HSE recruitment and Gaza
Senator O'Loughlin welcomed the ending of the HSE recruitment freeze and the expanded flu vaccination programme, then raised the worsening situation in Gaza and urged immediate implementation of the ceasefire proposal.
I support the Order of Business as outlined. It was good news to hear over the weekend that the HSE recruitment freeze was ending today. This is very important, not only for the people who need the services of the HSE but also for HSE staff. There will be an opportunity to recruit new staff and regularise 2,000 existing positions. It is also important to note the expansion of the flu vaccination programme for those aged over 60 years and those aged between two and 17 years.
While we will be busy this week, as this the last time we will have the Order of Business before the recess, it is important that we take time to thank everybody for their support during this term.
I thank Mr. Martin Groves and his team in the Seanad Office and all those in catering and the Bills Office, etc., who make Leinster House run as efficiently as it does. I also extend my best wishes for the recess to the large Opposition here - Senator Gavan - to those who are not here, and, of course, to the Cathaoirleach.
Comment on this
I thought he was afraid I leaving him out. It is important because it is our last week to mention the ongoing serious situation in Gaza. Despite the ceasefire proposals on the table and ongoing negotiations, we saw an expansion of the Israeli military operation in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of dozens and the destruction of healthcare, education and humanitarian facilities. We have to do everything we can to urge Israel and Hamas to implement immediately the three-phase ceasefire proposal endorsed by the UN Security Council.
Last week, I raised in the House and at the Oireachtas transport committee the situation the NTA has led us into, with the possibility of the fairer fares proposal not being implemented in September for those I represent in County Kildare and in the other counties impacted, Meath, Wicklow and Louth. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, for having an urgent meeting on Friday with three representatives of the Newbridge commuters group. We had a good meeting led by Jennifer Caffrey. I am satisfied that the Minister of State is making this a priority. He has already started a round of meetings. He will meet the NTA this week. He is looking at all possible potential proposals to ensure this happens for commuters in September.