Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

203. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if all higher education institutions are implementing a physical distance of 2 m under all circumstances possible as required in the Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in Higher Education Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26232/20]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the exemption for the physical distance of 2 m for students in higher education institutions in the Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in Higher Education Institutions applies to classroom or lecture theatre settings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26233/20]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.

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 endorsed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, published on August 5th. These guidelines can be further updated and modified as the public health situation evolves.

Both our own guidance for returning to on-site activity and the Implementation Guidelines state that social distancing of 2 metres should be maintained where possible.. However it is recognised that there will be circumstances under which tuition cannot realistically be delivered while maintaining 2m distance between students, and the Implementation Guidelines include provisions for reduced social distancing in certain situations with clearly specified mitigation measures such as the wearing of face coverings to minimise the risk of viral transmission. The full range of recommended mitigation measures are clearly outlined in the Implementation Guidelines and all of the measures are directed at ensuring the safety of staff and students. The overarching priority of all involved is to safeguard public health in the return to on-campus learning.

It is not intended for my Department to review or approve specific measures 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.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if research will be funded into the psychological and emotional impacts of Covid-19 and the restrictions on society, including persons that contracted the disease. [26234/20]

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

The outcomes of the first Rapid Response Call to COVID-19 that ran under the national coordinated research and innovation response to the pandemic were announced in April 2020. The Irish Research Council and the Health Research Board jointly funded a strand of this call, which focused on the development of medical countermeasures, health service readiness, and social and political countermeasures to COVID-19. A total of 21 projects were selected under the joint HRB/IRC strand with an investment of €3.4 million. The projects funded include -

- How to support mental health among frontline healthcare workers in a pandemic is being led by NUIG's Professor Brian McGuire, and looks at the importance ofprotecting the mental health of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Why don’t we keep our distance? Evidence for more effective communication in the pandemic is being led byDr Gerard Molloy at NUI Galway, and uses expertise in behaviour change interventions to gather information about how different groups in society feel about physical distancing, and how future communications could be tailored to encourage greater adherence in order to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Impact of Covid 19 on Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Caregivers is being led by Dr Christine Linehan at UCD and outlines research to explore the impact of COVID-19 on individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers.

The full list of the funded projects are attached.