Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
512. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills if all additional hygiene costs including refuse costs incurred by schools will be carried by her Department and not incurred by the school or passed on to parents. [14650/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that enhanced cleaning will be required to support schools to prevent COVID-19 infections. My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the requirement to provide funding to support enhanced cleaning needs and we will provide further details of the support available once the arrangements are finalised.
My Department has also arranged for a drawdown framework to be established to enable schools purchase hand-sanitisers for use in the school and classroom. The procurement process for this framework has already commenced and it is intended these materials will be available in early August.
My Department will continue to engage closely with education partners and other key stakeholders on the plan for re-opening of schools for the 2020/21 school year with the aim of reducing the burden on schools at a local level by providing central guidance and supports to the greatest extent possible.
