Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the lockdown, the measures are very clear in terms of what is essential and non-essential work. That will apply. The Garda, as in the case of the previous lockdown and under the level 3 restrictions, has operational discretion but the situation is clear. We have allowed construction and manufacturing work to continue and there is a list of exemptions. I am not, on foot of every questioner, going to add or subtract from that list. The optimal way to resolve this matter is through talks to try to get something sorted as opposed to having people endlessly on the picket line. I do not want to see anybody in that position for a day longer than they should be. That has always been my position while operating within the framework of the law.

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