theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Creche worker found not guilty of sexually assaulting one of four child complainants

A childcare worker has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting one of four child complainants in a creche .
On day 22 of the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court the jury returned verdicts on Monday on five of 23 charges of sexual assault allegedly carried out by the 29-year-old man .
The jury foreman asked Judge Elma Sheahan for more time to continue deliberations on the outstanding charges .
The defendant , who can not be named for legal reasons , had pleaded not guilty to 23 counts of sexually assaulting the girls at the creche on dates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they were aged between five and eight years old .
The prosecution alleged the accused man sexually assaulted the girls , who were all part of a “ small circle of friends ” , at various locations within the creche , including an after-school room , the toilets and on the creche bus .
The allegations came to light in December 2016 when one of the girls told another child she had kissed the man ’ s “ privates ” and this was repeated to another worker in the creche .
Gardaí @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s parents and obtained CCTV footage from the creche the following day , before interviewing each complainant in January 2017 .
Videos of each child ’ s interview with specially trained gardaí was played to the jury , and each child was then cross-examined via video-link .
Their parents also gave evidence .
The jury has acquitted the defendant of three counts in relation to one child , with seven charges outstanding in relation to this child .
The jury also found the accused not guilty of two charges relating to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have assaulted on dates between August 2014 and February 2015 .
In crossexamination this child told the man ’ s lawyers that when she spoke to garda interviewers in January 2017 she was confused by some of the things the first complainant had told her .
In her closing address , Orla Crowe SC , prosecuting , told the jury the man sexually assaulted the children in a “ quick , furtive , audacious manner ” in locations that were outside the line of vision of the creche CCTV cameras .
She submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have made up such allegations and had no reason to do so .
Sean Guerin SC , defending , submitted to the jury that they were dealing with “ suggestibility ” between a group of friends , who were talking and sharing jokes .
He said the fourth child changed her initial account of what happened to her after speaking to the first child directly before her interview with specialist gardaí .
The verdicts delivered so far are by majority after one juror was discharged on Monday morning when she did not @ @ @ @ @

A childcare worker has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting one of four child complainants in a creche.
On day 22 of the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court the jury returned verdicts on Monday on five of 23 charges of sexual assault allegedly carried out by the 29-year-old man.
The jury foreman asked Judge Elma Sheahan for more time to continue deliberations on the outstanding charges.
The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had pleaded not guilty to 23 counts of sexually assaulting the girls at the creche on dates between August 2014 and December 2016, when they were aged between five and eight years old.
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The prosecution alleged the accused man sexually assaulted the girls, who were all part of a “small circle of friends”, at various locations within the creche, including an after-school room, the toilets and on the creche bus.
The allegations came to light in December 2016 when one of the girls told another child she had kissed the man’s “privates” and this was repeated to another worker in the creche.
Gardaí were notified by one of the girl’s parents and obtained CCTV footage from the creche the following day, before interviewing each complainant in January 2017.
Videos of each child’s interview with specially trained gardaí was played to the jury, and each child was then cross-examined via video-link. Their parents also gave evidence.
The jury has acquitted the defendant of three counts in relation to one child, with seven charges outstanding in relation to this child.
The jury also found the accused not guilty of two charges relating to the fourth complainant who he was alleged to have assaulted on dates between August 2014 and February 2015.
In crossexamination this child told the man’s lawyers that when she spoke to garda interviewers in January 2017 she was confused by some of the things the first complainant had told her.
In her closing address, Orla Crowe SC, prosecuting, told the jury the man sexually assaulted the children in a “quick, furtive, audacious manner” in locations that were outside the line of vision of the creche CCTV cameras.
She submitted children of such a young age would not have made up such allegations and had no reason to do so.
Sean Guerin SC, defending, submitted to the jury that they were dealing with “suggestibility” between a group of friends, who were talking and sharing jokes. He said the fourth child changed her initial account of what happened to her after speaking to the first child directly before her interview with specialist gardaí.
The verdicts delivered so far are by majority after one juror was discharged on Monday morning when she did not attend for jury service.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Judge slates family’s attempt to force entry into nursing home

The president of the High Court has said it is “ disgraceful ” that family members of a homeless woman tried to force their way into her nursing home last weekend with one allegedly passing to her a jumper containing illegal drugs .
The woman has chronic incurable illness and a history of drug addiction .
She was taken the following day to a hospital emergency department with chest pains .
Although she is now fit to be discharged and returned to the nursing home it will not take her back because of her family ’ s conduct .
Nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitor restrictions due to coronavirus concerns , refused entry to members of the woman ’ s family at the weekend .
But family members were insistent with staff and tried to force entry .
One passed a jumper containing illicit drugs to her through a window , said Katherine Kelleher , solicitor for the Health Service Executive .
Staff and residents who witnessed this were upset [ and ] “ even more so because of the seriousness of Covid-19 and the risk of infection ” , said Ms Kelleher .
Gardaí were called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time they arrived .
The family are “ notorious ” in their area for involvement in drugs and crime and appear to be of the view the courts are not sitting and they can act “ with impunity ” as a result , she added .
The HSE is trying to find another nursing home to take the woman , who is middle-aged with several heath conditions .
These include chronic pulmonary disease and a recently diagnosed chronic incurable illness , said Ms Kelleher when seeking various orders under the court ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted Covid-19 , a doctor has said it is unlikely she would survive , added Ms Kelleher .
Mr Justice Kelly said he wanted to make clear the courts are sitting and , if there is any repetition of such behaviour , those involved “ will find that out very quickly indeed ” .
What happened here was “ shocking ” and “ really disgraceful ” .
He would have thought the family would have been aware she has an incurable illness and her time on earth is limited .
“ And instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ can not be tolerated or repeated ” .
The court can only invoke its wardship jurisdiction if there is evidence of lack of capacity but in the current climate doctors can not be expected to attend court , he said .
Ms Kelleher had provided sworn testimony , based on a 12-minute conversation with a treating doctor , that the woman has capacity concerning some matters but may be impaired in making decisions concerning others .
She did not , for example , understand the significance of her diagnosis in recent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge was satisfied the evidence raised questions about the woman ’ s capacity and he directed a medical visitor should assess this and appointed a guardian ad litem to represent her interests .
He also authorised her discharge from the hospital emergency department when she is deemed clinically fit and for her transfer to , and treatment in , another nursing home when such a placement is found .
Her recent diagnosis with an incurable condition meant only a nursing home is appropriate , he said .
There is “ telling evidence ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was very unlikely there would be other than a fatal outcome so it is appropriate all steps are taken to avoid that , he said .
Any nursing home contacted about taking the woman will have to be fully informed what happened at the previous home and of court orders aimed at ensuring no repetition of that conduct , he said .
Those orders include ones restraining the family members visiting the woman and permitting the HSE not to to inform them of her whereabouts .
Any nursing home which admits her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent contact between her and family members which might disclose her location .
The HSE also obtained liberty to issue proceedings for injunctions against the relevant family members .

The president of the High Court has said it is “disgraceful” that family members of a homeless woman tried to force their way into her nursing home last weekend with one allegedly passing to her a jumper containing illegal drugs.
The woman has chronic incurable illness and a history of drug addiction.
She was taken the following day to a hospital emergency department with chest pains. Although she is now fit to be discharged and returned to the nursing home it will not take her back because of her family’s conduct.
Nursing home staff had, in line with visitor restrictions due to coronavirus concerns, refused entry to members of the woman’s family at the weekend. But family members were insistent with staff and tried to force entry. One passed a jumper containing illicit drugs to her through a window, said Katherine Kelleher, solicitor for the Health Service Executive.
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Staff and residents who witnessed this were upset [and] “even more so because of the seriousness of Covid-19 and the risk of infection”, said Ms Kelleher. Gardaí were called but the family members had left by the time they arrived. The family are “notorious” in their area for involvement in drugs and crime and appear to be of the view the courts are not sitting and they can act “with impunity” as a result, she added.
The HSE is trying to find another nursing home to take the woman, who is middle-aged with several heath conditions. These include chronic pulmonary disease and a recently diagnosed chronic incurable illness, said Ms Kelleher when seeking various orders under the court’s wardship jurisdiction.
If the woman contracted Covid-19, a doctor has said it is unlikely she would survive, added Ms Kelleher.
Mr Justice Kelly said he wanted to make clear the courts are sitting and, if there is any repetition of such behaviour, those involved “will find that out very quickly indeed”. What happened here was “shocking” and “really disgraceful”. He would have thought the family would have been aware she has an incurable illness and her time on earth is limited. “And instead they behaved like this.”
Such behaviour “cannot be tolerated or repeated”. The court can only invoke its wardship jurisdiction if there is evidence of lack of capacity but in the current climate doctors cannot be expected to attend court, he said. Ms Kelleher had provided sworn testimony, based on a 12-minute conversation with a treating doctor, that the woman has capacity concerning some matters but may be impaired in making decisions concerning others.
‘Telling evidence’
She did not, for example, understand the significance of her diagnosis in recent months with a chronic incurable illness. The judge was satisfied the evidence raised questions about the woman’s capacity and he directed a medical visitor should assess this and appointed a guardian ad litem to represent her interests. He also authorised her discharge from the hospital emergency department when she is deemed clinically fit and for her transfer to, and treatment in, another nursing home when such a placement is found. Her recent diagnosis with an incurable condition meant only a nursing home is appropriate, he said.
There is “telling evidence”, if the woman contracts Covid-19, it was very unlikely there would be other than a fatal outcome so it is appropriate all steps are taken to avoid that, he said. Any nursing home contacted about taking the woman will have to be fully informed what happened at the previous home and of court orders aimed at ensuring no repetition of that conduct, he said.
Those orders include ones restraining the family members visiting the woman and permitting the HSE not to to inform them of her whereabouts. Any nursing home which admits her is permitted to confiscate her mobile phone to prevent contact between her and family members which might disclose her location. The HSE also obtained liberty to issue proceedings for injunctions against the relevant family members.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Government set to announce new travel, work restrictions

