The Government's announcement last Friday had a notable absence that caused considerable worry among a significant portion of the population. There was no mention of nursing homes. Residents in nursing homes have suffered disproportionately during the pandemic. Will the Government issue specific instructions to nursing homes ensuring that our older people have appropriate access to family visits, as some nursing homes are still denying these? We need clear guidelines to ensure that a balance between physical and mental health. I note that the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, are present. If the Taoiseach cannot answer, perhaps they can.

Basic guidelines and rules that were there are still there in respect of nursing homes and, therefore, the same rules apply. A comprehensive package of indirect and direct supports has been given to nursing homes since the onset of Covid. That continued engagement between the HSE and nursing homes will continue, particularly in respect of nursing homes that may have had outbreaks. The HSE will be there to assist and support nursing homes in whatever challenges they have. The supports continue with free personal protective equipment; free FFP2 masks; public health Covid-19 response team; infection protection and control training; and so forth.