Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an important debate at a difficult time in our fight against Covid, not just here in Ireland but right across the world. We heard today of the potential overrunning of the ICU system in the United Kingdom, a new variant to the virus from Brazil and challenges left, right and centre. The biggest challenge we have here, however, is to look after our older people and to meet the requirements of their needs. I welcome all the support given and progress in this regard.

Older people, particularly those over 70 and those in nursing homes, are extremely vulnerable. In the first wave, 61% of deaths were among nursing home residents. In the second wave, thankfully, it was reduced to 41%. Now there are worrying signs right across the country. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, acknowledged this is a serious issue with a number of nursing homes getting new and significant incursions of Covid.

Families of those in nursing homes are extremely worried about it. Holding people accountable is important when all this is done. What is most important now for older people, particularly those in nursing homes, however, is a 24-7 vaccination programme, if at all possible. I know we are limited by the amount of vaccine we have. The demand and need is there, however. The families of those affected are concerned and their hearts would be broken if they were to lose their family members at this most difficult time. I know this because people are on to me about it, talking about their worries and concerns. We need passion and more commitment from the Government. We need the Government to see and hear these people. We need it to talk about them as real people as we know them. There is a need to make sure that the information and supports are there.

It came to my attention from a piece in The Irish Timesthat there was a question about a vaccination team which had to stop at lunch hour yesterday and that it could not continue to do the work as it did not have a programme in place. That is entirely unacceptable. The only impediment to appropriate and proper vaccination is that supply of vaccine. All engines should be on go and the 24-7 needs are always there. My local hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, did its best with vaccinating many of its staff. It still must vaccinate many more, a point about which people are worried. Staff have written to me about this. One of their key points is childcare. Front-line workers, medical care workers, nurses and nursing assistants, cannot go to work if they do not have childcare for their children. It is absolutely essential to concentrate on this issue and put a 100% effort into making sure that all front-line workers have appropriate childcare where necessary.

The St. John of God care services in County Louth have a significant number of residents who were moved out of congregated settings. They are worried and want to know more about the plans for vaccination. I am getting representations from dentists, dental nurses and other workers in dental care. They are one of the most highly vulnerable groups in society. They are concerned because of the processes and procedures they have to carry out every day.

We must pull out all the stops and make sure people in our nursing homes are really looked after. I welcome the significant supports the Minister of State has introduced to support those families. I do not doubt her integrity or her commitment to it. However, we are facing an appalling situation, not just in Ireland but across the world. Those in nursing homes are the most vulnerable and the weakest. We need to do more. We need to pull out all the stops, put aside all the divisions and let everybody step forward as they are. We must fully support the healthcare and nursing home workers and staff. Now is the greatest hour of need for all of these people. Now is the time for action. I would support further and appropriate supports for older people.

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