Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While this is considered to be my maiden speech, my first utterance in the Chamber consisted of loud gasps a fortnight ago as I was incredulous at the embracing by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of the Regional Independent Group to be half in and half out of the Government. Luckily - it is concerning and it took time - the penny has dropped and we move on.

I thank the people of Dublin South-Central for electing me to represent them. It is a place that values community. I remain a Liberties gal at heart and always will be. I will continue to serve my constituents each and every day. I also thank my family, friends and party activists for their enduring support. Without them, I would not have won a seat here. Tá an-áthas orm.

As an experienced psychiatric nurse, I have grave concerns that this unimaginative programme for Government does not even acknowledge, let alone begin to alleviate, the serious problems in our health service. I have seen first hand how the recent HSE recruitment embargo and chronic underfunding by successive Governments have resulted in catastrophic understaffing and this new and so-called improved programme for Government does nothing to resolve that. Understaffing is extremely dangerous. We lose experienced healthcare workers because we do not respect their hard-earned expertise. They cannot afford to stay in Ireland. Eleven of the 15 who were under my tutelage recently qualified and left the country because of economic issues. That is no way to build a thriving country, let alone a strong, resilient health service. The sick and vulnerable languish on trolleys for days waiting for beds. Anxious parents in Dublin South-Central cannot access full public health development checks for babies and children with additional needs go on waiting lists to get on a waiting list. In addition, no plans have been made for women to receive the promised free hormone replacement therapy.

I send solidarity and greetings to my fellow 100,000 nurses on this island. As the only nurse here, I will be their voice. Finally, I send my heartfelt love and respect to my fellow healthcare workers in Palestine who are victims of murderous intent, abducted and tortured as they attempt to fulfil their duty of care to ensure the well-being of others.

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