Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
453. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if she will consider giving schools autonomy in circumstances in which they feel prepared, with the consent of staff and parents, to reopen for children with special educational needs in mainstream classes. [8797/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudents attending primary school special classes and students attending special classes at post-primary will return for in-person teaching and learning from next Monday 22 February. Special Schools have opened on a phased basis from the 11th February.
All decisions as to appropriate actions regarding the reopening of schools will be taken by my Department in engagement with public health and the education partners. The full re-opening of our schools for all students remains a top priority for Government and my Department is focussing on the safe return of all pupils and students to school on a phased basis in March.
