Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
A MOTHER IN Northern Ireland is legally challenging the decision not to close schools in the region amid the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak.
The mother’s daughter attends a primary school in Co Armagh, and has underlying health problems including severe asthma. The mother’s legal team said that the girl “is at a greater risk of harm should she contract the coronavirus”.
Ireland announced that it would close all schools, universities, and cultural institutions until the 29 March, and that those who can work from home should. Last night, it was announced that pubs and clubs would also close until at least 29 March.
Phoenix Law, a firm of human rights lawyers with offices based in Belfast, Dublin and London, released a statement last night on behalf of the child’s mother:
“We have today put the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health, the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools on notice of our intention to apply for emergency judicial review of the current position with regards to the decision not to close schools across the jurisdiction.
It is our client’s case that the current position is unlawful and contrary to the necessary protections afforded to all citizens under the human rights act.
“For these reasons, we have been instructed to put the various public bodies on notice of our intention to apply for judicial review.”
The Stormont Assembly is to discuss the issue of closing schools today.
Sinn Féin is asking for the schools to be closed, as they are in Ireland, but the DUP is arguing in favour of the UK government’s approach to keep them open.
Darragh Mackin, solicitor at Phoenix Law who acts for the mother said:
“It is clear that the respective public bodies have each failed in their respective obligations to our client, and indeed all children, by continuing to require their attendance at school in circumstances in which they would be at an increased risk of contracting the condition.
There is no time for any further delay. The necessary policies and decisions all need to be taken in a manner that recognises the real and immediate risk. The wider international community has spoken. Their advice cannot and should not be ignored.
“It is a deplorable situation when a mother has to initiate urgent legal proceedings to ensure that her child, and indeed children across the jurisdiction, are afforded the necessary protections and safeguards required under law.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
One of rte’s better presenters
He’s not the worst, in fairness
@jamesdecay:
Don’t pretend you don’t love ‘Jesus in da house’ ;)
@Felix: you’re right. Killer line in fairness
@Felix: Sometimes that song just rolls back into the front of my mind.
“Big shout out to my homies in Maynooth!”
@jamesdecay: is brenda. The token man on rte
Near all women tv/radio station.. Seems that on rte we are a dieing breed.. Near extinct.. Or where ever there is a man there must always be a corresponding woman… Be careful brendan!!
Brendan O connor is a good choice , happy for him.
@Aine O Connor:
I like him too. He was annoying when he was younger (probably like lots of us) but he has matured well.
@Aine O Connor: Everything he was ever on declined, a fool of a thing.
Not before time till some plonker give his slot to Ray Darcy , Well Done Brendan
RTE never look further than their canteen for new positions (or LLS guests)
Congratulations to Brendan.
Why can’t we import someone to host this progam rather than appoint yet another politically correct RTE hack.
@Mary’s Abbey: you should have applied for the job yourself, Gemma.
@Connoroconner: I would strongly recommend Ella Whelan from Spiked Magazine.
@Mary’s Abbey: Ella Whelan would be the breath of fresh air we so badly need. https://www.marathi.tv/anchor/ella-whelan/
@Mary’s Abbey: agreed, someone not so beige, god he’s dull
@Mary’s Abbey: agreed, someone not so beige, god he’s dull
@Mary’s Abbey: Brendan is definitely not of the politically correct Gene pool . Delighted he got the slot as very entertaining
Surely there is some new and up and coming talent that could have taken on the job, more of the same,what ever will they do when current staff sail in to the sunset, there will be no one to come on board.
Fantastic decision. Well done Brendan!
Delighted. He’s a nice guy and a good presenter.
In fairness, a ballsy move by RTE.
@Furze: not really. He’s covered for her many times and his shows have been good. No brainer
Close down the tribunals Bertie did nothing wrong article by Brendan back in the day
Part of the politically corrupt FFG INDEPENDENT news paper Rte tax payer funded cabal well suited
Not before time till some plonker gives his slot to Ray Darcy , Well Done Brendan
He’s certainly not a natural broadcaster but he is likeable and a good interviewer.
Good luck to him. (Tommy Tiernan would have been my choice).
@ted hagan: No, Tommy would be a disaster on such a programme.
@Breda Kelly: Yes – putting Tommy Tiernan would only stifle the brilliance of the man. It would be like the scene at the end of One flew over the cuckoos nest where we would have to kill him off with a pillow to preserve the character. Roundabout way of saying I think TT is great!
what? ….
…Not a female (or identified as female) replacing a male/female radio/tv presenter in 2020????.
some thing needs to be done!!! lol..
He has some strange political views,
Bye, bye to that programme after that appointment. This fellow would put down a government on his own. Plays mind games with himself.
The first time Brendan came to my attention was after the first Nice referendum, he wrote an article claiming that Irish people love saying no to things was the reason for its rejection. A truly childish response considering we had voted yes to all the previous European referendums. I knew then that he would go far. Marian was neutral when she presented liveline and her weekend slot. Now rte have put in two right wing men to replace her, who prevent discussions which are getting too close to the truth. Tubs part 2
Best of Luck Brendan keep a light on Disability issues.
Well done Brendan. Great presenter
Well there is continuity in this appointment.. keep the status quo alive. Like Joe Duffy Brendan will give his guests a free interview only if it suits the agenda. Ray Darcy probably would have been the choice, but the powers that be couldn’t trust him to F..K up an soft interview.
Listenership will drop for sure here, He is just awful, a real Clown.
have your say