Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

644. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for persons returning from abroad and visitors from abroad to go into quarantine for a two-week period to reduce the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16709/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At present, the government advises against non-essential travel overseas.

Passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information provided on the form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry.

Passengers arriving to Ireland are advised in the interest of public health to restrict their movements for 14 days.

Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen existing arrangements.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

645. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to develop a new policy to take account of the Covid-19 experience in long stay residential settings; if a consultative process is planned with key stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16711/20]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On foot of a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommendation, on 23 May a COVID-19 Expert Panel on Nursing Homes was established, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort.

The purpose of the Panel is to examine the national and international responses to the COVID-19 crisis, and to examine the emerging best practice. Its main objective is to provide immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the next 12-18 months. COVID-19 is a new disease, which can present atypically in the frail elderly, and new evidence and best practice in its management are constantly emerging. In June, the Expert Panel undertook rapid consultative processes to engage with a range of key stakeholders through various means.

I expect the Expert Panel to submit their final report to me later this month - the content and any recommendations will be considered in detail.