Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021
247. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to ensure good ventilation in all classrooms in order to mitigate the spread of Covid-19; the basis of this funding allocation; if all necessary works will be completed by the time schools resume after the summer break; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37150/21]
View answerDesign of ventilation in schools requires compliance with the Building Regulations and my own Department's Technical Guidance Documents.
Managing classroom ventilation is one of a number of prevention and control measures in place to ensure schools are safe.
Practical steps for the deployment of good ventilation practices was provided to the school system in the context of re-opening for September 2020. This guidance recognises that there is no “one size that fits all” and that ventilation is best managed at local individual school level. The guidance was reviewed and updated in November 2020 and in May 2021.
The May 2021 update took account of the work of an expert group on ventilation that was established to assess the role of ventilation in reducing transmission of Covid-19 across many settings. This included guidance on the role that portable CO2 monitors can play in providing schools with a useful general indication that areas/ rooms may not be adequately ventilated and can enable occupants to become familiar with the impact of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on ventilation levels.
Therefore, my Department has secured CO2 monitors for schools following a centrally tendered procurement process at an estimated overall cost of circa €4 million. The portable units can facilitate measurements in a wide range of locations in schools and will be delivered directly to schools over the coming months.
Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor works grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis.
