Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Family carers are among the forgotten people during this pandemic. We must remember they carry out the work they do with little support, and in some cases with no support from the Government. The work they do is unseen. It is hidden away in the privacy of their family homes and they do not get to clock in and out. It is a 24-7. It is a commitment undertaken day in, day out and it is done with a spirit of love and care, as I am sure family carers have told the Taoiseach. The risk they face during this pandemic is enormous. It is just unacceptable that they have been forgotten again and have been left with the general population for vaccination as and when it is possible. That is wrong. I put it to the Taoiseach that NIAC is wrong to have left family carers in that position. As Head of Government, what does the Taoiseach propose to do about this situation? Does he agree that family carers must be recognised and that they need to be given their place of priority in the roll-out of this vaccine?

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