Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
629. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position on regulations to enforce the wearing of face coverings in busy outdoor spaces in which many persons gather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5083/21]
View answer643. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he has considered providing financial assistance to the most vulnerable, including those who continue to have to go out to work as essential workers, with the cost of face masks; if he will engage with the Minister for Social Protection on the possibility of making such a payment available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5144/21]
View answer644. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by vulnerable persons, including cancer patients, in meeting the cost of the high-quality face masks they are advised to wear; if the matter will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5145/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 629, 643 and 644 together.
The public health advice relating to COVID-19 is kept under continuous review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and the Government. The NPHET reviews international developments as a component of their overall examination of the evolving epidemiology of Covid-19 and are informed by the international scientific evidence, and guidance by international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). WHO and ECDC guidance is formulated in the context of considered appraisal of the international experience and accumulating scientific evidence in relation to COVID-19.
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 regulations relating to face coverings have recently been amended to include post offices, credit unions and banks.
Face coverings are also recommended in situations where physical distancing may not be possible, in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is significant congregation.
There are no plans, at this time, to regulate for, or supply face coverings in the manner proposed by the Deputies.
The relevant Regulations in relation to face coverings which remain in place until 9 June, 2021 can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
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/.
