Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

108. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider closing schools early for the Christmas period in view of Covid-19-related concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40019/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The scheduling of the school holiday periods during the academic years is agreed between the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and my Department for the purposes of standardising breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term. This is important to ensure certainty for the school community about the dates of school holidays.

There are no plans to alter the school break at Christmas. It should also be borne in mind that it is the view of Public Health that the evidence available to date shows that schools are proving to be safe spaces for children and for staff.