TD receiving 'an alarming number of calls' about conditions in schools

A midlands TD says that he's been receiving an "alarming" number of calls from parents about the cold conditions their children are experiencing in school.

Roscommon - Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice said parents were getting in touch with him to express concern about children having to attend school in classrooms with the windows open constantly as a Covid-19 precuation.

"Parents 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," the Independent TD said in a press statement today (Monday).

"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," he added.

"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," he concluded