theirishtimes--2020-12-20--Government considers travel ban from Britain due to concerns over new Covid-19 strain

The three Government party leaders are to hold urgent talks this afternoon to make a decision on a potential new travel advisory for travel from Britain .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said he expected an announcement on restrictions for passengers from Britain to be made this afternoon .
Government sources are concerned about reports of a more infectious strain of Covid-19 spreading throughout Britain .
The current advice is that there should be no non essential international travel .
Arrivals from red zone areas should quarantine for 14 days .
However , this is being reviewed this afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgium and The Netherlands , placed new restrictions on travel to and from the United KingdomK on Sunday due to concern over the new virus strain .
Speaking on RTÉ ’ s This Week programme Mr Donnelly said that other countries had put travel restrictions in place and the Government “ is looking at exactly that same question ” .
“ We are looking at flights , we are looking at ferries , we are looking at travel to and from the island of Britain and Ireland generally and we are giving it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Asked if the Government is telling Irish people not to travel Mr Donnelly stressed : “ In the first instance the UK government is telling them they can ’ t come .
Let ’ s be very clear on this .
The UK government is not saying they should use their judgment .
The UK government is saying that they can not come.
” Public health officials are currently meeting about the issue as the UK acknowledged that it had become “ overwhelmed ” by the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ variant of the Covid-19 virus may have arrived in Ireland .
There were no confirmed cases .
“ I don ’ t think anything is inevitable but I will be very very pleasantly surprised if it isn ’ t here ” given the number of flights ferries and travel between the UK and Ireland .
It would be “ very naive to think it would not potentially be here ” .
He said he would like Ireland north and south to have similar measures in place on Covid-19 .
Asked if there would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there would be not “ physical ” restrictions but would be looking at advising people not to travel .
“ We certainly are not considering sealing the border physically .
It is politically not practical but certainly what we could well be doing is looking at issuing very strong advice in terms of travel north and south , ” he said .
A leading public health expert has called on the Government to impose travel restrictions from Britain as a “ reasonable precaution ” to prevent a mutant variation of Covid-19 spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the rate of spread in the south-east of England was very high and the early analysis of the new variant “ gives cause for concern ” to justify restrictions on travel .
“ I think it is a reasonable precaution to stop flights for the time being without giving a fixed point about that , ” he told The Irish Times on Sunday morning .
The Department of Health said on Sunday morning that analysis by UCD ’ s National Virus Reference Laboratory has found no evidence of the variant of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
Britain has restricted travel to and from London and the south-east over the new infectious strain of the virus , while Belgium and The Netherlands halted flights and trains from Britain .
Dr Scally said it would be “ wise ” to prevent visitors from the region visiting Ireland just as the British government has stopped travel in and out of the affected area within Britain .
“ It would be very peculiar if it was alright for people to go hop on a plane in Heathrow to go to Shannon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can not get on a train and go north to Birmingham , ” said Dr Scally , president of epidemiology and public health at the Royal Society of Medicine .
The UK government has imposed a lockdown on London and most of the south-east of England over a variant of the coronavirus that British prime minister Boris Johnson has said could be as much as 70 per cent more transmissible than previous versions of the virus .
People living under the new Tier 4 rules in Britain , the most severe lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside their region and others outside the area have been advised not to visit there .
Scientists on a UK government group advising on new and emerging respiratory virus threats have concluded that this variant of the virus is spreading much more quickly .
“ One would want limit spread anyway because the virus is definitely taking off , particularly in the south of England , in a big way , ” said Dr Scally .
“ Therefore it is wise , just as the UK government has stopped travel in and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing that to try to halt the spread of the virus.
” Dr Scally said managing the pandemic had “ gone wrong even faster ” than he had predicted and that the country must do everything it can to limit the spread , including travel restrictions .
“ We are absolutely not in control of this virus and this Christmas season is so dangerous because we are actually loosening restrictions , ” he said .
Belgium announced on Sunday morning that it would half flights and Eurostar trains from the UK for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a “ precaution ” against the infectious strain .
The Netherlands brought in a ban on flights from Britain that could run until January 1st .
The State ’ s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said in a tweet on Sunday morning that new Covid-19 cases were “ rising quickly ” and that the low cases and deaths compared with the rest of the EU , the UK and the US was “ at risk now - just as vaccines arrive.
” He urged people to “ protect yourself and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not meeting others , stay away from restaurants and pubs , avoiding crowds and using masks .
UK health secretary Matt Hancock has suggested that the 18 million people living in London and the south-east may have to remain on lockdown for “ the next couple of months.
” Under the Tier 4 rules , non-essential shops , along with gyms , cinemas , casinos and hairdressers , have to remain closed and people are limited to meeting one other person from another household in an outdoor public space .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only follow them ( the new rules ) but everybody in a Tier 4 area acts as if you have the virus to stop spreading it to other people , ” Mr Hancock told Sky News programme Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
The UK government ’ s announcement of the new lockdown on Saturday night will force almost a third of the UK population to cancel their Christmas plans to stop the virus spreading .
“ We know with this new variant you can catch it more easily from a small amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hancock .
“ All of the different measures we have in place , we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the old variant .
That is the fundamental problem .
“ We know that because we know that in November that in the areas where this new variant started , in Kent , the cases carried on rising whereas in the rest of the country the November lockdown worked very effectively .
“ It is an enormous challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolled out to protect people .
This is what we face over the next couple of months .
”

The Netherlands, Italy and Belgium became the first EU countries to to ban flights carrying passengers from the UK, after Britain detected a new coronavirus strain. Video: Reuters
A 48-hour ban on all flights arriving into the Republic from Britain comes into force at midnight tonight as part of an emergency response to growing concern over a new variant of Covid-19 that is reported to be spreading rapidly in southeast England.
Ferries will continue to operate for haulage. No travel restrictions will apply between the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said it was likely the 48-hour ban on flights from Britain will be extended.
Mr Ryan also said it is not yet known whether the recent sharp increase in cases in Ireland has any link to a more infectious strain of Covid 19 which has been reported in Britain.
READ MORE
“I think realistically it is hard to see that things are going to change in the next few days. It is more a review of the mechanisms that are being used or how it is working but I think there is not a high probability that we would be returning to a schedule of flights straight away.”
He said the Government will use “flexible mechanisms” to manage the repatriation of Irish citizens who were, for example, transiting through the UK on their way home.
He said ferries will continue to operate for freight traffic which was needed for “essential food supply chain and other reasons.”
Asked how he would stop people boarding ferries if they can get access, he said there would be “co-operation with the ferry companies in terms of how they manage it.”
Northern Ireland
Mr Ryan said the Stormont executive is “fully up to speed with what we are doing.”
The North’s Ministers were due to meet tonight to discuss concerns over the “aggressive new strain” of Covid-19 responsible for a sharp rise in cases in England.
The emergency meeting was scheduled for 9pm following requests by Ministers from Sinn Féin, SDLP, Alliance and the the Ulster Unionist Party. The Ministers are also expected to consider arrangements for the Christmas period.
Mr Ryan said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has said it is likely the strain is circulating in other jurisdictions.
“We should err on the side of caution. We have seen a significant spike in the last two or three days, we don’t know yet whether that is connected to a more virulent strain. We will have to follow Nphet advice and that will come from genome testing and monitoring.”
Several European countries, including Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands, placed new restrictions on travel to and from the United Kingdom on Sunday due to concern over the new virus strain.
Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week Radio programme, before the decision to ban travel into Ireland was made, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said: “In the first instance the UK government is telling them they can’t come. Let’s be very clear on this. The UK government is not saying they should use their judgment. The UK government is saying that they cannot come.”
‘Overwhelmed’
Mr Donnelly also said he was concerned that the new variant of the Covid-19 virus may have arrived in Ireland. There have been no confirmed cases to date.
“I don’t think anything is inevitable but I will be very, very, pleasantly surprised if it isn’t here,” given the number of flights ferries and travel between the UK and Ireland, he said.
It would be “very naive to think it would not potentially be here”.
Mr Donnelly said he would like Ireland north and south to have similar measures in place when it came to tackling Covid-19.
Asked if there would be restrictions between North and South he said there would be not “physical” restrictions but they would be looking at advising people not to travel.
“We certainly are not considering sealing the border physically. It is politically not practical but certainly what we could well be doing is looking at issuing very strong advice in terms of travel north and south,” he said.
Earlier on Sunday a leading public health expert said travel restrictions on passengers from Britain was a “reasonable precaution” to prevent a mutant variation of Covid-19 spreading to the State.
Dr Gabriel Scally said the rate of spread in the south-east of England was very high and the early analysis of the new variant "gives cause for concern" that justify restrictions on travel.
“I think it is a reasonable precaution to stop flights for the time being without giving a fixed point about that,” he told The Irish Times on Sunday morning.
The Department of Health said on Sunday morning that analysis by UCD's National Virus Reference Laboratory has found no evidence of the variant of the virus in any infections analysed to date.
The UK government has imposed a lockdown on London and most of the south-east of England over a variant of the coronavirus that British prime minister Boris Johnson has said could be as much as 70 per cent more transmissible than previous versions of the virus.
People living under the new Tier 4 rules in Britain, the most severe lockdown, have been asked not to travel outside their region and others outside the area have been advised not to visit there.


