theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Barnardos appeals for public donations

Barnardos has issued an urgent appeal to the public for donations to help it reach children and families during the Covid-19 crisis .
The children ’ s charity is working with 1,580 families who require critical and intensive support with more than 600 waiting for help .
Barnardos has said it is currently adapting to ensure it can keep working with children who were already in very vulnerable circumstances .
Mary Gamble , director of fundraising for Barnardos , said the charity is “ rapdidly adapting to meet the new needs of families ” .
“ The families we work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressful situations , are now experiencing a pressure cooker effect – children are living with domestic abuse , parental mental health challenges , neglect , acrimonious separation and family breakdown and addiction – now with no escape , ” she said .
“ They are also in need of food , nappies and other essential items that they would have received coming to Barnardos centres , ” Ms Gamble said .
“ To help these families Barnardos is providing crisis supports such as food parcels , safety planning for families living with domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the home , support in establishing and maintaining routines , and compiling and distributing activity packs.
” Donations can be made to Barnardos on its website .

Barnardos is working with 1,580 families who require critical and intensive support. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/THE IRISH TIMES
Barnardos has issued an urgent appeal to the public for donations to help it reach children and families during the Covid-19 crisis.
The children’s charity is working with 1,580 families who require critical and intensive support with more than 600 waiting for help.
Barnardos has said it is currently adapting to ensure it can keep working with children who were already in very vulnerable circumstances.
Mary Gamble, director of fundraising for Barnardos, said the charity is "rapdidly adapting to meet the new needs of families".
READ MORE
“The families we work with, who were already living in stressful situations, are now experiencing a pressure cooker effect – children are living with domestic abuse, parental mental health challenges, neglect, acrimonious separation and family breakdown and addiction – now with no escape,” she said.
“They are also in need of food, nappies and other essential items that they would have received coming to Barnardos centres,” Ms Gamble said.
“To help these families Barnardos is providing crisis supports such as food parcels, safety planning for families living with domestic abuse, support in managing crises in the home, support in establishing and maintaining routines, and compiling and distributing activity packs.”
Donations can be made to Barnardos on its website.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Irish in Australia spending thousands on flights that are cancelled

An Irish couple stranded in a hostel in Australia say they have spent nearly €5,000 on flights homes only to have them cancelled .
Colm Cahill ( 25 ) and his girlfriend are in a hostel in Melbourne and say they are not the only Irish in the same predicament .
They have been working and travelling in the country since October .
On St Patrick ’ s Day they realised it was time to make a move when friends messaged from all over the world to say their cities were in lockdown .
“ All the messages were lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and people were partying like there was no tomorrow and pubs were full , ” Mr Cahill said .
“ We said it was time to go home.
” The first airline they booked €800 each .
Within hours the airline cancelled the flight and said they would instead provide a travel voucher “ when it was feasible ” .
Mr Cahill , from Birr , said a lot of panic set in and some people paid large sums for flights .
With his girlfriend Andrea Treacy , from Rathdowney , Co Laois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while and looked at the option of renting a house but decided against it .
They booked another flight at a cost of €1,600 each , “ We went to sleep and woke up six hours later to an email to say the flight the cancelled.
” Mr Cahill set up a Facebook group for the Irish trying to get home and within an hour had been contacted by hundreds of people .
Colm and Andrea can afford to stay in the hostel for a while longer but are trying to get assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get them home .
“ We are stranded in a hostel having both recently lost our jobs , ” they said in a letter to the embassy .
Mr Cahill said the advice is to book a flight as soon as possible but , “ airlines are taking money for essentially cancelled flights and then issuing flight vouchers .
Most airlines have shut offices and unplugged phones ” .
He said some of the Irish people making contact via the Facebook page , “ are people commenting that their visas have or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last of their money has gone on flights that were cancelled and some that are calling out for a couch before they are stranded on streets ” .
He said one woman said she had spent €4,000 on a flight that was cancelled , another had spent €3,000 borrowed from families for a third flight after two others were cancelled and her third booking was then cancelled .
He said it is also stressful for his family in Ireland .
“ They are concerned obviously and relieved to hear we booked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them it got cancelled .
It was even harder the second time .
”

Passengers check in for a flight at Melbourne Airport in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday. Photograph: Bloomberg
An Irish couple stranded in a hostel in Australia say they have spent nearly €5,000 on flights homes only to have them cancelled.
Colm Cahill (25) and his girlfriend are in a hostel in Melbourne and say they are not the only Irish in the same predicament.
They have been working and travelling in the country since October.
On St Patrick’s Day they realised it was time to make a move when friends messaged from all over the world to say their cities were in lockdown.
READ MORE
“All the messages were lockdown, lockdown and I walked through Melbourne and people were partying like there was no tomorrow and pubs were full,” Mr Cahill said. “We said it was time to go home.”
The first airline they booked €800 each. Within hours the airline cancelled the flight and said they would instead provide a travel voucher “when it was feasible”.
Mr Cahill, from Birr, said a lot of panic set in and some people paid large sums for flights.
With his girlfriend Andrea Treacy, from Rathdowney, Co Laois, he decided to wait a little while and looked at the option of renting a house but decided against it.
They booked another flight at a cost of €1,600 each, “We went to sleep and woke up six hours later to an email to say the flight the cancelled.”
Mr Cahill set up a Facebook group for the Irish trying to get home and within an hour had been contacted by hundreds of people.
Colm and Andrea can afford to stay in the hostel for a while longer but are trying to get assistance from the Irish embassy and their TDs to get them home.
“We are stranded in a hostel having both recently lost our jobs,” they said in a letter to the embassy.
Mr Cahill said the advice is to book a flight as soon as possible but, “airlines are taking money for essentially cancelled flights and then issuing flight vouchers. Most airlines have shut offices and unplugged phones”.
He said some of the Irish people making contact via the Facebook page, “are people commenting that their visas have or are soon to run out, that the last of their money has gone on flights that were cancelled and some that are calling out for a couch before they are stranded on streets”.
He said one woman said she had spent €4,000 on a flight that was cancelled, another had spent €3,000 borrowed from families for a third flight after two others were cancelled and her third booking was then cancelled.
He said it is also stressful for his family in Ireland.
“They are concerned obviously and relieved to hear we booked a flight, so it was hard telling them it got cancelled. It was even harder the second time.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Hillwalkers warned of limited rescue services

People who get into difficulties while hillwalking in Kerry may face having to make their own way down mountains due to concerns about the health and safety of rescue crews as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus .
Kerry Mountain Rescue has warned people that they could also face delays in being reached by rescue teams in more serious incidents because of restrictions being imposed due to the Covid-19 crisis .
It has also appealed to walkers to forego their enjoyment of the hills for the moment and to stick to lowland paths and walkways , while strictly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over-burdened hospitals don ’ t need or want any avoidable admissions over this difficult period , ” KMR said .
The KMR team said it had to make a number of difficult choices because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the high volumes of people using the Kerry Mountains over last weekend .
KMR spokesman Colm Burke said the rescue team ’ s first priority when called out to any incident would be ensuring the safety of its members and their families .
“ We are all volunteers , many of whom lives with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in our working lives , ” Mr Burke said .
While KMR would do what it could to assist people who made an emergency call seeking help from mountain rescue teams , Mr Burke said people who were uninjured or simply lost would be asked to consider waiting until morning or better visibility to extricate themselves .
He said people regarded as “ walking wounded ” would also be asked to consider making their own way down from the mountains .
Mr Burke said people who suffered serious injuries or immobility would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KMR team members needed to complete the task .
“ Because of this , evacuation will be less straightforward and the overall time to transport you to medical attention will be much longer , ” he cautioned .
KMR said support from the Irish Coast Guard helicopter would only be requested for someone who had sustained time critical injuries .
Mr Burke apologised for such measures which he claimed ran contrary to everything KMR believed in but stressed such measures were necessary to protect its members .
He added : “ By its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact between both rescuers and casualty , exposing everyone to infection.
” He acknowledged that KMR team members could also infect an injured climber .
KMR warned that if walkers failed to observe the guidelines on physical distancing , it might lead to a situation where the team might not be able to respond to a request for assistance .

