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rte-news-feb-2-2021.json
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{
"headline": [
{
"name": "Animal-based food checks suspended at NI ports",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/ulster/2021/0201/1194430-belfast-larne-ports/",
"news": [
{
"section": "All regulatory animal-based food checks have been suspended at Belfast and Larne ports, Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has said."
},
{
"section": "It comes after council staff at Larne Port were withdrawn from inspection duties amid concerns for their safety and welfare."
},
{
"section": "A Daera spokesman said: \"On the basis of information received today and pending further discussions with the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland), Daera has decided in the interests of the wellbeing of staff to temporarily suspend physical inspections of products of animal origin at Larne and Belfast."
},
{
"section": "\"The situation will be kept under review and in the meantime full documentary checks will continue to be carried out as usual.\""
},
{
"section": "Twelve Mid and East Antrim Borough Council staff assisting officials from Daera and UK Border Force with checks at the port were withdrawn from their duties with immediate effect today."
},
{
"section": "The council said the decision was made following an \"upsurge in sinister and menacing behaviour in recent weeks\"."
},
{
"section": "Graffiti appeared in the area last month referencing tensions about the Northern Ireland Protocol and describing port staff as \"targets\"."
},
{
"section": "There have also been a number of daubings in Belfast amid anger at the protocol, with a raft of new checks on goods arriving at ports from Great Britain introduced at the start of the year."
},
{
"section": "The council said the situation has caused \"extreme distress and worry to staff\", and it had \"no option but to withdraw them from their duties in order to fulfil its duty of care and carry out a full risk assessment with the PSNI, Food Standards Agency and Daera\"."
},
{
"section": "It apologised for any disruption but said \"the safety and wellbeing of staff is of paramount importance\"."
},
{
"section": "In addition to concerns over graffiti it is understood staff expressed concerns that individuals had been spotted taking down number plate details."
},
{
"section": "Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Peter Johnston, said: \"We have seen what I would describe as deeply troubling graffiti and a very notable upping of community tensions towards the NI Protocol, particularly in recent days."
},
{
"section": "\"The health and wellbeing of our staff is always this council's number one priority and that is why the decision has been taken to withdraw them from their work at the port with immediate effect until we have very real assurances and full confidence that they can go about their duties without fear, threat or concern for their wellbeing.\""
},
{
"section": "Sinn Féin councillor James McKeown said: \"Our staff will step away from this work and will only return when we are totally satisfied it is safe and right for them to do so."
},
{
"section": "\"There are simmering tensions within the local community at present and we will not stand by and let our staff be targeted when they are just doing their jobs.\""
},
{
"section": "PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said force officials will meet partner agencies tomorrow to discuss the situation."
},
{
"section": "\"The safety of staff working at points of entry is of the utmost importance to us,\" he said. \"Where we have any credible information we will share that with our partners and take appropriate action."
},
{
"section": "\"We have increased patrols at Larne Port and other points of entry in order to reassure staff and the local community.\""
},
{
"section": "Police last month warned that discontent in loyalist communities was \"growing\" over the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is designed to allow the country to follow the EU's customs rules and has caused delays at ports because of new declarations and checks."
},
{
"section": "The DUP has been vociferous in opposition to the protocol's operation.\nThe party's North Antrim MP Ian Paisley condemned the threats to staff but said the protocol was \"bound to cause these problems\"."
},
{
"section": "\"Such tactics have no place in a democracy,\" he said."
},
{
"section": "\"This is the sad reality of those who imposed terms on Northern Ireland without the consent of the delicate community balance which exists here. The protocol was bound to end in tears and here we have society's structure falling apart."
},
{
"section": "\"It's time for the Government to step up and invoke Article 16, set it aside and let's get back to proper trade without restrictions.\""
}
]
},
{
"name": "6 things we learned from this evening's NPHET briefing",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0201/1194382-6-things-we-learned-from-this-evenings-nphet-briefing/",
"news": [
{
"section": "From a discouraging note for those planning summer holidays abroad to a reference to sinusitis frequently presenting as a symptom of Covid-19, here are six things we learned from this evening's Covid-19 briefing."
},
{
"section": "New hospital admissions are declining"
},
{
"section": "There are 1,436 Covid-19 patients in hospital, with 207 in intensive care, which is down four from yesterday."
},
{
"section": "Professor Philip Nolan said the number of patients being treated in hospital has declined over the past two weeks and that the numbers in ICU have plateaued and are beginning to come down."
},
{
"section": "Professor Nolan expressed his concern at the plateau in case numbers and said that it is important to maintain individual efforts \"in terms of reducing contacts, in working from home, and above all to maintain efforts around the basic measures of wearing a mask, keeping your distance and hand washing\"."
},
{
"section": "'People are acquiring this in their workplaces'"
},
{
"section": "Deputy CMO Dr Ronan Glynn emphasised the importance of not going into your workplace unless it was essential."
},
{
"section": "He said that last week there was 29 outbreaks in work places of different settings and he said it was \"becoming apparent is people are getting this in their workplaces.\""
},
{
"section": "He also said it is possible that people \"may be letting their guard drop a little bit\" and noted that this is particularly dangerous due to the increased transmissability of new strains of the virus."
},
{
"section": "\"Every time we now drop our guard, it's likely to have graver consequences now than it would’ve a few months ago,\" he said."
},
{
"section": "'People are acquiring this in their workplaces' Deputy CMO Dr @ronan_glynn says of #Covid19 transmission trends, adding 'Now is not the time to be going into your workplace unless you really have to' | https://t.co/jMUdGYe1Mz pic.twitter.com/eAOjVi6utr\n— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 1, 2021"
},
{
"section": "'The virus doesn't care what part of the workplace you're in' - Deputy CMO Dr @ronan_glynn says a lot of workplace transmission of #Covid19 appears to be taking place in staff rooms and on breaks, with people possibly letting their guard down | https://t.co/q5vLHHJ71e pic.twitter.com/XVKmi89Pgc\n— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 1, 2021"
},
{
"section": "Summer holidays abroad are not recommended"
},
{
"section": "Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has said that he foresees another summer without non-essential foreign travel."
