Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to ensure a full return to sports in schools for the 2021-2022 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23950/21]

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 safety of students, staff and the whole school community has been of paramount importance in the approach to the safe operation of schools during COVID-19. The Department has engaged extensively with the HSE public health and the approach to the return to school during this past year has been led by the education specific guidance produced by HSE.

The Department ongoing engagement with Public Health on all issues and guidance relating to COVID-19 in schools will inform what infection control measures will be necessary for schools in the 2021/22 school year. Any changes to the current measures will be communicated to schools before that start of the new school year including any such arrangements for activities such as sport.