Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have three questions for the Tánaiste and I will be as brief as possible. The first is to ask him to join me in calling on the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to seek an extension to the talks. It was very challenging to do it within 12 months. It is far more challenging now that we are in the month of May and that we have the Covid pandemic to deal with as well. Will he do that, and urge his European colleagues to seek that course of action to give us that flexibility?

Second, the fishing industry was raised earlier by myself and other Deputies. We know that this industry is crucial. It will be an unmitigated disaster, in the words of the CEO of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, KFO, if we do not reach the end of 2020 without a deal. We know that one third of the fish caught by our fleet in EU waters will become British waters if no deal comes to pass. It is estimated that this could wipe out 5,000 jobs in that sector alone. What reassurances, if any, can the Tánaiste give that sector at this point in time? What is the Government doing to defend its interest?

I beg the Tánaiste's indulgence in asking a final, separate question. This morning, at long last, a very welcome scheme was announced to provide care for the children of healthcare professionals while they are working on the front line. In just the last few hours, the insurance company that provides cover to the sector has said it will not insure any provider for Covid-related illnesses. The company says it has engaged with the Government for the last six weeks and the latter is refusing to indemnify those workers. This is causing huge anxiety for front-line health staff who thought they would have this support by 18 May as well as for the care workers who want to provide the support but have no insurance cover to do so, either from the State or their insurance provider. Will the Tánaiste deal urgently with this issue?

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