There is a growing expectation that the Government will introduce further measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on Tuesday , when public health experts are due to present new advice to ministers .
A ban on all non-essential travel , commercial and social activity are expected to be among the unprecedented options to be discussed by ministers at the Cabinet ’ s weekly meeting at Government Buildings .
The Government ’ s public health experts are meeting early on Tuesday morning to consider a range of possible actions and will advise the Cabinet of any new restrictions they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus .
It is expected that significant new restrictions on travel , work and movement will be announced , which are likely to mirror recent moves made by several European countries and by the British government on Monday night .
Among the options under consideration by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) , which will make the recommendations to Cabinet , are the closure of non essential business premises , closures of playgrounds where they have not been closed already and stricter implementation of physical distancing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reluctance in government to close public spaces .
The meeting comes following the death of two more patients from Covid-19 .
Both involved males in the east of the country , bring the total number of deaths to six .
Another 219 cases have been reported , the biggest daily increase seen yet , the NPHET said on Monday evening .
There are now a total of 1,125 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic , according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
Dr Holohan said he was “ very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public to the restrictive measures introduced 10 days ago , with most people acting “ very responsibly ” .
“ We didn ’ t set out to have every person comply with every single measure ; the aim is for most of the people to comply with most of the measures most of the time.
” But he said he was “ not satisfied in every situation ” .
Where pubs were found to be in breach of the measures , the new powers available could be used to effect closure .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked in relation to social distancing .
He said it was too early to evaluate the success of the measures but this would be considered at the next meeting of the team on Tuesday .
This meeting will also decide whether the measures will be extended beyond the original end-date of March 29th .
With the backlog of people waiting to be tested reaching 40,000 over the weekend , Dr Holohan said it was still the intention to “ test as quickly and as broadly as possible ” .
He said “ tens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking testing every day as demand increased , and this was putting pressure on services .
As well as healthcare workers , people with clinically advanced forms of the disease in hospital would be prioritised for testing .
Dr Holohan said there may be a lot of “ worried well ” among those seeking tests and it was expected demand would drop over time .
While the average waiting time - currently at four to five days , according to the HSE - was “ longer than we would like ” due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the advice for those awaiting testing was still to self-isolate , he said .
“ We ’ re on our way to a substantial increase in testing capacity , which should reduce turnaround time.
” Asked whether any completed swabs had expired while waiting to be processed , Dr Holohan replied : “ I can ’ t honestly say that hasn ’ t happened ” .
More information would be available at Tuesday ’ s briefing , he indicated .
Men account for 55 per cent of cases , according to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
Some 29 per cent of patients have been hospitalised , and 25 per cent of cases are associated with healthcare workers .
Twenty-five patients have been admitted to ICU .
Community transmission now accounts for 45 per cent of cases , close contact with confirmed cases for 23 per cent and travel abroad for 31 per cent .
Some 37 clusters have been reported , involving an average of 5-6 cases each .
The vast majority of people are following guidelines on social distancing and hand hygiene and are able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health indicates .
Some 88 per cent of people say they are staying at home rather than going out , according to the survey , while 84 per cent say they are practising social distancing in a queue .
Seven out of 10 people report they are sitting further apart from others , and most people are aware of the main symptoms of coronavirus .
Meanwhile , the World Health Organisation said the pandemic is accelerating with more than 300,000 cases now recorded and infections reported from nearly every country worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases of Covid-19 , it took only 11 days for the second 100,000 cases , and just four days for the third 100,000 cases , said WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
He called for global political commitment to change the trajectory of the pandemic , urging countries to take both defensive and attacking measures .
– Additional reporting Reuters

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has warned that Ireland "is at an early stage" in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Video: RTÉ
There is a growing expectation that the Government will introduce further measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on Tuesday, when public health experts are due to present new advice to ministers.
A ban on all non-essential travel, commercial and social activity are expected to be among the unprecedented options to be discussed by ministers at the Cabinet’s weekly meeting at Government Buildings.
The Government’s public health experts are meeting early on Tuesday morning to consider a range of possible actions and will advise the Cabinet of any new restrictions they believe are now necessary to slow the spread of the virus.
It is expected that significant new restrictions on travel, work and movement will be announced, which are likely to mirror recent moves made by several European countries and by the British government on Monday night.
READ MORE
Among the options under consideration by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), which will make the recommendations to Cabinet, are the closure of non essential business premises, closures of playgrounds where they have not been closed already and stricter implementation of physical distancing in parks and on beaches. There is a reluctance in government to close public spaces.
The meeting comes following the death of two more patients from Covid-19. Both involved males in the east of the country, bring the total number of deaths to six.
Another 219 cases have been reported, the biggest daily increase seen yet, the NPHET said on Monday evening.
There are now a total of 1,125 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic, according to chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
Dr Holohan said he was “very pleased” with the response of the public to the restrictive measures introduced 10 days ago, with most people acting “very responsibly”.
“We didn’t set out to have every person comply with every single measure; the aim is for most of the people to comply with most of the measures most of the time.”
But he said he was “not satisfied in every situation”. Where pubs were found to be in breach of the measures, the new powers available could be used to effect closure. The Garda’s assistance had also been asked in relation to social distancing.
He said it was too early to evaluate the success of the measures but this would be considered at the next meeting of the team on Tuesday. This meeting will also decide whether the measures will be extended beyond the original end-date of March 29th.
With the backlog of people waiting to be tested reaching 40,000 over the weekend, Dr Holohan said it was still the intention to “test as quickly and as broadly as possible”.
He said “tens of thousands” of people were now seeking testing every day as demand increased, and this was putting pressure on services. As well as healthcare workers, people with clinically advanced forms of the disease in hospital would be prioritised for testing.
Dr Holohan said there may be a lot of “worried well” among those seeking tests and it was expected demand would drop over time.
While the average waiting time - currently at four to five days, according to the HSE - was “longer than we would like” due to constraints in the supply of testing equipment, the advice for those awaiting testing was still to self-isolate, he said.
“We’re on our way to a substantial increase in testing capacity, which should reduce turnaround time.”
Asked whether any completed swabs had expired while waiting to be processed, Dr Holohan replied: “I can’t honestly say that hasn’t happened”. More information would be available at Tuesday’s briefing, he indicated.
Men account for 55 per cent of cases, according to an analysis of cases reported up to last Saturday.
Some 29 per cent of patients have been hospitalised, and 25 per cent of cases are associated with healthcare workers. Twenty-five patients have been admitted to ICU.
Community transmission now accounts for 45 per cent of cases, close contact with confirmed cases for 23 per cent and travel abroad for 31 per cent. Some 37 clusters have been reported, involving an average of 5-6 cases each.
The vast majority of people are following guidelines on social distancing and hand hygiene and are able to recognise symptoms, research commissioned by the Department of Health indicates.
Some 88 per cent of people say they are staying at home rather than going out, according to the survey, while 84 per cent say they are practising social distancing in a queue.
Seven out of 10 people report they are sitting further apart from others, and most people are aware of the main symptoms of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation said the pandemic is accelerating with more than 300,000 cases now recorded and infections reported from nearly every country worldwide.
While it took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases of Covid-19, it took only 11 days for the second 100,000 cases, and just four days for the third 100,000 cases, said WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
He called for global political commitment to change the trajectory of the pandemic, urging countries to take both defensive and attacking measures. – Additional reporting Reuters


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Dublin city footfall plummets due to coronavirus

Dublin business organisations are urging consumers to buy from Irish online stores following a dramatic decrease in footfall in the city over the last week amid Coronavirus concerns .
Footfall rates in Dublin city centre have dropped by almost 66 per cent , according to research by business organisation Dublin Town .
The number of people on the city ’ s streets plummeted progressively as the week went on and businesses shut their doors , with footfall down 37.5 per cent by Monday , March 16th , and 77 per cent by Saturday , March 21st .
On St Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city was down almost 72 per cent on the level recorded on St Patrick ’ s Day in 2019 .
The research showed the streets with a high concentration of hospitality businesses were most affected .
South William Street recorded a reduction of 85 per cent , while Grafton Street saw a reduction of 75 per cent in its footfall .
This translates as approximately 200,000 fewer people visiting the city centre each day , the organisation said .
“ This is an unprecedented event , starkly illustrated by the dramatic decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s week is traditionally the beginning of the tourist season and one where it ’ s all hands on deck for many in the hospitality sector .
However , this year many businesses within the industry had their doors closed , ” said Dublin Town chief executive Richard Guiney .
“ Many of our members are small , family-owned independent retailers , restaurants and bars .
Right now their ability to get through this is dependent on their cash reserves and personal savings , but few have sufficient reserves to stay afloat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this crisis may last for.
” Mr Guiney said a large number of the city ’ s “ customer facing ” businesses had chosen to close their doors in the interests of the health and welfare of both customers and staff .
He said others providing “ essential retail ” such as supermarkets and pharmacies , as well as restaurant preparing hot meals for takeaway and delivery , were continuing to operate while exercising responsible social distancing .
However , the majority of Dublin Town ’ s 35,000 retail and hospitality workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were facing a very uncertain future .
“ The current emergency is first and foremost a health crisis , and preserving life has to take precedence over all other considerations .
However , we must also do everything in our power to ensure that the economy is ready to rebound rapidly once it is safe to do so .
“ Central to this is assisting employers to retain their skilled and talented workforce .
This will require innovative schemes similar to some of those developed in other jurisdictions , where employers and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those forced out of work.
” He asked that the public continue to support city businesses online were possible .
Dublin Chamber of Commerce said online shopping was providing “ some comfort ” for those retailers who have had to close their doors but who have a web store .
“ Footfall and trade levels could probably best be described as Sunday morning levels .
A large number of shops are obviously closed .
Consumers seem to be focused on buying essentials and turning to online for anything else , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Dublin Chamber is encouraging Irish shoppers to support local businesses at this time by looking to buy online from Irish websites .
This will help keep Irish firms going and also protect jobs .
”

Dublin business organisations are urging consumers to buy from Irish online stores following a dramatic decrease in footfall in the city over the last week amid Coronavirus concerns.
Footfall rates in Dublin city centre have dropped by almost 66 per cent, according to research by business organisation Dublin Town.
The number of people on the city’s streets plummeted progressively as the week went on and businesses shut their doors, with footfall down 37.5 per cent by Monday, March 16th, and 77 per cent by Saturday, March 21st.
On St Patrick’s Day the footfall rate in the city was down almost 72 per cent on the level recorded on St Patrick’s Day in 2019.
READ MORE
The research showed the streets with a high concentration of hospitality businesses were most affected. South William Street recorded a reduction of 85 per cent, while Grafton Street saw a reduction of 75 per cent in its footfall. This translates as approximately 200,000 fewer people visiting the city centre each day, the organisation said.
"This is an unprecedented event, starkly illustrated by the dramatic decline in city centre footfall. St. Patrick's week is traditionally the beginning of the tourist season and one where it's all hands on deck for many in the hospitality sector. However, this year many businesses within the industry had their doors closed," said Dublin Town chief executive Richard Guiney.
“Many of our members are small, family-owned independent retailers, restaurants and bars. Right now their ability to get through this is dependent on their cash reserves and personal savings, but few have sufficient reserves to stay afloat for the prolonged period of several months that this crisis may last for.”
Mr Guiney said a large number of the city’s “customer facing” businesses had chosen to close their doors in the interests of the health and welfare of both customers and staff.
He said others providing “essential retail” such as supermarkets and pharmacies, as well as restaurant preparing hot meals for takeaway and delivery, were continuing to operate while exercising responsible social distancing. However, the majority of Dublin Town’s 35,000 retail and hospitality workers have already been temporarily laid off or were facing a very uncertain future.
“The current emergency is first and foremost a health crisis, and preserving life has to take precedence over all other considerations. However, we must also do everything in our power to ensure that the economy is ready to rebound rapidly once it is safe to do so.
“Central to this is assisting employers to retain their skilled and talented workforce. This will require innovative schemes similar to some of those developed in other jurisdictions, where employers and the state combine to provide a living wage for those forced out of work.”
He asked that the public continue to support city businesses online were possible.
Some comfort
Dublin Chamber of Commerce said online shopping was providing “some comfort” for those retailers who have had to close their doors but who have a web store.
“Footfall and trade levels could probably best be described as Sunday morning levels. A large number of shops are obviously closed. Consumers seem to be focused on buying essentials and turning to online for anything else,” said Dublin Chamber head of communications Graeme McQueen.
“Dublin Chamber is encouraging Irish shoppers to support local businesses at this time by looking to buy online from Irish websites. This will help keep Irish firms going and also protect jobs.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Dublin Bus sacks bus driver over 10 claims seats were defective

Dublin Bus sacked a long-serving bus driver after he declared 10 buses defective over a two-day period because of “ collapsed cushions ” for his driver ’ s seat .
All of the buses were subsequently examined by Dublin Bus engineers , and mechanics could find nothing wrong with the seats .
In one of the buses claimed by the driver to be defective on January 23rd , 2019 , it had been fitted with a new seat just two days previously .
When asked by an inspector to specify the defect on the seat , the driver allegedly pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the seat cloth .
Some of the buses said to be defective by the bus driver were in instances where the driver had taken over from colleagues who had driven them without complaint .
The driver was sacked by Dublin Bus for gross misconduct after it found that the complaints about the seats were not genuine complaints but instead “ a deliberate disruption ” of services by the driver .
The driver worked for Dublin Bus from September 2001 until his dismissal on May 31st last .
The driver sued for unfair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose adjudication officer , Jim Dolan , has concluded the complaint of unfair dismissal “ is not well founded ” .
Mr Dolan found that on the balance of probabilities the seats in question were not defective and the decision to dismiss was proportionate .
In an outline of the events , the driver commenced duty on January 21st , 2019 , at 3.48pm and took over a bus that had been driven by a colleague .
The bus was full of passengers but the driver called central control to say the bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s seat cushion had collapsed .
A replacement bus arrived at 4.15pm .
However , the driver contacted central control after a short period to advise that this bus was also defective for the same reason .
Another replacement bus was brought to Parnell Square West and the driver reported this bus as also being defective because the driver ’ s seat cushion had collapsed .
The driver was brought back to the bus depot in the same bus driven by an inspector .
An inspector subsequently allocated the driver a fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In each instance the driver tested the bus by driving it but came back to the bus depot to say the seat cushion had collapsed .
Two days later the driver reported for duty at Parnell Square West and once again contacted central control to report that the bus was defective because of the driver ’ s seat – the eighth bus to be declared defective .
The chief inspector at Dublin Bus approached the driver and the driver explained that he had disc problems in his back .
The driver was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10th bus .
In both cases he again reported that the bus was defective because of the seat .
The driver was then called into the inspector ’ s office and was told he would not be allocated any more buses .
Dublin Bus told the Workplace Relations Commission hearing that it was conscious that bus seats have been a problem in the past and it had spent a large amount of time and money getting them right .
The driver told the commission he had a back disc problem , which could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not correctly fitted .

When asked by an inspector to specify the defect on the seat, the driver allegedly pointed to a crease on the left side of the seat cloth. Photograph: Alan Betson
Dublin Bus sacked a long-serving bus driver after he declared 10 buses defective over a two-day period because of “collapsed cushions” for his driver’s seat.
All of the buses were subsequently examined by Dublin Bus engineers, and mechanics could find nothing wrong with the seats.
In one of the buses claimed by the driver to be defective on January 23rd, 2019, it had been fitted with a new seat just two days previously.
When asked by an inspector to specify the defect on the seat, the driver allegedly pointed to a crease on the left side of the seat cloth.
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Some of the buses said to be defective by the bus driver were in instances where the driver had taken over from colleagues who had driven them without complaint.
The driver was sacked by Dublin Bus for gross misconduct after it found that the complaints about the seats were not genuine complaints but instead “a deliberate disruption” of services by the driver.
The driver worked for Dublin Bus from September 2001 until his dismissal on May 31st last.
The driver sued for unfair dismissal at the Workplace Relations Commission, whose adjudication officer, Jim Dolan, has concluded the complaint of unfair dismissal “is not well founded”.
Mr Dolan found that on the balance of probabilities the seats in question were not defective and the decision to dismiss was proportionate.
Seat cushion
In an outline of the events, the driver commenced duty on January 21st, 2019, at 3.48pm and took over a bus that had been driven by a colleague.
The bus was full of passengers but the driver called central control to say the bus was defective because he claimed the driver’s seat cushion had collapsed.
A replacement bus arrived at 4.15pm. However, the driver contacted central control after a short period to advise that this bus was also defective for the same reason.
Another replacement bus was brought to Parnell Square West and the driver reported this bus as also being defective because the driver’s seat cushion had collapsed.
The driver was brought back to the bus depot in the same bus driven by an inspector. An inspector subsequently allocated the driver a fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh bus . In each instance the driver tested the bus by driving it but came back to the bus depot to say the seat cushion had collapsed.
Disc problems
Two days later the driver reported for duty at Parnell Square West and once again contacted central control to report that the bus was defective because of the driver’s seat – the eighth bus to be declared defective. The chief inspector at Dublin Bus approached the driver and the driver explained that he had disc problems in his back.
The driver was allocated a ninth bus and subsequently a 10th bus. In both cases he again reported that the bus was defective because of the seat. The driver was then called into the inspector’s office and was told he would not be allocated any more buses.
Dublin Bus told the Workplace Relations Commission hearing that it was conscious that bus seats have been a problem in the past and it had spent a large amount of time and money getting them right. The driver told the commission he had a back disc problem, which could be compounded if the bus driver seat was not correctly fitted.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Covid-19: Los Paddys relieved to make it back from south America

