EDUCATION Minister Norma Foley has defended the decision to move substitute teachers to various schools, and said she expects classes to reopen in late August. Minister Foley told RTÉ’S Morning Ireland that substitutes will be moved around schools as and when needed, to cover periods of absence and sickness. When asked if this was 'risky' given the Covid-19 pandemic she replied; “It will be on a very limited basis". But Minister Foley didn’t agree with this, stating: “The plan unfolding yesterday… means schools will fully open in a safe manner, in a way that doesn’t compromise educational standards. “Many are working in the teaching environment,” Minister Foley said.

Source: Irish Independent July 28, 2020 08:48 UTC