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29th Aug 2021

Future of NPHET “still remains to be decided”, says Taoiseach Micheál Martin

Clara Kelly

He said that there will be a “transition” from an “emergency situation” into a “more normal environment”.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that the future of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) “still remains to be decided”.

The Taoiseach also said that there will be a “transition” from an “emergency situation” to a more “normal environment” throughout Government.

He was speaking as the Irish Independent reported that NPHET and other groups such as NIAC may be wound down over the coming months as more restrictions ease from September.

Speaking to RedFM News, Martin said that Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan will remain “a key officer”, however, in terms of the task force a decision “remains to be decided”.

“The CMO is a key officer within the Department of Health and leads the public health campaign and public health advice – that will remain and that will continue,” he said.

“Precise formats and so on – in terms of the task force and the senior official’s group – will be looked at.

“How do we transition now from what has been an emergency situation for a long period, into creating what’s a more normal environment across government in dealing with the next phase?

“All of that still remains to be decided.”

It comes as Cabinet is set to meet on Tuesday to discuss the further easing of remaining Covid-19 restrictions.

Restrictions that are expected to be eased from September throughout the coming months include a return to offices, full capacity on public transport, and a return to live entertainment.

Main Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie.

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