Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
684. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the NPHET advice on restrictions for third level institutions will be regularly shared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38877/20]
View answerIn line with “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” it is a matter for Government to determine the level of public health restrictions applied and the composition of those restrictions.
In “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” the following framework is provided in respect of further and higher education:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
| Open with protective measures | Open with protective measures | Further, higher and adult education to escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible | Further, higher and adult education moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on-site | Recommendations based upon precise situation and evidence at time |
In a letter dated 15th October 2020, NPHET recommended that at Level 5 higher and adult education should remain open, with appropriate protective measures in place, with the vast majority of programmes delivered online, with exemptions only for essential on-site activities including practicals, laboratory and clinical placements. The letter is published here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/ba4aa0-letters-from-the-cmo-to-the-minister-for-health/#october.
