Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha:

I thank Deputy Foley for the question. On morale during Covid-19, our members have felt extraordinarily proud of their contribution and have stood very tall due to there suddenly being an understanding in general terms about the massive contribution they make. On morale in that respect, our members report that they are extraordinarily proud of their achievement. When one looks at the Covid-19 statistics in the State, it is not a coincidence that the numbers of people who recovered and walked out of intensive care units did so. It was because people got excellent nursing care. It was also because they were nursed prone, which is recommended. It takes a lot of work and a lot of concentrated clinical judgment and clinical expertise to ensure this happens. As a representative of nurses and midwives, I am extraordinarily proud of the numbers when I report them internationally.

The number of citizens and other people who live in this country who have recovered from Covid-19 is remarkable. It is exceptional. Although the nurses and midwives whom I represent are very proud, know how to do their job, do it well and to the best of their ability, they are not proud of the manner in which they were treated with regard to childcare in particular, as well as infection. Why is the State resisting the involvement of the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, in examining why infection rates were so high? That is a question we are asked by those workers on a regular basis. Although there may be nothing underneath it, they believe it must be independently examined. This committee should have a say in that regard and insist upon such an examination.