The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has said it does not expect members will be redeployed to assist with health services as part of the Government’s efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic, adding that “ the primary focus of staff in the education and training sector is on continuing to deliver tuition to all students”. It is likely that special needs assistants (SNAs) will make up the bulk of any temporary redeployment of school staff. Some school management sources said a small number of teaching staff – such as those in the further education sector with particular expertise in areas of health – may also be redeployed.
Builders have halted work on major road and other projects after the Government stepped up Covid-19 restrictions at the weekend. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) confirmed that any road building not regarded as essential has stopped. However, maintenance work is continuing as it is deemed critical. Construction on the new National Children’s Hospital at St James’ has also ceased.
The Justice Department has said that more than 650 new beds have been made available for those in Direct Provision, such as asylum seekers, during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Irish Farmers’ Association has written to the Government and European Commission asking that all imports of beef from outside Europe be halted to support farmers in European countries. The submission details a number of measures to protect the livelihoods of Irish farmers as the Covid-19 pandemic is navigated across European countries.
The Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) and Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSU) are putting resources behind Operation Faoisimh, and will see gardaí make “phone contact with previous victims of domestic abuse to ascertain any existing issues of concern and to ensure the protection of families”. There has been a year-on-year increase, of around 16%, in Domestic abuse incidents reported between 2019 and 2020, according to gardaí.
Dublin City Council has launched a dedicated community support helpline to help at-risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency. So, if you need help or know somebody who needs help, the phone number to call is 01 222 8555. The lines are open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Lastly, today’s zen is Hozier’s performance of The Parting Glass on the Late Late Show, to pay tribute to the people that have sadly lost their lives to the virus.
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