Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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38. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of penalties that have been issued for non-compliance of mask wearing by public transport operators, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3786/22]

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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39. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of enforcement notices that have been issued for non-compliance of mask wearing by public transport operators, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3787/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport services.

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. The Authority is also responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport. I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.