Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am truly sorry for all those families who have lost loved ones due to Covid-19. I know all Deputies share that sentiment. I send our best wishes to those who are ill right now. As many Deputies have said, it is great to see Dr. Tony Holohan back at his desk. It gives us confidence.

I am annoyed by an earlier comment. This is not a Chinese virus. It is a virus. A virus knows no borders. Those comments are inappropriate in this House and anywhere else.

We had a discussion earlier about whether we should meet here today. There are arguments on both sides. Apart from the significant issues of accountability and transparency, during a time of crisis, people need to see that systems work. So much is uncertain and they like to see some certainty. The democratic system is important. I thank the staff in Leinster House for facilitating us today because they are facilitating the democratic system. Their role today is just as important as ours.

The issues I specifically want to raise revolve around health care in congregated settings and health care and care in the home.

Like others I will speak of home care staff, who are a vital element in dealing with this crisis. Many of these staff have seen their hours decreased from 15 or 20 hours per week to three or four hours per week but they are ineligible for any Covid-related payments because they were not working full-time. I understand that at lunchtime today the HSE issued a circular committing to pay home care providers at March levels up to 19 April, which is good, although it is a temporary measure. Other workers have three months of certainty and home care workers need this as well. Will the Minister for Health put in contingency measures to support this often invisible army of home care workers? They are critical now and they will be critical in future. They need more certainty with regard to incomes and matters such as personal protective equipment, as well as other emergency supports. Ultimately, these are the people who will help keep many older and vulnerable people out of hospital.

There is another issue with family carers. For example, if a person cares for a family member and works ten or 15 hours in a week, that person cannot cease working because of fear of bringing the virus home and how this relates to receiving a Covid-19 illness payment. Workers who have young children may be able to make that choice and receive a Covid-19 payment. I fully support the decision relating to child care but the same support must be in place for family carers, as they are protecting the elderly and helping keep people out of hospital.

My second concern relates to congregated settings, including care homes, respite centres and refugee centres. We have already seen how crucial it is that these settings are safe both for those who live and work there. We also know it is critical for the wider community because every person who becomes ill and needs a hospital bed means there are fewer available resources. This is both a private and public health matter and we must learn from our mistakes.

I have serious concerns that best practice is not being followed in refugee centres. National and social media have reported significant inadequacies in certain centres, and particularly in one in my constituency. The Department has recommended that these centres provide hand sanitisers and latex gloves but my information is that this is not happening. Residents must also be able to eat in their rooms or else meal times should be staggered. I am not sure this is happening either.

Like many others, I express my personal gratitude to those on the front line. They are our safety net and we are truly grateful to them.

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