Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate what my colleagues have said and thank all the people who worked in the health care sector over the last week, including people who had to stay in hospitals because they were not able to travel and, more importantly, because they wanted to provide care to patients in hospitals. There were many people working in psychiatric services, in general hospitals and in all hospitals across the country, including doctors, nurses, care assistants and catering staff, who did everything possible to ensure that the health and safety of patients was given priority over their own interests. It is extremely important that we recognise their commitment and loyalty, and the way they delivered and continue to deliver a service in very difficult circumstances. It is important to recognise that and I join colleagues in thanking and praising them for the work they did over the last week.