theirishtimes--2020-11-25--Calculated grades: Draft suggested ‘negative consequences’ of excluding historical data

A draft document circulated by the director of the Leaving Cert calculated grades office referred to the “ negative consequences ” of excluding historical school data from a calculated grades model as including “ better performing disadvantaged schools also [ being ] thrown under the bus ” , the High Court has heard .
The reference was made in what Andrea Feeney , director of the calculated grades office , says was a “ brain-storming ” draft document circulated by her on August 18th last , days before the Cabinet approved exclusion of the historical school data from the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a controversy over grade standardisation models in the UK which had included historical school data .
Entitled Update ; National Standardisation ; Calculated Grades , the 11-page document examined UK statistical models and how those differed from a draft calculated grades model here .
It said , inter alia , the Irish model , “ as it stands ” , was not showing any differential effects against disadvantaged schools .
Ms Feeney has said in affidavits the draft document was not intended as a briefing document for the Minister for Education , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the outcomes referred to could not be considered as other than indicative .
Lawyers for Freddie Sherry , a student at Dublin ’ s Belvedere College , have asked Mr Justice Charles Meenan to permit them to cross-examine Ms Feeney about the “ profoundly relevant ” document and other matters at the hearing of Mr Sherry ’ s case .
The cross-examination application is among several pre-trial applications being heard by the judge before the full hearing of the judicial review challenge by Mr Sherry , from Newtown , Celbridge , Co @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing has yet to be fixed .
Mr Sherry ’ s is the lead challenge of up to 30 separate actions arising from the calculated grades process , introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic .
Mr Sherry says he was “ hugely disappointed ” the CAO points total of 542 for him estimated by his teachers was reduced to 487 under the grade standardisation and he lost out on his first choice to study pharmacy at Trinity College .
On Wednesday , the judge was told Ms Feeney has provided affidavits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State in their opposition to Mr Sherry ’ s case .
It is sought to cross-examine her about matters referred to , and not referred to , in her affidavit .
Micheál P O ’ Higgins SC , with Feichín McDonagh SC and Brendan Hennessy BL , instructed by Ferrys Solicitors , also sought leave to cross-examine Dalton Tatton , assistant secretary general of the Department of Education , and Hugh McManus , deputy director of the calculated grades office , concerning their affidavits for the defence .
The cross-examination is necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the grade standardisation model ultimately used was unlawful , as Mr Sherry contends , he said .
Eileen Barrington SC , for the respondents , opposed cross-examination of the three public servants .
The cross-examination being sought is not targeted and appears to be sought in the context of a “ roving ” exercise , she said .
Cross-examination is unusual in judicial review proceedings and “ probing ” was not the test for cross-examination on affidavit .
The case is about the Government ’ s grade standardisation decision of September 1st and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring the matter to Cabinet and to move from one grade standardisation model to another , she said .
It was not “ an inquiry ” concerning what individual civil servants thought on a given day or time unless that was related to the decisions .

The confidential document was compiled following a controversy over grade standardisation models in the UK which had included historical school data. Photograph Nick Bradshaw
A draft document circulated by the director of the Leaving Cert calculated grades office referred to the “negative consequences” of excluding historical school data from a calculated grades model as including “better performing disadvantaged schools also [being] thrown under the bus”, the High Court has heard.
The reference was made in what Andrea Feeney, director of the calculated grades office, says was a “brain-storming” draft document circulated by her on August 18th last, days before the Cabinet approved exclusion of the historical school data from the process.
The confidential document was compiled following a controversy over grade standardisation models in the UK which had included historical school data.
Entitled Update; National Standardisation; Calculated Grades, the 11-page document examined UK statistical models and how those differed from a draft calculated grades model here. It said, inter alia, the Irish model, “as it stands”, was not showing any differential effects against disadvantaged schools.
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Ms Feeney has said in affidavits the draft document was not intended as a briefing document for the Minister for Education, was based on an earlier grade standardisation model and the outcomes referred to could not be considered as other than indicative.
Lawyers for Freddie Sherry, a student at Dublin’s Belvedere College, have asked Mr Justice Charles Meenan to permit them to cross-examine Ms Feeney about the “profoundly relevant” document and other matters at the hearing of Mr Sherry’s case.
The cross-examination application is among several pre-trial applications being heard by the judge before the full hearing of the judicial review challenge by Mr Sherry, from Newtown, Celbridge, Co Kildare. A date for the full hearing has yet to be fixed.
Mr Sherry’s is the lead challenge of up to 30 separate actions arising from the calculated grades process, introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Sherry says he was “hugely disappointed” the CAO points total of 542 for him estimated by his teachers was reduced to 487 under the grade standardisation and he lost out on his first choice to study pharmacy at Trinity College.
On Wednesday, the judge was told Ms Feeney has provided affidavits on behalf of the Minister for Education and the State in their opposition to Mr Sherry’s case.
It is sought to cross-examine her about matters referred to, and not referred to, in her affidavit. Micheál P O’Higgins SC, with Feichín McDonagh SC and Brendan Hennessy BL, instructed by Ferrys Solicitors, also sought leave to cross-examine Dalton Tatton, assistant secretary general of the Department of Education, and Hugh McManus, deputy director of the calculated grades office, concerning their affidavits for the defence.
The cross-examination is necessary to assist the court in determining whether the grade standardisation model ultimately used was unlawful, as Mr Sherry contends, he said.
Eileen Barrington SC, for the respondents, opposed cross-examination of the three public servants. The cross-examination being sought is not targeted and appears to be sought in the context of a “roving” exercise, she said. Cross-examination is unusual in judicial review proceedings and “probing” was not the test for cross-examination on affidavit.
The case is about the Government’s grade standardisation decision of September 1st and the Minister’s August 21st decision to bring the matter to Cabinet and to move from one grade standardisation model to another, she said. It was not “an inquiry” concerning what individual civil servants thought on a given day or time unless that was related to the decisions.
The hearing continues on Thursday.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Decision on inter-county travel will come closer to Christmas , says Tánaiste

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said a decision on inter-county travel – including to Northern Ireland – will not be made until closer to Christmas .
He confirmed in the Dáil there “ certainly will not be a ban on cross-Border travel ” , but he said Level 3 does not permit inter-county travel of a non-essential nature .
Mr Varadkar said a decision on inter-county travel would not be decided by the Cabinet on Friday .
He pointed out that under Level 5 and Level 3 inter-county travel , including cross-Border travel for shopping or for visiting friends and relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Varadkar said that under Level 3 “ inter-county travel is allowed for work , education , for essential purposes like a medical appointment or caring for an elderly relative or a child who can ’ t be cared for by somebody else .
“ That does not cover , unfortunately , visiting friends and relatives .
It doesn ’ t cover shopping , it doesn ’ t cover weekends away.
” He said : “ We hope to be in a position to advise people that they can travel between counties including Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Christmas but will depend on the epidemiological data then.
” The Tánaiste added “ at the moment the rates of Covid are much higher [ in the North ] than they are here but in two weeks ’ time that might look very different because restrictions are being reimposed there .
The Tánaiste had introduced the issue of restrictions on cross-Border travel during the Christmas period .
Mr Varadkar told his parliamentary party that cross-Border travel would have to be looked at by the Government given the high level of cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have requested data from the Department of Health on infection levels in the North .

Leo Varadkar: decision on inter-county travel – including to Northern Ireland – will not be made until closer to Christmas. File photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The deaths of a further three people with Covid-19 have been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).
This brings to 2,036 the total number of deaths in the State as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Nphet also reported an additional 335 confirmed cases of the disease in an update on Thursday evening, bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 71,494.
Of the new cases, 119 were in Co Dublin, 29 were in Co Kilkenny, 23 in Co Limerick, 20 in Co Donegal, 19 in Co Tipperary, and 19 in Co Cork, with the remainder spread across 19 other counties.
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The median age of the new cases is 35 years, and 64 per cent of them are aged under 45.
The 14-day incidence of the disease here now stands at 103.9 cases per 100,000 people. Donegal has the highest such incidence at 218, followed by Louth at 201.7. Wexford has the lowest incidence at 36.7.
The latest figures come as the public health team advised the Government that either rules on households visits can be relaxed over the festive season or the hospitality sector could start to reopen, but both should not take place at once.
The advice comes ahead of the ending of the current period of Level 5 coronavirus restrictions next week, and amid questions over the exact nature of the restrictions that will be in place for the Christmas period.
Inter-county travel
Earlier, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar had said a decision on inter-county travel for Christmas – including to Northern Ireland – will not be made until closer to the period.
He confirmed in the Dáil there “certainly will not be a ban on cross-Border travel”, but he said a move to Level 3 would not permit inter-county travel of a non-essential nature.
Mr Varadkar said a decision on inter-county travel would not be decided by the Cabinet on Friday.
He pointed out that under Level 5 and Level 3 inter-county travel, including cross-Border travel for shopping or for visiting friends and relatives, will not be allowed.
He said: “We hope to be in a position to advise people that they can travel between counties, including Northern Ireland, to visit friends and relatives closer to Christmas, but [that] will depend on the epidemiological data then.”
The Tánaiste added that “at the moment the rates of Covid are much higher [in the North] than they are here, but in two weeks’ time that might look very different because restrictions are being reimposed there.”
Mr Varadkar had previously told his parliamentary party that the issue of cross-Border travel would have to be looked at by the Government given the high level of cases in the North. Mr Varadkar is understood to have requested data from the Department of Health on infection levels in the North.
Pub setting
Mr Varadkar also questioned the logic that the availability of alcohol in a “controlled” pub setting would reduce the risk of infection and discourage house parties that would otherwise be held.
“Just because people can gather in a pub doesn’t mean that an equal number of home gatherings won’t happen,” he said.
He was speaking in advance of the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 meeting to decide on what happens at the end of the six weeks of Level 5 restrictions.
Independent TD Michael Lowry had said that one way or another alcohol would be consumed over Christmas and responsible publicans would make sure the rules were followed.
“I would say that publicans have generations of experience and are trustworthy,” the Tipperary TD added. He said they knew how to deal with the public and would police their customers and do things the way they should be done.
But the Tánaiste said that “it’s very possible that people having spent a few hours or a night in a pub will then retire to somebody’s house and have a party there.
“So I don’t think that this idea that if you open pubs there will be fewer house parties is necessarily true. You might actually end up with the same number or even more and therefore increase risk.”
He insisted that he was sympathetic to the view that the pub is a controlled environment.
He also said no decisions had yet been made about what will happen with restaurants, pubs or hotels in December. But he said: “Whatever happens we’ll make sure that financial supports like the employment wage subsidy scheme and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme remain in place for businesses that can’t open.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--McEntee facing Dáil questions over appointment of Séamus Woulfe

