theirishtimes--2020-06-24--Guinness launches €14m fund to help Irish pubs after Covid-19 lockdown

Guinness has launched a €14 million fund to help Irish pubs preparing to reopen following the easing of coronavirus restrictions .
The “ Raising the Bar ” programme is aimed at helping pubs across the State adapt to new post-lockdown trading conditions as part of a $ 100 million ( €88.4 million ) global fund by owner Diageo .
Although self-motivated – Guinness is a staple of Irish bars the world over – the move will be welcomed by a sector that has been among the hardest hit in an era of strict social distancing .
Beginning next month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be open to applicants in major cities including New York , London , Edinburgh , São Paulo , Shanghai and Sydney , among others , and follows research into what supports bar owners most need .
Here , it will focus on the provision of practical equipment and “ confidence-building measures needed for outlets to reopen and operate on a safe and sustainable basis ” .
The State ’ s 7,000 pubs were first asked to shut their doors in mid-March amid the Covid-19 pandemic , a move that left about 50,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , one industry representative described it as the “ biggest loss of jobs in the history of the State ” .
From June 29th , many pubs are set to reopen and operate as restaurants , with guidelines on how they should do so recently published by Fáilte Ireland .
Oliver Loomes , managing director of Diageo Ireland , said the company ’ s ambition is to support pubs “ in welcoming back customers in the safest possible way , when they are ready to do so ” .
“ The hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support to get back up and running .
Not only has the financial impact to their business been significant , but they have missed their place at the centre of Ireland ’ s social fabric , ” he said .
“ This fund is our commitment to the future of the local pub in Ireland.
” However , Diageo has also underscored the need for other forms of support .
Chief executive Ivan Menezes said governments around the world need to provide “ long-term recovery packages ” for the hospitality sector .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry is clear .
Some 24 million fewer pints of beer and cider were sold in the Republic in April compared with the same month last year , while total alcohol sales fell 35.6 per cent , according to data released by lobby group Drinks Ireland .
While pubs are now preparing to welcome customers back , the atmosphere and operation will be far from familiar .
This month chief medical officer Tony Holohan warned that a resumption in trade would not mean several people meeting up “ for a few pints and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under recently published guidance , pubs and bars will be allowed to implement 1m physical distancing restrictions from June 29th in “ permitted controlled environments ” , but will be required to serve a “ substantial meal ” costing at least €9 to customers .

Social distancing partitions at a pub in Dublin. Guinness has announced a new €14m fund to help Irish pubs. File photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Guinness has launched a €14 million fund to help Irish pubs preparing to reopen following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
The "Raising the Bar" programme is aimed at helping pubs across the State adapt to new post-lockdown trading conditions as part of a $100 million (€88.4 million) global fund by owner Diageo.
Although self-motivated – Guinness is a staple of Irish bars the world over – the move will be welcomed by a sector that has been among the hardest hit in an era of strict social distancing.
Beginning next month, Diageo's two-year global programme will be open to applicants in major cities including New York, London, Edinburgh, São Paulo, Shanghai and Sydney, among others, and follows research into what supports bar owners most need.
READ MORE
Here, it will focus on the provision of practical equipment and “confidence-building measures needed for outlets to reopen and operate on a safe and sustainable basis”.
Job losses
The State’s 7,000 pubs were first asked to shut their doors in mid-March amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a move that left about 50,000 people out of work overnight. At the time, one industry representative described it as the “biggest loss of jobs in the history of the State”.
From June 29th, many pubs are set to reopen and operate as restaurants, with guidelines on how they should do so recently published by Fáilte Ireland.
Oliver Loomes, managing director of Diageo Ireland, said the company's ambition is to support pubs "in welcoming back customers in the safest possible way, when they are ready to do so".
“The hospitality sector in Ireland requires long-term investment and support to get back up and running. Not only has the financial impact to their business been significant, but they have missed their place at the centre of Ireland’s social fabric,” he said.
“This fund is our commitment to the future of the local pub in Ireland.”
However, Diageo has also underscored the need for other forms of support. Chief executive Ivan Menezes said governments around the world need to provide "long-term recovery packages" for the hospitality sector.
Clear damage
The damage caused by Covid-19 to the hospitality industry is clear. Some 24 million fewer pints of beer and cider were sold in the Republic in April compared with the same month last year, while total alcohol sales fell 35.6 per cent, according to data released by lobby group Drinks Ireland.
While pubs are now preparing to welcome customers back, the atmosphere and operation will be far from familiar.
This month chief medical officer Tony Holohan warned that a resumption in trade would not mean several people meeting up "for a few pints and having a packet of peanuts".
Under recently published guidance, pubs and bars will be allowed to implement 1m physical distancing restrictions from June 29th in “permitted controlled environments”, but will be required to serve a “substantial meal” costing at least €9 to customers.


theirishtimes--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Taskforce calls for end of two-week quarantine requirement

Restrictions are likely to be eased only for those arriving into Ireland from countries which have brought coronavirus under control , despite a State-appointed taskforce calling for the existing two-week quarantine requirement to be dropped completely .
Government sources said Ministers were likely to stick with plans for so-called “ air bridges ” between Ireland and other countries which have brought the virus under control , with the issue potentially being discussed by Cabinet in the coming days .
The State-appointed Taskforce for Aviation Recovery on Tuesday called for the current requirement for those arriving into the State to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely .
An interim report from the group called for the quarantine to be dropped by July 1st , adding : “ A 14-day quarantine period makes non-essential and discretionary travel challenging , and inhibits business-related travel , which is critical for the Irish economy .
“ The taskforce notes that implementation of efficient test and trace regimes can provide effective alternatives to the current 14-day quarantine measure.
” Despite this , well-placed sources said any easing would apply only to travel from other countries where Covid-19 had been controlled .
And Taoiseach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Time on Tuesday night that Ireland needed to be very “ careful and cautious ” and the country would likely be “ paired ” with other countries which have tackled the virus .
Mr Varadkar has said the issue would be discussed by a Cabinet committee this week , with other sources suggesting it may also be discussed by the full Cabinet on Thursday , which could be the last such meeting of the Fine Gael-Independent minority administration .
While the taskforce argues that the Republic should lift travel restrictions “ ideally ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no date has yet been decided for the easing of restrictions , with one figure saying changes could be made “ potentially some time in July ” .
Two weeks ago , the Cabinet considered proposals to lift such restrictions to other EU states as early as the end of this month but did not take a decision .
Ministers are due to return to the issue this week .
Regulations that require those arriving in Ireland to tell the authorities where they will self-isolate are in place until July 9th , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force for even longer .
Industry figures have criticised the 14-day quarantine .
Ryanair chief executive Michael O ’ Leary dismissed it as impossible to implement .
The taskforce admits the Republic is “ significantly behind ” other EU member states in lifting Covid-19 travel restrictions , despite being as or more successful in containing the pandemic .
Meanwhile , all schools will be required to have designated isolation areas for any staff or pupils with symptoms of Covid-19 , according to new official guidance .
In addition , all teachers and special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to undergo Covid-19 induction training prior to returning to the classroom .
Staff will not be required to wear personal protective equipment with the exception of circumstances such as providing first aid or dealing with suspected Covid-19 cases .
However , masks should be provided to any staff member or pupil who has symptoms of the virus .
A department spokesman said these details were still being finalised in conjunction with public health officials and were due to be published later this week .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh has said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no requirement for physical distancing between pupils on the basis that many would not be able to return to school otherwise .

Regulations requiring those arriving in Ireland to tell the authorities where they will self-isolate are in place until July 9th. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Restrictions are likely to be eased only for those arriving into Ireland from countries which have brought coronavirus under control, despite a State-appointed taskforce calling for the existing two-week quarantine requirement to be dropped completely.
Government sources said Ministers were likely to stick with plans for so-called “air bridges” between Ireland and other countries which have brought the virus under control, with the issue potentially being discussed by Cabinet in the coming days.
The State-appointed Taskforce for Aviation Recovery on Tuesday called for the current requirement for those arriving into the State to be quarantined for 14 days to be dropped completely.
An interim report from the group called for the quarantine to be dropped by July 1st, adding: “A 14-day quarantine period makes non-essential and discretionary travel challenging, and inhibits business-related travel, which is critical for the Irish economy.
READ MORE
“The taskforce notes that implementation of efficient test and trace regimes can provide effective alternatives to the current 14-day quarantine measure.”
Despite this, well-placed sources said any easing would apply only to travel from other countries where Covid-19 had been controlled. And Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told RTÉ's Prime Time on Tuesday night that Ireland needed to be very "careful and cautious" and the country would likely be "paired" with other countries which have tackled the virus.
Mr Varadkar has said the issue would be discussed by a Cabinet committee this week, with other sources suggesting it may also be discussed by the full Cabinet on Thursday, which could be the last such meeting of the Fine Gael-Independent minority administration.
While the taskforce argues that the Republic should lift travel restrictions “ideally” by July 1st, well-placed sources say no date has yet been decided for the easing of restrictions, with one figure saying changes could be made “potentially some time in July”.
Two weeks ago, the Cabinet considered proposals to lift such restrictions to other EU states as early as the end of this month but did not take a decision. Ministers are due to return to the issue this week.
Regulations that require those arriving in Ireland to tell the authorities where they will self-isolate are in place until July 9th, with some sources suggesting they will be in force for even longer.
Industry figures have criticised the 14-day quarantine. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary dismissed it as impossible to implement.
The taskforce admits the Republic is “significantly behind” other EU member states in lifting Covid-19 travel restrictions, despite being as or more successful in containing the pandemic.
School isolation areas
Meanwhile, all schools will be required to have designated isolation areas for any staff or pupils with symptoms of Covid-19, according to new official guidance.
In addition, all teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) will be required to undergo Covid-19 induction training prior to returning to the classroom.
Staff will not be required to wear personal protective equipment with the exception of circumstances such as providing first aid or dealing with suspected Covid-19 cases.
However, masks should be provided to any staff member or pupil who has symptoms of the virus.
A department spokesman said these details were still being finalised in conjunction with public health officials and were due to be published later this week.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh has said his preference is for schools to reopen fully with no requirement for physical distancing between pupils on the basis that many would not be able to return to school otherwise.


