theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Dermot Desmond and Sinn Féin’s Eoin Ó Broin talk housing

Billionaire financier Dermot Desmond and Sinn Féin ’ s housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin have discussed the housing crisis following the investor ’ s analysis of the property market ’ s failings .
Mr Ó Broin , whose performance in the housing brief is seen as one of the factors which drove his party ’ s strong showing in the general election , wrote to Mr Desmond over the weekend after the article was published in The Irish Times on Saturday .
The Dublin Mid West TD said the businessman rang him on Monday morning for “ a very constructive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Ó Broin said he was “ very interested in meeting anyone who has anything constructive to say ” .
“ Given how influential he is in business circles , and notwithstanding the political differences I have with him , [ his article ] is a very significant contribution and substantial critique of Government policy , ” he said .
Mr Ó Broin said he would “ welcome an opportunity to meet with him and discuss more ” .
Mr Desmond ’ s office did not respond to a request for comment from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinn Féin deputy said Mr Desmond had indicated he was planning to write to political party leaders with a copy of his article and “ an open invitation to discuss the ideas he has outlined ” .
In his article , Mr Desmond raised concerns about the capacity of ordinary workers to access the housing market , as well as the wider financialisation of housing stock .
He argued the Government should take a more interventionist approach to the market , guaranteeing low-cost loans to fund deposits for house purchase , and set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ó Broin said he had committed to sharing material and reports from the Oireachtas housing committee and other research he had done himself with Mr Desmond .

Dermot Desmond was contacted by the Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West after his article on the housing crisis was published in The Irish Times on Saturday. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Billionaire financier Dermot Desmond and Sinn Féin's housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin have discussed the housing crisis following the investor's analysis of the property market's failings.
Mr Ó Broin, whose performance in the housing brief is seen as one of the factors which drove his party's strong showing in the general election, wrote to Mr Desmond over the weekend after the article was published in The Irish Times on Saturday.
The Dublin Mid West TD said the businessman rang him on Monday morning for “a very constructive exchange based on his article”. Mr Ó Broin said he was “very interested in meeting anyone who has anything constructive to say”.
Falling rents induce landlords, particularly smaller ones, to sell. More sellers in the market translates into weaker house prices.
“Given how influential he is in business circles, and notwithstanding the political differences I have with him, [his article] is a very significant contribution and substantial critique of Government policy,” he said. Mr Ó Broin said he would “welcome an opportunity to meet with him and discuss more”.
READ MORE
In his article, Mr Desmond raised concerns about the capacity of ordinary workers to access the housing market
Mr Desmond’s office did not respond to a request for comment from The Irish Times on Monday.
The Sinn Féin deputy said Mr Desmond had indicated he was planning to write to political party leaders with a copy of his article and “an open invitation to discuss the ideas he has outlined”.
In his article, Mr Desmond raised concerns about the capacity of ordinary workers to access the housing market, as well as the wider financialisation of housing stock. He argued the Government should take a more interventionist approach to the market, guaranteeing low-cost loans to fund deposits for house purchase, and set more ambitious social housing targets.
Mr Ó Broin said he had committed to sharing material and reports from the Oireachtas housing committee and other research he had done himself with Mr Desmond.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Coronavirus – Irish response: €3bn aid package, St Patrick’s Day events cancelled

A €3 billion package to deal with coronavirus will pump more money into the health service , help at-risk businesses and change the rules around sick pay to encourage people who will need to self-isolate and stay away from their workplaces .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the package following a meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee established to deal with coronavirus but warned that , in a worst-case scenario , it may not be enough .
The subcommittee also decided that all St Patrick ’ s Day parades across the country should be cancelled on foot of a recommendation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional €435 million will be allocated to the HSE .
Minister for Health Simon Harris said this would be used to increase the public health capacity to trace contacts of people with the virus , as well as providing for more beds , more overtime , more staff and more homecare packages to help take pressure off hospitals .
Mr Harris said he was conscious many people were worried but there was no need to panic .
He said the Government and the State “ can take action and will ” , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too and take very seriously the guidance given on hand hygiene and cough guidance to help minimise the spread of the virus .
The extra money for the health service will also be used to develop home testing as well as “ remote management of mild to moderately ill patients at home and the provision of dedicated Covid-19 services outside hospitals ” , according to a Government statement .
Critical care Mr Varadkar said the experience from other countries indicated “ up to 50 per cent or 60 per cent ” of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There will be a significant proportion who will require critical care .
