Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education her plans for the safe return to school for all primary and second level schools; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the safety arrangements in the context of the prevention of the spread of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4879/21]
View answerSchool 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.
Public Health has advised that schools are safe places for both students and adults because of the mitigation measures now in place in our schools. All schools are required to have in place a school COVID-19 Response Plan which contains the key measures for infection prevention control in schools. Public Health have re-iterated that neither the variance of the disease nor the rate of transmission in the community change in anyway the measures required in schools. Schools have been supported by a funding package of €400m to put in place and maintain these key measures since August 2020. Public Health advice is that compliance with these measures ensure that school remain safe places for children and staff.
Following a setback last week to the planned partial reopening of schools, discussions are continuing between the Department of Education and education stakeholders to agree a plan for a phased return to in-school provision for children with special educational needs. This remains a high priority for all partners.
