The planned return of more than 200,000 secondary school students on April 12th will depend on progress being made in reducing Covid-19 cases, Minister for Education Norma Foley has said. Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan added that she was examining the possibility of providing catch-up supports for special needs pupils in school settings. Ms Foley said she will seek the assistance of the committee in ensuring legislation can progress through the Oireachtas as expeditiously as possible. In addition, she said, medical grade face masks are being made available to special needs assistants, special education teachers and others who have difficulty maintaining physical distancing. Ms Foley also confirmed that a report on senior cycle reform is due to be completed shortly.

Source: The Irish Times March 02, 2021 16:49 UTC