Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The situation is fragile, and that fragility is undoubtedly added to by the reality of increased variants. The question that arises is how we get from under this, how we carve out a pathway where we can reopen safely and where society and the economy can remain open. It is very clear at this stage that in the absence of adequate testing and tracing, a very efficient and safe vaccination programme and the necessary protections at ports and airports, we will not be in a position to reopen in a way that is safe and can be sustained.

Let me return to my question which essentially revolves around mandatory hotel quarantine for all non-essential travel. The Government has taken a half measure and half measures will not cut it. The fragility and danger of this situation have been amplified again here today.

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