},
{
"section": "\"I don't think we’re headed for a summer where millions of people can be expecting to go to beaches other than in their own localities,\" he said."
},
{
"section": "\"I don’t think it’s realistic to foresee a summer that would be characterised by things we would all like to do, where we would travel off to Europe for holidays.\""
},
{
"section": "He emphasised that NPHET’s advice is against all forms of non-essential travel for the forseeable future."
},
{
"section": "'I don't think we're headed for a summer where millions of people from this part of the world, from Europe, can expect to be heading to beaches that are other than in their own localities', @CMOIreland says | #Covid19 | https://t.co/q5vLHHJ71e pic.twitter.com/x0wUzXR3m7\n— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 1, 2021"
},
{
"section": "Zero Covid seen as impractical"
},
{
"section": "Dr Holohan said the NPHET strategy is not dramatically different to what is proposed by campaigners for a Zero Covid island, but there are some important differences."
},
{
"section": "He stressed the interconnectedness that is an essential element of the European Union and highlighted the shared border on the island of Ireland."
},
{
"section": "On calls for a zero-Covid approach, @CMOIreland Dr Tony Holohan acknowledges there are eminent colleagues advocating for it, but says it is not practicable in Ireland the way it is in the likes of New Zealand and Australia given the geopolitical facts | https://t.co/q5vLHHJ71e pic.twitter.com/EIbNrWwgp6\n— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 1, 2021"
},
{
"section": "Professor Philip Nolan says 'our lives are not going to return to normal - they're going to get better, but they're not going to return to normal - for some considerable time'. High levels of vaccine-induced immunity will be needed for that to happen | https://t.co/jMUdGYe1Mz pic.twitter.com/PdjHyxTHVS\n— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 1, 2021"
},
{
"section": "'A lot of sinusitis does seem to be Covid'"
},
{
"section": "Dr Siobháin Ní Bhriain told the briefing that they are seeing a lot more people presenting with sinusitis than usual."
},
{
"section": "She added that many are then testing positive for Covid-19."
},
{
"section": "She said GPs are referring people for tests if they have any respiratory problems, including sinusitis, and that if you are feeling in any way unwell or experience any symptoms, to get in touch with your GP and they will be able to offer you advice and arrange a test if necessary."
},
{
"section": "'A lot of sinusitis does seem to be Covid', Dr Siobháin Ní Bhriain tells the #NPHET briefing on #Covid19 | https://t.co/q5vLHHJ71e pic.twitter.com/RBMC2H0kAu\n— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 1, 2021"
},
{
"section": "On Long Covid, Dr Ní Bhriain also noted that some of the symptoms people are presenting with include mental health issues."
},
{
"section": "'One of the symptoms of Long Covid that we are seeing is anxiety and depression' Dr Siobháin Ní Bhriain tells the #Covid19 briefing | | https://t.co/jMUdGYe1Mz pic.twitter.com/rELXxEyUNK\n— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 1, 2021"
},
{
"section": "Five-day moving average of cases is 1,288 per day"
},
{
"section": "The Department of Health has been notified of ten further coronavirus-related deaths and 1,062 confirmed cases."
},
{
"section": "The number of people who have died with Covid-19 is now 3,317, while the total number of confirmed cases now stands at 197,553."
},
{
"section": "Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn announced that the five-day moving average of cases is at 1,288 new cases per day."
},
{
"section": "The 14-day national incidence rate is at 479 cases per 100,000 of the population."
},
{
"section": "The five-day moving average of Covid-19 cases in Ireland is 1,288 cases per day, Deputy CMO Dr @ronan_glynn reports as he sets out the latest #Covid19 figures | https://t.co/jMUdGYe1Mz pic.twitter.com/JrReWeyZI3\n— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 1, 2021"
}
]
},
{
"name": "Deal agreed for return of special education this month",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2021/0201/1194218-covid-19-ireland/",
"news": [
{
"section": "Special schools will reopen on Thursday 11 February and classes in mainstream schools for pupils with special needs will resume on Monday 22 February."
},
{
"section": "The agreement was reached this evening by the Department of Education with the Fórsa and INTO trade unions, who represent special needs assistants (SNAs)."
},
{
"section": "In a statement, the INTO and Fórsa said the resumption will commence with the partial reopening of special schools, where there may be a maximum of 50% of pupils attending on alternate days."
},
{
"section": "The INTO said clear advice had now been provided by public health authorities that the limited and partial reopening, along the terms agreed with the unions, will not give rise to an increase in school-based or community transmission."
},
{
"section": "It said: \"Following the significant decrease in the 14-day average of infection rates since mid-January and the much lower reproduction rate of the virus, NPHET further project that the public health landscape is expected to continue improving and will have improved considerably at the commencement of this interim plan.\""
},
{
"section": "Detailed plans, which the INTO and Fórsa say they have scrutinised, will be circulated to schools tomorrow."
},
{
"section": "They will include detailed information on the steps that need to be taken for the planned resumption of in-school support for pupils with special educational needs."
},
{
"section": "The INTO said: \"We have jointly insisted that boards of management must be given adequate notice, guidance and time to plan for this phased reopening and to liaise with parents of children with special educational needs."
},
{
"section": "\"Ahead of detailed guidance being issued tomorrow, the INTO can this evening confirm that, following engagement with the Department of Education, we have secured a suite of necessary additional supports for special education facilities."
},
{
"section": "\"While the INTO will continue to engage with the Department of Education on the limited reopening of special education provision, planning will also get under way for the wider reopening of our schools.\""
},
{
"section": ""
},
{
"section": "Minister for Education Norma Foley said: \"I am pleased that we are now in a position to give certainty to children with special education needs and their families on when they can return to school."
},
{
"section": "\"Learning remotely is particularly hard for these children and I am acutely conscious that the loss of the regular school routine, social interaction with friends, direct face to face access to teachers and special needs assistants as well as therapy interventions have presented a huge challenge and a real risk of regression to the learning, social, emotional development and well-being of these pupils."
