28 Jan 2021, 16:44
At its meeting today, the Business Committee examined in depth how to best proceed with the essential business of the Houses of the Oireachtas in the context of the extension to restrictions until early March. The decision taken today, which reflects the latest public health position, is based on Public Health Guidelines and follows consultation with our Health and Safety advisors. It strives to follow best practice and to address the concerns raised by Oireachtas staff unions.
In order to facilitate that essential business the following has been agreed and will be further reviewed in 2 weeks’ time.
Mondays
Seanad Éireann will meet in Leinster House
Tuesdays
8 Committees may meet in Public Session in Leinster House
Wednesdays and Thursdays
Dáil Éireann will meet in CCD from 10am – 6pm
Speaking after the meeting, the Ceann Comhairle and Chairperson of the Committee, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD said “ The decisions taken today by the Business Committee were not easily arrived at. The conclusions reached contain compromise on the part of all parties and groups. That said the Committee is cognisant that this latest wave of Covid 19 has brought about additional and significant challenges. Covid 19 has impacted the running of the Dáil, Seanad and Committees since it arrived in Ireland. NEPHET has advised that Ireland is now in a very vulnerable position and that it will be extremely challenging to maintain the current levels of suppression. Now is not the time for complacency and for our part in the Oireachtas we must ensure that essential Parliamentary business continues to be conducted in the safest possible manner with reduced numbers where possible. Given the size of the membership of Dáil Éireann the safest location is the CCD; Seanad Éireann can meet safely in Leinster House. In order to reduce the number of people present in Leinster House at any one time, Committees meet on a separate day to Seanad Éireann.
At the Business Committee meeting today we all recognised and empathised with the mammoth efforts and sacrifices being made by all sectors of Irish society as we strive to suppress the Covid 19 virus. There is not one section of society unaffected by this pandemic and collectively, as a nation, we all yearn for the day we can return to some sense of normality. However, it is vital that we continue to ensure that we make every effort possible to protect everyone in our workplace and continue to observe Public Health Guidelines. Never has the saying “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine” been more apt”.
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