Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (1096)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

1096. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if essential workers in Level 5 of the Covid-19 restrictions must be required to be physically present in their workplace in order to be deemed essential workers; if his attention has been drawn to contradictory Government advice in this regard (details supplied); if those deemed to be essential workers and who are instructed by their employers to work from home will be classed as essential workers for the purposes of childcare in level 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1805/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I would like to thank the Deputy for bringing this matter to my attention.

Following consultation with my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, I understand that his Department has updated their FAQ document which can be viewed at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/367e6-faqs-for-providers-of-early-learning-and-care-and-school-age-childcare-services-12-january/.

The Deputy should note that physical attendance at workplaces is only permitted where delivery of essential services can only be provided in person and cannot be delivered remotely. However, for the purposes of access to childcare, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have advised that workers delivering essential services who are working from home are eligible to access childcare services.