Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach agus leis an Seanadóir Keogan as ucht a cuid ama a roinnt liom. We should always try to give the Government the benefit of the doubt regarding the measures needed to fight Covid-19. We see this, however, as an example of where the credulity of the Oireachtas and the patience of the people are being stretched. It seems ridiculous that, after three waves and many thousands dead, we are only now debating a system of quarantine for incoming travellers. After all, it is exactly 12 months since the controversy about the Irish people who travelled to Cheltenham and returned, many clearly bringing the virus with them.

This legislation must be supported in principle. We must try to stop Covid-19 at the borders, where possible. I wonder whether it is a little too late, however. If the UK, for example, lifts all restrictions on 21 June as planned, will that negate the effect of and the possibilities relating to this legislation? Can this legislation not simply be evaded by someone getting a flight to Belfast and then freely crossing the Border? Why is the USA being left off the list of restricted countries when cases are still very high there?Do all these issues render the legislation pointless or ineffectual? Do they make it a piece of virtue signalling by the Government so it can be seen to be doing something?

I acknowledge that the Bill raises significant constitutional concerns. Article 40.4.1o guarantees the right to liberty save in accordance with law. On balance, however, the very limited abrogation of that right in this Bill seems justified and proportionate in view of the clear evidence of virus variants arriving due to foreign travel. That is in stark contrast with the effective abolition of the constitutional right to practice one's religion, however, which we have seen and which I would question. I believe what the Government has done in that area has been outrageous and in flagrant breach of the provisions of the Constitution.