And a percentage that we don ’ t know , we honestly don ’ t know yet – it could be less than 1 per cent , it could be as much as 3 per cent , or 3.4 per cent – mortality .
But when you ’ re talking about 1 , 2 or 3 per cent of half the population , those are very big figures .
“ This could go on well into next year , ” Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not infinite and said there was a possibility funding could become difficult as the year progressed .
The Cabinet subcommittee also decided to establish a group involving unions , employer ’ s groups and government departments “ to monitor labour market developments ” .
Ministers will also meet banks and other “ economic actors ” to ensure there is a “ joined-up effort ” to deal with the economic effect of the virus .
Mr Varadkar will take part in a European Council meeting via video link tomorrow and said it is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , we don ’ t have a situation where member states do their own thing ” .
He also said Opposition leaders would be briefed after each meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on the coronavirus .
Some €2.4 billon is being made available for income support measures , which will see a higher level of sick pay , increasing from €203 per week to €305 per week for a maximum of two weeks , introduced for those who are certified as having Covid-19 .
The new higher payment will come into effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than the existing scenario , which sees it begin from the sixth day of illness .
The Taoiseach said emergency legislation to change the existing rules governing sick pay would be introduced in the Dáil .
The Seanad will also have to be recalled to pass the legislation .
Companies affected will be assisted with a €200 million liquidity support fund , using funds the Government had set aside to deal with the effects of a no-deal Brexit this year .
Another €200 million will be provided for rescue and restructuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Washing your hands properly is still the best way to slow down the spread of coronavirus. Conor Pope from The Irish Times looks at the common mistakes people make.
A €3 billion package to deal with coronavirus will pump more money into the health service, help at-risk businesses and change the rules around sick pay to encourage people who will need to self-isolate and stay away from their workplaces.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the package following a meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee established to deal with coronavirus but warned that, in a worst-case scenario, it may not be enough.
The subcommittee also decided that all St Patrick’s Day parades across the country should be cancelled on foot of a recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team.
An additional €435 million will be allocated to the HSE. Minister for Health Simon Harris said this would be used to increase the public health capacity to trace contacts of people with the virus, as well as providing for more beds, more overtime, more staff and more homecare packages to help take pressure off hospitals.
READ MORE
Mr Harris said he was conscious many people were worried but there was no need to panic. He said the Government and the State “can take action and will”, but asked citizens to “step up” too and take very seriously the guidance given on hand hygiene and cough guidance to help minimise the spread of the virus.
The extra money for the health service will also be used to develop home testing as well as “remote management of mild to moderately ill patients at home and the provision of dedicated Covid-19 services outside hospitals”, according to a Government statement.
Critical care Mr Varadkar said the experience from other countries indicated “up to 50
per cent or 60 per cent” of the population could get the virus.
“There will be a significant proportion who will require critical care. And a percentage that we don’t know, we honestly don’t know yet – it could be less than 1 per cent, it could be as much as 3 per cent, or 3.4 per cent – mortality. But when you’re talking about 1, 2 or 3 per cent of half the population, those are very big figures.
“This could go on well into next year,” Mr Varadkar added. He said resources were not infinite and said there was a possibility funding could become difficult as the year progressed.
The Cabinet subcommittee also decided to establish a group involving unions, employer’s groups and government departments “to monitor labour market developments”.
Ministers will also meet banks and other “economic actors” to ensure there is a “joined-up effort” to deal with the economic effect of the virus.
Mr Varadkar will take part in a European Council meeting via video link tomorrow and said it is important that all EU leaders "act as one, we don't have a situation where member states do their own thing".
Income support
He also said Opposition leaders would be briefed after each meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on the coronavirus.
Some €2.4 billon is being made available for income support measures, which will see a higher level of sick pay, increasing from €203 per week to €305 per week for a maximum of two weeks, introduced for those who are certified as having Covid-19.
The new higher payment will come into effect from the first day of an illness, rather than the existing scenario, which sees it begin from the sixth day of illness.
The Taoiseach said emergency legislation to change the existing rules governing sick pay would be introduced in the Dáil. The Seanad will also have to be recalled to pass the legislation.
Companies affected will be assisted with a €200 million liquidity support fund, using funds the Government had set aside to deal with the effects of a no-deal Brexit this year. Another €200 million will be provided for rescue and restructuring scheme for vulnerable but viable business.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Soldier charged with desertion among 22 in military courts since 2016

Twenty-two members of the Defence Forces have appeared before military courts in the past four years , including a private charged with desertion and a corporal accused of mistreating their subordinates .
