Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
169. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give consideration to opening schools for the children of front-line workers who are struggling with work and home schooling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10534/20]
View answerOn the 1 May 2020, the Taoiseach announced as part of the "Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business" that schools will commence opening on a phased basis at the beginning of the 2020/2021 academic year.
On Friday my Department published the report to Government “Planning for reopening schools in line with the Roadmap for reopening society and business”
https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/framework-for-reopening-and-operating-schools.html.
The report sets out the clear ambition to develop a sustainable plan to fully reopen schools at the start of the next school year in late August/September in line with normal timeframes.
The report also sets out in brief the contingencies that must be considered during the coming period in the context of Covid-19. These contingencies will be worked through in detail in the coming weeks with education partners and stakeholders to ensure that the return to school is safe for children and staff.
The Government also announced a joint Education and Health arrangement for a summer programme to support children with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage. Details of the arrangements are available at www.gov.ie\summerprovision.
