Dáil hears that the government has a ‘hostile attitude’ towards pubs



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The Dáil has heard complaints that the Government has a “hostile attitude” towards pubs while “turning a blind eye” to the impact of home parties on Covid-19.

This was the opinion of independent TD Denis Naughten, who spoke during a debate calling for the removal of a regulation that requires pubs and restaurants to keep records of customer orders for 28 days.

However, the government has argued that removing that particular regulation would override current limits on social gatherings and increase the number of Covid-19 cases.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said the latest Covid-19 figures are on an upward trajectory and this is concerning.

He said the first chapter was about flattening the curve and now the second chapter is about suppressing the virus.

But there were also allegations that the government was giving mixed messages about its approach to Covid-19 measures.

Independent TD Catherine Connolly said the virus is extremely dangerous, but the government’s communications strategy has been a “disaster.”

While Rural Independent TD Michael Collins said that the government’s use of regulations backed by statutory instruments is a “kick in the teeth for democracy.”

State Minister Frank Feighan concluded the debate by saying that everything the government has done has been aimed at keeping people safe and at the same time trying to reopen the economy.



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