Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Practical steps for the deployment of good ventilation practices were provided to schools in August in the context of reopening for September 2020. This guidance has recently been reviewed and was circulated to the education partners for their feedback. The updated guidance has now been published.

As for good ventilation practices in schools, it is important, particularly as we get further into winter, that we achieve an appropriate balance between good ventilation and comfort in schools. The overall approach for schools should be to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use - for example, during break times, lunchtimes and at the end of each school day - and partially open when classrooms are in use to achieve appropriate airflow. It is worth noting that windows do not need to be open as wide in windy or cold weather in order to achieve the same level of airflow into the classroom. This will assist in managing comfort levels in classrooms, including in prefabricated accommodation, during periods of colder weather.

As part of managing comfort levels in classrooms, schools should check that their heating systems are set according to the recommended manufacturer's guidance levels to maximise the available heat to the school. In addition, heating should operate for extended periods during colder weather to counteract as best as possible the impact of windows being open - partially when classrooms are in use and fully when not in use - in order to maintain an appropriate balance between ventilation and comfort levels.

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