Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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561. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has any plans to standardise university Covid-19 restrictions to national public health measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46727/21]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The Safe Return Plan for further and higher education, which was agreed following extensive discussions between sectoral representatives, institutions, public health, students, staff and other stakeholders was published on the 15th June. 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 comprehensive framework for higher education institutions to proceed with planning to safely return to significant on-campus learning, teaching, research and a broader student experience fully supported by public health authorities through the implementation of a comprehensive and extensive suite of precautionary measures.

The sector is committed to ensuring that onsite operations are conducted in such a manner as to manage any risk to individual and public health through adherence to the prevailing regulations, guidance, and advice. The approach that the sector has taken is supported by the Chief Medical Officer. In addition, public health recently provided clarification to the sector on public health advice to support the sector in the implementation of its plans for a safe return and to assist its engagement with staff and students in that regard.

The Plan and the approach taken fully recognises the autonomy and diversity of the higher and further education sector, and recognises that institutions will develop and implement their own plans for returning on-site, in line with their local context and physical infrastructure.

The implementation of these plans are being realised with all returning students having resumed onsite activity and first year students commencing this week. The safety, sustainability and continuity of the return to campus are of paramount importance and my Department will continue to work with the Chief Medical Officer and the Health Service Executive to that end.