Dr. Joanne McCarthy:

This is an ongoing issue for us. The subgroup for vulnerable adults has a seat on NPHET and we represent the wider disability sector. Disability organisations have one seat. This is an issue we have been raising there because we need clarity. A number of people who have compromised health conditions, or members of their families who are carers, are seeking confirmation that the pandemic payment will be extended so they can continue to cocoon until such time as there is a vaccine or an alternative is put in place. This is essential because it will force individuals and families to make very difficult decisions as they will not be able to afford to continue to cocoon and will have to go back to work and place themselves and others at risk. For six to eight weeks, we have been looking for NPHET to give clearer guidance on this.

It was stated that people can apply for illness benefit but these people are not sick, they are trying to prevent themselves from being sick. It would also mean a drop of approximately €145 per week for that person. As we know, people with disabilities have the highest at risk of poverty rate within the population. They cannot really afford to take this risk. It is very important that the committee considers this in order to figure out what measures need to be put in place, starting with income and then supports. The other issue is extending the right to work from home where possible so employers are brought on board to support families in being able to make more appropriate decisions. These are two of the main issues on which we have been seeking clear guidance from NPHET on behalf of families and people who are medically vulnerable.