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.
SCIENTISTS AT TRINITY College have made an important breakthrough that will help treat and possibly cure Parkinson’s Disease.
The researchers have been examining the protein gene ‘Parkin’, and how it controls and repairs nerve cells in the brain.
Professor Seamus Martin headed up the team of scientists.
He told TheJournal.ie there is “no question” but that the breakthrough will improve treatment for sufferers of Parkinson’s Disease.
“It’s a step towards knowing what we can do to potentially develop cures. if you don’t know why something is broken, you can’t fix it.”
Martin said that while it may have no immediate application, it’s a major step in improving treatment and potentially one day finding a cure.
People living with Parkinson’s Disease often have a mutated form of the Parkin gene, which may explain why damaged, dysfunctional nerve cells accumulate.
Although mutation of Parkin has been known to lead to an early onset form of Parkinson’s for many years, understanding what it actually did within cells has been difficult to solve.
Cell destruction
The new research has found that damage to mitochondria (a component that helps cells take in and absorb nutrients) activates the Parkin protein, which results in one of two different outcomes: either self-destruction or a repair mode.
Martin said his team discovered that Parkin has a destruction mechanism whereby it can “identify when cells are past their sell-by date and get rid of them”.
This discovery is surprising and turns on its head the way we thought that Parkin functions. Until now, we have thought of Parkin as a brake on cell death within nerve cells, helping to delay their death. However, our new data suggests the contrary.
The findings suggest that one of the problems in Parkinson’s disease may be the failure to clear away sick nerve cells, to make way for healthy replacements.
The study, which was funded by Science Foundation Ireland, has been published in the internationally-renowned scientific journal Cell Reports.
Martin said that university research such as this is an “important public service that is absolutely essential” in the development of medication.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
It’s only a minority that’s not compliant, so those that are following guidelines don’t have to worry about the fines.. I’m sure the anti-everything brigade mob in town today will be escorted around the city and not a word said to them. While us minions try to flatten the curve
@dublinsnap: or put another way, it’s only a minority can think for themselves, read the data and don’t need to be told what to do by their overlords.
@dublinsnap: Flatten the curve with your anti science nonsense. Do some research for god sake.
@dublinsnap: oh you are so right
@Vladimir Macro: and I’ll add to that. Do you know why they are calling a second lockdown a “circuit breaker”?
If you haven’t considered why then you deserve to stay locked up.
@Paul Lanigan: such tinfoilery
@Quoka: seriously laughing at that statement and cannot genuinely take it seriously lol
@Paul Lanigan: I said I’d reply to your Trump like comment as no one else had and I didn’t want you to feel left out.
@Paul Lanigan: People who park on double yellow lines, speed, drink drive, evade taxes know what to do too and don’t want to be told by their overlords. Society needs structure to protect it from selfish people who dont care.
@Paul Lanigan: you probably believe the earth is flat as well.
@Quoka: the whole nation of Sweden must have a low IQ too along with the whole continent of Africa.
Bless you.
@Vladimir Macro: nearly 100% of Swedes abide by guidelines. Ergo no need for a big stick. Unlike Ireland. And the percentage of Africans wearing masks is higher than here too
@Vladimir Macro: much younger population for starters better health care etc etc but don’t let the facts get in the way.. such a simple bunch
@Vladimir Macro: The “circuit breaker” term is just branding. The masses are growing weary and they are trying to frame it as a new thing.
@Vladimir Macro: That you could make that leap and offer such a specious track of reasoning as a response to what I said is telling, Vlad.
@Richard Reynolds: seriously go for a nap.
@dublinsnap: Still gotta sit in traffic for hours tho! Our backward looking mentality is working well as ever.
@Paul Lanigan: You are still being told what to do , when you are reading data. Johnny Bananas and Co have co signed alot of anti mask propaganda lately.
@Paul Lanigan: anti maskers try so hard to deliver their conspiracy theory message but really they are the real sheep following a right wing gathering of loyalists and r wing brits who don’t have any medical background
@Paul Lanigan:
Saw the anti-maskers out the last day… No Einsteins in that group…
@Quoka: let me guess. Your one of those ppl who think they’re ‘woke’ with an iQ of 1000. Keep watching the tv for your info.
@Vladimir Macro: Childish. Or you skipped your medication this morning?
@Damian Mac An Bháird: I misinterpreted the aunty mask protest last week and went dresses as a woman with a mask on.
@Paul Lanigan: or a minority that don’t give a toss about does around them!
@Paul Lanigan:
They choose to be told what to think and what to do by more shadowy overlords instead.
@Terry McSweeney: ah ya gotta laugh
@Quoka: In the land of the blind the one eyed is Fuerher.
