Special Educational Needs Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (589)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

589. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if guidance will be provided for special needs assistants in circumstances in which school staff are required to adhere to the 1 m to 2 m social distancing rule but this is not feasible while providing personal care to students with special needs; if guidance will be provided on the way in which the spread of Covid-19 can be prevented in circumstances in which a special needs assistant provides personal care to more than one student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15196/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

On Wednesday 1 July 2020, I welcomed the publication of interim public health advice for the safe re-opening of schools in late August/ September. This interim health advice sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools and the measures that will be required to achieve this.

Receipt of public health advice will underpin ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools in relation to logistical, curricular and wellbeing arrangements. The advice also sets out the requirements for physical distancing measures in a school setting and how this should be implemented. The advice also contains important measures required for infection prevention and control to ensure a full return to school is safe for children and staff.

My Department’s ongoing work with education partners and other key stakeholders on guidance for re-opening schools is aimed at reducing the burden on schools at a local level by providing central guidance and supports to the greatest extent possible by the end of July in order to allow time for schools to implement the necessary arrangements locally.