theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Cyber Monday: Beware of bogus deals and preying scammers

It ’ s just another Cyber Monday .
Or is it ?
With more Irish people shopping online than at any point in our retail history , it almost seems like every day is Cyber Monday .
And yes , we are now finished with the 1980s song references , at least for today .
Every year for more than a decade , this Monday of the year has marked the day when newspapers and websites all over the world – including this very small part of it – have written about the amazing deals to be found on websites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shanghai and Sligo .
The relentless coverage of Cyber Monday has almost made it seem like it is a real thing .
But it isn ’ t – or at least not really .
For a start , many of the deals which will be promoted today will be bogus and a canny consumer could easily find the products selling cheaper in the weeks and months before or after the big day .
And it ’ s not like today even marks the busiest day of the year for online shopping , unlike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coined in 2005 .
That was the year when a website in the United States called shop.org issued a press release that read : “ While traditional retailers will be monitoring store traffic and sales on Black Friday , online retailers have set their sights on something different : Cyber Monday , the Monday after Thanksgiving , which is quickly becoming one of the biggest online shopping days of the year.
” The website sent out its release in response to a trend which had seen a dramatic spike in shopping on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work after the extended holiday and using office broadband to binge-shop .
The notion quickly moved across the Atlantic and it now seems that it is here to stay or at least until the next retail wheeze comes along .
But are the bargains real and what should we be looking out for ?
The people at the European Consumer Centre ( ECC ) have been focusing on Cyber Monday in recent days and they suggest that to make sure people get the best deals available they should have their wits about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen examples of ‘ deals ’ where retailers simply inflate the prices before reducing them down again in order to give customers the impression of getting ‘ a huge discount ’ , so it ’ s advisable to track the price of your chosen product to see if the end price represents a genuine net reduction after tax and shipping added in , ” a spokeswoman says .
It might be a bit late for that now but something you could do today is Google the product , which a company is claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and see where else it is being sold and for how much .
It will also be worth noting whether or not other retailers selling it at the same price are claiming it is discounted .
The ECC also says people should never forget that Cyber Monday – and Black Friday before it – is a way for retailers to shift surplus summer stock and may be an opportunity to clear some warehouse space for Christmas stock , “ so the selection of reduced items are not what you may expect or , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduction in price ” .
The spokeswoman says businesses must also ensure that the terms and time limits of a deal are clear and that they can supply the on-sale products for the increased demand generated by the promotional campaigns .
That is why customers should carefully consider “ while stocks last ” claims as it may be that only a small number of a particular product is available , meaning it could be an end-of-line product that will sell out very quickly .
And sometimes substantial discounts may not , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This happens when businesses fail to ensure enough consumers can take advantage of products sold at the highest discount point stated rather than many products at the lowest end .
So don ’ t be disappointed that by the time you get to the sale page the largest discounts are gone .
The ECC warns against letting the lure of a huge discount make you buy what is ultimately a poor-value product .
“ Think of the discounted price as a bonus rather than using it as your starting point for your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old news .
Cyber Monday is great for high-end tech products and entertainment gadgets , the spokeswoman says .
“ But remember that the sales are also a way for shops to shift old stock quickly before it becomes obsolete .
While you might get a great price , you inadvertently might be buying old technology which comes with limited features and compatibility issues that are outside warranty and/or are no longer supported by the manufacturer.
” Finally , the ECC says people should always check the small print : “ The rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be vague .
Marketing tactics can make offers look better than they are .
You may find that shops advertise ‘ X % Off Everything !
* ’ followed by ‘ *exclusions apply ’ .
So make sure you are getting the product you want , at the right price.
” With so much money changing hands online in recent weeks and more likely to change hands today and in the weeks ahead , it is inevitable that scammers will be out and about , looking to part us from our money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CRI ) , calculated by tech company NordVPN , residents of developed countries are more likely to become victims of cybercrime despite the fact they consider themselves tech-savvy and well-protected .
For example , Ireland ranks seventh globally with a CRI score of 0.664 , which is considered a high risk .
Developed countries offer better access to the internet and higher wages , which translates to more smartphones and heavy usage of online services .
But how do fraudsters find their victims ?
According to NordVPN , emails and website banners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and butter ” .
Typically fraudsters will copy legitimate commercial practices and they will rely on advertising engines such as Facebook and Google to push their banners on users .
While the tech giants have safeguards in place , some fraudulent banners slip through the net .
Some scammers also study their future victims and analyse their online behaviour , which can be easily done if the victim is browsing the web unprotected .
This is why it is important to check the websites you ’ re looking at have HTTPS in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch out for .
Offers that look too good to be true or links received from banks or insurance companies are perfect examples of a con artist ’ s methods .
The opportunistic cybercriminal relies on social engineering to trick you into giving away your account details .
According to Daniel Markuson , digital privacy expert at NordVPN , the five major scenarios scammers will be exploiting in 2020 are as follows : Paying an invoice that looks exactly like a utility bill can easily happen when people make more transactions than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called authorised push payment fraud .
Even once the penny has dropped and the victim has caught on to the crime , the payment can ’ t be reversed .
Fraudsters mimic emails sent by banks , claiming that recent purchases the victim has made couldn ’ t be processed .
After clicking a dodgy link inside that email , the unfortunate victim is duped once again .
The hacker would have recreated a fake bank website to look exactly like the genuine article , created specifically to fool people into giving away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous example , these scams typically start with a link that leads to a suspicious website .
The link is accompanied by an email that claims one of your recent online orders is out of stock and urges the recipient to claim their refund .
Once again , the victim is pushed to enter their bank account details , unfortunately leading to cybercriminals completely clearing them out of all their cash .
Amazo ?
.com , eday.com , googIe.comv – most users do not spot the discrepancies in the address bar as long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They process the payment for the items in their shopping cart and end up robbed .
Once you ’ re finished with your purchases , scammers will send you an email claiming that your Amazon Prime subscription is due and the discount can not be applied .
If you want your items to get delivered , you have to renew the subscription – which , of course , ultimately leads to stolen credentials .
In recent months we have been highlighting the EY Future Consumer Index which has looked at how Covid-19 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The most recent index is looking at the scale , scope and stickiness of the deep pivot to online shopping .
As what it describes as “ Deep Covid ” becomes normalised , the index shows 39 per cent of consumers will shop online for things they used to buy in stores , while a similar number believe the way they shop will change over the long term .
“ It ’ s almost a year since the first Covid-19 cases were recorded and it ’ s clear that this period of acute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time yet , ” the report says .
“ We ’ ve moved from peak Covid to what might be called ‘ Deep Covid ’ .
” It says consumers are moving away from the initial shock of living with a pandemic and toward an acceptance that this is how things are now .
“ Many are still reflecting on how they plan to live differently in the future but with the restrictions and challenges of daily life becoming business as usual , the majority of consumers are doing their best to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Future Consumer Index of the year suggests that globally 37 per cent of consumers think the pandemic will keep impacting their lives for at least another year .
The percentage rises to 43 per cent in Europe and 66 per cent in Japan while consumers in India and China are noticeably more optimistic .
The report also points to one clear impact of the crisis – the rapid transition to online shopping .
“ The speed of this transition to digital has challenged consumer-facing companies .
Among the most pressing questions that business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how this continuing online surge will make itself felt and what will stick ?
” The index uses four segments to shed light on how the consumer ’ s shopping intentions and expectations vary across different categories , channels and markets , and how they plan to change their spending during this year ’ s holiday season .
The report suggests the pandemic is clearly taking a financial toll on many consumers and putting them under great emotional stress with 40 per cent of people saying they have seen their incomes decrease and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they spend their money .
Forty-one per cent have cut spending on non-essentials , while 46 per cent are postponing the purchase or replacement of big-ticket items .
The report also shows almost three-quarters of consumers are planning to spend less in the future and will shift more of their spending online for products they previously purchased in-store .
In some cases that move has been forced on them – they can ’ t shop in the way they used to .
Others see the move online as a more positive choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards ecommerce is that we ’ ve seen a decade of digital disruption in a matter of months .
Some businesses have experienced significant topline growth .
The question now is what experience do they need to provide in order to win – and hold on to – a share of that move to online ?
EY says it is critical for businesses to understand how consumers are changing their shopping channels in the face of the pandemic but a pressing concern for many will be the upcoming holiday shopping events and seasonal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best they can capitalise on these opportunities , others will be trying to survive .
Its data suggests 42 per cent of consumers plan to spend less than a year ago in this season ’ s sales events , while 13 per cent will spend more .
Of those who will participate , 72 per cent are holding off purchases until the event and most will participate mainly via online channels .
Yvonne Kiely , customer and digital director and head of EY-Seren , says Irish retailers were not as prepared as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in online shopping ( and future predicted increase ) as a result of Covid .
“ But we have seen a huge amount of innovation and adaptation across industries and sectors to build capability in this space since March , ” she says .
“ There is little point in most Irish retailers trying to transform between now and Christmas but I would encourage all Irish retailers – large and small – to use the new year to focus on everything from a consumer perspective to solidify their resilience in the new world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been encouraging and helpful support from social-media influencers , who have promoted Irish retailers .
Digital Business Ireland ( DBI ) , an umbrella group covering digital , ecommerce and online businesses in Ireland , is urging consumers to support businesses and jobs in Ireland by making an effort to click green and buy nearby when shopping online today and in the weeks leading up to Christmas .
The group was prompted by the “ huge surge in online shopping ” , fuelled by Covid-19 and the associated restrictions , to drive awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland during a time of great disruption .
It points to the Tipping Point Report , compiled by .IE and DBI , which we have also highlighted in recent weeks , that suggests 47 per cent of all online spending in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic has gone to businesses operating outside the country .
All told 67 per cent of those buying from local online sellers are doing so out of a sense of solidarity .
“ The key objective of our campaign is to encourage online shoppers to make a concerted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local websites in order to help these businesses bounce back , ” says Lorraine Higgins , chief executive of DBI .
“ We know the vast majority of online shoppers want to support Irish businesses so tapping into this sense of patriotism for the economic good of the country is crucial.
” Higgins is “ appealing to people ’ s sense of national solidarity ” as Christmas approaches and consumers ’ minds focus on buying presents for families , friends and colleagues .
“ There are many benefits from clicking green and supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety and price transparency which is not always the case with international sellers , ” she says .
“ By clicking green and buying nearby you will be helping the recovery of businesses , protecting jobs and communities at a time of great difficulty.
” The campaign to click green is being supported by Permanent TSB and its spokeswoman Mags Brennan stresses there “ has never been a more important time to support local businesses ” .
She says if the predicted consumer spending for this festive season , valued at more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local businesses it “ would be a huge uplift for many SMEs supporting over one million jobs in our community ” .

