theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Gardaí shut down party with 80 people due to coronavirus

Gardaí were forced to break up a house party involving around 80 young people in Longford town due to “ public health concerns.
” Officers were called to the birthday party on Saturday evening after receiving noise complaints and reports of drunken behaviour by some of the attendees .
The young people were directed to return to their homes .
It is understood some attendees are involved in serious criminality in the area and have been part of the ongoing gang feud in the town .
“ On the night of Saturday 21st March 2020 , Gardaí dispersed a crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Longford due to ‘ public health ’ concerns .
The crowd dispersed without incident , ” a Garda spokesman said .
Gardaí shut down the party using their existing public order powers .
They did not utilise the broad new powers which are being granted to them under emergency legislation passed last week to deal with the coronavirus crisis .
Rank and file gardaí have yet to be briefed on the new enforcement powers .
This is expected to take place later this week .
The new legislation , which will remain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardaí to detain people who are at risk of infecting others and who refuse to self-isolate .
They will also be able , on the direction of the Minister for Health , to ban access to certain premises and to stop events going ahead .
A garda spokesman said the majority of the public are making great efforts to implement social distancing .
“ However the presence of large crowds of small individual groups potentially reduces the effective impact of ‘ social distancing ’ .
We ask people and families to be responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the numbers of persons starts to increase at any location to leave such areas .
”

Gardaí shut down the party using their existing public order powers. File image: Frank Miller / The Irish Times
Gardaí were forced to break up a house party involving around 80 young people in Longford town due to "public health concerns."
Officers were called to the birthday party on Saturday evening after receiving noise complaints and reports of drunken behaviour by some of the attendees.
The young people were directed to return to their homes.
It is understood some attendees are involved in serious criminality in the area and have been part of the ongoing gang feud in the town.
READ MORE
“On the night of Saturday 21st March 2020, Gardaí dispersed a crowd of people socialising at a house in Longford due to ‘public health’ concerns. The crowd dispersed without incident,” a Garda spokesman said.
Gardaí shut down the party using their existing public order powers. They did not utilise the broad new powers which are being granted to them under emergency legislation passed last week to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
Rank and file gardaí have yet to be briefed on the new enforcement powers. This is expected to take place later this week.
The new legislation, which will remain in place until at least November, allows gardaí to detain people who are at risk of infecting others and who refuse to self-isolate. They will also be able, on the direction of the Minister for Health, to ban access to certain premises and to stop events going ahead.
A garda spokesman said the majority of the public are making great efforts to implement social distancing.
“However the presence of large crowds of small individual groups potentially reduces the effective impact of ‘social distancing’. We ask people and families to be responsible, not to attend popular locations and where the numbers of persons starts to increase at any location to leave such areas.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--‘Start really small’: Teachers share their top tips for remote learning

Start small and use the method of remote learning that you are most comfortable with .
It all depends on your students , your school set-up , your home set-up .
You could send work by email , record short video or audio clips with instructions and explanations , or you could direct your students to the many excellent online resources already available , e.g .
Scoilnet.ie .
Whatever you do , start small , but do start .
If you are doing a live class or recording a session , there are some tips to consider : Record a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will allow you to test what the sound is like and also allow you to get used to the sound of your own voice .
Decide what you are going to say to the students in advance - not a script as such , but have a definite direction .
It will feel a bit like being a radio DJ with you talking and no feedback , just silence .
But don ’ t be afraid of that , the students are letting your words sink in and formulating questions .
Get all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cameras .
If they can all see chat to each other it will distract them , especially if this is their first time learning in this way .
Turn off your own camera too if you feel more comfortable .
If you don ’ t know how to , a piece of paper or blue-tac placed over the camera does the trick .
Keep the teaching part short in the beginning , with just a welcome and then instructions on what will be done that day .
Share your notes using whatever screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to where the resources are in their shared space .
Then , get them to do a task offline and come back to you .
They probably won ’ t like sitting and listening to you talking for an hour .
Normal classrooms are engaging interactive places with lots going on : group work , individual learning , as well as teaching .
The virtual classroom should , in so far as possible , try to be the same .
Top tip : We are all learning , it will take time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things won ’ t .
Go easy on yourself .
You will get there , and whichever method you use , the students will be grateful that you are still there , supporting and helping them through this .
‘ We have ground rules ... when they log in they are in school ’ Micheal Hallissy is a former primary teacher involved in a digital learning project enabling students in remote Gaeltacht areas to access Leaving Cert subject tuition online : We ’ ve been project managing this with the Department of Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on the 1st April 2019 .
We have two physics teachers , one is based ion Dingle the other is based in Galway .
They teach in their own schools , face-to- face , but they have time from the Department to prepare and teach online .
We have eight students in total .
They learn online using Zoom and a mix of other platforms like OneNote and Teams .
For the students , some of their classes are live while at other times they are working on their own and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been hugely successful .
We have students who would not be able to study physics if this project was not in place .
It is a blended program and there is some face-to-face but there is very little-maybe twice a year .
The rest of it is online , which is either live or asynchronous , which means they work on their own and submit their homework .
Top tip : “ We have ground rules which the students must follow .
They may be at home but when they log in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in school.
” ‘ The website Scoilnet has been an absolute Godsend for me ’ Secondary French , German and ICT teacher in Comeragh College , Carrick-on-Suir , Co Tipperary “ For online instruction we have to make sure that we create meaningful learning experiences .
At the end of the day pedagogy has to be there and online instruction enhances that .
“ I ’ m using the eTwinning platform .
It connects different schools around Europe , so from a languages perspective it is great because I can continue with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The PDST also has a lot of content dedicated to distance learning and I ’ ll be using a lot of that .
“ The website Scoilnet has been an absolute Godsend for me .
You can browse for resources that will help you for your instruction and upload your own too .
“ We also use Microsoft Team .
I can communicate with them via a message or a team call .
As a language teacher I want to make sure that I am encouraging speaking as much as possible , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This means their language and spoken interaction isn ’ t hindered because of the closures .
Top tip : “ You have to be realistic when setting tasks .
The students aren ’ t in class , so the assignments are going to take longer .
You have to be explicit in your instruction and specify the length of time that they should be spending on tasks that you create .
‘ The online silence will seem very new and strange at first ’ Associate professor in DCU ’ s school of Stem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former secondary school teacher “ If you can use a smartphone and book a service online , then there is no need to worry whether you can teach online .
“ You can .
You already have your teaching skills and your subject knowledge .
You already have a relationship with your students and classes .
Now it is just a question of bringing that familiar classroom dynamic to a new way of teaching or lecturing .
‘ “ Many educators have been creating fantastic online resources for years and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among parents , teachers and students .
A great sense of collaboration exists .
Twitter is alight .
“ But these valuable technological resources are only part of the story .
Teachers already know how to teach and understand how their students think and learn .
What they need to ask themselves now is how best to transfer these skills online in an engaging way .
How do they deal , for example , with the challenge of teaching without eye contact and body language ?
“ My practical advice is that educators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their lessons .
Varying tasks for students is important .
Encouraging collaboration between students through online tools such as Google or Microsoft apps enables them to work together in real time .
“ Asking them closed questions at the beginning of an online session in a chatbox can encourage more participation .
If your online system , for example Zoom or Adobe Connect , allows the use of breakout rooms for students to discuss topics , this feature also can be a very effective teaching methodology to encourage interaction .
Top tip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bring humour and creativity to lessons , just as they would in any classroom setting .
The online silence will seem very new and strange at first after the usual shuffling and noise of a classroom .
Don ’ t be afraid of it because we are all in this together !
“ Due to the hands-on and practical nature of teaching and learning at primary level , finding and using an effective means for remote learning and communication will be challenging as online tools may not have been established and tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are already in place in the school that teachers , parents and students are familiar with , for example Microsoft Teams , Aladdin Connect , the school website and the school/class Twitter page .
“ Support is vital in these uncertain times .
Keep up collegial support and use outlets such as the Irish educational community on Twitter ( # edchatie and # edshareie ) for advice and ideas on teaching and learning during this unknown time .
“ Fantastic resources such as lists of websites and applications suitable for various class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared by teachers and schools for use at home in the coming weeks .
“ Fortunately , we were able to set work for our students in a short space of time when schools closed initially by sending home suggested work for the coming weeks to maintain structure to their education .
“ Students have also been set-up with online users for reading free ebooks , with a facility for teachers to set reading and assignments using the application .
Top tip : Keep lines of communication open with parents/guardians via email and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Using this application , I can set daily work for my students with resources to assist them .
Our school website and Twitter page will be updated with information regarding work for students and suggested online/offline resources .
’ Take it step-by-step .
Don ’ t bite off more than you can chew ’ John Gavin , Second level Irish teacher and founder of LeavingCertIrish.com : In our school , we used Office 365 , Microsoft Teams and Edmodo , a learning management system .
I send recorded lessons or webinars to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screencasting from my computer .
Jing is basic free version , while Camtasia is a more advanced screen recorder and video editor .
The class is normally no more than 10 to 15 minutes , because you ’ re building in time for students to apply what they ’ ve learned .
It allows students to control the pace of their learning and understanding , to pause and take notes .
I also use Quizlet , a free app , to reinforce the learning of language and vocanulary .
It divides the class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agains each other .
We normally do it in class and it ’ s great craic ; they ’ re knocking down chairs and tables to compete .
It ’ s very engaging .
Live-streaming a class is very demanding : you don ’ t want to bite off more than you can chew unless you ’ re very experienced in remote teaching .
Top tip : “ You ’ re better off recording a master lesson .
Or even try a low tech solution like an audio file , explaining a section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send in emails or set up a class conversation on MS Teams.
” ‘ Don ’ t reinvent the wheel , look for resources already out there ’ Conor Power , History , CSPE and computer science teacher at Coláiste Chiaráin , Croom .
Co .
Limerick : At my school we are long0time users of G Suite and Google Classroom .
All our students are experienced users and our teachers were already using it extensively to support teaching and learning .
It has now moved from being a powerful way to enhance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuity of learning .
Students are very comfortable with using technology to learn just about anything so schoolwork should be no different .
From a teacher ’ s point of view , rather than explaining the topic repeatedly , you can produce it in video which can then be revisited .
I feel the technical hurdles are not what they once were .
Software is easier to use and the rise of cloud based platforms has done away with the need for hardware and software configuration .
Cross platform support means ‘ learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support phones , tablets and low cost laptops .
Top tip : My advice for teachers is to be realistic in setting work .
If possible , schedule work so it is assigned in line with your normal timetabled hours .
Don ’ t reinvent the wheel , look for resources already out there that you can customise or curate for your students .
‘ Use web versions of tools to cut down on technical problems ’ Dr Declan Cathcart , Maths and biology teacher at Temple Carrig secondary school in Greystones , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schoology for six years , so we can set and grade assignments online , as well as communicate with students via its messaging tool .
Technical issues do arise from time to time , but all of our students have iPads which are set up by the school ’ s IT staff , so we know what works and what doesn ’ t .
I often find that if students use web versions of the tools that we use , there are fewer issues of compatibility or things not working on older devices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to use Khan Academy to set assignments , and will be doing live video lessons of me showing students solutions to past exam questions .
I use a document camera to do this .
I also record videos so that students can review them whenever they want .
I ’ m now also doing live lessons using the Conferences app built into Schoology , which is a basically a webinar tool .
It allows me to do live lessons and screen share with my senior biology students , so that I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worksheet which they can see on their screen and hear me explain .
Top tip : Khan Academy allows the teacher to set and sequence maths exercises and track students ’ progress so you can intervene when you see on your dashboard that a student is struggling .
It also allows gifted students to work ahead at their own pace .
“ I think there may be some benefits to remote learning for primary school children but more so with older students than younger ones , who may not be able to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
The boys in my class range from the ages of five to seven years old , and I know a virtual classroom would not work for us and will instead be using online tools .
I highly recommend the Seesaw App , a student-driven digital portfolio which empowers students of any age to create , reflect , collaborate and share .
I use it as a means of communicating with the parents in my class and to share photos of what we get up to throughout the day .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with it .
SeeSaw can also be used as a means of portfolio learning and assessment for children , where they can upload work samples , and get feedback from their teacher on it .
I hope to continue using this app throughout the next few weeks to keep in contact , to share links and activities , and to answer any questions they may have .
If schools close for longer , teachers may need to re-evaluate and look towards other options such as Google classrooms .
I also have a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.muinteoirvalerie.com - to assist with learning at home.
” Top tip : For parents with students who have additional learning needs , I would simply encourage them to try keeping their children calm and happy during this disruptive time .
Try having a routine and structure in place for your child , work on activities similar in nature to what they are doing in school , and in consultation with their teacher where possible .
Do you want to share your teaching experiences ?
Email Irish Times education editor Carl O ’ Brien @ @ @ @

