Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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879. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it will be ensured that all the requirements of the work safely protocol issued 20 November 2020 are implemented with particular reference to the content of section D3 (details supplied) in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42607/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The vast majority of my Department's staff are currently working remotely and we are maintaining full business continuity in terms of our services to the public and to stakeholders.

My Department has a fully-operational Covid-19 Response Plan in place which is kept under ongoing review as further guidance and advice is issued.  The plan includes procedures relating to all measures required by the Work Safely Protocol, including physical distancing, the safe use of the canteen facilities, seating arrangements for attendance at our offices and ongoing communication and consultation with our staff.

Given my Department's very high level of remote working, situations in a workplace setting in which social or physical distancing might be a difficulty are considered unlikely to arise.  However, in such circumstances, staff are requested to consider wearing a face covering.