@Vladimir Macro: I’ve been to Sweden. Ultra Low population density. Swedes are more distant than the friendly Irish. Swedes generally are more moderate drinkers. And, Swedes naturally follow rules (a bit like Germans). Irish people don’t follow rules like they do.
@Paul Lanigan: Overlords, please explain. One who the Overlords? What makes the minority so clever and why do they hide it so well, when being interviewed or at their events.
@Vladimir Macro: Please tell us why. Please
@Vladimir Macro: A higher infection rate a higher death rate and a higher rate of people social distancing and following the rules in place. Plus a much lower population density.
@Damian Moylan: You are spot on there Damien.
@Paul Lanigan: yes people do need need to be told what to do during a global pandemic. It’s called management .
@Damian Mac An Bháird: Keep guessing, Damian. As you know, guesswork is the foundation of all rational conclusion.
@Vladimir Macro: Why is it all the educated people see this for what it is, a natural pandemic that is killing people and therefore are happy to follow advice and guidelines and then it’s just the poorly educated crying “sheep”, “conspiracy”, “control” etc? Is it because they simply cannot comprehend what a pandemic is, how virus spreads and how to adapt by following the guidelines so would rather give into their fear of the unknown the only sensible way they know how, by believing some crack pot or crack pots on the Internet who are playing on their fears and presenting easy to understand information which is presented as “fact” and could almost be believable to those lacking higher education?
@Quoka: is that according to people with an IQ of 86?
@Paul Lanigan: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
@Quoka: yep u sound like one alright
@Vladimir Macro: stop spreading your cow poop. You and your like is why we need a circuit breaker.
@Paul Lanigan: read the data….dont make me laugh…not a brain cell amongst the anti masks
@Trevor Connolly: No they don’t. Advised yes. We are not a dictatorship……at least not yet.
@Diarmuid: it is
@Paul Lanigan: so the minority don’t wear seatbelts while driving? Free thinkers and all that.
@Vladimir Macro: Oh now that you mention Africa – it seems that many if not most of Africa, apart from the north and south, may carry immunity to the effects of covid-19 and that many antibody tests show high levels while death rates remain very low ( One of many sources: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/08/pandemic-appears-have-spared-africa-so-far-scientists-are-struggling-explain-why )
Sweden’s case rate in very low as they do not community test normally and contact tracing involves asking an infected person to “tell their mates” and their death rate is 1.5 times Ireland.
There are so many things that affect transmission such as community and social habits as well as different testing and death reporting criteria that it is somewhat unfair to compare any one country to another. One can go even further and say it is unfair to compare any one region with another.
One theory on the rise of cases is Europe is that as autumn approaches many outdoor activities move indoors.
@Paul Lanigan: cherry picking data is called confirmation bias, not thinking for yourself.
@Paul Lanigan: who ties your shoelaces?
@Paul Lanigan: If you had loved ones risking their health, working on the frontline in the health service your interpretation of the data would be different …
@Vladimir Macro: Excess deaths in Sweden has been way higher than most countries including Ireland.
I don’t mind fines for face coverings. I can’t see what the fuss is about. To me their the equivalent of holding a hankie in front of your face. But I have issues about fines for moving outside your county. I really believe that even travelling for a birthday party or for a hike in the mountains, walk along a beach can be essential for the mental health of some people. Many families live across county borders. It may be only a few kilometres but you could end up with a hefty fine for travelling 10 km to see a loved one
@Anne Marie Devlin: birthday parties? Ah here
@Anne Marie Devlin: forget about the birthday parties !!! one of them is responsible for a cluster in my area !!!
@Anne Marie Devlin: the best example I could find was a supermarket in Little Bray Co. Dublin where the roads surrounding it are in Co. Wicklow and the house in Derry, Northern Ireland whose enterance gate is across the border in Donegal.
A 10km or 20km cross border distance should be allowed as well as very specific and clear definitions as to what travel is allowed. Also a trip from Youghal to Dursey island is about 200km which is just slightly less than a trip from Youghal to Dublin yet you have to leave your county to get to the northern roundabout at Youghal. More than cop on is needed if it becomes law.
@Anne Marie Devlin: agree
@Anne Marie Devlin: It won’t be forever and we all need to sacrifice the few things we usually don’t have to think twice about – and yes, a hefty fine will be a hard pill to swallow for some but it’s one way to maybe get that minority to cop on for the time it will take to get it under control. Personally I think alot of the fault are the millennials…before anyone bashes me for it, I’ve a son studying in dublin and of course they’ve met in groups of 6 but there’s been a number of variables of those 6′s groups. I don’t know how compliant they are collectively in wearing masks, social distancing but I’ve had arguments with him as a result of pics he’s sent me where they’ve been in group’s, no adherence to social distancing and not a mask in sight. I’d give him a kick in the backside if he was here. I’m hoping they’ll get tested before coming back to see us. I know they’re not the only ones not adhering to the common rules right now..possibly a broadcast showing the effects its had on people that have contracted it, all age groups…it may help to make those not taking it seriously to sit up and realise nobody’s invincible.
