People should be a ‘little less puritanical’ in criticising those who are enjoying themselves outdoors, according to the Tánaiste.
Speaking this afternoon, Leo Varadkar noted that socialising outdoors is “much, much safer” than indoors.
He was speaking as the Government prepares to announce its latest roadmap for reopening on Thursday.
The plan is expected to allow for more outdoor activities, including sports training.
Meanwhile, vintners have called for restaurants and pubs to reopen for outdoor service from May 24th – the same day indoor service resumes up North.
Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister Catherine Martin out at Collins Barracks. Being shown a treaty pen Leo Varadkar asks how they know it’s real. Micheál Martin calls him a doubting Thomas... pic.twitter.com/QURToI5YB3
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 27, 2021
Speaking at the launch of this year’s decade of centenaries programme at the National Museum of Ireland this afternoon, Minister Varadkar said people should be less judgemental about meeting up outdoors.
“In relation to people meeting outdoors and gathering outdoors, I think we are going to have to be a little less puritanical about that,” he said.
“It is much, much safer outdoors than indoors.
“The chances of contracting the virus outdoors are much less than indoors and I think we are just going to need to be a little bit more relaxed about getting outdoors and maybe even enjoying themselves a bit outdoors.
“But they should pick up their litter. There should be more bins but you can take it home with you.”
The Taoiseach is due to announce the plan on Thursday afternoon.
Reporting from Sean Defoe
