Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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497. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a Covid-19 test and trace facility is provided to the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59138/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Testing and contact tracing continues to be a key component of the Irish Government’s response to the pandemic. Demand for testing is higher than it has been at any point in the pandemic and continues to increase. Approximately 215,000 PCR tests have been completed in the last 7 days.

While the system is currently operating in excess of surge capacity, it is kept under continuing review in order to maximise its use in responding to the threats posed by the virus. There are testing centres located all around the country. The HSE have worked to ensure that measures in childcare facilities are robust and prioritise the safety of staff and children in these settings. Schools and Childcare facilities are controlled settings and the approach to testing and contact tracing is risk-based in relation to the setting, age-group and the existence of other preventive measures.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published guidance on 'COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control guidance for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare settings during the COVID-19 Pandemic' which is available as follows: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/childcareguidance/Guidance%20for%20services%20providing%20childcare%20services.pdf

The HPSC has also published an updated guidance document 'Isolation quick guide for parents and guardians of children older than 3 months and up to 13 years of age', which is available as follows: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/factsheetsandresources/Isolation%20quick%20guide%20under%2013s.pdf

Further guidance on the management of Covid-19 in Early Years settings is published by Tusla as follows: www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Guidance_Document_for_Early_Years_Services_COVID-19_(Version_3_19.04.21)_.pdf,

The role of testing and contact tracing, as part of the wider public health response, has been under ongoing review throughout the pandemic and will continue to be reviewed and amended in line with the epidemiological profile of the disease, its impact on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, the vaccination status of the population and ECDC guidance.