5 March 2018
By Mary Bermimgham
mary@TheCork.ie
Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has said that the frontline staff, who kept emergency and essential services going during Storm Emma.
Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
He also said that we now need to gear up for the danger of flooding.
“Severe Weather events can be dangerous, and can mean that the vulnerable become isolated, and that essential services come under pressure.”
“However, despite that, our front line staff working in emergency services have gone above and beyond the call of duty in continuing to provide vital services and saving lives.”
“The staff of the our Hospitals, our ambulance services, An Garda Síochána, the Civil Defence, the Fire Service, Defence Forces and Cork City and County Council, and many more have ensured that despite the enormous disruption that a storm causes, that the ill were treated, and that people were looked after and stayed safe.”
“It is also a very difficult time to be homeless, and I want to commend the work of Cork Simon, and all the Homelessness organisations who ensured that people had shelter. Being stuck outside in this weather would be appalling”
“We also need to consider legislative change to ensure that employers behave responsibly. Most employers were responsible and businesses remained closed. However, some workers were worried about being asked to attend work despite the clear warning to stay indoors. All workers need to be supported and protected during extreme weather situations such as this, and we should have legislative clarity here on what the responsibilities of employers are.”
