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

I am going to continue to deal with this issue, along with the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, officials in my Department and local stakeholders. Indeed, I have spoken to local residents in the area and I am very happy - in fact, I regard it as my duty and obligation - to keep in regular contact with Deputies from the area. I commit towards doing that. I will not comment in any great detail about the level of consultation. We are dealing with a public health emergency. What I will say to Deputy Michael Healy-Rae is exactly what I said to Deputy Catherine Murphy earlier. We did not have any knowledge of the health condition in respect of Covid of anybody being transferred to Cahersiveen or any other area. It was only after their arrival that this news came to light.

There have been ongoing discussions between my Department and the ownership of the hotel in Cahersiveen as to the suitability or otherwise of the premises. My priority, and that of the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, is to make sure every effort is made to ensure those persons who are in residence in Cahersiveen have every support in this time of difficulty. Everybody who tested positive in Cahersiveen was removed within a very short time. There is no one in the Skellig Star Hotel now who is positive. There are 69 residents, including some children, and special efforts are being made to improve matters for the children, with particular reference to recreation, education, toys and other essentials in this time of difficulty.

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