Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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821. To ask the Minister for Health if Covid-19 deaths are higher in areas of deprivation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7038/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981, and subsequent amendments, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre is authorised by law to collect information from doctors and laboratories, via Medical Officers of Health, about diagnoses of certain infectious diseases in Ireland. These diseases are referred to as notifiable diseases.

The most recent amendment to the Regulations is the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 53 of 2020) added COVID-19 to the list of notifiable diseases.

Data is collected on COVID-19 related mortality for both lab confirmed and probable cases, in line with recommendations from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in both hospitals and the community. We committed from the outset to collect the most extensive data possible in order that the information could inform and guide the public health actions necessary to respond to the very serious threat posed by COVID-19. The Deputy might note that the collection of mortality data in Ireland exceeds that of many other countries in the world.

The data on COVID-19 related mortality which is provided to my Department does not differentiate between deprived and affluent areas.