Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

225. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered by schools getting in touch with public health to report outbreaks of Covid-19 in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8900/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE Principals’ helpline and the Department’s Covid-19 helpline operates seven days a week and remains a source of support for principals. As an additional support for schools, who may struggle with operational challenges due to staff shortages, Department of Education Inspectors are available on a Department of Education helpline to support Principals to manage and prioritise on-site activity where significant challenges arise. 

In addition from the end of November 2021, antigen testing was introduced in primary schools in circumstances where children are part of a classroom pod and where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19. Offering antigen tests to children who are identified as part of a pod in which there was a confirmed case of COVID-19, is an additional measure to support parents and schools. Where there are two cases in a class in more than one pod within a seven day period, antigen testing will be offered to every child in the class. In the case of special schools, where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a class, antigen testing will be offered to every child in the class. Contact tracing continues in respect of children in special education settings.