Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said, we are looking at an increase in the number of cases at the moment, and that is a concern. Many other countries are seeing such a resurgence. In order to deal with the resurgence we need to ensure we strike a balance between necessary restrictions for the protection of people's health and allowing people to live their lives and communities to gather and socialise. That is why restaurants and pubs serving food could reopen, subject to the substantial meal requirement, and why pubs which do not serve food will be able to reopen in two weeks' time. Again, this is subject to the trajectory of the virus.

The Government, through the regulations, continues to support our community - and I know that everyone in this House feels the same way - and to reinforce solidarity and togetherness by providing appropriate monitoring and enforcement. It is for this reason the Government opposes the motion.

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