Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On the point about testing, I will continue to engage with the acting Chief Medical Officer and the HSE. Again, I am working in the context of NPHET advice and that objective to increase the general level of testing but also to get the response in the tracing time down as quickly as possible. The statistics out today show that, certainly in the past week, we are upscaling the amount of testing that is taking place nationally, which is welcome for all sectors of society. However, I take on board the Deputy's point about the particular concern to ensure we have measures in place for children in terms of their vulnerability.

I take on board also what the Deputy said as regards the issue of sick pay. In the first two or three weeks in the role I met representatives of SIPTU. They did not flag the sick pay issue with me that day. I know it is coming in a submission and I look forward to engaging with that submission.

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