Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to speak on two matters. The first relates to yesterday's announcements on reopening and the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. I am concerned about healthcare workers and particularly people in nursing homes. I call for priority to be given to healthcare workers because they are dealing with more vulnerable people in nursing homes. They should receive boosters as a matter of urgency. Perhaps antigen testing could be used in nursing homes as well when it comes to infection control etc., which is really important when people are entering nursing homes. Many nursing homes are closed now because there may be infection and people are not able to visit. If antigen testing was in place and a booster injection could be given to healthcare workers and patients, it would help.

Yesterday there were many announcements relating to the reopening of society and a number of restrictions have been eased. In the budget, we have allocated money for marketing the country and encouraging tourism but coach tours are currently operating at 75% capacity and there has been no announcement on that restriction on people on coaches being lifted. The restriction for school buses was at 50% and there was no clear announcement around that either. Perhaps the Leader might be able to find out the story for school and tourism coaches.