theirishtimes--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Care facilities have more than 62% of overall deaths

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes and residential care facilities as a proportion of overall deaths has risen since last week , new figures show .
Residential and community care facilities including nursing homes accounted for more than 62 per cent of the 1,375 deaths reported by the Department of Health on Wednesday .
This was up from 58 per cent of the deaths reported 10 days ago .
The share of nursing home deaths has risen to almost 54 per cent of all Covid-19 deaths , up from 49.5 per cent in that time .
There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities , including 740 nursing home residents – up from 819 and 706 respectively on a day earlier .
The vast majority of these deaths took place in the care or nursing homes themselves .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) said at the Wednesday briefing that 147 of the 857 deaths associated with residential and community care facilities , or 17.2 per cent , and 118 nursing home deaths , or 15.9 per cent of those deaths , took place in a hospital .
The elderly and nursing home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic in the country as the number of clusters – each defined as two or more cases – in the homes have risen to 232 , an increase of three in a day , and to 400 for residential care facilities overall .
There were 5,370 coronavirus cases in residential care facilities , or 24.4 per cent , of the total 22,248 cases .
These include 4,268 cases in nursing homes , or 19.4 per cent of all the cases .
The State ’ s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing on whether the department was confident all Covid-19 deaths are being reported .
He said officials relied on three sources of information : comparing lab-confirmed and probable deaths with deaths notified by nursing homes and facilities registered with the sector ’ s regulator , the Health Information and Quality Authority , and census-reported deaths per week .
State officials were seeing “ a broad matching ” in the figures .
He couldn ’ t give an assurance that every single possible Covid-19 case was being notified but that they were certain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortality ” in institutional settings that officials had not identified .
He noted that there was a three-month lag in the notification and registration of a death , which was relatively longer than in other countries , and he wanted to see that shortened , he said .
A fear of infection and the public distancing recommendation were discouraging people from going into an office to register that death but he urged people to register deaths online , he added .

Signs in relation to Covid-19 at the entrance to a nursing home in Dublin. There have been 857 deaths associated with residential care facilities, including 740 nursing home residents – up from 819 and 706 respectively on a day earlier. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The number of coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes and residential care facilities as a proportion of overall deaths has risen since last week, new figures show.
Residential and community care facilities including nursing homes accounted for more than 62 per cent of the 1,375 deaths reported by the Department of Health on Wednesday.
This was up from 58 per cent of the deaths reported 10 days ago. The share of nursing home deaths has risen to almost 54 per cent of all Covid-19 deaths, up from 49.5 per cent in that time.
There have been 857 deaths associated with residential care facilities, including 740 nursing home residents – up from 819 and 706 respectively on a day earlier.
READ MORE
The vast majority of these deaths took place in the care or nursing homes themselves.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) said at the Wednesday briefing that 147 of the 857 deaths associated with residential and community care facilities, or 17.2 per cent, and 118 nursing home deaths, or 15.9 per cent of those deaths, took place in a hospital.
Clusters
The elderly and nursing home residents in particular have borne the brunt of the pandemic in the country as the number of clusters – each defined as two or more cases – in the homes have risen to 232, an increase of three in a day, and to 400 for residential care facilities overall.
There were 5,370 coronavirus cases in residential care facilities, or 24.4 per cent, of the total 22,248 cases. These include 4,268 cases in nursing homes, or 19.4 per cent of all the cases.
The State’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan addressed a question at Wednesday’s briefing on whether the department was confident all Covid-19 deaths are being reported.
He said officials relied on three sources of information: comparing lab-confirmed and probable deaths with deaths notified by nursing homes and facilities registered with the sector’s regulator, the Health Information and Quality Authority, and census-reported deaths per week.
‘Broad matching’
State officials were seeing “a broad matching” in the figures. He couldn’t give an assurance that every single possible Covid-19 case was being notified but that they were certain that there was not “an experience of mortality” in institutional settings that officials had not identified.
He noted that there was a three-month lag in the notification and registration of a death, which was relatively longer than in other countries, and he wanted to see that shortened, he said.
A fear of infection and the public distancing recommendation were discouraging people from going into an office to register that death but he urged people to register deaths online, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--€1m fund to combat illegal dumping across the State

Illegal dumping is on the increase nationally with almost all local authorities reporting a rise in both fly tipping at known blackspots , and littering in more populated areas .
These problems are now more apparent as those in the community who previously picked up after their dirty neighbours are unable to do so due to Covid-19 restrictions .
In Wicklow the Pure Project , a collaboration of a number of organisations , including Wicklow County Council , National Parks and Wildlife Service , and community groups , is continuing to handle calls about dumping in the mountains , largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2km or 5km movement limits .
Mayo County Council , which would have been familiar with dealing with rural fly-tipping , has in recent days issued a plea for people to stop discarding plastic gloves and masks on the streets in its towns .
“ There has been an increase in the number of latex gloves and face masks discarded on our streets .
By not disposing of these correctly you may be helping to spread germs and Coronavirus , ” the council said .
It has also asked that people “ avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Similar problems have been faced by local authorities from Cork to Donegal .
In response , the Department of Climate Action and Environment has ringfenced €1 million from its ongoing anti-dumping fund to help local authorities combat the increase .
The money will be used not only for waste removal but installation of CCTV or other monitoring and surveillance equipment , Minister for Environment Richard Bruton said .
“ I am extremely concerned with reports of an increase in illegal dumping during the Covid crisis .
By providing local authorities with advance funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decisively , ” he said .
“ Illegal dumping is committed by a minority but is a scourge on local communities .
”

Minister for Environment Richard Bruton said he was extremely concerned with reports of increased illegal dumping. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Times
Illegal dumping is on the increase nationally with almost all local authorities reporting a rise in both fly tipping at known blackspots, and littering in more populated areas. These problems are now more apparent as those in the community who previously picked up after their dirty neighbours are unable to do so due to Covid-19 restrictions.
In Wicklow the Pure Project, a collaboration of a number of organisations, including Wicklow County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and community groups, is continuing to handle calls about dumping in the mountains, largely outside the radius of most households’ 2km or 5km movement limits.
Mayo County Council, which would have been familiar with dealing with rural fly-tipping, has in recent days issued a plea for people to stop discarding plastic gloves and masks on the streets in its towns. "There has been an increase in the number of latex gloves and face masks discarded on our streets. By not disposing of these correctly you may be helping to spread germs and Coronavirus, " the council said. It has also asked that people "avoid unnecessary clear outs at home".
Similar problems have been faced by local authorities from Cork to Donegal. In response, the Department of Climate Action and Environment has ringfenced €1 million from its ongoing anti-dumping fund to help local authorities combat the increase.
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The money will be used not only for waste removal but installation of CCTV or other monitoring and surveillance equipment, Minister for Environment Richard Bruton said.
“I am extremely concerned with reports of an increase in illegal dumping during the Covid crisis. By providing local authorities with advance funding we will ensure they can respond quickly and decisively,” he said. “Illegal dumping is committed by a minority but is a scourge on local communities.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--White Irish in England half as likely to die from Covid-19 than minorities

White Irish people in England are half as likely to die from Covid-19 than individuals in black , Asian and ethnic minority ( BAME ) groups , new research suggests .
The study by academics at University College London ( UCL ) , which is based on NHS data , found the likelihood of death from Covid-19 to be significantly higher among BAME groups than the general population .
The analysis , published in Wellcome Open Research , used NHS data of patients with a positive Covid-19 test who died in hospitals in England from March 1st to April 21st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region and ethnicity .
The researchers analysed the ratio of observed deaths in the study group to expected deaths in the general population , accounting for age and regional differences in BAME populations .
The study found the average risk of dying in hospital from Covid-19 was around two to three times higher for BAME groups in England , when compared to the general population .
Specifically , adjusting for age and region , the risk of death from Covid-19 for black African groups was 3.24 times higher than the general population ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 2.41 times higher ; black Caribbean was 2.21 times higher ; and Indian was 1.7 times higher .
In contrast , researchers found a lower risk of death from Covid-19 for white populations in England .
After accounting for region and age , the risk of death for white British was 12 per cent lower than that of the general population and white Irish was 50 per cent lower .
Dr Delan Devakumar , who co-authored the research , said the analysis debunked the narrative that the coronavirus is an “ equaliser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being an equaliser , this work shows that mortality with Covid-19 is disproportionately higher in black , Asian and minority ethnic groups , ” he said .
“ It is essential to tackle the underlying social and economic risk factors and barriers to healthcare that lead to these unjust deaths.
” Co-author Dr Rob Aldridge said : “ Our analyses show that several minority ethnic groups have a substantially higher risk of death from Covid-19 and that regional differences in where they live may explain some , but not all , of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we took account of age and the geographical region for those people that died from Covid-19 , there remained large differences in the risk of death between ethnic groups .
“ White British and white Irish groups had a lower risk of death , but Bangladeshi , Pakistani , Indian , black African and black Caribbean ethnic groups all had a substantially increased risk of death.
” For the study period , the NHS data showed the total number people who had tested positive for Covid-19 and died was 16,272 .
Ethnicity was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England hospital deaths .
The largest total number of deaths in minority ethnic groups were Indian ( 492 deaths ) and black Caribbean ( 460 deaths ) people .
Dr Aldridge added : “ Our findings support an urgent need to take action to reduce the risk of death from Covid-19 for BAME groups .
“ Actions to reduce these inequities include ensuring an adequate income for everyone so that low paid and zero-hours contract workers can afford to follow social distancing recommendations , reducing occupational risks such as ensuring adequate PPE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culturally and linguistically appropriate public health communications .
”

