Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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674. To ask the Minister for Health when practising reflexologists can commence work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11378/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 8 June 2020, new regulations signed by the Minister for Health came into operation. These Regulations, the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 206 of 2020), apply from 8 June 2020 until 29 June 2020.

The Regulations provide that the occupier, the manager, or any other person in charge, shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that members of the public are not permitted, or otherwise granted, access to a premises or to a part of such premises, where a relevant business or service is carried on or otherwise provided.  "Relevant business or service" is defined in Schedule 2 to the S.I. and includes services provided on a commercial basis, other than where such services are provided by a physiotherapist or by a registered medical practitioner, including massage services. Such services are, therefore, not permitted at this time.

It should also be noted that reflexologists are not registered health professionals within the meaning of section 3 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (No. 27 of 2005).