Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
525. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if all teachers, particularly those with medical conditions and those who are pregnant, will be issued with standard medical masks in line with those being provided to special needs assistants, SNAs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13066/21]
View answerMy 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.
The general principles to apply to the management of COVID-19 includes the safety and welfare of teachers and other school staff and the minimisation of the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning. The current COVID-19 arrangements in place for teachers are outlined in my Department’s Circular Letter 0049/2020.
The HSE has recently published guidance for the education sector in respect of pregnant employees and my Department is currently seeking clarifications from the HSE on this guidance. In the meantime, a pregnant teacher should temporarily continue to work remotely i.e. working from home.
The temporary arrangements for teachers during the partial re-opening period are outlined in my Department’s Information Note TC 0005/2021 for primary teachers and Information Note TC 0007/2021 for post primary teachers. On the full re-opening of primary schools due to take place on 15th March, Information Note TC 0010/2021 for primary teachers SNAs will apply.