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is currently facing Dáil questions over the appointment of Supreme Court justice Séamus Woulfe .
The Government yielded to the question and answer session after two weeks of Opposition pressure calling for Ms McEntee to deal with the process of the former attorney general ’ s appointment when three sitting judges had also expressed an interest in the position .
Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghaíl told TDs that they may ask about the nature of process of selection of appointment to the Supreme Court , the steps involved and how it was conducted .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encroach on other branches of Government .
The Minister can not be questioned on the relative merits of candidates or how they were evaluated , he said .
Mr O Fearghaíl said that matters related to Cabinet including the Cabinet memo could not be asked about because of Cabinet confidentiality .
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board ( JAAB ) recommended one person , Séamus Woulfe for the position of Supreme Court judge .
She said only one application was made to the JAAB which made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former attorney general , has been criticised for attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Co Galway in August attended by 80 people , with allegations that it breached Covid-19 regulations .
Mr Woulfe ’ s attendance was the subject of a review by former chief justice Susan Denham , who found he should not resign .
But a transcript of his interview with Denham sparked further controversy , culminating in Chief Justice Frank Clarke expressing the personal view he should step down .
This sparked a political crisis which led the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated political pressure and focus on the appointment process .
Government Chief Whip Jack Chambers said two hours had been allocated for the debate with five minutes of questions from each opposition group and party .
The Minister had offered to address the matter in her ordinary oral parliamentary questions , but this approach was rejected by the Opposition who said it was insufficient and limiting .
Some parties would have been unable to ask questions , as well as questions being grouped and submitted to the Minister beforehand .

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said that the Government "acted appropriately at all times" during the appointment of Supreme Court justice Séamus Woulfe. Video: Oireachtas TV
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told Minister for Justice Helen McEntee that he thought Séamus Woulfe would be a "good judge" during a conversation before she made a decision on an appointment to the Supreme Court, it emerged on Thursday.
During a question and answer session in the Dáil about her role in the process of appointing Mr Justice Woulfe to the State’s highest court, Ms McEntee insisted that, despite that conversation, Mr Varadkar “did not tell me that this was to be the case” that the former attorney general should be appointed.
She said: “I did not make the decision then.” She added that there were two subsequent Cabinet meetings in the interim before she brought a recommendation to the Government for the appointment of Mr Justice Woulfe.
Ms McEntee also told the Dáil that there were five expressions of interest for the Supreme Court vacancy from sitting judges. The Irish Times broke the story earlier this month that at least three sitting judges had shown interest in the position.
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Ms McEntee told Sinn Féin justice spokesman Martin Kenny: “I did have a conversation informally with my colleague, with the Tánaiste. He informed me himself that there was a vacancy, that Séamus Woulfe had come through the JAAB [Judicial Appointments Advisory Board] process.
“I informed him that I was already aware of that. He also informed me, or I suppose gave a view, that he thought Séamus would be a good judge.”
The Minister later told TDs that “of course I took that on board”.
But she said: “I did not make a decision then because at that stage, I did not have all of the other names” showing an interest in the position.
She said she received those names in a draft memorandum on July 6th, and looked at all expressions of interests for the role, the one recommendation through JAAB, which was for Mr Justice Woulfe, and the other sitting judges eligible for this position.
She was originally informed of the vacancy by department officials during a briefing the day after her appointment as Minister at the end of June.
The Minister was on Thursday answering questions from the Opposition after statements from all parties and groups in the Dáil in the ongoing controversy over the appointment of the former attorney general to the court after it emerged that sitting judges had also expressed interest in the vacancy.
Ms McEntee staunchly defended her role in the appointment and insisted that she had acted at all times in accordance with the law.
Mr Kenny told her she was telling a “yarn” that there was a process involved in the decision and he claimed that she and Mr Varadkar had made the decision. It was a Fine Gael decision and the Taoiseach Micheál Martin was left out of the loop, he claimed.
But the Minister insisted that she had taken the time to look at the JAAB process and the list of judges. “Following that process I spoke to all the [Government party] leaders and based on their responses I made a recommendation.”
But Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy said that the very fact that there was an informal conversation with Mr Varadkar was an “intrusion in the process” and that the Tánaiste was “pretty much saying ‘that I’d really like to see this person appointed’”.
She asked with whom else Ms McEntee had discussed the issue. The Minister said she had not discussed the issue with the previous minister for justice or with Mr Justice Woulfe. She had had an “informal” conversation with the Tánaiste but “he did not tell me that this [appointment] was to be the case”.
She said there was no specific criteria for her to look at in making the decision. There was no list, or “boxes that I tick”. She said: “I have to use my judgment and I do apply my own set of criteria.”
Ms McEntee said the expressions of interest from the five sitting judges went to the Attorney General’s office and then directly into her office.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly told the Minister that “you can imagine how this sounds” that five sitting judges send in their expressions of interest to the attorney general’s office when a former attorney general himself has an interest in being promoted, “and nobody reflects on that as a procedure and practice”.
Ms McEntee said that “the process is what it is”. She said she was working on an updating of the current process and legislation.
Ms Connolly also asked if Mr Varadkar had an opinion on the sitting judges who sought promotion. Ms McEntee said that “there were no further discussions about other names because at that stage I had not received other names”.
Labour TD Brendan Howlin said Ms McEntee was probably the first Minister for Justice in history to personally determine a Supreme Court nomination without reference to the Taoiseach, but she told him that other former ministers for justice “have very clearly said they never brought other names [of potential candidates] to the Taoiseach”.
Opposition pressure
The Government had yielded to a question and answer session after two weeks of Opposition pressure calling for Ms McEntee to address the process of the former attorney general’s appointment to the State’s highest court.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl had told TDs that they may ask about the nature of the process of selection for appointment to the Supreme Court, the steps involved and how it was conducted. These are all objective issues and do not encroach on other branches of Government.
The Minister cannot be questioned on the relative merits of candidates or how they were evaluated, he said.
Mr Ó Fearghaíl said that matters related to Cabinet, including a Cabinet memo on the issue, could not be asked about because of Cabinet confidentiality.
Ms McEntee had previously said the JAAB recommended one person, Séamus Woulfe, for the position of Supreme Court judge.
She said only one application was made through JAAB, which made the recommendation in March.
Mr Justice Woulfe has been criticised for attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Co Galway in August attended by 80 people, with allegations that the event breached Covid-19 guidance.
Mr Justice Woulfe’s attendance at the event was the subject of a review by former chief justice Susan Denham, who found he should not resign. But a transcript of his interview with Ms Justice Denham sparked further controversy, culminating in Chief Justice Frank Clarke expressing the personal view he should step down.
This sparked a political crisis which led the Government to consider impeachment against him, bringing political pressure and focus on the initial appointment process.
Opposition comments
In opening remarks before the formal question and answer portion, Mr Kenny said that Mr Justice Woulfe’s name as a long-term Fine Gael activist had “miraculously” made its way to Cabinet as the nominee for the role.
The Sligo-Leitrim TD said this was a Fine Gael appointment, a “done deal”. He told Ms McEntee that it was “boxed off long before you ever took office Minister and then you signed off it. That is the reality and that is why we are here today.”
Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy said the JAAB process was a “vetting process” for solicitors and barristers and it lists such applicants who meet the criteria and are deemed appointable, but this did not constitute a formal recommendation. She claimed Ms McEntee kept referring to a recommendation and accused her of using that as a “cover”. She said sitting judges apply directly for judicial appointments to the Minister for Justice.
Ms Murphy said judicial experience did not seem to be considered in this case “and that is what a political appointment looks like”. She added that Ms Entee seemed to be “completely oblivious” to the applications of sitting judges and she asked: “Were you told who was to get the job?”
Rise TD Paul Murphy said it was “outrageous” that after two weeks of ducking and diving by the Government to shield the Minister that Ms McEntee spoke for 10 minutes but avoided the central issue of on what basis she decided Mr Justice Woulfe should be appointed. He was appointed “because he is close to Fine Gael and was a Fine Gael activist”, Mr Murphy said.
People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith said that “all of our top judges are effectively political appointees”, and depended on which party was in power at the time of vacancies. She told other Opposition leaders they could express their outrage next week by supporting the Rise-Solidarity-People Before Profit motion to impeach Mr Justice Woulfe.
Ms Connolly said the Minister had got a “hospital pass” on the issue.
She questioned why it had taken so much effort to even get to this level of debate. “I put the blame squarely on the Taoiseach. I’m afraid he has learnt nothing, and he should be in answering questions.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Soldier with exemplary record jailed for ‘outrageous assault’