‘Start really small’
Sarah-Jayne Carey, ICT, and Leaving Cert computer science teacher at Coláiste Bríde Presentation Secondary School :
Start small and use the method of remote learning that you are most comfortable with.
It all depends on your students, your school set-up, your home set-up. You could send work by email, record short video or audio clips with instructions and explanations, or you could direct your students to the many excellent online resources already available, e.g. Scoilnet.ie. Whatever you do, start small, but do start.
If you are doing a live class or recording a session, there are some tips to consider:
READ MORE
Record a small clip of yourself first. This will allow you to test what the sound is like and also allow you to get used to the sound of your own voice.
Decide what you are going to say to the students in advance - not a script as such, but have a definite direction. It will feel a bit like being a radio DJ with you talking and no feedback, just silence. But don’t be afraid of that, the students are letting your words sink in and formulating questions.
Get all students to turn off their mics and cameras. If they can all see chat to each other it will distract them, especially if this is their first time learning in this way.
Turn off your own camera too if you feel more comfortable. If you don’t know how to, a piece of paper or blue-tac placed over the camera does the trick.
Keep the teaching part short in the beginning, with just a welcome and then instructions on what will be done that day.
Share your notes using whatever screen sharing technology you have, or direct them to where the resources are in their shared space. Then, get them to do a task offline and come back to you.
They probably won’t like sitting and listening to you talking for an hour. Normal classrooms are engaging interactive places with lots going on: group work, individual learning, as well as teaching. The virtual classroom should, in so far as possible, try to be the same.
Top tip: "We are all learning, it will take time and some things will work and some things won't. Go easy on yourself. You will get there, and whichever method you use, the students will be grateful that you are still there, supporting and helping them through this.
Michael Hallissy: “We have ground rules which the students must follow . They may be at home but when they log in and use their e-hub email they are in school.”
‘We have ground rules... when they log in they are in school’
Michael Hallissy is a former primary teacher involved in a digital learning project enabling students in remote Gaeltacht areas to access Leaving Cert subject tuition online:
We’ve been project managing this with the Department of Education and its Gaeltacht policy, which launched on the 1st April 2019.
We have two physics teachers, one is in Dingle and the other in Galway. They teach in their own schools, face-to- face, but they have time from the department to prepare and teach online.
We have eight students in total. They learn online using Zoom and a mix of other platforms like OneNote and Teams. For the students, some of their classes are live while at other times they are working on their own and the teachers are checking on them.
It has been hugely successful. We have students who would not be able to study physics if this project was not in place. It is a blended program and there is some face-to-face but there is very little - maybe twice a year. The rest of it is online, which is either live or asynchronous, which means they work on their own and submit their homework.
Top tip: We have ground rules which the students must follow . They may be at home but when they log in and use their e-hub email they are in school.
Damien Lonergan: “The website Scoilnet has been an absolute Godsend for me.”
‘The website Scoilnet has been an absolute Godsend for me’
Damien Lonergan, Secondary French, German and ICT teacher in Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary
For online instruction we have to make sure that we create meaningful learning experiences. At the end of the day pedagogy has to be there and online instruction enhances that.
I’m using the eTwinning platform. It connects different schools around Europe, so from a languages perspective it is great because I can continue with a lot of my instruction with them.
The PDST also has a lot of content dedicated to distance learning and I'll be using a lot of that.
The website Scoilnet has been an absolute Godsend for me. You can browse for resources that will help you for your instruction and upload your own too.
We also use Microsoft Teams. I can communicate with my class via a message or a team call. As a language teacher, I want to make sure that I am encouraging speaking as much as possible,so we have Team calls scheduled. This means their language and spoken interaction isn’t hindered because of the closures.
Top tip: You have to be realistic when setting tasks. The students aren't in class, so the assignments are going to take longer. You have to be explicit in your instruction and specify the length of time that they should be spending on tasks that you create.
If you can use a smartphone and book a service online, then there is no need to worry whether you can teach online
‘The online silence will seem very new and strange at first’
Dr Yvonne Crotty, Associate professor in DCU’s school of Stem education, innovation and global studies and a former secondary school teacher.
If you can use a smartphone and book a service online, then there is no need to worry whether you can teach online.
“You can. You already have your teaching skills and your subject knowledge. You already have a relationship with your students and classes. Now it is just a question of bringing that familiar classroom dynamic to a new way of teaching or lecturing.
Many educators have been creating fantastic online resources for years and it is wonderful to see these being shared now among parents, teachers and students. A great sense of collaboration exists. Twitter is alight.
But these valuable technological resources are only part of the story. Teachers already know how to teach and understand how their students think and learn. What they need to ask themselves now is how best to transfer these skills online in an engaging way. How do they deal, for example, with the challenge of teaching without eye contact and body language?
My practical advice is that educators need to look at the pedagogical design of their lessons. Varying tasks for students is important. Encouraging collaboration between students through online tools such as Google or Microsoft apps enables them to work together in real time.
Asking them closed questions at the beginning of an online session in a chatbox can encourage more participation. If your online system, for example Zoom or Adobe Connect, allows the use of breakout rooms for students to discuss topics, this feature also can be a very effective teaching methodology to encourage interaction.
Top tip: Teachers should remember to be natural and bring humour and creativity to lessons, just as they would in any classroom setting. The online silence will seem very new and strange at first after the usual shuffling and noise of a classroom. Don't be afraid of it because we are all in this together!
‘Keep lines of communication open with parents’
Ailbhe Forde, Second class primary school teacher:
Due to the hands-on and practical nature of teaching and learning at primary level, finding and using an effective means for remote learning and communication will be challenging as online tools may not have been established and tested.
If possible, use systems that are already in place in the school that teachers, parents and students are familiar with, for example Microsoft Teams, Aladdin Connect, the school website and the school/class Twitter page.
“Support is vital in these uncertain times. Keep up collegial support and use outlets such as the Irish educational community on Twitter (#edchatie and #edshareie) for advice and ideas on teaching and learning during this unknown time.
Fantastic resources such as lists of websites and applications suitable for various class levels and subjects have been compiled and shared by teachers and schools for use at home in the coming weeks.
Fortunately, we were able to set work for our students in a short space of time when schools closed initially by sending home suggested work for the coming weeks to maintain structure to their education.
Students have also been set-up with online users for reading free ebooks, with a facility for teachers to set reading and assignments using the application.
Top tip: Keep lines of communication open with parents/guardians via email and our school application (Aladdin Connect). Using this application, I can set daily work for my students with resources to assist them. Our school website and Twitter page will be updated with information regarding work for students and suggested online/offline resources.
John Gavin: “Live-streaming a class is very demanding: you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew unless you’re very experienced in remote teaching.”
'Take it step-by-step. Don’t bite off more than you can chew’
[ LeavingCertIrish.com ]
In our school, we use Office 365, Microsoft Teams and Edmodo, a learning management system.
I send recorded lessons or webinars to my students. I’m essentially screencasting from my computer. Jing is basic free version for doing this, while Camtasia is a more advanced screen recorder and video editor.
The class is normally no more than 10 to 15 minutes, because you’re building in time for students to apply what they’ve learned. It allows students to control the pace of their learning and understanding, to pause and take notes.
I also use Quizlet, a free app, to reinforce the learning of language and vocabulary. It divides the class up into teams where they can compete against each other.
We normally do it in class and it’s great craic; they’re knocking down chairs and tables to compete. It’s very engaging.
Live-streaming a class is very demanding: you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew unless you’re very experienced in remote teaching.
Top tip: "You're better off recording a master lesson. Or even try a low tech solution like an audio file, explaining a section in the textbook,and let students send in emails or set up a class conversation on Microsoft Teams."
Conor Power: “Don’t reinvent the wheel, look for resources already out there.”
‘Don’t reinvent the wheel, look for resources already out there’
Conor Power, History, CSPE and computer science teacher at Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom. Co. Limerick:
At my school we are long-time users of G Suite and Google Classroom. All our students are experienced users and our teachers were already using it extensively to support teaching and learning. It has now moved from being a powerful way to enhance learning to being absolutely central to the continuity of learning.
Students are very comfortable with using technology to learn just about anything so schoolwork should be no different. From a teacher’s point of view, rather than explaining the topic repeatedly, you can produce it in video which can then be revisited.
I feel the technical hurdles are not what they once were. Software is easier to use and the rise of cloud-based platforms has done away with the need for hardware and software configuration. Cross platform support means ‘learn anywhere’ is possible as popular platforms support phones, tablets and low-cost laptops.
Top tip: My advice for teachers is to be realistic in setting work. If possible, schedule work so it is assigned in line with your normal timetabled hours. Don't reinvent the wheel, look for resources already out there that you can customise or curate for your students.
Dr Declan Cathcart: “I often find that if students use web versions of the tools that we use, there are fewer issues of compatibility or things not working on older devices.”
‘Use web versions of tools to cut down on technical problems’
Dr Declan Cathcart, Maths and biology teacher at Temple Carrig secondary school in Greystones, Co Wicklow:
We have been using Schoology for six years, so we can set and grade assignments online, as well as communicate with students via its messaging tool.
Technical issues do arise from time to time, but all of our students have iPads which are set up by the school’s IT staff, so we know what works and what doesn’t.
I often find that if students use web versions of the tools that we use, there are fewer issues of compatibility or things not working on older devices.
For maths, I’m continuing to use Khan Academy to set assignments, and will be doing live video lessons of me showing students solutions to past exam questions. I use a document camera to do this. I also record videos so that students can review them whenever they want.
I’m now also doing live lessons using the Conferences app built into Schoology, which is a basically a webinar tool. It allows me to do live lessons and screen share with my senior biology students, so that I can run through a Powerpoint presentation or a worksheet which they can see on their screen and hear me explain.
Top tip: Khan Academy allows the teacher to set and sequence maths exercises and track students' progress so you can intervene when you see on your dashboard that a student is struggling. It also allows gifted students to work ahead at their own pace.
Valerie King: “I use it as a means of communicating with the parents in my class and to share photos of what we get up to throughout the day.”
‘The Seesaw app empowers pupils to create, reflect, collaborate and share’
Valerie King , Primary school autism spectrum disorder (ASD) class teacher:
“I think there may be some benefits to remote learning for primary school children but more so with older students. Younger ones may not be able to sit for a virtual lesson with distractions at home.
The boys in my class range from the ages of five to seven years old, and I know a virtual classroom would not work for us and will instead be using online tools. I highly recommend the Seesaw App, a student-driven digital portfolio which empowers students of any age to create, reflect, collaborate and share.
I use it as a means of communicating with the parents in my class and to share photos of what we get up to throughout the day. It is very straightforward and parents are very familiar with it.
SeeSaw can also be used as a means of portfolio learning and assessment for children, where they can upload work samples, and get feedback from their teacher on it.
I hope to continue using this app throughout the next few weeks to keep in contact, to share links and activities, and to answer any questions they may have. If schools close for longer, teachers may need to re-evaluate and look towards other options such as Google classrooms.
I also have a number of free resources on my website - www.muinteoirvalerie.com - to assist with learning at home."
Top tip: For parents with students who have additional learning needs, I would simply encourage them to try keeping their children calm and happy during this disruptive time. Try having a routine and structure in place for your child, work on activities similar in nature to what they are doing in school, and in consultation with their teacher where possible.
Do you want to share your teaching experiences? Email Irish Times education editor Carl O’Brien: cobrien@irishtimes.com


