Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We have all been alarmed by the rapid increase in the incidence of Covid-19 in recent weeks, with nearly 7,000 cases reported in the past two days amid an upward trajectory. We appear to be going from one wave to another without moving to a point where we accept this as endemic and we need strategies to deal with the virus into the medium term.

It has been clear for a long time that Covid-19 is airborne, and this presents significant challenges, particularly in the winter months when people are more likely to be indoors. Despite this, very little has been done in terms of ventilation in the Government response. We can take primary schools as an example, as we all want them to remain open and be safe. We also know a large number of children have tested positive for Covid-19. CO2 monitors have been provided for most classrooms. I spoke to a teacher yesterday who told me windows are fully open all the time, along with the classroom door, with the CO2 levels monitored constantly. They only have to close the door for a short time before the indicator turns red. Where it is not possible to have good ventilation, the advice is to contact an architect and apply for remedial funding.

A contrasting approach is being taken in Victoria, Australia, which has invested in air filtration systems with HEPA filters for every classroom. This is a proactive approach. Not only do we see large numbers of children with Covid-19 but there are also other nasty viruses on the go, such as respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, that result in hospitalisations. Good ventilation could play its part in reducing the risk of the spread of more than Covid-19. It is particularly important in this country, where class sizes are particularly high.

We have been repeatedly told schools are somehow immune to the spread of Covid-19 but that view is contested. We have 500,000 primary school children who are unvaccinated and many of them attend classes with poor ventilation. None of these is being tested when there is a positive case in the class. It seems we are taking a very high risk. We could take other action and the use of antigen testing has been discussed. The medium-term view is very important.

Is there any change in the approach to the time horizon for managing Covid-19 or will we continue to go from wave to wave and hope it will not reoccur? Has the Minister had discussions with the Department of Education about taking a proactive approach, with investment in good ventilation? Is there a change in approach in new school design, for example, that would incorporate better ventilation standards? Energy is very expensive now and windows are being left open so will there be additional funding for schools for such costs?

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