Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
639. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on whether high-grade medical masks must be a priority for carers as well as nurses and teachers; the steps his Department has taken to distribute free high-grade masks to carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3414/22]
View answerThe HSE provides all PPE, including appropriate face masks, to all health care workers employed by the HSE, and in certain private settings such as nursing homes in accordance with advice of the National Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Team (AMRIC). In addition, I understand from the HSE that the supplies of FFP2 masks are being provided through the Community Healthcare Organisation PPE leads for home support workers.
Guidance on wearing of PPE for health care workers can be found at:
healthservice.hse.ie/staff/coronavirus/policies-procedures-guidelines/prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus-in-the-workplace.html
The details of the distribution of PPE and the types of equipment provided is a matter for the HSE and, as such, I am referring the Deputy’s question to the Executive.