Other offences dealt with in courts martial since 2016 include being drunk in charge of a military vehicle , assault causing harm and fraud .
The most senior member in the Defence Forces to be charged with an offence under military law was a captain accused of common assault and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline .
They were acquitted .
Members of the Defence Forces are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Military offences are dealt with through a separate courts system operated by the Defence Forces where the punishments can be much tougher .
However , in practice , prison terms are extremely rare .
Of the 22 soldiers who appeared before various forms of courts martial in the past four years , only one – a private convicted of common assault – was given a prison term .
This was suspended for three months by the military judge .
The Defence Forces operates a small prison facility in the Curragh Camp which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use .
Over the period , 13 soldiers appeared before courts martial charged with offences , of which 11 were convicted of at least one offence , according to Defence Forces documents released to The Irish Times under Freedom of Information legislation .
A further nine soldiers brought appeals to a court martial against punishments imposed on them by their commanding officers .
All but one of these resulted in either the charge being dismissed or the punishment being substituted with a less severe one .
Among the most serious charges was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without permission and without intention to return ) against a private , an offence which can in theory carry a life sentence .
The private was acquitted of desertion but convicted of the less serious charge of being absent without leave .
They were fined 10 days ’ pay and given a severe reprimand .
A junior non-commissioned officer was prosecuted on five counts including ill-treatment of subordinates .
That charge was withdrawn but he was convicted of the lesser offence of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline .
Engaging in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” was the most common charge brought against Defence Forces members .
It a broad offence which covers a wide range of infractions .
It attracts a maximum term of two years ’ imprisonment .
There were a total of nine charges brought against soldiers relating to alcohol , including being drunk in charge of a military vehicle and being unavailable for service due to drunkenness .
Such offences were typically dealt with by way of fines and reprimands .
A sergeant was fined three days ’ pay and issued with a reprimand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge against a lieutenant was withdrawn .
According to records , four charges against a private of negligent performance remain outstanding as the soldier was discharged from the Defence Forces before a trial could take place .
They subsequently left the jurisdiction meaning the trial remains adjourned pending their return .

Members of the Defence Forces are subject to both military and civilian law. Military offences are dealt with through a separate courts system operated by the Defence Forces where the punishments can be much tougher. File photograph: Alan Betson
Twenty-two members of the Defence Forces have appeared before military courts in the past four years, including a private charged with desertion and a corporal accused of mistreating their subordinates.
Other offences dealt with in courts martial since 2016 include being drunk in charge of a military vehicle, assault causing harm and fraud.
The most senior member in the Defence Forces to be charged with an offence under military law was a captain accused of common assault and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. They were acquitted.
Members of the Defence Forces are subject to both military and civilian law. Military offences are dealt with through a separate courts system operated by the Defence Forces where the punishments can be much tougher.
READ MORE
However, in practice, prison terms are extremely rare. Of the 22 soldiers who appeared before various forms of courts martial in the past four years, only one – a private convicted of common assault – was given a prison term. This was suspended for three months by the military judge.
The Defence Forces operates a small prison facility in the Curragh Camp which is guarded by military police when in use.
Over the period, 13 soldiers appeared before courts martial charged with offences, of which 11 were convicted of at least one offence, according to Defence Forces documents released to The Irish Times under Freedom of Information legislation.
A further nine soldiers brought appeals to a court martial against punishments imposed on them by their commanding officers. All but one of these resulted in either the charge being dismissed or the punishment being substituted with a less severe one.
Among the most serious charges was an accusation of desertion (leaving the military without permission and without intention to return) against a private, an offence which can in theory carry a life sentence.
The private was acquitted of desertion but convicted of the less serious charge of being absent without leave. They were fined 10 days’ pay and given a severe reprimand.
Subordinates
A junior non-commissioned officer was prosecuted on five counts including ill-treatment of subordinates. That charge was withdrawn but he was convicted of the lesser offence of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.
Engaging in “conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline” was the most common charge brought against Defence Forces members. It a broad offence which covers a wide range of infractions. It attracts a maximum term of two years’ imprisonment.
There were a total of nine charges brought against soldiers relating to alcohol, including being drunk in charge of a military vehicle and being unavailable for service due to drunkenness. Such offences were typically dealt with by way of fines and reprimands.
A sergeant was fined three days’ pay and issued with a reprimand for fraud involving documents while a similar charge against a lieutenant was withdrawn.
