Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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225. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade 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. [44374/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs is guided by Government policy and guidelines on COVID-19, including Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting, and the Work Safely Protocol published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as by HSE advice.  The Department provides staff with face masks where they are deemed essential for the performance of their duties.  Face masks purchased by the Department comply with European Union standard EN14683:2019 Type IIR.