Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
399. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education her plans to reopen schools across the country in order that parents can plan for work and ease the pressure on families working at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9395/21]
View answer429. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education her plans in relation to opening mainstream schools; and when mainstream schools will be open for all. [9628/21]
View answer540. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if all classes in primary schools with less than 30 pupils will be allowed to return when schools are reopened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10544/21]
View answer541. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education her plans for junior certificate students to return to school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10557/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 399, 429, 540 and 541 together.
My Department has developed a plan with the relevant education stakeholders for the phased return to in-school learning for children in primary, post-primary and special schools. From the 1 March the first four classes at primary level – junior and senior infants, first and second class – and final year Leaving Certificate students will return to school. This phase will also see a return to full attendance for children in special schools. This is in addition to the reopening of special schools on 11 February on a 50% attendance basis and all special classes reopened fully from 22 February.
The full re-opening of our schools for all students in line with public health advice remains a top priority for Government and my Department is focussing on the safe return of all remaining cohorts of pupils and students to school at the earliest opportunity in March, with the last group of post primary students set to return to school after the Easter Break.
