Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like others, I extend my sympathies to the family, friends, partner and school community of the late Ashling Murphy. Her death has started a number of discussions. I occasionally run and never think about my personal safety as a man, but for women it is an issue of concern. Having spoken to women runners I know it has always been an issue. Even at our local park run on Saturday it was interesting that a discussion started. If one thing comes out of this, it may be that it starts a discussion and that men get involved. I am conscious that when discussions in this House happen, it is often the female voices that are heard. Having a broader debate would be something that would be welcome.

We know that the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, will meet tomorrow and I am worried we will have the usual sequence of events. NPHET will meet, its letter will leak and there will be a number of Ministers who, while they do not want to pre-empt the division of Cabinet, will helpfully offer suggestions as to what may be contained therein. We will have endless speculation for the following 24 hours by political commentators. Some journalists spend more time speculating and trying to influence what might happen rather than reporting what does happen. Finally, the Cabinet will look to meet. I do not think it is particularly fair on many businesses that are waiting and want a very clear timetable as to what is going to happen. Even if it is incorporeal, it is important there is an immediate Cabinet meeting upon the production of the NPHET letter. We have a reasonable idea of what is going to happen. While much of the discussion has been around the hospitality sector, for the arts and entertainment sector to have a good lead-in period we need that certainty. I call for decisions to be made tomorrow and that they be announced and made clear, much like what is happening in Scotland. The necessary support should continue to be put in place for all businesses affected so that they can reopen.