Seven members and supporters of eclectic group Los Paddys , which had gone to south America for St Patrick ’ s Day , arrived back in Co Clare on Monday after a marathon journey through “ half closed ” airports in Chile , Canada and Britain .
Los Paddys describe their music as “ north Clare meets South America for a dance ” a “ fusion of Celtic roots with South American rhythm ” .
The group that arrived in Chile numbered 14 , including musicians , two partners of musicians and two children .
Six members of Los Paddys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are Argentinian , French and Spanish .
Because of the nature of their music Culture Ireland supported be group ’ s trip to Santiago , Chile , where there was a hectic round of gigs planned around the St Patrick ’ s Day Festival .
But the group was two weeks into the tour when coronavirus put paid to the St Patrick ’ s Day celebrations worldwide .
Holed up in two apartments in Santiago , they could only watch as gigs were cancelled and Irish people they talked to were scrambling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About seven or eight days ago nobody knew a thing about the virus but suddenly everyone knew about it ” said songwriter Paddy Mulcahy .
“ A band member , Fernando , had originally fled Chile under Gen Pinochet for France and become a French citizen .
So as we made plans to get out , we thought it best to bring Fernando back to Co Clare ” he said .
As options for trips home via the United States and Europe reduced due to restrictions imposed by national governments , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band launched a Go Fund page , asking fans to raise cash to get them home safely .
“ Three of us went to Argentina , three went to Spain and one had left earlier for Dublin .
So the seven remaining raised about €7,000 which was just about enough or nearly enough to cover the tickets home .
“ It was surreal .
The flight from Santiago to Toronto was full and when we got to Toronto people were taking the social distancing rules very seriously .
On the next leg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very few people on the plane and the six crew members were down the back with their faces well covered in what looked like tinfoil hats.
” Mulcahy said conditions in Heathrow Airport were very strange .
“ The place was closed , it was dead .
But the few people who were around did not seem to be bothered about keeping their distance at all.
” They got a connecting flight to Shannon Airport and emerged smiling behind face masks , ready for 12 days of isolation .
.
.
but very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The band is booked in Co Clare for Inis Fest among other festivals this summer .

Seven members and supporters of eclectic group Los Paddys, which had gone to south America for St Patrick’s Day, arrived back in Co Clare on Monday after a marathon journey through “half closed” airports in Chile, Canada and Britain.
Los Paddys describe their music as “north Clare meets South America for a dance” a “fusion of Celtic roots with South American rhythm”.
The group that arrived in Chile numbered 14, including musicians, two partners of musicians and two children. Six members of Los Paddys are resident in Co Clare, others are Argentinian, French and Spanish.
Because of the nature of their music Culture Ireland supported be group’s trip to Santiago, Chile, where there was a hectic round of gigs planned around the St Patrick’s Day Festival.
READ MORE
But the group was two weeks into the tour when coronavirus put paid to the St Patrick’s Day celebrations worldwide. Holed up in two apartments in Santiago, they could only watch as gigs were cancelled and Irish people they talked to were scrambling to get flights back to Ireland.
“About seven or eight days ago nobody knew a thing about the virus but suddenly everyone knew about it” said songwriter Paddy Mulcahy. “A band member, Fernando, had originally fled Chile under Gen Pinochet for France and become a French citizen. So as we made plans to get out, we thought it best to bring Fernando back to Co Clare” he said.
As options for trips home via the United States and Europe reduced due to restrictions imposed by national governments, while the price of airline tickets rose, the band launched a Go Fund page, asking fans to raise cash to get them home safely.
“Three of us went to Argentina, three went to Spain and one had left earlier for Dublin. So the seven remaining raised about €7,000 which was just about enough or nearly enough to cover the tickets home.
“It was surreal. The flight from Santiago to Toronto was full and when we got to
Toronto people were taking the social distancing rules very seriously. On the next leg, the flight to London, there were very few people on the plane and the six crew members were down the back with their faces well covered in what looked like tinfoil hats.”
Mulcahy said conditions in Heathrow Airport were very strange. “The place was closed, it was dead. But the few people who were around did not seem to be bothered about keeping their distance at all.”
They got a connecting flight to Shannon Airport and emerged smiling behind face masks, ready for 12 days of isolation . . . but very glad to be home” added Mulcahy.
The band is booked in Co Clare for Inis Fest among other festivals this summer.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--‘So shocking’: RTÉ’s Claire Byrne on her positive coronavirus test

RTÉ presenter Claire Byrne has said she felt guilty , shocked and worried after being diagnosed with Covid-19 .
Speaking about her experience while co-hosting her Claire Byrne Live show in self-isolation from her garden shed on Monday night , she told viewers she thought last week that she simply had a head cold and possible chest infection .
At no point did she have a temperature , which convinced her that she would not be positive for the coronavirus .
She went for a test at a Health Service Executive facility , where a nurse in full protective gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms and where she had been recently , before taking a swab from her throat and nasal passage .
The broadcaster ’ s symptoms got “ a little worse ” over the following days , with her cough getting “ more ingrained ” .
She developed aching limbs and “ real fatigue ” , she said .
The “ worst moment ” was over three successive nights when she had a “ hacking cough ” and began to notice she was becoming breathless .
“ I was definitely getting to the point where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
On her test result proving positive , she said : “ I can ’ t tell you what that ’ s like – it is so shocking.
” Byrne said she then “ went into guilt mode , because I felt , ‘ How many people have I given this to ?
’ That was my big concern.
” Byrne made a list of all the people she had spoken to for more than 15 minutes within two metres of her since a few days before her symptoms showed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get these details as part of follow-up contact tracing , to inform those people and advise them of what to do .
Byrne said she thinks she is through the worst of the disease at this stage as the shortness of breath has passed .
“ I still feel quite guilty about the people on the contact list , ” she said .
“ Many of us are going to go though that experience – that ’ s all part of it.
” RTÉ earlier released details of an email Byrne sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ well now and through the peak of the condition ” .
She expressed her thanks to colleagues who supported her through since her diagnosis .
Separately , Tánaiste Simon Coveney said on Monday he had tested negative for the coronavirus .
In a statement , Mr Coveney said : “ Like thousands of people across the country , I was contacted in recent days by a member of the HSE contact tracing team to say I had been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested .
The result is negative for Covid-19.
” Mr Coveney did not specify who he was in close contact with , but he appeared on RTÉ ’ s Claire Byrne Live two weeks ago in studio with the broadcaster .
In her email to staff , Byrne said : “ “ I made the decision that I wanted you all to know this at the earliest opportunity .
The HSE contact tracing system worked with me over the weekend.
” She said she was getting better and was working with Medmark and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return fully to work .
Byrne has been in self-isolation for over a week after experiencing cold-like symptoms associated with Covid-19 .

RTÉ presenter Claire Byrne presented her weekly show from her shed after developing coronavirus symptoms. Video: RTÉ
RTÉ presenter Claire Byrne has said she felt guilty, shocked and worried after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
Speaking about her experience while co-hosting her Claire Byrne Live show in self-isolation from her garden shed on Monday night, she told viewers she thought last week that she simply had a head cold and possible chest infection.
At no point did she have a temperature, which convinced her that she would not be positive for the coronavirus.
She went for a test at a Health Service Executive facility, where a nurse in full protective gear brought her inside, asked for her symptoms and where she had been recently, before taking a swab from her throat and nasal passage.
READ MORE
The broadcaster’s symptoms got “a little worse” over the following days, with her cough getting “more ingrained”. She developed aching limbs and “real fatigue”, she said.
‘Hacking cough’
The “worst moment” was over three successive nights when she had a “hacking cough” and began to notice she was becoming breathless.
“I was definitely getting to the point where I was struggling for breath,” she said.
On her test result proving positive, she said: “I can’t tell you what that’s like – it is so shocking.”
Byrne said she then “went into guilt mode, because I felt, ‘How many people have I given this to?’ That was my big concern.”
“I felt guilty, I felt shocked, and I felt worried,” she added.
Byrne made a list of all the people she had spoken to for more than 15 minutes within two metres of her since a few days before her symptoms showed.
In her case, the Army called to get these details as part of follow-up contact tracing, to inform those people and advise them of what to do.
Byrne said she thinks she is through the worst of the disease at this stage as the shortness of breath has passed.
“I still feel quite guilty about the people on the contact list,” she said.
“Many of us are going to go though that experience – that’s all part of it.”
RTÉ earlier released details of an email Byrne sent to staff in which she said she was “well now and through the peak of the condition”. She expressed her thanks to colleagues who supported her through since her diagnosis.
Separately, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said on Monday he had tested negative for the coronavirus. In a statement, Mr Coveney said: "Like thousands of people across the country, I was contacted in recent days by a member of the HSE contact tracing team to say I had been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19.
“I followed all protocol and was tested. The result is negative for Covid-19.”
Mr Coveney did not specify who he was in close contact with, but he appeared on RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live two weeks ago in studio with the broadcaster.
In her email to staff, Byrne said: ““I made the decision that I wanted you all to know this at the earliest opportunity. The HSE contact tracing system worked with me over the weekend.”
She said she was getting better and was working with Medmark and her own GP on when she could return fully to work. Byrne has been in self-isolation for over a week after experiencing cold-like symptoms associated with Covid-19.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Pet owners advised to practise social distancing with animals

