Fitzpatrick in tribute to our front-line staff
LOUTH TD Peter Fitzpatrick has paid tribute to front-line workers as the country remains in the grip of COVID-19, and has extended sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives to the virus.
Speaking in Dáil Eireann, he also urged the government to do more for the tourism industry, and was critical of its stance on people aged over 66 regarding temporary Covid-19 social welfare payments.
‘I give my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of all of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19, and my sincere thanks to all of the front-line staff who have worked Trojan hard over the last number of weeks,’ the Independent deputy said.
‘As a nation we are trying to fight this invisible enemy and I hope we are winning that fight. Once again the people of Ireland have shown their resilience and determination in times of danger.’
He put on record his support for the actions of the government, and welcomed the support of the Opposition for the government’s handling of this crisis.
‘However, I feel it is necessary to raise important issues and to hold the government to account. One such issue is the discrimination against those aged over 66 in relation to the temporary COVID-19,social welfare payments.
‘Why should people over 66 be denied this payment simply because of their age? What are the reasons for this?’
Mr Fitzpatrick added he has received many emails and telephone calls from people who feel they are being discriminated against.
He expressed alarm at reports concerning nursing and care homes.
‘I do not want to cause any additional worries for families and friends of those in nursing homes by giving any details but I ask the minister to make a statement outlining the current situation with regard to the safety of both staff and residents and the measures the government is taking in this regard.’
He called for help for the tourism industry.
‘ Tourism plays a major part in my constituency of Louth and in east Meath. To the north we have the beautiful Cooley Peninsula, while further south we have the Boyne Valley with the seaside villages of Laytown and Bettystown.
‘At this time of the year the businesses in these areas are normally in full swing and ready for the busy summer period. I am disappointed that the tourism industry has not been given targeted specific supports.
‘ The very fact that the businesses are seasonal makes them different from other businesses. Usually 80% of their income is earned during the summer months. I urge the government to look closely at this and put in place specific supports.’
He continued it was frightening to see his home town of Dundalk so quiet and to see so many businesses temporarily closed.
‘ There is no doubt that the actions we have taken as a nation are necessary and that we have no alternatives. I wish to take this opportunity to praise my fellow citizens for the action they have taken to combat this virus.
‘It is at times like this that we see what we are really made of, and I think everyone here would agree with me when I say that the people have once more shown true courage when needed.’
The deputy highlighted the efforts of those over 70 who have cocooned in their homes, the people who have self-isolated, those who have had to stay at home because attendance at their workplace was not deemed essential, and the effects on students preparing for examns at home.
He also took the opportunity to comment on the make-up of the next government.
‘I am a member of the Regional Technical Group, and we have been in contact with the main parties on government formation talks.
‘I am pleased to see that the two main parties have reached common ground on a coalition. It is now time for the other parties to step up and engage in these talks.
‘For us to have a stable Government for the next five years, one of the smaller parties will have to be involved.
‘Speaking for myself as a member of the Regional Technical Group, we have all along shown our willingness to participate in talks that will deliver a stable government. I urge all small parties to take a similar approach.’