Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (996)

David Cullinane

Question:

996. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if restrictions on travel from the place of residence under the new lockdown, including for travelling beyond general travel or distance restrictions, would prohibit parents of children with autism spectrum conditions from taking their children out to care for their general well-being and mental health; the extent to which the regulations may confine their ability to do this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1310/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is currently at Level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.

At Level 5, people are asked to stay at home as much as possible unless they have a "reasonable excuse" for leaving.

The regulations providing for these measures are set out in S.I. No. 701 of 2020. Regulation 4. of SI 701 sets out a non-exhaustive list of reasonable excuses for leaving one’s home. This non-exhaustive list includes at 4. (2) (k) to attend to vital family matters, including the provision of care to a vulnerable person.

I am grateful to the Deputy for bringing this important matter to my attention.