Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask that we invite the Minister for Health to the House as a matter of urgency. Prior to our recess we saw the dismantling of NPHET. I said at the time that it was a mistake and still believe it was a mistake. I could ask cynically where Dr. Tony Holohan and Dr. Cillian de Gascun are now given that we have seen a resurgence of the new wave of Covid-19. I made the point in this House previously that we should not have removed the mask wearing requirement. I very much hold that view to this day still. I ask that we have a debate on the issue of mask wearing and that we as a House ask the Government to investigate their reintroduction and the advice to wear masks in appropriate settings.

The World Health Organization speaks about mitigation and vaccination. Our vaccination programme is one of the most successful in the world. It is not mandatory yet the people of Ireland responded. Our mask wearing is not now mandatory and people have in their own way decided to reduce the need to wear masks. I ask that Government give consideration to reintroducing wearing masks where appropriate. Mitigation works. The wearing of a mask helps to reduce the spread of Covid-19. I am not asking in any shape or form for us to go back to the days of lockdown - anything but. I am asking for the Government to show leadership in regard to the issue of mitigation.

I ask for the Minister for Health to come to the House next week to discuss the rise in Covid-19 cases and the need for the possibility of wearing masks in appropriate settings. We all read the World Health Organization’s comments about Ireland and our rush to reduce restrictions this morning. I think the majority of us wanted to see rid of them. The one area I was reluctant about was that of mask wearing. I ask the Deputy Leader to facilitate that debate.