Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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610. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider using a statutory instrument to lift visiting restrictions on condition of adherence to HSE guidelines for social distancing and use of appropriate PPE and with the agreement of the management and medical staff at end-of-life care establishments or hospices for the families whose loved ones are resident and do not have long to live. [8841/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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While visiting restrictions are required in the context of a pandemic situation, national guidance issued by the HSE and available on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) website advocates a compassionate and practical approach in relation to visiting by friends and family, particularly in the context of the care of the dying.

Interim Public Health and Infection Prevention Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Cases and Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities published by the HSE on 4 May 2020 state that all but essential visiting by family and friends is suspended in the interests of protecting residents at this time. However, the Guidelines also acknowledge that a compassionate, pragmatic and proportionate approach is required in the care of those who are dying. The presence of a person close to the resident should be facilitated in so far as it is possible, and they should be aware of the potential infection risk. The language used in the Guidelines emphasises the need for compassion towards both the person who is dying and their family members.

In addition, a guidance document on Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for Possible or Confirmed COVID-19 in a Pandemic Setting was published on the HSPC's website on 8 May 2020. It notes that in the context of a pandemic situation, visiting restrictions will be required.  However, local risk assessment and practical management must be considered, ensuring the response is both pragmatic and proportionate. Again, specific scenarios where a compassionate and practical approach is required include care of the dying. Both guidance documents note the need for hand and respiratory hygiene and for the wearing of PPE when required.