Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2021
163. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health when his attention was drawn by NPHET to the fact that it was proposing to make mask-wearing for children in schools and other settings a recommendation; his response to this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59401/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will make available the advice provided to government from NPHET justifying its Covid-19 related proposal to have primary school age children wear a mask; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59400/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents are expressing concerns in relation to the mental health impact the wearing of masks will have on children and the future impact it will have on society (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59415/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 203 and 204 together.
The Government, at its meeting on 30 November, agreed that face masks/coverings be recommended for those aged 9 and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate. Face masks/coverings will also be recommended for children in third class and above in primary school and guidance will issue to schools from the Department of Education on this. It should be noted that this is a temporary, interim measure and will be reviewed in mid-February 2022. The continued importance of other public health measures will continue to be emphasised. The Government decision is based on a recommendation from the NPHET. The NPHET, at its meeting on 25 November, considered the question of reducing the age at which mask wearing is recommended. This issue has been subject to ongoing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team. NPHET consideration has been informed by a number of evidence reviews and advice provided to NPHET by HIQA at NPHET’s request since February 2021, informed by research evidence developed by HIQA’s COVID-19 Evidence Synthesis Team and with expert input from HIQA’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Group (EAG).The most recent review by HIQA in August 2021 recommended that the minimum age for mask wearing should remain unchanged, however ongoing monitoring was advised with respect to the epidemiological situation in children. In light of the sharp rise in the incidence in the 9 to 11 year old age-group over the past three weeks, this issue was considered again by the NPHET last week.
As part of its deliberations, the NPHET considered previous advice from HIQA, the detailed epidemiological situation in children, international guidance, international practice, the evidence in relation to the use of face coverings in children, and the potential benefits and harms from any recommendations.
