As the Taoiseach knows, the coronavirus has blown the social fabric of our country to smithereens. It has been totally decimated. Social engagement, relationships and possible relationships have been put on hold for almost eight months. Young single boys and girls, couples and men and women of all ages are totally frustrated. We cannot blame bars or restaurants for the increase in cases in recent days. However, as far back as two weeks ago Dr. Tony Holohan said there would be no drinking in bars at Christmas. To eliminate house parties, I ask the Taoiseach to ensure that bars, restaurants and hotels are open under level 2 restrictions. They are clearly the safest places to consume alcohol. That has been proven. People need to have a Christmas.

Our first priority is public health and protecting lives. We must never lose sight of that. I accept the genuine position that the Deputy has adopted, but we must never lose sight of our overarching objective of protecting lives and the overall economy. The fastest way to endanger the economy is to have a large increase in cases, hospitalisations and pressure on intensive care units. In its own way, this would do more damage to the economy than the restrictions. That is a very basic logical truth. We can see what is happening all over Europe. Ireland is in the third best position among the European Union's member states where coronavirus is concerned. Sometimes one would not believe that when listening to the critics of the current policy. We have to work on the basis of informed decision-making. We have researched this point. Gatherings and congregations of people cause problems. The virus thrives in that environment. The Government will make decisions next week on how to exit level 5 in December.