theirishtimes--2020-12-20--Holohan: ‘Stay home. Don’t meet up. Stay away from restaurants/pubs’

Ireland ’ s chief medical officer has urged people to stay at home and avoid restaurants and pubs as cases of coronavirus rise across the country .
Dr Tony Holohan said people should not meet up and warned against being in crowds .
His comments come as the Department of Health last night reported 527 new Covid-19 cases and five further coronavirus-related deaths .
On Saturday the five-day moving average stood at 469 .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) team has said previously that once cases move over 400 a day a three-week intervention would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
The chief medical officer said there was strong reason for “ persistent , ongoing concern ” over Ireland ’ s recent Covid-19 figures .
He tweeted on Sunday morning : “ Cases rising quickly .
We have low cases and deaths compared to EU/UK/US .
This is at risk now - just as vaccines arrive .
“ To protect yourself and those you love : Stay home .
Don ’ t meet up .
Stay away from restaurants/pubs .
Dr Holohan said it is not too late to change Christmas plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts .
On Sunday morning there were 220 patients with Covid-19 in hospital including 29 in ICU .
There were 13 additional admissions to hospital in a 24-hour period .
Ireland relaxed its Covid-19 restrictions on Friday , allowing inter-county travel over Christmas and permitting three households to meet indoors .
The Cabinet is set to meets on Tuesday to consider advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) regarding new restrictions on hospitality and household visits in response to rising case numbers .
It a letter to the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions from December 28th , during which inter-county travel would be halted and restaurants and gastropubs would revert to takeaway services only .
Nphet has warned that cases of Covid-19 are accelerating faster than anticipated after restrictions were eased at the beginning of December .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed on Friday that pubs and restaurants will be closed before New Year ’ s Eve .
Mr Martin said he would recommend to Cabinet that gastropubs and restaurants now close early .
However , it is understood the Government is likely to opt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until December 30th and for inter-county travel to be allowed until January 6th .
There is frustration in the hospitality sector at having to wait until Tuesday for a Government decision .
It comes after the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) warned that cases of Covid-19 are accelerating faster than anticipated after restrictions were eased at the beginning of December .
- PA

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health said Ireland has ‘low cases and deaths compared to EU/UK/US. This is at risk now - just as vaccines arrive.’ Photograph: Collins
All indicators of Covid-19 spread are worsening, faster than public health officials expected, chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, has said.
As a result, officials fear a spike in case among vulnerable over-65s during the Christmas period, he warned.
A further four deaths of Covid-19 patients have been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team. This brings to 2,158 the total number of deaths in the pandemic.
Hospital Report
Cases rising quickly. We have low cases and deaths compared to EU/UK/US. This is at risk now- just as vaccines arrive. To protect yourself & those you love: Stay home. Don’t meet up. Stay away from restaurants/pubs. Avoid crowds. Use masks. Follow health advice. @roinnslainte — Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) December 20, 2020
Nphet also reported 764 confirmed cases of the disease, bringing to 79,542 the total number of cases in the Republic.
READ MORE
“Every indicator of disease severity is moving in the wrong direction, more rapidly than we had anticipated,” Dr Holohan commented. “We have particularly strong concerns about the prospect of inter-generational mixing around the festive season.”
Sunday’s case numbers were the highest daily figures since November 2nd.
Since December 11th, the seven-day incidence for people aged 19-44 year has more than doubled, from 106 cases per 100,000 population, to 217, he pointed out.
“If these younger people come into contact with their loved ones over the age of 65, we could see a spike in infections in this more vulnerable group. This would lead to very a serious pattern of disease, hospitalisations, ICU admissions and unnecessary deaths.”
He urged people who have been socialising in the past few weeks to “consider your Christmas plans carefully”.
“Is it responsible to meet with your family over 65 later this week, if you have not kept your contacts low? Should you cancel your plans?
“We have the very real prospect of Covid-19 vaccines on the horizon. Ensure that your loved ones stay alive to receive them, by keeping your distance from them if you have not restricted your “movements to this point.
As difficult as it may seem, staying away from older family this Christmas will protect them – and it would be an exceptional sacrifice made for the common good.”
The national incidence has increased to 112.2 cases per 100,000 population in the past 14 days. Donegal has the highest county incidence, at 263.8, followed by Louth at 235.1. The lowest incidence is in Leitrim, at 25.
Of the new cases, 284 are in Dublin, 70 in Limerick, 52 in Donegal, 44 in Cork and 37 in Wexford with the remaining 277 cases are spread across another 20 counties.
The median age is 34 years and 67 per cent are under 45 years of age.
On Sunday afternoon, 233 COVID-19 patients were hospitalised, of which 29 were in ICU. There were 15 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
‘Level 3 plus’
Ireland relaxed its Covid-19 restrictions on Friday, allowing inter-county travel over Christmas and permitting three households to meet indoors.
Cabinet is set to meets on Tuesday to consider advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) regarding new restrictions on hospitality and household visits in response to rising case numbers.
It a letter to the Government Nphet recommended “Level 3 plus” restrictions from December 28th, during which inter-county travel would be halted and restaurants and gastropubs would revert to takeaway services only.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed on Friday that pubs and restaurants will be closed before New Year's Eve. Mr Martin said he would recommend to Cabinet that gastropubs and restaurants now close early.
However, it is understood the Government is likely to opt to delay restrictions on hospitality and household visits until December 30th and for inter-county travel to be allowed until January 6th.
There is frustration in the hospitality sector at having to wait until Tuesday for a Government decision. – Additional reporting PA


theirishtimes--2020-12-20--Technological universities can transform access to education and research

The Munster Technological University ( MTU ) will be inaugurated on January 1st 2021 , exactly two years on from the establishment of TU Dublin .
Currently , three other consortia of Institutes of Technology are preparing their submissions for TU designation .
A structure is now in place and a momentum has built up with the potential to transform Irish higher education .
The carefully drafted Technological Universities Act ( 2018 ) , complemented by the template laid down in the Technological Universities Research Network ( Turn ) report of 2019 paves the way for a sea change in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , focused research and community/enterprise engagement .
To achieve this change that essential dynamic relationship between teaching , research , and engagement must be continually shaped and energised by all partners in this endeavour .
A sharing of responsibility will result in a sharing of the undoubted benefits that will flow from this partnership and , ultimately , “ ownership ” of TUs .
The TU Act affords appropriate and due recognition to the three central functions of a university : teaching , research , and engagement .
By doing so it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism of universities where staff are “ hired to teach and promoted on research output.
” In many jurisdictions , the many calls on an academic ’ s time and effort are specifically called out in terms of assessing the lecturer/professor performance in the respective “ weighted ” categories of teaching , research , and extension , to use the US term for university engagement with industry/enterprise and the community .
This flexibility of contract , and hence performance evaluation and reward , allows both the academic and the higher education institution to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering to the many stakeholders who both fund and depend on the university output for advancement .
TUs in Ireland offer the opportunity and funding platform to repurpose technological and profession/community-focused education , simultaneously leading and serving community and the economy .
This is in line with the template set out in the far-seeing Turn report of 2019 .
Turn fashioned a route forward by anchoring the potentials and aspirations of TUs and TU consortia with national strategy , policies , and budget lines .
While Turn calls out technology , Stem ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and applied , focused research in particular , it equally identifies the need for innovation .
The culture of innovation stems from interdisciplinarity , the breaking down of traditional academic and research siloes to address the needs of society , identifying problems which need solutions as well as opportunities to address quality of life issues .
This latter aspect is proving a key attraction in encouraging young women to pursue careers in Stem areas , putting technology to use in improving society , as against developing technology for technology ’ s sake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of addressing the growing geographical imbalance in the numbers of Stem graduates .
Currently , over half of the world ’ s Stem graduates come from universities in the east ( China , India etc ) with only 14 per cent graduating from EU higher education institutions .
In an increasingly technology dependent world , the EU needs to up its game in Stem to , at the very least , stay competitive .
Within the EU there are good models to follow in terms of high delivering TUs such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Irish TUs .
Eindhoven University of Technology , for example , focus on and excel in engineering/science/technology .
The city of Eindhoven is now recognised as a global centre of innovation with the TU and regional industry as the key drivers .
Wageningen University follow a similar path in food/biosciences/healthy living and are highly ranked globally as an engaged and innovative university .
A strong and innovative higher education sector is a key element of a modern society , vital to sustaining and developing community and economy .
While State investment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downturn , it has nevertheless been very significant .
It is not unreasonable to measure and focus such investment as a function of evidenced and desired output from higher education .
The HEA has encouraged such multi-point self- evaluation in its interactions on higher education institution budget allocations in recent years to good effect .
Change is generally incremental in higher education .
Thus , a new four-year degree programme will typically be a minimum of a year in planning and approval processes with graduates accordingly not emerging until a minimum of five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development process .
The development of TUs offers the opportunity for a step-change in this process as it can value and enhance the dynamic link between the TU and regional/national needs in terms of training and education .
The modular and semesterised approach to teaching and assessment in TUs can allow for more responsive course development , with respective regulatory and professional accreditation bodies as contributing partners in this process .
Ensuring the vibrancy of the enterprise & community/teaching/ research loop ensures a good return on State investment in TUs .
The TU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear focus , recognising the importance of both academic qualifications and professional experience in delivering on the TU mission , while also enshrining an essential international dimension for each TU .
TUs are being structured to date on basis of regional proximity .
Evolution from technical institutes to RTCs , then IOTs , now clustering to form TUs , each with missions and deliveries developed out of the regions , and for the regions .
This must continue to be nurtured and enhanced funding must be mirrored in enhanced service to respective regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national strategy and international , specifically EU , opportunities .
Dr Barry O ’ Connor is president of CIT ( Cork Institute of Technology ) and retires at the end of this year .
Prof Maggie Cusack is to be appointed president of Munster Technological University ( MTU ) on January 1st .

