Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Other questions were asked by Senators but the key questions were, most likely, those relating to ventilation and antigen testing. As regards mask-wearing, it is a temporary measure, as I have outlined. It is a public health measure. The greatest reassurance our school communities have received is that we have consistently followed public health advice. We stated very clearly in the guidelines that there is flexibility there. I know schools well. I know school principals and school leadership and I know that they know their students best. There is specific reference to latitude and freedom in the case of children with complex needs, whatever those needs might be, as identified by the parent in collaboration, engagement and discussion with the principal. I am very conscious of that.

This is not the position we want to be in. We do not want to be in Covid in the first place. We do not want to have to change environments in schools but we do so in the best interests of protecting students and allowing and facilitating schools to continue to provide the education on site that they need to provide. There has been enormous generosity and goodwill on the part of parents, guardians and everyone within the school sector to achieve that. As I stated, the rules on mask-wearing are a short-term measure as dictated and enunciated by the Chief Medical Officer and NPHET. It is their recommendation. We are implementing it but, as I stated, there is flexibility there also.