Cllr. Jackie Healy Rae has called for an emergency meeting of Kerry County Council, along with management of University Hospital Kerry and of the South/South West Hospital Group to brief the local authority on Kerry’s preparedness in dealing with the inevitable arrival of Covid-19 to the county.
Colleagues Rowing In
“My request has been supported by four of my colleagues: Cllr, Niall O’Callaghan, Cllr, Sam Locke, Cllr, Charlie Farrelly and Cllr, Mikey Sheehy,” Cllr. Healy Rae continued.
“Having spoken with the cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Niall Kelleher yesterday, he is willing to facilitate an emergency meeting and following on from my request has set the wheels in motion and I am awaiting confirmation of same.
Covid 19 Issue – No Different
“County Councillors are very often the first port of call when it comes to seeking advice on many issues, Covid-19 has been no different.
“Despite the fact we are all only following the advice of the chief medical officer, constituents still, rather than seeking the advice of a GP or HSE officials will call their local representative.
More Drastic Action Required
“This is why I believe our local authority needs to be briefed by HSE officials and management in our hospital.
“While I would be slow to criticise the HSE’s initial response to Covid-19, I do believe more drastic action is required in order to really contain the virus from spreading viciously like it has in countries such as Italy,” Cllr. Healy Rae concluded.