A soldier with an exemplary record has been jailed for 18 months for his part in an “ outrageous assault ” in Cork city centre .
Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Eric Dorgan ( 24 ) of Fairfield Crescent Farranree in Cork would lose his job if he received any kind of prison sentence for the violent and unprovoked assault .
Eric Dorgan , and his co- accused Shane Galgey ( 24 ) , of St Anthony ’ s Road , Gurranabraher , Cork , were remanded in custody last month until their sentencing hearing on Thursday .
Det @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galgey and Dorgan were out for the night on November 30th , 2019 .
The men found themselves in Winthrop Street where three men were chatting .
Galgey approached them and asked what they were saying about him .
The men were completely innocent and had not interacted with former Naval Service member Galgey in any way .
As he asked the question of the group he punched one of the men in the face .
An assault on a second man followed and the third man was chased .
Eric Dorgan joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kicked in the head when he was on the ground .
Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin was told that Dorgan was more violent than the other assailant .
Both Galgey and Dorgan pleaded guilty to two charges of assault causing harm to two men on November 30th , 2019 .
The pair paid €12,000 in compensation to the injured parties .
Hannah Cahill BL said that her client , Mr Dorgan , felt deeply remorseful for his behaviour .
Both he and Mr Calgey apologised profusely to their victims .
Defence Barrister John Devlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated fully with gardaí .
The court was told that Galgey suffered from untreated PTSD which arose in the course of his job with the Naval Service .
This may have fuelled his aggressive behaviour , the court was told .
Both of the men were without previous convictions but had drank a lot of alcohol on the night .
Judge Donnabháin said that nothing could justify the “ outrageous assault ” on the victims .
One of the injured parties suffered a fractured eye socket and cheek injuries .
Another had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed .
The judge said the injured parties were “ bewildered ” by what had occurred .
“ For Mr Dorgan there truly was no reality of a fully suspended sentence .
Both men have served in the Defence Forces .
That man [ Dorgan ] will as a result of his conviction lose his job .
He had an exemplary record.
” Reading a psychological report in relation to Galgey , he said that there was a convincing background of a deterioration in his mental health arising out a case of untreated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Dorgan in the assault he jailed him for 18 months .
Judge Ó Donnabháin remanded Galgey on bail until February 26th 2021 .
He was urged to receive treatment for his PTSD .

A soldier with an exemplary record has been jailed for 18 months for his part in an “outrageous assault” in Cork city centre.
Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Eric Dorgan (24) of Fairfield Crescent Farranree in Cork would lose his job if he received any kind of prison sentence for the violent and unprovoked assault.
Eric Dorgan, and his co- accused Shane Galgey (24), of St Anthony’s Road, Gurranabraher, Cork, were remanded in custody last month until their sentencing hearing on Thursday.
Det Garda Brian Maher told the court that Galgey and Dorgan were out for the night on November 30th, 2019.
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The men found themselves in Winthrop Street where three men were chatting. Galgey approached them and asked what they were saying about him.
The men were completely innocent and had not interacted with former Naval Service member Galgey in any way. As he asked the question of the group he punched one of the men in the face.
An assault on a second man followed and the third man was chased. Eric Dorgan joined in and one of the men was kicked in the head when he was on the ground. Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin was told that Dorgan was more violent than the other assailant.
Both Galgey and Dorgan pleaded guilty to two charges of assault causing harm to two men on November 30th, 2019. The pair paid €12,000 in compensation to the injured parties.
Hannah Cahill BL said that her client, Mr Dorgan, felt deeply remorseful for his behaviour. Both he and Mr Calgey apologised profusely to their victims.
Defence Barrister John Devlin for Galgey said that his client co operated fully with gardaí. The court was told that Galgey suffered from untreated PTSD which arose in the course of his job with the Naval Service.
This may have fuelled his aggressive behaviour, the court was told. Both of the men were without previous convictions but had drank a lot of alcohol on the night.
Judge Donnabháin said that nothing could justify the “outrageous assault” on the victims. One of the injured parties suffered a fractured eye socket and cheek injuries. Another had a head injury wound that had to be closed.
The judge said the injured parties were “bewildered” by what had occurred.
“For Mr Dorgan there truly was no reality of a fully suspended sentence. Both men have served in the Defence Forces. That man [Dorgan] will as a result of his conviction lose his job. He had an exemplary record.”
Reading a psychological report in relation to Galgey, he said that there was a convincing background of a deterioration in his mental health arising out a case of untreated PTSD.
Taking the more violent role of Dorgan in the assault he jailed him for 18 months.
Judge Ó Donnabháin remanded Galgey on bail until February 26th 2021. He was urged to receive treatment for his PTSD.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Health and social services staff to start rolling series of strikes

A rolling series of strikes over pay restoration in State-funded voluntary organisations that provide health and social services will commence in mid-December , the trade union Siptu has said .
Siptu said the industrial action would begin in Cork on Tuesday December 15th with a one-day stoppage by its members working at CoAction , an organisation supporting people with disabilities .
Siptu public administration and community division organiser Adrian Kane said this would be followed by a 24-hour strike at South Doc in counties Cork and Kerry .
The trade union Fórsa said that its members would also be taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cork on December 15th .
The union said on Thursday that the dispute centred on the failure of the HSE to honour an agreement to restore the pay of workers in organisations , known technically as Section 39 bodies , which was reduced following the economic crash a decade ago .
Unions argue that while Section 39 organisations were urged to cut staff pay in line with reductions in remuneration to public servants during the austerity years , Section 39 personnel had not seen pay restoration , unlike direct State employees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Section 39 organisations staged a 24-hour stoppage last February over pay restoration .
However , the campaign was effectively suspended for a period as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic .
There are about 300 Section 39 organisations across the country which provide services on foot of grants paid by the HSE .
A deal was reached two years ago for the restoration of pay in an initial 50 of these bodies .
However trade unions said in October that there were now concerns about the process of pay restoration in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Unions have pointed out that Section 39 personnel have not seen pay restoration, unlike direct State employees.
A rolling series of strikes over pay restoration in State-funded voluntary organisations that provide health and social services will commence in mid-December, the trade union Siptu has said.
Siptu said the industrial action would begin in Cork on Tuesday December 15th with a one-day stoppage by its members working at CoAction, an organisation supporting people with disabilities.
Siptu public administration and community division organiser Adrian Kane said this would be followed by a 24-hour strike at South Doc in counties Cork and Kerry.
The trade union Fórsa said that its members would also be taking part in the one-day stoppage at CoAction in Cork on December 15th.
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The union said on Thursday that the dispute centred on the failure of the HSE to honour an agreement to restore the pay of workers in organisations, known technically as Section 39 bodies, which was reduced following the economic crash a decade ago.
Unions argue that while Section 39 organisations were urged to cut staff pay in line with reductions in remuneration to public servants during the austerity years, Section 39 personnel had not seen pay restoration, unlike direct State employees.
More than 1,000 staff in a number of Section 39 organisations staged a 24-hour stoppage last February over pay restoration. However, the campaign was effectively suspended for a period as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are about 300 Section 39 organisations across the country which provide services on foot of grants paid by the HSE. A deal was reached two years ago for the restoration of pay in an initial 50 of these bodies.
However trade unions said in October that there were now concerns about the process of pay restoration in some of the initial 50 Section 39 organisations.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Government to acquire more one-bed homes to house homeless single men

The Government is acquiring more one-bedroom homes because so many homeless people in Ireland are single men , Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has told the Dáil .
Mr Varadkar said there is a shortage of one-bed social housing in Ireland and acquiring such housing was part of the Government ’ s response to homelessness .
He added that 459 homeless people had been housed under the housing first programme in the first nine months of this year .
The Tánaiste was responding to Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin , who called for an immediate , emergency response and additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the explicit aim of reversing the rise in deaths of those who are homeless .
Mr Ó Broin raised the cases of two homeless men who recently died in Dublin .
One man died in a tent in Dublin city centre , while another man died in supported accommodation provided by a charity .
He said 52 deaths of homeless people had been recorded this year in Dublin , a “ significant ” increase on previous years and increased deaths were also reported in Galway and Cork .
He warned that it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths as isolated incidents ” and pointed to the death six years ago of homeless man Jonathan Corrie in a doorway across the street from Leinster House .
Mr Ó Broin questioned whether the system was “ fit for purpose ” and if enough additional supports , including mental health supports , were being provided , because the deaths of those in homelessness were different , with some dying from overdose , suicide , hypothermia , or sometimes murder .
There were 32 additional beds available in emergency accommodation in Dublin on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in a tent in Dublin , the Dáil was told .
Mr Varadkar said that 31 people came in to emergency beds in Dublin on that night with support workers encouraging people to use those beds .
“ No person should die on our streets because of a lack of a bed and there were beds available and support workers encouraging people to come in that night ” .
He insisted that the Government takes homeless services very seriously and the HSE and Dublin Regional Homeless Executive on November 10th have commissioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Another thing the Government is doing is acquiring more one-bed homes .
There is a real shortage of that social housing in Ireland at the moment .
“ And so many people who are homeless in Ireland are single men and need one-bed accommodation , combined with support services.
” Social Democrats TD Cian O ’ Callaghan expressed concern that there was increased use of private hostels by the Government without support services provided by hotels run by non-governmental organisation .
He said there were reports of “ very serious breaches of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about not being allowed to chat , and people who were homeless being barred from hostels for very minor infringement of these rules .
Mr Varadkar said the objective is to ensure that people who are homeless receive the “ wraparound supports ” , regardless of where they are accommodated .
He shared Mr O ’ Callaghan ’ s concerns but said it may not be as clear cut as is sometimes being presented and he would contact the Minister for Housing and ask him to deal directly with the Deputy .

