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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Questions (498, 506)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

498. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans to extend the requirement for the provision by schools of medical grade masks in the EN14683 category to all teachers in primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11979/21]

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Réada Cronin

Question:

506. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if a supply of high-grade masks will be automatically available to all teachers involved in school reopenings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12044/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 506 together.

My Department has always been guided by public health advice in relation to the infection prevention and control measure appropriate for schools. At present it is a requirement for face coverings to be worn by teachers, staff in schools and students attending post primary school.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published advice on the use of face coverings in educational settings and is available here. Revised HPSC guidelines for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) published on 7 January 2021 recommended surgical grade masks for all SNAs.

As part of the risk mitigation measures in schools outlined in the ‘Framework Plan for phased return of primary school education’ , my Department has also confirmed that medical grade masks should also be provided for all teachers and SNAs in special schools and special classes and those staff by necessity that need to be in close and continued proximity with pupils with intimate care needs including School Bus Escorts. Schools may access the current PPE framework to procure supplies of medical grade masks.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) keeps infection prevention and control measures, which include the wearing of masks under review on an ongoing basis.

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