Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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159. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to ensure students can return safely to in-person teaching in further and higher education contexts. [45707/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Following Government approval, I published A Safe Return: Plan for a safe return to on-site Further and Higher Education and Research in 2021/22 on June 15th. The Safe Return Plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bcd91-a-safe-return-to-on-site-further-and-higher-education-and-research/

The plan, which emerged following extensive and productive discussions between university representatives, public health and other relevant stakeholders, provided a framework for higher education institutions to proceed with planning for a return to onsite campus learning that would be in line with public health guidance. In that context, institutions and providers are currently progressing with their own detailed planning and work for a comprehensive return to on-site activity.

All returning students have resumed onsite activity and first year students will commence next week. In line with their arrival, the Department has worked with the HSE to establish a number of pop-up vaccination centres across 11 different institutions to maximise uptake of vaccinations. In addition, free face masks will be provided.