},
{
"section": "\"It is hugely positive we now have a concrete plan in place to support these children to return to in-person schooling, in line with public health advice.\""
},
{
"section": "Fórsa's head of education, Andy Pike, said the union had set out to explore realistic measures to improve safety provision and re-build confidence in the safety of schools."
},
{
"section": "\"SNAs and others working with students with additional needs are more aware than most of the urgent need to begin the resumption of services."
},
{
"section": "\"We have always thought this could, and should, be done in ways that underpin the safety of students, staff and the entire school community."
},
{
"section": "\"We have achieved a solid path towards the resumption of these vital services in the shortest possible time frame compatible with the safety of students and staff,\" he said."
},
{
"section": "Meanwhile, the chairperson of the parents' association at one of the schools due to reopen on 11 February says a partial return to education will cause difficulties for many children and their families."
},
{
"section": "Angelina Hynes' daughter Zoe attends Rosedale School in the Renmore area of Galway."
},
{
"section": "Tonight, she said that part-time education was not enough for those with severe or profound learning difficulties."
},
{
"section": "Ms Hynes said this would mean only a couple of days teaching would take place before the mid-term break and she contended that this would confuse many children, who need the routine and security of regular classes."
},
{
"section": "She pointed out that for children attending Rosedale, school is \"their lifeline, their social outlet ... it is everything to them\"."
},
{
"section": "Instead of 50% service, they needed 100% attention from the State, she added."
},
{
"section": "Decision on Leaving Certificate expected"
},
{
"section": "A proposal to hold the Leaving Certificate much later in the summer was discussed by the Cabinet Education Sub-Committee today."
},
{
"section": "However, it is thought such a plan is unlikely to gain widespread support."
},
{
"section": "Instead, there is a view among several ministers across the Government that students should be offered two options."
},
{
"section": "They are the chance to sit a full written exam or students could have some of their subjects calculated by predictive grades and they would sit written exams for the remaining subjects."
},
{
"section": "It is understood there was very little detail about the exact working of the plan or how grades would be calculated presented at the meeting."
},
{
"section": "A final decision on the Leaving Certificate is now expected to be made later this week or possibly at next week's Cabinet meeting."
},
{
"section": "A Government spokesperson said more time is needed to ensure the stakeholders in education are comfortable with the plan."
},
{
"section": "Minister Foley said she was looking to make a full announcement giving clarity on the exams in as short a time frame as possible."
},
{
"section": "Speaking on RTÉ's Six One News, she said there had been intense discussion with the advisory committee since November. She said there would be further engagement later this week."
},
{
"section": "Latest coronavirus stories"
},
{
"section": "Teaching unions opt for 'adapted' Leaving Cert exams"
},
{
"section": "The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) earlier reiterated its support for holding the 2021 Leaving Certificate exams."
},
{
"section": "In a statement, the union said it does not believe that a system of calculated grades or similar will reduce stress and anxiety in the school community."
},
{
"section": "ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie said the union had been \"consistent in our message\" that the preferred option for the Leaving Certificate is that it goes ahead, insofar as is possible."
},
{
"section": "Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Mr Christie said that once you \"stray away\" from traditional exams, it \"becomes very tricky indeed\"."
},
{
"section": "He said he is not convinced that last year's calculated grades process could operate properly this year, nor is he is not convinced that it would reduce stress and anxiety within in the school community."
},
{
"section": "Staff in NI special schools prioritised for vaccine"
},
{
"section": "Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, staff in special schools who are supporting children with complex healthcare needs are set to be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine, it has been confirmed."
},
{
"section": "It comes following an agreement between the departments of health and education."
},
{
"section": "Health Minister Robin Swann said: \"Staff working in special schools are supporting children and young people who have the most complex healthcare needs and require support from across the health and education sectors."
},
{
"section": "\"It is with this in mind that we have made the decision to offer the vaccine to those staff involved in the direct care of these children and young people."
},
{
"section": "\"While we know that children are not at increased risk these are some of the most vulnerable young people in our society and by vaccinating the special school staff, we are protecting those children who may be at higher risk if exposed to Covid-19.\""
},
{
"section": "Eligible staff are those who undertake regular healthcare duties with multiple children and young people."
},
{
"section": "It means they work in close proximity for prolonged periods of time providing a range of interventions, including personal and intimate care and invasive procedures."
},
{
"section": "It is not yet clear when they will be vaccinated."
},
{
"section": "Additional reporting Sandra Hurley, Tommy Meskill. PA"
}
]
},
{
"name": "New research vessel named after explorer Tom Crean",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2021/0201/1194408-tom-crean/",
"news": [
{
"section": "A new state-of-the art research vessel is to be named after the Irish polar explorer Tom Crean."
},
{
"section": "The €25m vessel has been commissioned by the Marine Institute and will replace the current research vessel, the Celtic Voyager."
},
{
"section": "RV Tom Crean has been designed by a Norwegian firm and is currently under construction in northern Spain."
},
{
"section": "The new 52.8 metre ship will be based in Galway and will engage in important fisheries and oceanographic and environmental research."
},
{
"section": "Capital funding for the project has been provided by the Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine."
},
{
"section": "The new vessel will honour the celebrated Kerry seaman and polar explorer."
},
{
"section": "Crean was a central figure in the golden age of polar exploration in the early 20th century."
},
{
"section": "He was involved in three expeditions to Antarctica between 1901 and 1917."
},
{
"section": "Crean was awarded the Albert Medal for Lifesaving for his extraordinary feats of courage during the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition."
},
{
"section": "The design of RV Tom Crean incorporates the latest technologies allowing for greater fuel efficiency and reducing the vessel's environmental impact and carbon footprint."
},
{
"section": "Project manager at the Marine Institute, Aodhán Fitzgerald said RV Tom Crean will greatly enhance research capabilities."
},
{
"section": "\"It will bring a whole new level of marine science to the nation. It's a bigger and more capable vessel than the smaller Celtic Voyager that it's replacing, so it will be able to handle bigger seas and operate year round of the west coast."
