Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. The last two speakers respectfully suggested that this legislation should have been brought in by the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Minister for Justice, Deputy Helen McEntee. However, it is a health Bill protecting the health of the nation. That is the rationale behind it.

We have passed the anniversary of the first Covid case in this country and the basic armoury we have is still with us which is keeping our distance, proper cough etiquette, washing our hands and following the rules even if one disagrees with them. The actions of many of the protesters at the weekend were a disgrace, as were the elements that attacked An Garda Síochána for upholding law and order and the law of the land. People are fed up. We are all fed up but we must propose and debate laws that come before us. Cabinet must debate recommendations that come from NPHET but it is hugely important that when laws are passed and signed we abide by them.

The vaccination roll-out is going on. Unfortunately, as of last Friday, some GPs had still not received their supply in my part of Galway. There were some issues with Inis Meáin and the Aran Islands which had not received the vaccine supply. It was due to come from Inis Oírr but it did not. The Minister might check that out because it is important. As I said, the basic armoury that we have is one element and vaccinations are another. The ramping up of vaccinations is welcome as is the fact that we will have 1 million doses coming in and administered by April, hopefully.

Quarantining has to be the last resort. It is important that it is used for some countries only. There are people who suggest we could have quarantined everybody who came into this country from last autumn. Unfortunately, the people who came home for Christmas brought Covid with them or picked it up along the way, obviously not intentionally, and people lost their lives as a result. To talk of locking everybody up in quarantine for 14 days is very difficult. The Government has decided to take on a huge task but it is the right thing to do for certain listed countries. It can be kept under review and added to. I have run out of time but this is a welcome and important debate.