Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
641. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education the circulars that have been issued to schools which give guidance on reopening after the summer holidays; if any guidance has been given to schools not to engage in practices which incentivise a full attendance in class for the 2021-2022 academic year; her views on such incentives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43022/21]
View answerIt is a key objective of the Government’s plan for living with COVID-19 (Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19) that our children and school staff can attend school safely. Plans were put in place to support the full reopening of schools in time for the start of the new school year at the end of August/ start of September 2021.
My Department wrote to all schools highlighting the guidance and resources provided to support schools as they reopen for the next school year and as we continue to live with COVID-19. The Department is very conscious that schools need to be clear on the arrangements and guidance that remain in place for the 2021/22 academic year to support schools during COVID-19.
Each school is required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe operation through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in line with public health advice. This guidance is focused on the practical steps schools must take to minimise the risk of transmission of infection, including physical distancing measures and reducing the risk of congregation of students. It is a matter for each individual school to implement these measures locally taking into account its individual circumstances such as school layout.
