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HEALTH MINISTER SIMON Harris has said “there is a special place in hell” for people who ratchet up the cost of healthcare equipment during a global pandemic.
The cost of a ventilator in the US has soared from $25,000 to $45,000 because of increased demand and a nationwide shortage, the governor of New York has claimed today.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said today that various US states were inadvertently pushing up prices because each was competing against one another, reported The Independent.
When asked if rising costs is a concern for Ireland and the EU, Harris said the European Commission and Ireland “need to keep a very close eye on that”.
“Anyone who seeks to extort additional money out of people, there is a special place in hell for them. In the middle of the global pandemic when we are trying to keep people alive and breathing. Anyone that sees this as an opportunity to make a quick buck, not in an innovative sense, but in an exploitative sense, we’ll remember them.
“We’ll remember them, we’ll remember them in this country,” he said.
His comments come as an Aer Lingus flight that will be carrying some €20 million of personal protective equipment (PPE) back from China to Ireland tomorrow set off for Beijing today.
Aer Lingus flight EI9018 left Dublin Airport at 10.53 am this morning and landed in the Chinese capital just a short time ago.
The Airbus A330-302 cargo plane will then be loaded with PPE including masks, gowns and goggles before it makes the over 8,000 km flight back to Ireland.
The equipment, which will be back on Irish soil tomorrow, will be distributed to Irish healthcare workers tomorrow evening.
Harris told reporters today that the majority of businesses are made up of “decent people” who care about the health and well-being of their workers, and others.
On the price gouging, Harris added: “We’ll keep a close eye on it.”
He said his experience is that during this crisis people have been extraordinarily generous, stating that the government has been inundated with offers from businesses right across the country.
The minister said Ireland is spending €225 million on PPE.
Harris said today that the number of cases is being helped by social distancing and isolation, but the number of people in the ICU is concerning.
As of last night, 71 people were in the ICU with Covid-19.
“That figure is going to continue to rise in the coming days,” said Harris. The objective iof the restrictive measures announced last night, is for a reduction on the reliance on ICU beds to be seen in the second week.
“There measures are so restrictive and imposing I am not sure they can be sustained for much longer than we have asked people already to do,” said Harris. The measures will be reviewed on Easter Sunday.
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Agreed. Same could be applied to…say…contractors working on a children’s hospital.
@Forest Hump: We can discuss that topic at a later date if we all survive the coronavirus
@Forest Hump: wear a nappy thousand times better and more than 1 in a pack
@Forest Hump: I have gained a lot of respect for Simon Harris during this crisis but he shouldn’t make flippant remarks about hell. Separation from God is hell. Hell is cruelty. Hell is shamefulness. Hell is hateful. Hell is everything that is horrible, evil and wrong. But God is good and does not want us to perish. He wants us to repent and be cleansed of sin.
@Damien: probably a bit over dramatic there
@John Devaney: alright John
@Forest Hump: or let’s say developers who drive the price of houses and apartments up and live in the lap of luxury off the profits
@John Devaney: Hell is being stuck with religious whackjobs like you for eternity!
@John Devaney: John, Are you a believer in the Charles Darwin theory of evolution version of how we got here, or the bibles Adam and Eve version?
@Daniel Howard: That’s a lovely husky in your pic. @Paddy Dunne has one above too. Remarkable.
@John Devaney: ya but the devil allows sex drugs and rock and roll in his gaf.
@Dermot Donnelly: Not really Dermot. I’m obvious not saying that it will wipe us all out or anything. But it will wipe out a few thousand people on our Island. Who knows, maybe some of those unfortunates could be regular journal commentators.
@John Devaney: oh honey you need a secks toy.
@John Devaney: if you have sky you can watch re runs of mass. Just in case you are having withdrawal symptoms.
@Dermot Donnelly: no
@John Devaney: no
@John Devaney: Well if that’s a good description of Hell its not Hot enough for anyone contractors builders medical equipment wholesalers who try to make a quick buck out of ventilators or anything else during this pandemic.Take names WE WILL REMEMBER THEM WJEN THIS IS OVER!!!
@John Devaney: Bollox to that!!
@John Devaney: Good spot John,keep the posts going.
@John Devaney: would you ever just give it a rest John.
@John Devaney: you just forgot one thing. Hell doesn’t exist!
@John Devaney: Calm down John,
@Paddy Dunne: paddy bum with nappy, never thought of that… I’ve been using lady pads
@Damien: thanks for the appointment and fo
@John Devaney: ach, my ar$e.
