Return to School September 2021

In this the first episode of the new season, We discussed a return to school. We ask the questions, Is it really safe for a normal return to school with the current levels of COVID-19 in the community, with a new variant and with mitigation measures that have not changed since day one. We also discuss the disgraceful decision to send pregnant teachers, SNA’s and education workers back into crowded classrooms. In this episode I am joined by, Tomás Ryan, Associate Professor at the school of biochemistry and immunology at Trinity college, Dublin, and a member of the independent scientific advocacy group. Tomás to gives us the bare scientific facts that suggest.. maybe schools are not quite as safe as we have been led to believe. We're also joined by Olive O' Connor of Parents United, who gives us her perspective as a parent with children going back to both primary and secondary schools. And she gives us some big news about a freedom of information request that was obtained, which suggests that the data being used to determine education policy during Covid 19 in the past may not have been reliable. To give us the perspective of secondary school teachers, we are joined by Seamus Keane, who is a member of the ASTI. Seamus touches on some of the things that happened last year that are very relevant to this year. We are also joined by Mairéad De Búrca, who is a primary school teacher and a member of the INTO. And of course primary school students have yet to be vaccinated, and despite all the overwhelming evidence, there is still no requirement to wear masks at primary school. All guests unless otherwise stated are speaking in a personal capacity. NOTE: Seamus Keane in his contribution referenced HIQA guidelines when he was discussing the use of masks. He has asked that it be noted that he should have said HSPC.