Ministers are facing open revolt among Government backbenchers over NPHET's call for a 5pm curfew in pubs and restaurants.
The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid is meeting this afternoon to debate the advice.
NPHET has asked Government to restrict the hospitality sector to a 5pm curfew - expanding this out to include theatres, cinemas and other cultural events.
Large outdoor events like matches are to be limited to 50% capacity or 5,000 attendees.
NPHET has not recommended the early closure of schools for Christmas, or further limits on household visits; however, there is new advice on getting close contacts to restrict movement.
There's open revolt over the pub advice from Government backbenchers.
Fianna Fáil Senators jointly opposing the NPHET recommendation for a 5pm closing time for the hospitality sector pic.twitter.com/OiwWe2QtgU
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) December 17, 2021
Speaking on the plinth at Leinster House this afternoon, a group of Fianna Fáil Senators hit out at the plan – labelling unworkable and warning it will encourage house parties.
Senator Lisa Chambers said later closing times are warranted.
“It is the view of our group here today that the proposed 5pm closing time is a step too far,” she said.
“We say that for two main reasons. One, we feel people are going to socialise in any event over the Christmas period and they will go into their homes and house parties and not into regulated spaces.
“The view is – with the caveat attached that we are not public health experts – but that it is a safer environment in a pub, in a restaurant where COVID certs are being checked.
Former Minister Barry Cowen said a 9pm or 10pm curfew would be better while former Fine Gael Minister Regina Doherty has said if people can't get a pint and a pizza after 5pm she ‘gives up.’
If NPHET are really saying that 2 double vaccinated and boosted people can’t have a pizza and a pint after 5pm then I give up
— Regina Doherty (@ReginaDo) December 17, 2021
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar tweeted to say everyone is feeling anger, frustration, dismay and depression but that cannot deflect them from making the right decisions to keep people safe.
Privately, Ministers are trying to figure out how a closure could work and whether it's warranted – with one note that they cannot believe they are in this situation again.
If NPHET are really saying that 2 double vaccinated and boosted people can’t have a pizza and a pint after 5pm then I give up
— Regina Doherty (@ReginaDo) December 17, 2021
The hospitality sector has already reacted angrily to the plan with the Vintners' Federation of Ireland labelling it an “absolute bombshell that nobody had anticipated”.
Pubs and restaurants say the curfew is an effective closure order, with 95% of business happening after 5pm.
Additional reporting Michael Staines
