Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
912. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are particular difficulties for dog owners and animal welfare caused by lack of access to dog grooming services; the steps he plans to take to assist such services in resuming; and his views on which stage of the 5 stage Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business is appropriate for dog grooming to resume. [6836/20]
View answerThe current list of essential services includes the provision of veterinary, animal welfare and related services. Where there is a clear and immediate welfare issue associated with an individual dog which needs to be groomed/clipped, this may be dealt with on animal welfare grounds whilst adhering to an operational protocol that is in compliance with the HSE advice regarding hand and respiratory hygiene and physical distancing and where engagement by appointment would be important factor. In the provision of essential services, providers should always consider whether such a service is actually essential at any point in time and how it can be undertaken such that it poses minimal risk of the provider and client.
The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business further sets out the sequence by which businesses may incrementally reopen. This Roadmap is guided by over-riding principles and a focus – safe, rational, evidence-informed, fair, open and transparent and whole of society. The roadmap for Retail, Personal Services and Commercial activities are set out in Table 5. In addition businesses that are preparing to return to work in accord with the Roadmap, should proceed in line with the guidance set out in the Return to Work Safely Protocol.