The Munster Technological University (MTU) - formed from the merger of CIT and IT Tralee - will be inaugurated on January 1st 2021, exactly two years on from the establishment of TU Dublin.
The Munster Technological University (MTU) will be inaugurated on January 1st 2021, exactly two years on from the establishment of TU Dublin.
Currently, three other consortia of Institutes of Technology are preparing their submissions for TU designation. A structure is now in place and a momentum has built up with the potential to transform Irish higher education.
The carefully drafted Technological Universities Act (2018), complemented by the template laid down in the Technological Universities Research Network (Turn) report of 2019 paves the way for a sea change in access to higher education, professional training, focused research and community/enterprise engagement.
Engagement
To achieve this change that essential dynamic relationship between teaching, research, and engagement must be continually shaped and energised by all partners in this endeavour. A sharing of responsibility will result in a sharing of the undoubted benefits that will flow from this partnership and, ultimately, “ownership” of TUs.
READ MORE
The TU Act affords appropriate and due recognition to the three central functions of a university: teaching, research, and engagement. By doing so it can be seen to address the oft unspoken criticism of universities where staff are “hired to teach and promoted on research output.”
In many jurisdictions, the many calls on an academic’s time and effort are specifically called out in terms of assessing the lecturer/professor performance in the respective “weighted” categories of teaching, research, and extension, to use the US term for university engagement with industry/enterprise and the community.
This flexibility of contract, and hence performance evaluation and reward, allows both the academic and the higher education institution to play to its strengths in terms of delivering to the many stakeholders who both fund and depend on the university output for advancement.
TUs in Ireland offer the opportunity and funding platform to repurpose technological and profession/community-focused education, simultaneously leading and serving community and the economy.
This is in line with the template set out in the far-seeing Turn report of 2019. Turn fashioned a route forward by anchoring the potentials and aspirations of TUs and TU consortia with national strategy, policies, and budget lines.
Innovation
While Turn calls out technology, Stem (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) and applied, focused research in particular, it equally identifies the need for innovation.
The culture of innovation stems from interdisciplinarity, the breaking down of traditional academic and research siloes to address the needs of society, identifying problems which need solutions as well as opportunities to address quality of life issues. This latter aspect is proving a key attraction in encouraging young women to pursue careers in Stem areas, putting technology to use in improving society , as against developing technology for technology’s sake.
This TU “reform” offers the possibility of addressing the growing geographical imbalance in the numbers of Stem graduates. Currently, over half of the world’s Stem graduates come from universities in the east (China, India etc) with only 14 per cent graduating from EU higher education institutions. In an increasingly technology dependent world, the EU needs to up its game in Stem to, at the very least, stay competitive.
Within the EU there are good models to follow in terms of high delivering TUs such as the Netherlands who can serve as benchmarks for Irish TUs. Eindhoven University of Technology, for example, focus on and excel in engineering/science/technology. The city of Eindhoven is now recognised as a global centre of innovation with the TU and regional industry as the key drivers. Wageningen University follow a similar path in food/biosciences/healthy living and are highly ranked globally as an engaged and innovative university.
Challenges
A strong and innovative higher education sector is a key element of a modern society, vital to sustaining and developing community and economy. While State investment in higher education faced challenges in the economic downturn, it has nevertheless been very significant.
It is not unreasonable to measure and focus such investment as a function of evidenced and desired output from higher education. The HEA has encouraged such multi-point self- evaluation in its interactions on higher education institution budget allocations in recent years to good effect.
Change is generally incremental in higher education. Thus, a new four-year degree programme will typically be a minimum of a year in planning and approval processes with graduates accordingly not emerging until a minimum of five years from the initiation of the programme development process.
The development of TUs offers the opportunity for a step-change in this process as it can value and enhance the dynamic link between the TU and regional/national needs in terms of training and education.
The modular and semesterised approach to teaching and assessment in TUs can allow for more responsive course development, with respective regulatory and professional accreditation bodies as contributing partners in this process. Ensuring the vibrancy of the enterprise & community/teaching/ research loop ensures a good return on State investment in TUs.
The TU Act (2018) brings this into clear focus, recognising the importance of both academic qualifications and professional experience in delivering on the TU mission, while also enshrining an essential international dimension for each TU.
TUs are being structured to date on basis of regional proximity. Evolution from technical institutes to RTCs, then IOTs, now clustering to form TUs, each with missions and deliveries developed out of the regions, and for the regions.
This must continue to be nurtured and enhanced funding must be mirrored in enhanced service to respective regions, but always in the context of national strategy and international, specifically EU, opportunities.
Dr Barry O’Connor is president of CIT (Cork Institute of Technology) and retires at the end of this year. Prof Maggie Cusack is to be appointed the president of Munster Technological University (MTU) on January 1st.


theirishtimes--2020-12-20--No further Covid-19 restrictions for North amid warnings of ‘aggressive new strain’

People in the North have been urged to limit any Christmas gatherings to December 25th only amid concerns over an “ aggressive new strain ” of Covid-19 .
However there has been no change to the rules which permit the gathering of up to three households between December 23-27th .
In a statement issued late on Saturday night , the First Minister , Arlene Foster , said the North ’ s Executive had “ already taken significant action earlier this week.
” The SDLP and Alliance leaders have called for the Executive to meet urgently to discuss the rising number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
In London and the south east of England plans to relax the rules on indoor gatherings at Christmas have been cancelled , with the region put under strict lockdown in a bid to halt the spiralling increase in cases .
In the rest of England , as well as Scotland and Wales , the five-day Christmas relaxation has been cut to just Christmas Day , and Scotland has banned travel to the rest of the UK .
The North ’ s Minister for Health , Robin Swann , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of England was a matter of “ serious concern ” .
“ It is a rapidly evolving situation and we are liaising with colleagues in GB as it progresses , ” he said .
Northern Ireland is due to enter a new , six-week lockdown from midnight on Christmas Day .
The North ’ s First and Deputy First Ministers and Minister for Health met with the Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser following the announcement on Saturday to discuss the “ rapidly unfolding situation ” .
Ms Foster said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation in Northern Ireland ” , and urged people to “ carefully consider their plans so they are as safe as possible.
” The Deputy First Minister , Michelle O ’ Neill , said they would keep the situation “ under very close review ” and would “ continue to be guided by the advice of our scientific and medical experts.
” Christmas bubbling arrangements , she said , were in place “ for those who feel they need to come together .
“ If you must avail of them , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only , Christmas Day .
Keep your bubble as small as possible and meet for the shortest amount of time you can , ” she said .
The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said “ decisive action ” was “ needed quickly .
If we need to act to slow the spread of this deadly virus , then we need to act now.
” Given the changes happening across the British Isles , Naomi Long said , the Executive needed to meet on Monday “ to provide clarity for families , particularly those planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need answers urgently , ” she said .
Another 17 people with coronavirus died in Northern Ireland on Saturday , according to the North ’ s Department of Health .
It brings the total number of fatalities to 1,183 .
A further 640 people tested positive for the virus .
In the North ’ s hospitals , 427 people with Covid-19 are receiving treatment , with 30 in intensive care .

The Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, said they would keep the situation ‘under very close review’. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
The North’s Executive is to meet on Sunday night to discuss concerns over an “aggressive new strain” of Covid-19.
The Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, tweeted on Sunday afternoon that ministers would meet at 9pm.
It follows calls by four of the five parties in the North’s Executive for an urgent meeting of ministers.
The Executive will meet at 9pm tonight — Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) December 20, 2020
In a joint letter to the North’s First and Deputy First ministers, ministers from Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Alliance party called for the Executive to meet later on Sunday
READ MORE
In the letter, which has been seen by The Irish Times, the Minister for Finance Conor Murphy, the Minister for Justice Naomi Long, and the Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon said they shared public concern over the new variant of the virus identified in England.
“The speed and scale of the virus transmission spread and the fact that it is so fast-moving is a cause for alarm to us all,” they wrote.
“While our Executive met last Thursday and moved to take decisions ahead of others, it would be prudent for the full Executive to be briefed by the Minister of Heath and the chief medical officer and chief scientific officer at the earliest opportunity.
“We must satisfy ourselves that our regulations and restrictions over the Christmas period and those agreed over the coming six-week period are sufficiently robust enough to safeguard public health in the context of these latest developments,” the letter said.
It is understood the Minister for Health, Robin Swann, has also written to the First and Deputy First Ministers requesting an urgent meeting.
‘Significant action’ taken
The North's Department of Health said on Sunday that 13 more people with coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 1,196. A further 505 people tested positive for the virus.
A statement issued by the Executive Office late on Saturday urged people in the North to limit Christmas gatherings to December 25th only because of concerns over the new strain of the virus.
There has been no change to the rules which permit the gathering of up to three households between December 23-27th.
The First Minister, Arlene Foster, said the North's Executive had "already taken significant action earlier this week."
In London and the south east of England plans to relax the rules on indoor gatherings at Christmas have been cancelled, with the region put under strict lockdown in a bid to halt the spiralling increase in cases.
In the rest of England, as well as Scotland and Wales, the five-day Christmas relaxation has been cut to just Christmas Day, and Scotland has banned travel to the rest of the UK.
The North’s Minister for Health said the variant strain of Covid-19 spreading in parts of England was a matter of “serious concern”.
“It is a rapidly evolving situation and we are liaising with colleagues in GB as it progresses,” he said.
Northern Ireland is due to enter a new, six-week lockdown from midnight on Christmas Day.
The North’s First and Deputy First Ministers and Minister for Health met with the Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser following the announcement on Saturday to discuss the “rapidly unfolding situation”.
Ms Foster said they had a “detailed discussion about the situation in Northern Ireland”, and urged people to “carefully consider their plans so they are as safe as possible.”
Bubbles
The Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, said earlier they would keep the situation “under very close review” and would “continue to be guided by the advice of our scientific and medical experts.”
Christmas bubbling arrangements, she said, were in place “for those who feel they need to come together.
“If you must avail of them, then please consider doing so for one day only, Christmas Day. Keep your bubble as small as possible and meet for the shortest amount of time you can,” she said.
The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said "decisive action" was "needed quickly. If we need to act to slow the spread of this deadly virus, then we need to act now."
Given the changes happening across the British Isles, Naomi Long said, the Executive needed to meet on Monday “to provide clarity for families, particularly those planning to travel to form bubbles. People need answers urgently,” she said.
Another 17 people with coronavirus died in Northern Ireland on Saturday, according to the North’s Department of Health. It brings the total number of fatalities to 1,183.
A further 640 people tested positive for the virus. In the North’s hospitals, 427 people with Covid-19 are receiving treatment, with 30 in intensive care.


theirishtimes--2020-12-20--John Gilligan released on bail from custody in Spain

Dublin criminal John Gilligan has been released from jail in southern Spain less than two months after his arrest for suspected drugs and weapon offences .
Gilligan , who was freed seven years ago after 17 years behind bars in Ireland , mostly for drug crime , was freed on bail for Christmas following an application by his defence lawyer .
He was released last Monday .
The 68-year-old has been banned from leaving Spain , required to surrender his passport and ordered to sign on every fortnight at court as part of his release conditions .
He is thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Costa Blanca town of Torrevieja where he was arrested on October 20th .
Gilligan was one of six people arrested at the time as part of an investigation by Spanish police into alleged drug smuggling .
Garda officers familiar with his case believe Gilligan had been confident that he could retake a place in the Irish drugs trade as he slowly expanded a modest drugs and gun smuggling business over the last 18 months .
During the raid in which Gilligan was arrested Spanish police said they seized four kilos of marihuana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , security sources in Dublin doubt that a the Colt Python revolver found when he was arrested was the same firearm used to shoot dead Veronica Guerin in 1996 .
They expressed surprise the Spanish authorities had stated publicly that the gun was being checked for possible links to the journalist ’ s killing .
Spanish police said they had found a rare gun of the “ same make and model ” as that used to murder Guerin .
In the early and mid-1990s Gilligan was one of the biggest drug traffickers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his gang murdered Guerin in 1996 the gang imploded , with some members going on the run abroad and others being arrested in Ireland .
While Gilligan was never convicted of the murder , he was put on trial for drug smuggling and one of the longest drug-related prison sentences in the history of the State was imposed on him .
The gun used by two men on a motorbike to shoot Guerin on the Naas Dual Carriageway on June 26th , 1996 , has never been found .
Gilligan could have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two years .
A judicial source in Spain indicated the ongoing court investigation by a judge tasked with deciding whether Gilligan and the five other suspects should face trial was nearly complete .
The source said : “ The individual ’ s defence lawyer requested his conditional release on bail and the state prosecution service did not oppose the request .
“ The court agreed to release this person on bail because it considers the investigation is nearly completed and less burdensome measures can be adopted for the person under investigation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the action of justice .
“ As conditions of his release , as well as the payment of bail , he has been banned from leaving Spain , his passport has been removed and he has to sign on every fortnight at court .
The investigation against this person and five others is ongoing .
”

Dublin criminal John Gilligan has been released from jail in southern Spain less than two months after his arrest for suspected drugs and weapon offences.
Dublin criminal John Gilligan has been released from jail in southern Spain less than two months after his arrest for suspected drugs and weapon offences.
Gilligan, who was freed seven years ago after 17 years behind bars in Ireland, mostly for drug crime, was freed on bail for Christmas following an application by his defence lawyer. He was released last Monday.
The 68-year-old has been banned from leaving Spain, required to surrender his passport and ordered to sign on every fortnight at court as part of his release conditions.
He is thought to have returned to the villa near the Costa Blanca town of Torrevieja where he was arrested on October 20th.
READ MORE
Gilligan was one of six people arrested at the time as part of an investigation by Spanish police into alleged drug smuggling.
Garda officers familiar with his case believe Gilligan had been confident that he could retake a place in the Irish drugs trade as he slowly expanded a modest drugs and gun smuggling business over the last 18 months.
During the raid in which Gilligan was arrested Spanish police said they seized four kilos of marihuana and 15,000 sleeping pills called zimmos.
However, security sources in Dublin doubt that a the Colt Python revolver found when he was arrested was the same firearm used to shoot dead Veronica Guerin in 1996.
They expressed surprise the Spanish authorities had stated publicly that the gun was being checked for possible links to the journalist’s killing.
Spanish police said they had found a rare gun of the “same make and model” as that used to murder Guerin.
John Gilligan is pictured during a search operation in Alicante, Spain. Photograph: Videograb/Spanish National Police
In the early and mid-1990s Gilligan was one of the biggest drug traffickers in the Republic. However, when his gang murdered Guerin in 1996 the gang imploded, with some members going on the run abroad and others being arrested in Ireland.
While Gilligan was never convicted of the murder, he was put on trial for drug smuggling and one of the longest drug-related prison sentences in the history of the State was imposed on him.
The gun used by two men on a motorbike to shoot Guerin on the Naas Dual Carriageway on June 26th, 1996, has never been found.
Gilligan could have been kept in prison without charge for at least two years.
A judicial source in Spain indicated the ongoing court investigation by a judge tasked with deciding whether Gilligan and the five other suspects should face trial was nearly complete.
The source said: “The individual’s defence lawyer requested his conditional release on bail and the state prosecution service did not oppose the request.
“The court agreed to release this person on bail because it considers the investigation is nearly completed and less burdensome measures can be adopted for the person under investigation that will also guarantee he does not escape the action of justice.
“As conditions of his release, as well as the payment of bail, he has been banned from leaving Spain, his passport has been removed and he has to sign on every fortnight at court. The investigation against this person and five others is ongoing.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-21--Covid-19 outbreak at nursing home in Sandymount, Dublin

A nursing home in Sandymount , Dublin 4 , has recorded a number of deaths related to Covid-19 among residents and a number of infections amongst staff during an outbreak .
The number of coronavirus deaths at Brabazon House nursing home in the outbreak is understood to be in low single-digit figures , and the care facility is said to be “ through the worst of it ” .
The 50-bed care home on Gilford Road near Sandymount Strand is run by Brabazon Trust , a division of the charity Protestant Aid .
It has been assisted by the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still open as there has been a recent positive case recorded .
An outbreak is not declared formally closed until 28 days have passed without a new infection being diagnosed .
Infections among staff made the management of the outbreak more difficult , but the HSE has been praised by management for its daily support provided to the care home .
“ The Brabazon Trust can confirm that a number of residents and staff have tested positive for Covid-19 .
Mindful of the confidentiality of those involved , we are not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said David Webb , secretary and chief executive of the Brabazon Trust .
He said the home immediately instituted infection prevention and control measures , and engaged with the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority during the outbreak .
“ In collaboration with these agencies we have worked together to ensure a collective approach is in place to protect residents and staff , ” he said .
“ We are particularly grateful to the HSE for their support during this difficult time.
” There were four new Covid-19 outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 12th , a decline of one on the previous week .
This brings to 93 the number of outbreaks at the care facilities in the second wave of the virus .
Nursing home accounts for a majority of more than 2,150 deaths recorded in the State from the virus since the pandemic began in March .

