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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021

Thursday, 16 September 2021

Questions (203)

Holly Cairns

Question:

203. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure that all staff in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks in the EN14683 category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44379/21]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that the majority of staff of my Department continue to work remotely in line with current Government and HSE guidelines unless, due to business needs, it is necessary to be physically present in the office.  In line with the Work Safely Protocol, my Department has a Covid Response Plan that is available to all staff and provides guidance on a broad range of Covid-related issues, including the wearing of face coverings where the position adopted is in line with public health guidelines.  As part of its Covid Response Plan, my Department has also instituted infection protection and control measures, such as physical distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene.  Based on public health guidelines, the nature of its office-based work and given that it does not provide services directly to the public, my Department has no plans to provide medical grade masks in the EN14683 category to staff or members of the public.

This is also the case for the bodies under the aegis of my Department, with the exception of the bodies listed below:

Office of Public Works (OPW)

Due to  the necessity of its work, EN14683 medical grade face masks are provided to the relevant OPW staff in accordance with public health guidelines.

State Laboratory

All staff in the State Laboratory who, by necessity of their work, have to come   into close proximity with others, including other employees or external consultants, are provided with medical grade masks in the EN14683 category.  

 

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