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Irish couple stranded in NZ ‘totally in limbo’

An Irish couple stranded in New Zealand have said they have been left “ totally in limbo ” due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Lynn Boland ( 26 ) , from Kilkenny , and partner Oisín ( 25 ) , from Dublin , have been living in Wellington since last April on a working holiday visa , which is due to expire at the end of next month .
Ms Boland resigned from her job last week after her partner lost his job , and the couple had decided to return to Ireland .
However , Ms Boland was informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who potentially had coronavirus and that she and her partner should self-isolate .
Ms Boland cancelled flights they had booked home for last Sunday .
The couple were informed on Monday [ yesterday ] the person had tested negative for the virus and they were free to travel back to Ireland .
However , they have been unable to secure flights home .
“ There ’ s literally no flights , any flights are either crazy prices or there ’ s a lot of confusion about where you can transit through , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Basically the only transit area that we can still see as open is the US .
We applied for ESTAs [ visas ] ; they were granted but then there are no flights.
” Ms Boland said she has been in touch with the Irish embassy in New Zealand who told them if it was viable to stay put there .
According to Ms Boland , the Irish embassy contacted them again on Tuesday and said the couple will not be left stranded in New Zealand , that it is working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s main priority “ is to be here to support you ” .
“ We don ’ t know how long we ’ ll be stuck here for .
Both of us are out of jobs .
New Zealand goes into full lockdown from tomorrow , which means that all non-essential businesses are closed , ” Ms Boland added .
“ The only thing that ’ s open is GPs , supermarkets and pharmacies .
New Zealand has announced care packages for its citizens who have become recently unemployed but we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New Zealand , we ’ re temporary working holiday visas.
” Ms Boland said while she understands these are “ unprecedented times ” , clarity is needed from the Irish Government about contingency plans or repatriation for Irish citizens who are are stuck abroad .
“ If we have to stay in New Zealand until commercial flights are back up and running at a steady pace .
.
.
what supports are there for us to maintain our rent , our food supply , being able to support ourselves essentially , ” @ @ @