There were four new Covid-19 outbreaks at nursing homes during the week ending December 12th, a decline of one on the previous week. Photograph: Getty Images
A nursing home in Sandymount, Dublin 4, has recorded a number of deaths related to Covid-19 among residents and a number of infections amongst staff during an outbreak.
The number of coronavirus deaths at Brabazon House nursing home in the outbreak is understood to be in low single-digit figures, and the care facility is said to be “through the worst of it”.
The 50-bed care home on Gilford Road near Sandymount Strand is run by Brabazon Trust, a division of the charity Protestant Aid. It has been assisted by the HSE in containing the outbreak.
The outbreak is still open as there has been a recent positive case recorded. An outbreak is not declared formally closed until 28 days have passed without a new infection being diagnosed.
READ MORE
Infections among staff made the management of the outbreak more difficult, but the HSE has been praised by management for its daily support provided to the care home.
"The Brabazon Trust can confirm that a number of residents and staff have tested positive for Covid-19. Mindful of the confidentiality of those involved, we are not in a position to provide any further detail," said David Webb, secretary and chief executive of the Brabazon Trust.
He said the home immediately instituted infection prevention and control measures, and engaged with the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority during the outbreak.
“In collaboration with these agencies we have worked together to ensure a collective approach is in place to protect residents and staff,” he said. “We are particularly grateful to the HSE for their support during this difficult time.”
There were four new Covid-19 outbreaks at nursing homes during the week ending December 12th, a decline of one on the previous week.
This brings to 93 the number of outbreaks at the care facilities in the second wave of the virus.
Nursing home accounts for a majority of more than 2,150 deaths recorded in the State from the virus since the pandemic began in March.


theirishtimes--2020-12-21--More than 1,000 fires started maliciously last year

More than 1,000 fires were started maliciously around the country last year , figures from the Department of Housing and Local Government show .
The data , which excludes Dublin as the department says the information is not recorded by Dublin Fire Brigade , shows the highest number of malicious fires were started in Louth which recorded 229 such fires .
This was followed by Waterford ( 190 ) and Wicklow ( 139 ) .
A spokesman for Louth County Council said the most common types of fires in this category were small outdoor fires including skip fires , bin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fires and gorse fires .
The spokesman said while the number of malicious fires in the county was relatively high , it had reduced substantially since 2007-2008 .
“ While it is difficult to determine the reason for the relatively high numbers , dry hot weather brings an increase in gorse fires as seen in 2018 and 2019 , ” he said .
The 1,010 malicious fires started last year was a 36 per cent decrease on the number of such fires set in 2018 , when 1,580 were recorded .
The main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year was chimneys/flues/soot/hot ashes with 2,137 call-outs made by fire brigades across the State to attend these fires ( excluding Dublin ) .
Seán Hogan of the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency management team said such fires were a particular issue in Ireland and the State ’ s proportion of chimney fires was much higher than in other countries .
This is due primarily to the burning of turf and timber , with rural stations in particular tackling a lot of such fires .
The burning of rubbish accounted for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 762 such incidents recorded , with one-fifth of those ( 158 ) in Louth , the highest number in the country .
The cause of more than half of fires ( 55 per cent ) attended by fire brigades ( excluding Dublin ) last year was unknown , with Cork City Council recording the highest number of unknown causes of fire at 1,142 .
In total ( again excluding Dublin ) , there were 11,606 causes of fire recorded last year , down 24 per cent on the 15,330 causes of fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounted for almost half ( 47 per cent ) of the 14,478 special service incidents attended by fire brigades last year .
The figures , which include Dublin , show water pumping-flooding accounted for 406 of the special services incidents last year , with Cork City Council attending the highest number of these ( 117 ) , followed by Dublin City Council ( 108 ) .
There were 354 incidents of rescue-removal of people from the water last year with the highest in Dublin at 84 and Limerick accounting for the second highest @ @ @

The main known cause of fire attended by brigades last year was chimneys/flues/soot/hot ashes. Photograph: iStock
More than 1,000 fires were started maliciously around the country last year, figures from the Department of Housing and Local Government show.
The data, which excludes Dublin as the department says the information is not recorded by Dublin Fire Brigade, shows the highest number of malicious fires were started in Louth which recorded 229 such fires. This was followed by Waterford (190) and Wicklow (139).
A spokesman for Louth County Council said the most common types of fires in this category were small outdoor fires including skip fires, bin fires and rubbish fires followed by car fires and gorse fires.
:
The spokesman said while the number of malicious fires in the county was relatively high, it had reduced substantially since 2007-2008. “While it is difficult to determine the reason for the relatively high numbers, dry hot weather brings an increase in gorse fires as seen in 2018 and 2019,” he said.
READ MORE
The 1,010 malicious fires started last year was a 36 per cent decrease on the number of such fires set in 2018, when 1,580 were recorded.
Causes of fire
The main known cause of fire attended by brigades last year was chimneys/flues/soot/hot ashes with 2,137 call-outs made by fire brigades across the State to attend these fires (excluding Dublin).
Seán Hogan of the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency management team said such fires were a particular issue in Ireland and the State’s proportion of chimney fires was much higher than in other countries. This is due primarily to the burning of turf and timber, with rural stations in particular tackling a lot of such fires.
The burning of rubbish accounted for the third-highest number of known causes of fire with 762 such incidents recorded, with one-fifth of those (158) in Louth, the highest number in the country.
The cause of more than half of fires (55 per cent) attended by fire brigades (excluding Dublin) last year was unknown, with Cork City Council recording the highest number of unknown causes of fire at 1,142.
In total (again excluding Dublin), there were 11,606 causes of fire recorded last year, down 24 per cent on the 15,330 causes of fire recorded in 2018.
Special service incidents
Road traffic accidents accounted for almost half (47 per cent) of the 14,478 special service incidents attended by fire brigades last year. The figures, which include Dublin, show water pumping-flooding accounted for 406 of the special services incidents last year, with Cork City Council attending the highest number of these (117), followed by Dublin City Council (108).
There were 354 incidents of rescue-removal of people from the water last year with the highest in Dublin at 84 and Limerick accounting for the second highest at 62.


theirishtimes--2020-12-21--Students could get Leaving Cert points for work experience

Students could get Leaving Cert points for completing accredited work experience or apprenticeships while still in school under draft plans being examined for reforming the senior cycle .
An advisory report on proposals to reform the senior cycle is being finalised by the State advisory body on the curriculum and is due to be sent to the Minister for Education , Norma Foley , early next year .
Sources say the draft report acknowledges that the current Leaving Cert is widely seen as an entrance exam for third level , which neglects broader skills and limits students ’ exposure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is giving students the opportunity to complete foundation apprenticeships or modules of vocational courses in “ off-site ” settings such as local further education colleges .
These vocational pathways would have equal status with more traditional subjects and could be recognised for Leaving Cert points or entry into third level .
The idea is loosely modelled on a system in Scotland where senior cycle students have the option of completing courses part time in local further education colleges and accredited work experience .
The advisory report being produced by the National Council for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finalised early next year and will be sent to Ms Foley for consideration .
The current Leaving Cert has been criticised in many quarters for not offering enough vocational pathways for students .
For example , a recent review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found the Leaving Cert is “ too narrow and rigid ” and its main focus seemed to be acting as a filter for entry into higher education .
The review states that it is “ not clear how senior cycle is at present preparing students for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
School managers and employers have also said any reforms must emphasise the need for students to have “ 21st century ” skills such as critical thinking , independent learning , communication/presentation and teamwork skills .
Solas , the umbrella body for the further education and training sector , said it would be keen to play a role in boosting students ’ access to vocational options .
Andrew Brownlee , chief executive of Solas , said a key barrier for students at present is that many do not get any exposure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaches suggest a potential role for further education and training in offering modules and tasters of vocational courses to second-level students where existing teaching resources do not have the required technical experience available , ” he said .
The reforms being floated , he said , offer an exciting change for students to complete modules as an integrated part of the senior cycle alongside other options and components .
However , some groups such as the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland have questioned the need for major reform and say they must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided .
An interim report on reforming the senior cycle last year found an appetite for the structure of senior cycle to be made more flexible , with exams spaced out and a much broader array of assessment methods such as projects , teamwork and portfolios .
It also found a desire among groups who were consulted to introduce successful elements from transition year , such as work experience or life skills , into senior cycle .
The review so far has included consultations with 41 schools , about 2,500 students and hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as feedback with other stakeholders .

