Seanad debates

Friday, 20 March 2020

An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

11:00 am

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As regards dentists, I gave a commitment yesterday that my Department would make contact which it did. I think there is a meeting scheduled for Monday with the Irish Dental Association. It is important that they engage on this and get clarity on all the issues which they need.

As to the issue of detention, the Senator will know this is very much a public health Bill. We will be taking a health-led approach. We will hope never to have to use these powers, and if we do have to detain someone it would be for the purpose of protecting that person's health but crucially for the purpose of reducing the spread of the virus. We would be envisaging it in a health setting. The Senator has made some important suggestions regarding the Prison Service and the likes. The Government will examine those and revert to the Senator.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.