theirishtimes--2020-10-26--Troubles legacy: London’s break from deal ‘deeply concerning’

MPs at Westminster have strongly criticised new proposals by the UK government to address the legacy of the Troubles , which they described as “ unilateral and unhelpful ” .
An interim report by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee , which will be published on Monday , said the lack of detail from the UK government was “ deeply concerning ” and MPs were “ dismayed ” at the lack of consultation with victims ’ groups .
Instead they called on the UK government to return to the mechanism for dealing with the legacy that had previously been agreed between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The [ UK ] government must , as soon as possible , introduce legislation that is consistent with the six principles of the Stormont House Agreement , ” the report stated .
The committee chairman , Conservative MP Simon Hoare , said the new proposals were a “ unilateral departure ” from the agreement .
“ There was a lack of consultation , even with the very people it is supposed to serve ; the victims .
The move is counterproductive and seems more like a decree than a natural evolution of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on [ the UK ] government to urgently introduce legislation based on the core principles of the Stormont House Agreement and return to a collaborative approach , engaging with victims ’ groups , parties , and – where necessary – the Irish Government .
“ Without this , there is no buy-in , no legitimacy , no credibility for a way forward on legacy , which would only serve to delay the wait for truth , ” he said .
The commitment to introduce legislation to implement the provisions on legacy outlined in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days was one of the pledges of the New Decade , New Approach deal that restored the North ’ s Assembly in January .
It included the creation of an independent historical investigations unit to investigate outstanding Troubles-related deaths .
However in March , the North ’ s secretary of state , Brandon Lewis , outlined in a written statement to the House of Commons a new approach to dealing with legacy that included “ significant changes ” .
Under the new proposals , only cases where there is a “ realistic prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all other cases would be closed permanently .
The new proposals were widely condemned by victims ’ groups in Northern Ireland and by the Irish Government , which continues to call for the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement .
In the report the committee makes a number of criticisms of the UK government ’ s approach , including the lack of detail and failure to provide evidence to the inquiry .
For this reason , Mr Hoare said , the report was necessarily an interim one , adding that “ we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this evidence and invite the Irish Government to do the same to help clarify the situation for victims.
” MPs also called for further clarity over plans to permanently close Troubles-era cases , which they said raised “ profound legal , ethical and human rights issues ” , adding that there was “ considerable doubt ” that this was the right approach .
The UK government , they said , “ must conduct meaningful and transparent consultation with victims ’ groups , Northern Ireland political parties and , to the extent necessary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The report noted there had been no reference in the March statement “ to the appropriate role and responsibilities of the Irish Government in relation to the new legacy body ” , and asked the UK government to address this .
The Irish Government , they said , “ will have a role to play in parts of a new legacy process ” and said a collaborative approach needed to be maintained to help resolve legacy cases .
“ That will best be achieved by the UK government adopting a policy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government as envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement , ” the report said .
It also called on the UK government to ensure any new legacy institution have sufficient funding , to publish guidelines setting out the steps it would take to ensure investigations were compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights , and to outline how its proposed information-recovery system would operate , as well as to examine the lessons that could be learned from the Operation Kenova investigations into Troubles-era killings .

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has described the proposals as ‘unilateral and unhelpful’. Above, Boris Johnson. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/PA Wire
MPs at Westminster have strongly criticised new proposals by the UK government to address the legacy of the Troubles, which they described as “unilateral and unhelpful”.
An interim report by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, which will be published on Monday, said the lack of detail from the UK government was "deeply concerning" and MPs were "dismayed" at the lack of consultation with victims' groups.
Instead they called on the UK government to return to the mechanism for dealing with the legacy that had previously been agreed between the Irish and UK governments.
"The [UK] government must, as soon as possible, introduce legislation that is consistent with the six principles of the Stormont House Agreement," the report stated.
READ MORE
The committee chairman, Conservative MP Simon Hoare, said the new proposals were a "unilateral departure" from the agreement.
“There was a lack of consultation, even with the very people it is supposed to serve; the victims. The move is counterproductive and seems more like a decree than a natural evolution of an agreed framework.
"We are calling on [the UK] government to urgently introduce legislation based on the core principles of the Stormont House Agreement and return to a collaborative approach, engaging with victims' groups, parties, and – where necessary – the Irish Government.
“Without this, there is no buy-in, no legitimacy, no credibility for a way forward on legacy, which would only serve to delay the wait for truth,” he said.
Troubles deaths
The commitment to introduce legislation to implement the provisions on legacy outlined in the 2014 Stormont House Agreement within 100 days was one of the pledges of the New Decade, New Approach deal that restored the North’s Assembly in January.
It included the creation of an independent historical investigations unit to investigate outstanding Troubles-related deaths.
However in March, the North's secretary of state, Brandon Lewis, outlined in a written statement to the House of Commons a new approach to dealing with legacy that included "significant changes".
Under the new proposals, only cases where there is a “realistic prospect” of prosecution would be investigated, and all other cases would be closed permanently.
The new proposals were widely condemned by victims’ groups in Northern Ireland and by the Irish Government, which continues to call for the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement.
In the report the committee makes a number of criticisms of the UK government’s approach, including the lack of detail and failure to provide evidence to the inquiry.
For this reason, Mr Hoare said, the report was necessarily an interim one, adding that “we urge the UK government to urgently provide this evidence and invite the Irish Government to do the same to help clarify the situation for victims.”
MPs also called for further clarity over plans to permanently close Troubles-era cases, which they said raised “profound legal, ethical and human rights issues”, adding that there was “considerable doubt” that this was the right approach.
‘Meaningful engagement’
The UK government, they said, “must conduct meaningful and transparent consultation with victims’ groups, Northern Ireland political parties and, to the extent necessary, the Irish Government before publishing legislation”.
The report noted there had been no reference in the March statement “to the appropriate role and responsibilities of the Irish Government in relation to the new legacy body”, and asked the UK government to address this.
The Irish Government, they said, “will have a role to play in parts of a new legacy process” and said a collaborative approach needed to be maintained to help resolve legacy cases.
“That will best be achieved by the UK government adopting a policy of meaningful and appropriate engagement with the Irish Government as envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement,” the report said.
It also called on the UK government to ensure any new legacy institution have sufficient funding,to publish guidelines setting out the steps it would take to ensure investigations were compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and to outline how its proposed information-recovery system would operate, as well as to examine the lessons that could be learned from the Operation Kenova investigations into Troubles-era killings.


theirishtimes--2020-10-26--Education sector to offer thousands of free courses to workers affected by pandemic

More than 14,000 free and subsidised higher-education courses in areas ranging from data analytics to construction are to be provided to upskill workers whose livelihoods have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic .
The €30 million initiative includes many short , stand-alone modular courses , as well as places on existing full-time and part-time postgraduate courses .
Courses will be open to those returning to the workforce , those in employment and recent graduates .
All participants – with the exception of people looking to return to the workforce – will contribute 10 per cent of the course cost .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the pandemic unemployment payment , will be eligible to undertake part-time courses free of charge .
A detailed breakdown of the courses will be posted on the Higher Education Authority ’ s website ( hea.ie ) .
Most courses will be delivered in a flexible manner , allowing people to gain important skills without taking a considerable period away from the labour market .
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said the courses are funded under the Government ’ s jobs stimulus package to help get people back to work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ modular courses , along with just over 2,500 postgraduate places .
Mr Harris said the higher-education sector has responded swiftly and effectively to the challenges that have arisen over recent months .
“ The courses we are launching today will form a further response to the impacts of the global pandemic , providing upskilling and reskilling places for those who have been most affected and ensuring that they have the skills most needed by employers today , ” he said .
“ Many courses focus on future proofing the skills of those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be impacted by digitalisation.
” He said the courses will enable people across the country to embark on new pathways , or refresh or reskill in their employment .
“ We must ensure a jobs-led recovery by putting upskilling and SME supports centre stage .
This is a crucial part of the jigsaw , ” he said , Eligible participants must have at least a level-eight ( honours degree ) qualification or equivalent prior to acceptance onto a course .
Exact academic eligibility requirements will be determined by individual providers and may depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eligible applicants must be ordinarily resident in Ireland and must meet the nationality and EU residency rules which apply to courses under the Springboard programme .
Modular courses will be stand-alone so that participants can gain skills and put them into practice immediately in the workplace , but are also accredited in such a way as to provide building blocks to a full qualification should the student so wish .
More than 500 modular courses will be available across a broad range of subjects in 32 higher-education institutions .
They represent a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upskilling and reskilling opportunities for those who need it , while ensuring that they remain close to the labour market .
Mr Harris added : “ This is exactly the kind of initiative we need to increase Irish university capacity to extract and adapt high-demand modules from existing programmes , and develop tailored courses , to suit the needs of enterprise and lifelong learning.
” The postgraduate places will be on 207 courses in 23 public and private higher-education institutions .
The places are available on courses in a wide range of skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sciences , engineering , tourism and hospitality , ICT , and health and welfare , including medical technology .
Alan Wall , Higher Education Authority chief executive , said his organisation was working in partnership with higher-education institutions to “ unlock the flexibility of third level in dealing with difficult times .
”

