Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

3 o’clock

There is quite a bit to cover in quite a short space of time.

Deputy Murnane O'Connor asked about dentists. As she said, the guidance for dentists was issued from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre on 15 May. Professor Martin Cormican and his team did some very good work which outlined how the profession can resume the provision of routine care. The work outlined detail on the personal protective equipment that may be required for routine dentistry. The Dental Council has indicated that dentists should carry out a case-by-case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. I met representatives of the Irish Dental Association on 8 and 15 May. My officials met association representatives on 26 May. Yesterday, I discussed with the chief executive officer of the HSE the availability of PPE for dentists who have public contracts. I am hopeful that the HSE may be in a position to assist our dentists and I expect progress on that shortly. I take the point made by Deputy Murnane O'Connor but I am not keen to see additional charges for public patients or for people on medical cards.

Deputy Murnane O'Connor referenced the issue of social care and the people in the third level institution. The Health and Social Care Professionals Council, CORU, is an independent regulator, but I will certainly forward her views to CORU and ask the council to correspond with her.

I know our GPs have been heroes during this crisis. I know they have to operate on a case-by-case basis but I see significant evidence that more patients are now being seen in person through general practice. We took a decision last Friday to extend the Covid-19 financial supports to GPs until August. I hope this will help.

Deputy Murnane O'Connor asked about the non-Covid care plan. I have outlined the fact that the HSE board will be considering that further this week.

Deputy Devlin made the legitimate point that many people are waiting for clarity and certainty in an uncertain world. I am conscious in particular of those trying to plan weddings and of businesses trying to open. NPHET will meet tomorrow to advise the Government on what should be in phase 3 and phase 4. I will take its recommendations to the Government, probably on Friday. I would hope we will be in a position to provide more clarity on some of these things at that point.

Deputy Devlin knows St. Augustine's school in Blackrock well. I am familiar with the school too. I will certainly follow up his question. The parents there are understandably weary. I will come back to Deputy Devlin directly.

I apologise to Deputy Donnelly - that was as quick as I could do it.

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