Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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526. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if primary schools are permitted to hold extra-curricular activities following the recent lifting of Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5141/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is guided by Public Health as to the mitigation measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our schools.  The aim of all of the Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures that have been put in place for schools is to support schools to operate safely and prevent the introduction of Covid-19 and also the onward of transmission of Covid-19 among the school community. These measures protect students, 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.  

Schools can continue to engage with extra-curricular activities once it is safe to do so and necessary arrangements are in line with public health advice.