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The Department of Education has ordered a school to remain open in Kerry with one of the highest Covid-19 incidence rates in history.
Tarbert Comprehensive School principal Richard Prendiville had attempted to close it out of fear for the safety of students and staff.
But later he told parents that he had been “bypassed” by the department and “instructed to remain open.”
This despite the fact that, with seven confirmed cases among 500 students, it has seen an incidence rate of around 1,400 per 100,000.
Mr. Prendiville told North Kerry school parents Monday that it was with “great disappointment” that he had decided to close the school that night at 6.30pm.
“This decision was not made lightly and is based on my concern regarding the need to protect the entire school community from Covid -19,” he said.
He also highlighted that “some did not inform the school that their family members had tested positive for Covid.”
But today, at 4 pm, he sent another letter, saying: “The Department of Education has contacted me and has expressed a difference of opinion.
“The Department believes that affected students should remain out of school rather than a decision to close school entirely.
“Therefore, the (department) annulled the decision to close and ordered me to reopen.
“Naturally I have to comply with your instructions.”
He also said that the decision to close “was made based on the autonomy granted to the school to make such decisions.”
He noted that there were seven confirmed cases of Covid-19 among the students as of October 14.
Michael Foley, Cathaoirleach from Listowel Municipal District, told the Irish examiner: “My daughter Anna goes to school and we received the letters.
“The director made the right decision.
“If you solve it, seven cases were reported in a cohort of around 500 students, which equates to an incidence rate of 1,400 per 100,000.
“As far as I know, that’s off the scale in terms of rates anywhere else in the country.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “The Department does not comment on individual cases.
“The current advice for school principals is to follow the public health advice.
“This practice ensures that no director has responsibility for making a public health decision.
“When a positive case arises in a school community, the local Public Health team will work with the school and conduct a Public Health Risk Assessment (PHRA).
“Once the PHRA is complete, the Department of Public Health will inform the school of the public health instructions the school must follow.”
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