On 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.