Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Please have the manners not to interrupt anybody. I made a comment like every parliamentarian. I was elected to this House, like the Deputy, to give my view. The Deputy wants to give everything for free - the money tree is there - and pay for absolutely nothing.

Unfortunately, we are back to a situation that we all wished we would not have to revisit, and it is unfortunate we are back. I know people can blame Government policy and Government decisions and everything like that, but I laugh when I hear people on the Opposition benches standing up to say they accept the public health advice and in the next breath they rubbish it. One issue that has come through today is the wearing of face masks for nine-year-olds.

I was very fortunate and lucky to be at the Cabinet table for nine and half years. Unfortunately, part of that was when Covid hit this country. The Opposition parties ran for the hills when difficult decisions had to be made. After a number of months, they wet their finger and put it up to see what way the wind was blowing, and said, “Now we will go with whatever way the wind is blowing.” Fortunately for them, maybe, they do not have to make the decisions and they do not have to defend the decisions. They can be all things to all men, and that is exactly what they have been for the past 18 to 24 months.

The Government has a responsibility to protect the citizens of this State. I think they might not always have got it right but they have done their best on every single occasion. The public might not want to hear the messaging from Government. This is where there is a responsibility on the Opposition with regard to the mixed messaging and everything like that. They understand the process. They understand when the NPHET advice comes in and the Government has to have time to consider it.

There is also a responsibility on our media and our national broadcaster. Over recent weeks, they have been disgraceful in some of the coverage they have given this issue of Covid-19. I often think they nearly wish for it to continue because it covers plenty of hours on our national airwaves. It is totally irresponsible behaviour given some of their broadcasting and media coverage over the past while, specifically over recent weeks. They understand the process very well. They are professional people. They are being paid very well to understand it. However, because it does not suit their narrative, they muddy the waters, create a bit of hysteria, mud throwing, and everything like that. I would call on our national broadcaster to be more responsible in its messaging, to be more responsible in its production, to be more responsible when its presenters are going out, and to give some fair coverage and responsible coverage. Some people on this side of the Dáil will be afraid----

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