Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together.

The Cabinet committee on Covid-19 met most recently on 17 December. The date of the next meeting has not been set.

Following public health advice, the Government agreed that from 22 January, most of the public health measures that were in place could be removed, including guidance in relation to household visiting; early closing time for hospitality and events; capacity restrictions for outdoor events, including sporting fixtures; capacity restrictions for indoor events, including weddings; formal requirements for physical distancing, in general 2 m; use of pods for indoor activities; sectoral protective measures in hospitality, including physical distancing; restrictions on nightclubs; and requirements to have a valid digital Covid certificate to enter various premises.

A return to physical attendance in workplaces on a phased basis, as appropriate to each sector, commenced on 24 January. To support the transition back to physical attendance in the workplace and the continued safe operation of workplaces, a transitional protocol has been prepared. It draws on lessons learned to date, along with the latest public health guidance. It follows discussion and agreement at the Labour Employer Economic Forum.

A number of public health measures will remain in place until 28 February 2022, including requirements for mask wearing in all settings for which this is currently regulated and protective measures in schools and early learning and care facilities.

There remains a need for ongoing close monitoring of the virus. The pandemic is not over and the emergence of new variants with increased levels of transmissibility, immune escape and-or virulence remains a risk both nationally and globally, particularly in the context of continued high levels of infection and variance in vaccine supply and uptake globally.

We will need to continue to monitor the ongoing risk from the disease and take steps individually and collectively in our everyday lives to keep this risk under control. This includes continuing to follow the current advice for those with symptoms, cases and close contacts and continued focus on maximising the uptake of the primary and booster vaccination. To this end, I encourage those who have not yet received their booster vaccine to avail of one of the many options available through the vaccination centres, pharmacies or GPs.

See this speech in context