Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
711. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will review correspondence from a person (details supplied); if she will increase the funding for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63168/21]
View answerThe following response issued to Mr. McGrath on the 17th of December.
"I refer to your recent e-mail to the Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley TD, in relation to HEPA filters.
To provide additional support in the context of Covid-19 the payment of a minor works grant totalling €45m for primary schools and special schools, plus a once-off Covid-19 minor works funding of €17m for post-primary schools, was recently announced.
Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs. Arrangements are now being made for the payment of these grants to schools. The Department circular can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/ga/ciorclan/1f42e-cistiu-breisithe-i-gcomhair-an-deontais-mionoibreacha-le-haghaidh-bunscoileanna-cistiu-eisceachtuil-i-gcomhair-an-deontais-mionoibreacha-le-haghaidh-bunscoileanna-agus-focas-faoi-leith-aige-ar-thacaiocht-don-aerail-feabhsaithe/ www.gov.ie/en/circular/db27a-enhanced-minor-works-grant-funding-for-primary-schools-exceptional-minor-works-grant-funding-for-post-primary-schools-with-a-particular-focus-on-supporting-enhanced-ventilation/
Managing ventilation is one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe.
The Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels including in relation to the role of air cleaners in helping to deal with poorly ventilated areas. The practical steps and stepwise approach set out in the guidance are sufficient to ensure good ventilation practices in school while at the same time ensuring an appropriate balance between ventilation and comfort. 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 and partially open when classrooms are in use.
HEPA air cleaning devices are not a substitute for good ventilation but can be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available pending the completion of structural interventions to address a poorly ventilated area. This is in line with the Expert Group recommendations.
There is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each application requires bespoke analysis and selection of the appropriate unit(s) matched to the specific room size and volume. If a school feels that its individual space may require specific technical specialist advice then the assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect can be sought.
The Minor Works Grant announced can be used to address any small-scale ventilation improvement. In the event your engineer/ architect recommends a HEPA air cleaner to address a poorly ventilated area, relevant technical guidance can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c6578-room-air-cleaner-guidance-for-schools/
Should schools require larger scale ventilation work they may also apply for emergency works grant assistance in the normal way."