An Irish couple stranded in New Zealand have said they have been left "totally in limbo" due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lynn Boland (26), from Kilkenny, and partner Oisín (25), from Dublin, have been living in Wellington since last April on a working holiday visa, which is due to expire at the end of next month.
Ms Boland resigned from her job last week after her partner lost his job, and the couple had decided to return to Ireland.
However, Ms Boland was informed she was in contact with a person who potentially had coronavirus and that she and her partner should self-isolate. Ms Boland cancelled flights they had booked home for last Sunday.
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The couple were informed on Monday [yesterday] the person had tested negative for the virus and they were free to travel back to Ireland. However, they have been unable to secure flights home.
“There’s literally no flights, any flights are either crazy prices or there’s a lot of confusion about where you can transit through,” Ms Boland told The Irish Times.
“Basically the only transit area that we can still see as open is the US. We applied for ESTAs [visas]; they were granted but then there are no flights.”
Ms Boland said she has been in touch with the Irish embassy in New Zealand who told them if it was viable to stay put there.
According to Ms Boland, the Irish embassy contacted them again on Tuesday and said the couple will not be left stranded in New Zealand, that it is working with the NZ government and that the Government’s main priority “is to be here to support you”.
“We don’t know how long we’ll be stuck here for. Both of us are out of jobs. New Zealand goes into full lockdown from tomorrow, which means that all non-essential businesses are closed,” Ms Boland added.
“The only thing that’s open is GPs, supermarkets and pharmacies. New Zealand has announced care packages for its citizens who have become recently unemployed but we’re not a resident or a citizen of New Zealand, we’re temporary working holiday visas.”
Ms Boland said while she understands these are "unprecedented times", clarity is needed from the Irish Government about contingency plans or repatriation for Irish citizens who are are stuck abroad.
“If we have to stay in New Zealand until commercial flights are back up and running at a steady pace . . . what supports are there for us to maintain our rent, our food supply, being able to support ourselves essentially,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Unite calls for closure of construction sites

The trade union Unite has called for the closure of construction sites throughout the country to try halt the spread of the coronavirus .
The union said on Tuesday that adequate social distancing measures could not be maintained on building sites .
The union wants workers , including those who it categorised as “ bogus self employed in the construction sector “ to be covered by a wage subsidy scheme proposed by the trade union movement which would see the Government pay about 75 per cent of employee ’ s wages up to a cap equivalent of €40,000 per year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become increasingly clear to our members , who work on sites throughout the country , that adequate social distancing can not be maintained either on site or , in many cases , when travelling to and from sites .
“ The result is that approximately 150,000 construction workers are not only themselves susceptible to the spread of Covid-19 , but are also at risk of bringing the virus back home to their families and communities – further increasing the strain on our health services.
” “ Last night ’ s online meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unite ) , attended by senior reps with hundreds of years ’ experience between them , heard numerous concrete example of where social distancing can not be maintained.
” Mr Fitzgerald said Unite was concerned that as the situation escalated , “ responsible employers may close sites and find themselves effectively undercut by irresponsible employers whose sites remain open , putting workers and the general public at risk ” .
“ We are therefore calling on the Government to immediately close all sites , and to ensure that all construction workers – including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – are included in a wage compensation scheme such as that proposed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions .
This virus does not distinguish between workers on different types of contracts , and neither should the Government ’ s response : all workers on a site must be presumed to be employed.
” “ No worker should be forced to choose between health or hardship.
” Separately the Irish Congress of Trade Unions ( Ictu ) and the Construction Industry Federation ( CIF ) in a joint statement on Tuesday urged construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comply with HSE guidance on protecting themselves from the Covid-19 virus .
Ictu general secretary Patricia King said : “ Essentially workers should adhere to social distancing guidelines , carry out regular hand washing and use gloves and masks if possible to help contain the spread of the virus in the workplace .
“ The HSE has issued guidelines on the coronavirus and we recommend that this guidance is adhered to by workers in the construction industry .
Congress will continue to watch the situation closely.
” Tom Parlon , director general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compliance with HSE guidance on Covid-19 were now critical to the continuation of the construction industry and for the nation .
“ We urge contractors and workers to work together to enforce social distancing regardless of any impacts on productivity or deadlines.
” “ The CIF is also asking companies to remind workers that social distancing is critical off-site and on the way to the site .
Workers should not travel in groups and while visiting local businesses ( shops , etc . )
must maintain the 1-2 metre distance guideline .
Construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to operate safely as they deliver essential projects that enable essential services including emergency health facilities , sewerage , electricity , power , data and water , all critical to society.
” Architecture and planning expert Orla Hegarty has called on the construction industry to hand over to the HSE any personal protective equipment ( PPE ) they have .
It was a “ waste ” of PPE to give them to construction workers when they are needed by the HSE she told RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Séan O ’ Rourke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close the building sites .
People are being put at risk , ” she added .
Ms Hegarty acknowledged that some sites are important such as utilities .

Unite said “No worker should be forced to choose between health or hardship”. Photograph: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty
The trade union Unite has called for the closure of construction sites throughout the country to try halt the spread of the coronavirus.
The union said on Tuesday that adequate social distancing measures could not be maintained on building sites.
The union wants workers, including those who it categorised as “bogus self employed in the construction sector “ to be covered by a wage subsidy scheme proposed by the trade union movement which would see the Government pay about 75 per cent of employee’s wages up to a cap equivalent of €40,000 per year over the coming months.
Unite’s Regional Officer for Construction Tom Fitzgerald said:
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“It has become increasingly clear to our members, who work on sites throughout the country, that adequate social distancing cannot be maintained either on site or, in many cases, when travelling to and from sites.
Susceptible
“The result is that approximately 150,000 construction workers are not only themselves susceptible to the spread of Covid-19, but are also at risk of bringing the virus back home to their families and communities – further increasing the strain on our health services.”
“Last night’s online meeting of the national construction branch (of Unite) , attended by senior reps with hundreds of years’ experience between them, heard numerous concrete example of where social distancing cannot be maintained.”
Mr Fitzgerald said Unite was concerned that as the situation escalated, “responsible employers may close sites and find themselves effectively undercut by irresponsible employers whose sites remain open, putting workers and the general public at risk”.
“We are therefore calling on the Government to immediately close all sites, and to ensure that all construction workers – including so-called bogus self-employed workers in sub-contracting chains – are included in a wage compensation scheme such as that proposed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. This virus does not distinguish between workers on different types of contracts, and neither should the Government’s response: all workers on a site must be presumed to be employed.”
“No worker should be forced to choose between health or hardship.”
Separately the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in a joint statement on Tuesday urged construction companies, industry companies and their employees to comply with HSE guidance on protecting themselves from the Covid-19 virus.
Social distancing
Ictu general secretary Patricia King said: “Essentially workers should adhere to social distancing guidelines, carry out regular hand washing and use gloves and masks if possible to help contain the spread of the virus in the workplace.
“The HSE has issued guidelines on the coronavirus and we recommend that this guidance is adhered to by workers in the construction industry. Congress will continue to watch the situation closely.”
Tom Parlon, director general of the CIF said social distancing and compliance with HSE guidance on Covid-19 were now critical to the continuation of the construction industry and for the nation.
“We urge contractors and workers to work together to enforce social distancing regardless of any impacts on productivity or deadlines.”
“The CIF is also asking companies to remind workers that social distancing is critical off-site and on the way to the site. Workers should not travel in groups and while visiting local businesses (shops, etc.) must maintain the 1-2 metre distance guideline. Construction workers are to be commended for continuing to operate safely as they deliver essential projects that enable essential services including emergency health facilities, sewerage, electricity, power, data and water, all critical to society.”
Waste
Architecture and planning expert Orla Hegarty has called on the construction industry to hand over to the HSE any personal protective equipment (PPE) they have.
It was a “waste” of PPE to give them to construction workers when they are needed by the HSE she told RTÉ radio’s Today with Séan O’Rourke show.
“It’s time to close the building sites. People are being put at risk,” she added.
“The issue here is money.”
Ms Hegarty acknowledged that some sites are important such as utilities.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: New restrictions on activity to be announced

