Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1261. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review correspondence (details supplied); his views on the importance of such services by way of support for members; if a special case will be made on their behalf; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21821/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Officials in the Department of Health have been working with Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and the HSE Social Inclusion Services to ensure that services and supports continue to be provided for those with problem drug and alcohol use, in line with public health advice. Details of services operating during the coronavirus outbreak can be found at 'drugs.ie'.

AA, NA and Smart Recovery have responded to the crisis by providing online support and the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline is available from Mon-Fri. 9.30-5.30pm 1800 459 459. Information about the effects of alcohol on your health and tips to cut down can be accessed on the HSE website www.askaboutalcohol.ie .

The Government introduced new regulations for indoor events on 31st August, 2020 [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020]. The regulations, which state that events being organised indoors may have no more than 6 attendees, apply to social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment and community events.

Drug and alcohol support group meetings are not impacted by these restrictions and can continue to operate, subject to adherence to public health guidance relating to physical distancing and other protective measures.

The following public health guidance applies to indoor events:

- Meetings should take place online where possible.

- Where face-to-face meetings are necessary, physical distancing of 2 metres must apply.

- Meetings should be kept as short as possible.

- Managed and organised arrival and departure processes must be in place.

- Where possible, increase ventilation in the meeting facilities.

- The numbers attending should be kept to an absolute minimum. Capacity will depend on the venue and the ability to physically distance and ensure other protective measures are in place, the overall numbers at any one time within the meeting facility should not exceed 50 people.

- To ensure optimal physical distancing, multiple pods of a maximum of 6 people in each is preferable if sufficient space is available and if it is feasible, with no inter-mingling between pods.

I welcome the clarification that addiction support groups are not covered by the regulations governing indoor events. I would advise that support groups proceed with a degree of extra caution, as individuals with addiction problems are more vulnerable to the risk of Covid-19, and put in place strict protective measures.