Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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898. To ask the Minister for Health the reason that contracts for experienced level 1 grade IV clinical contact tracers, currently employed by an agency (details supplied) will not be renewed, particularly in view of rising Covid case numbers; if level 2 grade III non-clinical contact tracers will be asked to carry out level 1 grade IV clinical specialised contact tracing in their absence; the rationale for only permitting level 1 grade IV clinical contact tracers currently employed by the agency to apply for grade III contact tracing positions on a lower pay scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34426/22]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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899. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the decision to ask experienced grade IV clinical contact tracers to reapply for lower grade positions once their contracts end at the end of June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34427/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 898 and 899 together.

Changes to COVID-19 testing and tracing as part of the overall transition arrangements for the pandemic were approved by the Government in February 2022. There is no longer a public health rationale or need for extensive testing, case finding and tracing of infection to reduce COVID-19 transmission. The focus now is on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19 for those most vulnerable to the disease and those with risk factors who may benefit from specific interventions. Full details of the current public health advice are available on the website of the HSE at www.hse.ie. The public health advice relating to testing and tracing is kept under continuing review having regard to the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the disease on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, the vaccination status of the population, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) guidance and other international evidence and guidance.

The HSE is working to implement this advice which is invariably leading to consolidation of resources around the country as the HSE moves through the transition phases of the programme. The arrangements with regard to the number of positions available, and the nature of the work that will be carried out is a matter for the Health Service Executive, and I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in this regard, as soon as possible.