The Government is planning to begin a phased reopening of schools on March 1

The Department of Education is planning to begin a phased reopening of schools on March 1, it is being reported this morning.

RTÉ states that Minster for Education Norma Foley will tell colleagues today her department is planning for a full reopening of schools on March 1 and that her preference would be for a phased return throughout the course of the month.

Leaving Cert students and those with additional needs will be prioritised in any return to school before younger primary students, for whom remote learning is difficult.

Talks are taking place today between Department of Education, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland , the Teachers’ Union of Ireland and other interested parties. A decision is expected to be made public in the coming days.

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