Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is an interesting reply and there is much in it to consider. I would make one point, of which I am sure the Minister is very aware as principals certainly raise it with me. I am aware of the updated guidance but it is still the case that windows must be open, although the guidance states the times and extent to which that should be done. Older buildings, examples of which the Minister can think herself, such as those in Christian Brothers schools, were built in the 1950s and 1960s and were not designed for these situations, even if they were renovated. Children sit next to the window in coats and with hot water bottles and so on. It is a real dilemma for principals, even in the current context. Air monitoring is essential. It would assist in keeping budgets down by ensuring schools strike the right balance between windows being open and heating. It would ensure windows were not open unnecessarily and that schools get that balance right based on the information available. It sounds like the Minister is not ruling air monitors out. I welcome that but will she state if that is the case? If I am right about that I welcome it, but it is a pity given that the ideal opportunity to install such monitors is over the Christmas break, when schools will be closed in any event. If this is something the Department is going to do, the ideal avenue and space in which to do it is coming up.

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