It is my understanding that NPHET met this week to discuss the issue of Covid numbers in County Donegal. It is really important that its research and insight are given to the community. People in the county are working hard. Our businesses and restaurants are closed, and we are struggling to get our numbers down. People are worried. GPs and other medical staff are working very hard. People are looking forward to 25 December. Businesses are looking forward to 1 December. We really need to make public the information NPHET has regarding Donegal to try to tackle the issue and bring these numbers down.

I will certainly pursue that matter. It is important that we give people as much information as we can about these issues. We have seen a really significant reduction in the incidence of the virus throughout Ireland, but not so much in Donegal. The numbers have only come down slightly in Donegal. East Donegal in particular seems to have a high incidence of the virus. In the other Border counties, it is actually going very well.

This does create a concern for everyone, not least people in Donegal, who want to know that they will be able to reopen in December on the same basis as the rest of the State. Anything we can do to encourage that or provide the necessary information, we will do.