Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I should point out that I appreciate and understand absolutely why this is an area of huge concern. It is an area of huge concern not only within education facilities but in wider society as well. I acknowledge the very close working relationship and the excellent work undertaken by public health on care of our schools and incidents in our schools. We have enhanced the school teams. Obviously, they are still led by public health because it is public health's determination that qualifies everything within the school, but we have added to the supports of the public health teams for the benefit of schools. There are phone lines in place operating on a seven-day basis.

As for the issues the Deputy raised that the partners in education might have, again, there are weekly meetings with the partners in education and public health. That is a very positive move and, I think, one that has been very positively embraced by the partners in education also.

As for the updating or changing of guidelines, public health has the freedom to constantly review and update guidelines as needs be. When they do that, we act accordingly.

See this speech in context