Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020
180. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if clarity will be provided on the guidelines to playschools and crèches in relation to the prohibition of the use of plastic lunch boxes (details supplied); and if the reason for the issuing of such guidance will be provided. [29100/20]
View answerExpert guidance on the safe reopening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic was published by the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on 29 May, and updated on 31 July.
In addition to the expert guidance from the HPSC, my Department has provided a range of online resources and guidance to support service providers, practitioners and parents to prepare for the reopening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare settings, including childminders. The Guidance for Reopening webpage is available on the First 5 website:
https://first5.gov.ie/practitioners/reopening .
The guidance provided by the HPSC does not include any advice on the use of plastic lunch boxes and my Department has not issued any guidance prohibiting the use of plastic lunch boxes.
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate, the independent statutory regulator, has also provided regulatory guidance for services operating during COVID-19, which is available on the First 5 website. This guidance does not include any advice on the use of plastic lunch boxes, and Tusla have advised that they have not issued any other guidance prohibiting the use of plastic lunch boxes.
