DES:

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has confirmed that all schools will regrettably remain closed to students from Monday 11 January.

The Government decision, taken on 6 January, on foot of public health advice to reduce mobility in the community, was to close schools for the vast majority of students for a period of three weeks.

As of Monday 11 January students, including children with special needs, will resort to a programme of remote learning in line with the rest of the Government restrictions.

There has been continuous engagement with education partners on this matter since Monday, building on weekly engagement between partners and public health throughout the school year.

Today Department of Education officials met with education partners including trade unions, and school management bodies to discuss the safe provision of in-person learning to pupils in special classes and special schools and to Leaving Certificate students, and remote learning to other students from Monday 11 January. Read press release