Former Tánaiste and attorney general Michael McDowell has told the Seanad he has 'no confidence' in NPHET after their latest recommendations.
The senator said there's a 'dramatic and inexplicable' difference in the way restaurants and meat plants are being treated.
It's widely expected that Dublin will be moved to level three of restrictions.
In addition, indoor dining in restaurants and pubs is also likely to banned for the next few weeks following a recommendation from NPHET.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator McDowell said it would be appalling to close down restaurants.
In the #Seanad today I highlighted the absurd difference in how meat plants and restaurants have been treated by NPHET and the HSE. Misguided Covid regulations condemning vulnerable workers to unemployment need further debate #dublinlockdown @RAI_ie https://t.co/10s01o7yLA
— Michael McDowell (@SenatorMcDowell) September 18, 2020
He said: "I have no confidence in NPHET.
"Between them and the HSE, the difference in treatment of meat plants and restaurants is dramatic and inexplicable.
"Closing down restaurants - this day, in this capital - is going to condemn vast swathes of vulnerable, underpaid people to go home to their bedsits or wherever they are, and spend weeks alone in those premises without proper wages."
He claimed the move hasn't been scientifically justified, and "flies in the face of the strategy" announced by the Government to reopen pubs from next Monday.
The independent senator said neither HSE or NPHET 'deserve our respect', and our implementing 'cruel and wasteful' policies that are damaging the economy.
NPHET modeller Professor Philip Nolan this afternoon warned the virus will 'spiral out of control' if action isn't taken on Dublin.
He warned that community transmission of the virus is happening wherever people mix socially, including bars and restaurants.
