theirishtimes--2020-07-15--Access to mortgage-to-rent scheme may be widened

The Government is examining plans to widen access to a key State scheme to keep those in negative equity in their homes .
Minister for Housing Darragh O ’ Brien told The Irish Times he was looking at plans to raise limits on the value of a home which can participate in the mortgage-to-rent scheme .
The scheme involves those with unsustainable mortgage debt surrendering their home but remaining in the property and becoming social housing tenants .
“ The objective of mortgage-to-rent is a good one , ” he said .
“ A family in dire straits in relation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of irreversible in the sense they won ’ t be able to catch up , it ’ s a scheme that in principle is a good one because it allows a family to stay in their home.
” However , he said uptake of the scheme had been lower than he would like , partially due to the limits on the value of a home being at a level that made many homeowners , particularly those living in cities , ineligible .
He also said the scheme was cumbersome and time-consuming .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ major cities and greater urban areas , that those who tend to be in systemic mortgage arrears , where the situation is irreversible , tend to be those who purchased at the top of the last boom.
” Currently , a house in Dublin , Meath , Kildare , Wicklow , Louth , Cork and Galway is not eligible if it is valued at more than €395,000 .
A limit of €310,000 applies for an apartment or townhouse in these counties .
Outside these areas , the limits are €305,000 and €220,000 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ examining raising the threshold by as much as 30 per cent , meaning a house valued at up to €513,500 in Dublin would be eligible for the scheme .
Under the scheme , the owner relinquishes the home , which is either taken over by a local authority or an approved housing body .
The former owner then becomes a social housing tenant and remains in the property .
Certain income limits must be satisfied and , in almost all circumstances , the property must be in negative equity .
A version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debtor rights advocate David Hall ’ s iCare housing group in recent years , using finance from AIB to purchase some of the bank ’ s non-performing loan stock .
In this version , the mortgage debt is written off .
A commitment to expand and reform the scheme was included in the programme for government .
Raising the threshold for eligibility would need approval from the Department of Finance , Mr O ’ Brien said .
If that was forthcoming , he would also look at ways to streamline the programme .

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien: examining raising the threshold for the mortgage-to-rent scheme by as much as 30%. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
The Government is examining plans to widen access to a key State scheme to keep those in negative equity in their homes.
Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien told The Irish Times he was looking at plans to raise limits on the value of a home which can participate in the mortgage-to-rent scheme. The scheme involves those with unsustainable mortgage debt surrendering their home but remaining in the property and becoming social housing tenants.
“The objective of mortgage-to-rent is a good one,” he said. “A family in dire straits in relation to mortgage arrears, when it is kind of irreversible in the sense they won’t be able to catch up, it’s a scheme that in principle is a good one because it allows a family to stay in their home.”
Cumbersome and time-consuming
However, he said uptake of the scheme had been lower than he would like, partially due to the limits on the value of a home being at a level that made many homeowners, particularly those living in cities, ineligible. He also said the scheme was cumbersome and time-consuming.
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"The issue has been in our major cities and greater urban areas, that those who tend to be in systemic mortgage arrears, where the situation is irreversible, tend to be those who purchased at the top of the last boom." Currently, a house in Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and Galway is not eligible if it is valued at more than €395,000. A limit of €310,000 applies for an apartment or townhouse in these counties.
Outside these areas, the limits are €305,000 and €220,000. Mr O’Brien said he was examining raising the threshold by as much as 30 per cent, meaning a house valued at up to €513,500 in Dublin would be eligible for the scheme.
Negative equity
Under the scheme, the owner relinquishes the home, which is either taken over by a local authority or an approved housing body. The former owner then becomes a social housing tenant and remains in the property. Certain income limits must be satisfied and, in almost all circumstances, the property must be in negative equity.
A version of the mortgage-to-rent scheme has been used by debtor rights advocate David Hall's iCare housing group in recent years, using finance from AIB to purchase some of the bank's non-performing loan stock. In this version, the mortgage debt is written off.
A commitment to expand and reform the scheme was included in the programme for government. Raising the threshold for eligibility would need approval from the Department of Finance, Mr O'Brien said. If that was forthcoming, he would also look at ways to streamline the programme.


theirishtimes--2020-07-15--Irish-based scientists find new link between delirium and brain energy disruption

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered a new link between impaired energy metabolism in the brain and delirium , a disorienting and distressing disorder common in older people – and occurring in a large proportion of patients hospitalised with Covid-19 .
While much of the research was conducted in mice , additional work suggests overlapping mechanisms are at play in humans because cerebrospinal fluid collected from patients suffering from delirium “ also contained tell-tale markers of altered brain glucose metabolism ” – the biochemical process that provides the fuel for physiological brain function .
Collectively , the research , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of the Journal of Neuroscience , “ suggests therapies focusing on brain energy metabolism may offer new routes to mitigating delirium ” .
When the body experiences high levels of inflammation – such as during bacterial or viral infections as is the case with Covid-19 – the way our brains function changes , which in turn affects mood and motivation .
In older patients such acute inflammation can produce a profound disturbance of brain function known as delirium .
Despite the disorder being relatively common , the mechanisms by which it arises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the TCD scientists found artificially inducing peripheral inflammation in mice triggered sudden onset cognitive dysfunction , and that this is mediated by a disturbance to energy metabolism in the brain .
In these experiments , inflammation left the mice with lower levels of blood sugar ( glucose ) , which the brain requires for maintaining normal function , according to Prof Colm Cunningham who leads the Trinity Biomedical Science Institute lab where the work was performed .
When the animals were given glucose , their cognitive performance returned towards normal , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to patients is not likely to treat delirium in most cases , Prof Cunningham added .
“ But , collectively , our data emphasise that an appropriate supply of both oxygen and glucose to the brain becomes especially important in older patients and in those with existing dementia .
Therefore , we believe that focusing on brain energy metabolism may offer routes to mitigating delirium .
“ An important feature of these experiments was that mice with early stages of pre-existing neurodegenerative disease were far more susceptible to dysfunction when these metabolic changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our collaborators in Oslo also detected evidence of altered brain glucose metabolism in cerebrospinal fluid taken from people experiencing delirium , which argues for overlapping mechanisms in humans and mice .
In other words , the signs are that similar processes are at work in people , ” Prof Cunningham said .
Dr Wes Ely , a critical care physician from Vanderbilt University in the US , who was not involved with the study , said : “ The finding ... really resonates with what we see in our intensive care unit patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delirium among hospitalised older people and these episodes can accelerate progress of underlying dementia , “ treatments are desperately needed ” , he said .

Trinity Biomedical Science Institute: Prof Colm Cunningham, who leads the lab, believes that focusing on brain energy metabolism may offer routes to mitigating delirium.
Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered a new link between impaired energy metabolism in the brain and delirium, a disorienting and distressing disorder common in older people – and occurring in a large proportion of patients hospitalised with Covid-19.
While much of the research was conducted in mice, additional work suggests overlapping mechanisms are at play in humans because cerebrospinal fluid collected from patients suffering from delirium “also contained tell-tale markers of altered brain glucose metabolism” – the biochemical process that provides the fuel for physiological brain function.
Collectively, the research, which has been published in the latest issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, “suggests therapies focusing on brain energy metabolism may offer new routes to mitigating delirium”.
When the body experiences high levels of inflammation – such as during bacterial or viral infections as is the case with Covid-19 – the way our brains function changes, which in turn affects mood and motivation. In older patients such acute inflammation can produce a profound disturbance of brain function known as delirium. Despite the disorder being relatively common, the mechanisms by which it arises are poorly understood.
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Energy metabolism
In their research, the TCD scientists found artificially inducing peripheral inflammation in mice triggered sudden onset cognitive dysfunction, and that this is mediated by a disturbance to energy metabolism in the brain.
In these experiments, inflammation left the mice with lower levels of blood sugar (glucose), which the brain requires for maintaining normal function, according to Prof Colm Cunningham who leads the Trinity Biomedical Science Institute lab where the work was performed.
When the animals were given glucose, their cognitive performance returned towards normal, despite the continued inflammation.
Simply providing glucose to patients is not likely to treat delirium in most cases, Prof Cunningham added.
“But, collectively, our data emphasise that an appropriate supply of both oxygen and glucose to the brain becomes especially important in older patients and in those with existing dementia. Therefore, we believe that focusing on brain energy metabolism may offer routes to mitigating delirium.
“An important feature of these experiments was that mice with early stages of pre-existing neurodegenerative disease were far more susceptible to dysfunction when these metabolic changes occurred,” he added.
"Our collaborators in Oslo also detected evidence of altered brain glucose metabolism in cerebrospinal fluid taken from people experiencing delirium, which argues for overlapping mechanisms in humans and mice. In other words, the signs are that similar processes are at work in people," Prof Cunningham said.
Dr Wes Ely, a critical care physician from Vanderbilt University in the US, who was not involved with the study, said: "The finding...really resonates with what we see in our intensive care unit patients with delirium."
Given the frequency of delirium among hospitalised older people and these episodes can accelerate progress of underlying dementia, “treatments are desperately needed”, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-15--Covid-19 borders: The tough controls other countries are imposing on visitors

