theirishtimes--2020-09-05--Another Life: Gaia theorist did some of his best thinking in west Cork cottage

In any topography of human inspiration there might surely be room for the holiday cottage of Ireland ’ s west , so often the cradle of a great idea , born of the time and space for thought and the gift of far horizons .
One cottage I ’ d put a plaque on , if it doesn ’ t have one already , is called Carrig and it ’ s set above the shore at Adrigole , on the Beara Peninsula in west Cork .
It was here , in the 1970s , that James Lovelock , bothered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , embarked on research that came to matter greatly to the world .
It also helped him frame a revolutionary theory – that Gaia , the Earth , can be seen as a living , interacting organism .
Today , at 101 , his ideas have grown even more startling , as his latest book , Novacene , just published in Penguin , describes .
The haze at Adrigole , analysed by gas chromatography , proved to be “ foul air from Europe ” as polluting as Los Angeles smog .
It happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold 50 parts per trillion of CFCs , the gases of aerosols and refrigerators .
Rising to the top of the atmosphere , CFCs were melting holes in the ozone layer , Earth ’ s screen against the sun ’ s ultraviolet radiation .
Lovelock ’ s work with atmospheric scientists helped produce a final , global ban on their use .
As much engineer as scientist , he had earlier invented a pocket-sized gadget that detects and analyses trace-level compounds .
Its miniature , sensitive sampling brought him work with Nasa in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probes .
The new image of Earth from space , wrapped in its atmospheric veil of blue , prompted Lovelock ’ s Eureka inspiration , the Gaia theory .
In the summers at Adrigole , he liked to climb Hungry Hill to sit on a favourite slab of red sandstone overlooking Bantry Bay .
Here he thought through the scientific problems to be tackled in Gaia : A New Look at Life on Earth , a book written almost entirely in the cottage below the mountain .
The concept of an integrated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain its existence , was received by most scientists as mere untested and romantic hypothesis ( “ I composed the book , ” Lovelock has said , “ as if I were writing a long love letter to woman I had never met ” ) .
In the half-century since , with growing support from many schools of Earth science , Gaia has been dignified as a theory .
But its popular and passionate adoption by greens of most hues has met with cooling responses from their favourite scientific uncle .
Lovelock , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the embrace of the Gaia theory as a quasi-religion , though he far from disowned its “ intuitive ” appeal and departure from familiar forms of science .
His new book again chides the greens for rejecting nuclear energy and for supporting an “ all-or-nothing ” ban of plastics .
Indeed , for all the sins in the age of human impact on Earth , Lovelock rejects the “ loaded idea that the Anthropocene is a great crime against nature ” .
For him it has been “ a product of evolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Its advances in knowledge prompt him to “ a shout of joy ” .
The Novacene , then , his prospect of humanity ’ s future , is buoyantly optimistic in the longer term .
It is not , however , one to which many greens would aspire .
Lovelock sees our planet as old and frail , its life increasingly threatened by global warming and random asteroids .
The existence of humankind is “ a freakish one-off ” , alone in the universe , but is now creating artificial intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faster than mere mammals .
Humans will engage with this hyperintelligence , becoming “ cyborgs ” in a partnership to defend a living Earth .
But as this “ new life ” improves and replicates itself , the natural selection of Darwin will be replaced by much faster , intentional , cyborg-driven selection .
“ We must recognize , ” says Lovelock , “ that the evolution of cyborgs may soon pass from our hands.
” As junior partners in life on Earth , what , beyond mere existence , has humankind to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of all the species under the sun , have evolved the ability to distil information in a way that empowers evolution .
As “ prime understanders of the cosmos , ” he says , we are “ unique , privileged beings ( who ) should cherish every moment of our awareness ” .
It ’ s one way to die happy , as Lovelock clearly intends to do , his last days happily spent in a cottage above the shore in Dorset .
Novacene was finished with help of science writer Bryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vigorous mischief and wit .
His frequent disdain of green politics – wind and solar power are no match for nuclear , rewilding and afforestation should be “ left to nature ” , etc – have been a trial to many of his keenest supporters .
They must remain grateful , however , for Lovelock ’ s overwhelming vision of how the natural world works .
It carries to global culmination the first law of ecology , that everything ’ s connected to everything else .

In any topography of human inspiration there might surely be room for the holiday cottage of Ireland’s west, so often the cradle of a great idea, born of the time and space for thought and the gift of far horizons.
One cottage I’d put a plaque on, if it doesn’t have one already, is called Carrig and it’s set above the shore at Adrigole, on the Beara Peninsula in west Cork.
It was here, in the 1970s, that James Lovelock, bothered by a strange haze in the summer air, embarked on research that came to matter greatly to the world.
It also helped him frame a revolutionary theory – that Gaia, the Earth, can be seen as a living, interacting organism. Today, at 101, his ideas have grown even more startling, as his latest book, Novacene, just published in Penguin, describes.
READ MORE
The haze at Adrigole, analysed by gas chromatography, proved to be “foul air from Europe” as polluting as Los Angeles smog. It happened also, as Lovelock found, to hold 50 parts per trillion of CFCs, the gases of aerosols and refrigerators.
Rising to the top of the atmosphere, CFCs were melting holes in the ozone layer, Earth’s screen against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Lovelock’s work with atmospheric scientists helped produce a final, global ban on their use.
As much engineer as scientist, he had earlier invented a pocket-sized gadget that detects and analyses trace-level compounds. Its miniature, sensitive sampling brought him work with Nasa in the US, then perfecting its planetary probes. The new image of Earth from space, wrapped in its atmospheric veil of blue, prompted Lovelock’s Eureka inspiration, the Gaia theory.
In the summers at Adrigole, he liked to climb Hungry Hill to sit on a favourite slab of red sandstone overlooking Bantry Bay. Here he thought through the scientific problems to be tackled in Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth, a book written almost entirely in the cottage below the mountain.
Self-regulating Earth
The concept of an integrated, self-regulating Earth, its life working to maintain its existence, was received by most scientists as mere untested and romantic hypothesis (“I composed the book,” Lovelock has said, “as if I were writing a long love letter to woman I had never met”).
In the half-century since, with growing support from many schools of Earth science, Gaia has been dignified as a theory. But its popular and passionate adoption by greens of most hues has met with cooling responses from their favourite scientific uncle.
Lovelock, from a Quaker family, was repelled by the embrace of the Gaia theory as a quasi-religion, though he far from disowned its “intuitive” appeal and departure from familiar forms of science. His new book again chides the greens for rejecting nuclear energy and for supporting an “all-or-nothing” ban of plastics.
‘Shout of joy’
Indeed, for all the sins in the age of human impact on Earth, Lovelock rejects the “loaded idea that the Anthropocene is a great crime against nature”. For him it has been “a product of evolution . . . an expression of nature”. Its advances in knowledge prompt him to “a shout of joy”.
The Novacene, then, his prospect of humanity’s future, is buoyantly optimistic in the longer term. It is not, however, one to which many greens would aspire.
Lovelock sees our planet as old and frail, its life increasingly threatened by global warming and random asteroids. The existence of humankind is “a freakish one-off”, alone in the universe, but is now creating artificial intelligence that can think and act 10,000 times faster than mere mammals.
Humans will engage with this hyperintelligence, becoming “cyborgs” in a partnership to defend a living Earth. But as this “new life” improves and replicates itself, the natural selection of Darwin will be replaced by much faster, intentional, cyborg-driven selection. “We must recognize,” says Lovelock, “that the evolution of cyborgs may soon pass from our hands.”
Distil information
As junior partners in life on Earth, what, beyond mere existence, has humankind to gain? We alone, he urges, of all the species under the sun, have evolved the ability to distil information in a way that empowers evolution.
As “prime understanders of the cosmos,” he says, we are “unique, privileged beings (who) should cherish every moment of our awareness”.
It’s one way to die happy, as Lovelock clearly intends to do, his last days happily spent in a cottage above the shore in Dorset. Novacene was finished with help of science writer Bryan Appleyard, who lost nothing of Lovelock’s vigorous mischief and wit.
His frequent disdain of green politics – wind and solar power are no match for nuclear, rewilding and afforestation should be “left to nature”, etc – have been a trial to many of his keenest supporters.
They must remain grateful, however, for Lovelock’s overwhelming vision of how the natural world works. It carries to global culmination the first law of ecology, that everything’s connected to everything else.


