Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister said earlier that the daily case numbers remain stubbornly high. Does he accept the correlation between the daily case numbers and hospitalisations, ICU admissions and even deaths is no longer what it once was because of the vaccination programme under way? Does he accept the vaccination programme has changed the risk matrix? Does he believe that, because of this, it is now possible to look at a more nuanced strategy for reopening, where we could look at it on a county or regional basis? No one is asking to go from national level 5 lockdown to complete openness but, because the risks have changed, can we not have more imagination and use what is actually in the plan, which allows for a regional or county level approach?

My final question is in regard to what the Danes are doing. They are going to be moving to something in May in regard to vaccinations but, in April, they will be opening outdoor dining, hairdressers and those types of services for people who have not just been vaccinated but also for those with proof of a negative test or those who have had Covid in the past.

I commend the Minister on coming into the House and taking questions every week, which is very much appreciated.

See this speech in context