Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are now in the final week of level-5 restrictions. The figures indicate these restrictions have significantly suppressed the spread of the virus. It has not been suppressed as much as we would have liked but the trajectory of the spread is downward. The hospital and wider healthcare systems have responded effectively to the autumn surge of cases. The various health agencies and healthcare personnel deserve our continued support and encouragement. The leadership shown by the Government and health agencies has been supported by widespread adherence to the guidelines by the public. The restrictions have imposed considerable economic, social and psychological burdens on many people. Lives and livelihoods have been turned upside down.

Many small businesses which survived the first lockdown in Spring and early summer will struggle to survive the second hit. Every possible assistance must be made available to these businesses to help them keep going until Easter next year, by which time the roll-out of vaccines will be well under way.

We need to be guided by the evidence with regard to how we move out of level 5 restrictions and what regulations should remain in place. From the beginning of the first lockdown in March, supermarkets, food stores, butcher shops, pharmacies and off-licences have remained open. The evidence is fairly strong with regard to these outlets. They have not contributed in any significant way to the spread of the virus. The evidence suggests that the opening of general retail in an ordered and controlled way will not be a major contributory factor in the spread of the virus.

A big decision has to be made with regard to restaurants and public houses. Any reopening of the hospitality sector will need to be gradual, measured and have restricted opening hours, but we must give the sector the necessary support so that the businesses can survive.

Christmas can still be special for families and everyone. This is a time to watch out for and to be there for each other in different ways. If we follow basic sensible precautions we can get through Christmas and the new year without a large surge of cases in January.

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