Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This latest Covid-related legislation has to be the most convoluted, confusing and unworkable yet. That sure is saying something. The Bill was cobbled together in a rush. There was no advance planning whatsoever. That rush is reflected in the contents of the proposal. We have had no pre-legislative scrutiny. The debate on the Bill is restricted to one day. There has been no proper time for reflection, and the Minister needs to reflect. There was no time for amendment or debate. This is not how a Government should create a law.

Let us look at what it is we are putting into law. We still have a situation where everybody can freely eat indoors in hotels. If you are not fully vaccinated, as is the case for most people under the age of 40, you must eat outside of pubs and restaurants. It makes no sense.

I am aware that other Members also gave this example but it is the reality. Consider a family with two children aged 17 and 19 who are both unvaccinated. They can all dine together and eat and drink in a hotel but if they go elsewhere, for example, a pub or restaurant next door to the hotel, the 19-year-old will be excluded from the premises while the younger child will be able to go in. It is a complete and utter farce.

The Minister has said all along that this summer will be better. As with last year, the Government is encouraging people to holiday at home. People listened and did precisely that last year. Now, however, at the eleventh hour, the Government is telling families who have booked hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation, guest houses, caravan parks and camping sites that if they go on holiday, children over the age of 18 will not be allowed to dine indoors with the family while on holiday. The same child could work in the same restaurant and serve and wait on tables all night but cannot eat in it. I do not know if the Minister understands the anger people feel. They see this legislation as unworkable, impractical, illogical, discriminatory and contradictory. On that basis, we cannot and will not support the Bill. It is utter nonsense.

I put it to Government Deputies and others who support the Government that if they have any idea of the anger and frustration people feel about being put in this position, they should grow a backbone and, for once, stand up for the people who elected them. Do not just talk the talk; walk the walk and vote against the legislation tonight.

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