Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We asked for a debate on the reopening of the country. There is a bit of confusion about the issue of church choirs and the need for churches to have music, particularly on Christmas Day. I am thinking of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork, which has a wonderful choir, organ and music to enhance our liturgical celebration of the feast of Christmas. It it baffling that because the HPSC and the HSE say wind-blown musical instruments should not be used, the pipe organ, which is wind-blown by a machine and not the human mouth, is not allowed to be used. There seem to be contradictions around issues pertaining to church music. It makes no sense whatsoever that we are not allowing choirs to perform and sing on Christmas Day. St. Augustine said that when people sing they pray twice. I hope the Government and NPHET can determine that this reversal would be in everybody's interests.

I join in welcoming the announcement by Sport Ireland, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, of the allocation to the swimming pool operators. It is wonderful that €2.5 million is being allocated to sports in our cities. In Cork I am thinking of the LeisureWorlds in Bishopstown and Churchfield, as well as the pools in Mallow and Mayfield, which provide wonderful facilities. At a time when the physical health and well-being of our nation is being tested, our swimming pool and leisure industry is one to which people go to maintain the stability of their mental health. I welcome the announcement today.