Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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735. To ask the Minister for Health the person or body that will establish if damage has occurred to persons by the mandated wearing of face coverings; the person or body that will compensate persons if damage has been done to their health due to the mandated use of these products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6507/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The evidence relating to COVID-19, and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to face coverings, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the Department of Health and the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice are based on scientific evidence and are adapted to the changing circumstances and risks posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The current guidance for the public in relation to the different types of masks and how to use them and the situations in which they are legally mandated is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/aac74c-guidance-on-safe-use-of-face-coverings/.

The NPHET reviews international developments as a component of their overall examination of the evolving epidemiology of the COVID-19 and is informed by updated international scientific evidence, and guidance by international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). WHO and ECDC guidance is formulated in the context of considered appraisal of the international experience and accumulating scientific evidence in relation to COVID-19. Further analysis and rationale for use of face masks provided by HIQA is available here www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/evidence-summary-face-masks-community.

The consistent advice of international expert bodies is that when worn properly, all types of face masks, including cloth masks, can significantly reduce community transmission of COVID-19 if properly constructed, well fitted and appropriately worn. When used properly and in higher-risk settings, medical masks and respirator masks give better protection from COVID-19 infection than cloth masks. This is why they are recommended as an important component of Ireland's public health measures to protect the population against the risks posed to health by COVID-19.