Schools across Ireland have already had their reopening date postponed to January 11th in light of the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country at the moment.
Hinting that this date could be pushed back yet again, Minister for Health Stephen Donnely confirmed that government will make a definitive decision on the matter at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Donnelly said that these are “big calls” to make and that medical experts must be allowed sufficient time to examine the data.
“It’s important to stress right now that we have not received a recommendation from the medical experts in infectious diseases or in public health to close schools.
“I understand, I’m a dad myself – I’ve got three young children, I’m in the same position as a lot of people listening right now – and I understand people need clarity. Parents want clarity, students want clarity, the teachers and principals, obviously – they want clarity and they want as much notice as possible and that is right and proper that they would seek those things.
“These are big calls, they have a major impact on people’s lives… we have to allow the experts the time they need to examine the latest evidence.”
WATCH: @RTENewsAtOne interview with Minister for Health @DonnellyStephen | Read move Covid-19 coverage: https://t.co/HgnzCxm2aN
https://t.co/Ivznadbaee— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 4, 2021
Stating that there are “ongoing conversations” across government on the matter, he later that added that “it is reasonable to assume that government on Wednesday morning will make a decision on this”.
Commenting that it’s a “rapidly evolving situation”, Donnelly said that it is governments intention to give as much notice as possible given the circumstances.