The Government is acquiring more one-bedroom homes because so many homeless people in Ireland are single men, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has told the Dáil.
Mr Varadkar said there is a shortage of one-bed social housing in Ireland and acquiring such housing was part of the Government’s response to homelessness.
He added that 459 homeless people had been housed under the housing first programme in the first nine months of this year.
The Tánaiste was responding to Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin, who called for an immediate, emergency response and additional supports for those experiencing long-term homelessness with the explicit aim of reversing the rise in deaths of those who are homeless.
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Mr Ó Broin raised the cases of two homeless men who recently died in Dublin. One man died in a tent in Dublin city centre, while another man died in supported accommodation provided by a charity.
He said 52 deaths of homeless people had been recorded this year in Dublin, a “significant” increase on previous years and increased deaths were also reported in Galway and Cork.
He warned that it would be a "mistake to see these deaths as isolated incidents" and pointed to the death six years ago of homeless man Jonathan Corrie in a doorway across the street from Leinster House.
Mr Ó Broin questioned whether the system was “fit for purpose” and if enough additional supports, including mental health supports, were being provided, because the deaths of those in homelessness were different, with some dying from overdose, suicide, hypothermia, or sometimes murder.
There were 32 additional beds available in emergency accommodation in Dublin on the night this week that a homeless man died in a tent in Dublin, the Dáil was told.
Mr Varadkar said that 31 people came in to emergency beds in Dublin on that night with support workers encouraging people to use those beds.
“No person should die on our streets because of a lack of a bed and there were beds available and support workers encouraging people to come in that night”.
He insisted that the Government takes homeless services very seriously and the HSE and Dublin Regional Homeless Executive on November 10th have commissioned a detailed review of homeless deaths.
“Another thing the Government is doing is acquiring more one-bed homes. There is a real shortage of that social housing in Ireland at the moment.
“And so many people who are homeless in Ireland are single men and need one-bed accommodation, combined with support services.”
Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan expressed concern that there was increased use of private hostels by the Government without support services provided by hotels run by non-governmental organisation.
He said there were reports of “very serious breaches of human rights”, such as rules about not being allowed to chat, and people who were homeless being barred from hostels for very minor infringement of these rules.
Mr Varadkar said the objective is to ensure that people who are homeless receive the “wraparound supports”, regardless of where they are accommodated.
He shared Mr O’Callaghan’s concerns but said it may not be as clear cut as is sometimes being presented and he would contact the Minister for Housing and ask him to deal directly with the Deputy.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--People’s movement to work ‘down a third’ since October, says Google

People ’ s movements to and from work has fallen by a third since early October while mobility around homes has increased , according to new Google data .
The information , based on location tracking on phones , comes amid a pandemic in which drastically reduced mobility is considered key to halting the virus spread .
Ireland entered Level 5 lockdown at midnight , October 21st , which dramatically cut back the opportunity to get out and about .
However , earlier this month the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan expressed frustration that many people in a position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
“ This message really hasn ’ t gotten through when you look at the traffic and when you look at what is going on the workplaces , ” he said .
The Google data covering October 6th to November 17th does much to help us understand what ishappening , comparing patterns over the recent six weeks to those during a similar period at the very beginning of the year .
It shows an apparent decline in the rate of “ visits ” to workplaces , which have fallen by 34 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Similarly , public transport has dropped by more than half in keeping with ongoing trends ( down 52 per cent ) and mobility around domestic settings has climbed 14 per cent .
Unsurprisingly , given the lack of restrictions , the rate of visits to supermarkets and pharmacies has not changed at all across the country ( slight variations are recorded on a county-by-county basis ) , although more people seem to be going to parks ( up 14 per cent ) and fewer to retail and recreation spaces such as restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cinemas – obviously because most are closed ( down 42 per cent ) .
Google explained that its measurement of “ visits ” is calculated from the data of users who have opted in to location history settings on Google accounts .
The recent daily movement samples are compared to a baseline value to calculate changes in patterns .
This baseline is the median value for the corresponding days of the week taken during the five-week period between January 3rd and February 6th , before Covid-19 took hold of society .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by pointing out its calculations depend on user settings , connectivity and whether they meet a “ privacy threshold ” - where individual user information is anonymised .
“ As with all samples , this may or may not represent the exact behaviour of a wider population , ” it says .
“ No personally identifiable information , like an individual ’ s location , contacts or movement , is made available at any point.
” Such manipulation of big data also gives more localised insights .
In Dublin for instance , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to workplaces , down 47 per cent compared to the headline figure of 34 per cent .
There were similar , larger declines in trips to public transport sites such as train stations ( 60 per cent compared to 52 per cent ) and in retail and recreation ( 48 per cent compared to 42 per cent ) .
In the capital , the proportional increase in trips to parks more than doubled ( 30 per cent compared to 14 per cent ) – possibly a reflectionof the amount of parks available .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline in visits to workplaces was less than the headline figure , at 32 per cent , and fewer people appeared to visit parks ( - 4 per cent ) .
Co Galway recorded the same workplace pattern as Cork , but visits to parks there dropped substantially by 18 per cent .
In Co Limerick , workplace visits only fell by 29 per cent .

People’s movements to and from work have fallen by a third since early October, according to Google. File photograph: Getty Images
People's movements to and from work have fallen by a third since early October, while mobility around homes has increased, according to Google data.
The information, based on location tracking on phones, shows that since the State moved to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions on October 21st, people have dramatically cut back the amount of time they spend out and about.
The chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan earlier this month expressed frustration that many people in a position to work from home were not doing so.
“This message really hasn’t gotten through when you look at the traffic and when you look at what is going on the workplaces,” he said.
READ MORE
Google data covering the period from October 6th to November 17th compared patterns over the period to those during a similar length of time at the beginning of the year.
It suggests that “visits” to workplaces have fallen by 34 per cent when the recent data is compared to the start of the year.
Public transport use has fallen by some 52 per cent in the same period and that “mobility” around domestic settings has risen by 14 per cent.
The rate at which people visit to supermarkets and pharmacies, two businesses that have traded through the pandemic, has not changed markedly across the country (though there are slight variations on a county-by-county basis).
More people appear to be visiting parks (up 14 per cent) while visits to retail and recreation spaces - such as restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, museums and cinemas – are down 42 per cent given many of these have been closed due to the restrictions.
Google said it measures “visits” using data from those who allow tracking of location history settings on their Google accounts.
The recent daily movement samples are compared to a baseline value to calculate changes. The baseline is the median value for the corresponding days of the week taken during the five-week period between January 3rd and February 6th, before any Covid-19 cases were detected in Ireland.
However, the company qualifies its findings by pointing out its calculations depend on user settings, connectivity and whether they meet a “privacy threshold” - where an individual user’s information is anonymised.
“As with all samples, this may or may not represent the exact behaviour of a wider population,” it says. “No personally identifiable information, like an individual’s location, contacts or movement, is made available at any point.”
The data also provides some localised insights. In Dublin, for example, there has been a far greater decline in visits to workplaces, down 47 per cent compared to the average of 34 per cent.
In the capital, the increase in trips to parks more than doubled (30 per cent compared to 14 per cent) – possibly a reflectionof the amount of more parks being nearby and the fact fewer people would have gardens than in more rural areas. In Co Cork, fewer people appeared to be going to parks during the pandemic, with visits down 4 per cent, while in Galway visits to parks fell by 18 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Locals get permission to bring court challenge over Hell Fire club visitor centre

