Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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145. To ask the Minister for Health if the requirement for children to wear masks in school can be lifted in the immediate future in view of the improved public health situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5294/22]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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149. To ask the Minister for Health the position with regard to mask wearing in schools; the relevant statutory instrument signed by him specifically citing this requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5300/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 149 together.

While the majority of public health measures have been lifted, the Government announced that the requirements for mask wearing in all settings where currently regulated for under Statutory Instrument and protective measures in schools and early learning and care facilities should be retained until February 28 based on public health advice. The NPHET will meet again on February 17 and will provide further advice to the Government on this issue.

As the Deputies may be aware, the wearing of masks in schools was never a requirement under Statutory Instrument but is instead based on public health advice and incorporated into education sector policies.

As part of its advice to Government on the easing of public health measures, the NPHET advised that sector specific measures to ensure a safe environment including in relation to the promotion of rapid self-isolation when symptomatic, appropriate use of face masks, physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene, ventilation and signage must remain critical components of our collective response to COVID-19. The NPHET also advised that the continued wearing of masks, practicing of physical distancing and avoidance of crowded environments based on individual risk assessment, along with adherence to basic hand and respiratory hygiene will remain important. It will be a matter for sectors, organisations, premises and individuals to determine the most appropriate arrangements once formal requirements have been lifted.