David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Care Champions is an organisation that speaks for and represents many people who lost loved ones in care settings during Covid, as the Tánaiste knows. Its members are protesting outside the Dáil today. They have a number of asks, one of which is that we have, to use their words, a full and transparent inquiry into the Government's response to the pandemic and continuing care issues. They are asking for urgent reforms to ensure adequate resources, staffing and regulation for the care sector, including strong safeguarding legislation, care partner legislation, which exists in the North, and mandatory reporting for staff. Does the Tánaiste intend to meet Care Champions, or has the Taoiseach arranged to meet Care Champions, so they can hear at first hand what its members are telling us? I have met them previously and will meet them again today. It is very important that we hear from the families of people who unfortunately lost loved ones in care settings, and that the inquiry that is in place suits their needs and objectives.

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