Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and the fact that we are debating this issue in a democratic Parliament. Deputies have the right to criticise, but they also have the right to praise. A significant amount of good work has been done, notwithstanding the criticisms all Members have of failings that are apparent in the system, particularly in respect of primary schools. Two primary schools in my area had positive tests last weekend. Up to yesterday evening, one of the schools, in which three young children tested positive, had not been contacted.

That said, in community healthcare organisation, CHO, 8, which encompasses counties Louth and Meath, more than 100,000 tests have been carried out since March. In County Louth, where I am from, 17,000 tests have been carried out. In the adjoining county of Meath, part of which is in my constituency, 23,000 tests have been carried out. Significant resources have been put in and there has been significant redeployment of nurses, doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, dieticians, social workers, administrative staff and other staff to help out. I praise them for the work they have done and the organisational effort they have put in. The Government has increased the number of tests to more than 100,000 per week, which is very important. Unfortunately, the number gets bigger every day. In the near future, 120,000 tests per week will be carried out. Much has been done, but much remains to be done.

I listened to the criticism of the Bill by Deputy Shortall. I do not know what advice she has or what amendments she would make to the regulations to allow the Garda to deal with penalties under the Act, as it had to do yesterday on Grafton Street. A group of people were resolutely determined to ignore the advice and encouragement of the Garda to desist from their illegal activity. Unfortunately and sadly, several of them were arrested and will shortly be brought before the courts. What do Deputy Shortall and her colleagues say about that? Do they support it? Where do they stand on that issue? I know that I and my colleagues must stand on the side of the Government and with the approach of the Garda which, depending on the situation, involves an incrementally increasing strategy of encouragement, discussion and, ultimately, action as a last resort. The Garda may not have the support of Deputy Shortall, but it certainly has mine. There is a role for penalties, but only as a last resort when there is no reasonable alternative. To imply that the Government-----

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