Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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305. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for the provision of air purifiers with high efficiency particular air filters in each classroom in Ireland to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19; the analysis her Department has carried out into the cost of providing air purifiers with such filters in each classroom; the analysis her Department has carried out into the benefits of air purification in classrooms alongside the opening of windows and doors for ventilation in combating the spread of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55241/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels.

Managing ventilation is just one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe. Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided at the end of May following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19. A copy of the guidance is published on the Gov.ie website. In keeping with the guidance

The over-arching approach is ventilation first with the guidance for schools to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use and partially open when classrooms are in use. The Department has not undertaken a cost analysis regarding the installation of air filtration systems. The focus of the Department has been providing support to schools in applying public health advice with respect to the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19.

 Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor work grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis. 

Where the above measures have been undertaken, and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. There is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each application requires bespoke analysis and selection of the appropriate unit(s) matched to the specific room size and volume. If, following consultation with a supplier a school feels that its individual space may require specific technical specialist advice then the assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect can be sought.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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306. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools in Ireland that have been provided with CO2 monitors funded by her Department; the number of primary schools that have not received any CO2 monitors to date; the number of CO2 monitors provided per primary school; the total number of CO2 monitors provided to date to primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55242/21]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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307. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary schools in Ireland that have been provided with CO2 monitors funded by her Department; the number of secondary schools who have not received any CO2 monitors to date; the number of CO2 monitors provided per secondary school; the total number of CO2 monitors provided to date to secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55243/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.

The Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels.

Managing ventilation is just one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe. Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided at the end of May following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19. A copy of the guidance is published on the Gov.ie website.

The guidance outlines that Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) monitors can play a part in providing a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated. They can enable occupants to become familiar with the impacts of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on levels of good ventilation. The provision of portable CO2 monitors provides schools with the flexibility to focus their use to those rooms where most beneficial to inform strategies for optimising ventilation in the school.

All schools in the free scheme have received their allocation of monitors.

In excess of 35,400 monitors were delivered to 3239 primary schools (18,262 monitors) and 725 post-primary (17,215 monitors) schools.

Monitors were allocated on the following basis: