Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 7 July 2020
Special Committee on Covid-19 Response
Impact of Covid-19: Education – Return to School and School Transport (Resumed)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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My next question is crucial and relates to space. We have some of the largest class sizes in Europe. I believe they are the largest in the EU at the moment. I address the following question to both representatives. There is to be social distancing and 1 m between children from third class upwards. If all children are to return to school together, there are two possibilities; either this social distancing will not have to be applied or additional space will have to be provided. Which route is being pursued? On what basis are the organisations preparing? If it is the approach of additional space, are schools actively seeking such space at this point? How do the witnesses see this objective being delivered in line with public health guidance? Mr. Mongey might respond first.