Face masks in schools review
Deputy Naughten asks for a commitment to fortnightly review of face masks in schools and a Dáil debate, citing the Children’s Ombudsman. The Taoiseach says the advice will be kept under review and revised by the Chief Medical Officer; he acknowledges the ombudsman’s concerns and the coming vaccination programme.
We have had clarification overnight from the Department of Education on the wearing of face masks in schools. Earlier today, the Taoiseach said the Minister for Education would be guided by expert advice. As the Taoiseach knows, the Ombudsman for Children, this day last week, made a strong recommendation that face masks in schools should be reviewed on a fortnightly basis.
Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that this ongoing review will take place and that we will have a debate in the House on what is happening in schools?
Comment on this
Is there anyone else on the Order of Business? No. I call on the Taoiseach to respond.
Comment on this
That is like a query we take after we agree.
I think we can keep it under review. It is open to us to review anything at any time but the public health advice has given a timeline into mid-February, if I am not mistaken, on the wearing of masks in schools. The Chief Medical Officer will review that advice and communicate to the Government.
Comment on this
The Ombudsman for Children is an expert as well.
Comment on this
I do not deny that. We are in the middle of a pandemic and hopefully the childhood vaccination programme will begin in earnest early in the new year. That will have an impact. We will consult the Chief Medical Officer. I fully take on board the concerns of the Ombudsman for Children. We all have those concerns.