Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
550. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23620/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe diversity and flexibility of the Higher Education sector has been key in driving responsive and adaptable approaches to the challenges created by the pandemic. However this very diversity means that the development of one single plan for return to learning would not have been possible.
Higher Education Institutions have been undertaking detailed planning and contingencies for re-opening against a backdrop of Government, Departmental and sectoral guidance.
To support the return to college in 2020, on July 22nd the Department published its three-pillar series of guides for returning to on-site learning in 2021, which consisted of a high-level roadmap, a COVID-19 adaptation framework, and practical guidance for returning to on-site activity.
These have since been supplemented by Implementation Guidelines developed by experts within the higher education sector, published in August 5th. All can be further updated and modified and additional guidance on managing outbreaks can be developed to follow the publication of the next iteration of Government guidance.
A robust model of outbreak management is being put in place, as a priority, by the higher education system across all universities and institutes of technology. This aims to safeguard students and staff and the communities in which they are located.
For international students, the higher education sector has developed a protocol of assurance, to support the protection of public health, to safely manage the process of their arrival in Ireland. A managed arrival process is in place at Dublin airport to minimise risk during the period of arrival of international students into the country and transfer to their accommodation for the restricted movement period.
