Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called on people to have a “sense of perspective” and denied such remarks are a “slap in the face” to the hospitality sector who remain in the dark over reopening plans.
The Government has faced intense criticism after causing confusion for the hospitality sector over how they should implement Covid rules when they open on Friday.
Mr Martin said: “It’s not and it certainly wasn’t a slap in the face to the sector, to any sector.
“It’s just a statement of fact.
“Our fundamental concern remains the virus.”
Cabinet has signed off on scrapping a 11.30pm curfew and pubs can resume normal trading hours from Friday.
But table service only has to resume with 10 adults allowed per table or 15 including children.
Physical distancing is to remain, preventing customers from drinking at the bar.
And for nightclubs, the Government has said people should wear masks where possible but Taoiseach Micheál Martin said people can take to the dancefloor.
But people who attend indoor concerts and events have been told they need to remain seated.
Padraig Cribben of the Vintner’s Federation of Ireland slammed the Government’s “glaring anomaly” to allow dancing in nightclubs while pub customers are not permitted to sit at the bar.
Labour leader Alan Kelly has called the reopening plans for nightclubs “unworkable.”
When asked about the confusion, Mr Martin said: “To be honest my main concern is to protect public health and to protect people’s safety and lives and we need to get a sense of perspective in the debate.
“Now at different stages that we’ve reopened, I’ve heard the same assertions about the lack of clarity.
“I’ve heard this all of the time..we will obviously resolve this.
“The line departments will issue guidance.
“There are issues pertaining to certain sectors which we will resolve.”
The Taoiseach denied his remarks in which he asked people to have a sense of perspective was like a slap in the face to business owners and workers who have been shut for 19 months.
Speaking at Government Buildings on Wednesday, he said: “I find it difficult to comprehend genuinely how saying that my concern to save lives and save public health is a slap in the face to anybody.
“It’s not and it certainly wasn’t a slap in the face to the sector, to any sector.
“It’s just a statement of fact.
“That is the central concern in dealing with Covid-19 and remains the central concern and I really would appreciate it if that assertion isn’t put on my remarks.
“But I do believe what I said to be the truth.”
Mr Martin said “everybody’s focus” should be on how we keep the progress made intact as well as protecting people’s lives.
He said: “Our fundamental concern remains the virus.
“It’s deadly, it’s dangerous and we’ve got to keep that to the centre stage of our deliberations.
“In that context the booster programme will be key in protecting parts of society and population in respect of the impact of the virus.”
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