Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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71. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is envisaged that Covid-19 precautions in schools such as pods and staggered drop-off or collection times will remain in place in September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36570/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Schools have been advised that it is expected that they will continue to operate with the current infection prevention and control measures outlined in school covid response plans to support their safe operation during Covid-19 when they reopen in for the 2021/2022 school year. Schools will continue to be supported in terms of the additional resources necessary to provide for these measures.

Schools Covid-19 response plans are based on the Government’s Work Safely Protocol which reflects the most up to date public health advice for the workplace. It sets out the range of measures required to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including those referred to by the Deputy. These plans will be updated by the Department during the summer and will be available for schools in advance of reopening. It is not envisaged that there will be any updates that require schools to take action in advance of normal reopening.

The Department will undertake a communications campaign with parents and students/pupils in advance of school reopening to inform and remind them of the arrangements in place in schools operating during Covid-19. This will include specifically targeted information at new pupils entering primary and post-primary schools to ensure they are familiar with the new arrangements.

The Department will continue to work closely with all of the education partners and public health specialists so that schools will continue to be supported when they reopen for the 2021/2022 school year.