Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator. He is quite right. We all agree that we must have an honest conversation about the matter. It is not just one group or one sector which has responsibility. As a society, we have a responsibility for our actions. The public health guidelines have not changed since the very beginning, including a wearing mask, keeping one's distance and washing one's hands. The Government is committed to working with stakeholders across the affected sectors in the coming weeks. We must continue to protect the significant progress. Only yesterday, I was in Ballina with Deputy Calleary and, no different from anyone else, I sat outdoors. We have to wonder what the next step is. It is not sustainable for the industry. We need to get businesses back up and running. We need to get employees back to work. That is what Senator Casey is advocating for today and it is what we are hearing within Government, that we need to find a sustainable solution to get businesses back up and running, for livelihoods and for the economy.