Education Minister says there is no reason to close schools before Christmas or open later after New Years

Education Minister Norma Foley has said there is no public health council suggesting that schools close tomorrow for Christmas and not next week as planned.

Foley spoke on RTÉ’s News at One and said that he “appreciates the concern” that people have around Covid-19, but that the level of transmission of the virus in schools remains low.

The minister’s comments come after all students at an elementary school in Co Kerry were told to restrict their movements until December 30, after 17 people tested positive for Covid-19.

Parents of Scoil Mhuire students in Killorglin received a letter from the HSE to say that a public health team is investigating the Covid-19 outbreak there.

Speaking today, Foley said that public health experts are in the best position to make decisions about whether to take action in individual schools and that cases are low in schools across the country.

“From the beginning, the education sector and I, as the Minister of Education, have been very clear that we would follow the public health councils as the public health councils have been established. And we have followed it completely and completely, ”he said.

Last week alone there were 62 cases in our schools and that is from a group of one million students and 100,000 employees, so I think it is a great recognition of the fact that schools by their nature are safe places.

Last night, Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan said public health officials were concerned about a spike in cases before Christmas. Foley said he shares everyone’s concerns about the virus, but that children also need to be in school.

“I absolutely appreciate the concern that everyone in society has regarding Covid-19, but I have also engaged with parents, I have engaged with representative unions and they have all been very clear in their wishes that schools open and recognize the importance of being open, “said the minister.

People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith was one of the to share an online petition asking schools to delay the planned reopening for the new year.

When asked about the suggestion, Foley said this is also not recommended.

“Again, it is the same reasoning, we have followed public health advice and there is no public health council that recommends something of that nature,” he said.