Tanaiste Leo Varadkar yesterday insisted there is no reason why Ireland should be the only European country that does not reopen schools next month.
He stressed many nations that were impacted more by the coronavirus pandemic did not completely close their schools during Leaders’ Questions in the Dail.
Mr Varadkar said: “It is essential, provided the virus stays suppressed, that schools open and that parents have that assurance.
“And that children get back to education and get back to their social and educational development, which is so crucial.”
Mr Varadkar warned it will be different, but he urged people to bear with the Government while a plan is put in place for the reopening of schools over the coming weeks.
He said he also insisted he has “every confidence” that teachers will do all they can to ensure schools are in a position to open by the end of August.
Education Minister Norma Foley will take Dail questions on the situation next week.
However, Labour leader Alan Kelly said he was not convinced the Department of Educations aim to fully open schools next month will be achieved.
