Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The second issue raised by the Deputy related to the need for guidance for the reopening of childcare centres. I completely agree with him in that regard. In my opening statement, I outlined and identified the process whereby my Department is developing such guidance in consultation with the sector. I understand the particular need for such guidelines based on public health advice and for the sector to have the opportunity to identify its questions on that advice, etc. The guidelines need to be developed and published prior to opening and that is what we are doing.

The Deputy raised the issue of social distancing. As stated earlier, social distancing is not a reality or a possibility for children. That has been confirmed by the public health advice we have received. There are procedures and guidelines with which adults and children will need to engage in order to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. Children already follow much of what will be in the guidelines while they are in childcare centres.

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