Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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2258. To ask the Minister for Health if the policy to permit two fully vaccinated persons to meet indoors also applies to nursing home residents receiving outside visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20306/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in nursing homes has been considerable and this remains a very difficult time for nursing home residents and their families. The importance of continued social interaction of residents and their families cannot be overstated and every effort should be made, in line with public health advice, to ensure that these interactions continue.

The surge in COVID-19 in January of 2021 and the resulting harm to residents and staff in nursing homes is a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance to prevent introduction of COVID-19 into LTRCs. Although the situation has greatly improved, there is a continuing risk of introduction of infection, even with a high level of vaccination. There is a particular concern about the possibility of introducing a new variant, against which the vaccine may be less effective. Therefore caution remains appropriate. While it is recognised that LTRCFs are residents homes, they are also healthcare facilities and an appropriate balance of consideration must be applied.

The Government’s revised plan, COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead, published on 23 February, recognises that the challenge of balancing protective health measures and normal living has been particularly important in the context of visitations to long-term residential care settings (LTRC). LTRC visiting guidance has remained under ongoing review throughout the pandemic.

In light of the advanced stage of rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in LTRCs for both residents and staff, the NPHET (the National Public Health Emergency Team) requested that the HSE progress a process for considering the scope and application of LTRC visiting restrictions in the context of the Framework of Restrictive Measures, having regard to international and national evidence, the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and the level of disease in the community. The HSE drafted new visiting guidance, taking the above-detailed considerations into account, which was published on 11 March and came into effect on 22 March.

At its meeting of 11 March, the NPHET committed to reviewing visiting guidance in LTRCs in April. This review process is ongoing and it is expected that any new proposals arising from this will be considered by NPHET this month.