Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

878. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider widening the essential job list to include animal groomers to work by appointment only for cases in which the animals welfare would suffer if ungroomed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6164/20]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current list of essential services includes the provision of veterinary, animal welfare and related services. Where there is a clear and immediate welfare issue associated with an individual dog which needs to be groomed/clipped, this may be dealt with on animal welfare grounds whilst adhering to an operational protocol that is in compliance with the HSE advice regarding hand and respiratory hygiene and physical distancing and where engagement by appointment would be important factor. In the provision of essential services, providers should always consider whether such a service is actually essential at any point  in time and how it can be undertaken such that it poses minimal risk of the provider and client.

The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business further sets out the sequence by which businesses may incrementally reopen. This Roadmap is guided by over-riding principles and a focus – safe, rational, evidence-informed, fair, open and transparent and whole of society. The roadmap for Retail, Personal Services and Commercial activities are set out in Table 5. In addition businesses that are preparing to return to work in accord with the Roadmap, should proceed in line with the guidance set out in the Return to Work Safely Protocol.