Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for their presentations but, more importantly, for all of the work they and their members have done over the past four or five very difficult months. I extend my condolences to them on the members whom they lost in the line of duty, and the many members who are still suffering the effects of the Covid infection. The point was made earlier that while thanks are important, there is a heartfelt view shared by the whole country that the way in which to give effect to that in meaningful terms is to introduce protections for workers in both ways.

It is quite remarkable that Covid-19 is not a notifiable disease. That has only come to my attention recently as a result of the campaign being run by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU. It is incredible, given the deadly nature of the virus, and the fact that it has had such a devastating impact on healthcare workers in particular, that there has been a reluctance, to say the least, on the designation of Covid as a notifiable disease. I note what has been said about ICTU making an approach to the Tánaiste. It is unfortunate to say the least that the approach has not met with a positive response. It is certainly something we as a committee will take up in producing our report and recommendations. I wish to ask Ms Ní Sheaghdha in particular where we are at in the campaign to ensure that Covid is notifiable. Although the Tánaiste has not been encouraging so far, is she engaged in discussions at any level with the Government on this campaign?