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The Taoiseach has said it is “far too early” to say what type of Christmas people are facing.
\nMiche\u00e1l Martin said the Government was focusing on making Level 5 restrictions work and that he wanted to wait until the end of November before making decisions about the festive period.<\/p>\n
“It’s far too early to say what type of a Christmas we will be experiencing,” he said, adding that he had noticed a significant change in people’s mood.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin made the comments at the launch of the Government’s “keep well” campaign at Government Buildings in Dublin.<\/p>\n
“We’re very conscious that the pandemic has an impact on mental health, and the psychology of the pandemic is very, very important,” Mr Martin said.<\/p>\n
“That’s why we’re endeavoring to build resilience because these are not normal times. People’s lives have been upended.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Mr Martin has said he believes that industrial action by teachers over Covid-19 safety concerns in schools can be avoided.<\/p>\n
Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) voted yesterday to take industrial action as a “last resort” unless the Government \u201cimmediately addresses\u201d concerns over Covid-19 safety in schools.<\/p>\n
The union is calling for a comprehensive testing program with 24-hour turnaround, a redefinition of close contacts for school settings and appropriate arrangements for teachers categorized as high risk.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said the Government will be engaging closely with the ASTI and he hopes industrial action can be avoided.<\/p>\n