Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has no vested interest in the question because he is clearly pure on the matter. I take his point. This is a serious business issue for so many people whose doors have been shut for a lengthy time now. Businesses want to know when they can take staff back on their books. I made the point in this House last week that this is an issue of people's mental health and well-being as well in terms of how they feel about themselves, male and female. I would like to see the hairdressers open as quickly as possible. However, I will not on the floor of the Dáil pre-empt what NPHET might advise the Government on tomorrow. The Deputy is correct that NPHET will advise the Government as to what might fit in phase 3 and phase 4. It is then for the Government to make its decision. I hope the Government will be in a position to decide on the remaining phases and therefore provide the direct answer on Friday. That is my hope.

The Deputy referenced other countries, which are valid references. I have consistently said that the preference is a slow, safe plan that we can speed up if the public health advice allows it rather than a fast plan that we have to slow. That is the approach we have been taking so far.

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