Tony Holohan considering whether there is continued need for masks
Chaney/collins Between Nphet Wearing Mask Mandatory Could Law Picture: Distinction Health Advice Draw And Gareth Public A By
The Taoiseach has given a strong indication to a private Fianna Fáil meeting that the rules around mask wearing are set to be loosened, as the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic appears over.
Micheál Martin has told a private meeting of the Fianna Fáil party that Nphet could draw a distinction between mandatory mask wearing by law and public health advice.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Nphet meeting, Mr Martin said the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is “considering mask wearing” and whether there is a continued need for them.
Mr Martin also said the Government needs to keep the focus on vaccination.
“There will be nearly 800,000 people who had Covid who will be eligible for a booster from March onwards. The booster has a huge impact on reducing hospitalisation,” the Taoiseach said.
“We could have an annual vaccine and NIAC are examining the next phase of the vaccination policy for Covid,” he added.
At the Fianna Fáil meeting a succession of TDs railed against Green Party leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan for what they called the “stalling” of critical road projects.
Galway TD Éamon Ó Cuív accused the Greens of having a well thought out strategy on diversion from National roads to Green projects.
Kilkenny TD John McGuinness slammed the inexcusable delay in the progression of the N24/N25 projects by Mr Ryan while Pat Casey was critical of the delay to the N71.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly described as “misleading and malicious” a campaign which says the National Maternity Hospital will be under the control of the Sisters of Mercy.
He stressed that the nuns will have no input in the running of the hospital.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his clear frustration at the delay in the hospital’s development and said it should have been built on State land.
Mr Martin also paid tribute to veteran Limerick TD Willie O’Dea on reaching 40 years in Dáil Eireann this Friday.