Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1560. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to correspondence to his office from a person (details supplied) with a suggestion regarding the return to school procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14645/21]
View answerThe HSE has worked to ensure that the measures in place in schools are robust and prioritise the safety of staff and children. Dedicated multidisciplinary school teams led by public health professionals, working with teams from the Department of Education and school inspectors have been established to support school principals to identify issues as they emerge and work in a collaborative manner.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has published Guidance for Educational Settings relating to the management of Covid-19 in school settings. This guidance, which includes protocols relating to the management of close contacts, is available at: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/educationguidance/
This definition takes into consideration the findings of the Public Health Risk Assessment (PHRA) which is undertaken at all educational facilities where a confirmed case has been identified.
The application of this risk assessment in the school setting is dynamic and adaptable as new information becomes available, which enables the testing strategy to evolve as the situation unfolds. The measures that are in place are robust, and the safety of staff and pupils is of paramount concern.
It should also be noted that schools must have a Covid-19 Response Plan and a Covid policy in place. Up-to-date Government advice and resources for schools, parents and students in the context of COVID-19, including advice on Covid-19 planning is published at https://www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
