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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021

Thursday, 16 September 2021

Questions (257)

Holly Cairns

Question:

257. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science 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. [44375/21]

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Written answers

The safety and welfare of employees and the minimisation of the impact of COVID-19 in the workplace are important principles in the management of COVID-19.

The Government published the ‘Work Safely Protocol’ in November 2020. It incorporates advice and guidance on the public health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace as issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the Department of Health and the Government. It advises on the measures required in every place of work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the ongoing safe operation of those workplaces. The Public Health advice includes information on the management and control of outbreaks, selection of hand sanitisers, wearing of masks, and ventilation of workplaces.

My Department is following the central guidance that is in place across the public sector.  At present, under that guidance, the wearing of face coverings is not mandatory in office environments.  However, the guidance suggests that employees should consider wearing face coverings in places or situations where it may be difficult to achieve or maintain 2m physical/social distancing.   I can confirm that, if required, medical grade masks may be provided to staff in my Department whose work involves them interacting with customers/others where the physical distance of 2m cannot be maintained.

Contact details for the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with her query. 

Aegis body contacts for Oireachtas

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