According to records, four charges against a private of negligent performance remain outstanding as the soldier was discharged from the Defence Forces before a trial could take place. They subsequently left the jurisdiction meaning the trial remains adjourned pending their return.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Hundreds of social homes to be built on council works depot sites

At least 745 social homes are to be built on nine sites across Dublin currently used as bases for council staff , vehicles and equipment .
More than 20 per cent will be senior citizens ’ apartments , including homes for older people who want to downsize from larger family houses .
Three of the nine operations depot sites are on the southside of the city , with the remainder on the northside .
The council plans to build two larger works depots , first in Ballymun and later at Marrowbone Lane in the south inner city , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not plan to build the homes itself , but will instead use approved housing bodies ( AHBs ) to provide the social housing .
Where previously the council transferred land to these housing organisations for free , it plans to sell them the sites at a reduction on the market value .
“ These sites will only become available for social housing if the new depot is constructed , and the depot can only be constructed if we can generate some income from these sites , ” the council ’ s head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations had indicated they could secure finance to buy the sites , Mr Kenny said .
“ The AHBs are very keen to become involved and they will be in a position to move faster than we can in relation to these sites , so we will be seeking expressions of interest from them shortly.
” Councillors have previously stated they are not prepared to approve the sale of council land .
However , Mr Kenny said he did not anticipate that would be an issue with these sites as the land would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would hope that councillors would have no issue with this – AHBs are essentially the same as the local authority .
We are all providing social housing , it is not the same as selling land to a private developer.
” The council is putting plans in place now for the reuse of the depot sites so they can be built on as soon as the land becomes available , Mr Kenny said .
Construction of the Ballymun depot is expected to start in the summer and be competed in two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to begin in three years ; time .
The three southside sites are in Rathmines ( 100 homes ) , and the Liberties ( 120 ) and Tenters ( 3 ) in Dublin 8 .
On the northside , one site is in the city centre on Portland Row ( 35 ) , two are in Dublin 7 in Stoneybatter ( 275 ) and Cabra ( 15 ) , with the rest in Ballybough ( 32 ) , Coolock ( 50 ) and on Collins Avenue opposite DCU ( 115 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent social homes in the city increased by 45 per cent last year , according to new council figures .

The three southside sites are in Rathmines (100 homes), and the Liberties (120) and Tenters (3) in Dublin 8. Photograph: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
At least 745 social homes are to be built on nine sites across Dublin currently used as bases for council staff, vehicles and equipment.
More than 20 per cent will be senior citizens’ apartments, including homes for older people who want to downsize from larger family houses.
Three of the nine operations depot sites are on the southside of the city, with the remainder on the northside. The council plans to build two larger works depots, first in Ballymun and later at Marrowbone Lane in the south inner city, which will free up the land.
The council does not plan to build the homes itself, but will instead use approved housing bodies (AHBs) to provide the social housing. Where previously the council transferred land to these housing organisations for free, it plans to sell them the sites at a reduction on the market value.
READ MORE
"These sites will only become available for social housing if the new depot is constructed, and the depot can only be constructed if we can generate some income from these sites," the council's head of housing Brendan Kenny said.
‘Move faster’
Housing organisations had indicated they could secure finance to buy the sites, Mr Kenny said. “The AHBs are very keen to become involved and they will be in a position to move faster than we can in relation to these sites, so we will be seeking expressions of interest from them shortly.”
Councillors have previously stated they are not prepared to approve the sale of council land. However, Mr Kenny said he did not anticipate that would be an issue with these sites as the land would be used for social housing.
“I would hope that councillors would have no issue with this – AHBs are essentially the same as the local authority. We are all providing social housing, it is not the same as selling land to a private developer.”
Marrowbone Lane
The council is putting plans in place now for the reuse of the depot sites so they can be built on as soon as the land becomes available, Mr Kenny said. Construction of the Ballymun depot is expected to start in the summer and be competed in two years, while the Marrowbone Lane site is expected to begin in three years; time.
The three southside sites are in Rathmines (100 homes), and the Liberties (120) and Tenters (3) in Dublin 8. On the northside, one site is in the city centre on Portland Row (35), two are in Dublin 7 in Stoneybatter (275) and Cabra (15), with the rest in Ballybough (32), Coolock (50) and on Collins Avenue opposite DCU (115).
Separately, the number of tenants allocated permanent social homes in the city increased by 45 per cent last year, according to new council figures.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Payment schemes for former PSNI officers injured on duty ‘not fit for purpose’

Payment schemes for former police and prison officers in Northern Ireland who were injured on duty are “ not fit for purpose ” , according to a report published today by the North ’ s auditor general .
