Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will be in discussions with the Executive and will discuss the Covid situation on Friday. There are political sensitivities here, and one must always be mindful that whatever initiatives the Northern Ireland Executive takes, they are the Executive's initiatives. It has to own them and be comfortable in bringing them forward, even if that means further restrictions. It is to be regretted that we have not had complete alignment in respect of restrictions over recent months, but that is as it is. I am very mindful of the fact that the Northern Ireland Executive is responsible. It will have to deal with the situation as it presents itself and the advice it gets from Northern Ireland's chief medical officer and Minister of Health. The Government will meet weekly to keep an eye on the situation. NPHET and our officials will meet weekly to keep a constant monitoring and evaluation of our situation in tandem with what is happening in Northern Ireland. Deputy Kelly's point about alignment, particularly in the counties either side of the Border, is well made. Clearly, the evidence shows there are particular pressures because of the high incidence rate in the North, but we want to work in solidarity. Very often if one comes at such things externally and tries to tell people how they should do things, one gets a very quick response, so I do not advise that. We will work in solidarity, and any help we can give we will give.

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