It’s just another Cyber Monday. Or is it? With more Irish people shopping online than at any point in our retail history, it almost seems like every day is Cyber Monday. And yes, we are now finished with the 1980s song references, at least for today.
Every year for more than a decade, this Monday of the year has marked the day when newspapers and websites all over the world – including this very small part of it – have written about the amazing deals to be found on websites as far apart as San Francisco, Shanghai and Sligo.
The relentless coverage of Cyber Monday has almost made it seem like it is a real thing.
But it isn’t – or at least not really. For a start, many of the deals which will be promoted today will be bogus and a canny consumer could easily find the products selling cheaper in the weeks and months before or after the big day.
READ MORE
And it’s not like today even marks the busiest day of the year for online shopping, unlike when the term Cyber Monday was first coined in 2005.
That was the year when a website in the United States called shop.org issued a press release that read: "While traditional retailers will be monitoring store traffic and sales on Black Friday, online retailers have set their sights on something different: Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, which is quickly becoming one of the biggest online shopping days of the year."
The website sent out its release in response to a trend which had seen a dramatic spike in shopping on the Monday after Thanksgiving among people going back to work after the extended holiday and using office broadband to binge-shop. The notion quickly moved across the Atlantic and it now seems that it is here to stay or at least until the next retail wheeze comes along.
But are the bargains real and what should we be looking out for? The people at the European Consumer Centre (ECC) have been focusing on Cyber Monday in recent days and they suggest that to make sure people get the best deals available they should have their wits about them.
“We’ve all seen examples of ‘deals’ where retailers simply inflate the prices before reducing them down again in order to give customers the impression of getting ‘a huge discount’, so it’s advisable to track the price of your chosen product to see if the end price represents a genuine net reduction after tax and shipping added in,” a spokeswoman says.
Cross-reference
It might be a bit late for that now but something you could do today is Google the product, which a company is claiming to sell at a substantial discount, and see where else it is being sold and for how much. It will also be worth noting whether or not other retailers selling it at the same price are claiming it is discounted.
The ECC also says people should never forget that Cyber Monday – and Black Friday before it – is a way for retailers to shift surplus summer stock and may be an opportunity to clear some warehouse space for Christmas stock, “so the selection of reduced items are not what you may expect or, indeed, worth buying even with the reduction in price”.
The spokeswoman says businesses must also ensure that the terms and time limits of a deal are clear and that they can supply the on-sale products for the increased demand generated by the promotional campaigns.
That is why customers should carefully consider “while stocks last” claims as it may be that only a small number of a particular product is available, meaning it could be an end-of-line product that will sell out very quickly.
And sometimes substantial discounts may not, in the end, be available to most customers. This happens when businesses fail to ensure enough consumers can take advantage of products sold at the highest discount point stated rather than many products at the lowest end. So don’t be disappointed that by the time you get to the sale page the largest discounts are gone.
The ECC warns against letting the lure of a huge discount make you buy what is ultimately a poor-value product. “Think of the discounted price as a bonus rather than using it as your starting point for your purchase.”
It warns against falling for old news. Cyber Monday is great for high-end tech products and entertainment gadgets, the spokeswoman says. “But remember that the sales are also a way for shops to shift old stock quickly before it becomes obsolete. While you might get a great price, you inadvertently might be buying old technology which comes with limited features and compatibility issues that are outside warranty and/or are no longer supported by the manufacturer.”
Finally, the ECC says people should always check the small print: “The rules that govern special offers and flash sales can be vague. Marketing tactics can make offers look better than they are. You may find that shops advertise ‘X% Off Everything!*’ followed by ‘*exclusions apply’. So make sure you are getting the product you want, at the right price.”
Scammers
With so much money changing hands online in recent weeks and more likely to change hands today and in the weeks ahead, it is inevitable that scammers will be out and about, looking to part us from our money.
According to the Cyber Risk Index (CRI), calculated by tech company NordVPN, residents of developed countries are more likely to become victims of cybercrime despite the fact they consider themselves tech-savvy and well-protected.
For example, Ireland ranks seventh globally with a CRI score of 0.664, which is considered a high risk. Developed countries offer better access to the internet and higher wages, which translates to more smartphones and heavy usage of online services.
But how do fraudsters find their victims? According to NordVPN, emails and website banners are “a cybercriminal’s bread and butter”.
Typically fraudsters will copy legitimate commercial practices and they will rely on advertising engines such as Facebook and Google to push their banners on users. While the tech giants have safeguards in place, some fraudulent banners slip through the net.
Some scammers also study their future victims and analyse their online behaviour, which can be easily done if the victim is browsing the web unprotected. This is why it is important to check the websites you’re looking at have HTTPS in their address.
There are also red flags to watch out for. Offers that look too good to be true or links received from banks or insurance companies are perfect examples of a con artist’s methods. The opportunistic cybercriminal relies on social engineering to trick you into giving away your account details.
According to Daniel Markuson, digital privacy expert at NordVPN, the five major scenarios scammers will be exploiting in 2020 are as follows:
Fake invoices
Paying an invoice that looks exactly like a utility bill can easily happen when people make more transactions than usual. This type of scam is called authorised push payment fraud. Even once the penny has dropped and the victim has caught on to the crime, the payment can’t be reversed.
Bank notifications
Fraudsters mimic emails sent by banks, claiming that recent purchases the victim has made couldn’t be processed. After clicking a dodgy link inside that email, the unfortunate victim is duped once again. The hacker would have recreated a fake bank website to look exactly like the genuine article, created specifically to fool people into giving away their bank credentials.
“Your order has been cancelled”
Similar to the previous example, these scams typically start with a link that leads to a suspicious website. The link is accompanied by an email that claims one of your recent online orders is out of stock and urges the recipient to claim their refund. Once again, the victim is pushed to enter their bank account details, unfortunately leading to cybercriminals completely clearing them out of all their cash.
Lookalike pages
Amazo?.com, eday.com, googIe.comv – most users do not spot the discrepancies in the address bar as long as the website design looks legitimate. They process the payment for the items in their shopping cart and end up robbed.
Renew your membership
Once you're finished with your purchases, scammers will send you an email claiming that your Amazon Prime subscription is due and the discount cannot be applied. If you want your items to get delivered, you have to renew the subscription – which, of course, ultimately leads to stolen credentials.
Scale of online shopping
In recent months we have been highlighting the EY Future Consumer Index which has looked at how Covid-19 is changing our behaviour across the board. The most recent index is looking at the scale, scope and stickiness of the deep pivot to online shopping.
As what it describes as “Deep Covid” becomes normalised, the index shows 39 per cent of consumers will shop online for things they used to buy in stores, while a similar number believe the way they shop will change over the long term.
“It’s almost a year since the first Covid-19 cases were recorded and it’s clear that this period of acute uncertainty will be with us for some time yet,” the report says. “We’ve moved from peak Covid to what might be called ‘Deep Covid’.”
It says consumers are moving away from the initial shock of living with a pandemic and toward an acceptance that this is how things are now. “Many are still reflecting on how they plan to live differently in the future but with the restrictions and challenges of daily life becoming business as usual, the majority of consumers are doing their best to get on with things.”
The fifth EY Future Consumer Index of the year suggests that globally 37 per cent of consumers think the pandemic will keep impacting their lives for at least another year. The percentage rises to 43 per cent in Europe and 66 per cent in Japan while consumers in India and China are noticeably more optimistic.
The report also points to one clear impact of the crisis – the rapid transition to online shopping. “The speed of this transition to digital has challenged consumer-facing companies. Among the most pressing questions that business leaders want to answer are where and how this continuing online surge will make itself felt and what will stick?”
The index uses four segments to shed light on how the consumer’s shopping intentions and expectations vary across different categories, channels and markets, and how they plan to change their spending during this year’s holiday season.
The report suggests the pandemic is clearly taking a financial toll on many consumers and putting them under great emotional stress with 40 per cent of people saying they have seen their incomes decrease and 60 per cent thinking more carefully about how they spend their money.
Forty-one per cent have cut spending on non-essentials, while 46 per cent are postponing the purchase or replacement of big-ticket items.
The report also shows almost three-quarters of consumers are planning to spend less in the future and will shift more of their spending online for products they previously purchased in-store.
In some cases that move has been forced on them – they can’t shop in the way they used to. Others see the move online as a more positive choice. One consequence of this sudden tilt towards ecommerce is that we’ve seen a decade of digital disruption in a matter of months. Some businesses have experienced significant topline growth. The question now is what experience do they need to provide in order to win – and hold on to – a share of that move to online?
EY says it is critical for businesses to understand how consumers are changing their shopping channels in the face of the pandemic but a pressing concern for many will be the upcoming holiday shopping events and seasonal sales.
Some will be asking how best they can capitalise on these opportunities, others will be trying to survive.
Its data suggests 42 per cent of consumers plan to spend less than a year ago in this season’s sales events, while 13 per cent will spend more. Of those who will participate, 72 per cent are holding off purchases until the event and most will participate mainly via online channels.
Yvonne Kiely, customer and digital director and head of EY-Seren, says Irish retailers were not as prepared as they could have been for the exponential increase in online shopping (and future predicted increase) as a result of Covid.
“But we have seen a huge amount of innovation and adaptation across industries and sectors to build capability in this space since March,” she says. “There is little point in most Irish retailers trying to transform between now and Christmas but I would encourage all Irish retailers – large and small – to use the new year to focus on everything from a consumer perspective to solidify their resilience in the new world order.”
Kiely says there has also been encouraging and helpful support from social-media influencers, who have promoted Irish retailers.
Support Irish jobs by ‘clicking green’
Digital Business Ireland (DBI), an umbrella group covering digital, ecommerce and online businesses in Ireland, is urging consumers to support businesses and jobs in Ireland by making an effort to click green and buy nearby when shopping online today and in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The group was prompted by the “huge surge in online shopping”, fuelled by Covid-19 and the associated restrictions, to drive awareness of the importance of supporting businesses in Ireland during a time of great disruption.
It points to the Tipping Point Report, compiled by .IE and DBI, which we have also highlighted in recent weeks, that suggests 47 per cent of all online spending in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic has gone to businesses operating outside the country. All told 67 per cent of those buying from local online sellers are doing so out of a sense of solidarity.
“The key objective of our campaign is to encourage online shoppers to make a concerted effort to purchase goods and products from local websites in order to help these businesses bounce back,” says Lorraine Higgins, chief executive of DBI. “We know the vast majority of online shoppers want to support Irish businesses so tapping into this sense of patriotism for the economic good of the country is crucial.”
Higgins is “appealing to people’s sense of national solidarity” as Christmas approaches and consumers’ minds focus on buying presents for families, friends and colleagues.
“There are many benefits from clicking green and supporting businesses in Ireland from a trust, safety and price transparency which is not always the case with international sellers,” she says. “By clicking green and buying nearby you will be helping the recovery of businesses, protecting jobs and communities at a time of great difficulty.”
The campaign to click green is being supported by Permanent TSB and its spokeswoman Mags Brennan stresses there "has never been a more important time to support local businesses". She says if the predicted consumer spending for this festive season, valued at more than €4 billion, was all directed towards local businesses it "would be a huge uplift for many SMEs supporting over one million jobs in our community".