Much of the world has closed its borders to non-essential travel to prevent imported Covid-19 infections but strategies to curb the spread of coronavirus vary wildly from country to country .
While Ireland is seen by some as relatively light-touch in restricting visitors , other states are unsparing in isolating and tracking anyone who touches down at their airports during the pandemic .
Data from the online travel booking site Kayak suggests more than 100 countries are shut off to all international travel , 70 are partially closed and about 36 – including Ireland – are deemed to have few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can travel to more authoritarian yet once easily accessed destinations , they can expect mandatory quarantines in official facilities – luxury hotels for the lucky – surveillance and lengthy jail terms for breaching isolation orders .
Flout the strict quarantine measures on arrival in South Korea at your peril : a year in prison and a fine of 10 million KRW ( €7,300 ) can be handed down under the country ’ s disease control legislation .
Visitors can also be deported or banned from the country for refusing to follow orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in controlling the spread of Covid-19 – although it has reported a second wave in recent weeks – Seoul has deployed a carrot and stick approach to stemming imported infections .
All air passengers must have their temperature checked before boarding a plane to the East Asian republic .
Anyone gauging above 37.5 degrees on the thermometer or displaying symptoms of Covid-19 is told to turn back , with the promise of a refund .
Passengers who do arrive in South Korea have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine as well as testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence get a supply kit from the local council to help them isolate .
Rev Yongnam Park , a minister with the Methodist Church in Rathgar , Dublin , said he was pleasantly surprised to receive one such pack on his recent arrival in South Korea , where he was visiting family .
The pack included masks , a thermometer , hand sanitiser , food , snacks and even chocolates .
Those without a residence must stay in one of the government ’ s eight designated quarantine facilities for overseas arrivals showing no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ramada hotel in Yongin – has been subject to protests .
Locals who oppose the facility being sited in their neighbourhood bang drums and play loud music outside throughout the day .
Hundreds of foreigners holed up inside – and paying 100,000 KRW ( €73 a night for the pleasure ) – can not leave their rooms as police monitor CCTV cameras to ensure compliance with the order .
Test results are available within hours , and anyone testing positive is treated free at a hospital or community treatment centre , but may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
In the unlikely event of getting into Singapore – the city state is shut to all short-term visitors – a surprise stay at some of Asia ’ s finest hotels might cushion the curtailment of a strictly enforced two-week quarantine .
Even citizens , long-term residents and foreigners with long-term passes returning to the island must serve a 14-day Stay Home Notice ( SHN ) .
Passengers arriving from a small number of countries , if approved , can serve this at their normal place of residence under strict surveillance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of 7,500 hotel rooms or serviced apartments , block-booked by the government to isolate arrivals .
Some of those hotels include international luxury chains such as Hilton Worldwide , InterContinental Hotels Group and Accor SA .
On landing , some passengers have been whisked off to the Shangri-La ’ s five-star Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa , with room service and a sea view from the balcony included .
Earlier in the crisis , the bill , which normally runs into hundreds of euro a night , was picked up by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed a charge on those who are neither citizens nor permanent residents .
Those serving their SHN at their normal residence can expect regular phone calls , WhatsApp and text messages from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) .
These must be responded to within one hour and include confirmation of your exact whereabouts .
ICA officials will also video call those in quarantine to check they are where they say they are , while house visits are also carried out .
Citizens of the surveillance-heavy state are encouraged to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be imposed on those found failing to comply , while residency can also be revoked .
Everyone returning to Singapore is tested for Covid-19 at a designated community testing facility , at their own cost .
Even if showing no symptoms , all arrivals in Australia are quarantined for 14 days in designated accommodation , generally hotels .
On touchdown , passengers are examined by a nurse , who takes their temperature .
Those who display symptoms are taken to a healthcare-staffed hotel where they will be isolated and tested for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and who test negative have to remain in a quarantine hotel – chosen by the authorities on the day of arrival – for the full two weeks .
The Australian Air Force has been drafted in to transport passengers on chartered buses to their unknown destination .
Exemptions to hotel quarantine are considered only where there are strong medical , health or compassionate grounds .
Breaking quarantine is a criminal offence , carrying maximum penalties of six months in prison , a fine of AUS $ 11,000 ( €6,700 ) or both , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,500 ( €3,350 ) for each day the offence continues .
The cost of supervised isolation at hotels was previously courtesy of the authorities , with room service also covered , but some regions – including New South Wales , which has spent AUS $ 50 million ( $ 30.5 million ) on quarantining arrivals , and South Australia – are ending the subsidy .
Adults can now expect to pay as much as AUS $ 3,000 ( €1,800 ) and an extra AUS $ 500 ( €300 ) per child for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with valid residence permits can travel to South Africa , which has all but sealed off its airspace to passenger flights .
Screening for arrivals includes temperature checks and recent travel history , before a mandatory 14-day isolation at a state-appointed facility , usually , but not always , a hotel .
Foreigners travelling to Taiwan need to have a valid visa , which will not be granted for tourism , study or visiting friends .
Arrivals must provide authorities with a negative Covid-19 test , which was carried out within three days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also fill in a health declaration , including travel history for the previous two weeks .
If you don ’ t have a Taiwanese mobile phone service provider , you can expect to be asked to install a local Sim card , which will be used to track your location .
It is then a legal requirement to self-isolate for 14 days , unless travelling from a country deemed low risk by authorities , which may grant a reduced quarantine period .
For those without a residence , there are government-approved quarantine facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels , where you are strictly confined to your room .
The cost of accommodation is offset with only a small subsidy from the Taiwanese taxpayer .
Breaches can incur fines .
Visitors have reported being sprayed down with disinfectant before being ushered onto a government-approved quarantine taxi to their chosen lodgings .

