Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2020
163. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if her Department has engaged in discussions with places of education regarding the disciplining of students who breach Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions. [30421/20]
View answerMy Department has developed a Template Health and Safety Control of COVID-19 Policy for post primary students. This policy reflects the need to minimise the risk of introduction of COVID-19 into the school community and to prevent its spread. This template is a guide for schools in how they can set out for students and parents/guardians, the COVID-19 health and safety control measures to be followed by students in their school and ensure that any non-adherence to the measures concerned can be addressed by the school through the school’s code of behaviour for students.
In accordance with the policy, students are expected to comply with the standards of behaviour set out in the policy or as directed by the school to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 control measures are consistent with current advice from the HSE, the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Foreign Affairs and, as such, may be subject to change.
Students are expected to comply with all directions from school staff in relation to the school’s COVID-19 control measures. Any failure or refusal to comply with this policy or to follow instructions of school staff should be dealt with in accordance with the school’s Code of Behaviour. In that regard it is also very important for schools to be aware that any disciplinary sanction taken by a school against a student must be in accordance with the school’s code of behaviour and relevant requirements of the Educational Welfare Service guidelines on Developing a Code of Behaviour and the Education Welfare Act 2000
