Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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632. To ask the Minister for Health if massage treatment is to be included in the list of essential services that can remain open during level 5 in view of the proven benefits for pain management and positive mental health and the fact that it can contribute to a reduction in the number of persons requiring medical appointments for such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39598/20]

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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669. To ask the Minister for Health if homeopathic therapy treatment can continue to operate as an essential service during the level 5 public health measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39797/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 632 and 669 together.

The Deputies should note that at Level 5 of the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 - the Plan for Living with COVID-19, only essential retail outlets and essential services are allowed to open to the public.

The list of essential services that can open during Level 5 includes therapy services 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). There are seventeen professions designated under the 2005 Act, which are encompassed in the list of essential services. These are: Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Medical Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Physiotherapists (which includes Physical Therapists), Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Biochemists, Counsellors, Orthoptists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Social Care Workers.

As the Deputy is aware, Ireland will move to Level 3 of the framework on Tuesday 1st December. At level 3, complimentary and alternative therapies such as massage treatment are permitted.