Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In the short time I have I call on the Taoiseach, working with the Ceann Comhairle, to put in place a contingency plan for the future the Executive and the Houses of the Oireachtas.

We are not here to catch the Taoiseach out so he does not have to do so here, but I ask him to please tell the people of Dublin whether they can go to hotels and weddings and whether tour operators can operate. It is a very simple "Yes" or "No" question. I challenge him to answer. People have to make decisions.

Will the Taoiseach take on board my suggestion concerning a communications strategy? Again, this is a simple "Yes" or "No" question. If it has been done, it is a disaster. This document is the best example we have seen.

I have the letter of advice written to the Minister of Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, by NPHET on 11 September. At the time, the 14-day incidence rate was at 42.34%. It is now at 53%. The letter gives different recommendations on some activities, such as sports, the operation of pubs, etc. If the Government is going to follow the advice of NPHET, that is fine. In future, when it deviates from the advice, can the Government publish that advice and outline where it proposes to differ from it?

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