Written Answers Nos. 737-761
737. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if a schedule will be provided of the number of direct impact munitions, sprays and tasers that An Garda Síochána had at its disposal in 2019 and 2020; and the number of officers trained to use these devices. [1810/21]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.
I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter but it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.
|
Number of Individual Members trained in the following for 2019/2020 |
||
|
Training |
2019 |
2020 |
|
40 mm Launcher Basic |
43 |
25 |
|
40mm Launcher Refresher |
224 |
299 |
|
Total |
267 |
324 |
|
Taser Basic |
68 |
23 |
|
Taser Refresher |
297 |
360 |
|
Total |
365 |
383 |
738. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the systems in place with the UK to replace the European arrest warrant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1815/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the European Arrest Warrant is an internal EU instrument used exclusively among Member States and subject to the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the EU and as such it ceased to apply between the EU and the UK at the end of the transition period.
I can inform the Deputy that the agreement reached on the future relationship between the EU and the UK as set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom includes agreement on surrender which is set out in Part 3, Title VII of that agreement. The arrangements agreed will enable the swift surrender of persons sought in relation to criminal proceedings between the EU Member States and the UK and will avoid lengthy extradition procedures by providing for streamlined procedures, strict deadlines, robust safeguards, procedural rights and judicial control.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has recently made an order under the European Arrest Warrant (Application to Third Countries and Amendment) and Extradition (Amendment) Act 2012 in order to facilitate the operation of this process.
739. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of times members of An Garda Síochána discharged a firearm during the course of their duty in 2019 and 2020; and the number of times persons sustained gunshot injuries in 2020. [1922/21]
View answer740. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of times members of An Garda Síochána used pepper spray in the course of their work in 2019 and 2020; and the breakdown of the use of pepper spray in 2020, by county. [1923/21]
View answer741. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of times members of An Garda Síochána used tasers in the course of their work in 2019 and 2020; and the breakdown on the use of tasers in 2020, by county. [1924/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 739 to 741, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.
An Garda Síochána have supplied me with the figures in the below table with regard to the use of OC ('pepper') spray, tasers and firearms by members of An Garda Síochána during the year 2020.
I have also requested information from the Garda Commissioner with regard to the year 2019 and the number of times persons sustained gunshot injuries in 2020, however it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.
It should also be noted that figures for the use of Firearm includes the 40mm launcher used by the Armed Support Units, which is a non-lethal weapon.
|
2020 |
OC Spray |
Taser |
Firearm |
|
Jan-20 |
107 |
0 |
0 |
|
Feb-20 |
62 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mar-20 |
73 |
0 |
3 |
|
Apr-20 |
73 |
2 |
2 |
|
May-20 |
89 |
4 |
3 |
|
Jun-20 |
72 |
4 |
1 |
|
Jul-20 |
76 |
4 |
5 |
|
Aug-20 |
80 |
5 |
1 |
|
Sep-20 |
79 |
5 |
0 |
|
Oct-20 |
54 |
4 |
0 |
|
Nov-20 |
55 |
2 |
1 |
|
Dec-20 |
87 |
3 |
1 |
|
Total |
907 |
34 |
17 |
|
2019 |
2020 |
|
|
Incapacitant Spray |
969 |
907 |
|
Taser |
28 |
34 |
|
Firearms (Including 40mm Launcher) |
3 |
17 |
|
Division |
2019 |
2020 |
|
DMR South Central |
11% |
14% |
|
Cork |
10% |
8% |
|
DMR South |
5% |
7% |
|
DMR North Central |
4% |
6% |
|
Donegal |
8% |
5% |
|
DMR West |
6% |
5% |
|
DMR North |
5% |
5% |
|
Limerick |
3% |
4% |
|
Galway |
3% |
4% |
|
Tipperary |
5% |
4% |
|
Waterford |
3% |
3% |
|
Wicklow |
2% |
3% |
|
DMR East |
2% |
3% |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
4% |
3% |
|
Laois/Offaly |
3% |
3% |
|
Kildare |
4% |
3% |
|
Kerry |
4% |
3% |
|
Louth |
4% |
3% |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
2% |
3% |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
2.5% |
2% |
|
Westmeath |
1% |
2% |
|
Wexford |
2% |
2% |
|
Meath |
3.5% |
2% |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
1% |
1% |
|
Clare |
1% |
1% |
|
Mayo |
1% |
1% |
|
2 |
Members of the Public Sustained Gunshot Injuries |
|
*1 |
Fatal and 1 Non-Fatal |
742. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the task force on the Covid-19 vaccination will be requested to include persons with Down's syndrome in the group of people aged 18 to 64 years with certain medical conditions document by the provisional vaccine allocation group. [44557/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
This includes people with a disability who are over 65 years old and living in long term residential care facilities and the healthcare workers who care for them.