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said the third level sector has responded swiftly and effectively to the challenges that have arisen over recent months. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
More than 14,000 free and subsidised higher-education courses in areas ranging from data analytics to construction are to be provided to upskill workers whose livelihoods have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The €30 million initiative includes many short, stand-alone modular courses, as well as places on existing full-time and part-time postgraduate courses.
Courses will be open to those returning to the workforce, those in employment and recent graduates.
Hospital Report
All participants – with the exception of people looking to return to the workforce – will contribute 10 per cent of the course cost.
READ MORE
Those in receipt of certain welfare payments, including the pandemic unemployment payment, will be eligible to undertake part-time courses free of charge.
A detailed breakdown of the courses will be posted on the Higher Education Authority's website (hea.ie).
Most courses will be delivered in a flexible manner, allowing people to gain important skills without taking a considerable period away from the labour market.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said the courses are funded under the Government's jobs stimulus package to help get people back to work .
Almost 11,600 places will be in short modular courses, along with just over 2,500 postgraduate places.
Mr Harris said the higher-education sector has responded swiftly and effectively to the challenges that have arisen over recent months.
“The courses we are launching today will form a further response to the impacts of the global pandemic, providing upskilling and reskilling places for those who have been most affected and ensuring that they have the skills most needed by employers today,” he said.
“Many courses focus on future proofing the skills of those in employment, particularly in roles that may be impacted by digitalisation.”
He said the courses will enable people across the country to embark on new pathways, or refresh or reskill in their employment.
“We must ensure a jobs-led recovery by putting upskilling and SME supports centre stage. This is a crucial part of the jigsaw,” he said,
Eligible participants must have at least a level-eight (honours degree) qualification or equivalent prior to acceptance onto a course.
Exact academic eligibility requirements will be determined by individual providers and may depend on the nature of the course.
Eligible applicants must be ordinarily resident in Ireland and must meet the nationality and EU residency rules which apply to courses under the Springboard programme .
Modular courses will be stand-alone so that participants can gain skills and put them into practice immediately in the workplace, but are also accredited in such a way as to provide building blocks to a full qualification should the student so wish.
More than 500 modular courses will be available across a broad range of subjects in 32 higher-education institutions.
They represent a new route into lifelong learning, and provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for those who need it, while ensuring that they remain close to the labour market.
Mr Harris added: “This is exactly the kind of initiative we need to increase Irish university capacity to extract and adapt high-demand modules from existing programmes, and develop tailored courses, to suit the needs of enterprise and lifelong learning.”
The postgraduate places will be on 207 courses in 23 public and private higher-education institutions.
The places are available on courses in a wide range of skills areas, including data analytics, environmental sciences, engineering, tourism and hospitality, ICT, and health and welfare, including medical technology.
Alan Wall, Higher Education Authority chief executive, said his organisation was working in partnership with higher-education institutions to "unlock the flexibility of third level in dealing with difficult times."


theirishtimes--2020-10-26--Airlines failing to help consumers deal with ‘mess created by Covid’

The scale of the crisis which has engulfed the Irish travel industry and the impact it has had on would-be travellers was laid bare at a recent hearing of the Oireachtas transport committee .
Earlier this month it emerged that airlines owe Irish consumers at least €25 million as a result of Covid-19-related flight cancellations with some of the outstanding refunds , dating back to the beginning of the crisis in March , still not processed .
The €25 million was said to be a conservative estimate with some of those addressing the hearing suggesting it could top €30 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dragging its heels when processing refunds and playing different strands of legislation against each other to avoid returning money to travel agents which could subsequently be passed on to consumers .
Airlines were also accused of operating virtually empty “ ghost flights ” out of Ireland over the summer months to avoid issuing refunds to passengers unable to travel due to official restrictions imposed because of Covid-19 .
The chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association , Pat Dawson , said Ryanair was refusing to pay money back to travel agents on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which governs flight refunds in the event of cancellations , requires them to pay money directly to consumers .
The package travel directive , meanwhile , requires travel agents to refund consumers in the event that holidays – including flights – have been cancelled .
Dawson said that despite the fact it had been “ dealing with travel agents for 20 years ” Ryanair had changed course in recent months and instead of channelling refunds through travel agents it was deploying delaying tactics .
He said it was demanding details such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers before considering direct refunds .
While Ryanair came in for particular flak it was clear there were few , if any , airlines or politicians who had covered themselves in glory in helping consumers deal with the mess created by Covid-19 .
The committee concluded its session by promising to investigate the issue further and said it would be calling on the airlines , industry experts and various Ministers to talk about the issue .
As the hearing was coming to an end something struck Pricewatch , who was in virtual attendance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most needed to be heard ?
Where were the voices of consumers who have been directly impacted by the delays and the confusion ?
They have yet to be heard by the committee or any committee .
To the best of our knowledge – and we could be entirely wrong on this score ( but we ’ re not ) – the committee has not expressed any desire to hear from passengers .
We thought it might be good to amplify some of those voices , on the off-chance the committee was interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to be treated .
Richard Heneghan had flights booked to Portugal and was due to travel in August .
“ As Portugal was not on the Government green list , we did not travel , ” he says .
“ Multiple tweets to Ryanair and a couple of phone calls resulted in no response at all .
While I would have initially accepted a voucher , I was so annoyed by Ryanair ’ s lack of engagement that I subsequently wrote to AIB in an effort to seek a full refund .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ very surprising , in my opinion – is that despite a letter to AIB on August 18th with full details and a follow-up letter on September 24th , I have also been ignored by AIB.
” Shane Costigan and his girlfriend were supposed to go to New York on May 1st for a holiday .
“ We were all under the 5km travel restriction at the time so legally we weren ’ t allowed get to the airport , never mind New York , ” he says .
“ I rang up Aer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full refund if the flight is cancelled .
Then two days before , I rang again and asked is the flight still going .
They said it was so I was ineligible for a refund .
They said : ‘ Your flight is still going every day this week at this time.
’ They also mentioned that my flight , out of all the flights going to New York , was the one they were keeping active .
Same with my return flight .
Suspicious enough !
Now we have two €550 vouchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to fly out to Edinburgh on May 15th for her hen weekend .
“ It had been booked since early in the year and I was really looking forward to it .
Obviously at the time , the advice from all governments , including UK , was ‘ essential travel only ’ so we didn ’ t go , ” she says .
“ However , Ryanair did not cancel the flight – I didn ’ t bother seeking a refund as I knew the answer – and I got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to my partner at the time ; they won ’ t cancel the flight so they can avoid refunding money as that would be one of their busier routes and the plane was likely fully booked or close to it.
” Helen McIver wanted to add a point to the debate .
“ If you booked flights last February to travel in August as I and , I ’ m sure , lots of other people , did and then took the Government advice not to travel , you are not entitled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless the flight was cancelled .
And flight-change fees , which are €35 per person for each leg of the journey , were only waived by Ryanair for new flights booked from June 2020 !
