to the agency. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times.
The Government is to give "consideration" to setting up a scoping inquiry to examine historical child sexual abuse in St John Ambulance, with a review of records held by a number of State bodies to take place.
In August, The Irish Times published an article detailing the experiences of three survivors who were sexually abused by a former senior figure in the voluntary paramedic organisation in the 1990s.
Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman on Thursday said he had asked Tusla, the child and family agency, to conduct a national review to determine whether other instances of alleged abuse in the organisation had been reported to the agency.
Both the Department of Health and the Department of Justice had also been asked to review their files for any records related to past abuse in the voluntary organisation, he said.
READ MORE
Mr O'Gorman was speaking in the Seanad in response to a call from Independent Senator Lynn Ruane to set up a scoping inquiry into historical child abuse in St John Ambulance.
Following the review of records held by Tusla and the departments, the Government would give “due consideration” to setting up a scoping inquiry into the matter, Mr O’Gorman said.
The Minister praised the “bravery and fortitude” of the three men who had spoken publicly about their abuse at the hands of the former senior figure.
Investigations
Child sexual abuse allegations made against the men have been deemed to be founded, following a previous investigation by Tusla.
The perpetrator, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was a member of the voluntary organisation from the 1950s until at least 2000, and left under pressure to resign.
The abuser, who is still alive, operated in the Old Kilmainham division in Dublin. One of the survivors, Mick Finnegan, reported the abuse to the organisation in the late 1990s. The three survivors are now taking civil cases against both the abuser and St John Ambulance.
Gardaí investigated the matter based on the three complainants, but the Director of Public Prosecutions decided against pursuing a criminal case.
St John Ambulance has defended its current child protection standards, while stating it cannot comment on the past abuse due to the ongoing legal case.
Open secret
Speaking in the Seanad, Ms Ruane said it appeared the abuse had been an “open secret” in the organisation, where “everybody knew, but nobody knew.”
“It would seem that abuse within St John Ambulance was tolerated at some level, at the highest levels of that organisation … So even though a particular individual is not there anymore, we do need to look at the structures that supported and facilitated that individual for such a long period of time,” she said.
Ms Ruane said she was “very concerned” that if abuse had occurred over decades there were likely other survivors. The number of people who had come forward to date was potentially just “scratching the surface,” she told the Seanad.
“Even with the current risk being mitigated with a particular individual being gone, we need to look at why it was allowed persist for so many generations, and how many other people have been impacted,” she said.
Ms Ruane called for a "transparent" inquiry to be undertaken, similar to the report conducted by Dr Gabriel Scally into the CervicalCheck controversy.
Mr O’Gorman said Tusla had previously reviewed the organisation’s current child safeguarding policy, and found it to be compliant with standards.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Bus drivers faced ‘mayhem’ as passengers tried to travel, union says

Bus drivers have said there was “ mayhem ” on some bus services in Dublin on Thursday as excessive numbers of passengers sought to travel on services , their trade union has said .
The National Bus and Rail Union ( NBRU ) said its members experienced difficulties trying to accommodate passengers on services across a number of routes after the new 25 per cent capacity restriction under Level 5 came into effect at midnight .
The general secretary of the NBRU , Dermot O ’ Leary , said there had been “ several pinch points and locations where passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers to Dublin Bus services ” .
“ Some drivers are describing it as ‘ mayhem ’ , as excessive numbers of commuters try to board buses across a range of routes .
Some Bus Éireann services have also experienced capacity constraints where demand has outstripped the Level 5 reduced capacity.
” “ Thankfully ( thus far at least ) no confrontation or conflict has been reported , though we are extremely conscious that frustration can lead to such a scenario .
We can not blame passengers , striving as they are , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at a time which suits their particular needs , as opposed to when services may , or can be scheduled.
” Mr O ’ Leary said from the start of the Covid-19 pandemic his union had been calling for “ a plan to be put in place to both accommodate those that are required to travel for essential purposes and also to be given a clear outline of how capacity restrictions are to be policed ” .
He said that NBRU had suggested to the Oireachtas that school , work and retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage demand for public transport .
“ It is neither fair nor sustainable that you would have those that operate the service ( drivers ) and those that use the service , in conflict with each other .
“ I have , this morning , written to the CEO ’ s of Dublin Bus , Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann to ascertain their plans for additional services and how they propose to police capacity issues .
Suffice to say , it is not the job of a bus driver to police public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider societal measures during Lockdown Two so as to manage public transport demand.
” Elswhere , Irish roads were busy on Thursday morning despite the introduction of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions and hundreds Garda checkpoints nationwide .
There were long delays and congestion on the N1 from Newry to Jonesborough in Co Louth with heavy traffic also in Julianstown in Co Meath and Balbriggan in Co Dublin during rush hour on Thursday , according to AA Roadwatch .
Delays were also reported on the N25 heading into Cork city and on parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the busy roads , Conor Faughnan from the AA said he expected traffic volumes would drop over the coming days but said full analysis would not be available until next week .
In March , at the height of lockdown , traffic levels dropped “ substantially ” with only essential journeys taking place , said Mr Faughnan .
These numbers then rose to about 85 per cent of the normal volume during the summer months and into September , he said , adding he expected traffic levels would drop to around 40 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
Mr Faughnan urged road users to continue to take care , even when roads are quieter than normal .