theirishtimes--2020-06-24--Schools will have to set up isolation areas in case of Covid-19 outbreaks

All schools will be required to have designated isolation areas for any staff or pupils with symptoms of Covid-19 , according to new official guidance .
In addition , all teachers and special needs assistants ( SNAs ) will be required to undergo Covid-19 induction training prior to returning to the classroom .
Staff will not be required to wear personal protective equipment ( PPE ) with the exception of circumstances such as providing first aid or dealing with suspected Covid-19 cases .
However , masks should be provided to any staff member or pupil who has symptoms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Department of Education School Covid-19 Response Plan , which is being circulated to schools ahead of the start of a summer catch-up programme for children with special needs .
Similar rules are expected to apply to all schools when they reopen to all students in late August and September .
The guidance , however , does not state what physical distancing rules will apply when schools reopen .
A department spokesman said these details were still being finalised in conjunction with public health officials and were due to be published later this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any staff or pupils with symptoms of the virus will be asked to leave safely or be transported home by a family member .
Public transport of any kind should not be used .
In addition , schools will be required to limit access to the building to essential workers only and keep a detailed log of people arriving in and out of school .
Handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers must be made available at multiple locations within the school facility and should be available in each classroom .
Staff will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment and utensils such as cups , cutlery and plates .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh has said his preference is for schools to reopen fully with no requirement for physical distancing between pupils on the basis that many would not be able to return to school otherwise .
The department , meanwhile , has faced criticism for the delay in providing detailed guidance to schools on physical distancing just days ahead of the end of the academic year and the start of the summer catch-up programme .
Fórsa , the trade union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , warned that the absence of detailed guidance was deterring many schools and staff from opting in to the summer programme .
“ Without this guidance schools do not know how many students can attend , what PPE such as masks will be required , and what new hygiene regime will be required , ” it said , in a statement .
The Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation ( INTO ) said while some practical guidance had been issued to schools this week , it was imperative the department moved quickly to issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns of schools , teachers and parents .
It said those signing up to the summer programme must be confident that they can participate in this scheme in a safe manner , with thorough guidance available to school boards of management , principals and teachers who choose to participate .
The guidance comes as three new Covid-19-related deaths were reported in the Republic as well as 10 new confirmed cases .
The latest figures reported on Tuesday evening by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) bring total deaths to 1,720 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25,391 , as of midnight on Monday .
It said 18,368 tests for the virus had been carried out in the past week , of which 97 were positive .
This indicates a positivity rate of 0.5 per cent .
In Northern Ireland , meanwhile , no new cases were reported for the second time since mid-March .
However , the North ’ s Department of Health reported one more person with coronavirus had died , bringing the total number of fatalities to 546 .

Cleaning crews work to deep clean a primary school in Melbourne, Australia, after some students tested positive for Covid-19 this week. Photograph: Darrian Traynor/Getty
All schools will be required to have designated isolation areas for any staff or pupils with symptoms of Covid-19, according to new official guidance.
In addition, all teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) will be required to undergo Covid-19 induction training prior to returning to the classroom.
Staff will not be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) with the exception of circumstances such as providing first aid or dealing with suspected Covid-19 cases.
However, masks should be provided to any staff member or pupil who has symptoms of the virus.
READ MORE
The guidance is contained in a Department of Education School Covid-19 Response Plan, which is being circulated to schools ahead of the start of a summer catch-up programme for children with special needs.
Similar rules are expected to apply to all schools when they reopen to all students in late August and September.
The guidance, however, does not state what physical distancing rules will apply when schools reopen.
A department spokesman said these details were still being finalised in conjunction with public health officials and were due to be published later this week.
Under the latest guidance, any staff or pupils with symptoms of the virus will be asked to leave safely or be transported home by a family member. Public transport of any kind should not be used.
In addition, schools will be required to limit access to the building to essential workers only and keep a detailed log of people arriving in and out of school.
Handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers must be made available at multiple locations within the school facility and should be available in each classroom.
Staff will also be required to use and clean their own equipment and utensils such as cups, cutlery and plates.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh has said his preference is for schools to reopen fully with no requirement for physical distancing between pupils on the basis that many would not be able to return to school otherwise.
Criticism
The department, meanwhile, has faced criticism for the delay in providing detailed guidance to schools on physical distancing just days ahead of the end of the academic year and the start of the summer catch-up programme.
Fórsa, the trade union which represents 12,000 school staff including SNAs, warned that the absence of detailed guidance was deterring many schools and staff from opting in to the summer programme.
“Without this guidance schools do not know how many students can attend, what PPE such as masks will be required, and what new hygiene regime will be required,” it said, in a statement.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) said while some practical guidance had been issued to schools this week, it was imperative the department moved quickly to issue expert public health advice to allay any concerns of schools, teachers and parents.
It said those signing up to the summer programme must be confident that they can participate in this scheme in a safe manner, with thorough guidance available to school boards of management, principals and teachers who choose to participate.
New cases
The guidance comes as three new Covid-19-related deaths were reported in the Republic as well as 10 new confirmed cases.
The latest figures reported on Tuesday evening by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) bring total deaths to 1,720 and the total number of cases to 25,391, as of midnight on Monday.
It said 18,368 tests for the virus had been carried out in the past week, of which 97 were positive. This indicates a positivity rate of 0.5 per cent. In Northern Ireland, meanwhile, no new cases were reported for the second time since mid-March. However, the North’s Department of Health reported one more person with coronavirus had died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 546.


theirishtimes--2020-06-24--Dublin cafe opens three weeks ahead of Covid-19 restrictions easing

A cafe located behind Dublin ’ s Four Courts has been operating a sit-in service for almost three weeks ahead of the permitted reopening of cafes and restaurants next week .
Fegan ’ s 1924 Cafe on Chancery Street , 200m from Bridewell Garda station , is allowing customers to use its indoor tables , despite the cafe and restaurant sector being restricted to operating take-away services until June 29th under coronavirus regulations .
Cafe owner James Fegan said he was providing a service particularly for barristers who would have “ nowhere else to go ” if the cafe was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardaí had also been using the cafe ’ s toilets when it was not practical for them to return to the Garda station .
Mr Fegan said he had operated a take-away service for approximately six weeks but was now in his third week of providing an indoor service , in line with 2m distancing of tables and a strict hygiene and cleaning regime .
“ About 85 per cent of our business comes out of the Four Courts .
We would get a lot of legal eagles in here , people giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t got the space in the courts and we would be the closest place for them to use a table .
The likes of barristers would have nowhere else to go.
” Mr Fegan said he was only allowing regular customers to sit in , with those he did not know being restricted to take away only .
“ During the Gemma O ’ Doherty and John Waters case there were some protesters who wanted to come in , but we didn ’ t allow that .
I have no problem with protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we did have guards in using the toilet at that time.
” Mr Fegan said his business differed from a standard cafe or restaurant in that it was part of a cash and carry .
“ The cash and carry and wholesale business has continued all the way through , so given we were here anyway we thought we might as well keep the cafe business going.
” The cafe is “ fully sanitised ” at the start of every morning and before and after lunch , while the tables and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Fegan said .
Staff had undergone health and safety training , including training on how to reassure customers who might be nervous to return to cafes .
As he had opened ahead of the official date of June 29th , he had been asked to advise other cafes and restaurants ahead of their reopening next week .
Mr Fegan said he had not been asked by the Garda or any other authority to stop serving customers indoors .
An Garda Síochána “ do not comment on individual establishments ” a spokeswoman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Establishments selling food and beverages are permitted to do so on a takeaway basis only .
Seating areas are not permitted under the regulations .
Gardaí will continue our policing response with the 4Es of engage , educate , encourage , and , as a last resort , enforce .
”

