Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Every effort is being made to protect workers through the back to work protocols. That is an absolute guarantee. It is likewise in the health service. With regard to the changes and the biological agents regulations, this does not impact the reporting of Covid-19. The reporting requirements in the regulations require that the HSA be notified immediately of any accident or incident which may result in the release of a biological agent which could cause severe human infection or illness in a laboratory setting. For example, if a sample containing SARS-CoV-2 was released, this would have to be reported. The requirement for an employer to report a case of Covid-19 in a healthcare worker is not covered, or intended, under the biological agents regulations.

I can just set out what the situation is. It is appropriate that we wait for that report. Naturally, if the report makes recommendations, we will act. I have committed to discussing it in the House. We are very open on this as there is no issue with it.

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