theirishtimes--2020-10-07--Just 2,820 students apply to sit postponed Leaving Cert exams next month

A total of 2,820 students have applied to sit the postponed 2020 Leaving Cert exams which are due to be held next month .
This represents just under 5 per cent of the 61,000 candidates who were scheduled to sit the exams in June this year .
The postponed exams are due to take place during evenings and weekends a between November 16th and December 11th .
All students who had been due to sit the summer exams were given the option of receiving calculated grades and sitting Leaving Cert written exams at a later date when it was considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have received calculated grades and opt to sit the written exams will be credited with the higher of the two grades .
Students are being advised that the written exams will be based on the normal question paper format , content and structure as in previous years .
Separately , it is understood that 424 students whose Leaving Cert results were upgraded following errors in the calculated grades process are to receive new CAO offers on Thursday .
A total of 48 of these students had not previously received a CAO offer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commenced other college programmes .
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris and higher education institutions have been in talks over recent days to ensure all of these students will be able to take up these courses in the current academic year .
They include places in nursing , teaching , speech and language therapy and a single place in dentistry and another radiation therapy , according to sources .
These 424 students 7represent about 7 per cent of the 6,100 Leaving Cert students whose results were upgraded on foot of coding errors discovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers are to be issued online at 10am on Thursday and the additional college places will be spread across higher education institutions .
The Leaving Cert exams , meanwhile , will take the form of written papers only .
Marks will not be available for oral language or music performance tests on the basis that it would “ not be feasible or practical ” to conduct exams in these components , according to the Department of Education .
However , in the case of five subjects , examiners will mark coursework which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marks will be included in the grading of these subjects .
These subjects include home economics ; design and communication graphics ; physical education ; engineering ; and the LCVP ( Leaving Cert vocational ) programme ) portfolio .
In addition , Junior Cycle exams for adult learners and early school leavers will also commence next month .
The exams are also due to be scheduled for evenings and at weekends .
On the decision not to conduct exams in oral or practical components , or to try to complete unfinished coursework , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was based on the fact that these were school-based .
Completing them would require significant levels of support at school level - including the requirement to take serving teachers out of their schools - meant Ms Foley said an earlier decision last March to award full marks in respect of oral language and music performance tests was cancelled when the system of calculated grades was introduced in May .
“ Candidates are not being automatically awarded full marks in respect of any examination component in the calculated grades system , ” according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Accordingly , it would not be appropriate or fair to now award full marks for some examination components in the interest of inter-candidate equity between those sitting a later examination and those receiving a calculated grade.
” While Junior Cycle exams were cancelled and replaced with in-school assessments , written exams will be made available for adult learners and early school leavers in November 2020 .

The postponed 2020 Leaving Cert exams are due to take place between November 16th and December 11th. Photograph: David Jones/PA Wire
A total of 2,820 students have applied to sit the postponed 2020 Leaving Cert exams which are due to be held next month.
This represents just under 5 per cent of the 61,000 candidates who were scheduled to sit the exams in June this year.
The postponed exams are due to take place during evenings and weekends a between November 16th and December 11th.
All students who had been due to sit the summer exams were given the option of receiving calculated grades and sitting Leaving Cert written exams at a later date when it was considered safe to do so.
READ MORE
Students who have received calculated grades and opt to sit the written exams will be credited with the higher of the two grades.
Students are being advised that the written exams will be based on the normal question paper format, content and structure as in previous years.
Separately, it is understood that 424 students whose Leaving Cert results were upgraded following errors in the calculated grades process are to receive new CAO offers on Thursday.
A total of 48 of these students had not previously received a CAO offer, while the remainder have either accepted or commenced other college programmes.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris and higher education institutions have been in talks over recent days to ensure all of these students will be able to take up these courses in the current academic year.
They include places in nursing, teaching, speech and language therapy and a single place in dentistry and another radiation therapy, according to sources.
These 424 students 7represent about 7 per cent of the 6,100 Leaving Cert students whose results were upgraded on foot of coding errors discovered in the past fortnight.
The new offers are to be issued online at 10am on Thursday and the additional college places will be spread across higher education institutions.
The Leaving Cert exams, meanwhile, will take the form of written papers only. Marks will not be available for oral language or music performance tests on the basis that it would “not be feasible or practical” to conduct exams in these components, according to the Department of Education.
However, in the case of five subjects, examiners will mark coursework which was completed prior to school closure. These marks will be included in the grading of these subjects.
These subjects include home economics; design and communication graphics; physical education; engineering; and the LCVP (Leaving Cert vocational) programme) portfolio.
In addition, Junior Cycle exams for adult learners and early school leavers will also commence next month. The exams are also due to be scheduled for evenings and at weekends.
On the decision not to conduct exams in oral or practical components, or to try to complete unfinished coursework, Minister for Education Norma Foley has said this was based on the fact that these were school-based.
Completing them would require significant levels of support at school level - including the requirement to take serving teachers out of their schools - meant
Ms Foley said an earlier decision last March to award full marks in respect of oral language and music performance tests was cancelled when the system of calculated grades was introduced in May.
“Candidates are not being automatically awarded full marks in respect of any examination component in the calculated grades system,” according to a Department of Education statement.
“Accordingly, it would not be appropriate or fair to now award full marks for some examination components in the interest of inter-candidate equity between those sitting a later examination and those receiving a calculated grade.”
While Junior Cycle exams were cancelled and replaced with in-school assessments, written exams will be made available for adult learners and early school leavers in November 2020.


theirishtimes--2020-10-07--Unions say campaign of industrial action planned in State-funded health agencies

The trade union Fórsa has sanctioned a ballot for industrial action in about a dozen State-funded voluntary organisations that provide health and social services over pay restoration .
Among the agencies , known as Section 39 bodies that could be affected , are the National Council of the Blind , Delta Centre , Moorehaven , Camphill Community , Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland , National Guide Dogs for the Blind , De Paul , Ard Aoibhinn , South Doc , Valentia Community Health and Welfare Association , St Joseph ’ s Home , Killorgan , Western Alzheimer ’ s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siptu said “ consultation meetings ” for industrial action in the Cork region would commence immediately beginning with South-Doc and Co-Action .
Trade unions said following a meeting on Wednesday that a campaign of “ targeted industrial action ” was planned across Section 39 organisations over the pay restoration issue .
Trade unions said that the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath had declined to intervene in the dispute .
Staff in Section 39 organisations are seeking the restoration of pay which was cut following the economic crash nearly a decade ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were urged to cut staff pay in line with reductions in remuneration to public servants during the austerity years , Section 39 personnel had not seen pay restoration , unlike direct State employees .
More than 1,000 staff in a number of Section 39 organisations staged a 24-hour stoppage last February over pay restoration .
However , the campaign was effectively suspended for a period as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic .
There are about 300 Section 39 organisations across the country which provide services on foot of grants paid by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago for the restoration of pay in an initial 50 of these bodies .
However , a statement issued after the meeting of officials of Fórsa , Siptu and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation , said there were now concerns about the process of pay restoration in some of the initial 50 Section 39 organisations .
Unions said “ some of the 50 Section 39 organisations involved in the first tranche of pay restoration due on October 1st under an agreement secured by unions in 2019 have cited potential funding challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour the agreement ” .
Unions said that if employers failed to meet the terms of the agreement , members “ would be left with no choice but to ballot for industrial action ” .
Siptu public administration and community division organiser Adrian Kane , said : “ The decision of the Minister to wash his hands of this dispute not only beggars belief but has left a bitter taste in our members ’ mouths.
” “ These are the very same workers who made sure essential services have been maintained throughout this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground for a sustained period of targeted industrial action can no longer be wished away by Government .
.
Our members are determined to see this campaign through until the end and secure a fair outcome.
” Fórsa official Catherine Keogh said union members continued to provide a range of health services to the community throughout the Covid pandemic , but that the Department of Health , the HSE and the Government had “ effectively turned their backs on these workers ” .

