Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Rural Ireland is likely to be disproportionately affected by the impact of Covid-19. An ambitious and co-ordinated tourism plan from public and private stakeholders must be considered to prevent the industry from faltering. Tourism was one of the first sectors hit by Covid-19. It is likely to be the last to recover. A co-ordinated plan is now required in the short term. A rapid and sustainable financial recovery support package tailored to the needs of each tourism sub-sector alongside strategic operational supports must be established.

My time is short here but I, along with, I am sure, the rest of the Deputies present, have been inundated with requests from parents of children to get rid of face masks. If we do not need them in restaurants, bars, etc., why do our children have to suffer wearing them? They have become submissive enough because of this pandemic. It is time for us all to live with it, especially our children.

While I am on matters related to NPHET, I think it needs to be disbanded immediately. Lessons needs to be learnt that no one should have been given the power it was given.

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