Home from Oz to fight virus
AS over 70 doctors returned home to Irish soil on Thursday last, Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Transport, Deputy Marc MacSharry said he will continue efforts to help return home those still stranded across the world.
Deputy MacSharry was heavily involved in coordinating efforts to bring Irish doctors and nurses home from Ireland on a ‘rescue flight’ from Perth last week.
Speaking to The Sligo Champion as the front line staff touched down at Dublin Airport last Thursday afternoon, MacSharry said it was great to see them return home amid the ongoing pandemic.
“Getting people home has been a problem and we experienced that when people were stranded in Tenerife.”
Dr Leah Hayes, a relation of Deputy MachSharry’s was one of the doctors that made the e decision to return home and do what she can amid the pandemic that has not yet reached its feared peak here.
Many doctors had planned to fly home the previous weekend with Emirates, however, after the airline decided to ground its flights they were left with no option.
Working with the Department of Transport, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the British Home Office and fellow colleagues across all party divides, a Qantas flight from Perth was organised via a connection through London.
“They will have to isolate for two weeks, but, considering 26% of those infected are front line staff, they will be needed.”
Deputy MacSharry described the situation of many Irish citizens stranded abroad as being a ‘major challenge worldwide’.
“Many Irish people are around the world with no way of getting home and they are being logged with the Department of Foreign Affairs. It’s hugely frustrating for families.
“The situation is worsening as airlines ground fleets and access to airspace is being shut.”
The Transport spokesperson remained positive and said a solution for those stranded remains to be found. “No politics is involved here, the department is working day and night to help people and our focus is on getting people home.”
MacSharry said for many who find themselves abroad on a gap year or working abroad, these are incredibly worrying times for them.
“People may have taken a year out, maybe working in a bar or cafe, they are shut now, so they find themselves with no job, no money and they are concerned for their safety.
It is a challenge but we will find a solution,” said Deputy MacSharry, adding that he can be contacted by members of the public who need assistance in bringing loved ones home.