To ask the Minister of Education whether her Department has funding available for all schools to install HEPA air filtration units to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19.

The most effective mitigating measure in relation to Covid-19 is natural ventilation and my Department and the Education Authority are supporting schools in prioritising the effective implementation of this measure.

Air cleaners were reviewed in detail by SAGE and its Environment and Modelling Group concluded that there is currently very little evidence that air cleaners are an effective control to prevent COVID-19, however the principles of air cleaning suggests that they may be useful in some cases and may be suitable for spaces where there is insufficient ventilation and the ventilation can’t be improved.

All schools have received guidance in relation to ventilation, and supplied with CO2 monitors to assist in identifying areas where ventilation needs to be improved. Schools with concerns about ventilation have been advised to contact the EA maintenance helpline for advice/support on the best approach for their individual circumstances.

The Education Authority Maintenance Service have received requests from 59 schools for air filtration units. All 59 schools were assessed on site by maintenance staff, resulting in 46 schools requiring air filtration units. 200 air filtration units have been distributed to date across the Education estate. There is a sufficient stock of air filtration units to meet the current demands and additional units will be purchased if there is a requirement for them.