Mr. Muiris O'Connor:

It is too early to say. The Government's decisions at the beginning of last week were a temporary set of precautionary measures specifically intended to provide an increased level of protection pending the scientific information unfolding in respect of Omicron. I am reading the same emerging evidence and reports as the Deputy, but I am told it will be later in December before this settles and comes into view. There are worrying suggestions that Omicron is more transmissible, and the severity is unclear by comparison with Delta.

I cannot go into issues of case notification. There are procedures under the health protection surveillance mechanisms, working through the public health doctors. The public and the political system will become aware of the information. I assure the committee of the rigour and attention being paid in Ireland, the rest of Europe and elsewhere internationally to trying to understand the characteristics of Omicron.