Michael Ring
Question:773. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in putting up the minutes of NPHET meetings on the www.gov.ie website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11233/21]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
773. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in putting up the minutes of NPHET meetings on the www.gov.ie website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11233/21]
View answerThe Covid-19 NPHET is supported by a dedicated Secretariat that works diligently to prepare high-quality minutes for publication as quickly as practicable.
Given the significance of NPHET meetings and the importance of its work in the context of the State’s ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is imperative that a full and accurate account of each NPHET meeting is maintained. NPHET agendas cover a wide range of very complex and technical public health issues and NPHET discussions are by their nature, lengthy, fast-paced, and multifaceted.
To ensure factual accuracy and representation of discussions, the NPHET secretariat’s minute-taking process involves a number of procedural steps in line with best practice. This drafting process takes time and cannot be dispensed with in the interest of ensuring quality and accuracy.
The Deputy may wish to note the NPHET minutes are published up to 21st January 2021 at the address below. The minutes of 28 January will be published on 2 March. It is also envisaged that the minutes of the 4 and 11 February will be published 5 March. Additional minutes will then published weekly on a rolling schedule.
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/