Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Cathaoirleach giving me an opportunity to ask a question. I thank our guests for the presentation and for the information they have provided.

Today is the 198th day of workplace closure in this State. If one compares and contrasts the number of days and the length of time and the severity of our lockdowns, they are significantly higher than in any other European country at the moment. I understand that the characteristics of Ireland's health service, population, etc., are different from those of many other European countries, but it still remains true that the policies chosen here are radical outliers in international terms. The WHO has even said that lockdowns should not be the main coronavirus defence and yet we have literally had one since December. In formulating the policies relating to the restrictions in this country, what comparative analysis had NPHET carried out in respect of other European countries?