Calls for commission of investigation into covid nursing home crisis

Aontû leader Peadar Toibin is bringing a bill to the government today that is seeking a commission of investigation into the government management of covid 19 in nursing homes.

Speaking about the move Peter whelan the Aontú representative for the Laytown Bettystown electoral area in Meath East said:

“2000 people have died with covid 19 in nursing homes since the start of the pandemic. The virus represented a significant threat to our elderly and vulnerable citizens.

"Sadly , those who died from covid , well over half of them contracted the disease in either a nursing home or a hospital.

"In the middle of the pandemic, we in Aontú were getting calls from very distressed managers of nursing homes around the country, while their facilities were experiencing outbreaks. In some cases health workers said they felt abandoned by their government.

According to Whelan the reports received about access to PPE and oxygen in the early days and staffing were nothing short of "devastating." He added:

"Some nursing homes took to social media and national radio pleading and begging people to come in and help them care for their residents.

"If this bill is passed , a commission of investigation will examine all these issues.We all know someone who died from covid in a nursing home or hospital.

"There are well over 2000 grieving families that want and deserve answers. It is also important that the government and HSE and others learn from these mistakes so that we can better deal with future pandemic situations. These families deserve this investigation which will give them closure."