Ms Martina Mannion:

I thank the Minister of State. On the issue of children living with family members who are high risk, we have talked about the need for children to be back in school and accessing the benefits of the school system. In those circumstances, the Department believes the best thing is for those children to return to school to access the benefits that the school system brings. The key messages for those schools and children is that once the control measures are in place, it minimises the risk of transmission in those children. The best thing for those children is to return to school to have the benefit of the school provision and to put in place the mitigation measures to minimise the risk of transmission. We are aware that is a difficult decision for families dealing with the competing risks in a family situation. Part of the reason we are supportive of those children returning to school is the fact that this virus is going on in society and the world for a long time and those children are missing out on their educational provision by not being in school. We are trying to work with those families but the overall position is that it is best if they can return. We will support them to return safely as best we can.