@Andre le Flohic: How come there is no data on supermarket breakouts?
Is it because its essential?
Start using your brain.
@Anne Marie Devlin: I agree that masks are clear cut, unless they have a doctor’s exemption there’s no valid reason for not wearing one.
Essential reasons for leaving your county is far more nuanced and the rule doesn’t make a huge amount of sense to begin with considering people who live beside borders. It should remain as advice, they’re creating a disaster for themselves if they’re going to try and enforce what is or isn’t “essential”.
@Laura Halpenny: laura we were told “it will only be for a few weeks” back in march and we ended in a 3.5 month lockdown. Most are following the rules. Why not put counties with big numbers in higher levels and or tackle the actual problem areas and try curb them.
@Anne Marie Devlin: Modern tech like zoom can be used for now re birthday parties and face timing friends/relatives. Jesus, missing a party’s not the end of the world. Re the hiking, you can always find somewhere close and within a county to walk…maybe not such a vertical height but who cares as long as it’s out in the fresh air.
@Niall Ó Cofaigh: In that case you would have to give proof of address at a Garda checkpoint and the Garda would then have to work out if you were within a certain radius of that. Completely unworkable. County boundaries are understood by everyone and practical to police
@Laura Halpenny: with that you’re going back to the way things were in march april may and part of June. That’s what’s driving people banannas. Imo there is no need to put all the country in level 5 restrictions and I thought that’s what the 5 stage plan was about. Put the counties where u see fit.
@Macca1986: how do we do that though? The areas with higher numbers should be contained I agree but it all happens too little too late. I totally understand where you’re coming from. My thoughts were that, when numbers started to rise nationally, we confine people strictly to their own house for a set time and with door food deliveries…I know that could have been near impossible and it possibly would have had to be registered online or something so that people’s food needs are catered for – medical needs too. There would have needed to be a huge amount of people required for this to be delivered – gardai, army etc but it may have been the answer, who knows. Also they didn’t take international travel into account, that should have ceased. Maybe I’m in la la land in my thoughts on the matter but as I say it was all too little too late.
@Thomas O’ Donnell: county boundaries are only marked on main roads so not necessarily understood by everyone. A person couldn’t be asked to give details every time if he has to travel a few km because he’s on the border and the nearest shop is over the border. Also a 5km radius allows roundabout travel of 30km and still be within 5km of your home.
@Niall Ó Cofaigh: agreed
@Laura Halpenny: realistically the 5 stage plan means nothing if you’re putting every county into the one level of restriction all the time
@Macca1986: The mask brigade are like turkeys voting for xmas!
This week has had the cops out setting up road blocks all week, making life harder for people to work or get to work. So if new laws are given to the gardai, they will be out in force making sure that they have sufficient numbers to PROVE to the mask brigade that it is working.
So what will happen with actual crime?
Where does the mask wearing stop? In public, or just retail?
What happens if it’s a child under 12 with no I’d to prove otherwise?
Gardai wont go after the heads that they know dont care about being hassled, they will gladly go to court, get free legal aid, and walk away scot free
It’s normal citizens who will get hit with these fines.
And how long will the new laws last?
Be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it and not like it!!!
@ed o brien: I dont know ed but I have a relative in Australia and they were struggling to curb problem areas, they have introduced heavy fines and it has largely solved the issue.
@Anne Marie Devlin: There are reasons to travel and they are very clear. Focusing on the medical health side is a cheap shot. That has been taken into account too.
Yes not seeing family members is one of the prices we have to pay due to people ignoring the rules.
@Vladimir Macro: Where else would you buy food, food is essential. Tin foil as well, I mean that is very essential.
@Anne Marie Devlin: why would you hold a hankies over your face if you don’t need to ? Because tv said you should ?
@Macca1986: oh I know..and when the gov saw the rate at which the virus was spreading across europe they should have put a plan in place, in the event it might reach ireland. We would have been spared this very frustrating and mentally tough time we have been going through for the last 7 months. I feel we all have been affected by it mentally, false hopes that we might be able to get back to some sort of normality.
