Dáil Debate Demanded as Proposed Reopening of Indoor Hospitality to Be Pushed Back Till August.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has demanded that a Dáil debate be facilitated on the news that Indoor Hospitality may now be postponed till August. He stated;

“This weekend outdoor dining was washed out. The government’s strategy on hospitality added up to people desperately seeking shelter from the lashing rain under awnings and umbrellas. Many pubs have been completely closed for 450 days. Many are at breaking point, barely surviving only on the basis of government supports. Tens of thousands of workers have no work and are being pushed into poverty. Last week at the 11^th hour hospitality was told that they would have to wait again. Its worth remining ourselves that in every other country in continental Europe indoor hospitality is open. Its also open here in Hotels.

“Now we hear from Minister Éamon Ryan that reopening of indoor hospitality may be pushed out further to some stage in August. This is incredible. Given that Covid cases will likely start to increase in mid Autumn there is now a real danger that many pubs and restaurants will not reopen this year. The fact that these decisions are being made without any reference to the Dáil of the people, to elected representatives is incredible. Another victim of this crisis has been a functioning democracy, the ability to challenge governments decisions”.

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.