Local TD says rising Covid levels result of “catastrophic failure” by the Government

A Dublin TD says the rising Covid-19 infection levels are a result of “catastrophic failure” by the coalition Government.

People Before Profit Dublin South Central TD Bríd Smith also said the Government’s handling of the pandemic is a “political betrayal” of the Irish people.

“The surge in Covid positive cases, in hospitalisations and in ICU cases, is the bitter fruits of catastrophic failure by the Government and their reckless decision to ignore NPHET advice in the lead up to Christmas,” Deputy Smith said.

“Micheál Martin TD and his partners in Government chose to prioritise opening up the pubs, restaurants, shops and hotels over our public health.

“It is a huge tragedy and political betrayal of the Irish people, but it is no surprise that we have seen the numbers spike in the last week.”

With a total of 3,394 new cases revealed by the Department of Health last night and up to 5,000 positive recorded on a daily basis so far this week, another surge in cases is expceted today.

Reacting to the latest third wave, People Before Profit say we are now in the grip of a major public health crisis with Covid cases rising at a higher rate than any other country and a health service that was never fit for purpose.

“In the weeks before Christmas, People Before Profit was loud and clear in our opposition to the decision to ignore NPHET advice and we have advocated a Zero Covid strategy as the only way to suppress the virus and stop the in/out of lockdown policy of this failed Government,” Deputy Smith concluded.

“We are explicitly calling on the coalition parties to follow in full all advice from NPHET and public health doctors.”