Schools are expected to stay closed until the end of January under government plans to limit the movement of people and the spread of Covid-19.
An Taoiseach Michael Martin has strongly suggested that primary and post-primary schools will close for the remainder of the month, while early years education/ crèches may also close.
The Cabinet Covid-19 committee is meeting this afternoon to review extra measures.
Mr Martin said closing other sectors of the economy such as construction is also being considered to stop the rapid spread of the virus.
Speaking on RTE Radio 1, the Taoiseach added that he expects Leaving Cert exams to go ahead as normal in August.
He said “schools are safe”, but the most effective way to suppress the virus is to reduce mobility across the county.