Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
487. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the identity and qualifications in ventilation of the members of an organisation (details supplied) who advised against the need for HEPA filtration in classrooms; if he will publish the precise scientific basis on which that advice was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59857/21]
View answerThe HSE's Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Division (AMRIC) was established in early 2019, under the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer. It is led by the AMRIC National Clinical Lead and consists of a core multidisciplinary team with expertise across a range of relevant clinical domains. These include microbiology, infectious diseases, general practice, nursing, surveillance, pharmacy, public health, and other areas. The role of the AMRIC Team includes providing multidisciplinary organisational leadership relating to antimicrobial resistance and infection control. In particular, there is a focus on provision of guidance, education and training and technical advice. The team also supports health and social care service colleagues to address and improve infection prevention and control in the planning and delivery of health and social care services, including the COVID-19 response.
AMRIC provides expert advice on the practical and safe implementation and application of recommendations in health and social care settings. In addition, the HSE has advised that all HSE AMRIC guidance promotes adequate ventilation as one of a number of measures to reduce the risk of transmission of SAR-CoV-2.
The Department of Education has provided detailed information on ventilation within schools, including in relation to air cleaning devices. This is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad236-guidance-on-ventilation-in-schools/
