Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
242. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of cases assessed by the chief medical officer in which the civil servant has been deemed not very high or high risk such that he or she can attend the workplace in circumstances in which there is evidence of a conflict with the civil servant's own medical advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33036/21]
View answerThe Office of the Civil Service Chief Medical Officer (CMO) conducts COVID -19 risk assessments when requested by the Civil Service employing organisation. This includes referrals where the employer is advised whether the employee is at normal risk/ higher risk / very high risk from COVID-19.
This COVID -19 risk assessment follows the risk categorisation guidance developed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The decision on the employee’s place of work following this CMO risk categorisation is made by the employer in consultation with the employee, not the Civil Service CMO.
The number of cases involved from March 2020 to June 2021 is estimated as follows:
A Total of 396 COVID Risk Referrals, of which
56 - Categorised as Normal Risk
263 - Categorised as Higher Risk
77 - Categorised as Very High Risk
The CMO does not record differences of opinion with treating patient doctors in regard to COVID -19 risk assessment referrals.
