Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
480. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education her views on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of mechanical ventilation for schools in view of Covid-19, current ventilation guidelines regarding the opening of windows and the expected drop in temperatures during the winter months; if financial resources are available for schools wishing to install mechanical ventilation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36406/20]
View answerThe implementation of the COVID-19 Response Plan by a school is the means through which schools can best prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 and demonstrate that they are operating in accordance with the requirements of the Roadmap for the Full Return to School, the Public Health advice from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the Return to Work Safely Protocol developed by the Health & Safety Authority. These documents are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
The public health guidance for reopening schools and educational facilities includes some important comments about ventilation practices in schools:
- Consider if room ventilation especially in classrooms can be improved without causing discomfort.
- Where possible the opening of doors and windows should be encouraged to increase natural ventilation.
- Increase air flow and ventilation where climate allows.
In August this year, my Department published practical guidance for schools on the practical steps for the deployment of good ventilation practices in schools as part of the process of planning for returning to school which are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool. This document also provides guidance to schools on both natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation. The Department continues to keep this practical guidance for schools under review in line with public health advice.
With respect to available funding, in addition to the payment of the standard €30m minor works grant at primary level for 2020 and the €75 million minor work grant funding provided to schools under the July Stimulus Programme, my Department recently announced a further €55 million in minor works grants for primary and post-primary schools to be paid in early December, 2020. The €55 million payments will involve:
- an additional €25m funding for Covid-19 related Minor Works at post-primary level;
- bringing forward from 2021 the standard €30m minor works grant at primary level.
The minor works grant funding provides good flexibility at local level to assist schools to manage in the Covid environment. For example, schools may use this funding to enhance ventilation in classrooms, such as enabling permanent ventilation openings through vent in a wall or in window frame(s) where not currently available in a classroom. The payment of the grants at this stage gives schools a good lead-in period to plan and undertake works that support the operation of the school in the current school year and assist in catering for capacity and other requirements going into the 2021/22 school year.