A cafe located behind Dublin's Four Courts has been operating a sit-in service for almost three weeks ahead of the permitted reopening of cafes and restaurants next week.
Fegan’s 1924 Cafe on Chancery Street, 200m from Bridewell Garda station, is allowing customers to use its indoor tables, despite the cafe and restaurant sector being restricted to operating take-away services until June 29th under coronavirus regulations.
Cafe owner James Fegan said he was providing a service particularly for barristers who would have "nowhere else to go" if the cafe was not available to them. He said gardaí had also been using the cafe's toilets when it was not practical for them to return to the Garda station.
Mr Fegan said he had operated a take-away service for approximately six weeks but was now in his third week of providing an indoor service, in line with 2m distancing of tables and a strict hygiene and cleaning regime.
READ MORE
“About 85 per cent of our business comes out of the Four Courts. We would get a lot of legal eagles in here, people giving advice to clients. They haven’t got the space in the courts and we would be the closest place for them to use a table. The likes of barristers would have nowhere else to go.”
Mr Fegan said he was only allowing regular customers to sit in, with those he did not know being restricted to take away only.
“During the Gemma O’Doherty and John Waters case there were some protesters who wanted to come in, but we didn’t allow that. I have no problem with protesters but we didn’t know them. But we did have guards in using the toilet at that time.”
Mr Fegan said his business differed from a standard cafe or restaurant in that it was part of a cash and carry.
“The cash and carry and wholesale business has continued all the way through, so given we were here anyway we thought we might as well keep the cafe business going.”
Health and safety
The cafe is “fully sanitised” at the start of every morning and before and after lunch, while the tables and chairs are cleaned after every sitting, Mr Fegan said. Staff had undergone health and safety training, including training on how to reassure customers who might be nervous to return to cafes.
As he had opened ahead of the official date of June 29th, he had been asked to advise other cafes and restaurants ahead of their reopening next week. Mr Fegan said he had not been asked by the Garda or any other authority to stop serving customers indoors.
An Garda Síochána "do not comment on individual establishments" a spokeswoman said. However, she said: "Establishments selling food and beverages are permitted to do so on a takeaway basis only. Seating areas are not permitted under the regulations. Gardaí will continue our policing response with the 4Es of engage, educate, encourage, and, as a last resort, enforce."


theirishtimes--2020-06-24--Irish radio failing to support Irish female musicians – report

Most Irish radio stations rarely give airtime to Irish women musicians while some stations never feature home-grown female voices in their top 20 most played songs , new research shows .
The Gender Disparity Report , which investigates the airtime given to Irish female musicians , found more than half of the State ’ s 28 music playing radio stations feature women in their top played songs only 5 per cent of the time .
The study , conducted by music publicist and consultant Linda Coogan Byrne , shows no female musicians featured in the top 20 artists played by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , WLR FM and South East Radio – over the past 12 months .
Just 5 per cent of the top 20 played artists on Today FM , Spin 103.8 , Beat 102-103FM , Red FM , Cork C103 , Clare FM , Cork 96FM , KCLR FM , KFM , East Coast FM , Radio Kerry , Live 95FM , Midlands radio , Shannonside FM , Spin southwest FM were female , according to the research .
RTÉ Radio 1 was the only radio station which had a 50/50 divide of male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most played songs .
Some 30 per cent of the voices among Carlow FM ’ s top 20 songs were female , the study notes .
Ms Coogan Byrne , who worked on the report with musician Áine Tyrrell , conducted the research by downloading data logged by Irish music stations between June 2019 and June 2020 into the Radiomonitor airplay monitoring service .
The international radio system can be used to evaluate airtime allocated to artists who have commercial releases and whose music is submitted to radio for airplay .
Focusing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only one act across all Irish radio stations ’ top 20 was from Ireland ’ s black community .
In most cases , Dermot Kennedy ’ s Outnumbered was the most played song on the majority of Irish radio stations followed by music from Niall Horan and the Academic .
Irish female artists Soulé and Aimée feature a few times in top 20 lists .
Ms Coogan Byrne described the findings as a “ staggering and shocking display of an industry model that needs drastic change ” and said the last time Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ era of Sinéad O ’ Connor , the Corrs and the Cranberries .
“ Where are our country ’ s breakthrough female acts of the last decade ?
Stations tell me they don ’ t get as many submissions from women .
But there ’ s loads of amazing female singers out there so why don ’ t get they get the platforms men get ?
” Irish Music Rights Organisation ( IMRO ) chairwoman Eleanor McEvoy said the report was “ thoroughly depressing ” and the situation appeared to be getting worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up hearing very few female artists on the radio and it seems incomprehensible to me that we are still in that place today , ” said Ms McEvoy .
“ The unconscious bias towards male musicians , songwriters and performers is staggering .
Looking at these figures I ’ m frustrated at the talent that we ’ re losing , the songs that will be missed and the voices that we ’ re never going to hear .
”

Report author Linda Coogan Byrne said the last time Irish radio supported female acts was during the era of Sinéad O’Connor, the Corrs and the Cranberries. Photograph: Paul Bergen/ Redferns
Most Irish radio stations rarely give airtime to Irish women musicians while some stations never feature home-grown female voices in their top 20 most played songs, new research shows.
The Gender Disparity Report, which investigates the airtime given to Irish female musicians, found more than half of the State’s 28 music playing radio stations feature women in their top played songs only 5 per cent of the time.
The study, conducted by music publicist and consultant Linda Coogan Byrne, shows no female musicians featured in the top 20 artists played by four stations – FM104, LM FM, WLR FM and South East Radio – over the past 12 months.
Just 5 per cent of the top 20 played artists on Today FM, Spin 103.8, Beat 102-103FM, Red FM, Cork C103, Clare FM, Cork 96FM, KCLR FM, KFM, East Coast FM, Radio Kerry, Live 95FM, Midlands radio, Shannonside FM, Spin southwest FM were female, according to the research.
READ MORE
RTÉ Radio 1 was the only radio station which had a 50/50 divide of male and female artists among its top 20 most played songs. Some 30 per cent of the voices among Carlow FM's top 20 songs were female, the study notes.
Airplay monitoring service
Ms Coogan Byrne, who worked on the report with musician Áine Tyrrell, conducted the research by downloading data logged by Irish music stations between June 2019 and June 2020 into the Radiomonitor airplay monitoring service. The international radio system can be used to evaluate airtime allocated to artists who have commercial releases and whose music is submitted to radio for airplay.
Focusing on Irish artists, the study found that only one act across all Irish radio stations’ top 20 was from Ireland’s black community.
In most cases, Dermot Kennedy's Outnumbered was the most played song on the majority of Irish radio stations followed by music from Niall Horan and the Academic. Irish female artists Soulé and Aimée feature a few times in top 20 lists.
Ms Coogan Byrne described the findings as a “staggering and shocking display of an industry model that needs drastic change” and said the last time Irish radio supported female acts was during the era of Sinéad O’Connor, the Corrs and the Cranberries.
“Where are our country’s breakthrough female acts of the last decade? Stations tell me they don’t get as many submissions from women. But there’s loads of amazing female singers out there so why don’t get they get the platforms men get?”
Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) chairwoman Eleanor McEvoy said the report was "thoroughly depressing" and the situation appeared to be getting worse rather than better.
“I grew up hearing very few female artists on the radio and it seems incomprehensible to me that we are still in that place today,” said Ms McEvoy. “The unconscious bias towards male musicians, songwriters and performers is staggering. Looking at these figures I’m frustrated at the talent that we’re losing, the songs that will be missed and the voices that we’re never going to hear.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-24--Irish scientist wins international award previously given to Nobel prize winners

An Irish scientist has been named the winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry John Jeyes Award for her research into microparticles and plastic waste .
Prof Iseult Lynch , who is from Dublin but works at the University of Birmingham , was announced as winner of the prestigious biennial award on Wednesday .
Prof Lynch is a member of a team of scientists carrying out research into the environmental health and safety implications of engineering nanomaterials and nanoscale plastic waste , such as microbeads in cleaning products and cosmetics .
The information her team gather is fed back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing safer consumer products .
Her research also strives to find alternative testing strategies to reduce the need for animal testing without compromising environmental or human health and safety .
Prof Lynch , who received a medal and £2,000 ( €2,215 ) in prize money as part of the award , said that as “ a woman in science ” she felt especially proud to see her work recognised .
She said she hoped her work could inspire other women , including members of her own team , to “ strive for excellence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I remember as a PhD student looking at the prize winners and being so impressed at their work , so to be among their number now is thrilling , ” she said .
The award was founded in 1975 to commemorate the inventor and scientist John Jeyes and has been won by a number of individuals who went on to win Nobel prizes for their work .
The Royal Society of Chemistry describes itself as an international organisation connecting chemical scientists with each other and society as a whole , and it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognise “ achievements by individuals , teams and organisations in advancing chemical sciences ” across the world , according to a statement from the group .
Dr Helen Pain , acting chief executive of the society , underlined that in an era of “ tremendous global challenges ” , the need for science was more important than ever .
“ It is important to recognise those behind the scenes who are making significant contributions towards improving the world we live in , ” said Dr Pain .
“ The global chemical sciences community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from health and climate change to product development , sustainable transport , and everything in between .
“ In recognising the work of Prof Lynch , we are also recognising the important contribution this incredible network of scientists makes to improving our lives every day .
”

Prof Iseult Lynch said as ‘a woman in science’ she felt especially proud to see her work recognised.
An Irish scientist has been named the winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry John Jeyes Award for her research into microparticles and plastic waste.
Prof Iseult Lynch, who is from Dublin but works at the University of Birmingham, was announced as winner of the prestigious biennial award on Wednesday.
Prof Lynch is a member of a team of scientists carrying out research into the environmental health and safety implications of engineering nanomaterials and nanoscale plastic waste, such as microbeads in cleaning products and cosmetics. The information her team gather is fed back into product design, with the goal of developing safer consumer products.
Her research also strives to find alternative testing strategies to reduce the need for animal testing without compromising environmental or human health and safety.
READ MORE
Prof Lynch, who received a medal and £2,000 (€2,215) in prize money as part of the award, said that as “a woman in science” she felt especially proud to see her work recognised. She said she hoped her work could inspire other women, including members of her own team, to “strive for excellence and never give up”.
“I remember as a PhD student looking at the prize winners and being so impressed at their work, so to be among their number now is thrilling,” she said.
The award was founded in 1975 to commemorate the inventor and scientist John Jeyes and has been won by a number of individuals who went on to win Nobel prizes for their work.
‘Advancing chemical sciences’
The Royal Society of Chemistry describes itself as an international organisation connecting chemical scientists with each other and society as a whole, and it has more than 50,000 members. Its awards recognise “achievements by individuals, teams and organisations in advancing chemical sciences” across the world, according to a statement from the group.
Dr Helen Pain, acting chief executive of the society, underlined that in an era of "tremendous global challenges", the need for science was more important than ever.
“It is important to recognise those behind the scenes who are making significant contributions towards improving the world we live in,” said Dr Pain. “The global chemical sciences community is one that covers many different specialisms, from health and climate change to product development, sustainable transport, and everything in between.
“In recognising the work of Prof Lynch, we are also recognising the important contribution this incredible network of scientists makes to improving our lives every day.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-24--‘Absolutely gutted’: Couple lose their new pub amid Covid-19 fallout

