Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
110. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if clarity will be provided to school principals and school boards outlining the requirements and the financial support they will be given in terms of additional demands and costs on schools returning post-Covid-19 lockdown, particularly the additional cost of cleaning and hygiene measures. [11657/20]
View answerOn Friday 12th June 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.
Detailed engagement with education partners and stakeholders is underway in relation to the development of public health guidance in a school setting. A core objective will be to ensure that schools and other education settings can re-open and operate in a safe manner that is consistent with public health advice.
My Department will establish a drawdown framework for schools to enable the purchase by schools of supplies such as hand-sanitisers for use in the school and classroom. The procurement process for this framework is commencing immediately and it will also deal with any other potential PPE requirements. It is not envisaged that significant PPE will be required in school settings. All requirements for PPE in schools will be in line with public health advice.
