The Head of Intensive Care Unit at the Region’s main hospital has warned a delicate balance needs to be struck when making decision on how best to reward frontline workers.
Government Ministers are considering ways to compensate workers for their efforts during the pandemic, which could include a Bank Holiday or a bonus payment.
Plans for the additional day off are at an advanced stage, with government officials working to try and bring it in by November or December.
The day would recognise the efforts of frontline workers during the pandemic and remember those who lost their lives.
There are question marks over which workers to include from nurses to gardai to bus drivers.
Minister Michael McGrath said nothing’s been decided yet.
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has also refused to be drawn into the speculation
But he did agree February would be a good time for a Bank Holiday.
Unions representing healthcare staff have called for their members to be rewarded above and beyond other frontline staff, but the Head of the ICU at University Hospital Limerick has expressed doubt that a balance can be struck.
Two political parties have called for a temporary wealth tax to pay for pandemic bonuses for frontline workers.
Labour and Solidarity – People Before Profit say those who benefited financially during the pandemic should pay for supports to those who risked their lives.
Dr Catherine Motherway says the trojan effort by healthcare workers and other frontline workers during the pandemic has to be weighed up against the struggles of those those who couldn’t go to work.
She thinks an extra bank holiday could be the best idea.
