Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

At a human level, this has been one of the most difficult issues that has presented itself over the past 21 months or so where people have not been able to visit loved ones in hospital where they have been in very difficult circumstances and acute need. As the Deputy will know, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has issued guidance on access to acute hospitals over the course of the pandemic. It is important that all steps are taken to prevent infection spread throughout the hospital system. Decisions are made at a local, individual hospital level and on a case-by-case basis. We would obviously like to see as much compassion shown in the type of circumstances the Deputy has highlighted, particularly where certain patients are vulnerable and may be vulnerable for a variety of reasons. It is a decision that is best made at a local level.

See this speech in context