As the Deputy is aware, the evidence relating to Covid-19, and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to Covid-19, including face masks, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my department and by the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
The current advice regarding face coverings, including the circumstances in which it is mandatory to wear a face covering and who should not wear a face covering is available at: www.gov.ie/facecoverings/. Guidance is also available on the HSE website at Face masks: when and how to wear one - HSE.ie
The Deputy may wish to note that a person need not wear a face covering if they have an illness or impairment that would make wearing a face covering difficult. Face coverings are not recommended for anyone who:
- has trouble breathing
- is unconscious or incapacitated
- is unable to remove it without help
- has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing them
- needs to communicate with someone who has learning difficulties, is hard of hearing or deaf
Guidance on type and standard of face mask is available on the HSE website at Types of face coverings, masks and visors - HSE.ie
To inform national efforts in response to Covid-19, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is developing Health Technology Assessment evidence summaries to answer specific research questions posed by the NPHET. HIQA evidence summaries on various topics, including on the use of face masks in the community is available at: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessments
My Department and the Government has invested in significant public health campaigns to ensure that all members of the community are aware of all public health guidelines relating to Covid 19 including face masks.
