Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2021
113. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her advice on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the wearing of masks in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59186/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra119. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the wearing of Covid-19-related masks is having a significantly adverse impact on the ability of deaf and hard of hearing children to lip-read and that such masking further prolongs speech development delay and social isolation; the measures she is taking to address this within education settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59402/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 119 together.
The Department has always been guided by Public Health as to the mitigation measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our schools. The aim of all of the Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures that have been put in place for schools is to support schools to operate safely and prevent the introduction of Covid-19 and also the onward of transmission of Covid-19 among the school community. These measures protect pupils, their parents and school staff and are very effective when adhered to.
NPHET has recommended and the Government has approved a measure introducing the wearing of face masks by children aged nine years and older in a number of settings, including for children in 3rd class and above in primary schools. HSPC interim Guidance on the use of face coverings in childcare and educational setting can be found atwww.gov.ie/en/publication/1f9ba-interim-guidance-on-the-use-of-face-coverings-in-childcare-and-educational-settings/
The Department has provided guidance for schools, including information on those categories of children who are exempt on medical grounds from wearing face masks. It is recognised that in the case of certain children with additional needs, schools may be already aware of difficulties they may face in the appropriate use of face coverings. Schools will be best placed to identify those children whose complex needs are such that the wearing of face covering may not be possible for them, and to discuss this with parents as required. In such circumstances, a school may not require medical certification to provide an exemption to the wearing of face coverings. The measure is being introduced on a temporary basis and is subject to review in mid-February 2022