@Agenda21: the boredom is strong
@John Devaney: Give up the Smarties John, you will get addicted and they will make your life HELL !
@Forest Hump: f f s
@Forest Hump: No need to be so annoyed. The companies that produce only ventilators, after the pandemic will most likely go bust, as probably no-one will need to buy them again for years.
@Damien: I don’t get why we can’t talk about political issues now, life and politics still go on. Why is there a special place in hell fir these people, but not a special place in prison. If there is a problem the government must actually act not wish that people go to hell
@John Devaney: hell is made up, so is god so is heaven
@John Devaney: alright Moses, calm down
SuperValu in Oldcastle charging €3.50 for one face mask. Fresh Today in Oldcastle – a trading name of Gerry Ellis & Co – charging €2.00.
ACTUAL cost is 0.20 cents each!! Photos and invoice to prove it!!
@Niall Sheridan: in fairness, masks are in high demand.. Especially for health professionals who need them, masks are only there to protect others.. Not yourself, there’s a portion of people who see them as a fashion statement almost
@Ross: and if they’re medical grade masks.. When then 3.50 is nothing to be sniffed at in the current climate
@Niall Sheridan: noticed Dunnes Stores have increased the prices on ordinary items.. I was not the only one in the store to noticed this … some items up by 2 euro each .. which then added about another 15 euro to my shopping bill ..
@DON’T BOTHER ME: I was in Tesco yesterday and nearly everything I bought was half price.
@Niall Sheridan: international’s suppliers since January are asking €1.50-€2 each for masks to wholesale – same product you are correct was roughly 20 cent last year .
@Niall Sheridan: disgusting
@Niall Sheridan: I was also charged €3.50 per mask in the Guinness Medical centre, recently privatised. 10 masks cost me €35. I have an underlying health issue and am on immuno-suppressant medication, so I absolutely needed them. And they charged me €17.50 for a container of 200 alcohol wipes that sell on eBay for €11 and probably less before the pandemic. Disgusting price gouging.
@Ross: it is nonsense to say that masks are only there to protect others. Why do your think Doctors and Nurses wear them? It’s not just to protect others. It’s also to protect themselves.
@Niall Sheridan: TAKE NAMES AND SHAME THEM PUBLICLY
@Niall Sheridan: Noticed already that basis food prices have already gone up a few cents in some supermarkets.
@Niall Sheridan: the bigger problem there is people going in and buying face masks. Why are people going and buying them in SuperValu when healthcare workers are struggling to get them? They should be prescription only so that only people who genuinely need them can buy them
@Niall Sheridan: I know it seems counterintuitive, but price gougers are doing God’s work. What’s overpriced today will be oversupplied tomorrow. Those price hikes are just the demand side reacting quicker than the supply side, so now it’s in the supply sides interest to catch up.
@Ross: silly little comment, masks protect everyone. If an infected personal is in the elevator with me and he’s coughing, the mask on me will make no difference? Go back to bed
@Bryen O Murchu: the Banks
@Self Employed Anarchist: don’t think so bought 50 in February from England and paid 40€ included delivery
Trying first local pharmacy they where 1,50 and not available
@Niall Sheridan: remember this when it’s all over an bigot the store,, and if you have the proof of price gouging, am sure the Sunday world will be happy to name and shame all those trying to rip us off during these times
@Karllye kripton: I do indeed have proof! Photos of their brand name on the card showing the prices and a supplier invoice showing the actual cost.
@Paul Whitehead: To be fair, €17.50 versus €11 on eBay is typical of most products. I usually bought things on eBay because they were 50% to 80% cheaper than those in shops.
@Karllye kripton: yes but the point that you are missing is that the wholesalers have increased their prices so the inflated charges the individual retailers are charging are simply a reflection of that and not profiteering. You hardly expect retailers to buy masks for €1.50 and sell them to you for 20 cents because that’s what they cost last year.
@Niall Sheridan: store in Dundalk charging 14 euro for sanitiser, and its crappy alcohol free stuff.
@Caoimhín O Neill: Masks only stop you from touching your face. Vapour and droplets from a mask can still get in the sides and underneath. If you actually looked it up, you will see they are not that effective at all.
@Ross: 3.50 for something that ordinarily cost 20 is extortionate. Saying it doesnt protect you only others makes it clear on your attitude to everybody’s well being. Ironically our well being determines yours and vice versa. Ditch the attitude and get on board chief!
@Niall Sheridan: report them. Hold them accountable.
The Irish banks are planning to make a fortune off Irish people’s misfortune.
