Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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90. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that schools provide teachers and all school staff with FFP-2 grade masks or higher in cases in which it is necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23804/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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On 17^thFebruary 2022, NPHET reviewed the remaining public health measures including the infection prevention control measures and restrictions in school settings. The Government has accepted the recommendations of the NPHET to remove remaining restrictions relating to mask-wearing and physical distancing in schools with effect from Monday 28^thFebruary.

While it will no longer be a requirement for staff or pupils to wear a mask in school, staff and pupils can continue to wear a mask if they wish to do so on a personal basis and schools should continue to make masks available on request to staff or pupils as they are currently doing. Funding has continued to be provided to schools for the purchase of PPE, should they wish to do so.

Details of suppliers and codes on the PPE procurement framework for masks referred to by the Deputy have been provided to schools by the Department should they wish to avail of these masks.