A former Clare TD has described the delay in Government formation as “irresponsible” at a time when the country is faced with issues including the Coronavirus crisis.
The comments from Kilmihil GP, Dr Michael Harty come after a second case of COVID-19 was recorded here.
The Department of Health doesn’t think there’s any more cases of the Coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland other than the two identified.
But, it’s warned that more people could present in the coming weeks, after the confirmation last nigh of this second case.
The female affected is in the East of the country and had traveled back from Northern Italy.
She’s being given the appropriate treatment and the HSE is working to identify anyone she may have come in contact with.
It’s reported that her case is not connected to the first case, involving a student of a Dublin secondary school.
Officials are continuing to monitor the State’s response to the virus, and Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan says people will now be able to get tested for it in the community rather than in hospitals.
Abroad, and the first case of coronavirus at the EU’s offices in Brussels has been confirmed, meanwhile.
An employee of the European Defence Agency tested positive after returning from Italy.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is now advising against all non-essential travel to the worst affected parts of Italy, where 79 people have now died.
Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Professor Karina Butler says every effort needs to be on containing the spread.
Meanwhile, former Clare TD, Dr Michael Harty has said there’s a lot of apprehension among the medical profession about the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Kilmihil GP has questioned whether there are enough resources within the health system to cope if the disease escalates in the coming months.
The former TD, who retired before the last election, has also criticised the slow pace of Government Formation in the midst of this public health crisis.
He feels TDs and political parties aren’t putting the national interest first.
