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The government has been urged to classify children’s clothing as “essential” during level 5 restrictions on retail, following comments from Minister of State Damien English last night that the clothing was not considered essential items.
Social Democrats Education spokesman Gary Gannon said many parents do not have the ability to order online because they may not have a credit card or a place where products can be delivered.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said Minister English “was disappointed” with his comments.
Mr. Gannon said that the Government must rectify the situation and affirm that children’s clothing, such as vests and socks, is essential.
Speaking on Prime Time, Mr English said that crowns for All Saints’ Day or children’s socks “are not essential”
The Minister of State for Employment and Retail Business defended the government’s policy of ensuring that mixed retailers only sold products classified as “essential”.
When asked if someone can buy a bottle of wine but not socks for his son, Mr. English said that “socks come under clothes.”
English also said that people couldn’t buy crowns for All Saints’ Day on November 2.
“They cannot,” he said, “because it is not an essential trade, what is essential is food.”
He added: “If you’re home tonight at your place, do you really need to go out and buy that crown this week or next?”
Mr. English also stressed that he understood the importance of November for many people and that they could still say a prayer for their loved one and go visit a grave.
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When asked if the government would reconsider designating children’s clothing as non-essential items, a government spokesperson said this was addressed by the Taoiseach last night and by Mr. English on Prime Time.
The spokesperson said there have been no changes in policy and that the goal was to reduce congregations.
Additional reports Conor McMorrow
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