Dáil debates

Thursday, 4 June 2020

Covid-19 (Health): Statements

 

8:15 pm

Photo of Gino KennyGino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I have questions for the Minister. Before speaking about them I want to pay tribute to and remember Melanie Hill Rutherford, who sat in the Gallery three and a half years ago to observe the passing of legislation on medical cannabis. Unfortunately, she passed away two weeks ago. She was a great advocate for medical cannabis and used it for her pain. If she was still here, she would ask the Minister please to get on with the programme because people need it and are being denied it or have to go elsewhere. I want to send my condolences to her family at this terrible time.

My first question concerns the 8,000 healthcare workers in this country who have contracted Covid-19. We have one of the highest rates in the world. Would the Minister support the INMO in its call for an inquiry into the level of infection among healthcare workers? As of 26 May, over 35% of the 8,000 workers affected were nurses. The rate of infection is quite high. Will the Minister call for an inquiry?

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