Kerry Mountain Rescue has said evacuation will be less straightforward for hillwalkers who get into difficulty. Photograph: Getty Images
People who get into difficulties while hillwalking in Kerry may face having to make their own way down mountains due to concerns about the health and safety of rescue crews as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Kerry Mountain Rescue has warned people that they could also face delays in being reached by rescue teams in more serious incidents because of restrictions being imposed due to the Covid-19 crisis.
It has also appealed to walkers to forego their enjoyment of the hills for the moment and to stick to lowland paths and walkways, while strictly observing physical distancing.
“Our already over-burdened hospitals don’t need or want any avoidable admissions over this difficult period,” KMR said.
READ MORE
The KMR team said it had to make a number of difficult choices because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the high volumes of people using the Kerry Mountains over last weekend.
KMR spokesman Colm Burke said the rescue team’s first priority when called out to any incident would be ensuring the safety of its members and their families.
“We are all volunteers, many of whom lives with and care for vulnerable people at home and in our working lives,” Mr Burke said.
While KMR would do what it could to assist people who made an emergency call seeking help from mountain rescue teams, Mr Burke said people who were uninjured or simply lost would be asked to consider waiting until morning or better visibility to extricate themselves.
He said people regarded as “walking wounded” would also be asked to consider making their own way down from the mountains.
Mr Burke said people who suffered serious injuries or immobility would be attended by the absolute minimum of KMR team members needed to complete the task.
“Because of this, evacuation will be less straightforward and the overall time to transport you to medical attention will be much longer,” he cautioned.
KMR said support from the Irish Coast Guard helicopter would only be requested for someone who had sustained time critical injuries.
Mr Burke apologised for such measures which he claimed ran contrary to everything KMR believed in but stressed such measures were necessary to protect its members.
He added: “By its very nature, mountain rescue requires close contact between both rescuers and casualty, exposing everyone to infection.”
He acknowledged that KMR team members could also infect an injured climber.
KMR warned that if walkers failed to observe the guidelines on physical distancing, it might lead to a situation where the team might not be able to respond to a request for assistance.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Planning rules lifted to allow restaurants provide takeaways

Exemptions from normal planning rules to allow restaurants and cafes to provide takeaway and delivery services during the coronavirus pandemic have been approved by the Government .
Minister for Planning Eoghan Murphy announced the measures as part of a series of actions on planning during the Covid-19 crisis .
Other initiatives include the pausing of various statutory periods under planning legislation to allow for the immediate provision of temporary health facilities including hospitals , isolation units and step down facilities .
In addition , businesses involved in the food and retail sectors which operate outside hours which would not comply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement action given the compelling reasons in the public interest to support the delivery of food and essential supplies during the crisis .
Mr Murphy said the various measures were being introduced to support businesses , the public health response to the crisis and the planning system itself .
“ This package of measures will serve to ensure that the planning system can work as effectively as possible to meet the needs of the current emergency , ” Mr Murphy said .
He said the new regulations , which are due to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would remove planning barriers for temporary medical facilities as well as allowing hard hit restaurants adapt to provide an alternative service .
The relaxation of planning rules to allow restaurants to operate takeaway and delivery services during the current crisis had been sought by the Restaurants Association of Ireland .
The organisation ’ s chief executive Adrian Cummins said such a measure was necessary on a short-term basis to allow restaurants to continue in business and provide a service .
New regulation provide that a change of use from a restaurant to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the duration of the emergency .
Under normal circumstances , some local authorities apply stringent requirements on the location of takeaways and their hours of operation above national regulations .
The minister said the situation would be kept under constant review as the crisis evolved and his department would respond to any other emerging issues in the coming weeks and months .
Mr Murphy said his officials had also engaged with city and county councils to ensure that critical services in facilitating general construction activity such as granting planning permission and fire safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said his department had also engaged with An Bord Pleanála and the Office of the Planning Regulator regarding their business continuity arrangements .
“ Every effort is being made to ensure that these systems can continue to operate , with appropriate accommodations , taking account of public health advice , ” Mr Murphy said .
Local authority public offices and the offices of An Bord Pleanála are remaining open to the greatest extent possible , according to the minister , subject to HSE guidelines on physical distancing .

Minister for Planning Eoghan Murphy announced the measures as part of actions on planning during the Covid-19 crisis. Photograph: Getty Images
Exemptions from normal planning rules to allow restaurants and cafes to provide takeaway and delivery services during the coronavirus pandemic have been approved by the Government.
Minister for Planning Eoghan Murphy announced the measures as part of a series of actions on planning during the Covid-19 crisis.
Other initiatives include the pausing of various statutory periods under planning legislation to allow for the immediate provision of temporary health facilities including hospitals, isolation units and step down facilities.
In addition, businesses involved in the food and retail sectors which operate outside hours which would not comply with their planning permission will not face enforcement action given the compelling reasons in the public interest to support the delivery of food and essential supplies during the crisis.
READ MORE
Mr Murphy said the various measures were being introduced to support businesses, the public health response to the crisis and the planning system itself.
“This package of measures will serve to ensure that the planning system can work as effectively as possible to meet the needs of the current emergency,” Mr Murphy said.
He said the new regulations, which are due to be passed by the Dáil on Thursday, would remove planning barriers for temporary medical facilities as well as allowing hard hit restaurants adapt to provide an alternative service.
The relaxation of planning rules to allow restaurants to operate takeaway and delivery services during the current crisis had been sought by the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
The organisation’s chief executive Adrian Cummins said such a measure was necessary on a short-term basis to allow restaurants to continue in business and provide a service.
New regulation provide that a change of use from a restaurant to a takeaway do not require planning consent for the duration of the emergency.
Under normal circumstances, some local authorities apply stringent requirements on the location of takeaways and their hours of operation above national regulations.
The minister said the situation would be kept under constant review as the crisis evolved and his department would respond to any other emerging issues in the coming weeks and months.
Mr Murphy said his officials had also engaged with city and county councils to ensure that critical services in facilitating general construction activity such as granting planning permission and fire safety and disability access certificates were being maintained.
He said his department had also engaged with An Bord Pleanála and the Office of the Planning Regulator regarding their business continuity arrangements.
“Every effort is being made to ensure that these systems can continue to operate, with appropriate accommodations, taking account of public health advice,” Mr Murphy said.
Local authority public offices and the offices of An Bord Pleanála are remaining open to the greatest extent possible, according to the minister, subject to HSE guidelines on physical distancing.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Private hospitals in State to cater for Covid-19 cases only as pandemic spreads

The State ’ s private hospitals will initially not be used to cater for people suffering from Covid-19 ; however , it is anticipated that this will change as the pandemic spreads further .
Sources in the sector confirmed last night that , in the wake of a landmark deal to open the State ’ s private hospitals up to the public system , initially they would be used for essential and urgent trauma , ongoing cancer care and other urgent cases .
Medical sources have previously suggested that there would be merit to creating “ fever ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as has been implemented in China .
However , there is an acceptance in the sector that private hospitals , which have 2,000 beds across 19 hospitals and employs 8,000 staff , will almost certainly have to take on Covid patients as pressure on the healthcare systems increases .
The deal , which is still to be fully finalised and signed off , will see the cancellation or postponement of significant numbers of non-essential elective surgeries scheduled across the private hospital network in the months to come .
Sources said these procedures would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the queue ” during the Covid crisis .
In a statement released on Tuesday evening , the Private Hospitals Association ( PHA ) confirmed it was “ collaborating with the HSE ” on the Covid-19 outbreak and “ fully supports all strategic measures currently under consideration aimed at combating this pandemic ” .
However , in a divergence from comments made by the Taoiseach on Tuesday , which suggested a final deal had been agreed , the PHA said discussions were continuing .
It is understood that the PHA is still awaiting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While there is consensus around the State ’ s public-health led approach to the pandemic and expectation that the deal would be concluded , several items remained to be finalised , including the exact nature of the financial agreement between the hospitals and the State , which will be done on a not-for-profit basis , but will still be a significant sum .
“ The precise detail of the HSE plan is still being discussed and we would hope to finalise this in the coming days , ” the PHA said last night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s two-tier healthcare system , while temporary , will present challenges for stakeholders across the sector .
Private healthcare insurers , for example , may face policy cancellations or demands for cuts in rates charged to consumers who will no longer enjoy the benefits of fast-track access to the private hospital system during the pandemic .
In a statement issued on behalf of insurers on Tuesday , industry body Insurance Ireland said private health insurers “ will work with the Government and the private hospitals to play a constructive role in supporting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is understood that the health insurance consultative forum will be meeting shortly to discuss the implementation of these necessary steps .
”

