Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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227. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will ensure that all staff in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks in the EN14683 category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44369/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Defence has complied with both the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and Covid19 public health guidelines, providing all staff with barrier facemasks (black reusable) to be worn while in attendance in any of the Department's buildings. Masks provided meet the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) certified standard.

With regards to Defence Force personnel, the Defence Forces Covid19 guidance on PPE, Decontamination and Cleaning Procedures outlines the exact requirements for the type and standard of PPE to be worn for the different activities in which members of the Defence Forces may be engaged.

The Defence Forces barrier facemask (black reusable) is worn for routine garrison, operational and training activities where there is not an elevated threat of COVID-19. Masks are provided and resupplied to members of the Defence Forces as required with specific instructions for use. These masks also meet the NSAI certified standard. Barrier facemasks are also provided to all civilian personnel employed in any of the Defence Force premises.

The Defence Forces instruct and supervise its members on the use of PPE. Different levels of PPE are used as required for the range of likely tasks the DF may be employed in as part of DF COVID-19 support operations. Facemasks are to a minimum standard of EN 149:2001. This standard exceeds the standard of EN14683.