Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In September, the public health doctors were ordered to turn their backs and walk away from the schools. As a result, schools were left on their own with regard to Covid information, hoping that parents would inform them of a confirmed case. Schools were then left with a dilemma as to who to tell and what to tell them without the support of public health.

From next week, antigen tests will be offered to schoolchildren. This is very welcome. It is, again, down to the parents to inform the schools before the new testing regime can be invoked. There is still no backing forthcoming from the public health doctors. My question to the Taoiseach is, why are there no plans to provide public health support to schools in managing this pandemic?

See this speech in context