Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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200. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if concerns will be addressed in relation to the continuing prohibition on the purchase of children’s clothes and shoes, with the exception of online purchases which is having a disproportionate and adverse impact on those with limited access to broadband and those who lack sufficient computer literacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20165/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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I understand this is an incredibly difficult time for families and businesses across the country and I would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.

S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021 () clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at

The list of essential retail outlets has been updated and now includes retail outlets that sell shoes for children, provide shoe fitting services to children, and sell such products and provide such services on the basis of individual one-to-one appointments made on behalf of a child in advance of the child’s attendance at the outlet.

In line with public health guidelines Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.

Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.

Under consideration from 4th May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.

Retailers can and have made arrangements, on compassionate grounds, for individual customers to urgently purchase a non-essential item in store. This is only in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to plan ahead and avail of remote ordering services such as in emergencies, e.g., admission to hospital.

We are also asking retailers to exercise their best judgement and common sense on a case by case basis, to ensure those requiring urgent access to a non-essential item are accommodated.

As Chair of the Retail Forum, I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.

COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Aheadwhich can be found on , sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.

All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.

It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.