Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Government's announcement last Friday had a notable absence that caused considerable worry among a significant portion of the population. There was no mention of nursing homes. Residents in nursing homes have suffered disproportionately during the pandemic. Will the Government issue specific instructions to nursing homes ensuring that our older people have appropriate access to family visits, as some nursing homes are still denying these? We need clear guidelines to ensure that a balance between physical and mental health. I note that the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, are present. If the Taoiseach cannot answer, perhaps they can.

See this speech in context