Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú:

Regarding guidance, we will aim to have guidance available for the whole staff community of schools. It is part of the Return to Work Protocol in any case, but it is important that there be full understanding among all staff in a school of all the important issues arising regarding returning to work during the Covid-19 crisis. We fully recognise the important role of SNAs. Being honest, I think this crisis has brought out the importance of the role of schools in a major way. I refer to the obvious importance of schools in learning, but beyond that their physical absence has highlighted many other aspects of their role in society and set it out for society to see as a whole. All staff members in schools, therefore, teachers, SNAs and others, have an important role.

We are aiming to maximise school return and we do not want to be in a position where there are widespread absences. Regarding terms and conditions, we are clear that staff may be unable to attend. The reasons for that can include those limited health reasons set out by the HSE and more work is being undertaken by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on that issue across the public sector. Generally, workers unable to work during the Covid-19 crisis will still be at work, but if they are unable to attend then they are unable to attend. I hope that answers the question.