Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (487)

Michael McGrath

Question:

487. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7294/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:

1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:

a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,

b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,

c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,

d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,

e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.

2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.

3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.

4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.

As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.

Guidance in relation to specific sectors of the economy should in the first instance be sought from the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.

Commencement of Legislation

Questions (488)

Niall Collins

Question:

488. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when Part 8 of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (details supplied) will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7461/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Part 8 of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides a legislative framework for Advanced Healthcare Directives (AHDs). An AHD is a statement made by a person with capacity setting out his or her will and preferences regarding treatment decisions that may arise in the future when he or she no longer has capacity.

My Department remains committed to commencing these provisions as soon as possible. The development of a code of practice to accompany the AHD provisions is a key piece of work to facilitate commencement. The AHD multidisciplinary working group which I established in 2016 has developed a code of practice for Part 8 and submitted it to the Director of Decision Support Services in December 2018 for consideration. When this has been finalised by the Director it will be submitted to me for approval prior to publication.

However, while Part 8 of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 is yet to be commenced, advanced healthcare directives has been established by the Irish courts. I would also refer the Deputy to the HSE's National Consent Policy 2019 which covers situations concerning consent to DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation), and the recently published HSE guidance regarding Cardio-Pulmonary resuscitation and DNAR decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Human Rights

Questions (489, 532)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

489. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will conduct a human rights impact assessment of the Covid-19 emergency powers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7554/20]

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Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

532. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if a human rights impact assessment will be carried in regard to the Covid-19 emergency powers. [7307/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 532 together.

The purpose of the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions)(Covid-19) Regulations 2020 is to limit the spread of Covid-19 to protect the health of all persons and to save lives. The restrictions imposed on movement and events (gatherings) are consistent with the recommendations of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and have regard to the immediate, exceptional and manifest risk posed to human life and public health by the spread of Covid-19. I believe these restrictions represent a necessary and proportionate response to an unprecedented situation. We have now however moved to a new stage where easing of restrictions has begun. The Regulations were recently amended to extend their date of operation until 8 June 2020 and, in line with public health advice and the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, to provide for the limited lifting of some of the restrictions imposed by them. As we move forward with further easing of restrictions it is important to keep in mind the on-going threat that Covid-19 represents, taking care to ensure that any loosening of restrictions is on the basis of medical guidance and advice. We must also continue to keep in mind human rights and civil liberty issues and I have asked my officials to ensure that there is continued consideration of these issues as the next stage of easing restrictions proceeds.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (490)

Robert Troy

Question:

490. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the details regarding the proposed mandatory 14-day quarantine period for international travellers arriving here; the date by which this measure is intended to be introduced; the date by which the measure is to be reviewed; if the measure is applicable to travellers arriving from all destinations outside of the island of Ireland; and the possible end date for such a measure. [7580/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

NPHET has considered issues in relation to overseas travel, informed by World Health Organisation and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control guidance, approaches and learning from other countries, and reports of importation of cases in a number of countries following relaxation of restrictions.

As the number of indigenous cases here declines and Ireland eases some restrictions, the relative importance of the risk of importation of cases from overseas increases. The impact of any imported cases on disease spread would be all the greater in the context of easing of domestic restrictions and the resultant increased movement and contact between people. In addition, a significant increase in the number of cases in Ireland as a result of importation could have an impact on public compliance with public health guidance and restrictions. Ultimately, the progress towards suppression of community transmission which has been achieved and which should allow for greater resumption of social and economic life in Ireland could be endangered.

To date, Ireland has introduced a range of travel related measures including issuing advice against non-essential international travel on 13th March. As of 24th April, the public health advice for passengers arriving into the State from overseas is to self-isolate for 14 days.

From 28th May, it will be a legal requirement for passengers arriving from overseas to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information on the form may be used to assist our contact tracing teams.

My Department, in consultation with other relevant Departments, is also developing proposals to strengthen the 14 days self-isolation arrangements for travellers from overseas. These proposals will include possible enforcement measures. The issue of imposing mandatory quarantine for a 14 day period, to be considered as the situation evolves, was mentioned in the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business.

It is intended that self-isolation arrangements would apply to passengers arriving from overseas, irrespective of the country from which they are travelling. Passengers transiting to another jurisdiction and who will not be residing in the State, including transiting to Northern Ireland, will be exempt. Any mandatory arrangements would be kept under regular review.

There is ongoing close engagement at political and official levels between my Department and the authorities in both Northern Ireland and the UK. These close contacts will continue over the coming weeks.

Complimentary measures applying to international travel, such as temperature testing at airports, will remain under consideration but are not envisaged at this time.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (491)

James Browne

Question:

491. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when employees that are cocooning may be advised to return to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7584/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:

1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:

a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,

b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,

c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,

d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,

e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.

2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.

3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.

4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.

As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.

On 9 May the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” was published. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was developed through the cooperation of the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the HSE and my Department. It is designed to be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.

In relation to vulnerable or at risk workers the Protocol advises that if an at risk or vulnerable worker cannot work from home and must be in the workplace, employers must make sure that they are preferentially supported to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres. However, employers should enable vulnerable workers to work from home where possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (492)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

492. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason Ireland is enforcing a 2 m social distancing limit for restaurants, cafés, pubs and so on while reopening in view of the fact the World Health Organization suggest a 1.5 m distance and many European countries such as France and Italy are able to proceed with only 1 m distancing between consumers and Germany and Norway are enforcing 1.5 m distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7723/20]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:

1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:

a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,

b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,

c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,

d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,

e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.

2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.

3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.

4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.

While the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving, it is clear now that the risks of transmission of any respiratory pathogens such as the type that causes Covid-19 are lessened when greater distance is maintained between people. This evidence is kept under review by the National Public Health Emergency Team on a continuing basis.

As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.

Guidance in relation to specific sectors of the economy should in the first instance be sought from the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (493)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

493. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the UK Government has recently announced it is making travel from Ireland exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement after travelling by air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7823/20]