Dr. Ronan Glynn:

I thank the Deputy. I do not believe there has been any set of recommendations that NPHET has made or a set of measures that has not specifically referenced those who are older and those who are medically vulnerable. In relation to Kildare, Laois and Offaly, I made specific reference to this group the day before we met to consider the measures because I wanted those children and adults to take particular care. Last week, a similar set of statements was made about the country more generally.

With regard to children, I fully understand there is anxiety and concern among parents nationally and, of course, in particular in Kildare given the set of circumstances but, as I answered earlier, thankfully we have not seen a greater level of community transmission in Kildare than we have in the rest of the country. The profile is very similar to the rest of the country. The wider profile of Kildare has improved again over recent days. International evidence suggests that children spreading Covid to other children in schools is relatively uncommon and that schools are not a key driver of community transmission of this disease. We know from our own data in Ireland that to date fewer than 3% of children in the country under 14 years of age have been diagnosed with Covid and of these, only 42 have been hospitalised to date. Of course there will be cases, and these cases have arisen in recent weeks throughout the country, but the key to minimising the harm that comes out of these cases is for us all to act together and quickly. To come back to my earlier point, if people have concerns, they should keep their child at home and contact their GP in the first instance. I will hand over to Professor Nolan, given the time.