Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
130. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the classification of school clothing and school supplies under the level 5 plan following the start of the phased return of schools and the significant associated pressures on parents at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12943/21]
View answerS.I. No. 701 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 and S.I. No. 4 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/) clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/ and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
Under Level 5, only essential retail outlets will remain open and all measures in Level 5 will stay in place until at least April 5 2021. Further information can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/ Clothing products can be ordered remotely for delivery and are also available on compassionate grounds as circumstances arise.
The decision on the categorisation of essential services and/or essential retail outlets is not primarily a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
