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

The Minister praised the work of staff during the Covid-19 pandemic and he also said they were exhausted. We have heard from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisations and other groups that staff are exhausted. We have heard the incidence of assault on hospital staff has increased and the importance of ensuring hospitals are safe zones. The hospital footprint should be a safe zone not only for staff but for patients.

As part of these Estimates, what signal can the Minister send to staff regarding additional resources, in particular those suffering with long Covid but also those who have been assaulted? Will there be additional staff or security? Will there be additional supports for staff who are out sick in the long term? How is the issue of exhausted staff addressed, in particular at a time when trolley counts are rising once again?