Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
166. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure the enforcement of compulsory face coverings on all public transport services; when he expects enforcement to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14705/20]
View answer173. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he plans to ensure compliance with mask wearing by members of the public on public transport in the interests of worker and passenger safety. [14833/20]
View answer183. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to monitor and enforce the wearing of face coverings and masks on public transport; the penalties that apply to those that do not comply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14970/20]
View answer184. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the alternative public transport arrangements available for commuters who, for valid reasons, are unable to wear face coverings and masks on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14971/20]
View answer272. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce enforcement powers to make the wearing of masks on public transport mandatory; and if so, when the powers will be introduced. [16119/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 173, 183, 184 and 272 together.
Following the commencement of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 29 June 2020, changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions were agreed, allowing a move from 2 metres social distancing to utilising 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity of public transport fleet. This will help to underpin public transport services during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap for Re-opening Society and Business.
Alongside this change, it was also decided that the wearing of a face covering when using public transport would be made mandatory. The Regulations for the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport were introduced under Health legislation on 10 July and came into effect on Monday 13 July.
Public health advice tells us that face coverings are an important safety measure, especially in interior spaces, but that they not suitable for every individual. Recognising this, the new Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13. Reflecting public health advice, the Regulations also allow that wearing a face covering is not required where a person has a “reasonable excuse”, and this includes where a person
- cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress,
- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating,
- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, or
- removes the face covering to take medication.
The NTA is engaging with public transport operators regarding implementation of the Regulations. The NTA is also making arrangements for an easy and discreet way for vulnerable people who have a reasonable excuse for not wearing a face covering to communicate this with relevant public transport staff. It will be a voluntary arrangement for passengers who wish to use it, and will be similar to the recently-introduced JAM (just a minute) card.
The Regulations are implementable by a “relevant person” who is defined as any officer, employee or agent of a public transport operator or of the NTA. A relevant person implementing the Regulations can seek the assistance of An Garda Síochána where needed.
Where a passenger is not wearing a face covering, a relevant person under the Regulations may:
- request the passenger to wear a face covering,
- refuse the passenger entry to the public transport vehicle, or
- request the passenger to alight from the vehicle. Failure to comply is an offence and there are penalties (on summary conviction) for non-compliance.
Operators are already reporting high levels of compliance by passengers. I expect this to grow in the coming days as people understand the importance of protecting their fellow passengers and staff. It is not intended that enforcement or penalties will be needed often; but they are now available if necessary.
