Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
661. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken for schools to have enough teachers to reopen safely; whether it can be ensured that students with additional needs will not lose vital supports due to a lack of teaching resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15841/20]
View answer670. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the person or body that will be responsible for the implementation and adherence management of public health guidelines in schools when they reopen; if principals and deputy principals will have an increased workload for this work; and if not, whether the necessary resources will be provided for an additional staff member to take on responsibility for same. [15882/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 670 together.
On 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, curricular and wellbeing arrangements 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.
