theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Consultants likely to seek to treat fee-paying patients in private facilities

Medical consultants are expected to seek the right to see fee-paying patients in private facilities in their own time , away from public hospitals , as part of future contractual arrangements .
The Government has proposed that in future the only consultant posts it will offer will involve medical specialists treating public patients exclusively .
It wants public hospitals to cater only for public patients under the proposed Sláintecare health reforms .
Under a proposed new Sláintecare contract , the Government has offered to pay consultants up to €222,460 , rising to €252,150 by July 2022 .
Talks on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get under way on Friday when the Minister for Health Simon Harris meets with the Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) .
Separate talks are scheduled with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association next week .
Formal negotiations are likely to be scheduled for the end of the month .
It is expected that in addition to the new pay proposals , the Government will look for a greater presence by consultants in hospitals at night and weekends under future contractual arrangements .
“ We need to look at paying our consultants more , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24-hour cover , seven days a week , Mr Harris said earlier this week .
“ How do we get our discharges up at the weekend ?
Why do we only see , maybe 100 or 200 people discharged [ from hospital ] on a Sunday when we see maybe 600 , 700 , 800 or 900 discharged on other days of the week ?
” The IMO is expected to argue at the talks that the Government ’ s pay proposals will not deal fully with the issue of the lower pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 , as the new higher remuneration will only be provided to those who agree to end private practice .
It is likely to argue that there should be provision for consultants to treat fee-paying patients in their own time in private facilities away from public hospitals .
And the doctors ’ representative body is also expected to raise concerns about any plans to introduce the higher pay on a phased basis , on the grounds that the government failed to honour a previous staged pay deal leading to 10 years of court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain that as well as promising to appoint an additional 1,000 consultants over the next decade , the Government will have to commit to putting in place additional beds and more funding .
Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said before Christmas that while the Government would engage with medical representative organisations on how the new contract would work , the pay on offer had been “ fixed ” .
The IMO is expected to argue that the pay issue has to be subject to negotiations .
It is understood that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) made similar arguments to the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in recent weeks .
Meanwhile the Department of Public Expenditure said on Thursday that the cost of implementing the deal that ended the nurses ’ strike last February will be nearly €100 million in 2019 and 2020 .
In addition , another €40 million will be paid to nurses over the same period in increased allowances as recommended last year by the Public Service Pay Commission .

Medical consultants are expected to seek the right to see fee-paying patients in private facilities in their own time, away from public hospitals, as part of future contractual arrangements.
The Government has proposed that in future the only consultant posts it will offer will involve medical specialists treating public patients exclusively. It wants public hospitals to cater only for public patients under the proposed Sláintecare health reforms.
Under a proposed new Sláintecare contract, the Government has offered to pay consultants up to €222,460, rising to €252,150 by July 2022.
Talks on the new Government proposals for consultants are to get under way on Friday when the Minister for Health Simon Harris meets with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). Separate talks are scheduled with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association next week. Formal negotiations are likely to be scheduled for the end of the month.
READ MORE
It is expected that in addition to the new pay proposals, the Government will look for a greater presence by consultants in hospitals at night and weekends under future contractual arrangements.
“We need to look at paying our consultants more, but also to look at things like 24-hour cover, seven days a week, Mr Harris said earlier this week.
“How do we get our discharges up at the weekend? Why do we only see, maybe 100 or 200 people discharged [from hospital] on a Sunday when we see maybe 600, 700, 800 or 900 discharged on other days of the week?”
The IMO is expected to argue at the talks that the Government’s pay proposals will not deal fully with the issue of the lower pay arrangements for those consultants appointed after autumn 2012, as the new higher remuneration will only be provided to those who agree to end private practice.
It is likely to argue that there should be provision for consultants to treat fee-paying patients in their own time in private facilities away from public hospitals. And the doctors’ representative body is also expected to raise concerns about any plans to introduce the higher pay on a phased basis, on the grounds that the government failed to honour a previous staged pay deal leading to 10 years of court action.
Extra beds
The IMO is also likely to maintain that as well as promising to appoint an additional 1,000 consultants over the next decade, the Government will have to commit to putting in place additional beds and more funding.
Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said before Christmas that while the Government would engage with medical representative organisations on how the new contract would work, the pay on offer had been "fixed" .
The IMO is expected to argue that the pay issue has to be subject to negotiations. It is understood that the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) made similar arguments to the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in recent weeks.
Meanwhile the Department of Public Expenditure said on Thursday that the cost of implementing the deal that ended the nurses' strike last February will be nearly €100 million in 2019 and 2020. In addition, another €40 million will be paid to nurses over the same period in increased allowances as recommended last year by the Public Service Pay Commission.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--State spends €1.5bn on temporary agency staff

The State has spent more than €1.5 billion in recent years on temporary agency staff , including chefs , architects , cleaners , staff in diplomatic missions , and nurses , new data shows .
In the Office of Public Works , more than €15 million has been spent since 2014 on 52 agency staff .
These include IT contractors , engineers , architects , caterers , assistant chefs and household assistants .
In a letter to co-leader of the Social Democrats Catherine Murphy , Minister of State for the OPW Kevin Boxer Moran said “ the roles OPW hired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sections : ICT , mechanical and electrical engineering , drainage maintenance , heritage services , civil and structural engineering , and Arás an Uachtaráin ” .
In the Health Service Executive , more than €1.4 billion has been spent in the five-year period to 2018 , documents from the health service reveal .
In a letter to Ms Murphy , the HSE said agency expenditure “ should be considered in the overall context including increasing demand for services ; the impact of earlier constraints on recruitment in the public service and ongoing challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clinical staff ” .
“ Approximately 94 per cent of our pay-related spend each year is for directly employed staff and in certain cases , other than utilisation of agency , there are limited choices in terms of maintenance of essential services.
” The HSE said the flexibility offered by agency staffing makes it an “ appropriate choice ” .
“ The HSE is committed to minimizing the use of agency staff but recruitment and retention of clinical , nursing and other key staff is a constant challenge and impacts adversely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services ” , the letter said .
In 2014 , €277 million was spent on agency staff , €259 million in 2015 , €277 million in 2016 , €301 million in 2017 and €330 million in 2018 .
Figures for 2019 to date were not provided .
In the Department of the Taoiseach , a contract cleaning service is being used at a cost of almost €55,000 since 2017 .
In a parliamentary response , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said this is being done “ as a temporary measure to ensure that service levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruitment process for additional cleaning staff is undertaken ” .
“ In this regard , a total of three contract cleaners have been engaged by my department.
” In the Department of Foreign Affairs , more than €2 million has been spent on hiring 114 agency staff .
These are employed in a “ small number ” of diplomatic missions .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said these include new missions with particular complexities in the local labour market or those where “ changes in the workload necessitate time for an assessment of the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ Open competitions for direct employment of locally engaged staff are generally held once there is clarity on operational requirements and the number and profile of the roles required.
” In the Department of Business , Enterprise and Innovation , almost €130,000 has been spent on agency staff since 2015 in the areas of legal research and legal secretarial services .
Minister for Business Heather Humphreys said where there is a requirement for “ particular critical skills that are not available at a point in time , or when a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time , my department will use the services of an employment agency to acquire the required skills ” .
“ Staffing resources are an ongoing priority to ensure my department ’ s continued ability to facilitate the wide mission and volume of work in a range of challenging policy areas.
” In the Department of Defence , almost €3.4 million has been spent on temporary agency staff in the past five years , the Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe told Ms Murphy in a letter sent on December 23rd .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ specify exactly how many agency staff were useddue to the way records of invoices are kept .