Passengers arriving from Melbourne are greeted by staff from New South Wales health department to check for Covid-19 symptoms, at Sydney Airport. Photograph: James Gourley/ EPA
Much of the world has closed its borders to non-essential travel to prevent imported Covid-19 infections but strategies to curb the spread of coronavirus vary wildly from country to country.
While Ireland is seen by some as relatively light-touch in restricting visitors, other states are unsparing in isolating and tracking anyone who touches down at their airports during the pandemic.
Data from the online travel booking site Kayak suggests more than 100 countries are shut off to all international travel, 70 are partially closed and about 36 – including Ireland – are deemed to have few restrictions for overseas arrivals.
A selection of foods supplied by a local council in South Korea to each new arrival for the 14-day self-quarantine. It includes masks, a thermometer and chocolates. Photograph: Yongnam Park
Passengers collect baggage after arriving on a flight from Melbourne at Sydney Airport, New South Wales (NSW). Photograph: Bianca De Marchi / EPA
For those who can travel to more authoritarian yet once easily accessed destinations, they can expect mandatory quarantines in official facilities – luxury hotels for the lucky – surveillance and lengthy jail terms for breaching isolation orders.
READ MORE
South Korea
Flout the strict quarantine measures on arrival in South Korea at your peril: a year in prison and a fine of 10 million KRW (€7,300) can be handed down under the country’s disease control legislation. Visitors can also be deported or banned from the country for refusing to follow orders.
Seen as an early success story in controlling the spread of Covid-19 – although it has reported a second wave in recent weeks – Seoul has deployed a carrot and stick approach to stemming imported infections.
All air passengers must have their temperature checked before boarding a plane to the East Asian republic. Anyone gauging above 37.5 degrees on the thermometer or displaying symptoms of Covid-19 is told to turn back, with the promise of a refund.
Passengers who do arrive in South Korea have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine as well as testing for coronavirus. Those with a confirmed residence get a supply kit from the local council to help them isolate.
Rev Yongnam Park, a minister with the Methodist Church in Rathgar, Dublin, said he was pleasantly surprised to receive one such pack on his recent arrival in South Korea, where he was visiting family. The pack included masks, a thermometer, hand sanitiser, food, snacks and even chocolates.
Those without a residence must stay in one of the government’s eight designated quarantine facilities for overseas arrivals showing no symptoms.
One of them – the Ramada hotel in Yongin – has been subject to protests. Locals who oppose the facility being sited in their neighbourhood bang drums and play loud music outside throughout the day.
Hundreds of foreigners holed up inside – and paying 100,000 KRW (€73 a night for the pleasure) – cannot leave their rooms as police monitor CCTV cameras to ensure compliance with the order.
Test results are available within hours, and anyone testing positive is treated free at a hospital or community treatment centre, but may not be discharged for more than a month.
Singapore
In the unlikely event of getting into Singapore – the city state is shut to all short-term visitors – a surprise stay at some of Asia’s finest hotels might cushion the curtailment of a strictly enforced two-week quarantine.
Even citizens, long-term residents and foreigners with long-term passes returning to the island must serve a 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN).
Passengers arriving from a small number of countries, if approved, can serve this at their normal place of residence under strict surveillance. But many will have to stay at one of 7,500 hotel rooms or serviced apartments, block-booked by the government to isolate arrivals.
Some of those hotels include international luxury chains such as Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group and Accor SA. On landing, some passengers have been whisked off to the Shangri-La’s five-star Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa, with room service and a sea view from the balcony included.
Earlier in the crisis, the bill, which normally runs into hundreds of euro a night, was picked up by the Singaporean taxpayer, but authorities have since imposed a charge on those who are neither citizens nor permanent residents.
Those serving their SHN at their normal residence can expect regular phone calls, WhatsApp and text messages from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). These must be responded to within one hour and include confirmation of your exact whereabouts.
ICA officials will also video call those in quarantine to check they are where they say they are, while house visits are also carried out. Citizens of the surveillance-heavy state are encouraged to report any suspected breaches.
Imprisonment and fines can be imposed on those found failing to comply, while residency can also be revoked.
Everyone returning to Singapore is tested for Covid-19 at a designated community testing facility, at their own cost.
Australia
Even if showing no symptoms, all arrivals in Australia are quarantined for 14 days in designated accommodation, generally hotels.
On touchdown, passengers are examined by a nurse, who takes their temperature. Those who display symptoms are taken to a healthcare-staffed hotel where they will be isolated and tested for the virus.
But even those without symptoms and who test negative have to remain in a quarantine hotel – chosen by the authorities on the day of arrival – for the full two weeks. The Australian Air Force has been drafted in to transport passengers on chartered buses to their unknown destination.
Exemptions to hotel quarantine are considered only where there are strong medical, health or compassionate grounds.
Breaking quarantine is a criminal offence, carrying maximum penalties of six months in prison, a fine of AUS$11,000 (€6,700) or both, with a further fine of AUS$5,500 (€3,350) for each day the offence continues.
The cost of supervised isolation at hotels was previously courtesy of the authorities, with room service also covered, but some regions – including New South Wales, which has spent AUS$50 million ($30.5 million) on quarantining arrivals, and South Australia – are ending the subsidy.
Adults can now expect to pay as much as AUS$3,000 (€1,800) and an extra AUS$500 (€300) per child for the two-week stay.
South Africa
Only nationals and those with valid residence permits can travel to South Africa, which has all but sealed off its airspace to passenger flights.
Screening for arrivals includes temperature checks and recent travel history, before a mandatory 14-day isolation at a state-appointed facility, usually, but not always, a hotel.
Taiwan
Foreigners travelling to Taiwan need to have a valid visa, which will not be granted for tourism, study or visiting friends.
Arrivals must provide authorities with a negative Covid-19 test, which was carried out within three days before boarding their flight. They must also fill in a health declaration, including travel history for the previous two weeks.
If you don’t have a Taiwanese mobile phone service provider, you can expect to be asked to install a local Sim card, which will be used to track your location.
It is then a legal requirement to self-isolate for 14 days, unless travelling from a country deemed low risk by authorities, which may grant a reduced quarantine period.
For those without a residence, there are government-approved quarantine facilities, ranging from no-frills hostels to luxury hotels, where you are strictly confined to your room. The cost of accommodation is offset with only a small subsidy from the Taiwanese taxpayer. Breaches can incur fines.
Visitors have reported being sprayed down with disinfectant before being ushered onto a government-approved quarantine taxi to their chosen lodgings.


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Chilean student ‘happy to be free’ after being detained for nearly two weeks in Mountjoy

A Chilean student kept in isolation for almost two weeks in the female section of Mountjoy Prison after immigration officials refused to allow her enter the State has said she is “ so happy to be free ” .
Estefany Carolina Alquinta Gonzalez ( 33 ) , a qualified environmental engineer , said her father ’ s death just two months ago from coronavirus added to her feeling “ very low and scared ” while detained here .
She was freed on Tuesday after the State did not contest a High Court-ordered inquiry into the legality of her detention .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2nd from Denmark , where her boyfriend lives , to pursue an English language course at a Dublin-based language school but was detained at Dublin Airport by immigration officials and denied entry on grounds she represented a real and immediate threat to the fundamental policy interests of the State .
She denied she posed any such risk , provided documents and proof of funds and said she had booked accommodation where she planned to self-isolate for two weeks .
She was committed to the Dóchas Centre where she was isolated from other prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release yesterday , Ms Gonzalez , accompanied by Siobhán Clabby of Abbey Solicitors , went to Dublin Airport to collect her phone , passport and other documents from immigration .
Speaking to The Irish Times , an emotional Ms Gonzalez said : “ My father died from coronavirus two months ago and the time in prison was killing me , I was very low .
I was isolated all the time and thinking of him ; I felt he was with me all the time .
“ The people in prison who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was very scared .
I did not know what was going to happen to me.
” Her family in Chile were very worried about her and were in contact daily and she was allowed one six-minute phone call from the prison daily to them .
“ I am so happy now to be free and to have my phone back and to be able to read all the messages from my family , they were so worried , they did not know what was going on.
” She has booked into a hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and complete her language course , which began online on July 6th , to enhance her career prospects .
“ Ireland has not been the most welcoming part of my journey to Europe .
This time is very weird everywhere .
I am just happy to be free but I feel no one deserved something like this .
”

Estefany Carolina Alquinta Gonzalez (33) at Dublin Airport on Tuesday to collect her passport and other documents after being released from prison. Photograph: Siobhán Clabby
A Chilean student kept in isolation for almost two weeks in the female section of Mountjoy Prison after immigration officials refused to allow her enter the State has said she is “so happy to be free”.
Estefany Carolina Alquinta Gonzalez (33), a qualified environmental engineer, said her father’s death just two months ago from coronavirus added to her feeling “very low and scared” while detained here.
She was freed on Tuesday after the State did not contest a High Court-ordered inquiry into the legality of her detention.
She had come to Ireland on July 2nd from Denmark, where her boyfriend lives, to pursue an English language course at a Dublin-based language school but was detained at Dublin Airport by immigration officials and denied entry on grounds she represented a real and immediate threat to the fundamental policy interests of the State.
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She denied she posed any such risk, provided documents and proof of funds and said she had booked accommodation where she planned to self-isolate for two weeks.
She was committed to the Dóchas Centre where she was isolated from other prisoners due to Covid-19 regulations.
Following her release yesterday, Ms Gonzalez, accompanied by Siobhán Clabby of Abbey Solicitors, went to Dublin Airport to collect her phone, passport and other documents from immigration.
Speaking to The Irish Times, an emotional Ms Gonzalez said: “My father died from coronavirus two months ago and the time in prison was killing me, I was very low. I was isolated all the time and thinking of him; I felt he was with me all the time.
“The people in prison who were dealing with me were kind but I was very scared. I did not know what was going to happen to me.”
‘So worried’
Her family in Chile were very worried about her and were in contact daily and she was allowed one six-minute phone call from the prison daily to them.
“I am so happy now to be free and to have my phone back and to be able to read all the messages from my family, they were so worried, they did not know what was going on.”
She has booked into a hotel but hopes to find accommodation in Dublin and complete her language course, which began online on July 6th, to enhance her career prospects.
“Ireland has not been the most welcoming part of my journey to Europe. This time is very weird everywhere. I am just happy to be free but I feel no one deserved something like this.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Stardust campaigner and ‘true warrior’ Christine Keegan dies

Long-time campaigner for those killed in the Stardust fire Christine Keegan has died , her family has confirmed .
Christine Keegan ’ s two daughters Mary ( 19 ) and Martina ( 16 ) were killed in the fire , and she had been one of the leading campaigners for justice in relation to the incident for much of the last four decades .
Her daughter Antoinette Keegan heads up the Stardust Victims Committee , which last year succeeded in obtaining a fresh inquest into the deaths of the 48 victims .
The fire at the Stardust nightclub , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night of February 13th/14th , 1981 , remains the worst fire disaster in the history of the State .
It occurred during a Valentine ’ s Day disco , and killed 48 young people and injured more than 200 others , primarily from Dublin ’ s northside .
Christine Keegan died on Tuesday evening .
In the hours afterwards her family had been inundated with condolences “ from everywhere , as far as Australia ” , her daughter Antoinette said .
Antoinette said her mother was “ a true fighter , a true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ She has been a rock that we all leaned on , ” she added .
“ The one thing she wanted was an inquest , and we ’ re going to have that now .
She will get justice , ” she said .
“ But for now she ’ s gone to my father , and my two sisters.
” The Stardust fire broke out shortly after 1.30am on February 14th , apparently in a first-floor storeroom containing drums of cooking oil , sodium-chlorate toilet cleaner , reams of paper napkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swept through the club , spewing smoke and molten debris on more than 800 young revellers inside , mostly from Artane , Kilmore and Coolock .
Inquests were held into the fire in 1982 , returning explanations as to the causes of death but no verdicts .
Investigations into the fire showed that a number of escape routes from the dance hall were blocked , as emergency doors were locked by chains .

