Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1065. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in each direct provision centre by month between 1 February 2020 and 10 January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2616/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you for your question, Deputy. I note you asked a similar question this time last year. I can confirm that responsibility for the recording of the number of people who test positive for COVID-19 still lies with the Department of Health. The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) cannot confirm positive test results of any person as we do not hold such personal medical information.

Decisions on who should be tested and the release of data relating to same are matters for the HSE in a public health context. My Department's priority is the protection of residents, staff and the wider community while working very closely with the HSE to manage the challenges of this public health crisis.

Information regarding outbreaks of COVID-19 are published weekly by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC). Details of outbreaks in IPAS centres can be found at the following link:

www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/surveillance/covid-19outbreaksclustersinireland/covid-19outbreaksclustersinirelandweeklyreports2021/

I can assure the Deputy that the health and wellbeing of all residents and staff of accommodation centres for International Protection applicants is a high priority for my Department.  My staff work closely with the HSE to ensure that IPAS centres comply fully with public health guidance.