Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Late last night, the HSE contacted the local radio station and confirmed that the incident it had raised was true. This is a very serious breach. We have healthcare workers who are putting their lives in danger for other people. They are being put in hotels with others who are positive for coronavirus. I am a wee bit disappointed. Yesterday, I gave the Taoiseach's assistant the full details of the question I would ask today and I thought at the very least the Department would contact the HSE for an update. I am very disappointed as this must not have been done. The HSE came back to the radio station to confirm the story.

This is very serious so what can be done? I ask the Taoiseach to contact the HSE straight away and ask why its representatives did not have the decency to come back to the leader of the country on this matter, especially if his Department contacted the HSE for an update. I am astounded. A healthcare worker contacted me during the week to say she is living with her vulnerable parents and she cannot afford to go out and self-isolate. People positive for coronavirus are mixing with those who do not have the virus. It is a complete and utter mess.

Three or four weeks ago, I asked the Taoiseach about a case in County Louth and I was promised by the Taoiseach that his Department would contact me in three or four days. It did not happen. That was before Christmas. This is very serious. Healthcare workers are being put in with others who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

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