The State’s private hospitals will initially not be used to cater for people suffering from Covid-19; however, it is anticipated that this will change as the pandemic spreads further.
Sources in the sector confirmed last night that, in the wake of a landmark deal to open the State’s private hospitals up to the public system, initially they would be used for essential and urgent trauma, ongoing cancer care and other urgent cases.
Medical sources have previously suggested that there would be merit to creating "fever" and "clean" hospitals for a time, as has been implemented in China. However, there is an acceptance in the sector that private hospitals, which have 2,000 beds across 19 hospitals and employs 8,000 staff, will almost certainly have to take on Covid patients as pressure on the healthcare systems increases.
The deal, which is still to be fully finalised and signed off, will see the cancellation or postponement of significant numbers of non-essential elective surgeries scheduled across the private hospital network in the months to come. Sources said these procedures would effectively “go to the back of the queue” during the Covid crisis.
READ MORE
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the Private Hospitals Association (PHA) confirmed it was "collaborating with the HSE" on the Covid-19 outbreak and "fully supports all strategic measures currently under consideration aimed at combating this pandemic".
Discussions continuing
However, in a divergence from comments made by the Taoiseach on Tuesday, which suggested a final deal had been agreed, the PHA said discussions were continuing. It is understood that the PHA is still awaiting a final proposal document from the Government.
While there is consensus around the State’s public-health led approach to the pandemic and expectation that the deal would be concluded, several items remained to be finalised, including the exact nature of the financial agreement between the hospitals and the State, which will be done on a not-for-profit basis, but will still be a significant sum.
“The precise detail of the HSE plan is still being discussed and we would hope to finalise this in the coming days,” the PHA said last night.
The shake-up of the State’s two-tier healthcare system, while temporary, will present challenges for stakeholders across the sector. Private healthcare insurers, for example, may face policy cancellations or demands for cuts in rates charged to consumers who will no longer enjoy the benefits of fast-track access to the private hospital system during the pandemic.
In a statement issued on behalf of insurers on Tuesday, industry body Insurance Ireland said private health insurers "will work with the Government and the private hospitals to play a constructive role in supporting the public system during this crisis. It is understood that the health insurance consultative forum will be meeting shortly to discuss the implementation of these necessary steps."


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Fire and flood risk to State’s €35m modern art collection

The storage facility holding the State ’ s multi-million euro collection of modern art falls “ significantly below international museum standards ” and was placing artworks at risk of flooding and fire damage , the Irish Museum of Modern Art ( Imma ) warned officials .
Last year Imma privately warned the Department of Culture and the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) of “ urgent ” shortcomings at the State gallery ’ s off-site storage warehouse , which would cause “ serious reputational damage ” if artworks suffered any harm .
The current facility was not set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and had no automated fire extinguishing system or smoke extraction system , Imma ’ s head of operations Gale Scanlan told the OPW in a letter last March .
The letter , seen by The Irish Times , warned “ the current storage facilities fall significantly below international museum standards ” .
The collection was valued at €35 million but “ the true value is a multiple of this amount ” , the letter said .
This is because the value of the artworks dates from the time they were acquired ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been appraised each year .
The national collection has more than 3,500 pieces of modern and contemporary art built up since 1990 ; Imma holds both permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham .
The off-site storage warehouse was now at capacity and had “ very limited compartmentation ” between crates of artworks “ to prevent the spread of fire ” , the letter to the OPW said .
There was a “ limited ” alarm system to detect water entry around the doors of the warehouse , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leak , the letter said .
The building is more than 20 years old and owned by the OPW .
The artwork was stored in crates on the warehouse floor “ so any pooling of water will cause immediate damage ” , the correspondence said .
Rainwater pipes also ran inside the building “ which have been prone to leak leaving traces of water on the floor ” , it said .
“ The consequences of physical damage to any artworks , that would be considered avoidable , would be one of serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department , ” the letter warned .
Imma said it was difficult to control the internal climate of the warehouse , the location of which is kept strictly confidential to guard against attempted art theft .
“ Temperature and humidity vary with the weather and these variations are significant factors in the potential physical decay of vulnerable artworks , ” the letter said .
There was also no space to quarantine artworks lent to other venues upon their return “ that may have been exposed to bacterial elements or pests that could compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it said .
In the letter to the OPW , the Imma official said the options were to relocate the collection to a “ more suitable environment ” or improve the current building , however the museum lacked “ the resources to make the necessary improvements ” .
Minutes from a February 2019 meeting show the museum ’ s board felt it was “ imperative ” to take steps to ensure the safe storage of the art collection , and it should “ express its concern in the strongest terms ” to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release correspondence between officials and Imma on the issue following a Freedom of Information request from The Irish Times , arguing the documents related to the “ deliberative process ” of the department .
The collection remains in the same storage warehouse , but contractors were hired last December to carry out “ fire suppression works ” in the facility , a spokesman for Imma said .
In a statement , a spokesman for the OPW said “ collaboration ” with the museum “ continues on this issue ” and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the matter .

The storage facility holding the State's multi-million euro collection of modern art falls "significantly below international museum standards" and was placing artworks at risk of flooding and fire damage, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (Imma) warned officials.
Last year Imma privately warned the Department of Culture and the Office of Public Works (OPW) of "urgent" shortcomings at the State gallery's off-site storage warehouse, which would cause "serious reputational damage" if artworks suffered any harm.
The current facility was not set up to prevent the spread of a fire, and had no automated fire extinguishing system or smoke extraction system, Imma's head of operations Gale Scanlan told the OPW in a letter last March.
The letter, seen by The Irish Times, warned “the current storage facilities fall significantly below international museum standards”.
READ MORE
The collection was valued at €35 million but “the true value is a multiple of this amount”, the letter said. This is because the value of the artworks dates from the time they were acquired; the current worth of the entire collection has not been appraised each year.
The national collection has more than 3,500 pieces of modern and contemporary art built up since 1990; Imma holds both permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
Capacity
The off-site storage warehouse was now at capacity and had “very limited compartmentation” between crates of artworks “to prevent the spread of fire”, the letter to the OPW said. There was a “limited” alarm system to detect water entry around the doors of the warehouse, but this would fail to detect a roof leak, the letter said. The building is more than 20 years old and owned by the OPW.
The artwork was stored in crates on the warehouse floor “so any pooling of water will cause immediate damage”, the correspondence said. Rainwater pipes also ran inside the building “which have been prone to leak leaving traces of water on the floor”, it said.
“The consequences of physical damage to any artworks, that would be considered avoidable, would be one of serious reputational damage both to Imma and the department,” the letter warned.
Imma said it was difficult to control the internal climate of the warehouse, the location of which is kept strictly confidential to guard against attempted art theft.
“Temperature and humidity vary with the weather and these variations are significant factors in the potential physical decay of vulnerable artworks,” the letter said.
There was also no space to quarantine artworks lent to other venues upon their return “that may have been exposed to bacterial elements or pests that could compromise other works” in the collection, it said.
In the letter to the OPW, the Imma official said the options were to relocate the collection to a “more suitable environment” or improve the current building, however the museum lacked “the resources to make the necessary improvements”.
Minutes from a February 2019 meeting show the museum’s board felt it was “imperative” to take steps to ensure the safe storage of the art collection, and it should “express its concern in the strongest terms” to the department.
The Department of Culture refused to release correspondence between officials and Imma on the issue following a Freedom of Information request from The Irish Times, arguing the documents related to the “deliberative process” of the department.
The collection remains in the same storage warehouse, but contractors were hired last December to carry out “fire suppression works” in the facility, a spokesman for Imma said.
In a statement, a spokesman for the OPW said “collaboration” with the museum “continues on this issue” and that the department was maintaining “ongoing contact” over the matter.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Covid-19: Virus-killing robot developed by TCD start-up

A robot emitting ultraviolet light ( UVC ) with the ability to disinfect hospitals and get rid of the Covid-19 virus has been developed by a start-up attached to Trinity College Dublin .
Being able to clean healthcare facilities thoroughly and quickly is hugely demanding as coronavirus cases escalate .
Created by Akara Robotics , it is clinically proven to kill viruses , bacteria and harmful germs , and does so in a much shorter time compared to usual cleaning methods , according to its inventor Dr Conor McGinn .
Robot Violet was tested in an acute hospital in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted the HSE indicating it would be effective in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic in healthcare settings .
They are awaiting microbiological test results to confirm its effectiveness .
“ This system could reduce dependency on the use of chemical-based solutions , which may be effective but requires rooms to be vacated for several hours during sterilisation , making them impractical for many parts of the hospital , ” said Dr McGinn .
In addition , many pieces of high-tech equipment can not be disinfected using “ deep chemicals ” , so manual cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective in such circumstances , he said .
The start-up was spun out of TCD ’ s Robotics & Innovation Lab , which is best known for creating Stevie , a social robot making friends with carers and older people in residential care settings .
Dr McGinn turned his attention to the sterilisation properties of UVC about a year ago .
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation uses UVC at sufficiently short wavelengths to break down DNA in microbes , which stops them from replicating .
In the case of a virus it can arrest spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other countries , but the TCD robot is the first in Ireland to be used in such circumstances .
Akara has been experimenting with UVC sterilisation , performing tests to determine the wavelength , distance and angles that achieve the best results .
Dr McGinn said he was confident the technology would be effective in hospitals , though some adjustment for particular settings to get its approach right , informed by the test results , may be needed .
Typically , a CAT scan takes a few minutes to operate but an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospitals can take up to five hours to sterilise , while the robotic light-based solution can halve the time required , it is claimed .
However , Dr McGinn said bathing a room in UVC was best deployed as a complement to other cleaning methods .
He said the HSE was supportive but acting in the best interests of the public and its staff , so it wanted verification on the robot ’ s effectiveness in killing bugs ; validation in a clinical setting and assurance it can be used in practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm users .
“ We are very happy with the progress we are making , ” he said , while awaiting test results from TCD microbiologist Dr Michael Beckett on the robot ’ s use in a clinical setting .
UVC can damage skin and eyes , but Robot Violet has a range of safety features to protect those using it , that also allow it to be deployed in high-traffic areas where existing cleaning approaches fall short .
It uses artificial intelligence to shut down if a human unexpectedly appears in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robotics , which employs seven people , has the ability to make up to 50 devices in coming weeks subject to getting some parts , said Dr McGinn , and to have the first device fully deployed in an Irish hospital as early as next week .
This involved use of a short-term model as it was developing more advanced models for the longer term .

