Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise with the Tánaiste the issue of the different approaches being taken on both sides of the Border on the island of Ireland in regard to Covid.

It has been reported in the media today that the Government is considering relaxing the lockdown restrictions after the current period ends and limiting the public to seeing only family members in terms of close contacts over the Christmas period. As the Tánaiste will be aware, the Northern Assembly is deadlocked and playing petty political games in its approach to coping with this deadly virus. My main issue is the fact that a different approach being taken to the virus on each side of the Border. The effects of this are clear to see.

The infection rate soared in Border counties from Louth to Donegal. In my county of Louth, at one time the rate in the northern part of the county was one of the highest in the country, yet less than 10 km away in the mid-Louth region there were practically no infections, and likewise in the south of the county. That is not a coincidence. The reasons are simple. The fact is that the authorities in the North have taken a different approach and that is causing severe problems for Border counties such as Louth, Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal. During the week a doctor in Donegal stated that the rates along the Border in Donegal, which are the highest in the country, are a direct result of the different approaches taken North and South of the Border.

We in the South have been placed under the most restrictive lockdown in Europe. People have accepted that because they want to get rid of this terrible virus and get their lives back to normal. Many businesspeople have sacrificed their businesses to help in this national effort. The Tánaiste knows as well as I do that many of those businesses will not be in a position to reopen once they are permitted to so do. These people will have effectively sacrificed their livelihoods for the sake of the health of the country. That is why, when I see the North taking a different approach on this issue, I feel for the people and businesses who have made great sacrifices.

How is it that the State has forced certain types of shops and businesses to close but similar shops across the Border remain open? How is it that shops and businesses in Dundalk have been forced to close, yet only 10 km up the road similar shops and businesses can continue to trade? How is it that under the current lockdown restrictions people are not allowed to travel outside their own county or more than 5 km from their home, yet people can travel from the North across the Border with apparent ease and face no fines or penalties? The North still has one of the highest rates of infection in Europe, yet we have no restrictions on travel.

It is plain to see that two different approaches are being taken and we in the South are paying a price for that. The Government has to get real and get a handle on this situation. Action, not words, is needed now. If the Northern Assembly is not capable of working together and taking an approach that keeps not only its citizens, but also people south of the Border, safe then the Government of which the Tánaiste is part needs to act strongly. Surely we cannot expect people and businesses in the South to continue suffering and making significant sacrifices while in the North the Assembly is playing petty political games and is unable to reach an agreement that would make our island a safer place for all citizens. Will the Government consider restricting cross-Border travel on the island of Ireland should the Northern Assembly fail to reach agreement or, indeed, decide to take a different approach from us in the South?

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