I propose to take Questions Nos. 1001 and 1002 together.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) was an established mechanism for coordinating the health sector response to significant public health emergencies. It facilitated the sharing of information between the Department of Health and its agencies. Throughout its existence, the NPHET for COVID-19 oversaw and provided national direction, guidance, support and expert advice on the development and implementation of a strategy to contain COVID-19 in Ireland
In particular, the NPHET played a critical role in closely and continuously monitoring the evolving impact of COVID-19 on Ireland’s population, as well as the health service’s capacity, performance, and ability to respond.
The decisions and recommendations of the NPHET are published in full here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/collections/minutes-and-agendas-from-meetings-of-the-nphet-covid-19/
As the Deputy will be aware, a COVID-19 Evaluation Panel has been established. This is an independent, non-statutory evaluation, with a wide remit that will incorporate pandemic responses across hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with wider economic and societal impacts.
Public Health oversight is exercised through the Department’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer, ensuring policy leadership, strategic oversight and alignment with national Public Health policy.
With respect to the development of public health risk assessments (PHRA), the Department of Health does not conduct technical assessments. PHRA are undertaken by the HSE and its Public Health units, including the National Health Protection Office and its partners. As such, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
