Norma Foley and the Government have been branded “a bad Debs committee” on the floor of the Dáil over its latest Covid schools strategy on facemasks.
Labour education spokesman, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, was fuming during Questions to the Minister for Education on Wednesday morning.
The Dublin TD slammed Minister Foley and her ministerial colleagues for issuing the new rule on masks for nine year olds via “an overnight diktat” with no real notice.
Mr Ó Ríordáin said that the shock with which the news was delivered on Tuesday night lacked “subtlety” and came at families with “the compassion of a gas bill.”
Parents and children were left reeling heading out to school with the sudden harsh warning from the Minister that they’ll be turned away from the school gates if they don’t bring a mask to class.
Mr Ó Ríordáin told the Dáil that schools are “grappling with the news” this morning after another example of “chaotic management” from the Government.
He said parents were only given 16 hours’ notice last night when the confusing orders were issued last night making it “required” for masks to be worn by over nine year olds.
The Labour TD and former school principal said Minister Foley had shown “zero compassion and zero leadership” with the “soulless communication” of the mandatory requirement at 8pm on Tuesday night.
Teachers have described the circular as “shocking.” One principal told the Irish Mirror that the late notice was “irresponsible.”
Ms Foley responded in the Dáil, saying that “mask-wearing has been operating seamlessly in secondary schools.”
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