These bookings , made by people like myself prior to Covid , are not included in the €25million refunds that airlines owe to Irish consumers because Ryanair continued to fly their ‘ ghost ’ planes rather than offer a refund or change of flight without fees to customers like me.
” Helen also wrote to both Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Donnelly .
“ It is very unfair that Ryanair is only waiving cancellation fees for new bookings .
.
.
Prior to Covid , if you booked a flight with Ryanair to travel in August and are now following Government advice not to travel , Ryanair will not refund you or waive rebooking fees .
They should be forced not to fly or they or the Government should compensate people for these flights .
This is the reason why many people decided to fly because otherwise they will be out of pocket.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences in trying to get a refund from Ebookers for Turkish Airlines flight tickets in March and April .
“ A travel advisory was issued by the government of India prior to our date of travel due to Covid-19 which would have prevented our entry .
Moreover , three out of the four Turkish Airlines flights in our journey leg were cancelled , ” he says .
Ebookers claim he was a no-show at the airport and refused to refund him .
“ We did not proceed to the airport as we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he explains .
He says Ebookers ’ customer care “ was in absolute shambles in March ” .
He “ tried to get in touch with them numerous times on the phone with wait times in some cases exceeding 30 minutes but to no avail.
” In May he made a formal complaint and wrote to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ( CCPC ) who said the issue related to a booking with a website governed by the laws of England and Wales : “ As such your query falls outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an enforcement role in relation to companies based or registered in the Republic of Ireland only .
However , where consumer complaints relate to companies outside your country of residence but within the EU or the United Kingdom , the European Consumer Centre ( ECC ) in Dublin can most appropriately handle your query .
The ECC assist consumers in cross border disputes.
” He then contacted the ECC and was told he could seek a refund of the cost of the cancelled segments .
They suggested he request written confirmation from Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the journey were cancelled and the flights in question did operate .
Once this was confirmed he was told to contact Ebookers to seek a refund .
And where is he now ?
Ebookers have issued a travel credit with conditions attached .
Flights must be booked on the same airline for the same passengers .
The origin and destination must be the same and the journey must be completed by the end of next year with the tickets issued by the end of this year .
The company has refused to refund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son were to fly to Malaga on September 24th and return four days later .
“ I booked and paid for these flights in June 2020 .
They cost €707.04 and we were going to my wife ’ s cousin ’ s wedding which was to be held in Spain .
The wedding was cancelled because of the current situation and a lot of the guests who were to attend were travelling from America , Venezuela , Ireland and the United Kingdom , ” he says .
After some research on their website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a refund as it says they only refund for death or serious illness .
“ But as it happens I was out on my bike on September 23rd the day before we were supposed to fly out when I had an accident .
I was brought to hospital by ambulance as I was a bit battered and bruised .
When I got home from hospital later that night I looked at the Ryanair website where I found a section to claim a refund for death or serious illness .
So I applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital stating I had to stay out of work for a few days .
.
.
I uploaded the cert to the claim .
That will be four weeks next Wednesday and I haven ’ t gotten any reply from Ryanair.
” “ We are a family of six who were due to fly to Portugal on July 24th last , ” writes Laura King .
“ I applied for a voucher on the 20th of July and received an email acknowledgement of the same .
I heard nothing for six weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an update to which they eventually replied that they had no such request .
I then called their customer service and , after a lengthy wait , got through and was assured that they did have my voucher request and that it had been approved and forwarded for issue .
Here we are , another six weeks on , and nothing .
From what I ’ m reading a 12-week wait for a voucher from Aer Lingus is but a drop in the ocean !
” Deirdre Bigley booked two tickets to Greece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 13th last with Aegean Airlines and return with Ryanair five days later .
Her initial return flights cost €169.98 for two people .
Then lockdown happened : “ We saw the writing on the wall and cancelled our flights .
Both Aegean and Ryanair allowed us to change our dates to October .
Both charged us more for this change .
My new-date tickets cost an additional €44 , ” she says .
Deirdre was determined to get to Greece , which was included on the Government green list , but soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions and Greece was removed from the list of safe countries to travel to .
Aegean Airlines cancelled the outward flight and Deirdre was “ going nowhere ” , she says.
“ Ryanair refused to give me a voucher or a refund .
I could of course change the dates – as a matter of curiosity I looked at changing to the same date in 2021 – the cost would have been an additional €200-odd.
” Mary O ’ Connor booked with Ryanair for flights out of Malaga on March 21st last to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 14th so we tried to change flights to earlier in the week .
We checked availability and Ryanair had seats earlier in the week but because we had already checked in we could not change our reservations , ” she says .
They learned they would have to contact Ryanair directly .
“ Were they kidding ?
Left chat-line open for eight hours one day and six the next – no response and no telephone response .
We ended up forfeiting our tickets and had to pay Aer Lingus €800 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Áine O Dwyer , her husband and their two children booked a Ryanair flight to a family member ’ s wedding which was supposed to be held in April .
“ Due to travel restrictions the wedding was postponed in March to a new date in September .
“ I changed my flights to the September dates , ” she says .
“ As the travel guidance was still in place the wedding was postponed to May of next year .
Fortunately our flight home which we had paid over €700 for was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a refund or voucher .
The flights out still went ahead .
I contacted Ryanair and asked for a refund .
I had no option to change the flight to the new date in May as Ryanair had not yet released the flights for April and May .
Ryanair told me there was nothing they could do as the flight was still going so we lost €450 on those flights.
” Anne Matthews was due to fly to Tucson , Arizona , in April 2020 and paid €1,030 for her Aer Lingus flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to either reschedule or take a voucher .
I wrote back and said my first choice was for a refund but if not I would accept a voucher .
After numerous phone calls and emails and more information at hand , I said I only wanted a refund .
I am still waiting .
I paid by credit card and only this week I heard that I could apply to reverse the charge .
There is a four-month delay on that and no guarantees.
” In early January Ruth Hegarty booked flights from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends with a departure date of May 9th .
“ We had been saving for 3½ years for the trip as we had decided to go together to celebrate our 40th birthdays in 2020 .
We are mothers of 11 children between us so I ’ m sure you can imagine the long-term planning that is involved in all four of us getting away at the same time for a five-night trip .
Alas it was not meant to be .
“ Initially they thought they would just be moving our travel dates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ibiza immediately agreed that we could move to any date in the 2020 season , despite having booked a non-refundable rate , and before they knew they would not be open come May .
The hotel subsequently issued us with vouchers for the 2021 season – fingers crossed we will be able to get there then.
” Ruth considered changing the dates of the flights but “ held fire as we were not prepared to travel until things were 100 per cent safe and I did not want to end up with flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we were not willing to travel .
In the end , of course , the flights were cancelled .
I immediately requested a refund and three times responded to Ryanair ’ s emails attempting to offer vouchers by ‘ reapplying ’ for a cash refund .
The last correspondence I received was in late June telling me since I had refused vouchers I was in the ‘ queue ’ for a cash refund and there were some delays due to the level of requests .
Three and a half months since that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the date of our cancelled flights , still no refund .
I understood the delays initially and was not in any mad rush to have the money back but at this point it ’ s getting a bit ridiculous .
”

