Health Promotion Issues

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Questions (890)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

890. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the position regarding requirements on public transport companies in the public and private sector to have policies or take action on the provision or erection of public health notices on buses and trains, encouraging customers to prevent the spread of germs by using a tissue when coughing or sneezing; if there are already legal requirements on such companies to do so; the person who enforces same; and if he will request our transport companies to take action regarding same. [27155/13]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

There are no requirements on public companies to provide public health information as a matter of course. However, in the event of a high risk to public health information materials will be widely distributed. During the SARS pandemic in 2003 all public transport companies operating on cross border routes displayed information notices in several languages. Information notices were also distributed on all flights and ferries arriving in the State. During the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in 2009 visual alerts regarding optimum hygiene and infection control measures were widely displayed in public places, offices and many transport services. Radio and Television media also provided air-time without charge for these important public health announcements. Infection control posters and information are available to download from www.hpsc.ie.