Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to go back and forth with the Minister if that is okay with the Chair. The Minister spoke about recognition for the national Covid-19 contribution. Will the Minister elaborate on that? Can we assume the matter will not be decided on budget day but after the budget? When does the Minister expect talks to commence and conclude, so that we get an outcome from this process?

I would like to make a comment on Covid overall. What we have come through is akin to a war, except that it was a virus. Basically, Ireland has been on a war footing for the past two years. It affected everyone in all areas of society. Any recognition measure must be fair. If it is seen by the public as favouring one sector over another, it will not work. I ask the Minister to clarify the position. Whatever talks take place must be inclusive of all sectors of society. This affected everyone, from front-line workers and people who were moved into nursing homes when the pandemic broke out to gardaí and others in a range of areas. There should be a national recognition of Covid-19. When will talks commence? It will not be on budget day. Will it be before the end of the year?