Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I express my deepest condolences to all those families of those who have passed away and wish those who are very ill at this time well.

The challenges which our country and communities are facing because of Covid-19 are stark. While they are unlike anything we have experienced before and will be with us for many years to come, I want to commend our hardworking health staff on the front lines in our hospitals and nursing homes, as well as our GAA clubs and volunteers who are playing their part in assisting the most vulnerable in our communities.

I accept and commend the mitigation measures drawn up to address the catastrophic increase in unemployment, the effective collapse of the SME sector and the systematic disruption of the agricultural sector. That does not mean the Government has done everything correctly and got it right. That has to be pointed out, not to criticise but as part of a constructive engagement. Inequalities and anomalies in the new welfare entitlement regime are fast coming to light, particularly in terms of the age discrimination of those over 66 who are not able to claim the payment. Our carers, despite the great work of Family Carers Ireland, also remain uncertain about what payments they can access. That needs to be rectified. I have written to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to sort out those issues.

Our nursing homes and other non-acute residential settings are experiencing great difficulties, along with transmission levels which are concerning. My thoughts are with the families of those who passed away at St. Vincent's, Portlaoise, at the weekend. I am calling on the Government to make sure that more protective supports and measures are urgently put in place to protect the staff and the patients at this facility, as well as every other facility across the State.

The emerging evidence from the long-term care policy network has highlighted the scale of the problems the sector is facing. Shortages of PPE materials or deliveries of unusable materials simply cannot go on. We must consider directing or mandating our production sector towards the delivery of PPE.

In the middle of this national crisis, the people of the midlands are facing major uncertainty around the future of Bord na Móna. I have recently been contacted again by many Bord na Móna workers on the timeline for the just transition strategy.

All the problems we faced prior to the Covid-19 crisis remain. Educational inequalities for children with disabilities, housing supply deficits, cuts to the CAP budget still need our sustained attention if they are to be effectively and fairly tackled. Whatever Government takes shape in the weeks and months that lie ahead will need to keep all of these issues on the top priority list.

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