Schools Not Out

Taoiseach pledges to get ALL kids back in September. Union warns it won’t be safe for teachers or pupils

- Ferghal Blaney

Micheal Martin last night pledged to get children back into schools by the end of August – despite teachers claiming it won’t be safe.

In his first TV interview since becoming Taoiseach, he said: “The development of any child in my view is the key issue for us and for me as Taoiseach.

“Children need to get back into schools in terms of their life chances and development. Their life chances will be irreparably repaired if we do not have schools opening in August.

“We want to reopen schools as fully as possible to normal at the end of August, both primary and second level.

“That is the focus, target and that’s what we’re aiming to do.

“It’s extremely important for young people and for children that happens.”

However, the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland has warned “the classrooms will be empty” as under current safety rules the educational professionals won’t be going to work.

The latest advice is for one-meter distancing in classrooms from September.