Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Treyvaud for his presentation. I know the sector is going through a difficult period at the moment. The comparison is made with indoor dining in the rest of Europe. Mr. Treyvaud is looking at the arguments we need to make. I support the need to move to a situation where we can see a safe resumption of indoor dining. However, we have got to get public confidence behind that.

Different models are used in other European countries. In Denmark, which is often cited, there is the Coronapas model and antigen testing. Does Mr. Treyvaud have another example from a European country that we could consider using?

I am opposed to the idea of young people being discriminated against. I do not like the idea of young people being able to work in the hospitality sector and serve people, but at the same time not be able to avail safely of a meal indoors. That may mean we have to have antigen testing or something in place. There are examples to be learned from Denmark.

While there are criticisms of, and difficulties with, NPHET, it has a particular role. It provides scientific advice. It has expressed a particular level of caution around variants. Mr. Treyvaud is right about the vaccination programme; its roll-out is in a race with variants. However, why does he think that we should recommend that Government should ignore NPHET’s advice?