Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I thank the Acting Chairman.

We have learned in recent months that we must find a way to live alongside the virus but we need to trust the people now if we are to protect jobs and the economy. I ask the Minister of State to assure me that businesses in the various sectors will be treated equally as we move through the new plan. For example, there must be equal treatment for businesses in the retail, hospitality and manufacturing sectors. We cannot have a repeat of the confusion that arose in March, when Deputies' offices were inundated with queries as to who could operate and in what way.

We must not single out one section of a sector. It is incredibly unfair that some pubs were allowed to open but others were not because of the requirement that food be served. That was never part of the advice for pubs. Rather, it was for restaurants. All Members know it will not be business as usual. We know we are in a new normal but we must bring everyone on this journey.

That said, I welcome the new plan, which was needed. However, I am concerned that people are being told that they may only socialise in organised establishments. That is not supporting businesses to create work for people. We are closing the door on caterers, bouncy castle operators and photographers, all of whom are ingredients in many family milestone events that are usually held at home. Christenings, first communions and confirmations, many of which were delayed, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences but one is no longer permitted to celebrate them at home or outside the home, such as in a hotel. Many small businesses that catered for such events are effectively being shut down.

The Minister of State may have seen taxi drivers protesting outside Leinster House yesterday. They are fighting for survival and to pay their bills. We need to embrace living with this virus if we are to succeed and give people the tools to continue to operate properly in the economy. Many people are being forced out of work, businesses are being closed and work for the gig economy is being shut off in a bid to keep the country open.

I welcome the news that musicians and live performers may return to work. They are among the most creative in our society and have suffered significantly during the pandemic. As the Minister of State is aware, music and entertainment form a significant part of our culture.

I received a phone call today from a travel agency that is under significant pressure and needs extra support.

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As the economy begins to open up, the planning authorities are coming under additional pressure from both corporate and personal applicants. All inquiries are being dealt with through Zoom calls and meeting. These, while understandable, are difficult for both staff and applicants. One-to-one meetings are important. Does the Minister of State anticipate that such meetings will reconvene soon?

I see a significant backlog in healthcare. This is a direct result of this level of restriction. Why can we not set up a contact tracing department and staff it with people who answered Ireland's call, who speak several language, and do the job of test, trace and locate for each case so that we can stamp this virus out? If we do not have work done and people back to work, we will not have a functioning economy, a functioning health service or a functioning Civil Service. We need to get back to work and work living with this virus.

Can the Government ensure that in order to create jobs, IDA Ireland visits to rural counties are increased because there is not enough of them? My firm belief is rural Ireland has been forgotten and the one priority I will ask of the Minister of State is that IDA Ireland comes down to Carlow and other places and works on creating jobs. We need to create jobs in rural Ireland. I am a firm believer that everything is centred around Dublin. We in rural Ireland need help badly. I can speak for that in own area of Carlow-Kilkenny.

I am concerned about the restart grant. It has come to my attention in the past few weeks that applicants in my area missed the deadline, only by a day or two. My understanding is there is no appeal mechanism. Can the Minister of State clarify the matter? I have spoken to other Deputies, who say that they have some who they think will get sorted. Can the Minister of State provide clarification and inform all local authorities that if a person's restart grants application is a few days late, to save the person's business, if he or she has a genuine excuse such as I heard, he or she will be allowed get that restart grant?

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