Government of Ireland

Abstract Agriculture is widely recognised as one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change. Despite this vulnerability, adaptation efforts have progressed slowly over the past several decades. Ireland is no exception, with higher temperatures and more variable rainfall impacting farmers and making adaptation necessary. However, despite commitments since 2018, agriculture has made only moderate or limited adaptation progress to date. Through narrative analysis using a justice and just transition lens, this paper explores how the framing of adaptation in rural community narratives portrays adaptation as an unfair burden on farmers. Document analysis, interviews with agricultural professionals, and a workshop revealed four narrative elements that were perceived to contribute to farming and rural communities feeling unjustly treated and resistant to implementing climate adaptation measures. The first is a general narrative of injustice in rural areas compared to urban areas. Second is a narrative that the purpose of climate adaptation is not to help farmers deal with climate impacts, but rather to provide climate mitigation and environmental improvements. Third is a feeling that when the environment wins, farmers lose. Finally, a narrative exists that farmers have been repeatedly asked to change their farming practices at their own expense and at their own risk to achieve larger societal goals. The findings underscore the need for adaptation narratives to take perceptions of justice into account, and to promote narratives that highlight specific benefits to farmers and their families. Such reframing could strengthen farmer engagement and foster greater support for climate adaptation initiatives.

1. Land-use change can significantly alter wildlife movement patterns and behaviour which may increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, particularly diseases with wildlife maintenance hosts that intersect regularly with farmland such as bovine tuberculosis (bTB). 2. This study utilized an agent-based model (ABM) with high-resolution input data to simulate badger responses to clearfell forestry across 100 sites in Ireland. The model environment was constructed from multiple GIS datasets, including sett locations, habitat, farm boundaries, and forestry operations. Animal movement and behaviour in the model were parameterised using detailed analysis of GPS tracking data from over 200 collared badgers in the wild. 3. Our results show that badger density and herd type were the strongest predictors of alien encounters —instances where badgers move beyond their established territories and enter farms outside their usual home range. These encounters, if used as a proxy for bTB transmission risk, represent opportunities for badgers to interact with livestock, particularly cattle, increasing the likelihood of disease spread. Dairy herds, despite being fewer in number compared to beef and suckler enterprises, had a higher risk of alien encounters. Larger clearfell events significantly increased alien encounters, supporting the hypothesis that landscape disturbances elevate disease risk. 4. Contrary to expectations, badger dispersal distance did not significantly affect encounter rates. Instead, landscape heterogeneity, including clearfell size and farm density, played a more substantial role in modulating encounters. 5. Validation of the ABM using empirical bTB breakdown data confirmed a positive correlation between simulated badger encounter rates per study site and real world bTB outbreaks within those sites. 6. This research provides a novel spatial framework for predicting bTB risk in disturbed landscapes, offering a valuable tool for Ireland's efforts to mitigate wildlife-livestock disease transmission. By integrating high-resolution GIS data and GPS-tracked wildlife movements, this approach enhances the accuracy of agent-based models (ABMs) for applied ecology and wildlife conflict research. • Novel approach using agent-based models for ecological modeling with integrated GPS and GIS data. • Identifies dairy farms as significant, revealing spatial dynamics beyond traditional explanations of husbandry and farm management. • Highlights that badger and farm density outweigh disturbance effects in influencing encounter rates post-clearfell. • Strong model performance against real-world disease testing data, underscoring ABMs’ potential for applied ecological impact.

Abstract One of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is that monitoring determinants and behaviour can improve policy and communication strategies. To improve countries’ capacity to respond in a hot phase of a pandemic and build a resilient society, suitable monitoring in a cold phase of various behaviours and determinants that could become important in future pandemics is key. In March 2024 we launched the first round of the Pandemic Preparedness and Behaviour (PPb) survey in four European member states: Spain, Slovenia, Ireland and The Netherlands (N = ∼1000 per country). In this presentation we start by showing key findings. For example, we found that overall, approximately one third of participants believe their government is prepared if a new pandemic would occur next month. Next, we discuss similarities. For example, we find that in all four countries, perceived preparedness of self is higher than perceived preparedness of one’s government. We also address key differences, such as distinct patterns in perceived risk of a highly contagious outbreak in the next 5 years (whereas in Spain 26% perceives of participants an outbreak as probable, this is 43% in Slovenia) or differences in self-reported adherence to hygiene behaviours (i.e. handwashing after coughing or sneezing in elbow is markedly higher in the Slovenian sample than in the Netherlands). Next, we explore which determinants of these patterns are generalisable, and which are specific to two of the four countries: Spain and Slovenia. We follow up by comparing insights for policy and practice in their given contexts, as well as lessons learned with respect to use and development of the monitor. We conclude that monitoring individual behaviours and its determinants helps to develop joint efforts in developing effective public health policies across Europe regarding pandemic preparedness.

