A teachers' union has said "substantial progress" is needed on safety issues in schools if industrial action is to be avoided.
Earlier this week members of the secondary teachers' union ASTI voted in favour of action unless the Government addresses key concerns regarding Covid-19 and unequal pay in teaching.
And after a meeting of the union's Standing Committee today, President Ann Piggott said there will need to be some major changes.
Among the key issues that need to be addressed are adequate testing and test turnaround, redefinition of close contacts, IT resources for students and teachers to facilitate continuity of learning, and reasonable accommodations for teachers in the "high risk" category.
Ms Piggott said: "We need much more progress in order to get to the point where teachers believe that the safety of students and teachers is being prioritised during this pandemic.”
ASTI has said it will now "regularly review progress" as discussions continue.
It comes after Taoiseach Micheal Martin promised that schools will reopen on Monday.
And there will be special “school teams” sent out by the Government to make sure schools are safe for everybody.
The Fianna Fail leader reassured parents and students that schools will reopen after the midterm break.
There were fears that rising Covid rates among young people, coupled with a strike threat from teachers, would see schools remain shuttered next week.
But Mr Martin was adamant at a press conference in Government Buildings yesterday afternoon that classes will recommence on Monday.
He said that a “good working relationship” with unions will help avert strike action.
He said: “The Minister for Education has had ongoing meetings with all unions and indeed with public health as well, which is good on planning issues.
“My sense is that there is a genuine desire to keep our schools open.
“We are talking here this morning about physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing, well to me children being at school is essential for their wellbeing and their socialisation, and also in terms of their life chances subsequently.
“So this is a very, very important national objective for the country.”