The fallout from Covid-19 has left a Cork couple unable to reopen their pub , which had flourished in its first three months of trading prior to the coronavirus lockdown .
Former IT worker Tony O ’ Leary and his wife Sharon are stuck with €8,000 worth of alcohol and large utility bills after they had to hand back the keys to Paddy Mac ’ s in Coachford .
The couple only opened the pub to the public last December .
Ms O ’ Leary had some experience with bar work , but opening the pub was a steep but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who says they “ were absolutely flying it ” until the lockdown .
They had opened a function room and had live music , and local dart and pool players had also gathered in large numbers .
Mr O ’ Leary says they had stocked up on alcohol in expectation of a bumper St Patrick ’ s weekend .
But everything changed in an instant when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made his mid-March lockdown address to the nation .
“ We have handed the keys back and this is a pub that won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was closed for three years before December when we went in .
It was going so well .
People are crushed that we closed.
” He says he “ didn ’ t know how to pull a pint ” when they first opened .
“ It was a total learning curve .
Going from not being able to pull a pint to opening an account with the breweries , accountants , wages , payroll and VAT , ” he says .
“ It was crazy but we absolutely loved it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now only for Covid.
” He says they are “ absolutely gutted ” not to reopen but there is no financial future for them in a pub setting with social distancing regulations .
“ I was in the pub when the Taoiseach made the announcement that we were advised to close .
We thought it would only last a few weeks .
“ But then as it went on and we learned about restrictions , Perspex at the bar , staff having to be trained , we just knew we couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make their money at the weekends when they had live music and young people playing pool .
“ If we can ’ t have crowds or we can ’ t have music to draw people , then how can you do it ?
” Meanwhile , fellow local publican Pat O ’ Riordan , of O ’ Riordan ’ s Bar in Coachford , plans to reopen after the lockdown , but acknowledges it will be difficult with the restrictions .
“ I am going to see how it goes , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult for people like me who know people who are coming in to the bar , saying to them that they will have to leave after 90 minutes .
“ The 90 minutes will suit the bigger bars who don ’ t know the customers .
The customers here are our best friends .
If they are coming in of an evening to have a bite to eat and a pint , we ’ ll have to ask them to leave after a set time .
It ’ s not fair on publicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He says pubs are going to have their backs to the wall financially for years to come .
“ People have opened home bars and are used to drinking at home now .
Are they going to come back to the bars again ?
I hope so .
”

The fallout from Covid-19 has left a Cork couple unable to reopen their pub, which had flourished in its first three months of trading prior to the coronavirus lockdown.
Former IT worker Tony O'Leary and his wife Sharon are stuck with €8,000 worth of alcohol and large utility bills after they had to hand back the keys to Paddy Mac's in Coachford. The couple only opened the pub to the public last December.
Ms O’Leary had some experience with bar work, but opening the pub was a steep but fast learning curve for her husband, who says they “were absolutely flying it” until the lockdown. They had opened a function room and had live music, and local dart and pool players had also gathered in large numbers.
Mr O'Leary says they had stocked up on alcohol in expectation of a bumper St Patrick's weekend. But everything changed in an instant when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made his mid-March lockdown address to the nation.
READ MORE
“We have handed the keys back and this is a pub that won’t reopen again,” he says. “It was closed for three years before December when we went in. It was going so well. People are crushed that we closed.”
He says he “ didn’t know how to pull a pint” when they first opened.
Tony and Sharon O’Leary
“It was a total learning curve. Going from not being able to pull a pint to opening an account with the breweries, accountants, wages, payroll and VAT,” he says. “It was crazy but we absolutely loved it. We would still be there right now only for Covid.”
He says they are “absolutely gutted” not to reopen but there is no financial future for them in a pub setting with social distancing regulations.
“I was in the pub when the Taoiseach made the announcement that we were advised to close. We thought it would only last a few weeks.
“But then as it went on and we learned about restrictions, Perspex at the bar, staff having to be trained, we just knew we couldn’t afford it.”
He says they used to make their money at the weekends when they had live music and young people playing pool. “If we can’t have crowds or we can’t have music to draw people, then how can you do it?”
‘Very difficult’
Meanwhile, fellow local publican Pat O’Riordan, of O’Riordan’s Bar in Coachford, plans to reopen after the lockdown, but acknowledges it will be difficult with the restrictions.
“I am going to see how it goes,” he says.
“It is very difficult for people like me who know people who are coming in to the bar, saying to them that they will have to leave after 90 minutes.
“The 90 minutes will suit the bigger bars who don’t know the customers. The customers here are our best friends. If they are coming in of an evening to have a bite to eat and a pint, we’ll have to ask them to leave after a set time. It’s not fair on publicans to ask them to police this.”
He says pubs are going to have their backs to the wall financially for years to come.
“People have opened home bars and are used to drinking at home now. Are they going to come back to the bars again? I hope so.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Donohoe had concerns over free GP consultations on Covid advice or testing

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe had strong concerns about elements of the Government ’ s initiative to provide free GP consultations to people seeking advice or testing in relation to Covid-19 .
The Department of Public Expenditure said on Tuesday the scheme was expected to cost about €110 million .
Newly-released official documents show Mr Donohoe expressed fears that the initiative could effectively lead to the State facing uncapped levels of expenditure .
The agreement on an emergency GP fee structure under which family doctors would provide such services without charge was reached between the Government and the Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under the deal GP s were to be paid fees ranging from €25 to €75 depending on the particular service provided .
New documents show that Mr Donohoe wrote to Minister for Health Simon Harris with concerns about the scheme in March and again in April .
In a letter dated only as March 2020 , Mr Donohoe said that while he noted and accepted “ the pressing rationales that have been advanced in terms of mobilising , supporting and partnering with general practice ” , his department had raised “ significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity assumptions underlying what are , in essence , uncapped Exchequer commitments ” .
The letter notes that when sanction was first given “ for these extraordinary measures ” , it was on the basis of a 13-week period .
“ I note that the Statutory Instrument , as presented yesterday by your department , does not in itself reflect the time-bound nature of the sanction .
I would like to reiterate what I believe is an agreed position , that these exceptional measures can not be rolled over as a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period , and that any proposal to extend will require my approval as well as clarity on the ongoing costs , ” Mr Donohoe wrote .
“ I understand that the new fee structure have been in operation since March 16th , and there is still no official indication as to whether the assumed activity levels underpinning the costs are realistic.
” Mr Donohoe said that given the scale of new demand for resources required elsewhere in the Department of Health and in other areas of Government , he wanted to re-emphasise “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectiveness of these expenditure measures with a view to ensuring that costs – which are necessarily subject to some uncertainty – are contained within proportionate and affordable bounds ” .
Mr Donohoe said he wanted “ serious and constructive ” engagement before the end of the 13-week operation of the scheme .
On April 28th , the original letter from Mr Donohoe was again sent to Mr Harris , repeating the same points .
The documents do not reveal what response , if any , Mr Donohoe received from the Minister for Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review earlier this month the scheme had now been extended – with some amendments to the terms – until August 10th .
It is understood that provision for an additional fee if a GP saw a patient in their surgery outside of normal hours has been removed .
The original estimated cost was €110 million , and it is envisaged the extension can be accommodated within this .

