Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and absolutely agree with her sentiments. On 22 October, we are going to remove almost all legal restrictions that were introduced as a consequence of the pandemic. No social distancing will be required. Hospitality venues will be able to return to the capacity they had pre-pandemic. People will be able to order a drink at a bar. In that context, it is hard to justify the continuing restrictions on partners attending hospitals with their pregnant partners. Again, I share the frustration. We as a Government do not want to overrule doctors and nurses or take away their autonomy to make decisions they have to make at local level in a hospital, particularly if there is an outbreak or a cluster. However, that should be exceptional and it seems to be more than exceptional at this stage. I share the Deputy's frustration and I will certainly raise it with the CMO and the Minister for Health again.

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