The situation is under “constant review”.
The government is next set to decide if the country is in a position to ease the remaining Covid-19 rules in place.
On 21 January, we saw the last of Ireland’s harsh restrictions finally lifted, but two remain in place.
Firstly, mask-wearing is required in certain settings including retail, public transport, healthcare settings, and for those working in customer-facing roles or food preparation. Wearing face coverings around others is still considered good practice although it is not required.
Secondly, many protective measures are still being taken in schools and early learning and care facilities.
Michael Martin has now suggested that people will have the choice whether or not to wear a mask in coming months.
“I personally am comfortable wearing the masks in shops, public transport and when going into crowded areas. That’s just a personal thing,” he said.
“I think more and more as we go along it will be more of a personal dimension. In other words, we do what we feel comfortable doing.
“That applies to shaking hands and each person can do it differently. There will be people with different perspectives on this.
“I think the key question for the public is when will it be mandatory and not mandatory, when will that lift?
“We take advice on that, but it is being kept under constant review.”
The easing of Covid measures in schools has been addressed by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn.
He said that NPHET are considering mask-wearing for students and will make a decision about whether to drop it or continue to enforce it following the mid-term break at the end of February.
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan has stressed that some measures may need to stay in place to “reduce risk”.
Speaking at an Oireachtas Health Committee on Wednesday, he said the pandemic was “not over” but that it is “safe to return to all activities”.
