Dáil debates

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Covid-19 (Health): Statements

 

5:15 pm

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the contract cleaners, and taking the point made by the Deputy, I join with him in sharing the view that cleaners have been on the front line and they have been keeping us all safe. I too would like to see that agreement honoured.

On the Bon Secours Hospital Limerick, they are the figures I gave to Deputy O'Reilly. The updated figures I have today show 30% of inpatient beds now being used in the Bon Secours Hospital Limerick. I will forward a refreshed table to Deputies Quinlivan and O'Reilly. I remain committed to the development projects at University Hospital Limerick and to getting them opened as soon as they are ready. I take on board the issues made to me in this House and in other fora by Deputies Quinlivan, Kelly, O'Donnell and Leddin that we cannot see a return to the overcrowding there.

I wish to be clear for the benefit of Deputy Buckley that the Government did not wind up any committee. The Government does not have the ability to do that. It is a matter for the Oireachtas to decide what committees to set up. I take seriously Deputy Buckley's work in the area of mental health. It is my intention that A Vision for Change will be published in June. If I am still in office I will do it in June and if not I hope the new Government will. We have provided additional funding to the €8 million with €1.1 million also allocated for online counselling services. The issues raised by Deputy Buckley on mental health are important. Peter Hughes has a degree of expertise in this and I thank him for the work of his members during the pandemic.

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