Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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110. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has considered the use of half-days or alternating days attendance when first and fourth year students return to school on 12 April 2021; and the reason this has not been advised. [13689/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has always been guided by public health advice in relation to what is safe in schools. The Department of Health and the HSE have reaffirmed that schools in themselves are low risk environments and that a gradual phased reopening can occur at this time. Public health has reviewed the measures put in place to ensure safe operation of schools and is satisfied that these infection prevention and control measures, when implemented correctly and adhered to, will keep the school community safe during this period.

Intensive engagement and input from education partners representing parents, students, unions, management bodies and principal networks on the plans for the phased reopening of schools has been ongoing.

It is recognised by all of the partners that remote teaching and learning is difficult for all and the return of all children at the earliest opportunity remains a high priority for Government in line with public health advice.

Safety is paramount in our schools, and all provision within schools will continue according to public health advice developed for educational settings. 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 next Monday, with the last group of post primary students set to return to school after the Easter Break.