Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

This issue is not just going to last for two weeks. Even when pubs open for indoor service around 5 July, we will have a situation where many people will not want to go indoors to eat and drink. We will also have a situation where capacity indoors will be less and, therefore, pubs and restaurants will need extra capacity outside. This issue is going to last right through the whole summer.

Then there is the question of insurance, which has not been considered. Many pubs and restaurants have applied for insurance on the basis of their licence but gardaí are saying that the licence does not extend to this outdoor space. We also have a situation where there is a backlog in the delivery of licences from local authorities, and some pubs and restaurants may be operating while waiting for that licence to be delivered. Where stands their insurance? Then we have small businesses which have put out tables and chairs in the hope of being able to make a living at this moment. Do they have insurance? Hope is not good enough in the Four Courts if they are being sued. Will the Taoiseach tell us what instruments will be introduced to solve this and when they will be introduced?

See this speech in context