Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1056. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if the proposed CO2 monitoring equipment in schools will allow for the full recording, storage and assessment of all the collected data; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40892/21]
View answerA copy of the guidance is published at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad236-guidance-on-ventilation-in-schools/.
The over-arching approach in the guidance is for schools to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use (e.g. during break-times or lunch-times and also at the end of each school day) and partially open when classrooms are in use.
The guidance outlines the role that Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitors can play a part in providing 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 levels of good ventilation.
In this regard, the Department is procuring a number of portable monitors which will be distributed to schools in August and September – between 2 and 20 at primary level and between 20 and 35 at post-primary level depending on school size. This will ensure that a CO2 monitor will be available for use in every classroom in Ireland.
Data logging is a feature of the CO2 monitors being provided. The CO2 monitor will log a reading every 15mins. 30 days of historical data will be available to the school authority which can be downloaded using a free computer application.
