There is no doubt that the intense hardships people have suffered, and the collective solidarity people have shown have helped staved off the worst disasters in respect of Covid-19. However, the Government is taking a gamble in rejecting the NPHET advice, and it is very clear about that, in respect of the potential impact of opening the hospitality sector, which could lead to the family gatherings we all know need to happen at Christmas actually being imperilled. That is a serious gamble. However, when it comes to something that should be less controversial, namely, the support of our front-line healthcare workers and the resources, etc., that they need, the Taoiseach is clearly failing, because he did not answer the obvious question. Why are 98% of public health doctors threatening industrial action? Why are we in a situation with one third of the recommended level of staffing? How are we going to deliver an immunisation programme with that level of staffing, and with the people we need to deliver it threatening strike action because of the way they are treated?

Thank you, Deputy.

How can the Taoiseach explain that 71% of student nurses and midwives said, in a survey, that they are going to probably leave the country after completing their training because they feel that they are so badly treated?

Thank you, Deputy. You are way over time.

How can he possibly justify the fact that the testers and tracers that we need to keep on top of outbreaks have no sick pay and rubbish "hire 'em and fire 'em" contracts when they should be treated with respect with decent pay and conditions?

I take issue with the Deputy. The Government has not rejected any advice, and he is wrong to assert that in respect of NPHET. We engaged with NPHET, and obviously I had discussions with the Chief Medical Officer. We took a more conservative stance on the restriction of visitors to households. NPHET would have-----