A local residents ’ group has secured permission from the High Court to bring proceedings aimed at overturning planning permission for a €15 million visitor centre at Dublin ’ s Hell Fire club .
The action by Hellfire Massy Residents Association ( HMRA ) concerns An Bord Pleanála ’ s grant of permission to South Dublin County Council to develop a visitor centre in the Dublin mountains at the Massy ’ s Wood estate and Montpelier Hill .
The site includes the Hell Fire club , a protected structure and national monument built around 1725 .
The project is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin Mountains Partnership .
At the High Court on Thursday Mr Justice Richard Humphreys , the judge who manages the court ’ s strategic infrastructure development and commercial planning list , granted the group permission to bring the challenge .
In its judicial review proceedings against the board , the Minister for Housing , Planning and Local Government , and the State , the HMRA wants orders quashing the board ’ s permission , granted last June , for a visitors ’ centre , car park and associated works at Montpelier Hill .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if built , function as a visitors ’ hub for the Dublin and Wicklow mountains and profoundly change the way the population of the greater Dublin region interacts with the upland areas to the south of the city .
They claim it will alter the type , intensity , mix and balance of the visitors that arrive to visit Montpelier Hill , the Natura 2000 sites in close proximity and Massy ’ s wood across the road .
The HMRA says it is not opposed to development on Montpelier Hill but believes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ inadequately assessed ” environmental consequences .
The HMRA fears the proposed centre will be used by visitors as a gateway for accessing the mountains trail network and claims this effect has not been assessed .
It claims the board , in granting permission , failed to consider adequately or at all , as required by the directives , the impacts on natural habitats , bats , red squirrels , otters and the Marsh Frittilary butterfly .
The case against the State includes claims section 175 of the Planning and Development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a planning application by a local authority be published via newspaper notice , does not vindicate observers ’ rights to effective public participation in the planning process .
When a planning applicant is not a local authority , further information has to be published via newspaper notice and a revised site notice so a participant in a planning process where the applicant is a local authority is at a “ significant disadvantage ” when further information is submitted , it is claimed .
A hearing date will be fixed at a later @ @

Residents’ group says it is not opposed to development on Montpelier Hill but believes the development as proposed will have “profound” and “inadequately assessed” environmental consequences. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
A local residents’ group has secured permission from the High Court to bring proceedings aimed at overturning planning permission for a €15 million visitor centre at Dublin’s Hell Fire club.
The action by Hellfire Massy Residents Association (HMRA) concerns An Bord Pleanála’s grant of permission to South Dublin County Council to develop a visitor centre in the Dublin mountains at the Massy’s Wood estate and Montpelier Hill.
The site includes the Hell Fire club, a protected structure and national monument built around 1725.
The project is being developed in co-operation with Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership.
READ MORE
At the High Court on Thursday Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, the judge who manages the court’s strategic infrastructure development and commercial planning list, granted the group permission to bring the challenge.
In its judicial review proceedings against the board, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and the State, the HMRA wants orders quashing the board’s permission, granted last June, for a visitors’ centre, car park and associated works at Montpelier Hill.
It claims the proposed development will, if built, function as a visitors’ hub for the Dublin and Wicklow mountains and profoundly change the way the population of the greater Dublin region interacts with the upland areas to the south of the city.
They claim it will alter the type, intensity, mix and balance of the visitors that arrive to visit Montpelier Hill, the Natura 2000 sites in close proximity and Massy’s wood across the road.
The HMRA says it is not opposed to development on Montpelier Hill but believes the development as proposed will have “profound” and “inadequately assessed” environmental consequences.
The HMRA fears the proposed centre will be used by visitors as a gateway for accessing the mountains trail network and claims this effect has not been assessed.
It claims the board, in granting permission, failed to consider adequately or at all, as required by the directives, the impacts on natural habitats, bats, red squirrels, otters and the Marsh Frittilary butterfly.
The case against the State includes claims section 175 of the Planning and Development Act, which requires further information relating to a planning application by a local authority be published via newspaper notice, does not vindicate observers’ rights to effective public participation in the planning process.
When a planning applicant is not a local authority, further information has to be published via newspaper notice and a revised site notice so a participant in a planning process where the applicant is a local authority is at a “significant disadvantage” when further information is submitted, it is claimed.
A hearing date will be fixed at a later stage.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Nphet signals strong opposition to parts of Government plan to exit lockdown

The Government ’ s public health experts have signalled strong opposition to some elements of the plan to lift restrictions next week and reopen social and economic life , The Irish Times understands .
After a lengthy meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) on Wednesday , the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan briefed the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly last night .
Mr Donnelly has been in contact with senior Government figures this morning .
A letter formally outlining the Nphet advice has not yet been received by Government , but it is understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health team is considerably tougher than the approach favoured by Government .
The Government has signalled that the Level Five restrictions will be eased next week , allowing retail to open .
It is also expected that pubs serving food and restaurants will be allowed open later in the month , perhaps the following week , and that travel restrictions will be lifted for perhaps two weeks around Christmas , allowing people to travel to spend the period with their extended families .
However , two sources familiar with the issue now say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signal opposition to some aspects of the planned reopening .
This will complicate matters for the Government as it prepares to announce the details of the reopening on Friday .
A meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid is scheduled to take place later on Thursday , at which the senior members of the Government – along with senior Nphet members and HSE chiefs – are due to finalise the plans which will be put to the Cabinet tomorrow .
That meeting will now become more difficult , as the Government will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reopening over the objections of its public health experts , or rowing back on the well-advertised plans to allow businesses to reopen and social and economic life to recommence before Christmas .
Earlier , Government sources in both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael played down comments by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar at the Fine Gael parliamentary party ’ s weekly meeting last night in which he raised the issue of cross-Border travel .
Mr Varadkar raised concerns about the prevalence of Covid-19 in the North and said there was a question over travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be addressed .
Prior to his comments at the party meeting , Mr Varadkar had written to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly seeking information on Covid rates in the North and the possibility of cross-Border infections .
But senior sources in both Government parties were dismissive of Mr Varadkar ’ s intervention as a serious policy initiative .
While the cross-Border question is likely to be discussed this evening at a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on Covid , few expect either restrictions or even an appeal to people not to cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s serious about this then he has an obligation to discuss it with us in advance , ” said one Fianna Fail source .
A senior Fine Gael source was also sceptical of the prospect of any restrictions , and expressed puzzlement at the Tánaiste ’ s intervention .
There has been fierce lobbying from the hospitality industry in recent days , but several senior sources across Government said last night that pubs which do not serve food are “ very unlikely ” to open .
Earlier yesterday , Mr Varadkar said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit the homes of their friends and family over a two-week period next month .

In a letter to the Government, the Nphet recommendedthat the hospitality sector should be allowed offer takeaway only services throughout December. Photograph: PA
The Government is due to agree to agree to allow restaurants and gastropubs reopen in December after a Cabinet sub-committee recommended the move on Thursday night.
The decision puts the Government at odds with the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) which called for a more cautious approach to reopening the hospitality sector before Christmas.
The Cabinet Covid-19 sub-committee met for five hours late on Thursday where it was proposed that the hospitality sector would be allowed to reopen from December 7th onwards.
Hospital Report
Senior sources said that there would be tighter rules including cutting the time allowed at a table and cutting the number of people allowed to sit together in restaurants.
READ MORE
It is now unlikely that household visits will recommence next week although this will change from December 18th while travel restrictions would also be removed at this stage allowing people to leave the county.
In a letter to the Government, the Nphet recommendedthat the hospitality sector should be allowed offer takeaway only services throughout December.
The Nphet said a choice should be made between relaxing restrictions on households visits or allowing the hospitality sector to reopen, sources said.
A senior source said the Government would seek to “re-balance” this by allowing hospitality to reopen while cutting the numbers allowed to visit households closer to Christmas time. It has not yet been decided how many people can visit each other at Christmas but it is likely to be less than six from three households.
The Cabinet will meet on Friday to approve plans to move the country to a variation of Level 3, sources say.
It is expected that shops, gyms and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen from next week onwards.
In the letter, the Nphet recommended that from next week onwards people would be allowed to have visits from one other household and that citizens would be allowed to travel within their own counties.
This would be relaxed between December 21st and January 3rd when people could travel outside their own counties and up to six people from three households could meet, according to those recommendations.
The Government, however, is expected to agree on Friday that hospitality can reopen from early December while household visiting restrictions would be relaxed from December 18th alongside a relaxation of travel restrictions.
The Nphet has also recommended that there be one visitor a week for residents in nursing homes from the second week in December.
After a lengthy meeting of the Nphet on Wednesday, the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan briefed Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on its recommendations on Wednesday night. Mr Donnelly was in contact with senior Government figures on Thursday to discuss the advice in advance of the Cabinet sub-committee meeting.
While Nphet’s advice has yet to be published, The Irish Times understands that the position taken by the public health team is considerably tougher than the approach favoured by Government. It further presents the Government with a trade-off, making clear that any easing of measures in one area should lead to a tightening or maintaining of measures in another area.
Cabinet meeting
The Cabinet sub-committee that met on Thursday comprises Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath.
Nphet has already met with the special high-level advisory group, chaired by the State’s most senior civil servant, Martin Fraser. That group discusses the public health advice and then makes recommendations to the sub-committee, but based on wider criteria.
One Government source said that a “polite showdown” with Nphet was expected. “Its letter is more or less saying we should stay close to Level 5 right through Christmas,” said the person on condition of anonymity.
In addition to the health advice, the Government has received economic and sectoral advice as well as advice on the psychological impact, including likely behaviour in the event of restrictions being continued.
One source said if there was a new bout of restrictions in the New Year it would be for a shorter duration, of no more than three weeks. The source said there was a tacit acceptance that lockdown situations that continued for six weeks was too long.
Border
Earlier, Government sources in both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael played down comments by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar at the Fine Gael parliamentary party's weekly meeting on Wednesday night in which he raised the issue of cross-Border travel.
Mr Varadkar raised concerns about the prevalence of Covid-19 in the North and said there was a question over travel across the Border which will have to be addressed.
Prior to his comments at the party meeting, Mr Varadkar had written to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly seeking information on Covid rates in the North and the possibility of cross-Border infections.
But senior sources in both Government parties were dismissive of Mr Varadkar’s intervention as a serious policy initiative. While the cross-Border question is likely to be discussed this evening at a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on Covid, few expect either restrictions or even an appeal to people not to cross the Border.
“If he’s serious about this then he has an obligation to discuss it with us in advance,” said one Fianna Fail source.
A senior Fine Gael source was also sceptical of the prospect of any restrictions, and expressed puzzlement at the Tánaiste’s intervention.
There has been fierce lobbying from the hospitality industry in recent days, but several senior sources across Government said last night that pubs which do not serve food are “very unlikely” to open.
On Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said it is likely that people will be allowed to visit the homes of their friends and family over a two-week period next month.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Young people ‘more likely’ to believe Covid disinformation, resist vaccines

