Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
317. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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. [44367/21]
View answerApproximately half of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s staff have been working from their assigned workplaces throughout the pandemic. This includes in locations such as offices, laboratories, meat plants, seaports and airports as well as inspection staff visiting farms and other premises. All safety measures appropriate to these roles were put in place at the outset of the pandemic and will be maintained as Departmental staff return to their assigned workplaces over the coming weeks.
As regards the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of the Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
