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 11th 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”.