Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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305. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the number of children suffering from long-Covid with no supports at school to deal with these issues; if discussions are expected with the Minister for Education to put supports in place for these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55968/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Clinical evidence currently suggests that longer-term effects of COVID19 are felt mostly by adults. The Interim Model of Care being implemented by the HSE aims to ensure a national service to support those needing care. €2.2m was allocated this year and within Estimates 2023, additional funding has been provided which will facilitate an overall investment of €6.6m for the development of Long Covid services.

There was a paucity of research in children, initial reports indicated that children recover quickly from Covid with a low incidence of Long Covid. Research is developing within this area, however evidence remains limited.

Thankfully, available international evidence suggests that the majority of children with Long COVID-19 infection have asymptomatic or mild disease, their recovery is quick and the incidence of Long Covid is low. Nevertheless, health services are in place to provide care for children who may need it.

I wish to advise the Deputy that school supports for children are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education.