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

The restrictions on the marts mirror exactly what happened between April and 8 June during the first phase of Covid-19 restrictions. While it posed challenges, people managed to get through that. We are saying that for the six weeks of level 5 restrictions, it is important that we work to try to get through them, notwithstanding the challenges that they present. I do not understate those challenges but it is important that we work collectively to get the case numbers down, and this is the most effective way to do it across the board in terms of a societal response to this. We can concede to each sector as we go along, and before we know it, we are back at some other level that will not be effective. That is the issue for us as a society. I know the Ministers, Deputies Ryan and McConalogue, have been talking to Deputies from all parties, including Members from their own parties, who have engaged strongly with them, especially on issues relating to rural Ireland. Our own Deputies and Senators have been very strong and assertive on these issues. I have no doubt that the Ministers will come before the House and talk to Deputies from all parties, as well the Minister, Deputy Ryan.

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