Pet owners should make relatively small adjustments to the routines of their animals , but there is no need to be alarmist or abandon dogs , according to vets and other medical authorities .
Bray , Co Wicklow-based vet Pete Wedderburn said “ dogs and cats can not get coronavirus , but you should keep your dog two metres from other dogs and humans if you are out for a walk ” , he said .
In addition to not getting the virus , Mr Wedderburn said dogs could not transmit it to humans , in an aerosol fashion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing should be extended to pets just in case a pet comes into contact with the virus through , for example , somebody sneezing on it .
“ Like any other surface , a dog ’ s coat can carry viruses back to a human , so there has to be a little isolation involved , ” he explained .
“ Shampoo will keep a dog clean and will kill any viruses.
” He said there were many ways in which a dog owner could look after their animal ’ s wellbeing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog and themselves .
Some of these could be found on his Facebook page Pete the Vet , while more were on Dogs Trust webpage [ dogstrust.ie ] , he said .
“ If your cat is the kind that likes to visit two or three other homes during the day , think about keeping him indoors , ” he said .
Veterinary Ireland , the profession ’ s national representative organisation , said veterinary practices would endeavour to remain open throughout the Covid-19 crisis , but clients must phone first for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow others to touch their pets , the organisation said .
Dundrum pet food supplier Shane Walsh of Breffini House Pets said owners were making an effort “ to do the best for their pets ” .
He said owners had been making sure they had enough supplies , “ but not stockpiling ” .
Mr Walsh said there was “ no shortage ” .
The ISPCA national animal centre in Longford and the DSPCA centre in Rathfarnham have closed to the public but animals are still being cared for at both centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats could spread coronavirus .
“ According to experts , Covid-19 can not be transmitted from human to animal or vice versa .
If your pet is touched by someone with coronavirus , then there is the potential that it can be spread , should someone else come into contact with your pet but the risk of this is extremely low , ” spokeswoman Carmel Murray said .
“ We are asking pet owners not to worry about their pets , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interact with your pets as normal and to wash your hands regularly after contact with any animal.
” The World Health Organisation has also reiterated there is no evidence that pets such as the family dog or cat can spread coronavirus to humans .
It was commenting after publicity surrounding the Hong Kong dog which produced a “ weak positive ” in a test for coronavirus .
The journal Science , published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science , said the Pomeranian dog based in Hong Kong was found to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a test for the novel coronavirus Sars-CoV-2 , which causes the disease Covid-19 .
However , WHO said coronavirus was transmitted primarily through droplets expelled during coughing and sneezing or a discharge from saliva and the nose .
While pets were well known for their affectionate licks and runny noses , even sneezes , there were no known cases of such a transfer happening , the WHO said .
When out walking your dog , you should ensure they are kept on a short lead and under control at all times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adhere to social distancing guidelines .
Continue to exercise and play with your pets to alleviate stress in the confines of your garden .
There are plenty of ways to keep your pets entertained such as putting their favourite treats in a Kong pet toy , using food puzzle toys , playing fetch or tug-of-war with their favourite toy .
This is a good time to teach your pets some new tricks .
The ISPCA would love to see your cute animal photos or videos .
Avoid sharing your food or being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always wash your hands .
It ’ s important you have sufficient pet food , prescribed medication or other essentials such as cat litter during self-isolation .
Plan ahead in the event you need help caring for your pets short or long term .

A spokeswoman for the ISPCA said there was no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can spread coronavirus. File photograph taken at Dogs Trust: Fran Veale
Pet owners should make relatively small adjustments to the routines of their animals, but there is no need to be alarmist or abandon dogs, according to vets and other medical authorities.
Bray, Co Wicklow-based vet Pete Wedderburn said "dogs and cats cannot get coronavirus, but you should keep your dog two metres from other dogs and humans if you are out for a walk", he said.
In addition to not getting the virus, Mr Wedderburn said dogs could not transmit it to humans, in an aerosol fashion, through droplets.
But he said social distancing should be extended to pets just in case a pet comes into contact with the virus through, for example, somebody sneezing on it.
READ MORE
“Like any other surface, a dog’s coat can carry viruses back to a human, so there has to be a little isolation involved,” he explained.
“Shampoo will keep a dog clean and will kill any viruses.”
He said there were many ways in which a dog owner could look after their animal's wellbeing and foster good mental health in both the dog and themselves. Some of these could be found on his Facebook page Pete the Vet, while more were on Dogs Trust webpage [dogstrust.ie], he said.
“If your cat is the kind that likes to visit two or three other homes during the day, think about keeping him indoors,” he said.
Veterinary Ireland, the profession’s national representative organisation, said veterinary practices would endeavour to remain open throughout the Covid-19 crisis, but clients must phone first for an appointment. Those in isolation should not allow others to touch their pets, the organisation said.
Dundrum pet food supplier Shane Walsh of Breffini House Pets said owners were making an effort "to do the best for their pets". He said owners had been making sure they had enough supplies, "but not stockpiling". Mr Walsh said there was "no shortage".
No evidence
The ISPCA national animal centre in Longford and the DSPCA centre in Rathfarnham have closed to the public but animals are still being cared for at both centres. A spokeswoman for the ISPCA said there was no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats could spread coronavirus.
"According to experts, Covid-19 cannot be transmitted from human to animal or vice versa. If your pet is touched by someone with coronavirus, then there is the potential that it can be spread, should someone else come into contact with your pet but the risk of this is extremely low," spokeswoman Carmel Murray said.
“We are asking pet owners not to worry about their pets,” she said. “It is important to interact with your pets as normal and to wash your hands regularly after contact with any animal.”
The World Health Organisation has also reiterated there is no evidence that pets such as the family dog or cat can spread coronavirus to humans.
It was commenting after publicity surrounding the Hong Kong dog which produced a "weak positive" in a test for coronavirus.
The journal Science, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, said the Pomeranian dog based in Hong Kong was found to have shown a “weak positive” in a test for the novel coronavirus Sars-CoV-2, which causes the disease Covid-19.
However, WHO said coronavirus was transmitted primarily through droplets expelled during coughing and sneezing or a discharge from saliva and the nose. While pets were well known for their affectionate licks and runny noses, even sneezes, there were no known cases of such a transfer happening, the WHO said.
ISPCA tips and advice
When out walking your dog, you should ensure they are kept on a short lead and under control at all times.
Restrict contact with other people and animals and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Continue to exercise and play with your pets to alleviate stress in the confines of your garden.
There are plenty of ways to keep your pets entertained such as putting their favourite treats in a Kong pet toy, using food puzzle toys, playing fetch or tug-of-war with their favourite toy.
This is a good time to teach your pets some new tricks. The ISPCA would love to see your cute animal photos or videos.
Avoid sharing your food or being kissed or licked by your pet and always wash your hands.
It’s important you have sufficient pet food, prescribed medication or other essentials such as cat litter during self-isolation.
Plan ahead in the event you need help caring for your pets short or long term.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Concern over family’s handling of disabled man’s multimillion settlement, court told

The president of the High Court has ordered family members of a severely disabled young man to urgently provide information to the HSE to address concerns over how his multi-million euro personal injuries settlement is being spent .
Mr Justice Peter Kelly said , for reasons including a “ deeply disturbing ” safeguarding report and a “ troubling ” forensic accountant ’ s report , this was an emergency situation .
The HSE , which until now had not been a party to the 18-year-old man ’ s case , is entitled to get involved and to orders permitting it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man ’ s needs , he said .
The man obtained a substantial settlement some years ago which was intended to meet his life time care needs .
There are fears , because of how monies are currently being discharged , the funds will run out and he will end up in a nursing home , Katherine Kelleher , solicitor for the HSE , told the judge on Monday .
She said certain family members , who deal with providing care and nursing supports for the man , have not co-operated with HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forensic accountant asked by the wards of court office to investigate the man ’ s finances .
The man “ utterly believes ” what he is told by family members and has not cooperated with efforts to establish his views , she said .
Following receipt of a safeguarding report last weekend , a high level video conference of concerned professionals was held , she said .
That lead to the HSE deciding it must get involved and seek orders from the court .
Although the services currently being provided for the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the HSE , the HSE believes it should be involved in assessing his current and future care needs , she said .
In this ex-parte application ( one side only represented ) , the HSE wanted orders to that effect plus orders requiring the family to provide certain information , she said .
Patricia Hickey , general solicitor for wards of court , fully supported the HSE ’ s application and said she is very concerned about the man ’ s situation .
Because the man turned 18 some months ago , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under court protection pending an inquiry into whether he should be made an adult ward arising from a medical view he lacks capacity , she said .
Due to the coronavirus crisis and the need to limit access to the man , there were delays progressing that inquiry .
Ms Hickey said she believes the man is heavily influenced by family members and believes they have his best interests at heart .
“ I don ’ t believe they do , ” she said .
This was a very difficult case to progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wards of court office , she added .
Mr Justice Kelly said he shared the concerns of the HSE and Ms Hickey .
He had previously directed an investigation into the man ’ s financial situation by a forensic accountant and the latter ’ s report had raised “ very troubling questions ” .
He regretted there was little co-operation by family members with the accountant .
Now the court had received a “ very disturbing ” report from a HSE safeguarding team which demonstrated , from their point of view , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There had been efforts to assess the man ’ s needs but those received very little co-operation from the family and major questions needed to be addressed about how his assets are being dealt with by family members .
This was of great concern because his funds had been “ run down to a very considerable extent ” and there was an issue whether they would meet his needs into the future .
He was satisfied this was an emergency situation , it was now necessary to involve the HSE and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man ’ s nursing and care needs , occupational and physical therapy needs and to nominate a psychologist to assess him .
The judge directed the family members to co-operate with those assessments and provide information sought by the HSE .
He also appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the man ’ s interests .
The family members have liberty to apply to vary or discharge the orders , he added .

