Ireland pubs reopening: Taoiseach hints July 20 opening could be postponed amid 'concern'

Micheál Martin has hinted that the reopening of pubs could be postponed given there is “some concern” over the spread of Covid-19.

Mr Martin was responding to Independent TD Danny Healy Rae who said people in rural Ireland need to go to their local pub as they are “at their wits ends.”

He said people’s mental health is an issue with publicans and with people who “can’t get a drink in rural Ireland.”

Mr Martin said the government has to be “clear headed” in terms of what the “priority” is.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin TD during Government talks at Government buildings on Merrion Street, Dublin (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

He said in the Dáil: “Your point is well made in respect of the plight of publicans in rural Ireland and the plight of generally life experiences as impacted by Covid-19.”

He said public health advice will be made available to Cabinet this evening and the government will take a decision then based on that public health advice.

He said: “I have to say that there is some concern in terms of an increase in numbers, in terms of the spread of the virus.

“And I think we have to be very, very clear headed in terms of what our overarching priority is and where our focus needs to be. 

“That's the approach that will inform our response to NPHET’s advice.”