Bill to allow fully vaccinated people dine indoors

The Government is continuing to work on legislation to allow people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to eat and drink inside restaurants and bars.  A bill to amend the 1947 Public Health Act is set to go before the Dáil and Seanad next week.

​​It is understood that 26 July, rather than 19 July, is viewed as a realistic date to reopen indoor hospitality under the proposed new system.  The measures in the bill would effectively expire once the population was vaccinated.

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The Government is hoping there will be all-party agreement on the bill to get sectors opened in accordance with public health advice.

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson David Cullinane said his party has serious concerns about a two-tier reopening.

"It may cause practical difficulties and will be seen as unfair. We will see what plan emerges but it has to be a safe reopening for all," he said.

Vintners' Federation of Ireland CEO Padraig Cribben said if the political will is there, it is still possible for pubs to reopen on 19 July.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said that some of the uncertainties that publicans have, were tackled during talks with the Government yesterday.

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