Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
330. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to safeguards necessary to protect pregnant workers and high-risk staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12190/22]
View answerThe Deputy is advised that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department and its agencies have engaged in extensive interdepartmental and stakeholder liaison on an ongoing basis across a range of issues, including the development of various guidance documents. This has included assisting in the development of guidance designed to facilitate a safe return to physical attendance at workplaces. A suite of guidance is available:
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has developed the "Transitional Protocol: Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19" in consultation with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health (DOH): enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Transitional-Protocol-Good-Practice-Guidance-for-Continuing-to-Prevent-the-Spread-of-COVID-19.pdf.
The Transitional Protocol highlights the need for specific attention to be given to people and workers who may be at higher risk of severe infection with COIVD-19. The HSE categorises these persons as being at "high risk" or "very high risk" depending on their individual medical history and circumstances, and details specific advice for how these persons can protect themselves : www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/people-at-higher-risk/overview/.
The HSA also provides detailed guidance for workers and employers:
- Workers: www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19_coronavirus_information_and_resources/covid-19_business_supports/business_supports/fitness-for-work-guidance-for-workers-14may21.pdf.
- Employers: www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19_coronavirus_information_and_resources/covid-19_business_supports/business_supports/guidance_for_employers_on_fitness_for_work_following_covid19_absence_-_interim.pdf.
The HSE also provides up-to-date guidance and information on COVID-19 for pregnant women specifically, and advice on how they can best protect themselves and their baby: www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/people-at-higher-risk/covid19-and-pregnancy/.