@Thomas O’ Donnell:
still not addressed the issues such as Aldi (or is it Lidl) in Little Bray where the county boundary is also the car park boundary.
still not addressed the issue where your entrance gate is in one county and your home in another (or indeed another countrty)
still not addressed the issue were farm land or other property spans county or country
I know where Dublin ends and Wicklow begins on the Blessington road as the road surface changes, but I do not know every road in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains and where the county border lies.
Elsewhere I quoted where the people in Youghal could not use the Northern access road roandabout as the N25 crosses into Co. Waterford for about 200 meters prior to the Youghal Exit.
In another example access to Mt St Josephs Abbey Roscrea is from Roscrea but the Abbey is in Offaly so there would be no access to the school or abbey as the monastery gate in on the county (and provance) boundary.
So if people are supposed to stay in their own county some cannot even get out their garden gate, some cannot access 1/2 their farm land, some cannot access their back garden. It makes me wonder even if a county border running through anyone’s house.
What about New Ross and and Killaloe/Ballina – towns split by a count border?
I know these are the extremes but if you make a law confining people to their country all the above become illegal or else there needs to be exceptions…
@Anne Marie Devlin: in some ways I agree, I live in Louth, work in Dublin and the gym I go to is based near my work in Dublin, by the current guidelines (which I am adhering to) I’m unable to go to my gym but I can attend work where I come in contact with people who live in Dublin who also go to this gym. Fitness/mental health should class as essential
Level 3 restrictions seem to be working in both Dublin & Donegal. Dublin figures are well down & Donegal was outside the top 5 counties yesterday.
Great news if we don’t need to go to Levels 4 or 5.
If people keep it up we will still have Xmas!!!
@Justin Gillespie: We will still have Xmas no matter what happens. I don’t understand it when people say we will have no Xmas.
@David Corrigan: because if you live in a different county to family you won’t be able to visit them for xmas
@David Corrigan: level 5 means only essential services will be open 5km rule so with L5 there will be no Xmas for many
@dublinsnap @D Mems: But that is not the end of the world is it? Buy presents early, stock up on food and drink and Xmas day will be like any other.
@David Corrigan: not if you can’t see your family. That’s what people have the issue with. It’s not whether or not you have loads of presents and beer.
@David Corrigan: if your family live within 5km in level 5 yea or 20k in level 4 otherwise it could be a very lonely Xmas for many
@D Mems: Are you saying that Christmas is more important than peoples lives or health?
@David Corrigan: without children being able to sit down with their grandparents or play with their cousins. But, sure we’ll just hand them a drink!
@David Corrigan: I won’t be able to get home for the FIRST TIME in 30 years if things don’t settle down. It was unpleasant travelling back in August and the numbers were much lower.
Keep in mind that we Irish diaspora spend a fair bit while we are there. I rent for the whole month of August and when I asked for a receipt 10 years ago I got a scribble on the back of an envelope. So, lot’s of pocketing of cash there for renters and spending on our part.
Before anyone goes there…I’m not based in the US. That whole ‘Gathering’ malarkey a few years back was a huge slap in the face to the rest of us as it was ONLY and EXCLUSIVELY targeted at the US.
I’ll stop now.
@Conor Egan: I think people are making a mountain out of a mole hill to be honest. This pandemic is not going to continue for ever or anything.
@David Connell: no one said that but if people don’t cop on an we move to 5 there will be no Xmas for many and it will be a lonely time. This Xmas will be the last for many old people like my parents and for them to be on their own the thought is heartbreaking
@David Corrigan: well we’ve just nearly had a year of it with no end in sight as of yet
@Anne Marie Devlin: It might only be for a few days for heavens sake.
@Anne Marie Devlin: Dutch Gold would make a grand stocking filler for any nipper
@David Corrigan: Xmas is one day so once it’s gone it’s gone for another year
@dublinsnap: @011Y: There is nothing you or I can do about that. We all need to follow the guidelines and make sacrifices until they find a solution to this problem.
@David Corrigan: they sure do love their drama
@D Mems: sure you will. You get in your car and visit them.
@Paul Lanigan: It seems that way.
@D Mems: Comical
@David Connell: as this will be the 1st Xmas without my father, who died of Covid, I’m not saying that, I was just explaining why some people may see Xmas being at risk from their perspective. Regardless, it will be a somewhat subdued household for some this year who have lost family to this virus.
Also, if we can control the numbers by following the rules now, lives and health will be saved and people can at least travel within the country for Xmas, not optimistic for international travel though
@D Mems: I’ll be visiting my family for Christmas regardless of restrictions or fines.
@dublinsnap: will be a few years of this. Anyone that thinks it’s magically gone by Xmas or even next year is spoofing themselves. It’s not going to go
@D Mems: and? Is there are downside???
