I propose to take Questions Nos. 360 and 362 together.
My Department has provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to facilitate the continuity of learning for all pupils or students in a Covid-19 context. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
This involves all teachers including Special Education Teachers, providing remote teaching and learning to all pupils in their class or on their caseload. There are no plans to extend the school year at the present time.
My Department’s ongoing engagement with public health and the education partners is focussing on the safe return of all pupils and students to school at the earliest opportunity, especially for children with special educational needs and supporting the provision of remote learning at this time.