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--OECD unclear how ‘rigid’ Leaving Cert prepares students for future

The Leaving Cert is “ too narrow and rigid ” and its main focus seems to be acting as a filter for entry into higher education , according to a review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ) .
The findings of the Paris-based organisation , which represents 36 wealthy nations worldwide , are due to be published later this week .
According to sources familiar with the findings , the review states that it is “ not clear how senior cycle is at present preparing students for the future beyond sitting the Leaving Cert ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system generates high levels of stress and anxiety among senior cycle students and their families .
Irish media , it says , both document and – to some extent – contribute to this environment with an “ exhaustive coverage of Leaving Certificate assessments during the summer period each year ” .
However , it acknowledges the issue is complex , noting high levels of stress may be also associated with positive attitudes .
For example , it says students in Ireland are viewed as more achievement-motivated than many of their peers in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The OECD review is understood to emphasise the views of many stakeholders who feel the system needs not just to prepare students for higher education , but to also ensure they can progress successfully in the labour market , access a range of alternative education pathways and exercise a responsible global citizenship .
It adds that the overall purpose and vision of the current senior cycle seem to be “ too narrow and rigid ” for Ireland ’ s aspirations of delivering a learning experience to the highest international standards .
The review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that also seek to give student assessment a much broader purpose , such as Canada .
It also says the recent reform of the junior cycle underlines the importance of achieving appropriate alignment between junior and senior cycles .
It underlines the need to ensure any changes are fair and equitable , given that students from advantaged families may benefit more from private tutoring to prepare for their exams .
The transition year offering , for example , seems to be largely determined by the financial capacity of each individual school .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restricting the benefits of this to schools that can afford it .
The review notes that any changes made to senior cycle will have limited possibilities to succeed if the current emphasis on a final set of written Leaving Cert assessments and the CAO points system are not reviewed accordingly .
It says higher education institutions and employers should also have a stronger input into the senior cycle review .
The OECD ’ s findings will feed into a wider review of the senior cycle being undertaken by the State ’ s advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council for Curriculum and Assessment ( NCCA ) .
It has been conducting a review in consultation with thousands of students and hundreds of teachers , parents and other stakeholders .
The OECD ’ s observations chime with many of the findings from the NCCA ’ s consultations so far .

Main focus of the Leaving Cert seems to be acting as a filter for entry into higher education, according to the OECD review.
The Leaving Cert is “too narrow and rigid” and its main focus seems to be acting as a filter for entry into higher education, according to a review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The findings of the Paris-based organisation, which represents 36 wealthy nations worldwide, are due to be published later this week.
According to sources familiar with the findings, the review states that it is “not clear how senior cycle is at present preparing students for the future beyond sitting the Leaving Cert”.
The review also notes the points system generates high levels of stress and anxiety among senior cycle students and their families.
READ MORE
Irish media, it says, both document and – to some extent – contribute to this environment with an “exhaustive coverage of Leaving Certificate assessments during the summer period each year”.
However, it acknowledges the issue is complex, noting high levels of stress may be also associated with positive attitudes.
For example, it says students in Ireland are viewed as more achievement-motivated than many of their peers in other countries, according to international research.
The OECD review is understood to emphasise the views of many stakeholders who feel the system needs not just to prepare students for higher education, but to also ensure they can progress successfully in the labour market, access a range of alternative education pathways and exercise a responsible global citizenship.
It adds that the overall purpose and vision of the current senior cycle seem to be “too narrow and rigid” for Ireland’s aspirations of delivering a learning experience to the highest international standards.
The review suggests Ireland could look outwards to countries that also seek to give student assessment a much broader purpose, such as Canada.
Junior and senior cycles
It also says the recent reform of the junior cycle underlines the importance of achieving appropriate alignment between junior and senior cycles.
It underlines the need to ensure any changes are fair and equitable, given that students from advantaged families may benefit more from private tutoring to prepare for their exams.
The transition year offering, for example, seems to be largely determined by the financial capacity of each individual school. This is an unfortunate situation that could be restricting the benefits of this to schools that can afford it.
The review notes that any changes made to senior cycle will have limited possibilities to succeed if the current emphasis on a final set of written Leaving Cert assessments and the CAO points system are not reviewed accordingly.
It says higher education institutions and employers should also have a stronger input into the senior cycle review.
The OECD's findings will feed into a wider review of the senior cycle being undertaken by the State's advisory body on the curriculum, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).
It has been conducting a review in consultation with thousands of students and hundreds of teachers, parents and other stakeholders.
The OECD’s observations chime with many of the findings from the NCCA’s consultations so far.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Irish youth to lead global study into impact of Covid-19 on young people

