Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
1369. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his advice regarding school children under 13 years of age having to wear a mask (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42595/21]
View answerThe Deputy is advised that the NPHET for COVID-19 is currently considering updated advice provided by the HIQA on the policy question:
“Should the minimum age for the application of mask wearing requirements and recommendations be reduced?"
The HIQA issued previous advice to the NPHET on this matter on 8 April and 3 March 2021 respectively, available here: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/reducing-minimum-age-mask-wearing
For both the advice issued on 3 March and 8 April 2021, and subsequently endorsed by the NPHET, the HIQA recommended that there should be no change in the minimum age for requirements and recommendations with respect to mask use in the community. In making this recommendation, it was recognised that the potential benefits of a requirement or recommendation for children to wear face masks must outweigh concerns regarding potential harms associated with face mask use.
The NPHET will consider the latest updated HIQA advice at its next meeting, scheduled for mid-September. The Minister for Health will be informed of the NPHET’s recommendation(s) on same in the usual manner after the NPHET meeting.
