The Minister for Health has insisted that there will be no extension of the mid-term break in order to stem the growth of Covid-19.
Minister Stephen Donnelly today said that the Government is not considering extended the break and using it as a chance to implement a circuit-breaker lockdown.
The Minister told RTE Radio One's This Week programme: "I can tell you there is no plan to extend the break. There isn't going to be a longer mid-term break.
"It's based on some very good news out of the schools, the teachers, the students, the principals have done an incredible job.
"I received a briefing just this weekend on where we are at and the evidence, I'm delighted to be able to say, is that schools are not contributing to a rise in numbers."
The Taoiseach said this morning that keeping schools open is one of Ireland's priorities.
Micheal Martin said in a statement: "The reopening of our schools has shown what can be done with collective effort and compliance with safety guidance and sensible measures.
"As a result, the mental, educational and physical well-being of our nation’s children has been protected and enhanced. Keeping our schools open remains a key priority of government – to ensure that the life chances of our young people will not be impaired."