Church services

National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel .
11.15 CHORAL EUCHARIST sung by the Lay Vicars Choral - Hoskings : Missa Sancti Kentigerni , Psalm : 149 , Parnell : Oculi omnium , Noon : O sacrum convivium .
Preacher : The Revd W.P .
Houston , B.S.Sc.
, B.Th .
Prebendary of Castleknock .
15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by Lay Vicars Choral - Responses : Leigh , Ives : Magdalen Service , Psalm : 34 vv 1-10 , Ives : In Pace .
EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PRAYER at 17.30 on Wednesday .
EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Saturday .
You may also join us in worship online at www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/worship/video-stream For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472 .
Christ Church Bray Sunday 6th September 11am Holy Communion .
This service may have up to 50 people present and will be live-streamed at www.churchservices.tv/christchurchbray Service sheets available to view or download from our website www.christchurchbray.ie St John the Evangelist , Park Avenue , Sandymount Sunday 6th September - Trinity 13 : Holy Eucharist 11 a.m. President and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dun Laoghaire , Co Dublin The Methodist Church , Northumberland Avenue , Dun Laoghaire .
Our services can be accessed online at www.dlmc.org

CATHEDRALS
National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 11.15 CHORAL EUCHARIST sung by the Lay Vicars Choral - Hoskings: Missa Sancti Kentigerni, Psalm: 149, Parnell: Oculi omnium, Noon: O sacrum convivium. Preacher: The Revd W.P. Houston, B.S.Sc., B.Th. Prebendary of Castleknock. 15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by Lay Vicars Choral - Responses: Leigh, Ives: Magdalen Service, Psalm: 34 vv 1-10, Ives: In Pace. EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. EVENING PRAYER at 17.30 on Wednesday. EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Saturday. You may also join us in worship online at www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/worship/video-stream For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472.
CHURCH OF IRELAND
Ardamine Group, Co Wexford Monamolin 9.00am (Morning Prayer) Clonevan 10.15am (Holy Communion) Kilnamanagh 11.45am (Morning Prayer)
READ MORE
Christ Church Bray Sunday 6th September 11am Holy Communion. This service may have up to 50 people present and will be live-streamed at www.churchservices.tv/christchurchbray Service sheets available to view or download from our website www.christchurchbray.ie
St John the Evangelist, Park Avenue, Sandymount Sunday 6th September - Trinity 13: Holy Eucharist 11 a.m. President and preacher: Canon Robert Deane. www.sandymount.dublin.anglican.org
METHODIST
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin The Methodist Church, Northumberland Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Our services can be accessed online at www.dlmc.org


theirishtimes--2020-09-05--Trinity College examines plans for Covid-19 self-testing booths

Trinity College Dublin is examining plans for widespread Covid-19 testing of its 20,000 strong student and staff in a bid to prevent clusters emerging on campus , The Irish Times has learned .
The university ’ s committee on resuming activities met on Tuesday to discuss the plan , which could see self-testing booths in its city centre campus , similar to those installed in universities in the United States .
With students due to arrive in TCD from September 28th , the hope is that a testing programme will help early detection of the virus among students and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the university .
The fine detail of the proposal – including exactly what type of testing would be deployed , and how the programme would be paid for – have not yet been identified .
The TCD committee will meet this week to make a decision on whether to push ahead with the idea , which would be among the first large-scale testing programmes in the State outside the core programme run by the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) .
Any programme would be voluntary , sources stressed .
A spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at testing to keep the university open .
Information should allow us to prevent outbreaks ” .
The spokesman said TCD authorities are “ having lively discussions about surveillance testing .
A decision that balances health concerns with practical considerations is likely to be made next week ” .
The approach is broadly modelled on the experiences of other third-level institutions , including Boston University , where a free , inhouse screening and testing programme has been established .
Prof Colm Bergin , a consultant physician at St James ’ Hospital and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the programme would have to be effectively communicated and managed , as it did not replace diagnostic testing or the need for social-distancing measures .
“ We have to be very clear a negative test doesn ’ t mean no infection , and that it doesn ’ t become a licence to behaviours or socialisations that increase risks of transmission .
It is like mask wearing , it is a component of a bundle of interventions to reduce risk.
” The TCD system would also have to interact and share information with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
He added that it had to be made clear that if someone became symptomatic , they should still contact a doctor and seek testing , not wait for testing that might be periodically available under a surveillance programme .
The precise type of test to be used has not been determined , but self-administered saliva testing booths could see students depositing samples for analysis on arrival .
Academic sources at the university are thought to be enthusiastic about the idea , which may also present opportunities to study how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on campus .
Labs to analyse samples could be set up on campus , sources said , or they could be outsourced to another laboratory or hospital .
The presence of a robust testing regime could also serve to attract overseas students to the university , one source suggested .

The testing programme at Trinity College could help early detection of the virus among students and staff, and avoid partial or full closures of the university. File photograph: Alan Betson
Trinity College Dublin is examining plans for widespread Covid-19 testing of its 20,000 strong student and staff in a bid to prevent clusters emerging on campus, The Irish Times has learned.
The university's committee on resuming activities met on Tuesday to discuss the plan, which could see self-testing booths in its city centre campus, similar to those installed in universities in the United States.
With students due to arrive in TCD from September 28th, the hope is that a testing programme will help early detection of the virus among students and staff, and avoid partial or full closures of the university.
The fine detail of the proposal – including exactly what type of testing would be deployed, and how the programme would be paid for – have not yet been identified.
READ MORE
The TCD committee will meet this week to make a decision on whether to push ahead with the idea, which would be among the first large-scale testing programmes in the State outside the core programme run by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Any programme would be voluntary, sources stressed. A spokesman for the university confirmed it is “looking at testing to keep the university open. Information should allow us to prevent outbreaks”.
The spokesman said TCD authorities are “having lively discussions about surveillance testing. A decision that balances health concerns with practical considerations is likely to be made next week”.
‘Bundle of interventions’
The approach is broadly modelled on the experiences of other third-level institutions, including Boston University, where a free, inhouse screening and testing programme has been established.
Prof Colm Bergin, a consultant physician at St James' Hospital and clinical professor of medicine at TCD, said the programme would have to be effectively communicated and managed, as it did not replace diagnostic testing or the need for social-distancing measures.
“We have to be very clear a negative test doesn’t mean no infection, and that it doesn’t become a licence to behaviours or socialisations that increase risks of transmission. It is like mask wearing, it is a component of a bundle of interventions to reduce risk.”
The TCD system would also have to interact and share information with the national testing and tracing programme, he said.
He added that it had to be made clear that if someone became symptomatic, they should still contact a doctor and seek testing, not wait for testing that might be periodically available under a surveillance programme.
The precise type of test to be used has not been determined, but self-administered saliva testing booths could see students depositing samples for analysis on arrival.
Academic sources at the university are thought to be enthusiastic about the idea, which may also present opportunities to study how the virus spreads, or is controlled, on campus. Labs to analyse samples could be set up on campus, sources said, or they could be outsourced to another laboratory or hospital.
The presence of a robust testing regime could also serve to attract overseas students to the university, one source suggested.


theirishtimes--2020-09-05--Students in accommodation limbo as many lectures go online

Kasia O ’ Connor will fly into Dublin this Sunday with a few pangs about leaving Crete – and not just because the temperature is currently a sizzling 36 degrees .
A third year English , Drama and Film student at UCD , she ’ s been wondering all summer whether the gamble of booking accommodation in Dublin last May for the year ahead would pay off .
A few days ago she learned that most of her course modules will be online .
The 20-year-old , a US citizen with Irish grandparents whose family is based in Greece , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and says the outlay for the year on rent , including deposit , is €10,000 .
As an international student her college fees are higher – “ and that ’ s fair enough ” – but she feels €13,500 is a lot to pay if she ’ s going to be spending much of the year looking at a computer screen in her Dublin home .
There ’ s also the cost of the flight , timed to ensure she has 14 days to self-isolate .
“ It ’ s not the college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been cheaper a week later , ” she said .
She loves Dublin , but if she had known in advance that so much of the course was going to be online , “ I probably would have considered doing it from Greece ” .
Kasia ’ s classmate , Dubliner Sorcha Peters , can ’ t get her head around the fact that so much of their year will be spent off campus .
“ If they can manage to have primary and secondary schools back safely , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the colleges operate ?
” Like a lot of students , she questions the justification for not reducing tuition fees “ when we ’ ll be at home working online , paying for our own electricity etc ” .
Most students are well aware of the challenges facing colleges as they struggle to anticipate how safety measures will play out , while seeking to provide some semblance of on-campus normality .
But with just weeks to go , thousands are waiting for timetables , and don ’ t know what days , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on campus .
The dilemma is whether to book accommodation or to commute .
Some colleges and student representatives have been coming up with novel ways to make college life more affordable .
Dublin City University has agreed with its students ’ union that some students can rent campus accommodation on a nightly basis , if having so many online classes makes that more feasible .
“ We are also talking to hotels in the area to see if we can agree a nightly rate for students .
It ’ s all about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the DCU SU .
The Galway Mayo Institute of Technology has also liaised with local hotels to help solve the accommodation conundrum and has agreed nightly B & B rates for students , starting at €40 .
Dr Seamus Lennon , the college ’ s Covid officer , explained that with hotels expecting a slowdown in the “ staycation ” business around now , they were happy to engage with the college .
“ It ’ s great business for them – a whole new cohort of customers , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the college is also tailoring timetables to facilitate those who might prefer practicals and lab work to be condensed into two long days , rather than spread over four short days .
He says a significant number of students will opt to stay in local hotels for a night or two each week .
“ A lot of students will save a lot of money by not having to rent for the year , and we expect rates in the city might drop as a result.
” Eoin Hand , president of Trinity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer jobs scarce this year , many students are baulking at huge rental costs , especially if they are going to be tuning into lectures from their kitchen tables .
“ We have had queries from people as far away as Limerick , Mayo and Tipperary wondering if it will be feasible to commute , and some will , ” he said .
Trinity College has undertaken to have all timetables circulated by September 14th and has also indicated that some of its 1,400 on-campus rooms are being reserved “ to offer students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be full-time on campus .
Conor Anderson , president of UCD SU , says the wait for information about timetables has had students on tenterhooks all summer .
Last July he accused the college of “ over-promising ” when it predicted that 40 to 60 per cent of teaching would be delivered “ face-to-face ” for undergraduates , and from 75 to 100 per cent for graduates .
In August the college revised these estimates , but Anderson says some students who booked accommodation in advance are now finding that 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online .
He says the college is “ toying ” with students ’ expectations , and is hoping that things will be clearer if all timetables are published by Monday next ( September 7th ) .
UCD has said that it will provide as much face-to-face teaching as it safely can in the coming year while conceding that large group activities such as lectures will take place digitally .
Like most colleges , it says that it hopes to increase face-to-face engagement and social activities throughout the year , in line with Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , president of NUI Galway SU , says that it ’ s going to be a strange year for students – especially first-years , given the restrictions on social interaction .
“ I don ’ t know about you but I have never made a friend from two metres away , ” he said , pointing out that the lifelong friendships many attribute to their college experience may be harder to come by for the students of 2020/21 .
At 9.30pm last Monday emails dropped into the mailboxes of all NUIG students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect ; for many , it ’ s just two or three hours a week .
Details have yet to emerge about what days and times they will be on campus , and many feel aggrieved that last June the college was urging them to base themselves in Galway .
Some , of course , can ’ t wait to get to the city regarded as party central , as well as a cultural hotspot , by many visitors .
James Boylan ( 20 ) , a second-year drama and classics student , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is from Meath .
He moved to Galway in August but has been paying rent since July because he and four friends wanted to secure a house .
His rent is €375 a month and he also had to contribute €400 towards the €2,000 deposit .
“ It ’ s a lovely house , 20 minutes ’ walk from the college .
We all have our own rooms so working online should be okay.
” Caelinn Crowley , a fourth-year NUIG civil law student from Co Clare , also felt that she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadband issues where she lives , and , with her mother remote working , online lectures might have been a challenge .
A member of the college concert orchestra and the Fáilte Refugees Society , she is expecting that the social aspect of college life will be restricted for a while.
” But I am looking forward to it.
” Another NUIG law student , Darragh McNulty from Co Mayo , has been working in Galway for the summer and sharing a house with 14 others – 10 in an upstairs unit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no window in my bedroom and the rent is going up , so I ’ m moving out , ” he said .
An NUI Galway spokesperson said that following the issuing of information early this week on the balance of on-campus and online teaching , timetables for all courses were being finalised .
“ We appreciate the delay is an added challenge for students , but timetables must be planned carefully to ensure that we make best use of our facilities and that capacity and access for teaching spaces is in line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students had been encouraged to be in Galway from September “ to experience the fullest student learning experience possible ” .
NUI Galway said its campus residences were fully booked for the year , with a considerable waiting list , so “ we do not have accommodation available for short stays ” .
The Irish Universities Association , which represents DCU , NUI Maynooth , NUIG , TCD , UCC , UCD , and UL , said all colleges are advancing plans for a blended learning approach in the next academic year with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under prevailing public health guidelines , combined with remote learning .
“ There will be no diminution in the standards of tuition .
On that basis there will be no reduction in tuition fee levels for the coming year , ” it said .

