Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
301. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the pupil-teacher ratio will be reduced across each school in order to ensure the health and safety of both teachers and students and a return to school in September 2020; his plans to recruit teachers and find extra accommodation to allow this to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12681/20]
View answerOn 12 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.
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. This also includes measures in relation to social distancing which will be informed by the development of guidance in relation to infection prevention and control in schools. These contingencies and guidance 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.