The NHS data showed the total number people who had tested positive for Covid-19 and died in the period was 16,272. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
White Irish people in England are half as likely to die from Covid-19 than individuals in black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups, new research suggests.
The study by academics at University College London (UCL), which is based on NHS data, found the likelihood of death from Covid-19 to be significantly higher among BAME groups than the general population.
The analysis, published in Wellcome Open Research, used NHS data of patients with a positive Covid-19 test who died in hospitals in England from March 1st to April 21st and which included data on age, region and ethnicity.
The researchers analysed the ratio of observed deaths in the study group to expected deaths in the general population, accounting for age and regional differences in BAME populations.
READ MORE
The study found the average risk of dying in hospital from Covid-19 was around two to three times higher for BAME groups in England, when compared to the general population.
Disproportionately higher
Specifically, adjusting for age and region, the risk of death from Covid-19 for black African groups was 3.24 times higher than the general population; Pakistani was 3.29 times higher; Bangladeshi was 2.41 times higher; black Caribbean was 2.21 times higher; and Indian was 1.7 times higher.
In contrast, researchers found a lower risk of death from Covid-19 for white populations in England.
After accounting for region and age, the risk of death for white British was 12 per cent lower than that of the general population and white Irish was 50 per cent lower.
Dr Delan Devakumar, who co-authored the research, said the analysis debunked the narrative that the coronavirus is an “equaliser” in society.
“Rather than being an equaliser, this work shows that mortality with Covid-19 is disproportionately higher in black, Asian and minority ethnic groups,” he said.
“It is essential to tackle the underlying social and economic risk factors and barriers to healthcare that lead to these unjust deaths.”
Co-author Dr Rob Aldridge said: “Our analyses show that several minority ethnic groups have a substantially higher risk of death from Covid-19 and that regional differences in where they live may explain some, but not all, of the differences between ethnic groups.
“After we took account of age and the geographical region for those people that died from Covid-19, there remained large differences in the risk of death between ethnic groups.
“White British and white Irish groups had a lower risk of death, but Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian, black African and black Caribbean ethnic groups all had a substantially increased risk of death.”
Largest total
For the study period, the NHS data showed the total number people who had tested positive for Covid-19 and died was 16,272. Ethnicity was missing for 9.4 per cent of NHS England hospital deaths.
The largest total number of deaths in minority ethnic groups were Indian (492 deaths) and black Caribbean (460 deaths) people.
Dr Aldridge added: “Our findings support an urgent need to take action to reduce the risk of death from Covid-19 for BAME groups.
“Actions to reduce these inequities include ensuring an adequate income for everyone so that low paid and zero-hours contract workers can afford to follow social distancing recommendations, reducing occupational risks such as ensuring adequate PPE, reducing barriers to accessing healthcare and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate public health communications.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Migrant election candidates say they were racially abused during campaign

A third of local election candidates from migrant backgrounds experienced racist abuse during last year ’ s campaign , and political parties need to do more to support them , a report published on Wednesday finds .
Compiled by the Immigrant Council of Ireland , the Strength in Diversity report was discussed at an online meeting earlier at which speakers called on the next government to establish a long-promised electoral commission .
This could , among other issues , examine why marginalised communities are under-represented in politics , the discussion heard .
“ With just nine out of a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland from a migrant background following the 2019 local elections , there is significant work to be done to increase diversity within local government , ” the report says .
The 2016 census showed non-Irish nationals accounted for about one in eight ( more than 12 per cent ) of the Irish population .
However , Brian Killoran , chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland , said that when those migrants who were now Irish citizens were included , the proportion increased to about 17 per cent .
The report says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ linked to poor outcomes for [ THEIR ] interests in policy-making , especially in terms of policies for integration , job creation and housing ” .
Drawing on an online survey and interviews with almost half the 56 candidates from migrant backgrounds who ran in the 2019 local elections , the authors found that “ a third of survey respondents and all the candidates interviewed reported experiences of racism and discrimination on the campaign .
The report says they “ described receiving racist abuse on social media and experiencing anti-immigrant abuse during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that migrant candidates had posters taken down ” .
“ A candidate described people ’ s reaction during leafleting , when a person told her : ‘ I don ’ t need your flyer ’ .
Another candidate was told to ‘ go back home ’ during canvassing , while another had difficulties hiring a venue for a campaign launch event , ” it says .
“ This candidate reported : ‘ I couldn ’ t secure a venue in a hotel or restaurant or any public place , until I asked someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The same people who refused to give me the venue accepted a booking from this person ’ .
” The report says political parties made less effort in last year ’ s campaign than they had previously to encourage migrant participation .
“ While some political parties had taken proactive steps to select immigrant candidates in the past , such as implementing efforts to recruit immigrant candidates and recruiting integration officers ... parties wound down their integration infrastructures in the two past local elections , ” it says .
“ Across the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reaching out to immigrant communities due to low levels of immigrant voter turnout.
” Women migrants faced additional barriers , particularly around childcare , to participation , the report found .
“ Despite the efforts of those surveyed for this report , who ran such vigorous campaigns , structural barriers prevent more candidates from migrant backgrounds from running in elections .
Political parties need to expand their recruitment networks and offer adequate supports for migrant candidates .
”

A third of local election candidates from migrant backgrounds experienced racist abuse during last year’s campaign, and political parties need to do more to support them, a report published on Wednesday finds.
Compiled by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the Strength in Diversity report was discussed at an online meeting earlier at which speakers called on the next government to establish a long-promised electoral commission. This could, among other issues, examine why marginalised communities are under-represented in politics, the discussion heard.
“With just nine out of a total of 949 newly elected local councillors in Ireland from a migrant background following the 2019 local elections, there is significant work to be done to increase diversity within local government,” the report says.
The 2016 census showed non-Irish nationals accounted for about one in eight (more than 12 per cent) of the Irish population.
READ MORE
However, Brian Killoran, chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said that when those migrants who were now Irish citizens were included, the proportion increased to about 17 per cent.
The report says the under-representation of immigrants in politics was “linked to poor outcomes for [THEIR]interests in policy-making, especially in terms of policies for integration, job creation and housing”.
Drawing on an online survey and interviews with almost half the 56 candidates from migrant backgrounds who ran in the 2019 local elections, the authors found that “a third of survey respondents and all the candidates interviewed reported experiences of racism and discrimination on the campaign.
The report says they “described receiving racist abuse on social media and experiencing anti-immigrant abuse during door-to-door canvassing, while news media reported that migrant candidates had posters taken down”.
“A candidate described people’s reaction during leafleting, when a person told her: ‘I don’t need your flyer’. Another candidate was told to ‘go back home’ during canvassing, while another had difficulties hiring a venue for a campaign launch event,” it says.
“This candidate reported: ‘I couldn’t secure a venue in a hotel or restaurant or any public place, until I asked someone to help me with this problem. The same people who refused to give me the venue accepted a booking from this person’.”
The report says political parties made less effort in last year’s campaign than they had previously to encourage migrant participation.
“While some political parties had taken proactive steps to select immigrant candidates in the past, such as implementing efforts to recruit immigrant candidates and recruiting integration officers...parties wound down their integration infrastructures in the two past local elections,” it says.
“Across the political spectrum there appeared to be less interest in reaching out to immigrant communities due to low levels of immigrant voter turnout.”
Women migrants faced additional barriers, particularly around childcare, to participation, the report found.
“Despite the efforts of those surveyed for this report, who ran such vigorous campaigns, structural barriers prevent more candidates from migrant backgrounds from running in elections. Political parties need to expand their recruitment networks and offer adequate supports for migrant candidates.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Mayo student’s parents raise questions over circumstances surrounding death

The parents of a 17- year-old Leaving Certificate student have raised questions over the circumstances surrounding her death at Mayo University Hospital on April 24th .
Abdullah and Rula Maaz say their daughter Sally , who was born with a congenital heart defect , was admitted to the hospital ’ s Covid-19 ward 10 days before she died .
The couple , part of the extensive Syrian community in Ballyhaunis , say she was admitted to the Covid-19 ward although , they claim , she had tested negative for coronavirus .
However , according to Ibrahim Rahmani , Sally ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before she died .
The parents and wider family were interviewed by The Connaught Telegraph at the weekend , and said they have “ serious concerns ” over Sally ’ s treatment during the five days ( April 14th-April 19th ) when they could not visit her .
They described Sally , a student at Ballyhaunis Community School , as “ a fighter ” and “ strong ” who had suffered with medical complications all her life .
Her parents brought her to the emergency department on April 14th after she developed severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rahmani told the newspaper : “ Sally had tested negative .
She tested positive just four days before she died.
” The family say they have a number of questions they want answered in respect of the treatment she received .
They stressed they “ appreciate the hard work of doctors and nurses and the pressure they are under but , at the same time , they have concerns about Sally ’ s care ” .
The Maaz family say they want Sally ’ s story publicised as they are “ very concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the present Covid situation .
Asked about the case at the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) briefing on Wednesday , Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said he could not comment on individual cases .
However , in a general sense , he said that policy “ is clearly to limit the spread of this infection by separating , as much as can reasonably happen , patients who are known to have Covid from patients who may not have Covid ” .
Mayo University Hospital and the HSE Saolta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telegraph on the issues raised by the Maaz family but no statement had been forthcoming at the time of the paper going to press .

