Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2021
121. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that parents are expressing concerns in relation to the mental health impact that the wearing of masks will have on children and the future impact it will have on society (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59416/21]
View answerThe Department has always been guided by Public Health as to the mitigation measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our schools. The aim of all of the Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures that have been put in place for schools is to support schools to operate safely and prevent the introduction of Covid-19 and also the onward of transmission of Covid-19 among the school community. These measures protect pupils, their parents and school staff and are very effective when adhered to.
NPHET has recommended and the Government has approved a measure introducing the wearing of face masks by children aged nine years and older in a number of settings, including for children in 3rd class and above in primary schools. HSPC interim Guidance on the use of face coverings in childcare and educational setting has been published.
The Department has provided guidance for schools, including information on those categories of children who are exempt on medical grounds from wearing face masks. The measure is being introduced on a temporary basis and is subject to review in mid-February 2022. Schools will be best placed to identify those children whose complex needs are such that the wearing of face covering may not be possible for them, and to discuss this with parents as required. In such circumstances a school may not require medical certification to provide an exemption to the wearing of face coverings.
I am aware that this is a challenging time for pupils, teachers, other school staff and parents, and a strong focus should be kept on wellbeing and self-care during this time. The National Educational Psychological Service of the Department (NEPS) is leading on supporting the wellbeing of schools communities. The Department’s response is aligned with the HSE guidance and based on the five key principles of promoting a sense of safety, calm, connectedness, self- and community-efficacy and hope.
My Department will continue to work in partnership with the Department of Health to ensure that the wellbeing needs of all members of the school community are met and we will continue be guided by the Department of Health and the HSE on public health measures.
