Written answers

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Photo of Richard Boyd BarrettRichard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2228. To ask the Minister for Health the number of complaints that have been received by his Department in relation to the violation of the rights or poor treatment of persons staying in mandatory hotel quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20188/21]

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

The safety, wellbeing and comfort of all guests quarantining in a designated facility is a priority of the mandatory quarantine system, along with the ultimate goal of protecting public health by limiting the potential spread of COVID-19 variants of concern.

As part of the agreement with the single service provider for the mandatory quarantine service, complaints from guests regarding facility operations are handled in the first instance by the staff at the designated facility. A comprehensive complaints procedure is in place and the service provider will make all reasonable efforts to address feedback or complaints from guests during their stay in a designated facility.

The mandatory hotel quarantine service provider has confirmed that a small number of complaints have been received regarding operational matters, but that these have all been resolved.

The State Liaison Officer (SLO) have staff onsite 24/7 at each designated facility to liaise between guests and the service provider if required. Issues or complaints raised by guests which fall outside the facility operations are addressed by the SLO. The provisions of the Health Act allow for travellers to request a review of decisions relating to their quarantine, this is also facilitated through the SLO. This might include appeals related to exemptions under the Health Act to the requirement to undergo quarantine in a designated facility.

All guests undergoing mandatory quarantine in a designated facility are being provided with access to a 24/7 on-site healthcare team who hold clinical responsibility for their wellbeing during their stay. The on-site healthcare team are available to address any wellbeing concerns of guests through both scheduled daily check-in calls during a guest's stay as well as through direct engagement if requested. Guests requiring any specific, urgent or emergency care which cannot be provided on-site at a hotel may also be referred to a dedicated medical facility by the on-site healthcare team.

Guests who wish to access other services, such as consular services, may arrange to do so through normal channels. The hotel service provider will endeavour to facilitate any requests for assistance in accessing such channels, such as by arranging for translation services if requested.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.