Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are probably wasting our time. We are just being trampled on with the decisions that are being made. I watched the Minister while the previous speaker was talking. He never got off his telephone. In fairness, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, is watching the debate.

The other issue is the churches. Some 25 people can go to a wedding and 25 can go to a funeral. Some people really wish to go to mass and if 25 people are safe at a funeral, they are equally safe at mass. I will finish with a matter that parents have brought to my attention, as I wish to give my colleagues time. Young children are in school classes at present in which a third of the class has received first communion. The children have been psyched up about it, but they are growing out of their clothes. This is the third time first communion has been cancelled for them. If we could take them in tens over the next three weeks or a month in a safe way, not an unsafe way, we must ensure that is facilitated.

I do not believe the Garda want the powers, as Deputy Connolly said. Private property is private property and if somebody tells a garda that he or she does not want the garda on the property, what can the garda do about it? In fairness, the representative, Ms Cunningham, was very clear about it. It is to support the Garda needs, not mad laws being introduced on the rebound.

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