Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (356)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

356. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures in place between the HSE, operators of direct provision centres and his Department in relation to notification of suspected and-or positive cases of Covid-19 in direct provision centres whether amongst residents or staff members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8704/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis, the response to which is being led by HSE Public Health, as is appropriate. My Department and centre management across our network of accommodation centres (both permanent and temporary) are working closely with the HSE to implement their public health advice.

With regard to medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same, the Deputy will appreciate that these are matters for the HSE in a public health context. Both the HSE and my Department are committed to protecting the medical confidentiality of our residents.

In line with our agreed policy with the HSE, any centre resident with a positive COVID-19 result has been transferred to an offsite self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. The offsite facilities are supported by a non-profit (Section 39) organisation and healthcare staff.

Residents who are COVID-19 detected will be contacted and informed directly by the HSE. Residents who are COVID-19 non-detected will receive a letter or text message from the HSE informing them of this outcome.

There are numerous pathways of referral for a COVID-19 test. For a suspected case where a resident is feeling unwell, the HSE protocol is to contact a GP so he/she can order a COVID-19 test for the symptomatic person. A resident may also be considered a suspect case by virtue of the fact they have been deemed a close contact of someone who has received a result of COVID-19 detected. In such circumstances, the relevant Public Health official can order a COVID-19 test for the person or persons categorised as a close contact.

My Department and I will continue to work hard with local management, health agencies, and NGOs to provide every support possible to the residents and staff in our accommodation centres at this difficult time.

Question No. 357 answered with Question No. 326.
Barr
Roinn