The scale of the crisis which has engulfed the Irish travel industry and the impact it has had on would-be travellers was laid bare at a recent hearing of the Oireachtas transport committee.
Earlier this month it emerged that airlines owe Irish consumers at least €25 million as a result of Covid-19-related flight cancellations with some of the outstanding refunds, dating back to the beginning of the crisis in March, still not processed. The €25 million was said to be a conservative estimate with some of those addressing the hearing suggesting it could top €30 million.
Ryanair in particular was accused of dragging its heels when processing refunds and playing different strands of legislation against each other to avoid returning money to travel agents which could subsequently be passed on to consumers.
Hospital Report
Airlines were also accused of operating virtually empty "ghost flights" out of Ireland over the summer months to avoid issuing refunds to passengers unable to travel due to official restrictions imposed because of Covid-19.
READ MORE
The chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, Pat Dawson, said Ryanair was refusing to pay money back to travel agents on the basis that European Union directive 261, which governs flight refunds in the event of cancellations, requires them to pay money directly to consumers. The package travel directive, meanwhile, requires travel agents to refund consumers in the event that holidays – including flights – have been cancelled.
Where were the voices of consumers who have been directly impacted by the delays and the confusion? They have yet to be heard by the committee
Dawson said that despite the fact it had been “dealing with travel agents for 20 years” Ryanair had changed course in recent months and instead of channelling refunds through travel agents it was deploying delaying tactics. He said it was demanding details such as utility bills and bank account details from customers before considering direct refunds.
While Ryanair came in for particular flak it was clear there were few, if any, airlines or politicians who had covered themselves in glory in helping consumers deal with the mess created by Covid-19.
The committee concluded its session by promising to investigate the issue further and said it would be calling on the airlines, industry experts and various Ministers to talk about the issue.
As the hearing was coming to an end something struck Pricewatch, who was in virtual attendance. Where were the voices that perhaps most needed to be heard? Where were the voices of consumers who have been directly impacted by the delays and the confusion? They have yet to be heard by the committee or any committee.
To the best of our knowledge – and we could be entirely wrong on this score (but we’re not) – the committee has not expressed any desire to hear from passengers. We thought it might be good to amplify some of those voices, on the off-chance the committee was interested in hearing how people have been and continue to be treated.
No response
Richard Heneghan had flights booked to Portugal and was due to travel in August. "As Portugal was not on the Government green list, we did not travel," he says. "Multiple tweets to Ryanair and a couple of phone calls resulted in no response at all. While I would have initially accepted a voucher, I was so annoyed by Ryanair's lack of engagement that I subsequently wrote to AIB in an effort to seek a full refund. What's hugely disappointing – and very surprising, in my opinion – is that despite a letter to AIB on August 18th with full details and a follow-up letter on September 24th, I have also been ignored by AIB."
Shane Costigan and his girlfriend were supposed to go to New York on May 1st for a holiday. "We were all under the 5km travel restriction at the time so legally we weren't allowed get to the airport, never mind New York," he says. "I rang up Aer Lingus who said you can have a full refund if the flight is cancelled. Then two days before, I rang again and asked is the flight still going. They said it was so I was ineligible for a refund. They said: 'Your flight is still going every day this week at this time.' They also mentioned that my flight, out of all the flights going to New York, was the one they were keeping active. Same with my return flight. Suspicious enough! Now we have two €550 vouchers and nowhere to go."
Sarah Doody was supposed to fly out to Edinburgh on May 15th for her hen weekend. "It had been booked since early in the year and I was really looking forward to it. Obviously at the time, the advice from all governments, including UK, was 'essential travel only' so we didn't go," she says.
“However, Ryanair did not cancel the flight – I didn’t bother seeking a refund as I knew the answer – and I got the reminders to check in. I said it to my partner at the time; they won’t cancel the flight so they can avoid refunding money as that would be one of their busier routes and the plane was likely fully booked or close to it.”
Helen McIver wanted to add a point to the debate. “If you booked flights last February to travel in August as I and, I’m sure, lots of other people, did and then took the Government advice not to travel, you are not entitled to a refund at all from Ryanair unless the flight was cancelled. And flight-change fees, which are €35 per person for each leg of the journey, were only waived by Ryanair for new flights booked from June 2020! These bookings, made by people like myself prior to Covid, are not included in the €25million refunds that airlines owe to Irish consumers because Ryanair continued to fly their ‘ghost’ planes rather than offer a refund or change of flight without fees to customers like me.”
Helen also wrote to both Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. "It is very unfair that Ryanair is only waiving cancellation fees for new bookings . . . Prior to Covid, if you booked a flight with Ryanair to travel in August and are now following Government advice not to travel, Ryanair will not refund you or waive rebooking fees. They should be forced not to fly or they or the Government should compensate people for these flights. This is the reason why many people decided to fly because otherwise they will be out of pocket."
Refusal to refund
Shiju Varghesewith wanted to highlight his experiences in trying to get a refund from Ebookers for Turkish Airlines flight tickets in March and April. "A travel advisory was issued by the government of India prior to our date of travel due to Covid-19 which would have prevented our entry. Moreover, three out of the four Turkish Airlines flights in our journey leg were cancelled," he says. Ebookers claim he was a no-show at the airport and refused to refund him. "We did not proceed to the airport as we were aware of the travel advisory," he explains.
He says Ebookers’ customer care “was in absolute shambles in March”. He “tried to get in touch with them numerous times on the phone with wait times in some cases exceeding 30 minutes but to no avail.”
In May he made a formal complaint and wrote to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) who said the issue related to a booking with a website governed by the laws of England and Wales: "As such your query falls outside the jurisdiction of the CCPC as we have an enforcement role in relation to companies based or registered in the Republic of Ireland only. However, where consumer complaints relate to companies outside your country of residence but within the EU or the United Kingdom, the European Consumer Centre (ECC) in Dublin can most appropriately handle your query. The ECC assist consumers in cross border disputes."
He then contacted the ECC and was told he could seek a refund of the cost of the cancelled segments. They suggested he request written confirmation from Turkish Airlines stating that the relevant segments of the journey were cancelled and the flights in question did operate. Once this was confirmed he was told to contact Ebookers to seek a refund.
And where is he now? Ebookers have issued a travel credit with conditions attached. Flights must be booked on the same airline for the same passengers. The origin and destination must be the same and the journey must be completed by the end of next year with the tickets issued by the end of this year. The company has refused to refund.
Sean Rea and his wife and son were to fly to Malaga on September 24th and return four days later. "I booked and paid for these flights in June 2020. They cost €707.04 and we were going to my wife's cousin's wedding which was to be held in Spain. The wedding was cancelled because of the current situation and a lot of the guests who were to attend were travelling from America, Venezuela, Ireland and the United Kingdom," he says.
From what I'm reading a 12-week wait for a voucher from Aer Lingus is but a drop in the ocean!
After some research on their website he didn’t try to look for a refund as it says they only refund for death or serious illness. “But as it happens I was out on my bike on September 23rd the day before we were supposed to fly out when I had an accident. I was brought to hospital by ambulance as I was a bit battered and bruised. When I got home from hospital later that night I looked at the Ryanair website where I found a section to claim a refund for death or serious illness. So I applied as I had a medical cert from the hospital stating I had to stay out of work for a few days . . . I uploaded the cert to the claim. That will be four weeks next Wednesday and I haven’t gotten any reply from Ryanair.”
"We are a family of six who were due to fly to Portugal on July 24th last," writes Laura King. "I applied for a voucher on the 20th of July and received an email acknowledgement of the same. I heard nothing for six weeks so decided to tweet Aer Lingus for an update to which they eventually replied that they had no such request. I then called their customer service and, after a lengthy wait, got through and was assured that they did have my voucher request and that it had been approved and forwarded for issue. Here we are, another six weeks on, and nothing. From what I'm reading a 12-week wait for a voucher from Aer Lingus is but a drop in the ocean!"
Charged for changing dates
Deirdre Bigley booked two tickets to Greece and was due to fly out on March 13th last with Aegean Airlines and return with Ryanair five days later. Her initial return flights cost €169.98 for two people.
Then lockdown happened: “We saw the writing on the wall and cancelled our flights. Both Aegean and Ryanair allowed us to change our dates to October. Both charged us more for this change. My new-date tickets cost an additional €44,” she says.
Deirdre was determined to get to Greece, which was included on the Government green list, but soon the country was placed into Level 3 restrictions and Greece was removed from the list of safe countries to travel to. Aegean Airlines cancelled the outward flight and Deirdre was “going nowhere”, she says.“Ryanair refused to give me a voucher or a refund. I could of course change the dates – as a matter of curiosity I looked at changing to the same date in 2021 – the cost would have been an additional €200-odd.”
Ryanair told me there was nothing they could do as the flight was still going so we lost €450 on those flights
Mary O’Connor booked with Ryanair for flights out of Malaga on March 21st last to Dublin. “Spain went into lockdown on March 14th so we tried to change flights to earlier in the week. We checked availability and Ryanair had seats earlier in the week but because we had already checked in we could not change our reservations,” she says.
They learned they would have to contact Ryanair directly. “Were they kidding? Left chat-line open for eight hours one day and six the next – no response and no telephone response. We ended up forfeiting our tickets and had to pay Aer Lingus €800 for two seats back on 17th March.”
Áine O Dwyer, her husband and their two children booked a Ryanair flight to a family member’s wedding which was supposed to be held in April. “Due to travel restrictions the wedding was postponed in March to a new date in September. “I changed my flights to the September dates,” she says.
“As the travel guidance was still in place the wedding was postponed to May of next year. Fortunately our flight home which we had paid over €700 for was cancelled and we were able to get a refund or voucher. The flights out still went ahead. I contacted Ryanair and asked for a refund. I had no option to change the flight to the new date in May as Ryanair had not yet released the flights for April and May. Ryanair told me there was nothing they could do as the flight was still going so we lost €450 on those flights.”
We are mothers of 11 children between us so I'm sure you can imagine the long-term planning that is involved in all four of us getting away
Anne Matthews was due to fly to Tucson, Arizona, in April 2020 and paid €1,030 for her Aer Lingus flights. "I was offered the choice to either reschedule or take a voucher. I wrote back and said my first choice was for a refund but if not I would accept a voucher. After numerous phone calls and emails and more information at hand, I said I only wanted a refund. I am still waiting. I paid by credit card and only this week I heard that I could apply to reverse the charge. There is a four-month delay on that and no guarantees."
In early January Ruth Hegarty booked flights from Dublin to Ibiza for herself and four friends with a departure date of May 9th. "We had been saving for 3½ years for the trip as we had decided to go together to celebrate our 40th birthdays in 2020. We are mothers of 11 children between us so I'm sure you can imagine the long-term planning that is involved in all four of us getting away at the same time for a five-night trip. Alas it was not meant to be.
“Initially they thought they would just be moving our travel dates to the autumn and the resort in Ibiza immediately agreed that we could move to any date in the 2020 season, despite having booked a non-refundable rate, and before they knew they would not be open come May. The hotel subsequently issued us with vouchers for the 2021 season – fingers crossed we will be able to get there then.”
Ruth considered changing the dates of the flights but “held fire as we were not prepared to travel until things were 100 per cent safe and I did not want to end up with flights on a date planes were flying but when we were not willing to travel. In the end, of course, the flights were cancelled. I immediately requested a refund and three times responded to Ryanair’s emails attempting to offer vouchers by ‘reapplying’ for a cash refund. The last correspondence I received was in late June telling me since I had refused vouchers I was in the ‘queue’ for a cash refund and there were some delays due to the level of requests. Three and a half months since that email, and five months on from the date of our cancelled flights, still no refund. I understood the delays initially and was not in any mad rush to have the money back but at this point it’s getting a bit ridiculous.”
Isn’t it just?