Youth have been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite high rates of COVID-19 infection, youth had one of the lowest vaccine uptake rates. Certain characteristics can affect vaccine uptake, such as mental health and substance use, but it is important to understand uptake for an effective response to pandemics. This study examined the perspectives of youth with mental health or substance use concerns on COVID-19 vaccine confidence, hesitancy and overall COVID-19 vaccine perspectives. Using photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, a sample of 27 youth aged 14-24 years participated in a series of photography workshops and focus groups. Participants submitted final photographs for discussion. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Four themes were generated: (1) Youth deciphered the vaccine discourse in a changing information landscape; (2) mixed perspectives of families, friends and loved ones influenced the vaccine journey; (3) complex societal influences affected views and decisions around the COVID-19 vaccine; and (4) youth navigated their vaccine journeys through first- and second-hand experiences. The four themes and subthemes highlight the evolution of youth's journeys with the COVID-19 vaccine over the course of the pandemic and into the late-pandemic period. Youth with mental health or substance use challenges navigated a complex environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The wide variety of factors influencing vaccine perspectives should be taken into account in public health messaging and future research on youth vaccine uptake. Youth-led and youth-engaged research can help solicit rich and meaningful perspectives of young people on important public health issues. This was a youth-led study. A youth research analyst conducted the study activities together with the support of a youth advisory group, an adult photographer with lived experience, and a scientific team.

CONTEXTIn Ireland, a national Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme has been effective in reducing national prevalence and has recently been approved by the European Commission. In anticipation of achieving freedom, there is an ongoing discussion regarding appropriate strategies post-eradication to monitor for continued freedom from Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) infection of the national cattle sector. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study is to evaluate the trade-off between the performance of different testing protocols and their associated costs in monitoring BVDV post-eradication in the national cattle sector. By assessing various testing strategies, including bulk tank milk (BTM) testing, first lactation check tests (FLCT), abattoir tests, and youngstock check test (YSCT), the aim is to provide informed input for implementing a long-term sustainable monitoring strategy. METHODSIn this study, we apply alternative testing protocols to a modelled cattle population in County Kerry, a region with a bovine population considered to be representative of the entire Irish population. The analysis incorporates combinations of Bulk Tank Milk (BTM) testing First Lactation Check tests (FLCT), abattoir tests, and Young Stock Check Testing (YSCT). The YSCT, which focuses on high-risk herds by collecting blood samples from young, homebred animals between nine and 18 months of age, was a key component of the analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSAll tested protocols are capable of timely detection of a BVDV outbreak, with detection times of less than one year. Our results highlight the impact of reducing herd coverage by YSCT on post-eradication surveillance for BVDV freedom. By evaluating the trade-off between increased costs and shortened time to detection, this study provides valuable insights for selecting an appropriate monitoring policy in post-eradication programmes. SIGNIFICANCEThe findings of this study offer guidance on balancing costs and detection efficiency in monitoring BVDV post-eradication. Understanding the implications of different testing strategies can aid policymakers in making informed decisions to ensure the continued freedom from BVDV in the national cattle sector. All tested protocols are capable of detecting a BVDV outbreak in a timely manner, with detection times of less than one year. However, our results quantify the impact reducing herd coverage by YSCT within a possible post-eradication surveillance programme for BVDV freedom. We evaluate how more herds covered by young stock sampling shorten the time to detection, but at an increased cost. The trade-off between increase in costs per shortened time to detection provides guidance to choose an adequate policy to implement monitoring of disease freedom in national post-eradication programmes.