It is important to note that people with a disability are not a homogenous group and, therefore, each individual will be vaccinated in the group that is appropriate to them.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
Further information on the Strategy can be found at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
743. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if he will continue to apply restrictions based on domestic legislation in contravention of EU trade law and the advice of the European Commission in view of the fact that EU hemp-derived products made from the entire plant, with not more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, are protected under Articles 34 and 36 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, TFEU, and are not controlled within the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44723/20]
View answerCannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives are controlled under Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 – 2020.
There is no reference to extracts of the cannabis plant being controlled in these Regulations. Products containing CBD, that are extracted from the whole Cannabis sativa plant, are not considered controlled in their own right, but may contain controlled substances, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The final CBD product placed on the market must not contain any level of THC as there is no permitted level of THC. The product must also comply with the relevant legislation (e.g. food legislation, cosmetics legislation).
Consideration as to whether a product contains a controlled drug substance, such as THC, would fall under the remit of officers authorised under the Misuse of Drugs legislative framework, which include, officers of the Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána.
744. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State in defending the 115 court cases brought since late 2018 by parents whose children did not receive an assessment of need in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44814/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
745. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to help ensure pay restoration for employees in the remaining 250 organisations that employ section 39 workers and have not received pay restoration to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44830/20]
View answerAn agreement was reached between the parties at the Workplace Relations Commission in October 2018, in relation to a process of pay restoration for staff employed by 50 pilot agencies. Pay restoration commenced in April 2019 with an annual pay increase of up to €1,000. Any outstanding balance would be paid in two equal amounts in 2020 and 2021, if due.
The agreement reached at the WRC noted that some of the organisations (approximately 250) which did not form part of the pilot phase are also likely to have pay restoration issues. It stated that a process of engagement to address this would commence in 2019.
Since late 2019, there was a number of meetings between the parties at the WRC, in relation to this next phase. The HSE have been costing this next phase of pay restoration and engagement has been taking place with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding a proposal to resolve these pay restoration issues.
I can confirm that following engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission in early December, the parties reached an agreement. A payment arrangement consisting of three phases was agreed with the first two payments to be made in 2021.
746. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the period under the general data protection regulation, GDPR, a hospital must wait before passing the contact details for a patient whose bill remains unpaid to a debt collection agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44907/20]
View answerPatient charges are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the annual National Service Plan.
These charges typically include:
- Out-patient charges;
- Emergency Department charges;
- Daily in-patient charges; and
- Long-term stay charges.
There are cohorts of people who are exempt from these charges, including, but not limited to persons with full eligibility, women receiving services in respect of motherhood, children up to the age of six weeks, children suffering from diseases prescribed under section 52 (2) of the Act, and persons receiving services for the diagnosis or treatment of infectious diseases.
In addition, patients who opt for private in-patient services in public hospitals are liable for a range of private accommodation charges. There are no exemptions from these charges.
The non collection of debts owed directly impacts on the affordability of services provided by the Health Service Executive in any year. It is therefore incumbent on the HSE to take all reasonable steps to pursue amounts owed for services delivered. Debt collection agencies are engaged when normal billing arrangements have been unsuccessful.
The operational detail of this question is a matter for the HSE and I have asked them to respond to you directly in relation to that detail.
747. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to reintroduce a motorised transport grant for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45067/20]
View answerBy way of background, two schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport. The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts.
In 2013, the Government also decided to continue payment of the monthly Mobility Allowance on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed. Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,648 people in receipt of the interim payments at September, 2020.
At the whole of Government level, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 sets the overall framework for the equal participation of people with disabilities in society. Monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy is being overseen by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which comprises key Government Departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders Group.
Under the Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport and is committed to the continued development of accessible public transport in recognition of the importance of such services to the lives of people with disabilities.
