Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
790. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she plans to introduce clear definitive regulations and specific requirements for room air cleaners for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1333/22]
View answer791. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if buying power will be maximised by procuring room air cleaners for schools from a single source. [1334/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 790 and 791 together.
Managing ventilation is just one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe. Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided at the end of May following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19. The updated guidance for schools is also fully in line with the most recent guidance on non-healthcare building ventilation during COVID-19, published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre November 2021.
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 issued in December 2021.
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. Specialist advice/assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect is an important source of support for schools. This will help ensure that appropriate solutions are being put in place to address ventilation issues including advice on whether an Air Cleaner Unit is required to deal with a poorly ventilated room.
The Department issued Room Air Cleaner Guidance for Schools in December. This guidance included specifications.
Air cleaning devices are not a substitute for good ventilation but can be considered pending the completion of interventions/works where poor ventilation persists. This is in line with the Expert Group recommendations. Air filtration does not negate the need for natural ventilation and opening windows as required. Furthermore Mike Ryan of the World Health Organisation’s Health Emergencies Programme has advised schools not to rely solely on air filters.
In the case where a school has difficulty engaging a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect the Department can assist, with a dedicated ventilation team available to support school principals in this regard. Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor work grant or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements where the minor work grant does not cover the full cost of the works required.
