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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Ceisteanna (1264, 1280, 1356)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

1264. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if painters and decorators are allowed to enter homes to carry out their work under new level 5 restrictions. [32832/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

1280. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if painters are allowed to operate under levels 4 and 5 of the living with Covid plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32906/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

1356. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if painting and decorating contractors are deemed an essential service under construction and development as per the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33348/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1264, 1280 and 1356 together.

You will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere.

On Tuesday 15 September the Government published ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. This Plan outlines a medium-term strategy for COVID-19 and sets out a Framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus. The intention is that Departments and sectors will provide guidance for specific sectors and activities in line with the 5 level framework.

A range of essential services are permitted to continue under Levels 4 and 5. This includes construction and development activities and specifically the following is permitted - the supply and delivery of maintenance and repair services to businesses and places of residence (including electrical, gas, oil, plumbing, glazing and roofing services). In this regard, painting and decorating can continue to operate as an essential service. However, in the spirit of current measures and efforts to significantly suppress the virus, householders would be expected to pause more routine non-essential jobs until after current restrictions are lifted.

The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position. Details of Level 5 measure are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/

Current regulations and other Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Question No. 1265 answered with Question No. 1140.
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