Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 September 2020
119. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if arrangements will be made to allow the children of parents who are at high risk of Covid-19 to receive remote schooling rather than having to attend in person, putting their parents at risk (details supplied). [23175/20]
View answerMy 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 other than very high risk pupils/students who have an underlying medical condition, all other pupils/students are expected to return to school.
My Department is aware that some parents and children will be experiencing 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.
