Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This Christmas will be like no other. People are finally looking forward to going out socialising with family and friends. The long-awaited controlled environments that the Government has announced for people to go out and meet in are welcome. Realistically, this will not be possible for many ordinary people because having to pay for a substantial meal will limit or completely stop them from going out to socialise with family and friends. Wet pubs or traditional pubs being closed means most ordinary people, many of whom have been badly affected financially by the Covid-19 crisis, do not have the resources to go out for a number of nights with family and friends. They will have to pick and choose. With the time restrictions in restaurants, this is completely unfair. It means people who are well-off with money in the bank can go out for their wine and cheese and fancy meals seven nights a week if they want but ordinary families and people who want to socialise with family and friends will be limited or restricted because they do not have the money. Does the Minister think it is fair that the Government brought this in? We have to look at everyone’s right to socialise with their family and friends in a safe environment and in an affordable way. People are struggling this year and it feels like this Government is penalising ordinary people. Many people just want to go out with their friends to have a chat, maybe to have a drink and to relax but they are not able to do that.

We have to think of the publicans who have been closed for almost a year. I know many publicans in my community who are devastated, as are their families, by what has happened to them. The unfairness they feel is palpable. It is frustrating for them to have their doors locked and to know that their regulars who came in for a chat and to socialise are locked out. While those with money in the bank can go out as often as they want, ordinary people cannot. I do not think that is fair on ordinary people or publicans. Sinn Féin has supported this Government in the public health measures but we think it needs to be balanced because people need to be respected. I ask the Minister to look at that.

See this speech in context