Retail Excellence has said that it would welcome the removal of laws compelling people to wear face-masks in shops.
Reports have suggested that NPHET will advise that the law around mask-wearing in shops should be removed following its meeting later today.
Duncan Graham, Managing Director of Retail Excellence, said he will be watching closely to see what NPHET announce in relation to masks but he believes it is time for people to make up their own mind on the matter.
Mr Graham said that compliance from retail workers and shoppers has been exceptional but that it has taken away from the enjoyable experience for shoppers.
But he said it is crucial that shoppers and shop workers are not made to feel uncomfortable whatever their decision.
Mr Graham said he did not think that everyone will take their mask off and he expects many people to continue wearing them for some time yet.
"What works for some people will not work for others, and it is important above all else that people feel good in shops, whether that's staff or shoppers themselves," he said.
"If this law is removed, I certainly don't expect - or would want - it to signal the end of face-masks as a whole," he stated.
The Retail Excellence chief added that any move to remove the law around face-masks would ultimately help retailers across sectors.
"It's been a long, hard couple of years for retail, but Irish people have a love affair with shopping which has stood the ultimate test since the emergence of the pandemic. It will be great for shoppers and staff to see smiles on faces again," he added.
