Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
700. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken in consultation with other relevant Departments and their agencies to ensure that the legislation on the prevention of the spread of Covid-19 are adhered to, particularly in retail, hospitality, workplaces and so on in view of the rapid increase in Covid-19 numbers; the response he has received from these agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57538/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department actively works together with relevant Departments and agencies, on inspections in relation to compliance by businesses with COVID-19 related regulations and guidance, participating at the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) and the Regulators' Forum.
The (LEEF) is the forum for high-level dialogue between Government, Trade Union and Employer representatives on matters related to the labour force. Given the importance of keeping workplaces safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, it established a consultative stakeholder group to oversee the implementation of the Work Safely Protocol. This consultative group prepared and published an updated Guidance to assist employers and workers.
In support of this work, the Regulators’ Forum, brings together relevant Departments, Agencies and other bodies involved in compliance, engagement and inspections related to COVID-19. The Forum, chaired by D/Taoiseach, includes representatives from a range of Government Departments as well as the Health and Safety Authority, the Environmental Health Service of the HSE, the Workplace Relations Commission, the Veterinary Inspectorate of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, the Private Security Authority, the Schools Inspectorate of the Department of Education, Tusla, the City and County Managers Association, Fáilte Ireland, and An Garda Síochána.
The Forum has agreed that there will be a renewed focus on compliance activities, including inspections, over the period ahead, both for businesses that are already open, and those that have just reopened following the most recent government decisions.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) were both identified as relevant bodies under the Health Act 1947 (Sections 31AB and 31AD) (Covid-19) (Operation of certain indoor premises) Regulations 2021 and are collaborating closely in relation to compliance activity. The HSE is the only agency that comes within the remit of my Department - the HSA comes within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
I have been advised by the HSE that, in relation to the Indoor Dining Regulations and the expanded scope of premises under the Regulations, the HSE are ensuring that Compliance Officers (COs) are in place to conduct the necessary checks across the hospitality sector.
