Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
65. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the position regarding and status of the widespread testing plan for residents of direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30831/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA comprehensive programme of COVID-19 testing by the HSE has recently been completed across accommodation centres housing asylum seekers and refugees in the State. The HSE has reported a positivity rate of 0.53% detected cases among residents and staff. The serial testing programme was an additional public health measure, recommended by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to safeguard residents and staff in Direct Provision Centres.
Testing covered residents and staff in accommodation centres (both permanent and temporary) and in Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres (EROCs).
Each resident and staff member was offered a test. Children aged under 5 years and people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 were not tested.
This testing programme has helped to identify and isolate cases quickly and will enable the HSE and the IPAS to assess the effectiveness of the public health measures put in place at Direct Provision Centres since March 2020. This will also help to decide if extra supports are needed.
Testing was voluntary and free. My officials strongly encouraged all residents and staff to participate to help keep themselves, their families and their communities safe from coronavirus. Any resident or staff member invited to attend follow-up testing by the HSE is also encouraged to do so.
Any resident who tests positive is moved offsite for self-isolation, along with their close contacts, until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre.
All decisions on the necessity for testing is a matter for the HSE.
The Department will continue to follow all Public Health advice, and we will continue to work with the HSE and the Department of Health whilst we remain in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic.