},
{
"section": "\"This vessel will be able to accommodate more scientists as well as newer and more specialised equipment and technology,\" said Mr Fitzgerald."
},
{
"section": "RV Tom Crean will continue with the work currently being undertaken by the Celtic Voyager, including the Infomar project, which is engaged in mapping the seabed."
},
{
"section": "Using underwater vision technology the ship will also conduct important surveys of fish stocks in the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea and on the Porcupine Banks."
},
{
"section": "The vessel will also be utilised in servicing the Irish weather buoy network and will provide very important training for third-level students of marine science and other disciplines."
},
{
"section": "Construction of the ship is under way in Vigo in northern Spain, with a completion date set for August of this year."
},
{
"section": "The Marine Institute hopes to have the vessel fully-fitted and operational by summer 2022."
},
{
"section": "A member of the project's oversight committee, Lorcán Ó Cinnéide, said the decision to name the new vessel after Kerry's polar hero is an apt one."
},
{
"section": "He said: \"It's a state-of the art vessel that is going to be conducting extraordinary, cutting-edge research of international importance in Irish seas."
},
{
"section": "\"It's named after a man who explored in the most distant, difficult and unreachable places in the early part of the 20th century."
},
{
"section": "\"I think there is a fantastic meeting of values in the selected name. It is a fitting tribute to the man and I think it's highly appropriate as an inspiration for the scientists who will be using that vessel.\""
},
{
"section": "The South Pole Inn in Annascaul"
},
{
"section": "News of the naming of the new vessel received a warm welcome in Crean's native village of Annascaul today."
},
{
"section": "Local man John Hanafin said it was \"high time\" Crean received the \"official recognition he deserves\"."
},
{
"section": "\"We're absolutely delighted. Tom Crean is finally being given official, national recognition for his brave deeds. Tom Crean is a legendary figure."
},
{
"section": "\"We feel it's very appropriate that the new vessel will carry his name, considering the hardship he had to endure on the southern oceans over a hundred years ago. We're extremely proud in Annascaul,\" he said."
}
]
},
{
"name": "People on the PUP: 'You just can't plan for the future'",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2021/0201/1194362-unemployed-covid-ireland/",
"news": [
{
"section": "Covid-19 and the restrictions that come along with it has had a huge impact on the numbers unemployed here."
},
{
"section": "According to the Central Statistics Office, the unemployment rate stood at a staggering 20.4% in December as the crisis continues."
},
{
"section": "And the latest figures show that almost 480,000 people will receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week - that equates to €144 million being paid out by the Department of Social Protection."
},
{
"section": "For many on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, it is approaching 12 months since they last worked and they have found the lockdown very difficult."
},
{
"section": "For many of those 'Covid-unemployed' it is the first time that they have been out of work for such a long period of time."
},
{
"section": "It's not just the wages they are missing, it’s the social interaction too that work brings."
},
{
"section": "\"I've never been unemployed in my life. The adaption is a challenge at times definitely, in terms of my mental health.\""
},
{
"section": "Aidan Kavanagh is a DJ but has not worked since the pandemic began."
},
{
"section": "Normally he would be averaging three gigs a week, mostly corporate. 2019 was the best business year for him after 20 years at the decks. Things were looking up."
},
{
"section": "Once Covid hit though, everything changed."
},
{
"section": "He moved back in with his mother to look after her and to save on bills. Financially it's precarious, he said."
},
{
"section": "\"I had to get root canal treatment a few months ago so if a cost like that comes in unexpectedly, obviously it's going to be a challenge to manage,\" he said."
},
{
"section": "He is grateful for the €350 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. He also sees a therapist who helps him cope mentally."
},
{
"section": "'The thing I miss is just meeting people, and seeing people ... having that physical contact with people,\" said Aidan from Dundrum, in Dublin."
},
{
"section": "\"I walk the dog, do the washing ... it's just finding things to keep your mind busy. It's just finding things to fill you day because you're not used to having all this free time,\" he added."
},
{
"section": "Across the city in Kilmainham, hairdresser Natasha Rogers has been unemployed on and off since last March."
},
{
"section": "She and her boyfriend were saving to buy a house - that has now been put off."
},
{
"section": "\"It's so hard financially because you're living week to week. You're taking a hit in you wages. You're not being able to save for your future and work towards getting your own house. It's just living and renting for now,\" she said."
},
{
"section": "She said the current situation is disheartening and frustrating."
},
{
"section": "\"I love the job,\" she added."
},
{
"section": "It's a similar story for Dave Aulsberry in Waterford. His family has been hit hard financially from Covid."
},
{
"section": "Both him and his wife are chefs, both are on the PUP. Money is tight, plans have been postponed."
},
{
"section": "\"We were planning to build a house so that's gone out the window now at this stage. Trying to pay rent, keeping on top of gas bills, electricity bills... it's been difficult,\" he said."
},
{
"section": "\"You just can't plan for the future,\" he said."
},
{
"section": "Dave, Natasha and Aidan. These are three stories from the Covid unemployed - there are many more like them."
},
{
"section": ""
}
]
},
{
"name": "Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies complete Liverpool deals",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2021/0201/1194397-liverpool-sign-ben-davies-and-close-in-on-ozan-kabak/",
"news": [
{
"section": "Liverpool have signed Schalke's Turkey central defender Ozan Kabak on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance."
},
{
"section": "The Premier League champions have paid an initial £1m loan fee with the option to buy for £18m at the end of the season."
},
{
"section": "Kabak completed the formalities of the switch in Germany and will travel to Merseyside later this week."
},
{
"section": "The 20-year-old arrives at Anfield after two years in the Bundesliga, where he represented Stuttgart before joining Schalke in July 2019."
},
{
"section": "He previously gained Champions League experience at Galatasaray and has won seven caps for Turkey."
},
{
"section": "Ben Davies is also off the Premier League giants after completing his move from Sky Bet Championship club Preston on Monday night."
},
{
"section": "The initial fee believed to be in the region of £500,000, plus structured add-ons."
},
{
"section": "The 25-year-old has signed a long-term contract and bolstered Liverpool's defensive ranks with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Fabinho all currently sidelined by injury."
