Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:545. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the provision of education is considered an essential service. [14845/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 July 2020
Ceisteanna (545)
Freagraí scríofa
I can assure that the Deputy that I am acutely aware of the essential role that education can play as a means of improving the lives of children and young people in Ireland. I have seen how the work of teachers and schools has the capacity to transform life outcomes for children and young people for the better.
The widespread recognition of the importance of education for our children and young people was reflected in the fact that, while it was not possible on public health grounds related to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic to have children travelling to and from school and congregating in school settings earlier this year, my Department worked with stakeholders to protect the continuity of teaching and learning in the system. My Department produced a suite of guidance documents for school authorities, teachers and parents, giving guidance on how online teaching and learning could operate to ensure that children could continue to learn. The documents are available on my Department’s website.
Since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have continued to work with my officials and with stakeholders in the sector to ensure that schools and other centres of learning will be able to open in the Autumn, in a way that is safe but that also ensures that the vital teaching and learning that goes on in our schools on a daily basis can continue in the interests of our learners.