“Delayed Pay Award Slap in the Face to Health Workers During Cost-Of-Living Crisis”

“Delayed Pay Award Slap in the Face to Health Workers During Cost-Of-Living Crisis” – Connolly

Aontú Armagh Representative Daniel Connolly has slammed the Department of Health for delaying the pay award for NHS workers during a cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking today, Mr Connolly said “In the jaws of the worst energy and cost-of-living crises in living memory, it’s a disgrace that the Department of Health is delaying the pay award for Health workers. From the cost of Christmas to the increased cost of fuel and heating during the winter months, this pay award is needed most now.”

Mr Connolly Continued “The political deadlock caused by the Stormont parties is preventing essential funding from being injected into the healthcare system. Health Workers have already had to wait for 8 months for this pay award as a result of Stormont dysfunction. The North’s bowel and cervical screening programme are lagging worryingly behind neighbouring jurisdictions. A recent RCP report found that there was an 11-year waiting list for hip replacements. This is not acceptable.”

“Aontú is calling for the Department of Health to give health workers the pay award now. Stormont must be reformed so that the institution is more efficient at dealing with the crisis in our healthcare system. MLAs should not be taking a wage if they’re not willing to do the work the people of the North sent them to do” Concluded Mr Connolly

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.