Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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285. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of boarding schools, given the general closure of schools announced until the end of January 2021 as a consequence of the pandemic. [2221/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decision, taken on 6 January, on foot of public health advice to reduce mobility in the community, was to close schools for the vast majority of students for a period of three weeks.

Schools have been advised of the need to ensure appropriate education provision and support for students during this time. All schools have been advised of the need to have contingency plans for remote learning and have been provided with guidance on best practice.

While teaching and learning in boarding schools is delivered remotely similar to all other schools, the residential component of boarding schools are private concerns and are not a matter for my Department.