Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has 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. It is not a requirement for children attending primary school to wear face masks. 

The HPSC keeps infection prevention and control measures under review on an ongoing basis including whether or not primary school age children should wear masks. While in individual circumstances parents may choose for their children to wear face masks to primary school, the advice regarding face masks has not changed for the new school year.

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