The trade union Fórsa has sanctioned a ballot for industrial action in about a dozen State-funded voluntary organisations that provide health and social services over pay restoration. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
The trade union Fórsa has sanctioned a ballot for industrial action in about a dozen State-funded voluntary organisations that provide health and social services over pay restoration.
Among the agencies, known as Section 39 bodies that could be affected, are the National Council of the Blind, Delta Centre, Moorehaven, Camphill Community, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland, National Guide Dogs for the Blind, De Paul, Ard Aoibhinn, South Doc, Valentia Community Health and Welfare Association, St Joseph's Home, Killorgan, Western Alzheimer's, Co Action Ireland.
The trade union Siptu said "consultation meetings" for industrial action in the Cork region would commence immediately beginning with South-Doc and Co-Action.
Trade unions said following a meeting on Wednesday that a campaign of “targeted industrial action” was planned across Section 39 organisations over the pay restoration issue.
READ MORE
Trade unions said that the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath had declined to intervene in the dispute.
Staff in Section 39 organisations are seeking the restoration of pay which was cut following the economic crash nearly a decade ago.
Unions argue that while Section 39 organisations were urged to cut staff pay in line with reductions in remuneration to public servants during the austerity years, Section 39 personnel had not seen pay restoration, unlike direct State employees.
More than 1,000 staff in a number of Section 39 organisations staged a 24-hour stoppage last February over pay restoration. However, the campaign was effectively suspended for a period as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are about 300 Section 39 organisations across the country which provide services on foot of grants paid by the HSE. A deal was reached two years ago for the restoration of pay in an initial 50 of these bodies.
Statement
However, a statement issued after the meeting of officials of Fórsa, Siptu and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, said there were now concerns about the process of pay restoration in some of the initial 50 Section 39 organisations.
Unions said “some of the 50 Section 39 organisations involved in the first tranche of pay restoration due on October 1st under an agreement secured by unions in 2019 have cited potential funding challenges and are now claiming an inability to honour the agreement”.
Unions said that if employers failed to meet the terms of the agreement, members “would be left with no choice but to ballot for industrial action”.
Siptu public administration and community division organiser Adrian Kane, said: "The decision of the Minister to wash his hands of this dispute not only beggars belief but has left a bitter taste in our members' mouths."
“These are the very same workers who made sure essential services have been maintained throughout this Covid-19 pandemic. The appetite on the ground for a sustained period of targeted industrial action can no longer be wished away by Government. . Our members are determined to see this campaign through until the end and secure a fair outcome.”
Fórsa official Catherine Keogh said union members continued to provide a range of health services to the community throughout the Covid pandemic, but that the Department of Health, the HSE and the Government had "effectively turned their backs on these workers".


theirishtimes--2020-10-07--Social housing construction plummets

Social housing construction plummets

Social housing construction rates have plummeted with less than 10 per cent of the 2020 target built in the first half of the year , according to the Department of Housing .
Just 725 social homes were built in the first six months of the year , against the annual target of 7,736 .
Minister for Housing Darragh O ’ Brien said the poor results were “ unavoidable ” due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
“ These figures show that delivery of social housing has been very much impacted by the outbreak of Covid-19 in late Q1 , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said he remained committed to meeting overall social housing targets despite a “ challenging ” first half of the year .
Speaking earlier at a Irish Council for Social Housing ( ICSH ) conference , ahead of the release of the figures , Mr O ’ Brien said while the pandemic presented challenges in reaching the 2020 targets , he believed the sector had the “ skillset ” to recover .
ICSH chief executive Donal McManus said there was a growing awareness that social and affordable housing needs to be viewed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
“ There is no better way to protect Irish society and the economy at this time , than with substantial investment in social and affordable housing.
” Paul Kelly , director of real estate finance with AIB told the conference the provision of “ Part V units ” – the homes developers are obliged to sell to local authorities or housing bodies for social housing , would over the next two years “ bear no resemblance to what was hoped for and wished for back in January this year ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may become more reliant on work from social housing bodies .
“ Developers have had great relationships , built up over the years , with AHBs [ approved housing bodies ] and local authorities .
Now is the time to capitalise on that because private developers will increasingly now look at the social housing sector to help balance their sales risk .
We have been funding that exact space to date and will be looking to do more.
” Sean O ’ Connor , chief executive of Tuath Housing said the pandemic was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affordable housing provision .
“ House building is akin to petrol on an economic fire , we just need to do more .
We need to assist the country ’ s economic recovery while providing homes , and viewing homes and housing as essential infrastructure.
” Tuath ’ s financial position had not deteriorated due to the pandemic , he said .
“ Rent collection year to date is rock solid , ” he said .
“ Who says social housing tenants don ’ t pay their rent ?
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other CEOs it ’ s not their experience either .
”

Just 725 social homes were built in the first six months of the year, against the annual target of 7,736. Photograph: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
Social housing construction rates have plummeted with less than 10 per cent of the 2020 target built in the first half of the year, according to the Department of Housing.
Just 725 social homes were built in the first six months of the year, against the annual target of 7,736. Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said the poor results were “unavoidable” due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“These figures show that delivery of social housing has been very much impacted by the outbreak of Covid-19 in late Q1, and the significant restrictions during Q2.”
However, he said he remained committed to meeting overall social housing targets despite a “challenging” first half of the year.
READ MORE
Speaking earlier at a Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) conference, ahead of the release of the figures, Mr O’Brien said while the pandemic presented challenges in reaching the 2020 targets, he believed the sector had the “skillset” to recover.
ICSH chief executive Donal McManus said there was a growing awareness that social and affordable housing needs to be viewed as essential infrastructure, rather than a welfare service.
“There is no better way to protect Irish society and the economy at this time, than with substantial investment in social and affordable housing.”
Paul Kelly, director of real estate finance with AIB told the conference the provision of “Part V units” – the homes developers are obliged to sell to local authorities or housing bodies for social housing, would over the next two years “ bear no resemblance to what was hoped for and wished for back in January this year”.
However, he said, private developers may become more reliant on work from social housing bodies.
‘Essential infrastructure’
“Developers have had great relationships, built up over the years, with AHBs [approved housing bodies ] and local authorities. Now is the time to capitalise on that because private developers will increasingly now look at the social housing sector to help balance their sales risk. We have been funding that exact space to date and will be looking to do more.”
Sean O’Connor, chief executive of Tuath Housing said the pandemic was an opportunity to scale up social and affordable housing provision.
“House building is akin to petrol on an economic fire, we just need to do more. We need to assist the country’s economic recovery while providing homes, and viewing homes and housing as essential infrastructure.”
Tuath’s financial position had not deteriorated due to the pandemic, he said. “Rent collection year to date is rock solid,” he said. “Who says social housing tenants don’t pay their rent? It’s not our experience and I understand talking to other CEOs it’s not their experience either.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-07--Poet and ‘intellect’ Derek Mahon laid to rest in Cork

Poet Derek Mahon was a major intellect who addressed the great existential questions of his time , mourners at his funeral in Co Cork heard on Tuesday .
Mahon ( 78 ) , died on October 2nd after a short illness .
His three children were abroad and unable to travel because of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Instead , it was primarily a small group of friends from Kinsale who gathered at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy , Cork Harbour , to pay their respects and comfort his partner , Sarah Iremonger , as she prepared to say farewell .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gerry Wrixon welcomed the mourners into the round roofed crematorium on Rocky Island as a light drizzle began to slant in over the grey green waters of Cork Harbour .
“ We are all privileged to be here to celebrate the life of someone who was not only our friend but was also a major intellect , a conduit of sublime thoughts and a great Irish poet , ” said Prof Wrixon of the Belfast born writer .
“ Because Derek lived in Kinsale on and off for 40 years and although it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be here , in a way it is appropriate that it is left to us , his friends from Kinsale to come together to remember him at this time.
” Prof Wrixon spoke of how Mahon had had found rest , comfort and inspiration in Kinsale , which proved a safe and productive haven for him while he also found love there when he met his partner , Sarah Iremonger .
Friend and publisher , Peter Fallon paid a warm and insightful tribute in which he recalled Mahon ’ s friendship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom he noted had died on exactly the same date five years earlier .
Mahon ’ s personal style might be described as “ somewhat dishevelled , slightly shabby chic ” but his work , including poems on the threat to the planet , “ offered an immaculate clarity , a light that helped transform the world ” .
“ Derek inherited existential questions from the mid 20th century and engaged with and responded to them .
Perfectly classical , perfectly current , his poems are models of their art , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mahon ’ s poems , At the Window about writing in Kinsale and Matthew Geddins read a poem from Mahon ’ s latest collection Washing Up where he contemplated his own mortality .
Gavin Ryan read “ The Cloud Ceiling ” which Mahon had dedicated to his daughter , Maisie .
He also read a poignant piece from Rory in which he recalled his father teaching him how to place chess when they lived in London .
Siobhan Ryan read a piece written by Mahon ’ s daughter , Katie in which she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a career as a musician , her father took her out for a meal in London and gave her the best advice she had ever received .
“ ‘ Now , ’ he said , ‘ if you really want to stand out , you must have panache ’ .
He was right and in my pursuit of a creative life , I fervently hoped it would come as naturally to me , as it did to him .
”

