Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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328. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter regarding the mask mandate (details supplied). [60296/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The email issued from the Department’s dedicated email account that is used to disseminate COVID-19 related information to all schools. Schools are familiar with the normal communication channels that the Department avails for the dissemination of Covid related guidance to the school system.

As the Deputy will be aware, given the evolving nature of COVID-19, it is imperative to communicate information to schools as quickly as possible.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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329. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will publish the risk assessment which was carried out by her Department prior to the introduction of new guidance mandating mask wearing for children in primary school from third class; the date this risk assessment was carried out; the interaction and consultation between schools, parents and boards of managements on the matter; the evidence upon which this policy is based; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60308/21]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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331. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the latest HIQA advice which is available to her Department on the matter of mask wearing for primary school-aged children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60310/21]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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332. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the studies and consideration that her Department has undertaken in relation to the potential psychological impacts of mask wearing in school settings; if she will publish the studies relied upon by her Department in issuing mandates on mask wearing for primary school-aged children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60311/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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343. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the consideration that was given to the advice from a statutory authority (details supplied) concerning the reduction of the minimum age for the application of mask wearing requirements and recommendations in the issuing of guidance on the use of face coverings in primary schools on 30 Nov 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60537/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 329, 331, 332 and 343 together.

Ensuring that schools can operate safely has been a key priority for me as Minister for Education. My Department has always been guided by public health advice in relation to appropriate Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures in place in schools. These measures protect students, their parents and school staff and are very effective.

The change in policy regarding face coverings in primary schools was made on foot of a Government decision taken on 30 November 2021, which considered and accepted public health advice received from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on 25 November 2021. This new, and temporary policy, was introduced in light of the current epidemiological situation regarding the spread of COVID-19. The education sector throughout the pandemic has consistently implemented public health recommendations for the protection of the entire school community.

These measures have been implemented successfully at post-primary since September 2020 and it is envisaged that they will operate successfully with the support of schools communities in the primary school setting.

The Department is aware that this is a challenging time for pupils, teachers, other school staff and parents, and a strong focus should be kept on well-being and self-care during this time. The National Educational Psychological Service of the Department (NEPS) is leading on supporting the well-being of schools communities.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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330. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the legal basis on which a school can refuse entry to a child for non-wearing of a mask as suggested in her Department’s latest guidance; if her Department will take liability for any litigation brought to the courts by any student who is refused entry to a school based on a mandatory guideline; if the school board of management will be responsible for defending its decision to refuse a child entry to school; the assistance that will be provided to the schools in such instances in which they are threatened with litigation for refusing a child entry to a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60309/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The wearing of face masks by children in third class and upwards is a strong public health recommendation from the NPHET and has been endorsed by Government.

While there is no statutory requirement for this in the regulatory framework, it is generally accepted by the school community that rules put in place to protect the health and safety of the school community should be followed, unless there is a very good reason not to do so.

It is generally recognised and accepted that masks protect both the wearer and others around them. This is a temporary public health measure, in the interest of protecting children and the school staff and the school community, given the very high case numbers in older primary school age children.

The Department has published a frequently asked questions guidance on Monday to assist schools engage with parents where there are particular difficulties arising for individual children. The guidance provides that any engagement takes place in a spirit of partnership and co-operation to ensure the safety of the whole school community. While this public health measure is being implemented, this guidance seeks a solution focused approach between school and parents to resolve any issues that may arise.

These measures have been implemented successfully at post-primary since September 2020 and it is envisaged that they will operate successfully with the support of schools communities in the primary school setting. The education sector throughout the pandemic has consistently drawn upon public health expertise for the protection of the entire school community.