June 7, 2020 · Issue no 10,213 · thesundaytimes.ie RoI €3.20 (inc Vat) · NI £2.90 AL FRESCO YOUR GUIDE TO ENTERTAINING OUTSIDE FREE THIS SUMMER INSIDE SUNDAY A SPECIAL EDITION WRITTEN BY THE READERS KELVIN BOYES/PRESS EYE Thousands turn out for HSE pays out Black Lives Matter rally €25m to rent

Julieanne Corr “It’s not fair that we constantly need to keep fighting for our human rights,” said Aghogho ‘empty’ Citywest Sophie Okpara, who was born in Nigeria but has lived in Ireland since she was three. April 10. The peak number of A spokesman for health minister Mark Tighe “We shouldn’t have to die at the Covid-19 cases requiring intensive Simon Harris said: “Citywest is not hands of people just because they The HSE is paying Tetrarch, the care came on April 9 with 160 at capacity due to the success of the don’t like our skin. I’ve experi- hotel group that owns the Citywest being treated. Irish people in suppressing the enced a lot of racism in different hotel and convention centre in The HSE said the €31.6m bill was virus. Its field hospital is not needed ways in my life. Sometimes it’s west , at least €25m for the inclusive of VAT and rates. It will be as surge capacity for this reason. someone pointing out, ‘Oh your properties’ use until the end of seeking rebates on those elements “Citywest has been offered to English is good,’ even though I October as a Covid-19 isolation of the bill, as HSE emergency individuals living in direct provi- have lived here my entire life.” facility and field hospital. facilities are not subject to those sion who can’t self-isolate. The Okpara and hundreds of other Details of the deal, obtained charges. The deal includes food arrangement is constantly under protesters gathered outside the US under freedom of information law, and beverages for patients in isola- review, but an ability to isolate embassy yesterday in Ballsbridge, show the HSE has an option to tion as well as normal mainte- cases when there are outbreaks Dublin, for a two-hour demonstra- extend the deal to the end of the nance, laundry and cleaning will remain essential, and retaining tion to support the Black Lives year, which would cost a total of services by the hotel’s staff. capacity for that makes sense.” Matter movement following the €31.6m. The contract stipulates a mini- Last week Liam Woods, the death of George Floyd in Minne- Although the hotel has 756 bed- mum term of seven months for use HSE’s director of acute operations, sota last month. rooms with 1,138 beds, last week of the facility — until the end of told the Dail’s Covid-19 committee The protest, which was orga- there were just 26 people using it October. The HSE must give four that the field hospital was being nised by Black Pride Ireland, Move- as an isolation facility. The HSE months’ notice if it intends not to “closely studied” with a view to ment of Asylum Seekers in Ireland says there were 533 admissions extend the licence for use until the opening it for post-Covid treat- (MASI), and Migrants and Ethnic- between April 1 and last Friday. end of December. ment. “We are also thinking about minorities for Reproductive Jus- As well as leasing the hotel at a Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Fein’s using the facility for outpatient tice, invited people living within a cost of €22.63m for seven months health spokeswoman, said she treatment because the space 5km radius of the embassy to take at a rate of €142.50 a room per believed the deal with Tetrarch required for outpatients will be part. Organisers handed out per- night, the HSE deal includes leas- was a “phenomenal waste of much greater than what we have, sonal protective equipment and ing the Citywest convention hall money” as the extra bed capacity even with the heavy use of virtual urged people to respect social dis- for €1.945m. The hall was pre- was not being used. clinics,” he said. tancing measures. pared as a field hospital with more “While it was very necessary to The HSE said the self-isolation The lord mayor of Dublin had than 300 beds, as authorities antic- ensure capacity was there if facility in Citywest was receiving asked people not to join the pro- ipated a surge in Covid-19 cases. It needed, there surely must have referrals daily from a range of test. Tom Brabazon said people has not been required. been another way to arrange it so health services countrywide. could show their solidarity by sign- Internal HSE modelling from we don’t have to pay for this until Tetrarch said: “We completed a ing an online book of condolence late March, when the Citywest deal the end of December,” she said. multimillion-euro investment in instead. But although gardai are was agreed, showed the most opti- “A field hospital there wasn’t works to the campus to already investigating a similar mistic forecast was that a peak of used when patients were moved operate as the country’s principal