Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
282. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education her plans to offer streamed remote and blended learning options to high-risk families that wish to avail of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39493/20]
View answerThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre and HSE has published guidance in relation to the return to school for at risk groups. The advice confirms that for the vast majority of children, including those who are high risk, can return to school and it is important for the overall health and wellbeing for children to attend school. This is consistent with public health advice internationally. Live streaming of classes does not arise where categories of students are expected to be in school. The guidance is available at the following link.
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/educationguidance/HSE%20advice%20on%20return%20to%20school.pdf
My Department has also published guidance to support schools in making adapted education provision for students with an underlying medical condition who cannot return to school because they are medically certified as being at very high risk to COVID-19.
The guidance for primary and post schools on supporting such students is available via the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/a128d-back-to-school/.
