20 Iúil 2020, 14:56
The Special Committee on Covid-19 Response will focus on the coronavirus infection rate among healthcare workers, when it meets, tomorrow, Tuesday, 21 July, in Leinster House.
Representatives of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), Fórsa, SIPTU and the HSE will appear before the Committee of TDs.
- Fórsa, Head of Health and Welfare Division Éamonn Donnelly, Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha, SIPTU, Deputy General Secretary for the Public Service, John King, will appear before the Committee at 10am.
- Representatives from the HSE including the Health Protection Surveillance Centre will appear before the Committee at 12.30pm.
Speaking before the meeting, Committee Chairman, Michael McNamara TD said: “The Committee was told, last month, by the INMO that Ireland has the highest infection rate of healthcare workers globally.
“It was some of the information that shocked many Members, including evidence that some healthcare workers were allowed to return to work, even if they had been close contacts of Covid-positive people in the community or through their workplace.
“Tomorrow, the Committee will hear from officials from three of the unions representing healthcare workers, on the experience of their members, across healthcare settings throughout the pandemic and the supports they need to reduce infection rates.
“We hope to get a detailed breakdown of infection rate figures from the HSE and HPSC and information on the response in place to protect healthcare workers from Covid-19 in the workplace.”
The witnesses will appear in the Seanad Chamber and by video link from Committee Room 2.
Watch the Committee live here.