Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the short opportunity that we have to discuss the Bill. It is very short, considering the enormity of the legislation that is being rushed through the House. I was disappointed yesterday evening with the vote that did away with the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill. It denied us the right to put forward amendments, discuss and debate them and vote on them. That is what democracy is all about. Unfortunately, the Government is throwing democracy out the window in this whole debate because it is a matter of its way or no way. I do not agree with that.

I am sure the other members of the Rural Independent Group will speak for themselves, but I represent County Kerry, which is the tourism capital of Ireland, Europe and the world. I am desperate to see all of our facilities opened and functioning 100%, be they hotels, restaurants or public houses. I have nothing but the highest respect for our excellent publicans who run good houses. I have continuously stated that since the first day I came in here a number of years ago. These are people who are bred into the industry. They want to open their doors in a safe way. They would not be happy about it if they realised 100% what is contained in the Bill the Government is ramming through tonight. People could say this means that at least some people will be able to go into restaurants and public houses but this measure is dividing society. We gave long enough in Ireland in trying to unite ourselves. We gave long enough in trying to ensure that we would all be living in peace and harmony, which is all people want. There was enough trouble doing that in the northern side of this country, but the Government is inflicting a divide which is unnecessary, just because it has made such a mess of things.

Let us look at what happened yesterday. Ministers went to different media outlets and gave different messages and different factual aspects of the same situation. What was wrong with their advisers? What was wrong with the Ministers that they could not all sing off the same hymn sheet? It is not that complicated for the Cabinet to have a Zoom meeting in the morning and to decide what it is saying and its programme for the day. All it needs to do is go from day to day and try to get its music right for that day. When we have different people singing different songs on different radio and television stations and other outlets and giving a complete mishmash of a message, it is no wonder there is confusion. I am horrified and shocked to see that happening. The people on whom I rely are the ones who own these businesses and the way they have been treated and what they have been told to do so far with outdoor dining is totally crazy. People are crammed outside in what is perhaps a small area while there is a fine big space inside that they are not allowed to put anybody into.

Has anyone heard of people using their judgment, wisdom and intelligence to run their houses properly and safely and to allow so many people into this section or that, or upstairs if they have an upstairs? They are not being given that opportunity. Now their hands are being tied behind their backs and they will be made like a police state-----

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