protest staged last weekend, at 2,983 Covid patients could require out of hospitals into nursing self-isolation and step-down facil- which was not A young protester holds a sign at the Black Lives Matter demonstration in Belfast yesterday acute hospital care by April 11. The homes. They had over 100 people ity. None of these costs are recover- observed, there was a large attend- peak number requiring intensive on [hospital] trolleys yesterday, yet able under the licence. The hotel ance again yesterday. measures. A police spokesman rounding direct provision centres. thing we don’t need in our society. care was expected to be 1,229, at we are paying for additional space provides all available services on Similar protests took place in Gal- defended the action, saying: “These “We felt it is important for us here Most people think that it is not clear about April 13. This would have that is simply not being used. site, other than healthcare and way, Limerick, Waterford, Derry are no ordinary times.” in Ireland to say that racism is not that racism is here, but we are say- overwhelmed the existing hospital Unless they can produce a plan to medical services. This includes and Belfast. At the demonstration in Lucky Khambule, group co-or- just an American thing,” he said. ing, as black people in Ireland, we system. show how they will use that addi- catering, housekeeping, cleaning Belfast, police said they had issued dinator for MASI, said the protest “It is important for us to stand in do feel racism everywhere we go.” The number requiring hospital tional capacity to alleviate pres- and sanitisation, waste disposal, “a significant number” of fines due in Dublin was to raise awareness of solidarity and to raise the aware- care for Covid-19 actually peaked sure on the acute hospital system, maintenance, utilities, extensive to breaches of social distancing racism in Ireland and issues sur- ness in Ireland that racism is some- Full coverage, pages 10-11 at about 880 for five days from then it doesn’t stack up.” Continued on page 2→ Creed, Flanagan and Ring face cabinet axe Public ‘misled’ on H1N1 vaccine

Stephen O’Brien Political Editor Murphy, his political ally; Richard appoints a second woman to Carroll MacNeill is a first-term The actions of chief medical officer for any adverse reactions to the Bruton, ’s former deputy senior cabinet rank, Helen TD but is also a qualified solicitor Tony Holohan and other senior vaccine. Up to three senior Fine Gael leader; Joe McHugh, the education McEntee is regarded as the most and barrister who has served as health officials who dealt with the Blackwell is now suing the health INDEX ministers are facing a double minister; and , likely candidate for preferment on special adviser to and H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009 minister, the HSE, the Health Prod- Lotto News 2 demotion from the cabinet to the the arts and culture minister; as the basis of her strong perform- Frances Fitzgerald as ministers and 2010 were called into question ucts Regulatory Authority, and GSK. Weather News 21 back benches if the party goes into well as Creed, Flanagan and Ring. ance on as European affairs for justice, Murphy as housing in a personal injury claim by a Among his claims is that Holohan government with Fianna Fail and Some are likely to be “eased down” minister throughout 2019. minister, and Fitzgerald as chil- teenage boy before the High Court gave incorrect assurances about Letters News 16 the Greens. to the junior ministerial ranks. , the dren’s minister. last Friday, writes Mark Tighe. Pandemrix’s safety record in Sudoku News 20 Party sources say Michael , Fine Gael’s dep- West deputy, is widely The formation of a three-party Benjamin Blackwell, 15, claims media interviews, which pre- TV & Radio Culture 29 Creed, Charlie Flanagan and uty leader, and , tipped for promotion to at least the coalition will force all three party the state was negligent and misrep- vented Blackwell’s parents from could all face demo- the finance minister, are regarded junior ranks. , the leaders to disappoint members of resented the safety of the Pandem- giving informed consent for him to tion because of the need to add as certainties to remain in cabinet. parliamentary party chairman, their parliamentary party, but only rix vaccine, which was issued to receive the vaccine. “new blood” to the Fine Gael team , the business of Longford West- Varadkar has to demote sitting hundreds of thousands of people Blackwell also claims that Irish in government. and enterprise minister, and meath, and Jennifer Carroll Mac- ministers. There are currently 13 in 2009-10 as part of a programme officials ignored reports from Sep- may have to drop Simon Harris, the health minister, Neill of Dun Laoghaire are also Fine Gael TDs at senior cabinet to build herd immunity against tember 2009 showing there were up to seven Fine Gael colleagues are also perceived as safe. seen as possible junior ministerial rank, with three more at the the H1N1 virus. The state gave GSK, more serious adverse reactions to y(7HA9F6*LNSQRQ( |||+?!@ from cabinet, including Eoghan If, as is expected, Varadkar candidates, party sources said. Continued on page 2→ the manufacturer, an indemnity Continued on page 2→ 2 The Sunday Times June 7, 2020 NEWS