The parents of a 17- year-old Leaving Certificate student have raised questions over the circumstances surrounding her death at Mayo University Hospital on April 24th.
Abdullah and Rula Maaz say their daughter Sally, who was born with a congenital heart defect, was admitted to the hospital’s Covid-19 ward 10 days before she died.
The couple, part of the extensive Syrian community in Ballyhaunis, say she was admitted to the Covid-19 ward although, they claim, she had tested negative for coronavirus. However, according to Ibrahim Rahmani, Sally’s first cousin, she tested positive before she died.
The parents and wider family were interviewed by The Connaught Telegraph at the weekend, and said they have “serious concerns” over Sally’s treatment during the five days (April 14th-April 19th) when they could not visit her.
READ MORE
They described Sally, a student at Ballyhaunis Community School, as “a fighter” and “strong” who had suffered with medical complications all her life. Her parents brought her to the emergency department on April 14th after she developed severe back pain and respiratory problems .
Ibrahim Rahmani told the newspaper:“Sally had tested negative. She tested positive just four days before she died.”
The family say they have a number of questions they want answered in respect of the treatment she received.
They stressed they “appreciate the hard work of doctors and nurses and the pressure they are under but, at the same time, they have concerns about Sally’s care”.
The Maaz family say they want Sally’s story publicised as they are “very concerned” about people being admitted to hospital in the present Covid situation.
Asked about the case at the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) briefing on Wednesday , Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said he could not comment on individual cases.
However, in a general sense, he said that policy “is clearly to limit the spread of this infection by separating, as much as can reasonably happen, patients who are known to have Covid from patients who may not have Covid”.
Mayo University Hospital and the HSE Saolta Hospital Group were contacted by The Connaught Telegraph on the issues raised by the Maaz family but no statement had been forthcoming at the time of the paper going to press.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Asylum seekers appeal for safe housing after Covid-19 outbreak at Co Kerry centre

Asylum seekers living in a direct provision centre in Co Kerry have appealed to the Government to transfer them to safe accommodation following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the facility .
In a statement on Wednesday , residents at the former Skellig Star Hotel in Cahersiveen called on the Government to “ immediately transfer ” them to “ suitable and safe housing , and moving towards own door , turnkey accommodation ” .
There have been 23 confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the facility .
The residents said these include staff and children , one of whom is seven years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been moved from Kerry to Cork and some back to Dublin , ” said the group .
“ Action needs to be taken immediately by the Irish Government if Ireland is to ensure that human rights are upheld .
Irish taxpayers who are funding this system must also canvass their Government to end direct provision and stop private operators profiting from our suffering.
” The group said pre-existing trauma has led to many residents “ re-experiencing their traumatic experiences daily including suicidal ideation ” .
“ We have been working with members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are volunteering to carry our message and experiences to the Irish public so we can be heard and they can understand what we are dealing with , ” it said .
“ Despite Ireland ’ s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan saying it is not possible to observe social distancing when sharing a bedroom with people who aren ’ t part of your family , 120 of us were moved to the 56-roomed Cahersiveen hotel with shared rooms , common eating and living areas .
“ This created a Covid-19 cluster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to practice social distancing or quarantine is impossible.
” In a statement , a spokesman for the Department of Justice and Equality did not directly address the demands of the residents but said they have been asked to self-isolate .
“ The HSE has asked all other residents in the hotel in Caherciveen to isolate , as would be the case for any other person in the country , under the HSE guidelines , ” he said .
“ We understand that an isolation situation is difficult .
Indeed nothing about life in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland .
“ A dedicated outdoor area for exercise for residents within the hotel grounds has been put in place by centre management during this time .
They have also put in place arrangements to ensure that any items residents require can be ordered from local shops and delivered to the centre .
“ While residents have been asked by medical experts to self-quarantine , like everyone else , they are asked to adhere to the guidance and the door to the centre remains open at all times.
” The spokesman added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on a voluntary basis while asylum applications are processed .
“ We would point out that the system of direct provision , which provides accommodation , all meals , medical care , education , transportation for medical appointments and a host of other services , is optional , ” he said .
“ Applicants for international protection are offered these services by the State and can choose to avail of them , or can choose to reside elsewhere while their protection claim is being assessed .
“ There are currently 75 residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 150 residents .
A HSE Community Care Worker is at the Centre five days per week .
”

The Skellig Star Hotel in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry is being used as a direct provision centre for asylum seekers.
Asylum seekers living in a direct provision centre in Co Kerry have appealed to the Government to transfer them to safe accommodation following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the facility.
In a statement on Wednesday, residents at the former Skellig Star Hotel in Cahersiveen called on the Government to “immediately transfer” them to “suitable and safe housing, and moving towards own door, turnkey accommodation”.
There have been 23 confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the facility. The residents said these include staff and children, one of whom is seven years old. “These residents have since been moved from Kerry to Cork and some back to Dublin,” said the group.
“Action needs to be taken immediately by the Irish Government if Ireland is to ensure that human rights are upheld. Irish taxpayers who are funding this system must also canvass their Government to end direct provision and stop private operators profiting from our suffering.”
READ MORE
The group said pre-existing trauma has led to many residents “re-experiencing their traumatic experiences daily including suicidal ideation”.
“We have been working with members of the local community who support us and who are volunteering to carry our message and experiences to the Irish public so we can be heard and they can understand what we are dealing with,” it said.
"Despite Ireland's chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan saying it is not possible to observe social distancing when sharing a bedroom with people who aren't part of your family, 120 of us were moved to the 56-roomed Cahersiveen hotel with shared rooms, common eating and living areas.
“This created a Covid-19 cluster in an institutional setting where the ability to practice social distancing or quarantine is impossible.”
In a statement, a spokesman for the Department of Justice and Equality did not directly address the demands of the residents but said they have been asked to self-isolate.
“The HSE has asked all other residents in the hotel in Caherciveen to isolate, as would be the case for any other person in the country, under the HSE guidelines,” he said.
“We understand that an isolation situation is difficult. Indeed nothing about life in a pandemic is easy for any person in Ireland.
“A dedicated outdoor area for exercise for residents within the hotel grounds has been put in place by centre management during this time. They have also put in place arrangements to ensure that any items residents require can be ordered from local shops and delivered to the centre.
“While residents have been asked by medical experts to self-quarantine, like everyone else, they are asked to adhere to the guidance and the door to the centre remains open at all times.”
The spokesman added that residents at the centre are there are on a voluntary basis while asylum applications are processed.
“We would point out that the system of direct provision, which provides accommodation, all meals, medical care, education, transportation for medical appointments and a host of other services, is optional,” he said.
“Applicants for international protection are offered these services by the State and can choose to avail of them, or can choose to reside elsewhere while their protection claim is being assessed.
“There are currently 75 residents in the centre which has a capacity for 150 residents. A HSE Community Care Worker is at the Centre five days per week.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Couple arrested over break-in at home of man (75) in Cork

Gardaí have arrested a man and a woman for questioning about an aggravated burglary in Cork in which a man ( 75 ) was beaten and locked in his bedroom .
Detectives arrested the suspects , aged in their 30s , in Mayfield on the city ’ s northside at around 8am on Wednesday for questioning about the incident at Bull ’ s Lane off the Blackrock Road .
The arrests came after a man and a woman broke into a two storey house on a cul-de sac near Ashton Comprehensive School sometime between 8pm on Friday and 6.30am on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the back door , woke the man , took him from his bed and demanded cash .
When the man challenged the raiders , he was hit on his head and body .
The man , who lives alone , suffered cuts and bruises to his face and arms during the burglary and was locked in his room by the intruders who made off with a small amount of cash , his mobile phone , watch and bank card .
The man remained locked in his room until around lunchtime on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him his lunch and heard him shouting for help .
She alerted gardaí and the man was freed and treated for his injuries .
Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the scene and detectives have been examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area in the hope of finding material which could help identify the culprits .
The arrested man was taken to Mayfield Garda station and the woman to Togher Garda station for questioning .
They are being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act , which allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .

Gardaí have arrested a man and a woman for questioning about an aggravated burglary in Cork in which a man (75) was beaten and locked in his bedroom.
Gardaí have arrested a man and a woman for questioning about an aggravated burglary in Cork in which a man (75) was beaten and locked in his bedroom.
Detectives arrested the suspects, aged in their 30s, in Mayfield on the city's northside at around 8am on Wednesday for questioning about the incident at Bull's Lane off the Blackrock Road.
The arrests came after a man and a woman broke into a two storey house on a cul-de sac near Ashton Comprehensive School sometime between 8pm on Friday and 6.30am on Saturday.
The raiders forced their way through the back door, woke the man, took him from his bed and demanded cash. When the man challenged the raiders, he was hit on his head and body.
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The man, who lives alone, suffered cuts and bruises to his face and arms during the burglary and was locked in his room by the intruders who made off with a small amount of cash, his mobile phone, watch and bank card.
The man remained locked in his room until around lunchtime on Saturday, when his sister called to bring him his lunch and heard him shouting for help. She alerted gardaí and the man was freed and treated for his injuries.
Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the scene and detectives have been examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area in the hope of finding material which could help identify the culprits.
The arrested man was taken to Mayfield Garda station and the woman to Togher Garda station for questioning. They are being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows gardaí to detain suspects for up to 24 hours.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Covid-19: Challenge by Waters and O’Doherty ‘doomed to failure’, court told

