Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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165. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she has taken to improve ventilation in the office buildings of her Department; if air cleaning and or purification systems have been installed in 2021; and if not, the plans to install same in 2022. [59725/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the Health and Safety team in my Department has conducted Ventilation Risk Assessments in all office locations, in accordance with the Government’s Work Safely Protocol, and has identified and implemented controls to support both naturally and mechanically ventilated offices.

Occupied offices within my Department are monitored regularly to ensure that capacity levels and ventilation systems remain appropriate. Although air cleaning or purification systems have not been identified as control requirements in office environments to date, limited numbers of units have been provided in certain laboratory and other technical environment settings, in 2021.

My Department remains committed to following any changes to public health advice and guidance in regard to this matter.