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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Questions (708)

Emer Higgins

Question:

708. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make face masks mandatory on public transport; his further plans to increase the frequency of buses to ensure sufficient capacity while the numbers on buses are limited to comply with social distancing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12354/20]

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Written answers

On 15 May, An Taoiseach announced public health guidance in relation to wearing face coverings in certain circumstances, as part of efforts to tackle Covid-19 in Ireland, recommending that face coverings should be worn when using busy public transport or while in enclosed indoor public areas such as retail outlets. The public health guidance recommends that face coverings should be worn as an additional hygiene measure in these circumstances; it does not impose a mandatory requirement.

Last week also saw the launch of a campaign, on the recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team, to strongly encourage the wearing of face coverings in certain circumstances. I would urge people to wear face coverings while on a bus, tram, train or taxi. Doing so will increase protection for other customers and for public transport workers. Detailed content is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and HSE.ie, with guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings.

The Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that are to carry on. I would like to thank both public and commercial operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.

Over the course of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In this context, the NTA is engaging directly with both PSO and commercial transport operators.

Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
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