Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2020

Wednesday, 14 October 2020

Ceisteanna (174)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

174. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 459 of 15 September 2020 and 133 of 7 October 2020, if she will provide a sample showing the exact format of the medical certificate required to certify that a secondary school student falls into one of the categories for a face covering exemption; if a copy of this sample medical certificate will appear on her Department’s website; if she will provide a link to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30477/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

My Department received advice from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on the use of face coverings in educational settings. The advice provides that It is a requirement for face coverings to be worn by teachers, staff in schools and students attending post primary school and includes a number of exemptions.

My Department subsequently published clarification on the use of face coverings for schools in which it clearly outlines that a medical certificate must certify that a person falls into a category listed for an exemption to apply. This can take a written format once it is a certified by an appropriate medical authority, such as a G.P.

My Department does not have a remit for developing or publishing template medical certificates, which is a matter for the health authorities.