Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Taoiseach. The response from healthcare workers has been absolutely phenomenal. However, they have done it through hard work. They have been working double shifts, they are in the hospitals and they have made sacrifices in respect of their family life. In the case of one couple shown in the hospital last night, while one was working the other was at home looking after the children. They then turn around in the following week and do the same again. The fact that the HSE has not given a childcare allowance to healthcare workers is astounding and shameful. It must be changed immediately. The Taoiseach should come to the House today and say that it will be reversed.

Specifically, what I asked the Taoiseach concerned compensation for members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, as well as of the health service staff panel, that is, workers right throughout the health system, and the care they will need after the pandemic. I am not criticising the nurses and doctors. I am criticising the lack of targeted resources going into these areas. Yesterday, it was pointed out that 2,000 beds are needed in the healthcare service. Where is that money coming from and where is it being targeted? We must fight for the workers after the pandemic.

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