Kieran Donnelly , who is the head of the Northern Ireland Audit Office , said “ substantial changes ” were necessary if the schemes were to be affordable in the future .
The injury on duty schemes assess claims and award payments to former police and prison officers for injuries sustained while on duty .
The main type of injury award paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together with a monthly award which is normally payable for life .
Both schemes had seen costs “ soar ” in recent years , the report found .
In 2018-19 , the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) spent £33.9m and the Northern Ireland Prison Service £2.3m on injury on duty awards .
The total future financial liability is estimated at £448.4m for the PSNI and £52.8m for the prison service .
The report found that the nature of injuries has changed , and with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common injuries for which an award has been claimed .
It highlighted a number of issues , including the scale of claims in Northern Ireland , which is “ significantly greater ” than in Great Britain .
In 2014 there were on average 10-15 claims a week by former police officers in the North , while the Metropolitan Police Service in London – with over 30,000 officers – received around 22 applications per year .
The PSNI scheme was also “ complex and challenging to administer ” , and the payment of injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were also no time limits within which an application must be made , with the consequence that backdated awards had a “ significant impact ” on spending .
The report cited one example from 2018-19 which dated back 25 years and which cost £429,000 in arrears alone .
The report noted that while action had been taken by the PSNI and the prison service to improve wellbeing and reduce the level of injuries sustained by officers , changes to the legislation would be necessary to ensure the schemes were efficient , affordable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ fundamental review ” of the PSNI scheme – similar to an ongoing review of the prison service scheme – which should “ provide greater clarity on the aims of the schemes , how they will be achieved and what checks and balances are required to ensure the appropriate use of public money.
” It also recommended the simplification of the scheme , and the introduction of a new case management system .
In the short term , the Department of Justice and Finance and the Northern Ireland Policing Board should take action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current schemes , it recommended .

Payment schemes for former police and prison officers in Northern Ireland who were injured on duty are "not fit for purpose", according to a report published today by the North's auditor general.
Kieran Donnelly, who is the head of the Northern Ireland Audit Office, said "substantial changes" were necessary if the schemes were to be affordable in the future.
The injury on duty schemes assess claims and award payments to former police and prison officers for injuries sustained while on duty.
The main type of injury award paid by the scheme is a one-off gratuity together with a monthly award which is normally payable for life.
READ MORE
Both schemes had seen costs "soar" in recent years, the report found. In 2018-19, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spent £33.9m and the Northern Ireland Prison Service £2.3m on injury on duty awards.
The total future financial liability is estimated at £448.4m for the PSNI and £52.8m for the prison service.
The report found that the nature of injuries has changed, and with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and hearing loss now among the most common injuries for which an award has been claimed.
It highlighted a number of issues, including the scale of claims in Northern Ireland, which is “significantly greater” than in Great Britain. In 2014 there were on average 10-15 claims a week by former police officers in the North, while the Metropolitan Police Service in London – with over 30,000 officers – received around 22 applications per year.
The PSNI scheme was also “complex and challenging to administer”, and the payment of injury awards was “not always equitable.”
There were also no time limits within which an application must be made, with the consequence that backdated awards had a “significant impact” on spending. The report cited one example from 2018-19 which dated back 25 years and which cost £429,000 in arrears alone.
The report noted that while action had been taken by the PSNI and the prison service to improve wellbeing and reduce the level of injuries sustained by officers, changes to the legislation would be necessary to ensure the schemes were efficient, affordable and properly controlled.
It recommended a “fundamental review” of the PSNI scheme – similar to an ongoing review of the prison service scheme – which should “provide greater clarity on the aims of the schemes, how they will be achieved and what checks and balances are required to ensure the appropriate use of public money.”
It also recommended the simplification of the scheme, and the introduction of a new case management system.
In the short term, the Department of Justice and Finance and the Northern Ireland Policing Board should take action to mitigate the issues arising within the current schemes, it recommended.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Coronavirus patient in Ireland: ‘Only symptom I had was fever’

One of the first coronavirus patients in Ireland has said the only symptom he displayed was a fever , and he did not have any respiratory problems when he tested positive for the condition .
Paul* , whose actual identity was not disclosed , told RTÉ ’ s Claire Byrne Live show he was “ a little bit worried ” upon learning he contracted the condition after returning from a trip abroad .
“ The only symptoms I had was , basically , the fever .
I didn ’ t have any respiratory problem , any lung inflammation , any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the fever , ” he said .