Chefs are among the temporary agency staff hired by the State in recent years. File photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The State has spent more than €1.5 billion in recent years on temporary agency staff, including chefs, architects, cleaners, staff in diplomatic missions, and nurses, new data shows.
In the Office of Public Works, more than €15 million has been spent since 2014 on 52 agency staff. These include IT contractors, engineers, architects, caterers, assistant chefs and household assistants.
In a letter to co-leader of the Social Democrats Catherine Murphy, Minister of State for the OPW Kevin Boxer Moran said “the roles OPW hired in from agencies are in the following sections: ICT, mechanical and electrical engineering, drainage maintenance, heritage services, civil and structural engineering, and Arás an Uachtaráin”.
In the Health Service Executive, more than €1.4 billion has been spent in the five-year period to 2018, documents from the health service reveal.
READ MORE
In a letter to Ms Murphy, the HSE said agency expenditure “should be considered in the overall context including increasing demand for services; the impact of earlier constraints on recruitment in the public service and ongoing challenges in relation to the recruitment and retention of clinical staff”.
“Approximately 94 per cent of our pay-related spend each year is for directly employed staff and in certain cases, other than utilisation of agency, there are limited choices in terms of maintenance of essential services.”
The HSE said the flexibility offered by agency staffing makes it an “appropriate choice”.
“The HSE is committed to minimizing the use of agency staff but recruitment and retention of clinical, nursing and other key staff is a constant challenge and impacts adversely on our ability to maintain safe and effective services”, the letter said.
In 2014, €277 million was spent on agency staff, €259 million in 2015, €277 million in 2016, €301 million in 2017 and €330 million in 2018.
Figures for 2019 to date were not provided.
In the Department of the Taoiseach, a contract cleaning service is being used at a cost of almost €55,000 since 2017.
In a parliamentary response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said this is being done “as a temporary measure to ensure that service levels in my department are maintained while a recruitment process for additional cleaning staff is undertaken”.
“In this regard, a total of three contract cleaners have been engaged by my department.”
Diplomatic missions
In the Department of Foreign Affairs, more than €2 million has been spent on hiring 114 agency staff. These are employed in a “small number” of diplomatic missions.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said these include new missions with particular complexities in the local labour market or those where “changes in the workload necessitate time for an assessment of the number and type of roles or skills needed”.
“Open competitions for direct employment of locally engaged staff are generally held once there is clarity on operational requirements and the number and profile of the roles required.”
In the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, almost €130,000 has been spent on agency staff since 2015 in the areas of legal research and legal secretarial services.
Minister for Business Heather Humphreys said where there is a requirement for “particular critical skills that are not available at a point in time, or when a particular service is required for a short period of time, my department will use the services of an employment agency to acquire the required skills”.
“Staffing resources are an ongoing priority to ensure my department’s continued ability to facilitate the wide mission and volume of work in a range of challenging policy areas.”
In the Department of Defence, almost €3.4 million has been spent on temporary agency staff in the past five years, the Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe told Ms Murphy in a letter sent on December 23rd.
He said it was not possible to specify exactly how many agency staff were useddue to the way records of invoices are kept.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Fianna Fáil will block RIC commemoration event, says Ó Cuív

The proposed commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary ( RIC ) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police ( DMP ) will not go ahead as planned if Fianna Fáil forms the next government , Eamon Ó Cuív has said .
Mr Ó Cuív , a member of the all-party advisory committee on commemorations , said the party would not countenance a standalone ceremony as envisaged by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan .
After postponing the event , Mr Flanagan said he hoped it will be rescheduled this year .
In response Mr Ó Cuív suggested that something more on the lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCD professor of history Diarmaid Ferriter would be appropriate for remembering the two police forces .
The Oireachtas all-party advisory committee on commemorations is due to meet next Wednesday to discuss the fallout from the postponement of the proposed event at Dublin Castle on January 17th .
Mr Ó Cuív said he wanted it recorded in the minutes of the committee that reservations he and other members had about a commemoration for the RIC/DMP were first raised last April .
Mr Ó Cuív , a grandson of Eamon de Valera , said no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was a “ wide consensus on what is the best way to go forward ” .
The Government ’ s advisory group on commemorations , comprising some of the country ’ s expert historians , said “ consideration should be given to the organisation of specific initiatives to commemorate ” the RIC and DMP .
Mr Flanagan said he was following the instructions of the group in hosting a commemoration but Prof Ferriter said the proposal for a commemoration did not envisage a State ceremony .
The group ’ s chairman Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be interpreted as including a State ceremony , while another member of the advisory body , who did not wished to be named , said it was partially to blame for giving “ opaque advice ” .
A commemoration for some RIC men will go ahead at 11am on January 17th – the same hour as the now postponed service was due to be held .
It will be hosted by Comóradh na nÓglach ( friends of the volunteers ) to honour Sgt Cornelius O ’ Sullivan at Annacarthy Barracks who supplied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IRA which carried out the Soloheadbeg ambush .
He disappeared during the war and his body was never found .
Organiser Aedín Hassett said it had been a mistake to commemorate the RIC as an organisation but “ we need to recognise there were good Irish men in the RIC who were as republican as Dan Breen ” .

Eamon Ó’ Cuív, a member of the all-party advisory committee on commemorations, pictured with Fianna Fáil party leader (left) Micheál Martin. File image: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
The proposed commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) will not go ahead as planned if Fianna Fáil forms the next government, Eamon Ó Cuív has said.
Mr Ó Cuív, a member of the all-party advisory committee on commemorations, said the party would not countenance a standalone ceremony as envisaged by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan.
After postponing the event, Mr Flanagan said he hoped it will be rescheduled this year.
In response Mr Ó Cuív suggested that something more on the lines of an academic conference as proposed by UCD professor of history Diarmaid Ferriter would be appropriate for remembering the two police forces.
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The Oireachtas all-party advisory committee on commemorations is due to meet next Wednesday to discuss the fallout from the postponement of the proposed event at Dublin Castle on January 17th.
Mr Ó Cuív said he wanted it recorded in the minutes of the committee that reservations he and other members had about a commemoration for the RIC/DMP were first raised last April.
Mr Ó Cuív, a grandson of Eamon de Valera, said no more State commemorations should be planned until there was a "wide consensus on what is the best way to go forward".
The Government’s advisory group on commemorations, comprising some of the country’s expert historians, said “consideration should be given to the organisation of specific initiatives to commemorate” the RIC and DMP.
Mr Flanagan said he was following the instructions of the group in hosting a commemoration but Prof Ferriter said the proposal for a commemoration did not envisage a State ceremony.
The group’s chairman Dr Maurice Manning said the advice it gave could be interpreted as including a State ceremony, while another member of the advisory body, who did not wished to be named, said it was partially to blame for giving “opaque advice”.
A commemoration for some RIC men will go ahead at 11am on January 17th – the same hour as the now postponed service was due to be held.
It will be hosted by Comóradh na nÓglach (friends of the volunteers) to honour Sgt Cornelius O'Sullivan at Annacarthy Barracks who supplied information to the Third Tipperary Brigade of the IRA which carried out the Soloheadbeg ambush. He disappeared during the war and his body was never found.
Organiser Aedín Hassett said it had been a mistake to commemorate the RIC as an organisation but “we need to recognise there were good Irish men in the RIC who were as republican as Dan Breen”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Retired garda who proposed RIC event shocked by 'vitriolic' backlash

It has been a rough few days for retired garda Jim Herlihy , the public face of the Historical and Reconciliation Police ( Harp ) Society .
Not only was the commemoration service at Dublin Castle which he and others had worked hard to bring to fruition postponed following public protests , but he was subjected to vile abuse on social media .
“ Commemorate the brit [ sic ] black and tans .
F**k off vermin brit loving scum , ” one Facebook user told him , in a not untypical comment .
Mr Herlihy ( 65 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 , said he had never seen anything like the reaction to the proposal to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary ( RIC ) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police ( DMP ) .
“ It was absolutely vitriolic from the keyboard warriors , ” he said .
“ It ’ s scurrilous what is being written at the moment .
It reminds me of when I was doing training in Templemore and these guys were dying on hunger strike [ in 1981 ] and there was that tension around because you didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There ’ s also politics coming up before an election .
We never wanted anything to do with politics.
” The Harp Society grew out of a mass for Sergeant Daniel Maunsell who was shot dead in August 1920 in Inchigeelagh , Co Cork by the IRA .
The service was held in 2008 and relatives of Maunsell and the three men who shot him were there .
“ Four memoriam cards were put on the altar .
It was extraordinary the way people mixed with each other afterwards , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass was held in Granard , Co Longford in 2010 organised by former garda James McCarthy for deceased members of the RIC .
The church was packed .
Mr McCarthy went with retired inspector Gerry Lovett to host an event in Glasnevin Cemetery at the graves of two RIC men who had been killed on duty .
They noticed there was no memorial for the RIC or the DMP , the two forces that policed Ireland between 1836 and 1922 .
A committee was formed and the Harp Society was founded .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven and approximately 250 members , first came to public attention during the Easter Rising commemorations in 2016 .
On Easter Monday , the first fatality in Dublin of the Rising , Constable James O ’ Brien of the DMP , was remembered .
That event led to one of the best unscripted moments of the commemorations .
As the society was laying wreathes at the gates of Dublin Castle , Freya Connolly , the great-granddaughter of Seán Connolly , laid flowers beside it .
Connolly , who was also shot dead on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the attack on Dublin Castle .
There was no official commemoration to remember the policemen who died in the Easter Rising , but the Harp Society decided to regroup for the War of Independence centenary .
It began hosting an interdenominational memorial service every year .
“ We kept sending out invitations .
For the first time the Minister ( Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan ) came this year.
” That event was held in Mount Argus Church in Dublin .
Afterwards the Minister met several widows of RUC officers who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he was moved by that .
He realised probably for the first time how raw all of this is , ” Mr Herlihy said .
The Harp Society , he stressed , had “ no hand , act or part ” in the now-postponed State ceremony .
“ The only thing we knew was that the event was in Dublin Castle .
It was also supported by the Taoiseach .
We expected that he might have attended.
” It is clear from the response to the proposal that some sections of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the DMP in the same light as the Harp Society does .
Mr Herlihy maintains that they were respected police forces up to 1919 .
“ The RIC and DMP were two of the most sought-after jobs up to the turn of events in 1919 .
From Soloheadbeg they came under increased attack .
They were sitting ducks , ” he said .
Two RIC constables – James McDonnell and Patrick O ’ Connell , who hailed from families in Cos Mayo and Cork respectively – were killed in the Co Tipperary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first engagement of the War of Independence .
“ There are countless cases like this .
There are 100 families I know like that .
We would like that there was a memorial in a secure place that they could attend.
” The Harp Society is still hopeful that the commemoration service will go ahead as Mr Flanagan has stated that it will .
In any case the RIC and DMP will certainly be remembered during the Decade of Centenaries .
The British-based Police Roll of Honour will host a service in St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 29th , 2022 to mark the centenary of the disbandment of the two forces .

