Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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479. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions in place for children from junior infants to third class that have medical conditions for returning to school in view of the fact that the advice to date is that they will not have to social distance; and the way in which such children will be protected. [18597/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Yesterday, the 27 July, my Department published the report to Government “Reopening Our Schools, The Roadmap for the Full Return to School”.  

This Roadmap set outs how schools will reopen for all students from the end of August and what the operation of our schools will look like and be sustainable in a COVID-19 context.  It has been developed in line with public health advice issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the Roadmap for Society and Business, and follows comprehensive and intensive engagement with education stakeholders including the school management bodies and staff representatives. 

I am conscious that there may be some pupils for whom return to school at the end of August may not be appropriate because the relevant public health guidelines indicate they are at “very high risk”.  

Responsibility to ensure that these pupils receive appropriate support to engage adequately with learning remains with each school. Good communication is key to supporting these pupils and to ensure their ongoing connection with their classmates and school community.  

Additional supports will be provided for these pupils/students through designated teachers from within the staffing resources of the school. Schools will have discretion to manage and redistribute their teaching support resources in order to best meet the learning needs of their pupils/students, including pupils/students at ‘very high risk’ to COVID-19.