Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. While the news on the incidence of Covid-19 among the Irish population is good, now is certainly not the time to let down our guard. We must be as consistent and vigilant as possible. Today also brings good news regarding the Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer.

While we are in this difficult situation and our hard-working public health officials are grappling with the many issues facing us, there is an onus on Members in this House to consider how to enable people to live healthy and positive lives while living with Covid-19 and its related restrictions. I was not one of those who advocated moving to level 5 because I was very conscious of the effect on businesses. I also felt that some of the extra restrictions put in place, including the closing of cattle marts and the prohibition of many outdoor pursuits, were a step too far. Golf, for example, is a non-contact sport that is very safe. It is played by many older people and also by many of those in the hospitality sector who have no business at this point in time. We must reconsider that particular ruling.

Young people have found the Covid-19 pandemic very difficult, particularly those who have started college or who are living at home. Many would like to see gyms reopening because they do not have the opportunity to engage in team sports. Given that there is no significant evidence of clusters emanating from gyms, it is time to re-evaluate their status. We must also consider alternative health services like reflexology which are used by people with difficult health conditions.

None of knows what Christmas will look like this year. We know that Santa will come but we must let our loved ones come home to see their elderly parents. Many have not been home for more than a year. It is important that a decision on travel is made soon.