},
{
"section": "Davies told Liverpoolfc.com: \"I'm obviously delighted to be here. It's a huge opportunity."
},
{
"section": "\"Obviously it came as a bit of a surprise when it first came but once you start to get your head around it, the opportunity that is in front of me is incredible."
},
{
"section": "\"I'd be silly to not make the most of it and learn off the players [at the club]."
},
{
"section": "\"I've never actually been to Anfield and I haven't had a look around yet. I had a quick look out and had a look at the pitch and it looks like carpet, which obviously you'd expect."
},
{
"section": "\"I haven't actually walked out of the tunnel yet, so I'm looking forward to that. Just to be in this kind of atmosphere is brilliant.\""
},
{
"section": "Davies graduated through the academy ranks at Preston and played 145 times for the Lilywhites, scoring two goals."
},
{
"section": "He also had loan spells at York, Tranmere, Southport, Newport and Fleetwood."
},
{
"section": "He said: \"I want to come in and play games to start with, I want to get my foot in the door and make myself a Premier League player rather than obviously a Championship player."
},
{
"section": "\"And then take it from there really. I know we've got some top players here and players I can certainly learn from."
},
{
"section": "\"Once you get your foot in the door then you're here as well. Hopefully I can take my chance and then move forward with it."
},
{
"section": "\"I'm looking forward to coming in and playing in front of everyone and showing everyone what I can do. I'm sure a lot of fans and people don't know [me], or haven't even seen me play."
},
{
"section": "\"It's definitely an exciting time and I think they'll quite enjoy watching me when I'm playing well.\""
},
{
"section": "Preston will benefit from a 20% sell-on clause on any profit Liverpool make on any further transfer of Davies and also any England appearance."
},
{
"section": "North End will also get the 19-year-old defender Sepp van den Berg on loan for free, with the first option for a loan next season should he start a certain percentage of matches in the current campaign."
}
]
},
{
"name": "Aung San Suu Kyi's 'complicated' democratic journey",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/analysis-and-comment/2021/0201/1194388-aung-san-suu-kyi-myanmar/",
"news": [
{
"section": "Aung San Suu Kyi knows how to win over a crowd."
},
{
"section": "And not just in Myanmar. In 2012, Ireland was her first stop after she was presented with the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway - 19 years late."
},
{
"section": "On her first visit to Europe in 25 years, she told an audience in Dublin that the British had always referred to the Burmese as the Irish of the East - she said they never quite understood why but it was possibly because they never gave the British any peace and were very rebellious."
},
{
"section": "As she stood in the Bord Gáis Theatre, a year after she was freed from house arrest, she'd just been elected to Myanmar’s Parliament."
},
{
"section": "Aung San Suu Kyi during her visit to Dublin in 2012"
},
{
"section": "Her National League for Democracy had taken 43 of 45 seats in a series of byelections - a success it would repeat in the country’s first \"free and fair\" elections in 2015 and which made her Myanmar’s de facto leader."
},
{
"section": "But Suu Kyi’s story is nothing, if not complicated."
},
{
"section": "Her father, Aung San, founded the modern Burmese army and negotiated Burma’s independence from Britain in 1947. He was assassinated shortly after. In 1989, the army he founded arrested his daughter and put her under house arrest."
},
{
"section": "A global human rights icon for decades, Suu Kyi was in Dublin to receive Amnesty International’s 'Ambassador of Conscience Award'. But just six years later, Amnesty would strip her of the honour, accusing her of a \"shameful betrayal of values\" for her treatment of Myanmar’s Rohingya minority."
},
{
"section": "Six months before her trip to Dublin, I’d stood in the garden of her lakeside villa in Yangon as she prepared her first run for public office."
},
{
"section": "A far cry from the days when people risked arrest, just for listening"
},
{
"section": "As Myanmar’s 'democratic spring’ began to bloom, I’d gone to talk to the country’s military junta about opening a BBC bureau there. 54 million people live there - and millions get their news from BBC Burmese."
},
{
"section": "In recent years, the media has been liberalised. Until today, several BBC programmes were shown on local stations in Myanmar - a far cry from the days when people risked arrest, just for listening."
},
{
"section": "On that January day, thousands lined the streets, braving the baking sun, just to get a glimpse of the woman Burmese people call 'The Lady'."
},
{
"section": "After months of delicate negotiations with the junta, the military leaders had agreed to a transition of power - and Aung San Suu Kyi was going to contest a seat in Myanmar’s lower House of Parliament."
},
{
"section": "It wasn’t her first election. When Suu Kyi returned to Burma after a long period living in Britain in 1988, the country’s longtime military leader stepped down."
},
{
"section": "Pro-democracy demonstrations were violently suppressed by the army - and Suu Kyi addressed an estimated crowd of 500,000 people, demanding democratic government."
},
{
"section": "Eventually, the military agreed to hold elections in which her National League for Democracy won 59% of the votes. The military annulled the election result, and instead of becoming Prime Minister, Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest."
},
{
"section": "As we drove to the election office, where Suu Kyi would hand in her nomination papers, the eyes of the world were on a woman about to reach her destiny."
},
{
"section": "Aung San Suu Kyi signs her election papers"
},
{
"section": "Dozens of her supporters packed into the small, drab District Election Commission office in Yangon’s Thanlyan township. They erupted in applause as she took her seat to formally register for the 1 April by-election, sitting directly opposite a representative of a regime that had jailed her and made her famous around the world."
},
{
"section": "She won that election by a landslide, becoming opposition leader. And soon after, announced that she would run for the presidency in elections in 2015. Her National League For Democracy won a sweeping victory."
},
{
"section": "But the army had one last card to play. In 2008, it introduced a new constitution for Myanmar - with one special clause. It banned anyone who was the widow and mother of foreigners from becoming President."
},
{
"section": "In 1972, Suu Kyi had married the British historian Michael Aris, and her two sons had been born there. That prevented her from becoming President. It didn’t stop her from becoming Myanmar’s de facto ruler as Special Counsellor and Foreign Minister. Until today."
