Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Covid has shown us that mental health issues can arise as a result of people being lonely. Deputies Michael Collins and Mattie McGrath referred to this. Mental health issues in rural settings are on the increase because everything is closed. In the context of children and families, as Christmas approaches, drive-through Santa's grottoes are either being closed or cannot go ahead.

What is the Government doing? People need to meet. In that context, they can take personal responsibility and safeguard themselves and the people around them. The Government should empower people so that they can go out and meet each other in small groups and at small gatherings in, as Deputy Michael Collins just stated, settings like rural pubs. A publican in a rural area contacted me during the week and stated that his pub is not about drinking, it is about meeting friends, it is a home and it a way in which people can communicate. This is because that pub is the only thing left open for them.

I am asking the Government, in the context of Christmas, to have a small bit of common sense. This message is also for Dr. Tony Holohan. People in rural Ireland and in rural Limerick have common sense and they can take personal responsibility. The Government should empower them in order that they can meet others in a safe environment this Christmas. There is a minority in all groups that has no respect for anyone. However, the majority of people have respect for themselves and for those around them. For people’s mental health this Christmas, the Government should give them a small bit of credit that they will do the right thing and let the authorities deal with the people who do not.

I receive phone calls every day from people who are stressed. I received a number yesterday from people who could not bring their children to see Santa Claus. For God’s sake up, the Government is not a dictatorship. It should empower people and allow them to behave reasonably and sensibly. Those who do not behave in this way should be dealt with by the heavy hand of the law.

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