Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise with the Taoiseach Claremorris Boys' National School, which has had 16 confirmed Covid-19 cases. On Monday, out of 85 pupils due in, only seven turned up. The Department and the Minister's handling of the challenges presented by Covid-19 in that school is wholly unacceptable. I commend the huge collective effort by the board of management, the principal and teachers, the parents' association and the parents in ensuring the health and well-being of the children in the Claremorris area.

Nobody disputes the public health advice but removing the collective autonomy of all the local decision-makers without proper consultation is not acceptable. The heavy-handed approach by the Department must be replaced with local and effective engagement. There is no other way to deal with this matter in a meaningful way. The people of Claremorris deserve better.

The effectiveness of the interface between the HSE and the Department must be examined. The anxiety levels of the children in Claremorris is having an impact on their health and well-being. Is there a better way to do this?

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