Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not only Members but also businesses who are eagerly awaiting news of where we will emerge on the living with Covid-19 roadmap during the essential Christmas and new year period. Many commercial sectors are depending on having a good Christmas, especially retail and hospitality. It is a vital time of year and preparation must begin now if these sectors are to make a success of it.

The coming weeks are a time to cherish and one that allows families to spend time together. It is also an important time for religious services. As we enter the new year, many people embark on new fitness regimes and it is a critical sales period for gyms. Many sectors and ways of life have been heavily impacted by the current restrictions, which have taken an enormous toll to date.

I have emphasised the need for clarity when speaking on these issues in the past. This week, we need to provide optimism and hope for the self-employed and for those whose employment is effectively on hold. As parliamentarians, we need to bring balance to how this is approached to ensure this is a fair Christmas for businesses. Much media commentary indicates that an uneven playing field may emerge when the current restrictions are lifted. This must be avoided. Our communities are built on mutual respect and helping our neighbours in times of need. I passionately believe in the resolve of the Irish people to drive Covid-19 into the history books where it belongs. To do so, we must place trust in our communities to act responsibly, as the vast majority have done to date. We must trust our businesses to operate as intended and do our best to reopen as much of society as possible.

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