Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2021
220. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the outbreak of Covid-19 currently being experienced by the National University of Ireland Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9210/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra221. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a list of colleges, universities and higher education institutions currently experiencing outbreaks of Covid-19 will be provided to this Deputy. [9211/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together.
Information and reporting on Covid outbreaks, including those associated with higher education, is a matter for public health authorities in the Department of Health and HSE and is subject to patient confidentiality and GDPR requirements. Therefore the information requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department.
In the context of its work in overseeing the impact of Covid on higher and further education and in particular ensuring that sectorial frameworks have been put in place to ensure that educational settings in tertiary education are safe for students and staff, my Department liaises closely with the sectorial representative bodies, higher education institutions and student union representatives in relation to any significant issues arising from Covid outbreaks that may be relevant to the national policy approach. In this regard my Department also participates in the central government structures for Covid under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach and engages with the Department of Health and the HSE in relation to public health advice and guidance on specific issues that arise for the tertiary sector as it seeks to respond and adapt to the impact of Covid on provision and seeks to attenuate the significant challenges faced by students and learners. However I have sought through my Department further information from the specific institutions in question.