“ Road deaths went up during lockdown in March so we would be saying with the long weekend and schools on half term , let ’ s make sure that doesn ’ t happen again .
Let ’ s not be complacent.
” The State ’ s latest restrictions , which are among the most severe in Europe , will be enforced by new powers for gardaí that are expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Government .
Thousands of retail premises and other businesses shut their doors on Wednesday night , while hundreds of thousands of workers will now be obliged to work from home .
Some 132 Garda checkpoints have been introduced on motorways across the country and will be supplemented by hundreds of rolling checkpoints on main and secondary roads , said an Garda Síochána this week .
High-visibility community engagement patrols and support for the vulnerable are among a number of other measures being implemented by gardaí from today to ensure compliance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin City Council shows general outbound traffic volume into the capital has dropped since Level 3 restrictions were introduced in September but changes in inbound traffic were not as obvious .
Updated data on traffic in Dublin since the latest restrictions came in will be available from tomorrow .

The NBRU has said it is not the job of a bus driver to police public health guidelines. Photograph: The Irish Times
Bus drivers have said there was “mayhem” on some bus services in Dublin on Thursday as excessive numbers of passengers sought to travel on services, their trade union has said.
The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) said its members experienced difficulties trying to accommodate passengers on services across a number of routes after the new 25 per cent capacity restriction under Level 5 came into effect at midnight.
The general secretary of the NBRU Dermot O'Leary said there had been "several pinch points and locations where passengers have tried to gain access in large numbers to Dublin Bus services".
“Some drivers are describing it as ‘mayhem’, as excessive numbers of commuters try to board buses across a range of routes. Some Bus Éireann services have also experienced capacity constraints where demand has outstripped the Level 5 reduced capacity.”
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“Thankfully (thus far at least) no confrontation or conflict has been reported, though we are extremely conscious that frustration can lead to such a scenario. We cannot blame passengers, striving as they are, to get to their place of work, at a time which suits their particular needs, as opposed to when services may, or can be scheduled.”
Mr O’Leary said from the start of the Covid-19 pandemic his union had been calling for “a plan to be put in place to both accommodate those that are required to travel for essential purposes and also to be given a clear outline of how capacity restrictions are to be policed”.
He said that NBRU had suggested to the Oireachtas that school, work and retail opening and closing times be staggered to manage demand for public transport.
“It is neither fair nor sustainable that you would have those that operate the service (drivers) and those that use the service, in conflict with each other.
“I have, this morning, written to the CEOs of Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann to ascertain their plans for additional services and how they propose to police capacity issues.
“Suffice to say, it is not the job of a bus driver to police public health guidelines. The Government needs to consider wider societal measures during lockdown two so as to manage public transport demand.”
Dublin Bus did not comment on the claims made by the NBRU.
Bus Éireann said most of its services operated close to the revised 25 per cent capacity levels on Thursday morning. It said capacity issues were experienced on a number of regional city services and commuter services. It said its intercity services had seen very small numbers of passengers.
Allen Parker, chief customer officer at Bus Éireann said: “We have been communicating Level 5 restrictions to customers for the past few days – public transport will be limited to 25 per cent capacity and is for the purposes of allowing those providing essential services to get to work. Where available we will try to provide additional capacity – however this is very limited.”
Elswhere, Irish roads were busy on Thursday morning despite the introduction of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions and hundreds of Garda checkpoints nationwide.
There were long delays and congestion on the N1 from Newry to Jonesborough in Co Louth with heavy traffic also in Julianstown in Co Meath and Balbriggan in Co Dublin during rush hour on Thursday, according to AA Roadwatch.
Delays were also reported on the N25 heading into Cork city and on parts of the N22 in Co Kerry.
Despite the busy roads, Conor Faughnan from the AA said he expected traffic volumes would drop over the coming days but said full analysis would not be available until next week.
In March, at the height of lockdown, traffic levels dropped “substantially” with only essential journeys taking place, said Mr Faughnan. These numbers then rose to about 85 per cent of the normal volume during the summer months and into September, he said, adding he expected traffic levels would drop to around 40 per cent the normal figure over the coming days.
Mr Faughnan urged road users to continue to take care, even when roads are quieter than normal. “Road deaths went up during lockdown in March so we would be saying with the long weekend and schools on half term, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again. Let’s not be complacent.”
The State's latest restrictions, which are among the most severe in Europe, will be enforced by new powers for gardaí that are expected to be in place by next week, according to the Government.
Thousands of retail premises and other businesses shut their doors on Wednesday night, while hundreds of thousands of workers will now be obliged to work from home.
Some 132 Garda checkpoints have been introduced on motorways across the country and will be supplemented by hundreds of rolling checkpoints on main and secondary roads, said An Garda Síochána this week.
High-visibility community engagement patrols and support for the vulnerable are among a number of other measures being implemented by gardaí from today to ensure compliance with public health guidelines.
Weekly data from Dublin City Council shows general outbound traffic volume from the capital has dropped since Level 3 restrictions were introduced in September but changes in inbound traffic were not as obvious. Updated data on traffic in Dublin since the latest restrictions came in will be available from tomorrow.