There is huge debate around when, and if, schools will be able to safely open in September. With so much uncertainty surrounding the current pandemic, it can feel impossible to think that far ahead into the future, but parents need answers.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh has stressed that the current 2m social distancing guideline will cause major problems for schools if it is in place in September.
He told RTÉ’s Prime Time that a half return to school could be the only option if this guideline remains, but does not support this idea.
McHugh also stressed that he does not want children to wear facemasks in school.
Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh discusses the difficulties the two metre social distancing guidelines are having on the education system#RTEPT | #COVID19 | @mcculld | @McHughJoeTD pic.twitter.com/WFIL8cTx9H
— RTÉ Prime Time (@RTE_PrimeTime) May 28, 2020
He told Prime Time, “My officials will continue to work with the stakeholders, the teachers, the students, the parents. They have to know students are safe.
“I have to balance as Minister the key motivation behind education and that’s that no child is left behind in education.”
“I will continue to move mountains to ensure that happens...“We’re going to move forward”
“There’s an enormous amount of education going on, but there are gaps, there’s digital inequities, there’s issues we need to face head on and we’ll continue to do that,” he added.
The 2m social distancing guideline is going to cause major problems for schools, as well as many others, but CMO Tony Holohan said the advice will remain the same for the time being, but it is constantly under review.
Are you confident about schools re-opening in September?