Retired garda Jim Herlihy of the Historical and Reconciliation Police (Harp) Society: ‘It was absolutely vitriolic from the keyboard warriors.’ Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
It has been a rough few days for retired garda Jim Herlihy, the public face of the Historical and Reconciliation Police (Harp) Society.
Not only was the commemoration service at Dublin Castle which he and others had worked hard to bring to fruition postponed following public protests, but he was subjected to vile abuse on social media.
"Commemorate the brit [sic] black and tans. F**k off vermin brit loving scum," one Facebook user told him, in a not untypical comment.
Mr Herlihy (65), who retired from An Garda Síochána in 2013, said he had never seen anything like the reaction to the proposal to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP).
READ MORE
"It was absolutely vitriolic from the keyboard warriors," he said. "It's scurrilous what is being written at the moment. It reminds me of when I was doing training in Templemore and these guys were dying on hunger strike [in 1981] and there was that tension around because you didn't know what was going to happen next.
“There’s also politics coming up before an election. We never wanted anything to do with politics.”
The Harp Society grew out of a mass for Sergeant Daniel Maunsell who was shot dead in August 1920 in Inchigeelagh, Co Cork by the IRA. The service was held in 2008 and relatives of Maunsell and the three men who shot him were there.
The society first came to public attention during the Easter Rising commemorations in 2016
“Four memoriam cards were put on the altar. It was extraordinary the way people mixed with each other afterwards,” he said.
Two years later a mass was held in Granard, Co Longford in 2010 organised by former garda James McCarthy for deceased members of the RIC.
Killed on duty
The church was packed. Mr McCarthy went with retired inspector Gerry Lovett to host an event in Glasnevin Cemetery at the graves of two RIC men who had been killed on duty.
They noticed there was no memorial for the RIC or the DMP, the two forces that policed Ireland between 1836 and 1922. A committee was formed and the Harp Society was founded.
The society, which has a committee of seven and approximately 250 members, first came to public attention during the Easter Rising commemorations in 2016. On Easter Monday, the first fatality in Dublin of the Rising, Constable James O’Brien of the DMP, was remembered.
That event led to one of the best unscripted moments of the commemorations. As the society was laying wreathes at the gates of Dublin Castle, Freya Connolly, the great-granddaughter of Seán Connolly, laid flowers beside it. Connolly, who was also shot dead on the day, led the Citizen Army in the attack on Dublin Castle.
There was no official commemoration to remember the policemen who died in the Easter Rising, but the Harp Society decided to regroup for the War of Independence centenary.
It began hosting an interdenominational memorial service every year. “We kept sending out invitations. For the first time the Minister (Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan) came this year.”
Several widows
That event was held in Mount Argus Church in Dublin. Afterwards the Minister met several widows of RUC officers who had been killed in the Troubles.
“He said he was moved by that. He realised probably for the first time how raw all of this is,” Mr Herlihy said.
The RIC and DMP were two of the most sought-after jobs up to the turn of events in 1919
The Harp Society, he stressed, had “no hand, act or part” in the now-postponed State ceremony. “The only thing we knew was that the event was in Dublin Castle. It was also supported by the Taoiseach. We expected that he might have attended.”
It is clear from the response to the proposal that some sections of Irish society do not see the RIC and the DMP in the same light as the Harp Society does. Mr Herlihy maintains that they were respected police forces up to 1919.
“The RIC and DMP were two of the most sought-after jobs up to the turn of events in 1919. From Soloheadbeg they came under increased attack. They were sitting ducks,” he said.
Ambush
Two RIC constables – James McDonnell and Patrick O’Connell, who hailed from families in Cos Mayo and Cork respectively – were killed in the Co Tipperary ambush of January 21st 1919, the first engagement of the War of Independence .
“There are countless cases like this. There are 100 families I know like that. We would like that there was a memorial in a secure place that they could attend.”
The Harp Society is still hopeful that the commemoration service will go ahead as Mr Flanagan has stated that it will.
In any case the RIC and DMP will certainly be remembered during the Decade of Centenaries.
The British-based Police Roll of Honour will host a service in St Paul’s Cathedral, London on April 29th, 2022 to mark the centenary of the disbandment of the two forces.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Investigation into death of man in Limerick hospital begins

An investigation has begun into the death of a man in University Hospital Limerick last month , who was found on the floor next to his trolley .
The middle-aged male patient , who had been kept away from other patients because of an infection risk , was discovered by an emergency department nurse in an isolation cubicle , sources confirmed .
Despite efforts by staff to try to revive him , he was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly afterwards .
The incident occurred in mid-December , though official authorities refused to confirm the exact details .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not comment on the case because of patient confidentiality , adding that “ all serious incidents ” are investigated according to established HSE rules .
Later , however , it said : “ Insofar that there is an inquest into the death of a patient , the cause of death will be determined by the Coroner .
UL Hospital Group will as always fully comply with the Coroner if and when required.
” The hospital did not comment on claims in a report in the Limerick Leader , by a “ high-ranking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a broken neck .
It is not known whether the patient had sustained the alleged injury before or after he was admitted to the emergency department .
Sources said the man , who is believed to have been in his sixties , was found between 3am and 4am by a nurse carrying out a routine patient checks .
“ It is being investigated and staff have given statements , ” the source said .
Hospital managers are expected to meet with the man ’ s family in coming days , according to sources @

Despite efforts by staff to try to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly afterwards.
An investigation has begun into the death of a man in University Hospital Limerick last month, who was found on the floor next to his trolley.
The middle-aged male patient, who had been kept away from other patients because of an infection risk, was discovered by an emergency department nurse in an isolation cubicle, sources confirmed.
Despite efforts by staff to try to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly afterwards. The incident occurred in mid-December, though official authorities refused to confirm the exact details.
In a statement, UL Hospital Group said it could not comment on the case because of patient confidentiality, adding that “all serious incidents” are investigated according to established HSE rules.
READ MORE
Later, however, it said: “Insofar that there is an inquest into the death of a patient, the cause of death will be determined by the Coroner. UL Hospital Group will as always fully comply with the Coroner if and when required.”
The hospital did not comment on claims in a report in the Limerick Leader, by a “high-ranking medical source” that the patient suffered a broken neck.
It is not known whether the patient had sustained the alleged injury before or after he was admitted to the emergency department.
Sources said the man, who is believed to have been in his sixties, was found between 3am and 4am by a nurse carrying out a routine patient checks.
“It is being investigated and staff have given statements,” the source said. Hospital managers are expected to meet with the man’s family in coming days, according to sources.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Irish judges to condemn Polish government’s judicial policy

