Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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501. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to ensure that, in the event of schools not opening in September 2020, teaching online will be available to all pupils who wish to be taught online and have broadband access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18751/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The number one priority for my Department and the wider schools sector is to re-open our schools as fully and safely at the start of the new school year. The interests of students and their families, as well as the safety of staff in our schools, are at the centre of our work as we consider the various challenges associated with that aim. The re-opening of our schools will be guided by the available public health advice and comprehensive engagement with stakeholders including the school management bodies and staff representatives as well as students and parents. I published the interim public health advice received from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to make it available to all schools. A Plan for the safe re-opening of schools will be brought to Cabinet for approval next week and will then be published.

My Department’s Inspectorate and other relevant experts are developing guidance on how to tailor teaching, learning and assessment to appropriately meet the needs of all students as they re-engage with school. While my objective is for full return to school it will be necessary to include guidance for blended/remote learning to cater for some students who may not be able to return to school immediately. Guidance for schools to provide for continuity of learning in these circumstances will also be available. The approach taken by schools will be dependent on the context of each school.

My Department and our education partners are committed to addressing the various challenges and to conclude planning for reopening by the end of this month. This will give schools sufficient time to prepare at a local level for their re-opening. I am also committed to full and comprehensive communication with schools, teachers, students and parents so that they are fully informed about the plans for reopening schools for the next school year.