theirishtimes--2020-10-25--‘Barbaric act’: Man shot in paramilitary-style attack in Belfast

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating after a man was shot in the leg in west Belfast in what has been described as a “ paramilitary-style assault ” .
The man , who is in his 40s , was hospitalised after he was brought into an alleyway at the Creeslough Walk area of west Belfast shortly after 8.15pm on Sunday and shot in his left leg .
It ’ s reported that he was brought into the alleyway by two men dressed in dark clothing who headed towards the Suffolk Road after shooting him .
Det Sgt Stephen Gardiner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PSNI ) said the shooting was being treated as a “ paramilitary-style assault ” .
Inquiries are continuing , and detectives were still at the scene in west Belfast at 10pm on Sunday .
“ Those responsible for this barbaric act do not represent the interests of this community , nor do they contribute anything to it , ” said Det Sgt Gardiner .
“ They do it to try and exert influence , or gain control of those they claim to represent.
” The PSNI is urging anyone with information connected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoting the reference number 1619 25/10/20 .
Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

The PSNI is investigating after a man was shot in the leg in west Belfast. Photograph: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye
Police in Northern Ireland are investigating after a man was shot in the leg in west Belfast in what has been described as a "paramilitary-style assault".
The man, who is in his 40s, was hospitalised after he was brought into an alleyway at the Creeslough Walk area of west Belfast shortly after 8.15pm on Sunday and shot in his left leg. It’s reported that he was brought into the alleyway by two men dressed in dark clothing who headed towards the Suffolk Road after shooting him.
Det Sgt Stephen Gardiner of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the shooting was being treated as a "paramilitary-style assault". Inquiries are continuing, and detectives were still at the scene in west Belfast at 10pm on Sunday.
“Those responsible for this barbaric act do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it,” said Det Sgt Gardiner. “They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent.”
READ MORE
The PSNI is urging anyone with information connected to the shooting to call detectives on 1010 quoting the reference number 1619 25/10/20. Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


theirishtimes--2020-10-25--Man (21) charged with breaking into a house armed with an axe

A 21-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged in connection with an incident where an intruder armed with an axe smashed their way into a house and forced a mother and son to take refuge in an upstairs room .
Michael Martin from Mount Brosna , Mayfield , Cork was brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court on Sunday evening and charged with aggravated burglary at a house at Meadow Park , Ballyvolane , Cork on October 24th , 2020 .
Det Garda John Gleeson of Watercourse Road Garda Station gave evidence of arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court the defendant made no reply to the single charge when it was put to him after caution .
He said gardaí were objecting to bail .
Gardaí responded to a call from a 58-year-old woman , living with her 31-year-old son , in a house in Ballyvolane at 1:43am on October 24th , who reported that an intruder had broken into their house .
Gardaí found the defendant armed with an axe going through kitchen cabinets .
When he saw gardaí , he dropped the axe and tried to escape out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gleeson also alleged that the woman and her son had been forced to take refuge in an upstairs bedroom by locking themselves in , but had to try and hold the door shut after the defendant attempted to force his way into the room .
He said the defendant did admit to gardaí following his arrest that he had taken cocaine on the night in question .
Defence solicitor , Frank Buttimer said it was an appropriate case for bail as his client would promise to turn up for court if granted bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing bail because of the seriousness of the charge , the nature of the evidence and the aggravating factor that the injured parties were allegedly forced to lock themselves into a room out of fear .
She remanded the defendant in custody to appear at Cork District Court on October 28th .

Gardaí responded to a call of an intruder at a house in Ballyvolane. File photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
A 21-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged in connection with an incident where an intruder armed with an axe smashed their way into a house and forced a mother and son to take refuge in an upstairs room.
Michael Martin from Mount Brosna, Mayfield, Cork was brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court on Sunday evening and charged with aggravated burglary at a house at Meadow Park, Ballyvolane, Cork on October 24th, 2020.
Det Garda John Gleeson of Watercourse Road Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court the defendant made no reply to the single charge when it was put to him after caution.
He said gardaí were objecting to bail.
READ MORE
Gardaí responded to a call from a 58-year-old woman, living with her 31-year-old son, in a house in Ballyvolane at 1:43am on October 24th, who reported that an intruder had broken into their house.
Gardaí found the defendant armed with an axe going through kitchen cabinets. When he saw gardaí, he dropped the axe and tried to escape out the front of the house.
Det Garda Gleeson also alleged that the woman and her son had been forced to take refuge in an upstairs bedroom by locking themselves in, but had to try and hold the door shut after the defendant attempted to force his way into the room.
He said the defendant did admit to gardaí following his arrest that he had taken cocaine on the night in question.
Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer said it was an appropriate case for bail as his client would promise to turn up for court if granted bail.
Judge Mary Dorgan said she was refusing bail because of the seriousness of the charge, the nature of the evidence and the aggravating factor that the injured parties were allegedly forced to lock themselves into a room out of fear.
She remanded the defendant in custody to appear at Cork District Court on October 28th.


theirishtimes--2020-10-25--Department of Agriculture says livestock mart sales must continue online only

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that livestock marts must continue using online only platforms for bidding and sales .
The statement followed calls for the Government to reassess level 5 operating procedures for marts after one of the three main online systems used for sales suffered problems on Saturday , leading to delays at 16 centres .
The department said officials had been in touch with each of the system providers and that all three had “ reaffirmed their commitment to taking all necessary steps to avoid any reoccurrence of such problems ” .
The unprecedented numbers of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems , and the speed at which farmers have adopted the new technology has meant that some have had to build extra resilience into their systems , said the statement .
The problems on Saturday were resolved after two hours and 26 out of the 30 mart sales taking place around the country could complete their sales , it added .
The department noted that online mart sales remained strong , with a “ continued steady trade ” through the autumn .
It said that “ every aspect ” of mart trading would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions remain in place but noted that the decision to continue using online only platforms was needed to protect those in the agri-sector and wider rural communities from the spread of Covid-19 .
The Irish Farmers ’ Association ( IFA ) warned on Saturday that relying on an “ online only system ” for mart sales was “ too ambitious ” and said this weekend ’ s online glitches had caused “ huge issues ” .
IFA president Tim Cullinan said the online system had been “ bedding down well ” but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relation to broadband and the ability of systems to cope with the high volume of cattle and bids during a hectic time of the year .
Mr Cullinan said some buyers were still not fully comfortable with the online system and farmers were worried the market would not function properly without these buyers bidding .
“ Everybody is doing their best , but the protocols need to be reviewed to allow a limited number of buyers around the ring , ” he said , adding that the Government should review Level 5 operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of urgency ” .
“ The Autumn trade is crucial , and it would be hugely disruptive if trade could not continue or if the market was compromised .
We need to allow some level of in-person trading once social distancing and other guidelines are fully and rigorously followed.
” Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway Michael Fitzmaurice said conditions outlined by Government for livestock marts during Level 5 restrictions had “ proven to be unworkable ” and that farmers were “ losing faith with the entire system ” .
Mr Fitzmaurice said concerns around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential for disaster when it comes to 100 per cent online bidding ” had been well founded .
“ The Minister for Agriculture needs to step up to the mark and fight to allow buyers to remain around the ring once strict regulations are followed , ” he said .
“ Otherwise , the livelihoods of farmers will take a nosedive .
A common sense approach needs to be taken to address this matter .
”

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that livestock marts must continue using online only platforms for bidding and sales. Photograph: Frank Miller
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that livestock marts must continue using online only platforms for bidding and sales.
The statement followed calls for the Government to reassess level 5 operating procedures for marts after one of the three main online systems used for sales suffered problems on Saturday, leading to delays at 16 centres.
The department said officials had been in touch with each of the system providers and that all three had “reaffirmed their commitment to taking all necessary steps to avoid any reoccurrence of such problems”. The unprecedented numbers of people viewing and bidding on the mart online systems, and the speed at which farmers have adopted the new technology has meant that some have had to build extra resilience into their systems, said the statement.
The problems on Saturday were resolved after two hours and 26 out of the 30 mart sales taking place around the country could complete their sales, it added.
READ MORE
The department noted that online mart sales remained strong, with a “continued steady trade” through the autumn. It said that “every aspect” of mart trading would be kept under review while level 5 restrictions remain in place but noted that the decision to continue using online only platforms was needed to protect those in the agri-sector and wider rural communities from the spread of Covid-19.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) warned on Saturday that relying on an “online only system” for mart sales was “too ambitious” and said this weekend’s online glitches had caused “huge issues”.
IFA president Tim Cullinan said the online system had been “bedding down well” but that “clear challenges” had emerged in relation to broadband and the ability of systems to cope with the high volume of cattle and bids during a hectic time of the year.
Mr Cullinan said some buyers were still not fully comfortable with the online system and farmers were worried the market would not function properly without these buyers bidding.
“Everybody is doing their best, but the protocols need to be reviewed to allow a limited number of buyers around the ring,” he said, adding that the Government should review Level 5 operating procedures in marts “as a matter of urgency”.
“The Autumn trade is crucial, and it would be hugely disruptive if trade could not continue or if the market was compromised. We need to allow some level of in-person trading once social distancing and other guidelines are fully and rigorously followed.”
Conditions
Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway Michael Fitzmaurice said conditions outlined by Government for livestock marts during Level 5 restrictions had “proven to be unworkable” and that farmers were “losing faith with the entire system”.
Mr Fitzmaurice said concerns around the state of rural broadband and “the potential for disaster when it comes to 100 per cent online bidding” had been well founded.
“The Minister for Agriculture needs to step up to the mark and fight to allow buyers to remain around the ring once strict regulations are followed,” he said. “Otherwise, the livelihoods of farmers will take a nosedive. A common sense approach needs to be taken to address this matter.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-25--Doctors are being asked to ‘play God’ in deciding who to give flu vaccine to – GP

