Richard Boyd Barrett wants Dail recalled due to Covid increase

Dún Laoghaire TD Richard Boyd Barrett has called for the Dáil and Stormont to be recalled following the increase in Covid-19 infections on the island.

Speaking today on the need to recall Dáil Éireann, the People Before Profit TD said:

“This new upsurge of Covid cases in the community, in meat plants, a mushroom plant and in direct provision are very concerning.

“The advice from the government is confusing, incoherent and requires scrutiny from public representatives and parties in the Dáil.

“Ireland has the fourth highest increases in cases in Europe over the last two weeks and thus we need to have the Dáil in session.

“There are a number of other areas of huge concern which need to be discussed urgently in the Dáil to get answers and clarity for the public and workers.

“There are significant reasons to be concerned that the testing and tracing regime is up to the standard that it needs to be to cope with a dramatic rise in cases.”

Deputy Boyd Barrett also questioned what the government plans are to increase the capacity and staffing in the health services in order to be able to withstand possible further spikes in infection and sickness.

“It is also clear that the government are completely at sea when it comes to the reopening of schools and third level education with huge concerns among students and staff about how the reopening can happen and whether the plans and resources are in place to make the reopening safe and sustainable,” he said.

“All of these matters need to be discussed as a matter of urgency in the Dáil next week.”