Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
973. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the training that those working in the detention facilities related to Covid-19 quarantine will be obliged to undertake; if there will be an obligation for human rights training, cultural awareness training and mental health awareness training; if a certain cohort of the staff will have medical training and language skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16700/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has provided persons working in mandatory quarantine facilities extensive training via webinars and video presentations on a number of key quarantine protocols. This training was provided to promote risk reduction in the environment at the facility for both guests and staff.
The training included Infection Prevention and Control principles, proper use of personal protected equipment, disinfection and cleaning requirements relating to COVID-19, practical information about maintaining Infection Prevention and Control in a working environment, COVID-19 transmission, COVID-19 testing procedures, ventilation requirements for rooms, vaccination information and measures for transferring guests to a facility.
All guests undergoing mandatory quarantine in a designated facility are being provided with access to a 24/7 on-site medically qualified healthcare team who hold clinical responsibility for their wellbeing during their stay. The on-site health team are available to address any wellbeing concerns of guests through both scheduled check-ins during a guest's stay as well as through direct engagement if requested. Additionally, the hotel service provider has put in place a number of services to support guest wellbeing, such as guided exercise and yoga programmes, music playlists and access to the hotel's entertainment services.
Guests who wish to access other services, such as consular services or private legal services, may arrange to do so through normal channels. The hotel service provider will endeavour to facilitate any requests for assistance in accessing such channels, such as by arranging for translation services if requested.
The State Liaison Officer (SLO) will have staff onsite 24/7 at each designated facility to liaise between guests and the service provider if required.