},
{
"section": "The democratic journey that began at her lakeside villa has ended as before - with Suu Kyi detained and Myanmar’s military back firmly in control."
},
{
"section": "Jon Williams is the Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs and was the BBC World News Editor from 2006-2013"
}
]
},
{
"name": "In The Picture: Herstory celebrate St. Brigid's Day",
"news": [
{
"section": "To celebrate Brigid's Day, Herstory are illuminating iconic landmarks across Ireland this Sunday 31st January and Monday 1st February - watch a gallery above."
},
{
"section": "The Herstory Light Show showcases artworks created in honour of the Mother & Baby Homes victims; COVID heroines and heroes, Black Lives Matter, 'Women who have Arrived', and Brigids of the World."
},
{
"section": "St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare; Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea; Athlone Castle and Belvedere House in Westmeath and Birr Castle in Offaly will light up to lift Ireland’s spirits and celebrate the return of the light..."
},
{
"section": "Find out more about Herstory here."
}
]
},
{
"name": "Saved By The Bell star Dustin Diamond dies aged 44",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2021/0201/1194404-saved-by-the-bell-star-dustin-diamond-dies-aged-44/",
"news": [
{
"section": "Actor Dustin Diamond, best known for playing Samuel \"Screech\" Powers on hit sitcom Saved By The Bell, has died aged 44."
},
{
"section": "The actor was diagnosed with cancer and hospitalised just three weeks ago."
},
{
"section": "His death was announced on Monday by Roger Paul, his representative, who said the cause of death was carcinoma."
},
{
"section": "Paul said: \"He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago."
},
{
"section": "\"In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful."
},
{
"section": "Dustin Diamond played Screech Powers on Saved By The Bell from 1989 to 1992"
},
{
"section": "\"Dustin Diamond was a character in and of himself: an unpredictable spitfire who always left us shocked, but never left us bored."
},
{
"section": "\"We please ask that you give room for privacy to our team and Mr. Diamond's family during this tragic time, as we grieve and remember the memories spent together. This loss is as much stinging as it is sudden.\""
},
{
"section": "Diamond was born in 1977 and began acting when he was just 10-years-old. He was cast as Screech, the geeky sidekick to popular kid Zack Morris on Saved By The Bell, in 1989."
},
{
"section": "Paying tribute Mario Lopez, who played AC Slater on the hit teenage comedy, said: \"Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on...\""
},
{
"section": ""
},
{
"section": "Mark-Paul Gosselaar played Zack Morris described the actor as \"a true comedic genius\"."
},
{
"section": "He said: \"Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade.\""
},
{
"section": "Tiffani Amber Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, also took to social media to share her sadness. She wrote: \"I am deeply saddened by I the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing. Life is extremely fragile and it's something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin\""
},
{
"section": "Diamond reprised the role of Screech in follow-up series Saved By The Bell: The New Class and Saved By The Bell: The College Years."
},
{
"section": "However, Diamond did not appear in the recent revival series which starred several of the show's original stars."
},
{
"section": "He was a contestant on the 12th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2013, and was evicted on day 16."
},
{
"section": "Diamond encountered financial trouble during his career and filed for bankruptcy in 2001. He later launched an elaborate crowdfunding bid to save his house, selling T-shirts with his face on to raise $250,000."
},
{
"section": "The back of the T-shirts read \"I paid 15.00 dollars to save Screeech's house\". The extra 'e’ was reportedly added to avoid breaching copyright laws."
},
{
"section": "Diamond was sentenced to four months in jail after stabbing a man during a Christmas Day bar brawl in Wisconsin in 2014."
},
{
"section": "Mr Paul said \"we are aware that Dustin is not considered reputable by most\"."
},
{
"section": "He added: \"He’s had a history of mishaps, of unfortunate events. We want the public to understand that he was not intentionally malevolent. He -much like the rest of those who act out and behave poorly – had undergone a great deal of turmoil and heartache.\""
}
]
},
{
"name": "GAA delays decision on return to training by two weeks",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2021/0201/1194422-gaa-delays-decision-on-return-to-training-by-two-weeks/",
"news": [
{
"section": "The GAA's Covid advisory group has determined that it would be irresponsible to permit a return to collective training at this time."
},
{
"section": "But the specialist committee, established to help the association navigate its way through the pandemic, says it was encouraged by the ongoing reduction in case numbers."
},
{
"section": "It will reconvene in just over two weeks to assess the matter again."
},
{
"section": "Indeed, in a note to county officials, GAA director general Tom Ryan and GAA president John Horan maintain that \"the commencement of competitions in the month of March is a definite possibility\"."
},
{
"section": "At a meeting held yesterday evening, the question of a return to training for senior inter-county teams was considered."
},
{
"section": "\"It was the view of the group that the incidence of the virus in the community remains at a level where it would be irresponsible for the GAA to permit a return to collective training at this moment in time,\" Ryan and Horan said in the note."
},
{
"section": "\"However, the group did welcome the significant and ongoing reduction in case numbers over the course of the last number of weeks and it was agreed to reconvene on the week commencing 15 February to further consider the matter."
},
{
"section": "\"As the situation with the virus remains fluid, it is unfortunately impossible for the association to put definitive dates in place for when inter-county training or games may resume."
},
{
"section": "\"However, there are positive indications in terms of the reduction of case numbers and the continued roll out of the Covid vaccine and as such, the commencement of competitions in the month of March is a definite possibility.\""
},
{
"section": "Tom Ryan"
},
{
"section": "Ryan confirmed to county officials that the GAA remains committed to providing at least a four-week window for teams between the return of collective training and the commencement of competitive games."
},
{
"section": "Bosses also remain committed to running all of the various competitions that were outlined in the original master fixture plan published last December."
},
{
"section": "\"In the interim, I would like to thank our players and managers for their understanding of the current situation and for co-operating with us in ensuring that collective training does not take place. I also wish to remind counties that all pitches and gyms must remain closed for the time being,\" Ryan said."