“ Based on the fact I was abroad I preferred to self-isolate myself anyway because I was not sure if it was safe to go around , ” he said .
Paul is one of 24 confirmed cases of coronavirus , officially known as Covid-19 , in the Republic , but health officials fear large portions of the population may contract the disease in the coming weeks .
On Monday , St Patrick ’ s Day parades in Dublin and across the country were cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as France and Germany also moved to ban mass public gatherings .
In an unprecedented move Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte extended a lockdown on northern regions worst affected by the disease to the entire country .
Speaking by phone on Claire Byrne Live , Paul described the process of how he was tested for the condition , and the steps taken following the positive result .
A medical officer was sent to his apartment to take a swab of his throat and nose and after 24 hours he was informed he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later was taken to hospital , where he remains in isolation .
“ I didn ’ t have any severe symptoms , I actually feel great now .
I had a fever for a couple of days and now , from Friday , I don ’ t have any more symptoms , ” he told the RTÉ One show .
Commenting on his initial reaction after learning he had the coronavirus , he said : “ I was a little bit worried of course , but it ’ s a new virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It might be dangerous but at the same time most of the people recover and that is the official information that we have .
So based on the facts , and that I am quite young , I was not scared , ” he said .
Following his positive test , the Health Service Executive asked Paul “ a lot of questions ” about who he had been in contact with in attempts to trace whether he had passed it on to someone else , he said .
“ I am currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nurses and medical officers are really , really nice with me , ” he said .
“ I am being tested every day for the virus and when I will be negative for twice in a row , so for two consecutive days , it means I will be free of the virus and I can go back home , ” he said .
Paul said the public should take advice on the coronavirus from health authorities rather than social media .

Coronavirus patient in Ireland: “The only symptoms I had was, basically, the fever. I didn’t have any respiratory problem, any lung inflammation, any cough, any sneezing, so was just the fever.” Photograph: Jeenah Moon/Getty
One of the first coronavirus patients in Ireland has said the only symptom he displayed was a fever, and he did not have any respiratory problems when he tested positive for the condition.
Paul*, whose actual identity was not disclosed, told RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live show he was “a little bit worried” upon learning he contracted the condition after returning from a trip abroad.
“The only symptoms I had was, basically, the fever. I didn’t have any respiratory problem, any lung inflammation, any cough, any sneezing, so was just the fever,” he said.
“Based on the fact I was abroad I preferred to self-isolate myself anyway because I was not sure if it was safe to go around,” he said.
READ MORE
Paul is one of 24 confirmed cases of coronavirus, officially known as Covid-19, in the Republic, but health officials fear large portions of the population may contract the disease in the coming weeks.
On Monday, St Patrick’s Day parades in Dublin and across the country were cancelled, as several other European countries such as France and Germany also moved to ban mass public gatherings.
In an unprecedented move Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte extended a lockdown on northern regions worst affected by the disease to the entire country.
Speaking by phone on Claire Byrne Live, Paul described the process of how he was tested for the condition, and the steps taken following the positive result.
A medical officer was sent to his apartment to take a swab of his throat and nose and after 24 hours he was informed he had tested positive. Less than an hour later was taken to hospital, where he remains in isolation.
“I didn’t have any severe symptoms, I actually feel great now. I had a fever for a couple of days and now, from Friday, I don’t have any more symptoms,” he told the RTÉ One show.
Initial reaction
Commenting on his initial reaction after learning he had the coronavirus, he said: “I was a little bit worried of course, but it’s a new virus and all this information is going around.
“It might be dangerous but at the same time most of the people recover and that is the official information that we have. So based on the facts, and that I am quite young, I was not scared,” he said.
Following his positive test, the Health Service Executive asked Paul "a lot of questions" about who he had been in contact with in attempts to trace whether he had passed it on to someone else, he said.
“I am currently in isolation in a private room and the nurses and medical officers are really, really nice with me,” he said.
“I am being tested every day for the virus and when I will be negative for twice in a row, so for two consecutive days, it means I will be free of the virus and I can go back home,” he said.
Paul said the public should take advice on the coronavirus from health authorities rather than social media.


theirishtimes--2020-03-10--Matching skills with labour market demand

Undergraduates expecting to secure employment upon finishing their primary degree might be surprised to discover that they may lack the core skills which employers look for when recruiting .
In an increasingly competitive jobs market it is always worth considering what will set you apart from other candidates when applying for that job .
Undertaking a postgraduate programme is one way in which today ’ s graduates are future-proofing themselves for a constantly evolving jobs market .
