Seanad debates

Wednesday, 17 November 2021

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Ardagh’s call, on World Prematurity Day, for us to commend all who work in our hospitals and to support the parents – the women and their partners – who require considerable support. There is an urgent need for us to have an updated premature baby strategy. As Senator Ardagh said, medical science has evolved and babies as light as 500 g are now surviving and living to tell their story. That is to be commended.

It is important that we have a genuine debate on living with Covid. I spoke yesterday in the House on the HSE’s winter plan. Yesterday the Government announced changes to the framework. There are legitimate concerns over the night-time economy, which includes pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. There is a huge lacuna regarding antigen testing and its roll-out. Those of us who are members of the transport committee have been calling for the introduction of antigen testing since the summer of 2020. There is an issue in our schools that needs to be addressed in respect of contact tracing, the role of teachers and the question of whether they stay out or come back. There needs to be communication and messaging by the Government on that issue.I ask that next week we set aside time to start a rolling debate with the Minister for Social Protection on the pandemic unemployment payment. The debate should also involve the Ministers with responsibility for jobs, education and health. It is important we do that because this is something we must get right. The people have responded to the guidance of the Government in the past and they will this time too. How is it, for example, there was no guidance given on the wearing of masks or face coverings for sporting events? We all know county finals are happening in every county this month. Why was no clarity given on that yesterday? It is important we have a rolling debate on living with Covid-19.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.