Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last night I was preparing to raise an agricultural matter but this morning, unfortunately, I got a phone call on my way here from a director of nursing who was distressed and who felt helpless. The person was actually crying because they could not do anything as they were self-isolating. In a nursing home in my constituency, 25 of the 27 residents have tested positive. Unfortunately, one of the residents has died. Of the eight nursing staff, seven have tested positive. Ten of the 11 care assistants have tested positive. Those who run the home went through the protocols and contacted the HSE.

They were told not to panic and get agency staff. There are no agency staff, however. The one nurse and the one care assistant who have not tested positive did 14 hours yesterday. The HSE promised staff this morning but nobody showed up. This morning, two residents were admitted to hospital. This nursing home is looking at having to send the rest of its patients to hospital because the HSE did not send any staff to help it out.

HIQA was informed and every protocol was followed. The spin, however, that came from the HSE to all politicians of what would be done when our elderly were in trouble has not been adhered to. Does the Tánaiste think what has gone on there to old people in my constituency in the west is right? Does he think after what the HSE has done in this that it is fit for purpose? I would like to hear what the Tánaiste has to say.

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