The body representing Irish judges will condemn the Polish government ’ s “ unrelenting threats ” to judicial independence in a strongly worded letter to be delivered to their colleagues in Warsaw .
Supreme Court judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin will represent the Association of Judges of Ireland ( AJI ) at a silent protest march in Poland ’ s capital city on Saturday alongside dozens of judges from other European countries .
It will mark the first time the AJI has taken part in a protest either in Ireland or abroad .
In a letter which will be delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Polish judges ’ association , this weekend , AJI president Mr Justice David Barniville states its participation in the event is “ entirely consistent ” with its aims and objectives .
“ Among the aims and objectives of the AJI , which are set out in its constitution , are to promote the independence of the judiciary and to promote and maintain contacts with judges and magistrates abroad and with national and international associations of judges , ” the association states .
The AJI states it is pleased to accept the invitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silent march “ in solidarity with our judicial colleagues in Poland and in defence of judicial independence and the rule of law.
” The judges will march in full judicial garb in protest against a series of measures introduced by the populist Law and Justice party ( PiS ) granting the government greater control over the selection and discipline of the judiciary .
The Polish government has taken greater control of the appointment of judges and has been accused of bringing spurious disciplinary action against judges who criticise the reforms .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the bench by lowering the retirement age , a move which was condemned internationally .
In 2018 an Irish High Court judge temporarily delayed the extradition of a Polish man accused of drug trafficking over concerns about the impact of the reforms on the rule of law in Poland .
“ The AJI offers its full and unequivocal support to and solidarity with Iustitia , the Polish Judges ’ Association , and the members of the Polish judiciary in the face of the ongoing and unrelenting threats to the independence of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and to the rule of law by the actions of the Polish government which have been condemned in unambiguous terms by the Court of Justice of the European Union , ” the letter states .
“ The AJI joins with the International Association of Judges and the European Association of Judges and members of the judiciary from many other countries in Europe in condemning these actions and offers our full and unequivocal support to our colleagues in Poland.
” Mr Justice MacMenamin will also deliver a letter of support from Chief Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judges in the protest is “ unprecedented ” , barrister Tony McGillicuddy told The Irish Timesearlier this week .
“ I can ’ t think of an Irish judicial figure ever participating in a march or protest before .
I think they would likely not want it to be seen as an overtly political statement but one of solidarity with fellow judges.
” Poznan district judge and march co-organiser Monika Frackowiak has welcomed Irish participation .
“ It ’ s very supportive for us .
We really appreciate this.
” Iustitia said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasize that the march is apolitical .
“ It is not an affirmation of any political force in the country , nor is it intended to criticise the actions of any particular political party .
“ Its sole purpose is to make the legislative authority aware of the dramatic consequences of the entry into force of laws passed in Parliament and of repressive measures taken against representatives of the judiciary in Poland.
” Judges ’ associations from most European countries will be represented at the march .
The UK judges ’ association will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .

Protesters rallied in support of the Polish judiciary in December 2019. Judges from across Europe will take part in a silent protest in Warsaw on January 11th. Photograph: Krystian Dobuszynski/NurPhoto via Getty
The body representing Irish judges will condemn the Polish government's "unrelenting threats" to judicial independence in a strongly worded letter to be delivered to their colleagues in Warsaw.
Supreme Court judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin will represent the Association of Judges of Ireland (AJI) at a silent protest march in Poland's capital city on Saturday alongside dozens of judges from other European countries.
It will mark the first time the AJI has taken part in a protest either in Ireland or abroad.
In a letter which will be delivered by Mr Justice MacMenamin to Iustitia, the Polish judges' association, this weekend, AJI president Mr Justice David Barniville states its participation in the event is "entirely consistent" with its aims and objectives.
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“Among the aims and objectives of the AJI, which are set out in its constitution, are to promote the independence of the judiciary and to promote and maintain contacts with judges and magistrates abroad and with national and international associations of judges,” the association states.
Mr Justice John McMenamin: will march in full robes with Polish and European colleagues at the protest against curbs on the Polish legal system. Photograph: Eric Luke
The AJI states it is pleased to accept the invitation to participate to take part in the silent march "in solidarity with our judicial colleagues in Poland and in defence of judicial independence and the rule of law."
The judges will march in full judicial garb in protest against a series of measures introduced by the populist Law and Justice party (PiS) granting the government greater control over the selection and discipline of the judiciary.
The Polish government has taken greater control of the appointment of judges and has been accused of bringing spurious disciplinary action against judges who criticise the reforms. It has also been accused of purging critical judges from the bench by lowering the retirement age, a move which was condemned internationally.
In 2018 an Irish High Court judge temporarily delayed the extradition of a Polish man accused of drug trafficking over concerns about the impact of the reforms on the rule of law in Poland.
‘Solidarity’
"The AJI offers its full and unequivocal support to and solidarity with Iustitia, the Polish Judges' Association, and the members of the Polish judiciary in the face of the ongoing and unrelenting threats to the independence of the Polish judiciary and of the Polish judicial system and to the rule of law by the actions of the Polish government which have been condemned in unambiguous terms by the Court of Justice of the European Union, " the letter states.
"The AJI joins with the International Association of Judges and the European Association of Judges and members of the judiciary from many other countries in Europe in condemning these actions and offers our full and unequivocal support to our colleagues in Poland."
Mr Justice MacMenamin will also deliver a letter of support from Chief Justice Frank Clarke.
The participation of Irish judges in the protest is "unprecedented", barrister Tony McGillicuddy told The Irish Timesearlier this week.
“I can’t think of an Irish judicial figure ever participating in a march or protest before. I think they would likely not want it to be seen as an overtly political statement but one of solidarity with fellow judges.”
Poznan district judge and march co-organiser Monika Frackowiak has welcomed Irish participation. "It's very supportive for us. We really appreciate this."
Iustitia said in a statement it wants to “strongly emphasize that the march is apolitical.
“It is not an affirmation of any political force in the country, nor is it intended to criticise the actions of any particular political party.
“Its sole purpose is to make the legislative authority aware of the dramatic consequences of the entry into force of laws passed in Parliament and of repressive measures taken against representatives of the judiciary in Poland.”
Judges’ associations from most European countries will be represented at the march. The UK judges’ association will not take part but has expressed its support.


theirishtimes--2020-01-11--Chief Justice tells Polish judges to be ‘brave’ to protect rule of law

Judges must be “ brave ” in protecting their independence , Chief Justice Frank Clarke is to tell Polish colleagues protesting against increasing Government encroachment .
Irish Supreme Court judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin will deliver messages from Chief Justice Clarke and the Association of Judges in Ireland ( AJI ) to their Polish counterparts when he attends a protest march in Warsaw today .
Mr Justice MacMenamin will march with dozens of Polish and European judges wearing full judicial robes in a silent protest against a series of reforms introduced by Poland ’ s ruling Law and Justice party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control over the selection and discipline of the judiciary .
The AJI was the first judicial organisation in Europe to agree to take part in the demonstration with associations from nearly every other European country soon following suit .
The majority of Irish judges support participation in the march , including the presidents of the various court divisions .
The Irish Times understands a small number of individual judges have privately voiced concerns at taking part in a protest against the policy of a government for fear participation could be interpreted as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that the AJI has previously criticised government policy when it concerns the judiciary .
It has spoken out against the jailing of hundreds of judges in Turkey following the 2016 attempted coup and voiced its concerns over the appointment process for judges in Hungary .
Domestically , the AJI and its members have also criticised Irish government policy in the areas of judicial pay and the Judicial Appointments Bill .
Chief Justice Clarke will not attend Saturday ’ s protest personally due to a previous commitment to attend a ceremony in Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his letter to Iustitia , the Polish judges ’ association , he states judges “ must refrain from activity which crosses the boundary into the area of politics .
We must be careful ourselves to respect the separation of powers.
” But he added judges must also “ be brave to protect the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary which supports it ” .
The issue of Polish judicial independence concerns judges from all EU countries as the nature of the Union they may have to rule on issues concerning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU Court of Justice has already decided that “ certain measures of recent Polish legislation have failed to fulfil the fundamental obligation to respect the independence of the Judiciary , ” the Chief Justice states .
Chief Justice Clarke states in his letter it is necessary “ for all of us to the support the rule of law in Poland .
We today stand in solidarity with you.
” In a separate letter AJI president and High Court judge , Mr Justice David Barniville offers the “ full and unequivocal support and solidarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face of the ongoing and unrelenting threats to the independence of the Polish judiciary and of the Polish judicial system and to the rule of law by the actions of the Polish government which have been condemned in unambiguous terms by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
” Amnesty International has also welcomed Saturday ’ s protest against the measures which it said “ would bring the remaining free elements of the Polish courts under the political control of the executive branch , spelling the end of the separation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display of solidarity with Polish judges is a response to the growing severity of the crisis facing the country ’ s judiciary , ” Draginja Nadaždin , Director of Amnesty International Poland , said .

