Schools across the country have been shut since March.

Half of Irish people believe that schools should reopen "as normal" in September. A new Ipsos MRBI poll conducted by the Irish Times shows that most people are in favour of schools reopening without restrictions later this year. Half of all voters (50 percent) agreed that “schools should reopen as normal in September”, while 40 percent of those surveyed said they should “reopen in a limited capacity”. Eight percent said it is “too early to say,” while two percent had no opinion on the matter. All schools, colleges, and childcare facilities were closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was initially expected that they would remain closed for a two week period which was eventually extended to the end of the school year. Minister for Education Joe McHugh said last week that if schools were to implement a two metre social distancing rule, students would only be able to attend for one day a week in September. He added that these measures would be unacceptable and that the government will be reassessing how best to reopen schools later this year. The poll also showed that the vast majority of people (88 percent) believe that the government is "doing a good job" managing the Covid-19 pandemic, with nine percent saying that they were "not doing a good job." Three percent said they didn't know or had no opinion. One fifth of people said that they think Ireland's roadmap to reopening is moving too quickly, while 12 percent said they believe it is moving "too slowly." 66 percent of people said they think the plan is “moving at about the right pace." Phase Three of Ireland's roadmap to reopening the economy is due to commence on Monday, June 29. This will see the reopening of restaurants, hotels, and pubs and bars that can serve a "substantial meal."