Written answers

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Department of Education and Skills

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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525. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Covid-protocols in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41981/21]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Department has always been guided by Public Health as to the mitigation measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our schools.  The aim of all of the Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures that have been put in place for schools is to support schools to operate safely and prevent the introduction of Covid-19 and also the onward of transmission of Covid-19 among the school community. These measures protect pupils, their parents and school staff and are very effective when adhered to.

Current public health advice makes it a requirement for a face mask to be worn by teachers, staff in schools and students attending post-primary school.

The HPSC keeps infection prevention and control measures under review on an ongoing basis. The advice regarding face masks has not changed for the new school year.

The Department is also working with the HSE Testing Pathways Working Group which is examining the use of antigen testing in education settings. The approach to antigen testing in education settings, including in schools will be informed by the pilots currently underway in childcare and third level.

 The Department will continue to work with the group as it is considered important that any data collected from the pilot of antigen testing within the wider education sector is available to inform decisions on the appropriateness of more widespread deployment of such tests within the schools sector and the potential to scale to the sector.

The Department will continue to engage regularly with public health officials in respect of the safe operation of schools during Covid-19.

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