The Government is set to introduce further measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Tuesday , with a ban on all non-essential travel , commercial and social activity among the options to be discussed by Ministers at the Cabinet meeting .
Public health experts are meeting early on Tuesday morning to consider a range of possible actions and will advise the Cabinet of any new restrictions they believe are now necessary to slow the spread of the virus .
• Follow our blog here for live updates • How did the test backlog emerge ?
• Where will Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 bills ?
However , it is expected that significant new restrictions on travel , work and movement will be announced , which are likely to mirror recent moves made by several European countries and by the British government on Monday night .
Among the options under consideration by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) , which will make the recommendations to Cabinet , are the closure of non-essential business premises , playgrounds where they have not been closed already , and stricter implementation of physical distancing in parks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Government to close public spaces .
Meanwhile , the Construction Industry Federderation in the North has called for the closure of all non essential buiding sites in the Northern Ireland .
Two more patients died from Covid-19 , the NPHET said on Monday evening , and a record number of 219 new cases were reported .
There are now a total of 1,125 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic , according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
Infectious disease specialist Prof Professor Sam McConkey has said he was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases of the coronavirus Further social measures will have to be considered if the numbers fail to level off following the expected surge , Prof McConkey said .
He told Newstalk Breakfast the figures follow an exponential curve model and he hopes that in the next five to seven days the number of cases will level off .
Meanwhile , “ ten of thousands ” of people are seeking to be tested each day , Dr Holohan revealed , and priority will be given to healthcare workers and the sickest patients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support packages will be a substantial increase in the €203 welfare payment announced earlier this month for people who lost their job due to the Covid-19 emergency .
The second element is an income support scheme similar to that announced recently by the Danish and UK governments .
The Irish scheme will take weeks to fully set up but the outline is set to be announced by the Government on Tuesday .
The precise details were still being worked out on Monday night .
The scheme will see the State pay businesses 70-80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salary up to a level of €35,000-€40,000 , or about the average wage , and the business will then pay the worker .
Businesses applying for State support will have to prove their income has dropped by 25 per cent and that they have liquidity difficulties .
The Government is also likely to order that holders of private health insurance will receive no special privileges for hospital admissions during the crisis .
Sources say the health service will operate essentially as a “ one-tier ” system , with admission to hospital decided solely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 deaths involved males in the east of the country , and brought the total number of deaths to six .
Dr Holohan said he was “ very pleased ” with the response of the public to the restrictive measures introduced 10 days ago , and said the aim was for “ most of the people to comply with most of the measures most of the time ” .
With the backlog of people waiting to be tested reaching 40,000 over the weekend , he said it was still the intention to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible ” .
Men account for 55 per cent of cases , according to an analysis of cases reported up to last Saturday .
Some 29 per cent of patients have been hospitalised , and 25 per cent of cases are associated with healthcare workers .
Twenty-five patients have been admitted to intensive care units .
Community transmission now accounts for 45 per cent of cases , close contact with confirmed cases for 23 per cent and travel abroad for 31 per cent .
Some 37 clusters have been reported , involving an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The World Health Organisation warned the pandemic was accelerating .
“ It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases ; 11 days for the second 100,000 ; and just four days for the third 100,000 , ” WHO director general Dr Tedros said .

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced a series of new measures - while also extending current restrictions until April 19th - in an attempt to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Video: RTÉ
One further death and 204 new confirmed cases pf Covid-19 have been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team at its daily briefing on Tuesday evening.
The deceased patient, a male in the east of the country, had an underlying health condition.
This brings to seven the number of deaths from Covid-19 in the Republic, and to 1,329 the number of confirmed cases.
Minister for Health Simon Harris and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: “Like its counterparts across the world, the Irish Government will take on heaps more debt as it seeks to replace some of the income workers have lost, while also trying to keep the structure of employment in place in many companies through wage subsidies.” Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
It comes after the Government moved to increase the measures to tackle coronavirus.
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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said social gatherings should be restricted to no more than four people in the attempt to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at a Government briefing in Dublin, he said restrictions already in place such as school closures have been extended until April 19th. Mr Varadkar said all non-essential retail should close, and that people should work from home unless absolutely essential.
He urged everyone to stay at home to slow the spread of Covid-19. “We believe we need to do more to flatten the curve. People should stay at home if at all possible – this is the best way to slow the virus.”
Two metre spacing due to Covid -19 (coronavirus) in St Stephens green, Dublin. Photograph:Gareth Chaney/Collins
Mr Varadkar said all cafes and restaurants should limit supply to takeaway only. Among other measures announced by Mr Varadkar are that all theatres, clubs, bingo halls, are to shut, and that all sporting events, even those behind closed doors, should be cancelled.
He said people should only go to the shops for essential supplies, for medical or dental appointments, to care for others or to take physical exercise;
He also said non-essential indoor visits to other people’s homes should be avoided. “No unnecessary travel should take place within the country or overseas.
Mr Varadkar said private hospitals “will act effectively as public hospitals” for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “Private hospitals have agreed to do this on a not-for-profit basis. Public and private patients will be treated equally.”
Single national hospital service
Minister for Health Simon Harris said patients with Covid-19 will be treated for free in a single national hospital service. Mr Harris said all private hospitals will be public or run by the State for the duration of the pandemic. He said: "There can be no public vs private here."
Parents will not be asked to pay creche fees for up to three months under a government scheme that will see childcare worker wages topped up beyond the 70 per cent level announced for others.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs will reimburse childcare providers a further 30 per cent on top of the scheme announced earlier today, which will see the Government pay 70 per cent of a workers salary up to €410 per week.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addressing media at a Covid-19 press briefing at Government Buildings in Dublin. Photograph: Steve Humphreys/PA Wire
The full list of essentialretail outlets is as follows:
- Retail and wholesale sale of food, beverages and newspapers , Retail sale of household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences and businesses; Pharmacies/Chemists; Opticians/Optometrists; Retail selling medical and orthopaedic goods ; Fuel stations and heating fuel providers; Retailers involved in the repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycle repair and related facilities (e.g. tyre sales and repairs); Retail sale of essential items for the health and welfare of animals, including animal feed and medicines; Laundries and Drycleaners;Banks, Post Offices and Credit Unions; Retail sale of safety supply stores (for e.g. work clothes); Hardware stores, builders’ merchants and stores that provide hardware products necessary for home and business maintenance, sanitation and farm equipment, supplies and tools essential for gardening/farming/agriculture; Retail sale of office products and services for individuals working from home and for businesses; Retailers providing electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home.
Support payments
Meanwhile, the Government’s Covid-19 emergency support payment for people who have lost their job as a result of the pandemic will increase from €203 to €350, it was confirmed on Tuesday.
Staff at the testing area for Covid-19 (coronavirus) at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, in Dublin on Tuesday. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Ministers also gave the go-ahead for a scheme which will see the Government pay 70 per cent of a workers’ salary - up to maximum of €410 per week - where the company agrees to continue paying the remainder of the salary. This is based on an average salary level of €38,000.
Mr Varadkar said any person in a household who is asked to self-isolate because a fellow householder is showing symptoms is entitled to illness benefit at a rate of €350 per week. “The Covid-19 illness benefit will also apply to household members who are also being asked to self-isolate but do not have the virus themselves.”
Main developments on Tuesday
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the country is “accosted by a pandemic that knows no border or boundaries”.
Speaking at a Government briefing in Dublin, Mr Donohoe said: “This public health crisis is like no other. This economic crisis is also very different to others. It requires a different response.
“This is because the very severe disruption has placed otherwise healthy businesses in jeopardy. Our citizens are under great strain.
“The payment to employers is to encourage them to retain employees on their pay roll during this period. It is available to employers who suffer either a minimum of 25 per cent decline in turnover and inability to pay normal wages and other circumstances.
“For the next 12 weeks such employers will be supported in the order of 70 per cent of an employee’s income.”
Mr Donohoe added: “The Government has acted and will act this week assuming the passage of required legislation. “In these days and months of adversity the care and protection of our citizens is our abiding concern.”
Schools closed
The measures are designed to try and offset the economic impact of the pandemic which has seen more than 140,000 people in the State lose their jobs.
Earlier it was confirmed that schools, colleges and crèches will remain closed until at least April 19th .
Meanwhile, "ten of thousands" of people are seeking to be tested each day, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan revealed, and priority will be given to healthcare workers and the sickest patients.
Dr Holohan said he was “very pleased” with the response of the public to the restrictive measures introduced 10 days ago, and said the aim was for “most of the people to comply with most of the measures most of the time”.
Northern Ireland deaths
Meanwhile the number of patients with coronavirus who have died in Northern Ireland has risen to five. The North’s Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday evening that two further patients had died
One was a patient in their eighties and who had underlying health conditions who died in hospital in Antrim. The DoH said an earlier death had also been confirmed as Covid-19 related. “My deepest sympathies are extended to the families affected,” the North’s health minister, Robin Swann, said.
“These deaths must never become mere statistics. Behind each of them is a family plunged into grief.” The total number of coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland now stands at 172.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Plan to bring home Irish people stranded in Peru awaiting green light from Lima

