Sir, – In January, the Government announced the establishment of a panel to examine the categories of worker that should be included in the Covid-19 bonus payment. However, a full six weeks later, that panel and the arrangements to give effect to the bonus have yet to be finalised.
Who will appoint the panel, or has it already been appointed? Have its terms of reference been agreed by the Cabinet and what are they? Who will the panel report to? How do groups make their submissions and when will the report be published? When will people know whether they are in or out? Will non-HSE homecare workers be included, following promises from both Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath confirming that they would? The Government needs to provide clarity on these matters immediately.
We have requested answers to these questions without success.
Collaboration and solidarity were the hallmarks of our national response to Covid-19 yet, but despite going above and beyond during the pandemic, family carers and, in this situation, non-HSE homecare workers, have been excluded and left behind by the Government.
Family carers continued to provide extraordinary levels of care, playing a very significant role in suppressing the virus and in supporting our healthcare system. Their work was (and is) very specialised, intense, and intimate. Likewise, dedicated non-HSE homecare workers continued to work, donning PPE, working selflessly in Covid-19 environments and family homes. They should not be ignored simply because they helped people in homes instead of hospitals.
Like all healthcare workers, they went above and beyond the call of duty to protect the most vulnerable, and this risk must be rewarded.
Over the course of the past two years, family carers saw services and supports for their loved ones depleted and, in many cases, eradicated.
As a direct consequence, the State saved money.
Paying the Covid-19 bonus to all carers in receipt of the Carer’s Support Grant would cost an estimated €128.3 million. Family carers save the State in excess of €20 billion every year, yet they have never been afforded the proper respect, dignity and remuneration for their work.
There is no use in telling them that they will get an extra public holiday, because family carers do not get the benefit of public holidays. Theirs is a 24/7 role.
Family Carers Ireland is urging the Government to recognise their efforts and extend the Covid-19 bonus in acknowledgement of the meaningful contribution they have made throughout the course of the pandemic. Family carers and non-HSE homecare workers deserve more than just a pat on the back or soft words.
Will the Government do the right thing now and move to ensure that they qualify for the €1,000 bonus payment? It is the least they deserve. – Yours, etc,
CATHERINE COX,
Head of Communications
and Policy,
Family Carers Ireland,
Kilkenny.