},
{
"section": "\"Finally, I want to reassure counties and clubs that despite this necessary delay in getting the inter-county season up and running, we remain committed to ensuring a healthy portion of the fixture calendar is allocated to our clubs so that they can return to training and competition as soon as Government restrictions permit."
},
{
"section": "\"We are also conscious that outstanding club games from 2020 and the remaining games in the 2020 minor and U20 inter county competitions need to be factored into the equation in this context.\""
},
{
"section": "The GAA will issue a revised master fixture calendar to address all of the above once a date for the commencement of the 2021 inter-county season has been agreed."
}
]
},
{
"name": "Davy Fitzgerald on mentoring young men and being \"soft at heart\"",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2021/0201/1194349-davy-fitzgerald-on-mentoring-young-men-and-being-soft-at-heart/",
"news": [
{
"section": "Last year, Wexford GAA Manager Davy Fitzgerald filmed a new TV show where he met seven young men, all aged between 18 and 22, who have found themselves at a crossroads of an uncertain future."
},
{
"section": "Grappling with issues like drug addiction, isolation, homelessness, unemployment and mental health challenges, not to mention the COVID restrictions that came into place while filming, the prolific sports manager is on a mission to inspire these men to realise their dreams."
},
{
"section": "Renowned for his passion, drive and ability to bring teams back from the brink, Davy is determined to overcome every obstacle put in his way, to get this group of young men to achieve an adventure beyond their wildest dreams."
},
{
"section": ""
},
{
"section": "We caught up with the coach to find out more about the show and what he plans to do next."
},
{
"section": "How did the concept of the show come about?\nMyself and Animo - the production company - would sit down at the end of every year and look at different projects. We came up with this one based on the fact that I went to Everest Base Camp in 2012 and I explained what an experience it was and how it helped me. It made me understand more about the world and the way people live and how things can be a lot simpler. We started looking at the struggles that the age group of 18-22 go through and I'm delighted we had that conversation."
},
{
"section": "What skills did you bring from GAA and Fittest Family to a show like this?\nMy management style in the GAA has changed a lot in the last few years. I focus on understanding the individuals - their mannerisms and what makes them tick. When you have a group of people, you can't treat them all the same way because they're not the same. I have to figure out what will motivate each person and how to get the best out of them. Bringing that [perspective], as well as bringing people in to help me, would give these guys a step up. I have to make it clear though: You can do everything but it's up to the guys. If they don't want to take that step, it's not going to happen."
},
{
"section": "Daniel Phipps"
},
{
"section": "Was it harder to get these young men to trust you given how much they had been through?\nIt was tough. These guys have probably been let down with different things and they find it hard to trust people so you had to build that trust up. It was very challenging to get the guys to buy in but it was very rewarding once they did."
},
{
"section": "Were there any surprises along the way?\nBelieve it or not, and a lot of people would find this hard to believe, but I'm very soft at heart. When I heard some of their stories, I'll be honest, it got to me. Seeing where they were at times and the troubles they were going through... it really got to me. I so just wanted to fix it and make it better but I wasn't capable of that. I can't just do that, they have to want to do it. This was a way for them to get a small bit of help and, hopefully, they can build on that and things will get easier."
},
{
"section": "Cian O'Mahony"
},
{
"section": "Why did you think a physical challenge would be helpful to them?\nWe did all sorts of challenges - physical and mental - and what that does is tell you someone's behavioural pattern. Do they trust someone else? How do they react under pressure? Their reactions gave me an idea of their profile and that gave me an idea of how we could help them progress. We could talk through things and make them think about things before they react."
},
{
"section": "You have worked a lot of young men, do you think they need more outlets for their emotions?\nI think that it is so important. I think we've changed so much in the past 20-25 years. When I was growing up, you would be out playing non-stop and meeting young fellas and talking. Now, they're on the phone or the iPad or some screen 24/7. They're not as active, which I feel is a problem, you're not connecting with other people and playing sports as you should. I think that generation are just looking for something... I could see that some of the lads were just mad to talk."
},
{
"section": "Gary Rooney"
},
{
"section": "What was the end goal of the show?\nThere were three ambitions for this show: One was to see could we give the boys one or two small things that would help them in their lives. Two was to show other lads in these situations that if you go out and ask for help, you can sort things out. There is hope out there and you are not alone, you don't have to be struck in a rut - the lads were very aware of that and were very open about their problems in order to help others. Three was for the general public to realise that, even though we go through tough times, we don't have it too bad."
},
{
"section": "Your plan to go to Mount Everest was cancelled due to COVID, how did you adapt?\nThe lads were so disappointed not to go to Everest. That was going to be the turning point, something they were looking forward to, but we did get to go away for a number of days around Ireland and do a load of things that they would never do."
},
{
"section": "My plan is to go away with them next June or July. I don't want to smother them now, I don't want to be hanging over them because we've helped them and now it's about them using what we gave them. When I get them back next year for a chat, I'll know whether it worked or not."
},
{
"section": "Sean Downey"
},
{
"section": "Tonight's episode...\nTo kick off their journey, Davy along with his fellow mentors, performance coach, Mattie Rice and wilderness expert Dane Galligan, bring the seven young men to a remote location deep in the Wicklow hills to start their journey and set out the stall for the epic challenge ahead."
},
{
"section": "Watch Davy's Toughest Team on Monday at 9.35pm on RTÉ One."
}
]
},
{
"name": "Amy Schumer praised for sharing photo of C-section scar",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2021/0201/1194345-amy-schumer-praised-for-sharing-photo-of-c-section-scar/",
"news": [
{
"section": "Amy Schumer has lifted the veil on a normal but lesser-seen part of motherhood by sharing a photo of her C-section scar on Instagram."
},
{
"section": "She's known for her bold and brazen sense of humour, but part of what makes Amy Schumer such a compelling comedian and writer is her ability to be vulnerable."
},
{
"section": "In her most recent Instagram post, she shared a photo of her nude in her bathroom showing off her C-section scar. \"Feeling like my c section looks cute today!\" she wrote."
},
{
"section": "She post was flooded with messages of support, with Vanessa Carlton writing \"Feel like mine lookin' hot today too! What a coincidence!\", while Paris Hilton and Debra Messing responded with a flurry of fire emojis."
