Shops are to be allowed to measure and sell children's shoes by appointment only. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said shoes are an essential item in terms of the growth and development of children.
He said the Government is finalising guidance that would be outlined in regulations. This would allow shoe shops with fitting services to measure children's feet.
However, Mr Martin said this could only be done by appointment only. The appointments could be made by phone or online. He said the shops could then provide the fitting service and the sale of children's shoes only.
Yesterday, a consultant paediatrician at the Bons Secours Hospital in Cork called for children's shoes to be deemed essential items.