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Research showing alarming levels of low life-satisfaction among the public played a role in the Government\u2019s decision to reopen the country for Christmas.<\/p>\nResearch showing alarming levels of low life-satisfaction among the public played a role in the Government\u2019s decision to reopen the country for Christmas.<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin has admitted there are risks involved in lifting many of the pandemic restrictions for the festive period.<\/p>\n
But he said that had to be balanced with people\u2019s well-being, with Central Statistics Office (CSO) data showing worrying levels of unhappiness among the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are risks attached to this\u201d Mr Martin said, as he urged the public to remain vigilant during the festive period.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe received advice from the Central Statistics Office in terms of their surveys about a high level of low overall life satisfaction.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs far back as last April, coming out of the first wave, there was about 29.5 per cent of people with a low level of life satisfaction as a result of the pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s new figures coming out next Monday which will be higher than that. At that time it was about 5.5 per cent in addition to the 29.5 per cent, who were downhearted on a consistent basis. These are balances we have to address.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you look at it the other way around, could we really sustain a closure of restaurants and other areas for another eight weeks, and the impacts on people\u2019s well-being and sense of needing to get out and meet with some friends?<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a balancing act. We will keep an eye on this obviously, and we will be working with Nphet and others to make sure that this is kept under constant review.\u201d<\/p>\n
While bans on retail, restaurants, gastropubs and household visits will all open at varying stages throughout December, wet pubs are set to remain shut.<\/p>\n
Extra supports have been introduced to help the sector, which has remained closed for the majority of the pandemic.<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach has said the decision not to reopen wet pubs was based on data showing they can lead to a spike in infections.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said he believes that reopening the sector would lead to a higher number of cases, at a much faster rate.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cSome of the data compiled by EY, if you look at the local electoral areas, towards the end of September you\u2019ll see 10 days after the reopening of wet pubs the numbers going up very significantly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe data is very clear. Cities like Cork and Galway went up very significantly, areas in Cavan and Meath. So unfortunately there is a difference, the discipline of sitting down for a meal, that does create a different type of environment to the pub environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not as low now in terms of numbers as we would have been during the summer. So there is risk attached to opening up part of society and the economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to mitigate that risk as far as we can. It\u2019s my genuine view that if we had decided to open up wet pubs, we would be looking at far higher numbers, far faster.\u201d<\/p>\n