The president of the High Court has ordered family members of a severely disabled young man to urgently provide information to the HSE to address concerns over how his multi-million euro personal injuries settlement is being spent.
Mr Justice Peter Kelly said, for reasons including a “deeply disturbing” safeguarding report and a “troubling” forensic accountant’s report, this was an emergency situation.
The HSE, which until now had not been a party to the 18-year-old man’s case, is entitled to get involved and to orders permitting it carry out its own assessments of the man’s needs, he said.
The man obtained a substantial settlement some years ago which was intended to meet his life time care needs.
READ MORE
There are fears, because of how monies are currently being discharged, the funds will run out and he will end up in a nursing home, Katherine Kelleher, solicitor for the HSE, told the judge on Monday.
She said certain family members, who deal with providing care and nursing supports for the man, have not co-operated with HSE safeguarding and other professionals, including a forensic accountant asked by the wards of court office to investigate the man’s finances.
The man “utterly believes” what he is told by family members and has not cooperated with efforts to establish his views, she said.
Following receipt of a safeguarding report last weekend, a high level video conference of concerned professionals was held, she said. That lead to the HSE deciding it must get involved and seek orders from the court.
Although the services currently being provided for the man are being provided outside the governance of the HSE, the HSE believes it should be involved in assessing his current and future care needs, she said.
In this ex-parte application (one side only represented), the HSE wanted orders to that effect plus orders requiring the family to provide certain information, she said.
Patricia Hickey, general solicitor for wards of court, fully supported the HSE’s application and said she is very concerned about the man’s situation.
Because the man turned 18 some months ago, his minor wardship has ended but he remains under court protection pending an inquiry into whether he should be made an adult ward arising from a medical view he lacks capacity, she said.
Due to the coronavirus crisis and the need to limit access to the man, there were delays progressing that inquiry.
Ms Hickey said she believes the man is heavily influenced by family members and believes they have his best interests at heart.
“I don’t believe they do,” she said. This was a very difficult case to progress because of antagonism by family members towards the wards of court office, she added.
Mr Justice Kelly said he shared the concerns of the HSE and Ms Hickey. He had previously directed an investigation into the man’s financial situation by a forensic accountant and the latter’s report had raised “very troubling questions”. He regretted there was little co-operation by family members with the accountant.
Now the court had received a “very disturbing” report from a HSE safeguarding team which demonstrated, from their point of view, the man should remain under court protection.
There had been efforts to assess the man’s needs but those received very little co-operation from the family and major questions needed to be addressed about how his assets are being dealt with by family members.
This was of great concern because his funds had been “run down to a very considerable extent” and there was an issue whether they would meet his needs into the future.
He was satisfied this was an emergency situation, it was now necessary to involve the HSE and it was entitled to orders permitting it assess the man’s nursing and care needs, occupational and physical therapy needs and to nominate a psychologist to assess him.
The judge directed the family members to co-operate with those assessments and provide information sought by the HSE. He also appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the man’s interests.
The family members have liberty to apply to vary or discharge the orders, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Nurse who browsed internet while man fell and later died is struck off

A nurse on night duty browsed internet shopping websites when she should have been checking on a nursing home resident who fell out of his bed and died later that day , the High Court heard .
The nurse was struck off for misconduct by the president of the High Court , Mr Justice Peter Kelly , on Monday .
The judge said her conduct justified the recommendation from the Nursing and Midwifery Board ( NMB ) that her registration be cancelled .
The nurse can not be named by order of the court because she suffers from serious medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only was her care for the elderly man substandard , she had subsequently lied about having checked him before and after the fall .
The court heard the nurse , who up to this had an unblemished record but was at the time under marital and financial difficulties , was on duty on the night of December 11th/12th 2015 .
She was the only nurse on duty but had been provided with a care plan whereby she had to check the resident on an hourly basis because he had been deemed as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Sullivan BL , for the board , said during the night two care assistants found the man on the floor .
It was clear he had fallen and was noted to have a bruise on his abdomen .
Efforts were made to call a GP but through no fault of the nurse or anyone else , a doctor could not attend .
The man ’ s condition deteriorated during the night and by morning he was transferred to hospital where he later died , counsel said .
Mr O ’ Sullivan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made statements to the inquiry , and a similar one to the coroner , where she indicated “ she had either herself checked the resident or arranged somebody else to do it.
” She also claimed , subsequent to the fall , she checked him on a regular basis , had a cup of tea with him and comforted him .
CCTV footage from the nursing home corridors however showed she had not checked him for a six hour period before he was found on the floor , counsel said .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two and a half hours after the fall or sit with him as had been claimed .
The computer in the nurse ’ s station was checked and the internet history “ revealed frequent use for personal purposes between 1.30am and 4.30am and various shopping websites were being accessed , ” counsel said .
A fitness to practise committee found her guilty of 16 allegations of professional misconduct , including a serious falling short of the standard of care expected and in providing false statements .
She contested most of the allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The nursing board supported this , saying while it had sympathy for her , there was no justification for reducing the sanction .
Mr Justice Kelly said there were multiple instances of misconduct including giving false statements .
“ When she had the opportunity to put that right between the events of the night and the hearing in the coroner ’ s court she continued to tell lies.
” What was involved here was serious dishonesty which even extended to making a false deposition before a coroner , the judge said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other professions and at a time when that reputation is at its height , it was unfortunate that “ one of its number has besmirched that reputation , ” he said.The only sanction was a strike off , he said .

A nurse on night duty browsed internet shopping websites when she should have been checking on a nursing home resident who fell out of his bed and died later that day, the High Court heard.
The nurse was struck off for misconduct by the president of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, on Monday.
The judge said her conduct justified the recommendation from the Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMB) that her registration be cancelled.
The nurse cannot be named by order of the court because she suffers from serious medical conditions.
READ MORE
The judge said, not only was her care for the elderly man substandard, she had subsequently lied about having checked him before and after the fall.
The court heard the nurse, who up to this had an unblemished record but was at the time under marital and financial difficulties, was on duty on the night of December 11th/12th 2015.
She was the only nurse on duty but had been provided with a care plan whereby she had to check the resident on an hourly basis because he had been deemed as being at high risk of falling.
Eoghan O’Sullivan BL, for the board, said during the night two care assistants found the man on the floor. It was clear he had fallen and was noted to have a bruise on his abdomen.
Efforts were made to call a GP but through no fault of the nurse or anyone else, a doctor could not attend. The man’s condition deteriorated during the night and by morning he was transferred to hospital where he later died, counsel said.
Mr O’Sullivan said an investigation followed and the nurse made statements to the inquiry, and a similar one to the coroner, where she indicated “she had either herself checked the resident or arranged somebody else to do it.”
She also claimed, subsequent to the fall, she checked him on a regular basis, had a cup of tea with him and comforted him.
CCTV footage from the nursing home corridors however showed she had not checked him for a six hour period before he was found on the floor, counsel said.
It also showed she did not return to him for two and a half hours after the fall or sit with him as had been claimed.
The computer in the nurse’s station was checked and the internet history “revealed frequent use for personal purposes between 1.30am and 4.30am and various shopping websites were being accessed,” counsel said.
A fitness to practise committee found her guilty of 16 allegations of professional misconduct, including a serious falling short of the standard of care expected and in providing false statements. She contested most of the allegations but the committee recommended her strike off.
The nursing board supported this, saying while it had sympathy for her, there was no justification for reducing the sanction.
Mr Justice Kelly said there were multiple instances of misconduct including giving false statements. “When she had the opportunity to put that right between the events of the night and the hearing in the coroner’s court she continued to tell lies.”
What was involved here was serious dishonesty which even extended to making a false deposition before a coroner, the judge said.
Trust is at the heart of nursing and other professions and at a time when that reputation is at its height, it was unfortunate that “one of its number has besmirched that reputation,” he said.The only sanction was a strike off, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Two men jailed for raping student in Co Donegal

