Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Duncan Smith. I agree with his views about transparency and the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET. Minutes of meetings are kept and published. NPHET makes recommendations, but I remain the decision maker on Government policy and am accountable to this House, to be clear. I have not gone against any of the recommendations from NPHET, nor do I intend to, because I am taking a public health-led approach to this, but NPHET is not a mysterious object. It pulls together the best expertise from HIQA, the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, and the HSE. I think I counted approximately 20 people with "Doctor" in front of their names on NPHET. It then gives advice and recommendations to me and the CEO of the HSE. Those letters are also being published because it is right and proper that people see them. NPHET is doing a superb job, chaired by Dr. Tony Holohan, to whom I express huge gratitude.

The Deputy also asked about non-Covid-19 illness and he is entirely right to do so because a recent survey that we carried out showed that approximately 28% of people have put off seeking medical treatment. That is not a good thing and our GPs are worried about it. What are we doing about it? We are preparing a plan for non-Covid-19 care, alongside Covid-19 care, in the acute hospitals, using the private hospital capacity. We are also, through the setting up of community assessment hubs, trying to ensure that Covid-19 patients can go to a community assessment hub and non-Covid-19 patients can continue to go to a GP. We have seen a significant drop-off in the numbers of people attending their GP and that is how cancers can be missed and referrals to hospitals not given. I am hoping those community assessment hubs will help.

I also agree with the Deputy on the enhanced nurse contract and I will put the numbers on the record of this House shortly.

The Deputy asked about health workers with pre-existing conditions. I have discussed this with the HSE. I expect those responsible in the HSE to show maximum flexibility in terms of how they deal with that matter. I think they are doing so but I would like to hear about it if they are not.

The Deputy also raised the issue of home help and how some may need funding supports. That is a fair point. I started my engagement with those involved yesterday on what that might look like. I will investigate the question on insurance. The dentists are on my mind. I intend to meet representatives from the Irish Dental Association and the chief dental nurse in the next week.

I will have to write to the Deputy regarding the question on direct provision because I am out of time. I expect that we are going to receive the guidance and clarity on the issue of face masks that people rightly want in the coming days.

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