Schools out until March
by Mehak Dugal and Bernard Harbor
 
Fórsa’s has called for a focus on a general reopening of schools once there is an established downward trajectory in the number of Covid-19 cases and fresh public health advice that it is safe to do so.
Fórsa’s has called for a focus on a general reopening of schools once there is an established downward trajectory in the number of Covid-19 cases and fresh public health advice that it is safe to do so.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin this week confirmed that the high number of Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations means that schools will not be able to open fully before Saint Patrick’s Day.

 

Tánaiste Leo Varakdar added that case numbers would soon below the levels experienced when schools were open in the autumn. He said this held out the prospect of a safe and phased reopening of schools, with priority for school-based services to children with special needs.

 

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) last week issued fresh guidance on the arrangements that could be put in place for staff whose childcare arrangements are hit by school and crèche closures. It notes that the Level Five guidelines say childminders and other childcare arrangements can remain open for children of essential workers and vulnerable children.

 

While there is no special paid leave available for Covid-related caring responsibilities, the DPER advice to managers points them towards flexible work arrangements including staggered hours, weekend work, and remote working.

 

Schools reopened between September and December last year, with full cooperation from staff. But the scheduled January re-opening was shelved as the country continued to grapple with the third wave of the pandemic.

 

Fórsa has called for a focus on a general reopening of schools once there is an established downward trajectory in the number of Covid-19 cases and fresh public health advice that it is safe to do so.

 

The Government announced this week that Level Five measures would stay in force until early March at the earliest, with some restrictions expected to remain in place for the first half of the year at least.

 

An Taoiseach said mobilising a million people to open schools was not compatible with reducing the transmission rate and giving hospitals a chance to recover.

 

Meanwhile, no decision has been made on arrangements for this year's leaving certificate exams. The Government has come under pressure to develop options for sixth year students, including predicted grades and the option to re-sit the exam at a later date. Consultation with relevant unions are currently underway.

 

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