Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government acknowledges the contribution of our healthcare workers in particular and of all workers across the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic. They have faced many challenges and have risen to the task, especially in our health services among those caring for patients on the front line. There have been a number of waves since the original one, namely, the Alpha wave, the Delta wave and now the Omicron wave. Time and again, front-line services have been put under enormous pressure. We have given detailed consideration to them and earlier today the Government approved a package of measures to recognise these efforts. A public holiday will be held on 18 March next in recognition of the efforts of the general public and of all workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

See this speech in context