Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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215. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government 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. [44377/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department continues to supply both medical and non-medical facemasks to staff, as required, and communicates the importance of wearing such masks while circulating in our workplaces. We have implemented strict visitor and contractor protocols also, to ensure that mask wearing practices are carried out by everyone who visits our offices. For those other staff returning to the offices this month, my Department is in the process of procuring and providing ‘2 Ply Anti-Microbial Fabric Face Masks’.

On medical grade face masks specifically, my Department continues to follow public health advice which states that such masks should be worn by those at higher risk of getting seriously ill from contracting COVID-19. We are aware of the HSE definition of higher risk and very high risk groups, and can make medical grade masks in the EN14683 category available to staff in these groups.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service has supplied staff with reusable doubled layered face coverings and has EN14683 category face masks available, upon request, to staff who are at the higher risk of COVID-19. Met Éireann maintains a supply of both disposable (non-medical grade) and reusable masks which are made available to their staff.

The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned.  Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas.  The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table: