Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
192. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current health advice received by his Department on the need to provide two metres of social distancing in school settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10651/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday my Department published the report to Government “Planning for reopening schools in line with the Roadmap for reopening society and business”: https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/framework-for-reopening-and-operating-schools.html.
The report sets out the clear ambition to develop a sustainable plan to fully reopen schools at the start of the next school year in late August/September in line with normal timeframes.
The report also sets out in brief the contingencies, including the matter raised by the deputy that must be considered during the coming period in the context of Covid-19. A key component to reopening schools safely is the development of guidance in relation to infection prevention and control in schools.
These contingencies will be worked through in detail in the coming weeks with education partners and stakeholders to ensure that the return to school is safe for children and staff.
