David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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412. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her Department’s position with regard to the wearing of face coverings for second-level students in school settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43358/21]

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