It is quite a commitment and will take time and money to complete .
However those completing a postgrad will have the advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills that will complement their CV and enhance their employability .
There is increasing confluence between sectors such as information and communications technology ( ICT ) , business and engineering , which were once considered to be unique disciplines in their own right .
ICT now permeates almost all sectors of the economy , and similarly , strong business skills are relevant across many sectors .
Accounting firms today don ’ t only hire accountants - they are also on the lookout for marketing , IT and engineering graduates .
Arts and journalism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media skills are sought after by firms who need to expand their social media and online presence .
Data analytics is now the fastest- growing skill in demand and this is likely to continue in the years ahead .
The combination of data and marketing skills is perhaps the most highly sought-after combination .
Evolving IT security threats and the corresponding need for greater data protection is feeding demand for IT security roles with increased demand for dedicated cyber-security functions .
Ever-increasing investment in web- based services has created a major skills shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Python , Ruby on Rails and Scala , in particular .
The intersection between finance and technology has undergone a huge shift which is changing the face of the financial services landscape .
With dozens of Irish start-ups operating in this area , the expectation is for significant growth in this area in the coming years .
The opportunities for hybrid professionals - graduates with skills spanning financial services and technology - will continue to increase as the finance and technology sector sees increasing collaboration between government , education and industry sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with large financial institutions and smaller global tech companies operating in the financial sphere as traditional companies work towards adapting to the rise of finance and technology .
There are increasing overlaps in the skill sets required across different sectors and job roles .
In addition to sector-specific skills , cross-sectoral employability skills are increasingly being sought by employers .
These include people skills , critical/analytical thinking skills , management skills and creativity , design and innovation , entrepreneurialism , team working , communications and business acumen , with ICT skills and foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is vitally important in developing our markets outside of the British Isles in a post Brexit environment .
Languages in demand include German , French , Spanish , Italian , Portuguese , the Nordic languages and a growing need for Mandarin as Ireland rapidly expands its trade in goods and services with China .
Every year dozens of companies , across a wide range of sectors , recruit graduates and postgraduates .
The larger companies typically have graduate training programmes in place .
They recruit graduates who can demonstrate strong academic ability , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no experience of the world of work .
A graduate training programme is a way of bridging this gap by easing new entrants into the world of work and equipping them with the necessary skills required by the organisation .
Graduate training programmes tend to be up to two years long .
Some will offer opportunities in different areas of the business before settling on a specific career area within the company .
Such programmes are an excellent opportunity to learn on the job , gain experience and earn some money at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant stepping stone to a permanent job .
Some examples of cross-sector graduate recruitment campaigns offered by some of Irelands leading companies in recent years include CRH , Intel , Analog Devices , Deloitte , Bank of Ireland , ESB and Accenture .
European Movement ( EM ) Ireland europeanmovement.ie/jobs-list , has a comprehensive list of jobs , traineeships and internships of offer to graduates throughout Europe .
Check out CareersPortal.ie for details of other graduate recruitment programmes .
There may be a gap between the skills employers are looking for and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is possible to bridge this gap .
Springboard is an initiative for higher education that offers free , part-time courses at certificate , degree and master ’ s level , leading to qualifications that are in demand among employers and where there are employment opportunities in the growing economy .
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF programme for employability , inclusion and learning 2014-2020 .
Most courses are one-year or less .
In a rapidly shifting economic environment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with a new skillset , specifically tailored to the needs of today ’ s market .
All the courses aim to reskill people in areas where job opportunities in skilled employment are growing - ICT ; high-level manufacturing ; medical devices ; biopharma ; international financial services ; skills to trade internationally ; entrepreneurship and business start-up ; and niche skills in the construction industry .
The current Springboard+ programme through 35 providers offers a choice of more than 288 free , part-time and intensive conversion courses in higher education from certificate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , degree and postgraduate level .
Most are part-time , but there are also some full-time courses including ICT conversion courses .
There are 9,266 free places available throughout the country .
Springboard qualifications are available in cross-enterprise skills such as innovation , enterprise/entrepreneurship , digital marketing and project management .
To find out more about Springboard+ or to apply for one of its courses visit springboardcourses.ie .

Undergraduates expecting to secure employment upon finishing their primary degree might be surprised to discover that they may lack the core skills which employers look for when recruiting.
In an increasingly competitive jobs market it is always worth considering what will set you apart from other candidates when applying for that job.
Undertaking a postgraduate programme is one way in which today’s graduates are future-proofing themselves for a constantly evolving jobs market.
