Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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843. To ask the Minister for Health if kitchen staff in restaurants and takeaways are required to wear face masks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16946/21]

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1082. To ask the Minister for Health if the wearing of masks by staff working in the kitchens of restaurants, takeaways and fast food outlets is mandatory; if not, the rationale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17115/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 843 and 1082 together.

The public health advice relating to COVID-19 is kept under continuous review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and the Government. The NPHET reviews international developments as a component of their overall examination of the evolving epidemiology of Covid-19 and are informed by the international scientific evidence, and guidance by international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). WHO and ECDC guidance is formulated in the context of considered appraisal of the international experience and accumulating scientific evidence in relation to COVID-19.

Under the current public health measures, a person, without reasonable excuse, must wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners, licensed bookmakers, post offices, credit unions and banks.

It is mandatory for employees in customer facing roles in food and beverage premises (consumption on the premises) to wear a face covering.

The use of face coverings by people is recommendedin situations where physical distancing may not be possible, such as in crowded workplaces, places of worship and in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is significant congregation.

I would like to draw your attention to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The Work Safely Protocol’ which incorporates the current public health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces. The Protocol is available on www.gov.ie. The HSA is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

The relevant Regulations in relation to face coverings which remain in place until 9 June, 2021 can be found at .

The current advice in relation to face coverings is available at and .