The Government ’ s plan to bring home 135 Irish people stranded in Peru by the country ’ s coronavirus lockdown is awaiting the green light from the government in Lima .
An email to those stranded sent on Monday morning by the Irish embassy in Chile said the timing of the proposed charter flight out of Lima “ will depend on how soon our aircraft can be accommodated by the Peruvian authorities ” .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney told RTÉ on Sunday an agreement has been reached between British Airways and Aer Lingus to charter a flight from Lima “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As well as Irish nationals dependants who are entitled to live in Ireland can also take the flight .
The embassy email also said Irish authorities “ will confirm details in due course for bus transfers within Peru from agreed locations to the military airport in Lima ” .
Only an estimated half of the 135 Irish , most of whom are backpackers , are currently in Lima with local travel restrictions preventing the rest making their own way to the capital .
Repatriation will cost each traveller €400 but they will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance .
Anyone diagnosed or showing symptoms of coronavirus , also know as Covid-19 , will not be able to travel .
At least six people have died of the virus in Peru with another 363 people confirmed infected .
Mr Coveney told RTÉ that organising the flight out of Peru “ is not straighforward ” .
France and Israel are among the countries that have already sent planes to bring their nationals home .
But thousands of other foreigner are still stranded in one of South America ’ s most popular tourist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its land air and sea frontiers in response to the global pandemic .
It announced a strict 15-day stay-in-doors quarantine on March 16th giving foreigners just 24 hours to leave the country .
Many were left stranded and have since been reliant on their respective government to come up with a solution to get them out .
On Sunday authorities closed fully the international airport in Lima .
Now only flights bringing home Peruvian citizens or coming to evacuate foreign nationals can fly into the country and must land at the capital ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international airport were forced to make their way to the base in the hope of their governments sending planes to rescue them .

Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Sec. General, Department of the Taoiseach has announced that 170 Irish citizens are en route to Ireland from Perth. The government are trying to help over 2,000 Irish citizens get home from abroad. Video: RTE News Now
The Government's plan to bring home 135 Irish people stranded in Peru by the country's coronavirus lockdown is awaiting the green light from the government in Lima.
An email to those stranded sent on Monday morning by the Irish embassy in Chile said the timing of the proposed charter flight out of Lima “will depend on how soon our aircraft can be accommodated by the Peruvian authorities”.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney told RTÉ on Sunday an agreement has been reached between British Airways and Aer Lingus to charter a flight from Lima "in the next few days". As well as Irish nationals dependants who are entitled to live in Ireland can also take the flight.
The embassy email also said Irish authorities “will confirm details in due course for bus transfers within Peru from agreed locations to the military airport in Lima”. Only an estimated half of the 135 Irish, most of whom are backpackers, are currently in Lima with local travel restrictions preventing the rest making their own way to the capital.
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Repatriation will cost each traveller €400 but they will not be required to pay the fare in advance. Anyone diagnosed or showing symptoms of coronavirus, also know as Covid-19, will not be able to travel. At least six people have died of the virus in Peru with another 363 people confirmed infected.
‘Not straightforward’
Mr Coveney told RTÉ that organising the flight out of Peru “is not straighforward”. France and Israel are among the countries that have already sent planes to bring their nationals home. But thousands of other foreigner are still stranded in one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations.
Peru has all but shut its land air and sea frontiers in response to the global pandemic. It announced a strict 15-day stay-in-doors quarantine on March 16th giving foreigners just 24 hours to leave the country. Many were left stranded and have since been reliant on their respective government to come up with a solution to get them out.
On Sunday authorities closed fully the international airport in Lima. Now only flights bringing home Peruvian citizens or coming to evacuate foreign nationals can fly into the country and must land at the capital’s military airbase. Travellers stranded at the international airport were forced to make their way to the base in the hope of their governments sending planes to rescue them.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: ‘The Irish Government takes care of people and hopefully that includes me’

When Ella Klahr Bunnell moved from Boston to Belfast last September , she wasn ’ t nervous about living so far from her family .
A recipient of a Mitchell scholarship to study on the island of Ireland , Bunnell had already spent five years as an undergraduate student at Stanford University .
“ California was three thousand miles away from my family ; the flight to California is actually longer than the journey from Boston to Dublin .
I was used to being far away .
Obviously it ’ s more difficult now because it ’ s such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus started to spread through Europe and the United States , Bunnell contacted her parents for advice .
Both doctors , they were working on the frontline with coronavirus patients and so would be unable to host their daughter if she returned .
“ My parents are kind of in the eye of the storm at the moment , especially my dad as he ’ s the hospital administrator and so fairly involved in handling how to deal with the outbreak .
They ’ re my parents , they always have my best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would cause me anxiety to stay in Belfast I should go back and we ’ ll figure it out .
But it was clear to all of us that it would be better for me to stay here and not expose myself.
” Bunnell ’ s younger sister , who was studying in Barcelona , caught a flight back to the US just hours before Spain declared a state of emergency .
She self-isolated upon arrival home and soon after was tested for Covid-19 after experiencing symptoms of the virus .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive .
“ Because my parents picked her up from the airport and drove her to quarantine they aren ’ t allowed to go into work anymore .
She ’ s young and healthy so I ’ m not very worried for her , more so for my parents because they ’ re older , ” says Bunnell .
“ It also means it really doesn ’ t make sense for me to go home given that my choices are now to either quarantine myself with someone who has the virus or expose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to work on her dissertation on conflict transformation but has not been on the Queen ’ s university campus since it closed two days ago .
“ It ’ s a scary , uncertain time .
The lack of a concrete timeline on how long our lives will be shut down is particularly difficult .
I ’ m just adjusting to hunkering down and changing how I live my daily live.
” In Dublin , Texan student Kathryn Ammon , who is studying equality studies at UCD on a Mitchell scholarship , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her parents and brother moved to Switzerland last year but she is unable to join them as borders have closed .
She doesn ’ t want to return to the US to stay with family as many either work in healthcare or are immunocompromised .
“ I don ’ t have US health insurance but I have cover here in Ireland .
I signed up to spend a year in Ireland and my residence hall is still open.
” Four of her roommates , all international students , have flown home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave soon .
Ammon is planning to move in with a friend outside campus even though UCD has confirmed it will extend leases for any students living in on-campus accommodation who are unable to return home in May .
“ Being on campus right now feels very isolated .
Most people are gone and there aren ’ t many services we can access here .
It ’ s scary but I ’ m taking comfort from the fact that I have a friends in similar positions.
” Before last August , Ammon had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , she says she feels safer being in Ireland during the pandemic than she would feel in the United States .
“ I trust the Irish Government and the Irish system a little more than I trust the US government .
I feel I ’ m in a country where the rate of infection isn ’ t increasing as badly as other places ; it feels safer for now .
I ’ ve seen the Irish Government will take care of people and hopefully that includes me .
”