Kasia O'Connor will fly into Dublin this Sunday with a few pangs about leaving Crete – and not just because the temperature is currently a sizzling 36 degrees. A third year English, Drama and Film student at UCD, she's been wondering all summer whether the gamble of booking accommodation in Dublin last May for the year ahead would pay off. A few days ago she learned that most of her course modules will be online. The 20-year-old, a US citizen with Irish grandparents whose family is based in Greece, booked early "to be safe" and says the outlay for the year on rent, including deposit, is €10,000. As an international student her college fees are higher – "and that's fair enough" – but she feels €13,500 is a lot to pay if she's going to be spending much of the year looking at a computer screen in her Dublin home. There's also the cost of the flight, timed to ensure she has 14 days to self-isolate. "It's not the college's fault, but the flight would have been cheaper a week later," she said.
She loves Dublin, but if she had known in advance that so much of the course was going to be online, “I probably would have considered doing it from Greece”.
UCD student Kasia O’Connor, from Greece, found out that most of her coursework for this year will be online, but has already booked accommodation for the year
A lot of students will save a lot of money by not having to rent for the year
Kasia's classmate, Dubliner Sorcha Peters, can't get her head around the fact that so much of their year will be spent off campus.
“If they can manage to have primary and secondary schools back safely, and we are adults, why can’t the colleges operate?”
READ MORE
Like a lot of students, she questions the justification for not reducing tuition fees “when we’ll be at home working online, paying for our own electricity etc”.
Most students are well aware of the challenges facing colleges as they struggle to anticipate how safety measures will play out, while seeking to provide some semblance of on-campus normality.
But with just weeks to go, thousands are waiting for timetables, and don’t know what days, if any, they will be physically present on campus. The dilemma is whether to book accommodation or to commute.
Some colleges and student representatives have been coming up with novel ways to make college life more affordable. Dublin City University has agreed with its students' union that some students can rent campus accommodation on a nightly basis, if having so many online classes makes that more feasible.
"We are also talking to hotels in the area to see if we can agree a nightly rate for students. It's all about choice," said Fearghal Lynch, president of the DCU SU.
Local hotels
The Galway Mayo Institute of Technology has also liaised with local hotels to help solve the accommodation conundrum and has agreed nightly B&B rates for students, starting at €40.
Dr Seamus Lennon, the college's Covid officer, explained that with hotels expecting a slowdown in the "staycation" business around now, they were happy to engage with the college.
“It’s great business for them – a whole new cohort of customers,” said Dr Lennon, who pointed out that the college is also tailoring timetables to facilitate those who might prefer practicals and lab work to be condensed into two long days, rather than spread over four short days.
He says a significant number of students will opt to stay in local hotels for a night or two each week. “A lot of students will save a lot of money by not having to rent for the year, and we expect rates in the city might drop as a result.”
Eoin Hand, president of Trinity College SU, also knows that with summer jobs scarce this year, many students are baulking at huge rental costs, especially if they are going to be tuning into lectures from their kitchen tables. "We have had queries from people as far away as Limerick, Mayo and Tipperary wondering if it will be feasible to commute, and some will," he said.
Trinity College has undertaken to have all timetables circulated by September 14th and has also indicated that some of its 1,400 on-campus rooms are being reserved “to offer students flexibility” if they don’t need to be full-time on campus.
Conor Anderson, president of UCD SU, says the wait for information about timetables has had students on tenterhooks all summer. Last July he accused the college of "over-promising" when it predicted that 40 to 60 per cent of teaching would be delivered "face-to-face" for undergraduates, and from 75 to 100 per cent for graduates. In August the college revised these estimates, but Anderson says some students who booked accommodation in advance are now finding that 100 per cent of their courses will be online. He says the college is "toying" with students' expectations, and is hoping that things will be clearer if all timetables are published by Monday next (September 7th).
UCD has said that it will provide as much face-to-face teaching as it safely can in the coming year while conceding that large group activities such as lectures will take place digitally.
Like most colleges, it says that it hopes to increase face-to-face engagement and social activities throughout the year, in line with Government and public health advice.
Strange year
Pádraic Toomey, president of NUI Galway SU, says that it's going to be a strange year for students – especially first-years, given the restrictions on social interaction. "I don't know about you but I have never made a friend from two metres away," he said, pointing out that the lifelong friendships many attribute to their college experience may be harder to come by for the students of 2020/21.
At 9.30pm last Monday emails dropped into the mailboxes of all NUIG students, detailing how much on-campus learning they can expect; for many, it’s just two or three hours a week. Details have yet to emerge about what days and times they will be on campus, and many feel aggrieved that last June the college was urging them to base themselves in Galway.
Some, of course, can’t wait to get to the city regarded as party central, as well as a cultural hotspot, by many visitors.
James Boylan from Co Meath who is going into second yearat NUI Galway and has been paying rent since July to secure accommodation in Galway. Photograph: Joe O’Shaughnessy
There is no window in my bedroom and the rent is going up, so I'm moving out
James Boylan (20), a second-year drama and classics student, can't commute, as he is from Meath. He moved to Galway in August but has been paying rent since July because he and four friends wanted to secure a house.
His rent is €375 a month and he also had to contribute €400 towards the €2,000 deposit. “It’s a lovely house, 20 minutes’ walk from the college. We all have our own rooms so working online should be okay.”
Caelinn Crowley, a fourth-year NUIG civil law student from Co Clare, also felt that she had to move to Galway as there are broadband issues where she lives, and, with her mother remote working, online lectures might have been a challenge.
A member of the college concert orchestra and the Fáilte Refugees Society, she is expecting that the social aspect of college life will be restricted for a while.”But I am looking forward to it.”
Sharing
Another NUIG law student, Darragh McNulty from Co Mayo, has been working in Galway for the summer and sharing a house with 14 others – 10 in an upstairs unit and five separately downstairs. "There is no window in my bedroom and the rent is going up, so I'm moving out," he said.
An NUI Galway spokesperson said that following the issuing of information early this week on the balance of on-campus and online teaching, timetables for all courses were being finalised.
“We appreciate the delay is an added challenge for students, but timetables must be planned carefully to ensure that we make best use of our facilities and that capacity and access for teaching spaces is in line with public health guidelines.”
He said students had been encouraged to be in Galway from September “to experience the fullest student learning experience possible”.
NUI Galway said its campus residences were fully booked for the year, with a considerable waiting list, so “we do not have accommodation available for short stays”.
The Irish Universities Association, which represents DCU, NUI Maynooth, NUIG, TCD, UCC, UCD, and UL, said all colleges are advancing plans for a blended learning approach in the next academic year with as much on-campus engagement as is possible under prevailing public health guidelines, combined with remote learning.
“There will be no diminution in the standards of tuition. On that basis there will be no reduction in tuition fee levels for the coming year,” it said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-05--Masks key to reducing Covid-19 deaths in Ireland, say US experts

Ireland could suffer another 1,200 Covid-19 deaths by the end of the year if use of face masks remains at current levels , according to a forecast by US academics .
The number of additional deaths could be kept to under 400 if mask-use rises to near universal levels , according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) , which is based at the University of Washington .
Daily case numbers could rise to almost 8,000 and the health service would be short 400 ICU beds in the worst-case scenarios of IHME ’ s modelling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The research predicts 2,940 deaths in Ireland by January 1st if mask-use remains at current levels .
In a best-case scenario , where more than 95 per cent of people used masks , there would be 2,180 deaths , compared to the 1,777 deaths so far recorded .
By the end of the year , it is forecast that Ireland would need 1,037 out of the 1,573 available hospital beds to treat virus patients .
Some 454 ICU beds would be needed with only 53 available , and 433 ventilators would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Covid-19 deaths by the end of the year , up from the current 1.9 million , assuming mask-use and other mitigation measures remain unchanged .
By December , up to 30,000 people could be dying daily worldwide , it says , adding that 770,000 lives could be saved through mask-wearing , social distancing and other protective measures .
“ These first-ever worldwide projections by country offer a daunting forecast as well as a roadmap toward relief from Covid-19 that government leaders as well as individuals can follow , ” said IHME director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing the prospect of a deadly December , especially in Europe , Central Asia and the United States .
But the science is clear and the evidence irrefutable : mask-wearing , social distancing , and limits to social gatherings are vital to helping prevent transmission of the virus.
” Last April , IHME ’ s view that Ireland ’ s death rate had peaked was criticised as unreliable by Irish officials .
However , it turned out to be largely accurate , as did its projection of 150,000 deaths in Europe during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , deaths on the continent stand at 182,000 .
The Department of Health did not respond last night to a request for comment on the latest forecasts .