Young people are more likely to believe disinformation on Covid-19 and to resist vaccines , a conference has heard .
At the event addressing trust in medical research , Dr Eileen Culloty of Dublin City University ’ s Institute for Future Media and Journalism explained that how people process and accept such information is highly contextual but when it comes to the pandemic , young people appear to be more sceptical than older people .
“ With Covid-19 some recent studies in the US have found that younger people are far more likely to believe false claims than older people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explanation for this might be that younger people have a perception that they are less at risk so they haven ’ t been paying as much attention to news coverage as older people so when they hear false claims they are less able to reject them.
” Dr Culloty was addressing the second day of the Health Research Board ’ s conference Trust and Truth in Health Research , which addressed a range of related topics , including the spread of disinformation in the digital era .
“ Again , younger people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines or less certain about the relevance or significance of vaccines than older people , ” she said .
“ One explanation for this is that vaccines are a victim of their own success ; so many generations have now grown up without a tangible awareness or fear of vaccine preventable diseases.
” Public acceptance and attitudes towards vaccines is of particular importance going into 2021 when a roll-out of those designed to fight coronavirus is needed to reach large percentages of populations .
Addressing the issue of people ’ s reception and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the digital age had ushered in a scenario where every new study was subjected to a cycle of publication , distortion – often to further specific agendas – and correction .
“ Covid-19 of course put this whole cycle into hyperdrive because research work was greatly accelerated .
The news media were very eager to publish the latest findings even if those findings were not even peer reviewed yet.
” Research on how to counter disinformation has shown that corrections can be effective , she said , especially if they are fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mark Little , the former RTÉ journalist and founder of Storyful – an early company established to scrutinise online content – said misinformation , “ just wrong things on the internet ” , is spread for all kinds of reasons , not always maliciously .
“ [ But ] disinformation , we need to call that out specifically , are organised campaigns .
.
.
trying to promote real world outcomes , for example protests against the lockdown , ” he said .
“ And that ’ s where we really need @ @ @ @ @ @

‘Recent US studies have found younger people are far more likely to believe false claims about Covid than older people’
Young people are more likely to believe disinformation on Covid-19 and to resist vaccines, a conference has heard.
At the event addressing trust in medical research, Dr Eileen Culloty of Dublin City University's Institute for Future Media and Journalism explained that how people process and accept such information is highly contextual but when it comes to the pandemic, young people appear to be more sceptical than older people.
“With Covid-19 some recent studies in the US have found that younger people are far more likely to believe false claims than older people,” she said.
“One explanation for this might be that younger people have a perception that they are less at risk so they haven’t been paying as much attention to news coverage as older people so when they hear false claims they are less able to reject them.”
READ MORE
Dr Culloty was addressing the second day of the Health Research Board’s conference Trust and Truth in Health Research, which addressed a range of related topics, including the spread of disinformation in the digital era.
“Again, younger people are far more likely to be hesitant towards vaccines or less certain about the relevance or significance of vaccines than older people,” she said.
“One explanation for this is that vaccines are a victim of their own success; so many generations have now grown up without a tangible awareness or fear of vaccine preventable diseases.”
Public acceptance and attitudes towards vaccines is of particular importance going into 2021 when a roll-out of those designed to fight coronavirus is needed to reach large percentages of populations.
Addressing the issue of people’s reception and treatment of scientific research, Dr Culloty said the digital age had ushered in a scenario where every new study was subjected to a cycle of publication, distortion – often to further specific agendas – and correction.
“Covid-19 of course put this whole cycle into hyperdrive because research work was greatly accelerated. The news media were very eager to publish the latest findings even if those findings were not even peer reviewed yet.”
Research on how to counter disinformation has shown that corrections can be effective, she said, especially if they are fast, repeated and offer some explanatory detail.
Mark Little, the former RTÉ journalist and founder of Storyful – an early company established to scrutinise online content – said misinformation, "just wrong things on the internet", is spread for all kinds of reasons, not always maliciously.
“[But] disinformation, we need to call that out specifically, are organised campaigns . . . trying to promote real world outcomes, for example protests against the lockdown,” he said. “And that’s where we really need to be hyper vigilant.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Members of public urged to report pollution as Cork farmer fined €8,000

Farmers have been urged to be vigilant to the pollution risks posed to rivers from slurry discharges following the conviction yesterday of a large dairy farmer for polluting a river near his farm in East Cork .
Sean Long , Director of the South Westerdan River Basin District at Inland Fisheries Ireland said that livestock manure and other organic fertilisers , effluents and soiled waters have the potential to cause devastating effects on fisheries .
“ Good farmyard management and using preventative measures helps stop accidental discharges of polluting substances and protects the local environment which will have a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fish populations and general wellbeing in an area , ” he said .
“ I urge the farming community to remain vigilant to the risk of pollution from yards and slurry tanks , ” said Mr Long , adding that members of the general public can contact Inland Fisheries Ireland confidentially to report any incidents of water pollution .
Mr Long was speaking after East Cork farmer , Brian Duncan was fined €8,000 by Judge Patricia Harney at Midleton District Court on foot of prosecution brought by Inland Fisheries Ireland over a slurry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dungourney in April 2018 .
Judge Harney was told that an initial discharge of slurry from Duncan ’ s farmyard was followed by further reoccurrences , resulting in a number of court adjournments and hearings to allow completion of court directed remedial works .
A witness for Inland Fisheries Ireland told the court that the Douglas river , a tributary of the Owenacurra river which flows through Midleton , had been severely polluted by the slurry discharges which had rendered the riverine habitat inaccessible to spawning trout and salmon .
Evidence was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large farm with a dairy herd in excess of 1,000 at his holding in Dungourney , had invested significantly in remedial work to improve his yard facilities since the initial incident in April 2018 .
Judge Harney convicted Duncan under Section 171 ( 1 ) of the Fisheries Consolidation Act 1959 and Section 3 ( 1 ) of The Local Government Water Pollution Act 1977 , awarding full costs and expenses of €8,139 to Inland Fisheries Ireland .
Commenting afterwards , Mr Long said that anyone who wished to report incidents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing could contact Inland Fisheries Ireland in confidence on 1890 34 74 24 or 1890 FISH 24 .

Members of the public have been urged to report incidents of water pollution, fish kills or illegal fishing. File photograph: iStock
Farmers have been urged to be vigilant to the pollution risks posed to rivers from slurry discharges following the conviction yesterday of a large dairy farmer for polluting a river near his farm in East Cork.
Sean Long, Director of the South Westerdan River Basin District at Inland Fisheries Ireland said that livestock manure and other organic fertilisers, effluents and soiled waters have the potential to cause devastating effects on fisheries.
“Good farmyard management and using preventative measures helps stop accidental discharges of polluting substances and protects the local environment which will have a significant and lasting positive impact on valuable wild fish populations and general wellbeing in an area,” he said.
“I urge the farming community to remain vigilant to the risk of pollution from yards and slurry tanks,” said Mr Long, adding that members of the general public can contact Inland Fisheries Ireland confidentially to report any incidents of water pollution.
READ MORE
Mr Long was speaking after East Cork farmer, Brian Duncan was fined €8,000 by Judge Patricia Harney at Midleton District Court on foot of prosecution brought by Inland Fisheries Ireland over a slurry spillage into the Douglas River at Garryduff, Dungourney in April 2018.
Judge Harney was told that an initial discharge of slurry from Duncan's farmyard was followed by further reoccurrences, resulting in a number of court adjournments and hearings to allow completion of court directed remedial works.
A witness for Inland Fisheries Ireland told the court that the Douglas river, a tributary of the Owenacurra river which flows through Midleton, had been severely polluted by the slurry discharges which had rendered the riverine habitat inaccessible to spawning trout and salmon.
Evidence was also given that Duncan, who runs a large farm with a dairy herd in excess of 1,000 at his holding in Dungourney, had invested significantly in remedial work to improve his yard facilities since the initial incident in April 2018.
Judge Harney convicted Duncan under Section 171 (1) of the Fisheries Consolidation Act 1959 and Section 3 (1) of The Local Government Water Pollution Act 1977, awarding full costs and expenses of €8,139 to Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Commenting afterwards, Mr Long said that anyone who wished to report incidents of water pollution, fish kills or illegal fishing could contact Inland Fisheries Ireland in confidence on 1890 34 74 24 or 1890 FISH 24.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Psychiatric nurses to demand all money from hospital sale go to mental health service