@dublinsnap: what are you planning to do to your parents? Very ominous….
@Anne Marie Devlin: If we dont follow the rules their grandparents may not be around to celebrate.
@Paul Lanigan: Who loves what drama, the people who died, their families . The people who have long term and serious health issues. This is not being done for drama it is to stop people from getting seriously ill , developing long term serious health problems or dying.
@Justin Gillespie: sure that will be the next surge, lockdowns only kick the can down the road.
@D Mems: There is nothing and I mean nothing will stop me from visiting my grandchildren Christmas day. I do not know how many I will have left at my age. The fact of not seeing them would be more detrimental to my health then anything else. These restrictions are farcical and going to cause a lot of problems.
@David Corrigan: Because Santa is old and vulnerable and if there is a full lockdown, he cannot deliver the goods. If he even makes it too Xmas…
Not wearing a mask etc yes, but going across a county border no, treating people who live a few km from one another like lepers, for example the people of kildare should be allowed drive to the coast of they please, without fear of persecution
@David Lee: agreed
@David Lee: I’m sure if you have a range of gaa jerseys, you’ll be grand
@Anne Marie Devlin: and rotating James Bond-style reg plates…
Fine people that are breaking the rules and if they are not paid stop it out off there tax or social welfare
@john: Jesus christ what is wrong with you. With travel restrictions we are heading down a very dangerous route and you come up with this farcical suggestion. This country is very quickly heading to authoritarianism and it wont end well.
@Franny Ando: agree. I’ll still travel when I need to, fine or no fine
@Anna Anna: it’s the definition of “need” that’s the problem. Some people confuse this word with “want”. I’m sure many people may want to drive from Derry into Donegal but much less need to. I think if we all do our part over the next couple of weeks we can help to reduce hospital admissions and perhaps save some lives.
@GrumpyAulFella: we’ve been doing our bit for the past 7 months. Flatten the curve they told us. Now it’s divide and conquer.
@Franny Ando: We are in the middle of a pandemic or have you not noticed.
@Gary Kearney: what pandemic ? Need deaths for that to be the case. All cause death is same as any other year
@Anna Anna: At 200 euro per offence, I think your rule breaking wings will be well and truly clipped. We are in the greatest crisis since WW2, cop on.
Fines are a real punishment for those who are struggling and a utter pittance for those who are wealthy. So, it’s extremely unfair.
Why not set civic duties/financial fines for people below a certain income level so that they can choose without losing livelihoods but only offer civic duties to those above a certain level. Basically TIME is precious to all of us but those who have money don’t give a monkey’s about paying fines.
@011Y: just follow guidelines and you won’t get a fine it’s nothing to do with rich an poor it’s to do with listening and following simple instructions. If u break guidelines an travel to another country for non essential travel you deserve a fine likewise with not wearing a mask.. would you rather a level 5 restriction or fines in level 3 for breaking restrictions, I’d take level 3 all day
@dublinsnap: Not based there at all but looking at what’s happening in Europe.
@011Y: unfortunately those from lower income backgrounds are in a lot of cases less well educated and and a result more likely to believe the false info on Facebook etc. A graduated fine system isn’t necessary, its actually pointless as the whole idea is to scare people off breaking basic health and safety rules not to take money out of people’s pockets. If someone is thick or arrogant enough not to wear a mask then I can’t see why we should give them a lesser fine
@011Y: sounds like China
@Paul Lanigan: ok Karen
@011Y: follow the guidelines and they have absolutely nothing to worry about break the guideline Pay Up!
@Paul Lanigan: Not at all they had armed guards at the checkpoints and forcibly stopped people from travelling, stopped all public transport and took no reasons for travel to break the lockdown. So it a far way from China.
Handy number for the garda saves going out on a long shift out catching gangsters, working in shifts from 7am to 10pm standing in Heuston Station asgand coming from and dishing out fines like traffic wardens dish out parking tickets, be grand little number to get.
Absolutely not. People going to work will end up delayed and paying fines.
@Isabel Oliveira: no they won’t!
@Isabel Oliveira: You would think some of our systems would support “people going to work” more than they bleed them dry, that’s not the society we want apparently.
@Isabel Oliveira: Do they issue fines in Portugal?
@thesaltyurchin: People going to work are covered by the exempt clause.
That includes everyone I assume?
@SB: they should all of got jail and the hotel in question should of been shut down for a specified time no questions that way others would sit up and pay attention….
@Peter donnelly: I see your point, but the elite get away with everything Peter, so if the public start getting fined this will only serve to build up bitterness, resentment, anger and hatred.
@SB: And you get away with silly movie posts.
