Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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61. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the recent rapid increase in Covid-19 infection rates and hospitalisations; if she will ensure that schools provide teachers and all school staff with FFP-2 grade masks or higher where necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34922/22]

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 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. 

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.

The Department will continue to work closely with all of the education partners and public health specialists so that schools will be supported in implementing any measures that may be required for the 2022/23 school year.