Sir, – Having watched the media coverage on the issue of opening up indoor dining over the past few days, it seems to me that the whole issue boils down to two four-letter words: need and want.
If you have symptoms that worry your doctor, you need access to scans and exploratory treatment that might save your life. The last thing you need is an overwhelmed health service that lacks the capacity to look after you.
I understand that many people want to have a meal in a restaurant, or a pint in their local pub, or a party with friends. But if what they want risks people not getting what they need, they must consider how what they want can affect what other people need.
The hospitality industry is intrinsically want-based, while the health service is intrinsically need-based.
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For me, need trumps want every time.
– Yours, etc,
TERRY PATTISON,
Glenageary, Co Dublin.
Sir, – Looking at the packed stands at the Austrian F1 Grand Prix and the large crowds at sports events around Europe, and comparing this to the pathetically small crowds allowed in Ireland, poses the question: Are other countries recklessly careless with public health, or is there a more balanced narrative at play in these countries?
Given that we are almost unique in Europe in not allowing indoor dining, it must be more likely that it is the absence of balance here rather than recklessness elsewhere. Taking health advice is a very good idea but balance is required.
My doctor may tell me that I should not eat red meat or drink alcohol but I make the balanced judgement that a little of both are a good thing and the risk is acceptable in proportion to the enjoyment. Maybe our Government needs to start applying the kind of balanced common sense the population does to its own medical advice.
– Yours, etc,
STEPHEN GLEESON
Killiney, Co Dublin.