The State has told the High Court that a challenge by John Waters and Gemma O ’ Doherty to the constitutionality of emergency laws introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic is “ doomed to failure ” .
The challenge was also described by lawyers representing the Houses of the Oireachtas as “ a full-frontal attack ” on the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary as provided for in the Constitution .
Mr Justice Charles Meenan , having heard final arguments on Wednesday on the applicants ’ bid for leave to bring the judicial review challenge , reserved his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date for judgment but said the matter would be given “ complete priority ” by him and his judgment will be delivered electronically .
In their judicial review proceedings against the State and the Minister for Health , the applicants want to have various pieces of recently enacted legislation , which they say are unconstitutional and flawed , quashed by the High Court and declared unconstitutional .
The State , and lawyers acting for the Dáil , Seanad and the Ceann Comhairle , who are notice parties , opposed leave .
In submissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meehan BL , for the State , said the application was “ doomed ” on several grounds .
This action was procedurally flawed and should have been brought by way of plenary hearing , which would involve hearing oral evidence before a court , and not by way of judicial review , counsel said .
He said judicial review was used to ensure lower courts and public administrative bodies have lawfully carried out their functions and was not a way to challenge a decision of the legislature or the Oireachtas .
There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court supporting this challenge and the applicants lacked legal standing to bring the case as they had not set out how the regulations challenged personally affected them , he further submitted .
Francis Kieran BL , for the notice parties , said the challenge was “ a full-frontal attack ” on the separation of powers as provided for in the Constitution .
Counsel said the courts should not interfere with decisions made by the Houses in relation to the laws brought about by Covid-19 and leave should not be granted as the matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a court of law .
Contrary to what the applicants argued , the caretaker government was entitled to bring forward the laws which were unanimously passed by agreement of the parties and technical groups of the incoming Dáil , he said .
The Dáil was “ perfectly entitled ” , due to Covid-19 , to have a reduced number of 40 TDs attend and vote on the laws , the number of TDs attending was reduced by agreement and it exceeded the required quorum of 20 , counsel added .
While the Dáil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , the Seanad remains in place until the day before a new one is elected and it is entitled to vote on legislation that comes before it , he submitted .
In their submissions , the applicants raised issues about the constitutional legitimacy of how the new laws were proposed by a caretaker government and passed by the legislature , in particular by an outgoing Seanad .
They disputed any procedural deficiency and also said they have legal standing to bring the case as citizens affected by the Covid-19 regulations .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draconian ” they amounted to an exceptional circumstance which would allow the court to interfere with a decision of the legislature .
Having considered all the options , the applicants believed the best way to bring such an important action was by way of judicial review , he said .
Ms O ’ Doherty said the action was being brought “ on behalf of the people of Ireland ” .
The current situation arising from the emergency laws was akin to living under “ martial law ” and the actions of the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
When the judge asked her to cease making “ speeches ” which , he said , were not assisting the court in the decision it had to make , she denied making speeches and said she had a right to be heard on what was a very important issue .
The challenge is to legislation including the 2020 Health Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act , the 2020 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act Covid-19 Act and the 1947 Health Act ( Affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek to have struck down temporary restriction regulations brought due to Covid-19 under the 1947 Health Act .
The applicants say the laws , and the manner in which they were enacted , are repugnant to several articles of the Constitution including concerning the rights to travel , bodily integrity and family rights and amount to a “ suspension ” of constitutional rights .

The State has told the High Court that a challenge by John Waters and Gemma O’Doherty to the constitutionality of emergency laws introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic is “doomed to failure”.
The challenge was also described by lawyers representing the Houses of the Oireachtas as “a full-frontal attack” on the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary as provided for in the Constitution.
Mr Justice Charles Meenan, having heard final arguments on Wednesday on the applicants’ bid for leave to bring the judicial review challenge, reserved his decision.
He did not give a date for judgment but said the matter would be given “complete priority” by him and his judgment will be delivered electronically.
READ MORE
In their judicial review proceedings against the State and the Minister for Health, the applicants want to have various pieces of recently enacted legislation, which they say are unconstitutional and flawed, quashed by the High Court and declared unconstitutional.
The State, and lawyers acting for the Dáil, Seanad and the Ceann Comhairle, who are notice parties, opposed leave.
In submissions, Patrick McCann SC, with Gerard Meehan BL, for the State, said the application was “doomed” on several grounds.
This action was procedurally flawed and should have been brought by way of plenary hearing, which would involve hearing oral evidence before a court, and not by way of judicial review, counsel said.
He said judicial review was used to ensure lower courts and public administrative bodies have lawfully carried out their functions and was not a way to challenge a decision of the legislature or the Oireachtas.
There was failure to put expert evidence before the court supporting this challenge and the applicants lacked legal standing to bring the case as they had not set out how the regulations challenged personally affected them, he further submitted.
Francis Kieran BL, for the notice parties, said the challenge was “a full-frontal attack” on the separation of powers as provided for in the Constitution.
Counsel said the courts should not interfere with decisions made by the Houses in relation to the laws brought about by Covid-19 and leave should not be granted as the matters raised cannot be decided on by a court of law.
Contrary to what the applicants argued, the caretaker government was entitled to bring forward the laws which were unanimously passed by agreement of the parties and technical groups of the incoming Dáil, he said.
The Dáil was “perfectly entitled”, due to Covid-19, to have a reduced number of 40 TDs attend and vote on the laws, the number of TDs attending was reduced by agreement and it exceeded the required quorum of 20, counsel added.
While the Dáil is dissolved on the calling of an election, the Seanad remains in place until the day before a new one is elected and it is entitled to vote on legislation that comes before it, he submitted.
Legitimacy
In their submissions, the applicants raised issues about the constitutional legitimacy of how the new laws were proposed by a caretaker government and passed by the legislature, in particular by an outgoing Seanad.
They disputed any procedural deficiency and also said they have legal standing to bring the case as citizens affected by the Covid-19 regulations.
Mr Waters argued the laws were so “draconian” they amounted to an exceptional circumstance which would allow the court to interfere with a decision of the legislature.
Having considered all the options, the applicants believed the best way to bring such an important action was by way of judicial review, he said.
Ms O’Doherty said the action was being brought “on behalf of the people of Ireland”.
The current situation arising from the emergency laws was akin to living under “martial law” and the actions of the Government were “like a coup”, she said.
When the judge asked her to cease making “speeches” which, he said, were not assisting the court in the decision it had to make, she denied making speeches and said she had a right to be heard on what was a very important issue.
The challenge is to legislation including the 2020 Health Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, the 2020 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act Covid-19 Act and the 1947 Health Act (Affected Areas) Order. The proceedings also seek to have struck down temporary restriction regulations brought due to Covid-19 under the 1947 Health Act.
The applicants say the laws, and the manner in which they were enacted, are repugnant to several articles of the Constitution including concerning the rights to travel, bodily integrity and family rights and amount to a “suspension” of constitutional rights.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Traffic volumes up more than 10% since lifting of restrictions began

Traffic volumes have increased by more than 10 per cent on many routes into the State ’ s main towns and cities since some restrictions on movement were lifted on Tuesday .
Car volumes on the main roads were up during rush hour on Tuesday morning ( 7am to 10am ) by between 5 and 16 per cent compared to the previous Tuesday .
Figures released by Transport Infrastructure Ireland ( TII ) show that the largest increase was in cross-border traffic with the M1 north of junction 20 , which is the last exit before the Border , up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 per cent on Wednesday .
On the M50 around Dublin , traffic between junction 3 ( Navan Road ) and junction 7 ( N4 Galway road ) was up by 10 per cent in both directions on Tuesday .
Traffic between Dublin Airport and Swords on the M1 was up by 9 per cent and the N7 at Citywest t was up by 8 per cent .
Traffic on the M11 between junctions 5 and 6 ( Bray north and Bray central ) was up by 8 per cent .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic showed an increase by 9 per cent on Tuesday in comparison with the previous Tuesday .
Traffic on the N40 into Cork between the Kinsale Road and Douglas showed the smallest increase .
It was up by 5 per cent .
The M7 into Limerick city was up by 7 per cent .
The N6 Bóthar na dTreabh into Galway city was up by 10 per cent as was the M9 between Mullinavat and Waterford city .
Similar patterns were seen on the same roads on Wednesday morning ’ s rush hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Border .
However , the TII cautioned that there are relatively low volumes of traffic on this stretch of the M1 .
Nevertheless , gardaí have told The Irish Times that there has been a notable increase in cross-border traffic recently which might accelerate as there is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland this weekend .
On Tuesday , the Government expanded the zone for people to exercise and to visit shops from 2km to 5km , but this is unlikely to impact traffic on roads monitored by the TII which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A TII spokesman said there has been a “ definite trend upwards ” in traffic numbers since the Easter bank holiday weekend which is continuing this week .
However , he stressed that traffic volumes have to be seen in the context that they are down generally by between 59 per cent and 77 per cent on a year ago , across sampled traffic counters .
“ The reduction in car traffic is diminishing .
Car traffic volumes are showing a progressive increase as compared with the traffic volumes recorded in the immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the TII concludes in its latest assessment .
“ In overall terms , this morning ’ s data indicate a clear and relatively uniform increase in car traffic volumes across the sample of traffic counters .
It is likely that this trend is more significant and representative than data relating to traffic volumes over the bank holiday weekend .
”

