Local Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has called on the Taoiseach to consider reopening the construction sector for smaller family-owned businesses and he has also called for some type of public worship to be permitted during Easter.
“I have written to An Taoiseach this week appealing to him to consider opening up the construction sector for smaller family-owned businesses who can’t finish off work on private houses and are struggling to keep their business afloat,” said Senator Murphy.
The Fianna Fáil Senator has also called on the Taoiseach to consider the gradual opening of all training facilities for sports clubs in the interests of the mental health and well-being of young people.
“People need some bit of positivity and hope- I have asked An Taoiseach to consider allowing sports training to resume as it is extremely important from a mental health perspective. A lot of young people won’t be back in second level until after Easter and this is very difficult for them and I feel a return to sports training would be a big help. We should also be looking for a return for other non-contact sports such as tennis or golf as it could really help from an anxiety and mental health perspective,” said Senator Murphy.
Senator Murphy has also called for some type of public worship in all churches to go ahead during Easter.
“Easter is the most important period in the Church calendar, and I think people are finding life very stressful and difficult at the moment and I think people could gather safely in limited numbers for the important ceremonies of Easter. I believe the Church handled things well at Christmas with limited numbers at services and they could do so again for Easter if given the opportunity.
“I also asked An Taoiseach to consider an increase in the number of the bereaved who may attend funeral Masses and weddings to be reverted back to the figure of 25. The number of people allowed to attend a funeral service is currently ten and it is extremely difficult for families to have to pick and choose who attends a funeral service so I feel some leeway could be provided,” concluded Senator Murphy.
