Dáil Passes Legislation To Allow Indoor Dining For Fully Vaccinated People & Those Recovered From Covid.

Thursday, 15 July 2021 09:20

A large crowd gathered in Dublin City Centre last night to protest against indoor dining measures.

The Dáil has passed the legislation allowing indoor dining for fully vaccinated people or those who’ve recovered from Covid, and it will now go to the Seanad.

There were no Government rebels on the vote and it was voted through by 74 votes to 68.

It will now go to the Seanad and if it passes there, bars, cafes and restaurants look set to resume indoor service no later than July 26th.

Publicans and restauranteurs will have to ask customers for evidence of immunity but will have no way to validate the pass.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy thinks this is a very bad idea that will only create more divisions in society.

Sinn Féin's Health Spokesperson David Cullinane has criticised the Government for presenting this proposal as an all or nothing idea:

A large crowd gathered in Dublin City Centre last night to protest against the use of Digital Covid Certificates for indoor dining.

Videos posted on social media show hundreds chanting outside the Convention Center.

UK restrictions easing a 'concern' for Ireland, says HSE chief https://t.co/zaedGp38br
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) July 15, 2021

While the Chief Medical Officer says it's safer not to bring children into indoor dining services, saying it's the responsible public health advice.

Junior Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton says parents can make their own choice.

However, DCU Professor Anthony Staines says the current incidence of COVID-19 in the country makes it unsafe to bring children into indoor settings

The Public Expenditure Minister says parents are able to make up their own minds over whether they should bring their children into indoor dining settings.

Minister Michael McGrath