Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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441. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when Covid-19 restrictions in schools will next be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54515/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The approach to supporting schools to operate safely during Covid-19 has been to follow and implement public health advice. My Department has an ongoing close working relationship with the Department of Health and the HSE throughout the period of the pandemic in the context of implementing important infection prevention control measures in schools to ensure that they can operate safely. This collaboration has been invaluable.

Covid-19 response plans are in place in all schools. These plans are based on the Government’s Work Safely Protocol which reflects the most up to date public health advice for the workplace. They set out the range of measures required to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and provide clear and helpful guidance for the safe operation through prevention, early detection and control of Covid-19 in school. The infection prevention and control measures in place in schools have worked very effectively to prevent and control Covid-19 in schools.

The Chief Medical Office (CMO) has acknowledged the close working and ongoing important relationship between my Department and health authorities to ensure that the education system can operate safely. My Department understands that all Covid-19 infection prevention control measures are reviewed continuously in light of any new evidence both nationally and internationally. My Department will continue to engage with public health in relation to infection prevention and control measures in schools.