Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2009
232 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is monitoring the effect of the swine flu outbreak on schools; the assessment of the effect so far in terms of temporary closures; and the number of school days lost and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39841/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive is monitoring; and publishes on a weekly basis, the number of cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, including the number of outbreaks within schools.
The general position regarding school openings and closures is set out in department circulars 11/95, M29/95, and 107/2007. In relation to this pandemic, to date the consistent advice issued to the schools is that unless the local Department of Public Health advise the management of the school to close as a precautionary measure, the school should remain open. As is normally the case where management finds it is necessary to close some or all of the school it is not necessary to obtain the Department of Education and Science's approval. Schools should simply act in accordance with the advice of the health authorities.
My Department is an active member of the Standing Inter-Departmental Committee on Public Health Emergency Planning, chaired by the Department of Health and Children. This committee has been developing a cross departmental and sectoral response to responding to and managing this public health emergency.
Specifically, the role of my Department is to communicate to the education sector, public health information and advice on this pandemic flu. In that regard my Department continues to liaise with the Health Service Executive and the management bodies for education establishments to jointly develop specific advice and guidance for the education sector. This timely and practical information reflects the likely practical effects of this pandemic within a school; and includes information for schools on how to encourage and facilitate everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of this pandemic flu; and being able to respond to symptoms and cases of this flu.
