Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The issue of long Covid is very serious and I fully support the call in the motion to fully staff post-Covid clinics, to establish a multidisciplinary public health team to review and manage long Covid care in the population, and to develop the rehabilitative and recovery programme designed to meet the needs of those experiencing long Covid. The effects of long Covid are extremely concerning. Many people in my constituency of Donegal are experiencing long Covid and the effects are devastating. The health supports needed are not widely available and many of my constituents are suffering chronic ill-health without access to essential medical care. It is a very serious issue but it appears the Government and the HSE would prefer to turn a blind eye to it. One constituent who reached out to me is a young 11-year-old girl who has ME. After getting long Covid she is struggling to attend even three days of school. She says that some of her closest friends still do not understand that she does not like missing school and not doing homework. She says she hates it. She says that missing school and falling behind makes people want to do anything to be normal again. This is heartbreaking.

The symptoms are not the only issue that sufferers must endure. Long Covid is now seen as an ordinary illness and sufferers are getting only reduced rates of pay. I have also been contacted by a constituent who is a member of An Garda Síochána with a young family of six children aged between five and 17. That person is receiving only half pay due to being absent with long Covid and is considering resigning. This is completely unacceptable, especially given the current cost-of-living crisis. The rate of sick pay in general needs addressing. We cannot punish people for being sick. Dealing with illness is extremely stressful and can have a detrimental effect on mental health and family finances. We should not be adding to people's stress during a difficult time. People cannot afford to take a pay cut when sick. If anything, they need further financial support to help with medical costs. I support the motion. We need to start taking long Covid seriously. I would go further and say the rate of sick pay should be greatly increased for all those who require it.

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