Irish scientists at Akara Robotics have developed a robotic technology to help keep hospitals clean of coronavirus. Video: Enda O'Dowd
A robot emitting ultraviolet light (UVC) with the ability to disinfect hospitals and get rid of the Covid-19 virus has been developed by a start-up attached to Trinity College Dublin.
Being able to clean healthcare facilities thoroughly and quickly is hugely demanding as coronavirus cases escalate.
Created by Akara Robotics, it is clinically proven to kill viruses, bacteria and harmful germs, and does so in a much shorter time compared to usual cleaning methods, according to its inventor Dr Conor McGinn.
Robot Violet was tested in an acute hospital in the Dublin area last week after Dr McGinn contacted the HSE indicating it would be effective in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic in healthcare settings. They are awaiting microbiological test results to confirm its effectiveness.
READ MORE
“This system could reduce dependency on the use of chemical-based solutions, which may be effective but requires rooms to be vacated for several hours during sterilisation, making them impractical for many parts of the hospital,” said Dr McGinn.
In addition, many pieces of high-tech equipment cannot be disinfected using “deep chemicals”, so manual cleaning is needed. Robot Violet is also effective in such circumstances, he said.
The start-up was spun out of TCD’s Robotics & Innovation Lab, which is best known for creating Stevie, a social robot making friends with carers and older people in residential care settings. Dr McGinn turned his attention to the sterilisation properties of UVC about a year ago.
Wavelengths
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation uses UVC at sufficiently short wavelengths to break down DNA in microbes, which stops them from replicating. In the case of a virus it can arrest spread of infection. The technology is used in other countries, but the TCD robot is the first in Ireland to be used in such circumstances.
Akara has been experimenting with UVC sterilisation, performing tests to determine the wavelength, distance and angles that achieve the best results.
Dr McGinn said he was confident the technology would be effective in hospitals, though some adjustment for particular settings to get its approach right, informed by the test results, may be needed.
Typically, a CAT scan takes a few minutes to operate but an hour to clean after use. Rooms in hospitals can take up to five hours to sterilise, while the robotic light-based solution can halve the time required, it is claimed.
However, Dr McGinn said bathing a room in UVC was best deployed as a complement to other cleaning methods.
He said the HSE was supportive but acting in the best interests of the public and its staff, so it wanted verification on the robot’s effectiveness in killing bugs; validation in a clinical setting and assurance it can be used in practical ways by cleaning staff and does not harm users.
"We are very happy with the progress we are making," he said, while awaiting test results from TCD microbiologist Dr Michael Beckett on the robot's use in a clinical setting.
Safety features
UVC can damage skin and eyes, but Robot Violet has a range of safety features to protect those using it, that also allow it to be deployed in high-traffic areas where existing cleaning approaches fall short. It uses artificial intelligence to shut down if a human unexpectedly appears in front of it while in operation.
Arkara Robotics, which employs seven people, has the ability to make up to 50 devices in coming weeks subject to getting some parts, said Dr McGinn, and to have the first device fully deployed in an Irish hospital as early as next week. This involved use of a short-term model as it was developing more advanced models for the longer term.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Courtroom drama thin on the ground amid Covid-19 anguish

The changes to the criminal courts system amid the coronavirus crisis are difficult to spot at first .
Aside from the hand-sanitiser dispensers and warning signs dotted around the Criminal Courts of Justice ( CCJ ) on Dublin ’ s Parkgate Street , the wheels of justice appear to be turning relatively normally , albeit with a vastly reduced caseload .
It is only when you look closer that the changes become clear .
In court six , where a woman is on trial for murder , there are six jurors only in the jury box .
The rest are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an attempt at social distancing .
The jurors look to be less than 2m apart , but it ’ s better than nothing .
In another court , the jurors in the trial of a creche worker accused of sexual assault are considering their verdicts .
Deliberations are not taking place in the jury room , but in the court itself where there is much more room .
Up in court 17 , where the High Court bail list is being heard , only a handful of lawyers are allowed in at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video link from Cloverhill Prison with their images projected on large TV screens in the court .
The few inmates in attendance are accompanied by prison officers who are clean shaven and wear no ties as part of hygiene measures ordered to prevent the nightmare scenario of a Covid-19 outbreak in the prison system .
The situation in the CCJ has improved since Monday , when barristers reported up to 80 people waiting together outside court .
The Courts Service attributed the crowd to a “ glitch in the system ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large congregation on one of the floors .
One group supporting the accused in a trial , the other backing the complainant .
A handful of gardaí patrolled the floor , trying in vain to enforce social distancing protocols .
The most interesting case on the shortlist is a Italian woman convicted of helping to smuggle in illegal immigrants .
The interpreter is instructed to do her job from the other end of the defendant ’ s bench .
When the arresting garda is called to give evidence , the registrar tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bible to take the oath ” .
There are only four jury trials ongoing in the State , all of which started before the coronavirus outbreak became a crisis .
Just one trial has collapsed due to jurors being sick or unwilling to risk further service .
The courts are in “ winding down mode ” , says a Courts Service spokesman .
Only urgent cases , such as accused people in custody seeking bail , will be heard and it will likely be June or later before things start returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up the lost time , such as sitting through the traditional summer vacation , have not yet been considered .
In Court five , which deals with offenders who have pleaded guilty , a junior counsel wears a face mask and surgical gloves – the first update to the barristers ’ uniform since 1685 when the profession adopted black robes to mourn the death of Charles II .
One lawyer complains to the judge he is not getting legal aid payments because his cases are being adjourned .
Judge Melanie Greally sympathises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Department of Justice .

There are only four jury trials ongoing in the State, all of which started before the coronavirus outbreak became a crisis. File photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times.
The changes to the criminal courts system amid the coronavirus crisis are difficult to spot at first.
Aside from the hand-sanitiser dispensers and warning signs dotted around the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Dublin's Parkgate Street, the wheels of justice appear to be turning relatively normally, albeit with a vastly reduced caseload. It is only when you look closer that the changes become clear.
In court six, where a woman is on trial for murder, there are six jurors only in the jury box. The rest are sitting in the body of the court in an attempt at social distancing. The jurors look to be less than 2m apart, but it’s better than nothing.
In another court, the jurors in the trial of a creche worker accused of sexual assault are considering their verdicts. Deliberations are not taking place in the jury room, but in the court itself where there is much more room.
READ MORE
Up in court 17, where the High Court bail list is being heard, only a handful of lawyers are allowed in at a time. Most defendants appear via video link from Cloverhill Prison with their images projected on large TV screens in the court.
The few inmates in attendance are accompanied by prison officers who are clean shaven and wear no ties as part of hygiene measures ordered to prevent the nightmare scenario of a Covid-19 outbreak in the prison system.
The situation in the CCJ has improved since Monday, when barristers reported up to 80 people waiting together outside court. The Courts Service attributed the crowd to a “glitch in the system”.
The only real black mark on Tuesday was a large congregation on one of the floors. One group supporting the accused in a trial, the other backing the complainant. A handful of gardaí patrolled the floor, trying in vain to enforce social distancing protocols.
The most interesting case on the shortlist is a Italian woman convicted of helping to smuggle in illegal immigrants.
The interpreter is instructed to do her job from the other end of the defendant’s bench. When the arresting garda is called to give evidence, the registrar tells him to “hover your hand over the Bible to take the oath”.
There are only four jury trials ongoing in the State, all of which started before the coronavirus outbreak became a crisis. Just one trial has collapsed due to jurors being sick or unwilling to risk further service.
The courts are in “winding down mode”, says a Courts Service spokesman.
Only urgent cases, such as accused people in custody seeking bail, will be heard and it will likely be June or later before things start returning to normal, he adds.
Measures to make up the lost time, such as sitting through the traditional summer vacation, have not yet been considered.
In Court five, which deals with offenders who have pleaded guilty, a junior counsel wears a face mask and surgical gloves – the first update to the barristers’ uniform since 1685 when the profession adopted black robes to mourn the death of Charles II.
One lawyer complains to the judge he is not getting legal aid payments because his cases are being adjourned. Judge Melanie Greally sympathises, but says it is a matter for the Department of Justice.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Covid-19: Rent-a-room tenants at risk of eviction

