Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2020
126. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if clarity will be provided on the guidelines to playschools and primary schools on the prohibition of the use of plastic lunch boxes (details supplied); and if the reason for the issuing of such guidance will be provided. [27463/20]
View answerThe use of reusable plastic lunch boxes was not prohibited under guidelines issued previously by the DCCAE. It is the use of single-use plastic cups and straws and other single-use plastic items that was prohibited. These guidelines on the elimination of single-use plastics in the interest of environmental sustainability have not been changed. However, these guidelines were issued prior to the onset of Covid-19, and prior to other guidelines from the Department of Health concerning responses to the virus. In the present circumstances, guidelines in the interest of public health in the face of Covid-19 should take precedence over other guidelines. Re-usable hard surface items, such as plastic lunch boxes, can be used and should be cleaned and sanitised between uses. Disposable items, such as plastic lunch bags and disposable rubber gloves, can be used when and where it is advisable or preferable to do so in the interest of public health. The advice of the HSE should be followed at all times.
