There are rising concerns for the conditions students are having to endure in schools around the country as a result of Covid-19 precautions, independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has claimed.
Representing the Roscommon-Galway constituency, he noted that he has fielded an increasing number of calls from concerned parents regarding their children having to attend school in classrooms with windows open consistently.
Commenting on the matter, Fitzmaurice said: “I have been in touch with a number of parents who are concerned that leaving windows open will mean kids will pick up regular flus and colds, despite the measures supposedly being in place to reduce the risk of Covid spreading indoors.
“It is alarming the amount of phone calls I have received from parents of both secondary and primary pupils.
“Recommendations to leave windows open to improve airflow may be practical during warmer months, but when temperatures dip in winter months it simply doesn’t work.
“They may be in place to prevent the spread of Covid, but the measures cannot be allowed to put kids in danger of getting pneumonia.
“Alternative measures need to be put in place by the Department of Education and school management teams – whether that is through the use of HEPA filters or other air filtration systems, to reduce the need for windows to be open.
“We cannot afford to waste time deliberating over our next move, the action needs to be rapid by Government and the relevant department and minister.
“It is important to understand also that some students in secondary schools are preparing for exams later in the year; these cool conditions are yet another challenge they are being forced to contend with.
“New measures must be introduced by the department, such as a scheme to rent air filtration systems to schools in order to improve air flow while eliminating the need for windows to be open during these traditionally cold months,” Fitzmaurice concluded.
For further information contact Michael Fitzmaurice at 086-1914565