Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1139. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the vulnerable persons subgroup of NPHET; the number of times the group has met since June 2020; if the group continues to advise NPHET; the number of reports the group has produced; the date of publication of these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32382/20]
View answerThe Deputy is advised that the NPHET COVID-19 Vulnerable People Subgroup was established on 3rd March 2020 to support the NPHET in its work by providing oversight and assurance with regard to the specific preparedness measures and actions required to be taken to protect vulnerable groups and individuals in society as part of the COVID-19 response.
The Subgroup’s Membership included representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Health Service Executive (HSE), Department of Justice and Equality (DJE), Department of Defence (DOD), Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG), Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DYCA), Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), Department of Education and Skills (DES), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), the Voluntary Sector, other Agencies, Regulator(s), and a public representative.
An integrated cross-Government approach was taken by the Subgroup with the responsibility for the implementation of actions remaining with the relevant Department/Agency.
The Subgroup met on 11 occasions, on the following dates:
6th, 11th, 18th, 25th March 2020;
1st, 15th, 29th April;
7th, 20th May;
3rd, 24th June (final meeting).
The agendas and minutes of these meetings are published on the Department of Health website:
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/301f5e-the-national-public-health-emergency-team-nphet-subgroup-vulnerable-/.
The Subgroup produced 16 reports, which will be published on the Department of Health website in the coming days: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/.
In July 2020, as part of a process examining the work of all the subgroups of the NPHET, the Subgroup on Vulnerable People undertook a review of its work. A paper was submitted to the NPHET on 8th July, outlining the view that the Subgroup had met its Terms of Reference regarding preparedness plans being in place across government for vulnerable groups. The Subgroup on Vulnerable People was accordingly stood down and its work was realigned into the appropriate policy and operational functions of the Department of Health or other relevant Departments, organisations, or bodies. The group’s final meeting was on 24th June.
For your further information, Government has recognised that vulnerable groups have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and there continues to be a need for a cross-Government mechanism to coordinate sustained support for those who are vulnerable, and disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. In this regard, the Department of the Taoiseach has established a new cross-Government mechanism for higher risk groups including those with a disability. Each Government Department with lead policy responsibility is represented on this oversight group. The Department of Health is represented on this group by the Social Care Division (policy remit for Older People and people living with a disability) and the Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Mental Health and Social Inclusion.