Antoinette Keegan survived the Stardust nightclub fire in February 1981 but lost her sisters Mary and Martina to the blaze in which 48 people died and 214 were injured. Video: Bryan O’Brien
Long-time campaigner for those killed in the Stardust fire Christine Keegan has died, her family has confirmed.
Christine Keegan’s two daughters Mary (19) and Martina (16) were killed in the fire, and she had been one of the leading campaigners for justice in relation to the incident for much of the last four decades.
Her daughter Antoinette Keegan heads up the Stardust Victims Committee, which last year succeeded in obtaining a fresh inquest into the deaths of the 48 victims.
The fire at the Stardust nightclub, in Artane, north Dublin, on the night of February 13th/14th, 1981, remains the worst fire disaster in the history of the State. It occurred during a Valentine's Day disco, and killed 48 young people and injured more than 200 others, primarily from Dublin's northside.
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Christine Keegan died on Tuesday evening. In the hours afterwards her family had been inundated with condolences “from everywhere, as far as Australia”, her daughter Antoinette said.
Antoinette said her mother was “a true fighter, a true legend, a true warrior”. “She has been a rock that we all leaned on,” she added.
“The one thing she wanted was an inquest, and we’re going to have that now. She will get justice,” she said. “But for now she’s gone to my father, and my two sisters.”
Origins of fire
The Stardust fire broke out shortly after 1.30am on February 14th, apparently in a first-floor storeroom containing drums of cooking oil, sodium-chlorate toilet cleaner, reams of paper napkins and plastic cutlery.
A fireball subsequently swept through the club, spewing smoke and molten debris on more than 800 young revellers inside, mostly from Artane, Kilmore and Coolock.
Inquests were held into the fire in 1982, returning explanations as to the causes of death but no verdicts.
Investigations into the fire showed that a number of escape routes from the dance hall were blocked, as emergency doors were locked by chains.


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Newspaper editor says rights breached by warrant to seize phone

A provincial newspaper editor ’ s rights under the Constitution and European Convention on Human Rights were breached when gardaí got a search warrant for his home and seized his phone , it has been claimed before the High Court .
The seizure took place as part of an investigation into violence following a home repossession in Strokestown , Co Roscommon , in December 2018 .
Oncor Ventures , trading as Strokestown-based The Democrat , and its editor Emmett Corcoran , are seeking , among other things , High Court declarations that the search warrant issued by District Judge James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be quashed .
Their case is against the Garda Commissioner and the DPP .
The Commissioner opposes the action and the DPP is not participating .
It is claimed the district judge was not informed Mr Corcoran had invoked journalistic privilege at a voluntary meeting with gardaí before they sought the search warrant .
The Garda claimed there was no such privilege “ known to law ” , the court heard .
Mr Corcoran also wants the phone returned and a declaration , in issuing such a warrant , there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privilege .
In April last year , Mr Corcoran and Oncor , of which he is a director of , got an injunction preventing the Commissioner going through data on his phone which had been seized when gardaí arrived with the warrant at his home .
Gardaí wanted it as part of evidence in their investigation because Mr Corcoran was one of the first people to arrive at the scene of the repossession incident in Strokestown when a number of vehicles were set on fire by armed and masked men .
Security men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Corcoran .
who shot video before the fire brigade arrived , later refused to say who had tipped him off , citing journalistic privilege , but says he did provide all the footage he shot .
Opening the case on Tuesday , his counsel Michael McDowell SC said the phone is now in the custody of an independent member of An Garda Síochána .
The application for the search warrant was made to Judge Faughan who had already recused himself from proceedings related to the December 2018 incident , counsel said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because that same judge was not informed journalistic privilege in relation to material on the phone was being invoked , he said .
While Mr Corcoran was quite happy to provide gardaí with the video evidence , he did not want to disclose who tipped him off , he said .
Mr McDowell said the EU Council of Ministers had given guidelines for member States to ensure there are protective measures in place to ensure those investigating criminal or civil matters have a clear statutory framework in which search and seizure can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While England has the Police and Criminal Evidence Act which defines “ journalistic material ” , it has not been the subject of any statutory formulation in this country , he said .
The case resumes on Thursday before Mr Justice Garret Simons .

A provincial newspaper editor’s rights under the Constitution and European Convention on Human Rights were breached when gardaí got a search warrant for his home and seized his phone, it has been claimed before the High Court.
The seizure took place as part of an investigation into violence following a home repossession in Strokestown, Co Roscommon, in December 2018.
Oncor Ventures, trading as Strokestown-based The Democrat, and its editor Emmett Corcoran, are seeking, among other things, High Court declarations that the search warrant issued by District Judge James Faughnan in December 2018 was invalid and should be quashed.
Their case is against the Garda Commissioner and the DPP. The Commissioner opposes the action and the DPP is not participating.
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It is claimed the district judge was not informed Mr Corcoran had invoked journalistic privilege at a voluntary meeting with gardaí before they sought the search warrant.
The Garda claimed there was no such privilege “known to law”, the court heard.
Mr Corcoran also wants the phone returned and a declaration, in issuing such a warrant, there is a heavy onus to have regard to journalistic privilege.
In April last year, Mr Corcoran and Oncor, of which he is a director of, got an injunction preventing the Commissioner going through data on his phone which had been seized when gardaí arrived with the warrant at his home.
Gardaí wanted it as part of evidence in their investigation because Mr Corcoran was one of the first people to arrive at the scene of the repossession incident in Strokestown when a number of vehicles were set on fire by armed and masked men. Security men were also assaulted during the incident.
Mr Corcoran. who shot video before the fire brigade arrived, later refused to say who had tipped him off, citing journalistic privilege, but says he did provide all the footage he shot.
Opening the case on Tuesday, his counsel Michael McDowell SC said the phone is now in the custody of an independent member of An Garda Síochána.
The application for the search warrant was made to Judge Faughan who had already recused himself from proceedings related to the December 2018 incident, counsel said.
That application by gardaí was fundamentally flawed because that same judge was not informed journalistic privilege in relation to material on the phone was being invoked, he said.
While Mr Corcoran was quite happy to provide gardaí with the video evidence, he did not want to disclose who tipped him off, he said.
Mr McDowell said the EU Council of Ministers had given guidelines for member States to ensure there are protective measures in place to ensure those investigating criminal or civil matters have a clear statutory framework in which search and seizure can be sought to protect journalistic rights and privacy.
While England has the Police and Criminal Evidence Act which defines “journalistic material”, it has not been the subject of any statutory formulation in this country, he said.
The case resumes on Thursday before Mr Justice Garret Simons.


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--High Court starts tackling backlog of 300 personal injury cases

Personal injury actions have resumed at the High Court after a four month absence due to Covid-19 .
The backlog in unheard personal injury cases since mid-March is believed to be about 300 .
There have been a number of settlements of cases in the interim .
There were four personal injury cases listed for Tuesday of which three were settled during a remote callover conducted by the head of the personal injuries list , Mr Justice Kevin Cross .
Another action which had been assigned to a judge settled after talks .
As part of Covid-19 related measures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of legal teams who can attend if a case goes to hearing is limited .
Two party actions involving a maximum of two legal teams can proceed but actions involving multi-party involvement can only get a hearing if they are represented by one legal team on each side .
The call over of cases is done remotely to avoid a large number of people congregating in court at any one time .
Lawyers have also been told that consultations and negotiations which would normally happen in the corridors outside court should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building .
A practice direction was previously issued by the President of the High Court , Ms Justice Mary Irvine , in advance of the personal injury cases being listed .
It stated those attending court must comply with current public health advice , particularly concerning frequent handwashing , respiratory etiquette and physical distancing .
Each courtroom , the direction stated , has been assessed for capacity and the specified number of people can never be exceeded while others concerned with a case at hearing must wait beyond the precincts of the courthouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not mandatory but it is advised they should be worn except in relation to those who for medical reasons can not wear a covering , or are giving evidence , questioning a witness or addressing the court .
To reduce the duration of cases , parties were urged “ to use their best endeavours ” to agree medical and other expert reports .
If reports can not be agreed , parties must advise the court as to the issues upon which agreement has been reached and those which remain to be resolved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solicitors for each party have been asked to supply the court registrar with the names and addresses of those attending court but that information will be destroyed 14 days after the proceedings .

