Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
25. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions in place for immunocompromised students, parents, teachers, teachers that may have immunocompromised children and those that may live with immunocompromised persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19403/20]
View answer58. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provision being made for students, teachers or school staff that are immunocompromised and will be concerned regarding the return to schools and that it may not be in accordance with health advice to attend. [19303/20]
View answerOn Monday, 27 July, my Department published the report to Government “Reopening Our Schools, The Roadmap for the Full Return to School”.
This Roadmap set outs how schools will reopen for all students from the end of August and what the operation of our schools will look like and be sustainable in a COVID-19 context. It has been developed in line with public health advice issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the Roadmap for Society and Business, and follows comprehensive and intensive engagement with education stakeholders including the school management bodies and staff representatives.
I am conscious that there may be some pupils for whom return to school at the end of August may not be appropriate because the relevant public health guidelines indicate they are at “very high risk”.
Responsibility to ensure that these pupils receive appropriate support to engage adequately with learning remains with each school. Good communication is key to supporting these pupils and to ensure their ongoing connection with their classmates and school community.
Additional supports will be provided for these pupils/students through designated teachers from within the staffing resources of the school. Schools will have discretion to manage and redistribute their teaching support resources in order to best meet the learning needs of their pupils/students, including pupils/students at ‘very high risk’ to COVID-19.
I am conscious that some high risk staff will be assessed as unable to return to the workplace due to Covid-19. Schools will be provided with resources to replace these staff members.
Details of the arrangements that will apply for these staff, which will be in accordance with those applying for the public service generally, will be updated by the Department of Education following consultation with Management Bodies and Unions and a circular will be issued to all schools. This may include supporting high risk students who cannot attend school.