GPs are being asked to “ play God ” in having to decide who to give the flu vaccine to because of shortages in the availability of the medicine due to an increase in demand , a GP has said .
The GP , who didn ’ t wish to be named , contacted The Irish Times to highlight the fact that the HSE are telling GPs that they have one more delivery of the vaccine to give to GPs and will not be able to source any more this year .
“ I get that there is a shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just playing catch up and now we ’ re being asked to play God in terms of who should get a vaccine and who should not , ” said the GP .
“ Pregnant women are the most vulnerable category but now we ’ re saying to them ‘ maybe not ’ because pregnant women are now in the additional risk group to be vaccinated after the first priority group.
” According to the letter sent by the HSE to all GPs , the HSE points out that there has been an unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland and internationally while the amounts available from manufacturers are finite .
“ By October 28th , the national cold chain service will have delivered 950,000 QIV influenza vaccines to sites around the country , an increase in the same time last year , ” said the HSE .
“ The fourth delivery cycle of influenza vaccines will be delivered from October 29th over a two week period and will be completed by November 11th .
Your fourth delivery will be 25 per cent of your last season ’ s usage.
” According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine should be administered first the Highest Priority Risk Group which includes people aged 65 and older and healgth care workers and others with direct patient contact .
Pregnant women fall into the second category , described as the Additional Risk Groups be vaccinated later and this group also contains individuals with underlying health conditions and other health care workers .
According to the GP , the situation is already difficult enough for GPs but the HSE categorization failed to include people like teachers , Special Needs Assistants and gardai whom he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list .
“ If I have 60 year old vulnerable diabetic , hypertensive with a history of heart problems , I have to tell them ‘ Sorry – I can ’ t give you the flu vaccine ’ – it ’ s a bit of a shambles this year but I don ’ t think we can blame anyone.
” “ I got 30 vaccines yesterday but that goes nowhere towards meeting the demand in our clinic .
We ’ ve 190 on our waiting list of people who have already rung and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 in two weeks ’ time and then I ’ m done.
” The GP questioned how the HSE was unable to source further stocks of vaccines while it appeared that private pharmacies were able to source sufficient supplies to cater for those paying for the vaccine privately .
The HSE said it had purchased almost 2 million doses of influenza vaccine this year , which is nearly double the amount administered last season and these includes 1.4 million doses of Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine ( QIV ) for adults .
This figure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 20 per cent more QIV than was used last season , as increased uptake was expected in the targeted groups , as identified by The National Immunisation Advisory Committee ( NIAC ) , it said .
By October 28th , a total of 950,000 QIV influenza vaccines will have been delivered around the country , an increase of 10 per cent compared to the same time last season , said the HSE .
“ There has been unprecedented demand for influenza vaccine this season , which is a positive reflection of public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was prioritizing the most vulnerable to maximise the benefit of the remaining stock The HSE said that it was basing its decision in terms of who should get the vaccine first on World Health Organisation ( WHO ) recommendations for prioritisation of influenza vaccine during Covid-19 .
The WHO had identified the highest priority risk groups for vaccination are people aged 65 years and older and healthcare and home care workers with direct patient contact , it said .
The HSE said it had also purchased 600,000 doses of Live Attenuated Influenza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2-12 years old and this programme of free vaccination was well underway across the country .
The HSE said that those who were not eligible for HSE influenza vaccines have to source these privately but the HSE was not involved in the procurement or distribution of private stock , it said .

GPs are being asked to ‘play God’ in having to decide who to give the flu vaccine to because of shortages in the availability of the medicine due to an increase in demand , says one GP. Photograph: iStock
GPs are being asked to “play God” in having to decide who to give the flu vaccine to because of shortages in the availability of the medicine due to an increase in demand , a GP has said.
The GP, who didn't wish to be named, contacted The Irish Times to highlight the fact that the HSE are telling GPs that they have one more delivery of the vaccine to give to GPs and will not be able to source any more this year.
“I get that there is a shortage of the vaccine but we’re just playing catch up and now we’re being asked to play God in terms of who should get a vaccine and who should not,” said the GP.
“Pregnant women are the most vulnerable category but now we’re saying to them ‘maybe not’ because pregnant women are now in the additional risk group to be vaccinated after the first priority group.”
READ MORE
According to the letter sent by the HSE to all GPs, the HSE points out that there has been an unprecedented demand for the flu vaccine both in Ireland and internationally while the amounts available from manufacturers are finite.
“By October 28th, the national cold chain service will have delivered 950,000 QIV influenza vaccines to sites around the country, an increase in the same time last year,” said the HSE.
“The fourth delivery cycle of influenza vaccines will be delivered from October 29th over a two week period and will be completed by November 11th. Your fourth delivery will be 25 per cent of your last season’s usage.”
According to the HSE advice to GPs, the vaccine should be administered first the Highest Priority Risk Group which includes people aged 65 and older and healgth care workers and others with direct patient contact.
Pregnant women fall into the second category, described as the Additional Risk Groups be vaccinated later and this group also contains individuals with underlying health conditions and other health care workers.
According to the GP, the situation is already difficult enough for GPs but the HSE categorization failed to include people like teachers, Special Needs Assistants and gardai whom he believes should all be included on the list.
“If I have 60 year old vulnerable diabetic, hypertensive with a history of heart problems, I have to tell them ‘Sorry – I can’t give you the flu vaccine’ – it’s a bit of a shambles this year but I don’t think we can blame anyone.”
“I got 30 vaccines yesterday but that goes nowhere towards meeting the demand in our clinic. We’ve 190 on our waiting list of people who have already rung and I’m going to get another 40 in two weeks’ time and then I’m done.”
The GP questioned how the HSE was unable to source further stocks of vaccines while it appeared that private pharmacies were able to source sufficient supplies to cater for those paying for the vaccine privately.
The HSE said it had purchased almost 2 million doses of influenza vaccine this year, which is nearly double the amount administered last season and these includes 1.4 million doses of Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) for adults.
This figure of 1.4 million adult doses of QIV is over 20 per cent more QIV than was used last season, as increased uptake was expected in the targeted groups, as identified by The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), it said.
By October 28th, a total of 950,000 QIV influenza vaccines will have been delivered around the country, an increase of 10 per cent compared to the same time last season, said the HSE.
Demand
“There has been unprecedented demand for influenza vaccine this season, which is a positive reflection of public awareness,” said the HSE adding it was prioritizing the most vulnerable to maximise the benefit of the remaining stock
The HSE said that it was basing its decision in terms of who should get the vaccine first on World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations for prioritisation of influenza vaccine during Covid-19.
The WHO had identified the highest priority risk groups for vaccination are people aged 65 years and older and healthcare and home care workers with direct patient contact, it said.
The HSE said it had also purchased 600,000 doses of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) for children aged 2-12 years old and this programme of free vaccination was well underway across the country.
The HSE said that those who were not eligible for HSE influenza vaccines have to source these privately but the HSE was not involved in the procurement or distribution of private stock, it said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-25--Covid-19: North hit by 896 more cases and eight deaths

The deaths of 14 people with Covid-19 were recorded in Northern Ireland over the weekend .
The North ’ s Department of Health reported eight fatalities on Sunday and six on Saturday , bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 653 .
A further 896 cases were identified in the 24 hours to Sunday , and 923 on Saturday .
The total number of positive cases in Northern Ireland now stands at 34,105 , including 6,898 in the last seven days .
Additional restrictions , including the closure of the hospitality industry and an extended two-week half-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in Northern Ireland for the last week in an effort to cut the spiralling number of cases .
In the Derry City and Strabane District Council area , where measures were introduced earlier to combat infection rates which were among the worst in Ireland and the UK , the rate of infection has been falling .
However the number of cases remains high across Northern Ireland , at 366 cases per 100,000 over the last seven days .
In the North ’ s hospitals , 317 people with coronavirus are receiving treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Department of Health in the North said on Sunday there was “ no immediate or anticipated need ” for coronavirus patients from Northern Ireland to receive intensive care treatment in the Republic .
However a spokesman for the department said that “ should either jurisdiction require support , this will be provided where possible ” , noting there was “ longstanding co-operation between respective authorities and health services in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland ” .
There were 15 intensive care beds available in the North ’ s hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include the additional capacity , understood to be about 150 extra ICU beds , which can be made available at the temporary critical care Nightingale hospitals .
Approval was given on Saturday for the “ urgent ” development of a financial scheme to help the taxi , private bus and coach sectors in Northern Ireland .
The North ’ s First Minister , Arlene Foster , said they had faced a “ significant reduction in demand ” for their services due to Covid 19 , and it was “ absolutely right that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance to sustain them through this difficult time ” .
Meanwhile the Sinn Féin MLA , Martina Anderson , has called on Royal Mail to look at a “ contingency plan to allow the safe continuation of postal services ” in Derry , including a temporary location for sorting parcels , following reports a number of staff in the sorting office in Great James ’ s Street had either been diagnosed with coronavirus or were self-isolating .
Royal Mail did not respond to an inquiry from The Irish Times last week , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the sorting office were now off work and “ concerns still remain over the safety of staff and the disruption to services ” , which she said had caused a backlog in deliveries and resulted in people “ missing out on hospital letters and other important documentation ” .
In Belfast , a group of barbers has threatened to take legal action against the North ’ s Executive over the closure of close-contact services until November 13th as part of the measures to restrict the spread of coronavirus .
Solicitors representing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by ministers in making their decision .
Additional reporting – PA

