Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
244. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education her views on whether Covid-19 signage in schools should be removed as there are no Covid-19 safety measures in place in Ireland at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50749/22]
View answerMy Department is at all times guided by public health advice as to the appropriate infection and prevention control measures to be implemented in schools to both prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into school settings and to minimise its impact if COVID-19 occurs.
At the beginning of the 2022/2023 school year, the Department of Health and the office of the Chief Medical Officer advised that there are no new requirements in respect of managing COVID-19.
Keeping COVID-19 out of schools as far as possible is still the key approach to the operation of our schools as we continue to live with COVID-19. The key message for students, their parents and staff is to stay away from school if they have COVID-19 symptoms and to follow the HSE advice in all instances.
COVID-19 Capitation Grant funding is being provided for Term 1 of the 2022/23 school year to support schools to continue to implement infection prevention and control measures, such as hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and cleaning to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the safety, health and welfare of staff, students, parents and visitors. Signage is appropriate for keeping members of the school community informed of these measures.
While it will no longer be a requirement for staff or pupils to wear a mask in school, staff and pupils can continue to wear a mask if they wish to do so on a personal basis and schools should continue to make masks available on request to staff or pupils as they are currently doing.
My Department will continue to work closely with all of the education partners and public health specialists so that schools will be supported in implementing any measures that may be required for the 2022/23 school year.
