Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is a requirement for children to wear face masks while taking part in PE classes. [23207/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Physical activity (PE) is important and students should be encouraged to participate in PE in schools.  As part of the return to school plans the Department has published guidance for practical subjects in Post Primary Schools, including guidance for PE.  This guidance is based on Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance for the return to sports activities for children and adolescents. The guidance provides that, where practical, PE lessons should take place outdoors. If this is not possible, the external PE hall doors should be opened.  Face coverings do not have to be worn outdoors.  Indoors where physical distancing is not possible, face coverings should be worn by post primary students.  Face coverings are not recommended to be worn by primary school children.