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Entrepreneurs are also challenging the Executive in its decision-making process that led to the entry into force of the regulations.
Hairdressers include Sean Lawlor of Cambridge Barbershop, Andrew Kavanagh of Camlough Barbers, David Lutton of The Corner Barbershop and Padraig McShane of Cut N Edge.
The Northern Ireland Executive announced that close contact services such as hairdressers and beauticians were among a number of businesses due to close until November 13.
Lawyers representing barbers have asked to see evidence used by ministers to decide to shut down those parts of the economy.
In a letter sent to the Executive, the group expressed its concern about the scientific material that was published last week.
A scientific article that guided the Executive’s recent decisions on the introduction of the circuit breaker, estimated that the closure of hairdressers and beauticians could reduce the number of reproduction of the virus (R number) by 0.05.
The document was published as part of an initiative by the Department of Health to increase transparency around the decision-making process.
The group says it is concerned about the “scientific, medical, epidemiological evidence” and how it has been interpreted by government ministers.
“On the one hand, the process by which the proposed respondents concluded that closing ‘close contact’ services could (or would reduce) the R-number by ‘down to 0.05’ is not entirely clear,” the letter from Phoenix Law says.
“We will seek disclosure of the raw data that was used to arrive at that figure and an explanation of how these figures are calculated, to include some indication of the margin of error.”
The group also argues that Covid-19 policies are not consistent, as churches have remained open, despite being able to offer services online.
The letter also states that there is a degree of political “haggling” within the Executive regarding restrictions in Northern Ireland.
“This is totally inappropriate, and it is logical that the imposed measures should be justified solely by reference to expert scientific / medical evidence, properly interpreted,” the letter adds.
“This concern arises from comments made by the Minister of the Environment (Mr. Poots MLA) on the BBC Talkback program broadcast on October 16, 2020.
“Applicants believe that Mr. Poots stated that, regarding school closings, the DUP did not want schools to close, while other members of the Executive wanted to see them closed for four to six weeks, so a compromise was reached after two weeks. .
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“This statement by Mr. Poots, at a minimum, strongly implies that the Executive has established specific restrictions, not by reference to concrete data and evidence and scientific / medical advice, but on the basis of a political negotiation between ministers of different parties within the Executive “.
The group also says that the decision to close all hair salons and hair salons has brought considerable personal, business and financial difficulties.
He also said it has brought “anguish and has profound consequences” for the viability of the industry.
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