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster says the taxi, private bus and coach sectors have faced a “significant reduction in demand”. Photograph: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye
The deaths of 14 people with Covid-19 were recorded in Northern Ireland over the weekend.
The North's Department of Health reported eight fatalities on Sunday and six on Saturday, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 653.
A further 896 cases were identified in the 24 hours to Sunday, and 923 on Saturday. The total number of positive cases in Northern Ireland now stands at 34,105, including 6,898 in the last seven days.
Additional restrictions, including the closure of the hospitality industry and an extended two-week half-term holiday for schools, have been in place in Northern Ireland for the last week in an effort to cut the spiralling number of cases.
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In the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, where measures were introduced earlier to combat infection rates which were among the worst in Ireland and the UK, the rate of infection has been falling.
However the number of cases remains high across Northern Ireland, at 366 cases per 100,000 over the last seven days.
In the North’s hospitals, 317 people with coronavirus are receiving treatment, with 37 in intensive care.
Cross-Border co-operation
The Department of Health in the North said on Sunday there was “no immediate or anticipated need” for coronavirus patients from Northern Ireland to receive intensive care treatment in the Republic.
However a spokesman for the department said that “should either jurisdiction require support, this will be provided where possible”, noting there was “longstanding co-operation between respective authorities and health services in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland”.
There were 15 intensive care beds available in the North’s hospitals on Sunday. However this does not include the additional capacity, understood to be about 150 extra ICU beds, which can be made available at the temporary critical care Nightingale hospitals.
Approval was given on Saturday for the “urgent” development of a financial scheme to help the taxi, private bus and coach sectors in Northern Ireland.
The North's First Minister, Arlene Foster, said they had faced a "significant reduction in demand" for their services due to Covid 19, and it was "absolutely right that they should be able to avail of financial assistance to sustain them through this difficult time".
Sorting office infections
Meanwhile the Sinn Féin MLA, Martina Anderson, has called on Royal Mail to look at a “contingency plan to allow the safe continuation of postal services” in Derry, including a temporary location for sorting parcels, following reports a number of staff in the sorting office in Great James’s Street had either been diagnosed with coronavirus or were self-isolating.
Royal Mail did not respond to an inquiry from The Irish Times last week, but Ms Anderson said over half of staff at the sorting office were now off work and “concerns still remain over the safety of staff and the disruption to services”, which she said had caused a backlog in deliveries and resulted in people “missing out on hospital letters and other important documentation”.
In Belfast, a group of barbers has threatened to take legal action against the North's Executive over the closure of close-contact services until November 13th as part of the measures to restrict the spread of coronavirus.
Solicitors representing the barbers have asked to see the evidence used by ministers in making their decision. Additional reporting – PA


theirishtimes--2020-10-25--Q and A: what is this controversy about hand sanitiser?

What is the controversy over hand sanitiser about ?
Hand sanitisers to be effective are supposed to contain a minimum of 60 per cent alcohol , usually ethanol .
Inadequate levels of ethanol would render the product ineffective .
Samples of a hand sanitiser product called ViraPro licensed in Ireland with a stated 70 per cent ethanol content were found to contain some methanol , a chemical which with prolonged use can cause nausea , dermatitis , eye irritation , upper respiratory tract irritation and headaches .
Eyebrows were raised and concerns voiced when the Department of Agriculture chose very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement about the possible risks posed by ViraPro , and advising the public not to use it .
It also issued formal notification to the Departments of Education , Health and Children that night on the eve of the school Halloween break .
When were the authorities first alerted to the problem ?
Almost a month before the public warning .
The first signals that something was wrong came from the European anti-fraud agency OLAF , which alerted Revenue .
ViraPro is produced in Turkey , and the anti-fraud agency found that samples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested were found to contain excessive levels of methanol .
The same supplier used in Denmark provided the product to Ireland , and OLAF notified Revenue , who told the Department of Agriculture on September 25th .
Why was the Department of Agriculture the main department dealing with this ?
It is the licensing authority for the approval and registration of biocide products , including sanitisers , and it licensed ViraPro on April 21st based on written documentation that it contained 70 per cent alcohol .
What happened after Revenue notified the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and testing of samples began , with concerns about varying levels of ethanol and the detection of methanol .
Testing takes a while and samples at different storage locations were taken between September 30th and October 2nd for testing at the department .
Indicative results on October 8th showed the product should not be on the market Final results on October 16th clearly demonstrated the product was not alcohol-based .
So why wasn ’ t everyone alerted on October 16th ?
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue admitted that his department should have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said primary responsibility for the withdrawal of products rests with the company concerned , and it was immediately instructed to recall all product under the ViraPro name .
When it did not do so the department issued its public warning on October 22nd .
When did they tell other departments ?
On October 20th Mr McConalogue ’ s officials had “ informal ” contact with the Department of Education procurement service .
They following day they contacted the HSE with the test results .
The day after that the public warning was issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ViraPro products ?
The HSE has had no reports of illness related to the issue .
Deputy general secretary of Siptu John King , the union representing 40,000 health workers , said it had received no reports of illness , but was concerned that its members had been using this product for the past seven months .
Medical sources said the use of ViraPro would have had to be over a much longer period to have had serious consequences , and that all symptoms should disappear completely within days of stopping use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how much has it all cost ?
The HSE said it had spent €7.5 million on ViraPro products , and had purchased 3.8 million units .
Over one million had been used and nearly two million were in storage .
The Department of Education does not yet have a cost for ViraPro as schools sourced their own sanitiser but it had received 146 requests for replacement product and this had been supplied .
So what next ?
The Minister for Agriculture is conducting a review , and the department will learn lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequent proceedings against the manufacturer as Revenue liaise with the European anti-fraud agency on the matter .

The HSE had spent €7.5m on ViraPro products, and has purchased 3.8m units. Photograph: Dave Meehan
What is the controversy over hand sanitiser about?
Hand sanitisers to be effective are supposed to contain a minimum of 60 per cent alcohol, usually ethanol. Inadequate levels of ethanol would render the product ineffective.
Samples of a hand sanitiser product called ViraPro licensed in Ireland with a stated 70 per cent ethanol content were found to contain some methanol, a chemical which with prolonged use can cause nausea, dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory tract irritation and headaches.
Eyebrows were raised and concerns voiced when the Department of Agriculture chose very late on Thursday night to issue a statement about the possible risks posed by ViraPro, and advising the public not to use it.
READ MORE
It also issued formal notification to the Departments of Education, Health and Children that night on the eve of the school Halloween break.
When were the authorities first alerted to the problem?
Almost a month before the public warning. The first signals that something was wrong came from the European anti-fraud agency OLAF, which alerted Revenue.
ViraPro is produced in Turkey, and the anti-fraud agency found that samples of the product imported to Denmark when tested were found to contain excessive levels of methanol.
The same supplier used in Denmark provided the product to Ireland, and OLAF notified Revenue, who told the Department of Agriculture on September 25th.
Why was the Department of Agriculture the main department dealing with this?
It is the licensing authority for the approval and registration of biocide products, including sanitisers, and it licensed ViraPro on April 21st based on written documentation that it contained 70 per cent alcohol.
What happened after Revenue notified the department?
Consignments of ViraPro sanitiser were impounded and testing of samples began, with concerns about varying levels of ethanol and the detection of methanol.
Testing takes a while and samples at different storage locations were taken between September 30th and October 2nd for testing at the department. Indicative results on October 8th showed the product should not be on the market
Final results on October 16th clearly demonstrated the product was not alcohol-based.
So why wasn’t everyone alerted on October 16th?
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue admitted that his department should have made it public on that date. He said primary responsibility for the withdrawal of products rests with the company concerned, and it was immediately instructed to recall all product under the ViraPro name.
When it did not do so the department issued its public warning on October 22nd.
When did they tell other departments?
On October 20th Mr McConalogue’s officials had “informal” contact with the Department of Education procurement service. They following day they contacted the HSE with the test results. The day after that the public warning was issued.
Has anyone been affected healthwise by ViraPro products?
The HSE has had no reports of illness related to the issue. Deputy general secretary of Siptu John King, the union representing 40,000 health workers, said it had received no reports of illness, but was concerned that its members had been using this product for the past seven months.
Medical sources said the use of ViraPro would have had to be over a much longer period to have had serious consequences, and that all symptoms should disappear completely within days of stopping use of the product.
Is supply an issue and how much has it all cost?
The HSE said it had spent €7.5 million on ViraPro products, and had purchased 3.8 million units. Over one million had been used and nearly two million were in storage.
The Department of Education does not yet have a cost for ViraPro as schools sourced their own sanitiser but it had received 146 requests for replacement product and this had been supplied.
So what next?
The Minister for Agriculture is conducting a review, and the department will learn lessons from it. There may also be subsequent proceedings against the manufacturer as Revenue liaise with the European anti-fraud agency on the matter.


