Advice on mask-wearing did not consider impact on pupils' development and mental health 

Cork child psychologist Catherine Hallissey said awareness of potential negative side effects on children 'in terms of social, emotional, and communication skills' was important, but she did not have any concerns for long-term developmental impacts of Covid-19 measures on primary-age children.

Developmental and psychological impacts on children were not considered by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) when issuing advice on mask-wearing in schools.

The HPSC guidance in relation to masks in schools was issued solely on the basis of international research on Covid-19 infectivity, with no consultation on potential impacts on children’s development and mental health.