Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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139. To ask the Minister for Health the advice offered by the HSE in relation to ensuring children have properly fitting face masks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60619/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government, at its meeting on 30 November, agreed that face masks/coverings be recommended for those aged 9 and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate.

Face masks/coverings are also recommended for children in third class and above in primary school and the Department of Education has published a guide on how to use face coverings specifically for parents and children in 3rd to 6th Class. This guide includes information on how to check the fit of a face mask and how to safely remove and dispose of a face mask. This guide can be found online: assets.gov.ie/205932/b625c5d0-4f21-436e-ba04-8a1beafa717e.pdf

It should be noted that this is a temporary, interim measure and will be reviewed in mid-February 2022. The continued importance of other public health measures will continue to be emphasised.

The HSE also provides information more generally on when and how to wear a face covering and this is available online: www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/when-to-wear-face-covering/

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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140. To ask the Minister for Health if there are exemptions to persons being charged for mandatory hotel quarantine for essential or family reasons; if so, the body to which a person can apply for the exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60620/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Guests who previously underwent Quarantine in a Designated Facility and who have received a payment deferral form may apply for an exemption from payment. To avail of this option, guests should submit a completed payment deferral form to the Department of Health, along with relevant documentation supporting their request for an exemption.

Full exemption is given to guests who have demonstrated one of the following:

- remaining in receipt of social welfare allowance payments

- overall income below the exemption threshold of €21,112 per annum,

- circumstances of financial hardship which would cause exceptional difficulty in meeting the payment, where travel was necessary and unavoidable.

Consideration is also given to the financial position of persons who are in full time education who fall under the income thresholds.

A partial exemption is granted to guests who have provided proof of income above the exemption threshold of €21,112, but below €30,000 per annum.

An option to complete payment in three monthly instalments can be offered to guests who were not granted a full exemption from the costs of their stay.

If a guest is not satisfied with the decision, they may request a second review by a designated Appeals Officer and subsequently may request a further review by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Should it be necessary to reintroduce Mandatory Hotel Quarantine, regulations relating to charging and exemptions will be put in place.