Schools Forced To Choose Between Ventilation And Other Essential Works - Social Democrats

Tuesday, 7 December 2021 10:50

By Caoimhe Harney

To date schools have been relying on parents to fund Hepa Filters.

Confusion has been caused in schools because the Minister has been dithering when it comes to ventilation, according to the Social Democrats.

It said clarity is urgently needed on the provision of Hepa filters and ventialtion for schools.

Education Spokesperson Gary Gannon commented:“We are now nearly two years into this airborne pandemic.

"It is long past time the Minister rolled out a dedicated fund for Hepa filters so that all schools, which need to improve ventilation, can.

"At the weekend, it was reported that a €30 million scheme was being finalised to provide air filtration units for schools.

"While the money was being provided under a minor works grant, it was reported that schools would be strongly advised to use it to improve ventilation," he said.

"Schools are therefore placed in an invidious position, they can either choose to prioritise ventilation or other essential works or equipment.

"A dedicated scheme, to provide Hepa filters, should have been finalised over the summer, with units dispatched before the start of the new school term.

“Instead, we are now approaching Christmas, the incidence of covid is highest among primary school children and the Department is still trying to finalise a scheme.

"This delay and indecision is impossible to understand or defend," he insisted.

“To date, schools have been reliant on parents to fund Hepa filters meaning there is an inequality when it comes to clean air in our schools," he added.

Gannon said the scheme being finalised by the Department, means that this inequality will be perpetuated.

He was adamant that if schools require other urgent works, they may not be able to opt to install Hepa filters as they may be compelled to prioritise other essential work.

He said the nature of the scheme also means it is unclear whether post-primary schools will be able to access funding.