Paschal Donohoe: he said he wanted “serious and constructive” engagement before the end of the 13-week operation of the scheme. Photograph: Getty Images
Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe had strong concerns about elements of the Government's initiative to provide free GP consultations to people seeking advice or testing in relation to Covid-19.
The Department of Public Expenditure said on Tuesday the scheme was expected to cost about €110 million. Newly-released official documents show Mr Donohoe expressed fears that the initiative could effectively lead to the State facing uncapped levels of expenditure.
The agreement on an emergency GP fee structure under which family doctors would provide such services without charge was reached between the Government and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) in mid-March. Under the deal GP s were to be paid fees ranging from €25 to €75 depending on the particular service provided.
New documents show that Mr Donohoe wrote to Minister for Health Simon Harris with concerns about the scheme in late April. *
READ MORE
In a letter dated only as March 2020, Mr Donohoe said that while he noted and accepted “the pressing rationales that have been advanced in terms of mobilising, supporting and partnering with general practice”, his department had raised “significant concerns regarding the high unit costs and activity assumptions underlying what are, in essence, uncapped Exchequer commitments”.
The letter notes that when sanction was first given “for these extraordinary measures”, it was on the basis of a 13-week period.
“ I note that the Statutory Instrument, as presented yesterday by your department, does not in itself reflect the time-bound nature of the sanction. I would like to reiterate what I believe is an agreed position, that these exceptional measures cannot be rolled over as a matter of course after the expiration of the 13-week period, and that any proposal to extend will require my approval as well as clarity on the ongoing costs,” Mr Donohoe wrote.
“I understand that the new fee structure have been in operation since March 16th, and there is still no official indication as to whether the assumed activity levels underpinning the costs are realistic.”
Resources
Mr Donohoe said that given the scale of new demand for resources required elsewhere in the Department of Health and in other areas of Government, he wanted to re-emphasise "the importance of monitoring the uptake and effectiveness of these expenditure measures with a view to ensuring that costs – which are necessarily subject to some uncertainty – are contained within proportionate and affordable bounds".
Mr Donohoe said he wanted “serious and constructive” engagement before the end of the 13-week operation of the scheme.
On April 28th, the original letter from Mr Donohoe was again sent to Mr Harris, repeating the same points.
The documents do not reveal what response, if any, Mr Donohoe received from the Minister for Health.
Medical sources said that following a review earlier this month the scheme had now been extended – with some amendments to the terms – until August 10th. It is understood that provision for an additional fee if a GP saw a patient in their surgery outside of normal hours has been removed.
The original estimated cost was €110 million, and it is envisaged the extension can be accommodated within this.
* This article was amended on June 24th, 2020


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--How the Polish community are coping during Covid-19

Earlier this year , shortly before coronavirus was reported to have hit Irish shores , Voyteck Bialek started teaching social media skills to a group of older Polish people .
As the director of the Cork-based Together-Razem charity , he had first established a weekly support network in 2012 for older Poles who came to Ireland with limited English to help care for their grandchildren .
“ We already provided English classes and information seminars to about 25 regular attendees every weekend .
We then offered them training on how to use Skype and other social media just before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky we did that .
Now they meet every Saturday on Zoom.
” On March 15th , Together-Razem volunteers set up a new programme called Invisible Hand to support this older Polish generation during the health crisis .
“ The idea was to help the elderly and sick ; a lot of them had come here to care for their children ’ s children .
They have no English at all so can not join any senior Irish groups.
” Like their Irish counterparts , many older Poles were worried about catching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for test results .
“ This elderly group knew communism ; if there is a rule to stay at home , they follow that rule .
But they expressed anger that many others did not follow the rules , ” says Bialek .
The charity also set up a phone line for Poles struggling with unemployment , health issues and general anxiety during the crisis .
Poles make up the largest group of foreign nationals living in Ireland at 112,515 , followed by 103,113 UK nationals and 36,552 Lithuanians .
Data from 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young , with nearly 50 per cent aged between 30 and 40 years of age .
Bialek says many Poles were initially confused about the Covid-19 unemployment payment while some felt exploited by employers who laid off staff without paying salaries .
Polish hairdressers and beauticians have particularly suffered during the pandemic , he adds .
Volunteers on the phone line found many Poles were ashamed to speak about having contracted the virus .
“ We got some funding to provide free counselling and psychotherapy sessions and the amount of people calling was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting list and are still seeking more counsellors or psychotherapists willing to donate their free time.
” Bialek , who is an addiction counsellor , also witnessed a number of former alcoholics and drug addicts returning to substance abuse during the pandemic .
“ With the lack of cannabis because of Covid , people started switching to different drugs .
There is something new called Xanax sticks on the market which has a very dangerous ingredient .
I ’ ve heard people have started to use that.
” Reports of domestic violence have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he adds .
Ewa Sadawska , director of Barka Ireland , which supports homeless central and eastern Europeans in Ireland and helps repatriate Poles back home , says seasonal workers who arrived just before the Covid-19 outbreak have really struggled during the crisis .
The charity has helped eight seasonal workers return home in recent months but says there are many more isolated workers with no friends or family to support them .
“ Many individuals used their very last resources to buy a ticket to Ireland .
Some of them were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and conflict back home , ” she says .
“ Moving to Ireland was a very big step and then they found themselves in even worse circumstances.
” When the last census was conducted , more than one-fifth of Poles in Ireland were working in retail , with another 18 per cent working in manufacturing , and 15 per cent in accommodation and food services .
Danuta Kiernan is working with a number of Polish women who lost their jobs in hospitality because of the pandemic .
Kiernan , who is a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a mask-making project in late March with women from across Athlone , Co Westmeath , and Ballymahon , in Longford .
Known as the “ helping hands ” group , the women have produced thousands of masks using donated material which they then distribute around the community .
“ We ’ re not only providing these masks for the Polish community , our mission was to show that we built our lives here and we ’ re not only taking .
We want to give as much as possible , ” says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island , Poles have lost loved ones during the pandemic .
The death in May of 36-year-old Sebastian Kulawiak , who lived in Donegal and contracted Covid-19 , was a real blow to the community , says Kiernan .
“ It ’ s always a little bit more painful when it ’ s someone from your own community .
But I would say we ’ re all in this together , not only as Polish but as a nation of people .
“ This virus doesn ’ t see our nationalities ; it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re Polish or Irish .
”

Voytek Bialek, at home in Ballinacurra, Co Cork, is director of the Cork-based Together-Razem charity. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/ Provision
Earlier this year, shortly before coronavirus was reported to have hit Irish shores, Voyteck Bialek started teaching social media skills to a group of older Polish people.
As the director of the Cork-based Together-Razem charity, he had first established a weekly support network in 2012 for older Poles who came to Ireland with limited English to help care for their grandchildren.
“We already provided English classes and information seminars to about 25 regular attendees every weekend. We then offered them training on how to use Skype and other social media just before the pandemic started and we’re so lucky we did that. Now they meet every Saturday on Zoom.”
On March 15th, Together-Razem volunteers set up a new programme called Invisible Hand to support this older Polish generation during the health crisis.
READ MORE
“The idea was to help the elderly and sick; a lot of them had come here to care for their children’s children. They have no English at all so cannot join any senior Irish groups.”
Like their Irish counterparts, many older Poles were worried about catching the virus and complained about the long wait for test results.
“This elderly group knew communism; if there is a rule to stay at home, they follow that rule. But they expressed anger that many others did not follow the rules,” says Bialek.
The charity also set up a phone line for Poles struggling with unemployment, health issues and general anxiety during the crisis.
Poles make up the largest group of foreign nationals living in Ireland at 112,515, followed by 103,113 UK nationals and 36,552 Lithuanians. Data from 2016 shows most Polish people in Ireland are young, with nearly 50 per cent aged between 30 and 40 years of age.
Bialek says many Poles were initially confused about the Covid-19 unemployment payment while some felt exploited by employers who laid off staff without paying salaries. Polish hairdressers and beauticians have particularly suffered during the pandemic, he adds.
Shame
Volunteers on the phone line found many Poles were ashamed to speak about having contracted the virus. “We got some funding to provide free counselling and psychotherapy sessions and the amount of people calling was overwhelming. We had to start a waiting list and are still seeking more counsellors or psychotherapists willing to donate their free time.”
Bialek, who is an addiction counsellor, also witnessed a number of former alcoholics and drug addicts returning to substance abuse during the pandemic. “With the lack of cannabis because of Covid, people started switching to different drugs. There is something new called Xanax sticks on the market which has a very dangerous ingredient. I’ve heard people have started to use that.”
Reports of domestic violence have also risen in the past few months, he adds.
Ewa Sadawska, director of Barka Ireland, which supports homeless central and eastern Europeans in Ireland and helps repatriate Poles back home, says seasonal workers who arrived just before the Covid-19 outbreak have really struggled during the crisis.
The charity has helped eight seasonal workers return home in recent months but says there are many more isolated workers with no friends or family to support them.
“Many individuals used their very last resources to buy a ticket to Ireland. Some of them were looking for an escape from substance abuse and conflict back home,” she says. “Moving to Ireland was a very big step and then they found themselves in even worse circumstances.”
When the last census was conducted, more than one-fifth of Poles in Ireland were working in retail, with another 18 per cent working in manufacturing, and 15 per cent in accommodation and food services.
Mask-making project
Danuta Kiernan is working with a number of Polish women who lost their jobs in hospitality because of the pandemic. Kiernan, who is a member of the Midlands Polish Community, set up a mask-making project in late March with women from across Athlone, Co Westmeath, and Ballymahon, in Longford.
Known as the “helping hands” group, the women have produced thousands of masks using donated material which they then distribute around the community.
“We’re not only providing these masks for the Polish community, our mission was to show that we built our lives here and we’re not only taking. We want to give as much as possible,” says Kiernan.
Like all communities on this island, Poles have lost loved ones during the pandemic. The death in May of 36-year-old Sebastian Kulawiak, who lived in Donegal and contracted Covid-19, was a real blow to the community, says Kiernan. "It's always a little bit more painful when it's someone from your own community. But I would say we're all in this together, not only as Polish but as a nation of people.
“This virus doesn’t see our nationalities; it doesn’t make any difference whether you’re Polish or Irish.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Woman cannot recall Tuam mother-and-baby home but ‘my body remembers’

