Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will start by putting something immediately on record. There is not something rotten going on. That is a regrettable choice of words by Senator Mullen.

It is a key cornerstone of the way in which we operate that we are conscious of ensuring the well-being and safety of members of the Irish roster when selected. We are also conscious of ensuring the safety and health of everyone in our country. People who engage in international monitoring have to engage with large numbers of people in the country they visit. They have to engage with many international people when they are there because there is an international set of monitors. They will then return to our country.

Like almost everything else in our country at the moment, we must consider the primacy of healthcare, which I presume Senator Mullen is supportive of, to ensure we tackle Covid-19. This is always at the heart of everything we do. I thank Senator Mullen for his comments.