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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021

Tuesday, 7 December 2021

Ceisteanna (329, 331, 332, 343)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

329. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if she will publish the risk assessment which was carried out by her Department prior to the introduction of new guidance mandating mask wearing for children in primary school from third class; the date this risk assessment was carried out; the interaction and consultation between schools, parents and boards of managements on the matter; the evidence upon which this policy is based; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60308/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

331. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the latest HIQA advice which is available to her Department on the matter of mask wearing for primary school-aged children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60310/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

332. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the studies and consideration that her Department has undertaken in relation to the potential psychological impacts of mask wearing in school settings; if she will publish the studies relied upon by her Department in issuing mandates on mask wearing for primary school-aged children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60311/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

343. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the consideration that was given to the advice from a statutory authority (details supplied) concerning the reduction of the minimum age for the application of mask wearing requirements and recommendations in the issuing of guidance on the use of face coverings in primary schools on 30 Nov 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60537/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 329, 331, 332 and 343 together.

Ensuring that schools can operate safely has been a key priority for me as Minister for Education. My Department has always been guided by public health advice in relation to appropriate Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures in place in schools. These measures protect students, their parents and school staff and are very effective.

The change in policy regarding face coverings in primary schools was made on foot of a Government decision taken on 30 November 2021, which considered and accepted public health advice received from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on 25 November 2021. This new, and temporary policy, was introduced in light of the current epidemiological situation regarding the spread of COVID-19. The education sector throughout the pandemic has consistently implemented public health recommendations for the protection of the entire school community.

These measures have been implemented successfully at post-primary since September 2020 and it is envisaged that they will operate successfully with the support of schools communities in the primary school setting.

The Department is aware that this is a challenging time for pupils, teachers, other school staff and parents, and a strong focus should be kept on well-being and self-care during this time. The National Educational Psychological Service of the Department (NEPS) is leading on supporting the well-being of schools communities.

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