Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

292. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the response within his Department to cases of Covid-19 in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3395/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has disseminated information, guidance and letters from the Chief Medical Officer of the Dept. of Health to all schools via post, Esinet and through our online systems. Aegis bodies and education partners have also been sent these materials

When a case is confirmed, the HSE conducts contact tracing, to identify people with whom the patient may have been in close contact. Public health doctors would then make direct contact with the family of the patient, the relevant school authority and staff, pupils and their parents. All parents of the pupils attending the school and all staff employed there would also be contacted by the Director of Public Health in the HSE.

My Department has been working closely with colleagues in the Department of Health to support communications to the school community and to education settings throughout the country.

A number of different coordinating groups have been established at official level to support planning and communications on COVID-19 and this Department is represented on these groups. 

Public health doctors are available to liaise with schools and advise on precautions if staff and/or students have any concerns.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

294. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position with regard to guidance to schools undertaking school trips to areas in which there has been confirmed cases of Covid-19; if clear guidance will be issued to schools on whether such trips should take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3397/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Travel advice for all Irish citizens is provided through the and the most recent correct information will be available from there. Any schools that intend to travel to areas in which there have been confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the near future should ring the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade dedicated phone line on +353 (0)1 613 1733.  

The Department of Education and Skills is issuing information updates to schools, preschools and third level institutions on Covid-19  as they are received from the Department of Health,  HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre and Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade . 

Public health doctors are available to liaise with schools and advise on precautions if staff and/or students have any concerns.