A practice direction was issued by the President of the High Court, Ms Justice Mary Irvine, in advance of the personal injury cases being listed.
Personal injury actions have resumed at the High Court after a four month absence due to Covid-19.
The backlog in unheard personal injury cases since mid-March is believed to be about 300. There have been a number of settlements of cases in the interim.
There were four personal injury cases listed for Tuesday of which three were settled during a remote callover conducted by the head of the personal injuries list, Mr Justice Kevin Cross.
Another action which had been assigned to a judge settled after talks.
READ MORE
As part of Covid-19 related measures and because of the size of courtrooms, the number of legal teams who can attend if a case goes to hearing is limited.
Two party actions involving a maximum of two legal teams can proceed but actions involving multi-party involvement can only get a hearing if they are represented by one legal team on each side.
The call over of cases is done remotely to avoid a large number of people congregating in court at any one time.
Lawyers have also been told that consultations and negotiations which would normally happen in the corridors outside court should take place away from the Four Courts building.
A practice direction was previously issued by the President of the High Court, Ms Justice Mary Irvine, in advance of the personal injury cases being listed. It stated those attending court must comply with current public health advice, particularly concerning frequent handwashing, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing.
Each courtroom, the direction stated, has been assessed for capacity and the specified number of people can never be exceeded while others concerned with a case at hearing must wait beyond the precincts of the courthouse until required.
It said face coverings are not mandatory but it is advised they should be worn except in relation to those who for medical reasons cannot wear a covering, or are giving evidence, questioning a witness or addressing the court.
To reduce the duration of cases, parties were urged “to use their best endeavours” to agree medical and other expert reports. If reports cannot be agreed, parties must advise the court as to the issues upon which agreement has been reached and those which remain to be resolved.
For tracking and tracing purposes, solicitors for each party have been asked to supply the court registrar with the names and addresses of those attending court but that information will be destroyed 14 days after the proceedings.


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--State’s sustainable transport ‘failure’ reported to OECD

Sustainable transport goals , including a reduction in car commuting , published by the Department of Transport a decade ago , have not been achieved , An Taisce has said .
The national environmental and heritage body has notified the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , ( OECD ) of Ireland ’ s failure to meet targets set out in Smarter Travel - A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020 .
The OECD is currently carrying out an evaluation of sustainable transport mobility in Ireland .
In its report to the OECD , An Taisce said a decade of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a “ failure ” .
Specific targets of the smarter travel plan included a drop in car commuting from 65 per cent to 45 per cent and that alternatives such as walking , cycling and public transport would rise to 55 per cent of total commuter journeys to work .
It also stated the total kilometres travelled by the car fleet in 2020 will not increase significantly from 2009 levels and a reduction will be achieved on the 2005 figure for greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector .
An Taisce has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets has been met .
“ This is by any standard represents a major public policy failure which should require investigation and action on causes and responsibility , ” An Taisce advocacy officer Ian Lumley said .
“ The results of failed transport policy action and investment will now bear long term cost in greenhouse gases , air and noise pollution , congestion , car based sprawl , and inadequate safe walking , cycling and public transport investment .
Walkers and cyclists will face increased injury risk , and those who would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polluting car based environment , ” he said .
The lessons of what has been “ a lost decade in sustainable transport policy and investment ” must be addressed in implementing the new programme for Government Mr Lumley said .
The programme for Government does , have objectives to improve sustainable transport he said , including concentrating development in town centres , the development of cycling and walking greenways , and a commitment to a 2.1 ratio of expenditure between new public transport infrastructure and new roads .
“ The 2009 sustainable mobility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of Government ’ policy for an entire decade was not put in place .
Instead investment was wasted in over scaled road projects such as providing extra lanes on the M7 from Naas to Newbridge and entering into a contract for a dual carriageway from Castlebar to Westport , which will simply increase car traffic and congestion , ” Mr Lumley said .
“ Achieving measurable annual progress in investment and modal shift to walking and cycling and public transport for all journey types needs to be an overarching strategic priority for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based actions and measuring of results with responsibility taken both politically and by senior public officials and relevant State agencies and boards .
”

Sustainable transport goals, including a reduction in car commuting, published by the Department of Transport a decade ago, have not been achieved, An Taisce has said.
The national environmental and heritage body has notified the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, (OECD)of Ireland’s failure to meet targets set out in Smarter Travel - A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020.
The OECD is currently carrying out an evaluation of sustainable transport mobility in Ireland.
In its report to the OECD, An Taisce said a decade of Irish public policy on sustainable transport had been a “failure”.
READ MORE
Specific targets of the smarter travel plan included a drop in car commuting from 65 per cent to 45 per cent and that alternatives such as walking, cycling and public transport would rise to 55 per cent of total commuter journeys to work.
It also stated the total kilometres travelled by the car fleet in 2020 will not increase significantly from 2009 levels and a reduction will be achieved on the 2005 figure for greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector .
An Taisce has told the OECD that none of these targets has been met.
“This is by any standard represents a major public policy failure which should require investigation and action on causes and responsibility,” An Taisce advocacy officer Ian Lumley said.
“The results of failed transport policy action and investment will now bear long term cost in greenhouse gases, air and noise pollution, congestion, car based sprawl, and inadequate safe walking,cycling and public transport investment. Walkers and cyclists will face increased injury risk, and those who would like to cycle are discouraged by an unsafe polluting car based environment,”he said.
The lessons of what has been “a lost decade in sustainable transport policy and investment” must be addressed in implementing the new programme for Government Mr Lumley said.
The programme for Government does, have objectives to improve sustainable transport he said, including concentrating development in town centres, the development of cycling and walking greenways, and a commitment to a 2.1 ratio of expenditure between new public transport infrastructure and new roads.
“The 2009 sustainable mobility targets were not advanced because an ‘All of Government ’ policy for an entire decade was not put in place. Instead investment was wasted in over scaled road projects such as providing extra lanes on the M7 from Naas to Newbridge and entering into a contract for a dual carriageway from Castlebar to Westport, which will simply increase car traffic and congestion,” Mr Lumley said.
“Achieving measurable annual progress in investment and modal shift to walking and cycling and public transport for all journey types needs to be an overarching strategic priority for the incoming Government with timetabled and target based actions and measuring of results with responsibility taken both politically and by senior public officials and relevant State agencies and boards.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Galway reopening: ‘This is hitting tourism hard’

Jonathan Margetts , who owns Thomas Dillon ’ s Claddagh Gold Jewellers on Galway ’ s Quay Street , has sold Claddagh rings to generations of American tourists .
Normally , he would be doing so again this year , except they are nowhere to be found .
Some 80 per cent of the summer sales of a store that opened in 1750 have been lost because of the fall in US tourist numbers .
“ We are operating without our two part-time staff , and with reduced opening hours , but we are managing .
It ’ s picking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rainy day in July , the Claddagh ring with its unique design and sentimental appeal , is perched in a window display .
Usually crowds gather outside but as The Irish Times visited on Tuesday just a single person stood to watch .
“ We ’ ve been through it before , but never like this ” says Margetts , who runs the store with his wife , Eleanor Coyne , adding that they opened their doors after the easing of the lockdown on June 20th only to find “ a ghost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quay Street was one of the few knitwear stores that reopened after the lockdown relaxed .
Here , too , the striking absence of US tourists is being keenly felt .
Sales are down by 70 per cent .
“ A lot of the American tourists that visit would have Irish ancestry , and our jumpers represent their heritage .
It ’ s like bringing home a little bit of Ireland to people back home , ” staff member Mary Garrett says .
The third-generation store is going into its second week of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , she adds .
“ We are predominately tourist-based and this is hitting tourism hard .
We need more support from the Government.
” In a city heavily dependent on tourism , several gift shops and tourist information centres have remained closed around the city until travel restrictions ease .
During the summer months , American tourists flock to the west for trips to the Aran Islands , Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher , and this loss has hit the hospitality industry hard .
Ann Marie Dowd , revenue manager of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Galway , says American tourists account for 80 per cent of their guests during the summer season .
“ There are currently no American tourists staying in the hotel , and all booking from the States have either cancelled , or they are waiting closer to the time to cancel , ” she says .
A large number of the US cancellations have been attributed to the quarantine guidelines .
“ They would usually stay two to three days and are great for booking tours to the cliffs , Connemara and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they are a big loss to the city , ” Dowd adds .

