Comments from TUI President Martin Marjoram:
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has stated at all times that we will be guided by the public health advice, but a rationale based on the most up-to-date evidence is a necessity.
In the Government’s own plan, it states that at Level 5 a decision on schools opening will be made ‘on situation and evidence at time’.
On several occasions we have sought engagement with the Department of Education on the safety of schools remaining open at Level 5 and what additional protections would be provided, but regrettably, we have yet to receive that information. Urgent engagement with the Department across a range of issues is now required.
- Confirmed COVID-19 cases are at a vastly higher level than when schools first re-opened and as a result the potential risk to school staff and students must be re-assessed on an ongoing basis.
- Of particular concern is the uncertainty around the definition of close contacts and casual contacts in schools. What appears to be a lack of consistency and clarity in this regard is causing severe stress and anxiety for school staff. The situation must be urgently reviewed – school staff must have trust in the system and understand the decision-making process.
- Following risk assessments by the occupational health service, cohorts of teachers with an underlying illness had their condition categorised as either ‘very high risk’ or ‘high risk’. Provision was made for ‘very high risk’ teachers to work remotely, but those who are ‘high risk’ are still in the workplace. Conditions of those in the ‘high risk’ category include serious illnesses such as heart disease or immunity issues. We are seeking a review for these teachers in a scenario where the rest of society is effectively locked down.
- Rapid testing is required in schools. Across the country, teachers and students are waiting too long for both tests and test results and this is making the day-to-day running of schools very difficult, particularly as pay discrimination has resulted in a recruitment and retention crisis in second level schools. Delays are causing angst and worry, affecting the morale and learning environment in our schools.
- All schools must be audited to ensure that they have the necessary and essential resources to ensure full compliance with public health advice. This may require additional resourcing for extra staff. All necessary funding must be made available in this regard.