Car volumes on the main roads were up during rush hour on Tuesday morning (7am to 10am) by between 5 and 16 per cent compared to the previous Tuesday. File photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Traffic volumes have increased by more than 10 per cent on many routes into the State’s main towns and cities since some restrictions on movement were lifted on Tuesday.
Car volumes on the main roads were up during rush hour on Tuesday morning (7am to 10am) by between 5 and 16 per cent compared to the previous Tuesday.
Figures released by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) show that the largest increase was in cross-border traffic with the M1 north of junction 20, which is the last exit before the Border, up by 16 per cent on Tuesday and 22 per cent on Wednesday.
On the M50 around Dublin, traffic between junction 3 (Navan Road) and junction 7 (N4 Galway road) was up by 10 per cent in both directions on Tuesday.
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Traffic between Dublin Airport and Swords on the M1 was up by 9 per cent and the N7 at Citywest t was up by 8 per cent.
Traffic on the M11 between junctions 5 and 6 (Bray north and Bray central) was up by 8 per cent.
On the M4 into Dublin between Celbridge and Maynooth traffic showed an increase by 9 per cent on Tuesday in comparison with the previous Tuesday.
Traffic on the N40 into Cork between the Kinsale Road and Douglas showed the smallest increase. It was up by 5 per cent.
The M7 into Limerick city was up by 7 per cent. The N6 Bóthar na dTreabh into Galway city was up by 10 per cent as was the M9 between Mullinavat and Waterford city.
Cross-Border traffic
Similar patterns were seen on the same roads on Wednesday morning’s rush hour expect the spike on the M1 towards the Border. However, the TII cautioned that there are relatively low volumes of traffic on this stretch of the M1.
Nevertheless, gardaí have told The Irish Times that there has been a notable increase in cross-border traffic recently which might accelerate as there is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland this weekend.
On Tuesday, the Government expanded the zone for people to exercise and to visit shops from 2km to 5km, but this is unlikely to impact traffic on roads monitored by the TII which are main arteries into towns and cities.
A TII spokesman said there has been a “definite trend upwards” in traffic numbers since the Easter bank holiday weekend which is continuing this week.
However, he stressed that traffic volumes have to be seen in the context that they are down generally by between 59 per cent and 77 per cent on a year ago, across sampled traffic counters.
“The reduction in car traffic is diminishing. Car traffic volumes are showing a progressive increase as compared with the traffic volumes recorded in the immediate aftermath of the 27th March restrictions,” the TII concludes in its latest assessment.
“In overall terms, this morning’s data indicate a clear and relatively uniform increase in car traffic volumes across the sample of traffic counters. It is likely that this trend is more significant and representative than data relating to traffic volumes over the bank holiday weekend.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Hairdresser group calls for salons to open next month

Hairdressers and barbers are calling for salons to be allowed to open next month , rather than in July as set out in the Government ’ s roadmap , over fears of a rise in “ black market ” hairdressers operating during the lockdown .
Hairdressers and beauticians are scheduled to reopen on July 20th in phase four of the Government ’ s plan to lift Covid-19 restrictions .
This is due to the “ higher risk associated with the spread of the infection ” from person to person contact , the roadmap document states .
The Irish Hairdresser Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be allowed open on June 29th in phase three of the plan , if social distancing and extra hygiene measures are put in place .
David Campbell , president of the industry group , said hairdressers would wear masks and gloves , with disposable gowns for customers , and operate by appointment only .
“ I think once people see it is Covid-protected and the measures that are put in place they will relax , ” he said .
Mr Campbell , who also runs House of Colour in Dublin , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge concern ” during the lockdown , with people advertising hairdressing services on social media .
“ I do think people are naive if they think someone coming to their house to cut their hair isn ’ t a threat .
.
.
They could be going to five homes a day , ” he said .
“ I ’ d be walking around the Phoenix Park and I ’ d see people with fresh haircuts .
Our biggest fear is the black market is booming at the moment .
People are getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had us open it would be regulated , ” he said .
Mr Donnelly employs 40 people and is a member of the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation , and also called for hairdressers to open next month opposed to July .
To prevent the spread of Covid-19 his barber shops would require customers to use hand sanitizer upon entry , with haircuts strictly by appointment only .
“ There would be no waiting allowed in the salon , if you ’ ve an appointment at 2pm you don ’ t arrive at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be allowed in to wait , ” he said .
The number of hairdressing chairs would be reduced to allow for social distancing between staff , he said .
“ All of the barbers would be wearing masks , 95 per cent of our job is behind the customer , unless you ’ re doing a fringe , ” which meant staff could avoid standing in the “ danger zone ” in front of someone ’ s face , he said .
For beard trimming barbers would be wearing gloves , masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donnelly said .
Hairdressers would wash their hands thoroughly after each haircut and wipe down their work area and chair , he said .
His shops would likely have to open for longer hours , and possibly on Sundays , to make up for limits on the numbers permitted inside due to social distancing , Mr Donnelly said .
“ We ’ re still paying utility bills , our rent hasn ’ t [ stopped ] , our insurance needs to be paid .
When we go back our turnover is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing , he said .
“ There ’ s a pandemic and people are still getting haircuts .
The longer they leave us shut the more people are going to get used to the black market , ” he said .
Asked about the decision on when to reopen hairdressers here , Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said it was identified for a later stage “ because that activity involves close touching of individuals ” .
“ It increases the risk of transmission infection , it is a more risky behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those risks and the importance of protecting health and wellbeing of their employees who had worked in the provision of those services , and then second of all is the people who might seek out those services for very understandable reasons is that by doing so , it ’ s introducing a potential risk at an earlier stage than we think is safe to do so ”

Sam Donnelly, co-director of Sam’s Barbers in the Blanchardstown shop, one of seven in the chain. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Hairdressers and barbers are calling for salons to be allowed to open next month, rather than in July as set out in the Government’s roadmap, over fears of a rise in “black market” hairdressers operating during the lockdown.
Hairdressers and beauticians are scheduled to reopen on July 20th in phase four of the Government’s plan to lift Covid-19 restrictions. This is due to the “higher risk associated with the spread of the infection” from person to person contact, the roadmap document states.
The Irish Hairdresser Federation has called for salons and barber shops to be allowed open on June 29th in phase three of the plan, if social distancing and extra hygiene measures are put in place.
David Campbell, president of the industry group, said hairdressers would wear masks and gloves, with disposable gowns for customers, and operate by appointment only.
READ MORE
“I think once people see it is Covid-protected and the measures that are put in place they will relax,” he said.
Mr Campbell, who also runs House of Colour in Dublin, said the hairdressing black market was a "huge concern" during the lockdown, with people advertising hairdressing services on social media.
“I do think people are naive if they think someone coming to their house to cut their hair isn’t a threat . . . They could be going to five homes a day,” he said.
Booming black market
Sam Donnelly (45) runs Sam's Barbers, a family owned Dublin chain with seven shops.
“I’d be walking around the Phoenix Park and I’d see people with fresh haircuts. Our biggest fear is the black market is booming at the moment. People are getting their hair cut regularly, if you had us open it would be regulated,” he said.
Mr Donnelly employs 40 people and is a member of the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation, and also called for hairdressers to open next month opposed to July.
To prevent the spread of Covid-19 his barber shops would require customers to use hand sanitizer upon entry, with haircuts strictly by appointment only.
“There would be no waiting allowed in the salon, if you’ve an appointment at 2pm you don’t arrive at five to 2pm as you won’t be allowed in to wait,” he said.
The number of hairdressing chairs would be reduced to allow for social distancing between staff, he said.
‘Danger zone’
“All of the barbers would be wearing masks, 95 per cent of our job is behind the customer, unless you’re doing a fringe,” which meant staff could avoid standing in the “danger zone” in front of someone’s face, he said.
For beard trimming barbers would be wearing gloves, masks and an extra face shield, Mr Donnelly said. Hairdressers would wash their hands thoroughly after each haircut and wipe down their work area and chair, he said.
His shops would likely have to open for longer hours, and possibly on Sundays, to make up for limits on the numbers permitted inside due to social distancing, Mr Donnelly said.
“We’re still paying utility bills, our rent hasn’t [stopped], our insurance needs to be paid. When we go back our turnover is going to be significantly less”, due to social distancing, he said.
“There’s a pandemic and people are still getting haircuts. The longer they leave us shut the more people are going to get used to the black market,” he said.
Asked about the decision on when to reopen hairdressers here, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said it was identified for a later stage “because that activity involves close touching of individuals”.
“It increases the risk of transmission infection, it is a more risky behavior,” he said.
“Remember those risks and the importance of protecting health and wellbeing of their employees who had worked in the provision of those services, and then second of all is the people who might seek out those services for very understandable reasons is that by doing so, it’s introducing a potential risk at an earlier stage than we think is safe to do so”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Woman who fell in Dunnes can keep €102,000 damages

