Teachers’ unions ask if schools should stay open if Ireland moves to level 5

TEACHING UNIONS ARE seeking clarification on whether it is safe for schools to remain open if the country enters Level 5 restrictions.

The Union of Ireland (TUI) elementary schools ‘Teachers’ has said it is “seeking urgent engagement” with the Department of Education and Skills and the government in any national movement for a higher level of Covid-19 restrictions.

The Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) has also called for a ‘comprehensive review of medical and related guidance’ allowing second level schools to remain open if Ireland moves to Level 5.

Last night, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) recommended that the government implement Level 5 of its Covid-19 roadmap.

The leaders of the three parties in the coalition will meet today with medical director Dr. Tony Holohan on the advice, and the cabinet will make the final decision on whether to move to the highest level of lockdown.

Under Level 5 restrictions, schools would remain open but most other businesses would be closed. The highest level of restrictions is essentially a return to April and May restrictions, but with schools, daycare centers, and playgroups open.

In a statement this morning, TUI Secretary General Michael Gillespie said members are “extremely concerned about current events.”

“We have many members with serious underlying health problems and also many members who share a household with people with underlying health problems,” he said.

We require an urgent commitment as to what greater protections will apply to teachers in an escalation to Level 4 restrictions. We have already sought detailed clarification on why it would be safe for schools to remain open at Level 5 if the rest of the society is effectively blocked.

ASTI President Ann Piggott has also said that its members are “concerned about the implications” of Level 5.

“We wrote to the Minister of Education and Skills this morning to request that she initiate a review immediately. We will also request that second-level stakeholders meet to discuss all associated issues, ”said Piggott.

“The health, safety, and well-being of all members of our school communities is of the utmost importance.”