With more mask-use, the number of additional Covid-19 deaths could be kept to under 400, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, based at the University of Washington. Photograph: Gareth Chaney
Ireland could suffer another 1,200 Covid-19 deaths by the end of the year if use of face masks remains at current levels, according to a forecast by US academics.
The number of additional deaths could be kept to under 400 if mask-use rises to near universal levels, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), which is based at the University of Washington.
Daily case numbers could rise to almost 8,000 and the health service would be short 400 ICU beds in the worst-case scenarios of IHME’s modelling, which assumes a continuing lifting of restrictions.
The research predicts 2,940 deaths in Ireland by January 1st if mask-use remains at current levels. In a best-case scenario, where more than 95 per cent of people used masks, there would be 2,180 deaths, compared to the 1,777 deaths so far recorded.
READ MORE
Saving 770,000 lives
By the end of the year, it is forecast that Ireland would need 1,037 out of the 1,573 available hospital beds to treat virus patients. Some 454 ICU beds would be needed with only 53 available, and 433 ventilators would be required.
Globally, IHME predicts 2.8 million Covid-19 deaths by the end of the year, up from the current 1.9 million, assuming mask-use and other mitigation measures remain unchanged. By December, up to 30,000 people could be dying daily worldwide, it says, adding that 770,000 lives could be saved through mask-wearing, social distancing and other protective measures.
"These first-ever worldwide projections by country offer a daunting forecast as well as a roadmap toward relief from Covid-19 that government leaders as well as individuals can follow," said IHME director Dr Christopher Murray.
Preventing transmission
“We are facing the prospect of a deadly December, especially in Europe, Central Asia and the United States. But the science is clear and the evidence irrefutable: mask-wearing, social distancing, and limits to social gatherings are vital to helping prevent transmission of the virus.”
Last April, IHME’s view that Ireland’s death rate had peaked was criticised as unreliable by Irish officials. However, it turned out to be largely accurate, as did its projection of 150,000 deaths in Europe during the first surge of the pandemic. So far, deaths on the continent stand at 182,000.
The Department of Health did not respond last night to a request for comment on the latest forecasts.


theirishtimes--2020-09-05--‘People were shocked and amazed . . . they could not believe the tranquility of it all’

The water is choppy on the morning ferry crossing to the Aran Islands and it ’ s bumpy for early September .
Crew members walk the aisles , stopping frequently to ask the passengers if they are okay .
They are also checking for face masks .
One passenger has removed his covering to sip from a water bottle and then forgets to replace it .
Within a few minutes , one of the crew approaches him .
Generally , the attitude on the Aran ferry is casual and relaxed , but they are stringent about Covid regulations .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourist season in recent memory , all three islands remain free of the virus .
“ Which is amazing , ” PJ Ó Flaitheartá remarks .
“ And it is a tribute to our doctors and medical profession .
And people really followed the protocols , they really did.
” The islander and publican got the ferry back from a visit to Galway city on Wednesday evening after his scheduled flight was cancelled due to fog .
It was that kind of day on the island : the roads shrouded with a heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but obscured , and the 30-odd daytrippers on the morning crossing dressed for all kinds of weather – which they got .
The islands emerged from lockdown in mid-July , torn between the commercial necessity to salvage something of the tourist season and fear that welcoming visitors could see the virus spread like wildfire .
Some prominent establishments , such as the American Bar , a central feature in Kilronan village , remained shuttered for the summer .
The tourist office is also locked and closed until further notice .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which did open for the short summer were pleasantly surprised by a sudden invasion from the mainland .
2020 was the summer the Irish came to Aran .
“ It was a weird summer , ” says Patrick O ’ Donnell with a smile .
“ But in a good way.
” The 23-year-old student is working in the Aran Sweater shop , a sister to the thatched shop in Kilronan village and located at the foot of the 15-minute hill walk to Dún Aonghasa , the island ’ s most recognisable landmark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s so misty you can scarcely see the sea from the stark cliff edge .
“ There have been no foreigners coming in , obviously , so it was strange having so many Irish out here , ” he says .
“ It was a good summer .
The past 15 or 20 years you ’ d have Americans , French and Italians and yeah , I suppose with Irish is it a small bit easier with the language and having the crack with them .
It was a nice season .
Busier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spell of three or four weeks of sunshine , so from the end of July and into August it almost felt like a normal summer here.
” Almost , but not quite .
O ’ Donnell spent the lockdown at home .
He was one of eight students in his Leaving Certificate class and , for the first time in their lives , they had the run of the island during a spell of glorious weather .
“ We were very lucky .
It is usually during the winter we have it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at five o ’ clock .
So we saw cliffs we hadn ’ t even seen before because the evenings were long and we had nothing to do so we ’ d just go for walks along the cliffs and stuff.
” He remembers the local apprehension when lockdown ended .
Nobody knew quite what to expect .
For the first week , just one ferry operated in the beginning so visitors were scarce .
Then , a more regular service resumed and people began to arrive from the mainland ; before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all day long .
“ It was a short season so it felt full .
And as far as I know most B & Bs are booked out until mid-September , which is brilliant .
There was one day when there was about 1,400 out here , it was crazy busy .
It is getting quieter again now.
” For PJ Ó Flaitheartá , the enjoyment of the season lay in witnessing the astonishment of Irish people at what the island had to offer .
He is used to the compliments of international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tí Joe Watty , but it was strange to see the island through the eyes of other Irish .
“ A lot of first-time visitors .
And I think people were shocked and amazed .
They really were .
They could not believe the pleasantness of the place , the tranquility of it all .
The fresh air , the walks .
You can walk three minutes in one direction and be in your own little world .
There was a bad storm in the middle of it and a few unfortunates got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorry for customers at times too because our capacity was down from 70 to 40 .
And it meant people were waiting to get in and guests were using their full entitlement of the hour and 45 minutes , which they were entitled to .
So people had to be patient .
And , in fairness , they generally were.
” In Watty ’ s on a damp Wednesday afternoon , all tables are occupied and staff remind guests to wear their face masks whenever they leave their seats .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aran hotel are the only establishments serving food this afternoon .
In Watty ’ s staff use one menu board which they carry to tables rather than issuing menus .
“ We felt the menus were too risky , ” Ó Flaitheartá says .
After everything , it has been a challenging season .
“ The numbers are down 50 per cent .
Our costs and staffing level are the same but even though we did a lot of food , we lost out on evening entertainment and live music .
But then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and oysters .
We have sold more wine than we ever sold .
And less spirits.
” And , like every tourist resort in Ireland , a peculiar silence descended on Aran Mór after 10 o ’ clock .
On normal summer nights , Watty ’ s enjoys its reputation as a music venue .
Like the American Bar , they host live sessions and sing-songs that go well past midnight .
None of that energy was present this year .
It has been suspended indefinitely .
“ I do feel sorry for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ó Flaitheartá says .
“ you only get a chance at being young once .
The American Bar would have live music and sing-songs and the place would be packed .
There are great musicians on the island .
I do feel sorry for musicians – my own son Pádraig Jack , for instance , has just released an album which he had postponed .
So musicians and performers have been absolutely hammered by this.
” It ’ s hard to imagine the return of the mass international market for the summer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be quiet .
Aran is preparing for a quiet winter .
“ We ’ ll have our usual six or eight coming in to us before too long , ” Ó Flaitheartá says .
And if they don ’ t turn up , we ’ ll have to be closing the door and that would be very sad .
”

