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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Questions (89)

Gary Gannon

Question:

89. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if the provision of appropriate PPE to school staff, particularly SNAs, who cannot adhere to social distancing with students will be clarified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40155/20]

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Written answers

At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the trojan work of school communities in keeping schools open during this pandemic period. School leaders, teachers, Special Needs Assistants and parents have worked together effectively in managing the risks presented by Covid-19. We are grateful to them.

A range of essential control measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 virus and to protect the safety, health and welfare of the whole school community.

In supporting schools on these issues, my Department is guided by the expert advice published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

The advice from the HPSC to the Department of Education has recommended that face coverings should be worn by all staff members where it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from other staff, parents, essential visitors or pupils.

Special Needs Assistants attend to the care needs of some of the most vulnerable students and I acknowledge the need for them to have appropriate protective masks and face coverings when they are carrying out intimate care functions in the course of their work.

The most recent advice from the HPSC was circulated to all schools in October. The “Guidance for Schools Regarding Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) Supporting Children and Young People with Additional Care Needs in the Context of COVID-19” is very clear. It states that the use of a face covering should be routine for SNAs. It is also clear that in circumstances where SNAs are performing healthcare like tasks (personal care) the face covering should normally be a surgical mask. If a surgical mask is not practical for any reason, they should use a visor of a quality suitable for use in a healthcare setting. Funding has been provided to schools for necessary PPE including face masks.

My Department has also published a suite of helpful guidance for the safe and sustainable reopening of schools. Each school is required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan for its safe operation through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in line with public health advice.

My Department meets regularly with school stakeholders on issues and concerns in relation to Covid-19. It is only by operating in this collaborative way that we can ensure that the risk of infection is managed and controlled for all members of the school community.

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