A Galway TD is calling on the Government to open up the construction sector fully as Ireland is the only country in Europe where it is not fully operational.

Sean Canney who is part of the Regional Group of Independent TD's says the construction sector in particular is one that can be opened immediately using antigen testing every two days along with the implementation of operating standards previously agreed by the construction industry to ensure safe operations.

In addition, Regional Group members believe the Government should actively revisit the significant support base that was on offer from those who responded to the ‘Ireland on call’ initiative.

Deputy Canney believes that suitable candidates who responded should be recruited to help with test, trace and vaccination activity which would allow other HSE staff to get back to frontline medical management.