Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have continually condemned the Government and the HSE for their stupid ads and posters saluting front-line workers. I have said time and again that the Government should honour nurses' pay agreements, take care of student nurses and midwives and give them the pay they deserve. People working in the catering staff of hospitals throughout this country have not received a pay increase in 13 years. Moreover, student nurses are charged registration fees. These should have been waived. The young nurses we train feel they will not be adequately paid in this country so they are forced to go abroad. They work in Australia, England, America and around Europe. We want them to be able to see a future and start a family at home. We want them to be near their parents and grandparents. I want to stand up here today and speak on behalf of the student nurses from the county I represent, County Kerry. Student nurses and their parents have been in contact with me to ask me to make a case for them. That is exactly what I am doing today.

I plead with the Minister of State to forget about the posters. I do not want to see another ad paid for by the HSE and the Government saluting the front-line workers. I do not know who dreamt up the stupid clapping. That was probably the biggest insult. Finally, I refer to section 39 workers. I compliment Mr. Donie Doody from County Kerry, who represents the SouthDoc drivers and receptionists who have been affected by the provisions for section 39 workers. These workers have not been paid what they are entitled to and I wish to advocate on their behalf.

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