Yesterday, the Taoiseach said that Ireland was compliant with WHO guidelines and in line with other EU countries with regard to the use of face masks. Walking around the city, however, one would have to wonder if that is true. It is clear that the key challenge in respect of Covid-19 transmission relates to those at the presymptomatic stage. We heard this morning from Dr. Nabarro that masks can play an important role as part of a package of measures. The current messaging on this matter has been confusing. Members …

If media coverage is anything to go by, many people would be forgiven for thinking that Brexit has gone away since the outbreak of Covid-19. If anything, Covid-19 has proven that different governmental responses can have a profound impact on how these two islands connect, trade, operate, and indeed, survive. Some 40% of retail stores in Dublin city belong to UK retail chains. Workers employed in these companies are at risk of cheaper operations and lower employment standards in the UK. Of course, both we and the EU…

One of the strongest tools the State has in building strong communities is community policing. We only have to look to the US to see the disastrous consequences when the relationship between the police and communities breaks down. One issue that constantly undermines community policing in my constituency and that has become more acute during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the need to share public space more is required, is that of illegally driven scrambler bikes. It is something that is tearing residential streets an…

Like my colleagues, I commend the service members of the Defence Forces have given, as have many public servants, during the period of Covid-19. I also look forward to an opportunity to having more than just gratitude with which to reward them for that. Deputy Troy mentioned 1916 and I want to raise the case of Mr. William Halpin with the Minister of State, who has not yet been awarded a medal for his service in 1916. He suffered profound mental health difficulties in Frongoch prison camp. I do not expect the Minis…

I am sharing time with three colleagues, with each of us taking four minutes. I welcome the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty. After four hours of questions on the Revised Estimates, I do not want to be one of those politicians who asks the same questions that were asked earlier just to be seen to be asking them myself. However, I will refer back to the questions and answers concerning the continuation of the Covid payment. I appreciate the reassurances we received this morning t…

I wish to acknowledge the work that has been done to support employment. I look forward to the announcement to be made tomorrow. We need to start looking at how to reopen our economy such that we can continue to protect employment. Many older people have told me that when they came back into the world after weeks of cocooning they felt less confident and less safe. Employers, employees and consumers will have a similar feeling and it will impact on our economic recovery. If we fail to give leadership, support and r…

To those parents, children and teachers who are at the front line of Covid-19, the country is behind them. They may be in individual isolation, but as far as this House is concerned, they are not isolated or forgotten. The word "war" that I use with regard to Covid-19 is not to alarm but to demonstrate that, in this containment phase, all of the resources of the State must be used and brought to bear to prevent wider community infection. A public health crisis like this requires straight and honest communications, …