Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
169. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the advice, support and guidelines in relation to school reopening that have been established for parents that have serious underlying conditions that would make them at high risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 and that are concerned whether or not it is safe in this context to send their children back to school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23004/20]
View answer184. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education if provision has been made for children returning to school that have parents and or siblings with serious and or a terminal illness that have been cocooning for the past six months and are at critical risk should children bring the Covid-19 virus home; the provisions that have been made in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23026/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 184 together.
My Department has published a suite of helpful guidance for the safe and sustainable reopening of schools. Each school is required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe operation through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in line with public health advice. This guidance is focused on the practical steps schools must take to minimise the risk of transmission of infection.
The HSE has published guidance in respect of households with medically vulnerable members and has advised that only children who are in the very high risk category should not attend.
My Department is aware that some parents and children will have concerns about returning to school. My Department has developed and prepared a comprehensive response to supporting the wellbeing of school communities at this time. NEPS will work with schools to support them to meet the needs of their students on their return to school.