Coronavirus is putting rent-a-room tenants in the homes of landlords at risk of eviction as landlords seek to protect themselves from the pandemic .
Housing charity Threshold says it has received “ dozens of calls ” from people in rent-a-room scenarios who have been told to leave their homes because they have returned to Ireland from affected areas , even though they are not showing any symptoms .
The charity says it is “ particularly worried ” about these vulnerable tenants who may not have a lease .
It has already received many concerned calls from people whose landlord has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice .
“ These licencees have little protection and , under current social welfare rules , can not access rent supplement , ” the charity says .
In a statement to The Irish Times the Residential Tenancies Board confirmed the rent-a-room scheme does not fall under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Acts and “ therefore those in that situation would not have the protections ” provided in that law .
Emergency legislation to impose a three-month rent freeze and a ban on evictions will be tabled on the floor of the Dáil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive all-party support .
Sinn Féin ’ s housing spokesperson Eoin O ’ Broin said he welcomed the new measures , but would be asking Minister Murphy to consider an amendment to the legislation if the new measures did not protect people in more casual , rent-a-room arrangements .
“ People in rent-a-room arrangements or lodgers also need these protections over the next three months .
Very often they ’ re the people at the bottom end of the rental market , on the lowest income and who are the most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It would be absolutely scandalous if all the other categories of renters are protected and they ’ re not.
” Speaking on the condition of anonymity , a Taiwanese tenant living in Dublin said her landlord would not allow her back into her room after she arrived home from Venice at the end of February .
She said her landlord , who lived with her family as well as several others in the house , insisted she self-isolate somewhere else for two weeks on her return .
“ It was ridiculous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine , but now I had no place to live , ” the tenant told The Irish Times .
When she pleaded with her landlord to allow her back into her room , she refused , saying : “ We don ’ t have a contract so what can you do to me ?
’ ” After spending three nights in a hostel , the tenant found another apartment in the city centre where she is now living with seven other people .
However , after just two weeks of living here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to leave because someone in the building next door has coronavirus .
“ I ’ m going to be homeless again .
I don ’ t know what to do .
I never know what is coming next or what I can do to help , ” she said .
Another tenant who is a student at NUI Galway and had to leave his home because of the coronavirus crisis says it is very hard to find another place to live at the moment .
He says his landlord had to ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit so a member of their family could attend hospital in Galway .
This tenantsaid finding another place to live has proved very difficult , with many social media posts urging people not to rent out their rooms to people from other countries for fear they may be carrying the virus .
He said that although there are short-term rentals available since students have left the city , finding a long-term lease at a reasonable price was almost impossible .
He has viewed a number of single rooms in the Rahoon area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month in rent .
“ People are capitalising on the situation , they know people are really desperate for houses so they are willing to shell out whatever it is just to find a place to sleep.
” Both Threshold and the RTB urged people who find themselves in this situation to contact them through their online webchat services or over the phone , details of which can be found at onestopshop.rtb.ie and Threshold.ie .

The charity says it is ‘particularly worried’ about these vulnerable tenants who may not have a lease. Photograph: iStock
Coronavirus is putting rent-a-room tenants in the homes of landlords at risk of eviction as landlords seek to protect themselves from the pandemic.
Housing charity Threshold says it has received "dozens of calls" from people in rent-a-room scenarios who have been told to leave their homes because they have returned to Ireland from affected areas, even though they are not showing any symptoms.
The charity says it is “particularly worried” about these vulnerable tenants who may not have a lease. It has already received many concerned calls from people whose landlord has directed them to move out with little notice.
“These licencees have little protection and, under current social welfare rules, cannot access rent supplement,” the charity says.
READ MORE
In a statement to The Irish Times the Residential Tenancies Board confirmed the rent-a-room scheme does not fall under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Acts and “therefore those in that situation would not have the protections” provided in that law.
Emergency legislation to impose a three-month rent freeze and a ban on evictions will be tabled on the floor of the Dáil on Thursday, where it is expected to receive all-party support.
Sinn Féin’s housing spokesperson Eoin O’Broin said he welcomed the new measures, but would be asking Minister Murphy to consider an amendment to the legislation if the new measures did not protect people in more casual, rent-a-room arrangements.
"People in rent-a-room arrangements or lodgers also need these protections over the next three months. Very often they're the people at the bottom end of the rental market, on the lowest income and who are the most vulnerable," Mr O Broin said.
“It would be absolutely scandalous if all the other categories of renters are protected and they’re not.”
Self-isolate
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a Taiwanese tenant living in Dublin said her landlord would not allow her back into her room after she arrived home from Venice at the end of February.
She said her landlord, who lived with her family as well as several others in the house, insisted she self-isolate somewhere else for two weeks on her return.
“It was ridiculous. I had no symptoms, I was fine, but now I had no place to live,” the tenant told The Irish Times.
When she pleaded with her landlord to allow her back into her room, she refused, saying: “We don’t have a contract so what can you do to me?’”
After spending three nights in a hostel, the tenant found another apartment in the city centre where she is now living with seven other people.
However, after just two weeks of living here, this landlord has also told her she needs to leave because someone in the building next door has coronavirus.
“I’m going to be homeless again. I don’t know what to do. I never know what is coming next or what I can do to help,” she said.
Another tenant who is a student at NUI Galway and had to leave his home because of the coronavirus crisis says it is very hard to find another place to live at the moment.
He says his landlord had to ask for the house back when the crisis hit so a member of their family could attend hospital in Galway.
This tenantsaid finding another place to live has proved very difficult, with many social media posts urging people not to rent out their rooms to people from other countries for fear they may be carrying the virus.
He said that although there are short-term rentals available since students have left the city, finding a long-term lease at a reasonable price was almost impossible.
He has viewed a number of single rooms in the Rahoon area, for which landlords were asking for €750 a month in rent.
“People are capitalising on the situation, they know people are really desperate for houses so they are willing to shell out whatever it is just to find a place to sleep.”
Both Threshold and the RTB urged people who find themselves in this situation to contact them through their online webchat services or over the phone, details of which can be found at onestopshop.rtb.ie and Threshold.ie.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Irish bartenders in New York pack up and return home

Little more than a week ago , Co Mayo native Amy Brett was gearing up for the busiest time of the year at the Bailey Pub near Wall Street as St Patrick ’ s Day dawned .
Today , she is back in Cavan , quarantining in a holiday home before returning to her family .
Along with four fellow Irish bartenders who have returned from New York , she is in a 14-day self-imposed quarantine at the holiday home until they are able to return to their families .
For the past five years , Brett has worked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought to a standstill by the outbreak of coronavirus .
Rumours of a closure order by New York mayor , Bill de Blasio floated after organisers postponed the St Patrick ’ s Day parade down Fifth Avenue for the first time in 258 years .
Together with the four fellow Irish bartenders , Brett immediately made plans to head for Ireland : “ I panicked and I thought the best thing to do was to come home .
God forbid you ’ re stuck here , ” she said .
The business curbs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one prominent company , the Union Hospitality Group has laid off 2,000 employees – about 80 per cent of its workforce – according to a report by the food blog Eater .
A Co Sligo man on a year-long J-1 visa decided to cut his losses and leave his Manhattan bar job : “ I could have lasted maybe a month or two , but I would have been out of pocket pretty quickly , ” he said .
Unable to be identified because his visa did not allow him work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I came home and there ’ s no hugging , it ’ s all touch elbows and keep your distance .
It ’ s quite a strange way to come back.
” He and many others have had to abandon their apartments , with New York Irish Facebook groups filling up with dozens of listings for rooms in popular Irish neighbourhoods across Brooklyn and Queens in the past week .
The decision of whether to stick out the pandemic , or return home faces many Irish in New York and other places , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McEntee .
“ It ’ s a pretty scary time and some people just want to be surrounded by their family , ” she said , though she cautioned that “ the last thing ” anyone potentially exposed to the virus should be doing is “ to jump on a flight ” .
Freelance workers are being particularly affected , says Edelle Kenny , a New York-based producer who works on reality TV shows for American stations like the Discovery Channel and TLC .
“ I just had two major contracts dropped , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s wage , ” she said .
She does not get health and unemployment benefits because she is self-employed : “ We ’ re kind of left in the lurch.
” “ You come over here and you start building a life for yourself .
Six years is a long time to be here and now you ’ re thinking , will this just throw everything off , by no fault of your own or anyone ’ s fault.
” Ms Kenny is also on an interim work permit due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a two-year Green Card to a 10-year one and she ’ s concerned that her immigration case could get caught in a backlog and delays with the authorities .
Some Irish people , however , are stuck in the US because they will not be able to get back in if they leave now : “ If you ’ re not a Green Card holder or a US citizen you do need to think about the immigration aspects of this , especially with the travel ban , ” said Fiona McEntee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends plan to return to New York once it is safe to do so but she said if the situation persists for several months , many more Irish will pack up and leave the city .
“ If New York bars don ’ t reopen by May , you ’ ll see a lot of people move home to Ireland , ” she said .
“ But we ’ re pure anxious , it ’ s just not knowing when we ’ re going to go back .
New York is home now @ @

