Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
996. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if music or drama schools are included in the education exemption for level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33024/20]
View answer998. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide clarity to private music school operators in relation to the Covid-19 restrictions (details supplied). [33218/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 996 and 998 together.
A detailed and comprehensive three-pillar guidance framework has been put in place to underpin a blended model of provision in higher and further education for the 2020/21 academic year.
The approach is strongly aligned with the public health requirements and for shaping the work of institutions and providers in a manner which is adaptive and responsive to changes in the trajectory and seriousness of the COVID19 pandemic.
These three pillars of the framework are:
- A high level Further and Higher Education Roadmap which provides an overview of the phased return across further and higher education.
- A COVID19 Adaptation Framework which provides a structure, guidance and support for further and higher education institutions and providers that does not end with re-opening. This is to assist them in consistently and collaboratively continuing to adapt to meeting the challenges posed by this pandemic.
- Practical Guidance for Further and Higher Education for Returning to On-Site Activity in 2020. This guide was prepared on a consultative basis with sector stakeholders and with the assistance of public health expertise. It is intended to provide advice and guidance to the higher and further education sectors as they move to crystallise their return to campus plans, while safeguarding the health and safety of students, learners, visitors and staff.
This suite is also supplemented by more detailed further and higher education implementation guidelines, developed by the sectors working closely with public health experts.
The extensive work summarised above undertaken to underpin the operation of the higher and further education system has been based on detailed planning and contingencies by higher and further education institutions, ongoing reporting and more recently the development of Outbreaks Protocols, and their implementation and communication to staff, students and learners. The scope for continuity of practical skills provision at more restrictive levels is afforded on the basis of this strong sectoral engagement, planning and reporting, ensuring ongoing close alignment with the framework.
In devising and implementing the framework we have been mindful of being as inclusive as possible. Accordingly all publicly funded higher education, private higher education (through HECA members) and education and training offered through ETBs, including that offered on a contracted basis is comprehended within the Guidance and therefore can take place within the current restrictions . Given the statutory remit of SOLAS, Safepass and CSCS/QSCS training are comprehended. Community based education is also in scope.
Outside of this, there is a diverse continuum of education and training of varying degrees of duration and formality. Our basis for engagement with such providers across this spectrum of diverse sectors is very limited and it would be a major undertaking on the Department’s part to oversee the work required to give the necessary confidence in their processes and their implementation, sufficient to provide confidence in the provision of practical skills at more restrictive levels. However, it is the Department’s view that such education and training taking place outside of the sectors outlined above, falls within the provisions of general Government advice and the HSA Protocols for Returning to Work.