Work is ongoing on the policy proposals for the provision of transport supports for people with disabilities. I intend to revert to Government with proposals in due course. Recent developments which will impact on the policy options include the following:
- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's public consultation, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;
- The Cost of Disability Study currently underway which was commissioned by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as part of Budget 2019. The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs; and
- The Working Group established under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy by the Department of Justice and Equality which states that:- 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”
Other transport supports available to persons with disabilities in the State include the Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; the Revenue Commissioners Disabled Drivers and Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme; and CLÁR funding, approved by the then Minister for Rural and Community Development, to voluntary organisations providing transport for people with significant mobility issues.
748. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will address a series of matters (details supplied) concerning the provision of educational supplies during the last lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1424/21]
View answerAs you aware, Ireland is at level 5 of the Government's medium-term Strategy Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. This 5-level framework sets out what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services, at that moment in time.
The public health measures recognise the need to reduce congregation and interactions between people to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the plan is based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
At level 5, all non-essential retail, and all non-essential services must remain closed. Information in relation to the current public health measures in relation to essential retail/essential services at level 5 is available at:- https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (NO. 10) Regulations 2020 Regulation (S.I. 701 of 2020), sets out the relevant businesses or services under the current public health measures. Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
749. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports that a number of oxygen generators purchased by University Hospital Galway in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 crisis have proven deficient and are not currently in use; if this matter is being investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1448/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
750. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health his views on the reported use of controversial insulation material in the construction of the national children's hospital that was cited in the Grenfell Tower inquiry in the UK; if he is satisfied that the material is safe to use at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1644/21]
View answerAs the NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital, I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
751. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to abolishing the nursing registration fee for 2021 (details supplied). [1972/21]
View answer908. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he has or is due to waive the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, NMBI, registration fee for the 2020-21 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1033/21]
View answer925. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene to ensure that nurses and midwives are not forced to pay the €100 NMBI retention fee in 2021 in recognition of their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1093/21]
View answer962. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will refund the €100 NMBI registration charge for 2021 in view of the work performed by front-line staff in hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1219/21]
View answer1090. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding to the NMBI to cover the cost of nurses' annual retention fee in view of the work done by it during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1775/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 751, 908, 925, 962 and 1090 together.
Responsibility for the regulation of nurses and midwives in Ireland rests with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
NMBI is an independent regulatory body established under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011. While my Department is responsible for the oversight and governance of the NMBI, I have no role in setting or approving fees.
Under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011, the NMBI is required to be self-financing, and the Annual Retention Fee is required to carry out their statutory obligations to protect the integrity of the practice of the professions of nursing and midwifery, and to protect the public. The annual retention fee was set by the NMBI in 2014 at €100 and is its main source of income in order to full these obligations.
752. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of a primary health centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44646/20]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
753. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the options available to a person with underlying health conditions who has returned to Tralee, County Kerry, but cannot get a general practitioner to take him or her on, as no GP in the area is taking on new patients due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44650/20]
View answerWhere a GMS patient experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list.
People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private contractors, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients.
While there is currently exceptional demand for GP services in the context of Covid-19, GPs continue to see patients for non-Covid related services where necessary, albeit with infection-control measures in place. Nurse and doctor advice is provided over the phone where appropriate, and only patients who are clinically assessed as requiring a face to face consultation with a doctor are referred for an appointment.
The Government is aware of the underlying workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice. These measures will help make general practice a more attractive career option for doctors and will increase the number of doctors in general practice, improving long-term access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
754. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if a commitment will be given that staff working in the integration, intervention services will not be redeployed when the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination commences. [44659/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
755. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if his Department will publish the timeline for the 100% return of disability services. [44660/20]
View answerOn January 6th 2021, the Health Service Executive (HSE) issued revised guidance measures for Disability Services in the context of current high levels of Covid 19 transmission rates in the community. The revised guidance reflects Government’s intention that disability services will remain open at each level of the Resilience and Recovery Framework, subject to evolving public health guidance.
Service providers have been asked not to take unilateral action in relation to the provision of services and to ensure that robust communications plan are put in place to ensure that each service user and their families have a clear understanding of services to be provided during this current phase.
The following guidance is under continuing review and will be guided by Public Health advice:
1. Residential & PA/home support: Residential and home support/ personal assistant services continue to be prioritised and delivered subject to a revised Risk Assessment, Public Health Guidance and direction.
2. Respite Services: People with complex medical/clinical needs are to remain at home and will receive home support where possible, subject to risk assessment and prioritisation criteria.
