Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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94. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a standard ventilation system is recommended for schools; if schools have been supported by a grant to install pandemic ventilation; and if there are checks by the Health and Safety Authority to ensure these systems are up to standard. [35351/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Design of ventilation in schools requires compliance with the Building Regulations and my own Departments Technical Guidance Documents.

Managing classroom ventilation is one of a number of prevention and control measures in place to ensure schools are safe.

Practical steps for the deployment of good ventilation practices was provided to the school system in the context of re-opening for September 2020. This guidance recognises that there is no “one size that fits all” and that ventilation is best managed at local individual school level. The guidance was reviewed and updated in November 2020 and in May 2021.

The May 2021 update took account of the work of an expert group on ventilation that was established to assess the role of ventilation in reducing transmission of Covid-19 across many settings. This included guidance on the role that portable CO₂monitors can play in providing schools with a useful general indication that areas/ rooms may not be adequately ventilated and can enable occupants to become familiar with the impact of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on ventilation levels. The Department is supporting the provision of CO₂ monitors to the school system through a centrally tendered procurement process.

It is open to Health and Safety Authority inspectors to visit any workplace to determine how well employers are managing health and safety matters including in relation to Covid-19 preventative measures.

Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor work grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis.