1 Iúil 2020, 16:13
The Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response will discuss the reopening of schools and resume its discussion on the arts and entertainment sector, when it meets tomorrow, Thursday, 2 July, in Leinster House.
TDs will hear from witnesses at three separate sessions throughout the day.
- Fáilte Ireland, Chief Executive Paul Kelly and officials from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will appear before the Committee at 9.30am.
- National Parents Council Post Primary, President Mai Fanning and National Parents Council, Chief Executive Aine Lynch will discuss the return to school including school transport at 12pm.
- Teachers’ Union of Ireland, General Secretary John MacGabhann, Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, General Secretary Kieran Christie and Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, General Secretary John Boyle will appear before TDs at 2.30pm.
Speaking before the meeting, Committee Chairman, Michael McNamara TD said: “Tomorrow morning, the Committee will hear the issues facing the tourism industry and the plans and supports being put in place to promote and support the sector as businesses and popular attractions re-open their doors to visitors.
“In the afternoon, we welcome officials from parent and teacher representative groups to discuss the many challenges being faced in re-opening schools safely. Ensuring children can get to and from school with reduced capacity on transport is one of the items to be raised.”
The witnesses will appear in the Dáil Chamber and by video link from Committee Room 1.
Watch the Committee live here.