Irish bars, such as O’Keefe’s in Brooklyn (pictured), have had to limit their business to takeout and deliveries since March 16th. Photograph: Kevin Duggan
Little more than a week ago, Co Mayo native Amy Brett was gearing up for the busiest time of the year at the Bailey Pub near Wall Street as St Patrick's Day dawned. Today, she is back in Cavan, quarantining in a holiday home before returning to her family.
Along with four fellow Irish bartenders who have returned from New York, she is in a 14-day self-imposed quarantine at the holiday home until they are able to return to their families.
For the past five years, Brett has worked in New York bars, which have been brought to a standstill by the outbreak of coronavirus.
Rumours of a closure order by New York mayor, Bill de Blasio floated after organisers postponed the St Patrick’s Day parade down Fifth Avenue for the first time in 258 years.
READ MORE
On March 16th, the mayoral order finally hit.
Together with the four fellow Irish bartenders, Brett immediately made plans to head for Ireland: "I panicked and I thought the best thing to do was to come home. God forbid you're stuck here," she said.
Caption: Amy Brett decided to leave her job of five years as a bartender in New York due to fears about Covid-19. Photograph: Amy Brett
The business curbs have devastated bars and restaurants. Already, one prominent company, the Union Hospitality Group has laid off 2,000 employees – about 80 per cent of its workforce – according to a report by the food blog Eater.
A Co Sligo man on a year-long J-1 visa decided to cut his losses and leave his Manhattan bar job: "I could have lasted maybe a month or two, but I would have been out of pocket pretty quickly," he said.
Unable to be identified because his visa did not allow him work, he came back to Ireland: “I came home and there’s no hugging, it’s all touch elbows and keep your distance. It’s quite a strange way to come back.”
He and many others have had to abandon their apartments, with New York Irish Facebook groups filling up with dozens of listings for rooms in popular Irish neighbourhoods across Brooklyn and Queens in the past week.
The decision of whether to stick out the pandemic, or return home faces many Irish in New York and other places, according to Chicago-based Irish-American immigration attorney Fiona McEntee.
“It’s a pretty scary time and some people just want to be surrounded by their family,” she said, though she cautioned that “the last thing” anyone potentially exposed to the virus should be doing is “to jump on a flight”.
Amy Brett (right) with friends at an Irish bar in Manhattan. Photograph: Courtesy of Amy Brett
Freelance workers are being particularly affected, says Edelle Kenny, a New York-based producer who works on reality TV shows for American stations like the Discovery Channel and TLC.
“I just had two major contracts dropped, which would be the equivalent of a year’s wage,” she said.
She does not get health and unemployment benefits because she is self-employed: “We’re kind of left in the lurch.”
“You come over here and you start building a life for yourself. Six years is a long time to be here and now you’re thinking, will this just throw everything off, by no fault of your own or anyone’s fault.”
Ms Kenny is also on an interim work permit due to expire in May, while she transitions from a two-year Green Card to a 10-year one and she's concerned that her immigration case could get caught in a backlog and delays with the authorities.
Some Irish people, however, are stuck in the US because they will not be able to get back in if they leave now: “If you’re not a Green Card holder or a US citizen you do need to think about the immigration aspects of this, especially with the travel ban,” said Fiona McEntee.
For now, Amy Brett and her friends plan to return to New York once it is safe to do so but she said if the situation persists for several months, many more Irish will pack up and leave the city.
“If New York bars don’t reopen by May, you’ll see a lot of people move home to Ireland,” she said.
“But we’re pure anxious, it’s just not knowing when we’re going to go back. New York is home now.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Jury fails to reach verdicts in trial of three men accused of raping woman in car

A jury has failed to reach verdicts in the trial of three Dublin men accused of raping a woman in a car .
The three Dublin men , who are now in their early 20s and who can not be named for legal reasons , had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping a woman at Bull Island , Dollymount , Dublin , on January 5 , 2016 .
The trial heard that the three men were all teenagers when they drove the then 18-year-old woman to Dollymount Strand were they are alleged to have raped her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that the woman consented to all sexual activity and had initiated sex .
On day 29 of the trial , the jury indicated that they were unable to reach a verdict on any count after deliberating for five and a half hours .
Mr Justice Alexander Owens said he wished to express his gratitude on behalf of the judiciary and the people of Ireland to the jury for their service .
Mr Justice Owens said that these have been exceptional circumstances due to the events of the past few weeks and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service for longer than would normally happen in a trial like this .
He exempted them from jury service for a period of 15 years .
He remanded the three men on continuing bail and adjourned the matter to June 15 next .
During the trial , the woman testified that on the night of the alleged rapes she met the defendants , who she didn ’ t know , in an internet cafe in the city centre .
She said they told her they were going for a drive and would bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said she did not want to go at first , but agreed to go for a walk and got into the car with the three men .
She said that the car ended up in the “ middle of nowhere ” and was “ out at the sea ” .
The woman said the men then raped her .
She said she felt horrible , shocked and disgusted .
She said her door had a child lock on it and she could not get out of the car the whole time she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial , one of the accused men said that the complainant was trying to ruin his life , that he has never disrespected a woman and never would .
It was put to the man by Anne-Marie Lawlor SC , prosecuting , that he never thought a homeless woman who was addicted to tablets would follow this case through .
He rejected this suggestion , said nothing happened to the woman and that she was treated with nothing but respect by himself and his “ two gentlemen friends ” .
He accepted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside the word “ slut ” .

The court heard one defendant accepted that he put the woman’s number in his phone alongside the word “slut”.
A jury has failed to reach verdicts in the trial of three Dublin men accused of raping a woman in a car.
The three Dublin men, who are now in their early 20s and who cannot be named for legal reasons, had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping a woman at Bull Island, Dollymount, Dublin, on January 5, 2016.
The trial heard that the three men were all teenagers when they drove the then 18-year-old woman to Dollymount Strand were they are alleged to have raped her one after the other. The defendants say that the woman consented to all sexual activity and had initiated sex.
On day 29 of the trial, the jury indicated that they were unable to reach a verdict on any count after deliberating for five and a half hours.
READ MORE
Mr Justice Alexander Owens said he wished to express his gratitude on behalf of the judiciary and the people of Ireland to the jury for their service.
Mr Justice Owens said that these have been exceptional circumstances due to the events of the past few weeks and that he would exempt the jury from future service for longer than would normally happen in a trial like this. He exempted them from jury service for a period of 15 years.
He remanded the three men on continuing bail and adjourned the matter to June 15 next.
During the trial, the woman testified that on the night of the alleged rapes she met the defendants, who she didn’t know, in an internet cafe in the city centre. She said they told her they were going for a drive and would bring her back to where she was.
She said she did not want to go at first, but agreed to go for a walk and got into the car with the three men. She said that the car ended up in the “middle of nowhere” and was “out at the sea”.
The woman said the men then raped her. She said she felt horrible, shocked and disgusted. She said her door had a child lock on it and she could not get out of the car the whole time she was there.
Giving evidence during the trial, one of the accused men said that the complainant was trying to ruin his life, that he has never disrespected a woman and never would.
It was put to the man by Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, prosecuting, that he never thought a homeless woman who was addicted to tablets would follow this case through. He rejected this suggestion, said nothing happened to the woman and that she was treated with nothing but respect by himself and his “two gentlemen friends”.
He accepted that he put her number in his phone alongside the word “slut”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Man held after ‘unexplained’ death of woman (70s) in Kilkenny

A man is in custody after the “ unexplained death ” of a woman in her 70s , gardaí have @ @ @ @ @ s body was found in a house in Kilkenny city on Wednesday evening .
The @ @ @ @ @ and the body of the woman remains at the scene .
Gardaí in the city @ @ @ @ @ circumstances surrounding the “ unexplained death of a woman in her 70s ” .
A @ @ @ @ @ Kilkenny Garda station in relation to the incident , according to a Garda spokeswoman .

