Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2021
454. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if he will communicate the need for the provision of sanitiser and-or hand detergent at the entrance to stores to remain in place (details supplied); the steps he will take to mandate this practice be provided at open retail stores, garage forecourts and convenience stores; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2228/21]
View answerTo support the ongoing public health advice to government provided by the NPHET, the Department’s Press and Communications unit works closely with the HSE Communications team to raise the profile of the key public health messages amongst the general public, including hand washing and safe shopping.
- HSE national advertising campaigns include the promotion of all key public health messages including the importance of hand hygiene to minimise the spread of COVID-19
- HSE engage on an ongoing basis with many large retailers in the dissemination of public health advice
- Guidance on handwashing is available on HSE.ie and publicity materials such as posters for noticeboards and public spaces are available for download here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/ee0781-covid-19-posters-for-public-use/ and https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources
- The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has published a ‘Retail Protection and Improvement Guide’ to help retailers manage business continuity during the COVID-19 emergency, available here https://www.nsai.ie/images/uploads/general/NSAI-COVID19-Retail-Guidelines-13012021.pdf
