Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha:

In fairness, the Taoiseach did state at the time that the announcement was not going to assist lone parents or healthcare workers who are married to healthcare workers. At the time the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation was very critical of that announcement on the basis that these are the very people who need the assistance. Currently, this is still the situation. It may very well become exacerbated because normally, during the summer months when schools are closed, healthcare workers would keep some of their annual leave to facilitate staying at home. Unfortunately, that has now already been used. They are really facing into a dilemma. We know they will be needed to attend work. The health services are getting busier.