Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Farrell said he had to leave. Senator Dolan and I will speak next.

I did not get a chance to respond to the Minister of State on a couple of issues relating to mainstream schools. We have all had much correspondence regarding the fact that many may have to wait for a number of weeks. First, is she willing to look at an alternative where they may come in earlier if public health advice will allow?

Second, will she also give assurances there will not be backsliding and, therefore, in a position where schools close? Is this it now? Will these special schools stay open? That is the kind of clarity people require.

I do not want to be a negative Nelly about ventilation. It is, however, becoming more recognised that the kind of human activity in which we are engaged, which is not running in parallel with nature, may force us into these pandemics. When we consider ventilation, it is beyond looking at a review of mitigation measures for this pandemic, but at what we actually need to do to future-proof our schools against more public health problems.