Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

274. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the levels of compliance in relation to the requirement to wear face masks on public transport; if his Department and the National Transport Authority are monitoring compliance and enforcement of the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2154/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Public health advice tells us that face coverings are an important safety measure, especially in interior spaces; subsequently, regulations for the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport were introduced back in July 2020. Failure to comply with these regulations is an offence and there are penalties (on summary conviction) for non-compliance. However, as people understand the importance of protecting their fellow passengers and the staff of the public transport operators, it is not intended that enforcement or penalties will be needed often, but they are available if necessary. 

The NTA is engaging regularly with public transport operators regarding implementation of the Regulations, and monitoring compliance levels across the network. My Department and the NTA take the safety of both passengers and transport workers very seriously and are continuing to closely monitor the effects of the measures in place, in conjunction with the various public transport operators.