The remains of poet Derek Mahon are brought into The Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy, Cork on Wednesday. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
Poet Derek Mahon was a major intellect who addressed the great existential questions of his time, mourners at his funeral in Co Cork heard on Tuesday.
Mahon (78), died on October 2nd after a short illness. His three children were abroad and unable to travel because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instead, it was primarily a small group of friends from Kinsale who gathered at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy, Cork Harbour, to pay their respects and comfort his partner, Sarah Iremonger, as she prepared to say farewell.
Friend and former UCC president, Prof Gerry Wrixon welcomed the mourners into the round roofed crematorium on Rocky Island as a light drizzle began to slant in over the grey green waters of Cork Harbour.
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"We are all privileged to be here to celebrate the life of someone who was not only our friend but was also a major intellect, a conduit of sublime thoughts and a great Irish poet," said Prof Wrixon of the Belfast born writer.
“Because Derek lived in Kinsale on and off for 40 years and although it is sad that his family are unable to be here, in a way it is appropriate that it is left to us, his friends from Kinsale to come together to remember him at this time.”
Haven
Prof Wrixon spoke of how Mahon had had found rest, comfort and inspiration in Kinsale, which proved a safe and productive haven for him while he also found love there when he met his partner, Sarah Iremonger.
Friend and publisher, Peter Fallon paid a warm and insightful tribute in which he recalled Mahon's friendship with Seamus Heaney as well as Brian Friel whom he noted had died on exactly the same date five years earlier.
Mahon’s personal style might be described as “somewhat dishevelled, slightly shabby chic” but his work, including poems on the threat to the planet, “offered an immaculate clarity, a light that helped transform the world”.
“Derek inherited existential questions from the mid 20th century and engaged with and responded to them. Perfectly classical, perfectly current, his poems are models of their art,” said Fallon.
Katherine Beug read one of Mahon’s poems, At the Window about writing in Kinsale and Matthew Geden read a poem from Mahon’s latest collection Washing Up where he contemplated his own mortality.
Panache
Gavin Ryan read “The Cloud Ceiling” which Mahon had dedicated to his daughter, Maisie. He also read a poignant piece from Rory in which he recalled his father teaching him how to place chess when they lived in London.
Siobhan Ryan read a piece written by Mahon's daughter, Katie in which she recalled as she began to carve out a career as a musician, her father took her out for a meal in London and gave her the best advice she had ever received.
“ ‘Now,’ he said, ‘if you really want to stand out, you must have panache’. He was right and in my pursuit of a creative life, I fervently hoped it would come as naturally to me, as it did to him.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Family of martyred Cork lord mayor welcome conference to mark centenary

The family of Cork ’ s martyred lord mayor , Terence Mac Swiney have welcomed an initiative by University College Cork and Cork City Council to mark the centenary of his death with an international conference .
MacSwiney ’ s grandson , Cathal MacSwiney Brugha said he was delighted that UCC and Cork City Council had come together to organise the online conference with support from the Department of Arts , Heritage and the Gaeltacht .
“ I ’ m delighted with the decision to go ahead with the conference using Zoom because it means that the conference will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MacSwiney had a huge impact like India , Vietnam and South America .
“ His whole idea was that he wanted his hunger strike to have an impact on the British empire generally and we know his death had a huge impact in India where Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore were influenced by him.
” Equally , MacSwiney ’ s death on October 25th , 1920 on the 74th day of his hunger strike in Brixton Prison also influenced independence leaders such as Ho Chi Minh as well as people in Catalonia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Dr John Borgonovo of the school of history at UCC , 30 historians from Ireland , the UK , the US and India will discuss the impact of MacSwiney ’ s hunger strike and that of 11 other republicans in 1920 .
He explained that the death of MacSwiney along with the deaths of Michael Fitzgerald and Joe Murphy in Cork had a significant impact , as had the actions of nine other men in Cork Gaol who remained on hunger strike until ending it after 94 days .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed prior to 1920 , the Cork/Brixton strike was distinctive for lasting three months and the ultimate death of three prisoners , including lord mayor of Cork , Terence MacSwiney ” .
“ Drawing intense public interest , the strike created a political crisis in Britain and Ireland , and made Terence MacSwiney into a global figure , ” added Dr Borgonovo who has written extensively on the independence struggle in Cork .
The conference will explore various aspects of the 1920 Cork/Brixton hunger strike including the perils of force-feeding , the medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the various international responses to the strike , he said .
Lord Mayor of Cork , Cllr Joe Kavanagh said the three-day event , which begins on Thursday and continues on Friday and Saturday , is part of Cork City Council ’ s commemorations programme .
“ This is a great opportunity for people in Cork and the rest of the country to gain a fascinating insight into events of 100 years ago and how the Cork hunger strikers played a pivotal role in influencing thinking about Irish nationalism .
“ Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past Gaol ’ s Cross in UCC where the Cork hunger strike took place , not fully realising what a key historical site it is in terms of the struggle for Irish independence .
“ Because , as Dr Borgonovo has illustrated in his work , the Cork Men ’ s Gaol , hunger strike was a critical precursor to the drama played out by Terence MacSwiney in London which had such a global impact .
”

Cathal MacSwiney Brugha: ‘I’m delighted with the decision to go ahead with the conference using Zoom because it means that the conference will get to parts of the world where Terence MacSwiney had a huge impact like India, Vietnam and South America.’ Above, with a bust of his grandfather Terence MacSwiney.
The family of Cork's martyred lord mayor, Terence Mac Swiney have welcomed an initiative by University College Cork and Cork City Council to mark the centenary of his death with an international conference.
MacSwiney's grandson, Cathal MacSwiney Brugha said he was delighted that UCC and Cork City Council had come together to organise the online conference with support from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
"I'm delighted with the decision to go ahead with the conference using Zoom because it means that the conference will get to parts of the world where Terence MacSwiney had a huge impact like India, Vietnam and South America.
“His whole idea was that he wanted his hunger strike to have an impact on the British empire generally and we know his death had a huge impact in India where Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore were influenced by him.”
READ MORE
Equally, MacSwiney's death on October 25th, 1920 on the 74th day of his hunger strike in Brixton Prison also influenced independence leaders such as Ho Chi Minh as well as people in Catalonia and across the United States, he said.
According to Dr John Borgonovo of the school of history at UCC, 30 historians from Ireland, the UK, the US and India will discuss the impact of MacSwiney's hunger strike and that of 11 other republicans in 1920.
He explained that the death of MacSwiney along with the deaths of Michael Fitzgerald and Joe Murphy in Cork had a significant impact, as had the actions of nine other men in Cork Gaol who remained on hunger strike until ending it after 94 days.
“While the hunger strike tactic had been deployed prior to 1920, the Cork/Brixton strike was distinctive for lasting three months and the ultimate death of three prisoners, including lord mayor of Cork, Terence MacSwiney”.
“Drawing intense public interest, the strike created a political crisis in Britain and Ireland, and made Terence MacSwiney into a global figure,” added Dr Borgonovo who has written extensively on the independence struggle in Cork.
The conference will explore various aspects of the 1920 Cork/Brixton hunger strike including the perils of force-feeding, the medical and legal ethics of hunger strikes and the various international responses to the strike, he said.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Joe Kavanagh said the three-day event, which begins on Thursday and continues on Friday and Saturday, is part of Cork City Council's commemorations programme.
“This is a great opportunity for people in Cork and the rest of the country to gain a fascinating insight into events of 100 years ago and how the Cork hunger strikers played a pivotal role in influencing thinking about Irish nationalism.
“Many of us regularly walk, drive or cycle past Gaol’s Cross in UCC where the Cork hunger strike took place, not fully realising what a key historical site it is in terms of the struggle for Irish independence.
“Because, as Dr Borgonovo has illustrated in his work, the Cork Men’s Gaol, hunger strike was a critical precursor to the drama played out by Terence MacSwiney in London which had such a global impact.”
Anyone wishing to view the online conference can do so by logging on here.


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--One of State’s biggest restaurant and pub groups starts legal action over Covid-19 measures

One of the biggest restaurant and pub groups in the State has taken legal action against the Government over the extension of the Covid-19 restrictions closing their premises to indoor dining .
Press Up Group whose Dublin premises include Elephant & Castle , Wagamama , The Clarence , Devlin and Dean hotels and The Stella cinema , claims that it stands to lose more than €20 million in business by the end of the year due to the closures .
The hospitality business , controlled by businessman Paddy McKillen Jr , threatened legal action against the Government last week if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Level 3 restrictions , limiting gastropubs and restaurants to outdoor dining only , were introduced last month in Dublin but extended across the country this week until October 27th .
The group claims in newly filed legal documents , launching the case on Wednesday , that the State ’ s prohibitions to contain and eliminate coronavirus infections had been advanced on the basis of the “ exigencies of the common good in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
” The business chain , which employs more than 1,700 people across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ subjugation ” of its “ constitutional and common law rights to the common good.
” It argues that the State has failed to make any provision to compensate or indemnify it for the loss or interference to its property rights “ in circumstances where the requirement to close the premises to the public is a direct requirement of the purported exigencies of the common good.
” It occupies 55 premises affected by the restrictions - 37 restaurants , 11 bars , five hotels and two cinemas , mostly in Dublin .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , the group says .
The group says that it has complied with Government health guidelines at all times since the start of the pandemic in March and that it has not been notified of any Covid-19 outbreaks .
The legal proceedings have been issued by 18 companies in the group against the Ministers for Health and Finance , the State and the Attorney General , which are yet to respond .
The group said that it has incurred “ very significant losses ” due to the closure of premises including loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excess of €1 million .
Matt Ryan , one of the group ’ s directors , says in a sworn statement filed with the High Court proceedings that the group has had to reduce staff numbers by almost half to 938 since the Level 3 restrictions were introduced in Dublin on September 19th .
In the week after the restrictions were introduced , Mr Ryan said that the group ’ s turnover had decreased on a like-for-like basis by almost €1.4 million , or more than 70 per cent .
“ If the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on turnover achieved in week 39 , group turnover on a like-for-like basis would decrease by €20,731,695 , or 72 per cent .
The loss claimed as a result of the enactments will be in excess of €20 million , ” he said .
The group had to reduce its workforce from 1,719 to 159 following the initial lockdown in March 2020 but with re-purposing and re-opening certain venues for takeaway and delivery the group was able to increase employee numbers to 1,437 .
“ This has since reduced to 938 following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September and the restrictions imposed on the [ GROUP ’ S ] premises , ” said Mr Ryan .
The business group has asked that the proceedings be fast-tracked for entry into the Commercial Court , a division of the High Court that hears expedited cases .

