Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Today is day one of level 3 across the State and we have news of significant outbreaks of Covid-19 in nursing homes in Portlaoise and in Donegal. What happened in our nursing homes last spring was a scandal that cannot be repeated. Are our nursing homes prepared now for this second wave of Covid-19? Is there a plan and, if so, can the Taoiseach share it with us?

I heard with great concern the remarks of Dr. Dee in respect of the regional public health departments and the fact that they are desperately struggling to keep up with demand. I have raised the issue of testing and tracing with the Taoiseach time out of number and time out of number he has told me that that is properly resourced, when patently and clearly it is not. What is the plan to get this right and, above all, what is the plan to protect residents and staff in our nursing homes?

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