Schools are in an ‘impossible situation’

A Cork TD has slammed the way the Government has released guidance to schools and parents on mask wearing in primary schools.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD criticised the Minister for Education for releasing the guidance at 6pm on Tuesday with no information on when mask wearing must be implemented in schools.

He said the lack of clarity has caused a great deal of concern among school staff and parents who are wondering what exactly they are being asked to police, and how to do it. Deputy Ó Laoghaire said schools are being put in an impossible situation and are being asked to enforce a mask wearing policy “more hard-line than the Dáil”.

“The guidance is framed in the context of confrontation, with schools policing a hard-line policy and assuming non-cooperation from parents,” said the deputy.

His comments come after the Government confirmed that it would become compulsory for primary school pupils from third class up to wear facemasks in class.

Only pupils who can present a valid medical cert can be exempt from the new rule. Any pupil who is unable to wear a mask and cannot present a valid medical cert will be sent home. Deputy Ó Laoghaire said: “We know that there will be a minority who, for various reasons, will not feel able to wear a mask. These children should not be penalised for this, and education should not be withheld from them. It may not always be possible to obtain a medical certificate in all of these circumstances.”

Meanwhile, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has released a statement acknowledging the decision but said it is imperative the Government communicates arrangements for any additional measures clearly and consistently to school communities.

The INTO also said it is essential any guidance accommodates students with additional needs who, on medical grounds, will not be able to wear a face covering when in school.

“Public-health experts play an invaluable role in providing advice on the steps that need to be taken to protect our schools and wider communities as we seek to combat the alarming rise in Covid-19 infection levels among primary school communities. We acknowledge the recent steps taken by NPHET and NIAC to provide up-to-date recommendations on several issues, including antigen testing, face masks and vaccination programmes, booster vaccines and children’s vaccines,” the statement read.