Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to acknowledge the incredible response of the staff of our public service across Departments and agencies, particularly in the health sector, but also in social welfare and other sectors. These front-line staff have stayed in their posts and have gone above and beyond what we could reasonably expect of them in making sure our public services can function to the greatest extent possible. For example, my Department has put in place a range of measures to support the arts sector during this very difficult time. I will elaborate on these tomorrow.

The changes described in the national action plan on Covid-19 are not optional changes of lifestyle. They are an absolute necessity to halt the spread of Covid-19. It is a matter for all of us to act responsibly in our day-to-day lives and listen to what our public health officials, international health organisations and trusted media tell us to do. Together we can all make a difference in the impact this virus will have on Ireland. The national public health emergency team continues to meet on a regular basis and is keeping the situation under review at all times. We can all follow the main advice from our public health experts; stay at home, avoid unnecessary travel, carry on washing hands properly and regularly with soap and water, cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth. I was interrupted, as the Acting Chairman knows, so I will finish my remarks.

I take the opportunity to thank all Members of the Oireachtas for the constructive way we have worked together in the recent past. The Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, has also acknowledged that. I urge Deputies to continue to help us to get the message out that all of us working together can do more than any of us acting individually. I would like to finish by paying tribute to our health service personnel. All of those working in the health service, on the front line of our response to Covid-19, are doing everything they can to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on our country. We should recognise and thank them for the work they are doing to protect everybody living in Ireland. I am sure Deputies will join me in expressing our deepest appreciation to them for everything they are doing.

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