Health workers deemed essential during the Covid-19 emergency are having to take annual leave or call in sick because of a lack of childcare since schools and creches closed, according to the country's largest trade union SIPTU.
The union has reiterated its call on the Government to publish its plan for providing childcare for health and other essential workers to ensure they can continue to deliver services during the pandemic.
SIPTU health division organiser Paul Bell noted that the Government had promised to introduce a childcare plan two weeks ago.
However, he said that despite coronavirus restrictions being extended, no childcare plan has materialised. Mr Bell said members were professional, committed, flexible and compassionate