Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like everyone present, I have deep concerns and many questions regarding our preparedness for an escalation in cases of coronavirus in this State. Many previous speakers raised issues and concerns that I share but one area of concern is not being addressed in the way I would like. There seems to be a concerted effort to get good, clear information out on mainstream media and I am thankful that Twitter and Facebook have joined the fight against misinformation. However, I am concerned about how we are getting information and how prepared we are to protect vulnerable adults. It disappoints me to see updates without Irish Sign Language interpreters. I struggle to understand how small typefaces can be used in infographics, marginalising those with impaired vision or who have difficulty reading. It is important that in our quest to inform, we include everyone. This is especially important in workplaces where the onus should be on the employer to inform all employees of plans and policies in relation to this global outbreak.

In disability services across the country there are vulnerable adults who can only be dealt with by a trusted carer. Are those carers and service staff being trained to check for the presence of the virus? If we enter a stage of community contamination, what are the contingencies for such service facilities if an outbreak occurs? They find it difficult enough already to access funding to which they are entitled. Is there a fast-track application process for those units to apply for increased resources if they were to be placed on lockdown? Likewise, what will we do in homes when unpaid carers of the elderly and vulnerable get sick? Who will we send in to take over their full-time caring jobs? Those are issues that need to be addressed when we are informing the public about what is being done to combat and prepare against the virus.

The Taoiseach told the nation this week that there would not be a problem with the Minister for Health increasing health funding where necessary because a massive amount would not be needed. In a televised address following the caretaker Cabinet meeting, the Taoiseach said the Ministers for Public Expenditure and Reform and Heath would meet to identify additional requirements. He said they did not expect a large amount of money would be needed. He said they were not talking about a huge amount of money, but they were talking about additional money. There is never enough money available in health so it is important to clarify how this issue will not impact on funding. I have serious concerns about this.

Funding will be a key issue. It is important to acknowledge the hard-working care professionals who are doing their best to try to resolve this. The Minister needs to clarify tonight the exact position on funding. He is saying that he does not believe we need much funding, but that funding is available. He also needs to clarify that no other services will be affected by this because there are those who need services on which they are still waiting.

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