Chief Justice Frank Clarke said in his letter that ‘certain measures of recent Polish legislation have failed to fulfil the fundamental obligation to respect the independence of the Judiciary.’ Photograph: Tom Honan
Judges must be “brave” in protecting their independence, Chief Justice Frank Clarke is to tell Polish colleagues protesting against increasing Government encroachment.
Irish Supreme Court judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin will deliver messages from Chief Justice Clarke and the Association of Judges in Ireland (AJI) to their Polish counterparts when he attends a protest march in Warsaw on Saturday.
Mr Justice MacMenamin will march with dozens of Polish and European judges wearing full judicial robes in a silent protest against a series of reforms introduced by Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) granting the government greater control over the selection and discipline of the judiciary.
The AJI was the first judicial organisation in Europe to agree to take part in the demonstration with associations from nearly every other European country soon following suit.
READ MORE
Poland has faced years of protest over plans by the ruling party (PiS) to reform the judiciary. Photograph: NurPhoto via Getty
The majority of Irish judges support participation in the march, including the presidents of the various court divisions. The Irish Times understands a small number of individual judges have privately voiced concerns at taking part in a protest against the policy of a government for fear participation could be interpreted as “political.”
However another judicial source pointed out that the AJI has previously criticised government policy when it concerns the judiciary. It has spoken out against the jailing of hundreds of judges in Turkey following the 2016 attempted coup and voiced its concerns over the appointment process for judges in Hungary.
Domestically, the AJI and its members have also criticised Irish government policy in the areas of judicial pay and the Judicial Appointments Bill.
Chief Justice Clarke will not attend Saturday’s protest personally due to a previous commitment to attend a ceremony in Paris to open the legal year.
In his letter to Iustitia, the Polish judges’ association, he states judges “must refrain from activity which crosses the boundary into the area of politics. We must be careful ourselves to respect the separation of powers.”
But he added judges must also “be brave to protect the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary which supports it”.
European issue
The issue of Polish judicial independence concerns judges from all EU countries as the nature of the Union they may have to rule on issues concerning EU law, he said.
The EU Court of Justice has already decided that “certain measures of recent Polish legislation have failed to fulfil the fundamental obligation to respect the independence of the Judiciary,” the Chief Justice states.
Chief Justice Clarke states in his letter it is necessary “for all of us to the support the rule of law in Poland. We today stand in solidarity with you.”
In a separate letter AJI president and High Court judge, Mr Justice David Barniville offers the “full and unequivocal support and solidarity” to the Polish judiciary “in the face of the ongoing and unrelenting threats to the independence of the Polish judiciary and of the Polish judicial system and to the rule of law by the actions of the Polish government which have been condemned in unambiguous terms by the Court of Justice of the European Union.”
Amnesty International has also welcomed Saturday’s protest against the measures which it said “would bring the remaining free elements of the Polish courts under the political control of the executive branch, spelling the end of the separation of powers in Poland.”
“This unprecedented display of solidarity with Polish judges is a response to the growing severity of the crisis facing the country’s judiciary,” Draginja Nadaždin, Director of Amnesty International Poland, said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-11--Thinking Anew – The season of Epiphany is about discovery

An epiphany has been defined as a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand or , suddenly become conscious of , something that is very important to you .
So , the season of Epiphany is about discovery ; the realisation of the significance of Jesus Christ and what his mission is about .
In Journey for a Soul , Bishop George Appleton wrote : “ The Incarnation was not an isolated event , wonderful though it would have been if it was that and nothing more .
It was the beginning of something new , perhaps rather the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognised , but which could now happen in a fully conscious and effective way .
The Spirit of God , incarnate fully and supremely in Jesus , wishes to indwell every man , not only as an immanent force , but as an invited , personal guest.
” The Christian story is not told because of that stable scene in Bethlehem which we have just celebrated .
It began with those who came to know Jesus as an adult in Nazareth and elsewhere and who were so captivated by the way he lived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his death that they gradually , some reluctantly , came to the conclusion that God was present in and with him in a very special way .
As they sought to understand who he was and what he was about , they turned to the texts of the Old Testament and found what they believed to be references to his coming in the prophetic promises of Isaiah and Jeremiah .
But as they went deeper into those Hebrew scriptures , they concluded that the incarnation , the birth of Jesus , was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human history .
Scholars refer to this view of the Old Testament as Heilsgeschichte ( salvation history ) which carries over into the New Testament writings of Paul where he views Jesus through the lens of history , drawing parallels for example between Adam ’ s disobedience in Genesis and the faithfulness of Jesus on the cross .
Against that background the early Christians came to see Jesus as the Word made flesh , the light of the world , the Son of God .
It was probably later in that journey of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to explore and record the circumstances of his birth and infancy .
And so , we have the Christmas story that we treasure – the stable , the baby in a manger , the angels and the wise men – but it is possible that perhaps within it there lurks a little embellishment .
What is certain is that without Holy Week and Easter there would be no Christmas story .
Tomorrow ’ s readings bring us back to everyday life and remind us that ours is an adult faith for an adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also hope .
In the Old Testament reading we learn that God ’ s servant is an answer to the waiting world – “ a light to the nations ” – and that he will do justice , justice for the many who are treated unfairly by the world .
The reading from Acts takes us to what is perhaps the most serious issue facing humanity – divisions caused by the incitement of political and religious hatred , accompanied in some cases by threats of war .
We read from a sermon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly understand that God shows no partiality , but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him .
You know the message he sent to the people of Israel , preaching peace by Jesus Christ – he is Lord of all.
” The link made here between respect for people who are different and peace-making is clear .
It challenges those who claim to be Christian , not least on this island , to reach across the dividing lines of political and religious ideology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that peace with justice is attainable .
“ Reconciliation is not weakness or cowardice .
It demands courage , mobility , generosity and sometimes heroism , an overcoming of self rather than one ’ s adversary , ” said Pope Paul VI .

An epiphany has been defined as a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand or, suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you. So, the season of Epiphany is about discovery; the realisation of the significance of Jesus Christ and what his mission is about.
In Journey for a Soul, Bishop George Appleton wrote: “The Incarnation was not an isolated event, wonderful though it would have been if it was that and nothing more. It was the beginning of something new, perhaps rather the manifestation of something which has never been recognised, but which could now happen in a fully conscious and effective way. The Spirit of God, incarnate fully and supremely in Jesus, wishes to indwell every man, not only as an immanent force, but as an invited, personal guest.”
The Christian story is not told because of that stable scene in Bethlehem which we have just celebrated. It began with those who came to know Jesus as an adult in Nazareth and elsewhere and who were so captivated by the way he lived and ultimately by events before and after his death that they gradually, some reluctantly, came to the conclusion that God was present in and with him in a very special way.
As they sought to understand who he was and what he was about, they turned to the texts of the Old Testament and found what they believed to be references to his coming in the prophetic promises of Isaiah and Jeremiah. But as they went deeper into those Hebrew scriptures, they concluded that the incarnation, the birth of Jesus, was a continuation of the activity of God within human history. Scholars refer to this view of the Old Testament as Heilsgeschichte (salvation history) which carries over into the New Testament writings of Paul where he views Jesus through the lens of history, drawing parallels for example between Adam’s disobedience in Genesis and the faithfulness of Jesus on the cross. Against that background the early Christians came to see Jesus as the Word made flesh, the light of the world, the Son of God.
READ MORE
It was probably later in that journey of discovery that the followers of Jesus began to explore and record the circumstances of his birth and infancy. And so, we have the Christmas story that we treasure – the stable, the baby in a manger, the angels and the wise men – but it is possible that perhaps within it there lurks a little embellishment. What is certain is that without Holy Week and Easter there would be no Christmas story.
Tomorrow’s readings bring us back to everyday life and remind us that ours is an adult faith for an adult world facing enormous challenges but that there is also hope. In the Old Testament reading we learn that God’s servant is an answer to the waiting world – “a light to the nations” – and that he will do justice, justice for the many who are treated unfairly by the world.
The reading from Acts takes us to what is perhaps the most serious issue facing humanity – divisions caused by the incitement of political and religious hatred, accompanied in some cases by threats of war. We read from a sermon attributed to St Peter: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ – he is Lord of all.” The link made here between respect for people who are different and peace-making is clear. It challenges those who claim to be Christian, not least on this island, to reach across the dividing lines of political and religious ideology, of economic and social class and demonstrate that peace with justice is attainable. “Reconciliation is not weakness or cowardice. It demands courage, mobility, generosity and sometimes heroism, an overcoming of self rather than one’s adversary,” said Pope Paul VI.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Five masked men sought after burglary and false imprisonment at Dublin home

Gardaí are investigating an incident in which the occupant of a house in the Portmarnock area of Dublin was locked @ @ @ @ @ masked individuals before they then proceeded to burgle the property .
After the woman ( @ @ @ @ @ in the house on the Strand Road area of Portmarnock on Thursday evening the intruders @ @ @ @ @ , ” gardaí said .
“ After the five individuals left , the occupant remained @ @ @ @ @ a considerable amount of time until later discovered by a relative , ” gardaí said @ @ @ @ @ night .
Gardaí are appealing for information from the public to help in their investigation @ @ @ @ @ anyone with information , particularly any road users who happened to be travelling on the @ @ @ @ @ Portmarnock between 6.30pm and 8pm on Thursday to contact them at Malahide Garda station on @ @ @ @ @ Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station .