Psychiatric nurses are to demand that all money realised from the sale of valuable lands and buildings at the existing Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum in south Dublin be re-invested by the Government in mental health services .
The Psychiatric Nurses Association ( PNA ) said that despite record levels of funding for the health service this year , the share of the overall budget allocated for mental health has decreased .
The union , which holds its annual conference on Thursday , said up to 200 additional nurses will be required to be taken on to facilitate the opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services in Portrane , in north Dublin next year .
It said given the additional staffing requirements , it was envisaged that the new facility - which will replace the existing Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum - will be brought into use on a phased basis .
PNA general secretary Peter Hughes said his union will be will be “ insisting that all proceeds from the sale of the very valuable land in Dundrum is protected and ringfenced for investment in the wider mental health services ” .
The PNA said that despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health services the percentage of the overall health budget for mental health had actually decreased by one per cent .
Mr Hughes said the fall in the share of the overall budget allocated to mental health was “ outrageous ” .
He said it “ clearly highlights the lack of understanding of our politicians of the inadequacy of our current services or the extent of the growing demands for mental health services at every level.
” “ It is incomprehensible and a retrograde step especially when it comes just four months after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Sharing the Vision ’ .
“ And it comes despite Sláintecare recommending that 10 per cent of the health budget should be allocated to mental health , which is still below international recommendations .
The health budget is now €20billion including the additional €4billion increase for 2021 .
Of this mental health has a budget allocation of €1 billion which now means that the mental health budget has been reduced from just over 6 per cent to 5 per cent .
” Mr Hughes said the new National Forensic Mental Health Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed and handed over to the HSE next month , was by far the largest capital development of mental health services in the State .
“ The new service will comprise of a 170-bed campus which is over 70 beds more than the current service in Dundrum .
Incorporated within is a 120-bed forensic hospital , 10- bed CAMHS ( child and adolescent ) unit , 10- bed mental health intellectual disability unit and a 30-bed intensive care rehabilitation unit .
“ Considering it will take an extra 200 nurses to staff the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will open on a phased basis .
It is expected that the 120-bed forensic hospital will open towards the end of March/April 2021.
” “ However , it is essential that the whole service is opened and fully staffed within a specific timeframe as the specialised child and adolescent mental health , mental health intellectual disability unit and the intensive care rehabilitation units are non-existent throughout the country at present.
” Separately talks between the Government and trade unions on a new public service agreement are expected to deal with proposals for reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood the Government is keen to retain work practice flexibilities which were introduced during the Covid-19 emergency .

Psychiatric nurses are to demand that all money realised from the sale of valuable lands and buildings at the existing Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum in south Dublin be re-invested by the Government in mental health services.
The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) said that despite record levels of funding for the health service this year, the share of the overall budget allocated for mental health has decreased.
The union, which holds its annual conference on Thursday, said up to 200 additional nurses will be required to be taken on to facilitate the opening of the new National Forensic Mental Health Services in Portrane, in north Dublin next year.
It said given the additional staffing requirements, it was envisaged that the new facility - which will replace the existing Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum - will be brought into use on a phased basis.
READ MORE
PNA general secretary Peter Hughes said his union will be will be " insisting that all proceeds from the sale of the very valuable land in Dundrum is protected and ringfenced for investment in the wider mental health services".
The PNA said that despite growing demand at all levels for mental health services the percentage of the overall health budget for mental health had actually decreased by one per cent.
‘Outrageous’
Mr Hughes said the fall in the share of the overall budget allocated to mental health was “outrageous”.
He said it “clearly highlights the lack of understanding of our politicians of the inadequacy of our current services or the extent of the growing demands for mental health services at every level.”
“It is incomprehensible and a retrograde step especially when it comes just four months after the launch of the latest ten-year Government strategy ‘Sharing the Vision’.
“And it comes despite Sláintecare recommending that 10 per cent of the health budget should be allocated to mental health, which is still below international recommendations. The health budget is now €20billion including the additional €4billion increase for 2021. Of this mental health has a budget allocation of €1 billion which now means that the mental health budget has been reduced from just over 6 per cent to 5 per cent .”
Mr Hughes said the new National Forensic Mental Health Services in Portrane which was scheduled to be completed and handed over to the HSE next month,was by far the largest capital development of mental health services in the State.
“The new service will comprise of a 170-bed campus which is over 70 beds more than the current service in Dundrum. Incorporated within is a 120-bed forensic hospital, 10- bed CAMHS (child and adolescent) unit, 10- bed mental health intellectual disability unit and a 30-bed intensive care rehabilitation unit.
“Considering it will take an extra 200 nurses to staff the campus it is envisaged that the service will open on a phased basis. It is expected that the 120-bed forensic hospital will open towards the end of March/April 2021.”
“However, it is essential that the whole service is opened and fully staffed within a specific timeframe as the specialised child and adolescent mental health, mental health intellectual disability unit and the intensive care rehabilitation units are non-existent throughout the country at present.”
Separately talks between the Government and trade unions on a new public service agreement are expected to deal with proposals for reform and modernisation on Thursday. It is understood the Government is keen to retain work practice flexibilities which were introduced during the Covid-19 emergency.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Scheme aims to provide free legal services to those in need

An initiative that asks the legal profession to provide free legal assistance to those in need is being unveiled today .
The “ Pro Bono Pledge Ireland ” is being supported by the Bar of Ireland , the Law Society of Ireland and the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association .
The initiative is being announced by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee .
The pledge provides a common definition of pro bono legal work , a commitment to a minimum aspirational target of 20 pro bono hours per lawyer per year and a mechanism to benchmark progress through annual reporting of anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 70 signatories , representing more than 2,000 solicitors and barristers .
Speaking ahead of today ’ s event , Ms McEntee said : “ Pro Bono Pledge Ireland represents an excellent model for pro bono delivery in Ireland .
“ It recognises the voluntary contribution members of the legal profession make in pledging their time and skills for the benefit of people who need them .
It serves to enhance access to justice while also promoting a culture of volunteerism and corporate social responsibility.
” Free Legal Advice Centres ( FLAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the first collaborative effort in Ireland to articulate the shared professional responsibility of lawyers to promote access to justice through pro bono legal work ” .
“ It recognises the substantial and growing level of pro bono contribution by the legal profession towards meeting unmet legal need , ” he said .
“ This need , of course , is now even more pressing due to the pandemic , where the FLAC phone line has been inundated with very stressed callers seeking urgent legal advice.
” He added : “ While this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substitute for a properly funded system of legal aid , it is a vital and very welcome strategy which will increase access to justice for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and groups .
”

A scheme that aims to provide free legal aid is being unveiled today
An initiative that asks the legal profession to provide free legal assistance to those in need is being unveiled today.
The "Pro Bono Pledge Ireland" is being supported by the Bar of Ireland, the Law Society of Ireland and the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association. The initiative is being announced by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
The pledge provides a common definition of pro bono legal work, a commitment to a minimum aspirational target of 20 pro bono hours per lawyer per year and a mechanism to benchmark progress through annual reporting of anonymous pro bono data.
It currently has more than 70 signatories, representing more than 2,000 solicitors and barristers.
READ MORE
Speaking ahead of today’s event, Ms McEntee said: “Pro Bono Pledge Ireland represents an excellent model for pro bono delivery in Ireland.
“It recognises the voluntary contribution members of the legal profession make in pledging their time and skills for the benefit of people who need them. It serves to enhance access to justice while also promoting a culture of volunteerism and corporate social responsibility.”
Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) chairman Peter Ward said it was "the first collaborative effort in Ireland to articulate the shared professional responsibility of lawyers to promote access to justice through pro bono legal work".
“It recognises the substantial and growing level of pro bono contribution by the legal profession towards meeting unmet legal need,” he said.
“This need, of course, is now even more pressing due to the pandemic, where the FLAC phone line has been inundated with very stressed callers seeking urgent legal advice.”
He added: “While this pro bono pledge can never be a substitute for a properly funded system of legal aid, it is a vital and very welcome strategy which will increase access to justice for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and groups.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Colleges must report annual bullying and sexual harassment figures

All third level colleges are to be required to measure cases of sexual harassment and bullying of staff and students as part of new “ zero tolerance ” initiative to create safe campuses for all .
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris TD is to announce on Thursday that higher education institutions will be required to record and report these statistics annually from now on .
“ We must work together to create a culture of zero tolerance , where education around consent is a requirement and not an option , not just for the students , but also for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said in a statement .
“ The very least they are entitled to is a safe environment to study and work free from harassment or violence.
” The announcement follows a recent letter from Mr Harris to college presidents requiring specific institutional action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment in third level institutions .
He said these action plans will involve the implementation of systems that record the number of incidents of bullying , intimidation or harassment including sexual harassment .
“ A substantial barrier to tackling these issues has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the problem .
The recording of incidents by higher education institutions has been inconsistent , ” he said .
“ As part of working to improve this , a survey will be undertaken on harassment , sexual harassment and bullying of both staff and students in our higher education institutions .
“ The survey will commence in the new year , and the Higher Education Authority is working closely with the higher education institutions in this regard .
He said it was essential that the “ voice of students and staff is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and the survey will allow us to hear directly from them .
Dr Ross Woods of the Higher Education Authority ’ s centre of excellence for gender equality said harassment of any description can not be tolerated in our higher education institutions .
“ The HEA commends the work undertaken to date to make campuses safer for students , ” Dr Woods said .
“ Now it is time to capitalise on this through the implementation of the framework for consent and to expand on this work to address the pressing issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an equality perspective , we know that bullying and harassment can seriously affect the careers of young female academics and we are committed to addressing this issue head on , ” said Dr Woods .

