Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

One of the saddest parts of the coronavirus was when people, mostly elderly people, died alone in hospitals where they were not allowed visits. It was very sad and very bad that many people who worked hard, reared their families and brought this country to where it is were denied visits and died alone. Almost every aspect of society is open but in the area I represent, most hospitals and nursing homes are only allowing two visits per week for family members. This is not acceptable. Where is this rule coming from? Is it from the HSE, the Government or the Chief Medical Officer? It does not make sense at all. When the patient is close to death and it is clear that he or she will die the whole family is let in to visit. Where did this direction come from? I ask the Taoiseach to lift it right away.

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