It is quite a commitment and will take time and money to complete. However those completing a postgrad will have the advantage of adding a new set of cross-sectoral skills that will complement their CV and enhance their employability.
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There is increasing confluence between sectors such as information and communications technology (ICT), business and engineering, which were once considered to be unique disciplines in their own right.
ICT now permeates almost all sectors of the economy, and similarly, strong business skills are relevant across many sectors. Accounting firms today don’t only hire accountants - they are also on the lookout for marketing, IT and engineering graduates.
Arts and journalism graduates who can bring communications and social media skills are sought after by firms who need to expand their social media and online presence.
Data analytics is now the fastest- growing skill in demand and this is likely to continue in the years ahead.
The combination of data and marketing skills is perhaps the most highly sought-after combination.
Evolving IT security threats and the corresponding need for greater data protection is feeding demand for IT security roles with increased demand for dedicated cyber-security functions.
Ever-increasing investment in web- based services has created a major skills shortage for software developers with Java, NET, Python, Ruby on Rails and Scala, in particular.
Finance and technology
The intersection between finance and technology has undergone a huge shift which is changing the face of the financial services landscape.
With dozens of Irish start-ups operating in this area, the expectation is for significant growth in this area in the coming years.
The opportunities for hybrid professionals - graduates with skills spanning financial services and technology - will continue to increase as the finance and technology sector sees increasing collaboration between government, education and industry sectors.
There are abundant opportunities for graduates with large financial institutions and smaller global tech companies operating in the financial sphere as traditional companies work towards adapting to the rise of finance and technology.
Skill overlap
There are increasing overlaps in the skill sets required across different sectors and job roles. In addition to sector-specific skills, cross-sectoral employability skills are increasingly being sought by employers.
These include people skills, critical/analytical thinking skills, management skills and creativity, design and innovation, entrepreneurialism, team working, communications and business acumen, with ICT skills and foreign languages, and cultural awareness, which is vitally important in developing our markets outside of the British Isles in a post Brexit environment.
Languages in demand include German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, the Nordic languages and a growing need for Mandarin as Ireland rapidly expands its trade in goods and services with China.
Graduate recruitment and training
Every year dozens of companies, across a wide range of sectors, recruit graduates and postgraduates. The larger companies typically have graduate training programmes in place. They recruit graduates who can demonstrate strong academic ability, but who may have limited or even no experience of the world of work.
A graduate training programme is a way of bridging this gap by easing new entrants into the world of work and equipping them with the necessary skills required by the organisation.
Graduate training programmes tend to be up to two years long. Some will offer opportunities in different areas of the business before settling on a specific career area within the company.
Such programmes are an excellent opportunity to learn on the job, gain experience and earn some money at the same time. Graduate training programmes are a significant stepping stone to a permanent job.
Some examples of cross-sector graduate recruitment campaigns offered by some of Irelands leading companies in recent years include CRH, Intel, Analog Devices, Deloitte, Bank of Ireland, ESB and Accenture.
European Movement (EM) Ireland europeanmovement.ie/jobs-list, has a comprehensive list of jobs, traineeships and internships of offer to graduates throughout Europe.
Check out CareersPortal.ie for details of other graduate recruitment programmes.
Upskilling, training and further training
There may be a gap between the skills employers are looking for and the skills you are leaving college with. It is possible to bridge this gap.
Springboard is an initiative for higher education that offers free, part-time courses at certificate, degree and master’s level, leading to qualifications that are in demand among employers and where there are employment opportunities in the growing economy.
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF programme for employability, inclusion and learning 2014-2020.
Most courses are one-year or less. In a rapidly shifting economic environment, Springboard courses have provided more than 35,000 people with a new skillset, specifically tailored to the needs of today’s market.
All the courses aim to reskill people in areas where job opportunities in skilled employment are growing - ICT; high-level manufacturing; medical devices; biopharma; international financial services; skills to trade internationally; entrepreneurship and business start-up; and niche skills in the construction industry.
The current Springboard+ programme through 35 providers offers a choice of more than 288 free, part-time and intensive conversion courses in higher education from certificate to degree to post-graduate level at certificate, degree and postgraduate level. Most are part-time, but there are also some full-time courses including ICT conversion courses. There are 9,266 free places available throughout the country.
Springboard qualifications are available in cross-enterprise skills such as innovation, enterprise/entrepreneurship, digital marketing and project management. To find out more about Springboard+ or to apply for one of its courses visit springboardcourses.ie.