Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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455. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address the concerns raised by a parent regarding the emotional and psychological and social impact of mask wearing during school hours and the need for risk assessments to be conducted with respect to same (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4254/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 449 and 455 together.

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. Current public health advice makes it a requirement for a face mask to be worn by teachers, staff in schools and students attending post-primary school. These measures protect students/pupils, their parents and school staff and are very effective when adhered to. 

Public Health continue to advise that the two most important actions to prevent the introduction and spread of Covid-19 (and other respiratory viruses), is by ensuring no-one with new onset symptoms attend school, and that all recommended infection prevention and control measures are in place in line with school Covid-19 response plans.  

Public Health have also confirmed that there is no change to infection prevention and control measures in place in schools at this time, but that they will be reviewed by mid-term in February. The infection prevention and control measures in place in schools have worked very effectively to prevent and control Covid-19 in schools.