Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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305. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) regarding the return to work safely protocol. [10465/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware the Return to Work Safely Protocol was launched on 9^thMay 2020 in advance of the Phase 1 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business which came into effect on 18^thMay.

The Protocol sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take before a workplace reopens, and while it continues to operate. The protocol incorporates current advice about measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community as issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). As the advice issued by NPHET continues to evolve, this Protocol and the measures employers and workers need to address in the workplace may also change. The Protocol is, therefore, a living document insofar as details in the Protocol are non-exhaustive and are also subject to change as necessary. The Protocol is generally aimed at worker and public health protection and strong communication and a shared collaborative approach between employers and workers will be key in protecting against the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Data Protection will play an important role in this success, where employers feel confident that they are meeting their data protection obligations and workers feel their personal data and right to privacy is protected in the workplace. It is intended to provide additional guidance within the Protocol on Data Protection matters to assist employers and employees in meeting requirements.

I would add that matters concerning the organisation and delivery of contact tracing systems is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health.