The water is choppy on the morning ferry crossing to the Aran Islands and it’s bumpy for early September. Crew members walk the aisles, stopping frequently to ask the passengers if they are okay. They are also checking for face masks. One passenger has removed his covering to sip from a water bottle and then forgets to replace it. Within a few minutes, one of the crew approaches him. Generally, the attitude on the Aran ferry is casual and relaxed, but they are stringent about Covid regulations. It sets the tone. After the strangest tourist season in recent memory, all three islands remain free of the virus.
“Which is amazing,” PJ Ó Flaitheartá remarks. “And it is a tribute to our doctors and medical profession. And people really followed the protocols, they really did.”
The islander and publican got the ferry back from a visit to Galway city on Wednesday evening after his scheduled flight was cancelled due to fog. It was that kind of day on the island: the roads shrouded with a heavy mist, the staggering cliff views all but obscured, and the 30-odd daytrippers on the morning crossing dressed for all kinds of weather – which they got.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 The tourist office on Inis Mór, Aran Islands, closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photograph: Andrew Downes
The islands emerged from lockdown in mid-July, torn between the commercial necessity to salvage something of the tourist season and fear that welcoming visitors could see the virus spread like wildfire. Some prominent establishments, such as the American Bar, a central feature in Kilronan village, remained shuttered for the summer. The tourist office is also locked and closed until further notice. It's a disconcerting sight. But the businesses which did open for the short summer were pleasantly surprised by a sudden invasion from the mainland. 2020 was the summer the Irish came to Aran.
READ MORE
“It was a weird summer,” says Patrick O’Donnell with a smile. “But in a good way.” The 23-year-old student is working in the Aran Sweater shop, a sister to the thatched shop in Kilronan village and located at the foot of the 15-minute hill walk to Dún Aonghasa, the island’s most recognisable landmark. On this lunchtime, it’s so misty you can scarcely see the sea from the stark cliff edge.
“There have been no foreigners coming in, obviously, so it was strange having so many Irish out here,” he says.
“It was a good summer. The past 15 or 20 years you’d have Americans, French and Italians and yeah, I suppose with Irish is it a small bit easier with the language and having the crack with them. It was a nice season. Busier than we thought. And we got a spell of three or four weeks of sunshine, so from the end of July and into August it almost felt like a normal summer here.”
Glorious weather
Almost, but not quite. O’Donnell spent the lockdown at home. He was one of eight students in his Leaving Certificate class and, for the first time in their lives, they had the run of the island during a spell of glorious weather.
“We were very lucky. It is usually during the winter we have it to ourselves, but it is dark at five o’clock. So we saw cliffs we hadn’t even seen before because the evenings were long and we had nothing to do so we’d just go for walks along the cliffs and stuff.”
He remembers the local apprehension when lockdown ended. Nobody knew quite what to expect. For the first week, just one ferry operated in the beginning so visitors were scarce. Then, a more regular service resumed and people began to arrive from the mainland; before he knew it, the shop was busy all day long.
“It was a short season so it felt full. And as far as I know most B&Bs are booked out until mid-September, which is brilliant. There was one day when there was about 1,400 out here, it was crazy busy. It is getting quieter again now.”
For PJ Ó Flaitheartá, the enjoyment of the season lay in witnessing the astonishment of Irish people at what the island had to offer. He is used to the compliments of international visitors in his pub and restaurant, Tí Joe Watty, but it was strange to see the island through the eyes of other Irish.
“A lot of first-time visitors. And I think people were shocked and amazed. They really were. They could not believe the pleasantness of the place, the tranquility of it all. The fresh air, the walks. You can walk three minutes in one direction and be in your own little world. There was a bad storm in the middle of it and a few unfortunates got caught during that. I really felt sorry for customers at times too because our capacity was down from 70 to 40. And it meant people were waiting to get in and guests were using their full entitlement of the hour and 45 minutes, which they were entitled to. So people had to be patient. And, in fairness, they generally were.”
Occupied
In Watty’s on a damp Wednesday afternoon, all tables are occupied and staff remind guests to wear their face masks whenever they leave their seats. It’s busy: Watty’s and the Aran hotel are the only establishments serving food this afternoon. In Watty’s staff use one menu board which they carry to tables rather than issuing menus. “We felt the menus were too risky,” Ó Flaitheartá says.
After everything, it has been a challenging season.
“The numbers are down 50 per cent. Our costs and staffing level are the same but even though we did a lot of food, we lost out on evening entertainment and live music. But then we had customers who bought their lobster and oysters. We have sold more wine than we ever sold. And less spirits.”
And, like every tourist resort in Ireland, a peculiar silence descended on Aran Mór after 10 o'clock. On normal summer nights, Watty's enjoys its reputation as a music venue. Like the American Bar, they host live sessions and sing-songs that go well past midnight. None of that energy was present this year. It has been suspended indefinitely.
“I do feel sorry for young people on the island,” Ó Flaitheartá says. “you only get a chance at being young once. The American Bar would have live music and sing-songs and the place would be packed. There are great musicians on the island. I do feel sorry for musicians – my own son Pádraig Jack, for instance, has just released an album which he had postponed. So musicians and performers have been absolutely hammered by this.”
It’s hard to imagine the return of the mass international market for the summer of 2021, and he expects autumn to be quiet. Aran is preparing for a quiet winter.
“We’ll have our usual six or eight coming in to us before too long,” Ó Flaitheartá says. And if they don’t turn up, we’ll have to be closing the door and that would be very sad.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-05--Urgent action needed to ensure staff and students safe on college campuses, says NWC

Urgent action is needed to ensure staff and students are safe on college campuses , the National Women ’ s Council ( NWC ) has said after broadcaster and academic Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin spoke out about her ordeal at University College Dublin .
Speaking to The Irish Times , Dr Ní Shúilleabháin spoke publicly for the first time about being repeatedly harassed by Prof Hans-Benjamin Braun at UCD over the course of two years .
Braun , 58 , was charged with harassment under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act , 1997 .
A court case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place between May 9th , 2015 , and July 7th , 2017 .
The judge issued an order barring the professor from contacting Ms Ní Shúilleabháin for five years .
On Saturday , the National Women ’ s Council ( NWC ) commended the “ courage and bravery ” of Ms Ní Shúilleabháin for breaking her silence about her experiences .
Orla O ’ Connor , director of NWC , said her testimony “ puts a spotlight on the shortcomings that still remain not only in UCD but across the sector of third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about harassment from academic staff .
“ It highlights how this trauma can be compounded by the response from an institution that does not fully recognise the seriousness of the issue and its responsibility to offer adequate protection to the victim , ” she said .
Ms O ’ Connor said there was a need for “ urgent action by all third level institutes to ensure both staff and students can be safe on campus ” .
“ Where an incident occurs , we crucially need to have in place clear policies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area and ensure the victim is supported and protected at all times , ” she said .
“ While progress has been made in many universities and colleges in this regard in relation to students , we now need a comprehensive approach that encompasses all staff and is recognised and reinforced through the governance structures of the institutions.
” Ms O ’ Connor also called for all third level institutes “ to prioritise the full implementation of the National Framework on sexual harassment and violence for higher and further education ” .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Ní Shúilleabháin revealed how she was frightened of being alone on campus and unnerved almost to the point of abandoning her successful academic career .
In speaking out about her experience , she said she hoped it would draw attention to the harassment of female university academics and students on university campuses in Ireland .

Speaking out about her experience, Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin said she hoped it would draw attention to the harassment of female university academics and students on university campuses in Ireland. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill / The Irish Times
Urgent action is needed to ensure staff and students are safe on college campuses, the National Women’s Council (NWC) has said after broadcaster and academic Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin spoke out about her ordeal at University College Dublin.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Dr Ní Shúilleabháin spoke publicly for the first time about being repeatedly harassed by Prof Hans-Benjamin Braun at UCD over the course of two years.
Braun, 58, was charged with harassment under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
A court case late last year heard the harassment took place between May 9th, 2015, and July 7th, 2017. The judge issued an order barring the professor from contacting Ms Ní Shúilleabháin for five years.
READ MORE
On Saturday, the National Women’s Council (NWC) commended the “courage and bravery” of Ms Ní Shúilleabháin for breaking her silence about her experiences.
Orla O’Connor, director of NWC, said her testimony “puts a spotlight on the shortcomings that still remain not only in UCD but across the sector of third level institutes” in dealing with disclosures about harassment from academic staff.
“It highlights how this trauma can be compounded by the response from an institution that does not fully recognise the seriousness of the issue and its responsibility to offer adequate protection to the victim,” she said.
Ms O’Connor said there was a need for “urgent action by all third level institutes to ensure both staff and students can be safe on campus”.
“Where an incident occurs, we crucially need to have in place clear policies and procedures that follow best practice in this area and ensure the victim is supported and protected at all times,” she said.
“While progress has been made in many universities and colleges in this regard in relation to students, we now need a comprehensive approach that encompasses all staff and is recognised and reinforced through the governance structures of the institutions.”
Ms O’Connor also called for all third level institutes “to prioritise the full implementation of the National Framework on sexual harassment and violence for higher and further education”.
In her interview with The Irish Times, Ms Ní Shúilleabháin revealed how she was frightened of being alone on campus and unnerved almost to the point of abandoning her successful academic career.
In speaking out about her experience, she said she hoped it would draw attention to the harassment of female university academics and students on university campuses in Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-09-05--McDonald’s employee in Drogheda tests positive for Covid-19

An employee at a McDonald ’ s restaurant in Drogheda has tested positive for Covid-19 although the fast food chain @ @ @ @ @ it has in place will allow it to continue trading as normal .
The Irish @ @ @ @ @ employee tested positive for the virus after attending an event outside of work hours and @ @ @ @ @ before receiving the positive result .
All staff have been informed of the diagnoses and @ @ @ @ @ “ as a precautionary measure ” .
The employee is now self-isolating .
“ As @ @ @ @ @ , the restaurant was deep cleaned by an external cleaning company , and we contacted @ @ @ @ @ a spokesman for the restaurant chain said .
“ We have a number of safety @ @ @ @ @ keep our people safe , including Perspex screens , temperature checks at the start of @ @ @ @ @ two metre distance from others as much as possible , face coverings , regular hand @ @ @ @ @ hand sanitiser .
”

