The expected re-opening of indoor dining in the coming weeks to fully vaccinated people should also mean the reopening of bingo and community halls, says a Fine Gael TD.
Deputy Emer Higgins, for Dublin Mid-West, says that while the reopening of indoor dining is welcome, the same principal should apply to other indoor venues, such as bingo halls.
“Many older people have cocooned for months on end and for those living alone it’s been a particularly lonely time.
“At this point, most of our over 60s have been fully vaccinated and are keen to get back to the ‘new normal’,” she said.
“In recognition of the incredible sacrifices they have made over the past year and a half, the reopening of indoor community and recreational venues should be prioritised in the next phase of easing of restrictions.
“Socialising in bingo halls, men’s sheds, ladies’ groups as well as through card games like bridge is a huge part of normality for many older people.
“These are all controlled settings where pods and social distancing can be easily maintained.
“For our mental health as much as anything, it’s really important that we open back up our community centres, parish halls and local schools to allow vaccinated people entry into these spaces, so that they can start reconnecting with people and rebuilding their lives as we move out of the pandemic that has gripped the globe for far too long.”