STEVE HUMPHREYS Ryan and Martin Leaders fail get green light for to agree on leadership battle

Justine McCarthy Sarah McInerney last month. Martin voted against increase in , the incumbent, entering government and Catherine Martin, his negotiations with Fianna Fail deputy, have obtained the and Fine Gael. Ryan, who necessary number of was a minister in the 2007-11 nominations to contest the coalition with Fianna Fail, is pension age ’s leadership regarded as more in favour of election. Aspiring candidates re-entering government. must have at least 50 No other leadership nominations from members candidates are expected to Fine Gael puts forward that is paid to somebody who is actually to compete. come forward. Ballot papers retired. But there is a difference in saying Martin, who is understood idea of means-tested to people who are 66 next year that you to have secured more than can draw the full state pension, perhaps 200 nominations, confirmed ‘transition’ money, as a an occupational pension as well, have a last night that she would run compromise, for those job and have three incomes. That would for the leadership. not be a good use of resources.” She will not engage in any who want to retire at 66 Fianna Fail has pressed for the campaigning until the current increase to 67 to be reversed but several government formation talks A contest Stephen O’Brien sources said Fine Gael was sticking to its have been concluded. is not and Justine McCarthy line. The three parties agree that no one Nominations to contest the should have to apply for jobseeker’s leadership close today, but Leo Varadkar is insisting that the pension allowance if they wish to retire at 65 or no other candidates are something age must increase to 67 next year but has 66; the transition pension would replace expected to emerge. suggested a “transition pension” for that practice. There is also a shared On May 20, Martin first that would workers who want to retire at 65 or 66. commitment to make it illegal in an said she was giving “serious The position puts the at odds employment contract to require some- consideration” to standing divide us with Micheál Martin and Eamon Ryan, one to retire at 65. against Ryan, who has been the Fianna Fail and Green Party leaders, Demographic factors increase the cost leader since 2011. Four Cork before his meeting with them today. The of state pension provision by about €1bn councillors had written to will be issued on June 20 with trio hope to overcome their policy every four to five years, , the TD for Dublin Rathdown counting of the votes and the differences to form a three-party coali- the social protection minister, told the “urging” her to challenge for announcement of the winner tion government. Dail last year. the position. on July 23. The transition pension would be set at Other issues still undecided as the Ryan has said it is “perfectly The party’s constitution the statutory pension level of €248 a government formation talks enter their healthy and natural” to have stipulates that a leadership week — €45 more than jobseeker’s allow- fifth week are the national deficit; who a leadership contest. “It’s election must be held within ance — but anyone receiving a private should conduct a review of the national not something we’re hung six months of a general pension or other source of income would development plan; and how to achieve up on or something that election. There will be a not qualify. the Greens’ target of a 7% annual reduc- would divide us,” he told contest later in the year for The state pension age is due to tion in greenhouse gas emissions. RTE Radio’s Today with deputy leader. increase to 67 next year and to 68 in 2028 The Greens have argued for an outside under the terms of the Social Welfare and agency or consultancy to review the plan, Pensions Act 2011. It increased from 65 to but Fianna Fail and Fine Gael agree the 66 in 2014. review should be driven by government Last week Varadkar told a meeting of departments reporting through their the Fine Gael parliamentary party that ministers, in the same way previous changing the 2011 act would send a government capital plans have been message to the international community structured. that the new government was not as The Greens want 10%, or about serious about fiscal responsibility as the €450m, of the transport capital budget previous two administrations. allocated to cycleways and walking On Friday, at the end of a press confer- infrastructure. , the