Press Up Group whose Dublin premises include Elephant & Castle claims it stands to lose more than €20 million by the end of the year. File photograph: Cyril Byrne
One of the biggest restaurant and pub groups in the State has taken legal action against the Government over the extension of the Covid-19 restrictions closing their premises to indoor dining.
Press Up Group whose Dublin premises include Elephant & Castle, Wagamama, The Clarence, Devlin and Dean hotels and The Stella cinema, claims that it stands to lose more than €20 million in business by the end of the year due to the closures.
The hospitality business, controlled by businessman Paddy McKillen Jr, threatened legal action against the Government last week if it decided to extend the Covid-19 restrictions.
The Level 3 restrictions, limiting gastropubs and restaurants to outdoor dining only, were introduced last month in Dublin but extended across the country this week until October 27th.
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The group claims in newly filed legal documents, launching the case on Wednesday, that the State’s prohibitions to contain and eliminate coronavirus infections had been advanced on the basis of the “exigencies of the common good in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The business chain, which employs more than 1,700 people across the group, claims this amounts to a “subjugation” of its “constitutional and common law rights to the common good.”
It argues that the State has failed to make any provision to compensate or indemnify it for the loss or interference to its property rights “in circumstances where the requirement to close the premises to the public is a direct requirement of the purported exigencies of the common good.”
It occupies 55 premises affected by the restrictions - 37 restaurants, 11 bars, five hotels and two cinemas, mostly in Dublin. The premises are valued at more than €10 million, the group says.
The group says that it has complied with Government health guidelines at all times since the start of the pandemic in March and that it has not been notified of any Covid-19 outbreaks.
The legal proceedings have been issued by 18 companies in the group against the Ministers for Health and Finance, the State and the Attorney General, which are yet to respond.
The group said that it has incurred “very significant losses” due to the closure of premises including loss of revenue and profit, far in excess of €1 million.
Matt Ryan, one of the group's directors, says in a sworn statement filed with the High Court proceedings that the group has had to reduce staff numbers by almost half to 938 since the Level 3 restrictions were introduced in Dublin on September 19th.
In the week after the restrictions were introduced, Mr Ryan said that the group’s turnover had decreased on a like-for-like basis by almost €1.4 million, or more than 70 per cent.
“If the current lockdown continues until year-end, and based on turnover achieved in week 39, group turnover on a like-for-like basis would decrease by €20,731,695, or 72 per cent. The loss claimed as a result of the enactments will be in excess of €20 million,” he said.
The group had to reduce its workforce from 1,719 to 159 following the initial lockdown in March 2020 but with re-purposing and re-opening certain venues for takeaway and delivery the group was able to increase employee numbers to 1,437.
“This has since reduced to 938 following the introduction of the regulations on 19 September and the restrictions imposed on the [GROUP’S]premises,” said Mr Ryan.
The business group has asked that the proceedings be fast-tracked for entry into the Commercial Court, a division of the High Court that hears expedited cases.


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Fresh permission for 657 apartments near St Anne’s Park is challenged in court

An environmental group wants the High Court to overturn An Bord Pleanála ’ s fresh grant of permission for a controversial development of 657 apartments on lands near St Anne ’ s Park in Raheny , Dublin .
On Thursday , Mr Justice Richard Humphreys granted leave to Stephen Dodd SC , for John Conway , an environmentalist from Dunddalk , Co Louth , and the Louth Environment Group ( LEG ) , to bring the challenge over the permission decision of August 20th last .
The action will return to the court in two weeks for further case management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) list .
That list fast tracks cases involving developments designated as SID , allowing developers to bypass the normal planning route to seek permission directly from An Bord Pleanála .
The proposed development on former lands of St Paul ’ s College , Sybil Hill Road , Raheny , is by Crekav Trading GP Ltd , part of Pat Crean ’ s Marlet group .
Crekav sought planning permission under the 2016 Planning and Development ( Housing and Residential Tenancies ) Act 2016 , the fast track process for strategic housing developments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission for the development but that decision was challenged , in three separate sets of proceedings by Clonres CLG , a local residents group ; environmentalist Peter Sweetman ; and Mr Conway and LEG .
The Board ultimately conceded those proceedings after accepting there was an error in how it recorded the test applied by it in carrying out an appropriate assessment under the EC Habitats Directive .
Last June , the Board consented to an order quashing its permission for 657 apartments on the St Paul ’ s lands .
That consent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board had not adequately addressed requirements of the Habitats Directive in relation to an appropriate assessment of the impact of the development on feeding grounds of the light-bellied brent goose and other protected bird species in Dublin Bay .
The matter was sent back to the Board to be determined “ in accordance with law ” from the time the Board received a report in December 2019 from the chief executive of Dublin City Council , recommending permission be refused for reasons including a natura impact statement from the developer had not demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populations of protected brent goose , the black-tailed godwit or curlew of Dublin Bay .
Last August , the board granted permission , subject to 30 conditions , and that decision is now subject to the latest challenge by Mr Conway and LEG .
The Board considered , inter alia , subject to compliance with the conditions , the proposed development would constitute an “ acceptable residential density ” in the location and would be acceptable in terms of urban design , height and quantum of development .
It considered a permission that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out in the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 would be justified in accordance with planning policy in favour of greater density and height at “ central accessible locations ” .
Among the grounds of challenge , it is claimed the Board erred in law and acted contrary to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 and in not applying aspects of guidelines issued to local authorities in late 2018 by the Department of Housing , Planning and Local Government concerning urban development and building heights .
Other claims include the permission amounts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development plan in relation to zoning of the lands .
The Board erred in law and acted contrary to the requirements of the EC Habitats , Birds and Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA ) directives , the applicants further allege .
The Board , inter alia , failed to carry out an updated appropriate assessment on the impact of the development on protected species including the brent goose and lacked ecological expertise to carry out a valid EIA , they claim .

An environmental group wants the High Court to overturn An Bord Pleanála's fresh grant of permission for a controversial development of 657 apartments on lands near St Anne's Park in Raheny, Dublin.
On Thursday, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys granted leave to Stephen Dodd SC, for John Conway, an environmentalist from Dunddalk, Co Louth, and the Louth Environment Group (LEG), to bring the challenge over the permission decision of August 20th last.
The action will return to the court in two weeks for further case management in the Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) list. That list fast tracks cases involving developments designated as SID, allowing developers to bypass the normal planning route to seek permission directly from An Bord Pleanála .
The proposed development on former lands of St Paul's College, Sybil Hill Road, Raheny, is by Crekav Trading GP Ltd, part of Pat Crean's Marlet group.
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Crekav sought planning permission under the 2016 Planning and Development (Housing and Residential Tenancies) Act 2016, the fast track process for strategic housing developments.
The Board previously in 2018 granted permission for the development but that decision was challenged, in three separate sets of proceedings by Clonres CLG, a local residents group; environmentalist Peter Sweetman; and Mr Conway and LEG.
The Board ultimately conceded those proceedings after accepting there was an error in how it recorded the test applied by it in carrying out an appropriate assessment under the EC Habitats Directive.
Last June, the Board consented to an order quashing its permission for 657 apartments on the St Paul’s lands.
That consent order was made on the basis the Board had not adequately addressed requirements of the Habitats Directive in relation to an appropriate assessment of the impact of the development on feeding grounds of the light-bellied brent goose and other protected bird species in Dublin Bay.
The matter was sent back to the Board to be determined “in accordance with law” from the time the Board received a report in December 2019 from the chief executive of Dublin City Council , recommending permission be refused for reasons including a natura impact statement from the developer had not demonstrated the development would not impact on the populations of protected brent goose, the black-tailed godwit or curlew of Dublin Bay.
Last August, the board granted permission, subject to 30 conditions, and that decision is now subject to the latest challenge by Mr Conway and LEG.
The Board considered, inter alia, subject to compliance with the conditions, the proposed development would constitute an “acceptable residential density” in the location and would be acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development. It considered a permission that could materially contravene the maximum building height set out in the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 would be justified in accordance with planning policy in favour of greater density and height at “central accessible locations”.
Among the grounds of challenge, it is claimed the Board erred in law and acted contrary to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 and in not applying aspects of guidelines issued to local authorities in late 2018 by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government concerning urban development and building heights.
Other claims include the permission amounts to an unlawful material contravention of the city development plan in relation to zoning of the lands.
The Board erred in law and acted contrary to the requirements of the EC Habitats, Birds and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) directives, the applicants further allege. The Board, inter alia, failed to carry out an updated appropriate assessment on the impact of the development on protected species including the brent goose and lacked ecological expertise to carry out a valid EIA, they claim.


