Richard Bruton
Question:439. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if new directives are being considered on mask wearing or other safety precautions in the context of the reopening of schools. [11436/21]
View answerWednesday, 3 March 2021
Questions (439, 486, 525)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:486. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the advice of a person (details supplied) who suggests that primary school children should wear surgical face masks when they return to the classrooms; and if she will communicate such advice to schools to allow them to implement in circumstances as age and ability of children allows. [11873/21]
View answer
Róisín Shortall
Question:525. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she has discussed with the teachers’ unions the wearing of face masks for sixth-class students given the WHO recommendation that all children aged 12 and over should wear a mask; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12169/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 439, 486 and 525 together.
My Department has always been guided by public health advice in relation to the infection prevention and control measure appropriate for schools. While current public health advice makes it a requirement for face coverings to be worn by teachers, non-teaching staff in primary and post primary schools and students attending post primary school, it is not a requirement for children attending primary school to wear face-coverings.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) keep infection prevention and control measures under review in all sectors and have advised that the wearing of masks by primary school students is not being recommended at this time. However this is currently being reviewed and it is understood that an expert sub group will report to the NPHET on Thursday in this regard. My Department will await the outcome of this advice from NPHET and any subsequent Government decisions.
Question No. 440 answered with Question No. 417.