Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
162. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if it will be ensured that all the requirements of the Work Safely Protocol issued on 20 November 2020 are implemented with particular reference to the contents of section D3 (details supplied) in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42598/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has developed a COVID-19 Response Plan in collaboration with representatives from the staff unions.
A COVID-19 Return to the Workplace Safely Committee has been established under the Plan and meets fortnightly. The Committee’s membership is made of up representatives from my Department's Human Resources, Facilities Management and Information Services Division, the Health & Safety Officer, Union Representatives and Worker Representatives. The Committee's main role is to coordinate all activity related to the Department’s COVID-19 response in respect of the safe attendance at and return to the workplace of its staff, ensuring stringent control measures including social/physical distancing, communications and procedures are in place to minimise the risk to staff and visitors to Department premises. Signage and information regarding physical/social distancing, face masks, hygiene measures, maximum occupancy and other control measures have been placed in multiple areas across all of the Department’s premises.
The vast majority of staff in my Department have been working from home since March 2020 and will continue to do so in accordance with the advice under the Government's Plan for Living with COVID_19 during the currency of the Plan. Where staff are required to attend the office all necessary measures have been implemented to ensure appropriate physical/social distancing.
