Michael Ring
Ceist:568. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason the frequency of NPHET meetings has been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54064/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 9 November 2021
Ceisteanna (568)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy is advised that the last meeting of the NPHET took place on 18th October 2021. The next NPHET meeting is scheduled for the week commencing 8th November.
Reflecting the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the scale and pace of the health service response required, the NPHET in general met twice a week in the early stages of the pandemic, moving to weekly meetings at a later stage, meeting more/less frequently as required. Since its establishment, the NPHET has met 94 times.
In scheduling NPHET meetings, the Chair and Members have regard to the epidemiological situation and planned upcoming Government decisions concerning the COVID-19 response etc.
The Chair of the NPHET, the Chief Medical Officer, reserves the right to call a NPHET meeting(s) in advance of planned NPHET dates should he feel that an additional meeting of the NPHET is warranted.