A woman will hold onto a €102,000 damages award after Dunnes Stores lost its appeal over a finding its negligence lead to her falling and suffering hip injuries while shopping in its store in Cork ’ s Bishopstown shopping centre .
Rose Desmond was awarded the damages by the High Court ’ s Ms Justice Miriam O ’ Regan over the fall on August 31st 2017 .
Ms Desmond , then aged 83 , slipped and fell after stepping on a spillage on the floor of one of the aisles .
She suffered a fractured right hip which required surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a prosthetic .
The trial judge was satisfied Ms Desmond had fallen on a contaminant on the floor and Dunnes had not established its system of care at the time of the fall was sufficient .
Dunnes appealed the finding of negligence to the Court of Appeal but did not appeal the sum of damages .
In a judgment delivered electronically on Wednesday , the three judge court dismissed the appeal .
Giving the judgment , Ms Justice Mary Faherty noted Ms Desmond had said , while crossing an aisle towards the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell forward heavily to the right and onto the floor .
Ms Desmond said , after falling , she was assisted by others , one of whom removed her right shoe and wiped some substance from the heel .
She said a strip of clear liquid on the floor had been pointed out to her which she first thought was water but later wondered if it was shampoo .
A Dunnes staff member produced a wheelchair , drove her to a health clinic and stayed with her until she was x-rayed .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted there was “ something on the floor ” .
Ms Justice Faherty noted the trial judge had seen CCTV evidence of the incident .
An employee seen on CCTV to be sweeping the aisle floor a number of times before Ms Desmond ’ s fall at 13.03pm had said she was keeping a lookout and saw no spillage .
In its appeal , Dunnes argued the trial judge erred in various respects , including in finding Dunnes had not shown the spillage occurred after 12.58pm , the time of the employee ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brush , and that the latter failed to see the spillage .
If Dunnes had established the spillage occurred after 12.58pm , it was not disputed Dunnes would have discharged the onus to show it had a reasonable cleaning system in place after that time .
Ms Justice Faherty said there was nothing to preclude the trial judge ’ s finding that , on balance , the spillage was likely to have occurred between 12.40and 12.58pm because of the volume of customers passing through the aisle at that time , plus the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aisle at that time Dunnes had to establish the spillage was not there before 12.58pm and there was a “ credible evidential basis ” for the trial judge ’ s finding it had not done so .
The trial judge had seen CCTV evidence of the employee brushing the floor “ looking straight ahead ” for almost the entirety of her hour shift and the employee had accepted her mind could wander doing that “ boring ” job .
The trial judge also emphasised the employee ’ s training had not concentrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aisle should be .
The trial judge ’ s lack of confidence in the employee ’ s testimony she was keeping a lookout was also “ implicit ” in her judgment .
The judgment contained a sufficient analysis of the evidence before the trial judge which led her to conclude as she did and the appeal would be dismissed , Ms Justice Faherty concluded .

A woman will hold onto a €102,000 damages award after Dunnes Stores lost its appeal over a finding its negligence lead to her falling and suffering hip injuries while shopping in its store in Cork's Bishopstown shopping centre.
Rose Desmond was awarded the damages by the High Court’s Ms Justice Miriam O’Regan over the fall on August 31st 2017. Ms Desmond, then aged 83, slipped and fell after stepping on a spillage on the floor of one of the aisles. She suffered a fractured right hip which required surgery involving replacing half of the hip joint with a prosthetic.
The trial judge was satisfied Ms Desmond had fallen on a contaminant on the floor and Dunnes had not established its system of care at the time of the fall was sufficient. Dunnes appealed the finding of negligence to the Court of Appeal but did not appeal the sum of damages.
In a judgment delivered electronically on Wednesday, the three judge court dismissed the appeal. Giving the judgment, Ms Justice Mary Faherty noted Ms Desmond had said, while crossing an aisle towards the grocery section, she suddenly slipped and fell forward heavily to the right and onto the floor. Ms Desmond said, after falling, she was assisted by others, one of whom removed her right shoe and wiped some substance from the heel. She said a strip of clear liquid on the floor had been pointed out to her which she first thought was water but later wondered if it was shampoo. A Dunnes staff member produced a wheelchair, drove her to a health clinic and stayed with her until she was x-rayed.
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After her evidence, counsel for Dunnes had accepted there was “something on the floor”. Ms Justice Faherty noted the trial judge had seen CCTV evidence of the incident. An employee seen on CCTV to be sweeping the aisle floor a number of times before Ms Desmond’s fall at 13.03pm had said she was keeping a lookout and saw no spillage.
In its appeal, Dunnes argued the trial judge erred in various respects, including in finding Dunnes had not shown the spillage occurred after 12.58pm, the time of the employee’s final passage along the aisle with a brush, and that the latter failed to see the spillage.
If Dunnes had established the spillage occurred after 12.58pm, it was not disputed Dunnes would have discharged the onus to show it had a reasonable cleaning system in place after that time. Ms Justice Faherty said there was nothing to preclude the trial judge’s finding that, on balance, the spillage was likely to have occurred between 12.40and 12.58pm because of the volume of customers passing through the aisle at that time, plus the fact another employee was cleaning shelves in the aisle at that time Dunnes had to establish the spillage was not there before 12.58pm and there was a “credible evidential basis” for the trial judge’s finding it had not done so.
The trial judge had seen CCTV evidence of the employee brushing the floor “looking straight ahead” for almost the entirety of her hour shift and the employee had accepted her mind could wander doing that “boring” job. The trial judge also emphasised the employee’s training had not concentrated on how vigilant her passage through the aisle should be. The trial judge’s lack of confidence in the employee’s testimony she was keeping a lookout was also “implicit” in her judgment.
The judgment contained a sufficient analysis of the evidence before the trial judge which led her to conclude as she did and the appeal would be dismissed, Ms Justice Faherty concluded.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Covid-19: Survey shows just 15% of Leaving Cert students want exams to go ahead

A new survey shows an overwhelming majority of Leaving Cert students want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with estimated grades .
A new survey of 24,000 sixth years by the Irish Second-Level Students ’ Union conducted in recent days shows just 15 per cent want the exams to go ahead on July 29th .
By contrast , some 79 per cent want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with predicted or estimated grades .
The survey size represents a sample of almost 39 per cent of all Leaving Cert students .
Students were also asked to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a scale of one to 10 with the option of continuing with the exams or cancelling them .
An average of three out of 10 was recorded for going ahead with the exams , while there was an average of 8 out of 10 for replacing them with a predicted grade model .
Ciara Fanning , the union ’ s president , said the union will continue to advocate for and represent the interests of second-level students through its involvement in regular Department of Education meetings .
“ This survey reinforces our mandate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing number of students are now in favour of cancellation and a thoughtful process established to ensure fairness and equity to all , ” she said .
“ Now is not the time for tradition , we need cohesive innovation among all stakeholders .
This is not a political issue.
” She said the union was particularly concerned about the mental health and anxiety issues brought to its attention by students in “ overwhelming ” numbers .
The lack of a reference to the Leaving Cert exams in the Government ’ s roadmap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh uncertainty at the weekend over whether they would go ahead .
A department spokesman said this roadmap was a general guide rather than a detailed plan and no significance should be read into the fact that the exams were not referenced .
In all , the union received more than 28,000 responses , including those from teachers , parents and students in other school years After these were removed and all results analysed , almost 23,694 were deemed valid .
Meanwhile , a planning meeting over the future of the Leaving Cert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether a “ plan B ” should go ahead instead .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh attended the meeting with with parents , teachers , school managers and students over plans to hold the Leaving Cert at the end of July .
In a statement following the meeting , Mr McHugh said : “ I want to thank the members of the group for their ongoing engagement and support for the work on hand .
“ Discussions here today will assist in making decisions regarding arrangements for the Leaving Certificate that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are guided at all times by the public health advice .
”

Some 79 per cent of students want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with predicted or estimated grades. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
A new survey shows an overwhelming majority of Leaving Cert students want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with estimated grades.
A new survey of 24,000 sixth years by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union conducted in recent days shows just 15 per cent want the exams to go ahead on July 29th.
By contrast, some 79 per cent want the exams to be cancelled and replaced with predicted or estimated grades.
The survey size represents a sample of almost 39 per cent of all Leaving Cert students.
READ MORE
Students were also asked to show how satisfied or dissatisfied they felt on a scale of one to 10 with the option of continuing with the exams or cancelling them.
An average of three out of 10 was recorded for going ahead with the exams, while there was an average of 8 out of 10 for replacing them with a predicted grade model.
Ciara Fanning, the union's president, said the union will continue to advocate for and represent the interests of second-level students through its involvement in regular Department of Education meetings.
“This survey reinforces our mandate for clarification now - particularly as an increasing number of students are now in favour of cancellation and a thoughtful process established to ensure fairness and equity to all,” she said.
“Now is not the time for tradition, we need cohesive innovation among all stakeholders. This is not a political issue.”
She said the union was particularly concerned about the mental health and anxiety issues brought to its attention by students in “overwhelming” numbers.
The lack of a reference to the Leaving Cert exams in the Government’s roadmap for reopening society published on Friday prompted fresh uncertainty at the weekend over whether they would go ahead.
A department spokesman said this roadmap was a general guide rather than a detailed plan and no significance should be read into the fact that the exams were not referenced.
In all, the union received more than 28,000 responses, including those from teachers, parents and students in other school years After these were removed and all results analysed, almost 23,694 were deemed valid.
Meanwhile, a planning meeting over the future of the Leaving Cert exams concluded on Wednesday without a decision on whether a “plan B” should go ahead instead.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh attended the meeting with with parents, teachers, school managers and students over plans to hold the Leaving Cert at the end of July.
In a statement following the meeting, Mr McHugh said: “I want to thank the members of the group for their ongoing engagement and support for the work on hand.
“Discussions here today will assist in making decisions regarding arrangements for the Leaving Certificate that have students’ best interests at heart and that are guided at all times by the public health advice.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Haircuts, Penneys and recession - what we’re searching for on Google during the lockdown

