Notice regarding the wearing of face coverings at the International Protection Appeals Tribunal

Please note that pursuant to the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions)(COVID-19)(Face Coverings in Certain Premises and Businesses)(Amendment)(No.4) Regulations 2021, S.I. No. 677 of 2021 the wearing of face coverings has become mandatory for any person attending an office or other premises that is occupied by, or from which services are provided by, or on behalf of a Department of State or any other office or agency of the State, such as the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.

In this regard, a ‘face covering’ is to be understood as “a covering of any type which when worn by a person covers the person’s nose and mouth”. The removal of a face covering is permitted where the person has a ‘reasonable excuse’ and in that regard, a person is deemed to have a reasonable excuse if:

  • The person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
    • Because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability, or
    • Without severe distress.
  • The person needs to communicate with a person who has difficulties communicating (in relation to speech, language or otherwise)
  • The person removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
  • The person removes the face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury
  • The person removes the face covering in order to, and only for the time required to, take medication
  • The person removes the face covering at the request of a responsible person, or of a worker, in order to enable him or her to ascertain the person’s age by reference to photographic identification for the purposes of the sale of goods or services in respect of which there is a minimum age requirement or where the responsible person, or worker, has lawful authority to verify the person’s identity, or
  • The person removes the face covering at the request of a responsible person, or of a worker, in order to assist the responsible person or worker to provide him or her with healthcare or healthcare advice
  • The person removes the face covering
    • To provide or receive instructions
    • To give evidence, or
    • At the request of the person presiding at a hearing, in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings.

Further information on the relevant legislation can be accessed here.