Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
362. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Covid-19 cases in direct provision centres in Portarlington, County Laois and Monasterevin and Newbridge, County Kildare; if there have been deaths due to Covid-19 in these centres; his plans to ensure all residents and staff in these centres are tested for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis, the response to which is being led by HSE Public Health, as is appropriate. My Department and management across our network of accommodation centres (both permanent and temporary) are working closely with the HSE to implement their public health advice.
With regard to medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same, the Deputy will appreciate that these are matters for the HSE in a public health context. Both the HSE and my Department are committed to protecting the medical confidentiality of our residents.
I can confirm that, in line with our agreed policy with the HSE, any centre resident with a positive COVID-19 result has been transferred to an offsite self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. The offsite facilities are supported by a non-profit (Section 39) organisation and healthcare staff.
My Department and I will continue to work hard with local management, health agencies, and NGOs to provide every support possible to our residents at this difficult time.
