One of the saddest parts of the coronavirus was when people, mostly elderly people, died alone in hospitals where they were not allowed visits. It was very sad and very bad that many people who worked hard, reared their families and brought this country to where it is were denied visits and died alone. Almost every aspect of society is open but in the area I represent, most hospitals and nursing homes are only allowing two visits per week for family members. This is not acceptable. Where is this rule coming from? Is it from the HSE, the Government or the Chief Medical Officer? It does not make sense at all. When the patient is close to death and it is clear that he or she will die the whole family is let in to visit. Where did this direction come from? I ask the Taoiseach to lift it right away.

Decisions like this are made locally and they are based on a variety of factors. Some involve local outbreaks among healthcare workers or residents and some will factor in the prevalence of the virus at the time so different hospitals in different regions adjust accordingly. We have to try to get the balance right between infection prevention and control, and compassion, particularly when people are sick or near the end of life. If the Deputy has specific areas or nursing homes that his constituents are making him aware of-----

It is practically the whole lot and it is not acceptable.

If the Deputy wants to talk to me about it further I will get him a note on it.