School ventilation and vaccines
Deputy Moynihan raised parents' concerns about masks, ventilation and possible vaccination of children in school. The Taoiseach said keeping schools open was the priority, that masks were part of current advice, and that the HSE would produce a comprehensive vaccination plan.
A large number of parents have been raising different concerns with me about the situation of Covid within the school environment, particularly the measures to deal with it. For some, the wearing of masks is a real difficulty and open windows for ventilation is a big problem for many. Parents are asking about measures to improve the environment for children in the classroom, including ventilation systems being installed, the use of masks and, in particular, the option of vaccinations being available to children in the classroom if they so wish. Will the Taoiseach outline the plans regarding these and other measures that can improve the classroom environment for both school staff and children?
Comment on this
Children in school is a priority, as everybody agrees. In terms of the development of the child, that development is optimal when he or she has the capacity to go to school. The overriding objective of the Government is to keep our schools open and have children enjoying education in school. Obviously, Covid has impacted on children and created anxieties and pressures. The manifestation of that has been seen most recently in the advice to wear masks. The next phase will be vaccinations. I pay tribute to principals, school management and teachers, who are doing everything possible to be sensitive but also to create a happy atmosphere in schools. I have been to schools recently where there were very happy children enjoying their education. That has to be said too, notwithstanding all the challenges.
