The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has stressed there is “no fixed date” for the return of schools.
It follows reports in today’s Sunday Independent that Leaving Cert students will return around February 2nd and primary schools from March 1st.
However, Minister Donnelly said discussions are ongoing between the Department of Education and teachers’ unions about holding the Leaving Cert and bringing students back to classrooms.
The ASTI returned to the table this weekend after threatening to walk away in a move that spelled chaos for reopening plans.
But Minister Donnelly was unable to provide an answer when asked when schools would return.
He told RTE’s This Week: “We don’t have that yet.
“I know Minister (Norma) Foley is involved in intensive talks and confidential talks with the stakeholders.
“It’s great that the special schools have reopened on a phased basis, it’s great that we’re going to see the special classes in mainstream schools opening up again from Monday week, from February 22.
“Obviously we need to get the Leaving Cert students back as quickly as possible, but my understanding is that there are no fixed dates as of yet.”