Two men who raped a student after bringing her back to their flat have been jailed for nine years .
Ghanaian nationals Boakye Osei ( 30 ) , of Tooban , Burnfoot , and Kelvin Opoku ( 33 ) , of Cill Graine , Letterkenny , had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the rape of the woman in a town in Co Donegal in February 2015 .
The Central Criminal Court heard that the woman was out with her friend in a nightclub on the night of the incident and met Opoku and Osei while walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car believing the men had offered to bring her home .
The woman told the trial that on a scale of one to 10 in terms of drunkenness , she was a 10 and about to pass out .
A video clip shown during the trial showed the woman staggering around an apartment and later falling on the bathroom floor before the two men picked her up .
The men took her into a bedroom where they raped her .
The woman testified that she was “ blind drunk ” and could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity .
In interview with gardaí , Opoku claimed that the woman was not too drunk to consent and alleged she was an enthusiastic participant .
Osei denied having any sexual activity with the woman .
Passing sentence on Monday , Mr Justice Alex Owens said he accepted that neither man set out to rape the woman .
However , he said they were fully aware of her incapacitation due to her intoxication and were prepared to take advantage .
The judge said Osei continues to insist that he did not have sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting otherwise .
He said Osei claims the woman and her friend must have “ fitted him up ” by putting the woman ’ s DNA on his condom and that he “ is the victim in all of this ” .
Mr Justice Owens said a probation report states that Opoku ’ s empathy and insight is somewhat limited .
He said that if Opoku has managed to convince himself of his innocence and lack of culpability , he has not convinced anyone else .
He sentenced both men to nine years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deported following the completion of his sentence .
He said that Osei is an Irish citizen and if his status is withdrawn “ he will be the author of his own misfortune ” .
He ordered that both undergo four years post release supervision during which they must follow all directions of the Probation Service .
He said that failure to comply with this order was a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of imprisonment of 12 months .
The woman , who is now in her 20s , told the court that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words the effect this has had on her .
In her victim impact statement , which she read out in court , she said the experience of being stripped of her clothes to be examined internally and externally in the sexual assault treatment unit was “ challenging and humiliating ” .
The woman said she was told to attend a hospital to be put on anti-HIV medicine because of the ethnicity of the accused .
She said she spent the next few months going to hospitals for blood tests and to take medications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said that she had decided that if she was diagnosed with HIV she would kill herself .
She said she still feels panic and fear around black males .
The woman said the recent trial was the third attempt for it to go ahead .
She said she had to prepare herself emotionally and take time off work each time .
She said the trial was one of the hardest things she had ever had to experience and that reliving the events was like reopening an old wound .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years of her life .

Two men who raped a ‘blind drunk’ student after bringing her back to their flat have been jailed for nine years at the Central Criminal Court.
Two men who raped a student after bringing her back to their flat have been jailed for nine years.
Ghanaian nationals Boakye Osei (30), of Tooban, Burnfoot, and Kelvin Opoku (33), of Cill Graine, Letterkenny, had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the rape of the woman in a town in Co Donegal in February 2015.
The Central Criminal Court heard that the woman was out with her friend in a nightclub on the night of the incident and met Opoku and Osei while walking home. The victim got into their car believing the men had offered to bring her home.
The woman told the trial that on a scale of one to 10 in terms of drunkenness, she was a 10 and about to pass out. A video clip shown during the trial showed the woman staggering around an apartment and later falling on the bathroom floor before the two men picked her up.
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The men took her into a bedroom where they raped her. The woman testified that she was “blind drunk” and could not and did not consent to any sexual activity.
In interview with gardaí, Opoku claimed that the woman was not too drunk to consent and alleged she was an enthusiastic participant. Osei denied having any sexual activity with the woman.
Incapacitation
Passing sentence on Monday, Mr Justice Alex Owens said he accepted that neither man set out to rape the woman. However, he said they were fully aware of her incapacitation due to her intoxication and were prepared to take advantage.
The judge said Osei continues to insist that he did not have sex with the woman, despite forensic evidence suggesting otherwise. He said Osei claims the woman and her friend must have “fitted him up” by putting the woman’s DNA on his condom and that he “is the victim in all of this”.
Mr Justice Owens said a probation report states that Opoku’s empathy and insight is somewhat limited. He said that if Opoku has managed to convince himself of his innocence and lack of culpability, he has not convinced anyone else.
He sentenced both men to nine years imprisonment. He recommended that Opoku be deported following the completion of his sentence.
He said that Osei is an Irish citizen and if his status is withdrawn “he will be the author of his own misfortune”. He ordered that both undergo four years post release supervision during which they must follow all directions of the Probation Service. He said that failure to comply with this order was a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of imprisonment of 12 months.
Impact
The woman, who is now in her 20s, told the court that it was difficult to narrow down into words the effect this has had on her.
In her victim impact statement, which she read out in court, she said the experience of being stripped of her clothes to be examined internally and externally in the sexual assault treatment unit was “challenging and humiliating”.
The woman said she was told to attend a hospital to be put on anti-HIV medicine because of the ethnicity of the accused. She said she spent the next few months going to hospitals for blood tests and to take medications before she was given the all clear.
She said that she had decided that if she was diagnosed with HIV she would kill herself. She said she still feels panic and fear around black males.
The woman said the recent trial was the third attempt for it to go ahead. She said she had to prepare herself emotionally and take time off work each time.
She said the trial was one of the hardest things she had ever had to experience and that reliving the events was like reopening an old wound. She said that the men had robbed her of five years of her life.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Fianna Fáil calls for more detail on coronavirus clusters

More information should be provided on the location of clusters and cases of coronavirus around the country , Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said .
Mr Martin , speaking ahead of a meeting of all party leaders on the crisis , also called for further restrictions on the movement of people but did not call for a full national lockdown .
Sinn Féin ’ s Mary Lou McDonald , also speaking to reporters ahead of the leaders ’ meeting , called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to close all non-essential business .
Mr Varadkar has indicated he will not do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be taken on foot of advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) and Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan .
Mr Martin said rumours of the locations of outbreaks are counterproductive to “ good behaviour ” .
While he said that regional restrictions on movement could be put in place , he said greater transparency is more likely to encourage people to change their behaviour if they know there is a cluster in their area .
He said “ severe restrictions are required in terms of public gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s all about protecting our senior citizens , protecting people with underlying conditions.
” Mr Martin also called for a strong programme of income supports similar to that introduced in Denmark , where the State pays up to 75 per cent of person ’ s salary to a certain limit , and in the UK , where the payment is up to 80 per cent of salary , again to a limit .
“ Substantive supports for employees , people who ’ ve been laid off in particular sectors and in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link between the worker and the enterprise , ” he said .
“ Because I think that is the key so that the enterprise , when this is over , can restart as quickly as possible .
And for that to happen , there will have to be softer loans , interest free loans and working capital supports.
” The Government is expected to finalise the details of a package of supports in the coming days .
Mr Martin raised concerns about the time it is taking to carry out coronavirus tests as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment for medical staff .
“ We know that the HSE has put in significant orders .
But there needs to be straight up transparency and honesty with staff and with people across the country in relation to that issue.
” Ms McDonald said it is “ obvious now at this stage that we ’ re at the point where the emergency measures to protect people need to be stepped up very significantly ” .
She said it is “ intolerable ” and “ unacceptable ” that some people are in workplaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practiced .
“ It ’ s unacceptable that working people are being left with so much risk .
People that work on construction sites , in factories , in call centers…know that when they go to work , that they ’ re not safe because it ’ s simply not possible , in so many cases , to practice safe physical distancing .
“ Delay costs lives .
That ’ s the lesson from other countries .
We should not drag our heels now .
” She said while this could lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” an “ adequate income support scheme ” should be put in place .
Mr Varadkar earlier called a suggestion from Ms McDonald that the money from the Apple tax case be used for such supports “ rubbish ” .
“ Mary Lou McDonald should know better , ” he said .
“ The Apple money is in an escrow account and that ’ s where it ’ s being held until the European courts decide where that money ’ s going to go.
” Ms McDonald said : “ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him as to where the money is raised .
It ’ s going to be an expensive scheme , but it ’ s absolutely necessary.
” The Government has been criticised for its financial support commitments to employers and employees adversely affected by the Covid-19 emergency , which is below the average of the packages that have been offered by other EU governments .
The €203 payment announced earlier this month for those who have lost their jobs has come in for particular criticism as being far too low .
Mr Varadkar said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an income support package over the weekend and would hopefully be in a position to conclude it over the next 24 hours .
“ There are really two aspects of what we need to do .
One is an enhanced payment for people who ’ ve lost their jobs , and the other is payments for employers to encourage them to keep people on their payroll .
“ So as you know , for somebody who ’ s lost their job .
They get a minimum now €203 a week , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland , or the UK , but we think that ’ s too low , given the circumstances , and we need to hold our society together .
”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has warned that Ireland "is at an early stage" in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Video: RTÉ
More information should be provided on the location of clusters and cases of coronavirus around the country, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said.
Mr Martin, speaking ahead of a meeting of all party leaders on the crisis, also called for further restrictions on the movement of people but did not call for a full national lockdown.
Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald, also speaking to reporters ahead of the leaders' meeting, called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to close all non-essential business.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald on the Dáil plinth on Monday afternoon. Photograph Nick Bradshaw / The Irish Times
Mr Varadkar has indicated he will not do so and the Government says any decisions will be taken on foot of advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.
READ MORE
Mr Martin said rumours of the locations of outbreaks are counterproductive to “good behaviour”. While he said that regional restrictions on movement could be put in place, he said greater transparency is more likely to encourage people to change their behaviour if they know there is a cluster in their area.
He said “severe restrictions are required in terms of public gatherings”, adding: “It’s all about protecting our senior citizens, protecting people with underlying conditions.”
Mr Martin also called for a strong programme of income supports similar to that introduced in Denmark, where the State pays up to 75 per cent of person's salary to a certain limit, and in the UK, where the payment is up to 80 per cent of salary, again to a limit.
“Substantive supports for employees, people who’ve been laid off in particular sectors and in line with other countries, but also maintaining the link between the worker and the enterprise,” he said. “ Because I think that is the key so that the enterprise, when this is over, can restart as quickly as possible. And for that to happen, there will have to be softer loans, interest free loans and working capital supports.”
The Government is expected to finalise the details of a package of supports in the coming days.
Time delays
Mr Martin raised concerns about the time it is taking to carry out coronavirus tests as well as “anxiety” about personal protective equipment for medical staff.
“We know that the HSE has put in significant orders. But there needs to be straight up transparency and honesty with staff and with people across the country in relation to that issue.”
Ms McDonald said it is “obvious now at this stage that we’re at the point where the emergency measures to protect people need to be stepped up very significantly”.
She said it is “intolerable” and “unacceptable” that some people are in workplaces where physical distancing cannot be adequately practiced.
“It’s unacceptable that working people are being left with so much risk. People that work on construction sites, in factories, in call centers…know that when they go to work, that they’re not safe because it’s simply not possible, in so many cases, to practice safe physical distancing.
“Delay costs lives. That’s the lesson from other countries. We should not drag our heels now. ”
She said while this could lead to “hundreds of thousands of temporary redundancies” an “adequate income support scheme” should be put in place.
Mr Varadkar earlier called a suggestion from Ms McDonald that the money from the Apple tax case be used for such supports “rubbish”.
“Mary Lou McDonald should know better,” he said. “The Apple money is in an escrow account and that’s where it’s being held until the European courts decide where that money’s going to go.”
Ms McDonald said: “I’m not interested in having a squabble with him as to where the money is raised. It’s going to be an expensive scheme, but it’s absolutely necessary.”
The Government has been criticised for its financial support commitments to employers and employees adversely affected by the Covid-19 emergency, which is below the average of the packages that have been offered by other EU governments. The €203 payment announced earlier this month for those who have lost their jobs has come in for particular criticism as being far too low.
Mr Varadkar said on Monday the Government had been working on an income support package over the weekend and would hopefully be in a position to conclude it over the next 24 hours.
“There are really two aspects of what we need to do. One is an enhanced payment for people who’ve lost their jobs, and the other is payments for employers to encourage them to keep people on their payroll.
“So as you know, for somebody who’s lost their job. They get a minimum now €203 a week, as compared to only £100 a week in Northern Ireland, or the UK, but we think that’s too low, given the circumstances, and we need to hold our society together.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Twenty new Covid-19 cases confirmed in Northern Ireland

