Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
247. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the type of PPE provision (details supplied) that will be provided to schools for the reopening; if the cost of same will be covered by her Department; and if so, if the budget will be allocated based on geography and size of school or enrolment numbers. [13659/20]
View answer248. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the protocol for school staff and students that are at high risk to Covid-19 or living with a family member at high risk when schools reopen. [13660/20]
View answer254. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if students have been involved in the process for schools reopening; and if not, if they will be included in the process. [13666/20]
View answer255. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a budget will be made available to schools to rent nearby facilities such as youth clubs, churches, sports halls and so on to provide space for students for non-contact teaching days if a hybrid model is adopted to provide space outside of the home and enable parents and guardians to work. [13667/20]
View answer256. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to change the absence system for students and teaching staff when schools reopen in view of the fact students will need to stay home if they have symptoms. [13668/20]
View answer257. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will there be an increase in allocation to hire more teachers or rehire retired teachers necessary for student to teacher ratio. [13669/20]
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” 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 including those referred to by the Deputy, 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. Student representatives have been involved in stakeholder consultations.
Staff and students who have symptoms of COVID-19 must not attend school, are required to phone their GP and follow the HSE guidance on self-isolation. Guidance in relation to these absences will be developed centrally following consultation with education partners.
My Department recognises that additional funding will be required for schools to support enhanced cleaning to prevent COVID-19 infections. My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the requirement to provide funding to schools for this purpose.
My Department has also arranged for a drawdown framework to be established to enable schools purchase hand-sanitisers for use in the school and classroom. The procurement process for this framework has already commenced and it is intended these materials will be available in early August.
