Written answers

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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438. To ask the Minister for Health if adult education training courses will be permitted to be hosted in a classroom in June 2021 with 15 persons wearing masks and socially distanced as opposed to being held online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26747/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread adherence by the public to the public health measures in place, and this progress has been sustained during recent phases of reopening in April and May. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme. On 28 May, Government decided to move ahead with the process of lifting restrictions further and a range of measures were eased in June.

I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science that further and higher education institutions and providers are enabling provision during the summer period. This is to be managed in line with the current discretionary framework for the sector and prevailing public health advice. In accordance with public health advice, appropriate protective measures will be in place and numbers on site will be controlled. This will provide an experiential basis for institutions and providers in organising and managing the safe return of students and learners on-site in the autumn through initially modest and manageable levels of provision.

While there has been scope to continue with the easing of public health measures, our approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensure that our progress in controlling the virus is maintained.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.

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