Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
675. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a statement will be issued to each school clarifying the situation with regard to placing additional costs on parents in response to Covid-19 health and safety protocols when children go back to school in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15913/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraReceipt 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, wellbeing and the issues raised by the Deputy.
My Department recognises that additional funding will be required for 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 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.
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.
