Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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832. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it will be made mandatory for all passengers and staff to wear face coverings on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7972/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 849 together.

On the 15th of May, An Taoiseach announced new public health guidance in relation to wearing face coverings in certain circumstances, as part of efforts to tackle coronavirus in Ireland, recommending that face coverings should be worn when using busy public transport or in enclosed indoor public areas such as retail outlets. The public health guidance recommends that face coverings should be worn as an additional hygiene measure in these circumstances; it does not impose a mandatory requirement.

The public transport sector has continuously engaged with public health to ensure the safe operation of services throughout this health emergency, and will continue working to ensure the ongoing safe provision of public transport as restrictions are lifted. The implementation of work protocols for public transport workers and providers is a matter for individual operators, in line with public health advice and the recently published 'Return to Work Safely Protocol'.