Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the matter of people going back to work in schools, they have been at work in schools since last autumn and have been teaching consistently throughout the period. They went back to school under the various protocols. The return to work safety protocol is the standard across all sectors. Naturally, each area — schools are a prime example — go further than that. Schools do so under the direction of the Department of Education. That is what has happened. We have had quite a good success story over the past 12 months in regard to in-school teaching. It has been quite positive.

On advice for employers in this country, we have strong employment laws and protections for all workers. That is advice we work to. Any employer here has to work according to our rules and regulations. I cannot comment on what happens in other countries. I doubt that the Deputy wants me to interfere with their laws. We can work on our own here.

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