Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I must call an end to the meeting. My apologies to anyone who wished to contribute further. I thank our witnesses for the sacrifices they and their colleagues have made. I am particularly conscious of the sacrifices their families are making. I have spoken to healthcare workers. One of their significant concerns is that they may bring infection into their own homes. The committee has listened today to information that will help us to respond to some of the challenges that are facing the witnesses and their cohort of workers.

As a committee, we have a strong view in respect of student nurses. It is wrong and unfair that they are not being paid during the pandemic, especially given the fact that they are doing work. That needs to be addressed.

It is clear that vaccines for front-line workers need to be fast-tracked. We are 11 months into the pandemic and we are still talking about PPE. The response in that regard needs to be upgraded. The Health and Safety Authority needs to step up to the challenge and be more proactive in protecting workers in that area. All members of the committee were shocked to hear this morning about the letter regarding additional childcare costs. We will follow that issue up as a committee. We certainly agree with the submission in respect of additional beds. A policy in respect of long Covid is needed. The committee will take that issue up with the Minister and the Department. Doctors and consultants should not have to threaten to go on strike during a pandemic.

It is totally wrong that it is necessary for them to do so . There is also the fact that there was no meaningful engagement. We heard about staff being burned out. People are tired, frustrated and feel let down. There is an expectation that support should be in place for the witnesses and for other workers on the front line.

The committee will discuss this matter later in private session. It is to be hoped that we can put some of the practical ideas the witnesses have put forward through the system and bring about some meaningful changes. I again thank the witnesses and apologise for cutting them off during some of the submissions. I look forward to meeting them again and I thank them very much for all their work.