@David Corrigan: How exactly?
@David Mitchell: by offering mortgage breaks then waiting in the long grass to screw people in one way or another
@David Mitchell: I’m not 100% sure but I believe anybody missing mortgage payments (because of the rules enforced due to this virus) will end up paying more money to the bank in the long run with increased interest paid. Doesn’t seem fair at all. Government need to step in. Banks always win
@Derek Lyster: like spreading the mortgage over a longer period afterwards?
That’s a very logical outcome if you take a break.
The only other option is to make up the period with larger repayments initially which then reduce and your mortgage term remains the same, but practically nobody will be in a position to do that.
What other solutions do you have?
@David Mitchell: you really need to ask??
@Séadna O’Grádaigh: you are incorrect. Full
Interest in the deferred payments meant an average of an extra €1000 on every mortgage in Ireland
@Barry: freeze interest for 3 months. Banks are paying next to nothing for the money they lend out at extortionate rates vs ECB
@David Corrigan: Another inane comment
How do you know.
@David Glynn: There is a break in the payments not on the interest, so during the time of the break the interest will be accruing , this will lead to increased payments at the end of the 3 months to make up for the break and the interest accrued.
@David Glynn: it’s generally what they do – exploit a situation for profit.
You seemed pretty defiant the other evening concerning the AIB saga so why question David Corrigans comment – at least he isn’t blaming Michael D like you were on Friday morning!
@David Glynn: Here we go again. Banks require you have to have 2 or 3 months mortgage payments in your savings before they entertain you. Paul explained the interest bit to you in the next comment.
Why are you so determined to defend banks when clearly they are not interested in playing ball with people?
I can’t fault the government on their handeling of this whole pandemic. We will need some tough decisions when it’s over to , please God we don’t fall for popoululism
@David Grey: the people have already voted, and after ff/fg have thier second honeymoon phase under the false pretense of “Ireland needs is more than ever” instead of a unity government.. Once another election is called. And I can’t wait for a another election to be honest
@Ross: Nor can I. It will shut the moaners up for once and for all.
Everyone I know feels that an excellent job is being done by the government.
@For Goodness Sake: as I’ve said on a previous comment.. The criris has come at perfect time.. The dogs on the street know “the excellent” job you’re referring to is in fact just reaffirming what professionals have already said.. Unfortunately there’ll be a few conned into things
@Ross: except its not that easy.
A government can have all the professionals in the world and still make a balls of things.
Look at the USA, UK including Northern Ireland and Brazil.
Same experts as everyone else but they are making a dogs dinner of things.
Even in Ireland we’ve had SF claiming falsely they can use the billions to do with apple right now to pay for things, the facts don’t support such a claim as the Irish government (regardless of party) cannot access these funds.
But that doesn’t stop Mary making such a false populist comment
@Barry: mary lou was spend spend spend. Where was she going to have the rainy day fund for a crisis like this? To help soften the blow for workers whom she claims to repersent
@For Goodness Sake: you don’t know a lot of people then, do you?
@Ross: at least they listened to the professionals. Look at Donald and Boris
@For Goodness Sake: they never closed the borders made the situation alot worse than it will be
@For Goodness Sake: Except the made a mess at the start….but whatever….short memories and all that.
@David Grey: Yes you can fault the government. If they hadn’t destroyed our health system we could have prevented some of the deaths from this virus. They did not win the votes in the election so out they go. They are not for the people but for themselves.
What has happened to all the overcrowded A and E’s that were in every hospital as well as overcrowded doctor’s surgeries. No people on trollies. We’re we a nation of hypochondriacs clogging up a system??
@Tony Brady: it’s called fear
@Tony Brady: nope. What’s happened is people that didn’t need to be in beds upstairs were discharged, as they should have been.
Is he talking about the 530000 in expenses claimed for the 2 days the Dail sat.
I’ve noticed a hike in our Supermarkets on everyday goods. Tesco and SuperValu more so than Aldi and Lidl
@Mark Walsh: I saw €7.99 marked on packets of anti-bac wipes in a Supervalu in Limerick during the week… €7.99 !!!!!
@Mark Walsh: not at my locals, prices are slashed.
@karenocon: anti bacterial wipes won’t get rid of virus .
@Evelyn Ockenden: getting rid, neither an election or a level playing field behaviour over the last number of decades by the looks of it has kick started fair play… Peeps with short memories on here have vested interests at the electorates expense overall through the buck or they’re just a bit silly
Sad but it doesn’t surprise me. The US is the Wild West of capitalism.
