Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion have announced that the school Christmas break will be extended by three days, with schools re-opening on Monday 11 January.
Minister Foley said: “It is a key objective of Government that our children and school staff can attend school safely. This has been achieved through the valiant efforts of all members of the school community, and the additional supports put in place. The Government has considered carefully the public health data analysis regarding schools, which is hugely reassuring and shows that schools continue to be safe places.
“The Christmas school break will be extended for three additional days to 11 January. This will allow every member of the school community to follow public health advice closely and minimise their contacts before children return to school.
“Children, young people and their parents and school communities have been extremely responsible to date in ensuring that they follow the public health guidelines. It is really important that everyone continues to do this, so that we can all support the safe operation of our schools.