Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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610. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when schools will be given official advice, not draft advice, on the reopening of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15329/20]

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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613. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the plan to socially distance 3rd to 6th class pupils will be in official advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15332/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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On Wednesday 1 July 2020, I welcomed the publication of interim public health advice for the safe re-opening of schools in late August/September. This interim health advice sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools and the measures that will be required to achieve this.

Receipt of the public health advice will underpin ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools in relation to logistical and curricular arrangements. The advice also sets out the requirements for physical distancing measures in a school setting and how this should be implemented. The advice also contains important measures required for infection prevention and control to ensure a full return to school is safe for children and staff.

My Department’s ongoing work with education partners and other key stakeholders on guidance for re-opening schools is aimed at reducing the burden on schools at a local level by providing central guidance and supports to the greatest extent possible by the end of July in order to allow time for schools to implement the necessary arrangements locally.