TD: Give HSE staff extra paid hols... they’ve earned it
FRONTLINE health workers could get extra paid leave, it emerged yesterday.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he would consider proposals put forward by Independent TD Denis Naughten.
Mr Naughten told the Dail: “Many [healthcare workers] made huge personal sacrifices during this time.
“If it is not possible to reward them with pay increases or some form of bonus system then I believe at a very minimum we should offer them additional paid leave –time to spend with their families that they may have sacrificed special family time with.
“Or indeed time out to recover from the physical and emotional tiredness they must undoubtedly be feeling.”
The Roscommon and Galway TD said he believed it was time to recognise the work that frontline staff have done while putting themselves at risk.
He said the country owes them a “debt of gratitude”. The Taoiseach
Micheal Martin said the Government has committed to honouring the pay agreements due in the autumn despite the “enormous financial difficulties” the State will face.
He said: “I would agree with you particularly in terms of the contribution frontline health service staff and those in the background have made to the fight against Covid-19.
“The Government will examine your suggestion and your proposal, I can’t make commitments here today.
I will discuss with others but I am conscious of the point you have raised and the importance of recognition of people who went to in my view exceptional lengths to help people.”
The INMO said given the thousands of healthcare staff who contracted Covid-19, they deserve some compensation. However, regarding the pay agreements, they said they are still seeking what is owed to nurses and midwives.
A spokeswoman told the Irish Mirror: “Part of the settlement involves the establishment of an expert group. This group has now been established. “The INMO has insisted that these matters are addressed by the end of August and are calling on the government to ensure that as agreed, nurse management pay is addressed immediately. Undoubtedly, the contribution of nurses and midwives during the pandemic was extraordinary at every level – from student to director of nursing and midwifery – and should be recognised.
“Around 2,600 nurses and midwives contracted Covid-19 and many incurred additional costs due to lack of childcare provision.
“There is no doubt that they deserve recognition and compensation.”