Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It would work much better if the Minister listened to the science, but he did not do that with ventilation and antigen tests, even though expert groups were set up for those matters. Members of the Opposition and the public are asking why the Government is mishandling this to the extent that it is and they are asking why it is not doing the logical and obvious things it has been advised to do. The fact that the Government has not done that means it needs an extension of special powers now. That has happened because serious mistakes have been made. In November, the Government suddenly started talking about antigen tests and now, in December, it is suddenly accepting that there is a need for air purification systems in schools. We paid an enormous price for the Government’s failure to listen to the science on that. That is why it is so difficult to support legislation which is about doing other things that are necessary.

The Minister's response on those obvious, practical things that would have made such a difference to the trajectory of the virus is really hard to understand. Not only does it cause annoyance and frustration among people, particularly those on this side of the House, the mistakes being made are costing the country dearly.

There is a need for regulations, undoubtedly, particularly with regard to Covid certificates and mask-wearing. They are the two stand out areas for which we need regulation and enforcement and we are supportive of those but we take exception to the fact that the Minister has not addressed the other issues and as I said, they have been very serious mistakes. In the context of this legislation, given how draconian it is, I strongly appeal to the Minister to at least agree the kind of safeguards that would be entailed with providing notice of the regulations. That is good practice but it also important from the point of view of making people aware of them.

We know that the public health messaging has been very poor, especially of late, when announcements are made or things are leaked by NPHET or whoever. NPHET says one thing, a kite is flown for a few days and then Government decides, depending on what way the public reacts. That has resulted in a very high level of confusion about the rules and the regulations. Even at this stage, trying to get basic information on the regulations - how they operate, how long one has to do this or that, what is allowed, how many individuals can be seated at tables and all those practical things that people are trying to find out - is really difficult because of the confusing messaging. Things must improve on that front because people are not only frustrated, they are confused as well. The vast majority of people want to do the right thing. In that context, it is really important that the Minister listens to the science on the key issues of antigen testing and ventilation. Of course, he should have listened to that science a long time ago, earlier in the year. I appeal to him, at least in relation to providing notice and clarity about regulations that are introduced, to give the kind of notice provided for in amendment No. 20.

See this speech in context