Students could get Leaving Cert points for completing accredited work experience or apprenticeships while still in school under draft plans being examined for reforming the senior cycle. Photograph: David Jones/PA Wire
Students could get Leaving Cert points for completing accredited work experience or apprenticeships while still in school under draft plans being examined for reforming the senior cycle.
An advisory report on proposals to reform the senior cycle is being finalised by the State advisory body on the curriculum and is due to be sent to the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, early next year.
Sources say the draft report acknowledges that the current Leaving Cert is widely seen as an entrance exam for third level, which neglects broader skills and limits students’ exposure to vocational options.
An option being considered is giving students the opportunity to complete foundation apprenticeships or modules of vocational courses in “off-site” settings such as local further education colleges.
READ MORE
These vocational pathways would have equal status with more traditional subjects and could be recognised for Leaving Cert points or entry into third level.
The idea is loosely modelled on a system in Scotland where senior cycle students have the option of completing courses part time in local further education colleges and accredited work experience.
Consideration
The advisory report being produced by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is due to be finalised early next year and will be sent to Ms Foley for consideration.
The current Leaving Cert has been criticised in many quarters for not offering enough vocational pathways for students.
For example, a recent review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found the Leaving Cert is “too narrow and rigid” and its main focus seemed to be acting as a filter for entry into higher education.
The review states that it is “not clear how senior cycle is at present preparing students for the future beyond sitting the Leaving Cert”.
School managers and employers have also said any reforms must emphasise the need for students to have “21st century” skills such as critical thinking, independent learning, communication/presentation and teamwork skills.
Solas, the umbrella body for the further education and training sector, said it would be keen to play a role in boosting students’ access to vocational options.
Andrew Brownlee, chief executive of Solas, said a key barrier for students at present is that many do not get any exposure to vocational learning in school.
“International approaches suggest a potential role for further education and training in offering modules and tasters of vocational courses to second-level students where existing teaching resources do not have the required technical experience available,” he said.
Exciting change
The reforms being floated, he said, offer an exciting change for students to complete modules as an integrated part of the senior cycle alongside other options and components.
However, some groups such as the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland have questioned the need for major reform and say they must be fully consulted before any changes are decided.
An interim report on reforming the senior cycle last year found an appetite for the structure of senior cycle to be made more flexible, with exams spaced out and a much broader array of assessment methods such as projects, teamwork and portfolios.
It also found a desire among groups who were consulted to introduce successful elements from transition year, such as work experience or life skills, into senior cycle.
The review so far has included consultations with 41 schools, about 2,500 students and hundreds of teachers and parents, as well as feedback with other stakeholders.


theirishtimes--2020-12-21--HSE chief to meet families of deceased Dundalk nursing home residents

Relatives of residents who died in a coronavirus outbreak at a Dundalk , Co Louth , nursing home are to meet HSE chief executive Paul Reid to discuss their concerns over the handling of the outbreak .
Family members of some of the 23 residents who died at the privately owned Dealgan House have called for an inquiry into the deaths , but the Department of Health has said it will await the outcome of the relatives ’ meeting with the HSE before considering further action .
The Co Louth care home suffered one of the worst outbreaks in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland hospital group temporarily taking over the nursing home on April 17th .
The facility has been operating without outside assistance since mid-May .
Family members have raised concerns about communications by the nursing home during the outbreak , the information provided to the State ’ s health service regulator and the actions taken on foot of that , along with the general oversight and responsibility for the private nursing home .
The relatives are to meet senior HSE officials before meeting Mr Reid , likely in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff shortages and the failure to secure mass Covid-19 testing led a relative of Dealgan House ’ s owner to make a direct plea for help to then minister for health Simon Harris and chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan in emails over the Easter weekend .
Separately , records newly released to family members of Dealgan House residents show then Fine Gael MEP Maireád McGuinness sent a text message to Mr Harris on Easter Saturday night , April 11th , raising “ huge concerns ” about the outbreak .
She told Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been “ several deaths , several more [ residents ] with symptoms , acute shortage of staff .
No test results – can anything be done to help ?
” HSE records show that Mr Harris forwarded Ms McGuinness ’ s text to Mr Reid , telling him : “ Sounds serious .
Can you ask someone to act on it ?
” Mr Reid asked the HSE ’ s then head of community operations David Walsh to “ check this out please and get me some feedback ” .
Ms McGuinness followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then taoiseach Leo Varadkar on April 20th questioning where the health service regulator , the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) , had “ been prior to this point ” and the value of Hiqa ’ s plan to check in on care homes .
“ I am not convinced that sending in Hiqa to nursing homes at this point will assist the emergency situation facing some nursing homes , ” she wrote .
“ What nursing homes and their residents need is appropriate staff lives – nurses , carers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ASAP .
They also need to have a contact point that is responsive to their needs.
” This weekend , Ms McGuinness , now Ireland ’ s EU Commissioner , said she was made aware of what was happening at Dealgan House at the time and felt compelled to act on what she heard .
“ I was very troubled by the depth of the problem there .
I contacted anyone who could act to make sure that they got the help and support that was needed so those in the nursing home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Irish Times when asked about her contacts in April .
Four relatives of deceased Dealgan House residents met Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister of State for Older People Mary Butler along with Department of Health officials on October 28th over their concerns about what happened to their loved ones during the outbreak .
Ms Butler told Fine Gael Louth TD Fergus O ’ Dowd in a letter last week she had asked Hiqa to provide information to the families and that the HSE would share information too .
She will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s contacts with the families and any engagement with Dealgan House as part of her “ ongoing considerations in relation to this matter ” , she said .
“ All relevant options available to me will continue to be explored by the department.
” Departmental minutes of the meeting state that relatives discussed how they felt they “ lacked clarity and full insight into what really occurred , the manner in which they were communicated to and concerns in relation to the care that their relatives received during that period ” .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times the nursing home had “ apologised many times ” that its phone system and ability to respond to incoming calls were overwhelmed during the Covid outbreak in April .
He said emails were regularly sent to next of kin at the time .
“ Hiqa and the HSE were kept fully informed of everything that was happening in the nursing home during the outbreak – on a daily and sometimes hourly basis , ” he said .

Relatives of residents who died in a coronavirus outbreak at a Dundalk, Co Louth, nursing home are to meet HSE chief executive Paul Reid to discuss their concerns over the handling of the outbreak.
Family members of some of the 23 residents who died at the privately owned Dealgan House have called for an inquiry into the deaths, but the Department of Health has said it will await the outcome of the relatives' meeting with the HSE before considering further action.
The Co Louth care home suffered one of the worst outbreaks in the first wave of the pandemic with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland hospital group temporarily taking over the nursing home on April 17th. The facility has been operating without outside assistance since mid-May.
Family members have raised concerns about communications by the nursing home during the outbreak, the information provided to the State’s health service regulator and the actions taken on foot of that, along with the general oversight and responsibility for the private nursing home.
READ MORE
The relatives are to meet senior HSE officials before meeting Mr Reid, likely in the new year.
Direct plea
Multiple deaths, severe staff shortages and the failure to secure mass Covid-19 testing led a relative of Dealgan House's owner to make a direct plea for help to then minister for health Simon Harris and chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan in emails over the Easter weekend.
Separately, records newly released to family members of Dealgan House residents show then Fine Gael MEP Maireád McGuinness sent a text message to Mr Harris on Easter Saturday night, April 11th, raising "huge concerns" about the outbreak.
She told Mr Harris in the text that there had been “several deaths, several more [residents] with symptoms, acute shortage of staff. No test results – can anything be done to help?”
HSE records show that Mr Harris forwarded Ms McGuinness's text to Mr Reid, telling him: "Sounds serious. Can you ask someone to act on it?" Mr Reid asked the HSE's then head of community operations David Walsh to "check this out please and get me some feedback".
Ms McGuinness followed up with an email to Mr Harris and then taoiseach Leo Varadkar on April 20th questioning where the health service regulator, the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), had "been prior to this point" and the value of Hiqa's plan to check in on care homes.
“I am not convinced that sending in Hiqa to nursing homes at this point will assist the emergency situation facing some nursing homes,” she wrote.
“What nursing homes and their residents need is appropriate staff lives – nurses, carers, cleaners and testing with results available ASAP. They also need to have a contact point that is responsive to their needs.”
This weekend, Ms McGuinness, now Ireland’s EU Commissioner, said she was made aware of what was happening at Dealgan House at the time and felt compelled to act on what she heard.
“I was very troubled by the depth of the problem there. I contacted anyone who could act to make sure that they got the help and support that was needed so those in the nursing home would be protected,” she told The Irish Times when asked about her contacts in April.
Concerns
Four relatives of deceased Dealgan House residents met Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister of State for Older People Mary Butler along with Department of Health officials on October 28th over their concerns about what happened to their loved ones during the outbreak.
Ms Butler told Fine Gael Louth TD Fergus O’Dowd in a letter last week she had asked Hiqa to provide information to the families and that the HSE would share information too.
She will await the outcome of the HSE’s contacts with the families and any engagement with Dealgan House as part of her “ongoing considerations in relation to this matter”, she said.
“All relevant options available to me will continue to be explored by the department.”
Departmental minutes of the meeting state that relatives discussed how they felt they “lacked clarity and full insight into what really occurred, the manner in which they were communicated to and concerns in relation to the care that their relatives received during that period”.
A spokesman for Dealgan House told The Irish Times the nursing home had “apologised many times” that its phone system and ability to respond to incoming calls were overwhelmed during the Covid outbreak in April. He said emails were regularly sent to next of kin at the time.
“Hiqa and the HSE were kept fully informed of everything that was happening in the nursing home during the outbreak – on a daily and sometimes hourly basis,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-12-21--In-school apprenticeships: Bold step for a reformed Leaving Cert?

