TD welcomes full school reopening plans for new term

Schools have been advised that they should continue to operate with the current infection prevention and control measures in place to support their safe operation during COVID-19.

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A local TD has welcomed plans for the full reopening of schools for the new school year.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith party colleague, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, last week brought a memo to Cabinet confirming that plans are in place to support the full reopening of schools in time for the start of the new school year at the end of August/start of September 2021.

“These plans will bring welcome reassurance for parents, students and staff ahead of the new school year. These plans are based on the Government’s Work Safely Protocol which reflects the most up to date public health advice for the workplace. It sets out the range of measures required to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” said Deputy Smith.

The Cavan and Monaghan TD added: “As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the reopening will be carried out in close consultation with Public Health and the education partners.”

Schools have been advised that they should continue to operate with the current infection prevention and control measures in place to support their safe operation during COVID-19. Schools, when they reopen in the new term, will continue to be supported in terms of the additional resources necessary to provide for these measures.

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.

School Covid-19 response plans will be updated by the Department and will be available for schools in advance of reopening. It is not envisaged that there will be any updates that require schools to take action in advance of normal reopening.

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