theirishtimes--2020-10-25--Ireland suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong over security law

Ireland has joined other EU countries in suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to draconian security measures imposed on the city by Beijing .
The decision by the Irish Government was specifically triggered by the introduction of the National Security Law in Hong Kong earlier this year which allows the Chinese government extensive control of security matters in the region and the extradition of Hong Kong residents to mainland China to face trial on certain matters .
The law also gives the government greater power to target regime critics and punish the media and opposition groups .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ filling a long-standing security gap in Hong Kong ’ s administration .
Attempts to pass previous versions of the law prompted massive protests in the region , starting in June 2019 .
“ This decision ... clearly signals Ireland ’ s concerns in relation to the rule of law in Hong Kong and the erosion of judicial independence promised under the ‘ one country , two systems ’ principle , ” Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said in the Dáil last week .
Confirming the move , a spokeswoman for the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with the Department of Justice , it has reviewed the implications of the law for Ireland ’ s extradition arrangements with Hong Kong .
“ Following this review , the Government on October 13th agreed to suspend Ireland ’ s Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong .
“ This suspension , which puts the operation of the agreement on hold , was taken in concert with other EU Member States who have or are also planning to suspend their respective agreements.
” Germany , Finland , the UK and the Netherlands have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong as have the US and Canada .
Chinese Ambassador to Ireland He Xiangdong did not respond to requests for comment on Sunday .

Andrew Wan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, is arrested by riot police during a protest in Hong Kong in July. File photograph: Roy Liu/Bloomberg
Ireland has joined other EU countries in suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to draconian security measures imposed on the city by Beijing.
The decision by the Irish Government was specifically triggered by the introduction of the National Security Law in Hong Kong earlier this year which allows the Chinese government extensive control of security matters in the region and the extradition of Hong Kong residents to mainland China to face trial on certain matters.
The law also gives the government greater power to target regime critics and punish the media and opposition groups.
It has been defended by China as filling a long-standing security gap in Hong Kong’s administration.
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Attempts to pass previous versions of the law prompted massive protests in the region, starting in June 2019.
"This decision ... clearly signals Ireland's concerns in relation to the rule of law in Hong Kong and the erosion of judicial independence promised under the 'one country, two systems' principle," Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said in the Dáil last week.
Confirming the move, a spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that, along with the Department of Justice, it has reviewed the implications of the law for Ireland’s extradition arrangements with Hong Kong.
“Following this review, the Government on October 13th agreed to suspend Ireland’s Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong.
“This suspension, which puts the operation of the agreement on hold, was taken in concert with other EU Member States who have or are also planning to suspend their respective agreements.”
Germany, Finland, the UK and the Netherlands have already suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong as have the US and Canada.
Chinese Ambassador to Ireland He Xiangdong did not respond to requests for comment on Sunday.
A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Dublin defended the National Security Law as protecting the "lawful rights, interests and freedoms of Hong Kong residents".
He added the Irish-Hong Kong extradition treaty "helps promote judicial cooperation between the two sides. It is in the interests of both sides, rather than one side only."


theirishtimes--2020-10-25--Bill allowing for fines for breaching Covid-19 rules becomes law

President Michael D Higgins has signed into law legislation that allows for on-the-spot fines for non-compliance with public health guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic .
The legislation was passed by the Dáil and Seanad on Friday but the specifics of how much people could be fined for not wearing a facemask when required to or for travelling more than 5km from their homes during the Level 5 restrictions is yet to be stipulated .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said these would confirmed in the coming week but he signalled that the initial fine for not wearing a face mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €50 .
The Bill allows for fines of up to €1,000 for those who organise house parties and this penalty comes into effect immediately .
In a statement on Sunday , Áras an Uachtaráin said : “ Having considered the Health ( Amendment ) Bill 2020 , the President has signed the Bill and it has accordingly become law ” .
Mayo Fine Gael TD and former minister Michael Ring last week objected to the provision on fining people for travelling more than 5km from their homes .
He said it discriminated against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel much further to shops and other facilities .
He describing the penalty as “ Dublin thinking ” and did not attend the Dáil for the vote .
The Bill also caused uproar in the Seanad amid claims , including from a Government Senator , that the penalties in relation to house parties were unenforceable .
Senator Barry Ward , a barrister , introduced a number of amendments and said the definition in the Bill of the occupier of a house was unworkable .
Under the law as drafted , unless the owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not demand that anyone else in charge of the house direct people at the party to leave .
In addition , gardaí can not ask the name of the person in charge unless that person is the owner .
He also introduced an amendment to address flaws in the Bill around the issuing by gardaí of fixed-notice penalties .
Mr Ward said the Bill had to take account of a whole raft of factors but instead it was drafted on the basis of an either/or option .
For a fine to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one had to be considered .
He was supported by Independent Senator Michael McDowell , who said “ just because we are dealing with emergency legislation it doesn ’ t mean the Constitution goes out the window ” .
Mr McDowell a former attorney general described the legislation as “ bizarre ” and “ flawed ” .
Minister of State Frankie Feighan , who was dealing with the Bill in the Seanad , refused to accept the amendments .
He said that to do so would delay bringing the enforcement powers into effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a last resort ” .
Mr Ward withdrew his amendments and the Bill was passed .
The Opposition had called for the Minister to introduce the regulations for the specific offences in the Dáil before the Bill was passed .
Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane claimed the Government was seeking a “ blank cheque ” by not doing so .
Labour leader Alan Kelly , whose party reluctantly supported the Bill because there were some who deliberately flouted public health advice , said the legislation signalled a “ step change ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that public support could collapse if the Government “ doesn ’ t get it right ” .

Legislation that allows for on-the-spot fines for non-compliance with public health guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
President Michael D Higgins has signed into law legislation that allows for on-the-spot fines for non-compliance with public health guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The legislation was passed by the Dáil and Seanad on Friday but the specifics of how much people could be fined for not wearing a facemask when required to or for travelling more than 5km from their homes during the Level 5 restrictions is yet to be stipulated.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said these would confirmed in the coming week but he signalled that the initial fine for not wearing a face mask when required to do so could be €50. The Bill allows for fines of up to €1,000 for those who organise house parties and this penalty comes into effect immediately.
In a statement on Sunday, Áras an Uachtaráin said: “Having considered the Health (Amendment) Bill 2020, the President has signed the Bill and it has accordingly become law”.
READ MORE
Mayo Fine Gael TD and former minister Michael Ring last week objected to the provision on fining people for travelling more than 5km from their homes.
He said it discriminated against people in rural areas who had to travel much further to shops and other facilities. He describing the penalty as “Dublin thinking” and did not attend the Dáil for the vote.
The Bill also caused uproar in the Seanad amid claims, including from a Government Senator, that the penalties in relation to house parties were unenforceable.
Senator Barry Ward, a barrister, introduced a number of amendments and said the definition in the Bill of the occupier of a house was unworkable. Under the law as drafted, unless the owner of a dwelling is present, gardaí cannot demand that anyone else in charge of the house direct people at the party to leave.
In addition, gardaí cannot ask the name of the person in charge unless that person is the owner.
Amendment
He also introduced an amendment to address flaws in the Bill around the issuing by gardaí of fixed-notice penalties. Mr Ward said the Bill had to take account of a whole raft of factors but instead it was drafted on the basis of an either/or option. For a fine to be issued, all factors and not just one had to be considered.
He was supported by Independent Senator Michael McDowell, who said “just because we are dealing with emergency legislation it doesn’t mean the Constitution goes out the window”. Mr McDowell a former attorney general described the legislation as “bizarre” and “flawed”.
Minister of State Frankie Feighan, who was dealing with the Bill in the Seanad, refused to accept the amendments. He said that to do so would delay bringing the enforcement powers into effect and he stressed that “enforcement is a last resort”. Mr Ward withdrew his amendments and the Bill was passed.
The Opposition had called for the Minister to introduce the regulations for the specific offences in the Dáil before the Bill was passed. Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane claimed the Government was seeking a “blank cheque” by not doing so.
Labour leader Alan Kelly, whose party reluctantly supported the Bill because there were some who deliberately flouted public health advice, said the legislation signalled a “step change” in the Government’s approach and warned that public support could collapse if the Government “doesn’t get it right”.