Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
232. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if it is possible to expand the remote learning option to children with at-risk members of their household; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37633/20]
View answerThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the HSE have published guidance in relation to the return to school for at risk groups. This guidance provides that children with immediate family members, including parents, in both the ‘high risk’ and ‘very high risk’ categories can return to school and that this is important for the child’s overall well-being. This is consistent with public health advice internationally in relation to at-risk family members.
The best way to protect against COVID-19 is for households to continue to follow all current public health advice on how to minimise the risk of infection. This includes regular hand washing, cough etiquette and social distancing.
It is the view of Public Health that the evidence available to date shows that schools are proving to be safe spaces for children and for staff. Transmission rates of Covid-19 in schools are low, much lower than the rate currently in the community. This is clearly a result of the effectiveness of the public health guidelines for schools and most importantly the successful implementation of those guidelines by the school community.
My Department has also developed and prepared a comprehensive response to supporting the well-being of school communities at this time. The National Educational Psychological Service is also working with schools to support them to meet the needs of their pupils particularly those who are anxious at this time.
