Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate both the Sinn Féin Deputies on getting here. These were their maiden speeches. I thank them very much for their contributions and wish them successful and long careers in the Dáil.

Deputy Cronin said she does not have much confidence with regard to safety on public transport. Dr. Tony Holohan addressed the issue of masks, which the Deputy raised, yesterday. He said he will make a recommendation by the end of the week. It looks like people will be asked to use coverings on public transport. They do not like to say "masks" as this word is rather clinical. It may be recommended that coverings be allowed and encouraged in places such as on public transport and in supermarkets. There would be positives and negatives to such a recommendation but guidance is needed. There will continue to be social distancing. That particular issue must be monitored very carefully because we do not know what demand will be like next week. It is very difficult to know whether people will be reluctant to go on buses or whether they will move to their private cars. It is being monitored very closely. We are very confident about phase one. Phase two is coming a few weeks later and adjustments will be made accordingly.

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