Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1392. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if a school (details supplied) that teaches music to students with intellectual disabilities is allowed to stay open under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33605/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in this Department were unable to establish the exact nature of the service in the Deputy's question. Clarification was sought from the Deputy's office, but in the absence of this, it has not been possible to advise whether the service in question can remain open. In the context of Level 5 of the Government's Resilience & Recovery Framework (2020-2021): Plan for Living with COVID-19, all services deemed essential must adhere to public health guidance and infection prevention and control precautions.
A full list of essential services at level 5 of the Governments Resilience & Recovery Framework (2020-2021) including health and social work services are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/754c1-stakeholder-guidance-regarding-level-5-of-the-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/#essential-retail-and-essential-services
In relation to health services, Health Service Executive (HSE) regards the provision of disability health services as essential to maintaining a response to people with a disability under Level 5 of this plan. All disability services must follow public health guidance in this area, including the prevention and management of COVID-19 related infection. The HSE and its funded disability partners will continue to provide therapeutic supports in line with public health guidance and direction and having regard to the availability of staffing resources.
