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

The first obligation of a Government, the health services and public health authorities is to protect people's lives and health. That is why the very difficult measures that apply to nursing homes, and particularly visits to such homes, have been introduced. That said, there have been various innovative mechanisms found to try to deal with the isolation described by the Deputy. In particular, last week we launched the third pillar of the living with Covid-19 plan, which deals with community resilience and how groups or people in the community can help those who are isolated, not just in their homes. It is difficult in the lockdown period but outside level 5, certain musical performances can happen and other engagements can take place.

Unfortunately, when community transmission levels are very high, they create dangers and vulnerabilities for those living in residential homes and it is very important that we protect them. It is very difficult for all concerned, including families and the rest of us.

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