David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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2142. To ask the Minister for Health the number of complaints in relation to visiting restrictions in nursing homes received by HIQA and the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19957/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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HIQA have informed me that since 1/3/2020 HIQA has received 250 concerns in relation to visiting restrictions in nursing homes. I have asked the HSE to reply to Deputy directly on whether it has received any complaints in relation to visiting restrictions.

New visitation guidance was published on 12 March and came into effect on 22 March 2021. The new guidance incorporates early learning from the positive impact of the vaccine rollout nationally and internationally and provides enhanced opportunity for visiting in nursing homes across all levels of the Government’s Plan “Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead”.

At its meeting on 11 March, the NPHET committed to reviewing visiting guidance in one month’s time. The HPSC is currently finalising new visiting guidance, with a view to it being reviewed by NPHET this week.