Research has indicated a rise in the prevalence of depression and anxiety among adolescents over the past three decades. However, the factors underpinning increases in mental health difficulties remain poorly understood. This study examines psychological, social and environmental risk and protective factors that may explain changes in depression and anxiety among adolescents. Data were taken from two nationally representative My World Surveys of adolescents aged 12-19 years in 2012 (N = 5,490) and 2019 (N = 9,844). Survey data on depression and anxiety and a range of potential risk (e.g., alcohol use, psychotic symptoms) and protective factors (e.g., resilience, self-esteem) were assessed at both time points. Multiple group analyses assessed whether the predictive ability of risk/protective factors changed from wave 1 to wave 2. Results showed that the prevalence of depression and anxiety increased significantly between 2012 and 2019, particularly among females. Predictors accounted for between 37% and 61%of the variance in outcomes across waves. While some risk/protective factors were consistent predictors of depression and anxiety at both waves (e.g., bullying, discrimination, optimism), reporting female genderand having higher formal help-seeking tendencies more strongly predicted anxiety at wave 2, while lower self-esteem andlowerresilience(personalcompetence)strongly predicted both depression and anxiety at wave 2. Findings highlight the need to prioritize adolescent mental health service provision, especially in females. Self-esteem and resilience are potentially important targets for supporting adolescent mental health. Further research is required to understand the causal factors associated with increases in anxiety and depression.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of significant global concern and is a major One Health issue. There is evidence to suggest that increased antimicrobial usage (AMU) can be associated with AMR patterns, and therefore, there have been efforts to reduce AMU in anticipation of reducing AMR emergence risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were any associations between AMU and AMR patterns of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from pig herds in Ireland. Data on AMR from a panel of antimicrobials (AMDs) were gathered as part of national surveillance activities. These data were associated with reported usage of AMDs, on a year-quarter basis, measured in mg/kg at a herd-level using generalized estimating equation regression analysis. Associations were tested with AMR presence or multi-drug resistance (MDR; ≥3 classes) profiles and total AMU during the contemporaneous quarter and previous quarter, respectively. Furthermore, individual and AMD class-based associations were tested. The final dataset contained 218 observations (herd-quarter usage and AMR resistance profile) from 122 herds during 2019-2021. Apparent resistance prevalence varied according to AMD type, with the highest mean prevalence found with tetracycline at 51.57% (95% CI: 45.06%-58.09%). There were significant associations between a herd obtaining a positive AMR result for any AMDs and the overall levels of AMU during the year-quarter. Furthermore, there were significant positive associations between MDR and total AMU. At the compound level, chloramphenicol resistance was significantly associated with increased usage of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine and chlortetracycline, respectively (p < 0.010). Tetracycline resistance was associated with increased use of chlortetracycline (p = 0.008). At the antimicrobial class level, there was a significant positive relationship between the usage of phenicol and the probability of a resistance for chloramphenicol (p = 0.026) and between the usage of tetracycline and tetracycline resistance probability (p = 0.018). Our data provide evidence of associations between overall AMU and AMR or MDR risk at the herd-quarter level. There was also evidence of associations between specific AMDs and patterns of resistance. Associations varied depending on whether time lags in usage were modelled or how usage was modelled (e.g. dichotomized or continuous). Associations with rarely used AMDs (e.g. critically important AMDs) were precluded due to a lack of statistical power. Continued monitoring of both AMU and AMR is crucial to assess the impacts of policy changes aimed at reducing AMU.

This article examines the legal provision of state compensation for victims of violent crime in the European Union (EU). In examining the provisions of Directive 2004/80/EC relating to compensation to crime victims, this article analyses the historical development of EU competencies in the fields of criminal justice and victims’ rights. Additionally, the legislative history of Directive 2004/80/EC is considered, as is the interpretation given to the provisions of this Directive by the Court of Justice of the EU. It is demonstrated that the scope of protection, offered to victims of violent crime through Directive 2004/80/EC, has been limited and uncertain as a result of this complicated legislative history and inconsistent CJEU interpretation. Furthermore, this article examines developments in the context of EU action in the field of state-funded compensation in light of the adoption of both the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 and the Victims’ Rights Directive in 2012. With the recent development of a genuine rights-based approach to victim support in EU law and policy, this article highlights priorities for legal reform at the EU level in the context of state-funded compensation.