The Irish Times understands that the part-time employee tested positive for the virus after attending an event outside of work hours. Photograph: iStock
An employee at a McDonald's restaurant in Drogheda has tested positive for Covid-19 although the fast food chain has expressed confidence health measures it has in place will allow it to continue trading as normal.
The Irish Times understands that the part-time employee tested positive for the virus after attending an event outside of work hours and was not displaying any symptoms before receiving the positive result.
All staff have been informed of the diagnoses and the restaurant has been deep-cleaned “as a precautionary measure”.
The employee is now self-isolating.
READ MORE
“As soon as we were informed, the restaurant was deep cleaned by an external cleaning company, and we contacted all restaurant employees,” a spokesman for the restaurant chain said.
“ We have a number of safety measures in place to help keep our people safe, including Perspex screens, temperature checks at the start of each shift, maintaining a two metre distance from others as much as possible, face coverings, regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-05--Minister pays tribute to Colm Horkan as frontline workers honoured

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has paid tribute to Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was shot dead in Castlerea , Co Roscommon in June as she laid a wreath in memory of service members who have died during the pandemic .
A small ceremony was held at Collins Barracks in Dublin as part of a dramatically curtailed National Services Day with the Minister using the opportunity to hail the murdered garda ’ s “ selfless commitment to community and country ” .
She said it was her “ deep privilege to work closely with some of our frontline emergency services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at first hand their tremendous professionalism and dedication , in what can be very challenging circumstances .
” She said the demands placed on emergency workers “ have perhaps never been greater than this year , as we live through the Covid-19 pandemic ” .
The last six months have been “ a frightening and uncertain time for all of us ” , the Minister said , but “ our emergency workers – despite any private fears they may have had for themselves or their loved ones – have continued to fully perform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to support the public .
We owe them , and their families , a deep debt of gratitude for their outstanding professionalism , dedication and care.
” “ On this day , I think particularly of Detective Garda Colm Horkan , who tragically lost his life in the service of the State this year .
In his selfless commitment to community and country , Detective Horkan represented the very best of An Garda Síochána and indeed of all our frontline services .
We remember and honour him today.
” She concluded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevented us holding a parade in their honour this year , I join with the Frontline Emergency and Security Services Éire Forum in asking members of the public to take some time today to remember and pay a warm tribute to the women and men of our frontline and emergency services.
” At exactly seven minutes past 3pm three Air Corp helicopters flew in a neat triangular formation over the roof of the Mater Hospital on Dublin ’ s northside .
As the blades above burred a solitary ambulance driving slowly down Eccles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As well as the fly-over and the sirens , church bells rang out , car horns blared and people clapped in recognition of the work done generally by frontline workers over the last year and – more particularly – the work they have done since the start of the Pandemic last spring .
The event – which has been held on the first Saturday in September since its inception in 2018 – is normally marked by a parade and other activities in honour of full-time , part-time and voluntary workers including fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forces , the Coast Guard , Lifeboat services and the Civil Defence .
But this year is like no other and the commemoration was scaled back as a result of public health restrictions .
“ We had to change how we celebrated the National Services Day [ but ] this year more than others we knew we had to do something , ” the organisers said in a social media post .

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has paid tribute to Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was shot dead in Castlerea, Co Roscommon in June as she laid a wreath in memory of service members who have died during the pandemic.
A small ceremony was held at Collins Barracks in Dublin as part of a dramatically curtailed National Services Day with the Minister using the opportunity to hail the murdered garda’s “selfless commitment to community and country”.
She said it was her “deep privilege to work closely with some of our frontline emergency services” adding that she had “seen at first hand their tremendous professionalism and dedication, in what can be very challenging circumstances. ”
An Garda Síochána band perform to mark National Services Day on Saturday. Photograph: Garda/Facebook
** Happy National Services day **
To all our service members, today is your day, wear your uniform with pride and remember those we have lost and can't be with us today.
Lets "Make Some Noise" at 3pm & let our hero's hear the support loud and clear.#nationalservicesday #nsd2020 pic.twitter.com/3SLFps27cb — NationalServicesDay (@NatServicesDay) September 5, 2020
Garda Stations in Kildare marking National Services Day 2020 @IrishESRPC pic.twitter.com/szVmfYSeCO — Garda Info (@gardainfo) September 5, 2020
She said the demands placed on emergency workers “have perhaps never been greater than this year, as we live through the Covid-19 pandemic”.
READ MORE
The last six months have been “a frightening and uncertain time for all of us”, the Minister said, but “our emergency workers – despite any private fears they may have had for themselves or their loved ones – have continued to fully perform their duties and have indeed increased their efforts to support the public. We owe them, and their families, a deep debt of gratitude for their outstanding professionalism, dedication and care.”
"On this day, I think particularly of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who tragically lost his life in the service of the State this year. In his selfless commitment to community and country, Detective Horkan represented the very best of An Garda Síochána and indeed of all our frontline services. We remember and honour him today."
Fly over
She concluded by saying that although the pandemic had “prevented us holding a parade in their honour this year, I join with the Frontline Emergency and Security Services Éire Forum in asking members of the public to take some time today to remember and pay a warm tribute to the women and men of our frontline and emergency services.”
At exactly seven minutes past 3pm three Air Corp helicopters flew in a neat triangular formation over the roof of the Mater Hospital on Dublin's northside.
As the blades above burred a solitary ambulance driving slowly down Eccles Street sounded its siren in short bursts.
As well as the fly-over and the sirens, church bells rang out, car horns blared and people clapped in recognition of the work done generally by frontline workers over the last year and – more particularly – the work they have done since the start of the Pandemic last spring.
Scaled back
The event – which has been held on the first Saturday in September since its inception in 2018 – is normally marked by a parade and other activities in honour of full-time, part-time and voluntary workers including fire fighters, ambulance crews, the Defence Forces, the Coast Guard, Lifeboat services and the Civil Defence.
But this year is like no other and the commemoration was scaled back as a result of public health restrictions.
“We had to change how we celebrated the National Services Day [but]this year more than others we knew we had to do something,” the organisers said in a social media post.


theirishtimes--2020-09-05--Coronavirus: Dubliners urged to limit social contacts as 133 of 231 new cases are in capital

Two pop-up Covid-19 testing centres have been opened in Dublin after 133 new cases , of the 231 total nationwide , were reported in the Capital on Saturday .
The countrywide total is the highest number of cases recorded in a single day since May 14th .
No further deaths have been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) .
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn urged people in Dublin to keep their social contacts as low as possible .
He said given the increase in the number of cases in Dublin , the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park and at Castleknock Health Centre .
“ While there is a significant number of cases in Dublin today , it is important to look at the day ’ s figures in the context of our 7 and 14-day incidence rates , ” he said .
NPHET was paying close attention to trends and patterns in the data over time , Dr Glynn said , “ in order to analyse the progression of Covid-19 both across the country and in particular areas or settings ” .
“ However , it is now really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social contacts as low as possible .
It is also vitally important that if you feel unwell , you self-isolate immediately.
” He said people should phone their GP without delay if concerned .
“ Know the symptoms to pay close attention to - cough , shortness of breath , fever , loss of sense of taste or smell , ” he said .
The total number of cases in the country now stands at 29 , 534 while the number of deaths has remained at 1,777 since August 22nd .
Community transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 69 per cent are under the age of 45 .
Kildare accounts for 18 Of the new cases , Limerick at 13 , with eight in Offaly , seven in both Galway and Wicklow , six in Meath and in Cork , five in Donegal , Cavan and Waterford with the remaining 18 in Carlow , Clare , Kerry , Laois , Leitrim , Louth , Mayo Monaghan , Sligo and Tipperary .
Men account for 115 of the cases with 113 women affected .
There was 118 new confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Department of Health .
While the department ’ s statistical dashboard provides updates on the number of positive test results over the weekend , it does not relay up-to-date information on coronavirus fatalities on Saturdays and Sundays .
The latest death toll reported by the department on Friday stood at 564 .
On Friday night , Dr Ronan Glynn said Ireland is facing into “ chapter two ” of the Covid-19 pandemic this winter but nobody knows what is going to happen in the coming months .
Appealing to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr Glynn said “ the signs are good ” regarding vaccine development but that there is now a need to focus on the next nine months .
“ We are in the process of closing chapter one of our experience with Covid and we are moving into chapter two now as we move into the winter , ” he said on Friday ’ s Late Late Show .
“ But I don ’ t want people to despair just because we are moving into the winter , there is lots we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that .
So Government will be providing a plan the week after next.
” In an interview often characterised by guarded optimism , Dr Glynn said he could see sports reopening to attending audiences before Christmas but that everything was dependent on the stability of the virus , which in turn is dependent on public behaviour .
As regards new rules for pubs and restaurants to maintain records of food purchases for 28 days , he said that was not a specific recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – but that it was designed to police a minority of premises .
“ I think the measure that was brought in in the last 24 hours was a genuine effort not to impact on those vast majority of businesses that have been trying to do the right thing but actually to clamp down on the ones that weren ’ t. ” He also said that while the Government did not always take NPHET ’ s advice , this did not puzzle him .
“ It ’ s for Government to take our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider context.
” The acting CMO ’ s focus is on the coming months , however , and he cautioned that there was no expert in the world who could definitively say what will happen .
Ireland has stabilised its recent increase in cases but he said when compared to other European countries , these rates were likely to fluctuate comparatively for some time .
“ As we sit here tonight the disease is stable , ” he said .
“ Schools have just reopened .
We need to look to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of weeks ; if we see a continued stabilisation or improvement then we will obviously look again at the measures , relax the measures.
” – Additional reporting PA

