Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On 13 March, there were 19 sites identified by HIQA to the Department as having multi-occupancy rooms and creating infection prevention challenges. I do not mean it in any sort of smart way when I suggest that it will not come as a surprise to anybody in the Department or the HSE that multi-occupancy rooms have extra infection prevention challenges. On the same day, 13 March, that information was sent on to the HSE. Dr. Colm Henry wrote back to the Department in April stating:

Please forgive the delay in providing you with a response. As you know, our engagements with you on the issue have been ongoing since then. I appreciate the items requested are now discussed daily but I would like to share the requested information with you.

He went on to say:

Regarding the list of HIQA-identified residential centres with multi-occupancy rooms, I can assure you that all centres mentioned in your communication are included in the ongoing implementation of the specific capital plan for the redevelopment. Progress has been made to enhance these environments. At the time your query was received...

Dr. Henry then goes through each of the items. In the interests of time, I will share the letter with the Deputy rather than going through them all now. There were very clear actions taken.

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