Young people in Ireland are to spearhead a global Unesco study into the impact of Covid-19 on children and young adults .
It is the biggest study to date on the impact of the pandemic on young people and will focus on how the pandemic has affected them personally , in their families , communities and lives .
More than 6,000 young people across 100 countries have applied to be researchers on the international project being led by Prof Pat Dolan , director of the Unesco child and family research centre at NUI Galway .
It will involve a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people aged 18-35 will lead the research .
The approach was pioneered by Prof Dolan ’ s team in a LGBTQ study in Tallaght , west Dublin , several years ago .
Among the areas set to be covered include the impact of Covid-19 on wellbeing , education and learning , use of technology , human rights and youth-led action and civic engagement .
Prof Dolan said that over the course of the pandemic , the worst assumptions had been made about young people in our society .
“ On too many occasions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick to claim young people are irresponsible and lack consideration for society .
The programme aims to prove these assumptions wrong , ” he said .
“ This is an opportunity for young people to research topics that interest them when adult researchers seem to care the least.
” Prof Dolan said the team wanted to explore how they have coped and what they see as the key challenges to their education and social relationships .
“ We know some of the problems .
We know people are affected differently , across classes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help us understand that and help us with the solutions.
” He said the youth as researchers approach would produce results that were usable , “ rather than research that no one reads , most of all young people ” .
Actor Cillian Murphy , patron of the Unesco child and family research centre at NUI Galway , is supporting the project and will take part in the official online launch on Friday , December 4th .
A broad representative of youth will take part in questionnaires , surveys , workshops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , posters , reports , policy briefs and other content will be produced to showcase the results and share them in the media and on social media as well as within the UN , across governments and Unesco partners .
Two NUI Galway undergraduates – John Gaffey and Ella Anderson – are trained as young researchers , including on issues such as ethics in research , non-bias questionnaire design and sampling methods .
They will work on the European end of the project .
Ms Anderson said the fact that young people across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow young people would “ allow their authentic voice to be heard ” .
Mr Gaffey added : “ It ’ s up to youth to prove to the world that we can take action to better our communities , proving everyone who doubts us wrong .
”

The international project is being led by Prof Pat Dolan, pictured right, director of the Unesco child and family research centre at NUI Galway. Actor Cillian Murphy is patron of the centre. Photograph: Jason Clarke
Young people in Ireland are to spearhead a global Unesco study into the impact of Covid-19 on children and young adults.
It is the biggest study to date on the impact of the pandemic on young people and will focus on how the pandemic has affected them personally, in their families, communities and lives.
More than 6,000 young people across 100 countries have applied to be researchers on the international project being led by Prof Pat Dolan, director of the Unesco child and family research centre at NUI Galway.
It will involve a "youth as researchers" approach in which people aged 18-35 will lead the research. The approach was pioneered by Prof Dolan's team in a LGBTQ study in Tallaght, west Dublin, several years ago.
READ MORE
Among the areas set to be covered include the impact of Covid-19 on wellbeing, education and learning, use of technology, human rights and youth-led action and civic engagement.
Prof Dolan said that over the course of the pandemic, the worst assumptions had been made about young people in our society.
“On too many occasions, people in authority have been too quick to claim young people are irresponsible and lack consideration for society. The programme aims to prove these assumptions wrong,” he said. “This is an opportunity for young people to research topics that interest them when adult researchers seem to care the least.”
Prof Dolan said the team wanted to explore how they have coped and what they see as the key challenges to their education and social relationships.
“We know some of the problems. We know people are affected differently, across classes and cultures. We need young people to help us understand that and help us with the solutions.”
Usable results
He said the youth as researchers approach would produce results that were usable, “rather than research that no one reads, most of all young people”.
Actor Cillian Murphy, patron of the Unesco child and family research centre at NUI Galway, is supporting the project and will take part in the official online launch on Friday, December 4th.
A broad representative of youth will take part in questionnaires, surveys, workshops, focus groups and other methods.
Videos, posters, reports, policy briefs and other content will be produced to showcase the results and share them in the media and on social media as well as within the UN, across governments and Unesco partners.
Two NUI Galway undergraduates – John Gaffey and Ella Anderson – are trained as young researchers, including on issues such as ethics in research, non-bias questionnaire design and sampling methods. They will work on the European end of the project.
Ms Anderson said the fact that young people across the globe would be conducting research with fellow young people would "allow their authentic voice to be heard".
Mr Gaffey added: “It’s up to youth to prove to the world that we can take action to better our communities, proving everyone who doubts us wrong.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-29--‘If you apply for a driving test now, you might get one by June’

The Road Safety Authority ’ s new web-based “ customer portal ” goes live on Monday .
The initiative allows customers to manage their driver information , test applications , learner permits and licences , and access an improved booking system for driving tests .
It comes as waiting times for tests reach up to 30 weeks , amid a backlog of more than 80,000 applications .
The authority asked the Government for approval to recruit additional testers amid the Covid-19 crisis , but these have yet to be sanctioned .
It has recruited retired testers , bringing numbers up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said more were needed .
When the test service was initially suspended in March due to coronavirus , the average waiting time for a driving test was less than six weeks .
Testing centres reopened to car testing on July 29th and reached 75 per cent capacity by October .
Figures show there is now a queue of some 18,000 people who have been given a date for a driving test , and a backlog of some 46,000 applications who are yet to get a test date .
An estimated further 20,000 applications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to be ineligible for a driving test , such as those who have applied before completing a theory test .
A major factor in the long lists of those waiting for driving tests is that some 45 per cent of all driving tests result in failure for the applicant .
Driving instructor Kathleen Comerford , who has published a series of video guides to passing the driving test , said the high failure rate was a major contributor to waiting lists because “ nearly half of those who apply , fail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
She said more effort needed to be put into passing the test first time , with more practical training by applicants with a qualified family member or friend .
She also said the RSA should give greater emphasis to the need for applicants to get minimum numbers of hours of practical help between each of the mandatory 12 lessons .
“ You would not expect to go out onto Croke Park with a hurley after 12 lessons .
More effort needs to be put into passing first time , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said testers were working very hard in difficult conditions to get through the backlog , but he accepted that “ anyone applying this week will have to wait 25-30 weeks ” .
He said the new customer portal , to be known as MyRoadSafety , was a key step in the authority ’ s moves to streamline services .
“ The ‘ portal ’ will also allow the customer to set their driving goal and see a clear journey map to achieve it .
It will also include education and information to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
To prepare for the move , the authority temporarily closed its existing driving test application system , but the authority said it expected the portal to be available at 2pm on Monday .

A major factor in the long lists of those waiting for driving tests is that some 45 per cent of all driving tests result in failure for the applicant. Photograph: iStock
The Road Safety Authority’s new web-based “customer portal” goes live on Monday.
The initiative allows customers to manage their driver information, test applications, learner permits and licences, and access an improved booking system for driving tests.
It comes as waiting times for tests reach up to 30 weeks, amid a backlog of more than 80,000 applications.
The authority asked the Government for approval to recruit additional testers amid the Covid-19 crisis, but these have yet to be sanctioned. It has recruited retired testers, bringing numbers up to 130 across the State, but said more were needed.
READ MORE
When the test service was initially suspended in March due to coronavirus, the average waiting time for a driving test was less than six weeks. Testing centres reopened to car testing on July 29th and reached 75 per cent capacity by October.
Figures show there is now a queue of some 18,000 people who have been given a date for a driving test, and a backlog of some 46,000 applications who are yet to get a test date. An estimated further 20,000 applications have been made by potential drivers who are likely to be ineligible for a driving test, such as those who have applied before completing a theory test.
A major factor in the long lists of those waiting for driving tests is that some 45 per cent of all driving tests result in failure for the applicant.
Driving instructor Kathleen Comerford, who has published a series of video guides to passing the driving test, said the high failure rate was a major contributor to waiting lists because “nearly half of those who apply, fail and go right back into the lists”.
Practical training
She said more effort needed to be put into passing the test first time, with more practical training by applicants with a qualified family member or friend. She also said the RSA should give greater emphasis to the need for applicants to get minimum numbers of hours of practical help between each of the mandatory 12 lessons.
“You would not expect to go out onto Croke Park with a hurley after 12 lessons. More effort needs to be put into passing first time,” she said.
A spokesman for the RSA said testers were working very hard in difficult conditions to get through the backlog, but he accepted that “anyone applying this week will have to wait 25-30 weeks”.
He said the new customer portal, to be known as MyRoadSafety, was a key step in the authority’s moves to streamline services.
“The ‘portal’ will also allow the customer to set their driving goal and see a clear journey map to achieve it. It will also include education and information to support customers in becoming safe licensed drivers,” he said.
To prepare for the move, the authority temporarily closed its existing driving test application system, but the authority said it expected the portal to be available at 2pm on Monday.


theirishtimes--2020-11-29--UK government to announce decision on Finucane murder inquiry

The Finucane family are due to hear on Monday whether the British government will authorise an independent public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane .
In 2001 the British government made a commitment that such an inquiry would be held into the Ulster Defence Association ( UDA ) murder of 39-year-old Mr Finucane who was shot dead in front of his family at their home in north Belfast .
But instead of an inquiry the then British prime minister David Cameron commissioned a review of the murder by British lawyer Sir Desmond de Silva QC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the British state were involved in the murder and that it should have been prevented .
Sir Desmond said there had been “ no overarching state conspiracy ” in the killing .
The British government made a commitment that by the end of November it would give a definitive statement as to whether a full inquiry would be held .
The Northern Secretary Brandon Lewis is expected to make an oral statement about the matter in the House of Commons on Monday .
The British government has come under considerable pressure in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that he had contacted British prime minister Boris Johnson urging him to accede to the Finucane family request .
Four of the North ’ s six main parties – Sinn Féin , the SDLP , Alliance and the Greens – also demanded an inquiry as did 24 members of the United States Congress who wrote to Mr Johnson calling for him to sanction an independent investigation into the killing .
Mr Johnson has also faced pressure from Conservative MPs to resist demands for such public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written statement to the House of Commons in March , said he wanted to end “ the cycle of reinvestigations into the Troubles in Northern Ireland that has failed victims and [ British army ] veterans alike ” .

Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed contacted British prime minister Boris Johnson urging him to accede to the request for an inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane (pictured). File photograph: Pacemaker
The Finucane family are due to hear on Monday whether the British government will authorise an independent public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
In 2001 the British government made a commitment that such an inquiry would be held into the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) murder of 39-year-old Mr Finucane who was shot dead in front of his family at their home in north Belfast.
But instead of an inquiry the then British prime minister David Cameron commissioned a review of the murder by British lawyer Sir Desmond de Silva QC.
In 2012 the lawyer reported that agents of the British state were involved in the murder and that it should have been prevented. Sir Desmond said there had been “no overarching state conspiracy” in the killing.
READ MORE
Mr Finucane’s widow Geraldine dismissed the report a as “a sham... a whitewash... a confidence trick”.
The British government made a commitment that by the end of November it would give a definitive statement as to whether a full inquiry would be held.
The Northern Secretary Brandon Lewis is expected to make an oral statement about the matter in the House of Commons on Monday.
The British government has come under considerable pressure in recent weeks to order such an inquiry.
On Thursday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that he had contacted British prime minister Boris Johnson urging him to accede to the Finucane family request.
Four of the North's six main parties – Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Alliance and the Greens – also demanded an inquiry as did 24 members of the United States Congress who wrote to Mr Johnson calling for him to sanction an independent investigation into the killing.
Mr Johnson has also faced pressure from Conservative MPs to resist demands for such public inquiries.
Mr Lewis, in a written statement to the House of Commons in March, said he wanted to end "the cycle of reinvestigations into the Troubles in Northern Ireland that has failed victims and [British army] veterans alike".


theirishtimes--2020-11-29--Government may yet face hardest call on Covid-19 restrictions

The last few days have seen a slew of new information on Covid-19 come into the public domain .
In addition to an exhaustive , 36-page letter from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) , the Government also published analysis by consultancy firm EY , the Central Statistics Office and the Department of Finance .
So what do we know now that we didn ’ t before ?
We entered into this period “ mid-table in Europe in terms of disease incidence ” , Nphet told the Government in last week ’ s letter .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outperformed the pack , avoiding the nightmare scenario of 2,600 cases and 40 deaths per day that had been predicted for early November .
This is unambiguously good news , but it is not unqualified .
It is clear , for example , that Level 5 didn ’ t quite have the desired effect .
This is not to say it didn ’ t work at all – it did , in combination with the household visits ban .
Nphet and the EY report both attribute declines in the level of disease to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has not worked as well as intended .
The hope was that the all-important R number , which gauges the speed of infection , could be brought to 0.5 for much of the lockdown period .
That has not happened , and it is currently estimated at between 0.7-1.0 .
Nphet now believe Level 5 will drive R down to between 0.6 and 0.9 .
The hope was to get cases under 100 per day – compared to the current 300 – and that may still happen , but it is unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nphet argues that if socialising and household mixing takes place , “ a third wave of disease will ensue much more quickly and with greater mortality than the second ” .
This means that – having fired the most potent weapon we have for as long as the economy will tolerate it – we haven ’ t been able to suppress the disease to levels seen during the summer .
Other data may cause a reassessment of the extent and impact of restrictions .
The Department of Finance presentation shows the hit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been about the same as in other countries which have had less restrictive lockdowns , raising the question of whether we overcorrected , in narrowly economic terms .
Meanwhile , the CSO analysis reveals the massive toll taken by lockdown on people ’ s mental health .
The EY report is heavily caveated , but it does suggest an upsurge followed the opening of wet pubs , and generally when people mixed in a variety of settings , from GAA championship celebrations to reopened universities .
All this must go into the mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A key question is when the next set of measures must be decided .
The Nphet letter says transmission can be brought under control with a three-week intervention when cases are at about 400 per day , and urges early intervention .
It suggests that even in a controlled scenario where R is at 1.2 , that threshold will be reached next month .
The modelling is based on a starting point of fewer than 100 cases per day .
However , Nphet believes R may rise as high as 2.0 during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freedom of Information , shows the Government was told by Nphet it may have to intervene in early January if the R number was 0.5 during lockdown and if cases were about 100 per day when it was lifted .
Sunday ’ s number of 299 cases indicates that the journey to 100 may not be straightforward , or achieved at all , before cases begin to grow again .
The Government will be hoping it has bought itself enough time before the next set of hard calls , which may be more @ @ @ @ @ @

Closed shop on Grafton Street: Nphet argues if socialising and household mixing takes place, “a third wave of disease will ensue much more quickly and with greater mortality than the second”. Photograph: Tom Honan
The last few days have seen a slew of new information on Covid-19 come into the public domain.
In addition to an exhaustive, 36-page letter from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), the Government also published analysis by consultancy firm EY, the Central Statistics Office and the Department of Finance.
So what do we know now that we didn’t before?
We entered into this period "mid-table in Europe in terms of disease incidence", Nphet told the Government in last week's letter. However, due to restrictions, Ireland has radically outperformed the pack, avoiding the nightmare scenario of 2,600 cases and 40 deaths per day that had been predicted for early November.
READ MORE
This is unambiguously good news, but it is not unqualified. It is clear, for example, that Level 5 didn’t quite have the desired effect.
This is not to say it didn’t work at all – it did, in combination with the household visits ban. Nphet and the EY report both attribute declines in the level of disease to a combination of the two. But it has not worked as well as intended.
R number
The hope was that the all-important R number, which gauges the speed of infection, could be brought to 0.5 for much of the lockdown period. That has not happened, and it is currently estimated at between 0.7-1.0.
Nphet now believe Level 5 will drive R down to between 0.6 and 0.9. The hope was to get cases under 100 per day – compared to the current 300 – and that may still happen, but it is unlikely they will remain suppressed for long.
Nphet argues that if socialising and household mixing takes place, “a third wave of disease will ensue much more quickly and with greater mortality than the second”.
This means that – having fired the most potent weapon we have for as long as the economy will tolerate it – we haven’t been able to suppress the disease to levels seen during the summer.
Other data may cause a reassessment of the extent and impact of restrictions. The Department of Finance presentation shows the hit to Ireland’s gross domestic product has been about the same as in other countries which have had less restrictive lockdowns, raising the question of whether we overcorrected, in narrowly economic terms. Meanwhile, the CSO analysis reveals the massive toll taken by lockdown on people’s mental health.
GAA celebrations
The EY report is heavily caveated, but it does suggest an upsurge followed the opening of wet pubs, and generally when people mixed in a variety of settings, from GAA championship celebrations to reopened universities.
All this must go into the mix when deciding pandemic policy in the future. A key question is when the next set of measures must be decided.
The Nphet letter says transmission can be brought under control with a three-week intervention when cases are at about 400 per day, and urges early intervention. It suggests that even in a controlled scenario where R is at 1.2, that threshold will be reached next month. The modelling is based on a starting point of fewer than 100 cases per day. However, Nphet believes R may rise as high as 2.0 during Christmas.
Previous modelling, released under Freedom of Information, shows the Government was told by Nphet it may have to intervene in early January if the R number was 0.5 during lockdown and if cases were about 100 per day when it was lifted.
Sunday’s number of 299 cases indicates that the journey to 100 may not be straightforward, or achieved at all, before cases begin to grow again. The Government will be hoping it has bought itself enough time before the next set of hard calls, which may be more complex and fraught than ever.


theirishtimes--2020-11-29--Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley apologises for ‘inappropriate’ tweet

Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley has apologised for a now-deleted tweet referencing incidents from the War of Independence and the Troubles , saying it was “ inappropriate and insensitive ” .
On Saturday , the Laois-Offaly TD tweeted in reference to the Kilmichael Ambush in 1920 and the Narrow Water Massacre in 1979 , claiming they were “ the 2 IRA operations that taught the elite of d British army and the establishment the cost of occupying Ireland .
Pity for everyone they were such slow learners ” .
Eighteen British soldiers were killed at Warrenpoint , while 17 were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Kilmichael , alongside three IRA men .
The tweet had provoked an online backlash , with charges that it glorified violence and bloodshed .
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said she will write to the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil regarding the “ shameful ” tweet .
“ Although deleted , it is outrageous that someone with such warped views can hold a senior position in the Dail .
SF talk about respect & equality but there ’ s not much sign of respect for victims.
” In a statement released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Stanley , the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee said : “ I apologise for the content of an inappropriate and insensitive tweet I sent yesterday.
” A spokesman for the party said : “ We note that Brian Stanley has deleted a tweet that was inappropriate and insensitive , and that he has apologised .
“ We all have a responsibility in this Decade of Centenaries to remember and commemorate the past in a respectful manner.
” Asked for a comment on Mr Stanley ’ s tweet , Sinn Féin health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair to say that there will never be an agreed narrative on the events of the past .
Our ongoing focus must be to build on the success of the peace process.
” He also said there is a responsibility to commemorate the past in a respectful manner .

