Govt. Made Complete cock of it

Brendan Bendar

Oh Dear…… talk about making a cock of things.

This thousand euro ‘award’ for ‘Covid workers’ has in my opinion opened up a huge can of worms.

Gave a complete pass to the Opposition to demand (Paul Murphy) that all workers should get it.

RTE of course stirring things up.

This will end up a a shït storm of epic proportions.

Should never have even being considered……..

Aren't they great altogether. Another bank holiday too. All is forgiven.

Brendan Bendar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118501223#Comment_118501223

Unfortunately those most deserving might have to work the Bank Holidays.

Dempo1

Just extraordinary, first day back after 5 weeks R&R and within hours, chaos. What were they thinking 🤔, this is populist nonsense that has achieved one thing, Division.

I'm not even sure why this came up today, it was barely being discussed after the initial vulgar carry on with various unions jumping on the bandwagon . Government seem to be hinting pandemic over , perhaps they are right but I'm sensing a typical cart before the horse approach this government has become known for.

Personally I believe a reward for direct health care employee's is appropriate but there seems very little thought put into this and this decision causing uproar rather than euphoria.

Dempo1

Curious, Michael Martin keeping a very, very low profile today, no attendance at the press conference earlier, Leo doing all the talking, interviews today, he's now on the six one news.

Brendan Bendar

RTE will ensure this is kept in the melting pot for as long as possible.

100mil seems to be estimated costs, I would expect this would rise…….shambles so far.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118501571#Comment_118501571

In which case they're entitled to one of the following alternatives like every other public holiday they may have to work:

An additional day of annual leave

An additional day's pay

A paid day off within a month of the public holiday

maestroamado

Personally i think anyone over about 50k after tax should be excluded... i think the people who are most deserving are home care workers who call to a number of houses each day and then home to their families...

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504116#Comment_118504116

I agree and the "Pleas to extend those who should eligible are growing louder by the day, Pharmacists, shop workers, Gardai, Teachers etc etc etc.

I've absolutely no objection any person who directly cared for Covid positive patients in a health care setting getting rewarded, they actually knowingly took the Risks.

If Gardai, Teachers etc are aggrieved with Government for being expected and asked to do their Jobs, let them take that up with government. This should never have been about a reward for doing your job.

Allinall

The opposition can scream and shout and demand this and that all they like. Government won't care.

Dempo1

Rachel English on morning Ireland pushing Taoiseach now on GP receptionists etc to be included, is Rachel not aware of government advice "Don't Go to your GP" and even aside from this, getting access to a GP as been near impossible for over a year.

The opposition always oppose the government. That's the game.

There is nothing wrong with what the government has done, I have no issue with frontline healthcare staff getting this money.

bucketybuck

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504155#Comment_118504155

Unfortunately one thing badly lacking in the past 2 years is an opposition actually opposing the government.

the kelt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504155#Comment_118504155

Exactly.

Who gives a fiddlers what he likes of Paul Murphy thinks, if they didnt do this then the opposition would be having a go, now they are doing it the opposition is having a go, thats called politics.

Its a nice gesture and well deserved. There will always be whataboutery when it comes to things like this, thats life.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504155#Comment_118504155

The Gesture is not the problem, its what's going to actually happen is what I'd be concerned about, every public servant will be clamoring for a piece of the Pie.

A very simple and straightforward, no nonsense decision that Only Health Care staff who Directly cared for Covid patients is all that was required, these people, knowingling and bravely took the risks. What Government have managed to do is cause ambiguity which is leading to a stampede of self entitled public servants with their Hands out.

I personally think there's a lot of additional people deserving of recognition but we're does it end 🤔

Eoinbmw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504153#Comment_118504153

GP's in my experience have been an utter disgrace and have completely failed in their duties during this pandemic they shoul be penalised!

They were quick to open up when their was a large financial incentive to provide the boosters before Christmas!

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504186#Comment_118504186

What does it matter what public service unions want? Who cares what they say?