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--No remdesivir shortage in Ireland, HSE says as concern grows for Europe’s supply

Unlike an increasing number of European countries , Ireland is not experiencing shortages of the drug remdesivir , which is used to treat Covid-19 and reduces recovery time in moderately-ill patients with breathing difficulties in hospital settings , the HSE has confirmed .
Acute shortages are being reported in a number of countries because of difficulties with supplies from the US , the main manufacturing base for the drug .
Remdesivir has been shown to be effective on patients who require supplementary oxygen and is the only Covid-19 pharmacological treatment option licensed for use in Ireland , a HSE spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustained resurgence in coronavirus cases , lack of availability of remdesivir is a growing concern .
Over the past week , US president Donald Trump was given a five-day dose of the drug , though he was at an early stage of the disease and this was not the usual circumstances in which it is administered .
The US in June bought up virtually all stocks for a three-month period ( more than 500,000 doses ) , but even US hospitals have indicated recently they can not get enough to treat their patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission buys on behalf of member states , the Czech Republic and the Netherlands , as well as the UK , are short of supplies .
Remdesivir was originally developed by the American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences to treat Ebola .
It was approved for emergency use in treating Covid-19 in May in the US and in Europe the following month .
Ireland is a participant in the European Commission Joint Procurement Exercise Framework Contract for remdesivir , the HSE confirmed .
“ Stock of remdesivir is available at Irish wholesaler level for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the wholesaler is meeting the current demand from hospitals .
Individual hospitals order to supply the patients requiring treatment , ” a spokeswoman added .
Ireland is also benefiting from a Department of Health initiative with expert input from the Clinical Research Facility in UCC and the Health Research Board to open the World Health Organisation Solidarity trial in a number of Irish teaching hospitals , “ supporting Irish patient access to an international collaborative research study on Covid-19 ” – including assessing remdesivir .
A clinical trial showed patients with moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were more likely to get better after 11 days than those receiving standard treatment .
The trial showed it also helps patients with pneumonia .
It is one of only two drugs proven to work against Covid-19 .
While it has been shown to help patients recover faster and shorten the length of hospital treatment , it is not a cure .
This is unlike the steroid dexamethasone , which saves lives and is widely available and cheap because it is an old drug .
Remdesivir is under patent , so no other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s permission .
Doctors in the UK have been instructed to treat only those patients who can most benefit from the drug to conserve its limited stocks .
A “ supply disruption note ” issued to all doctors on September 29th asked them to do a stock-take in their hospitals to ensure they knew how much of the drug they had left .
Some stocks would be held centrally , the UK department of health and social care said , for allocation “ to areas of greatest need ” .
Doctors were told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Covid-related pneumonia who are in need of oxygen to breathe and should limit any course of treatment to five days .
Some UK hospitals were reported to be down to their last few doses of the drug .
Others were figuring out how to ration it , for instance by giving fewer than five doses if a patient seemed to be doing well .
The criteria for using remdesivir given in the supply disruption note meant it could not be used in the National Health Service before people had developed pneumonia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antiviral as soon as possible is better .
In the US , the Food and Drug Administration had written to Gilead seeking to broaden the criteria for use , so that people can be given it whether they are on oxygen or not , which will also increase demand .
–Additional reporting Guardian

Remdesivir has been shown to be effective on patients who require supplementary oxygen and is the only Covid-19 pharmacological treatment option licensed for use in Ireland. Photograph: Ulrich Perrey/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Unlike an increasing number of European countries, Ireland is not experiencing shortages of the drug remdesivir, which is used to treat Covid-19 and reduces recovery time in moderately-ill patients with breathing difficulties in hospital settings, the HSE has confirmed.
Acute shortages are being reported in a number of countries because of difficulties with supplies from the US, the main manufacturing base for the drug.
Remdesivir has been shown to be effective on patients who require supplementary oxygen and is the only Covid-19 pharmacological treatment option licensed for use in Ireland, a HSE spokeswoman confirmed.
With most countries experiencing a sustained resurgence in coronavirus cases, lack of availability of remdesivir is a growing concern.
READ MORE
Over the past week, US president Donald Trump was given a five-day dose of the drug, though he was at an early stage of the disease and this was not the usual circumstances in which it is administered.
The US in June bought up virtually all stocks for a three-month period (more than 500,000 doses), but even US hospitals have indicated recently they cannot get enough to treat their patients. In Europe, where the European Commission buys on behalf of member states, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, as well as the UK, are short of supplies.
Remdesivir was originally developed by the American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences to treat Ebola. It was approved for emergency use in treating Covid-19 in May in the US and in Europe the following month.
Ireland is a participant in the European Commission Joint Procurement Exercise Framework Contract for remdesivir, the HSE confirmed. “Stock of remdesivir is available at Irish wholesaler level for hospitals to order. The stock available in the wholesaler is meeting the current demand from hospitals. Individual hospitals order to supply the patients requiring treatment,” a spokeswoman added.
Ireland is also benefiting from a Department of Health initiative with expert input from the Clinical Research Facility in UCC and the Health Research Board to open the World Health Organisation Solidarity trial in a number of Irish teaching hospitals, "supporting Irish patient access to an international collaborative research study on Covid-19" – including assessing remdesivir.
A clinical trial showed patients with moderate Covid-19 infections who received a five-day course were more likely to get better after 11 days than those receiving standard treatment. The trial showed it also helps patients with pneumonia.
It is one of only two drugs proven to work against Covid-19. While it has been shown to help patients recover faster and shorten the length of hospital treatment, it is not a cure. This is unlike the steroid dexamethasone, which saves lives and is widely available and cheap because it is an old drug. Remdesivir is under patent, so no other company can make it without Gilead’s permission.
Doctors in the UK have been instructed to treat only those patients who can most benefit from the drug to conserve its limited stocks.
A “supply disruption note” issued to all doctors on September 29th asked them to do a stock-take in their hospitals to ensure they knew how much of the drug they had left. Some stocks would be held centrally, the UK department of health and social care said, for allocation “to areas of greatest need”.
Doctors were told they should prescribe remdesivir only to patients with Covid-related pneumonia who are in need of oxygen to breathe and should limit any course of treatment to five days.
Some UK hospitals were reported to be down to their last few doses of the drug. Others were figuring out how to ration it, for instance by giving fewer than five doses if a patient seemed to be doing well.
The criteria for using remdesivir given in the supply disruption note meant it could not be used in the National Health Service before people had developed pneumonia, in spite of evidence that giving the antiviral as soon as possible is better.
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration had written to Gilead seeking to broaden the criteria for use, so that people can be given it whether they are on oxygen or not, which will also increase demand. –Additional reporting Guardian


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Almost 400 Covid-19 outbreaks in homes last week, seven in nursing homes

Almost 400 private homes experienced outbreaks of Covid-19 last week , according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre .
The 395 clusters of the disease reported in private homes involved 3,199 cases , the HPSC said .
There were 17 outbreaks in workplaces , involving 157 cases .
The number of outbreaks linked to schools was 12 , down from 13 the previous week , while another two clusters reported last week were linked to third level colleges .
Of the 48 outbreaks in schools since they reopened , 47 are still active , with one investigation recorded as closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subject of mass testing , and 18 schools and childcare facilities reported more than one case , according to deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn on Wednesday .
He pointed out that in many instances school cases would have arisen from activity in another area of society .
The overall proportion of cases in children aged up to 14 has not changed since schools re-opened , he said , while the overall number of cases has increased in line with generally rising figures .
Outbreaks were also reported in hospitals ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , residential institutions ( six ) , childcare facilities ( three ) , pubs ( one ) and cafes/restaurants ( two ) .

Almost 400 private homes experienced outbreaks of Covid-19 last week, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
The 395 clusters of the disease reported in private homes involved 3,199 cases, the HPSC said.
There were 17 outbreaks in workplaces, involving 157 cases.
Hospital Report
The number of outbreaks linked to schools was 12, down from 13 the previous week, while another two clusters reported last week were linked to third level colleges.
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Of the 48 outbreaks in schools since they reopened, 47 are still active, with one investigation recorded as closed.
During September, 183 schools were the subject of mass testing, and 18 schools and childcare facilities reported more than one case, according to deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn on Wednesday.
He pointed out that in many instances school cases would have arisen from activity in another area of society.
The overall proportion of cases in children aged up to 14 has not changed since schools re-opened, he said, while the overall number of cases has increased in line with generally rising figures.
Outbreaks were also reported in hospitals (five), nursing homes (seven), residential institutions (six), childcare facilities (three), pubs (one) and cafes/restaurants (two).


