Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current infection and public health advice underpinning safe, prospective school openings, particularly in the context of the new UK variant of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3473/21]

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views and her policy regarding the serious health and safety worries of many primary school teachers for themselves, their pupils and the wider community in the reopening of schools particularly in the context of the new UK variant of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3476/21]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 220 together.

It is acknowledged that this is a challenging time for school communities who have worked incredibly hard to operate safely under Covid-19. The Department has always been guided by public health advice in relation to what is safe in schools. NPHET meet regularly and has considered the latest evidence and remain of the view that schools are low risk environments but recognise there is a need to reduce societal activity and movement to curb the spread of the virus at this time.

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. The Government’s decision included prioritising in-person teaching and learning for two specific cohorts; pupils/ students attending special schools and classes and final year Leaving Certificate students. This decision was supported by the public health advice available to Government.

The Department’s ongoing engagement with public health and partners at the present time has focused on the safe phased return of children with special educational needs to in-school learning on the 21 January. Regrettably despite intensive engagements it has not being possible to achieve this shared objective. The Department will continue to engage with our partners to provide in school learning for this important cohort of pupils as soon as is possible.