Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
611. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if sanitisation equipment for cleaning schools will be supplied by her Department; if schools will have to source it themselves in view of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15330/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra614. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if additional classrooms, equipment and staff will be supplied to schools to accommodate social distancing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15333/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 611 and 614 together.
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 and curricular arrangements and the issues raised by the Deputy.
My Department recognises that additional funding will be required for schools to support enhanced cleaning to prevent COVID-19 infections. My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the requirement to provide funding to schools for this purpose.
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.
