The Government correctly, in my view, made a decision on public health guidelines to make mandatory the wearing of masks on public transport and in retail outlets. Masks cost money. A pack of 50 blue masks costs €50 or €2 each if bought separately. A pack of four cloth face masks costs €24. Has the Government decided to reflect the public health guidance and provide masks free of cost to those on social welfare, old age pension and disability benefits and homeless people?

I have seen homeless people trying to get on buses and trams and they have not got face masks on because they cannot afford them or access them. Will the Government discuss this in detail and put some system in place to provide free face masks for those who need them?

It is not necessary for people to purchase surgical masks or respiratory masks. I look around the House today and I see a large number of Deputies who are wearing cloth face coverings. That will suffice-----

They were given for free. People notice that.

They can be reused and washed and they are more environmentally friendly than disposable ones.