ence where he announced measures to energy minister, has pointed out that just reopen society and the economy after the 2% of Irish people regularly cycle while coronavirus lockdown, he defended the 80% use cars. notion of a transition pension. Ryan’s party also seeks to increase the The taoiseach said: “My party’s view 2030 carbon tax target from €80 to as . . . is that people should be allowed to much as €100 a tonne. retire at 66 and get the full pension at 66, so we are willing to change the law. The Last-minute wobbles in slow state transition pension is a full pension bike race, page 8 Varadkar said a pension for someone with multiple incomes would not be a good use of resources Ryan and Martin have each received at least 50 nominations

With only five senior HSE pays NEW RULES: MORE MIXING AND SOME SPORT Ministerial ministerial posts to dispense, NEWS Martin will have to disappoint senior frontbench figures too. IN BRIEF €25m for PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4 casualties With , Monday, June 8 Monday, June 29 Monday, July 20 Michael McGrath and Jim ‘surplus’ ahead O’Callaghan seen as “bankers” for cabinet Cyclist dies in Writers on Sunday You can travel anywhere You can travel anywhere No date set on when we can selection, along with Anne facility within your own county or in Ireland travel abroad Rabbitte, a Galway East TD, crash with tractor Times short list 20km from home →Continued from page 1 the Fianna Fail leader may All pubs can reopen as long A slightly larger number cabinet table — two “super have to leave out Barry A male cyclist, aged in his You can meet up to six as they can serve food of people can visit another juniors” and the chief whip. Cowen, , Marc sixties, died as a result of a →Continued from page 1 people from outside household (size to be Fine Gael is expected to be MacSharry and Darragh collision with a tractor on campus security, and the your household, at a All restaurants and hotels decided) allocated six full cabinet posts O’Brien, particularly if he Church Road in Gowran, cost of insurance during the two-metre distance can reopen in a three-party coalition, wants to appoint a second Co Kilkenny, at about 3.45pm licence term.” Small social gatherings, with six going to Fianna Fail woman as senior minister. yesterday. His body was The deaths of a further Groups of up to 15 people Hostels, caravan parks, such as weddings, allowed and three to the Greens. He could opt to promote taken to St Luke’s General nine people with Covid were can take part in organised galleries and museums but with a limited number Senior Fianna Fail sources Lisa Chambers from the Hospital, before being announced yesterday, which outdoor sport and will reopen insisted Micheál Martin was Seanad to cabinet — making transferred to University brings the total number of cultural activities All hairdressers and fully focused on government her the first senator to serve Hospital Waterford for a coronavirus-related deaths All childcare facilities will barbers can reopen, plus formation talks and not in government since Jim post-mortem examination. in the Republic to 1,678. Playgrounds can reopen reopen for those who need pubs that do not serve “jumping the gun” by Dooge was made minister for There were a further 24 to return to work food, theatres, cinemas, contemplating cabinet posts. foreign affairs in 1981. confirmed cases, bringing Most retail stores can bowling alleys, nightclubs, NCT service to the total number of cases reopen [shopping centres Some behind-closed-doors casinos and bingo halls in the state to 25,183. will reopen on June 15] sports can resume reopen tomorrow Two Irish writers have been Figures released by the Phased return to work short-listed for the prize HSE on Friday night showed Libraries and markets can All churches can reopen across all sectors The National Car Testing that spotted Sally Rooney, a total of 123 people with reopen Service said the reopening author of Normal People, Covid-19 are in hospitals Creches can reopen for of the NCT service will begin dramatised by the BBC. across the Republic, down Over-70s or medically everyone tomorrow, with 15 centres Niamh Campbell, 32, from 182 on a week earlier vulnerable people can operating. The testing of pictured, is one of six writers and down 618 on a month ago. have a small number of vehicles will be on a limited vying for The Sunday Times The decline in visitors in their home basis and restricted to those Audible Short Story Award. hospitalisations convinced with a test due date prior She is joined on the short list the government to accelerate Up to 25 people can to March 28. Driving tests by Louise Kennedy from elements of the roadmap for attend funerals remain on hold, transport Co Down. The winner will exiting the lockdown. Creed, left, and Bruton could be part of shake-up minister said. be announced on July 2.