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Catholic Bishops warn it will be ‘difficult to draw line’ on assisted suicide

Doctors and nurses should never be required to assist in the deliberate ending of life , the Catholic Bishops have said , and asked people “ to consider the manner in which assisted suicide and euthanasia undermines the whole ethos of healthcare.
” They warned that “ once assisted suicide is accepted in principle , it becomes very difficult to draw a line .
Many countries , which began by legalising assisted suicide on a very limited basis , have moved on to widen significantly the scope of that legislation.
” The Dying with Dignity Bill , which provides for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the timing of their own death and avail of assistance to end their lives under controlled and monitored circumstances , moved to committee stage on Wednesday night .
The Bishops were speaking in a statement at the end of their autumn which concluded last night .
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic it took place via video link .
“ Now that more restrictive measures are being put in place , we encourage people to persevere and not to lose heart , ” they said .
“ While we fully support the guidance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to engage constructively in the coming days with the civil authorities to ensure that our people have continued access to the support of Mass and the Sacraments .
” They sensed “ a huge yearning for consolation and hope in the heart of our people .
We are especially mindful in 2020 of those grieving families , who , because of restrictions , have been unable to experience the customary spiritual and community supports which are so much part of our Irish tradition.
” In response they announced that at 3pm on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland “ will lead a short service of prayer to dedicate the month of November to ‘ Remembrance of the Dead and Prayer for the Bereaved ’ .
We invite the whole country to unite in this moment which will be followed by parish liturgies throughout the month of November , reaching out as much as possible to those who can not be physically present.
” They acknowledged “ the depth of pain experienced by people whose loved ones have died during this difficult time ” and offered their “ prayerful support to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions placed on funeral rites and attendance.
” They also encouraged people to say the Rosary together during October , particularly in the home .
“ Advent and Christmas are likely to be very different this year , ” they said , while , in particular , “ the much- needed joy of Christmas may well be tempered by the impact of restrictions , ” they said .
The “ courage , compassion and generosity of Irish people during the pandemic – especially that of our health workers , carers , priests and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been uplifting and inspiring , ” they said .
They also appealed for people to support Trócaire , the St Vincent de Paul Society , “ our missionaries and other charities who are reaching out to the poorest and most in need – both at home and in the furthest corners of the world.
” The bishops encouraged all to read Pope Francis ’ s third encyclical , Fratelli Tutti , published last Sunday and to reflect “ on its provocative message.
” They also asked the National Board for Safeguarding Children “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be in line with best practice and requirements of the Holy See .
”

Doctors and nurses should never be required to assist in the deliberate ending of life, the Catholic Bishops have said. Photograph: iStock
Doctors and nurses should never be required to assist in the deliberate ending of life, the Catholic Bishops have said, and asked people “to consider the manner in which assisted suicide and euthanasia undermines the whole ethos of healthcare.”
They warned that “once assisted suicide is accepted in principle, it becomes very difficult to draw a line. Many countries, which began by legalising assisted suicide on a very limited basis, have moved on to widen significantly the scope of that legislation.”
The Dying with Dignity Bill, which provides for people with progressive terminal illness to decide the timing of their own death and avail of assistance to end their lives under controlled and monitored circumstances, moved to committee stage on Wednesday night.
The Bishops were speaking in a statement at the end of their autumn which concluded last night. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic it took place via video link.
READ MORE
“Now that more restrictive measures are being put in place, we encourage people to persevere and not to lose heart,” they said. “While we fully support the guidance of the public health authorities, we will continue to engage constructively in the coming days with the civil authorities to ensure that our people have continued access to the support of Mass and the Sacraments .”
They sensed “a huge yearning for consolation and hope in the heart of our people. We are especially mindful in 2020 of those grieving families, who, because of restrictions, have been unable to experience the customary spiritual and community supports which are so much part of our Irish tradition.”
Depth of pain
In response they announced that at 3pm on November 1st the bishops and priests of Ireland "will lead a short service of prayer to dedicate the month of November to 'Remembrance of the Dead and Prayer for the Bereaved'. We invite the whole country to unite in this moment which will be followed by parish liturgies throughout the month of November, reaching out as much as possible to those who cannot be physically present."
They acknowledged “the depth of pain experienced by people whose loved ones have died during this difficult time” and offered their “prayerful support to families who have suffered due to the restrictions placed on funeral rites and attendance.” They also encouraged people to say the Rosary together during October, particularly in the home.
“Advent and Christmas are likely to be very different this year,” they said, while, in particular, “the much- needed joy of Christmas may well be tempered by the impact of restrictions,” they said.
The “courage, compassion and generosity of Irish people during the pandemic – especially that of our health workers, carers, priests and others working in essential services – has been uplifting and inspiring,” they said.
They also appealed for people to support Trócaire, the St Vincent de Paul Society, “our missionaries and other charities who are reaching out to the poorest and most in need – both at home and in the furthest corners of the world.”
The bishops encouraged all to read Pope Francis’s third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, published last Sunday and to reflect “on its provocative message.” They also asked the National Board for Safeguarding Children “to ensure that all safeguarding guidance continue to be in line with best practice and requirements of the Holy See.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Unisex showering area in Central Bank holds no currency for staff members

Staff at the Central Bank have expressed alarm at plans to install “ unisex ” areas around new shower facilities without sufficient consultation .
A memo circulated among members of the Unite union noted it “ reasonable to assume that a proposal to introduce shower facilities with communal unisex areas is likely to concern some members of staff ” .
While the document does not specify precise design concerns , it describes “ unisex showering/changing/toilet facilities ” at the new Mayor Street premises and said the union had not been consulted .
By contrast , however , Central Bank management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enclosed self-contained shower and changing facilities rather than shared showered facilities as would be the norm ” .
The issue appears to be one of communication - details of the plans caught the union by surprise as there was no engagement with its officials , it said .
The briefing document circulated to members on Wednesday noted that a number of them had raised concerns as the decision had already been made by the Central Bank based on consultation with a group of 70 staff members .
“ This small number of views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been fed into the decision-making process , ” it said .
“ At the very least the Bank needs to take a step back and engage properly with staff representatives on this issue so that ideas and solutions can be considered.
” It also noted that one female employee who had raised her concerns was told “ it is unfortunate that you ’ re feeling so negative ” about the new arrangements .
The same staff member was told the process was closed and the decision made , but the union ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to have their views heard and considered on issues “ that can cause concern and discomfort at a personal level ” .
Unite is to formally express its unease over the approval of such plans without what it considers appropriate consultation , and seek a meeting .
In response , the Central Bank said wellbeing , health and safety of staff were paramount and that it had been reviewing plans at the building , currently under construction , in the context of anticipated public health guidance resulting from Covid-19 .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members when changing and showering , ” it said .
“ There are well established procedures in place for the union or staff members to raise any concerns .
The Central Bank is sure that any such concerns can be quickly alleviated as the proposed design is the optimal from a wellbeing , safety and privacy perspective.
” The new Mayor Street building is to be linked to the North Wall Quay premises , and staff can continue to avail of existing facilities in the latter building .
Tensions over facilities at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier this year Unite wrote to management warning of “ damage to productivity ” and a “ huge amount of frustration ” among staff over desk sharing arrangements brought about by space restrictions .

The offices of the Central Bank of Ireland, New Wapping Street, North Wall Quay. A row has broken out over new shower facilities in the nearby Mayor Street building. Photograph: Alan Betson
Staff at the Central Bank have expressed alarm at plans to install "unisex" areas around new shower facilities without sufficient consultation.
A memo circulated among members of the Unite union noted it “reasonable to assume that a proposal to introduce shower facilities with communal unisex areas is likely to concern some members of staff”.
While the document does not specify precise design concerns, it describes “unisex showering/changing/toilet facilities” at the new Mayor Street premises and said the union had not been consulted.
By contrast, however, Central Bank management describe the proposed facilities as “individual enclosed self-contained shower and changing facilities rather than shared showered facilities as would be the norm”.
READ MORE
The issue appears to be one of communication - details of the plans caught the union by surprise as there was no engagement with its officials, it said.
The briefing document circulated to members on Wednesday noted that a number of them had raised concerns as the decision had already been made by the Central Bank based on consultation with a group of 70 staff members.
“This small number of views out of 2,000 staff appears to have been fed into the decision-making process,” it said.
“At the very least the Bank needs to take a step back and engage properly with staff representatives on this issue so that ideas and solutions can be considered.”
It also noted that one female employee who had raised her concerns was told “it is unfortunate that you’re feeling so negative” about the new arrangements.
The same staff member was told the process was closed and the decision made, but the union’s position is that they all have the right to have their views heard and considered on issues “that can cause concern and discomfort at a personal level”.
Unite is to formally express its unease over the approval of such plans without what it considers appropriate consultation, and seek a meeting.
In response, the Central Bank said wellbeing, health and safety of staff were paramount and that it had been reviewing plans at the building, currently under construction, in the context of anticipated public health guidance resulting from Covid-19.
“The new arrangement offers complete privacy for staff members when changing and showering,” it said. “There are well established procedures in place for the union or staff members to raise any concerns. The Central Bank is sure that any such concerns can be quickly alleviated as the proposed design is the optimal from a wellbeing, safety and privacy perspective.”
The new Mayor Street building is to be linked to the North Wall Quay premises, and staff can continue to avail of existing facilities in the latter building.
Tensions over facilities at the new Central Bank complex are not new. Earlier this year Unite wrote to management warning of “damage to productivity” and a “huge amount of frustration” among staff over desk sharing arrangements brought about by space restrictions.


