Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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120. To ask the Minister for Health if communication was made between him or his office, with the Minister of State Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy on the topic of 12 Steps and other recovery support meetings prior to 1 September 2020 [24220/20]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Health when a decision was taken to regard addiction recovery support meetings as an essential service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24221/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.

The situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position.

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.

Clarification that drug and alcohol support groups were not included under this regulation was subsequently received from NPHET on 4th September.

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.