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the woman’s death. File photograph: Julien Behal/PA Wire
A man is in custody after the “unexplained death” of a woman in her 70s, gardaí have said.
The pensioner’s body was found in a house in Kilkenny city on Wednesday evening.
The house has been sealed off and the body of the woman remains at the scene.
Gardaí in the city said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the “unexplained death of a woman in her 70s”.
READ MORE
A man has been detained in Kilkenny Garda station in relation to the incident, according to a Garda spokeswoman.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Only veterans with specialist skills will be re-enlisted in Defence Forces

Emergency measures to allow retired Defence Forces personnel to re-enlist will only apply to those with specialist skills which could aid in the fight against coronavirus .
On Tuesday , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced emergency legislation , which will be voted on on Thursday , to allow former members to apply to re-enlist .
The legislation has been planned for almost a year to address the retention crisis in the Defence Forces but has been fast-tracked in light of the current health emergency .
The announcement raised speculation that there would be a general programme to allow former members to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defence said the intention is to only allow those with specific skill sets to sign back up .
“ The focus will be on filling posts which require specialised skills , where vacancies exist , ” a spokeswoman said .
This include those with backgrounds in engineering , logistics , aviation , seafaring , fire-fighting and trades .
It is understood the Department of Defence is hopeful the collapse of the airline industry will make rejoining the Air Corps an attractive prospect for experienced technicians and pilots .
The exact numbers and skillsets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Staff Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett .
“ The Chief of Staff will identify where such shortages exist and make recommendations to the Minister as to those that should be re-enlisted , ” a Department of Defence spokeswoman said .
The programme will not apply to the Reserve Defence Forces but it is understood additional legislation may be passed in the coming weeks to allow former reservists to re-join .
Details of the plan are to be announced in the Dáil on Thursday .
The Defence Forces has already received a substantial number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It intends to set up an online portal for members to apply to re-enlist .
The terms and duration for re-joining have yet to be decided on but it is understood personnel are likely to be offered a three-year contract .
This mirrors the terms offered last year to former officers who were asked to re-join the Defence Forces .
The Defence Forces has already altered its force posture to support the HSE in combating the spread of coronavirus , also know as Covid-19 .
Members have helped set up testing centres and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training and tasked with helping to trace the contacts of those infected with Covid-19 .
The department said these cadets will be paid a daily “ Maintenance of Essential Service Allowance ” amounting to € 48.26 a day .
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is also considering making funds available to pay cadets the “ Military Service Allowance ” of €100 a week which is usually only payable to officers who have completed training .
The Representative Association for Commissioned Officers said the Military Service Allowance “ must be paid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duration of their deployment on active military service ” .
“ Cadets have been deployed on the front line in fighting the virus , conducting the crucial role of contact tracing since March 12 .
Their Cadet training has been suspended for the duration of the Covid-19 response .
They will serve the State without question , and we must in turn look after them , ” general secretary Conor King said .

Defence Force members have helped set up testing centres and officer cadets have been taken out of training and tasked with helping to trace the contacts of those infected with Covid-19. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Emergency measures to allow retired Defence Forces personnel to re-enlist will only apply to those with specialist skills which could aid in the fight against coronavirus.
On Tuesday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced emergency legislation, which will be voted on on Thursday, to allow former members to apply to re-enlist. The legislation has been planned for almost a year to address the retention crisis in the Defence Forces but has been fast-tracked in light of the current health emergency.
The announcement raised speculation that there would be a general programme to allow former members to re-join. However, the Department of Defence said the intention is to only allow those with specific skill sets to sign back up.
“The focus will be on filling posts which require specialised skills, where vacancies exist,” a spokeswoman said.
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This include those with backgrounds in engineering, logistics, aviation, seafaring, fire-fighting and trades.
It is understood the Department of Defence is hopeful the collapse of the airline industry will make rejoining the Air Corps an attractive prospect for experienced technicians and pilots.
The exact numbers and skillsets required will be a matter for Chief of Staff Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett.
“The Chief of Staff will identify where such shortages exist and make recommendations to the Minister as to those that should be re-enlisted,” a Department of Defence spokeswoman said.
The programme will not apply to the Reserve Defence Forces but it is understood additional legislation may be passed in the coming weeks to allow former reservists to re-join.
Details of the plan are to be announced in the Dáil on Thursday. The Defence Forces has already received a substantial number of enquiries from former members about rejoining.
It intends to set up an online portal for members to apply to re-enlist.
The terms and duration for re-joining have yet to be decided on but it is understood personnel are likely to be offered a three-year contract. This mirrors the terms offered last year to former officers who were asked to re-join the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces has already altered its force posture to support the HSE in combating the spread of coronavirus, also know as Covid-19. Members have helped set up testing centres and officer cadets have been taken out of training and tasked with helping to trace the contacts of those infected with Covid-19.
The department said these cadets will be paid a daily “Maintenance of Essential Service Allowance” amounting to € 48.26 a day.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is also considering making funds available to pay cadets the “Military Service Allowance” of €100 a week which is usually only payable to officers who have completed training.
The Representative Association for Commissioned Officers said the Military Service Allowance “must be paid to cadets, recruits and apprentices for the duration of their deployment on active military service”.
“Cadets have been deployed on the front line in fighting the virus, conducting the crucial role of contact tracing since March 12. Their Cadet training has been suspended for the duration of the Covid-19 response. They will serve the State without question, and we must in turn look after them,” general secretary Conor King said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Closure of livestock marts a blow to farmers, association says

The closure of livestock marts due to restrictions on public gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak would be a significant blow to farmers , the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association ( ICSA ) has said .
Ger O ’ Brien , ICSA suckler chairman , said the association was concerned over the difficulties a “ prolonged mart closure ” would create for farmers who depend on the services .
The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society , which includes livestock marts and dairy processing co-ops , said the blanket closure of livestock marts was disappointing .
Numerous marts that had remained open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into ensuring social distancing , the group said .
“ We urge any farmer wishing to buy or sell livestock to contact their local mart manager as we can still arrange for the marketing of animals , albeit as the Government has decreed , we can not market them through the physical auction sales ring , ” the group said in a statement on Wednesday .
Mr O ’ Brien said many farmers who do not sell cattle on a large commercial scale would be “ very reliant ” on the local livestock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a level of transparent and open competition for livestock and it gives farmers a realistic view of what livestock are making , ” he said .
“ Farmers need to be very careful of dealing on farm and need to be conscious of the risk of cheques bouncing .
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While farm to farm sales can still take place , it will be vital that marts are available to weigh stock , to facilitate payment .
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Many farmers who do not sell cattle on a large commercial scale would be ‘very reliant’ on the local livestock mart, Ger O’Brien, ICSA suckler chairman, has said. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien
The closure of livestock marts due to restrictions on public gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak would be a significant blow to farmers, the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) has said.
Ger O'Brien, ICSA suckler chairman, said the association was concerned over the difficulties a "prolonged mart closure" would create for farmers who depend on the services.
The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, which includes livestock marts and dairy processing co-ops, said the blanket closure of livestock marts was disappointing.
Numerous marts that had remained open in recent weeks had put significant efforts into ensuring social distancing, the group said.
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“We urge any farmer wishing to buy or sell livestock to contact their local mart manager as we can still arrange for the marketing of animals, albeit as the Government has decreed, we cannot market them through the physical auction sales ring,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday.
Mr O’Brien said many farmers who do not sell cattle on a large commercial scale would be “very reliant” on the local livestock mart.
“The livestock mart provides a level of transparent and open competition for livestock and it gives farmers a realistic view of what livestock are making,” he said.
“Farmers need to be very careful of dealing on farm and need to be conscious of the risk of cheques bouncing . . . While farm to farm sales can still take place, it will be vital that marts are available to weigh stock, to facilitate payment.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Changes to GP death-in-service benefit ‘purely coincidental’

The removal of a special pension benefit for general practitioners ( GPs ) if a large number of doctors died in a catastrophic incident was not intended to relate to the coronavirus pandemic , the scheme ’ s trustees have said .
On Wednesday , GPs who provide public services under a State contract received a letter about changes to their General Medical Services ( GMS ) pension scheme .
The letter , seen by The Irish Times , stated the policy around the payment of a “ death in service ” benefit for members who died before retirement had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reduced or not paid out in circumstances where a “ catastrophic event ” leading to the deaths of large numbers of GPs “ would have a materially detrimental effect ” on the wider pension scheme .
The letter was sent by Dr Anthony Lundon on behalf of the trustees of the GMS scheme , and stated the “ likelihood of such an event arising is very low ” .
Speaking to The Irish Times , Dr Lundon said the reference to a catastrophic event was not intended to refer to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter during the global crisis was “ purely coincidental ” .
The hypothetical catastrophe envisaged was a situation where a huge number of GPs died at the same time in a plane crash or at a conference , he said .
The death-in-service benefit is funded from the wider scheme and is paid along with the balance of the member ’ s pension to their spouse or other beneficiaries .
The policy change had followed a risk review undertaken by the scheme ’ s trustees last year , after legal and actuarial advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed that if a catastrophic event occurred ( such as an act of God , war , aeroplane crash etc ) which impacted multiple members , the payment of the special bonus to members under age 65 could cause a significant adverse financial impact on the plan and benefits of the remaining members , ” the letter said .
The timing of the letter had likely caused “ upset ” but was not intended to apply to the potential death of a GP from Covid-19 , Dr Lundon said .
The value of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small ” for a member who was near retirement , he said .
The financial pressure on the scheme would only be significant if a large number of “ younger GPs ” died at the same time , he said .
The benefit was intended to enhance a deceased member ’ s pension pot paid to their spouse , where the GP may not have been in the scheme for a significant number of years .
In the event the pension fund was strained following a catastrophic event , the changes only related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ estates would still be paid the balance of their pension account .
In a statement on Wednesday , Dr Lundon said “ it would need very large numbers of members to pass away as a result of Covid-19 before any possible impact to members ’ benefits would be considered ” .
“ The trustees believe that the likelihood of a catastrophic event that would give rise to such a reduction is very low .
This view has not changed with the emergence of Covid-19 , ” he said .
“ It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay out the special bonus in line with current practice , and the trustees will only take a decision to change this in the most extreme of circumstances , ” he said .

