Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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483. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if teacher allocations for September 2021 will maintain the Covid-19 allocation from September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7442/21]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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484. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to an increase in guidance allocation for September 2021 to reflect the significant work needed to support young people due to the extensive impact of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7443/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 484 together.

All schools are required to have in place a school COVID-19 Response Plan which contains the key measures for infection prevention control in schools. Public Health have re-iterated that these measures are effective in minimising the risk of transmission of Covid-19 in schools and that there is currently no change required to these measures. Schools have been supported by a funding package of over €400m to put in place and maintain these key measures on an ongoing basis as we continue to live with Covid-19. Work is currently underway in relation to the teacher allocation process for the 2021/22 academic year and the continuation of the Covid-19 supports in line with public health advice will be considered as work progresses in this area.