Dáil debates

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Covid-19 Pandemic

6:45 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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42. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which he remains satisfied that the public continue to strictly observe the Covid-19 protocols in respect of hand sanitisation, social distancing and reduction of interaction; the extent to which an assessment has been done of known breaches which have specifically led to new outbreaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23662/20]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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This is a very simple question. It could even asked in less than 30 seconds. I wish to ascertain the reason for the sudden, rapid and worrying increase in cases of Covid-19 throughout the country, and to ask what research has been carried out into this.

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Durkan for his question and for his ongoing support for the public health measures that have been put in place in recent months. While the Government has today launched a new roadmap for the period ahead, as the Deputy points out, following the protocols on hand sanitisation, social distancing and reduction in interactions is still the most important thing to do. 

It is important to remember that Covid-19 is a highly infectious disease. The risk of getting Covid-19 is now part of our daily lives and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The most important actions we can take to interrupt person-to-person transmission are regular hand-washing, good respiratory hygiene and maintaining a physical distance of at least 2 m, that is, 6 ft, between oneself and others.

I am satisfied that the protective public health measures referred to by the Deputy have met with widespread acceptance and buy-in on the part of the Irish public.  I have witnessed inspirational solidarity and co-operation among the vast majority of our citizens, who are following public health advice in order to protect themselves and the most vulnerable in our society.

Encouragingly, the most recent public opinion polling conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of my Department indicated that as of Monday, 7 September, there continues to be a good degree of observance of the Covid-19 protocols. This research found that the rate of compliance with the public health guidelines is continuing at a high level. Compliance stood at 95% in regard to hand-washing; 94% in respect of the use of hand sanitiser; 94% in respect of the practice of social distancing; and 83% in respect of coughing into the elbow. Compliance in regard to the wearing of face coverings was at 89% overall, with 93% of those surveyed using face coverings when shopping and 98% wearing them when using public transport. The research also indicates that most people are planning to continue to adhere to these protocols in the future.

I can also advise the Deputy that 93% of those surveyed state that they follow the recommendations of my Department and the HSE to prevent the spread of the Covid-19. Moreover, it is good to see that younger people have the highest compliance rate of 95% when questioned about wearing masks in public.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I am a little bit worried because the figures seem to be going in the wrong direction at a time when the authorities are rightly placing greater emphasis on the need to curtail the virus. It was not evident from the Minister's reply but there must be some identifiable clue as to where the biggest problem is. It has been suggested to me that there is not a great deal of compliance in some quarters, and that meetings, house parties and other gatherings continue to create problems. I am concerned at the effects of bringing people together at different locations and times. I know the new roadmap is going to deal with this but I have to say it is worrying, and I hope the authorities know what needs to be done.

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I should first state that I have received information that the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, does not have Covid-19. I wish him well. It was an honour to be able to step in for him but it is good to know that the Minister does not have the virus. As the Deputy is aware, the virus only needs a small window of opportunity to re-emerge. For everyone's sake, especially the most vulnerable, it is therefore critical to keep the transmission of the virus within the community to the absolute minimum.

Deputy Durkan referred to house parties. This is an issue and the reopening of wet pubs is also causing some concern. However, I hope we will be able to work with all stakeholders to address these concerns. As the Deputy will know, a large number of outbreaks occurred in his own county of Kildare, as well as in Laois and Offaly. Those outbreaks spread rapidly within specific workplace settings such as meat plants. In recent weeks these outbreaks have been dealt with but the Deputy is right to say that we must be very vigilant.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State. I agree. We in County Kildare have been in the eye of the storm for some time and we have paid a high price for it. The second lockdown was quite invasive and created significant economic difficulty but the outbreak was dealt with, albeit at great cost.

The national figures are now accelerating at what I would regard as an alarming rate and I am not so certain that we have identified the causes. While the Minister of State's reply was made in good faith, I would like some more information on the direction we are heading. I know the wearing of masks is very important. It seems these guidelines are being adhered to. Why, then, is the virus accelerating? There is a contradiction somewhere that I cannot figure out. Better brains than mine are addressing that issue. I ask that they do so as a matter of urgency.

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Government shares the Deputy's concerns. The National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, meets on a regular basis. It reviews current restrictions based on the most up-to-date information and advises the Government accordingly. It is impossible to accurately predict the future trajectory of Covid-19 in Ireland. As the Deputy knows, there is no precedent for dealing with a pandemic such as this. As such, it is impossible to provide assurances that it is safe to lift the public health restrictions.

We are looking at this on a case-by-case basis. Some stricter measures may need to be introduced in the event of a strong upsurge in infections. This is worrying but I understand that NPHET is monitoring the situation very closely.

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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We are nearing the end of the time for this business but I will allow the last question.