There's no way the government will give it to all PS staff, no matter what.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504199#Comment_118504199

Whilst I have to say my own GP has been brilliant (Immune compromised illness), direct access has been very limited, there's numerous threads on Boards dealing with this issue, indeed I'll go further, Access to clinics has pretty much stopped at Hospitals, instead Telephone consultations now the norm and I fear this is going to be the new norm. Fine with some long term illnesses but not all. But yes, I agree there is and continues to be a serious problem with access to Gp"s despite the constant reminder from their spokespeople, they are open and available.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504212#Comment_118504212

You are correct, and frankly I don't care what PS unions want or demand, I'm simply saying the decision could have been made clearer, more definitive and less ambiguous and I wouldn't be so sure, certain people in government won't Buckle to vulgar demands.

Gregor Samsa

It’s a small gesture to a group of people who have been at the very coal face of the pandemic over the past two years. They deserve it. But as usual, no good deed goes unpunished.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504163#Comment_118504163

I agree completely, their two best spokespeople have been Labour's Alan Kelly and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, who appear to start every contribution, acknowledging or praising a government minister, followed by half hearted opposition 🙄

BrianD3

Half arsed, token, divisive, precedent setting nonsense with a 100 million euro cost. Like an incompetent parent throwing some sweeties to their children to placate them.

If frontline healhcare workers "risked their lives for society" above and beyond their job description, that should be worth much more than 1k.

Even leaving aside the inevitable whataboutery in relation to teachers etc., as we're talking about the HSE here, who is and isn't eligible within the health service will be a problem. Some people will get it who shouldn't while others won't get it who should. With the process affected by favouritism, the (in)competence of individual managers, poor record keeping and very possibly, nepotism.

dxhound2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504186#Comment_118504186

It is better not to have people in charge who make No Nonsense, Simple, Straightforward decisions. In a world where everything is not black and white, and there are usually many shades of grey, this sort of thinking does not work.

A much better and fairer way to reward all workers who were essential over the pandemic would be not to tax overtime earnings. Whether the worker is an ICU nurse or transport worker, if they are working extra hours during the pandemic due to lockdowns, colleagues sickness, they are stepping up and putting the work in. It would stop all this unseemly squabling immediately and wont reward the people that didnt work extra

Ger Roe

It's OK, the Gov have announced that they will be setting up an ADP (Accountability Deflection Panel), that will decide on any other claims. This body will be independent of the Government so that the sh1t won't stick to them when it starts flying around.

Presumably, though ... this ADP will be operating to some sort of criteria definitions that the government will supply them with anyway. But the social distance from any hassle, will have been maintained - enough to blame any comeback on the panel, rather than the government intentions.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504491#Comment_118504491

Nor sadly has the indecision and mixed messaging helped either, the past two years a testimonent to that fact.

dxhound2005

Don't be sad, it's just the way the world works.

Faolchu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118501571#Comment_118501571

wont they get paid time off on an alternative date just like any other person that has to work a bank holiday?

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058228856/govt-made-complete-cock-of-it

...more money in the hands of workers means increased economic activities, win win for all!

Faolchu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504143#Comment_118504143

could the same not be said for teh nurses? were they not just "doing their job"?

Dyr

Ah yes, the opposition had nothing to say on the whole pandemic but as soon as free money is being handed out they're back out from under the bed.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504624#Comment_118504624

As I clearly stated, Those who DIRECTLY cared for covid patients, to include paramedics, ambulance drivers. Not every Nurse or health care professional dealt with Covid patients. Some will say, others were exposed, well if we go down that road, practically every working person in Ireland, dealing with the general public was "Exposed"

I'm simply pointing out there is clearly an easily identifiable cohort of Health workers who not only did their Jobs, but went the extra mile, took the risks etc, Covid Wards, ICU"s, Ambulance staff etc.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504674#Comment_118504674

this is not free money, like all other money, it will be debt sitting on our books, and will need to be repaid....

