I want to address the ban on the sale of essential clothing for children, which has caused a lot of stress and distress for families throughout the State. We are heading into a very cold winter. Children grow and they need new coats and shoes. Parents across the land are frustrated that they have no option but to buy online. That suits some people but it certainly does not suit many others, particularly low-income families. People scratched their heads in amazement when they heard the Minister of State, Deputy English, proclaim that clothes are not essential. They are very much essential and, coming into wintertime, warm clothing is particularly essential for children and babies. A bit of cop on and common sense needs to apply in this matter and also a bit of thoughtfulness for families with young children. What is the Taoiseach going to do about this issue?

First of all, the Deputy will be happy to hear that I agree with her that clothes are essential, particularly for children. The Deputy was in favour of the level 5 restrictions, as advised by NPHET, which include the closure of non-essential retail. Retail outlets have provided a number of options, such as click and collect, where people can make a telephone call, order clothes and call in to collect them. There is also the online option. I accept that while it is being well used, it is not available to everybody. Some shops also do deliveries. In addition, the Community Call initiative offers assistance to people, particularly vulnerable and senior citizens, in getting shopping delivered to them. I recently met a number of Community Call volunteers in Dublin City Council, including one from Raheny GAA club, who told me that they are doing a lot of shopping for senior citizens in their areas.