School mask rules
Deputy McGrath asked that masks be lifted for schoolchildren, arguing they are unnecessary and uncomfortable. The Taoiseach said public health advice remained to keep current school safety protocols in place but the matter would stay under review.
I thank the Cabinet yesterday for ensuring there was parity of esteem with the south east regarding the air rescue service.
England has disposed of masks in schools. Will the Taoiseach please look after our children? Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí. These masks are unnecessary and uncomfortable for children. Some children cannot wear them and there is a lot of angst about them. Will the Taoiseach please lift the wearing of them in our schools if he can at all?
Comment on this
There has been very significant lifting of restrictions on advice we received from public health authorities. The advice was to maintain the existing protocols on safety in our schools and, in so doing, to protect children while the opportunity for them to get vaccinated continues. We will keep the matter under review.