Schools Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (460, 512, 513, 514, 528, 530, 531, 532)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

460. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45087/20]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

512. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will respond to correspondence received (details supplied) in respect of the reopening of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1622/21]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

513. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the reopening of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1623/21]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

514. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the reopening of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1624/21]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

528. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) regarding the reopening of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1717/21]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

530. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1729/21]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

531. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied). [1733/21]

Willie O'Dea

Question:

532. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if she will address concerns regarding the reopening of special education classes in schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1737/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 460, 512 to 514, inclusive, 528, and 530 to 532, inclusive, together.

School communities have worked incredibly hard to operate safely under Covid-19. The Government has always been guided by public health advice in relation to what is safe in schools. NPHET remain of the view that schools are low risk environments but recognise there is a need to reduce societal activity and movement to curb the spread of the virus at this time.

The Government decision, taken on 6 January, on foot of public health advice to reduce mobility in the community, was to close schools for the vast majority of students for a period of three weeks. The Government decided to prioritise in-person teaching and learning for two specific cohorts; pupils/ students attending special schools and classes and final year Leaving Certificate students. This decision was supported by the public health advice available to Government.

The Government has decided to pause this limited reopening for these groups scheduled for the 11 January to allow for further engagements with education partners to ensure schools can continue to operate safely. As of Monday 11 January students, including children with special needs, should be provided with a programme of remote learning.