Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Questions (1325)

Pa Daly

Question:

1325. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if the way in which restrictions on indoor gatherings are affecting a group (details supplied) and similar peer to peer rehabilitation groups will be examined; and if he will raise the matter with NPHET. [22130/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Officials in the Department of Health have been working with Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and the HSE Social Inclusion Services to ensure that services and supports continue to be provided for those with problem drug and alcohol use, in line with public health advice. Details of services operating during the coronavirus outbreak can be found at 'drugs.ie'.

AA, NA and Smart Recovery have responded to the crisis by providing online support and the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline is available from Mon-Fri. 9.30-5.30pm 1800 459 459. Information about the effects of alcohol on your health and tips to cut down can be accessed on the HSE website www.askaboutalcohol.ie .

The recently introduced regulations [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020] state that events being organised indoors may have no more than 6 attendees. These regulations apply to social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment and community events.

Essential support groups, such as drug/alcohol support groups are not covered by the regulations.

The numbers attending indoor events should be kept to an absolute minimum. While capacity will depend on the venue and the ability to physically distance and to ensure other protective measures are in place, an upper limit of 50 has been recommended for indoor gatherings that are not covered by the regulations.

I welcome the clarification that addiction support groups are not covered by the regulations governing indoor events. I would advise that support groups proceed with a degree of extra caution, as individuals with addiction problems are more vulnerable to the risk of Covid-19, and that strict protective measures are in place.