Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is a useful insight because, from speaking with school staff, children and their families, this issue requires a more tailored approach.

Dr. Glynn may have seen the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Foley, last night on "Prime Time". She outlined what would happen in an instance of a symptomatic child or staff member in a school. Many of the answers pivoted on the GP being informed, after which the issue would fall on what she termed "public health". Parents would prefer to have a much clearer idea, though. Dr. Glynn could give a detailed response, so perhaps he will provide a written answer on who should isolate and what the considerations are.

For now, I will ask a more direct question. If a child receives a negative test result, is it safe for him or her to return to school immediately? According to Dr. Mary Favier, if a child has sniffles or is sneezing and is otherwise well, he or she can attend. Coughing was not commented on, though. Many children are asthmatic or have other respiratory illnesses and coughing occurs frequently outside of Covid cases. Where children are frequently coughing, should they refrain from attending school and isolate? Greater publicity for some of these issues is needed. These are the kinds of question to which parents want answers.