Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are several people who I stated that I would bring in a second time. Before I do so, I wish to ask a couple of questions.

On measures relating to those aged over 70, I distinctly remember hearing advertisements on RTÉ, the State broadcaster, which indicated that such people may leave their homes. This was after the first round of restrictions. If the message at that point was that people may leave their homes, the clear implication was that, until then, they had not been permitted to leave their homes. It is a matter of interpretation. I have met many people who are over 70 and who thought they were precluded from leaving their homes. They thought it was not just guidance but, rather, that they were precluded from so doing. That said, maybe they had a duty to inform themselves better and seek out the regulations on the Internet or elsewhere.