Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 September 2021
98. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education her views on claims that the official advice from her Department regarding carbon dioxide concentrations in classrooms is unsafe and will not aid in reducing transmission of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45717/21]
View answerGood ventilation was identified as an important aspect of public health advice on managing Covid-19 risks. The establishment of an Expert Group on the matter, alongside a sub-group of the main Expert Group focussed exclusively on the issue of improving and monitoring ventilation in schools earlier this year underlines this,
The outcomes of this work formed the basis for the most recent updating of the ventilation guidance for schools and included recommendations in relation to strengthening the message about the importance of good ventilation and the use of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitors.
CO2 is an effective proxy for ventilation but it is not a direct proxy for infection transmission risk. CO2 monitoring can be used to enable a good balance between ventilation, thermal comfort, and energy use.
As part of following through on this work, my Department its updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools in May which is accessible on the Department’s website and also procured CO2 monitors for distribution directly to schools to assist them in managing their ventilation strategy.
The guidance outlines the role that 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.
My Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels. The monitor gives a digital reading but also has an LED display that changes colour like a traffic light. They have pre-set specific bands operating in a “traffic-light style
The digital readings and multi-colour display on the CO2 monitors delivered to schools guide schools on the need to increase ventilation when the reading is above the green display of 800 CO2 parts per million. The practical steps and stepwise approach set out in the Department's guidance will assist good ventilation practices in school while at the same time ensuring an appropriate balance between ventilation and comfort.
If an individual school has particular difficulties in managing ventilation the Department is available to guide and support it as required on the appropriate strategy to address same.
