Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has called on TDs to back the motion he will bring before the Dáil this evening, supporting families’ calls for a public inquiry into neglect and deaths in nursing homes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The motion is due to be debated at approximately 17:20 this evening.

Speaking this afternoon, Teachta Cullinane said:

“This evening, the Dáil will debate my motion supporting families’ calls for a full public inquiry into neglect and deaths in nursing homes during the pandemic.

“It also contains a number of key measures to improve safeguarding within nursing homes, to protect residents from neglect and improve standards of care. These measures are long overdue and must be introduced without further delay.

“I am calling on all TDs to support my motion this evening. Over 2,000 people died in nursing homes during the pandemic. Behind the statistics are real lives and families left devastated and heartbroken. I support their calls for truth and justice.

“The pandemic exposed major and fatal flaws in our health and social care system. We must learn from these failings in order to ensure that they not happen again.

“Residents of nursing homes deserve to have the best possible care and to know that they are safe. The government must face up to these responsibilities and ensure there are no more delays.”