Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to ask three questions, the first of which relates to the wearing of face masks as a containment strategy for Covid-19. The science and the evidence is clear. There are issues around how we wear them, but not whether or not we wear them. There are concerns around supply and cost, but homemade masks require a needle, thread, a piece of material and, for some of us, a little tuition from YouTube. A group of volunteers from Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal, known as North West Sews Masks and Gowns, has supplied 500 scrubs and 4,000 masks nationwide with the help of the Garda. They have fund-raised and they and other groups would be willing to upscale. This work could provide a small income stream for some people. How soon can we expect guidance on masks?

My second question relates to the public health passenger locator form, on which the Taoiseach earlier responded to a question. It is important to emphasise that Irish citizens are not allowed to travel more than 5 km from their own homes. If it is not proposed to enact legislation to require incoming passengers to sign this form, how is it proposed to close that gaping hole in the containment strategy for Covid-19?

My third question relates to our local authorities, many of which are on their knees in terms of resources. This is due not only to the collapse in rates payments for three months, which it will take until year end to sort out, but the collapse in other revenues such as parking charges, planning application charges and so on. All of this income has disappeared. There are also increased costs around Covid-19. I take this opportunity to thank our local authorities for the sterling work they have done in this instance. What plans are in place to support our local authorities who are literally running out of money?

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