Clare TD Joe Carey has welcomed the Government’s decision this evening to bring forward the phased reopening of hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons to the end of this month.

Deputy Carey was speaking as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed the reopening of salons, barbers and beauticians will be brought forward to June 29 from July 20.


The accelerated roadmap also includes all sports, churches, theatres, cinemas, gyms and large gatherings of up to 50 people. These have all been given the green as Phase 3 of the Government’s roadmap to reopen the economy is brought forward to June 29.

The Taoiseach made the announcement at Government Buildings following the Cabinet meeting this evening. It follows a recommendation yesterday by the National Public Health Emergency team (NPHET) that hairdressers and barbers should be allowed to reopen at the end of the month.

Deputy Carey called for such a move in his address to the Dáil on Wednesday. He has also called for certain travel restrictions to be relaxed so that flights can resume at Shannon Airport.

Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Carey said: “I’m delighted hairdressers, barbers and beauticians can look forward to some sort of normality earlier than envisaged. It’s a huge confidence boost for the whole sector and hopefully we will now see the gradual reopening of the wider economy as the rate of Covid-19 infections continues to drop across the country.”

Deputy Carey praised the huge efforts made by the people of Clare and across the country in combating the virus, which he said has allowed the Government to bring forward the phased reopening of the country.

He stressed personal responsibility is important “now more than ever” and he urged businesses and customers to act responsibly and to continue to adhere to social distancing and hygiene guidelines.

The Clare TD admitted he is also looking forward to getting his own locks trimmed soon, adding: “The last few weeks have not been very kind. My wife will be certainly be relieved and – judging by some of the heads in Leinster House this week – she won’t be the only one!”


Click below to see Deputy Carey’s address to the Dáil this week: https://twitter.com/videoparliament/status/1273262909104234498