When Ella Klahr Bunnell moved from Boston to Belfast last September, she wasn't nervous about living so far from her family. A recipient of a Mitchell scholarship to study on the island of Ireland, Bunnell had already spent five years as an undergraduate student at Stanford University.
"California was three thousand miles away from my family; the flight to California is actually longer than the journey from Boston to Dublin. I was used to being far away. Obviously it's more difficult now because it's such a chaotic and uncertain time."
When the coronavirus started to spread through Europe and the United States, Bunnell contacted her parents for advice. Both doctors, they were working on the frontline with coronavirus patients and so would be unable to host their daughter if she returned.
Kathryn Ammon
“My parents are kind of in the eye of the storm at the moment, especially my dad as he’s the hospital administrator and so fairly involved in handling how to deal with the outbreak. They’re my parents, they always have my best interest at heart, and said if it would cause me anxiety to stay in Belfast I should go back and we’ll figure it out. But it was clear to all of us that it would be better for me to stay here and not expose myself.”
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Bunnell's younger sister, who was studying in Barcelona, caught a flight back to the US just hours before Spain declared a state of emergency. She self-isolated upon arrival home and soon after was tested for Covid-19 after experiencing symptoms of the virus. Last Thursday morning, her test came back positive.
“Because my parents picked her up from the airport and drove her to quarantine they aren’t allowed to go into work anymore. She’s young and healthy so I’m not very worried for her, more so for my parents because they’re older,” says Bunnell.
“It also means it really doesn’t make sense for me to go home given that my choices are now to either quarantine myself with someone who has the virus or expose my parents again unnecessarily.”
Bunnell is continuing to work on her dissertation on conflict transformation but has not been on the Queen’s university campus since it closed two days ago.
“It’s a scary, uncertain time. The lack of a concrete timeline on how long our lives will be shut down is particularly difficult. I’m just adjusting to hunkering down and changing how I live my daily live.”
Kathryn Ammon
In Dublin, Texan student Kathryn Ammon, who is studying equality studies at UCD on a Mitchell scholarship, has also decided to stay in Ireland. Her parents and brother moved to Switzerland last year but she is unable to join them as borders have closed.
She doesn’t want to return to the US to stay with family as many either work in healthcare or are immunocompromised. “I don’t have US health insurance but I have cover here in Ireland. I signed up to spend a year in Ireland and my residence hall is still open.”
Four of her roommates, all international students, have flown home and she believes the last is due to leave soon. Ammon is planning to move in with a friend outside campus even though UCD has confirmed it will extend leases for any students living in on-campus accommodation who are unable to return home in May.
“Being on campus right now feels very isolated. Most people are gone and there aren’t many services we can access here. It’s scary but I’m taking comfort from the fact that I have a friends in similar positions.”
Before last August, Ammon had never spent longer than a week abroad. However, she says she feels safer being in Ireland during the pandemic than she would feel in the United States.
“I trust the Irish Government and the Irish system a little more than I trust the US government. I feel I’m in a country where the rate of infection isn’t increasing as badly as other places; it feels safer for now. I’ve seen the Irish Government will take care of people and hopefully that includes me.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--State’s most senior civil servant delivers warning on Seanad

The Seanad will not be properly constituted from next week , political party leaders have been told .
Secretary General of the Government Martin Fraser , the most senior civil servant in the country , delivered his assessment on Monday following legal advice .
Mr Fraser told a meeting of Dáil party and group leaders that he was giving them the assessment as Secretary General and not just of the Department of the Taoiseach .
A number of those present at the meeting in Government Buildings , one of those regularly convened to discuss coronavirus crisis , interpreted Mr Fraser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to form a government , In the absence of a new government being in place , the Taoiseach ’ s 11 nominations to the upper house can not be named - which means that the Government ’ s legislative actions will be strictly tied .
The 11 can only be nominated by an an incoming taoiseach and not an outgoing taoiseach , such as Leo Varadkar .
These are in addition to newly elected Senators , with the Seanad election count taking place next week .
One source characterised Mr Fraser ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those present to deal with the lacuna that has arisen in the Seanad .
Another source present said it was almost as if Mr Fraser was urging the Dáil leaders to elect a taoiseach soon , and claimed it was almost a political point for a civil servant to have made .
It is understood Mr Fraser said his view was based on the advice of the Attorney General , Séamus Woulfe .
Mr Varadkar agreed , as did Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin .
Mr Martin has said his party and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forming a government this week , with a videoconference between the two sides also mooted .
The meeting of party leaders broke up after two hours - more than two hours in the same room counts as being in close contact in coronavirus terms - but a discussion took place afterwards about the appointment of a temporary Leas Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil , who is usually elected by a secret ballot of TDs .
Mr Varadkar suggested Independent TD Denis Naughten take the post for three months but other leaders objected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The Seanad will not be properly constituted from next week, political party leaders have been told.
Secretary General of the Government Martin Fraser, the most senior civil servant in the country, delivered his assessment on Monday following legal advice.
Mr Fraser told a meeting of Dáil party and group leaders that he was giving them the assessment as Secretary General and not just of the Department of the Taoiseach.
A number of those present at the meeting in Government Buildings, one of those regularly convened to discuss coronavirus crisis, interpreted Mr Fraser’s comments as challenging the leaders to form a government,
READ MORE
In the absence of a new government being in place, the Taoiseach’s 11 nominations to the upper house cannot be named - which means that the Government’s legislative actions will be strictly tied.
The 11 can only be nominated by an an incoming taoiseach and not an outgoing taoiseach, such as Leo Varadkar. These are in addition to newly elected Senators, with the Seanad election count taking place next week.
One source characterised Mr Fraser’s contribution as saying it was a matter for those present to deal with the lacuna that has arisen in the Seanad.
Another source present said it was almost as if Mr Fraser was urging the Dáil leaders to elect a taoiseach soon, and claimed it was almost a political point for a civil servant to have made.
It is understood Mr Fraser said his view was based on the advice of the Attorney General, Séamus Woulfe. Mr Varadkar agreed, as did Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.
Mr Martin has said his party and Fine Gael will exchange policy papers on forming a government this week, with a videoconference between the two sides also mooted.
The meeting of party leaders broke up after two hours - more than two hours in the same room counts as being in close contact in coronavirus terms - but a discussion took place afterwards about the appointment of a temporary Leas Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, who is usually elected by a secret ballot of TDs.
Mr Varadkar suggested Independent TD Denis Naughten take the post for three months but other leaders objected.
There was no decision on the issue.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Enhanced income supports due to be announced

A new enhanced package of supports for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic running to billions of euro is expected to be announced by the Government on Tuesday .
It is understood that the extended package of income supports will have two elements .
One will be a substantial increase in the €203 weekly welfare payment announced earlier this month for people who lose their job due to the Covid-19 emergency .
The second element is an income support scheme similar to that announced recently by the Danish and UK governments , which would see workers continue to receive a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an overall cap .
The move is aimed at allowing workers and their employers to retain links as the coronavirus crisis deepens .
The Irish scheme will take a number of weeks to fully set up but the outline is due to be announced by the Government on Tuesday , although the precise details were still being worked out on Monday night .
It is understood the scheme will see the State pay employers 70-80 per cent of a worker ’ s salary up to a level of €35,000-€40,000 , or around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then pay the worker .
It is expected that the scheme will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners .
When the overall package is announced , the intention is that those in receipt of income support payments and the Covid-19 welfare payment will receive roughly the same .
Other sources said that businesses applying for State support would have to prove that their income had dropped by 25 per cent and that they had liquidity difficulties .
The move follows pressure from both union and employer representatives , who over the weekend proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months at a cost of €1.75 billion-€2 billion .
Separately , other proposals under consideration by Government officials could see creche workers redeployed to care for the children of key workers in their homes .
The proposal , if adopted , would provide continued employment for childcare workers and could see a payment by the State to creche owners , which could be used to fund wage payments .
However , it is understood that this proposal is one of several under consideration by the Department of Children , in consultation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan may yet not be adopted , or elements of it could be included in a hybrid plan .
Sources are optimistic that a childcare plan for frontline workers will be finalised this week .
However , it must meet with the approval of the emergency team , who must be satisfied that the childcare plan does not expose healthcare workers , gardaí and other frontline staff to undue risk .
That will be the final criteria for approving a plan , sources said .
Options that included the mixing of children from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minded are highly unlikely to meet with approval from the team .
Such a plan would also have to address issues around the provision of insurance to cover the childcare workers , as existing policies would only cover them providing care in dedicated creches .
In a letter sent to creche owners and seen by The Irish Times , Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said she had been advised by colleagues in the Department of Social Welfare that “ a significant number of [ childcare ] employees have already presented at Intreo offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was considering funding options “ for the period beyond March 29th and what conditions may need to apply so that we can best use the public funding available to support the sector during this time ” .
However , she said key meetings with other departments still needed to take place before she could offer clarity on the future of the sector .

