Kerry independent TDs Danny and Michael Healy-Rae have condemned the Government’s decision to delay the reopening of pubs and the resumption of indoor dining in restaurants.
Danny Healy-Rae says it was devastating for the hospitality sector.
Deputy Danny Healy-Rae is calling on the Government to follow the lead of countries such as Austria where indoor dining is allowed for those who are vaccinated or who have tested negatively for COVID-19.
He says indoor dining should not be restricted to those who are fully vaccinated and that there should be more testing.
Danny Healy-Rae says it is totally unfair and discriminatory that only people who have been vaccinated would be allowed indoors into pubs and to dine indoors in restaurants. He says anyone who tests negatively for COVID-19 should be able to dine indoors.
As a publican, Danny Healy-Rae says vintners, as a group, should meet and mobilise in response to the delay.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae says the Government’s announcement today was a kick in the teeth to a sector left reeling on the floor.
Michael Healy-Rae rejects the argument that the Government was left with no choice after NPHET advised that the highly-transmissible Delta variant is increasing rapidly.
Fine Gael TD and Deputy Government Chief Whip Brendan Griffin said he’s very disappointed with the decision to defer indoor dining.
Deputy Griffin has called for NPHET to brief all TDs not just Government ministers on the latest modelling predictions.
He also said he’s frustrated that the idea of a domestic vaccine cert, which he proposed months ago, is only being considered now.
