Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Communities and industries need as much certainty as possible during times of uncertainty. During times of uncertainty, the Government's proposals for indoor dining have been rushed, confusing and, unfortunately, inconsistent. The one thing that the hospitality sector in west Cork was looking for above all and is still looking for is clarity. For almost 18 months, it has appreciated the serious nature of the pandemic and has reasonably sought proper support, the waiving of fees, and sufficient notice on reopening. Unfortunately, that clarity has been seriously lacking.

It has to be acknowledged that the Government has decisions to make. We all know that. For those decisions to be last minute, contradictory and released by journalists on Twitter undermines the message. The ongoing restrictions in maternity hospitals sum up these inconsistencies.

This summer, like last summer, as large parts of society and the economy open up, partners and accompanying people cannot support new mothers during labour. Despite assurances from the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health, pregnant women and families are still experiencing uncertainty, with rules varying vastly from hospital to hospital. This cohort is still, rightly, feeling left behind and voiceless.

The Government's unwillingness to support the people's vaccine campaign is another sign of this variance. The push since Christmas has been to get as many people vaccinated as possible. However, when it comes to providing vaccines for the global south, this urgency is disgustingly absent. The profits of corporations are being put ahead of the health of millions of people. The pharmaceutical company monopolies could leave countries in the global south waiting until 2023 for widespread vaccination. I am again calling on the Government to champion a waiving of the intellectual property rights, in particular the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, TRIPS, waiver, on the vaccine to allow countries in the global south to produce their own supplies. Not only would this save lives in the global south, but it would also prevent the emergence of variants that threaten all the progress made worldwide and would ultimately prevent all our societies reopening.

The lack of oversight throughout the pandemic has also been of concern. Again today, legislation is being pushed through with no regard for proper scrutiny. The Opposition is deeply dissatisfied and uncomfortable with this approach, as are many Government Deputies. This is simply bad lawmaking. The Government has had this plan in place for months. Why is the legislation being rushed through on the penultimate sitting day? We need greater accountability. Last summer, we had the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response at which Department officials as well as representatives of State bodies, industry and NGOs explained the impact and response to the situation. It was an important mechanism to understand the issues involved and assess the State's response. The committee was wound down in the autumn, right in the middle of the pandemic. The committee needs to be reconvened so that we can examine the ongoing implications and our recovery.

The motion includes reference to a number of constitutional rights. I note with interest the acknowledgement of bodily integrity by the Rural Independent Group.

The pandemic has shown up major social issues; it did not create them. These include the homelessness crisis, disgracefully long healthcare waiting lists, underfunded public health services and the lack of independence provided to people with disabilities. These are the substantial issues and major challenges that will still face us in the months to come regardless of restrictions. The scale of these issues came into sharp focus this morning when I read about the audit of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services. It found distrust, disrespect and blaming among people working in Departments and Government agencies. We knew in advance of the pandemic that domestic violence was going to increase. Now, we find that there are deep flaws in the State's response to this violence and in response to victims who are migrants, those who have been trafficked as well as Travellers, Roma and those who are especially vulnerable. NGOs and advocates have continually asked for a dedicated Minister to provide co-ordination and focus to address what campaigners have rightly called the shadow pandemic. This audit must be a wake-up call. We need such a Minister and leadership now.

A lack of planning has undermined progress in addressing Covid-19. It cannot be allowed to affect the recovery. The people have made incredible sacrifices. They have done everything asked of them. Ultimately, the Government has not responded decisively or consistently.

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