The timing of the letter had likely caused ‘upset’ but was not intended to apply to the potential death of a GP from Covid-19, Dr Lundon said. Photograph: Thinkstock
The removal of a special pension benefit for general practitioners (GPs) if a large number of doctors died in a catastrophic incident was not intended to relate to the coronavirus pandemic, the scheme’s trustees have said.
On Wednesday, GPs who provide public services under a State contract received a letter about changes to their General Medical Services (GMS) pension scheme.
The letter, seen by The Irish Times, stated the policy around the payment of a “death in service” benefit for members who died before retirement had been changed.
The benefit payment would be reduced or not paid out in circumstances where a “catastrophic event” leading to the deaths of large numbers of GPs “would have a materially detrimental effect” on the wider pension scheme.
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The letter was sent by Dr Anthony Lundon on behalf of the trustees of the GMS scheme, and stated the "likelihood of such an event arising is very low".
Timing
Speaking to The Irish Times, Dr Lundon said the reference to a catastrophic event was not intended to refer to the coronavirus outbreak, and the timing of the letter during the global crisis was “purely coincidental”.
The hypothetical catastrophe envisaged was a situation where a huge number of GPs died at the same time in a plane crash or at a conference, he said.
The payment of the special bonus to members under age 65 could cause a significant adverse financial impact
The death-in-service benefit is funded from the wider scheme and is paid along with the balance of the member’s pension to their spouse or other beneficiaries.
The policy change had followed a risk review undertaken by the scheme’s trustees last year, after legal and actuarial advice on the matter.
“It was agreed that if a catastrophic event occurred (such as an act of God, war, aeroplane crash etc) which impacted multiple members, the payment of the special bonus to members under age 65 could cause a significant adverse financial impact on the plan and benefits of the remaining members,” the letter said.
The timing of the letter had likely caused “upset” but was not intended to apply to the potential death of a GP from Covid-19, Dr Lundon said.
The value of the benefit payment would be “very small” for a member who was near retirement, he said. The financial pressure on the scheme would only be significant if a large number of “younger GPs” died at the same time, he said.
Pension pot
The benefit was intended to enhance a deceased member’s pension pot paid to their spouse, where the GP may not have been in the scheme for a significant number of years.
In the event the pension fund was strained following a catastrophic event, the changes only related to the benefit payment, and GPs’ estates would still be paid the balance of their pension account.
It is the trustees' absolute intention to continue to pay out the special bonus in line with current practice
In a statement on Wednesday, Dr Lundon said “it would need very large numbers of members to pass away as a result of Covid-19 before any possible impact to members’ benefits would be considered”.
“The trustees believe that the likelihood of a catastrophic event that would give rise to such a reduction is very low. This view has not changed with the emergence of Covid-19,” he said.
“It is the trustees’ absolute intention to continue to pay out the special bonus in line with current practice, and the trustees will only take a decision to change this in the most extreme of circumstances,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Insurers consider how to react to State’s co-opting of private hospitals

Health insurers have indicated they need time to assess the implications of the Government ’ s decision to bring all private hospitals under public control during the coronavirus crisis before they can confirm their next steps .
Insurance Ireland , the umbrella group representing the State ’ s private health insurers , has , however , committed to playing “ a constructive role ” during the pandemic .
Along with its members , Insurance Ireland is set to meet health officials in the days ahead as the industry faces calls to relax premium payments during the response to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to see the exact details of the deal reached between the Government and private hospitals before deciding on how to respond to the unprecedented move .
A VHI spokeswoman said it was “ too early to understand the implications and we will be engaging with Government over the next couple of days to see how this is implemented and will be informing our customers as soon as we have something to share ” .
Irish Life Health and Laya are also understood to be working out what this overhaul of the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Health Insurance Consultative Forum – which involves private insurers , the Department of Health and the Health Insurance Authority – is expected to meet to discuss the matter in the near future but no date has been set .
Some Opposition politicians and the Irish Patients ’ Association called for health insurers to consider a pause on premium payments during the crisis , particularly for households facing financial difficulties .
Sinn Féin health spokeswoman Louise O ’ Reilly said there could be no question of those with private health insurance receiving “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the crisis .
“ Insurance companies need to understand the level of job losses , which will put extreme pressure on people .
Many people who have private cover are going to be in the category of those who lost their jobs , ” she said .
She said insurers needed to “ show compassion ” and in cases where people were under financial pressure “ they need to be given a break ” on payments .
Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients ’ Association said insurers should pause premium payments for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Donnelly , Fianna Fáil ’ s health spokesman , said he did not believe a “ blanket pause ” on premium payments was currently required .
However , he said if people were “ demonstrating an inability to make monthly payments due to the coronavirus then insurers should look at a pause ” which should not affect the customer ’ s future premium rate .
Dermot Goode , a health insurance consultant , said the insurance companies could not make any decisions until they had the “ full facts ” of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said insurers would need clarity over what level of claims would continue to be made during the pandemic .
“ There are lots of questions without answers .
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I would not be making any hasty changes to my cover , ” he said , adding that non-elective treatments , or elective operations that were urgent , would still need to go ahead .
The Private Hospital Association has said discussions were “ continuing on arrangements to allow the State to contract , for a temporary period , the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Blackrock Clinic: Insurers say they need exact details of the deal reached between the Government and private hospitals before deciding how to respond. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Health insurers have indicated they need time to assess the implications of the Government’s decision to bring all private hospitals under public control during the coronavirus crisis before they can confirm their next steps.
Insurance Ireland, the umbrella group representing the State's private health insurers, has, however, committed to playing "a constructive role" during the pandemic.
Along with its members, Insurance Ireland is set to meet health officials in the days ahead as the industry faces calls to relax premium payments during the response to the coronavirus.
The insurers have indicated they will need to see the exact details of the deal reached between the Government and private hospitals before deciding on how to respond to the unprecedented move.
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A VHI spokeswoman said it was “too early to understand the implications and we will be engaging with Government over the next couple of days to see how this is implemented and will be informing our customers as soon as we have something to share”.
Sector overhaul
Irish Life Health and Laya are also understood to be working out what this overhaul of the health sector might mean for their businesses.
The Health Insurance Consultative Forum – which involves private insurers, the Department of Health and the Health Insurance Authority – is expected to meet to discuss the matter in the near future but no date has been set.
Some Opposition politicians and the Irish Patients’ Association called for health insurers to consider a pause on premium payments during the crisis, particularly for households facing financial difficulties.
Sinn Féin health spokeswoman Louise O’Reilly said there could be no question of those with private health insurance receiving “enhanced or increased access” to services during the crisis.
“Insurance companies need to understand the level of job losses, which will put extreme pressure on people. Many people who have private cover are going to be in the category of those who lost their jobs,” she said.
She said insurers needed to “show compassion” and in cases where people were under financial pressure “they need to be given a break” on payments.
Payment ‘inability’
Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients’ Association said insurers should pause premium payments for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak.
Stephen Donnelly, Fianna Fáil's health spokesman, said he did not believe a "blanket pause" on premium payments was currently required.
However, he said if people were “demonstrating an inability to make monthly payments due to the coronavirus then insurers should look at a pause” which should not affect the customer’s future premium rate.
Dermot Goode, a health insurance consultant, said the insurance companies could not make any decisions until they had the "full facts" of the deal between the Government and private hospitals.
He said insurers would need clarity over what level of claims would continue to be made during the pandemic.
“There are lots of questions without answers . . . I would not be making any hasty changes to my cover,” he said, adding that non-elective treatments, or elective operations that were urgent, would still need to go ahead.
The Private Hospital Association has said discussions were “continuing on arrangements to allow the State to contract, for a temporary period, the country’s private hospital bed capacity”.