Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister has acknowledged, the issue is something that should be on the Minister for Health's desk as well. There is a huge challenge in the recruitment of healthcare workers, particularly at this end of the sector. The scheme might be something that the Government could consider to attract people into the sector. Many of these workers are rurally-based, and that is why they are car-dependent. It certainly would help a cohort of Irish society that does not have an alternative to driving. I would not expect these workers to be using public transport or active travel. They are utterly car-dependent. There is precedent, of course, in policy in that we support taxi drivers to the tune of €36,000 to purchase EVs. I think as strong a case can be made for this particular sector.

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