James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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517. To ask the Minister for Health when mental health practitioners may resume face-to-face patient consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7132/20]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The COVID-19 Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business (Government of Ireland, 1 May 2020) is a living, flexible document and will be subject to regular review, in the context of the progression or suppression of COVID-19 in Ireland at different points in time, new guidance and evidence from the research, experience and findings of international bodies and of other countries and consideration of the utility and outcomes of taking particular measures. This public health-led approach is to inform a slow, gradual, step-wise and incremental reduction of the current social distancing measures, in a risk-based, fair and proportionate way, with a view to effectively suppressing the spread of COVID-19 while enabling the return of social and economic activity.

Psychiatrists', counsellors' and psychotherapists' work on essential cases can be considered part of essential Social Care services. Subject to adhering to the current public health guidelines around social distancing, it is up to the individual's own judgement as to whether to meet clients face-to-face or through remote means.

I fully appreciate that there is significant planning required for mental health practitioners to move to a new model of operating with the challenges of COVID-19. It is, however, the responsibility of employers (and self-employed people) to apply a risk-based approach to returning to work and to prepare to apply the precautions necessary to comply fully with public health advice.

I would also draw your attention to the Return to Work Safely Protocol, which was published by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation on 9 May. This detailed guidance document was developed to assist employers and employees in the coming period. I would also note that other Government agencies have now been advised to consider developing sector-specific advice and guidance, where required.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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518. To ask the Minister for Health when physical therapists may resume face-to-face patient consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7133/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:

1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:

a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,

b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,

c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,

d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,

e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.

2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.

3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.

4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.

As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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520. To ask the Minister for Health if the income and allowances of front-line nurses will be maintained at their current weekly levels if they are stood down from work due to close contact with Covid-19 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7144/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Detailed guidance and FAQs have been prepared and circulated by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to payment for public servants while on special leave in relation to a COVID 19 related absences.

As per the DPER FAQ document, where employees are eligible to receive special leave with pay while absent from work due to COVID-19, payment is based on basic salary and fixed allowances only and excludes unsocial hours premium payments. This applies to all public sector employees.

A copy of DPERs document is available to view publicly here: