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

Two weeks ago, the Government announced a €1,000 payment as recognition for the work done during the pandemic by care workers in hospital settings, and that must be welcomed. Last week, we saw added to the people who will receive the payment the home help staff who continue to do Trojan work in their communities. One sector has been overlooked, and those are the carers working in section 39 organisations. They have provided extraordinary levels of care to loved ones during the pandemic and played a significant role in supporting our healthcare system by taking care of vulnerable people during the pandemic. I plead with the Tánaiste to recognise their efforts and also those of home carers. They should be given the respect they deserve with this €1,000 recognition payment.

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