From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, has today (Friday) welcomed the initiation of enhanced measures by the higher and further education sectors in light of heightened COVID-19 restrictions in Dublin, saying:
"The government has been absolutely clear that education is a priority and the reopening of higher and further education for the new academic year is proceeding.
"The introduction of heightened restrictions for Dublin at the exact time when most students are commencing their academic year has created a unique set of circumstances. Earlier this week, in light of the deterioration in the COVID-19 situation in Dublin, and following NPHET’s request, Government asked that higher and further education institutions consider enhanced protective measures.
"I really want to commend stakeholders right across the sector for their engagement, initiative and their willingness to adapt to the situation.
"The process of reopening was already supported by a very high level of planning and readiness at sectoral and institutional level. This is underpinned by national guidance for the further and higher education sectors and by more detailed implementation guidelines developed by public health experts. The government also provided €168 million in new funding to support the sector in responding to COVID-19.
"Additional protections are now being introduced which will see a more gradual reopening of higher and further education facilities in Dublin as well as a shift to more learning online and less on-site. Individual institutions are revising their plans and I am pleased to say will be communicating with students shortly.
"The reopening of facilities outside Dublin will proceed as planned, based upon a model of blended learning and full adherence to public health advice."
ENDS