Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The situation is extraordinary. The Opposition has sought to assist Government by waiving critical things like pre-legislative scrutiny. It has been given a fair wind. At times, it has not played that hand very well in our view but the reality is that on Friday, restrictions were imposed right across the city and county of Dublin which have had very serious effects. Dublin is not alone in that. We had Kildare, Laois and Offaly and we will have other places facing similar circumstances. The idea that the Government would run from scrutiny is absolutely extraordinary. It is not a case, with the greatest respect to him, of the Taoiseach coming to the House and saying he has no objection to a debate. The facts are that those debates have not happened and key witnesses now will not appear before the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response. It is extraordinary, and all the more so given the fact that the Taoiseach says he wants to bring public opinion with him. If there is no scrutiny or oversight he will alienate public opinion. That is the reality.

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