Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator Ahearn and other Senators in calling for a debate prior to next week's Cabinet meeting on the reopening of the country. I ask the Leader to convene the House early for such a debate. There is a rising number of Covid cases and, to paraphrase, the virus is on a new trajectory.

It is important that all of us use appropriate language. Statistics do not lie. Dr. Anne O'Connor stated that the 10% of the adult population who are unvaccinated are driving 50% of admissions in hospitals. That is a stark figure on which we should all reflect. I appeal to all of Members, as leaders, to urge those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated. I am a civil libertarian and appreciate the rights of individuals, but it is important that we have a measured debate on the lifting of our Covid restrictions on 22 October.

I believe we should go ahead with the reopening of the country but, like Senator Ahearn, we should keep the Covid app and certificate as part of what we are doing. I cannot comprehend the approach of NPHET and the Government regarding face masks. We either have them for retail and public transport or we do not have them at all.

We should have a measured reopening and a proper conversation about it. I appeal to members of the Cabinet to step away from the microphones between now and the Cabinet meeting next Tuesday and not add to the tension and hype. Let us give certainty to the hospitality sector which has been decimated. Let us all appeal to those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated. It is a public health issue. I appreciate the rights of individuals not to get vaccinated, but the fact that 10% of the adult population is driving 50% of hospital admissions tells its own story.