Teresa O ’ Sullivan ( 63 ) clutches a photograph of herself aged 18 months .
It is one of her most treasured possessions .
The photograph was taken while she was in the Tuam mother-and-baby home in Co Galway where she stayed for almost the first two years of her life before being transferred to St Patrick ’ s orphanage in Cork .
“ In the photograph I look healthy with a nice dress and slippers , but no one knows what ’ s going on behind the photograph , ” says O ’ Sullivan .
“ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time I had chronic abscesses in my ears.
” She hopes the report from Mother-and-Baby Homes Commission of Investigation – which has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic – will provide “ some insight ” into the hearing difficulties from which she and other survivors suffer .
“ I ’ ve met a good few survivors who have said that hearing difficulties seem to have been very prevalent .
Some would have remembered being physically hit over the ears and on the head , so that certainly would have contributed to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with the same thing , that ’ s saying a lot .
We can ’ t all be wrong.
” Following the work of local historian Catherine Corless , the commission found in March 2017 that “ significant ” quantities of human remains had been found buried beneath the Tuam site .
Corless gathered death certificates for 796 infants linked to the Tuam institution , The commission , which has published a number of interim reports , was due to publish its final report this Friday .
The Department of Children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final report was “ very close to completion ” , but “ logistical difficulties ” have arisen in keeping with current public health advice and directions due to Covid-19 .
The final report is now due to be published on October 20th .
“ I am disappointed that it ’ s not coming out on June 26th , ” says O ’ Sullivan .
“ I know we are in the midst of a lot of change with Covid and forming a government , I understand that , but I think everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and time is not on a lot of our sides .
This is high priority.
” O ’ Sullivan was born in Co Galway in February 1957 .
Her mother , who became pregnant at 16 , was admitted to the Tuam mother-and-baby home shortly before Teresa was born .
She stayed in the home for a year before being discharged and left for England .
She says her mother , whom she wishes to remain anonymous , travelled back to the home a few months later to see was she still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ When she came back one of the nuns said she had messed up her own life and that she wasn ’ t going to get an opportunity to mess up mine , ” O ’ Sullivan says .
“ They said I was on my way to America , which I wasn ’ t .
Anyone that was earmarked for America had their photograph taken , so that ’ s why I have the photograph there , but I hadn ’ t gone anywhere .
There was still ample opportunity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come together , but the system certainly stopped that.
” O ’ Sullivan was transferred from Tuam to St Patrick ’ s orphanage at the end of 1958 .
She was hospitalised for six weeks due to the abscesses in her ears , and later adopted by her parents Donal and Kathleen from west Cork .
She worked as a nurse in Co Limerick until her retirement five years ago .
“ I couldn ’ t speak highly enough of them , they were an absolutely wonderful family , ” she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was my adopted mum passed away when I was 12 , so it was just me and my Dad then from there on.
” It was only when O ’ Sullivan became pregnant with her first child , Cian , that she began looking for her biological mother .
She went to St Anne ’ s adoption society in Cork , who were able to locate her mother , who was still living in London at the time .
They exchanged letters , and soon afterwards her mother travelled to Limerick where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her it took me a few minutes to see her because she gave me such a big hug , I didn ’ t see the woman for a few minutes , ” says O ’ Sullivan .
“ She was a beautiful woman , a very gentle woman…it was a lovely meeting.
” Her mother had also brought with her the same photograph of her as a baby in Tuam .
“ She just put it up on the table .
The photographs were identical .
That ’ s when I knew I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found her.
” Her mother passed away in 2006 , and despite attempts to look for her biological father , she discovered he had died in 2008 .
“ I never really got to know much about Tuam at all in the time that I spoke with her , ” O ’ Sullivan says .
“ I could see the faraway look in her eyes whenever it would come up , and I never pursued it at all because I didn ’ t want to hurt her .
I just knew there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sullivan does not remember anything from her time in Tuam , she says “ my body remembers ” .
“ When I ’ m making decisions about anything in my life now , abandonment , rejection is very , very strong .
Sometimes I might feel I ’ m not as good as everybody else or kind of a second-class citizen because that ’ s the way we were treated .
That ’ s why I think it ’ s so important now that everything is put out there .
”

Teresa O'Sullivan (63) clutches a photograph of herself aged 18 months. It is one of her most treasured possessions.
The photograph was taken while she was in the Tuam mother-and-baby home in Co Galway where she stayed for almost the first two years of her life before being transferred to St Patrick's orphanage in Cork.
“In the photograph I look healthy with a nice dress and slippers, but no one knows what’s going on behind the photograph,” says O’Sullivan. “I have ear trouble today, and at that time I had chronic abscesses in my ears.”
She hopes the report from Mother-and-Baby Homes Commission of Investigation – which has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic – will provide “some insight” into the hearing difficulties from which she and other survivors suffer.
READ MORE
“I’ve met a good few survivors who have said that hearing difficulties seem to have been very prevalent. Some would have remembered being physically hit over the ears and on the head, so that certainly would have contributed to it. If you get a lot of people with the same thing, that’s saying a lot. We can’t all be wrong.”
Following the work of local historian Catherine Corless, the commission found in March 2017 that "significant" quantities of human remains had been found buried beneath the Tuam site. Corless gathered death certificates for 796 infants linked to the Tuam institution,
The commission, which has published a number of interim reports, was due to publish its final report this Friday.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs said earlier this month that the final report was "very close to completion", but "logistical difficulties" have arisen in keeping with current public health advice and directions due to Covid-19. The final report is now due to be published on October 20th.
“I am disappointed that it’s not coming out on June 26th,” says O’Sullivan. “I know we are in the midst of a lot of change with Covid and forming a government, I understand that, but I think everybody is waiting, and time is passing on and time is not on a lot of our sides. This is high priority.”
Left for England
O'Sullivan was born in Co Galway in February 1957. Her mother, who became pregnant at 16, was admitted to the Tuam mother-and-baby home shortly before Teresa was born. She stayed in the home for a year before being discharged and left for England.
She says her mother, whom she wishes to remain anonymous, travelled back to the home a few months later to see was she still there to bring her back to London.
“When she came back one of the nuns said she had messed up her own life and that she wasn’t going to get an opportunity to mess up mine,” O’Sullivan says.
“They said I was on my way to America, which I wasn’t. Anyone that was earmarked for America had their photograph taken, so that’s why I have the photograph there, but I hadn’t gone anywhere. There was still ample opportunity for us as a mother and daughter to come together, but the system certainly stopped that.”
O'Sullivan was transferred from Tuam to St Patrick's orphanage at the end of 1958. She was hospitalised for six weeks due to the abscesses in her ears, and later adopted by her parents Donal and Kathleen from west Cork. She worked as a nurse in Co Limerick until her retirement five years ago.
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of them, they were an absolutely wonderful family,” she says. “The only sad part of it was my adopted mum passed away when I was 12 , so it was just me and my Dad then from there on.”
It was only when O’Sullivan became pregnant with her first child, Cian, that she began looking for her biological mother. She went to St Anne’s adoption society in Cork, who were able to locate her mother, who was still living in London at the time.
They exchanged letters, and soon afterwards her mother travelled to Limerick where they were reunited.
Big hug
“When I met her it took me a few minutes to see her because she gave me such a big hug, I didn’t see the woman for a few minutes,” says O’Sullivan. “She was a beautiful woman, a very gentle woman…it was a lovely meeting.”
Her mother had also brought with her the same photograph of her as a baby in Tuam.
“She just put it up on the table. The photographs were identical. That’s when I knew I had found her, I had really found her.”
Her mother passed away in 2006, and despite attempts to look for her biological father, she discovered he had died in 2008.
“I never really got to know much about Tuam at all in the time that I spoke with her,” O’Sullivan says. “I could see the faraway look in her eyes whenever it would come up, and I never pursued it at all because I didn’t want to hurt her. I just knew there was a lot more.”
While O’Sullivan does not remember anything from her time in Tuam, she says “my body remembers”.
“When I’m making decisions about anything in my life now, abandonment, rejection is very, very strong. Sometimes I might feel I’m not as good as everybody else or kind of a second-class citizen because that’s the way we were treated. That’s why I think it’s so important now that everything is put out there.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Increase in drug and alcohol abuse predicted after lockdown – charities

Increased drug-mixing and alcohol abuse , as well as risky drug-taking are predicted among vulnerable drug-users , as the country emerges from lockdown , warn organisation working with them .
In a joint report published on Wednesday , Merchants Quay Ireland ( MQI ) , Coolmine Lodge and Depaul , call on any new government to move quickly to ensure this cohort are provided with housing , treatment and healthcare supports they need .
“ For people who use drugs , reconfigured services and reduced residential detox and treatment beds are having a significant impact on people ’ s drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicting an increase in polysubstance use with a prevalence of alcohol and non-prescribed medication , ” they say .
On the other hand , some changes have improved lives and outcomes for vulnerable homeless people and these must be retained .
“ There was a move away from provision of communal temporary accommodation to more self-contained settings such as hotels and tourist apartments .
This was a vital step in combatting the spread of the virus amongst such groups.
” A majority of homeless drug-users had access to healthcare since the pandemic – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to access methadone treatment have decreased from about 12 weeks to just five days .
These improvements can not be allowed slip away say the agencies , particularly with the risk of a second wave of the virus .
Among those whom agencies worked with during the pandemic was David , in his early 20s , who was found trying to gather money from passers-by outside a closed shopping centre .
He thought all homeless services were closed and was in serious need of medical attention , as drug-taking related wounds were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The MQI team gave him some food and water , explained… he could get a hot meal at our service ... and encouraged him to go get his legs dressed while he was there.
” It was ascertained he had a hostel bed booked for the night .
“ Once in the building MQI staff could , if appropriate , leverage this interaction with David to highlight harm reduction options.
” The case underlines , says the report , the crucial role food , healthcare and accommodation services play as the gateway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) was sharing a hostel with 35 other women and was transferred to a single-room in a hotel as she is immune compromised .
She worries about leaving it , but now has a key-worker working on sourcing long-term accommodation and healthcare .
The State should retain access to hotels and short-stay apartments for homeless people , say the organisations .
Increased drug-treatment capacity should be maintained , and , structured health plans must be provided to those exiting cocooning facilities .
The work these organisations do is in most case , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say .
They are funded by Government to reach some of the most hard-to-reach populations and their work must be made sustainable .
Crucial to this will be sustainable funding and fair pay for those working in the sector .
These issues “ have to be addressed ” as a “ priority ” by government .