Brian Stanley apologised “for the content of an inappropriate and insensitive tweet”. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley has apologised for a now-deleted tweet referencing incidents from the War of Independence and the Troubles, saying it was "inappropriate and insensitive".
On Saturday, the Laois-Offaly TD tweeted in reference to the Kilmichael Ambush in 1920 and the Narrow Water Massacre in Warrenpoint, Co Down in 1979, claiming they were "the 2 IRA operations that taught the elite of d British army and the establishment the cost of occupying Ireland. Pity for everyone they were such slow learners".
Eighteen British soldiers were killed at Warrenpoint by the Provisional IRA in August 1979.
I will be writing to the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil about this shameful tweet. Although deleted, it is outrageous that someone with such warped views can hold a senior position in the Dáil. SF talk about respect & equality but there’s not much sign of respect for victims. pic.twitter.com/dqMdWLI4rp — Arlene Foster #We’llMeetAgain (@DUPleader) November 29, 2020
A total of 17 British soldiers were killed during the War of Independence incident at Kilmichael, alongside three IRA men.
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The tweet had provoked an online backlash, with charges that it glorified violence and bloodshed.
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said she will write to the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil regarding the “shameful” tweet.
“Although deleted, it is outrageous that someone with such warped views can hold a senior position in the Dail. SF talk about respect & equality but there’s not much sign of respect for victims.”
In a statement released through the Sinn Féin press office, Mr Stanley, the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee said: "I apologise for the content of an inappropriate and insensitive tweet I sent yesterday."
A spokesman for the party said: “We note that Brian Stanley has deleted a tweet that was inappropriate and insensitive, and that he has apologised.
“We all have a responsibility in this Decade of Centenaries to remember and commemorate the past in a respectful manner.”
Asked for a comment on Mr Stanley's tweet, Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane said "it is fair to say that there will never be an agreed narrative on the events of the past. Our ongoing focus must be to build on the success of the peace process."
He also said there is a responsibility to commemorate the past in a respectful manner.


theirishtimes--2020-11-29--Gardaí predict increased number of shebeens over Christmas

Gardaí are anticipating an increase in the number of shebeens operating in the weeks ahead over Christmas and into the New Year as wet pubs will not open but said they will redouble their efforts to detect the illegal drinking dens .
Garda sources said the demand for places to meet and socialise will increase during the festive period but said Operation Navigation , which targets breaches of the licencing trade , would be intensified .
The warning comes after the latest shebeen discovered by gardaí , in Co Kerry , was shutdown this weekend which had been fitted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other facilities for drinkers .
During a search of a property in Causeway , Co Kerry , on Saturday evening gardaí discovered a shebeen , which had been set up to serve draft beer and a range of other alcoholic drinks .
The premises also had a Space Invaders arcade game installed for patrons on the premises , which had undergone renovation to create a pub-style atmosphere .
“ Shortly after 8pm ( on Saturday ) gardaí conducted a search under warrant of the suspected shebeen premises and located a fully operational bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dublin , said of the discovery of the illegal pub .
“ The bar featured a number of beer taps , along with a fully operational cooler room with gas lines and cooler to operate the taps .
The premises were fitted with a number of tables , chairs , pool table , dart board , arcade games and an 80 inch flat screen television.
” The shebeen was discovered as part of Operation Navigation and after a criminal investigation following the receipt of intelligence about the premises operating illegally .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DPP with a view to pursuing criminal charges against the suspect running the shebeen .
Saturday evening ’ s operation followed the discovery of shebeens , some of them sophisticated operations involving considerable investment , in recent months in Co Kildare , as well as in counties Meath , Laois and Westmeath .
Video footage has also emerged showing shebeens packed with patrons during the pandemic , some celebrating sporting occasions .

The shebeen in Co Kerry had a Space Invaders game and an 80 inch television.
Gardaí are anticipating an increase in the number of shebeens operating in the weeks ahead over Christmas and into the New Year as “wet pubs” will not open but said they will redouble their efforts to detect the illegal drinking dens.
Garda sources said the demand for places to meet and socialise will increase during the festive period but said Operation Navigation, which targets breaches of the licencing trade, would be intensified.
The warning comes after the discovery of two more shebeens, one in Co Kerry and the other in Co Monaghan over the weekend.
During a search of a property in Causeway, Co Kerry, on Saturday evening gardaí discovered a shebeen, which had been set up to serve draft beer and a range of other alcoholic drinks.
READ MORE
The premises had also been fitted with a pool table and other facilities for drinkers including a Space Invaders arcade game installed for patrons on the premises, which had undergone renovation to create a pub-style atmosphere.
During a search of a property in Causeway, Co Kerry, gardaí discovered a shebeen which had been set up to serve draft beer.
“Shortly after 8pm (on Saturday) gardaí conducted a search under warrant of the suspected shebeen premises and located a fully operational bar,” Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin, said of the discovery of the illegal pub.
“The bar featured a number of beer taps, along with a fully operational cooler room with gas lines and cooler to operate the taps. The premises were fitted with a number of tables, chairs, pool table, dart board, arcade games and an 80 inch flat screen television.”
The shebeen was discovered as part of Operation Navigation and after a criminal investigation following the receipt of intelligence about the premises operating illegally. A file is now being prepared for the DPP with a view to pursuing criminal charges against the suspect running the shebeen.
In Co Monaghan, a private premises was searched by gardaí in Castleblaney investigating alleged breaches of liquor licencing legislation at approximately 9 pm.
During the search substantial quantities of alcohol were seized along with beer taps and other bar equipment. All of those present were identified by gardaí. No arrests were made but inquiries are ongoing and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, gardaí said.
The weekend operations follow the discovery of shebeens, some of them sophisticated operations involving considerable investment, in recent months in Co Kildare, as well as in counties Meath, Laois and Westmeath. Video footage has also emerged showing shebeens packed with patrons during the pandemic, some celebrating sporting occasions.
Under the Government’s reopening plan for December, restaurants and pubs “operating as restaurants with their own kitchen” will be allowed to reopen on December 4th. “Wet pubs” - namely those which do not serve a substantial meal with drinks - will remain closed.


theirishtimes--2020-11-29--Tributes paid to local builder killed in Tralee building collapse

Tributes have been paid to a well-known builder in Tralee Co Kerry who died on Saturday when the building he was working on partially collapsed .
Initial reports suggest Tom Ross ( 68 ) was on the ground floor of the three-storey building he had been renovating and was consulting with a colleague when the chimney came crashing down .
Mr Ross was pronounced dead at the scene .
Five other workers on the site were taken to hospital where they were treated for injuries .
The internal collapse happened shortly after 8am and the Health and Safety Authority is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ units of the fire service attended the scene along with ambulances and gardaí .
The injured were removed to University Hospital Kerry .
Garry O ’ Donnell of the Baily ’ s Corner bar in nearby Castle Street described Mr Ross as a gentle giant .
“ I will miss him terribly .
The whole town of Tralee will miss him .
He was a gentle giant with the heart of a lion.
” He also noted his expertise as a builder and said there were few building projects , including some challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be retained because of preservation orders , which Mr Ross was not involved with in Tralee over the past three decades .
“ No job was too small for him , ” Mr O ’ Donnell said .
“ We would all classify Tom as a huge figure .
An air of gloom has descended on Tralee , ” he added .
Mr Ross was originally from a small holding in west Cork and went to England as a very young man before returning to work in the building trade .
Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Brien said there was shock and sadness in the town following the death .
“ We are very , very sad here in Tralee .
We are very shocked at what has happened in the middle of our town.
” He said it was particularly sad in the run-up to Christmas .

Tom Ross died when part of a building collapsed in Tralee on Saturday. Photograph: Domnick Walsh
Tributes have been paid to a well-known builder in Tralee Co Kerry who died on Saturday when the building he was working on partially collapsed.
Initial reports suggest Tom Ross (68) was on the ground floor of the three-storey building he had been renovating and was consulting with a colleague when the chimney came crashing down.
Tributes have been paid to local builder Tom Ross (68) who died after part of a building collapsed on Ashe Street in Tralee. Photograph: Domnick Walsh
Tom Ross died when part of a building collapsed in Tralee on Saturday. Photograph: Domnick Walsh
Mr Ross was pronounced dead at the scene. Five other workers on the site were taken to hospital where they were treated for injuries.
The internal collapse happened shortly after 8am and the Health and Safety Authority is conducting an investigation.
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A number of units of the fire service attended the scene along with ambulances and gardaí. The injured were removed to University Hospital Kerry.
A view of the site in Tralee, Co Kerry where well-known local builder Tom Ross (68) died on Saturday. Photograph: Domnick Walsh
Garry O’Donnell of the Baily’s Corner bar in nearby Castle Street described Mr Ross as a gentle giant. “I will miss him terribly. The whole town of Tralee will miss him. He was a gentle giant with the heart of a lion.”
He also noted his expertise as a builder and said there were few building projects, including some challenging ones where the old mortar facades have to be retained because of preservation orders, which Mr Ross was not involved with in Tralee over the past three decades.
“No job was too small for him,” Mr O’Donnell said.
“We would all classify Tom as a huge figure. An air of gloom has descended on Tralee,” he added.
Mr Ross was originally from a small holding in west Cork and went to England as a very young man before returning to work in the building trade.
Mayor of Tralee Labour party councillor Terry O’Brien said there was shock and sadness in the town following the death.
“We are very, very sad here in Tralee. We are very shocked at what has happened in the middle of our town.” He said it was particularly sad in the run-up to Christmas.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Kerry nursing home closure: ‘It is the lack of information that really upsets us’

