Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
723. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the expertise and qualifications of the members of NPHET that qualifies them to make decisions and recommendations regarding the health and well-being of children. [6468/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) for COVID-19 is the mechanism for overseeing the health sector response to significant health-based emergencies. It facilitates the sharing of information between the Department of Health and its agencies and provides a forum for agreement as to strategic approaches to such emergencies. It is currently under the Chairmanship of Chief Medical Officer.
The NPHET's membership is multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral in line with best international practice. Membership comprises representatives from across the health and social care service including the Department of Health (DOH), Health Service Executive (HSE), Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and others with relevant expertise in health and/or other related matters. Membership includes a Consultant Paediatrician and Infectious Diseases Specialist, who is also a Clinical Professor of Paediatrics.
Details of the NPHET's Membership is provided in the NPHET’s meeting minutes, available here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/.
The NPHET also seeks advice from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) as required. HIQA's advice to NPHET is informed by research evidence developed by HIQA's COVID-19 Evidence Synthesis Team, with expert input from HIQA's COVID-19 Expert Advisory Group.
HIQA's COVID-19 Evidence Synthesis Team supports NPHET by producing a variety of outputs including rapid health technology assessments, scoping reports, rapid reviews of public health guidance and evidence summaries, supplemented by an evidence-to-advice framework to guide the development of advice, where appropriate. These outputs cover a range of issues, including matters relating to children.
HIQA's COVID-19 Expert Advisory Group is a multidisciplinary group, comprising nominated representatives from the relevant clinical specialities and areas of expertise, methodology experts and public representation. Membership includes a number of Consultant Paediatricians, available to view here:
www.hiqa.ie/hiqa-news-updates/hiqa-establishes-covid-19-expert-advisory-group-support-evidence-based-response.
