Clarification on reopening and costs
Deputy Mattie McGrath pressed for clarification on the Taoiseach’s announcement about restaurants, and Deputy Michael McNamara challenged the stated cost of sitting in Dublin. The Ceann Comhairle rejected the exchange as debate, corrected the cost figure, and reiterated that the decision came from the Business Committee.
On a point of clarification, either the Minister is confused or the whole country is confused. He is telling us that what was announced today by the now absent Taoiseach, who has gone missing, is not true and is not really a fact at all but a figment of our imagination. The restaurants will be open.
Comment on this
No, we need absolute clarity. We cannot have a senior Minister coming in and saying that what the Taoiseach announced only an hour ago is not true.
Comment on this
No, that is a political debate and not a point of order. The Deputy is out of order.
Comment on this
No, I want clarification, please.
Comment on this
I am sorry, but the Deputy is not going to get it. My apologies, but the Minister has responded and we must move on now. I will correct Deputy McNamara. I do not know where he got the figure of €17 million from or to what that is referring. Our presence here has not incurred any cost above €1.8 million, which I think is the figure, and most of that is related to broadcasting. Of that €1.8 million, much of that expenditure would have been incurred anyway if we were in Leinster House. It is not an addition and we are not going to have a debate.
Comment on this
The Ceann Comhairle trots that out persistently.
Comment on this
Leinster House is still open. All the costs involved are still being met.
Comment on this
We are not going to have a debate, Deputy. Let me also make it clear that I do not make any unilateral decisions on these matters. The decision-making body was the Business Committee, acting on the basis of advice regarding public health from health and safety consultants, our own staff and the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.