Waiting times to access methadone treatment have decreased from about 12 weeks to just five days
Increased drug-mixing and alcohol abuse, as well as risky drug-taking are predicted among vulnerable drug-users, as the country emerges from lockdown, warn organisation working with them.
In a joint report published on Wednesday, Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), Coolmine Lodge and Depaul, call on any new government to move quickly to ensure this cohort are provided with housing, treatment and healthcare supports they need.
“For people who use drugs, reconfigured services and reduced residential detox and treatment beds are having a significant impact on people’s drug use and mental health. We are predicting an increase in polysubstance use with a prevalence of alcohol and non-prescribed medication,” they say.
On the other hand, some changes have improved lives and outcomes for vulnerable homeless people and these must be retained.
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“There was a move away from provision of communal temporary accommodation to more self-contained settings such as hotels and tourist apartments. This was a vital step in combatting the spread of the virus amongst such groups.”
A majority of homeless drug-users had access to healthcare since the pandemic – a significant change. And waiting times to access methadone treatment have decreased from about 12 weeks to just five days.
These improvements cannot be allowed slip away say the agencies, particularly with the risk of a second wave of the virus.
Access to services
Among those whom agencies worked with during the pandemic was David, in his early 20s, who was found trying to gather money from passers-by outside a closed shopping centre. He thought all homeless services were closed and was in serious need of medical attention, as drug-taking related wounds were “seeping, painful and itchy”.
“The MQI team gave him some food and water, explained… he could get a hot meal at our service... and encouraged him to go get his legs dressed while he was there.” It was ascertained he had a hostel bed booked for the night.
“Once in the building MQI staff could, if appropriate, leverage this interaction with David to highlight harm reduction options.”
The case underlines, says the report, the crucial role food, healthcare and accommodation services play as the gateway to longer-term supports.
Mary (49) was sharing a hostel with 35 other women and was transferred to a single-room in a hotel as she is immune compromised. She worries about leaving it, but now has a key-worker working on sourcing long-term accommodation and healthcare.
The State should retain access to hotels and short-stay apartments for homeless people, say the organisations.
Increased drug-treatment capacity should be maintained, and, structured health plans must be provided to those exiting cocooning facilities.
The work these organisations do is in most case, not provided by any state agency, they say. They are funded by Government to reach some of the most hard-to-reach populations and their work must be made sustainable. Crucial to this will be sustainable funding and fair pay for those working in the sector. These issues “have to be addressed” as a “priority” by government.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Former Minister John O’Donoghue taking defamation case against Kerry’s Eye

Defamation proceedings are being brought by former Minister for Justice and Ceann Comhairle , John O ’ Donoghue , against the Tralee based newspaper Kerry ’ s Eye over articles published in 2018 alleging he had been forced from political office because of lavish expenses , the Circuit Civil Court in Killarney has been told .
Mr O ’ Donoghue had suffered great shame and embarrassment because of the article in the widely read newspaper , strongly wanted to defend his name , was “ vehemently ” pursuing the matter , and had sent a solicitor ’ s letter in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article being published , the court was told on Tuesday .
Mr O ’ Donoghue was seeking an order to join Kenno Ltd , the publishing company of Kerry ’ s Eye Ltd , to the proceedings .
Both have addresses at Ashe Street , Tralee .
A related application sought an order “ if necessary ” extending any time limits under Section 38 of the Defamation Act 2009 .
The proceedings were past the one year time limit , the court heard , but within the two year limit for a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for an action .
Richard Liston , barrister for the newspaper , told the court the applications were being ” resisted.
” Katie O ’ Connell , barrister for Mr O ’ Donoghue , said by way of background , the “ former minister and politician ” was taking proceedings over an article published on October 18th 2018 in the Kerry ’ s Eye entitled “ The Bull is Back ” .
There were three articles within the one edition of the paper and they stated Mr O ’ Donoghue was forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was claimed .
The barrister said the articles alleged gifts were given to Mr O ’ Donoghue ’ s wife and staff paid for out of public expenditure ; that he had regularly attended horse races including to Australia and had stayed in a Paris Hotel ; and that he had spent €20,000 “ at nine different race meetings internationally over the four years 2003-2007 ” and had engaged in private travel at the public ’ s expense .
On November 8th , 2018 Mr O ’ Donoghue ’ s solicitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Eye .
On November 21st he received a detailed response from Padraig Kennelly on headed Kerry ’ s Eye notepaper .
Mr Kennelly in his reply went into “ significant detail ” including how the reporter made a number of attempts to contact Mr O ’ Donoghue , Ms O ’ Connell said .
In March 2020 solicitors for Kerry ’ s Eye Ltd highlighted to Mr O ’ Donoghue ’ s legal team that Kenno Ltd was the publisher of the Kerry ’ s Eye newspaper , she said .
Kerry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity was the retail sale of books , newspapers and stationery , she said .
“ The first time my solicitor became aware of Kenno Ltd was March 2020 and he immediately issued this motion , ” Ms O ’ Connell said , of the application for an order to join Kenno Ltd in the proceedings .
Mr O ’ Donoghue who lived at Garranearagh , Caherciveen , had “ vehemently ” pursued the matter from the outset and had within three weeks written to the editor of Kerry ’ s Eye .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ltd was also the director of Kenno Ltd , she added .
Mr Liston on behalf of Kerry ’ s Eye and Kenno Ltd referred in detail to case law .
He also said that it was incumbent on the plaintiff “ to ascertain who the publisher was ” and to do so in time .
Judge Helen Boyle said she wished to consider affidavits as well as the law in the matter and has reserved her decision to Tuesday next , June 30th .

Former Minister for Justice John O’Donoghue had suffered great shame and embarrassment because of the publication, it was claimed. File photograph: David Sleator
Defamation proceedings are being brought by former minister for justice and Ceann Comhairle, John O'Donoghue, against the Tralee based newspaper Kerry's Eye over articles published in 2018 alleging he had been forced from political office because of lavish expenses, the Circuit Civil Court in Killarney has been told.
Mr O’Donoghue had suffered great shame and embarrassment because of the article in the widely read newspaper, strongly wanted to defend his name, was “vehemently” pursuing the matter, and had sent a solicitor’s letter in November 2018 within three weeks of the article being published, the court was told on Tuesday.
Mr O'Donoghue was seeking an order to join Kenno Ltd, the publishing company of Kerry's Eye Ltd, to the proceedings. Both have addresses at Ashe Street, Tralee.
A related application sought an order “if necessary” extending any time limits under Section 38 of the Defamation Act 2009.
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The proceedings were past the one year time limit, the court heard, but within the two year limit for a court application to be made to extend the time for an action.
Richard Liston, barrister for the newspaper, told the court the applications were being” resisted.”
Katie O’Connell, barrister for Mr O’Donoghue, said by way of background, the “former minister and politician” was taking proceedings over an article published on October 18th 2018 in the Kerry’s Eye entitled “The Bull is Back”.
There were three articles within the one edition of the paper and they stated Mr O'Donoghue was forced to resign political office over lavish expenses, it was claimed. The barrister said the articles alleged gifts were given to Mr O'Donoghue's wife and staff paid for out of public expenditure; that he had regularly attended horse races including to Australia and had stayed in a Paris Hotel; and that he had spent €20,000 "at nine different race meetings internationally over the four years 2003-2007" and had engaged in private travel at the public's expense.
On November 8th, 2018 Mr O’Donoghue’s solicitor wrote to the editor of Kerry’s Eye .
On November 21st he received a detailed response from Padraig Kennelly on headed Kerry's Eye notepaper.
Mr Kennelly in his reply went into “significant detail” including how the reporter made a number of attempts to contact Mr O’Donoghue, Ms O’Connell said.
In March 2020 solicitors for Kerry’s Eye Ltd highlighted to Mr O’Donoghue’s legal team that Kenno Ltd was the publisher of the Kerry’s Eye newspaper, she said.
Kerry’s Eye Ltd’s principal activity was the retail sale of books, newspapers and stationery, she said.
“The first time my solicitor became aware of Kenno Ltd was March 2020 and he immediately issued this motion,” Ms O’Connell said, of the application for an order to join Kenno Ltd in the proceedings.
Mr O'Donoghue who lived at Garranearagh, Caherciveen, had "vehemently" pursued the matter from the outset and had within three weeks written to the editor of Kerry's Eye.
Mr Kennelly of Kerry’s Eye Ltd was also the director of Kenno Ltd, she added.
Mr Liston on behalf of Kerry’s Eye and Kenno Ltd referred in detail to case law. He also said that it was incumbent on the plaintiff “to ascertain who the publisher was” and to do so in time.
Judge Helen Boyle said she wished to consider affidavits as well as the law in the matter and has reserved her decision to Tuesday next, June 30th.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Man (32) jailed for role in cybercrime and money-laundering organisation