People in Ireland appear to be growing increasingly concerned about their appearance after weeks in lockdown with questions about the reopening of hairdressers amongst the most searched for things on Google this month .
Searches for tips on how to cut hair in the absence of professionals have also spiked and there is also an eagerness to find out when fashion retailer Penneys might open its doors to shoppers again .
Google has released lists of the things Irish people have been searching for online in recent days and , unsurprisingly , questions about coronavirus dominate .
At number one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions was “ How many cases of coronavirus are there in Ireland ?
” followed by “ How many people have died from coronavirus ?
” The question in third position is one that everyone in the State must have asked themselves , others or Google more than once in recent weeks - “ When will coronavirus end ?
” Google users have also asked how long coronavirus can live for on surfaces and if there is a country or countries that has not been hit by Covid-19 .
The search engine also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ when ” , “ will ” and “ open ” in them .
Top of that list was “ When will hairdressers open in Ireland ?
” followed by “ When will pubs open in Ireland ?
” The numbers asking about golf courses edged those curious about Penneys opening out of third place and queries about when driving test centres might open again came in fifth place .
Google also looked at lockdown specific questions and found that the thing people in Ireland asked most was not when might the restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not France was still in lockdown .
The question of when it might end in Ireland barely made it in to the top 10 .
The second most popular lockdown question was about the five phases announced by the Government last week while in third spot was : “ How many days have Ireland been in lockdown ?
” .
These were followed by the questions “ Is Germany in lockdown ?
” and “ Is Canada in lockdown ?
” Also featuring in the top 10 was a query about how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the State temporarily out of work , there has been plenty of questions about the term furlough including “ What does furlough mean ?
” and “ how to pronounce furloughed in English ?
” Google said that in recent weeks searches for the word “ recession ” reached levels not seen since the financial crisis of 2008 while searches for “ Great Depression ” have also soared to new highs .
There was also a high volume of questions about the wage subsidy scheme introduced by the Government , how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google also looked at “ When can… ?
” types questions and found that “ When can we travel again ?
” was in first position followed by another question about hairdressers and one asking “ When can we fly again ?
” After that there were questions as to when dentists and hotels might reopen .

Google searches for tips on how to cut hair at home have spiked during the coronavirus lockdown and there is also an eagerness to find out when golf courses and retailer Penneys might open again. File photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times.
People in Ireland appear to be growing increasingly concerned about their appearance after weeks in lockdown with questions about the reopening of hairdressers amongst the most searched for things on Google this month.
Searches for tips on how to cut hair in the absence of professionals have also spiked and there is also an eagerness to find out when fashion retailer Penneys might open its doors to shoppers again.
Google has released lists of the things Irish people have been searching for online in recent days and, unsurprisingly, questions about coronavirus dominate.
At number one in the top 10 of Covid-19 related questions was “How many cases of coronavirus are there in Ireland?” followed by “How many people have died from coronavirus?”
READ MORE
The question in third position is one that everyone in the State must have asked themselves, others or Google more than once in recent weeks - “When will coronavirus end?”
Google users have also asked how long coronavirus can live for on surfaces and if there is a country or countries that has not been hit by Covid-19.
The search engine also looked at questions that had the words “when”, “will” and “open” in them.
Top of that list was “When will hairdressers open in Ireland?” followed by “When will pubs open in Ireland?”
Driving tests
The numbers asking about golf courses edged those curious about Penneys opening out of third place and queries about when driving test centres might open again came in fifth place.
Google also looked at lockdown specific questions and found that the thing people in Ireland asked most was not when might the restrictions might end here, but whether or not France was still in lockdown. The question of when it might end in Ireland barely made it in to the top 10.
The second most popular lockdown question was about the five phases announced by the Government last week while in third spot was: "How many days have Ireland been in lockdown?". These were followed by the questions "Is Germany in lockdown?" and "Is Canada in lockdown?"
Also featuring in the top 10 was a query about how to lose weight in lockdown.
A barber cuts the hair of a client at a hairdressing salon in Bratislava, Slovakia on Tuesday. Irish people have been eager to learn when they might be able to go for a trim, according to Google search data. Photograph: Vladimir Simicek/AFP via Getty Images.
Furloughs
With many in the State temporarily out of work, there has been plenty of questions about the term furlough including “What does furlough mean?” and “how to pronounce furloughed in English?”
Google said that in recent weeks searches for the word “recession” reached levels not seen since the financial crisis of 2008 while searches for “Great Depression” have also soared to new highs. There was also a high volume of questions about the wage subsidy scheme introduced by the Government, how it works and how much it provides.
Google also looked at “When can…?” types questions and found that “When can we travel again?” was in first position followed by another question about hairdressers and one asking “When can we fly again?” After that there were questions as to when dentists and hotels might reopen.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Northern Executive hoping to publish plans to ease lockdown

The Northern Ireland Executive is to make an announcement on loosening Covid-19 lockdown on Thursday , Sinn Féin finance Minister Conor Murphy has said .
“ It is important to give at the earliest possible time a signal to people that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that we will begin to move towards a slightly more normal society again , ” Mr Murphy said .
His comments came as the North ’ s Department of Health in Northern Ireland reported that 14 more people have died from coronavirus .
This brings the total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital deaths .
It is expected that adding deaths in care and residential homes would increase this figure by a least one third .
The department also reported 53 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 , leaving the total number of cases in the North now at 3,934 .
At a Ministerial press conference on Wednesday , Mr Murphy said the Executive discussed loosening the lockdown rules on Monday and the various departments were engaged in exchanging papers on the matter .
The Executive is meeting on Thursday with the intention of making an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is not just a matter of lifting restrictions .
The consequences of doing this will have severe implications for our health system ; the consequences of doing this wrongly could have severe implications for people ’ s lives , ” he warned .
Crime in Northern Ireland meanwhile has dropped by almost a third during the period of coronavirus , according to the latest statistics from the PSNI .
In what police described as an “ exceptional ” release of figures they compared the statistics for the five-week Covid-19 period from March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same period last year .
They reported that crime fell in each of the main crime areas although the number of murders is up , with six homicides recorded in this period compared to two last year .
These figures don ’ t specify cases of domestic abuse .
The PSNI however recently said that during the coronavirus crisis the incidence of such abuse was up by more than ten per cent .
More generally police found that violence against the person has fallen by more than one fifth and violence with and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one third .
Sexual offences fell by a half and robberies by more than two fifths .
For instance there were 106 rapes last year compared to 54 in this period .
Robbery of business properties dropped slightly from 14 to 12 while theft offences fell by nearly 50 per cent .
Burglaries are nearly two fifths lower and shoplifting is three fifths lower .
Criminal damage is down by more than one third .
Vehicle offences have fallen by more than two fifths .
In one breakdown of the figures the PSNI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death or serious injury caused by unlawful driving last year compared to three in this period .
Drug offences fell by nearly a half and public order offences by more than one third .
And while politicians in Northern Ireland discuss whether , how and when to ease the lockdown rules the PSNI in the meantime has urged people in the North to “ stay at home and only leave home when it is absolutely essential ” .
Assistant chief constable Alan Todd reported that up to last Sunday ( May 3rd ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Covid-19 regulations while 615 community resolution or warning notices were issued .

An infection control nurse looks out from a Covid-19 recovery ward in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The Northern Ireland Executive is to make an announcement on loosening Covid-19 lockdown on Thursday, Sinn Féin finance Minister Conor Murphy has said.
“It is important to give at the earliest possible time a signal to people that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that we will begin to move towards a slightly more normal society again,” Mr Murphy said.
His comments came as the North's Department of Health in Northern Ireland reported that 14 more people have died from coronavirus.
This brings the total number of fatalities to 418. These are mainly hospital deaths. It is expected that adding deaths in care and residential homes would increase this figure by a least one third.
READ MORE
The department also reported 53 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, leaving the total number of cases in the North now at 3,934.
At a Ministerial press conference on Wednesday, Mr Murphy said the Executive discussed loosening the lockdown rules on Monday and the various departments were engaged in exchanging papers on the matter.
The Executive is meeting on Thursday with the intention of making an announcement, he said.
“But this is not just a matter of lifting restrictions. The consequences of doing this will have severe implications for our health system; the consequences of doing this wrongly could have severe implications for people’s lives,” he warned.
Drop in crime
Crime in Northern Ireland meanwhile has dropped by almost a third during the period of coronavirus, according to the latest statistics from the PSNI.
In what police described as an “exceptional” release of figures they compared the statistics for the five-week Covid-19 period from March 23rd to April 26th April with the same period last year.
They reported that crime fell in each of the main crime areas although the number of murders is up, with six homicides recorded in this period compared to two last year.
These figures don’t specify cases of domestic abuse. The PSNI however recently said that during the coronavirus crisis the incidence of such abuse was up by more than ten per cent.
More generally police found that violence against the person has fallen by more than one fifth and violence with and without injury have both fallen by around one third.
Sexual offences fell by a half and robberies by more than two fifths. For instance there were 106 rapes last year compared to 54 in this period.
Robbery of business properties dropped slightly from 14 to 12 while theft offences fell by nearly 50 per cent. Burglaries are nearly two fifths lower and shoplifting is three fifths lower. Criminal damage is down by more than one third.
Vehicle offences have fallen by more than two fifths. In one breakdown of the figures the PSNI reported that there were 17 instances of death or serious injury caused by unlawful driving last year compared to three in this period.
Drug offences fell by nearly a half and public order offences by more than one third.
And while politicians in Northern Ireland discuss whether, how and when to ease the lockdown rules the PSNI in the meantime has urged people in the North to “stay at home and only leave home when it is absolutely essential”.
Assistant chief constable Alan Todd reported that up to last Sunday (May 3rd) 374 fines were issued for breach of the Covid-19 regulations while 615 community resolution or warning notices were issued.


