Budget did not give sufficient respect to our Covid heroes

BUDGET 2022 has been published with a glaring omission. Words of congratulations and gratitude were substituted for tangible meaningful measures to repay the bravery of those who toiled selflessly on frontlines of the pandemic, keeping our country going and many of our citizens alive.

As somebody who educated nurses and midwives virtually during the plague of our time, I note regrettably the absence of quantifiable measures to recompense and acknowledge the courage and valour of those on the frontlines. Promises to do something to recognise the sacrifices made by our brave citizens are simply that promises from this Government – and worse still, the worst kind of promise: a political one.

A pandemic bonus for all frontline workers who served us all so valiantly would be welcome and appropriate. But this Government seems in no hurry to properly recognise the service of frontline personnel – applause, words or gratitude and political promises are just platitudes. Frontline workers faced their challenges at great personal cost.

Other countries have already made payments in the region of €1,000-€1,500. Extra leave provisions might be welcomed by some. I would also advocate that all those in our higher-level institutions who continued educating new doctors, nurses, midwives and allied care professionals during Covid should be recognised for their service in some way.

I think creating a keepsake Covid medal with a certificate of Covid service might be an interesting gesture also.

Making St Brigid’s Day a national holiday as a Covid legacy would fittingly recognise the immense contribution of women during the pandemic. It is estimated that at least 60% of frontline healthcare workers and home carers are women.

Finally, I suggest there is a need to create a fitting memorial to all Covid victims who died and in particular to the frontline workers whose service resulted in the ultimate sacrifice during this horrible plague. Political promises to recognise frontline gallantry during this pandemic simply won’t wash.

PAUL HORAN, assistant professor, School of Nursing & Midwifery,

Trinity College Dublin.

Food for thought

I WAS delighted to read (Mail) that Marks & Spencer in Ireland has decided to source its food hall requirements from Irish suppliers to overcome the Brexit hurdles of exporting British food into the EU. The company is starting to buy Irish sausages, turkeys, beef, milk and butter.

I always thought it was a logical solution to the Brexit exportation rules. I would like to thank all those British people who voted to leave the EU – cheers for all the extra business for Ireland. Grand job. I presume this could mean fewer jobs in the UK’s food supply industry. There is that foot being shot again.

MARTIN STRINGER, Barnacogue, Co. Mayo.