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Clear majority in favour of permitting assisted dying – Irish Times opinion poll

A clear majority of voters say they are in favour of allowing people to be given medical assistance to end their lives , suggesting that there is public support for the Bill currently before the Oireachtas .
Last night the Dáil rejected a Government amendment to stall the progress of the Dying with Dignity Bill in order to allow for further discussion of the issue and voted instead to let the Bill proceed through the normal legislative process immediately .
Government TDs had a free vote on the issue .
The findings of today ’ s Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the current public mood on the question .
Respondents to the poll were asked which of three statements came closest to their view on the subject of assisted dying .
Over half of all voters ( 52 per cent ) said that they agreed that “ It should be legal for people to be given medical assistance to end their lives if that is their wish ” .
Support was highest among voters in the 35-49 age bracket , where 61 per cent of respondents backed the change , and among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent are in favour .
The oldest voters ( the over-65s ) , the least well-off and farmers were the least supportive , though even among these cohorts , 44-45 per cent were in favour .
Just 17 per cent of voters are opposed to the move outright , agreeing with the statement : “ It should not be legal for people to be given medical assistance to end their lives if that is their wish.
” Even among the over-65s , just 29 per cent of voters agree .
However , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has yet to make up its mind on the issue .
Just over a quarter of all voters ( 26 per cent ) say they are “ undecided on the issue but am open to hearing both sides of the argument ” .
Five per cent said they had no opinion .
The poll was taken Saturday-Tuesday , October 3rd to October 6th , through in-home interviewing among 1,200 adults at 120 locations in every constituency .
The accuracy level is estimated at plus or minus 2.8 per cent .
This poll saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after June ’ s poll was conducted via telephone interviews due to the pandemic .
The Government amendment last night refers to “ assisted suicide ” but the Dublin West TD Gino Kenny who proposed the Bill said it was irresponsible to conflate assisted dying with suicide , which had very different connotations .
He insisted the Bill does not allow for assisted dying in cases where the person looking for help does not suffer from a terminal illness .
However , campaigners against the measure warn that making it legal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end their lives will inevitably lead to pressure on people to take the option .
The Bill now moves to the committee stage of the legislative process .
After that it will return to the Dáil for its final stage , before being sent to the Seanad where it will undergo a similar process .
If TDs and senators back the Bill , it could become law next year .

The Government amendment last night refers to “assisted suicide” but the Dublin West TD Gino Kenny who proposed the Bill said it was irresponsible to conflate assisted dying with suicide, which had very different connotations. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
A clear majority of voters say they are in favour of allowing people to be given medical assistance to end their lives, suggesting that there is public support for the Bill currently before the Oireachtas.
Last night the Dáil rejected a Government amendment to stall the progress of the Dying with Dignity Bill in order to allow for further discussion of the issue and voted instead to let the Bill proceed through the normal legislative process immediately. Government TDs had a free vote on the issue.
The findings of today’s Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI opinion poll suggest that TDs are in tune with the current public mood on the question.
Respondents to the poll were asked which of three statements came closest to their view on the subject of assisted dying.
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Over half of all voters (52 per cent) said that they agreed that “It should be legal for people to be given medical assistance to end their lives if that is their wish”.
Support was highest among voters in the 35-49 age bracket, where 61 per cent of respondents backed the change, and among the wealthiest AB voters, where 68 per cent are in favour.
The oldest voters (the over-65s), the least well-off and farmers were the least supportive, though even among these cohorts, 44-45 per cent were in favour.
Just 17 per cent of voters are opposed to the move outright, agreeing with the statement: “It should not be legal for people to be given medical assistance to end their lives if that is their wish.” Even among the over-65s, just 29 per cent of voters agree.
However, there is also a substantial middle ground which has yet to make up its mind on the issue. Just over a quarter of all voters (26 per cent) say they are “undecided on the issue but am open to hearing both sides of the argument”. Five per cent said they had no opinion.
The poll was taken Saturday-Tuesday, October 3rd to October 6th, through in-home interviewing among 1,200 adults at 120 locations in every constituency. The accuracy level is estimated at plus or minus 2.8 per cent. This poll saw a return to the usual face-to-face methodology, after June’s poll was conducted via telephone interviews due to the pandemic.
The Government amendment last night refers to “assisted suicide” but the Dublin West TD Gino Kenny who proposed the Bill said it was irresponsible to conflate assisted dying with suicide, which had very different connotations. He insisted the Bill does not allow for assisted dying in cases where the person looking for help does not suffer from a terminal illness.
However, campaigners against the measure warn that making it legal for people to help terminally ill people to end their lives will inevitably lead to pressure on people to take the option. The Bill now moves to the committee stage of the legislative process. After that it will return to the Dáil for its final stage, before being sent to the Seanad where it will undergo a similar process. If TDs and senators back the Bill, it could become law next year.


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Calls for tougher Covid-19 restrictions as Nphet concerns become ‘greater and faster’

Health experts and practitioners have called for an escalation of national controls and restrictions to combat the increasing spread of coronavirus .
“ My view is we do need to take increased restrictions , what we ’ ve been doing in Dublin for the last three weeks and for the rest of the country for the last few days has not been adequate to keep the increase in coronavirus in Ireland under control , ” said Prof McConkey on Thursday morning .
“ So we need increased measures of some sort.
” The call comes after Chief Medical Officer Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more concerned about how Covid-19 is spreading in the State now than he was when the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) recommended to Government that the country be moved to Level 5 restrictions .
The country was , instead , moved to Level 3 .
Speaking at his first media appearance since returning from an extended period of leave , and since the recommendation , he said : “ If anything .
.
.
the level of concern that I had [ ON SUNDAY ] is less than the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ All of the major indicators of this disease have gotten worse – our concern is getting greater and faster.
” The Department of Health on Wednesday night confirmed a further five deaths of people with the virus , bringing the total in the State to 1,816 .
A further 611 cases were confirmed , bringing the total infections since March to 39,584 .
Nphet is due to meet again on Thursday .
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday , Prof McConkey said the fact that case numbers in Dublin were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good thing ” .
“ Things like admissions and the number of outbreaks are going up .
I think we ’ re seeing some impact , a definite sort of inflection point compared to a few weeks ago , ” he said .
“ Dublin figures have stabilised , but to be stabilised , where we ’ re at , at Level 3 for a long time like 6 months or a year or more is not a solution to this.
” Prof McConkey said he favoured a tougher approach for a shorter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is we ’ d all be better off to have two months of tighter restrictions , getting better control of it , and getting it down , ” he said .
Asked about the R number - the number of people each person infected with the virus transmits it to - Prof McConkey said : “ The issue is if Dublin R rate stays at 1 we could be in this for months or years , none of us want to be where we ’ re at now for months , years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philip Nolan , chair of the Irish epidemiological modelling group , on Wednesday said the R number , which needs to be below 1 to suppress the disease , is likely at about 1.2 .
However , he said this is flattered by Dublin ’ s performance .
Prof Nolan said the number in the capital is likely around one , and in the rest of the country is about 1.5 .
If the R number remains at a level of 1.2 to 1.4 , Nphet expects to see 1,100-1,500 cases per day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November , and 350-450 people in hospital by that date .
Prof McConkey said he largely agreed with those projections .
He also said there is a need for a joint policy on Covid-19 for Ireland and the UK .
Speaking about rising hospital admissions , he said the idea that “ we can protect the elderly and the vulnerable from coronavirus , unfortunately [ IS ] not true.
” Meanwhile , Donegal GP Martin Coyne has said that Level 3 restrictions would work if people did what they ’ re supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Border with Northern Ireland was also a problem , he told RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Claire Byrne show .
On the same show , Tomás Ryan , associate professor of biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin said that the Government should have had contingency plans in place for each Level when they announced the Plan for Living with Covid-19 .
It would be appropriate now to move to Level 5 countrywide and then restrictions could be reduced at local level in counties where levels of transmission were lower , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in strategy , he said .
The current Government policy of “ negotiating with public health officials ” is not working .
“ The virus doesn ’ t care about the five levels.
” Infectious diseases consultant Paddy Mallon said that as a society behaviour had changed since the first wave and “ we have learned how to protect the old and vulnerable ” .
But , he said , the health system was still seeing increased hospitalisations and ICU utilisation .
The situation was not overwhelming yet , but at the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he warned .
Too many people were doing things that they didn ’ t need to be doing , he said .
Having coffee in each other ’ s houses , hosting books clubs , “ small little actions that are all contributing to transmission between households.
” “ I don ’ t envy anyone on Nphet or the Government having to make decisions , ” he added .
“ Every action requires community actions , if you don ’ t have buy in , we will have a sub optimal response.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made and they will have to be made quickly , he said .
“ We all just need to work harder.
” Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has warned that a short lockdown may still happen despite the Government rejecting this week the advice of Nphet to move to Level 5 .
Sources present a meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party on Tuesday night said that Mr Varadkar warned that a circuit-breaker lockdown may be on the horizon .
“ He basically said that a circuit breaker lockdown might , or might not work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is on the horizon , ” said one source .