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Irish second World War veteran honoured by Dutch government

An Irish veteran of the second World War who fought at the Battle of Arnhem has been honoured by the Dutch government for his part of the Liberation of the Netherlands some 75 years ago this week .
Sam Kendrick ( 95 ) , who lives at Kilmore in his native Wexford , was just 18-years-old when he parachuted into Arnhem in September 1944 with the British army ’ s 1st Parachute Regiment as they sought to capture the bridge over the Rhine .
Dutch Ambassador to Ireland , Adriaan Palm presented the Medal of Remembrance to Mr Kendrick in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s friend and neighbour , Lt Col Ken Martin of the Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland .
“ Sam Kendrick is one of those heroes , who as part of the Allied Forces , risked his life for our freedom in the Battle of Arnhem and elsewhere - he is also one of the very few who are still alive and can recount those days , ” said Mr Palm .
Mr Kendrick , who told his story to author Neil Richardson for his book Dark Times , Decent Men - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , left Wexford at the age of 14 to work on a farm in the UK before joining the Royal Navy at the age of 16 .
Transferring to the army in 1943 , he initially joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers but later transferred to the Parachute Regiment and took off from RAF Folkingham on the morning of September 17th , 1944 to take place in the attack on Arnhem .
Equipped with a flame thrower , Mr Kendrick landed with his comrades near the town of Oosterbeek where they encountered a German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracks and enemy infantry and he was hit in the foot by shrapnel .
Later they were involved in a firefight around St Elizabeth ’ s Hospital as they sought to break through to British units at the Arnhem Bridge but were forced back to Oosterbeek where they overcome when the Germans sent in tanks .
“ One of these tanks came up the road .
.
.
I remember coming up and I had a Sten gun and I hadn ’ t fired it and this bloody tank came , and like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun at it , ” he said , before recalling the kindness of the Dutch .
“ There were all these Dutch people and they came with buckets of water to give us a drink .
And what did the SS do ?
They shot the bloody buckets .
We ’ d had nothing to drink and of course , the poor Dutch got scared then.
” Taken as a prisoner of war to Germany , Sam was liberated by American troops in April 1945 but almost every year since then he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen comrades in Arnhem commemorations .
But now Mr Kendrick has been honoured here in Ireland with Mr Palm expressing his regret that he could not present the medal in person , something he hopes to do later in the year when Covid-19 restrictions are eased .
“ This medal presented on behalf of the Dutch people is a token of our gratitude to Sam and through Sam to all Irish citizens who fought for our freedom in those dark days and helped liberate the Netherlands .
”

An Irish veteran of the second World War who fought at the Battle of Arnhem has been honoured by the Dutch government for his part of the Liberation of the Netherlands some 75 years ago this week.
Sam Kendrick (95), who lives at Kilmore in his native Wexford, was just 18-years-old when he parachuted into Arnhem in September 1944 with the British army's 1st Parachute Regiment as they sought to capture the bridge over the Rhine.
Dutch Ambassador to Ireland, Adriaan Palm presented the Medal of Remembrance to Mr Kendrick in a virtual ceremony attended by Mr Kendrick's friend and neighbour, Lt Col Ken Martin of the Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland.
"Sam Kendrick is one of those heroes, who as part of the Allied Forces, risked his life for our freedom in the Battle of Arnhem and elsewhere - he is also one of the very few who are still alive and can recount those days," said Mr Palm.
READ MORE
Mr Kendrick, who told his story to author Neil Richardson for his book Dark Times, Decent Men - Stories of Irishmen in World War II, left Wexford at the age of 14 to work on a farm in the UK before joining the Royal Navy at the age of 16.
Transferring to the army in 1943, he initially joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers but later transferred to the Parachute Regiment and took off from RAF Folkingham on the morning of September 17th, 1944 to take place in the attack on Arnhem.
The medal presneted to Mr Kendrick by the Dutch ambassador to Ireland.
Prisoner of war
Equipped with a flame thrower, Mr Kendrick landed with his comrades near the town of Oosterbeek where they encountered a German force comprising five tanks, 15 half tracks and enemy infantry and he was hit in the foot by shrapnel.
Later they were involved in a firefight around St Elizabeth’s Hospital as they sought to break through to British units at the Arnhem Bridge but were forced back to Oosterbeek where they overcome when the Germans sent in tanks.
“One of these tanks came up the road . . . I remember coming up and I had a Sten gun and I hadn’t fired it and this bloody tank came, and like an idiot, I fired the Sten gun at it,” he said, before recalling the kindness of the Dutch.
“There were all these Dutch people and they came with buckets of water to give us a drink. And what did the SS do? They shot the bloody buckets. We’d had nothing to drink and of course, the poor Dutch got scared then.”
Taken as a prisoner of war to Germany, Sam was liberated by American troops in April 1945 but almost every year since then he has returned to the Netherlands to remember his fallen comrades in Arnhem commemorations.
But now Mr Kendrick has been honoured here in Ireland with Mr Palm expressing his regret that he could not present the medal in person, something he hopes to do later in the year when Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
“This medal presented on behalf of the Dutch people is a token of our gratitude to Sam and through Sam to all Irish citizens who fought for our freedom in those dark days and helped liberate the Netherlands.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-06--Judge restrains father from contacting disabled son in foster care

A High Court judge has made interim orders restraining the father of a disabled teenage boy from contacting his son or interfering with his foster home placement where he has lived for several years .
The orders were sought by the Child and Family Agency ( CFA ) in the context of an application for an inquiry as to whether the boy , due to turn 18 shortly , should be made an adult ward of court .
The boy , who has a moderate intellectual disability and physical disability , was taken into the care of the Agency some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of a couple for several years .
He regards them as his family and refers to them as “ Mum and Dad ” , the court was told .
Counsel for the CFA said the boy needs significant assistance with most aspects of daily living and is not capable of living independently .
The CFA had obtained reports from a doctor and psychiatrist expressing views he was of unsound mind and lacked capacity to mange his person and finances .
The boy has access to his mother and maternal grandfather and phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported the wardship application , counsel said .
The boy had access to his father in the past which had not proven successful , thecourt heard .
He has consistently said he does not want to see his father and had become distressed when walk-by access was granted to his father in 2017 after the latter took District Court proceedings , the court heard .
Efforts had been made to serve the father with the wardship proceedings but those had proven unsuccessful and papers were returned from his home address , the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email contact for him and various phone numbers provided to it had proven unsuccessful in terms of establishing contact .
The Agency ’ s last contact with the father was on April 27th last when the father phoned a social worker and said his son wanted to see him and was entitled to do so .
The social worker considered the language used was threatening and it was in those circumstances the interim orders restraining interference with the boy ’ s foster placement were being sought .
Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directing an independent medical visitor to assess the boy and report as to whether he meets the criteria for wardship .
He appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the boy ’ s interests and made a further order that the boy continue in the care and custody of the foster placement and restraining the father contacting him and interfering with that placement .
The judge accepted that every effort had been made to put the father on notice of this application but urged the Agency to continue its efforts to notify the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date as the order involved a restriction on his ability to see his son .
On the evidence before the court now , he was happy to make the order , the judge said .

Counsel for the CFA said the boy needs significant assistance with most aspects of daily living and is not capable of living independently.
A High Court judge has made interim orders restraining the father of a disabled teenage boy from contacting his son or interfering with his foster home placement where he has lived for several years.
The orders were sought by the Child and Family Agency (CFA) in the context of an application for an inquiry as to whether the boy, due to turn 18 shortly, should be made an adult ward of court.
The boy, who has a moderate intellectual disability and physical disability, was taken into the care of the Agency some years ago and has been in foster care of a couple for several years. He regards them as his family and refers to them as “Mum and Dad”, the court was told.
Counsel for the CFA said the boy needs significant assistance with most aspects of daily living and is not capable of living independently. The CFA had obtained reports from a doctor and psychiatrist expressing views he was of unsound mind and lacked capacity to mange his person and finances.
READ MORE
The boy has access to his mother and maternal grandfather and phone contact with a sibling and his mother supported the wardship application, counsel said. The boy had access to his father in the past which had not proven successful, thecourt heard. He has consistently said he does not want to see his father and had become distressed when walk-by access was granted to his father in 2017 after the latter took District Court proceedings, the court heard.
Efforts had been made to serve the father with the wardship proceedings but those had proven unsuccessful and papers were returned from his home address, the court heard. The Agency did not have an email contact for him and various phone numbers provided to it had proven unsuccessful in terms of establishing contact.
The Agency’s last contact with the father was on April 27th last when the father phoned a social worker and said his son wanted to see him and was entitled to do so. The social worker considered the language used was threatening and it was in those circumstances the interim orders restraining interference with the boy’s foster placement were being sought.
Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said he was satisfied to make an order directing an independent medical visitor to assess the boy and report as to whether he meets the criteria for wardship.
He appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the boy’s interests and made a further order that the boy continue in the care and custody of the foster placement and restraining the father contacting him and interfering with that placement.
The judge accepted that every effort had been made to put the father on notice of this application but urged the Agency to continue its efforts to notify the father and tell him of the review date as the order involved a restriction on his ability to see his son. On the evidence before the court now, he was happy to make the order, the judge said.