Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said, the guidelines and mitigation measures we have in place in schools were fully appraised and reviewed rigorously prior to the return to school, as happened when we first put them in place following public health advice. They were recently reviewed prior to the current return to school.

The guidelines on ventilation issued in September, and updated in late November and early December, made reference to having windows open before and after classes and at points during classes, and teachers using their best judgment. That advice still pertains, but we are mindful that a high level advisory expert group is carrying out a study on ventilation not just within the education sector but in general. I understand it is due to make its findings public in the not-too-distant future. Should there be some different guidance offered or new mechanisms or measures are required, we will address that. We have done that very assiduously at every stage where public health advice has asked us to amend, change or add to any measures in schools, and we will do similar on foot of this report should there be a need to change. I want to emphasise that the current advice available to us is as I have outlined.