Aimee Stephen had been thinking of going to university until she tried a new foundation apprenticeship in her final year of secondary school .
“ I prefer learning in a practical , hands-on kind of way , ” says Stephen , from Moray in Scotland , who did a business skills apprenticeship .
“ Initially , it meant gettiing out of school every Wednesday ... it was much more interesting than listening to a teacher .
I was in in college one day a week for six months , and the other six months was on work placement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with spreadsheets , databases and work on my communication skills ...
I loved it.
” Stephen ’ s experience well end up happening in Irish schools under reforms being considered as part of a major review of the senior cycle .
A draft advisory report by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is understood to acknowledge criticism that the Leaving Cert is too narrow and resembles an entance exam for third level .
The “ points culture ” , it says , is seen by many as narrowing students ’ focus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further education or apprenticeships .
This is happening at a time when there is growing recognition of the kind of skills which are required to be successful in third level and life beyond school , such as critical thinking , independent learning , communication/presentation and teamwork skills .
Much of the feedback in the consultations in the senior cycle review has focused on the need to develop new vocational pathways and - crucially - for these have equal status with more traditional subject choices .
One option under consideration is to include “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where students could study in further education colleges and complete accredited work experience .
These courses could be in a range of areas ranging from engineering , ICT , care , life science , finance and business .
The idea is they would count for Leaving Cert points in the same way as regular subjects .
The concept is loosely modelled on changes to the education system in Scotland , where schools have introduced access for senior cycle students to a range of skills-based qualifications in growth industry sectors .
It generally involves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is based in the workplace or a college for one day a week .
These qualification are recognised in the equivalent of the Leaving Cert in Scotland and may count as one or more subjects for access to many university programmes .
Most European countries also offer a range of vocational pathways within their education systems at second level .
Ireland , however , , is unusual in not having this kind of approach .
While there are vocational options - such as the Leaving Cert Applied and Leaving Cert Vocational Programme - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a status problem and limiting students options .
It may be one reason why Ireland has the highest progression rate to third level in the EU - and one of the lowest into apprenticeships and other vocational options .
A recent review of the senior cycle by the OECD found that many stakeholders expressed concern about not having a more rigorous and attractive vocational segment in senior cycle , especially one that gives real work-based experience to students .
Solas , the umbrella body for the further education and training sector , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students to vocational options .
Andrew Brownlee , head of Solas , said a key barrier for students is that many do not get any exposure to vocational learning in school .
“ International approaches suggest a potential role for Fet [ further education and training ] in offering modules and tasters of vocational courses to second-level students where existing teaching resources do not have the required technical experience available , ” he said .
The reforms being floated offer an exciting change for students to complete modules as an integrated part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ components .
As for Aimee Steven , she is delighted she had the opportunity to try her hand at a foundation apprenticeship while in school .
Instead of gonig to university , she says it opened her eyes to the world of modern apprenticeships where students can gain degrees while working .
She has since secured employment as an employer and school liaison assistant with DWY Moray and is completing a business degree as part of a graduate apprenticeship .
“ It ’ s allowed me to work , earn money , study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ univertsity debt .
It ’ s a no-brainer in my eyes , ” she says .

Aimee Steven had been thinking of going to university until she tried a new foundation apprenticeship in her final year of secondary school.
Aimee Stephen had been thinking of going to university until she tried a new foundation apprenticeship in her final year of secondary school.
"I prefer learning in a practical, hands-on kind of way," says Stephen, from Moray in Scotland, who did a business skills apprenticeship.
“ Initially, it meant gettiing out of school every Wednesday... it was much more interesting than listening to a teacher. I was in in college one day a week for six months, and the other six months was on work placement.
“I got to do problem-solving, dealing with spreadsheets, databases and work on my communication skills... I loved it.”
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Stephen’s experience well end up happening in Irish schools under reforms being considered as part of a major review of the senior cycle.
A draft advisory report by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is understood to acknowledge criticism that the Leaving Cert is too narrow and resembles an entance exam for third level.
The “points culture”, it says, is seen by many as narrowing students’ focus to the detriment of alternative pathways such as further education or apprenticeships.
This is happening at a time when there is growing recognition of the kind of skills which are required to be successful in third level and life beyond school, such as critical thinking, independent learning, communication/presentation and teamwork skills.
Much of the feedback in the consultations in the senior cycle review has focused on the need to develop new vocational pathways and - crucially - for these have equal status with more traditional subject choices.
One option under consideration is to include “off-site” learning during the senior cycle where students could study in further education colleges and complete accredited work experience.
These courses could be in a range of areas ranging from engineering, ICT, care, life science, finance and business.
The idea is they would count for Leaving Cert points in the same way as regular subjects.
The concept is loosely modelled on changes to the education system in Scotland, where schools have introduced access for senior cycle students to a range of skills-based qualifications in growth industry sectors.
It generally involves one day off school where a student is based in the workplace or a college for one day a week.
These qualification are recognised in the equivalent of the Leaving Cert in Scotland and may count as one or more subjects for access to many university programmes.
Most European countries also offer a range of vocational pathways within their education systems at second level. Ireland, however,, is unusual in not having this kind of approach.
While there are vocational options - such as the Leaving Cert Applied and Leaving Cert Vocational Programme - they are widely seen as suffering from a status problem and limiting students options.
It may be one reason why Ireland has the highest progression rate to third level in the EU - and one of the lowest into apprenticeships and other vocational options.
A recent review of the senior cycle by the OECD found that many stakeholders expressed concern about not having a more rigorous and attractive vocational segment in senior cycle, especially one that gives real work-based experience to students.
Solas, the umbrella body for the further education and training sector, is an enthusiastic supporter of expanding pathways for students to vocational options.
Andrew Brownlee, head of Solas, said a key barrier for students is that many do not get any exposure to vocational learning in school.
“International approaches suggest a potential role for Fet [further education and training] in offering modules and tasters of vocational courses to second-level students where existing teaching resources do not have the required technical experience available,” he said.
The reforms being floated offer an exciting change for students to complete modules as an integrated part of the senior cycle alongside other options and components.
As for Aimee Steven, she is delighted she had the opportunity to try her hand at a foundation apprenticeship while in school.
Instead of gonig to university, she says it opened her eyes to the world of modern apprenticeships where students can gain degrees while working.
She has since secured employment as an employer and school liaison assistant with DWY Moray and is completing a business degree as part of a graduate apprenticeship.
“It’s allowed me to work, earn money, study and get a degree, with no univertsity debt. It’s a no-brainer in my eyes,” she says.


