Gabhaim buíochas le gach Ball a labhair inniu. I welcome the opportunity to speak on International Nurses Day. I welcome all those in the Public Gallery. I sincerely thank all the nurses, midwives and my relations, both those in north Dublin and across Ireland, for the extraordinary work they do every single day. It is not just a profession for them; it is a profession built on compassion and skill. We have all seen, either through our experience or that of our family members, the brilliant work they do. They care for us when we are sick and they care for the vulnerable. I especially acknowledge the staff in Beaumont Hospital who cared for me when I fell sick as a teenager. They showed professionalism and kindness, bringing me chocolate and cheering me up when I was down. It definitely helped me get through it. Like many families I represent across north Dublin, I know personally the difference they can make. As they support us, we too need to support them. Since I have been elected, I have raised on the floor of the Dáil nearly 16 times the current accident and emergency department in Beaumont Hospital. The nurses, healthcare workers and all the hardworking men and women in Beaumont Hospital are under enormous pressure. I welcome the €27 million that was announced at the start of this year for the initial works and improvements in Beaumont Hospital but these hardworking men and women are the ones dealing with the burnout and rise in demand. When the infrastructure in the hospital they are working in is not sufficient, they are the ones who bear the cost. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill’s visit to the hospital and what she has implemented, as well as the brilliant work of the new CEO of Beaumont Hospital, but we need to give workers safe staffing levels, fair pay and conditions, investments in training and improved hospital capacity. Speaking as someone from a younger generation – this was mentioned across the House today - a lot of my friends who studied nursing, midwifery and a lot of other occupations are feeling the financial pressure, especially those living in Dublin. It is more financially viable for them to leave or emigrate. We need to encourage them back, and I know there is work being done on that. One thing I have raised is the need to have financial packages for those critical workers in high-cost areas, particularly at the beginning of their careers. I thank every single nurse and midwife.

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