Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish merely to take the opportunity to update the House and set out to procedures in place across a number of key agencies and services under the remit of my Department, namely, the immigration services, An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, and the Irish Prison Service, IPS, some of which were referred to earlier. One essential characteristic that all the services have in common is the high degree of interaction between the personnel and members of the public. It is probably unnecessary for me to say that a level of particular care is needed in this. In this regard, my Department has established a cross-functional Covid-19 response team comprising senior officials from within the Department and from the agencies to which I referred.

With reference to immigration services, the current EU advice is for borders to remain open and for persons to follow the travel advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A number of aspects of the immigration system involve engagement with persons moving into the State or non-EEA nationals. The most visible of these is at airports, in particular Dublin Airport, where border management immigration officers of my Department immigrate approximately 16 million persons per year. There is a close working relationship between staff at the Airport, the DAA and the HSE. Immigration personnel closely follow all advice from the HSE and, in the event that a suspected case arises, the clear protocols laid down are carefully followed. The immigration services of my Department are also working closely with the HSE on a daily basis across a number of areas, including accommodation centres for international protection applicants, public offices used for registration of immigration permissions, and international protection offices. Along with guidelines on good respiratory and hand-hygiene practices, hand sanitisers have been provided, Covid-19 risk assessments have been issued to each of these service areas, and together with the HSE, my officials are ensuring information is kept updated on a daily basis and that any changing circumstances are responded to in an effective manner.

With regards to the visa regime, in line with other EU member states and overall Chinese Government policy, the public offices to accept visa applications in China remain closed until 16 March and the matter will be reviewed in advance of that date. In accordance with best practice, contingency planning is also in hand to ensure priority immigration services can continue to be provided, should circumstances warrant.

An Garda Síochána has been closely following HSE and the Department of Health guidelines and has been issuing advice to staff via An Garda Síochána's chief medical officer, CMO, on the matter and will continue to do so. Garda management have plans in place to manage on a case-by case basis any issues that arise in their workforce, which totals more than 17.500 people. An Garda Síochána continues to operate as normal and will keep their procedures when dealing with members of the public under continuous review.

Regarding the Courts Service, a contingency planning group to review its plans to meet the challenges caused by the arrival of Covid-19 in Ireland is in place. Business continuity plans for courthouses and business are being updated and reviewed and official HSE guidance is now issued to staff and a communications plan is in the course of being developed for staff and court users.

The IPS continues to work closely with the HSE in developing contingency planning specifically for the management of Covid-19 should it present in prisons, in line with best international practice, to reduce the risk of exposure to staff, prisoners, visitors and the wider community. This includes maintaining safe prisons with all essential services including,inter alia, staffing, healthcare, catering provision and the maintenance of plant and equipment. The IPS has dedicated its executive clinical lead infection control manager to preparedness in this regard. A comprehensive information pack has been made available to all staff and an educational module has been completed.

In conclusion, I acknowledge the leadership, commitment and dedication of the Minister, Deputy Harris, his team in the Department of Health, and right across the HSE. Regarding my Department, I commend all our officials and staff who are working on the front line to deliver public services at such a time of challenge.

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