Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

570. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the HSE advice on the wearing of masks changed for health workers caring for older persons over recent months. [7698/20]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Appropriate evidence-based guidance to support the work of health and social care providers on a range of issues, including infection prevention and control, and the use of PPE has been developed by both the HSE and the HPSC and is updated regularly as appropriate and made available on their websites. The HPSC published updated guidance on the use of surgical face masks on 22 April and is now advising that surgical masks should be worn by healthcare workers, including home support workers. Updated guidance for health and social care workers who visit homes was published on the HPSC website on 24 April. This is available at www.hspc.ie and advice for family carers is available on the website of Family Carers Ireland .

In relation to nursing homes, PPE is distributed by the HSE via a centralised request management system that services relevant healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes (public and private), National Ambulance Service, GPs, and all Section 38 and 39 service providers. In line with NPHET recommendations all nursing homes have equality of access to PPE with all other services in line with clinical guidance. This centralised approach is in line with WHO guidance on coordinating PPE supply; WHO guidance also emphasises the need to ensure rational and appropriate use of PPE in view of the global shortage of such equipment.

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

571. To ask the Minister for Health when private occupational therapists and private speech and language therapists can resume providing normal services to their clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7699/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 121 of 2020) were signed by the Minister for Health on 7 April 2020.

Schedule 2 of the Regulations sets out essential services that are exempted from the restrictions and therefore can continue to be provided. This includes (at 15(b)) occupational therapy services and speech and language therapy services as these services are provided by a member of a designated profession within the meaning of section 3 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (No. 27 of 2005).