Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
752. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if changes are to be made to the strategy of providing updated public health guidelines with regard to the national framework for living With Covid-19 in consideration of the confusion created by utilising multiple sources and the effect that conflicting information has on public understanding and morale. [12544/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with best practice international advice and guidance provided by the WHO and the ECDC, communications has been a cornerstone of my Department and wider Government’s response to Covid-19 from the outset of this pandemic. My Department has invested in significant public health communications campaigns to ensure that all members of the community are aware of the public health guidelines, and the significant work carried out by the NPHET.
Weekly press briefings regarding Covid-19 are provided to ensure that experts in public health are to the fore when informing the public of the latest guidelines in place and the suggested behaviours to adhere to in order to ensure safety within our society. These briefings give journalists from a broad cross section of the media, the opportunity to ask key health figures such as the Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Medical Officer questions on a regular basis, in order to counter the potential spread of misinformation which may lead to confusion amongst the public.
Staff within my Department continue to work hard in order to ensure the public are informed appropriately of the dangers of the virus, ensuring awareness on the matter through the Government website, information booklets and social media avenues where informative videos are regularly posted. The pattern of the disease is changing regularly and the methods used to communicate the Framework for Living With Covid-19 are under constant review and will be updated accordingly.
