Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. The healthcare workers gave so much in a very difficult time and continue to do so. Other than a clap here in the Dáil and a few nice words, they have got nothing. Even in regard to the smallest thing, the nurses had to pay their registration fees last year. That little bit of acknowledgement could have been given so that we could at least have been seen to be caring. It has been a terribly difficult time for everybody and certainly for people on the front line. Many of these people could not go home to their families for days on end for obvious reasons. They were left in great anguish and had difficulties finding people to look after their children. We need to step up to the mark and show some appreciation. What are the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's plans for nurses?

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