Jennifer Whitmore
Question:777. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to include/continue the use of HEPA filters in school classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39318/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (777)
Written answers
My Department’s guidance in relation to managing ventilation in a Covid environment sets out the practical steps for improving ventilation and where poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. This was in line with the Expert Group guidance which identified that in areas with poor ventilation that structural interventions and measures to increase natural ventilation should be completed. Where such structural interventions or measures were not possible in the short term, that consideration should be given to using stand-alone HEPA filter devices in poorly ventilated spaces pending the completion of structural interventions.
My Department provided additional support in the context of Covid-19 through the provision of CO2 monitors and payment of enhanced minor works grants to schools in the free scheme, circa €100 million in 2020 and €32 million in 2021. This funding enabled schools to address both their reconfiguration requirements and also to address small-scale ventilation improvements at school level. Primary schools also received standard Minor Works Grant totalling €90 million during this period.
As there is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each school required bespoke analysis and an appropriate ventilation solution matched to the specific room size and volume. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools were best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs in line with the Department’s Guidance.
Schools that identified inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor works grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis. 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. In the case where a school has difficulty engaging a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect my Department can assist, with a dedicated ventilation team available to support school principals in this regard.
As of the end of August 2023, 42 schools have applied for additional funding under the emergency works scheme to assist with ventilation. Of these, 35 have been approved, 2 were incorrectly classified as ventilation-related and assessed separately, 4 applications were rejected, and 1 application is awaiting the school to revert with further information. None of these applications were for the funding of HEPA filters and contact was made with each of the schools who had applications rejected to advise them how best to proceed.