Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two issues. First, I wish to congratulate Shannon Airport on being shortlisted as being an age-friendly airport. That is good. The airports in the west were both shortlisted. I wish them both the best of luck with that, particularly as the services they provide to older people are phenomenal. It would be good to see the other airports offering the same level of service.

I also raise the issue of the €1,000 pandemic payment for staff who work in the medical profession.Many people who worked in the HSE have received their money but not, seven months later, those working in non-section 38 organisations, private sector nursing homes and hospices or those working in private and voluntary section 39 organisations, eligible staff who work on-site in section 39 organisations or in long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities or agency workers in the HSE and healthcare support assistants. Seven months have elapsed and none of them have received their money. My understanding is that a third-party tender to assess how to administer the fund was sought. On 9 September, the tender closed yet there still has been no communication as to whether people will receive their €1,000 payment. The delay is unacceptable because these people have worked during Covid-19 and been included in the scheme. It beggars belief why a third-party person was necessary to administer the scheme. I have seen a copy of a letter that was sent to staff in which they were told to wait until the third party works out how the scheme will be administered. It is totally unacceptable that these people await their €1,000. I ask the Deputy Leader to write seeking clarification from the Minister for Health because I certainly have not got any clarification.