Jonathan Margetts of Thomas Dillon’s Gold Jewellery on Quay Street, Galway: 80 per cent of the summer sales have been lost due to the fall in US tourist numbers. Photograph: Amy Blaney
Jonathan Margetts, who owns Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold Jewellers on Galway's Quay Street, has sold Claddagh rings to generations of American tourists.
Normally, he would be doing so again this year, except they are nowhere to be found. Some 80 per cent of the summer sales of a store that opened in 1750 have been lost because of the fall in US tourist numbers.
“We are operating without our two part-time staff, and with reduced opening hours, but we are managing. It’s picking up,” Margetts says.
On a rainy day in July, the Claddagh ring with its unique design and sentimental appeal, is perched in a window display. Usually crowds gather outside but as The Irish Times visited on Tuesday just a single person stood to watch.
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"We've been through it before, but never like this" says Margetts, who runs the store with his wife, Eleanor Coyne, adding that they opened their doors after the easing of the lockdown on June 20th only to find "a ghost town".
US tourists
Aran Island Knitwear on Quay Street was one of the few knitwear stores that reopened after the lockdown relaxed. Here, too, the striking absence of US tourists is being keenly felt. Sales are down by 70 per cent.
"A lot of the American tourists that visit would have Irish ancestry, and our jumpers represent their heritage. It's like bringing home a little bit of Ireland to people back home," staff member Mary Garrett says.
The third-generation store is going into its second week of business, and “sales are down”, she adds. “We are predominately tourist-based and this is hitting tourism hard. We need more support from the Government.”
In a city heavily dependent on tourism, several gift shops and tourist information centres have remained closed around the city until travel restrictions ease.
Empty hotels
During the summer months, American tourists flock to the west for trips to the Aran Islands, Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher, and this loss has hit the hospitality industry hard.
Ann Marie Dowd, revenue manager of the Park House Hotel on Foster Street, Galway, says American tourists account for 80 per cent of their guests during the summer season.
“There are currently no American tourists staying in the hotel, and all booking from the States have either cancelled, or they are waiting closer to the time to cancel,” she says.
A large number of the US cancellations have been attributed to the quarantine guidelines. “They would usually stay two to three days and are great for booking tours to the cliffs, Connemara and the Aran Islands. They like to shop so they are a big loss to the city,” Dowd adds.


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Girls rescued after being trapped in barn deliberately set alight

Four teenage girls were trapped inside a burning barn outside Belfast that had been deliberately set alight by a gang of youths who set blocks of polystyrene on fire and threw them into the building .
The girls , who entered the disused barn on Monday evening , were “ extremely fortunate ” to get out alive , said Det Sgt Hollie McCartan : “ The consequences could have been devastating.
” Besides throwing blocks of lighted polystyrene into the building in the Mount Eagles Avenue district of Dunmurray , the gang of male youths threw wood and stones , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the girls managed to raise the alarm on a mobile telephone , and units of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service quickly went to the scene , rescuing the girls and putting out the fire .
“ This was a terrifying ordeal for the girls trapped inside and if they had not managed to contact the authorities the consequences could have been devastating , ” said the fire brigade .
Appealing for public assistance in tracing who started the fire , Det Sgt McCartan said those “ responsible showed a complete disregard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
The officer said “ thankfully there were no reports of any serious injuries and only minor damage was caused to the barn ” .
She added : “ One of the males involved was described as having blond hair which was shaved at the sides and wearing a black top and navy bottoms .
Another was described as wearing a green and white coloured top , with a third described as wearing a grey tracksuit with the hood covering his face.
” Alliance West Belfast representative Donnamarie Higgins said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find it hard to believe someone , much less young people , could do something which could have easily led to serious tragedy , ” she said .
“ This can only be seen as an attempt to at least injure these girls , if not more .
They are extremely lucky to have escaped with no serious injuries .
My thoughts are with them after what must have been a completely distressing time , ” said Ms Higgins .
“ I urge anyone who knows the young males involved , or who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to contact police with it immediately , ” she said .

One of the girls trapped in the barn raised the alarm by mobile phone and units of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service rescued the four teenagers and put out the fire.
Four teenage girls were trapped inside a burning barn outside Belfast that had been deliberately set alight by a gang of youths who set blocks of polystyrene on fire and threw them into the building.
The girls, who entered the disused barn on Monday evening, were “extremely fortunate” to get out alive, said Det Sgt Hollie McCartan: “The consequences could have been devastating.”
Besides throwing blocks of lighted polystyrene into the building in the Mount Eagles Avenue district of Dunmurray, the gang of male youths threw wood and stones, trappling the girls inside.
One of the girls managed to raise the alarm on a mobile telephone, and units of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service quickly went to the scene, rescuing the girls and putting out the fire.
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“This was a terrifying ordeal for the girls trapped inside and if they had not managed to contact the authorities the consequences could have been devastating,” said the fire brigade.
Appealing for public assistance in tracing who started the fire, Det Sgt McCartan said those “responsible showed a complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of those inside”.
Serious injuries
The officer said “thankfully there were no reports of any serious injuries and only minor damage was caused to the barn”.
She added: “One of the males involved was described as having blond hair which was shaved at the sides and wearing a black top and navy bottoms. Another was described as wearing a green and white coloured top, with a third described as wearing a grey tracksuit with the hood covering his face.”
Alliance West Belfast representative Donnamarie Higgins said she was shocked by the incident.
“I find it hard to believe someone, much less young people, could do something which could have easily led to serious tragedy,” she said.
“This can only be seen as an attempt to at least injure these girls, if not more. They are extremely lucky to have escaped with no serious injuries. My thoughts are with them after what must have been a completely distressing time,” said Ms Higgins.
“I urge anyone who knows the young males involved, or who has any information whatsoever on this incident, to contact police with it immediately,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Man jailed for road rage incident outside Dublin shopping centre

A “ family man ” has received a two-year prison sentence for a road rage incident in which he boxed in another driver ’ s car before repeatedly punching the victim in the head .
Michael Reilly ( 50 ) stopped his van in front of another driver after that driver had shouted at him for pulling across traffic as it was moving off from a busy junction at a suburban shopping centre .
Reilly got out of his van and used a lump hammer to hit the windscreen , although it did not cause any damage .
Reilly then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get out of his car and began punching him in the head with his fist .
He was shouting at him that he was going to kill him .
Witnesses described Reilly having the victim in a headlock and punching his head up to four times .
He then got back into the van and drove at the disorientated victim , forcing him to jump out of the way .
Reilly then drove off but was identified by gardaí , who arrested him 18 months later .
Reilly , with a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at the Pavilion Shopping Centre Roundabout on the Malahide Road , Swords on November 11th , 2017 .
Detective Garda Karen Duffy told Dara Hayes BL , prosecuting , that Reilly ’ s previous convictions include assault , production of a weapon and road traffic offences .
Mr Hayes told the court that some months after this road rage assault Reilly was involved a very similar offence in which he assaulted a motorist after boxing in his car .
Patrick Reynolds BL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the later incident was linked to a family feud which is now resolved .
He said his client is a family man who was under “ a fair amount of pressure ” at the time of these offences .
His son-in-law was on life support for months following a serious car crash and he eventually died and there was a fire at the halting site in which he lived with this family .
He said on the day of the 2017 attack there was some shouting between the two drivers and “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told the court Reilly has anger issues .
He said his client is “ a fine upstanding family man who has worked all his life , who lost the plot on two occasions ” .
Judge Martin Nolan said he accepted Reilly is remorseful but said that he behaved appallingly .
He suspended the final year of a three-year prison term on condition Reilly pay €2,000 to the garda for onward transmission to the victim .
Reilly is already serving a prison sentence for the 2018 assault of another motorist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reilly and another man were in a van which rammed Martin Maughan ’ s jeep before they attacked the victim .

