Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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1008. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if both higher education institutions and third level institutions are moving all classes online for the next six weeks under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32759/20]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1013. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on whether third level institutions will be operating teaching and learning mainly online for the post-Christmas semesters to provide clarity for students and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32903/20]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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1029. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans in place for colleges to resume in-person lectures once the current level 5 restrictions expire; if blended learning will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33429/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1008, 1013 and 1029 together.

In providing guidance for higher education providers to return to learning safely for the 2020/21 academic year, my Department published a three-pillar guidance framework, consistent with public health requirements. This included an adaptation framework to assist institutions to continuously adapt to meet the challenges posed by this pandemic.

When the framework was initially published the prevailing public health situation was one that supported a return to on-site learning. However as a result of recent developments the balance between on-site and online provision was adjusted.

As the Deputy will be aware, as of midnight on Wednesday 21 October all of Ireland has been placed on Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID for a period of six weeks.

The Level 5 measures designate higher and further education as essential insofar as onsite presence is required and such education activities cannot be held remotely. However, all further and higher education institutions should continue to deliver the majority of their classes online. Given the scale and diversity within third-level provision, the higher and further education institutions themselves are best equipped to determine in which circumstances onsite presence is required.

Examples of activities that may require an on-site presence include, but are not limited to, teaching and research in laboratories, practical and skills-based tuition, scheduled access to libraries and other on-site resources, and provision of necessary onsite support to meet the mental health and welfare needs of students.

Given the evolving nature of the public health environment, it is not yet possible to provide any guarantee as to the format of the second semester. It is planned to review the position with relevant institutions and stakeholders in the light of experience and the progress of the disease and communicate the position for next semester before the end of the year.