Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 18 June 2020

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response

State's Response to Impact of Covid-19 on Gaeltacht Areas and the Islands

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, regarding the islands, which I touched on earlier, NPHET gave the original advice in regard to phase 5. When it removed phase 5, it did not determine when there would be a full reopening of the islands but I understand it is doing that now. I understand it is meeting today and will provide advice. There will be a type of reconfiguration of the advice on phases 3, 4 and 5 and an updated roadmap will be published.

In terms of a phased reopening, that would be my view but we have to wait for NPHET's view based on the health risk and the fact that the R rate and the transmission rate is much lower. Many islanders who have contacted me directly wish to remain closed and their view is that there would not be tourism on their islands this year. As others have said, there is a balance to be achieved in terms of businesses that need to make money.

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