Fórsa: SNAs Need To Be Provided With High-Grade Face Masks

Tuesday, 18 January 2022 11:29

By Caoimhe Harney

Union says social distancing is impossible.

School principals and boards of management have been urged to take immediate steps to ensure adequate ventilation and air quality in classrooms and to provide special needs assistants with FFP2-grade face masks.

Fórsa has written to all school principals and boards of management.

The union has also called on school management to ensure that legal minimum workplace temperatures of at least 16 degrees Celsius are maintained as schools implement Covid–related ventilation measures.

The Fórsa letter argues that school management should supply SNAs with FFP2 masks because they work with students in circumstances where social distancing is impossible.

It pointed out that the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), which issues information and guidance on workplace Covid protection measures, is to review its existing advice on the provision of FFP2 masks to SNAs.

In an update to its 14,000 SNA members today, Fórsa said it accepted the reality that windows may have to be left open to achieve compliance with Covid-related air quality and ventilation requirements.

However, it said principals and management boards had a responsibility to take all possible measures to maintain an acceptable temperature of at least 16 Degree Celsius, including the provision of portable heaters where necessary.

The union has also raised the issues with the Department of Education, which it says has not implemented adequate measures to support schools during the current phase of the pandemic.

It has insisted that steps be taken in every school to update Covid-19 response plans with fresh assessments of risk regarding air quality, ventilation measures and compliance with minimum workplace temperatures.

Assistant Secetary General , Forsa Trade Union, Shane Lambert, spoke with Ciara Noble on this morning's Kildare Today:

More from Local News

Not Needed For Health Reasons: HSE Reponds To Possible Sale Of Teach na nDaoine Building In Kilcullen

The HSE said it conducted an internal review after the leaseholder handed back possession, and concluded that the property was “not required at present for health service delivery” in the area.
Lung Cancer Risk As Nine Out Of Ten Kildare Homes Remain Untested For Radon Gas

Parts of Kildare are officially classified as high-radon areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Illegal Parking In Disabled Spaces: 566 Fines Issued In Kildare-Carlow Garda Division Since January 2024

New figures show that between January 2024 and June 2025, a total of 566 fixed charge notices were issued in the Kildare/Carlow Garda Division for parking in disabled bays without a valid permit.
Only National Road Out Of Dublin "Never Upgraded": TD Presses For N81 Upgrade In Dáil

Raising the issue during a Dáil debate, Wicklow Fine Gael TD Edward Timmins cited multiple studies identifying the N81 as “one of the most dangerous roads in the country.”
Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly Welcomes Party’s Backing Of Catherine Connolly For Áras Bid

Kildare North Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly has welcomed the move, saying Ms Connolly has been a strong voice for peace, human rights, and progressive causes.
Ex-Principal Of Leinster Senior College Loses Dismissal Case Over Grinds Venture And Shredded Diaries

An internal investigation had been launched after the school learned he was running what it considered a rival grinds business.
Blocked By Red Tape: Senator Says Councils Need Clarity On Accepting Donated Land And Buildings

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Fiona O Loughlin said red tape is often blocking generous donations that could benefit local communities, especially in areas where facilities for arts, recreation or education are badly needed.
Crash In Dunlavin Leaves Woman Hospitalised With Serious Injuries

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area between 5.30 and 6.30pm to contact Naas Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.