Man peaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Pavilion Shopping Centre Roundabout on the Malahide Road, Swords. Photograph: Google Street View
A “family man” has received a two-year prison sentence for a road rage incident in which he boxed in another driver’s car before repeatedly punching the victim in the head.
Michael Reilly (50) stopped his van in front of another driver after that driver had shouted at him for pulling across traffic as it was moving off from a busy junction at a suburban shopping centre.
Reilly got out of his van and used a lump hammer to hit the windscreen, although it did not cause any damage.
Reilly then grabbed the victim as he was trying to get out of his car and began punching him in the head with his fist. He was shouting at him that he was going to kill him.
READ MORE
Witnesses described Reilly having the victim in a headlock and punching his head up to four times. He then got back into the van and drove at the disorientated victim, forcing him to jump out of the way.
Reilly then drove off but was identified by gardaí, who arrested him 18 months later.
Reilly, with a former address at Barnewall Crescent, Co Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at the Pavilion Shopping Centre Roundabout on the Malahide Road, Swords on November 11th, 2017.
Detective Garda Karen Duffy told Dara Hayes BL, prosecuting, that Reilly’s previous convictions include assault, production of a weapon and road traffic offences. Mr Hayes told the court that some months after this road rage assault Reilly was involved a very similar offence in which he assaulted a motorist after boxing in his car.
Patrick Reynolds BL, defending, told the court that the later incident was linked to a family feud which is now resolved.
He said his client is a family man who was under “a fair amount of pressure” at the time of these offences. His son-in-law was on life support for months following a serious car crash and he eventually died and there was a fire at the halting site in which he lived with this family.
He said on the day of the 2017 attack there was some shouting between the two drivers and “the red mist descended” on his client. He told the court Reilly has anger issues.
He said his client is “a fine upstanding family man who has worked all his life, who lost the plot on two occasions”.
Judge Martin Nolan said he accepted Reilly is remorseful but said that he behaved appallingly. He suspended the final year of a three-year prison term on condition Reilly pay €2,000 to the garda for onward transmission to the victim.
Reilly is already serving a prison sentence for the 2018 assault of another motorist, also at the Pavilion Shopping Centre. Reilly and another man were in a van which rammed Martin Maughan’s jeep before they attacked the victim.


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Hiqa highlights ‘poor risk management’ at Cork child welfare services

“ Unacceptable ” delays , “ very poor quality planning ” and “ poor risk management ” resulted in “ very poor ” child protection services to some of the most at-risk children in Co Cork , according to a report published on Tuesday .
The Health Information and Quality Authority inspected Cork child protection and welfare services , operated by Tusla , between January 14th and 16th .
The region is the “ highest child-populated area ” of Tusla ’ s 17 areas , says Hiqa , with 134,015 children recorded in the 2016 census .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing significant harm , were on Cork ’ s child protection notification system ( CPNS ) at the time of the inspection .
There were “ unacceptable ” delays of up to 12 weeks in child protection conferences ( CPCs ) being held once requested by social work teams for children about whom there were “ significant protection concerns ” .
Of cases reviewed where there had been a conference in the previous 12 months , some children had had “ timely and regular visits ” soon after the conference , but others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement child protection safety plans ” .
One child , deemed at significant risk , had had no visit four months after the initial conference , no safety planning meeting held , and no actions had been progressed .
Another case remained unallocated to a social worker for a period of time and had had no visits , no safety planning meetings and no actions were progressed .
“ Along with the risk to the child that this lack of service provided , it was likely that these cases would remain in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lack of regular safety planning meetings was a feature of 17 out of 18 cases reviewed and was not in line with the Tusla national guidelines for CPCs and the CPNS.
” The inspectors found “ governance arrangements ” for the “ management of children .
.
.
on the CPNS required significant improvement ” .
“ A sample of five of 18 cases of children on the CPNS reviewed by inspectors , had been listed for between 1½ years and three years .
These children had had four to six consecutive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of five of these cases , there was a lack of timely progress in addressing child protection concerns.
” The quality of social work supervision on individual cases was “ mixed and lacked sufficient rigour ” , says the report .
Safety planning for children on the CPNS “ widely varied from good to very poor quality ” , the report notes .
Just two of 15 cases examined had “ adequate safety planning arrangements ” .
The remaining 13 showed “ little evidence ” that parents had been properly assessed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Both the monitoring and risk management of children on the CPNS were “ poor ” and “ social work visits to children was poor ” .
Inspectors found in several cases , where problems had been identified and escalated to Tusla management to be addressed , this had no effect .
“ Risks such as the delay in scheduling , or poor quality interagency co-operation between Tusla and the HSE had been escalated by the service area .
However , these risk escalations were not effective at resolving the issue.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tusla Cork said any child at immediate risk received “ an immediate and protective response ” .
He said all cases cited in the report “ were being actively worked and monitored by Tusla child protection staff , and that children on the CPNS have already been through an assessment , a case conference and significant social work intervention .
“ Overall we are continuing to build on much of the good work in our services in Cork .
Clearly this report , since first brought to us some months ago , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our system .
This is good for children and our staff who respond to them .
“ We remain committed to improving the care and safeguarding of children in Cork and all other children in our care and are satisfied that the child protection practice in the area provides safe and effective care .
”

A total of 105 children, deemed at risk of ongoing significant harm, were on Cork’s child protection notification system (CPNS) at the time of the inspection. File photograph: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/iStock
“Unacceptable” delays, “very poor quality planning” and “poor risk management” resulted in “very poor” child protection services to some of the most at-risk children in Co Cork, according to a report published on Tuesday.
The Health Information and Quality Authority inspected Cork child protection and welfare services, operated by Tusla, between January 14th and 16th. The region is the “highest child-populated area” of Tusla’s 17 areas, says Hiqa, with 134,015 children recorded in the 2016 census.
A total of 105 children, deemed at risk of ongoing significant harm, were on Cork’s child protection notification system (CPNS) at the time of the inspection.
There were “unacceptable” delays of up to 12 weeks in child protection conferences (CPCs) being held once requested by social work teams for children about whom there were “significant protection concerns”.
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Of cases reviewed where there had been a conference in the previous 12 months, some children had had “timely and regular visits” soon after the conference, but others “did not have this urgency to implement child protection safety plans”.
One child, deemed at significant risk, had had no visit four months after the initial conference, no safety planning meeting held, and no actions had been progressed.
Another case remained unallocated to a social worker for a period of time and had had no visits, no safety planning meetings and no actions were progressed.
“Along with the risk to the child that this lack of service provided, it was likely that these cases would remain in the CPC system longer than required.
“The lack of regular safety planning meetings was a feature of 17 out of 18 cases reviewed and was not in line with the Tusla national guidelines for CPCs and the CPNS.”
The inspectors found “governance arrangements” for the “management of children . . . on the CPNS required significant improvement”.
“A sample of five of 18 cases of children on the CPNS reviewed by inspectors, had been listed for between 1½ years and three years. These children had had four to six consecutive child protection conferences.
“In four out of five of these cases, there was a lack of timely progress in addressing child protection concerns.”
The quality of social work supervision on individual cases was “mixed and lacked sufficient rigour”, says the report.
Safety planning for children on the CPNS “widely varied from good to very poor quality”, the report notes.
Just two of 15 cases examined had “adequate safety planning arrangements”. The remaining 13 showed “little evidence” that parents had been properly assessed as having capacity to “keep children safe”.
Both the monitoring and risk management of children on the CPNS were “poor” and “social work visits to children was poor”.
Inspectors found in several cases, where problems had been identified and escalated to Tusla management to be addressed, this had no effect.
“Risks such as the delay in scheduling, or poor quality interagency co-operation between Tusla and the HSE had been escalated by the service area. However, these risk escalations were not effective at resolving the issue.”
‘Immediate response’
Kieran Campbell, acting area manager for Tusla Cork said any child at immediate risk received "an immediate and protective response".
He said all cases cited in the report “were being actively worked and monitored by Tusla child protection staff, and that children on the CPNS have already been through an assessment, a case conference and significant social work intervention.
“Overall we are continuing to build on much of the good work in our services in Cork. Clearly this report, since first brought to us some months ago, has helped us to make significant improvements to our system. This is good for children and our staff who respond to them.
“We remain committed to improving the care and safeguarding of children in Cork and all other children in our care and are satisfied that the child protection practice in the area provides safe and effective care.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Chilean student kept in solitary confinement in Mountjoy Prison is freed

