Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The more progress we make in suppressing the virus, the more we can begin to open up services. The two biggest risks in terms of its re-emergence or a second wave are, first, the risk of complacency and that we all get fatigued by the public health measures, which is understandable but cannot happen, and, second, the risk of imported cases. We all remember back at the start of the pandemic that there was much concern about imported cases, with people asking which aeroplane might have been involved or which country. We need to be very careful in this regard. I realise, however, that we live in the European Union and that freedom of movement is something we value as part of who we are. I know that in the Deputy's region, Shannon Airport is at the very heart of its economy, society and way of life. The Taoiseach advised Government that we would return to this matter in approximately two weeks. We have to monitor it very carefully and watch what is happening in other countries. Sadly, we have already seen a spike in new cases in some countries as they begin to open up. It is something the Government is keeping under review and will return to in two weeks' time.

In regard to hair and beauty salons and other personal services, NPHET will consider at its meeting tomorrow how the parts of our economy that remain to be opened will be phased in terms of which will go into phase 3, which starts on 29 June, and which will be part of phase 4. I will be in a better position to advise the Deputy at that stage. I know that a lot of businesses, hairdressers and the like, are going to huge efforts to prepare for their safe reopening. They are looking for certainty and I hope we will be able to give them that in the coming days.

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