→Continued from page 1 claims, has been served with the court the state’s “tactics” residential abuse or those State faces Pandemrix than to other a €6m legal bill by Bennett’s were “oppressive” and he suing over hepatitis C vaccines. The teenager has lawyers. had never come across them infections or cervical been diagnosed with If those fees were before. “I’ll call it the ‘all or screening misdiagnosis. hefty bill narcolepsy and cataplexy replicated on the state’s and nothing’ proposition,” he Paul Gallagher, senior disorder, which he claims GSK’s side, it would mean said. counsel for the state, said the over swine were a result of receiving the legal costs in the Bennett case The senior counsel mediation offer from the state vaccine in February 2010 are close to €20m. claimed it was “bizarre” for for the 82 cases run by Boylan when he was five. He said he In the pre-trial hearing on the state to expect 82 children was “significant”. He said flu jabs is required to have up to three Friday before the judge whose lives were “ruined” by allegations had been made naps a day in school. The Michael McGrath, Blackwell’s the vaccine to agree to a against “distinguished public defendants deny liability and side said it had proposed process which could not servants who acted in the the allegations. mediation but the state was proceed if any one of them public interest and who are The first Pandemrix insisting it would only enter vetoed a settlement. He accused of bad faith”. He compensation case, taken by talks on all 82 Pandemrix claimed the state had refused noted Blackwell was seeking Aoife Bennett, a teacher, was cases represented by his to say if Simon Harris, the exemplary and aggravated Blackwell: seeking damages settled on confidential terms solicitor, Michael Boylan, health minister, or the damages due to the alleged last year after five weeks of who was also Bennett’s attorney-general were aware actions of public servants. pandemic, Holohan and trial. On Friday it emerged lawyer. of the “shocking” tactic and “It is very difficult for the Kevin Kelleher, an assistant that the state, which is now Dermot Gleeson, senior questioned whether it would state to adopt a position to national director with the facing more than 100 similar counsel for Blackwell, told be used with victims of settle in the light of those HSE, would be delayed in serious, unjustified submitting their expert allegations against public reports for the case. servants who do their best on Gallagher said the state ANY If your paper is incomplete we will send you the missing FIND behalf of the state to deal with was conscious of the SECTIONS section(s) subject to availability. Telephone US ON emergencies,” he said. “enormous bill of €6m” from MISSING? 00 44 20 7711 1521 or email customerservices@ Gallagher said the public the Bennett case. He said it sunday-times. ie or text 84555 with the word MISSING servants were “entitled to was an “impossible position” plus your name and address and missing section(s) have their reputations for the state to have to deal vindicated” and “not be the with each case in isolation LOTTO Results from the LOTTO LOTTO LOTTO subject of unjustified before having to deal with the PLUS 1 PLUS 2 allegations that cannot be next case and more costs. Irish National substantiated by evidence”. Judge McGrath adjourned Lottery draw held 11, 22, 27, 28, 34, 36 5, 10, 14, 24, 34, 43 1, 3, 11, 20, 21, 45 The state said that because the case until June 17 to deal on June 6, 2020 Bonus 45 Bonus 17 Bonus 42 of the current Covid-19 with pre-trial issues.