Many frontline workers across Donegal still haven’t been paid the pandemic bonus payment promised by government – nine months ago.
Now Deputy Pearse Doherty says the Taoiseach must directly intervene to ensure the workers get their cash bonus.
Speaking today, he said “Frontline workers were rightly praised for all the work they did in demanding circumstances during the pandemic, including by the government.
“However, this praise has failed to turn into action. Nine months after the cabinet signed off on a pandemic bonus payment for frontline health staff, many workers still have not received this payment.
“Workers here in Donegal have been contacting me to express their concern that they are still awaiting this payment.
“Frontline workers in Donegal have been let down badly by this government’s failure to follow through on their promises.”
The Sinn Fein Deputy said this is simply unacceptable when people need it most.
He added “This is really unacceptable. Sinn Féin’s Health spokesperson David Cullinane has written to the Taoiseach this week, urging him to intervene directly to ensure this payment is paid as a matter of urgency. The Taoiseach needs to get on top of this issue, so that this disrespect to frontline workers ends.
“Sinn Féin are committed to ensuring that workers in Donegal receive the payment they were promised.
“Sinn Féin in government would stand up for healthcare workers to ensure that they are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”