Gardaí are appealing for information for the public to help in their investigation. File photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Gardaí are investigating an incident in which the occupant of a house in the Portmarnock area of Dublin was locked in a room by five masked individuals before they then proceeded to burgle the property.
After the woman (24) was falsely imprisoned in the house on the Strand Road area of Portmarnock on Thursday evening the intruders “searched throughout the house,” gardaí said.
“After the five individuals left, the occupant remained locked into this room for a considerable amount of time until later discovered by a relative,” gardaí said in a statement on Friday night.
No injuries were reported.
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Gardaí are appealing for information from the public to help in their investigation. They are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any road users who happened to be travelling on the Coast Road between Baldoyle and Portmarnock between 6.30pm and 8pm on Thursday to contact them at Malahide Garda station on 01 666 4600, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Irish students planning to study in UK will not face fee hike, says minister

Irish students hoping to study at UK universities next September will not face a hike in fees and can continue to avail of Irish grant support despite the UK ’ s scheduled exit from the EU at the end of the month , according to the Department of Education .
In a statement released on Friday , Minister for Education Joe McHugh said the current fee regime and grants support for Irish students studying at UK institutions from September 2020 would remain in place .
Eligible Irish and EU national students enrolling in UK third level institutions later this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant support from Student Universal Support Ireland ( SUSI ) , while UK students who choose to study in the Republic will continue to be charged the same €3,000 registration fee as their Irish peers , he said .
This arrangement will be maintained for the duration of students ’ studies , said the Minister .
The department ’ s announcement will come as a great relief following fears that Irish students could end up paying international fees of up to £35,000 per year once the UK leaves the EU .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structures will remain in place for Irish and UK students entering third level from September 2021 .
Mr McHugh said the commitment to maintain the current fees structure would give students from Britain and Northern Ireland time to plan their education options for the coming year .
“ We are heading into a period of change but student mobility between Ireland and the UK has always been a strong feature of our education systems , ” he said .
“ I am determined that this should grow and serve to remind us all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can assure prospective students from Britain and Northern Ireland that their contribution to our higher education institutions will always be very welcome.
” Minister of State Mary Mitchell O ’ Connor , who has responsibility for higher education , said she was pleased student grants would continue for Irish and EU students heading to the UK for their studies while British students could continue to access the SUSI scheme .
The statement said the protection of the fee structure would build on the Memorandum of Understanding on the Common Travel Area ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Brexit .

Minister for Education Joe McHugh said the commitment to maintain the current fees structure would give students from Britain and Northern Ireland time to plan their education options for the coming year. File photograph: Alan Betson
Irish students hoping to study at UK universities next September will not face a hike in fees and can continue to avail of Irish grant support despite the UK’s scheduled exit from the EU at the end of the month, according to the Department of Education.
In a statement released on Friday, Minister for Education Joe McHugh said the current fee regime and grants support for Irish students studying at UK institutions from September 2020 would remain in place.
Eligible Irish and EU national students enrolling in UK third level institutions later this year will also be able to avail of grant support from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), while UK students who choose to study in the Republic will continue to be charged the same €3,000 registration fee as their Irish peers, he said.
This arrangement will be maintained for the duration of students’ studies, said the Minister.
READ MORE
The department’s announcement will come as a great relief following fears that Irish students could end up paying international fees of up to £35,000 per year once the UK leaves the EU. However, it remains unclear whether the existing fee structures will remain in place for Irish and UK students entering third level from September 2021.
Mr McHugh said the commitment to maintain the current fees structure would give students from Britain and Northern Ireland time to plan their education options for the coming year.
“We are heading into a period of change but student mobility between Ireland and the UK has always been a strong feature of our education systems,” he said.
“I am determined that this should grow and serve to remind us all of our shared respect and understanding. I can assure prospective students from Britain and Northern Ireland that their contribution to our higher education institutions will always be very welcome.”
Minister of State Mary Mitchell O’Connor, who has responsibility for higher education, said she was pleased student grants would continue for Irish and EU students heading to the UK for their studies while British students could continue to access the SUSI scheme.
The statement said the protection of the fee structure would build on the Memorandum of Understanding on the Common Travel Area (CTA) which guarantees reciprocal rights regardless of Brexit.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Hundreds of childcare facilities due to close on February 5th

Hundreds of childcare facilities are due to close on Wednesday , February 5th as providers , educators and parents plan to protest in Dublin .
The Early Years Alliance , which brings together organisations representing staff , providers and parents , said they are calling for a “ sustainable solution to the worsening childcare crisis ” .
The group said they believe thousands of workers , providers and parents will take to the streets , with protestors due to march to Leinster House .
The Early Years Alliance has yet to confirm how many providers will close but that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country to march ” .
Elaine Dunne , chairwoman of the Federation of the Early Childhood Providers , said “ we are calling on all those concerned by the worsening childcare crisis to join us on February 5th to say enough is enough ” .
“ We are educators and need to be paid accordingly .
The reason the insurance hike in the sector has hit us so hard , is because we are paid so little in the first place .
The ECCE ( Early Childhood Care and Education ) grant pays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only get paid for three hours a day .
Sustainability is a real issue for providers , ” she said .
Darragh O ’ Connor , Siptu ’ s head of strategic organising , said the current Government funding model for the sector is making it “ impossible ” to deliver “ high quality , child focused education and care ” .
“ Despite qualifications and hard work , Early Years educators earn just € 11.45 on average , well below the living wage , ” he said .
“ The majority are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be unable to stay in their profession if things don ’ t change .
That ’ s why we are calling for the introduction of the living wage in 2020 as the first step towards professional pay scales.
” Denise Mc Cormilla , chief executive of the National Childhood Network , said securing improved terms and conditions to support “ sustainable and high quality Early Years services is essential for this country ” .
“ This requires increased Government funds and a new funding model for service providers , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
The Early Years Alliance was established in December 2019 and includes the Association of Childhood Professionals , the Federation of Early Childhood Providers , SIPTU , the National Community Childcare Forum , Seas Suas and the National Childhood Network .

The Early Years Alliance said it is calling for a ‘sustainable solution to the worsening childcare crisis’. File photograph: Getty
Hundreds of childcare facilities are due to close on Wednesday, February 5th as providers, educators and parents plan to protest in Dublin.
The Early Years Alliance, which brings together organisations representing staff, providers and parents, said they are calling for a “sustainable solution to the worsening childcare crisis”.
The group said they believe thousands of workers, providers and parents will take to the streets, with protestors due to march to Leinster House. The Early Years Alliance has yet to confirm how many providers will close but that it expects "people from all over the country to march".
Elaine Dunne, chairwoman of the Federation of the Early Childhood Providers, said "we are calling on all those concerned by the worsening childcare crisis to join us on February 5th to say enough is enough".
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“We are educators and need to be paid accordingly. The reason the insurance hike in the sector has hit us so hard, is because we are paid so little in the first place. The ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) grant pays us € 4.60 an hour, we only get paid for three hours a day. Sustainability is a real issue for providers,” she said.
Darragh O'Connor, Siptu's head of strategic organising, said the current Government funding model for the sector is making it "impossible" to deliver "high quality, child focused education and care".
“Despite qualifications and hard work, Early Years educators earn just € 11.45 on average, well below the living wage,” he said.
“The majority are struggling to make ends meet and will be unable to stay in their profession if things don’t change. That’s why we are calling for the introduction of the living wage in 2020 as the first step towards professional pay scales.”
Denise Mc Cormilla, chief executive of the National Childhood Network, said securing improved terms and conditions to support "sustainable and high quality Early Years services is essential for this country".
“This requires increased Government funds and a new funding model for service providers,” she said.
There are 4,500 childcare providers across the country. The Early Years Alliance was established in December 2019 and includes the Association of Childhood Professionals, the Federation of Early Childhood Providers, SIPTU, the National Community Childcare Forum, Seas Suas and the National Childhood Network.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Biker gang premises raided in Dublin after gardaí intercept car near Naas

Gardaí have raided a premises linked to a group of bikers based in Dublin as some members of the group are suspected of involvement in organised crime in the city .
At least four of the men are believed to have threatened two men in Wexford on Thursday , during which a gun or replica gun was produced .
Premises used by the club in Crumlin were searched on Friday by a large team of detectives and members of the heavily armed Emergency Response Unit ( ERU ) .
The search operation follows the arrest of four men on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to threaten a number of people earlier in the day .
In one incident , four men went into a garage in the Clonroche area armed with what witnesses described as a handgun and threatened staff members , with two men based in the area the apparent targets of the group .
The men then left the scene in a silver Hyundai car and , while no shots were fired and no injuries were reported , the incident was reported to gardaí and a search operation began .
The same vehicle was later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was eventually intercepted by members of the ERU on the M7 near Naas , Co Kildare .
The four suspects , whose car was rammed by gardaí , were arrested at the scene .
The men , aged between 30 and 60 , were detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at Garda stations in Wexford .
They were still being questioned on Friday evening after a follow-up operation began at premises linked to the arrested men in Crumlin .
The search was continuing on Friday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found .
Members of the same biker group led the cortege during the funeral of David Byrne , the Crumlin man who was shot dead in the 2016 shooting at the Regency Hotel , north Dublin , as part of the Kinahan-Hutch feud .
In the past swords , knives and replica guns along with small quantities of cash and drugs have been found at a premises linked to the same group of bikers .
Gardaí believe some members of the group are close to the Byrne organised crime group ; the Dublin-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the wider international Kinahan crime cartel .
Some members of the group are suspected of carrying out debt collection on behalf of criminals involved in organised crime , often using threats and violence to extort money from their victims .

