Search icon

Food and Drink

23rd Mar 2021

TD calls for “Level 3 for June and Level 2 for July” as Government prepares for restrictions update

James Fenton

A Fianna Fáil TD has said that the Government must “focus on getting to Level 3 for June 1st and Level 2 for July” ahead of an expected update on Covid-19 restrictions next week.

Current Level 5 restrictions are due to expire on April 5 and a Government announcement on the next set of measures is expected before this date. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has already expressed concern about a stagnation of Covid-19 cases, with HSE Chief Clinical Officer Colm Henry saying yesterday that “we all hoped to be in a better place than we are.”

Marc MacSharry of Fianna Fáil was interviewed on Newstalk Breakfast today and said that “Ireland’s coronavirus response can no longer be based upon total risk-aversion.”

He added that “We must focus on getting to Level Three for June 1st and Level Two for July. I think we then need to look at staying at that level while, at the same time, those most in danger is a diminishing number given the vaccinations.” Mr. MacSharry said that “Thankfully, those that are elderly and most vulnerable are and will continue to be a diminishing number as vaccination continues but we must begin to put the needs of broader society front and centre.”

Earlier today, publicans addressed an Oireachtas Committee with the aim of convincing the Government to allow so-called wet pubs so open at the same level as those that serve food.

READ NEXT: When are Ireland playing this week? Dates, times and TV info for our two crucial World Cup qualifiers

Topics: