Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1084. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to raise awareness of the importance of properly disposing of face masks to reduce the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1766/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides a biweekly NPHET press conference serving as a comprehensive update on the latest epidemiological situation in Ireland with regard to COVID-19. This provides a regular and substantial opportunity to respond to media queries and to raise the profile of the key public health measures required to limit the spread of COVID-19, including the importance of the wearing of face coverings in shops, crowded outdoor spaces, on public transport and indoor communal working spaces.

On Thursday 7 January, the Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan took the opportunity to highlight the possible misuse in the wearing of face coverings and to advise people to review the guidance on how to wear a face covering which is available on the gov.ie and HSE.ie websites. For example: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aac74c-guidance-on-safe-use-of-face-coverings/ and.

To support the ongoing public health guidance by NPHET, my Department’s Press and Communications unit works closely with the HSE Communications team to raise the profile of the key public health messages amongst the general public.

As this question also relates directly to the Health Service Executive, I have asked them to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.