Premises used by the club in Crumlin were searched on Friday by a large team of detectives and members of the heavily armed Emergency Response Unit.
Gardaí have raided a premises linked to a group of bikers based in Dublin as some members of the group are suspected of involvement in organised crime in the city.
At least four of the men are believed to have threatened two men in Wexford on Thursday, during which a gun or replica gun was produced.
Premises used by the club in Crumlin were searched on Friday by a large team of detectives and members of the heavily armed Emergency Response Unit (ERU).
The search operation follows the arrest of four men on Thursday on suspicion they travelled to Co Wexford to threaten a number of people earlier in the day.
READ MORE
In one incident, four men went into a garage in the Clonroche area armed with what witnesses described as a handgun and threatened staff members, with two men based in the area the apparent targets of the group.
The men then left the scene in a silver Hyundai car and, while no shots were fired and no injuries were reported, the incident was reported to gardaí and a search operation began.
The same vehicle was later observed by gardaí on the M9 motorway and it was eventually intercepted by members of the ERU on the M7 near Naas, Co Kildare.
The four suspects, whose car was rammed by gardaí, were arrested at the scene. The men, aged between 30 and 60, were detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at Garda stations in Wexford.
They were still being questioned on Friday evening after a follow-up operation began at premises linked to the arrested men in Crumlin.
The search was continuing on Friday night and a quantity of cash had been found.
Members of the same biker group led the cortege during the funeral of David Byrne, the Crumlin man who was shot dead in the 2016 shooting at the Regency Hotel, north Dublin, as part of the Kinahan-Hutch feud.
In the past swords, knives and replica guns along with small quantities of cash and drugs have been found at a premises linked to the same group of bikers.
Gardaí believe some members of the group are close to the Byrne organised crime group; the Dublin-based gang that is effectively the Irish unit of the wider international Kinahan crime cartel.
Some members of the group are suspected of carrying out debt collection on behalf of criminals involved in organised crime, often using threats and violence to extort money from their victims.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Poor sleepers advised to stop taking U-Dream sleeping aids immediately

Consumers using U-Dream products , marketed as herbal sleeping aids , have been advised to stop taking the capsules and consult their doctor immediately after tests found the product contained a substance similar to prescription medicine .
Canadian and American researchers have found the U-Dream Full Night and U-Dream Lite products , which are marked as natural sleep remedies , contain a substance similar to the prescription medicine Zopiclone which can cause drowsiness , dizziness and abnormal sleep behaviours .
The Health Products Regulatory Authority ( HPRA ) has advised anyone who is taking the product , or who recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to contact their doctor straight away .
It also warned that those who stop taking the capsules abruptly could experience adverse reactions .
And anyone currently taking the product should not drive , operate machinery or perform other activities “ requiring mental alertness ” until they have consulted their doctor .
While the U-dream sleeping aids are not authorised for sale in Ireland , packs of the capsules have been sold to consumers in Ireland from retail outlets including health stores , said HPRA .
The authority said it had identified shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure packs are removed from sale .
Those who have already purchased either of the U-Dream products should return the pack to the store or contact the website where it was bought , said HPRA .
A statement from the U-Dream Sleep Naturally company said they had halted distribution of the capsules as a “ precautionary measure ” but argued the Zopiclone impurity 22 found in the products was not the same as the Zopiclone pharmaceutical sleeping aid .
The company said while there had been no confirmed cases of illnesses related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all consumers to stop taking the capsules “ immediately until further notice ” .
HPRA ’ s investigation into the products is ongoing while the capsules have been recalled from the Canadian and US markets .
The authority called on any person who has experienced an adverse reaction from taking U-Dream Full Night or U-Dream Lite to submit a formal report through hpra.ie .

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has advised anyone who is taking the product, or who recently stopped taking it and has health concerns, to contact their doctor straight away.
Consumers using U-Dream products, marketed as herbal sleeping aids, have been advised to stop taking the capsules and consult their doctor immediately after tests found the product contained a substance similar to prescription medicine.
Canadian and American researchers have found the U-Dream Full Night and U-Dream Lite products, which are marked as natural sleep remedies, contain a substance similar to the prescription medicine Zopiclone which can cause drowsiness, dizziness and abnormal sleep behaviours.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has advised anyone who is taking the product, or who recently stopped taking it and has health concerns, to contact their doctor straight away.
It also warned that those who stop taking the capsules abruptly could experience adverse reactions. And anyone currently taking the product should not drive, operate machinery or perform other activities “requiring mental alertness” until they have consulted their doctor.
READ MORE
While the U-dream sleeping aids are not authorised for sale in Ireland, packs of the capsules have been sold to consumers in Ireland from retail outlets including health stores, said HPRA. The authority said it had identified shops and online outlets selling the product to ensure packs are removed from sale.
Those who have already purchased either of the U-Dream products should return the pack to the store or contact the website where it was bought, said HPRA.
A statement from the U-Dream Sleep Naturally company said they had halted distribution of the capsules as a “precautionary measure” but argued the Zopiclone impurity 22 found in the products was not the same as the Zopiclone pharmaceutical sleeping aid.
The company said while there had been no confirmed cases of illnesses related to the U-dream product, it was advising all consumers to stop taking the capsules “immediately until further notice”.
HPRA’s investigation into the products is ongoing while the capsules have been recalled from the Canadian and US markets. The authority called on any person who has experienced an adverse reaction from taking U-Dream Full Night or U-Dream Lite to submit a formal report through hpra.ie.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Woman in her 70s dies in road crash in Co Clare

A woman in her 70s has died following a road traffic collision involving a car and a truck in Co @ @ @ @ @ took place on the N68 Kilrush to Ennis road on the outskirts of the town @ @ @ @ @ .
The woman was driving the car when it crashed into the truck .
Emergency @ @ @ @ @ the woman but she was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later .
@ @ @ @ @ to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem will take place .
The driver of the @ @ @ @ @ collision .
The road has been closed to allow for a technical examination by Garda @ @ @ @ @ appealing for anyone with information , particularly any road users travelling in the area at @ @ @ @ @ who may have camera footage , to contact Kilrush Garda station on 065 9080550 , @ @ @ @ @ 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station .

The road has been closed to allow for a technical examination by Garda forensic investigators. File photograph: Alan Betson/ The Irish Times
A woman in her 70s has died following a road traffic collision involving a car and a truck in Co Clare.
The fatal collision took place on the N68 Kilrush to Ennis road on the outskirts of the town at approximately 4pm on Friday.
The woman was driving the car when it crashed into the truck. Emergency services were called to attend the woman but she was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Her body has been taken to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem will take place.
The driver of the truck was uninjured in the collision. The road has been closed to allow for a technical examination by Garda forensic investigators.
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Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any road users travelling in the area at the time of the collision who may have camera footage, to contact Kilrush Garda station on 065 9080550, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--BT Young Scientists: Research on gender bias in children wins 2020 prize

Two transition-year students from Co Cork have won the overall prize in the 2020 BT Young Scientists & Technology Exhibition for groundbreaking research on gender bias in young schoolchildren .
Cormac Harris and Alan O ’ Sullivan of Coláiste Choilm in Ballinchollig developed “ an impressive education programme ” to counter gender stereotyping in response to their findings .
The winners receive €7,500 and will represent Ireland at the EU Contest for Young Scientists later this year .
This is the second time Coláiste Choilm has had the overall winner of the competition , its previous win being in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Minister for Education Joe McHugh and BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh at a ceremony in the RDS , Dublin on Friday night .
Despite awareness of the lower percentage of females relative to males pursuing study and careers in science , technology , engineering and mathematics , “ we still do not understand exactly why this is the case , ” said head judge in the category Prof Joe Barry .
The students set out to determine how early gender stereotyping could be identified by conducting workshops with 376 five to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with tasks including choosing between gender-specific and gender-neutral toys ; drawing and naming an engineer , and rating male and female competency at a number of gender-specific roles .
One striking finding was that 96 per cent of boys drew a male engineer , while just over 50 per cent of girls drew a female engineer .
“ This , along with the other data , indicates that gender stereotypes emerge in young children and they are particularly strong among boys , ” Prof Barry said .
The findings were also important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The project recognises the need to focus on all children , boys and girls , from a young age , in order to combat the development of gender stereotyping.
” They also created “ pertinent and usable resources for primary school teachers to combat gender stereotyping among young children ” .
“ The gender bias we found was so big , we decided to see if it is already prevalent before children go to school , ” Alan explained .
“ Among the most striking findings was girls had a more positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice versa , ” his colleague Cormac added .
Their entry was in the intermediate section of the social and behavioural sciences category .
With statistical analysis increasingly part of the secondary school curriculum , it has led to stronger entries in this category , according to judges .
Oscar Despard ( 17 ) , a fifth year student from Sandford Park , Dublin , won the individual award for his project on “ Applying Data-Driven Experimental Analysis to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging ” .
His project focussed on LDL-cholesterol , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and concluded it plays a role is countering atrial fibrillation ( AF ) which leads to irregular heart rate that can increase risk of stroke and heart failure .
“ The research , somewhat unexpectedly , suggested a possible beneficial effect of LDL-cholesterol , ” he said .
“ This exceptional young researcher took a new perspective on a global problem and has brought new insights , ” the judges found .
Group runners-up were Cathal O ’ Mara and James O ’ Malley , first-year students at Castletroy College , Limerick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – a smart sorting bin which can separate out plastic , aluminium cans and compost at recycling stage .
They “ delivered a fully-functioning , integrated technological solution at a level beyond their years ” .
The image-recognition system has the potential for accurate waste segregation in a domestic setting .
The judges recognised its potential commercial application as it fixes a significant challenge of incorrect waste segregation .
“ We have had a lot of people taking pictures of it , ” said James , “ So we will have to patent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runner-up award winner was Ava Hynes ( 14 ) , a second-year student at Coláiste Treasa in Kanturk , Co Cork , who analysed the impact of smartphone use on adolescents .
She collected data from 792 post-primary students aged 12 to 19 , focussing on levels of social anxiety , social phobia and adolescent loneliness related to smartphone usage .
Mr Walsh of BT Ireland said : “ For more than five decades , the exhibition has shown the ingenuity of Ireland ’ s youth , and this year is no exception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovative solutions to some of the world ’ s most pressing issues , and that spirit and drive is to be commended ... from young students involved in the Primary Science Fair to secondary students at the BTYSTE , it is vitally important that every student ’ s voyage of discovery does not end here.
” Mr McHugh said he was particularly pleased to see “ so many young people tackling some of the most important issues facing us , from climate change to health , to technology , ethics and societal change @ @ @

