Author Archives: Bodger

This morning.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has responded to to the publication last night of a report by the Secretary General at the Department of Foreign Affairs which found a “serious breach” of social distancing rules had occurred at a gathering to mark Ireland’s election to the UN Security Council (top).

The event inflicted reputational damage on the department and undermined internal morale, it stated.

….via RTE News:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Mr Coveney told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that it was a moment of carelessness and celebration and lasted for about a minute.

But, he said that he can totally understand why people looking at the photograph would be annoyed.

He said he did not order an investigation or take action because he trusted his secretary general to deal with the matter…

Meanwhile…

Sinn Féin has demanded that Taoiseach Micheál Martin establish an independent investigation into the celebration at the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2020, because an internal review published last night had “no accountability”.

Breach of restrictions at DFA ‘should not have happened’ – Coveney (RTE)

Ah here.

This Justin.

But they came all this way to see you.

Earlier: Step In The Veh-icle

Getty

Meanwhile…

Cult?

*cough*

The Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin is to close this week

“This weekend the doors will close on the final exhibition at Science Gallery Dublin as we currently know it.

‘However, that will not be the end of the gallery story.

‘Looking back, the gallery has been wonderful, but it has had problems in recent years. Unfortunately, in its present form, with its substantial and growing debt, it cannot overcome those problems. The current operational model has run its course.

‘The gallery needs to be totally reimagined and work very differently from the way it does now. Closing the gallery affords us the time to address the problems and build a new, exciting and sustainable way forward.

‘Colleagues and students across Trinity are eager to be involved, as are many of the long-time friends and supporters of the gallery. We can also count on widespread public support, as well as the wisdom and support of Science Gallery International.

‘Over the past months we have also had excellent engagement with multiple Government departments who have come together in a very collaborative manner and pledged support for our future ambitions.

“None of what I have said above takes from the fact that the gallery has been a source of delight and inspiration since it opened in 2008. We are proud to have inspired other cities around the world to adopt our vision to showcase research and ideas from science and technology in exciting new ways.

‘I would like to thank everyone who has worked in, contributed to and supported Science Gallery Dublin over the years.

‘Over the coming months, working with the Trinity Board and others, we will keep you updated on progress as we move into a new phase of planning.’

Trinity Provost Linda Doyle.

Meanwhile…

Anyone?

Science Gallery Dublin: Message from Provost (TCD)

RollingNews

Mask her!

Friday night.

The Late Late Show on RTÉ One.

KN writes:

She’ll never be invited back, but good on her!!

Fight!

Friday night: ‘Over, It’s Over, We Answered Ireland’s Call’

Top pic: Hamburg, 1936

Staying in this week?

Via RTE

All this week RTÉ’s Prime Time put the problem of a generation, unaffordable housing, in the spotlight. Housing is an urgent issue that affects everyone, every day. To reflect this, a digitally led project on rte.ie/prime time will host a week of in-depth analysis, data and video content from Monday morning, publishing every day at 7am, as well two dedicated live television programmes.

Meanwhile…

On Thursday, RTÉ Prime Time will also employ the use of augmented reality in studio as they look at home ownership presenting the facts and statistics and the changing demographics.

Can this end well?

Prime Time on Tuesday and Thursday on RTE One at 9.35pm.

RollingNews

THis morning/afternoon.

Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

Women of Honour members Honor Murphy (top left) and Karina Molloy (above right), who are part of a group of former Defence Forces members who detailed allegations of sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination in the military, on their way into the Dáil (Leinster House) to meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin accompanied by opposition TDs. Aontu’s Peadar Toibin (above left) and Social Democrat TD Gary Gannon (above right).

Meanwhile, via BreakingNews:

Karina Molloy told RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show that the group was “deflated” despite assurances from the Taoiseach that a statutory inquiry will go ahead if recommended by the review.

The Women of Honour group was concerned that the Department of Defence was writing the terms of the review, which meant they were essentially investigating themselves, she said.

A statutory inquiry was needed to root out the systemic problems within the force, added Ms Molloy.

When asked why the group had not walked out of the meeting with the Taoiseach as they had done during a meeting with Minister Simon Coveney last week, Ms Molloy explained that Mr Martin had not revealed that a statutory inquiry would not be going ahead until an hour and a half into the meeting.

“We had hoped to talk more and to persuade him.”

Women of Honour ‘deflated’ following meeting with Taoiseach (BreakingNews)

Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews

This morning/afternoon.

New guidance for workplaces has been published to ‘reflect the recent relaxation of most public health measures’.

Transitional Protocol here

Meanwhile…

Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne programme, Head of Communications with Fórsa Bernard Harbor said the legislation published last week was more of a “right to refuse” than a right to request remote working and is out of kilter with what is actually happening in workplaces.

He said the legislation needs to be radically revised if it is to capture the benefits of remote working.

Mr Harbor said the legislation does not help the most vulnerable who would benefit most from remote working arrangements, but has an employer who may simply refuse the application.

He added there is a danger that workplaces will simply revert to old work practices because the emphasis is on the phased return to work, rather than the long-term benefits of remote working.

New workplace guidance following easing of Covid restrictions (RTE)

Zero alcohol?

Hic.

This morning.

It’s not a caption competition until you insist.

Rishi Sunak frontrunner to succeed Boris Johnson if PM ousted, IpsosMORI poll reveals (Evening Standard)

Thanks Tenpin Terry

Pic via Flickr

Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage ground on Saturday

Saturday.

Via RT:

Two separate English football matches had to be halted on Saturday afternoon following further incidents of fans suffering medical emergencies in the crowd.

Around 10 minutes into the first half after the hosts went 1-0 up, play had to be suspended at Fulham’s Craven Cottage as they took on Blackpool when paramedics rushed to a supporter in the Hammersmith Stand that had been taken ill.

Medical staff of both clubs helped the professionals, as fellow fans used flags to block the view and grant privacy to first responders.

Meanwhile…

Up in the northwest, a similar incident occurred as Oldham hosted Rochdale at Boundary Park in League Two.

About 18 minutes into the derby, with the score tied at 0-0, one of the home team’s faithful suffered a scare in the Main Stand which also prompted professional help.

Fan medical emergencies halt two football games (RT)

Meanwhile…

Pic: Fulham FC