Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
343. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a rigorous testing and tracing system will be implemented in a direct provision centre (details supplied) to address the spread of Covid-19 in the setting. [7553/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same, are matters for the HSE in a public health context.
However, I can confirm that testing of residents and staff has already been completed in Cahersiveen by HSE Public Health. An Outbreak Control Team, convened and led by the HSE with representatives of my Department and the centre management have managed the outbreak.
In line with our agreed policy with the HSE, anyone who tested positive has been moved to an offsite self-isolation facility to be cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. Everyone else in the centre was asked to self-isolate while the HSE continued to monitor the situation.
Thankfully, the HSE confirmed on 20 May 2020, that the outbreak was over and that the period of self-isolation for residents at the centre had ended. All residents are now subject to the same restrictions as everyone else under Phase 1 of the Government’s Roadmap. This means that they can leave the centre for limited reasons including to exercise within 5km, to shop for essential items or to attend a medical appointment.
I fully appreciate that the period of restrictions and self-isolation will have been very difficult for the residents. I want to record my appreciation for their cooperation and understanding and for working with us and the HSE to bring the outbreak under control.
