Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
1199. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 756 of 21 July 2020, his views on the substance of the question submitted regarding his awareness of the distribution of free face masks in Luxembourg; and his plans to introduce a similar scheme to provide access to free face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic [20111/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 756 of 21 July 2020, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and has provided advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis. This includes examining the situation that exists in other countries and, when relevant and appropriate, providing advice to me as Minister as to how to respond to the issues arising here in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As I indicated previously, I do not have plans to establish a distribution scheme for face coverings such as is referred to in the question. Face coverings are readily available in retail outlets and online. Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and the HSE website.
It is important to re-emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and hands should be washed before putting them on and taking them off.
