Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On the matter of guidance for schools, I will again say to the Deputy that the confirmation was received only yesterday evening. It was the recommendation of the CMO and NPHET, accepted by the Minister for Health. Guidelines are issuing to schools today on foot of that recommendation and will be with the schools today.

I acknowledge that public health and other issues were addressed by the CMO and by various individuals involved in public health at various times yesterday and will no doubt be addressed again today. There is no shortage of discussion between public health officials and all our stakeholders. In fact, those stakeholders are fully briefed and meet on a regular basis with public health officials. That is something I was determined would be a key feature of the procedure within our schools. There are public health meetings with various unions and representative bodies and they will continue.

The CO2 monitors are in place, as I have already outlined. There was a shortfall but it will be met by October. There was an issue that was addressed by the supplier, Lennox Laboratories. Any issues that are outstanding will be dealt with.

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