We should also stop all people who live in the north from entering the south
@Colin Mcgahon: and vice versa even if alcohol is cheaper in the north
@Colin Mcgahon: Saw 20 guys (16-18 yrs old) walking back to school had been to the shop in town at lunch. Not 1 of them wore a mask. Walking quite close together. I think the 1st outbreak was due to a school trip to the Alps skiing. So, svhools are a problem. 50 euro a bit high 30euro of a fine should do it.
@Damian Moylan: tell the guards. Get them put in jail for life. How dare they.
@Damian Mac An Bháird: Schoolkids chatting to each other like schoolkids do, how horrific. I passed a school the other day, and the children were wllking around the yard in socially distanced pairs of two, it was actually like a scene from a prison movie, its dystopian stuff
@Colin Mcgahon: you do know that people from North and South work and go to school across each others borders. Do you know how many ways you can get from Louth to Armagh/Down. How do you think that can be policed.
@Damian Moylan: it is not mandatory to wear a mask outdoors. I’m presuming your talking about secondary school kids, they are wearing masks for more than the 6 hours they are in class.
@Damian Moylan: Or make it 500 euro so it is effective against numtys like Anna Anna who insists she will travel no matter what.
People who have tested positive that are not self isolating should be charged the same as those who had previously spit at the Garda – as while you’d think the fact they have Covid & could easily pass it to vulnerable person should be scary enough, appears some don’t care about anyone else, maybe the fear of potentially jail time & being named and shamed in public court might help to refocus them to stay inside for 14 days!!
@Michelle Lyons: how will we know if they have tested positive? And on-the-spot fines don’t go to court. It’s like getting 2 penalty points on your licence. Private houses are producing the biggest number of cases so lets see a big clampdown on house parties.
If the anti maskers are allowed to protest without retribution today then talking about fines is irrelevant. They are sticking their finger’s up at the health care system and the rest of us in society who have made so many sacrifices over the last 7 months.
I’ve to leave my county for antenatal appointments and to give birth so no..
@The only INFP in Ireland: in all fairness travelling outside your country for a valid reason such as medical or work will not be fined….
@The only INFP in Ireland: this would be deemed as essential travel so you’d be grand. You would not get fined and would be completely entitled to cross county boarder. All information on each level is clearly stated on gov.ie. You would 100% be exempt from breaking the rules in this instance.
@The only INFP in Ireland: this is a valid reason and you will not be fined .. but if you choose to go shopping in the next county while there is a shopping centre in your you should be fined because this is not a valid reason !
@Andre le Flohic: what if the shopping centre in the next county is closer to you than the one in your own county?
@Sam Glynn: so what about the person whose house is in Derry and driveway gate in Donegal? What about Aldi in Little Bray which is in county Dublin but whose access roads are in county Wicklow. Who knows exactly where the border lies… and what happens when it runs down the middle of the road… I am not against travel restrictions but they need to be reasonable and more range related than random lines drawn on a map that could see people leaving their county walking down their driveway or even around their house or land. More than cop on needed if it becomes law.
@Andre le Flohic: nonsense! What if you are on a budget and aldi is 10 minutes away in a different county.. this is the problem with fines! Leaving it to the discretion of a garda will not work as one will use common sense and the other will not. My Father is sick at home with a palliative care team in place.. I live in the Northwest but I’m from Dublin, when I visit I take all the precautions I can. I feel that is an essential journey but I can guarantee that not all people will think it is. Imagine been fined for making that journey! I’d do time!!
@Niall Ó Cofaigh: I was only responding to the hospital appointments which are clearly stated as essential on the government guidelines. All these other points you make are valid but was not in original post in which I responded to. Dunno why you felt the need to tag me about something I wasn’t referring to from original post but again your points are valid.
@Peter donnelly: Your appointment is essential, but unless it’s for work or education and you have some proof, a random straight out of Templemore Garda will be making the decision and you’ll be left wondering whether to go to court at considerable inconvenience and expense or just pay up.
The problem with giving people power to make new laws to enforce heavy restrictions is that historically people never want to give up that power. The problem with new special laws is that rarely are they taken off the books. Many times we see laws created for one situation applied to a different one because it suits an agenda.
No country can control a society. The more the govt wants to control people the more authoritarian the govt. We’ve seen this with some of the worlds worst dictators. Have they ever relinquished their power.
Removing peoples freedoms is a dangerous path to be going down. This is the reason why Sweden didn’t follow this road.
@great gael of Eire: The reason did not use this system was that they felt they did not need to as the Swedish people follow government guidelines correctly and social distancing aetc was followed.
Here and elsewhere we did not and we have the problems we have.
Sweden has double the death rate we have and a much higher infection rate.
