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

The wearing of masks is an important issue. Many people, including me, get out of their car to go into a shop or to get petrol, suddenly realise they have forgotten their mask, and then go back to get it. Most people who do not wear masks do so inadvertently. It is not a determined action or an affront to other people. However, some people refuse to wear masks. That refusal puts the health of others at risk, particularly in enclosed spaces. It is very important that there are incremental measures which the Garda can take if that is necessary to keep everybody safe.

The main point about what is happening with this country is that we are at level 5, whether we like it or not. I do not like it and I do not think any other Deputy does either. We are at level 5 because the virus is getting out of control in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe, including in Spain, France and Germany, as well as further afield, such as in America, India and many other countries. We must all heed clear and stark advice to stay at home if at all possible. Notwithstanding that, I support the view that some physical activities are capable of being carried out individually and safely outside one's home and within a 5 km radius of it. However, the fact is that we must accept the advice and act on it.

The Government is acting cogently and properly in the way these regulations have been brought in and will be enforced. I do not agree with all of the regulations. Some of them need to be reviewed urgently. Yesterday, I raised the issue of people who wish to go individually onto a golf course by prior arrangement, not meet anybody and play a round of golf alone. There are also issues around gymnasiums and mental health. The Government may need to do more thinking on that. Along with NPHET, it should re-examine some of those issues because one of the big things is that if we are encouraging young people to adhere to the advice, we must accept that they have other social issues. They should not be put down or given out to. We must encourage and praise them and constructively engage with them to get their support.

Members of the Opposition can be very negative. Listening to some of the Deputies who contributed on this issue this morning, I heard only negativity, but maybe in their heart of hearts they have room for praise, particularly for the Garda and the workers who have given so much to help the public in fighting this dreadful virus.

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