},
{
"section": "The comedian and actress has been candid about motherhood from the start."
},
{
"section": "Amy and her husband Chris Fischer welcomed their son Gene Fischer in May 2019. From the start of her pregnancy the star has been candid about her experiences, and even since has been vocal about trying IVF."
},
{
"section": "However, since then the couple have revealed that they were going down the surrogacy route as Amy's pregnancy was a particularly dangerous one."
},
{
"section": "Speaking on the Anna Faris is Unqualified podcast, Amy opened up about the struggle. \"I, for my safety, cannot be pregnant again\", she said."
},
{
"section": "\"One in three mothers with hyperemesis, what I had, one in three babies don’t make it. So I really don’t like those odds. Just because you’re vomiting so much you can’t nourish your baby or yourself, so my pregnancy was a huge bummer.\""
},
{
"section": "Amy and her husband Chris Fischer"
},
{
"section": "In January 2020 she shared a photo to her feed of her C-section scar and bruised stomach, writing: \"I'm a week into IVF and feeling really run down and emotional. If anyone went through it and if you have any advice or wouldn’t mind sharing your experience with me please do.\""
},
{
"section": "She doesn't hold back when it comes to the less-Instagram-ready parts of parenthood, showing everything from exhausted selfies to smiling, covered in baby sick. In one post from December 2019, she wrote: \"This has been by far the best year of my life and I spent half of it vomiting everyday.\""
}
]
},
{
"name": "Can a new Defence Forces' commission reboot Ireland's military?",
"image": "",
"image_url": "https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2021/0201/1194293-ireland-defence-forces-independent-commission/",
"news": [
{
"section": "Analysis: it is more than timely that an independent group examines Ireland's Defence Forces, although its remit is not to delve too deeply"
},
{
"section": "Buried amidst the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the Cabinet quietly agreed on December 15th to establish an independent commission on the Defence Forces. This completes a promise from the June programme for government and comes at a time when the role of the Defence Forces in mobilising against the pandemic has been hugely appreciated."
},
{
"section": "Yet fighting diseases is not the essence of what armies, navies and airforces do. Their job is to defend any state from violent actors, whether other states or non-state groups. For Ireland's Defence Forces, this essential role is often loss sight of given their abilities as peacekeepers overseas or their support for An Garda Siochána at home. The Irish Defence Forces have sometimes been viewed as a residual type of state labour force. In fact, they're a highly professional military struggling to cope with years of neglect and a defence spend which in comparative terms is among the lowest in Europe."
},
{
"section": ""
},
{
"section": "From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Brigadier General Brendan McGuinness on the role of the defence forces in fighting Covid"
},
{
"section": "It is more than timely that an expert group examines Ireland's Defence Forces, although the remit of the group is not to delve too deeply. The programme for government in June 2020 made it clear that any commission would not critically examine Ireland’s ambiguous policy of non-membership of military alliances or neutrality so that is firmly off the table for discussion by the group. Instead, the commission will \"take account of Ireland’s particular defence requirements, including its strong international commitment in the overseas domain as well as the particular roles of the Defence Forces in the domestic security environment which itself continues to evolve.\""
},
{
"section": "Removing the political hot potato of neutrality may permit the Commission to deal with many other issues in greater substance. There will be no shortage of these! They include an Irish military that is now tiny and struggling to fill units and missions; recruitment and retention problems; endemic complaints about pay and conditions and especially the process for the determination of these; and a reserve force that is barely functioning with abysmally low numbers."
},
{
"section": "By international standards, the levels of equipment and modernisation of the Irish Defence Forces are below international norms. The Irish air corps have no radar system to monitor Irish airspace and no fast aircraft to police it (for example, both Finland and Uruguay do). The Irish navy have no guided missiles, torpedoes or more importantly, sophisticated ship protection systems, but instead are austerely equipped as a coastguard. The Irish army have no tanks, a small number of lightly armed and protected vehicles, and an ageing collection of artillery pieces. Unlike other modern militaries, dedicated cyber and electronic warfare units have not been created, although some capabilities do exist for this."
},
{
"section": ""
},
{
"section": "From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Conor King from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO), on the newly announced independent review of the Defence Forces"
},
{
"section": "It will be fascinating to see what observations the very senior foreign military experts on the Commission will make, as they come from Norway’s Navy and Finland’s army respectively. While they will be familiar with Irish military professionals, they may be in for a shock at how limited the basic Irish Defence Force is compared with their own home countries."
},
{
"section": "The committee will likely encounter the usual objections here that Ireland cannot afford modern war material or that we do not need it. In fact, militaries require a range of capabilities and it is dangerous to provide them with only the bare minimum for day to day operations or lower order threats. Any defence force needs capabilities for future contingencies and the ability to evolve in facing what may well be extreme events requiring a fuller spectrum of force to be employed. Moroever, in per capita income terms, Ireland is at least as well off as Finland, New Zealand or Austria and yet Ireland’s military balance sheet appears much more limited than those countries. Plainly speaking, Ireland’s Defence Forces have been allowed decline when compared with improvements in other small states. Will the Commission address this?"
},
{
"section": ""
},
{
"section": "From RTÉ Radio 1's News At One, interview with Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces"
},
{
"section": "They can certainly probe and explore such issues, and the terms of reference suggest (in civil service speak) that the Committee \"will have regard to the level of funding provided by Government for Defence\". Yet the core limitation of any commission remains that it is only as good as its recommendations are acted upon. Ireland has a long history of very worthy independent reports gathering dust. While the Commission will report within 12 months, real change may be longer in coming, especially if legislative change of the Defence Acts is required, as that usually proceeds glacially."
},
{
"section": "Luckily, there is strong leadership evident from the current Minister responsible, Simon Coveney and the existing Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellet. It is just possible that a window of opportunity exists to reboot Ireland defence forces or at the very least, to redress some of the problems arising from years of neglect."
},
{
"section": "The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ"
}
]
},
{
"name": "Man sentenced to life in prison for murder of boy",
"news": [