Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2021
429. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if school caretakers employed by school boards in receipt of grant aid from her Department in recognised primary and post-primary schools who are pregnant are also encouraged to adhere to guidance (details supplied); and if not, if the necessary changes will be made to allow for same. [29724/21]
View answerGuidance issued to employers, including schools, by my Department on arrangements in the context of staff at risk from COVID-19 are all guided by public health advice. Circular 0021/2021deals with arrangements specifically in relation to teachers and SNAs in a classroom setting. Information Note TC 0013/2021 also sets out the working arrangements for the Very High Risk and pregnant teachers/SNAs for the remainder of the current school year. The Department is awaiting updated guidelines from the HSE in relation to pregnant teachers and SNAs. When these guidelines have been updated, the Department will advise employers.
The arrangements for non teaching staff in the context of staff at risk from COVID-19 are set out in Circular 54/2020. As above, where there is any updated advice from public health in relation to school staff, the Department will advise employers.