theirishtimes--2020-12-21--No smoke alarms in almost 40% of fatal house fires

Nearly 40 per cent of people who died in fires in homes across the State in the past decade lived in properties that did not have smoke alarms , an Irish Times data analysis has found .
However , the true figure could be even higher as some properties were so badly damaged during the blaze that the fire brigade could not tell if the home had a fire alarm or not .
In all , 277 people died in 249 residential fires in houses , apartments , mobile homes/caravans , bedsits and hostels , with the majority dying alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved multiple fatalities .
A smoke alarm was present in the case of 88 residential fires in which a total of 99 people died , according to data from 2010-19 collected from fire brigades by the Department of the Environment , Housing and Local Government .
However , 21 of the 99 died where a smoke alarm , although present , was not working .
In a further 21 of these cases , it is unknown whether the alarm present was working , as the damage was too severe to ascertain .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people died , the damage was too extensive for the fire brigade to determine whether there was a smoke alarm present or not .
Ninety per cent of people say they have a fire alarm , says Seán Hogan of the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency management team .
However , they have to be put in the right places .
“ We have found [ that ] the best of systems are put in , but people are taking them out because they are smoking indoors , doing cooking indoors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between safety and lifestyle .
“ Sometimes people take out the battery because they are causing what is perceived to be a nuisance alarm and that ’ s generally to do with the alarm being in the wrong place ” ( ie near a toaster , etc ) , he says .
People do not appreciate how quickly a room fills with smoke , even from a small fire , Hogan says .
If someone is in a room where a fire starts , the chances of coming out of it are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis shows almost half ( 48 per cent ) of all fire deaths from 2010-2019 were among those aged 65 and over .
Two-thirds of all those who died were men .
Six in 10 fires started between 6pm and 6am , and almost one-third between midnight and dawn .
December ( 33 ) , January ( 31 ) and October ( 24 ) were the months with the highest number of fatalities over the nine-year period .
A study published last year by the Health Research Board ( HRB ) of 101 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014-2016 found alcohol played a role in many of them .
Toxicology reports were available for 91 of those who died and just over half had alcohol in their blood .
Nearly two-thirds ( 64 per cent ) had alcohol levels three times above the legal driving limit .
Such intoxication would , at this level , affect “ stage balance , co-ordination and possible loss of consciousness reducing ability to respond to fire ” , the report notes .
Sixteen of the dead would have found it difficult to escape because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wheelchair or were otherwise immobile , the HRB study reported .
A small number of those who died had other disabilities , such as poor eyesight or hearing .
Of this group with mobility issues , 75 per cent were 65 years or older .
Fire brigades identified the suspected cause of 101 of the 249 fires that led to deaths since 2010 – with 18 blamed on cigarettes and the same number caused by electrical appliances .
Electrical wiring was blamed for 14 deaths , while gas appliances were linked to five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were blamed on cigarettes ; two on electrical appliances ; and one on a pot on the cooker .
Some 80 per cent of the fatal fires happened in houses , 9 per cent occurred in apartments , while mobiles homes and caravans , and bedsits and hostels accounted for 3 per cent each .
Over half ( 52 per cent ) of the fires took place in towns or cities ; 38 per cent happened in country areas ; while a tenth occurred in villages .
The location of four more was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs that homes are becoming safer .
Fifteen people died in fires in the home in 2018 and 2019 – the lowest annual death rates on record in the State .
While 2017 saw a spike , the general trend is downward .
Fire deaths in Ireland now stand at 5½ fatalities per million people , making Ireland one of the safest countries globally .
“ There is a handful of countries which would be under four fatalities per million .
“ We are heading in that general direction and hopefully we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that better-built properties , public safety campaigns and smoke alarms have all helped greatly .
“ A brilliant ballad singer , that was his wonderful talent in life .
That ’ s the main thing about my dad , the neighbours would compliment his singing , ” says Sinéad Mangan of her father Derek who died in a house fire earlier this year .
Derek was also a keen banjo and spoons player and in his earlier years had travelled all over the country performing .
Such was his voice that Cyril @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him , and Sinéad was named after the Irish actor ’ s daughter .
A roofer by trade , Derek grew up in Drimnagh in Co Dublin and was an avid fisherman , gardener and “ a proud family man ” .
He was a fantastic father to his four daughters and son , and Linda - his wife of 42 years - was his soulmate .
“ They were inseparable , ” says Sinéad .
Derek ( 72 ) died in a house fire in May with his childhood friend Joseph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is not yet known how the fire , which broke out at Joseph ’ s house at about 1pm , started .
“ On that particular day he brought food to Joseph - bacon , ribs , coffee and the paper as he did the Thursday before his death during lockdown .
He left the house early , ran a few errands and left his phone behind him so my mother knew he wouldn ’ t be gone long .
He never returned , we never saw him again and DNA had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Sinead says .
Derek was very close to all of his eight grandchildren and enjoyed taking them to the mountains and rivers and telling them all about Ireland .
“ He had special things he did with all of them and they miss him terrible , ” Sinéad says .
He loved measuring his height against his first grandson Christian , who he helped rear and in the week leading up to his death he had made his granddaughter Beaux a hanging plant in his back garden .
He had also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his other grandchildren Sean jnr and Lenny .
He loved spending time with his granddaughter Deliah and been due to go on a fishing trip with her brother Oliver the weekend of his death .
“ He would visit my sister Erica in Devon where she lives with her two children Samuel and Scarlett and he missed his trip to her over Covid .
He FaceTimed with them every single day.
” In 2016 , Derek underwent gruelling radiotherapy for prostate cancer and was cancer free at the time of his death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ line now and the loss of him is still hard to bear .
Even the children on the road in Benmadigan miss him greatly and his presence is , and will never be , forgotten .
”

Some 90% of people say they have a fire alarm, says Seán Hogan of the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency management team. However, they have to be put in the right places. Photograph: iStock
Nearly 40 per cent of people who died in fires in homes across the State in the past decade lived in properties that did not have smoke alarms, an Irish Times data analysis has found.
However, the true figure could be even higher as some properties were so badly damaged during the blaze that the fire brigade could not tell if the home had a fire alarm or not.
In all, 277 people died in 249 residential fires in houses, apartments, mobile homes/caravans, bedsits and hostels, with the majority dying alone, though there were some incidents which involved multiple fatalities.
A smoke alarm was present in the case of 88 residential fires in which a total of 99 people died, according to data from 2010-19 collected from fire brigades by the Department of the Environment, Housing and Local Government. However, 21 of the 99 died where a smoke alarm, although present, was not working.
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In a further 21 of these cases, it is unknown whether the alarm present was working, as the damage was too severe to ascertain.
In 59 house fires, in which 72 people died, the damage was too extensive for the fire brigade to determine whether there was a smoke alarm present or not.
Ninety per cent of people say they have a fire alarm, says Seán Hogan of the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency management team. However, they have to be put in the right places.
“We have found [that] the best of systems are put in, but people are taking them out because they are smoking indoors, doing cooking indoors, etc. It’s a mismatch between safety and lifestyle.
“Sometimes people take out the battery because they are causing what is perceived to be a nuisance alarm and that’s generally to do with the alarm being in the wrong place” (ie near a toaster, etc), he says.
People do not appreciate how quickly a room fills with smoke, even from a small fire, Hogan says. If someone is in a room where a fire starts, the chances of coming out of it are very slim without an alarm.
Victims of fatalities
The data analysis shows almost half (48 per cent) of all fire deaths from 2010-2019 were among those aged 65 and over. Two-thirds of all those who died were men.
Six in 10 fires started between 6pm and 6am, and almost one-third between midnight and dawn. December (33), January (31) and October (24) were the months with the highest number of fatalities over the nine-year period.
A study published last year by the Health Research Board (HRB) of 101 fires that led to 106 deaths in 2014-2016 found alcohol played a role in many of them.
Toxicology reports were available for 91 of those who died and just over half had alcohol in their blood. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) had alcohol levels three times above the legal driving limit.
Such intoxication would, at this level, affect “stage balance, co-ordination and possible loss of consciousness reducing ability to respond to fire”, the report notes.
Sixteen of the dead would have found it difficult to escape because they used a walking stick or frame, wheelchair or were otherwise immobile, the HRB study reported.
A small number of those who died had other disabilities, such as poor eyesight or hearing. Of this group with mobility issues, 75 per cent were 65 years or older.
Causes
Fire brigades identified the suspected cause of 101 of the 249 fires that led to deaths since 2010 – with 18 blamed on cigarettes and the same number caused by electrical appliances.
Electrical wiring was blamed for 14 deaths, while gas appliances were linked to five more. Last year, four deaths were blamed on cigarettes; two on electrical appliances; and one on a pot on the cooker.
Some 80 per cent of the fatal fires happened in houses, 9 per cent occurred in apartments, while mobiles homes and caravans, and bedsits and hostels accounted for 3 per cent each.
Over half (52 per cent) of the fires took place in towns or cities; 38 per cent happened in country areas; while a tenth occurred in villages. The location of four more was not listed.
However, there are signs that homes are becoming safer. Fifteen people died in fires in the home in 2018 and 2019 – the lowest annual death rates on record in the State. While 2017 saw a spike, the general trend is downward.
Fire deaths in Ireland now stand at 5½ fatalities per million people, making Ireland one of the safest countries globally. "There is a handful of countries which would be under four fatalities per million.
“We are heading in that general direction and hopefully we will stay there,” says Hogan, adding that better-built properties, public safety campaigns and smoke alarms have all helped greatly.
Case study: Much-loved father dies in house fire with childhood friend
“A brilliant ballad singer, that was his wonderful talent in life. That’s the main thing about my dad, the neighbours would compliment his singing,” says Sinéad Mangan of her father Derek who died in a house fire earlier this year.
Derek Mangan: His daughter says it is six months down the line now and the loss of him is still is hard to bear.
Derek was also a keen banjo and spoons player and in his earlier years had travelled all over the country performing. Such was his voice that Cyril Cusack asked him to record some songs for him, and Sinéad was named after the Irish actor’s daughter.
A roofer by trade, Derek grew up in Drimnagh in Co Dublin and was an avid fisherman, gardener and “a proud family man”. He was a fantastic father to his four daughters and son, and Linda - his wife of 42 years - was his soulmate. “They were inseparable,” says Sinéad.
Derek (72) died in a house fire in May with his childhood friend Joseph Muldowney who also lived in Drimnagh. It is not yet known how the fire, which broke out at Joseph’s house at about 1pm, started. “On that particular day he brought food to Joseph - bacon, ribs, coffee and the paper as he did the Thursday before his death during lockdown. He left the house early, ran a few errands and left his phone behind him so my mother knew he wouldn’t be gone long. He never returned, we never saw him again and DNA had to be taken to identify his body,” Sinead says.
Derek was very close to all of his eight grandchildren and enjoyed taking them to the mountains and rivers and telling them all about Ireland. “He had special things he did with all of them and they miss him terrible,” Sinéad says.
He loved measuring his height against his first grandson Christian, who he helped rear and in the week leading up to his death he had made his granddaughter Beaux a hanging plant in his back garden. He had also just taken a socially distanced photograph with his other grandchildren Sean jnr and Lenny. He loved spending time with his granddaughter Deliah and been due to go on a fishing trip with her brother Oliver the weekend of his death.
“He would visit my sister Erica in Devon where she lives with her two children Samuel and Scarlett and he missed his trip to her over Covid. He FaceTimed with them every single day.”
In 2016, Derek underwent gruelling radiotherapy for prostate cancer and was cancer free at the time of his death.
“It is six months down the line now and the loss of him is still hard to bear. Even the children on the road in Benmadigan miss him greatly and his presence is, and will never be, forgotten.”