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

I send my condolences to those who have lost loved ones at this especially sad time. Death when it comes is always too soon, but in the current circumstances it is especially difficult for many of those who die in isolation and for their families, many of whom watch from a distance. Each of those statistics represents a life that is lived, ended prematurely and a family bereaved. We can never forget that. We can breathe a sigh a relief that for now at least, the curve is flattening. That curve represents all of those lives lost.

We can say that the response of hospitals and the acute services has been timely, efficient and of the highest standard. I recognise the great efforts of healthcare staff, support staff in the HSE, the Department and the Minister. I also include front-line staff elsewhere such as members of the Garda, those who work in supermarkets and volunteers. They all deserve our highest regard. However, it has become increasingly obvious that the care home sector, despite the valiant and at times almost superhuman efforts of those who work there, is in the middle of an escalating crisis. We will deal with the specifics later, but it needs to be highlighted in the strongest possible terms in these opening statements that an immediate crisis management plan must be put in place for those settings. The Taoiseach said we have no rule book, roadmap or manual for how to deal with this crisis. That is true, but we do have the experience of what happened elsewhere and we should have learnt our lessons. I do not want to add to the concerns and fears many families and patients already have but we have a responsibility in this House to all of those people, many of whom are invisible and because of their isolation are voiceless. It took people like Dr. Jack Lambert to let us know exactly what is happening. However, as I said, we will deal with that later.

I extend my best wishes to Deputy Mary Lou McDonald. I congratulate my former fellow MEP, Deputy Alan Kelly, on his election as leader of the Labour Party.

See this speech in context