A Kerry politician has told the Dáil that he “would have thanked the Chinese [government] as well if they’d have kept their virus”.
At a special sitting of the Dáil during the coronavirus pandemic, Danny Healy-Rae TD seemed to take issue with the actions of the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, who thanked the Chinese Premier this week “for sending essential medical supplies”.
“I would have thanked the Chinese as well if they’d have kept their virus,” Deputy Healy-Rae told the chamber.
He had praised the health service for their handling of the crisis, and raised the issue of Personal Protective Equipment which is in short supply for medical professionals working in Irish hospitals.
There's evidence they knew earlier than they reported they knew and that they've destroyed/withheld data. They should be held accountable.
— JustAsking.Org (@JustAsk82036170) April 2, 2020
While others raised the point that the Irish health service paid for the medical supplies from China.
We paid for this equipment, the Chinese "Government" should be thanking us!
— john lu (@Johnshanluy) April 2, 2020
Others disagreed
Danny should #StayAtHome
— Chris O grady (@ChrisOgrady2) April 2, 2020