Written answers

Wednesday, 25 November 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Gary GannonGary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for no indoor classes taking place under level 3, which effectively shuts music, dance schools and speech and drama schools. [39242/20]

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

It is the Department’s objective, which is shared by the further and higher education sector, to ensure that, where possible, an optimal learning experience is provided in the circumstances that present at any specific time.

In “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” the following framework is provided by Government in respect of further and higher education at Level 3: Further, higher and adult education to escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible.

In that context, on 15th September 2020, Government, at the request of NPHET, asked that further and higher education institutions in Dublin consider the enhanced protective measures necessary to ensure the safe recommencement of on-site activities in light of a worsening public health situation.

The sector subsequently agreed a range of enhanced protective measures for Dublin, using their discretion in deciding between on-site and remote for the scheduling of particular activities, where remote delivery is feasible during this period. These measures included;

- Minimisation of on-site provision with priority given to teaching and learning that can only take place on-site;

- Onsite provision of teaching and research in laboratories, practical tuition and workshops and for skills-based learning (including in relation to apprenticeship);

- Limited planned on-site attendance for other priority student and learner cohorts at intervals for specific purposes and with avoidance of congregation as well as 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;

- Necessary library attendance where there is advance booking/registration;

- Continuation of research activities with appropriate mitigating protection;

- Suspension of on-site social and club activities to limit congregation on and off campus.

On the request of the acting CMO, these measures were subsequently extended nationwide until the announcement on 19thOctober which moved the country to Level 5 restrictions.

The extensive work which has been undertaken to underpin the operation of the higher and further education system has been based on detailed planning and contingencies by higher and further education institutions, ongoing reporting and more recently the development of Outbreaks Protocols, and their implementation and communication to staff, students and learners. The scope for continuity of practical skills provision at more restrictive levels is afforded on the basis of this strong sectoral engagement, planning and reporting, ensuring ongoing close alignment with the framework.

In devising and implementing the framework we have been mindful of being as inclusive as possible. Accordingly all publicly funded higher education, private higher education (through HECA members) and education and training offered through ETBs, including that offered on a contracted basis is comprehended within the Guidance and therefore can take place within the current restrictions . Given the statutory remit of SOLAS, Safepass and CSCS/QSCS training are comprehended. Community based education is also in scope.

Outside of this, there is a diverse continuum of education and training of varying degrees of duration and formality. Our basis for engagement with such providers across this spectrum of diverse sectors is very limited and it would be a major undertaking on the Department’s part to oversee the work required to give the necessary confidence in their processes and their implementation, sufficient to provide confidence in the provision of practical skills at more restrictive levels. However, it is the Department’s view that such education and training taking place outside of the sectors outlined above, and to which the Deputy refers, falls within the provisions of general Government advice and the HSA Protocols for Returning to Work.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.