Rural TDs: Reopening pubs would 'spread people out and reduce chance of Covid-19 infection'

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae said Gardaí do not have the resources to police coronavirus guidelines. File picture: Gareth Chaney

The Government is "scapegoating" pubs in the fight against Covid-19, according to a group of rural TDs.

It comes as the Dáil debates new legislation handing Gardaí powers to immediately shut down pubs found to be breaching public health guidelines.