Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

197. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that all staff in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks in the EN14683 category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44373/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The majority of staff of my Department continue to work remotely in line with current Government and the HSE guidelines unless, for business reasons, it is necessary to be physically present in the office. While the wearing of face coverings is not mandatory within my Department’s workplace at present, my Department recognises that some staff may wish to wear a mask while in the office. My Department has made a welcome back pack available to staff which includes 2 reusable face coverings. My Department has instituted infection protection and control measures - such as physical distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene - and regularly communicates the need to follow Covid-related safety protocols to all staff.

The position of those bodies under the aegis of my Department who currently have staff that come into close proximity with others by necessity of their work is set out below:

While the majority of staff of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General continue to work remotely in line with current Government and HSE guidelines, a small number of staff attend the office to meet critical business needs as they arise. Medical grade face masks compliant with EN 14683 are provided for use by such staff. All staff of the Central Bank of Ireland, including staff seconded to the Investor Compensation Company DAC, who return to work onsite are issued with 3 reusable face coverings to standard CWA 17553:2020. The wearing of face coverings is a requirement for all employees when moving around any of our premises. Disposable face coverings to standard EN 14683 are also available for staff who, as part of their work, cannot maintain 2 metre distance. This is identified through a line manager risk analysis of specific tasks under their control.

The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal provides medical grade masks in the EN14683 category to anybody who attends at their offices for any reason and who wishes to avail of them.

The Office of the Revenue Commissioners use ‘non-medical grade’, CE certified type 1 and GB/T 32610 masks which are 3-ply, non-woven material with ear loops as specified under EN 14683 and have an EN equivalency of EN 149. At the time the masks were purchased it was advised by Government that medical grade masks were required for medical professionals and that standard masks or face coverings should apply for all others. Re-usable masks were recommended for Customs and the latest ones supplied to them have the requested rating of EN 14683.

All staff at the  Tax Appeals Commission who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks. While the masks are not labelled with the EN14683 category, they are 3-ply medical grade masks with 99% bacteria filtration efficiency and are compatible with the European Standard for Medical Devices and comply with the recommendations of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The wearing of a mask is also compulsory for members of the public who attend a hearing so, in the case that a person has mislaid or forgotten to bring one, additional masks are available in the Commission.