The number of coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland has increased by 20 as from Monday afternoon , bringing the number of cases in the North to 148 , the North ’ s Department of Health has announced .
There also were twenty new cases reported on Sunday .
To date two people have died of the virus in the North .
So far 2,692 Covid-19 tests have been completed in Northern Ireland .
Of the total of confirmed cases 84 are male and 64 are female .
The results show that confirmed tests are fairly equal across the different age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the age group up to 44 and 51 in the group aged from 45 to 69 .
There were 45 in the 70-plus age group .
The North ’ s Minister for Health Robin Swann of the Ulster Unionist Party said that in a few short weeks the Covid-19 crisis “ could very rapidly dwarf the impact of the Troubles on our society ” .
“ The very same virus that is creating untold devastation in Italy and elsewhere .
.
.
If the looming Covid-19 surge isn ’ t pushed back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world would be able to cope , ” he said .
“ However , we still have time .
Please follow the advice : stay at home , wash your hands , keep your distance .
Protect yourself , protect others , protect the NHS.
” Meanwhile , Northern Assembly speaker Alex Maskey ordered a temporary break after the Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill appeared close to tears when taking a question about the coronavirus emergency .
She was overcome temporarily with emotion when asked a question by Traditional Unionist Voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Antrim constituents who has cancer .
He asked what should he say to the family of a 32-year-old mother who had contacted him .
“ She has very serious cancer .
She has got a two-year-old child and she has just been told that her chemotherapy is going to end because choices have to be made as to who will be treated , ” asked Mr Allister .
“ What do you say ?
What can you say ?
What can you say to that person ?
” replied Ms O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paused and struggled to continue .
“ These are the challenges which we are going to have to deal with , ” she added , while then unable to continue .
Questioning paused so that Ms O ’ Neill could regain her composure .
“ There aren ’ t any good answers to those kinds of questions , ” she said when able to resume .

Michelle O’Neill was overcome temporarily when asked a question by Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister about one of his North Antrim constituents who has cancer. Photograph: PA
The number of coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland has increased by 20 as from Monday afternoon, bringing the number of cases in the North to 148, the North's Department of Health has announced.
There also were twenty new cases reported on Sunday. To date two people have died of the virus in the North.
So far 2,692 Covid-19 tests have been completed in Northern Ireland.
Of the total of confirmed cases 84 are male and 64 are female. The results show that confirmed tests are fairly equal across the different age groups.
READ MORE
There were 52 confirmed cases in the age group up to 44 and 51 in the group aged from 45 to 69. There were 45 in the 70-plus age group.
The North’s Minister for Health Robin Swann of the Ulster Unionist Party said that in a few short weeks the Covid-19 crisis “could very rapidly dwarf the impact of the Troubles on our society”.
“The very same virus that is creating untold devastation in Italy and elsewhere . . . If the looming Covid-19 surge isn’t pushed back, then no health service in the world would be able to cope,” he said.
“However, we still have time. Please follow the advice: stay at home, wash your hands, keep your distance. Protect yourself, protect others, protect the NHS.”
Meanwhile, Northern Assembly speaker Alex Maskey ordered a temporary break after the Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill appeared close to tears when taking a question about the coronavirus emergency.
She was overcome temporarily with emotion when asked a question by Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister about one of his North Antrim constituents who has cancer.
He asked what should he say to the family of a 32-year-old mother who had contacted him.
“She has very serious cancer. She has got a two-year-old child and she has just been told that her chemotherapy is going to end because choices have to be made as to who will be treated,” asked Mr Allister.
“What do you say? What can you say? What can you say to that person?” replied Ms O’Neill who, then close tears, paused and struggled to continue. “These are the challenges which we are going to have to deal with,” she added, while then unable to continue.
Questioning paused so that Ms O’Neill could regain her composure.
“There aren’t any good answers to those kinds of questions,” she said when able to resume.


theirishtimes--2020-03-23--Free over-the-phone tuition for adults with literacy or numeracy difficulties

The National Adult Literacy Agency ( Nala ) is offering free tuition over the phone for adults who have literacy or numeracy difficulties .
The charity , which believes around one in six adults have difficulty with reading , has tutors available for phone tuition and for online courses on its website .
As part of the programme , tutors are available to help people with reading , writing and spelling ; filling in forms such as social welfare forms ; understanding health information and understanding financial information , for example applying for mortgage relief .
The instructors are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best help kids with their homework while they ’ re off school during the coronavirus pandemic .
The courses are free and participants choose what they want to learn and when they want to learn it , Nala said .
A tutor will call the individual at a pre-arranged time that is convenient for the participant , and the programme normally includes one call per week for up to 30 minutes .
“ We know it ’ s a very difficult time at the moment , especially for the many people in Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using everyday technology , ” said Dr Inez Bailey , chief executive of Nala .
“ That ’ s why we ’ re making our distance learning service , with tutors on the phone , available for anyone who wants help with reading and writing , for example understanding health information , helping kids with school work or filling out forms for social welfare benefit.
” She added : “ We can also help with basic digital support like accessing the kids ’ homework online or your classes online , as we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To avail of the service , you can call Nala on Freephone 1800 20 20 65 , or Text LEARN to 50050 for a call-back with more information .
The phone is answered Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm and all texts will be replied to within two days , the charity added .

Nala instructors will move from face-to-face provision to online and over the phone assistance. Photograph: iStock/Getty Images
The National Adult Literacy Agency (Nala) is offering free tuition over the phone for adults who have literacy or numeracy difficulties.
The charity, which believes around one in six adults have difficulty with reading, has tutors available for phone tuition and for online courses on its website.
As part of the programme, tutors are available to help people with reading, writing and spelling; filling in forms such as social welfare forms; understanding health information and understanding financial information, for example applying for mortgage relief.
The instructors are also able to help adults learn how to best help kids with their homework while they’re off school during the coronavirus pandemic.
READ MORE
The courses are free and participants choose what they want to learn and when they want to learn it, Nala said.
A tutor will call the individual at a pre-arranged time that is convenient for the participant, and the programme normally includes one call per week for up to 30 minutes.
"We know it's a very difficult time at the moment, especially for the many people in Ireland who struggle with reading, writing and using everyday technology," said Dr Inez Bailey, chief executive of Nala.
“That’s why we’re making our distance learning service, with tutors on the phone, available for anyone who wants help with reading and writing, for example understanding health information, helping kids with school work or filling out forms for social welfare benefit.”
She added: “We can also help with basic digital support like accessing the kids’ homework online or your classes online, as we know it can be a little daunting.”
To avail of the service, you can call Nala on Freephone 1800 20 20 65, or Text LEARN to 50050 for a call-back with more information. The phone is answered Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm and all texts will be replied to within two days, the charity added.