Better to look at Norway and Denmark as the system to use. They have been more successful with their systems
Only if there are time limits to the legislation, and the ‘crimes’ are laws too, not just guidelines. We cannot be fine for a guideline, that is a very slippery slope
If the Gardai start issuing fines to those clowns protesting the use of masks and lockdowns the exchequer will benefit massively
How. I mean the issue in March, April, May and June is there is not any legal obligation to provide identification so the Gardaí was unable to do their job and fine people.
When it was the 2km restriction, the people learned quickly that on bicycle, the Gardaí, first didn’t stop them on controls and second the Gardaí have no way to identify them and verify the data was accurate, contact details
So it seems totally absurd just like the dogs warden … we all have heard dog owners telling to another, why did you give your real details? you just make up the details and never got the fine
Only if they are enforced. The Gardai only appear to be enthusiastic about causing gridlock for law abiding citizens.
@Ger O’Reilly: you make it sound like individual Gardaí are just deciding to go out and set up checkpoints for the fun of it.
@EillieEs: No they’re well announced an easily avoidable (if you are bouncing around the counties) but it’s a good ‘show’ for the people paying for it all, and we do have a love for queuing in cars.
I’ll just leave this here, do as your told sheeple and the elite will do as they want
https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/health/varadkar-spin-doctor-john-concannon-18414150
Fines for breaking the rules: yes. Fines for not following guidelines: no. If following the guidelines is so vital to tackling CV then reclassify them as rules and regulate them accordingly.
If it was truly temporary most people would wear a mask without a complaint. But we know this is not temporary nor about a virus alone.
@Child-Protect: OK them or informed one. Please explain to us non believers about the real reasons for masks etc. It is not a deadly pandemic which has killed over a million people worldwide.
It is something else.
What is it?
All these powers brought in I have no major concern with if they put a sunset clause on them.
They need to have an end date and cannot be used after for trivial things in the future by slight amendments.
For example use fine legislation until next June get the message across to people. Then it expires only to be extended based on the situation at the time.
The wording of the legislation must conform to the current COVID-19 issues only.
In Jakarta, if you are convicted of not wearing mask, you are sentenced to digging a grave and burying the corpse a covid victim. That seems about right.
Handy number for the garda working in shifts from 7am to 10pm standing in Heuston Station asking people where they are going to and coming from and dishing out fines like traffic wardens dish out parking tickets, beats a shift looking for gangsters and criminals!!
@SB: gangsters and criminals move around as well.
@GrumpyAulFella: mostly throughout their own county
@SB: ah, so criminals and gangsters are already adhering to the guidelines. Phew, that’s a relief. We should promote them as model citizens.
@SB: Have you seen the amount of arrests made lately and the drug and cash seizures. The general population were following the rules and the Gardai were having open season on criminals with the public out of the way
@SB: you ever get tired of being wrong?
@Joe_X: ever get tired of saying the rosary Joe and being a model citizen I bet you listen to your namesake Joe Duffy every day with all the aul ones riddled with anxiety
@Gary Kearney: this has nothing to do with fines though a completely different subject
@GrumpyAulFella: poor attempt at sarcasm pal better luck next time
@SB: typical…ridicule the person posting the debate instead of debating. What I expect of you at this stage. I’m disgusted that you have the cheek to call yourself an Irishman
I was now unable to see my family this year as I follow recommendations. We missed the wedding of my sister in law aswell.
We also abide the rules about visiting friends here in the country and all that…
It’s hard to explain to me to adhere to the rules if not even 2 weeks ago someone was having two nights of celebration for a First Communion.
Some people need consequences to abide the restrictions so sad it is.
(And yes, I’m also not happy with some restrictions as I was also not able to use tickets I already ordered for today but that’s the way it is atm)
@Vanessa: the elite don’t adhere to the guidelines yet they expect the public to, go and see your family
@SB: No, I won’t. I expect the elite to adhere to those rule or face consequences as well. Two times bad doesn’t make right.
Well this virus is not just affecting those who contract it and the risk posed by their contacts on the days leading up to the symptoms manifesting, if any do. This virus is also affecting people needing medical help and none is available to them , the virus is taking priority right now. Many people with medical conditions have had their check-ups and consults postponed more than once over this 7 month period. They also need to be thought of and accounted for. Getting the numbers down for the virus brings the number of services for those needing them up
Happy fertilizer day everyone
Coronavirus Indonesia: People caught without facemasks forced to dig graves and get into coffins http://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-indonesia-people-caught-without-facemasks-forced-to-dig-graves-and-get-into-coffins-12099172
What about all the nordies travelling to Dublin every day for work???
