New law is just the jab for hospitality..
»»legislation fast-tracked for indoor opening »»chiefsaccept vaccine pass is the only option
EMERGENCY legislation is expected to be rushed through the Dail to allow indoor dining as hospitality chiefs concede a vaccine pass is their only option.
Publicans and restaurateurs are still pushing for a reopening on July 19. However, the Irish Mirror understands it is likely to be later.
One date being floated by Government sources is July 26.
The Taoiseach has said a date will not be finalised until a memo outlining legislation on how the system will work goes before Cabinet on Tuesday.
Micheal Martin said the target is to have a plan ready by July 19 but new laws will be needed to facilitate the reopening.
The Dail and Seanad are due to rise for summer recess next Thursday but the Fianna Fail leader claimed it would be a very short piece of legislation.
He said: “We did commit to a plan to be ready by July 19 and that will be the case.
“The policy options that will come before us will not just outline what happens in the short term but also on a phased basis what can happen over the interim period.
“We’re on the cusp of facilitating indoor hospitality. We don’t see this [vaccine pass] as a long-term measure but it’s a pathway to reopening.”
The Taoiseach added NPHET will no longer be consulted on the plans as they have already provided advice on how the Government should proceed.
Last night Donall O’keeffe of the Licensed Vintners Association said: “We don’t like this approach and don’t want it. It is deeply problematic on a practical level.
“But when the choice comes down to this proposal or staying closed for several more months, we feel we have no option but to go along with it. We’re being put over a barrel because we have to get the sector open or more businesses will go bust.”
The LVA has said the vaccine pass system is “open to abuse” and “discriminatory”.
Mr O’keeffe added that pubs are expecting major problems with tourists who may not understand the system and individuals seeking to gain access under false pretences.
Government officials presented six reopening scenarios to representatives of the hospitality industry during a high-level meeting yesterday. Sources have told the Irish Mirror indoor hospitality could reopen for fully vaccinated people first and subsequently for people who have recovered from Covid-19.
The lag is due to people having proof that they have recovered from the disease within the last nine months.
It’s understood the industry will push for a sunset clause and want the law to expire once 80% of the population is vaccinated.
Speaking to reporters at Leinster House, Mr Martin said although antigen testing may not have an immediate role, it could be deployed over time for indoor dining.
Vintners’ Federation of Ireland chief Padraig Cribben said: “If a so-called vaccine pass is what’s required then the onus is now on the Government to get the legislation passed.”
Head of the Restaurant Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, added gardai would “play a role in regulating and inspecting the new protocols”.
However, this has not been confirmed by Government officials.
A further 534 cases of Covid-19 were reported yesterday. There were 58 patients in hospital with the disease, 17 of them in intensive care units.
We have to get sector open or more will go bust DONALL O’KEEFFE YESTERDAY