An Ennis based retail lobby group believes a change in the rules surrounding masks would be a step in the right direction.
It comes as NPHET has been meeting to consider making mask wearing in public places optional.
Health officials are deciding whether or not to lift the requirement to wear facemasks in schools, shops and on public transport.
Ministers believe things are heading towards a new phase of the pandemic, where personal preference and responsibility take the place of legal Government mandates.
At present two options have been floated by Ministers, either removing the mask mandate early next week, or allowing the current advice to lapse as planned on February 28th.
Minister and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan says he wants to see a change in the facemask rules.
Clare’s TUI representative says teachers have ‘missed’ being able to read students’ moods and expressions over the past two years.
Kate Hehir, who teaches in St. Michael’s Community College, Kilmihil says while the quality of teaching hasn’t necessarily diminished, there are certain elements of teaching that have been difficult due to masks.
Ennis-based lobby group Retail Excellence says it’s been challenging time for the sector.
Managing Director Duncan Graham believes a change to the rules would be a positive move in the right direction.
It’s expected NPHET advice will be given to Government this evening, with Ministers saying they’ll act quickly.