Josephine Flavin had made room number five in Oaklands Nursing Home , Listowel , Co Kerry , her new home over the last two years .
A retired dairy farmer from the north Kerry area , in recent years she could no longer live independently and moved into the nursing home .
She had her own room in the “ spacious ” facility , where previously her family only ever had other one or two “ minor problems , ” her son John Joe Flavin ( 50 ) told The Irish Times .
While the nursing home sector was brutally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic in March and April , it was the second wave which left Oaklands in “ chaos , ” according to the State ’ s health service regulator .
Mr Flavin first learned there had been a significant outbreak in the privately-run nursing home in early November from media reports .
Nineteen residents and staff had tested positive for the virus , with eight residents later dying .
Only after Mr Flavin called staff at the nursing home was he told his mother had tested positive , which he said was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the phone she was feeling weak , without an appetite or the energy to get out of bed .
Major concerns from the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) about poor clinical governance and management , staffing shortages , and poor infection control measures in the facility had been mounting since May .
Following a further inspection on November 4th , Hiqa decided the nursing home should be closed .
However , the same day the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) agreed to temporarily take over the management of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
Nine days later the HSE informed Hiqa it would be handing control of the nursing home back to the provider , Bolden ( Nursing ) Ltd , on November 16th .
This gave rise to significant concern within the healthcare regulator , and following a further inspection Hiqa applied to Listowel District Court to have the nursing home ’ s registration cancelled , and to direct the HSE to take over the management of the home .
The first Mr Flavin heard the home was to be shut was again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lack of information that really upsets us , ” he said .
The HSE has said it is “ not sustainable ” to run the facility , as it did not own the premises , and so all the residents are to be transferred to other HSE-run or private nursing homes before Christmas .
“ Routine is everything to my mum , she has her room set up like her own home .
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.
I broke the news to her , and she said she wouldn ’ t be moving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to leave here , ” she told her son over the phone , asking why the nursing home could not be run by the HSE , or another provider .
Some residents have already been moved to a community nursing home in Kenmare , the other side of the county , an hour and a half drive from Listowel .
Mr Flavin lives 10 minutes ’ drive from Oaklands , and before the outbreak visited his mother most evenings , speaking to her at her window from outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to move to another facility far away from the family home .
A number of private nursing homes Mr Flavin contacted in recent days informed him there was a waiting list for admissions , he said .
HSE staff told him if he could not secure a space for his mother in another nursing home , they would find a bed in a HSE-run facility .
In both the outbreak and the closure of the nursing home , it was the residents who suffered , Mr Flavin said .

Josephine Flavin had made room number five in Oaklands Nursing Home, Listowel, Co Kerry, her new home over the last two years.
A retired dairy farmer from the north Kerry area, in recent years she could no longer live independently and moved into the nursing home.
She had her own room in the “spacious” facility, where previously her family only ever had other one or two “minor problems,” her son John Joe Flavin (50) told The Irish Times.
While the nursing home sector was brutally hit during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in March and April, it was the second wave which left Oaklands in “chaos,” according to the State’s health service regulator.
READ MORE
Mr Flavin first learned there had been a significant outbreak in the privately-run nursing home in early November from media reports. Nineteen residents and staff had tested positive for the virus, with eight residents later dying.
Only after Mr Flavin called staff at the nursing home was he told his mother had tested positive, which he said was “ridiculous”. His mother told him on the phone she was feeling weak, without an appetite or the energy to get out of bed.
Major concerns from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) about poor clinical governance and management, staffing shortages, and poor infection control measures in the facility had been mounting since May.
Following a further inspection on November 4th, Hiqa decided the nursing home should be closed. However, the same day the Health Service Executive (HSE) agreed to temporarily take over the management of the facility, in the midst of the outbreak.
Nine days later the HSE informed Hiqa it would be handing control of the nursing home back to the provider, Bolden (Nursing) Ltd, on November 16th.
This gave rise to significant concern within the healthcare regulator, and following a further inspection Hiqa applied to Listowel District Court to have the nursing home's registration cancelled, and to direct the HSE to take over the management of the home.
The first Mr Flavin heard the home was to be shut was again through the media. “It is the lack of information that really upsets us,” he said.
The HSE has said it is “not sustainable” to run the facility, as it did not own the premises, and so all the residents are to be transferred to other HSE-run or private nursing homes before Christmas.
“Routine is everything to my mum, she has her room set up like her own home . . . I broke the news to her, and she said she wouldn’t be moving,” Mr Flavin said.
“I don’t want to leave here,” she told her son over the phone, asking why the nursing home could not be run by the HSE, or another provider.
Some residents have already been moved to a community nursing home in Kenmare, the other side of the county, an hour and a half drive from Listowel.
Mr Flavin lives 10 minutes’ drive from Oaklands, and before the outbreak visited his mother most evenings, speaking to her at her window from outside the building. He now fears his mother will have to move to another facility far away from the family home.
A number of private nursing homes Mr Flavin contacted in recent days informed him there was a waiting list for admissions, he said. HSE staff told him if he could not secure a space for his mother in another nursing home, they would find a bed in a HSE-run facility.
In both the outbreak and the closure of the nursing home, it was the residents who suffered, Mr Flavin said.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Irish public pessimistic about a return to normal within the next year

Less that 40 per cent of the Irish population believe that life will return to normal in the next year despite the recent vaccine announcements , according to a new survey .
The Central Statistics Office ( CSO ) household survey show that less than 7 per cent of the population believe life with return to normal in the next six months and a third ( 32.5 per cent ) believe it will happen in the next year .
Close to half ( 45.3 per cent ) of all people think it will take between one and two years for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent of people think it will take two years or more and 4.3 per cent of people say life will never return to normal .
The survey was carried out electronically by the CSO among 1,585 individuals nationwide .
Crucially it was carried out between November 12th and 18th .
The Pfizer announcement that it has created a vaccine with 95 per cent efficiency was announced on November 9th .
The Social Impact of Covid-19 Survey indicated strong support among the Irish public for Level 5 restrictions with 71 per cent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18.3 per cent of people thought the restrictions were too severe and 10.2 per cent believed they did not go far enough .
Despite the support for Level 5 restrictions , the numbers of those who rated their compliance as high is now 65.2 per cent in comparison with 75.4 per cent in August .
The rate for “ high ” compliance was lowest in June ( 59.9 per cent ) when the country was just about to enter Phase 3 of the roadmap for reopening society and highest in April ( 80.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial Covid-19 restrictions were implemented .
The current restrictions enjoyed universal support among all age groups with those over 70 were the most enthusiastic with 88.2 per cent in favour .
Conversely , the likelihood of a respondent feeling that the Level 5 response was “ too extreme ” decreased with age , falling from 23.1 per cent for those aged 18 to 34 to 5.2 per cent or those aged 70 years and over .
The toll taken by Covid-19 on people ’ s mental health is apparent in the research especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in three ( 35.6 per cent ) respondents rated their overall life satisfaction as “ low ” .
This compares with 29.6 per cent in April and 8.7 per cent in 2018 .
Respondents aged 18-34 reported the lowest levels of overall life satisfaction with 42.1 per cent having a “ low ” overall life satisfaction rating .
The number of people who felt downhearted or depressed all or most of time more than doubled from 5.5 per cent in April to 11.5 per cent in November .
Similarly , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of the time went from 6.8 per cent in April to 13.7 per cent in November .
Somewhat surprisingly given the focus on the isolation of the elderly , those aged 18-34 , were most likely to feel lonely “ all ” or “ most of the time ” with more than one in four ( 25.6 per cent ) feeling this way .
Of those working from home , 27.3 per cent said they were finding it more difficult , 37.0 per cent said it was getting easier while 35.8 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as time passes .
In November one in six ( 16.4 per cent ) respondents working from home because of restrictions reported they would prefer to return to their place of work compared to more than one in three ( 38.8 per cent ) respondents working from home due to restrictions in April .
The survey also found that there were good aspects to the lockdown .
Some 28.7 per cent of people spent more quality time with the people they live with , 19.4 per cent of workers spent less time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finances improved .

