Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I note the points he makes but I want to be clear. There are stringent regulations in place. If someone embarks on a trip that is recreational or social, that is against the law. It is enforceable and punishable through An Garda Síochána. If someone partakes in such activities he or she may end up with a criminal record for putting public health and vulnerable people in society at risk. The staff in intensive care units are exhausted. They have gone through so much in the past couple of months it is incomprehensible that people would partake in these activities but these regulations are enforceable. Also, we brought Airbnb within the remit of the planning code. Local authorities will have to give planning permission for all Airbnb accommodation and they will have records of that but the message is clear. The level 5 restrictions are strict. They are enforceable and one runs the risk of getting a criminal conviction if one does not abide by them.