Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020
74. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the number of primary and secondary schools in County Carlow without hot water facilities; and the steps taken to rectify such issues in view of the fact children have returned to school. [24255/20]
View answerThe specific information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of primary and secondary schools in County Carlow that do not have access to hot water is not readily available within my Department.
Health guidance states that, while warm running water is preferable for handwashing, cold water is sufficient. In schools which do not have warm running water, a soap that emulsifies easily in cold water will be provided.
It is also recognised that the existing handwashing facilities in schools are not designed for the enhanced level of handwashing envisaged in a post COVID-19 environment without significantly impacting on educational class time including the requirement for a high level of supervision by teachers to ensure pupils wash their hands properly.
The public health guidance also states that hand sanitiser can be used. Hand-sanitisers in key areas in every school in the country, as well as in every classroom, are being provided. To enable the supply of sanitiser fluid for each school, a drawdown framework for use by schools to purchase sanitiser, etc., (as well as other potential PPE requirements) is in place and all schools have been advised accordingly.
