James Browne
Question:517. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when mental health practitioners may resume face-to-face patient consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7132/20]
View answerWednesday, 27 May 2020
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The COVID-19 Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business (Government of Ireland, 1 May 2020) is a living, flexible document and will be subject to regular review, in the context of the progression or suppression of COVID-19 in Ireland at different points in time, new guidance and evidence from the research, experience and findings of international bodies and of other countries and consideration of the utility and outcomes of taking particular measures. This public health-led approach is to inform a slow, gradual, step-wise and incremental reduction of the current social distancing measures, in a risk-based, fair and proportionate way, with a view to effectively suppressing the spread of COVID-19 while enabling the return of social and economic activity. Psychiatrists', counsellors' and psychotherapists' work on essential cases can be considered part of essential Social Care services. Subject to adhering to the current public health guidelines around social distancing, it is up to the individual's own judgement as to whether to meet clients face-to-face or through remote means. I fully appreciate that there is significant planning required for mental health practitioners to move to a new model of operating with the challenges of COVID-19. It is, however, the responsibility of employers (and self-employed people) to apply a risk-based approach to returning to work and to prepare to apply the precautions necessary to comply fully with public health advice.
I would also draw your attention to the Return to Work Safely Protocol, which was published by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation on 9 May. This detailed guidance document was developed to assist employers and employees in the coming period. I would also note that other Government agencies have now been advised to consider developing sector-specific advice and guidance, where required.