@Laughable: oh don’t worry about that. The winners when all this is over will be China. The west is already in decline. This is the coup de gras.
@Frank Kenny: is it ya, is that why China is manufacturing most of our intellectual products? Think about that for a second, why is that?
@Frank Kenny: West is in so much decline eh?
So if the west stopped buying products made in China then why would China go into a instant recession.
Decline my arse.
@Barry: exactly, some people are just clueless.
@Laughable: what intellectual products?
@Caoimhín O Neill: don’t bother asking: if his other posts are anything to go by, you’ll be waiting a long while for anything that will resemble a coherent response.
Although I would like to know where he lives because his local Tesco is selling more or less everything at half price!
@Frank Kenny: they are already winning , they are mass production of ppe for the rest of us , they making bank already , and ( I can’t confirm this ) but it was China would bought up a ton of stocks around the world when the whole the markets were crashing and for some reason theirs didn’t ?
I hope the bankers are on it we got our mortgage frozen for 3 months due to my hubby been layed off due to covid 19 as the hotels are empty we received a letter from them saying our repayments will be increased and all outstanding interest will have to be payed also when we start paying our mortgage
again and also the Irish credit bureau as we won’t be even able to get a tiny loan of the credit union so again Joe public thrown under a bus while the bankers will make more money on people who to freeze their mortgages during a global pandemic and loss of earnings due to covid 19
One promise is I will always fly Aer Lingus from now on to say thanks to these pilots. Regardless of price.
@Philip Howlin: It’s a commercial charter as in, they get paid and you paid them well. There’s nothing dodgy about operating through Beijing post corona-virus.
Like Hickeys Pharmacy with €150.00 for 50 face masks.
@Vinny Hughes: your joking right..
No matter what the crisis is there is always someone trying to take advantage.
@Derek Lyster: yes SF are gearing up .
There’s a special place in hell for those who try to make political gains in a global pandemic after plaguing their electorate for many many years
OMG I don’t think anyone could be so low to do anything like that at this awful time when lives are at risk
@John O Donoghue: To be fair, hotels do it, when they are needed most. So do airlines. It’s the law of supply and demand. Not saying it’s right, but welcome to capitalism.
@Padraig O Muirthile: people are dying here and a lot of lives are at risk this is a lot more serious than a hotel room have a coffee kid
@John O Donoghue: in fairness all across the world eile suffer and die as a result of capitalism and that will continue beyonfd this there are people who can’t access life saving drugs, basic food items, shelter and who work themselves to the bone in exploitative industries to mine raw materials or to make stuff that is sold cheaply and not so cheaply to us and others.
I think their point was that there is a problem with capitalism that is constant and pervasive. And that this is just one stark and obvious example of it. But it is not unique and we should be aware of it after this crisis as well.
@John O Donoghue: I’m having a coffee, thank you. I said it’s not right. What I said was we live in a capitalist society.
@John O Donoghue:
The cost of ventilators doubled now, *because* people need them.
The cost of HIV drugs went up overnight by 525% (when someone bought the patent), even though people need them or would die.
What was the increase of rent prices since 2011, even though people die on streets?
Welcome to capitalism: the policies of FG/FF.
@Padraig O Muirthile: during a war, rationing can be imposed. Does not matter how much money you have, you can’t buy it if you haven’t got the coupons. Profiteering, blackmarketing and forgery Are crimes.
This is a war, make no mistake.
Isn’t that what the banks are doing !! adding interest on interest for the mortgage holiday!!
The government are doing a great job of leadership in this most trying time.
Simon your one of the good guys it’s only now I realise how good you are just in the wrong party your a credit to Ireland
@Anastasia: hilarious
@Anastasia: how quickly the cervical check scandal has been forgotten. Fickle.
@Anastasia: how much are they paying you to say that?
Yes. Ministers that wrecked the health system are grand though, right Simon?
What about the FFG overlord DOB? #PrayForDenis
Another daft one liner from the Minister for soundbytes. No doubt it’ll make him all the more popular with his new found crooning fan base.
@Adam Conroy:
What have you contributed to society in the current global pandemic? pearls of wisdom from your armchair perhaps????
Encouraging that Simon Harris apparently does have the ability to identify right and wrong. There is also a very special place reserved in hell for traitorous ministers who have failed again and again to do their job in the national interest and are directly responsible for the healthcare, housing, banking crises that we have to endure.
@Eddie O’Neill: not the time Eddie, we are trying to save lives
@Teresa Scanlon: suddenly Simon Harris is untouchable.
