Dáil debates

Wednesday, 9 September 2020

Covid-19 (Health): Statements

 

5:00 pm

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to put on the record of the Dáil my appreciation for the work undertaken by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan, and the acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronan Glynn, in respect of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are indebted to them for their calm and wise advice and their expertise at this very difficult time for everyone.

With regard to the pubs, in the past I strongly supported the enactment of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015. I am very much aware of the harmful effects of alcohol on our health system and on society in general. That said, it is clear that publicans have had a very difficult time since March and I fully appreciate the struggle they are engaged in to keep their businesses viable. We saw during the course of debates earlier today that publicans are well represented in the House by the Rural Independent Group Deputies and others and they do not need me to champion their case. However, it is obvious to me that it is far better at this time for people to be drinking in wet pubs where strict guidelines are in place then drinking in alternative locations such as house parties. I welcome the fact the wet pubs will be treated like any other business and that they are scheduled to open on 21 September.

The pub is the principal social outlet in many rural areas and social isolation is a key issue. However, I need to qualify this. I am very concerned about the number of Covid-19 cases in the Dublin area. We are told things are on a knife edge. If it emerges that the opening of the wet pubs is responsible for a rise in outbreaks of Covid-19 cases, we should not think twice about closing them again on a county-by-county basis in the interests of public health. The decision to open on 21 September must be kept under constant review.

Covid-19 has had a serious impact on the mental health and well-being of almost every sector in society, including children, teenagers, young adults, those with disabilities and their parents, workers, those who have lost their jobs and older people. People are facing huge uncertainties about their future at this time. In my role as a public representative I have never before seen such high levels of anxiety and stress in our communities. We really need to make mental health a priority. In this regard, Mental Health Reform, which represents 70 organisations, has launched its prebudget submission. Because of Covid-19, this is the year to make a real commitment to developing our mental health services. The sector was in crisis before the onset of Covid-19 but adequate investment in mental health services must be an absolute priority from here on in.

I welcome the news that the Government's medium-term plan for living with Covid-19 will be published next week. I ask the Minister to give serious consideration to allowing a greater number of spectators at outdoor events. I certainly think it is possible, given where we are now in this regard.

I also welcome the fact that clarification has been provided by the Minister that drug and alcohol support group meetings can continue to operate, subject to adherence to public health guidance relating to physical distancing and other protective measures. AA meetings are a very important part of our health service and I am delighted they can proceed.

We have heard a lot about opening our economy and society but now we need to rebuild our economy and society and a lot of work has to be done in this regard.

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