The Department of Education says it fully intends for schools to reopen on January 11th.
It comes as opposition parties are set to meet with the Minister for Education this afternoon.
Minister Norma Foley will today meet with opposition spokespersons to update on the current state of play with regards the reopening of schools.
I’d be happy to hear your thoughts in advance of this meeting. #edchatie
— Gary Gannon TD (@GaryGannonTD) January 4, 2021
Labour's Education Spokesperson Aodhan O'Riordain thinks it unlikely students will be heading to school on Monday.
He said he sees "remote learning to be the reality for most children in the country".
The Labour TD says schools should work towards a reopening on January 18th.
In a statement the department of education says it believes schools are a safe place to be.
If schools do close we need to organise for remote learning, collection of resources etc. It would be extremely helpful for teachers and parents to know sooner rather than later. We are already only a week away from supposed opening day. https://t.co/o9rcHmo9Cp
— Ellen O'Sullivan (@Elle_OSullivan) January 4, 2021
But given the escalating numbers some teachers disagree.
One teacher said they contracted the virus while working in a school in December.
"I got Covid... as did other staff members, as did students."
"That shows that schools aren't a safe space."
Another teacher said he doesn't feel safe returning to the classroom.
"Two metres social distancing can't be maintained."
A Department of Education spokesperson says the extended break until the 11th, will allow members of the school community to minimise their contacts before returning to school.
