Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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371. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if schools that have the enrolment numbers will be allowed to employ an additional teacher for 2020, which would be of benefit in the provision of smaller class groupings, instead of waiting until September 2021, in view of the Covid-19 crisis and in order to assist with social distancing and HSE guidelines in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16587/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The interim public health advice received by my Department sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools in late August/September and the measures that will be required to achieve this.

This 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, curricular and wellbeing arrangements. This ongoing work includes requirements for physical distancing measures and how this will be supported and implemented in schools. 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 reopening 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.