We all watch with pride the decrease in the number of reported cases of Covid-19 and we look forward to coming out of level 5. I am conscious that we must have a Christmas that is as normal as possible after the year we have all had. Will the Government look at how we can safely provide a way for the selling of real Christmas trees, which is a sustainable industry in Ireland? The Taoiseach knows Christmas trees are sold throughout the country from various outlets, including casual trading, filling station forecourts and hardware stores. I know in some places people can choose a tree from a grower's premises.

More than 400,000 Christmas trees are harvested annually for the Irish export market, providing great value for the local and national economy. This week I have had several phone calls from growers seeking to know the guidelines in this context. There will be seven weeks to Christmas from next Friday. This is a seasonal market and the growers are worried. They do not want to go against the guidelines for level 5, but which of those apply to sellers of Christmas trees? It is important that we make Christmas special this year, particularly after the year we have had.

Level 5 does not ban trade in any particular commodity but it places restrictions on where the trade can occur. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter for an important sector, and it is a significant industry over the Christmas period. The objective is to get to the end of November and leave level 5, and that would give us greater flexibility for the remainder of December with respect to retail and trade and give people opportunities in the lead-up to Christmas. The means by which people trade has not been banned, except the restrictions on non-essential retail in certain locations. I will continue to engage with the Deputy on this. Once we get out of level 5, we will be in a better position to deal with matters like this.