Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her work on the White Paper, which is very welcome. I impress on her and the Department the need to prioritise these essential healthcare workers, both those who are immigrants and those who are asylum seekers. We are not talking about many people. Asylum seekers represent a maximum of 800 people. These workers make a significant difference to the everyday lives of Irish people. They are contributing and paying taxes. They are a vital part of the effort to make Ireland a healthier and safer place.

The Minister said that the Department will commence a review of progress by October 2022 at the latest, but that is a full 18 months away. In line with what is happening in other European countries and Canada, the Minister should make an exception for our front-line emergency healthcare workers.