Cork students Cormac Harris and Alan O’Sullivan win the overall prize in the 2020 BT Young Scientists & Technology Exhibition for groundbreaking research on gender bias in young schoolchildren.
Two transition-year students from Co Cork have won the overall prize in the 2020 BT Young Scientists & Technology Exhibition for groundbreaking research on gender bias in young schoolchildren.
Cormac Harris and Alan O'Sullivan of Coláiste Choilm in Ballinchollig developed "an impressive education programme" to counter gender stereotyping in response to their findings.
The winners receive €7,500 and will represent Ireland at the EU Contest for Young Scientists later this year.
This is the second time Coláiste Choilm has had the overall winner of the competition, its previous win being in 2018.
READ MORE
The 16-year-olds were given their prize by Minister for Education Joe McHugh and BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh at a ceremony in the RDS, Dublin on Friday night.
Despite awareness of the lower percentage of females relative to males pursuing study and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, "we still do not understand exactly why this is the case," said head judge in the category Prof Joe Barry.
The students set out to determine how early gender stereotyping could be identified by conducting workshops with 376 five to seven-year-olds from a range of school settings, with tasks including choosing between gender-specific and gender-neutral toys; drawing and naming an engineer, and rating male and female competency at a number of gender-specific roles.
One striking finding was that 96 per cent of boys drew a male engineer, while just over 50 per cent of girls drew a female engineer. “This, along with the other data, indicates that gender stereotypes emerge in young children and they are particularly strong among boys,” Prof Barry said.
‘Most striking findings’
The findings were also important as intervention typically focuses on girls. “The project recognises the need to focus on all children, boys and girls, from a young age, in order to combat the development of gender stereotyping.” They also created “pertinent and usable resources for primary school teachers to combat gender stereotyping among young children”.
“The gender bias we found was so big, we decided to see if it is already prevalent before children go to school,” Alan explained.
“Among the most striking findings was girls had a more positive view of boys’ abilities, than vice versa,” his colleague Cormac added.
Their entry was in the intermediate section of the social and behavioural sciences category.
With statistical analysis increasingly part of the secondary school curriculum, it has led to stronger entries in this category, according to judges.
Bad cholesterol
Oscar Despard (17), a fifth year student from Sandford Park, Dublin, won the individual award for his project on "Applying Data-Driven Experimental Analysis to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging".
Oscar Despard, whose project won the best individual award in this year’s BT Young Scientist of the Year competition. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell/The Irish Times
His project focussed on LDL-cholesterol, often described as “bad cholesterol”, and concluded it plays a role is countering atrial fibrillation (AF) which leads to irregular heart rate that can increase risk of stroke and heart failure. “The research, somewhat unexpectedly, suggested a possible beneficial effect of LDL-cholesterol,” he said.
“This exceptional young researcher took a new perspective on a global problem and has brought new insights,” the judges found.
Group runners-up were Cathal O'Mara and James O'Malley, first-year students at Castletroy College, Limerick, who developed "Bin Buddy" – a smart sorting bin which can separate out plastic, aluminium cans and compost at recycling stage.
Cathal O’Mara and James O’Malley from Castletroy College, Limerick, whose project, ‘Bin Buddy-A SMART sorting bin’ won the best group award in this year’s competition. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell/The Irish Times
They “delivered a fully-functioning, integrated technological solution at a level beyond their years”. The image-recognition system has the potential for accurate waste segregation in a domestic setting. The judges recognised its potential commercial application as it fixes a significant challenge of incorrect waste segregation.
“We have had a lot of people taking pictures of it,” said James, “So we will have to patent it when we get home.”
Smartphone use
Individual runner-up award winner was Ava Hynes (14), a second-year student at Coláiste Treasa in Kanturk, Co Cork, who analysed the impact of smartphone use on adolescents. She collected data from 792 post-primary students aged 12 to 19, focussing on levels of social anxiety, social phobia and adolescent loneliness related to smartphone usage.
Ava Hynes from Coláiste Treasa, Cork, whose project on smartphone use won the runner-up individual prize in this year’s competition. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell/The Irish Times
Mr Walsh of BT Ireland said: “For more than five decades, the exhibition has shown the ingenuity of Ireland’s youth, and this year is no exception. The students have sought creative and innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, and that spirit and drive is to be commended ... from young students involved in the Primary Science Fair to secondary students at the BTYSTE, it is vitally important that every student’s voyage of discovery does not end here.”
Mr McHugh said he was particularly pleased to see “so many young people tackling some of the most important issues facing us, from climate change to health, to technology, ethics and societal change,”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Limerick direct provision centre to close in February

A Limerick direct provision centre described in a recent report as similar to an “ open-air prison ” is to close its doors in February .
Mount Trenchard in Foynes has the “ most challenging has conditions of all direct provision centres in the country ” , due to its facilities and its isolation .
In a report published by the charity Doras Luimní last month , one resident compared it to “ Guantanamo Bay ” .
Residents complained that eight people were assigned to a single room and that the conditions were severely impacting their mental health .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bleak , and confined space in Mount Trenchard for extensive periods of time results in disinterest and apathy , eventually leading to depression , ” the report stated .
At the time of the report ’ s release , Doras director John Lannont said it was generally understood that Mount Trenchard had “ the most challenging conditions of all direct provision centres in the country ” , adding that many of the issues highlighted were previously flagged in 2015 .
A Department of Justice spokesman confirmed on Friday that its contract with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February and it will be not renewed .
The Doras Luimní report , as well as a large number of complaints from residents and migrants groups , were key factors in the decision to close the centre , a senior Justice source said .
Officials have already started moving residents to a direct provision centre in Ennis , Co Clare .
On Friday , 14 residents transferred to Ennis with the remainder expected to follow in the coming weeks .

Officials have already started moving residents from Mount Trenchard in Foynes to a direct provision centre in Ennis, Co Clare. File photograph: Brian Gavin
A Limerick direct provision centre described in a recent report as similar to an “open-air prison” is to close its doors in February.
Mount Trenchard in Foynes has the "most challenging has conditions of all direct provision centres in the country", due to its facilities and its isolation. In a report published by the charity Doras Luimní last month, one resident compared it to "Guantanamo Bay".
Residents complained that eight people were assigned to a single room and that the conditions were severely impacting their mental health.
“Participants reported that living in an unwelcoming, bleak, and confined space in Mount Trenchard for extensive periods of time results in disinterest and apathy, eventually leading to depression,” the report stated.
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At the time of the report’s release, Doras director John Lannont said it was generally understood that Mount Trenchard had “the most challenging conditions of all direct provision centres in the country”, adding that many of the issues highlighted were previously flagged in 2015.
A Department of Justice spokesman confirmed on Friday that its contract with Mount Trenchard’s owners ends in February and it will be not renewed.
The Doras Luimní report, as well as a large number of complaints from residents and migrants groups, were key factors in the decision to close the centre, a senior Justice source said.
Officials have already started moving residents to a direct provision centre in Ennis, Co Clare. On Friday, 14 residents transferred to Ennis with the remainder expected to follow in the coming weeks.