Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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471. To ask the Minister for Health the number of cases of the B1.617.2 Covid-19 variant currently identified in Ireland; the way and the locations in which these were identified; the likely route of the entry of these cases in view of mandatory hotel quarantine; the steps being taken to prevent spread of this variant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27080/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Delta (B1.617.2) variant of COVID-19 was designated a Variant of Concern (VOC) in Ireland on Monday 12th May 2021. As of 24 June 2021, 210 cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed in Ireland by Whole Genome Sequencing. As per the Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s (HPSC) latest variant report with data to week 23 2021, in terms of most likely source of transmission of Delta cases, 56 were travel-related, 108 were close contacts of cases, 2 were healthcare-setting acquired, 33 were community transmission, and 11 were under investigation. The majority of these cases (162/210, 77%) were located in Dublin. The mean age of cases identified as infected with this variant was 31 years and the median age was 30 years (range: 0-78 years).

The evidence available to date indicates that the Delta variant, which is now the dominant variant across the United Kingdom (UK), is likely to be more transmissible and less susceptible to current vaccines. All analyses have found that it has a very substantial growth advantage. Monitoring in England and Scotland indicates a reduction in vaccine effectiveness with this being more pronounced after one dose (absolute reduction of 15-20%). In the UK, increasing COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths are also being observed in the context of rising prevalence of the Delta variant. This is of immediate concern here given the high numbers of people not yet vaccinated and, particularly, the high numbers of people of older age groups awaiting their second dose. This poses a significant risk to the pandemic response in Ireland.

Enhanced control measures have been implemented for all identified cases of the Delta variant in Ireland in order to mitigate the risk of further spread. All suspected cases of this variant are managed as per enhanced public health investigation and control for Variants of Concern by public health teams in the HSE.

All passengers arriving in Ireland must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and provide evidence of a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a COVID-19 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test carried out no more than 72 hours before arrival into Ireland. Those travelling from or via a designated State must pre-book and pre-pay for a place in a designated facility for mandatory hotel quarantine. For all others who are not otherwise exempt, mandatory home quarantine requirements apply. Full details are set out on www.gov.ie.

The increasing prevalence of the Delta variant in certain areas of England and detection in all geographical regions of the UK, poses an additional risk of importation due to close travel connections between the UK and Ireland. Those who arrive into Ireland from non-designated countries, including Great Britain, must observe 14 days of home quarantine. This 14-day period of home quarantine can be shortened for those who receive a not-detected RT-PCR test result 5 days after arrival. Furthermore, those who travel from Great Britain, who are not fully vaccinated are now requested to remain in quarantine and seek a further test at least 10 days after arrival in Ireland, in addition to the day 5 test. Further messaging to all incoming travellers, particularly from Great Britain, has been put in place to emphasise the home quarantine requirement and to encourage uptake of the 5-day post arrival test. The Government continues to advise against all non-essential international travel, including from Great Britain.

Evidence in relation to the Delta variant and its potential implications for the pandemic response in Ireland continue to be kept under close review.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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472. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the large surplus of vaccines (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27082/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is participating in a Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of Member States to procure suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19. Janssen is one of four vaccines that have been authorised by the EU, and a number of vaccine candidates are still to be fully assessed. Due to ongoing production issues with Janssen, deliveries have been below those originally scheduled. There are over two million doses of Janssen still due to Ireland however a detailed delivery schedule for the coming months in not available at present.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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473. To ask the Minister for Health the proposals for responding to the growing number of patients suffering with long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27094/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Covid-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features and its course are still emerging. We do however know that the clinical course of viral illnesses varies between people, and that the virus that causes Covid-19 can be detected in some people for many weeks. However, this does not mean that people are infectious for a prolonged period of time.

Fatigue is a common symptom after many viral infections and while most people recover in a short few days or weeks it can be prolonged and more severe for others. The reason for this is unclear. We would usually expect people to make a full recovery over time. Covid-19 is a multisystem infection and may impact people in differing ways.

Specific guidance on what has been referred to as the “long-tail” is presently under development both here and internationally. Longer-term observational studies will be required to understand the health consequences presently being attributed to post Covid-19 infection.

I can advise the Deputy that the HSE as part of its work on post-Covid, is now looking at how it can model the possible numbers that will be affected, noting that this will take time as more evidence emerges. There is a lot of uncertainty in the international literature about how many people experience prolonged symptoms so it is extremely difficult to determine the scale as yet in Ireland, however the HSE are monitoring the situation very closely and looking at how we can best estimate the scale, this will take some time and will need continual review.

I understand that the HSE has been in touch with and will be engaging with a group of people who are suffering post-Covid symptoms. Guidance is being developed to align needs with care provision and to develop criteria and strategies for the ongoing evaluation of patients.

People who have had Covid-19 are being followed up by their GP or in hospital settings. People in the community who are concerned about persistent Covid-19 symptoms should contact their GP. People who were admitted to hospital with Covid -19 are usually seen by the clinical team who admitted them so care is provided across a variety of clinics and settings. Treatment is currently focused on management of specific symptoms.