People Before Profit have today called for the Dáil and Stormont to be recalled without delay following the increase in Covid-19 infections on the island and the implementation of confusing Covid guidelines from the Government.
Richard Boyd Barrett TD, speaking on the need to recall Dáil Éireann, said: “This new upsurge of Covid cases in the community, in meat plants, a mushroom plant and in direct provision are very concerning. The advice from the government is confusing, incoherent and requires scrutiny from public representatives and parties in the Dáil. Ireland has the fourth highest increases in cases in Europe over the last two weeks and thus we need to have the Dáil in session.
“There are a number of other areas of huge concern which need to be discussed urgently in the Dáil to get answers and clarity for the public and workers. There are significant reasons to be concerned that the testing and tracing regime is up to the standard that it needs to be to cope with a dramatic rise in cases.
“There is also little or no talk about what the government plans are to increase the capacity and staffing in our health services in order to be able to withstand possible further spikes in infection and sickness. It is also clear that the government are completely at sea when it comes to the reopening of schools and third level education with huge concerns among students and staff about how the reopening can happen and whether the plans and resources are in place to make the reopening safe and sustainable.
“All of these matters need to be discussed as a matter of urgency in the Dáil next week.”
Speaking as his party urged the ending of the summer recess for Stormont in a bid to get to grips with the rising cases, Gerry Carroll MLA, said: “We have witnessed a worrying rise in the number of cases of those diagnosed with and unfortunately, people who have died from this deadly virus. There has been a tenfold increase in cases since the start of July in the North, this requires immediate and urgent focus if we are to halt the rise again of this deadly virus.
“If we have learned anything from the first stage of COVID-19 it is that swift action can save lives and delayed action can cost lives.
“All along, we in PBP expressed deep concern at how quick measures were being lifted in a bid to “protect the economy” rather than keep people safe from this virus.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing the logical outworking’s of these measures- and with employers moving swiftly (with the support of government) to funnel people into work when serious questions still remain about health and safety and the virus generally.
“I am calling on Stormont to resume its functions so that we can encourage the correct course of action in a bid to crush this virus. There are a range of outstanding questions that need answered if we are to protect people. Stormont needs to be in session so that dedicated time and effort can go to ensuring that the plan to tackle this virus is robust but also accountable to MLA’s and the public at large.”