3. Children’s Services: Therapy services for children with disabilities have been identified as “Level 1” in the HSE business continuity plan. Services will continue to be provided either remotely or face to face as appropriate during the current COVID-19 restrictions. The provision of Assessments of Need under the Disability Act continues to be a priority and each CHO area will continue to evaluate their plans on an on-going basis.
4. Adult Day Services: Extra funding has been provided to build capacity in buildings and to provide extra staff. This will ensure that maximum services will continue at a scale so that they can be provided safely to those most in need. Day services continue to be prioritised and delivered subject to a revised Risk Assessment, Public Health Guidance and direction. People with complex medical/ clinical related needs are to remain at home and, where possible to receive the same number of hours support in the home as they had been in receipt of pre-Christmas in day service locations. Providers have been asked to reduce contacts via hubs/bubbles, with dedicated staff for dedicated service users, where possible. Where families are uncomfortable with allowing their family member to return to a day service location, a package of support within available resources will be agreed with the service user and family.
The full guidance is available on the HSE website at:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/guidance-measures-for-disability-services-with-current-high-levels-of-covid-19-community-transmission.pdf
756. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of disability services by county; the current capacity of each; and the plan to address the backlog of therapy sessions. [44661/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
757. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the details of the deep brain stimulation service for Parkinson's disease in the Mater Hospital, Dublin. [44670/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
758. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) who was recently interviewed for a grade 4 position within the HSE community healthcare organisation or CHO 3, can have previous interviews taken into account for the position based on extenuating circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44681/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE as the employing agency in this case to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter. I wish to pass along my condolences to your constituent on the passing of her father. May he rest in peace.
759. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he plans to restrict access to services or activities to persons who choose not to receive a Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44684/20]
View answer812. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding vaccine passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44900/20]
View answer939. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if a vaccine certificate is part of his implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1135/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 759, 812 and 939 together.
It is important to differentiate between a vaccine certificate, the purpose of which is to identify and monitor people who have been vaccinated, with the notion of an immunity passport which might exempt people from public health measures on the basis that the person is purportedly immune to SARS-CoV-2.
Vaccine certificates are required in order to keep track of which vaccine (including which batch of a vaccine) has been given to a person and on which dates. This allows for follow up and monitoring of any adverse events. The HSE is planning for the production of Vaccine certificates at part of its implementation planning for a Covid 19 vaccination programme.
Immunity passports are problematic on a number of grounds. It is not yet clear if the proposed vaccines for Covid 19 actually stop people getting the virus. It is also not clear whether the thresholds for protective immunity are the same in all groups e.g. older persons or those who are immunosuppressed. Thus, it is premature to discuss immunity passports due to the many uncertainties that still exist regarding immunity against the novel corona virus. The WHO has cautioned Governments against introducing immunity passports at this time and has advised that the focus should be on vaccine certificates.
760. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if any employee of his Department or HSE employee above the minimum point of the grade VIII salary scale has declared an interest regarding a company (details supplied); if such an employee has any role regarding aeromedical services operated within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44688/20]
View answerA civil servant who occupies a designated position for the purposes of the Ethics in Public Office Acts must complete and furnish an annual statement of interests, i.e. of any interest held by the person or by his or her spouse or civil partner, child or child of spouse, which could materially influence the person in or in relation to the performance of his or her official functions.
Having reviewed the most recent returns made by civil servants in designated positions in the Department of Health, no person has declared an interest in the company concerned.
I have also referred this question to the HSE for direct reply in respect of its own employees.
761. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44692/20]
View answer809. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if he will consider lifting restrictions on live music at locations hosting weddings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44893/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 761 and 809 together.
Ireland is now at level 5 of the Government's medium-term Plan Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19, which sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over a period of 6 – 9 months.
The Plan aims to allow society and businesses to operate as normally as possible, while protecting our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The various limits at all levels in the Government's Plan are all designed to reduce the number of households mixing with each other and cut down the virus’s chances of spreading into more homes. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible.
As I'm sure the Deputies can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. In certain settings, such as weddings, higher noise levels due to music, can force people into close proximity, requiring them to raise their voices or shout to communicate thus increasing the risk of spreading the virus to others. Under the current public health measures in place for Covid-19 live music is not permitted at weddings. It is not possible to say what public health measures will be in place in the future. The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and by the Government . The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
Details of the public health measures currently in place for weddings can be found at:- https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#weddings
You may also wish to note that Fáilte Ireland has provided guidelines for the hospitality industry which includes guidance on weddings and is available at: - https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Hotels-and-Guesthouses.pdf
