Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Ceann Comhairle knows, the Independent Group has consistently opposed sittings in the Convention Centre and has asked that we would come back here to Leinster House when it is safe to do so, with a view to examining the possibility of having 1 m social distancing. I have nothing against the Convention Centre and I compliment the staff here and in the Convention Centre for looking after us. As the Ceann Comhairle is aware, we also put forward a position paper which we have discussed. I thank him, and Charles Hearne, for the interim report issued today, and I believe we will discuss it again on Thursday. I am happy with that progress but I agree with the reasons outlined by Deputy Mac Lochlainn. We are creating a bad image. We should be able to work and show leadership when we expect hundreds of thousands of people, and children in schools and everything else, to work in restricted places. We should do our best here. I believe we are doing our best with the examination of this report, so I am happy to wait until Thursday's meeting to discuss it again.

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