While most other countries have implemented extensive restrictions during the current pandemic, the likes of Sweden and Finland have taken a relatively soft approach to tackling the spread of the virus.

Sweden has kept its schools and childcare facilities open, as well as its restaurants, cafés, gyms and sports clubs. There are no travel restrictions and groups of friends have been allowed to congregate throughout the pandemic, while care home visits are proscribed in an effort to protect vulnerable groups.

What can Ireland learn from the approach of Nordic countries?

Virpi Timonen, Professor in Social Policy in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin, gave her view on The Last Word.

Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.