Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Cathal Crowe.

The coronavirus is a serious challenge globally and nationally. It is crucial that we all follow the advice of public health experts as they are in constant contact with the WHO. The coronavirus affects older people and those with certain health conditions to a greater extent. Older people who may contact this virus will need additional wrap-around supports to deal with it. This morning I met with the CEO of ALONE, Mr. Seán Moynihan. ALONE is an organisation that supports older people and it is urging older people to take extra care but to remain calm. Its advice is similar to the HSE guidelines - to wash their hands regularly, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment, and to avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections or other illnesses.

The HSE website has the most up-to-date information. Not all people, however, especially the elderly, are in a position to source this information. This can create a vacuum and can cause anxiety and upset. It is imperative through community care, public health nurses and GPs, that the correct information can be circulated to elderly people who are not online, to avoid any unnecessary panic and misinformation. As we are currently in the containment phase of this virus, clear, clinically-based information is essential. I welcome the fact that the Minister will meet patient advocacy groups tomorrow. I have spoken to him and he has informed me that he will raise the issue of those who are not online to enable them to access the relevant information.

There is an onus on other Departments to be actively involved at this worrying time and I welcome the fact that the various Ministers have been present for the debate. I specifically refer to he Department of Education and Skills, which has a role to play in supporting school principals, boards of management and school pupils, given there is a critical mass of people in schools on a daily basis. Several schools, especially secondary schools, had pupils on school tours in Italy during the mid-term break. The information on the 14-day quarantine has led to much confusion for some parents. More clarity is required on self-isolation and on whether the school has the authority to request self-isolation. If a student has been on holidays in one of the affected areas, clear guidelines are required to prevent panic or confusion. I witnessed this recently in a school in the south east where a pupil returned who was not infected, but it caused panic and confusion among parents wondering whether that particular pupil should have been quarantined. We need more definitive guidelines on the 14-day quarantine, especially for pupils in schools.

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