New legislation to restrict indoor dining to people with a high immunity from Covid will expire after three months, according to the Health Minister.
Stephen Donnelly told the Oireachtas Health Committee he envisages the restrictions lasting no longer than needed.
Something of a stand-off is taking place this evening.
Minister Stephen Donnelly has asked the Health Committee to waive pre-legislative scrutiny of the new laws on indoor dining.
The committee though won't do that without a full briefing on the bill - something they haven't gotten yet.
Officials have been ringing cabinet Ministers today to get their input on the legislation.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says it will be a much more cautious approach than the UK
"Fundamentally it's about protecting people."
"We don't want people getting Covid."
"I don't accept the UK approach, the, let it rip so to speak."
"The, now that we have the vulnerable vaccinated, let's allow people to get covid, approach."
"Covid can be a very nasty virus, that can do a lot of damage to people, young people, as well."
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has told TDs the new legislation on indoor dining will last for three months - with an option to extend. Will allow people 'with a high degree of immunity' to access indoor dining
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) July 12, 2021
Option To Extend After 3 Months
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said people with a high degree of immunity through vaccination or having had Covid will be able to access indoor dining.
The measures will only last three months - with an option for the Oireachtas to extend that.
It's expected there will be a press briefing later this evening to reveal the full details of the bill.