@Eddie O’Neill: Being responsible for dealing with those crises does not mean that they could do much to fix them. Harris is not the first minister to fail to fix the health system.
@Eddie O’Neill: I’ve always viewed Harris as being out of his depth as Health minister but traitorous? You’ll have to explain that one.
Erm… there is no hell. Jail perhaps?
I hope that goes for the banks and vulture fund too!
Wat bout banks charging extra to defer mortgages for 3 month due to corona virus
There is a lot of talk in Galway about Joyces Supermarket (they have a few branches across the county) who (allegedly) increased the prices of many items overnight and sold “handmade natural hand sanitiser” for €15 for a 100ml bottle and €25 for a 250ml.
We need to remember these gombeens when this is all over.
He forgot to add “except for our vulture fund, venture capitalist and banker overlords”
What about the landlords of Ireland during our housing crisis…. oh wait that doesn’t count because it’s ye!! Hypocrisy at its finest , but in all fairness your hands were tied because a rent freeze was unconstitutional
That’s rich from a government who put profit ahead of everything
Greedy Americans capitalism
@Wen Qin Joe: Secretive and dishonest Chinese communism. Two man made systems more interested in protecting the status quo then protecting their people.
I cannot understand how takeaway food outlets are open. I have said this many times. This virus we know can live on food and cardboard for 24 hours. Why are we all trying so hard when this is continuing. Pizzas, chinese. Are you kidding me.
@Imagine !: This is plainly wrong in my view. Any type of lockdown scenario must include take away food.
@Imagine !: Takeaway food is direct contact between people. There is no way on earth to implement a 2 metre physical distance between the cook and the consumer.
@Imagine !: Because some people rely on them for food. Not everybody is able to cook for themselves.
Does simple Simon not understand simple supply and demand?
@NotaWarder: Please explain it in layman’s terms for us.
So I’m to feel bad for buying cheap stock???
@cybersecsteve: No. You should feel bad for having cyber in your name.
@Padraig O Muirthile: true
@cybersecsteve: Well if you buy stock now at these prices you will go to heaven for being robbed. We are in tge biggest bubble in human history. Even 15% down doesnt cut it. You would need to be 70% down on the dow to consider buying.
How about banks and their increased charged!
So it’s ok playing to short the markets? Asking for a friend
@Lukevic101: interestingly, a lot of markets have recently banned the short selling of stock.
Not exactly related but the EU have banned the takeover of vulnerable companies by non EU entities.
@Lukevic101: the EU removed leverage a couple of years back, God forbid anyone makes a few Bob in Europe if not fully controlled
Can Jim Corr also be added to this list? I was unfortunate enough to stumble onto his twitter today
The majority of them are made in Ireland .
Americans do seem to be obsessed with money, and making profit.
Does that include a government and it’s members who were voted out but still in power as they are using this crisis to continue to govern without authority and get paid?
What if you develop a service that is needed in this climate. Do you go to hell too?
Emm.. China seem to be the go-to guys charging top dollar for medical eqipment? The curve has also conveniently flattened there whilst western society has all but collapsed?
Can Jim Corr also be added to this list? I was unfortunate enough to stumble onto his twitter today
Its a pity the minister wasn’t this angry earlier when our borders should have been closed
Seemingly I cant put a cost up of a friend trying to come home from oz .. 22000 dollars
Just a thought when Mr. Harris is decreing who will be going to hell. I’m sure many in the religious persuasions that consider hell an outcome will be pretty expectant that there is a far more ‘special’ place in hell for Mr. Harris himself over his spearheading of the pro abortion debate.
Agreed to all Irish people need to start saying what they’re actually thinking, then we’ll be making progress!!
Netflix also absolutely disgusting.,…. Took away the 30 day free trial and you can only pick the ultra HD option for 17 euro per month w##kers
What about those who try to gain political power using the virus as an excuse.
It looks like there will be some of Simons FF friends going to Hell.
Supply and demand…
I suppose the LUAS will run to there soon
What a useless remark, why not do something about it rather than wish people to hell.
There should be a special place dead against a wall full of bullet holes but we’re a soft bunch.
Barrabas should be the expert on that, he is best friends with the boss.
There should be a special place dangling from a lamp post but we’re a soft bunch.
Isn’t it funny that even the nct can be cancelled in these extraordinary times but banks cannot cancel interest rates! It seems everyone can go without except the banks…..
There should be a special place against a wall full of bullet holes but we’re a soft bunch.
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