Tipperary TD, Mattie McGrath, has presented a petition signed by more than 14,000 parents and grandparents to Micheál Martin demanding an end to mask mandates for school-children.
The Independent TD said that nightclubs and bars no longer needed masks while schools did.
Mattie McGrath presents a petition of more than 14,000 parents and grandparents to Micheál Martin demanding an end to mask mandates for school-children, and describes the current system as a form of child abuse. pic.twitter.com/LBXTtpxQVj
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“I am a believer, and I think the Taoiseach is as well, in “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí”. He was talking about the effects of Covid-19 earlier. Will he please try to remove the masks of the young children, na daoine óga, in national and secondary schools?” he said.
“I have a petition signed by 14,300 ordinary parents and grandparents, which I intend to hand to the Taoiseach, pleading to take away the masks from these people. Let the children smile. Let them see the expressions on the teacher’s and each other’s friends and siblings’ faces.”Nightclubs, bars and every place has them gone and we have them in schools. It is punitive. I would say it is a form of child abuse, actually, and it is time it was dispensed with.
“The Taoiseach has been talking about the effects of Covid-19 and the impact on health. What impact is this going to have? Voluntary boards of management could end up being sued. I salute the boards of management in all the schools. I was a member of one myself. They do great work as do the teaching staff. It is time to get rid of this draconian measure, which is causing strife, ill health, stress and torment to children, parents, grandparents and communities,” Deputy McGrath told the Dáil.
Responding, an Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the motivation behind the recommendation and the public health advice with regard to masks was an honourable one to try to protect children and teachers.
“There will be a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET and there will be advice in relation to this,” an Taoiseach said.
To which Deputy McGrath replied: “Who is in charge?”