Appearing on the Late Late Show on RTE Dr Ronan Glynn the acting chief medical officer has said “the signs are good” regarding vaccine development for Covid-19 but that there is now a need to focus on the next nine months. Video: The Late Late Show
Two pop-up Covid-19 testing centres have been opened in Dublin after 133 new cases, of the 231 total nationwide, were reported in the Capital on Saturday.
The countrywide total is the highest number of cases recorded in a single day since May 14th. No further deaths have been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn urged people in Dublin to keep their social contacts as low as possible.
He said given the increase in the number of cases in Dublin, the HSE has opened pop-up swabbing centres at Croke Park and at Castleknock Health Centre.
READ MORE
“While there is a significant number of cases in Dublin today, it is important to look at the day’s figures in the context of our 7 and 14-day incidence rates,” he said.
NPHET was paying close attention to trends and patterns in the data over time, Dr Glynn said, “in order to analyse the progression of Covid-19 both across the country and in particular areas or settings”.
“However, it is now really important that people in Dublin keep their social contacts as low as possible. It is also vitally important that if you feel unwell, you self-isolate immediately.”
He said people should phone their GP without delay if concerned.
“Know the symptoms to pay close attention to - cough, shortness of breath, fever, loss of sense of taste or smell,” he said.
The total number of cases in the country now stands at 29, 534 while the number of deaths has remained at 1,777 since August 22nd.
Community transmission has been identified in 54 of the cases and 69 per cent are under the age of 45.
Kildare accounts for 18 Of the new cases, Limerick at 13, with eight in Offaly, seven in both Galway and Wicklow, six in Meath and in Cork, five in Donegal, Cavan and Waterford with the remaining 18 in Carlow, Clare, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Louth, Mayo Monaghan, Sligo and Tipperary.
Men account for 115 of the cases with 113 women affected.
There was 118 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland, according to the Department of Health.
While the department’s statistical dashboard provides updates on the number of positive test results over the weekend, it does not relay up-to-date information on coronavirus fatalities on Saturdays and Sundays.
The latest death toll reported by the department on Friday stood at 564.
‘Chapter two’ of pandemic
On Friday night, Dr Ronan Glynn said Ireland is facing into “chapter two” of the Covid-19 pandemic this winter but nobody knows what is going to happen in the coming months.
Appealing to the public to hold firm on guidelines and etiquette, Dr Glynn said “the signs are good” regarding vaccine development but that there is now a need to focus on the next nine months.
“We are in the process of closing chapter one of our experience with Covid and we are moving into chapter two now as we move into the winter,” he said on Friday’s Late Late Show.
“But I don’t want people to despair just because we are moving into the winter, there is lots we can do as individuals and families to plan for that. So Government will be providing a plan the week after next.”
Stability
In an interview often characterised by guarded optimism, Dr Glynn said he could see sports reopening to attending audiences before Christmas but that everything was dependent on the stability of the virus, which in turn is dependent on public behaviour.
As regards new rules for pubs and restaurants to maintain records of food purchases for 28 days, he said that was not a specific recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) – the guiding organisation he chairs – but that it was designed to police a minority of premises.
“I think the measure that was brought in in the last 24 hours was a genuine effort not to impact on those vast majority of businesses that have been trying to do the right thing but actually to clamp down on the ones that weren’t.”
He also said that while the Government did not always take NPHET’s advice, this did not puzzle him.
“It’s for Government to take our recommendations and place them in a much wider context.”
Coming months
The acting CMO’s focus is on the coming months, however, and he cautioned that there was no expert in the world who could definitively say what will happen.
Ireland has stabilised its recent increase in cases but he said when compared to other European countries, these rates were likely to fluctuate comparatively for some time.
“As we sit here tonight the disease is stable,” he said. “Schools have just reopened. We need to look to see what happens with the disease over the next couple of weeks; if we see a continued stabilisation or improvement then we will obviously look again at the measures, relax the measures.” – Additional reporting PA


theirishtimes--2020-09-06--President pays tribute to Mike Cooley, ‘one of the finest Irish scientists’

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Prof Mike Cooley , the aerospace design engineer , independent thinker and advocate of human-centred innovation , who has died .
In a statement , he said he “ heard with great sorrow of the passing of one of the finest Irish scientists ” .
“ Mike Cooley , in his books , including Architect or Bee ?
, and in all his life , was deeply committed to the delivery of science and technology for universal benefit , ” he added .
Published in 1980 , Architect or Bee ?
was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of engineering work which put the case that “ a new organisation of technology could provide social good rather than profit ” .
Cooley coined the term “ human-centred systems ” in the context of the transition in his profession from traditional drafting at a drawing board to computer-aided design .
The term – as used in economics , computing and design – aims to preserve or enhance human skills , in both manual and office work , in environments in which technology tends to undermine skills people use in their work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to the importance of the person , in every type of work , and to the trade union movement ’ s important role in advancing these aims , ” said Mr Higgins , who wrote the foreword for Cooley ’ s 2018 work , Delinquent Genius : The Strange Affair of Man and His Technology .
A native of Tuam , Co Galway , Cooley was born in 1934 .
He attended the local Christian Brothers school , where his closest friends were the late playwright Tom Murphy and trade unionist Mick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the bright trio wanted to go the local “ tech ” to learn technical drawing and metal work , and to make stuff including an aeroplane .
With support from parents , the Christian Brothers relented and allowed the boys to cross the road once a week to the Archbishop McHale Technical School .
Cooley remembered the Brothers ’ reaction as one of scorn : “ They couldn ’ t understand how a smart boy would want to work with his hands.
” “ What is extraordinary in the life , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Cooley , and the others , is that they saw that excellence could be achieved through a combination of hand and brain , that curiosity was not an impediment to learning but rather a source of innovation , ” Mr Higgins said in the foreword .
They would later train together as apprentices in Tuam Sugar Factory under the brilliant Viennese machine master Franz Kaplan – during the 1950s , the factory was the largest industrial complex west of the Shannon .
Cooley went on to work with the British company Lucas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in workplace activism .
In 1981 , he was winner of the Right Livelihood Award , known as the alternative Nobel prize , for “ designing and promoting the theory and practice of human-centred , socially useful production ” .
During the 1980s he was director of technology at the Greater London Enterprise Board which he co-founded with Ken Livingstone .
“ Driven by his views on the importance of work as a human activity , in his rich life he served as a shop steward , and pioneered the concept of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I was pleased to draw on his advice and services on the closure of Digital Equipment Corporation [ in Galway ] in the 1990s , ” the President noted .
His library has been donated to Waterford Institute of Technology , where next year a centre for science excellence will be built around Cooley ’ s work .

Mike Cooley (centre) accepting the Right Livelihood Award with co-recipients Patrick van Rensburg (left) and Bill Mollison (Right) in 1981.
President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Prof Mike Cooley, the aerospace design engineer, independent thinker and advocate of human-centred innovation, who has died.
In a statement, he said he “heard with great sorrow of the passing of one of the finest Irish scientists”.
“Mike Cooley, in his books, including Architect or Bee?, and in all his life, was deeply committed to the delivery of science and technology for universal benefit,” he added.
Published in 1980, Architect or Bee? was a critique of the automation and computerisation of engineering work which put the case that “a new organisation of technology could provide social good rather than profit”.
READ MORE
Cooley coined the term “human-centred systems” in the context of the transition in his profession from traditional drafting at a drawing board to computer-aided design. The term – as used in economics, computing and design – aims to preserve or enhance human skills, in both manual and office work, in environments in which technology tends to undermine skills people use in their work.
“His life was one of deep commitment to the importance of the person, in every type of work, and to the trade union movement’s important role in advancing these aims,” said Mr Higgins, who wrote the foreword for Cooley’s 2018 work, Delinquent Genius: The Strange Affair of Man and His Technology.
Tuam
A native of Tuam, Co Galway, Cooley was born in 1934. He attended the local Christian Brothers school, where his closest friends were the late playwright Tom Murphy and trade unionist Mick Brennan. In spite of considerable resistance, the bright trio wanted to go the local "tech" to learn technical drawing and metal work, and to make stuff including an aeroplane.
With support from parents, the Christian Brothers relented and allowed the boys to cross the road once a week to the Archbishop McHale Technical School. Cooley remembered the Brothers’ reaction as one of scorn: “They couldn’t understand how a smart boy would want to work with his hands.”
“What is extraordinary in the life, the work and the social contribution, of Prof Cooley, and the others, is that they saw that excellence could be achieved through a combination of hand and brain, that curiosity was not an impediment to learning but rather a source of innovation,” Mr Higgins said in the foreword.
They would later train together as apprentices in Tuam Sugar Factory under the brilliant Viennese machine master Franz Kaplan – during the 1950s, the factory was the largest industrial complex west of the Shannon.
Cooley went on to work with the British company Lucas Aerospace where during the 1970s he became involved in workplace activism. In 1981, he was winner of the Right Livelihood Award, known as the alternative Nobel prize, for "designing and promoting the theory and practice of human-centred, socially useful production".
During the 1980s he was director of technology at the Greater London Enterprise Board which he co-founded with Ken Livingstone.
"Driven by his views on the importance of work as a human activity, in his rich life he served as a shop steward, and pioneered the concept of skills audits in response to factory closures. I was pleased to draw on his advice and services on the closure of Digital Equipment Corporation [in Galway]in the 1990s," the President noted.
His library has been donated to Waterford Institute of Technology, where next year a centre for science excellence will be built around Cooley's work.


theirishtimes--2020-09-06--Optometrists warn of ‘out of control’ waiting lists for eye procedures

