Schools have been shut since before Christmas.

Schools in Ireland are set to open over a phased period before Easter, according to reports. Secondary and primary schools across the country have been closed since before Christmas after failing to reopen due to a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases. The Irish Times reports that all schools will likely reopen over a phased period of three weeks in March. Senior education sources told the publication that following the phased reopening of special schools and special education classes starting this month, the rest of schools across Ireland will follow suit. It is not yet known which students will return to school first, but it likely that the phased return will begin with primary students. Exam year students will likely be prioritised in secondary schools, followed by non-exam students in other years. Naturally, the reopening of schools will depend on public health advice and the current state of Ireland's case numbers. The Department of Education is due to meet with secondary school trade unions this week. Almost 150 special education schools will reopen this week from Thursday with 50 percent student attendance. Special classes in primary schools will resume on February 22, while such classes in secondary schools are expected to resume later in the month. Minister for Education Norma Foley said last week that discussions had begun concerning the Leaving Cert and that a "non-exam" option is being considered for students. The new model is likely to be an amended version of 2020’s calculated grades model, taking into account students' grades, projects, and oral examinations.