Paul Murphy
Question:101. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he or persons in his Department have been in communication with a group (details supplied); and if he read the group's document on Covid-19. [1492/21]
View answerTuesday, 13 July 2021
Questions (101)
Written answers
I can confirm that I have not met with the Independent Scientific Advisory Group. As the Deputy will be aware, the COVID-19 NPHET actively monitors the epidemiological situation and provides advice to Government in relation to the application of public health measures. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Ireland has taken a public health-led, whole-of-society approach to managing the pandemic. Ongoing consideration is being given to current and future measures and approaches for managing the response to COVID-19.
The level of public health restrictions is kept under review by Government. While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme and the position had been broadly stable over the earlier part of June, the prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is rapidly increasing in Ireland and this poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully vaccinated. For this reason, a number of higher risk indoor activities did not recommence as planned on 5 July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status.
Our approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and phased, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. Significant and sustained progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.