Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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2129. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding public services which remain restricted while at level 5 in view of the new roadmap for reopening the country which refers to the loosening of restrictions on specific dates rather than the move to new levels; his views on whether it can be reasonably argued that the country remains at level 5 when a number of restrictions have been lifted; if the previous roadmap to living with Covid-19 is still in use; if so, when he expects a move to the lower levels; when all essential public services which are currently closed as a result of being at level 5 will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19925/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland remains in Level 5 of the ‘Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19’. Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19, and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. Full details of Level 5 measures in place can be found on Gov.ie ().

The Government announced a slight easing of restrictions within Level 5 from 12 April in recognition of the significant impact that the extended period of Level 5 restrictions is having on people. The focus of this easing of measures is on enabling more outdoor activities in order to improve the health and wellbeing of society. The situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the reopening of priority services, and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The NPHET and the Government will consider the position again at the start of May.

The ‘Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19’ remains in use and is included in the Government’s current strategy COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead. The 5 Level Framework outlines the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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2130. To ask the Minister for Health when maternity hospital visitor restrictions will be lifted; the continued justification of restricting a partners access; if he will review the matter urgently especially considering the lower levels of patients with Covid-19 in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19926/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.