Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
643. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the possibility of creating a Covid-19 officer in schools to manage and oversee best practice has been investigated and considered; if so, if this role would be covered by existing staff; and if it would require external staff recruitment. [15630/20]
View answerOn Wednesday 1 July 2020, I welcomed the publication of interim public health advice for the safe re-opening of schools in late August/September. This interim health advice sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools and the measures that will be required to achieve this.
Receipt of public health advice and the Return to Work Safely Protocol will underpin ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools in relation to logistical and curricular arrangements and wellbeing, and including the issue raised by the Deputy.
My Department’s ongoing work with education partners and other key stakeholders on guidance for re-opening schools is aimed at reducing the burden on schools at a local level by providing central guidance and supports to the greatest extent possible by the end of July in order to allow time for schools to implement the necessary arrangements locally.
