Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House and outlining quite comprehensively the measures contained in the Bill and their necessity. Some colleagues will recall passing the Bill in March 2020.Some of us were also Members of the previous Seanad and I remember passing that Bill with a very heavy heart. It was outlined that the powers contained in it were vital to protect the population of this country. They were vital and we have seen their necessity. They are serious powers and that is why we are back here. It is right and proper that we are debating their necessity. When we passed that Bill originally, I remember there was a great sense of foreboding in the air and people were fearful, distressed and upset. The mood has changed completely since that day. I was in Malahide this morning to grab some coffee. People were out and about, talking to one another. There was a great sense of joy in the air because things are opening again. While we look forward to further announcements this Friday, it is necessary that we pass this Bill because, as the Minister has outlined, we are not out of the woods yet; far from it. We must continue to protect public health, life and our critical services. I believe the powers contained in this Bill are proportionate. The Minister has outlined that some will last for five months and others for three months and that we will be back in the House debating whether they are necessary at that point.

I hope we can have a respectful and positive debate today. I hope colleagues across the House will engage in positive discussion on this Bill. When we discussed other health measures in the Minister's presence previously, sound bites and hysteria were generated in this Chamber. Members were trying to get national or local headlines and that was not appropriate, given the seriousness of the situation. We are all working hard here and must respect one another’s motivations. We must be positive and be leaders, not only in this House, but within our communities. People have sacrificed an awful lot and will continue to do so but we must not give in to the latest fad, be that to shut down the country, open up the country, let people come in, not let people come in or whatever is floating in a given week.

I know the pressures people are under. I am talking to them every day. The aviation industry is hugely important to people in the constituency in which I live. I have friends, neighbours and colleagues who work in the airport or who work for airlines and they have been devastated by this. I have every faith that the Minister is doing the best for public health. We are vaccinating an enormous number of people. Almost 300,000 people were vaccinated last week, which is incredible. We all know of friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues who have been vaccinated. I have not been lucky enough yet to get the call, but I look forward to the day that happens. The older and more vulnerable people in our communities have received their first and even their second dose. We are getting there; we are not there yet and these powers are necessary.

I appeal to Senators not to take potshots today or to drum up empty sound bites just to get on to their local radio. This is too serious and too essential. We should be leaders who show an example to people how we can all co-operate and speak positively on this matter. I know Senators have specific issues with this Bill. Let us engage in a positive manner and not launch personal attacks on anybody. Let us come out of here with a positive message and provide leadership for the country. It is what people are calling out for. I thank the Minister for the leadership he has shown and the tireless work he and the Ministers of State have contributed.

I commend everyone involved in the vaccination schedule, as well as the swabbers at the testing centres. I had to bring my six-year-old daughter for a test a number of months ago as she was a close contact. The compassion and good humour shown by those who dealt with her there is something that will always stick with me. Anyone who has had the experience of going for a vaccination or having a test will commend all those involved in the system. I thank them and all the healthcare workers.