Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

To those parents, children and teachers who are at the front line of Covid-19, the country is behind them. They may be in individual isolation, but as far as this House is concerned, they are not isolated or forgotten.

The word "war" that I use with regard to Covid-19 is not to alarm but to demonstrate that, in this containment phase, all of the resources of the State must be used and brought to bear to prevent wider community infection. A public health crisis like this requires straight and honest communications, confidence in those at the top, and the resources to deal with it, which are resources beyond those needed in peacetime.

I will not name the school at the centre of the first case reported by the HSE at the weekend. However, many of those affected have been in contact with me and my colleagues. These people are at the front line of this war. We need to listen to them and learn from their experience, while at the same time we need to ensure we do not stigmatise them or create wider panic. I welcome the briefings from the Department which I received on Monday, the establishment of the Cabinet sub-committee, as well as the Government's commitment to consult all parties on this matter. However, will the Minister take on board the concerns I have received? If these are not deemed appropriate by public health officials, will he explain why? In the coming weeks as more cases are heard, again and again these suggestions will be made and it is best that we deal with them now.

Many parents are concerned about the siblings of those students who been asked to limit their social interaction. We need to better communicate the definition of "close contact" and why it is so important. Will the Department of Education and Skills play a stronger role with the schools attended by those siblings affected? Families with members in isolation have told me that their other children are being stigmatised. This will only lead to further misinformation. We need to do more to protect those siblings.

Family members of those who are not displaying symptoms but who are in self-isolation are being told they should go about their daily lives. They are often, however, meeting resistance from their employers and concerned members of their own communities. We need to support them with new legislation if it is required.

Family members have also told me that information from senior clinical experts is good but the helpline is not meeting that same level. I would urge that the helpline be open longer and have that expert advice available. With regard to tests being outsourced, results should be made available more quickly to those experiencing symptoms. These people are under extreme stress. Anything we can do must be brought to bear.

Social media is a challenge in a public crisis but it is also a tool. It allows us to debunk myths and to listen to feedback. I urge the Government to use and harness social media where it can.

There is one aspect of our work which we need to do and which the HSE and no other agency can deliver on, namely, our ability to form a government. As this process evolves and we have more cases, I believe people will demand leadership from us on this issue. If we are in a war, we need a war Cabinet, leadership and to provide results.

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