Micheál Martin has promised that “yes, of course” 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 Taoiseach has found his inner teacher (he was one before politics) to reassure 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 this 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.”
Mr Martin added: “There will be school teams established after this break involving public health and education and also more regular engagement between public health at national level and the unions at national level.”
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