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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (332)

Niall Collins

Question:

332. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41389/20]

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Written answers

The safety of students, staff and the whole school community has been of paramount importance in the approach to the safe operation of schools during Covid-19, and i am acutely aware that this has been a very challenging time for many families.  My Department has engaged extensively with the HSE public health and the approach to the return to school has been led by the education specific guidance produced by HSE. 

The 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, even those with underlying conditions and complex medical needs, can return to school and that long term cocooning of children is difficult to justify cocooning in most circumstances. However it is recognised that some children cannot return to school because they are medically certified as being at very high risk to COVID-19 and with complex medical needs and my Department has published guidance to support schools in making adapted education provision for these instances. Where a parent believes that their child is very high risk, they should engage with their childs school and medical team.

The HPSC advices also outlines that children with immediate family members, including parents, in both the ‘high risk’ and ‘very high risk’ categories can return to school and that this is important for the child’s overall well-being.  This is consistent with public health advice internationally in relation to at-risk family members.

My Department is aware that some parents and children have had concerns about returning to school and the Department has developed and prepared a comprehensive response to supporting the wellbeing of school communities at this time. The resources and supports provided by services such as the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) are available to support families who are experiencing particularly challenging times. Schools may also consult with NEPS in relation to the academic, social and emotional needs of their students.  

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