“We do need to look at other measures in terms of hospitality, including testing and ventilation.”
Micheál Martin has said that the Government will “need to look at” measures other than the proposed vaccine pass when reopening indoor dining.
The Taoiseach said he is “open to measures” such as ventilation and testing when it comes time to look at the reopening of indoor hospitality.
He said that the other measures would be a pivot from the “robust and enforceable” vaccine pass system suggested by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, Martin said that they have already “been looking” at other possible measures.
“In terms of other measures, I agree, we do need to look at other measures in terms of hospitality, including testing and ventilation – and we have been looking,” he added.
It comes as Leo Varadkar said earlier on Wednesday that the alternative to opening with the “vaccine exception” is “not opening at all” until herd immunity has been reached.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, he said that while the proposal may be “unfair” to younger people who have yet to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, the other option would be telling businesses “you may never reopen”.
He said the alternative to the plan suggested by NPHET would be waiting until herd immunity is reached which he says may happen “in September” but “maybe not even then.”
“The alternative to opening with the green pass is not opening at all. Having to wait until September when we reach herd immunity, maybe not even then, who knows? he said.
“There will be more variants then, we’ll be heading into winter, so is it fair to say to businesses that you may never reopen?”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
