Based on evidence provided by the HSE and IMO at today’s COVID Committee, I am concerned that Ireland’s Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme will be not be expansive enough to sufficientely reduce overcrowding at our hospitals in light of any increase in COVID cases this winter.
Evidence given by the Irish Medical Organisation and Irish Cancer Society in the Dáil COVID Committee today suggests Ireland is falling behind other European countries regarding the resumption of cancer screenings services.
In this morning’s Dáil COVID Committee hearing, which I chaired, Inclusion Ireland CEO Enda Egan said families are at the absolute edge of their ability to cope during the pandemic. He said there is another pandemic about to hit us and that is family carer burn out.
Read MoreThere is finally a growing acceptance in Government that a regional approach to COVID restrictions is now required, as I called for again today. Restrictions that affect sporting and family events, as well as small rural pubs must be proportionate to the risk posed. The risk of contracting COVID-19 in Clare, and much of rural Ireland, is clearly lower than it is in Dublin as borne out by the statistics and by science.