“The government is now operating beyond its limits.”
Independent TD Michael Collins has lashed out at the latest Covid-19 restrictions, labelling the measures as “heartless” and “pathetically cruel and unscientific”.
In a scathing statement, Deputy Collins hit out at the restrictions that came into effect from midnight on Monday, while questioning the specific timing of their introduction.
“The government’s announcement to enforce an effective lockdown on Irish society days before Christmas is heartless,” begins the statement issued by Collins on Monday evening.
“Introducing such measures after the Dáil has adjourned for the Christmas break appears calculated and means the government is now operating beyond its limits.”
Collins goes on to state that the latest restrictions are “singlehandedly destroying” the tourism and hospitality sectors, and the livelihoods of those who work within them.
“This government is fixated on power and control, despite its implications for ordinary people,” Collins argued, before calling on Dáil Éireann to resume immediately or at the earliest possible opportunity.
“We cannot be certain that this government will stop at the current level of restrictions, as they are likely to introduce limitless new proposals put forward by unelected bureaucrats,” said Collins.
“It would be utterly unacceptable to allow this government to go another five weeks without any parliamentary scrutiny,” he added.
Collins confirmed that he has written a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin asking him to use his emergency powers to recall the Dáil.
“Public anger and anxiety have skyrocketed since the announcement by the Taoiseach last Friday,” he said.
“The public have played their part during this pandemic yet the government keep moving the goalposts. For the government to create such fear and stress on the days before Christmas is unconscionable.
“The Taoiseach and his government cannot be allowed to duck and dive from the scrutiny of Dáil Éireann on these crucial issues which have myriad knock-on impacts.
“The Taoiseach has the power to recall the Dáil. The ball is now in his court.”
4,799 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed by the Department of Health on Monday evening.
As of 8am on Monday, 467 patients are hospitalised in relation to the virus.
Of those, 104 are in ICU.
The @hpscireland has today been notified of 4,799* confirmed cases of #COVI19.
As of 8am today, 467 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 104 are in ICU.
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) December 20, 2021
Speaking on Monday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said that there are currently no plans to introduce further restrictions before the new year.
In conversation on RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, Varadkar said:
“The plan is the plan that was announced. We have no plan to impose more severe restrictions before the new year or after it.”
However, the Fine Gael leader did stipulate that if there was a significant change in numbers, the government would “do whatever is necessary to protect human life and the healthcare system”.
Varadkar added:
“As everyone knows this virus has surprised us on many occasions. If we have to we will have to do whatever is necessary to protect human life and the health service from being overwhelmed.
“But we don’t anticipate that will be necessary.”
Featured Images via Leah Farrell and Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie
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