Becky Kealy: Minister Has The Powers To & Must Act
Aontú Rep for Cork North West Becky Kealy has called upon the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to utilise his powers per legislation to predicate and enforce regulating mandating mandatory self-isolation from those arrived in the country.
Becky Kealy: “The Minister was afforded additional powers in relation to self-isolation and measures designed to contain the spread of Covid-19. With the reproduction rate rising, and fears of a Covid-19 spike on these shores, it is imperative that the Minister act swiftly to preclude Covid-19 cases being imported into the country once again. The government was slow to shut down flights during the initial surge in cases, so should be looking to act pre-emptively now. Simply, those coming into the country from hard-hit countries should be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Furthermore, there are plenty of government-rented properties where incoming visitors could isolate within.”
“According to Section 10 of the Health Act , which amends Section 31 of the Health Act , the Minister for Health is empowered to enforce any such restrictions as necessary to safeguard the public health from safeguards arising from Covid-19. It is fully within Stephen Donnelly’s power to step in and take precautionary measures to prevent a spike in Coronavirus cases.”
“This is not about jeopardising the tourist industry, or demonising foreigners who wish to visit our shores. This is about taking the necessary measures to ensure that we do not need another lockdown, that lives our saved and that normality can be restored. A self-isolation order for those coming into the country is simply asking them to be part of the national effort to combat Covid-19 whilst they visit our shores. Let’s not undo the sacrifices we have made with recklessness. We have sacrificed so much to flatten the curve – let’s not force ourselves to make more.”