Third level colleges are to be required to measure cases of sexual harassment and bullying of staff and students as part of new ‘zero tolerance’ initiative to create safe campuses for all. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
All third level colleges are to be required to measure cases of sexual harassment and bullying of staff and students as part of new “zero tolerance” initiative to create safe campuses for all.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris TD is to announce on Thursday that higher education institutions will be required to record and report these statistics annually from now on.
“We must work together to create a culture of zero tolerance, where education around consent is a requirement and not an option, not just for the students, but also for those teaching and guiding them,” he said in a statement.
“The very least they are entitled to is a safe environment to study and work free from harassment or violence.”
READ MORE
The announcement follows a recent letter from Mr Harris to college presidents requiring specific institutional action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment in third level institutions.
He said these action plans will involve the implementation of systems that record the number of incidents of bullying, intimidation or harassment including sexual harassment.
Survey
“A substantial barrier to tackling these issues has been the lack of data indicating the extent of the problem. The recording of incidents by higher education institutions has been inconsistent,” he said.
“As part of working to improve this, a survey will be undertaken on harassment, sexual harassment and bullying of both staff and students in our higher education institutions.
"The survey will commence in the new year, and the Higher Education Authority is working closely with the higher education institutions in this regard.
He said it was essential that the “ voice of students and staff is at the centre of what we do” and the survey will allow us to hear directly from them.
Dr Ross Woods of the Higher Education Authority's centre of excellence for gender equality said harassment of any description cannot be tolerated in our higher education institutions.
“The HEA commends the work undertaken to date to make campuses safer for students,” Dr Woods said.
“Now it is time to capitalise on this through the implementation of the framework for consent and to expand on this work to address the pressing issue of harassment of staff.
“From an equality perspective, we know that bullying and harassment can seriously affect the careers of young female academics and we are committed to addressing this issue head on,” said Dr Woods.


theirishtimes--2020-11-26--Majority of Covid-19 outbreaks in last week were in private houses

The vast majority of outbreaks or clusters of Covid-19 reported in the past week occurred in private houses , according to new figures .
A report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows there were a total of 772 outbreaks in the State reported in the week up to midnight on Saturday , of which 652 occurred in private houses .
There were also 18 clusters in extended families , 15 in hospitals , 19 in schools , and 20 in workplace settings .
Four of these occurred in meat/poultry/fish processing plants , while there were two outbreaks in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak occurred on a construction site .
There were 65 laboratory confirmed cases linked to the workplace outbreaks .
Of these , 30 were in meat/poultry/fish processing plants ; less than five on construction sites , and 33 in other workplace settings .
In relation to the school outbreaks , the report says transmission of Covid-19 within the school has not necessarily been established in these outbreaks .
Meanwhile , there were five new outbreaks reported in nursing homes .
There were five too among vulnerable communities with three of these among members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks occurred in prisons .
The figures come as six further deaths and 269 new Covid-19 cases were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) yesterday evening .
There have now been a total of 2,033 Covid-19 related deaths and a total of 71,187 confirmed coronavirus cases in the State .
Of the new cases 123 are among men and 146 among women , while 64 per cent are under 45 years of age .
Some 88 are in Dublin ; 42 in Cork ; 25 in Limerick ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the remaining 78 spread across 17 other counties .
A total of 260 patients are being treated in hospital for Covid-19 , with 36 of them in ICU .
In the North Health Minister Robin Swann warned of a crisis in the new year if there is a “ festive free-for-all ” ignoring restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus over the coming weeks .
As seven more deaths of people with Covid 19 were reported , Mr Swann said new guidelines allowing people from three households to meet indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean it was “ time to relax our guard ” .
“ Christmas is a time of hope and togetherness , but the greatest gift we can give our loved ones this year is to look after them , ” he told a press conference in Belfast .
“ While some restrictions may be relaxed for a few days in December , maximum vigilance will still be required .
Social distancing will still be vital .
A festive free-for-all would mean a new year crisis.
” Under temporary guidelines to allow families to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to come together in homes from December 23rd- 27th .
Ahead of that , a fresh two-week circuit-breaker lockdown is being imposed from tomorrow .
Mr Swann said people ’ s actions over the two-week period , ending on December 11th , will have a “ huge bearing on the kind of Christmas that we all can have ” .
“ This is a time to unite , to get the best outcome from the next two weeks , ” he said .
The UUP MLA confirmed “ intensive preparations ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination programme across the North , which he said would be a “ massive logistical operation which will span several months ” .
Some 600 people , including retired health professionals , have so far volunteered as vaccinators , alongside 880 staff in the health service .
There have been 954 reported deaths of people with coronavirus in the North to date .
There were also another 533 confirmed cases of the virus recorded yesterday .
A total of 50,676 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 in the North since the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officer , Michael McBride , said guidelines allowing three households to meet indoors over Christmas carried with it risks that needed to be balanced with the mental health and well-being benefits of families coming together .
But he was in “ no doubt ” that it would result in increased incidents of coronavirus in the aftermath of the five-day period .
“ Let ’ s work together to keep those figures as low as possible , ” he said .
Meanwhile , the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early yesterday , for the second night in a row , over complaints about noisy house parties and antisocial behaviour .
Chief Insp Gavin Kirkpatrick said 14 fines of £200 and six prohibition notices were issued at two houses in the area , which is popular with students .

The vast majority of outbreaks or clusters of Covid-19 reported in the past week occurred in private houses, according to new figures.
A report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows there were a total of 772 outbreaks in the State reported in the week up to midnight on Saturday, of which 652 occurred in private houses. There were also 18 clusters in extended families, 15 in hospitals, 19 in schools, and 20 in workplace settings. Four of these occurred in meat/poultry/fish processing plants, while there were two outbreaks in other food production or processing businesses. One outbreak occurred on a construction site.
There were 65 laboratory confirmed cases linked to the workplace outbreaks.
Hospital Report
Of these, 30 were in meat/poultry/fish processing plants; less than five on construction sites, and 33 in other workplace settings.
READ MORE
In relation to the school outbreaks, the report says transmission of Covid-19 within the school has not necessarily been established in these outbreaks.
Meanwhile, there were five new outbreaks reported in nursing homes.
Vulnerable communities
There were five too among vulnerable communities with three of these among members of the Traveller community, while two outbreaks occurred in prisons.
The figures come as six further deaths and 269 new Covid-19 cases were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) yesterday evening. There have now been a total of 2,033 Covid-19 related deaths and a total of 71,187 confirmed coronavirus cases in the State.
Of the new cases 123 are among men and 146 among women, while 64 per cent are under 45 years of age.
Some 88 are in Dublin; 42 in Cork; 25 in Limerick; 20 in Louth; 16 in Donegal, and the remaining 78 spread across 17 other counties.
A total of 260 patients are being treated in hospital for Covid-19, with 36 of them in ICU.
In the North Health Minister Robin Swann warned of a crisis in the new year if there is a "festive free-for-all" ignoring restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus over the coming weeks. As seven more deaths of people with Covid 19 were reported, Mr Swann said new guidelines allowing people from three households to meet indoors for five days over Christmas did not mean it was "time to relax our guard".
"Christmas is a time of hope and togetherness, but the greatest gift we can give our loved ones this year is to look after them," he told a press conference in Belfast.
“While some restrictions may be relaxed for a few days in December, maximum vigilance will still be required. Social distancing will still be vital. A festive free-for-all would mean a new year crisis.”
Meet at Christmas
Under temporary guidelines to allow families to meet at Christmas, three households will be allowed to come together in homes from December 23rd- 27th. Ahead of that, a fresh two-week circuit-breaker lockdown is being imposed from tomorrow.
Mr Swann said people’s actions over the two-week period, ending on December 11th, will have a “huge bearing on the kind of Christmas that we all can have”.
“This is a time to unite, to get the best outcome from the next two weeks,” he said.
The UUP MLA confirmed “intensive preparations” were already under way for a mass vaccination programme across the North, which he said would be a “massive logistical operation which will span several months”.
Some 600 people, including retired health professionals, have so far volunteered as vaccinators, alongside 880 staff in the health service.
There have been 954 reported deaths of people with coronavirus in the North to date. There were also another 533 confirmed cases of the virus recorded yesterday. A total of 50,676 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 in the North since the pandemic began. The North’s chief medical officer, Michael McBride, said guidelines allowing three households to meet indoors over Christmas carried with it risks that needed to be balanced with the mental health and well-being benefits of families coming together. But he was in “no doubt” that it would result in increased incidents of coronavirus in the aftermath of the five-day period. “Let’s work together to keep those figures as low as possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was called to the Holyland area of south Belfast early yesterday, for the second night in a row, over complaints about noisy house parties and antisocial behaviour.
Chief Insp Gavin Kirkpatrick said 14 fines of £200 and six prohibition notices were issued at two houses in the area, which is popular with students.