Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

310. To ask the Minister for Health the dates on which the PCR tests in which the three cases of the P1 Brazilian variant that were announced on 19 February 2021 were carried out; the dates on which it was notified to his Department and the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, that the said variant was detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10858/21]

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

315. To ask the Minister for Health the dates on which the PCR tests regarding the three cases of the P1 Brazilian variant that were announced on 19 February 2021 were carried out; the dates on which it was discovered by NPHET that the variant was detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10864/21]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 315 together.

On 19 February 2021, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre was notified of three cases of a new variant of COVID-19 (‘P1’), first identified in Brazil. All of the cases identified are understood to be directly associated with recent travel from Brazil. All cases are being followed up by public health teams and enhanced public health measures have been put in place, in line with guidance. This was notified to my Department on the same date.

My Department cannot comment on the specific circumstances of the individual cases which have arisen in this case as to do so would breach the duty of confidentiality to the individuals.