Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (617)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

617. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 609 of 20 May 2020, if the work location of a person diagnosed with Covid-19, that is, a small retail, large retail, warehouse, construction, transport, hairdressing and so on will be included in the NPHET daily reports or a weekly report; and his views on whether this would assist in highlighting industry together with issues regarding public health guidelines in the Covid-19 crisis. [8860/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981, and subsequent amendments, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre is authorised by law to collect information from doctors and laboratories, via Medical Officers of Health, about diagnoses of certain infectious diseases in Ireland. These diseases are referred to as notifiable diseases.

The most recent amendment to the Regulations is the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 53 of 2020) which added COVID-19 to the list of notifiable diseases.

While occupation related information is not currently collected in the manner referred to in the Deputy's question, I understand work regarding improvements in this area is underway. Defining the wide range of professions and occupations undertaken across the country in such a way as to enable it to become a meaningful data source is a complex and technical exercise. I have therefore asked the HSE to provide further information directly to the Deputy on this important matter.