The Social Impact of Covid-19 Survey indicated strong support among the Irish public for Level 5 restrictions with 71 per cent of people saying they are appropriate. Photograph: iStock
Less that 40 per cent of the Irish population believe that life will return to normal in the next year despite the recent vaccine announcements, according to a new survey.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) household survey show that less than 7 per cent of the population believe life with return to normal in the next six months and a third (32.5 per cent) believe it will happen in the next year.
Close to half (45.3 per cent) of all people think it will take between one and two years for life to return to normal, 11.2 per cent of people think it will take two years or more and 4.3 per cent of people say life will never return to normal.
The survey was carried out electronically by the CSO among 1,585 individuals nationwide. Crucially it was carried out between November 12th and 18th. The Pfizer announcement that it has created a vaccine with 95 per cent efficiency was announced on November 9th.
READ MORE
The Social Impact of Covid-19 Survey indicated strong support among the Irish public for Level 5 restrictions with 71 per cent of people saying they are appropriate.
Some 18.3 per cent of people thought the restrictions were too severe and 10.2 per cent believed they did not go far enough.
Despite the support for Level 5 restrictions, the numbers of those who rated their compliance as high is now 65.2 per cent in comparison with 75.4 per cent in August.
Compliance
The rate for “high” compliance was lowest in June (59.9 per cent) when the country was just about to enter Phase 3 of the roadmap for reopening society and highest in April (80.6 per cent) approximately a month after initial Covid-19 restrictions were implemented.
The current restrictions enjoyed universal support among all age groups with those over 70 were the most enthusiastic with 88.2 per cent in favour.
Conversely, the likelihood of a respondent feeling that the Level 5 response was “too extreme” decreased with age, falling from 23.1 per cent for those aged 18 to 34 to 5.2 per cent or those aged 70 years and over.
The toll taken by Covid-19 on people’s mental health is apparent in the research especially among young people.
More than one in three (35.6 per cent) respondents rated their overall life satisfaction as “low”. This compares with 29.6 per cent in April and 8.7 per cent in 2018.
Respondents aged 18-34 reported the lowest levels of overall life satisfaction with 42.1 per cent having a “low” overall life satisfaction rating.
The number of people who felt downhearted or depressed all or most of time more than doubled from 5.5 per cent in April to 11.5 per cent in November. Similarly, the number of respondents reported or feeling lonely all or most of the time went from 6.8 per cent in April to 13.7 per cent in November.
Somewhat surprisingly given the focus on the isolation of the elderly, those aged 18-34, were most likely to feel lonely “all” or “most of the time” with more than one in four (25.6 per cent) feeling this way.
Of those working from home, 27.3 per cent said they were finding it more difficult, 37.0 per cent said it was getting easier while 35.8 per cent said there was “no difference” as time passes.
In November one in six (16.4 per cent) respondents working from home because of restrictions reported they would prefer to return to their place of work compared to more than one in three (38.8 per cent) respondents working from home due to restrictions in April.
The survey also found that there were good aspects to the lockdown. Some 28.7 per cent of people spent more quality time with the people they live with, 19.4 per cent of workers spent less time commuting and 18.8 per cent said their finances improved.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--European court clears way for landmark climate case

The European Court of Human Rights has announced its decision to green-light an unprecedented climate case against 33 countries including Ireland .
The action being brought by a group of young people claims European governments “ are categorically failing to enact the deep and urgent emissions cuts required to avert a climate catastrophe ” .
The court ’ s “ communication ” of the case to defendant countries issued on Monday requires them to respond to the complaint filed by six youth applicants .
As the vast majority of cases filed with the Strasbourg court fail to reach this stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards a potential landmark judgment on climate change .
The Court granted the complaint priority based on the “ importance and urgency of the issues raised ” .
The four children and two young adults from Portugal bringing this case are asking the court to hold the countries accountable for fuelling the climate crisis .
Their complaint , filed with the support of the Global Legal Action Network ( GLAN ) , centres on the rising threat which climate change poses to their lives and to their physical and mental wellbeing .
GLAN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions across borders , challenging states and other powerful actors involved with human rights violations – it is based at the Irish Centre for Human Rights in NUI Galway .
If successful , the countries would be legally bound , not only to ramp up emissions cuts , but also to tackle their overseas contributions to climate disruption , including exports of fossil fuels , and those of multinational companies headquartered in their jurisdiction .
One of the applicants André Oliveira said : “ It gives me lots of hope to know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Human Rights recognise the urgency of our case .
But what I ’ d like the most would be for European governments to immediately do what the scientists say is necessary to protect our future .
Until they do this , we will keep on fighting with more determination than ever.
” In a list of questions sent by the court to the parties , it asked “ whether the youth-applicants ’ right under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights was being violated ” .
It noted : “ No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
” This indicates the court believes climate impacts which the Portuguese youth face are so severe their right under this article is arguably being violated .
According to GLAN legal officer Gerry Liston : “ These brave young people have cleared a major hurdle in their pursuit of a judgment which compels European governments to accelerate their climate mitigation efforts.
” This comes as the EU is about to decide on its 2030 emissions target , he noted .
“ Nothing less than a 65 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the EU Member States to comply with their obligations to the youth-applicants and indeed countless others.
” Defendant countries are now required to respond to the youth applicants ’ case by the end of February , unless a “ friendly settlement ” is reached .
Applicants , their lawyers and experts will then respond to the defences of 33 countries .
Like many high profile international climate cases , the action is being crowd-funded with the help of GLAN through its website .
The case was filed in September after Portugal recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An expert report prepared for the case by Climate Analytics describes Portugal as a climate change “ hotspot ” set to endure increasingly deadly heat extremes where temperatures of over 40 degrees will last for more than 30 days at a time .
Four of the applicants live in Leiria , one of the regions worst-hit by the devastating forest fires which killed over 120 people in 2017 .
The remaining two live in Lisbon where during a heatwave in August 2018 a record of 44 degrees was set .
GLAN director Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a tiny minority of cases filed with the European Court of Human Rights are fast-tracked and communicated , this development is highly significant .
This is an appropriate response from the Court given the scale and imminence of the threat these young people face from the climate emergency.
” This case focuses on how states contribute to global emissions inside and outside their borders .
On national emissions , European governments ’ reduction efforts are too weak , the litigants contend , and not in line with what climate science demands .

The European Court of Human Rights has announced its decision to green-light an unprecedented climate case against 33 countries including Ireland.
The action being brought by a group of young people claims European governments “are categorically failing to enact the deep and urgent emissions cuts required to avert a climate catastrophe”.
The court’s “communication” of the case to defendant countries issued on Monday requires them to respond to the complaint filed by six youth applicants.
As the vast majority of cases filed with the Strasbourg court fail to reach this stage, the decision marks a major step towards a potential landmark judgment on climate change. The Court granted the complaint priority based on the “importance and urgency of the issues raised”.
READ MORE
The four children and two young adults from Portugal bringing this case are asking the court to hold the countries accountable for fuelling the climate crisis. Their complaint, filed with the support of the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), centres on the rising threat which climate change poses to their lives and to their physical and mental wellbeing.
GLAN is a non-profit organisation that pursues legal actions across borders, challenging states and other powerful actors involved with human rights violations – it is based at the Irish Centre for Human Rights in NUI Galway.
If successful, the countries would be legally bound, not only to ramp up emissions cuts, but also to tackle their overseas contributions to climate disruption, including exports of fossil fuels, and those of multinational companies headquartered in their jurisdiction.
One of the applicants André Oliveira said: “It gives me lots of hope to know that the judges in the European Court of Human Rights recognise the urgency of our case. But what I’d like the most would be for European governments to immediately do what the scientists say is necessary to protect our future. Until they do this, we will keep on fighting with more determination than ever.”
In a list of questions sent by the court to the parties, it asked “whether the youth-applicants’ right under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights was being violated”. It noted: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
This indicates the court believes climate impacts which the Portuguese youth face are so severe their right under this article is arguably being violated.
Emissions target
According to GLAN legal officer Gerry Liston: "These brave young people have cleared a major hurdle in their pursuit of a judgment which compels European governments to accelerate their climate mitigation efforts."
This comes as the EU is about to decide on its 2030 emissions target, he noted. “Nothing less than a 65 per cent reduction by 2030 will be enough for the EU Member States to comply with their obligations to the youth-applicants and indeed countless others.”
Defendant countries are now required to respond to the youth applicants' case by the end of February, unless a "friendly settlement" is reached. Applicants, their lawyers and experts will then respond to the defences of 33 countries. Like many high profile international climate cases, the action is being crowd-funded; in this case with the help of GLAN through its website.
Minister for Climate Eamon Ryan said: “The court’s decision to ask the 33 states to respond to the challenge from the Portuguese young people is a significant step in climate litigation, and a sign of the seriousness of the climate crisis. It underscores the need to increase our climate ambition and to do more to meet the targets we have already set.”
The case was filed in September after Portugal recorded its hottest July in 90 years. An expert report prepared for the case by Climate Analytics describes Portugal as a climate change “hotspot” set to endure increasingly deadly heat extremes where temperatures of over 40 degrees will last for more than 30 days at a time.
Four of the applicants live in Leiria, one of the regions worst-hit by the devastating forest fires which killed over 120 people in 2017. The remaining two live in Lisbon where during a heatwave in August 2018 a record of 44 degrees was set.
GLAN director Dr Gearóid Ó Cuinn said: “As only a tiny minority of cases filed with the European Court of Human Rights are fast-tracked and communicated, this development is highly significant. This is an appropriate response from the Court given the scale and imminence of the threat these young people face from the climate emergency.”
This case focuses on how states contribute to global emissions inside and outside their borders. On national emissions, European governments’ reduction efforts are too weak, the litigants contend, and not in line with what climate science demands.