A Chilean woman kept in solitary confinement for more than a week in the female section of Mountjoy Prison after immigration officials refused to allow her enter the country has been freed after the State did not contest a High Court-ordered inquiry into the legality of her detention .
Estefany Carolina Alquinta Gonzalez came to Ireland earlier this month to begin a six-month course with a Dublin-based language school to study English .
Chilean citizens do not require a visa to visit Ireland .
On her arrival at Dublin Airport on July 2nd , she was detained by immigration officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounds she represented a real and immediate threat to the fundamental policy interests of the State .
She denied she posed any such risk but was committed to the Dóchas Centre and kept isolated from other prisoners due to Covid-19 regulations .
She has tested negative for the virus .
Mr Justice Charles Meenan had on Monday granted an application by her lawyers for an inquiry , under Article 40 of the Constitution , into the legality of Ms Gonzalez ’ s detention .
When the inquiry returned before the judge on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SC , for the student , the State was not contesting the matter .
Arising out of that , the judge ordered the applicant be released from custody and also awarded Ms Gonzalez her legal costs .
The court also heard the Minister for Justice intends to review a decision , which was subject of a second set of proceedings , not to grant Ms Gonzalez permission to remain in the State .
Ms Gonzalez , represented by Ms Boyle , with Aoife McMahon BL , instructed by solicitor Wendy Lyon , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she had been in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA ) .
Ms Gonzalez said an official in that department had said she would be allowed enter Ireland in order to complete her course , even though her courses were to be delivered online , as long as her travel documents were in order .
She said she had travelled around Europe in recent years , always complied with terms of visas issued to her and produced all her paperwork to officials when she arrived in Dublin .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while her visa to stay there was due to expire in early July , she was prevented from leaving that country due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
On arrival in Dublin , she provided immigration officials with her documents , proof of funds and a copy of her communications with the DFA , and said she had booked accommodation where she planned to self-isolate for two weeks .
She was denied entry and claimed she was told by immigration officials to return to Denmark as no student visas were being given out as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed she was informed she could not enter as a tourist as she wanted to come into Ireland as a student .
She further claimed she told officials , while courses were being given online , she wanted to remain here until classes opened but she was denied permission to enter the State , arrested and detained .

The Dóchas Centre: Estefany Carolina Alquinta Gonzalez was committed to the Dóchas Centre and kept isolated from other prisoners due to Covid-19 regulations. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
A Chilean woman kept in solitary confinement for more than a week in the female section of Mountjoy Prison after immigration officials refused to allow her enter the country has been freed after the State did not contest a High Court-ordered inquiry into the legality of her detention.
Estefany Carolina Alquinta Gonzalez came to Ireland earlier this month to begin a six-month course with a Dublin-based language school to study English. Chilean citizens do not require a visa to visit Ireland.
On her arrival at Dublin Airport on July 2nd, she was detained by immigration officials and denied entry to the State on grounds she represented a real and immediate threat to the fundamental policy interests of the State.
She denied she posed any such risk but was committed to the Dóchas Centre and kept isolated from other prisoners due to Covid-19 regulations. She has tested negative for the virus.
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Mr Justice Charles Meenan had on Monday granted an application by her lawyers for an inquiry, under Article 40 of the Constitution, into the legality of Ms Gonzalez’s detention.
When the inquiry returned before the judge on Tuesday, he was told by Rosario Boyle SC, for the student, the State was not contesting the matter. Arising out of that, the judge ordered the applicant be released from custody and also awarded Ms Gonzalez her legal costs.
The court also heard the Minister for Justice intends to review a decision, which was subject of a second set of proceedings, not to grant Ms Gonzalez permission to remain in the State.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Ms Gonzalez, represented by Ms Boyle, with Aoife McMahon BL, instructed by solicitor Wendy Lyon, had argued, prior to coming to Ireland, she had been in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Ms Gonzalez said an official in that department had said she would be allowed enter Ireland in order to complete her course, even though her courses were to be delivered online, as long as her travel documents were in order. She said she had travelled around Europe in recent years, always complied with terms of visas issued to her and produced all her paperwork to officials when she arrived in Dublin. She had been staying in Denmark, and while her visa to stay there was due to expire in early July, she was prevented from leaving that country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On arrival in Dublin, she provided immigration officials with her documents, proof of funds and a copy of her communications with the DFA, and said she had booked accommodation where she planned to self-isolate for two weeks.
She was denied entry and claimed she was told by immigration officials to return to Denmark as no student visas were being given out as the schools were shut.
She also claimed she was informed she could not enter as a tourist as she wanted to come into Ireland as a student.
She further claimed she told officials, while courses were being given online, she wanted to remain here until classes opened but she was denied permission to enter the State, arrested and detained.


theirishtimes--2020-07-14--Docklands swimming pool worth €15m would cost council ‘zero’

A €15 million outdoor heated swimming pool on the river Liffey would be developed at “ zero ” cost to Dublin City Council , councillors have been told .
The facility , which would include a cafe or bistro and saunas , is proposed for a site beside Seán O ’ Casey Bridge , next to the planned €23 million whitewater-rafting facility approved by city councillors last December .
In recent days some councillors and community activists have opposed the pool plan , saying the money would be better spent on housing or community facilities .
However , the council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday said the project would be entirely privately funded and operated , and would not cost the council any money .
“ There is no intention of the city council to invest €15 million to do this ourselves , ” Mr Kelly said .
Outside of some expenditure on consultancy fees to establish if the project was viable , the cost to the council would be “ zero ” he said .
“ We need to tease it out to see if there is an appetite out there from the international market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York , Helsinki and London had shown there were “ plenty of people who design build operate and finance these ” , he said .
The council is proposing a €10 charge to use the pool , with concessions for those aged over 65 and families .
The operator would pay an annual licence fee to the council for 30 years , after which ownership would revert to the council .
Mr Kelly pointed out councillors had suggested an outdoor pool or lido be developed when the whitewater rafting project was proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city were supportive of the plan .
“ I think it does make sense .
I like the project , I like big ideas , I think Dublin needs to have more big ideas , ” Labour councillor Dermot Lacey said .
Green Party councillor Claire Byrne said while she had concerns about water quality , she was “ in theory ” supportive of the project .
“ We can ’ t just condemn every big ambitious project that we are proposing for the city .
We have to think big some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if properly run , the project “ could enhance the facilities citizens of Dublin have ” .
However , he said the council needed to address the fact that its swimming pool in Crumlin was only open on a part-time basis .
Fine Gael ’ s James Geoghegan said the proposal for a €15 million pool in the city felt like “ two fingers to the people of Crumlin ” .
He said he had “ deep , deep suspicions ” as to who was behind the proposal .
Independent councillor Mannix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its associations with private funders following the collapse of the Parnell Square cultural quarter project .
He added the Liffey waters were “ unswimmable ” last year .
Fine Gael councillor Danny Byrne said the council should “ stick to the knitting ” and address issues such as vermin and weeds .

The facility, which would include a cafe or bistro and saunas, is proposed for a site beside Seán O’Casey Bridge, next to the planned €23m whitewater-rafting facility approved by city councillors last December. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
A €15 million outdoor heated swimming pool on the river Liffey would be developed at "zero" cost to Dublin City Council, councillors have been told.
The facility, which would include a cafe or bistro and saunas, is proposed for a site beside Seán O’Casey Bridge, next to the planned €23 million whitewater-rafting facility approved by city councillors last December.
In recent days some councillors and community activists have opposed the pool plan, saying the money would be better spent on housing or community facilities.
However, the council's docklands area manager Derek Kelly on Monday said the project would be entirely privately funded and operated, and would not cost the council any money.
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“There is no intention of the city council to invest €15 million to do this ourselves,” Mr Kelly said. Outside of some expenditure on consultancy fees to establish if the project was viable, the cost to the council would be “zero” he said.
“We need to tease it out to see if there is an appetite out there from the international market to do this.” Similar examples in New York, Helsinki and London had shown there were “plenty of people who design build operate and finance these”, he said.
The council is proposing a €10 charge to use the pool, with concessions for those aged over 65 and families. The operator would pay an annual licence fee to the council for 30 years, after which ownership would revert to the council.
Mr Kelly pointed out councillors had suggested an outdoor pool or lido be developed when the whitewater rafting project was proposed.
Supportive
Several councillors representing the southeast of the city were supportive of the plan.
"I think it does make sense. I like the project, I like big ideas, I think Dublin needs to have more big ideas," Labour councillor Dermot Lacey said.
Green Party councillor Claire Byrne said while she had concerns about water quality, she was "in theory" supportive of the project. "We can't just condemn every big ambitious project that we are proposing for the city. We have to think big some times."
Independents4Change councillor Pat Dunne said, if properly run, the project "could enhance the facilities citizens of Dublin have". However, he said the council needed to address the fact that its swimming pool in Crumlin was only open on a part-time basis.
Fine Gael's James Geoghegan said the proposal for a €15 million pool in the city felt like "two fingers to the people of Crumlin". He said he had "deep, deep suspicions" as to who was behind the proposal. Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said the council should reflect on its associations with private funders following the collapse of the Parnell Square cultural quarter project. He added the Liffey waters were "unswimmable" last year.
Fine Gael councillor Danny Byrne said the council should "stick to the knitting" and address issues such as vermin and weeds.