Written answers

Wednesday, 23 September 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Rose Conway-WalshRose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

162. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has reviewed the plans for the safe return of students to third-level education produced by individual institutions; if he is satisfied that these plans are in line with his Department guidelines published in July 2020, the HSE approval guidelines from an association (details supplied) in addition to the Living with Covid plan published in September 2020; if he is satisfied that the institutions have accurately interpreted the two metre social distancing rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25766/20]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To support the return to college in 2020, on July 22nd my Department published its three-pillar series of guides for returning to on-site learning in 2021, which consisted of a high-level roadmap, a COVID-19 adaptation framework, and practical guidance for returning to on-site activity. This unique three-pillar approach was developed in close consultation with agencies, stakeholders, provider representative bodies and social partners.

These guides have since been supplemented by Implementation Guidelines developed by experts within the higher education sector, and approved by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, published on August 5th. These guidelines can be further updated and modified as the public health situation evolves.

Against this backdrop of Government, Departmental and sectoral guidance, Higher Education Institutions have been undertaking detailed planning and contingencies for re-opening and communicating these to students and learners as they move from emergency remote learning towards a mode of blended learning, combining both online and onsite provision.

The balance between face to face and online learning will be different in each programme, and will depend on factors such as the teaching and learning needs of various disciplines, the size of student and learner groups and the practical/theoretical balance of learning outcomes.

A robust model of outbreak management is being put in place, as a priority, by the higher education system across all universities and institutes of technology. This aims to safeguard students and staff and the communities in which they are located.

Last week in the light of the deterioration in the COVID-19 situation in Dublin, following NPHET’s request, Government asked that higher and further education institutions consider enhanced protective measures.

In the light of this request, additional protections are being introduced which will see a more gradual reopening of higher and further education facilities in Dublin. Individual institutions have revised their plans and are communicating with students.

It is not intended for my Department to review or approve the plans put in place by individual institutions. The diversity and flexibility of the Higher Education sector has been key in driving responsive and adaptable approaches to the challenges created by the pandemic. The guidance that has been provided is designed to allow HEIs to leverage that flexibility to adapt to a evolving situation, and change their approach in accordance with the latest health advice.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.