A 32-year-old Romanian man has been given a three and a half year prison sentence for his part in a Europe-wide cybercrime and money-laundering organisation .
Andrei Ciocan , with a former address at 51 Glenoughty Close , Letterkenny , Co Donegal pleaded guilty at Roscommon Circuit Court on Tuesday to money laundering charges the value of which totalled just over €80,000 .
He also pleaded guilty to using a false Romanian national identity card and a false Romanian driving licence to create bank accounts .
The offences occurred between March 2017 and March 2019 .
The court heard that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime group which defrauded people across Europe .
Sentencing him Judge Francis Comerford said the defendant was a willing “ footsoldier ” in a “ widespread conspiracy ” .
The court heard that the organisation would open bank accounts in a country either by using a so-called ‘ money mule ’ who gave over control of their accounts , or gang members opened multiple accounts using false IDs .
False utility bills and insurance documents were used as proof of address .
Once the account was established it was linked to an item @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The same item could then be placed for sale on multiple sites in different countries at the same time .
Unsuspecting people would then buy these goods by transferring money into the account .
The money was then withdrawn or laundered into another account .
Ciocan , who has been in custody since April 2019 , opened accounts with AIB at the Westend Retail Park , Blanchardstown , Dublin , and with KBC online using false identity papers .
He also set up an account at Bank of Ireland , Letterkenny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name for the purposes of money laundering .
The court heard evidence from Detective Garda Stephen Kelly from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau that gardaí were working with their colleagues in Europol , and that arrests had been made in Finland in connection with the organisation .
He said gardaí searched the defendant ’ s address in Letterkenny on foot of a search warrant on April 16th 2019 and found a number of false bank cards , documentation , and SIM cards .
Court orders were also obtained for bank account information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Station in July 2019 , he primarily made no comment to garda questions .
He said he only had €12 to live on a week and gave no actual explanation about how the money got in his account .
On reviewing the information supplied to them by the banks , gardaí saw that the accounts showed a long-term pattern of large cash lodgements and transfers from multiple foreign jurisdictions .
The funds were disposed of by transfers between accounts and immediate large-scale cash withdrawals .
The court also heard that the accused was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 6th 2020 , and had convictions for theft offences in Ireland , Germany , and the Netherlands .
The accused ’ s defence said he was from a hard-working , law-abiding family in Romania and he had put himself through university .
He was remorseful for his actions .
Judge Comerford said the offences were serious , took place effectively over a two-year period and required a substantial Garda investigation to uncover them .
“ The offences were facilitating the commission of this European-wide crime .
He participated actively in it by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this large -scale fraud to take place , ” he said .
The judge accepted that the accused was not receiving a large remuneration for his involvement .
“ He wasn ’ t someone who was at a high level .
He was someone being used to carry out more low-level activities , ” the judge said .
He sentenced Ciocan to three and a half years imprisonment for money laundering , backdated to April 2019 , and with the final six months suspended for a year .

Andrei Ciocan: was sentenced at Roscommon Circuit Court to three and a half years imprisonment for money laundering. Photograph: North West Newspix.
A 32-year-old Romanian man has been given a three and a half year prison sentence for his part in a Europe-wide cybercrime and money-laundering organisation.
Andrei Ciocan, with a former address at 51 Glenoughty Close, Letterkenny, Co Donegal pleaded guilty at Roscommon Circuit Court on Tuesday to money laundering charges the value of which totalled just over €80,000.
He also pleaded guilty to using a false Romanian national identity card and a false Romanian driving licence to create bank accounts. The offences occurred between March 2017 and March 2019.
The court heard that Ciocan was a member of an international crime group which defrauded people across Europe.
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Sentencing him Judge Francis Comerford said the defendant was a willing "footsoldier" in a "widespread conspiracy".
The court heard that the organisation would open bank accounts in a country either by using a so-called ‘money mule’ who gave over control of their accounts, or gang members opened multiple accounts using false IDs. False utility bills and insurance documents were used as proof of address.
Once the account was established it was linked to an item for sale on a second-hand goods website. The same item could then be placed for sale on multiple sites in different countries at the same time.
Unsuspecting people would then buy these goods by transferring money into the account. The money was then withdrawn or laundered into another account.
Ciocan, who has been in custody since April 2019, opened accounts with AIB at the Westend Retail Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin, and with KBC online using false identity papers. He also set up an account at Bank of Ireland, Letterkenny, and AIB in Cabra in his own name for the purposes of money laundering.
The court heard evidence from Detective Garda Stephen Kelly from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau that gardaí were working with their colleagues in Europol, and that arrests had been made in Finland in connection with the organisation.
He said gardaí searched the defendant’s address in Letterkenny on foot of a search warrant on April 16th 2019 and found a number of false bank cards, documentation, and SIM cards. Court orders were also obtained for bank account information.
Had convictions
When interviewed subsequently at Roscommon Garda Station in July 2019, he primarily made no comment to garda questions. He said he only had €12 to live on a week and gave no actual explanation about how the money got in his account.
On reviewing the information supplied to them by the banks, gardaí saw that the accounts showed a long-term pattern of large cash lodgements and transfers from multiple foreign jurisdictions. The funds were disposed of by transfers between accounts and immediate large-scale cash withdrawals.
The court also heard that the accused was charged in relation to this matter on March 6th 2020, and had convictions for theft offences in Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The accused's defence said he was from a hard-working, law-abiding family in Romania and he had put himself through university. He was remorseful for his actions.
Judge Comerford said the offences were serious, took place effectively over a two-year period and required a substantial Garda investigation to uncover them.
“The offences were facilitating the commission of this European-wide crime. He participated actively in it by setting up accounts in order to allow this large -scale fraud to take place,” he said.
The judge accepted that the accused was not receiving a large remuneration for his involvement.
“He wasn’t someone who was at a high level. He was someone being used to carry out more low-level activities,” the judge said.
He sentenced Ciocan to three and a half years imprisonment for money laundering, backdated to April 2019, and with the final six months suspended for a year.


theirishtimes--2020-06-23--Gardaí and Irish Coast Guard continue Kerry search for John Cunningham

Irish Coast Guard teams are to resume searches on Wednesday morning for a 52-year-old man missing from his west Kerry home since Saturday .
John Cunningham , who is originally from the Lough in Cork city , went missing on Saturday afternoon from his home in Dun Chaoin , where he had been staying with an elderly relative .
A neighbour reported Mr Cunningham missing on Monday and gardaí from Dingle began a missing person ’ s investigation and established that his car was still at his home in Dun Chaoin .
Gardaí also began checking on Mr Cunningham ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might provide any clues as to where he went and garda technical experts confirmed that it switched off some time after noon on Saturday .
Mr Cunningham was known to keep lobster pots at Coumeenole near Slea Head , which he used to retrieve from the shore using a rod and it is feared he may have been swept of rocks into the sea by a wave while attending to them .
Gardaí contacted the Irish Coastguard and the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre on Valentia Island on Tuesday tasked the Shannon-based Irish Coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a search of the area .
Rescue 115 carried out a grid search of the sea off Slea Head but found no trace of Mr Cunningham , while the Irish Coast Guard Cliff and Coastal Rescue Unit from Slea Head carried out a shoreline search .
The Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre on Valentia also requested assistance from the Irish Coast Guard unit in Doolin in Co Clare , who operate a drone and they travelled from West Clare to assist in the search .
However a heavy weather front prevented the Irish Coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drone airborne until around 6pm , when it carried out a sweep of the area but again found no trace of Mr Cunningham .
It ’ s expected that the search will resume at first light on Wednesday for Mr Cunningham with family members from Cork having travelled to west Kerry to join with local volunteers in the search operation .

The Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre on Valentia also requested assistance from the Irish Coast Guard unit in Doolin in Co Clare, who operate a drone. Photograph: Alan Landers.
Irish Coast Guard teams are to resume searches on Wednesday morning for a 52-year-old man missing from his west Kerry home since Saturday.
John Cunningham, who is originally from the Lough in Cork city, went missing on Saturday afternoon from his home in Dun Chaoin, where he had been staying with an elderly relative.
A neighbour reported Mr Cunningham missing on Monday and gardaí from Dingle began a missing person's investigation and established that his car was still at his home in Dun Chaoin.
Gardaí also began checking on Mr Cunningham’s mobile phone to see if it might provide any clues as to where he went and garda technical experts confirmed that it switched off some time after noon on Saturday.
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Mr Cunningham was known to keep lobster pots at Coumeenole near Slea Head, which he used to retrieve from the shore using a rod and it is feared he may have been swept of rocks into the sea by a wave while attending to them.
Gardaí contacted the Irish Coastguard and the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre on Valentia Island on Tuesday tasked the Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 to carry out a search of the area.
Rescue 115 carried out a grid search of the sea off Slea Head but found no trace of Mr Cunningham, while the Irish Coast Guard Cliff and Coastal Rescue Unit from Slea Head carried out a shoreline search.
The Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre on Valentia also requested assistance from the Irish Coast Guard unit in Doolin in Co Clare, who operate a drone and they travelled from West Clare to assist in the search.
However a heavy weather front prevented the Irish Coast Guard unit from Doolin from getting the drone airborne until around 6pm, when it carried out a sweep of the area but again found no trace of Mr Cunningham.
It’s expected that the search will resume at first light on Wednesday for Mr Cunningham with family members from Cork having travelled to west Kerry to join with local volunteers in the search operation.