Waiting lists for eye-care are “ out of control ” with some patients having to wait five years for cataract operations , it has been claimed .
The Association of Optometrists Ireland ( AOI ) has said Covid-19 has exacerbated already long waiting lists for eye care .
Eye-care waiting lists have increased by 26 per cent since the beginning of the year .
At the end of 2019 there were 41,200 people on waiting lists .
That figure has increased to 52,000 during the pandemic .
Almost 21,000 of these people were waiting more than a year and almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from 17,300 and 12,000 respectively at the end of 2019 .
More than 9,100 people were awaiting inpatient eye procedures , up from 7,700 at the end of 2019 .
In recent years , Independent TD , Michael Collins and Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae have organised buses to Belfast for cataract operations under the EU cross-border healthcare directive to get around waiting lists in the State for the procedure .
AOI president Patricia Dunphy said urgent reform is needed on how services are planned and delivered .
The association has called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme which has cut waiting lists in the north-west for the procedure to approximately a year .
The Sligo scheme involves Sligo University Hospital ’ s hospital ophthalmology department and optometrists in the region working together to reduce hospital appointments .
Cataract surgery accounts for a significant volume of waiting list cases , which is why reducing hospital attendances for the condition has a significant impact , the AOI said .
Ms Dunphy added : “ AOI is calling for the protocols to be sanctioned as policy nationwide by the Minister for Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most immediate and readily deliverable action which can be taken to address waiting lists .
“ There is no reason or logic not to expand the scheme .
In terms of cost , it is 50 per cent less expensive to provide appointments in the local community at an optometrist than in hospitals .
“ In the context of Covid-19 , managing patients at their local optometrist reduces travel and public contact.
” The AOI has also called on the Government to work towards a community-based national children ’ s eye-care programme led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move by the HSE to run a pilot scheme for eye examinations and glasses prescriptions for 8 to 12-year-old children in Westmeath and Offaly , but is concerned that this may lead to a “ postal lottery ” for children ’ s eyecare .
Ms. Dunphy added : “ Local optometrists are engaging with the scheme and would support it being broadened and expanded , with the target of it developing into a national programme with protocols.
” “ Optometrists can meet many of children ’ s public eye-care needs much more quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate children towards a community care pathway will help them to be seen quicker - and reduce hospital waiting lists and capacity problems.
” Ms Dunphy stressed that poor eye health has a knock-on effect on other conditions and can lead to people needing carers , care homes , mental health services and unemployment benefits before it is necessary .

The Association of Optometrists Ireland has said Covid-19 has exacerbated already long waiting lists for eye care. Photograph: Getty Images
Waiting lists for eye-care are “out of control” with some patients having to wait five years for cataract operations, it has been claimed.
The Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) has said Covid-19 has exacerbated already long waiting lists for eye care.
Eye-care waiting lists have increased by 26 per cent since the beginning of the year. At the end of 2019 there were 41,200 people on waiting lists. That figure has increased to 52,000 during the pandemic.
Almost 21,000 of these people were waiting more than a year and almost 14,000 more than 18 months for procedures up from 17,300 and 12,000 respectively at the end of 2019.
READ MORE
More than 9,100 people were awaiting inpatient eye procedures, up from 7,700 at the end of 2019.
In recent years, Independent TD, Michael Collins and Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae have organised buses to Belfast for cataract operations under the EU cross-border healthcare directive to get around waiting lists in the State for the procedure.
AOI president Patricia Dunphy said urgent reform is needed on how services are planned and delivered.
The association has called for the introduction of the so-called Sligo post-cataract scheme which has cut waiting lists in the north-west for the procedure to approximately a year.
The Sligo scheme involves Sligo University Hospital's hospital ophthalmology department and optometrists in the region working together to reduce hospital appointments.
Cataract surgery accounts for a significant volume of waiting list cases, which is why reducing hospital attendances for the condition has a significant impact, the AOI said.
Ms Dunphy added: “AOI is calling for the protocols to be sanctioned as policy nationwide by the Minister for Health and his department. This is the most immediate and readily deliverable action which can be taken to address waiting lists.
“There is no reason or logic not to expand the scheme. In terms of cost, it is 50 per cent less expensive to provide appointments in the local community at an optometrist than in hospitals.
“In the context of Covid-19, managing patients at their local optometrist reduces travel and public contact.”
The AOI has also called on the Government to work towards a community-based national children’s eye-care programme led by optometrists.
It welcomed a recent move by the HSE to run a pilot scheme for eye examinations and glasses prescriptions for 8 to 12-year-old children in Westmeath and Offaly, but is concerned that this may lead to a “postal lottery” for children’s eyecare.
Ms. Dunphy added: “Local optometrists are engaging with the scheme and would support it being broadened and expanded, with the target of it developing into a national programme with protocols.”
“Optometrists can meet many of children’s public eye-care needs much more quickly than hospital eye departments.
“Directing appropriate children towards a community care pathway will help them to be seen quicker - and reduce hospital waiting lists and capacity problems.”
Ms Dunphy stressed that poor eye health has a knock-on effect on other conditions and can lead to people needing carers, care homes, mental health services and unemployment benefits before it is necessary.


theirishtimes--2020-09-06--Leaving Cert: Schools instructed not to discuss calculated grades with students

Secondary school teachers have been instructed not to discuss their estimated grades with students when results are released on Monday .
Just over 60,000 Leaving Cert students are set to receive their calculated grades on Monday morning at 9am .
These grades - a combination of teachers ’ estimates and a standardisation process overseen by the Department of Education - have replaced the postponed summer exams .
While students can receive their grades online , many schools are offering their students appointments with guidance counsellors and school staff on Monday .
In advice issued to schools , department guidance states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are intended to support wellbeing and to discuss future education and career options , but schools are reminded that there should be no discussions about schools ’ estimated marks submitted as part of the calculated grades process .
“ Any questions or queries in this regard should be directed to the calculated grades helpline/email .
Guidance counsellors will play a crucial role in supporting these young people to navigate the next steps in their education and career journey by providing up to date information and reassurance in a calm and positive manner.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support to students through enabling students to come to the school if they wish at a scheduled time -following Covid-19 protocols - to meet with guidance counsellors , year heads , tutors or chaplains .
It says former students who attend the school for a scheduled visit will be required to respect physical distancing requirements and to “ behave in a responsible way ” , in line with public health advice and the school ’ s visitor policy .
It adds that “ gathering large groups of students in one venue is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it adds that schools should apply their Covid-19 protocols if organising “ appropriate gatherings of small groups of past students ” .
Schools will have the flexibility to ask some classes of current students not to attend school on Monday to ensure adequate social distancing in schools .
All students , meanwhile , will be able to access their grades online from 9am on Monday by logging to the Calculated Grades Student Portal ( lc2020.education.gov.ie ) .
A “ before you begin guide ” will be available on the student portal home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results and printing a statement of those results .
CAO first round offers are due to be issued on Friday , September 11th , while an appeals process which will allow students to re-checks of the grades will open on September 14th .
The Irish Times will run a live helpdesk ( irishtimes.com/helpdesk ) from midday to 8pm from Monday onwards , staffed by guidance counsellors .
It has a selection of frequently asked questions available here .
Separately , the Department of Education unit which compiled the estimated grades will have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) running from 9am to 4pm on Monday onwards .
Outside these hours , queries can be sent to : lcsupport2020 @ education.gov.ie .

Members of the Irish Second Level Students’ Union Alanna McKeon, Luke Casserly , Ellen Kenny and Sean Carey , all from Longford, highlighting the Irishtimes.com/helpdesk for students receiving their Leaving Certificate results. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Secondary school teachers have been instructed not to discuss their estimated grades with students when results are released on Monday.
Just over 60,000 Leaving Cert students are set to receive their calculated grades on Monday morning at 9am.
These grades - a combination of teachers’ estimates and a standardisation process overseen by the Department of Education - have replaced the postponed summer exams.
While students can receive their grades online, many schools are offering their students appointments with guidance counsellors and school staff on Monday.
READ MORE
In advice issued to schools, department guidance states: “These planned interactions with students are intended to support wellbeing and to discuss future education and career options, but schools are reminded that there should be no discussions about schools’ estimated marks submitted as part of the calculated grades process.
“Any questions or queries in this regard should be directed to the calculated grades helpline/email. Guidance counsellors will play a crucial role in supporting these young people to navigate the next steps in their education and career journey by providing up to date information and reassurance in a calm and positive manner.”
The department guidance advises schools to provide support to students through enabling students to come to the school if they wish at a scheduled time -following Covid-19 protocols - to meet with guidance counsellors, year heads, tutors or chaplains.
It says former students who attend the school for a scheduled visit will be required to respect physical distancing requirements and to “behave in a responsible way”, in line with public health advice and the school’s visitor policy.
It adds that “gathering large groups of students in one venue is not recommended at this time”.
However, it adds that schools should apply their Covid-19 protocols if organising “appropriate gatherings of small groups of past students”.
Schools will have the flexibility to ask some classes of current students not to attend school on Monday to ensure adequate social distancing in schools.
All students, meanwhile, will be able to access their grades online from 9am on Monday by logging to the Calculated Grades Student Portal (lc2020.education.gov.ie).
A “before you begin guide” will be available on the student portal home page to guide you through access your results and printing a statement of those results.
CAO first round offers are due to be issued on Friday, September 11th, while an appeals process which will allow students to re-checks of the grades will open on September 14th.
The Irish Times will run a live helpdesk ( irishtimes.com/helpdesk) from midday to 8pm from Monday onwards, staffed by guidance counsellors. It has a selection of frequently asked questions available here.
Separately, the Department of Education unit which compiled the estimated grades will have a helpline (1800 111135 or 1800 111136 ) running from 9am to 4pm on Monday onwards. Outside these hours, queries can be sent to: lcsupport2020@education.gov.ie.