Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have listened carefully to the debates both yesterday and today, particularly on the matter of the time limit. To a large extent, I agree with what was said but, unfortunately, we are still in a very precarious situation. While people are uncomfortable with the date in November, it exists for a reason. I was disappointed to hear Senator Mullen stating he did not get a written reply from the Minister on the position on masses. I was actually in the Chamber when the discussion took place and I heard the Minister make the commitment. I would imagine it was just an oversight and that there was nothing ill-intended. Perhaps the Minister can clarify the position.

Could the Minister tell us whether he has had a request from the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland, Mr. Robin Swann, because it appears that he has stated publicly that he has sought a meeting with our Minister on several occasions over the past couple of weeks to discuss co-operation between the North and South? Such a meeting should be facilitated. There should be weekly meetings with Mr. Swann so we can have an all-island approach to taking on and beating this deadly virus. We need co-operation from all areas, regions and stakeholders on the island. If the meeting has been requested, I urge the Minister to facilitate it.

The amendments are tabled with good intention. Under normal circumstances, one would have to say they are very reasonable but we are still not in normal circumstances.Unfortunately, every week there are people dying as a result of this disease.