Dr Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, said that “all key indicators of the disease have deteriorated further” in the three days since the last meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team. Video: HSE
The State’s public health team has not recommended a move to higher levels of restrictions, it has emerged.
Two senior sources confirmed that the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) remains seriously concerned about Covid-19 figures and have told Government that the situation must continue to be monitored.
But a move to a higher level of restrictions has not been recommended.
People wearing face mask pass closed down stores on Grafton Street. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Hospital Report
One source said there was “nothing too dramatic” at the meeting held on Thursday and that another ten days at least will be needed to see if the current restrictions are dampening the figures.
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A letter has been sent to Government from the team. This will be considered at a Cabinet sub committee on Friday alongside plans for enhanced enforcement of Level 3 measures.
New cases
The Department of Health has reported one additional death related to Covid-19 and 506 further cases of the disease, including 91 in Dublin.
This brings the number of deaths from the disease in the State to 1,817 since the first death was recorded in March at the start of the pandemic.
Of the new cases, some 64 per cent are under the age of 45, while 39 per cent are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.
Fifty-nine cases, or 12 per cent, identified as community transmission.
There were 76 positive cases in Cork, 53 in Donegal, 42 in Meath and the remaining 244 were spread across 21 counties.
The latest figures shows that there were 159 patients with confirmed Covid-19 in hospital and 25 in intensive care units.
On Wednesday, there were 155 patients with Covid-19 in hospital and 27 in intensive care units, including 15 on ventilators.
This compares with 121 in hospital and 22 in ICU a week earlier, and 48 in hospital and six in ICU a month earlier.
Four cases have been denotified, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 40,086 in Ireland.
Earlier on Thursday, health experts and practitioners called for an escalation of national controls and restrictions to combat the increasing spread of coronavirus.
“My view is we do need to take increased restrictions, what we’ve been doing in Dublin for the last three weeks and for the rest of the country for the last few days has not been adequate to keep the increase in coronavirus in Ireland under control,” said infectious diseases consultant Prof Sam McConkey on Thursday morning. “So we need increased measures of some sort.”
The call comes after Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan on Wednesday said he is more concerned about how Covid-19 is spreading in the State now than he was when Nphet recommended to Government that the country be moved to Level 5 restrictions. The country was, instead, moved to Level 3.
Speaking at his first media appearance since returning from an extended period of leave, and since the recommendation, he said: “If anything . . . the level of concern that I had [on Sunday] is less than the level of concern I have now.”
He said: “All of the major indicators of this disease have gotten worse – our concern is getting greater and faster.”
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday, Prof McConkey said the fact that case numbers in Dublin were levelling off was not necessarily “a good thing”.
“Things like admissions and the number of outbreaks are going up. I think we’re seeing some impact, a definite sort of inflection point compared to a few weeks ago,” he said. “Dublin figures have stabilised, but to be stabilised, where we’re at, at Level 3 for a long time like 6 months or a year or more is not a solution to this.”
Prof McConkey said he favoured a tougher approach for a shorter amount of time. “My view is we’d all be better off to have two months of tighter restrictions, getting better control of it, and getting it down,” he said.
Asked about the R number - the number of people each person infected with the virus transmits it to - Prof McConkey said: “The issue is if Dublin R rate stays at 1 we could be in this for months or years, none of us want to be where we’re at now for months, years, that’s very unsatisfactory.”
R number
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Irish epidemiological modelling group, on Wednesday said the R number, which needs to be below 1 to suppress the disease, is likely at about 1.2.
However, he said this is flattered by Dublin’s performance. Prof Nolan said the number in the capital is likely around one, and in the rest of the country is about 1.5.
If the R number remains at a level of 1.2 to 1.4, Nphet expects to see 1,100-1,500 cases per day by the end of the first week in November, and 350-450 people in hospital by that date.
Prof McConkey said he largely agreed with those projections. He also said there is a need for a joint policy on Covid-19 for Ireland and the UK.
Speaking about rising hospital admissions, he said the idea that “we can protect the elderly and the vulnerable from coronavirus, unfortunately [is] not true.”
Border
Meanwhile, Donegal GP Martin Coyne has said that Level 3 restrictions would work if people did what they’re supposed to do. However, the open Border with Northern Ireland was also a problem, he told RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show.
On the same show, Tomás Ryan, associate professor of biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin said that the Government should have had contingency plans in place for each Level when they announced the Plan for Living with Covid-19.
It would be appropriate now to move to Level 5 countrywide and then restrictions could be reduced at local level in counties where levels of transmission were lower, he said.
There is a need for a change in strategy, he said. The current Government policy of “negotiating with public health officials” is not working. “The virus doesn’t care about the five levels.”
Infectious diseases consultant Paddy Mallon said that, as a society, behaviour had changed since the first wave and “we have learned how to protect the old and vulnerable”.
But, he said, the health system was still seeing increased hospitalisations and ICU utilisation. The situation was not overwhelming yet, but at the current trajectory the situation would soon be unsustainable, he warned.
Too many people were doing things that they didn’t need to be doing, he said. Having coffee in each other’s houses, hosting books clubs, “small little actions that are all contributing to transmission between households.”
“I don’t envy anyone on Nphet or the Government having to make decisions,” he added.
“Every action requires community actions, if you don’t have buy in, we will have a sub optimal response.”
Difficult decisions will have to be made and they will have to be made quickly, he said. “We all just need to work harder.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has warned that a short lockdown may still happen despite the Government rejecting this week the advice of Nphet to move to Level 5.
Sources present a meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party on Tuesday night said that Mr Varadkar warned that a circuit-breaker lockdown may be on the horizon.
“He basically said that a circuit-breaker lockdown might, or might not work, but left us under no illusions that it is on the horizon,” said one source.


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--More traffic delays as Operation Fanacht enters a second day

There are likely to be further delays on Thursday as Operation Fanacht continues into a second day .
There were long tailbacks during rush hour on routes into Dublin on Thursday morning as a result of garda checkpoints .
The M4 , which saw delays as long as eight kilometres on Wednesday , was busy in both directions .
Traffic was heaviest on the M4 between junction 5 Leixlip and junction 6 Celbridge westbound though not as busy as it had been on Wednesday .
The M11 was busy towards Bray while the M2 in the direction of Ashbourne towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both directions all experienced more traffic than normal .
Outside Dublin , there was heavy traffic on approach roads into Limerick city .
Gardaí set up Operation Fanacht to implement new Covid-19 restrictions on Wednesday .
Motorists are advised not to make unnecessary journeys or travel outside their own counties and many were turned back on Wednesday .
The N7 out of Dublin was moving smoothly on Thursday morning though it is one of two motorways where the layout has been changed to facilitate HGV drivers .
In a statement , gardaí said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the N7 ( Junction 6 at Castlewarden ) and M2 ( junction 2 at St Margarets ) .
A new traffic layout has been introduced at these checkpoints which provides a dedicated heavy goods vehicle ( HGV ) only lane to minimise delay or disruption to business distribution .
Signage will be in place prior to reaching the checkpoints and the right hand lane ( lane 3 ) will be available for HGVs only .
“ We would ask all motorists to follow the signage and that HGV drivers reduce their speed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still may be required to stop , ” a Garda spokesman said .
More than 130 static checkpoints were erected on motorways and other arterial routes around the country on Wednesday morning to ensure people were not travelling outside their home county unless absolutely necessary , under the latest Covid-19 restrictions .
Garda officers believe the congestion on Wednesday , leading to additional 45 minute delays in some parts of the country , would dissuade many of those who decided to travel on Wednesday from doing so again on Thursday or in coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus restrictions .

Gardaí erected more than 130 checkpoints on major routes on Wednesday. Photograph: An Garda Síochána/Twitter
There are likely to be further delays on Thursday as Operation Fanacht continues into a second day.
There were long tailbacks during rush hour on routes into Dublin on Thursday morning as a result of garda checkpoints.
The M4, which saw delays as long as eight kilometres on Wednesday, was busy in both directions.
Traffic was heaviest on the M4 between junction 5 Leixlip and junction 6 Celbridge westbound though not as busy as it had been on Wednesday.
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The M11 was busy towards Bray while the M2 in the direction of Ashbourne towards Dublin and the M1 near Julianstown in both directions all experienced more traffic than normal.
Outside Dublin, there was heavy traffic on approach roads into Limerick city.
Gardaí set up Operation Fanacht to implement new Covid-19 restrictions on Wednesday. Motorists are advised not to make unnecessary journeys or travel outside their own counties and many were turned back on Wednesday.
The N7 out of Dublin was moving smoothly on Thursday morning though it is one of two motorways where the layout has been changed to facilitate HGV drivers.
In a statement, gardaí said there have been alterations to checkpoints on the N7 (Junction 6 at Castlewarden) and M2 (junction 2 at St Margarets).
A new traffic layout has been introduced at these checkpoints which provides a dedicated heavy goods vehicle (HGV) only lane to minimise delay or disruption to business distribution. Signage will be in place prior to reaching the checkpoints and the right hand lane (lane 3) will be available for HGVs only.
“We would ask all motorists to follow the signage and that HGV drivers reduce their speed as they approach the Garda checkpoints as they still may be required to stop,” a Garda spokesman said.
More than 130 static checkpoints were erected on motorways and other arterial routes around the country on Wednesday morning to ensure people were not travelling outside their home county unless absolutely necessary, under the latest Covid-19 restrictions.
Garda officers believe the congestion on Wednesday, leading to additional 45 minute delays in some parts of the country, would dissuade many of those who decided to travel on Wednesday from doing so again on Thursday or in coming weeks during the period of Level 3 coronavirus restrictions.