Clarity needed on possible early reopening of some schools
Labour Education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has called on the Government to provide clarity on the possible reopening of some schools before September.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“Minister McHugh indicated last week that the Department of Education is preparing to propose an earlier than planned reopening of some schools.
“If this is to happen it needs to be led by public health advice and have NPHET approval.
“School communities also need to be informed of any such plans as soon as possible.
“We have heard prominent immunologist Prof. Luke O’Neill and Infectious Disease Specialist Dr Sam McConkey both advocate for schools to return before the scheduled September date.
“Schools in England also look set to reopen on a phased basis from next week.
“There is certainly an argument to begin the phased reopening of some schools or even classes, earlier than September.
“With many working parents due to return to the workplace over the coming weeks, they need to be kept in the loop of any proposals for schools to reopen early.
“The Department needs to clarify its plans as soon as possible to provide certainty to parents, students and teachers alike.”