Dempo1

Claire Byrne now asking should Gp"s get it 🤔🙄

dxhound2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504677#Comment_118504677

No point in complaining about other groups reps putting forward their claims. If only because their members would accuse their leaders of being useless, if they did not join in the clamour.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504809#Comment_118504809

I'm actually not complaining, just disgusted at the vulgarity of it all, "Covid Bonus Controversy" as Claire Byrne has just introduced her next segment 😳

Dempo1

A GP on now, moaning about patients arriving at her surgery , exposing her Staff , putting them at risk WTF 😳 this is getting Surreal now 🙄

ednwireland

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504855#Comment_118504855

my gp didnt answer the phone for 12 months not surprised people arrived at their surgery.

did try and move but no places available in the other gp.

yeh she was calling for pharmacies to get as well. they weren't letting people through the door in our town you had to queue outside.

Mecanudo

Anyone know what the estimated cost of the 1000 euro across the sector will be?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504809#Comment_118504809

If my representative group try to call for this, I for one will be making them aware that I don't want it, and I don't believe we should get it.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504888#Comment_118504888

As I predicted its going to be a stampede.

I hear you about GP, as you know moving to a new GP not as straightforward as people think and even at that, no guarantee you wouldn't face the same challenges. My own GP (excellent) has the clinic looking like a high security outpost, no one gets in without an appointment, few can get an actually appointment.

I'm the Vox Pop some clown suggested Hairdressers should get the bonus (I'm sure Claire Byrne would support that) but when the person ask if a hairdresser doing Highlights was the same as a Nurse looking after critically ill patients, the person changed her tone 🙄

HBC08

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504809#Comment_118504809

Not really,I imagine a large cohort of teachers for example would be embarrassed if their union reps demanded this.I know a lot were embarrassed by the union threats if teachers weren't vaccinated last spring.Same could be said be of the public service in general.

Although these 2 cohorts get a lot of grief (some deserved) the majority aren't looking for this payment.Of course this mightnt be a popular post but it's the truth.

dxhound2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504916#Comment_118504916

Yours is just another individual voice among many diverse views. The decision could have been the most Simple, Straightforward one of all time, but it still would find resistance in some quarters.

Fann Linn

Gardai, meat packers, binmen, shop workers, bus drivers.

Probably would've been cheaper if they had of given the €100 to every adult as David McWilliams suggested mid way during the pandemic.

Costing €100,000,000 presently. Will be interesting to see what it ultimately cashes out for.

Dyr

Lads theres an election to be won, and our money is what wins elections, goodies time for Micheal

dxhound2005

The North gave everyone a time limited shopping voucher for £100. It didn't run smoothly for everyone. Such a Simple thing to do, but often unforeseen consequences can arise.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/10/22/news/around-100-000-people-in-northern-ireland-fail-high-street-voucher-scheme-verification-process-2486013/?param=ds441rif44T

Is the payment just for the healthcare workers directly employed by the HSE? If so, feel bad for all the caterers, cleaners, assistants that also worked in covid wards and probably on the lowest pay scale too.

As nice as an extra bank holiday is please spare a thought for carers. Respite and day centre services have been closed since March 2020 with no opening dates spoken about yet. While it’s good for some that they get an extra bank holiday, it means carers have another day that they can’t avail of some services (when they resume).

GreeBo

Do we give bonuses to everyone who "risks their lives at their job", when part of their job is exposure to such risks?

Any extra funding/incentive should be going to the people who have been unable to work due to closures, not those who have been working!

mumo3

GP's should not be getting it, nor should teachers.. Trying to get a hold of my GP since this started is a joke, and when you are lucky enough to get a call back, you're doing well if I get 60 seconds before he's asking me for my card details to pay for this abysmal service. Teachers are as bad, sitting at home some claiming that because they're from the shticks they have bad internet service, and only showing up the odd time to deliver classes, but are well able to upload work for the students to do 🤷

As for nurses...they were doing their jobs, well some of them, others where no doubt twiddling their thumbs as people where avoiding A&E, out patient appointments where cancelled and so on.

They ones that need to be acknowledged and rewarded are the carers, who still went above and beyond to look after their loved ones or non family members, and took on extra work after everything was shut down and they have received no respite.

mumo3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118505077#Comment_118505077

they're winning no election... as the saying goes "eaten bread, is soon forgotten"

crossman47

There may be problems at the margins but by and large this is aimed at the right people. My GP has been excellent throughout but he and his staff have put strong precautions in place from the beginning. Those in hospitals were badly exposed (not really anyones fault) early on.