Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that I will appreciate my barber all the more after this. The Ceann Comhairle was possibly too generous to Members of this House when he described everyone as very well kept.

I was certainly not in the Chamber at the time. I know this is a serious issue, especially for the people for whom this sector provides a livelihood. This industry employs many people in towns, villages and cities across the country. As with every other industry, it wants certainty about when it will be possible to get back to work. I also know that for many people getting their hair done has a mental health element as well. Many of our older citizens get their hair done every week, not because their hair needs to be done every week, but because it is part of feeling good about ourselves. I acknowledge the health and well-being aspect of doing that as well.

As Deputies will be aware, there was a plan to have a phase 3, 4 and 5 of the roadmap. It has been recommended by NPHET, however, that it could be possible to do that in two phases rather than three. We are now looking at what belongs in each phase and NPHET will provide guidance to the Government on that. I presume it may have started consideration today, and it is likely the Government will consider this matter next week. I hope, therefore, that by the end of next week, we will have a direct answer to the question as to what phases each of the remaining sectors will fit.

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