Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive and fully thought-through position on what he is asking us to do. It is a reasonable position. We know how dangerous this virus is. We have performed well but the threat has not gone and we need to be in a position to act rapidly. It is a limited power he is asking for regarding the hospitality industry. This concerns people's businesses, lives and livelihoods. They have been through a lot and enough. I hope we do not have to extend any more restrictions. I am glad to hear we are on the positive trajectory and I hope we stay on it. I have happy children in school and neighbours. Everyone is happy things are getting back to a better position but we want to make sure it stays there and that we are able to enjoy a much better Christmas this year.

I appreciate the Minister said that, given the way things emerge, he has to act rapidly. He cannot wait for us to reconvene and pass further legislation. That is the basis on which I am happy to offer our group's full support to the Minister in his attempts to keep us all safe. The Minister, Department and everybody in the HSE has done Trojan work over the past almost two years. We are at the top of the world league table in terms of vaccine roll-out. That is a great source of national pride. The solidarity the public showed to get to that position is needed for the final stretch. I hope everybody here sees the Minister's sincerity and caution and that he is acting in the best interests of the people of the country in his proposal today. I call on colleagues to offer full support to the Minister, his officials, the Department and this motion.