@justinoc: I would imagine it will be like during the last L5 lockdown and there will be exemptions such as attending medical appointments or essential work.
@justinoc: Plenty of American tourists knocking are the city yesterday but we have to be stopped and questioned in ‘announced’ (and easily avoidable) checkpoints. HILarious.
@thesaltyurchin: as someone who lives just outside the city centre but travels through it each day for work and shopping I call bs. There aren’t plenty of tourists of any nationality around. Why on earth would they even be travelling to a country with restrictions in place?
@EillieEs: Just based on the accents of 2 separate groups I heard around me while getting lunch. Also the young people AirBNBing next door to the same spot. I don’t know why. Maybe if you’ve paid up or something, might as well go rather than loose your money?
It may be appropriate or an option. It can be a hassle I was driving home from work yesterday along the N9. The traffic was heavy due to a Garda checkpoint Introducing the on-the-spot fines could double or triple the traffic queue ?? It can bring frustration Is there a way getting around it ?
@Dolphins: there is a way around it,but it will make your journey much longer
What about the millions of us in Ireland who have a medical condition and can’t wear a mask?
Its out of hand worldwide , fines will only add to the misery and create more division.Wearing masks and lockdowns is not a silver bullet as people who are isolated and mask wearers are still getting covid 19.
I think that restricting people to just their own county, is just too restrictive given that Ireland is a pretty small place, restricting people to the counties that border their county would make much more sense.
Silly to penalise some and not all. We are all potential carriers regardless of our status and position in society.
County border crossing restriction should apply to all and not just some.
It’s very important that when people are down we kick them in the teeth with fines. How else can we pay for all this
@Tom Jones: It is important that people take responsibility to stop the spread of a deadly virus.
If they dont what else can you do. actually a hell of a lot , fines are the lowest end of the scale
@Tom Jones: would you prefer to jail them?
I am all for sanctions against people defiantly refusing to comply with regulations, for example groups of lads going to house parties with slabs of aperitifs. However I fear that the bizzies will find it easier to come down hardest on minor offenders, such as a person in his 60s crossing one mile over the county line to visit a friend’s home.
Quick question, am I allowed travel within my own county for non essential reasons? Was just berated at a Garda checkpoint for going to the next town to buy a non essential item.
@Mick Bristow: yes
For those who don’t believe the science behind mask wearing, here is a practical demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6cTDGqcUpA
@Gary Kearney: good demo – but someone will always find a reason – just as there are some who consider the earth to be flat and there is no convincing them even if you took them to space and showed them the earth for themselves.
It’s called disconnected thinking and, sadly, is an issue trying to convince people where there is no convincing, so, sadly, they have to be told what to do and fined if they fail to.
If we didn’t have an ancient system of paper in windows we would be able to do all this digitally (seems apt given the concerns you would think) without stopping cars in rush hour on our under-provided transport infrastructure with cctv, but yet again this proves another example of how as a people we are more interested in having all opportunities dragged down to the lowest common denominator. It’s in our dna to make things worse for the majority rather than better.
There should be fines for not wearing a mask only if each supermarket/station etc provides free masks from a disposable container outside the premises. I wonder, however, how this is to policed and these fines collected?
Don’t see the problem here. How many are protesting or objecting to wearing of seatbelts? In on opinion it’s a no brainer. Wear a mask = no fines and keep everyone happy.
We, as irish people, being totally honest, don’t generally squeal on people. We should be proactive and report mass gatherings perhaps? I’m in the same situation as yourself Vanessa, have seen (as a result of hearing) large gatherings for party’s while I follow all rules and guidelines. Right now I see my mum very rarely and wearing a mask and going outside for a cup of tea. Other than that I’ve got my neighbours that I chat to when i see them, again rarely due to me working from home and right now I’m home alone so it’s tough. When I shop it’s just for things I need, not wandering around having a gander. The mask is good as you’re not easily recognized so you can be out quickly. I walk everywhere, no taxi’s plus I like to get out of the house as the walls are closing in on me, as I’m sure they are for the majority. In order to help ourselves and others, reporting congregations should be encouraged
No point having big fines that people cant afford to pay.
Small fines will work just as good.
@Ivan Genockey: They need to be hefty fines or they will be ignored. If anyone can show they don’t have the money give them a month to pay up and let them start saving. Don’t ignore the rules and you won’t get fined anyway, it’s very simple really.
I was in the shop a few weeks ago and the guy in front of me wasn’t wearing a mask…I just said “where’s your mask” at which point he turned to me, quite irate and replied “it’s in the fookin van, I don’t have a social life”….he works in construction so that’s okay?????!!!
Without exception meaning it applies to tds,senators,Eu representatives
Name them and fine them.
have your say