Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are many questions. I have two minutes and seven seconds in which to respond so I will do my best.

On Dealgan nursing home, I will certainly keep all the Deputies from the constituency of Louth informed. We will work through it on a cross-party basis.

Yes, I want full transparency. I have no difficulty with the letters being published. To be very clear, however, I must state, because I believe it could make life easier for everybody, that NPHET contains the HSE, the Department of Health, HIQA and the HPRA. It is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer but it is not just an organ of the Department of Health; it includes senior representatives from the HSE. It brings everybody together and it makes recommendations. It is right that it does. What is an appropriate level of testing? I would far rather NPHET was deciding than me. In other jurisdictions, it becomes political. Obviously, the decisions have to be operational. It is perfectly appropriate for the HSE to ask how something can be made happen and what the timeframe is. There is now an agreed plan and trajectory, and we are beginning to see the benefits of that.

The Deputy raised a very important issue concerning the roadmap for non-Covid-19 care and regular health services. I share his view on it. Let me very clear, however, about what the national roadmap states for the period from 18 May, phase 1, regarding the resumption of these services. Who makes the decision? Ultimately, the operation of the health service is for the HSE but it will require the input of NPHET. As long as the virus is here, we cannot go back to the old way of providing the health service. Trolleys are lethal. We cannot have packed departments of outpatients waiting for appointments. The use of personal protective equipment must also be borne in mind. The input of NPHET will be required in determining how to offer a service safely. The same applies to the turning on of the screening programme. I share the Deputy’s concern about that but the decision on when it will be safe to proceed with the national cancer control programme will be made with the input of NPHET.

On the question on screening results, I truthfully do not have the figures so I will come back to the Deputy. I take the point made on dental services. I am meeting those concerned tomorrow and will revert to the Deputy afterwards.

On face covering, there is no flip-flopping. It absolutely will be a part. NPHET will work out how best to proceed, the appropriate scenarios and the guidance. Inappropriate use could actually be dangerous.

With regard to section 39 organisations, we have to be honest that the revocation of the 1% cut will not be achievable. I take it that we are in a very different world now. I will engage with the sector on that. I will come back to the Deputy on the regulations.

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