Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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248. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will ensure that all staff in her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [44381/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In our public offices, my Department has installed Perspex on our public counters and in interview rooms to protect both staff and customers. Our staff on the public floor have been provided with masks and masks are also available for customers who do not have them. 

All staff have been encouraged to wear a face covering when moving about in communal areas or when engaging with a colleague in a situation where 2m social distance cannot be achieved. Through organisational means, particularly facilitating staff to work remotely, my Department has made it possible for social distance to be generally observed. 

The grade of mask referenced by the Deputy is recommended for medical or surgical settings and is not required for our offices.

The Government has agreed that the transition to the future state of managing COVID-19 should make a final significant shift in approach in October.  This is set out in the document, “Reframing the challenge - Continuing our recovery and reconnecting”.  Based on the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated, and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time, it is expected that the Government will remove further statutory restrictions in respect of events and activities from 22^ndof October, including the requirement for social distancing and the use of face coverings apart from healthcare settings, indoor retail and on public transport.