Irish government to push ahead with schools reopening plans

A planning document from the Department of Education will be brought to the Cabinet by Education Minister Norma Foley to be signed off on Monday afternoon.

Targeted supports for students with special needs are also expected to be included in the planned 300 million euro package.

The plan will include additional teachers and special needs assistants, personal protective equipment and stepped-up cleaning regimes.

Lunch breaks and school start time may be staggered, while the wearing of face coverings are not expected to be compulsory in classes.

Primary school pupils will also be sectioned off into “pods” of between four and six children.

Older children will be expected to social distance but younger children will not.

All schools have been closed since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.