Dublin: Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has clarified that the government is not considering any special housing schemes for healthcare workers in Ireland who are suffering without accommodation.
INMO had requested subsidised housing for health workers ahead of the opening of the new National Children’s Hospital. In response to this, the health minister stated that there will be no such plans. The union’s request was based on the fact that the shortage of houses would delay the commencement of new hospital operations.
A new hospital is coming to Dublin in 2024. It has been constructed at a cost of more than one billion euros. The union stated that if the necessary accommodations are not provided, employee appointments will be delayed.
However, the Health Minister stated that housing is a public issue in Ireland. The minister said that it is the same not only for nurses and doctors but also for everyone. The construction of new houses, affordable housing, social housing, and owner-occupied houses is continuing at a record level. Meanwhile, there will be no special projects for nurses and doctors only.
Sinn Fein has come out strongly against the government’s stance. The party’s health spokesperson, David Cullinane, has accused the government.
The housing crisis is affecting the nursing sector the most. Because of this issue, health workers are migrating to Australia and other countries. When you talk to any health worker, the problem they raise is the increased cost of living in Ireland due to a lack of accommodation. Cullinane accused the government of going without understanding this.
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