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

Nationally, we are making progress in the battle against Covid-19. In terms of hospitalisations and ICU numbers, the situation is extremely positive. For example, as of this morning, there were 132 people in hospital and 39 in intensive care. The vaccination programme is making great progress, with close to 32% of the eligible population having received a first dose and 12% having received a second dose, which amounts to 1.65 million doses administered. This gives us great cause for hope and continued momentum, both on the vaccination front and in terms of keeping pressure on the virus.

In regard to Donegal, I do not accept the Deputy's analysis that the online meeting was PR stunt. I think that is an unfortunate representation. It is important that where the numbers are high, there is awareness around that issue. We know from previous experiences during the pandemic that when people see numbers rising in any particular location, that affects behaviour. It can lead to a change of behaviour. For example, if numbers go up in hospitals or if the numbers of cases rise more generally, it leads to greater caution. That in itself is not a negative.

The opening of the walk-in test centre in Milford is an important outcome of what transpired at the weekend. If additional walk-in centres are required, they should be provided. That system works and it has been proven to work in other locations where numbers are high. It was by such mechanisms numbers in other areas were brought down, more recently in the midlands. I believe the same can happen in Donegal. Everything must be done to make sure that Donegal, along with the country, continues with the reopening of key sectors of society and the economy. It would be an awful pity if that was not to transpire. I have every confidence that we can improve on the figures in terms of the number of cases in Donegal, which, unfortunately, are much higher than in the rest of the country.

My understanding is that some Oireachtas Members sought the meeting and that they felt it would be useful if the public representatives met with the Chief Medical Officer to discuss the numbers. The Chief Medical Officer and deputy chief medical officer articulated their concerns in respect of Donegal. They certainly were not doing that as part of a public relations exercise. They are concerned about the numbers and they are anxious to get them down. We will be supportive of the people of Donegal in getting the numbers down.

I have no knowledge of a tout line. I do not like that language, the use of the word "tout". It has wider connotations.

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