Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree to the Order of Business as proposed by the Leader, but I do want to raise some issues. We need to discuss the very real prospect that Dublin will now face increased restrictions. This House should acknowledge, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group I acknowledge, the severe implications that these increased restrictions will have for businesses and livelihoods and on citizens living in the city centre and beyond. I know these recommendations were not made lightly, and I am sure that a Cabinet decision to implement NPHET's recommendations will also not be made lightly.

I hear loud and clear, however, what has been said about the challenges and difficulties that these restrictions will pose for businesses. I was having a cup of coffee and talking to a member of staff in a business close to Leinster House just this morning, and it was obvious that there is genuine worry for livelihoods and businesses. The person I spoke to referred to his colleagues who have already been laid-off and who may never return to work. This situation, therefore, is having a serious impact on our capital city.

Remarkably, however, small towns and villages beyond the capital are doing well. We had a very good tourist season in Mayo, for example. People left our cities and large towns and came to rural Ireland, so it is an ill wind that does not blow some good. If our capital is not doing well, though, our country has a serious problem and we must look at the long-term impact of these restrictions on businesses and communities in the capital city.

I also raise the issue of maternity restrictions. This matter has been raised in the Lower House, but we also need to examine the trauma being imposed on women. Many thousands of them are sitting in consulting rooms on their own and hearing very difficult news about the pregnancies. These women are also going through labour on their own and some hospitals are not even facilitating visitors. I have been there myself and I can attest to how difficult, challenging and traumatic is the experience. We must look at how we look after women in maternity care settings for the foreseeable future, because this pandemic is not going to end any time soon.

I turn to the issue of the migrant camp on Lesbos. I proposed a Commencement matter on this issue, but it was not selected this week. I have been in discussions with the office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy O'Gorman, because I think it is incumbent on us, as a First World country and a member of the European Union, to do something about this situation. We have been asked to take in unaccompanied minors, children without parents, guardians or protection, and look after them. I do not think we have stepped up to the plate on this issue. It is unfair to expect Greece to have to deal with this issue on its own.