A new enhanced package of supports for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic running to billions of euro is expected to be announced by the Government on Tuesday.
It is understood that the extended package of income supports will have two elements. One will be a substantial increase in the €203 weekly welfare payment announced earlier this month for people who lose their job due to the Covid-19 emergency.
The second element is an income support scheme similar to that announced recently by the Danish and UK governments, which would see workers continue to receive a significant proportion of their salaries up to an overall cap. The move is aimed at allowing workers and their employers to retain links as the coronavirus crisis deepens.
The Irish scheme will take a number of weeks to fully set up but the outline is due to be announced by the Government on Tuesday, although the precise details were still being worked out on Monday night.
READ MORE
It is understood the scheme will see the State pay employers 70-80 per cent of a worker’s salary up to a level of €35,000-€40,000, or around the average wage, and the business will then pay the worker. It is expected that the scheme will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners.
When the overall package is announced, the intention is that those in receipt of income support payments and the Covid-19 welfare payment will receive roughly the same.
Other sources said that businesses applying for State support would have to prove that their income had dropped by 25 per cent and that they had liquidity difficulties.
Union pressure
The move follows pressure from both union and employer representatives, who over the weekend proposed income support packages to run for several months at a cost of €1.75 billion-€2 billion.
Separately, other proposals under consideration by Government officials could see creche workers redeployed to care for the children of key workers in their homes.
The proposal, if adopted, would provide continued employment for childcare workers and could see a payment by the State to creche owners, which could be used to fund wage payments.
However, it is understood that this proposal is one of several under consideration by the Department of Children, in consultation with the National Public Health Emergency Team. The plan may yet not be adopted, or elements of it could be included in a hybrid plan. Sources are optimistic that a childcare plan for frontline workers will be finalised this week.
However, it must meet with the approval of the emergency team, who must be satisfied that the childcare plan does not expose healthcare workers, gardaí and other frontline staff to undue risk. That will be the final criteria for approving a plan, sources said. Options that included the mixing of children from different families in a group to be minded are highly unlikely to meet with approval from the team.
Insurance problem
Such a plan would also have to address issues around the provision of insurance to cover the childcare workers, as existing policies would only cover them providing care in dedicated creches.
In a letter sent to creche owners and seen by The Irish Times, Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said she had been advised by colleagues in the Department of Social Welfare that "a significant number of [childcare] employees have already presented at Intreo offices throughout the country".
She said she was considering funding options “for the period beyond March 29th and what conditions may need to apply so that we can best use the public funding available to support the sector during this time”. However, she said key meetings with other departments still needed to take place before she could offer clarity on the future of the sector.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus cancellations: Holidaymakers in danger of losing thousands of euro

A long-established system of EU-wide travel protections is at risk of breaking down due to the Covid-19 pandemic with many holidaymakers in danger of losing thousands of euro , according to one of the leading consumer watchdogs in Europe .
The British-based consumer champion Which ?
has said it has been inundated with messages and requests for help from people facing the loss of large sums as airlines and package travel providers seem unwilling to meet their legal obligations to issue refunds for cancelled flights and holidays .
While Which ?
has accepted the current situation is unprecedented , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used as an excuse to undermine consumer protections .
It cited examples of flights not being cancelled by some airlines despite advice from governments that people should not travel to many locations around Europe , with airlines seeking instead to offer passengers flight changes to more expensive ones in the future .
It said airline customers were also being offered vouchers instead of refunds with many not getting clear guidance about what the next steps would be .
The Which ?
experience mirrors that of this newspaper which has been contacted by many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about planned holidays and confused about their rights in the face of the crisis .
Irish Times readers have complained about airlines not cancelling flights to locations despite travel bans covering those countries being imposed .
Others have said that airlines and tour operators are not offering refunds for upcoming trips and are instead offering credit notes and free switches to alternate – and frequently more expensive – flights .
All flights on EU carriers within or into the EU and all flights leaving from an EU airport are protected by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which requires refunds or rerouting when flights are cancelled .
People have also been in touch with both The Irish Times and Which ?
to complain that travel agents are refusing to offer refunds for cancelled holidays , despite travel regulations and are instead offering credit notes or rebooking .
Under EU-wide legislation holidaymakers should be entitled to a full refund if a package holiday is cancelled because of extraordinary circumstances at the destination .
“ We ’ ve heard from hundreds of people who face losing large sums of money because their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or they have been abandoned abroad and face extortionate bills to get home , ” said Which ?
travel editor Rory Boland .
He called on governments , insurers and the travel sector to “ work together to tackle the huge challenge posed by coronavirus , as the travel industry depends on people having confidence that they will be protected in times of crisis ” .
The rights of Irish people who have seen their travel plans descend into chaos and confusion were partially clarified yesterday by the regulator which governs the aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it clear that when flights are cancelled , passengers must be offered the choice of a refund , a re-routing at the earliest opportunity or re-routing at a later date .
In addition , airlines can offer incentives to passengers to encourage them to fly at a later date , for example , through providing vouchers of a higher value .
“ We recognise that , at present , it may be difficult for airlines to provide alternative flights , for example , where Government advice is to avoid travel to particular destinations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Aviation Regulation said .
“ A refund for the passenger may , therefore , be the only practical option available.
” EU Regulation 261 also provides for the payment of compensation in some circumstances .
However , the commission said that “ in the current unprecedented circumstances ” it would be unlikely to be payable in most instances .

As airlines worldwide idle thousands of aircraft due to the coronavirus pandemic, they are facing the unprecedented problem of finding a place to park them. The number of planes in storage has doubled to more than 5,000 since the start of the year.
A long-established system of EU-wide travel protections is at risk of breaking down due to the Covid-19 pandemic with many holidaymakers in danger of losing thousands of euro, according to one of the leading consumer watchdogs in Europe.
The British-based consumer champion Which? has said it has been inundated with messages and requests for help from people facing the loss of large sums as airlines and package travel providers seem unwilling to meet their legal obligations to issue refunds for cancelled flights and holidays.
While Which? has accepted the current situation is unprecedented, it has demanded that the crisis not be used as an excuse to undermine consumer protections.
It cited examples of flights not being cancelled by some airlines despite advice from governments that people should not travel to many locations around Europe, with airlines seeking instead to offer passengers flight changes to more expensive ones in the future.
READ MORE
It said airline customers were also being offered vouchers instead of refunds with many not getting clear guidance about what the next steps would be.
The Which? experience mirrors that of this newspaper which has been contacted by many readers in recent days who are increasingly concerned about planned holidays and confused about their rights in the face of the crisis.
Irish Times readers have complained about airlines not cancelling flights to locations despite travel bans covering those countries being imposed. Others have said that airlines and tour operators are not offering refunds for upcoming trips and are instead offering credit notes and free switches to alternate – and frequently more expensive – flights.
All flights on EU carriers within or into the EU and all flights leaving from an EU airport are protected by the EU’s Denied Boarding Regulation, which requires refunds or rerouting when flights are cancelled.
People have also been in touch with both The Irish Times and Which? to complain that travel agents are refusing to offer refunds for cancelled holidays, despite travel regulations and are instead offering credit notes or rebooking.
Under EU-wide legislation holidaymakers should be entitled to a full refund if a package holiday is cancelled because of extraordinary circumstances at the destination.
"We've heard from hundreds of people who face losing large sums of money because their travel plans have been left in tatters or they have been abandoned abroad and face extortionate bills to get home," said Which? travel editor Rory Boland.
Huge challenge
He called on governments, insurers and the travel sector to “work together to tackle the huge challenge posed by coronavirus, as the travel industry depends on people having confidence that they will be protected in times of crisis”.
The rights of Irish people who have seen their travel plans descend into chaos and confusion were partially clarified yesterday by the regulator which governs the aviation sector in Ireland.
Long-standing rules make it clear that when flights are cancelled, passengers must be offered the choice of a refund, a re-routing at the earliest opportunity or re-routing at a later date.
In addition, airlines can offer incentives to passengers to encourage them to fly at a later date, for example, through providing vouchers of a higher value.
“We recognise that, at present, it may be difficult for airlines to provide alternative flights, for example, where Government advice is to avoid travel to particular destinations affected by Covid-19,” the Commission for Aviation Regulation said. “A refund for the passenger may, therefore, be the only practical option available.”
EU Regulation 261 also provides for the payment of compensation in some circumstances. However, the commission said that “in the current unprecedented circumstances” it would be unlikely to be payable in most instances.