Roderic O’Gorman hopes that all primary school students will be back to the classroom by March 15.
But most secondary school students won't be back until after the Easter holidays.
The Minister for Children said the Government is considering an approach that would see kids in junior and senior infants, along with those in first and second class, go back to school on March 1.
He believes that the second phase of primary schools reopening would include a return for the remaining four classes two weeks later on March 15.
His understanding comes after 'engagement with' Education Minister Norma Foley.
This will happen if National Public Health Emergency Team are happy with the movement of people and the knock-on effects on virus levels in the community.
The final decisions will be made at cabinet on Tuesday.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Philip Boucher-Hayes, Mr Gorman feels that the majority of secondary school children will be back to school after the Easter holidays.
Leaving Cert students are also expected to go back in early March.
He said: "It is my understanding that the focus is on primary school children and Leaving Cert classes and we will see how those four weeks [across March] have impacted.
"That will take us up until the Easter break and at that stage a decision will be taken in relation to secondary school classes outside of Leaving Cert classes.
"As things currently stand, I think the majority of secondary school children will probably be returning to education following the Easter holidays."
The Easter break from schools is set to finish on April 12.
Minister O'Gorman added: "We are conscious we need to balance the gradual reopening and the gradual increase of movement with getting children back into the routine and having the supports in place.
“All of that is contingent on ongoing NPHET advice."
Meanwhile, Junior Cert exams have been totally scrapped this year.
The exams were also totally cancelled in 2020 as a result of the pandemic.
