Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 January 2021
195. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding mandatory face mask use in banks and other financial institutions; and if the mandatory wearing of facemasks has been considered in circumstances in which all relevant security measures are taken into account to reflect the concerns of front-line branch workers. [1984/21]
View answer237. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if banks and credit unions will be added to the list of workplaces in which the wearing of face coverings is compulsory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2139/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 237 together.
I would like to assure the Deputies that the public health advice relating to Covid-19, including that relating to face coverings, is kept under continuous review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
It is recommended that face coverings are worn by people in situations where physical distancing may not be possible, such as in crowded workplaces, places of worship and in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is significant congregation.
As the Deputies are no doubt aware, a person, without reasonable excuse, must wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners and licensed bookmakers.
The relevant Regulations, which remain in place until 9 June, 2021, are -
Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings in Certain Premises and Businesses) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 571 of 2020).
The Deputies may wish to note that the wearing of face coverings are not mandatory in premises such as bank branches/credit unions/post offices for both public health and security reasons. By their nature, these locations are controlled environments where social distancing for members of the public should be attainable. There are also security requirements in terms of ensuring the identities of people entering a financial institution.
The current advice in relation to face coverings is available at -https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html and http://www.gov.ie/facecoverings/
