Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1083. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the instructions given to childcare providers in relation to dealing with restrictions, procedures and reporting concerning Covid-19 cases in their workplaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63490/21]
View answerEarly learning and childcare providers have been provided with guidance from the HSE and my Department in relation to operating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific sectoral Infection Prevention and Control guidance was published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and most recently updated on 14th January 2022.
The exclusion of children and staff members with any symptoms of COVID-19 is very important in the effort to keep COVID-19 out of settings. With regard to identifying symptoms of COVID-19 in children and staff, relevant guidance is available on the HSE website. In addition to the sector-specific HPSC guidance, an Isolation Quick Guide has been produced by the HPSC and was last updated on 14 January 2022. This useful guide can help service providers and parents to decide when a child may or may not attend a service.
My Department has provided advice in relation to informing parents of a positive case within early learning and childcare settings. An antigen testing programme in early learning and childcare was introduced from 15 December 2021. As part of this programme, settings may inform parents of a positive case to enable the parents to access antigen tests for children aged 4 years and older. An update to the antigen testing programme due to changes in public health guidance issued to the sector on 14th January 2022.
My Department also provided updates to early learning and childcare providers on 14th January 2022 regarding HSE public health guidance, force majeure guidelines, and the extension of the Grant Programme for Ventilation and Outdoor Play.
Tusla's Early Years Inspectorate continues to communicate regularly with early learning and childcare providers in relation to regulatory requirements and supports and any changes due to COVID-19. Providers are required by Regulations to notify Tusla of notifiable incidents, including cases of COVID-19. On 10th January 2022, Tusla provided additional guidance to providers in relation to the notification of incident requirement.
My Department continues to meet regularly with key stakeholders as part of ongoing supports to the early learning and childcare sector during COVID-19 and to provide relevant sectoral guidance as necessary.
Further support for early learning and childcare providers in relation to restrictions, procedures and reporting concerning COVID-19 cases is available through:
- HSE Public Health operate a dedicated helpline for early learning and childcare services that provides support for services with a confirmed case of COVID-19. This helpline can be accessed on 01-5119777.
- A national out-of-hours COVID-19 support helpline for early learning and childcare services for support in relation to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. This helpline can be accessed on 1800 940341 Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
- Tusla Early Years Inspectorate has a suite of support documents in relation to COVID-19 regulatory support available on their website www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/early-years-providers/early-years-inspections-2/covid-19-2/ .
- Local City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) provide supports to services in relation to COVID-19 or any general queries. Contact details for CCCs are available on www.myccc.ie.
