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

I am glad to have this opportunity to speak to this Bill dealing with the emergency Covid prevention measures in the workplace. It is fine to talk about schools in the context of the Bill but that aspect is being used to bring the same regulations into businesses. That is my worry. Private businesses, the small employers, are struggling to cope with every kind of an increase in the cost of insurance and fuel to keep workplaces warm. If such a measure were to be introduced, we need to know the cost of it and how much per square foot or square yard it would cost employers to put these measures in place. I note the Bill includes the words "to provide for health and safety inspectors to take CO2 measures". That is all fine but who will foot the bill? Many businesses are in trouble and barely managing to carry on after the long lockdowns they have endured and are now trying to get going again.

I support the aspect of the Bill dealing with ventilation systems for schools. As has been said, children are cold in school at present. The Government said schools were safe and now to top it off it is insisting children aged nine and over will have to wear masks in school. That will be hard for many children who may have health issues. We all remember the way it was in schools in the past. The generation before us had to bring a sod of turf with them to keep the schools warm. That is not needed with the heating systems in place now but the doors and the windows are open and that is not acceptable. The Government will have to address the ventilation systems in schools. It must take that on board and ensure children are not impacted in terms of being vulnerable to getting more bouts of flu, colds or pneumonia. I support that part of the Bill but I need more assistance regarding what will happen or who will pay for these ventilation systems in the workplace.

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