Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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973. To ask the Minister for Health if he will commission a report on the role of vitamin D in immunological health as it relates to same, given the evidence that vitamin D has a causal relationship to SARS-CoV2 infection and Covid-19 disease and the evidence for population supplementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13480/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to Vitamin D supplementation in the population, the Deputy is advised that the existing guidance on vitamin D was updated in November 2020 and advises that adults aged 65 and older to take a 15 microgram (600 IU) daily supplement for bone and muscle health.

An evidence synthesis paper on vitamin D and COVID-19 prepared for the NPHET was discussed at its meeting on 28th January 2021. The NPHET agreed that at present, there is insufficient high-quality evidence with respect to vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and noted that ongoing developments, particularly Randomised Control Trials, in this area be monitored by the NPHET with guidance reviewed accordingly.

The NPHET agreed that efforts should be made to increase awareness of existing guidance. Adults spending increased time indoors or those who are housebound or in long-term residential care or have dark skin pigmentation are also recommended to take a daily vitamin D supplement.

These recommendations for the use of vitamin D are being incorporated into wider messaging, and additionally are being communicated across the health service, including nursing homes and social care settings, as necessary.

The Department of Health has recently written to the HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland to encourage implementation of guidance on vitamin D in nursing homes.

The Government will continue to look to the NPHET to provide recommendations with regard to Vitamin D and COVID-19.