Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The House has heard a range of views regarding the operation of the regulations. Deputy Sherlock reflected the views of ordinary people. Many Deputies have reflected such views. Those views are not always consistent but they certainly reflect the views of ordinary people across the country. I am sure the Deputies will agree that the health and safety of our people is paramount. All the measures taken thus far, and any measures we seek to implement in the future, are designed with one thing in mind, namely, to ensure the health and safety of our people.

The hospitality sector in rural areas was raised. Deputy Cairns referred to towns and villages in rural areas. The local pub has been significant as it is where we share our stories and socialise. She outlined perfectly that we have had a complicated relationship with alcohol, which is an issue we also should highlight.

The Government takes a broad view of what health and safety means. At the start of the pandemic, people made sacrifices and stayed at home. They came together by staying apart. As we deal with this current phase, the Government seeks to balance restrictions with relaxations. The Government recognises that people's health is bound up in their ability to participate in society. Their safety can be facilitated by allowing people back to work, providing that people can gather but all the while emphasising the key public health messages.

That is why the Government introduced regulations on events and gatherings and on how premises serving alcohol within should serve a substantial meal. The requirements to keep records of meals served and the contact details of those served are designed to facilitate enforcement and contract tracing, respectively. Contract tracing is vital in curbing the spread of the virus and keeping people safe. Enforcement is important. In this regard, the Government supports the vast majority of operators who comply with the regulations in the first place.

Deputy Naughten more or less said a small handful of proprietors have not been acting in the spirit of the regulations. Yesterday, therefore, the Government made its decision on balance and it was contingent on the trajectory of the virus remaining stable.

Deputy Boyd Barrett said he had a concern about communication. I will take that on board. It is quite obvious that there are different opinions in Government parties but there are also differences of opinion within the Opposition. I am not saying that is good or bad but it should be acknowledged that the matter is complicated. Deputy Boyd Barrett said people are protesting. That is their right.

Deputy Paul Murphy opposed the imposition of additional powers but, as with Deputy Pringle, he called on people to engage in social distancing. Masks are important. This cannot be emphasised enough. It is great to see people in Dublin and around the country beginning to wear masks.

Deputy Paul Murphy also referred to the Ben Gilroy video. I have not seen it. The Deputy said it is more or less pure nonsense. We are very concerned. We all should be concerned about fake news. On this occasion, it is fake news and cannot be backed up by fact.

The Government continues to-----

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