New measures on restricted movement clarified

Teachers and other school staff not exempt from 5-day “stay at home” rule

Fórsa sought clarification from the Government tonight on new public health advice announced this evening (Tuesday) in relation to staff working in schools, including special needs assistants (SNAs) and school secretaries.

The union sought clarification following reports that the Taoiseach said teachers were to be exempt from the requirement to restrict movements for five days if someone in their household has Covid. The Government subsequently clarified that no exemption would apply.

The initial reports prompted concerns among Fórsa’s education membership that teachers, SNAs and school secretaries would be putting students and colleagues at risk if required to attend work when someone from their household is infected with Covid-19.

The union’s Head of Education Andy Pike said needless anxieties were raised by the issue. Mr Pike said details of an antigen testing plan and associated protocols in schools are urgently required.

Fórsa represents more than 15,000 education staff in schools and early education, as well as clerical, administrative, management staff in institutes of technology and education and training boards.

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