Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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435. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if concerns raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the phased return of schools will receive a response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11361/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is conscious that closing schools has had adverse consequences for individuals and families. The Government has always been guided by public health advice in relation to what is safe in schools. Public health remain of the view that schools are low risk environments and that the infection prevention and control measures in place in schools are effective, but recognise the ongoing need to reduce societal activity and movement to curb the spread of the virus at this time.

My Department has developed a plan with the relevant education stakeholders for the phased return to in-school learning for children in primary, post-primary and special schools. On 1 March the first four classes at primary level – junior and senior infants, first and second class – and final year Leaving Certificate students returned to school. This phase also saw a return to full attendance for children in special schools. This is in addition to the reopening of special schools on 11 February on a 50% attendance basis and all special classes reopened fully from 22 February.

The full re-opening of our schools for all students in line with public health advice remains a top priority for Government and my Department is focussing on the safe return of all remaining cohorts of pupils and students to school at the earliest opportunity in March, with the last group of post primary students set to return to school after the Easter Break.