Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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207. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the definition of enhanced protective measures to be implemented by higher and further education institutions in view of heightened Covid-19 restrictions in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26236/20]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the enhanced protective measures that have been implemented by higher and further education institutions in view of heightened Covid-19 restrictions in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26237/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.

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. The following overall approach will be adopted for the initial period ahead:

- Institutions will use discretion when deciding between onsite and remote for the scheduling of particular activities where remote delivery is feasible during this period.

- On site provision will be minimised with priority given to teaching and learning that can only take place on-site.

- This will include teaching and research in laboratories, practical tuition and workshops and for skills-based learning (including in relation to apprenticeship)

- It will also include limited planned on-site attendance for other priority student cohorts at intervals for specific purposes and with avoidance of congregation. This may include small tutorials and elements of first-year orientation / induction which cannot be undertaken on line, so long as these are conducted on a staggered basis to avoid congregation or large on site attendances.

- It will also include necessary library attendance where there is advance booking/registration.

- On site social and club activities will not proceed in order to avoid congregation on and off campus.