Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely dispute the fact that residents of the hotel accommodation in Dublin were not impacted by the positive diagnosis. Equally, I am still not clear who overruled the HSE in Cork and Kerry and its misgivings. I will move on, however.

I note from the submission by the HSE head of primary care that the HSE is of the view that the first case of suspected Covid-19 in the Skellig Star occurred on 30 March. That date puzzles me because I have verifiable evidence of a written communication from the Skellig Star to the Department of Justice and Equality on 24 March confirming a suspected case of Covid-19. The resident concerned was placed in isolation on 20 March, one day after arrival in Cahersiveen. Two points arise. If the Department of Justice and Equality knew of a suspected case on 24 March, why was the HSE not aware of it until 30 March, almost a week later? The timeline might not be of importance to either the HSE or the Department of Justice and Equality but it is very important to the residents of the Skellig Star and the community of Cahersiveen. This timeline confirms unequivocally that Covid-19 was transported by bus on 18 March and 19 March to the Skellig Star and the community of Cahersiveen. I say this without apportioning any blame whatsoever to the residents of the Skellig Star. Rather, I apportion absolute culpability to the HSE and the Department of Justice and Equality for not conducting the necessary Covid-19 testing prior to those people leaving Dublin. To my mind, at the very least this was a grave oversight and at worst an unequivocal dereliction of duty of care to all concerned.

I also raise a point concerning oversight of the Skellig Star as it currently operates. As has been made clear in previous discussions, the HSE has indicated that it advises, recommends or suggests appropriate public health measures but that it is up to the operator to implement those recommendations. The Department of Justice and Equality has delegated operations on the ground to a private operator in return, no doubt, for a substantial fee. The key question I wish to pose is who, among the organisations whose representations are assembled here, including the HSE and the Department of Justice and Equality, has oversight of what the operator is doing on the ground? Is it the HSE, the Department of Justice and Equality or neither body?

Are the witnesses aware the operator did not appear at the Skellig Star until 26 March, eight days after residents first arrived? Is that oversight? Untrained staff were left in charge, resulting in chaotic scenes when residents arrived on 18 March. There was no social distancing, no beds were available and sufficient rooms had not been prepared. I could raise a number of specific points regarding daily oversight at the Skellig Star but time does not allow. I will, therefore, mention just one.

Are the Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE aware that no professional deep cleansing of the Skellig Star has ever taken place, from 18 March to this very day, 26 May? That is despite 25 confirmed cases of Covid-19. How is it being cleaned? I will tell the committee how it is being cleaned. Mr. Price Stardrops, a white vinegar spray Mr. Price advertises as being cheaper than all the rest at €1.49 a bottle, is what is being using throughout this entire pandemic to clean and disinfect the Skellig Star Hotel. Is that best practice? Is that acceptable? Is that good enough, given that there have been 25 positive cases in the Skellig Star?

I have asked for an independent inspection of the Skellig Star building. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, refused on the grounds of the health and safety of workers carrying out the inspections. Yet, the HSA can investigate more than 400 meat plants and construction sites can be investigated for proper adherence to social distancing measures. The quality of life and health and welfare of the residents living 24-7 in an infected and unsuitable building cannot be provided for, yet all these other inspections can take place. It is utterly shambolic and unacceptable. I ask the Department to do the honourable thing, that is, carry out inspections and close the building. I would appreciate any answers in the time that is left.