“I am coming at this from a mental health point of view.”
The 5km rule should be extended for activities like golf and sea-swimming, according to Fine Gael senator Seán Kyne.
Speaking to Newstalk on Tuesday morning, Kyne said that this is not a request that caters to middle class people, and that golfers in his area “are plumbers and carpenters and small builders.”
He said that he was looking at this from a “mental health point of view”.
He said: “Those are particular examples of outdoor activities that people can participate in on their own, or with another person in regard to golf and still maintain social distancing – so those are the reasons.
“I am sure there are others, like angling and other such pursuits, but I am coming at this from a mental health point of view.
“As we likely face another five to six or, as the Taoiseach said over the weekend, possibly nine weeks of lockdown, that is going to be very difficult for people.
“If there are groups that we can give respite to, give some hope to, I think that should be looked at.”
Speaking about whether this would benefit middle class people above others, he said: “Yes, they are members of a golf club but they are not exclusive golf clubs. There are plenty of golf clubs around us and they have ordinary people.”
As it stands, people are only allowed to leave their 5km for essential reasons.
An announcement is due to be made this evening, where it is expected that the current lockdown measures will be extended until April.
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