Environmental Health Service pg. 33

• Work continued with retailers and other stakeholders nationally to build compliance with new measures in relation to the sale of alcohol under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 and to ensure compliance with the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002
• Due to the COVID-19 related closure of premises, the number of inspections and test purchases of food premises, sunbed establishments and tobacco retailers was reduced compared to 2019. However, responding to complaints from the general public regarding matters felt to be a risk to public health remained a key focus and 96% of all such complaints were assessed within one working day.

Social Inclusion pg 35

• Significant supports were put in place to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups such as the establishment of the Dublin Homeless COVID-19 Response team, led by Dublin North City and County Community Healthcare. This included a dedicated COVID-19 assessment hub, based in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. The hub is a joint venture between the hospital, the HSE and SafetyNet and includes a mobile outreach service aimed at those experiencing homelessness and others who cannot or rarely seek access to GPs and healthcare
• An early infection control response was implemented across homeless services guided by the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre’s COVID-19 Guidance for Homeless Settings and other vulnerable group (social inclusion) settings
• Additional wrap-around supports were provided to monitor and manage the health of those in temporary emergency accommodation, shielding, cocooning and self-isolation facilities
• An additional 893 people commenced on opioid substitution treatment during 2020.

Substance Misuse

• No. and % of substance misusers (over 18 years) for whom treatment has commenced within one calendar month following assessment
• No. and % of substance misusers (under 18 years) for whom treatment has commenced within one week following assessment