Call for schools to stay closed for extra period after Christmas break

Dublin South-Central TD Bríd Smith has called on Education Minister Norma Foley to keep secondary and primary schools closed for a longer period after the Christmas break.

The call comes on foot of a recent ECDC report (European Centre for Disease Control) that suggested such a measure may help to reduce the spread of the virus.

The People Before Profit TD said today:

“We are calling for the Government to give clarity and keep the schools shut for at least an extra week after Christmas.

“This ECDC call makes absolute sense given recent data that suggests the role of schools in the spread of the virus may be more complex than previously thought.”

The TD highlighted a recent report on the Risks for Medically Vulnerable Children, Families and Staff in Schools which was reviewed by Anthony Staines, saying this report raised serious questions for the Minister and others in relation to schools.

“The immediate concern must be for all those who are vulnerable and at risk from this virus, that includes teachers, staff and pupils but also their families and households,” Deputy Smith said.

The TD was also critical of the way in which Medmark and the Department were effectively forcing some staff and pupils into school settings.

“As the review makes clear just saying our schools are safe while ignoring other data and overseeing high class numbers and poor ventilation systems is no longer tenable.”

Deputy Smith said she is calling for a Dáil debate on the issue before the end of the Dáil term.